Former heavyweight champions Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder are reportedly on the brink of agreeing to individual fights on the same card in Saudi Arabia on December 23rd. While a head-to-head clash between the two has eluded fans for years, this move could be a strategic step toward a much-anticipated super fight in 2024. Negotiations for a Joshua-Wilder bout in 2023 fell through, leading to this new approach. Originally slated for Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk, December 23rd now seems to be earmarked for separate matchups involving Joshua and Wilder. This development fuels speculation that a showdown between the two could be in the cards for the following year. The delay in Fury vs. Usyk has contributed to this reshuffling, with Fury's near-loss to Francis Ngannou prompting a postponement. While opponents for Joshua and Wilder are yet to be officially confirmed, there are strong indications that Joshua might face Otto Wallin, a former Fury opponent, while Wilder could square off against former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker. Additional reports suggest the return of WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol and the comeback of British heavyweight Daniel Dubois, marking his return since the knockout defeat against Usyk. Wilder, absent from the ring for over a year since his dominant victory over Robert Helenius in October 2022, could use this opportunity to make a resounding comeback. Joshua, on the other hand, eyes his third bout of the year, having secured a unanimous decision against Jermaine Franklin in April and a knockout victory over Helenius in August. With both fighters preparing for separate challenges, the Saudi card sets the stage for potential fireworks and paves the way for the much-anticipated clash between Joshua and Wilder in the near future.x

  In a thrilling showdown at the Newcastle Arena, Shabaz 'Maverick' Masoud secured the vacant WBA Inter-Continental Super Bantamweight title for the second time with a hard-fought split decision win against Jose 'El General' Sanmartin. The unbeaten Masoud, boasting a record of 12-0 with 4 knockouts, showcased his skill and determination over 10 rounds, claiming victory over his experienced opponent, Sanmartin (34-8-1, 21KO). The early rounds saw Colombian fighter Sanmartin aggressively pursuing Masoud, who skillfully countered with multiple jabs. As the bout progressed, Masoud's superior work in infighting proved crucial, especially in the fifth round where he showcased his dominance. The fight reached its pinnacle in the 10th and final round, treating fans to an exhilarating display. The judges' scorecards ultimately favored Masoud, with scores of 98-92, 96-94, and 96-94. In the co-feature, middleweight Mark 'Boo Boo' Dickinson (6-0, 2KO) delivered a stunning performance, stopping Grant 'Go-Getter' Dennis (18-6, 3KO) in the fifth round of an English title middleweight eliminator. Dickinson's strategic body shots took a toll on the 40-year-old Dennis, securing the victory at 1:10 of the fifth round. The undercard featured intense matchups, including a super welterweight clash between Ewan 'El Pedro' Mackenzie and Ishmael 'Black Panther' Davis, where Davis emerged victorious in the eighth round. Additionally, super lightweight Calum French faced a stoppage by Jeff Ofori in the eighth round. In the lightweight category, Cameron 'The One' Vuong triumphed over John 'Happy' Henry Mosqueura, securing a dominant win over four rounds. Middleweight Jimmy Sains stopped Jesus Lobeto in the second round, and light heavyweight Ben Rees achieved a fifth-round stoppage against Sadam Moamed De Silva Caetano. Super lightweight Owen Rees closed the night with a fifth-round stoppage against Konrad Czajkowski. The Newcastle Arena witnessed a night of thrilling bouts, showcasing the resilience and skill of emerging and established fighters in the world of boxing.

Undefeated two-division world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade is gearing up for a high-stakes clash against unbeaten two-time super middleweight world champion David “El Monstruo” Benavídez. The much-anticipated bout, headlining the SHOWTIME PPV on November 25, promises an action-packed night at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas. In a recent Bay Area media workout, Andrade shared insights into his preparation and expectations for the bout. The 2008 U.S. Olympian exuded confidence, emphasizing his diverse strengths and athletic prowess as key assets. Andrade expressed satisfaction with his training camp, emphasizing the resilience required to navigate the challenges. With an eye on Benavídez's Interim WBC Super Middleweight Title, Andrade is poised to add another feather to his already illustrious career. Having faced a variety of styles throughout his career, Andrade is focused on finding and exploiting Benavídez's weaknesses. The fighter acknowledged the importance of adapting to his opponent's strategy and expressed readiness to make the most of his preparation. Anticipating an engaging battle, Andrade highlighted his expectation that both fighters would bring their A-game to the ring. Andrade, who has patiently awaited this career-defining moment, sees the bout as a clash of titans, emphasizing the significance of the matchup. Confident yet respectful, he refrained from making premature assessments of Benavídez's strengths but hinted at his opponent's tendency to overwhelm adversaries. Promising fight fans an exciting spectacle, Andrade urged them to tune in on November 25, assuring them that he plans to expose Benavídez's vulnerabilities. In a sport where the best face the best, Andrade emphasized the exceptional timing of this showdown, declaring it a fight that makes perfect sense in the current boxing landscape. As the countdown to November 25 continues, fans and pundits alike eagerly await the clash between Andrade and Benavídez, anticipating a memorable showdown between two elite fighters.

In the midst of boxing legend Ricky Hatton's celebrated career, a heartbreaking family saga has unfolded, revealing a strained relationship between the former world champion and his parents. The emotional tale, laid bare by Hatton's mother, Carol, speaks of a 'lost' connection despite living a mere five minutes apart. The catalyst for this familial fracture lies in a recently aired documentary on Hatton's life, where allegations and financial discrepancies took center stage, causing a deep divide within the Hatton family. Six months have passed since Carol last heard from her son, and she now shares her anguish with Mail Sport readers in a deeply personal letter. The documentary's second part, featuring accusations by Hatton's former trainer Billy Graham against Ricky's father, Ray, further exacerbated the strained ties. Graham accused Ray of financial impropriety, sparking a rift that has left Carol longing for reconciliation. As Carol opens up about her pain, she reveals a sense of desperation, expressing her vulnerability to a counselor. The 70-year-old grandmother, proud and with a fighting spirit, acknowledges the toll this estrangement has taken on her emotional well-being. She confesses contemplating drastic measures in hopes of drawing Ricky back to mend the broken family bonds. This family saga is not the first instance of discord, but the roots of this dispute trace back to May, when Hatton's parents were given an initial viewing of a forthcoming Sky documentary they had agreed to participate in. The documentary aimed to chronicle Hatton's life from childhood to his present status as a boxing icon. However, the family feels betrayed by the final edit, as it highlighted contentious issues and financial discrepancies, reopening old wounds. In a grey Manchester living room, Carol, amidst cigarette breaks, shares her story. The walls echo the gloom outside, mirroring the emotional turmoil within the Hatton family. As the 72-year-old father and 70-year-old mother grapple with the inexplicable breakdown of their relationship with their son, they yearn for a day when Ricky will knock on the door, sit down for a cup of tea, and explain the unraveling of their once-unbreakable bond.

In the ever-evolving landscape of heavyweight boxing, the outspoken WBO number 1 ranked fighter and interim heavyweight champion, Zhilei Zhang, is making headlines with his critical stance on Oleksandr Usyk. Zhang, who holds victories over Joe Joyce, claims that Usyk's accomplishments are overrated, suggesting that his best win was against a "declining Anthony Joshua." While acknowledging Usyk's three belts and the difficulty of moving up from cruiserweight, Zhang questions the Ukrainian's true standing in the heavyweight division. According to Zhang, Usyk remains unproven, and his victory over Joshua doesn't carry the same weight as it would have during Joshua's prime. Despite giving credit for Usyk's achievements, Zhang confidently states, "If we share the ring, he is going to sleep early." Expressing a desire for a high-stakes matchup with Usyk, Zhang sees the potential bout as a significant event for China. He believes that such a fight would not only boost his country's pride but also elevate professional boxing's status in China. Zhang's aspirations extend beyond personal glory, emphasizing the broader impact a showdown with Usyk could have on the sports landscape in China. Zhang's ambitions don't stop at Usyk; he has also been vocal about challenging WBC ruler Tyson Fury in the past. As the WBO mandatory challenger to Usyk's belt, Zhang positions himself strategically to face the winner of the anticipated undisputed battle, adding further intrigue to the heavyweight division. In the midst of verbal jabs and ambitious calls for significant matchups, Zhang remains a central figure in the heavyweight narrative. As the boxing world eagerly awaits the clash between Usyk and Fury, Zhang's outspoken comments set the stage for potential future fireworks, with Chinese pride and the WBO title on the line.

Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder is ready to make a statement in the boxing world, announcing his return to the ring after over a year of inactivity. The 38-year-old from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, last fought in October last year, knocking out Robert Helenius in less than three minutes. Now, Wilder is gearing up for a stronger comeback and is eager to face the challenges ahead. Despite unsuccessful negotiations with former unified champions Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr, Wilder remains undeterred. He acknowledges the complexities of the boxing business, calling for a governing body to bring structure to the sport. Frustrated with the unpredictable nature of negotiations, Wilder expresses his desire for a more organized approach to matchmaking in the heavyweight division. While Wilder hasn't given up on facing Joshua, he believes the British boxer may be avoiding the matchup due to fear. In a candid statement, Wilder expresses his willingness to sit down with Joshua for a genuine conversation, emphasizing the potential magnitude of their clash as the "biggest fight in the world." Negotiations with Ruiz seemed to hit a roadblock, with the Mexican-American reportedly pricing himself out of a bout against Wilder. However, Wilder reveals that discussions are back on track, indicating a renewed interest in making the fight happen. Despite the hurdles, Wilder remains optimistic about the potential matchups and is determined to bring excitement back to the heavyweight division. Wilder's return coincides with an intriguing time in the heavyweight scene, marked by Tyson Fury's unexpected challenge against UFC crossover Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia. Although Fury secured a split decision victory, the bout raised questions about the champion's form. Wilder, having faced Fury three times previously, observes the shifting dynamics in the division and asserts his readiness to reinvigorate the heavyweight scene. As negotiations unfold and Wilder prepares for his comeback, the boxing world anticipates the resurgence of one of the most powerful punchers in the heavyweight division. The potential matchups with Joshua and Ruiz add an extra layer of excitement, promising fans thrilling moments in the ring.

Frank Warren, co-promoter for WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, remains unfazed by the criticism surrounding Fury's recent performance against MMA veteran Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia. Despite the anticipation of a one-sided match, Ngannou proved to be a formidable opponent in his professional debut, delivering a hard left hand that dropped Fury in the third round. Warren dismisses conspiracy theories suggesting that Fury intentionally underperformed to delay a planned undisputed fight with unified champion Oleksandr Usyk. Addressing the speculations, Warren emphasizes the challenges Fury faced during the bout, including a near count-out in the third round and overcoming adversity to secure a close ten-round split decision victory. Refuting claims of a fix, Warren questions the inconsistency in opinions, pointing out that those who initially labeled the fight as a farce are now criticizing it for being a close contest. Despite the unexpected difficulties, Warren affirms that they anticipated Ngannou's toughness and punching power, expecting Fury to figure him out in the early rounds. Addressing concerns about the fight's scoring, Warren asserts that anyone familiar with scoring criteria recognizes Fury's victory, albeit acknowledging a subpar performance by Fury's standards. He notes a growing consensus among viewers who, upon reviewing TV replays, are coming around to the opinion that Fury rightfully won the bout despite the challenges posed by Ngannou. In conclusion, Warren stands by Fury's victory, emphasizing the unpredictability of the sport and the resilience displayed by the champion in overcoming unexpected obstacles. The discourse surrounding Fury's performance, according to Warren, underscores the complexities of high-stakes boxing matchups and the ever-evolving perspectives within the boxing community.

In a highly anticipated showdown at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Irish super welterweight prospect Callum Walsh faced a formidable challenge in the experienced Ismael Villarreal. The sell-out crowd of 3,014 witnessed a spirited bout, and the pressure was palpable for Walsh, with boxing legend Larry Holmes, UFC CEO Dana White, and other notable figures in attendance. The bout lived up to the hype, as Walsh navigated through a demanding encounter. Despite facing difficulties, including a tenth-round knockdown, Walsh secured a hard-fought unanimous decision with judges scoring it 97-92 twice and 96-93. Notably, he displayed resilience and skill, earning praise from the likes of Hall of Famer Larry Holmes and UFC CEO Dana White. Villarreal, with a record of 13-1 and nine knockouts, proved to be a worthy opponent, consistently challenging Walsh with his durability and aggressive style. The fight showcased the tenacity of both up-and-coming fighters, drawing admiration from UFC president Dana White for the excellent matchmaking. At 22 years old, Walsh expressed satisfaction with the tough competition, emphasizing the legitimacy of his opponent. Despite facing adversity, including a low blow and a head-butt, Walsh demonstrated his determination by refusing to be intimidated. His ability to create angles and deliver clean punches, particularly with his left hand, showcased his potential as a rising star in the super welterweight division. In the decisive tenth round, Walsh experienced a momentary setback, hitting the canvas after a barrage from Villarreal. However, he showcased his power and boxing skills, leaving the audience eager to witness his future performances. The big question looms: is Callum Walsh a future world champion? With a supportive team and continued growth, Walsh's journey in the boxing world is a captivating work in progress. In reflection, Walsh acknowledged the challenges of the fight, expressing contentment with his performance. His ability to balance aggression with boxing finesse left a lasting impression on the crowd, ensuring that fans who witnessed this intense battle will eagerly anticipate Callum Walsh's future bouts.

Introduction: In a surprising turn of events, Terence Crawford has been stripped of his IBF welterweight title, leading to the elevation of Jaron 'Boots' Ennis as the new champion. The International Boxing Federation took this step due to Crawford's inability to defend against mandatory challenger Boots Ennis, a situation arising from contractual obligations to Errol Spence Jr. Crawford's fans are expressing dissatisfaction with the decision, arguing that he should have retained the title, even though he had no intentions of defending it. Crawford's Fans Upset: Crawford's fans are particularly displeased with the demotion, contending that he should have been allowed to keep the IBF title without making any defenses. Despite Crawford's preference for pursuing significant matchups over mandatory defenses, the IBF's decision has altered the landscape of the welterweight division. The move signifies a departure from the belt merely serving as a status symbol, forcing champions to adhere to mandatory challenges. Crawford's Future and Ennis' Elevation: The 36-year-old Crawford has not yet addressed whether he intends to reclaim his IBF title by facing Boots Ennis after his scheduled rematch with Errol Spence. Given Crawford's historical reluctance to take fights he deems challenging, it remains uncertain whether he will pursue this avenue. Meanwhile, Jaron 'Boots' Ennis, at 26 years old, finds himself elevated to the position of IBF welterweight champion, promising an active defense schedule against top contenders. Positive Reactions to Ennis' Elevation: Strength and conditioning coach Rob Acosta expressed positivity about Boots Ennis becoming the new IBF champion, stating, "Congratulations to Team Ennis and everybody. It's about f***ing time." Acosta emphasized Ennis' readiness for real challenges in the welterweight division and dismissed criticisms from fans, asserting that Ennis deserves the recognition as the new face of boxing. Maturation of Boots Ennis: Reflecting on Boots Ennis' journey to becoming a world champion, Acosta highlighted the maturation process, citing Ennis' growth in chemistry, IQ, and overall skill. Despite initial discussions about Ennis' potential world championship status back in 2014, the fruition of this accomplishment almost a decade later adds a compelling layer to the narrative, marking a significant milestone for the young welterweight. In conclusion, the IBF's decision to strip Terence Crawford of his title has ignited discussions and debates among boxing enthusiasts, with the focus now shifting to Boots Ennis and the promising trajectory of his championship reign.

Introduction: In the realm of heavyweight boxing, the discussion on the hardest punchers often evokes legendary names like Joe Louis, George Foreman, and Rocky Marciano. However, one name that echoes through the annals of the sport without clinching a world title is Earnie 'Black Destroyer' Shavers. Renowned for his devastating punching power, Shavers left an indelible mark despite never securing championship gold. Shavers' Punching Power: With a record of 76-14-1 and a staggering 70 knockouts, Shavers' reputation as a ferocious puncher is well-earned. Notably, even heavyweight titans like Larry Holmes and Muhammad Ali attested to the sheer force of Shavers' blows. Holmes, a former heavyweight champion, admitted that Shavers hit him harder than any other, including the formidable Mike Tyson. Ali vividly recalled, "Earnie hit me so hard, it shook my kinfolk back in Africa." Testimonials from Fellow Fighters: Shavers' punching prowess is further validated by the testimonials of his peers. Ron Lyle, who engaged in a brutal bout with Shavers, confessed, "That's the hardest I've ever been hit in my life." Randall 'Tex' Cobb, another seasoned fighter, humorously remarked, "Nobody hits like Shavers. If anybody hits harder than Shavers, I'd shoot him." Shavers' ability to render opponents unconscious was unparalleled, with twenty-three first-round knockouts and fifty within the first three rounds. Life Beyond the Ring: Beyond his boxing career, Shavers took an unexpected turn, becoming an ordained Christian minister after hanging up his gloves. He relocated to the UK, where he passionately pastored his own church. It's a journey reminiscent of George Foreman, who also embraced religion post-retirement before making a triumphant return to the ring. Legacy and Impact: Earnie Shavers may not have clinched a world title, but his legacy as one of the hardest punchers in heavyweight history endures. His impact resonates not only through his awe-inspiring knockouts but also in the respect and admiration of his peers, forever immortalizing the 'Black Destroyer' in the pantheon of boxing legends. Conclusion: As we reflect on the power and ferocity that defined Earnie 'Black Destroyer' Shavers' career, it becomes clear that his influence stretches far beyond the confines of a boxing ring. His story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of a fighter and the lasting impression one can leave on the sport, title or not.

Zhilei Zhang, also known as 'Big Bang,' remains steadfast in his belief that Oleksandr Usyk is too small for the heavyweight division and is yet to prove himself in this weight class. Speaking to ProBox TV, Zhang emphasized Usyk's unproven status, attributing his victory over Anthony Joshua to Joshua's perceived decline. Despite acknowledging Usyk's three belts, Zhang sees the Ukrainian as a cruiserweight still finding his footing in the heavyweight division, boldly stating, "If we share the ring, he is going to sleep early." As the WBO interim heavyweight champion and Usyk's mandatory opponent, Zhang is keen on a high-profile fight, expressing the significance for China as a whole. Zhang believes such an event would uplift the country's pride and garner widespread support. At 40 years old, Zhang is the elder statesman of the heavyweight division, having secured two back-to-back stoppage wins over Joe Joyce. However, he finds himself in a waiting game due to the contractual obligations of other heavyweight champions, including Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. The heavyweight division has faced a trend of inactivity in recent years, with champions tied up in contractual obligations and taking fights with unheralded opponents. This lack of movement has had a trickle-down effect, affecting contenders like Zhang, who yearns for meaningful opportunities. Terry Lane, Zhang's co-manager, acknowledges the challenges in the heavyweight division, citing the Fury-Usyk rematch clauses that prolong the wait for potential title shots. Despite the uncertainty, Zhang remains committed to fighting and giving fans the matchups they desire. In exploring alternative plans while waiting for a title shot, Zhang's team recognizes the need for the top fighters in the division to face each other. The current holding pattern may persist, but Zhang's determination to fight and his team's consideration of alternative plans highlight the challenges and complexities within the heavyweight landscape. As the division awaits resolution among the top contenders, fans remain eager for the matchups that could reshape the future of heavyweight boxing.

The recent exhibition bout between Tyson Fury and MMA fighter Francis Ngannou has raised questions about the readiness of the WBC heavyweight champion for his upcoming fight against Oleksandr Usyk on December 23. Fury narrowly escaped defeat against Ngannou and sustained significant damage in the process. Oleksandr Usyk's promoter, Alexander Krassyuk, shared his insights in an exclusive interview, explaining that Fury's appearance after the fight made it clear he wouldn't be ready for the scheduled bout. Krassyuk noted the unpredictability of boxing and stated that even if Fury claimed he was prepared to fight, his promoters and advisors would likely prevent him from doing so. With the fight's postponement, both camps have decided to move forward with preparations and are expected to make an announcement soon. Despite the delay, Krassyuk remains positive about the fight's prospects and suggests that the extra publicity generated from the extended build-up will benefit everyone involved. He emphasized that the fight for the undisputed heavyweight title has the support of all sanctioning bodies and stakeholders, and any potential obstacles will not hinder its occurrence. The odds have shifted slightly in Usyk's favor following Fury's exhibition bout against Ngannou. Krassyuk expressed some initial stress while watching the fight, acknowledging Fury's resilience but also highlighting the lack of a convincing victory. He continued to assert Usyk's skills and downplayed the significance of size and height in boxing, citing past examples of shorter fighters who excelled. Krassyuk remains confident in Usyk's preparation for the upcoming bout against Fury. The highly anticipated fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk is still expected to take place, albeit at a later date, providing more time for anticipation and promotion. Create shorten title.