Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has publicly voiced his concerns for Mike Tyson’s safety in his upcoming fight against Jake Paul. Joshua stated that he will be praying for the legendary “Iron” Mike, who is returning to the ring to face the controversial YouTuber-turned-professional boxer, Jake Paul.
The event, which has sparked significant media interest, is scheduled to take place next Friday, November 15, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The fight was initially set for July but had to be postponed due to Tyson’s health issues.
The former champion suffered an ulcer flare-up during a flight, forcing the original fight date to be canceled.
It is important to note that Tyson, now 58, has not competed in a professional bout since his loss to Irishman Kevin McBride in 2005.
However, in 2020, he participated in an exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr., another boxing icon.
On the other hand, Jake Paul made his professional debut on January 30, 2020, against fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib.
Despite Tyson’s age, he has shown that he still possesses his skills, generating great excitement for his fight against the 27-year-old Paul.Shannon Briggs reveals date for boxing comeback
Anthony Joshua, known for his candid opinions, did not hide his concern for Tyson in a recent interview. The two-time heavyweight champion backed Jake Paul to win, arguing that youth would play a decisive role.
“Tyson is older now. I pray he comes out healthy. I think Jake Paul (wins) because of youth, that’s the only thing,” Joshua stated.Anthony Joshua, aware of Tyson’s legacy, emphasized that he hopes the legendary boxer finishes the fight without suffering any injuries.
His words reflect his respect for Tyson but also a realistic view of the challenge he faces against a much younger opponent.
With only hours left until the press conference and the fight, Tyson surprised the public by showcasing his pre-fight training. During the display, “Iron” Mike gave glimpses of his iconic power and speed, which thrilled his fans.
Meanwhile, Jake Paul did not hold back, delivering a provocative statement. The YouTuber claimed that he would knock Tyson out this Friday. Additionally, Paul made a rather controversial remark about a current world champion.Anthony Joshua’s worried about Mike Tyson fighting Jake Paul#MikeTyson#JakePaul#Boxingpic.twitter.com/SaZzi8ILhk
— Best MMA Moments (@XcellentMMA) November 12, 2024
It has recently been announced that the fight between Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach now has a new date. Initially, the bout was scheduled for December 14 in Houston, Texas. However, it was later reported that the fight would be postponed.
Additionally, the match will no longer be part of the same card as the fight between David Benavidez and David Morrell, which is still set for February 1, 2025.Instead, it has been confirmed that the fight between Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach for the WBA lightweight title will take place on March 1, 2025.
It’s worth noting that Davis has expressed interest in keeping his Prime Video PPV event at the Toyota Center in Houston. However, the local NBA team, the Rockets, will play against Sacramento on March 1, which could complicate the logistics.
For this reason, the possibility of moving the event to the Baltimore/DC area has been discussed, where Gervonta Davis enjoys a strong fan base.
In addition to his bout against Lamont Roach, there have been rumors about a potential rematch between Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia.
Davis defeated Garcia in their first encounter, but both fighters have shown interest in facing each other again to determine who is the best.
The rematch could generate significant anticipation, considering the popularity of both boxers and the previous outcome in favor of Davis. However, no date has been confirmed for this potential rematch.
On another note, Keyshawn Davis has issued a challenge to Gervonta Davis following his recent victory over Gustavo Lemos. Keyshawn has called out the WBA super lightweight champion, seeking an opportunity to face him in the ring.
However, Gervonta Davis’ trainer has questioned Keyshawn Davis’ intentions. According to him, the young boxer is looking to avoid a fight against Andy Cruz, his likely next opponent.New fight date touted for David Benavidez vs. David Morrell
It is speculated that before facing Gervonta Davis, Keyshawn Davis may first end up facing his rival, Andy Cruz.🚨 TANK-ROACH TARGETED FOR MARCH 1
The WBA lightweight title fight between Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach is now being targeted for March 1.
It won’t land on the same card as David Benavidez vs. David Morrell which is expected to take place on February 1. (@Idecboxing) pic.twitter.com/AclwOnlMID
— EverythingBoxing (@EverythingBoxi2) November 13, 2024
Been told the targeted date for Gervonta Davis-Lamont Roach is now March 1. Davis still wants their Prime Video PPV event to take place at Toyota Center in Houston, but the Rockets are home vs. Sacramento on 3/1. Also makes much more sense to put it in the Baltimore/D.C. area.
— Keith Idec (@Idecboxing) November 13, 2024
P.S. Gervonta Davis-Lamont Roach was NEVER going to be packaged with David Benavidez-David Morrell, now likely February 1 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. https://t.co/XhgjN6XBSU
— Keith Idec (@Idecboxing) November 13, 2024
Jake Paul continues to stir controversy as he gears up for his highly anticipated fight with boxing legend Mike Tyson. Scheduled for Friday, November 15, at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the event has captured the attention of millions of boxing fans and Paul's massive online following.
During a pre-fight interview, Paul, known for his bold and provocative approach, made waves by declaring his confidence in defeating Tyson. Addressing his mother, who was present at the event, Paul emotionally promised to leave a lasting mark on history.
"Mom, I promise you I was built for this, destined for this. God’s got me, the Universe’s got me," Paul said, locking eyes with his mother in the crowd. "And I, Jake Joseph Paul, will knock out Mike Tyson on Friday, November 15th. It is written in the history books."
His proclamation quickly sparked debates across social media, with supporters praising his confidence and critics questioning his underestimation of Tyson’s vast experience and dangerous capabilities.
But it didn’t stop there. When asked about his future plans in boxing, Paul was quick to target one of the sport’s biggest names—Canelo Álvarez. In a bold and controversial response, Paul made a disrespectful remark aimed at the Mexican superstar:
“If he’s not a f*cking put@,” Paul shot back.
This comment, seen by some as a calculated move to get under his rivals' skin, drew immediate backlash from fans and analysts alike. Many felt it was an unprovoked insult to Canelo, a champion with a well-established legacy in boxing. So far, Canelo and his team have remained silent on the remark.
Ahead of his clash with Tyson, Paul also showcased a glimpse of his training, promising fans that he’s ready for the challenge. The possibility of a fight with Canelo after his bout with Tyson has been mentioned as the next step in Paul’s rapidly evolving boxing career. But first, he’ll have to overcome the formidable challenge Tyson poses.
The legendary Mike Tyson is gearing up to face Jake Paul, the controversial YouTuber turned boxer, in a fight that has generated a great deal of anticipation. The event, set to take place at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, has captured the attention of millions of fans worldwide.
Tyson, now 58 years old, has shown great enthusiasm for the fight, making it clear that despite his age, he still has much to offer in the ring.
During a recent interview, Mike Tyson
“That I’m tougher than I believed I was,” Tyson expressed.
“When I agreed to this fight and started training, I thought, ‘WTF was I thinking?’ But I finished the process, and now, with the fight close, the hard part is over. Now, it’s time to party,” Tyson stated.
The host highlighted the impressive number of viewers expected for the fight: approximately 282 million subscribers for the global broadcast. In this regard, Tyson admitted he never imagined being in this position again.
“Never in a million years did I think I’d still be fighting,” said Tyson.
Additionally, Tyson emphasized the importance of having his family present at the event, noting that his children will be at the ring this Friday. For him, family is a source of motivation and unconditional support.
“Family is everything. But my kids… To my children, I’m nobody, and then, that night, they’re gonna find out their father is very special,” Tyson declared.The most emotional moment of the interview came when the interviewer asked Mike Tyson to send a message to his children. Smiling, Tyson said:
“I love you very much. I can’t help but change my attitude quickly, you know,” joked Tyson, eliciting laughter from the audience.Devin Haney in negotiations to face Teofimo Lopez
“They talk a lot of mess to me that nobody else would, so the night of the fight, they’re gonna realize they’ve gotta watch it next time they talk crap to me,”* Tyson joked.
“I love you very much. I can’t wait till you come [Laughter],”* Tyson told his children.
Before the interview, Tyson gave a brief demonstration of his training in front of the audience. Despite his age, the former champion looked in excellent physical shape, surprising everyone with the power and speed of his punches. The event hosts were stunned and remarked:
“No normal 58-year-old moves like that. He looks incredible,” they noted, referring to Tyson’s agility and strength.‼️ Mike Tyson smashing the pads in his scary public workout ahead of the Jake Paul fight on Friday night: “No normal 58-year-old moves like that. He looks incredible.”
[🎥 @MostVPromotions] pic.twitter.com/apkMjwxBqv
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) November 13, 2024
Jake Paul’s high-profile boxing match against legendary fighter Mike Tyson, set to take place this Friday, November 15, could still be canceled despite the event being just days away. Reports indicate that Tyson’s participation in the fight is contingent on passing two crucial health tests, which are causing both fighters and fans to hold their breath.
The bout, scheduled to take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, will be streamed live on Netflix, with millions around the world eagerly waiting for the action. This highly anticipated showdown between Paul and Tyson was originally slated for July but had to be rescheduled after Tyson faced a life-threatening health scare. Now, despite the delay, the fight could still be scrapped if Tyson doesn’t clear the health hurdles in time.
In a recent Netflix documentary, Tyson opened up about the terrifying ordeal that led to the fight’s initial postponement. Tyson revealed that while flying from Miami, he experienced a severe ulcer flare-up, throwing up blood and even defecating tar. “I thought I was going to die,” Tyson said, detailing how his health took a dramatic turn for the worse. After arriving in Texas, doctors discovered a large, bleeding ulcer, and Tyson’s friends feared the worst.
With just days left until the fight, the two critical tests Tyson needs to pass include medical clearance and an assessment of his physical condition. If Tyson fails either of these tests, the fight will be called off, leaving Jake Paul to wait for a new opponent. Tyson’s health remains a major concern, and while both fighters have expressed their desire to step into the ring, Paul admitted that he was “numb” upon hearing the news of Tyson’s health complications and the potential for another delay.
As of now, Paul and Tyson are scheduled to enter the ring at 4 a.m. GMT on Friday, November 15, but the situation remains uncertain. The outcome of these two vital tests will determine whether the fight can go ahead or if it will be rescheduled once again, leaving fans and industry insiders anxiously awaiting the final decision.
Friday’s clash between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson has sparked enormous controversy in recent months, but ‘Iron Mike’ is not the only heavyweight from the 1990’s to be on the verge of a comeback – in fact he is just one of many, with Oliver McCall becoming the latest champion of old to return to the professional scene.
Aside from Tyson, it has been recently confirmed that heavyweight duo Shannon Briggs and Ike Ibeabuchi are set to return to boxing, at ages of 52 and 51-years-old respectively.
However, what separates Oliver McCall from the pack is that his latest outing was as recent as 2019, meaning the granite chinned 59-year-old will end a five-year spell of inactivity, just a fraction of the quarter of a century since Ibeabuchi last stepped through the ropes.
Trained by legendary champion Joe Frazier, McCall had a tough start to life in the heavyweight division and lost his second official contest to Joey Christjohn, before eventually losing an additional four fights prior to his shot at the heavyweight crown.
Consequently, McCall entered the ring to take on undefeated WBC champion Lennox Lewis as a major underdog, but ‘The Atomic Bull’ pulled off a monumental upset to halt the British-Canadian within just two rounds and become a shock champion back in 1994.30 years ago, Oliver McCall defeated Lennox Lewis by TKO in round 2 of 12 to win the WBC heavyweight title. Big upset. pic.twitter.com/r4tV4jXvqv
— 𝑲𝒏𝒐𝒄𝒌𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝑱𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒔 (@KOJournals) September 24, 2024
McCall would defend the belts against an ageing Larry Holmes the following year but his reign came to an end at Wembley Stadium when he was outpointed by Frank Bruno in a famous moment in British boxing history.Shakur Stevenson criticizes Vasiliy Lomachenko
The Chicago-born big man would later lose the 1997 rematch to Lewis in confusing fashion in a second world title challenge and never returned to the heavyweight throne, but remained in the division for years to come, banking wins against lowly contenders.
In 2014, McCall became one of, if not the only fighter, to avenge a defeat of his sons, a testament of his insane longevity, although in 2019 McCall decided that enough was enough and called time on his 34-year career.
Yet, McCall has since decided that he is not done yet and will return to action to fight Stacy Frazier (16-22), who has also not fought since 2019, in a four-round bout on a card in Nashville.View this post on Instagram
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Former opponent of IBF super-middleweight champion William Scull, Sean Hemphill (16-2) will also appear on the ‘Country Box’ card, on Tuesday November 19th, with tickets available for purchase here.
Fan-favourite former super-bantamweight champion Guillermo Rigondeaux is yet to walk away from the world of boxing and returned to action last night. Despite being 44-years-old, the slick Cuban technician scored an impressive first-round knockout.
A two-time Olympic and world champion, Rigondeaux turned professional back in 2009 and did so with a heap of expectation on his shoulders, expected to emulate his success as an amateur in the professional scene.
In just his ninth professional bout, ‘El Chacal’ claimed the WBA super-bantamweight title with a knockout win against Rico Ramos and would defend that title on two occasions before jumping into a unification clash with legendary Filipino Nonito Donaire.
In a career-best display, Rigondeaux became the unified WBA, WBO & The Ring champion with a unanimous-decision victory in New York and five further wins would follow for ‘Rigo’ until he jumped up in weight.
Rigondeaux moved up two weight divisions to take on pound-for-pound number one Vasyl Lomachenko in 2017 for the WBO super-featherweight title but found himself outclassed for the first time in his career and was halted in six rounds as he suffered a first career defeat.
Since then, he has dropped down three weight-classes to try his hand in the bantamweight division but fell short in a title challenge against John Riel Casimero and then lost a unanimous-decision to Vincent Astrolabio.Eddie Hearn believes Jesse Rodriguez vs. Naoya Inoue will happen sooner than expected
However, last year Rigondeaux bounced back with consecutive wins as a super-bantamweight before a 17-month spell of inactivity ensued.
Last night, the 122lb veteran returned to action and faced Dannis Aguero Arias (20-2), who was a late notice replacement of Ionut Baluta, and it took just one-round for Rigondeaux to dismantle the Dominican.The 44-year-old former world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux (23-3) 🇨🇺 makes a successful comeback with a first-round KO over Dannis Aguero Arias (20-3) 🇩🇴 and is the new WBC International Super Bantamweight titleholder in Miami, Florida 🇺🇸. pic.twitter.com/hiCllpIOu8
— Permante (@PermantexG) November 13, 2024
That victory saw Rigondeaux claim the WBC international super-bantamweight title and he is likely to return to into the top 15 rankings as a result.
The ageing Santiago de Cuba phenomenon also laid down the gauntlet to pound-for-pound number one and current undisputed super-bantamweight champion, Naoya Inoue, in an ambitious call-out during his post-fight interview, as Inoue searches for an well-known opponent ahead of his return to fighting in the United States.
In terms of fan-friendly fights, 2025 may have already reached its ceiling before it has begun, with David Benavidez’s recently announced light-heavyweight showdown against David Morrell sure to deliver a fascinating scrap. Now, as both men prepare for the toughest test of their respective careers, a new fight has been rumoured.
Both Benavidez and Morrell had been campaigning in the super-middleweight division and were each deemed as major threats to Canelo Alvarez’s then undisputed crown.
However, the Mexican champion appeared extremely unwilling to fight either man, despite Benavidez being the WBC mandatory challenger and the much-demanded Canelo-Benavidez clash is yet to manufacture – and likely never will.
After frustrations at being unable to land a fight with Canelo, both Benavidez and Morrell made the decision to move up to the light-heavyweight division and pursue the world titles at 175lbs.
Benavidez debuted at the weight against former WBC and lineal light-heavyweight champion Oleksandr ‘The Nail’ Gvozdyk and was taken the distance for just the second time since 2018, picking up the WBC interim strap after getting the nod on the scorecards.
Meanwhile, Morrell unexpectedly went the full twelve rounds with former IBF title challenger Radivoje Kalajdzic, also winning a unanimous-decision as he claimed the WBA (Regular) title.
Although Beterbiev currently holds the undisputed title, it is expected that at least one belt will be vacated before a rematch with Dmitry Bivol, opening the door for the victor of Benavidez-Morrell to capitalize and potentially be upgraded to full world champion if the Russian decides to drop either the WBC or WBA title.Deontay Wilder reveals broken arm injury
Therefore, Benavidez-Morrell is not just a salivating tear-up, it is one with world title opportunities on the line.
Despite initial reports that the pair would meet on January 25th, ESPN’s Salvador Rodriguez has now revealed that ‘The Mexican Monster’ and Morrell will go toe-to-toe on February 1st in Las Vegas.El 1 de febrero en la T-Mobile Arena de Las Vegas estaría el duelo de David Benavidez y David Morrell. Podrían presentar el evento la siguiente semana en California.
— Salvador Rodriguez (@ChavaESPN) November 13, 2024
“On February 1 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas there would be the duel between David Benavidez and David Morrell. They could present the event next week in California.”
Yet, the winner of Benavidez-Morrell could still find themselves waiting a while to pick up a belt, with the IBF world title the one most likely to be vacated by Beterbiev and a recent Matchroom Boxing signing is well poised to take advantage.
Matthew Macklin, former European middleweight champion, recently speculated on Sky Sports that Anthony Joshua might retire following his devastating loss to Daniel Dubois. Macklin noted that Joshua’s decision not to pursue an immediate rematch with Dubois is unsurprising and could signal the end of his career in the ring.
On September 21, 2024, Dubois stunned the boxing world by knocking out Joshua in the fifth round, successfully defending his IBF world title at Wembley Stadium. Joshua entered the fight with high confidence, following two consecutive victories under his new trainer, but the outcome was a resounding defeat that has cast doubt on his future.
The rematch between Joshua and Dubois, initially scheduled for February 2025, was canceled by Joshua, who cited it as being too soon after the loss. Speaking with Sky Sports, Macklin shared his thoughts: “Once the dust settled, I didn’t expect the rematch to happen. Personally, I think that could be it for Joshua.”
Macklin believes that at 34 years old, Joshua is at a critical juncture in his career, where such a heavy loss could significantly affect his confidence and future in boxing. “A loss like that takes a lot to come back from. At 34, you don’t improve, you just start going downhill,” said Macklin.
While Joshua takes time to consider his next move, Macklin suggested that the two-time world champion may choose to retire after a decade of success in the heavyweight division. “When the dust settles, Joshua will have time to reflect. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if he decides not to box again. What a career he’s had,” Macklin added.
Meanwhile, Dubois is preparing for his next title defense against New Zealand’s Joseph Parker in February 2025. Macklin sees this as a highly competitive match, with Parker in peak form following impressive wins over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang.
Although speculation continues about a potential fight between Joshua and Tyson Fury—especially if Fury defeats Oleksandr Usyk—Macklin remains unsure whether Joshua will have the desire to continue fighting. “A fight with Fury could still happen, but I don’t know if Joshua has the appetite for it anymore,” Macklin said.
Joshua’s future remains uncertain, with no official date for his return to the ring. However, his promoter, Eddie Hearn, has stated that Joshua will be ready to fight again in May or June 2025.
In a recent interview on “The Ariel Helwani Show”, Eddie Hearn, a well-known boxing promoter, discussed a potential matchup between Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis and Terence Crawford. Hearn expressed optimism about a future fight between the two boxers, stating that it could happen soon.
Hearn suggested that it’s likely Ennis will face Vergil Ortiz Jr. in his next bout. According to the promoter, this fight could be decisive for Ennis’s future in the division.
“Yes, because I think it’s very likely that Boots will fight Vergil Ortiz next,” Hearn declared.
The potential clash between these two contenders has been a topic of speculation for several months.
In contrast, Bozy Ennis, trainer and father of Jaron Ennis, recently stated that Vergil Ortiz’s team had turned down an offer to fight his son. This claim sparked controversy in the boxing community.
However, both Vergil Ortiz Jr. and his promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, denied these accusations on social media, rejecting any claims of avoiding a fight with Ennis.During the interview, Eddie Hearn reaffirmed that a fight between Ennis and Ortiz Jr. is imminent and considers Ennis the favorite to win.
“If he beats Ortiz, which I believe he does, then His Excellency will push to make Boots against Crawford,” Hearn noted.
Eddie Hearn suggested that if Ennis emerges victorious, he would have an opportunity to face Terence Crawford. The involvement of His Excellency Turki Alalshikh could accelerate negotiations to make this fight happen in the near future.Jake Paul reveals weight ahead of Mike Tyson fight
It’s worth mentioning that Jaron Ennis was elevated to IBF world champion in 2023. This decision came after Terence Crawford vacated the title to move up to the super welterweight division.
Since then, there has been speculation about a potential showdown between Ennis and Crawford, two of the top fighters in the division.
A possible fight between Jaron Ennis and Terence Crawford could become one of the biggest matchups of the upcoming year.👀 “IT’S VERY LIKELY THAT BOOTS WILL FIGHT VERGIL ORTIZ NEXT”
Eddie Hearn asked if he thinks we’ll ever see Terence Crawford vs Jaron Ennis: “Yes, because I think it’s very likely that Boots will fight Vergil Ortiz next. If he beats Ortiz, which I believe he does, then his… pic.twitter.com/YdyaIiGmXb
In a recent interview on Manouk Akopyan’s YouTube channel, legendary former heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson shared his thoughts on how he would have fared against today’s heavyweight champions. Known for his aggressive style and knockout power, Tyson confidently expressed that he would have held his own against the likes of Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury, and Anthony Joshua.
Tyson emphasized that he would never admit to being outmatched, stating, “I’m just confident that I would have done well. I’m not going to say, ‘This guy was going to kick my ass.’ No, I’m not going to say that.” Despite recognizing the talent of today’s fighters, Tyson believes his own abilities would have been enough to compete at the highest level.
Reflecting on the differences between his generation and the current one, Tyson mentioned legendary figures like Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield. He expressed doubt that any modern heavyweight could surpass these icons at their peak. “Do you think Anthony Joshua would beat Lennox Lewis? My era had good fighters,” Tyson remarked, asserting that the competition during his era was unmatched.
This bold statement continues the ongoing debate about which heavyweight generation is truly the best, with Tyson firmly backing the fighters of the 90s.
Tyson's Return to the Ring:
On November 19, 2024, Tyson will step back into the ring at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, for a highly anticipated bout against Jake Paul. The fight has sparked mixed reactions, with critics questioning the age gap between the two competitors. Despite the skepticism, the fight promises to be a massive spectacle, drawing attention from boxing fans and casual viewers alike.
Some see the matchup as a commercial move, but Tyson’s return is still a highly anticipated event. Fans are eager to see if "Iron" Mike can still deliver flashes of the legendary skill that once made him the most feared man in boxing.
For Tyson, this fight is more than just a spectacle—it’s a chance to remind the world why he is considered one of the greatest of all time. Meanwhile, Jake Paul hopes to further legitimize his boxing career by facing the iconic former champion.
In a recent interview with Sky Sports, BOXXER’s CEO Ben Shalom expressed that Katie Taylor “has no intention” of returning to the 135-pound division. Shalom stated that the Irish champion would not be interested in defending her lightweight titles.
At the same time, he indicated that this could open an opportunity for Caroline Dubois, who is currently positioned as the mandatory challenger for the WBC lightweight title. Dubois earned this spot after a decisive victory over Maira Moneo.
Taylor has not shown interest in defending her titles, creating uncertainty in the division. Taylor hasn’t fought in the lightweight category since October 2022. Although she is the current WBC and IBF champion, she has been focused on other divisions.
Currently, Taylor is scheduled to face Amanda Serrano this Friday for the undisputed super lightweight titles at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The fight will serve as the co-main event on the card headlined by the bout between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson.
Now, there is a possibility that Katie Taylor will vacate her belts after her fight against Serrano. According to promoter Ben Shalom, Taylor’s decision not to return to the lightweight division will allow Caroline Dubois to fight for the title.
“Katie Taylor’s holding two of the belts in her weight division, and we believe there’s absolutely no intention or possibility that she’ll ever go back to that weight,” Shalom declared to Sky Sports News.
“It’s frustrating for the division and probably isn’t the right thing for the division, but that’s maybe a matter of politics holding that up,” Shalom noted.Ben Shalom assures that, after the November 16 fight between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, the decision to vacate the lightweight titles will be made official.
This would allow Dubois to compete for the WBC belt and possibly become a world champion. The promoter stated that he has received “assurances” that the belts will be vacated after Taylor’s fight.
“I expect after November 16, when Katie Taylor fights Serrano, it becomes clear that she will not be returning to the 135 division and that both those belts become vacant,” said Shalom.Ryan Garcia claims he would knock Jaron Ennis out
“We’ll see Caroline become world champion, fight for the WBC title, and we’ve had assurances that that will be the case,” Shalom confirmed.
If the lightweight belts are vacated, Dubois could focus on a fight with Terri Harper. Harper, who recently won the WBO lightweight title by defeating Rhiannon Dixon, would be a potential opponent for Dubois in 2025.
The promoter also mentioned that they have made an offer to Matchroom to finalize the matchup with Harper. Ben Shalom expressed his excitement for Dubois’ return to the ring and confirmed that the official date will be announced soon.
“We’re about to announce a fight for Caroline. She will box, I believe, for a world title next,” Shalom stated.
“We hope that in February or March next year, she can be boxing Terri Harper, and we have put an offer in to Matchroom for that,” Shalom revealed.
“We should be able to announce that date in the next week or so,” Shalom concluded.
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has responded to recent statements made by Oscar De La Hoya, who proposed facing him in the ring. De La Hoya’s offer caught the public’s attention and sparked excitement among fans, as he claimed he was willing to fight without receiving any financial compensation.
In a previous interview, Hearn had commented that he wouldn’t rule out a fight with De La Hoya if he received an attractive offer. According to the British promoter, he would consider stepping into the ring if His Excellency Turki Alalshikh presented a multimillion-dollar, two-figure proposal.Eddie Hearn made it clear that a significant financial offer would be the necessary incentive to accept the bout.
However, Hearn’s statements prompted a quick response from Oscar De La Hoya. In a recent interview with Boxing King News, the former boxer stated he was ready to fight Hearn without charging a single penny.
De La Hoya explained that his motivation wasn’t financial; instead, he would do it as a gift for His Excellency Turki Alalshikh. He also mentioned that he would only need two months to physically prepare for the matchup.
Following De La Hoya’s comments, Eddie Hearn was quick to react. Through his official Instagram account, Hearn posted a story responding humorously to his rival’s offer.
“You need TWO months to train for me? Wow, I’m honoured 😎. @oscardelahoya vs @eddiehearn,” Hearn wrote.
For now, De La Hoya’s offer to fight for free and Hearn’s willingness to consider proposals have fueled the rumors.Zhilei Zhang eyes Jake Paul fight
Both promoters are prominent figures, and seeing them face off physically in the ring would be highly unusual.
Given the influence and possible involvement of His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, a fight between Hearn and De La Hoya could become a unique spectacle.
Undoubtedly, if this bout materializes, it could become one of the most talked-about events in the boxing world in recent years.Eddie Hearn responds to Oscar De La Hoya offering to fight him for free… pic.twitter.com/ye7Kl30Cw5
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) November 11, 2024
In a recent interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Eddie Hearn, promoter of Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez, praised the 24-year-old champion for his dominant victory over former world titleholder Pedro Guevara. Hearn was especially impressed by Rodriguez’s performance against Guevara, who had recently secured a significant win over Andrew Moloney in Australia.
Hearn believes that Rodriguez’s talent will quickly push him to the top of boxing’s pound-for-pound rankings: “I really feel like he’s not going to be at super flyweight that long,” Hearn stated. “At just 24, Bam destroyed a former world champion in Guevara, and I think you’re looking at the future pound-for-pound No. 1.”
However, the possibility of a showdown between Rodriguez and Naoya Inoue, the reigning bantamweight king, remains distant for now. Rodriguez himself recently mentioned on The Ariel Helwani Show that the difference in weight classes makes the fight unlikely in the near future, with Inoue fighting at 122 pounds while Rodriguez remains at 115 pounds.
Hearn agreed that moving up in weight too quickly poses a risk for Rodriguez. “The only thing that’s going to beat ‘Bam’ is going too far through the divisions too fast,” Hearn said, acknowledging that jumping weights can often be a stumbling block for younger fighters.
Looking ahead, Hearn suggested that Rodriguez's immediate goal should be to unify titles in the super flyweight division. A potential fight with Román “Chocolatito” González, a future challenge for Rodriguez, could be the key step before making the move to bantamweight. “The next challenge for Bam will be to move to bantamweight and try for a third division world title,” Hearn explained.
Once Rodriguez competes at bantamweight, Hearn believes he will be just one division away from Inoue, making the much-anticipated fight a potential reality. “If Bam stays at 122 pounds, that fight becomes a real big reality,” Hearn noted.
With both fighters being young and talented, Hearn envisions a future where Rodriguez and Inoue face off for the top spot in boxing’s pound-for-pound rankings. “That’s going to be a one vs. two pound-for-pound matchup,” Hearn said. “It’s just an unbelievable fight.”
While Inoue, 31, is widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world, Rodriguez’s rapid rise and skillset suggest that in a few years, he could be right there alongside him. The potential showdown between the two is one that boxing fans are eagerly anticipating.
Fabled heavyweight knockout artist Shannon Briggs has been prevalent in the influencer boxing scene since hanging up the gloves but now seems set to go one step further and make a comeback to the ring. Now, the 52-year-old has revealed a date for when he expects to make his ring return.
After winning a national championship as an amateur, Briggs turned professional in 1992 and went on to defeat his first 25 opponents, winning by knockout on 20 occasions, before he was halted by Darroll Wilson in 1996.
However, four consecutive stoppage wins earnt ‘The Cannon’ a shot at legendary heavyweight veteran George Foreman, who he defeated by majority-decision in what turned out to be Foreman’s final contest.
That victory thrust Briggs into a world title shot against WBC title-holder Lennox Lewis but the American came up short and was stopped in the fifth-round and would not return to the title picture for many years to come.
Eight-and-a-half years later, after a streak of 11 straight victories, Briggs was finally able to get his hands on a world title when he pulled off a dramatic final-round knockout against WBO champion Siarhei Liakhovich whilst behind on the scorecards.With ONE SECOND LEFT in the 12th round and behind on all three cards, former lineal king @TheCannonBriggs knocks out (WBO titlist) Siarhei Liakhovich!!!
[November 4, 2006] pic.twitter.com/fTlN3bXfne
— Lineal Boxing Champion (@LinealBoxChamp) May 27, 2024
Briggs would lose his belt without making a defence and was outpointed by Vitali Klitschko to a final challenge for world honours in 2010, before registering 10 straight wins and hanging up the gloves in 2016.
Yet, despite hanging up the gloves, Briggs is often seen at fight nights across the pond and famously trained YouTuber Logan Paul for his fight against KSI in 2019.Conor Benn aims for a World Title fight
Now, Briggs has confirmed that he is actively pursuing a comeback to boxing, whether that be as a professional or with Misfits, he told Fred Talks Fighting.‼️ Shannon Briggs is hoping to fight by March 🔜🥊
[Via – @fredpdbeck on YT] pic.twitter.com/VjsY1pjAzd
— IFN (@IfnBoxing) November 9, 2024
“I miss it actually, I am looking to get back into shape. I have been in the gym and I’m looking to hopefully be ready to fight again by March.
“I am going to fight again.
“[I would fight on Misfits] if the money is right, yeah, but I am getting back in shape and I’m back in the gym, I am hitting hard, I am strong.”
“I am just as fast as I was.”
The former WBO heavyweight champion becomes the latest of the influx of retired fighters hoping to return to action, with Mike Tyson, Ike Ibeabuchi and Manny Pacquiao all on the verge of comebacks of their own.
Jake Paul is set to face Mike Tyson in a highly anticipated, controversial clash this Friday night, with the YouTube star-turned-boxer aiming to leave a mark on the legendary Tyson’s career. If successful, Paul plans a bold move in his post-fight interview: a call-out to unified super-middleweight champion, Canelo Álvarez.
Paul, with a 10-1 record since transitioning to boxing in 2020, has built a reputation with wins over UFC veterans like Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley, Anderson Silva, and Nate Diaz. However, when faced with a true professional boxer in Tommy Fury, Paul suffered his first career loss. Despite this setback, Paul continued to build momentum, securing two consecutive first-round knockouts against Andre August and Ryan Bourland, both of whom had more boxing experience than him.
Originally set to fight Tyson in July, the matchup was postponed due to Tyson’s health issues, but the 27-year-old Paul is still determined to prove himself against the 57-year-old former world champion. Tyson, who hasn’t fought in nearly 20 years, will return for a match against Paul, who is more than three decades his junior. Despite doubts about Tyson’s condition, the fight is scheduled to take place in Arlington, Texas, at the AT&T Stadium.
On ‘The Timbo SugaShow,’ Paul revealed his plans to call out Canelo Álvarez, suggesting a cruiserweight title fight at 200lbs after facing Tyson. He believes such a bout would be even bigger than his fight with Tyson, positioning him as the biggest name in boxing. Paul’s confidence is high as he claims a victory over Canelo would prove him to be the true “face of boxing.”
Currently, the cruiserweight division is split, with Jai Opetaia holding the IBF title, Noel Mikaelian holding the WBC, and other champions like Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez and Chris Billam-Smith set to face off in a unification bout. As for Paul, Tyson’s return marks a pivotal moment for his rise in the sport, with a potential showdown against Canelo lingering on the horizon.
The fight takes place Friday night, and the world will be watching to see if Jake Paul can turn his bold words into reality.
Jake Paul is set for a controversial showdown with Mike Tyson on Friday night, but while all questions seem to surround the age gap between the American duo, the fact that this is Paul’s heavyweight debut appears to be going under the radar. Now, the social media star has revealed his weight, two days before the Paul-Tyson weigh-in.
‘The Problem Child’ made his professional debut back in 2020 and has since fought on eleven occasions, defeating former UFC champions Tyson Woodley, Anderson Silva and Nate Diaz during that time.
However, when tasked with a recognised professional boxer in Tommy Fury, Paul fell short and was handed a first career defeat, losing the 185lb catchweight bout via split-decision.
After getting back to winning ways against Diaz, Paul returned to facing opponents with superior boxing experience and scored impressive consecutive first-round knockout wins against Andre August and Ryan Bourland to tee-up the eyebrow-raising clash with ‘Iron Mike’.JAKE PAUL KO’S ANDRE AUGUST IN THE FIRST ROUND 😱
(via @DAZNBoxing) pic.twitter.com/zwaJxxgQ4k
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 16, 2023
Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on your opinion on the fight, Mike Tyson as forced to withdraw from the July fight date due to stomach ulcers and he was replaced by Mike Perry for what turned out to be a cruiserweight contest – where he was knocked out in six rounds.
Despite some beliefs that Paul-Tyson could be cancelled completely due to health concerns, the once ‘Baddest Man on the Planet’ is finally set to take on his much younger foe in a slightly adapted professional heavyweight affair on Friday night.
Speaking with ‘The Timbo SugaShow’, Jake Paul revealed that he is currently weighing around 224lbs, almost 40lbs heavier than he was for the Tommy Fury fight, and that he intends to remain around that weight.Jake Paul planning bizarre call-out if he defeats Mike Tyson
“I’m like 224lbs right now.
I’ve just been trying to eat as much as possible. I have noticed that, as soon as I stop stuffing myself in each meal, I will quickly drop to 221lbs, 220lbs, 219lbs, so I have been eating a lot more to try and stay up there.
“[An average day for me] is probably around 3800 – 4000 calories but [I’ve just been eating] the usual; eggs, toast, potatoes, steak, chicken, rice, I don’t really like vegetables. Then I’ll have a peanut and jelly [sandwich] at night – that s**t bangs.”
As for the two-time heavyweight champion, Tyson tended to weigh between 215-220lbs during his prime but weighed-in at 220.4lbs for his exhibition against Roy Jones Jr. four years ago.
Training footage suggests that the former undisputed champion is taking the fight seriously and will hit the scales at a similar size on Thursday, but it is anyone’s guess as to how the 58-year-old will look come fight night – for which a full card preview is available here.
Meanwhile, Paul will enter the ring as the betting favourite despite the accolades of his opponent, and plans to make a shocking call-out if he gets through Tyson unscathed.
Few in boxing have suffered a more catastrophic 2024 than Devin Haney, beginning the year as a pound-for-pound contender and ending it with a dented reputation and ongoing legal procedures. However, the 25-year-old may well have the perfect opportunity to re-announce his talents to the boxing universe, as he lines up a mega-fight against Teofimo Lopez ahead of his comeback.
Haney became the youngest undisputed male champion of the four-belt era when he twice defeated George Kambosos Jr. in 2022 to first win and then defend the coveted lightweight marbles.
In the year that followed, ‘The Dream’ scored a controversial win over legendary fan-favourite Vasyl Lomachenko but issues making the 135lb limit saw Haney then vacate his world titles in pursuit of a move up to the super-lightweight division.
On his debut at the weight, Devin Haney became a two-division world champion as he whitewashed WBC title-holder Regis Prograis in an extremely dominant and authoritative display that proved the youngster to be wise beyond his years.
Although, little could have prepared him for what came next.
Haney went into an all-American showdown against Ryan Garcia, and after a confusing build-up that that included Garcia missing weight, ‘King Ry’ went on to floor Haney on three occasions before claiming an upset majority-decision win.
Yet, the drama wasn’t done there, as it was discovered that Garcia had tested positive for a banned substance named Ostarine on both the day of the weigh-in and on the day of the fight – eventually resulting in that result being overturned to a no-contest, reinstating Haney’s undefeated record.
In the months that have passed, Haney has vacated his WBC super-lightweight title and has now taken legal action against Garcia, with his promising boxing career completely derailed by their April encounter.Conor Benn aims for a World Title fight
Now, the Californian technician hopes to get back on track and is hoping to end what will be his longest spell of inactivity since turning professional by jumping into a mega-fight with WBO super-lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez, as per Forbes.
“According to sources I spoke to with direct knowledge, Haney is negotiating to face Teofimo Lopez in his return bout. The source didn’t
“The card would be broadcast on ESPN and promoted by Top Rank.”
Like Haney, Teofimo Lopez boasts a career-best win over Lomachenko but has proven to be an inconsistent fighter in the outings that followed.
‘The Takeover’ lost his belts to Kambosos in a shock result but then dazzled on the big stage when he dethroned Josh Taylor at 140lbs three fights later.
Since defeating ‘The Tartan Tornado’ to become a world champion once again, Lopez has underwhelmed in two title defences against Jamaine Ortiz and Steve Claggett but a clash with Haney may well bring the best out of the New Yorker once again.
Despite being the champion at super-lightweight, there is no guarantee that Lopez-Haney would take place with the title on the line or even at that weight, after both men have threatened to move up to welterweight division in recent months.
In a recent interview with Boxing News on YouTube, undefeated champion Shakur Stevenson made his feelings clear about Vasiliy Lomachenko, expressing his disinterest in facing the Ukrainian boxer after a failed negotiation attempt.
Stevenson, known for his technical prowess and strong opinions both in and out of the ring, acknowledged Lomachenko’s achievements but was quick to call out the 36-year-old’s behavior outside the ring.
“I’m done with that. He said some things to me, but he didn’t want to go up to the boxing room,” Stevenson declared. “I respect him for what he’s accomplished in boxing, but I have no respect for him,” he added.
Stevenson went on to criticize Lomachenko’s attitude when it came to negotiating major fights, suggesting that the Ukrainian fighter’s tough-guy persona didn’t match his actions in the business side of boxing.
“He acted like a tough guy outside of the ring, but he didn’t want to negotiate,” Stevenson remarked. “I don’t see any point for him to box unless he fights me or Gervonta Davis. What else is there for him to do? He could make some easy money, though. Do it if you like it.”
Lomachenko, 36, holds a professional record of 18 wins (12 KOs) and 3 losses. His most recent victory came on May 12, 2024, against George Kambosos in a TKO win that earned him the vacant IBF lightweight title.
Meanwhile, Stevenson remains undefeated with a record of 22 wins (10 KOs). The 26-year-old champion’s most recent win came on July 6, 2024, when he defeated Artem Harutyunyan by unanimous decision, successfully defending his WBC lightweight title.
Stevenson’s comments hint that Lomachenko’s career options are limited unless he pursues a high-profile fight. A potential unification bout between Gervonta Davis and Lomachenko had been discussed for this November in Las Vegas, but those plans were put on hold after Lomachenko entertained the possibility of retirement.
The future of Lomachenko’s career remains uncertain, with Stevenson’s remarks adding further fuel to the speculation about his next move.
In a recent interview with Boxing King Media on YouTube, legendary former world champion Oscar De La Hoya shocked fans by offering to face promoter Eddie Hearn in the ring—for free. The unexpected proposal comes in response to Hearn’s previous comments, where he expressed a willingness to fight De La Hoya if the right financial offer was made.
The prospect of two heavyweight figures in boxing—one a former champion and the other a leading promoter—facing off has captured the imagination of fans and sparked intense interest in the sport.
As the head of Matchroom Boxing, Hearn is a familiar face in the world of professional boxing, while De La Hoya, founder of Golden Boy Promotions, has made his mark as both a promoter and a champion. Their rivalry outside the ring has been well-documented, but now, it seems, they may be taking it to a new level—in the ring.
In an earlier interview, Hearn made headlines by suggesting that he might be open to fighting De La Hoya if the price was right. Specifically, he hinted that an enticing offer from His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia, could get him to lace up the gloves.
De La Hoya wasted no time responding. In the Boxing King Media interview, the Golden Boy promoter confidently declared that he would fight Hearn for free as a "gift" to His Excellency Alalshikh. “Your Excellency, I will fight Eddie for free as a gift to you. For free. It will be my pleasure,” De La Hoya said, adding that he only needed two months of training to prepare.
“I still have my jab, my power. I already know the combination I would knock him out with. I don’t want to share it just in case we do fight,” De La Hoya continued, expressing his belief that the bout would last no longer than four or five rounds.
The idea of De La Hoya and Hearn facing off in the ring has generated mixed reactions. While some fans view it as a potential historic event, others question whether it’s just a strategic move to boost both promoters’ profiles and continue building their respective brands.
Despite the back-and-forth, the notion of a Golden Boy vs. Matchroom 5v5 event has also been floating around, with speculation rising about the potential for such a spectacle to end with the two promoters finally facing off in the ring.
The growing involvement of Saudi Arabia in high-profile sporting events, with figures like Alalshikh showing interest, makes the possibility of this unprecedented showdown even more likely.
For now, both De La Hoya’s offer and Hearn’s openness to negotiating have stoked the flames of excitement among fans. If this fight does materialize, it could go down as one of the most talked-about events in recent boxing history.