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Nov 11 2024

Shakur Stevenson Calls Out Lomachenko: 'No Respect for Him Outside the Ring

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.

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Nov 11 2024

De La Hoya vs. Hearn: The Ultimate Battle of Promoters

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.

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Nov 11 2024

Andy Cruz refutes Keyshawn Davis’ claims

In a recent public dispute, Cuban boxer Andy Cruz has responded to the statements made by his rival, Keyshawn Davis. On his Instagram stories, Cruz flatly denied the rumors suggesting that his team had rejected a fight proposal.

He also refuted the existence of any contract sent by Davis’ team, challenging Davis to provide evidence.

The verbal confrontation escalated after Keyshawn Davis, in an interview with World Boxing News, claimed that he had tried to negotiate a fight with Cruz. Davis asserted that he had reached out to the Cuban’s team to discuss a potential bout, but according to him, Cruz’s team was unwilling to accept the challenge.

“I already reached out to his people to see if he wanted to fight me. His people said no, they’re not ready. They don’t want to make that fight right now. I understand,” Davis declared.

“When he’s ready to make that fight happen, it’s on them,” added the American boxer, making it clear that he is ready to face Cruz whenever he decides to accept.

However, Andy Cruz was quick to respond. Through his official Instagram account, the Cuban rejected Davis’ claims and publicly challenged him to show evidence of the supposed contract.

“Yo son @keyshawndavis, send me the copy of the contract. You’re saying that you sent a contract to my team. Send the photo. We all want to see it,” Cruz wrote, casting doubt on the veracity of Davis’ comments.

Cruz ended his post with a provocative message directed straight at his rival:

“4-0 in the pro. 4-0 vs my son. 🤫 Knock knock,” wrote Cruz.Francis Ngannou called out by Deontay Wilder

This last remark references his undefeated record against Davis in both the amateur arena and his professional career.It is important to note that Andy Cruz and Keyshawn Davis

The two lightweight boxers have faced off multiple times, with Cruz emerging victorious in all four encounters.

Their most memorable meeting took place at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, where Cruz defeated Davis in the gold medal match with a 4-1 score, in a bout held at Japan’s Ryogoku Sumo Hall.

Keyshawn Davis has shown interest in a potential fight against Gervonta Davis. However, Gervonta’s coach, Kenny Ellis, recently stepped in on social media, suggesting that Keyshawn is only seeking the fight with Gervonta because he’s afraid to face his old amateur rival, Andy Cruz, once again.

The tension between Andy Cruz and Keyshawn Davis continues to rise, and boxing fans are eagerly waiting for both fighters to reach an agreement to meet again, this time in a professional ring.Andy Cruz responds to Keyshawn Davis on IG😂😂

“4-0 VS MY SON”😂😂 pic.twitter.com/2OEt3UZxzc

— bhar❄️ (@bhar232) November 11, 2024

Andy Cruz calling Keyshawn Davis his son 👀#Boxing#BOXINGnBBQpic.twitter.com/zh8zHUhcMU

— BOXING n BBQ (@BOXINGnBBQ) November 11, 2024

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Nov 11 2024

Conor Benn aims for a World Title fight

The talented British welterweight boxer, Conor Benn, has

Benn made headlines after being cleared of any doping charges following a thorough investigation conducted by the National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP). The case had generated significant controversy, severely impacting his career and halting his rise in the welterweight division.

After being cleared, Benn has been officially ranked as the No. 2 welterweight contender by the World Boxing Council (WBC).

However, the British Boxing Board of Control has yet to decide if they will reinstate his license. The entity has stated that it is “considering its position” before allowing him to fight again on British soil.During his interview with DAZN, Conor Benn was clear about his goals for the future. The British boxer made it known that his priority is to win the WBC World Title.

“For me personally, I want the World Title. The WBC World Title,” Benn stated.

Benn also highlighted who he considers his potential rivals: the winner of the bout between Mario Barrios and Abel Ramos, as well as the current IBF champion, Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis. Benn expressed his interest in facing these champions to solidify his place at the top of the welterweight division.

“The winner of Barrios and Ramos. That’s the fight I really want,” Benn declared.

“If Jaron Ennis wants to fight at 147, I’m number two, he’s number one. We can’t get that on. I’m here in Philly about to watch him. You know, he’s a great fighter. He’s one of the best to do it,” Benn remarked.

The clash between Mario Barrios and Abel Ramos is set for Friday, November 15, and will be part of the highly anticipated Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul card. In this fight, Barrios will defend the WBC welterweight title against Ramos.However, Conor Benn also has his sights set on Jaron Ennis, who recently successfully defended his IBF welterweight title against Ukrainian fighter Karen Chukhadzhia.

“You want to challenge yourself against the best. That’s what we’re in this game to do. Challenge ourselves against the best. To claim that number one spot,” said Benn.Mike Tyson names key difference between himself and Jake paul

“I’ve been about that number one spot for a long time. I’ve got to make up for lost time,” Benn asserted.

“Barrios, Ennis… Any of them who’s got the belts, I want it,” Benn concluded.

Conor Benn has made it clear he is determined to face the best in the division and is eager to return to the big stages of boxing.

However, his return to English soil will largely depend on the final decision of the British Boxing Board of Control, which is still assessing whether to grant him the license to fight again in the UK.Welterweight Champion of the World 💭👑 @ConorNigelpic.twitter.com/ewsauLgqZJ

— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) November 10, 2024

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Nov 11 2024

IBF orders eliminator between Christian Mbilli and Diego Pacheco

The International Boxing Federation (IBF) ordered eliminator between Christian Mbilli and Diego Pacheco. Both fighters, ranked within the world’s top 5, will face off in a crucial bout to determine the next challenger for the IBF super middleweight world title.

Christian Mbilli, signed with Top Rank, holds the number 1 spot in the World Boxing Council (WBC) and the World Boxing Association (WBA) rankings. Additionally, Mbilli is ranked number 2 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), making him one of the most sought-after fighters in the division.

The French boxer has had an impressive 2024, securing three victories, two of which came by knockout. Mbilli has previously expressed interest in challenging Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez, the unified WBC, WBA, and WBO champion, but has yet to finalize that fight.

Diego Pacheco, under contract with Matchroom Boxing, is currently ranked number 1 by the WBO and number 3 by the WBC. The undefeated Los Angeles native boasts an impressive record of 22 wins, with 18 knockouts.

In 2024, Pacheco scored two significant victories: one by decision against Shawn McCalman and another by knockout over Maciej Sulecki. However, his future remains uncertain as he is also in negotiations to face Trevor McCumby in January.The winner of Christian Mbilli and Diego Pacheco match will earn the chance to challenge the current IBF champion, William Scull.

Scull, undefeated with a record of 23 wins, including 9 knockouts, is awaiting his next challenger.Oscar De La Hoya claims Gilberto Ramirez will go down as an ‘all time great’

Pacheco’s decision to prioritize between the eliminator bout with Mbilli or the fight against McCumby will be critical. A loss in either of these matches could jeopardize his chance to contend for the unified title against Canelo Álvarez, where he currently holds the WBO mandatory challenger status.

The fight between Christian Mbilli and Diego Pacheco represents not only a chance to climb the rankings but also a step closer to the coveted world title. Both fighters have earned their top spots, and the winner will become the next major challenger for champion

The IBF have ordered an eliminator bout in the super middleweight division between the #3 Christian Mbilli and the #4 Diego Pacheco.

There are also talks ongoing for Pacheco to face Trevor McCumby in Las Vegas in January.

 

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Nov 11 2024

Zhilei Zhang eyes Jake Paul fight

The heavyweight boxer Zhilei Zhang has revealed his plans after defeating Deontay Wilder. The Chinese giant has set his sights on a potential high-profile fight against Jake Paul, making it clear that he is willing to face the popular YouTuber if the opportunity arises.

On Saturday, November 9, 2024, Mike Tyson will make a controversial return to the ring to face Paul, a controversial YouTuber-turned-boxer. Nevertheless, Zhang will be watching closely to see what happens during this bout. Previously, the heavyweight has already expressed interest in a potential fight against Paul.

Zhang’s last fight took place against Deontay Wilder on June 1, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In this bout, the Chinese boxer managed to defeat Wilder by TKO in the fifth round.

The knockout against the former WBC world champion represented the most significant victory of his career, revitalizing his professional trajectory after a tough loss to Joseph Parker.

In March, Zhang lost by majority decision in the interim WBO heavyweight title fight, despite knocking Parker down twice.Zhilei Zhang currently holds a record of 27 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw.

In an exclusive interview with the Express, Zhang responded to speculations about a possible match against the internet star. While the 41-year-old boxer did not hide his interest in facing Paul, he made it clear that it would primarily be a financial endeavor.

“Yes, I will do that. And who doesn’t want to make some money? It’s a money grab if that happens,” Zhang stated.Now, the influencer will face the legendary Mike Tyson, and Zhilei Zhang did not hesitate to praise Tyson, calling him his childhood idol.

The Chinese boxer also defended the legitimacy of the fight between Paul and Tyson, acknowledging the public’s divided opinions. Additionally, he wished Tyson the best of luck, expressing his admiration for the former world champion.Terence Crawford sends message to Jaron Ennis after hard-fought victory

“I watched Mike Tyson’s fights growing up, and he’s like the god of war in my mind. Now in his 60s, he’s fighting a guy in his 20s, which is an incredible achievement already. I really hope for the best for him, and I wish him good luck,” Zhang commented.

The dominant victory over Wilder has elevated Zhang’s reputation but has also brought complications for the Chinese fighter. According to him, his triumph has discouraged many of his division peers from facing him. Zhang explained that his team is struggling to find willing opponents, as many prefer to avoid fighting him.

Despite the challenges in finding opponents, Zhang’s main target for next year is to face the IBF heavyweight world champion, Daniel Dubois. The Chinese giant expressed interest in fighting Dubois, especially after his surprising victory over Anthony Joshua.

If the opportunity arises, Zhilei Zhang has already made it clear he is interested in facing Jake Paul. However, we will have to wait for the outcome of the fight between Mike Tyson and the controversial YouTuber, as well as the possibility of a fight between Zhang and Daniel Dubois in 2025.

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Nov 11 2024

Keyshawn Sees Tank as a Bigger and Easier Payday Than Andy Cruz

WBA lightweight champion Gervonta "Tank" Davis has been facing some recent criticism regarding his résumé, but he might have found a new rival in Keyshawn Davis, who’s been pushing for an all-American showdown. However, Davis’ long-time trainer, Kenny Ellis, believes that Keyshawn’s public pursuit of a fight with Tank may be driven by something else.

Keyshawn Davis, who made a name for himself with a standout amateur career, including silver medals at the Pan American Games, World Championships, and the 2020 Olympics, has been making waves as a pro. After moving up to the lightweight division, he quickly proved himself as a formidable contender, knocking out former world title-holders Anthony Yigit and Jose Pedraza, maintaining an undefeated record.

Ahead of his recent victory over Gustavo Lemos, Keyshawn repeatedly called for a clash with Tank Davis, which led to media buzz when Gervonta responded to the call-outs. With Keyshawn’s dominant performance in the ring, fans are now eagerly anticipating a potential Davis-Davis matchup in 2025, provided Tank gets past Lamont Roach.

However, Coach Kenny Ellis, who works with Gervonta Davis, has made it clear on social media that Keyshawn may have an ulterior motive. He believes that Keyshawn is trying to shift the spotlight away from a potential fight with his former amateur rival, Andy Cruz, who has been rising through the ranks. Ellis argues that Keyshawn knows Cruz could ruin his chance at fighting Tank, just as he did in the Olympics, and is trying to avoid that matchup by calling out Gervonta.

Ellis warned that casual fans might not understand the full picture, urging the true fight fans of Norfolk, VA, not to be fooled by the "trickery." As for Cruz, who is also aiming for a world title shot, he’s expected to return to the ring in January, with just four professional fights under his belt, making for a potentially interesting addition to the lightweight title picture.

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Nov 11 2024

Josh Taylor expected to sign with Matchroom Boxing in the coming weeks

Former undisputed super-lightweight champion Josh Taylor has suffered back-to-back defeats after previously being undefeated and his chances of returning to the 140lb throne any time soon seem minimal. Now, the Scotsman will be hoping that he can turn his form around and appears to have made his first step towards a comeback, with whispers suggesting that he has signed a promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing.

After winning his first 14 fights, Josh Taylor was tasked with Ivan Baranchyk in the semi-final of the World Boxing Super Series, with the IBF super-lightweight title at stake, and ‘The Tartan Tornado’ became Scotland’s 14th world champion with a comfortable unanimous-decision win in front of his beloved fans.

Taylor would then bank a career-best win over Regis Prograis to unify the WBA and IBF titles before defeating Jose Carlos Ramirez for the undisputed crown in 2021 to complete a legendary run.

However, in February 2022 a surprisingly difficult split-decision win over Jack Catterall stunted Taylor’s progress, that decision being labelled a robbery by the vast majority of viewers.

As fans demanded a rematch, Taylor decided to vacate three of his four world titles and opted to defend the WBO strap against former unified lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez last June, where Lopez pulled off the upset and handed Taylor a first career defeat.

This year, Taylor and Catterall finally went toe-to-toe once again, with Catterall claiming a generously scored unanimous-decision win to level the scores and leave his 33-year-old rival secluded from the race for the super-lightweight marbles that he once held.

Taylor’s promotional deal with Top Rank has now expired and he has openly admitted that he is on the lookout for promoters in the United Kingdom to begin a ‘new era’ in his career, he told the Edinburgh Evening News.Terence Crawford sends message to Jaron Ennis after hard-fought victory

“I’m going to suss out the market in the UK and just explore my options. I think it’s the right fit. I’ve been to the top but I’ve never really had a UK promoter back me and push my profile.

“So, at this stage of my career, I’d like to have that. I just need to get back to winning ways. I’m coming off back-to-back defeats so I want to get back chasing the big fights again. I still believe I’ll become world champion once more.”

Meanwhile, Matchroom Promoter Eddie Hearn staged the rematch between Taylor and Catterall back in May and recently hinted that he is on the verge of signing a former undisputed world champion,, amongst other high-calibre fighters, in an interview with The Stomping Ground.

“Two or three Olympians, former world champions, former undisputed world champions – a lot to come.”

Sources close to have since confirmed that Taylor is likely to sign with Matchroom in the near future, with a decision still to be made as to whether the East Lothian sensation will return to the super-lightweight division or move up to welterweight and campaign at 147lbs.

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Nov 11 2024

Francis Ngannou called out by Deontay Wilder

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou had a rollercoaster experience of life as a professional boxer when he ventured into the sport last year but his time in the sport may not be over yet, now that Deontay Wilder has beckoned on a potential clash.

After rising to superstardom as the strongest puncher in the history of the UFC and claiming the heavyweight title, Ngannou ditched the cage for the ring and jumped in at the deep end of the boxing world by facing then WBC champion Tyson Fury.

Despite many assuming the Cameroonian would be embarrassed against the reigning and lineal heavyweight title-holder, it was instead ‘The Gypsy King’ who was left red-faced after he was floored by the debutant in the third-round.#OTD a year ago, @francis_ngannou shocked the world, dropping Tyson Fury in the third round 🤯 pic.twitter.com/syWa4u5RFu

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) October 28, 2024

Regardless, Fury’s blushes were saved with a controversial split-decision win that is still disputed by MMA fanatics twelve months on but the impressive display encouraged Ngannou to remain in the boxing world and roll the dice again, this time taking on two-time champion Anthony Joshua.

Unfortunately for Ngannou, his second appearance in the ring went as many expected the first would and he was brutally knocked out in the second-round, severely outclassed by the 2012 Olympic champion.The moment that @anthonyjoshua DESTROYED Francis Ngannou 🤯#JoshuaNgannou | #KnockoutChaos | #RiyadhSeasonpic.twitter.com/ONl1rlhSlo

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) March 9, 2024

Since then, ‘The Predator’ has returned to mixed martial arts and scored an eye-catching first-round knockout on his debut in the Professional Fighter’s League, halting Renan Ferreira for the PFL heavyweight title and as a result his stock and pay-per-view draw remains high in both sports.FIRST. ROUND. FINISH!

[ #PFLSuperFights | #BraceForImpact | BUY NOW | https://t.co/kWyJTEGRvW | https://t.co/2BtPH3wso4 ] pic.twitter.com/Zuyv8eN81H

— PFL (@PFLMMA) October 19, 2024

Meanwhile, fabled knockout artist and former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder is currently lost in the heavyweight division and fans have been calling for him to hang up the gloves after back-to-back one-sided defeats.Uncomfortable ‘Boots’; Jaron Ennis subpar, Jesse Rodriguez superb in Philly

However, following news that Wilder’s arm was broken for both of those contests, ‘The Bronze Bomber’ is ready to return to the forefront of world boxing and told TMZ Sports of his willingness to get back to winning ways in a battle between two of the hardest hitting men on the planet.

“Even since I’ve been off, there’s been a lot of offers coming in, [from] a lot of different countries. Even with Francis.

“What’s up, brother? I hope everything is going good for you, man. I’m sorry for your loss. I can only imagine what it’s like to lose a child, man. I never hope to even feel that feeling of it. I hope life is going beautifully for you, bro.

“That’s a conversation I’m still looking to get in there in the mix and talk about.”

When asked of Ngannou’s chances in such a contest, the usually arrogant Wilder portrayed a new mindset and insinuated that he would take the fight against the officially 0-2 contender very seriously.

“Any fight is competitive. You’ve got a man who’s got two hands, two feet, and got a heart, that will to win. You’ve got competition, you’ve got a fight on your hands.

“So, that’s why when you get in the ring you respect every man that steps in there because you never know what they may bring to the fight.”

Wilder and Ngannou have often spoke about staging a fight between one another in Africa and such a proposal could provide the latter with the opportunity for a homecoming bout in Cameroon – where he is seen as a national hero.

Although, as is the case with many high-profile contests at present, Saudi Arabia would likely be the frontrunner for any such fight.

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Nov 11 2024

Wilder Claims Broken Arm in Previous Fights Against Parker and Zhang

Deontay Wilder's decline over the past year has been a shocking turn for the former WBC heavyweight world champion. After suffering the third and fourth defeats of his career, many have questioned whether he can make a comeback to the heavyweight throne. However, the hard-hitting American recently revealed a surprising reason for his struggles: a previously undiscovered broken arm.

A few years ago, Wilder, alongside Anthony Joshua, was one of the most feared heavyweights in the world, known for his devastating power that could knock out opponents with a single punch. After winning the WBC title in 2015 by defeating Bermane Stiverne, Wilder went on to dominate his division, defending his belt seven times. He rematched Stiverne and knocked him out in the first round, extending his streak of knocking out every opponent he faced.

Wilder’s career took a turn when he fought Tyson Fury in a controversial split-draw in 2018, marking the first blemish on his otherwise perfect record. Their subsequent rematches ended with Wilder suffering his first and second losses. After a long hiatus, Wilder returned to the ring in 2022, but his comeback was marred by a surprising loss to Joseph Parker, who dominated him, preventing the long-anticipated fight with Anthony Joshua.

Wilder, determined to regain his form, stepped into the ring again in 2024 to face the dangerous Zhilei Zhang. Unfortunately, despite his best efforts, he was knocked out in the fifth round, leaving many to question if it’s time for the knockout artist to retire.

However, in a recent interview with TMZ Sports, Wilder shed light on his struggles, revealing that he had fought both Parker and Zhang with a broken arm. "I broke my arm back in November," Wilder said. "I didn’t know. I had two tears on my shoulder. I could feel the pain, but I just thought it was from old injuries. But I got an MRI recently, and everything was messed up there. I didn’t know because I have a high tolerance for pain."

Despite the setbacks, Wilder remains determined to fight on. He even expressed interest in a crossover fight with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, who has long sought a match with Wilder. This surprising revelation adds another layer of intrigue to the already unpredictable future of the once-feared "Bronze Bomber."

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Nov 10 2024

Hearn Plots AJ's Return: May or June Fight Against Fury or Dubois

In an interview with The Stomping Ground, Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn shared updates on Anthony Joshua’s expected return to the ring. While no official date has been set, Hearn confirmed that the former world champion is preparing for a comeback in May or June 2024.

Hearn pointed out that Joshua’s most likely opponents include current IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois or Tyson Fury. He reassured fans that Joshua is not dealing with any severe injuries and noted that minor physical setbacks are common for heavyweights over 30.

Addressing the potential for a Joshua vs. Fury fight, Hearn emphasized that it is the biggest and most profitable option for both boxers. “Tyson Fury can choose to make 20 million fighting Daniel Dubois or double that against Anthony Joshua. The natural fight is AJ vs. Tyson Fury,” he said. Hearn also maintained that Joshua, despite recent defeats, is still one of the biggest draws in boxing.

The promoter dismissed the idea of a matchup against Martin Bakole, explaining that while Bakole is a talented fighter, he does not bring significant financial value. “Not in a million years. Martin Bakole is far down the list. This is prizefighting, and he needs to become a mandatory contender to be in the conversation,” Hearn said, referencing Bakole’s likely purse bid against Agit Kabayel.

Hearn reinforced his belief that Joshua remains a key figure in the heavyweight division and is confident that he will return to the ring in top form, ready to face elite competition. Fans are now eagerly waiting to see if the highly anticipated Joshua vs. Fury clash finally materializes.

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Nov 10 2024

Jaron Ennis may move up in weight after his victory

In an interview following his victory over Karen Chukhadzhia, Jaron Ennis hinted that he may be ready to move up in weight. On November 9, 2024, at the iconic Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Ennis successfully defended his IBF welterweight title against Chukhadzhia.

Although Ennis had previously defeated Chukhadzhia, this time he had to work harder to secure the win. During the bout, the Ukrainian boxer appeared better prepared and presented a greater challenge for Ennis.Nevertheless, Jaron Ennis was able to knock down Chukhadzhia at the end of the fifth round and added another victory to his undefeated record.

During the fight, Ennis threw more punches than usual and seemed less focused than usual. This led to mixed opinions among fans and experts.

In his post-fight interview, Ennis showed signs of dissatisfaction with his performance. He also stated that he feels it may be the right time to move up to the 154-pound division.

“If we can get one of these guys (with titles) to stop playing, let’s make it happen, but if not… 154, here I come,” Ennis said.

With an uncertain future in the welterweight division, rumors about a fight with Terence Crawford have cooled.

However, there is speculation about a potential fight against Vergil Ortiz on February 22 in Saudi Arabia.

Eddie Hearn, Ennis’s promoter, spoke about the possibility of a matchup with Ortiz Jr. Looking ahead to Riyadh Season, Hearn confirmed that they have already had discussions with His Excellency Turki Alalshikh to finalize the fight. He also stated that a fight between Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis and Vergil Ortiz Jr would be a “brilliant fight.”

Jaron Ennis’s future seems to be headed toward a new challenge in a higher division, where he may find the motivation and challenges that push him to show his best version in the ring.Keyshawn Davis calls out lightweight superstars

For now, we’ll have to wait to see what Jaron Ennis’s next move will be, considering potential opponents such as Terence Crawford, Ryan Garcia, and Vergil Ortiz Jr.“It sounds like you’re ready to get out of 147”

Jaron Ennis: “If we can get 1 of these guys(with titles) to stop playing ya let’s make it happen, but if not….154 here I come”#Boxing#EnnisChukhadzhian2 🥊🥊

pic.twitter.com/ugHC2EYeN2

— Danny (@dantheboxingman) November 10, 2024

🚨 ENNIS BEATS CHUKHADZHIAN

Jaron Ennis retains his IBF welterweight title with a competitive unanimous decision win (119-107, 117-109, 116-110) over Karen Chukhadzhian

Ennis said in his post-fight interview it might be time for him to move up to 154 pounds. pic.twitter.com/I7tf3j9EGJ

— EverythingBoxing (@EverythingBoxi2) November 10, 2024

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Nov 10 2024

Ryan Garcia Challenges Jaron Ennis After Narrow Victory Over Karen Chukhadzhian

Ryan Garcia has weighed in on Jaron Ennis’s recent victory over Karen Chukhadzhian, expressing confidence that he could easily knock out the welterweight champion. The popular Californian boxer took to social media to issue a bold challenge:

“Boots [Jaron Ennis] will get knocked out by me. This ref still sucks. And Eddie [Eddie Hearn] gotta stop calling his fighters legends prematurely,” Garcia wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

In response, Ennis addressed Garcia’s comments in the post-fight press conference, not holding back. “Just bring him on (next). C’mon, all he does is talk and tweet, you know what I’m saying. I’m here to make history. I guarantee you, I’ll put him out… FOR SURE,” Ennis fired back.

The fight took place on November 9, 2024, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, where Ennis successfully defended his IBF welterweight title. However, the bout wasn’t as one-sided as many had predicted. Chukhadzhian, who had previously been defeated by Ennis, came in more prepared, complicating the champion’s performance. While Ennis retained his title, the fight raised questions among fans, as many expected a more dominant display from the undefeated champion.

Garcia’s comments stirred up further discussion, but they weren’t the only reaction to the bout. Fellow welterweight Terence Crawford, who has a close connection with the division, offered his support to Ennis, advising him to keep improving after a tough fight.

Garcia’s bold statements seem to hint at a possible future showdown with Ennis. Although the two currently compete in different weight classes, Garcia has expressed interest in moving up to challenge Ennis at 147 pounds. Eddie Hearn, Ennis’s promoter, responded with skepticism, suggesting that Garcia and his team are unlikely to take the fight.

"[Laughs] Come on, let’s be real," Hearn said in a recent interview. "There’s no way in a million years they’re going to fight Boots. If they want it, they can come out and fight Boots first fight back for the world welterweight title. No problem. But they won’t, but we’d love to make that fight happen."

While Garcia’s challenge may just be the beginning of a heated rivalry, it has certainly sparked intrigue among boxing fans, who are eager to see if this potential fight could become a reality in the near future.

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Nov 10 2024

Hamzah Sheeraz vs Janibek Alimkhanuly: WBO sets purse bid date

The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has set the date for the official purse bid for the mandatory middleweight title fight between champion Janibek Alimkhanuly and undefeated challenger Hamzah Sheeraz.

The WBO’s decision comes after failed negotiations between Queensberry Promotions and Top Rank. Both promoters were unable to reach a prior agreement for this highly anticipated championship fight.

Gustavo Olivieri, president of the WBO, stated that all attempts to reach a consensus between both fighters’ teams have been exhausted.

The WBO has scheduled the official purse bid for November 18.

British promoter Frank Warren had previously hinted that Hamzah Sheeraz would be seeking a world title shot by February. Initially, it was not confirmed which champion Sheeraz would face, though the name Carlos Adames was mentioned.However, with the purse bid now set, it appears that Hamzah Sheeraz will ultimately take on Janibek Alimkhanuly.

Hamzah Sheeraz, 25, comes into this fight with an undefeated record of 21 wins, no draws, and no losses. The British fighter has stood out for his knockout power and technical skill in the ring.

His last fight was on September 21, 2024, when he secured a technical knockout victory against Tyler Denny in London, UK. Sheeraz dominated the bout from the first round and finished his opponent in the second, showcasing his impressive form.

On the other hand, Janibek Alimkhanuly, the current WBO and IBF middleweight champion, also enters the matchup unbeaten, with a record of 16-0-0. The Kazakh boxer has proven to be a well-rounded fighter, with a blend of power and technique that makes him a tough opponent to beat.Vergil Ortiz Jr. denies rejecting fight against Jaron Ennis

His most recent fight was on October 4, 2024, against Andrei Mikhailovich in Pyrmont, Australia. Alimkhanuly won by technical knockout in the ninth round, demonstrating his endurance and ability to control the fight until the end.

It is worth noting that Janibek Alimkhanuly has yet to make a mandatory defense of any of his world titles. This adds an extra layer of pressure for the champion, who will look to maintain his reign against a young and hungry challenger like Hamzah Sheeraz.

The November 18 purse bid is expected to determine the financial and logistical terms of the fight, including the purse split and the promoter in charge

The WBO has now set a November 18 purse bid date for their ordered Middleweight mandatory bout between champion Janibek Alimkhanuly and challenger Hamzah Sheeraz. pic.twitter.com/GM3jlBsFJM

 

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Nov 10 2024

World champion calls for showdown with Jesse Rodriguez

After Jesse Rodriguez successfully defended his WBC super flyweight title, an undefeated world champion issued a bold challenge to the American boxer. The fighter took to his Instagram Stories to publicly call out Rodriguez for a unification bout.

In his official Instagram Stories, the current WBA super flyweight champion, Puma Martinez, who holds an undefeated record of 17 wins (0 losses, 0 draws), didn’t hold back and targeted Jesse Rodriguez, who also remains unbeaten with 21 wins (0 losses, 0 draws).

“He saw me fight Ioka, and now he doesn’t mention me anymore. Why don’t you say you want to fight me? After Ioka on December 31, I’m ready for you. Do you want to unify or not?? @espnknockout @210bam,” wrote Martinez on Instagram.The Argentine boxer continued his challenge, insisting that Jesse Rodriguez avoided him after watching him fight in Japan:

“You mentioned me so much, but then when you went to see me in Japan against Ioka, you didn’t say anything. Now you’re dodging me? Come on, unify! I’m waiting here. Let’s make it happen in 2025. @210bam @espnknockout,” challenged Puma Martinez.

Jesse Rodriguez shined in his latest bout, where he successfully defended his WBC super flyweight title. The fight took place on November 9, 2024, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, USA. Rodriguez defeated Mexican boxer Pedro Guevara with a brutal uppercut in the third round, once again showcasing his dominance in the division. His performance impressed both the audience and boxing experts.

For his part, Puma Martinez’s last appearance was in an intense bout against Japan’s Kazuto Ioka on July 7, 2024, in Tokyo, Japan. In that fight, Martinez became the WBA super flyweight world champion by defeating Ioka via unanimous decision after 12 rounds.

Since then, Martinez has not made a mandatory title defense, but his intention to unify titles became evident with his recent challenge to Jesse Rodriguez. The Argentine has shown his interest in facing the best in the division and does not seem willing to wait long to prove his supremacy.

A clash between Martinez and Rodriguez would be a high-caliber matchup in the super flyweight division, and both fans and analysts are already speculating about the possibility of it taking place in 2025. With both champions undefeated and at the peak of their careers, the fight could become one of the most anticipated events of next year.Carl Froch makes controversial prediction ahead of Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson

So far, neither Jesse Rodriguez nor his team have responded to Puma Martinez’s public challenge. However, the pressure from the Argentine boxer and the buzz on social media could accelerate negotiations to make this highly anticipated unification fight a reality.“Me vio pelear con loka y ahora ya no me nombra más, ¿por qué no decís que querés pelear conmigo? Después de loka el 31 de diciembre ya estoy listo para vos, ¿querés unificar o no?”

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Nov 10 2024

Terence Crawford sends message to Jaron Ennis after hard-fought victory

World champion Terence Crawford has weighed in following Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis’ recent win. The November 9, 2024, bout at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia saw Ennis, the IBF welterweight champion, successfully defend his title against Ukrainian challenger Karen Chukhadzhia.

Crawford shared his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter), offering Ennis both praise and caution:

“@JaronEnnis I did see the fight, but I heard about it. Stay focused and keep working on your craft. Every night's not going to be the same. Never get too comfortable in this game if you're trying to get to the mecca of the sport. Stay on your mission because all it takes is 1 slip up,” Crawford wrote.

The boxing community saw Crawford’s words as a reminder of the sport’s inherent unpredictability. Ennis’ rematch with Chukhadzhia was more challenging than anticipated, despite his previous victory. This time, Chukhadzhia entered the ring better prepared, making it difficult for Ennis to secure an easy win.

During the fight, Ennis absorbed more punches than expected as Chukhadzhia’s persistent pressure temporarily disrupted his rhythm. However, Ennis maintained his composure and managed to knock down his opponent in the fifth round, showcasing his power. The match concluded with a unanimous decision win for Ennis, scored 119-107, 117-109, and 116-110.

Despite retaining his title, Ennis’ performance was met with mixed reactions, as fans anticipated a more dominant display. Analysts commended Chukhadzhia for his significant improvements in strategy and technique since their first bout.

On the same fight card, Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez delivered an electrifying performance, defending his WBC super flyweight title against Mexican veteran Pedro Guevara. Rodriguez’s swift third-round uppercut secured the knockout, displaying his blend of speed, precision, and power. His impressive victory earned him the spotlight and overshadowed Ennis’ harder-fought win.

Crawford’s message underlines the importance of constant vigilance and dedication in boxing. For Ennis, the path to reaching the sport’s highest level, as Crawford described, will require refining his craft and staying sharp—because one slip could change everything.

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Nov 10 2024

Daniel Dubois preferred next opponent revealed

After beating Anthony Joshua and becoming the IBF world heavyweight champion, the stock of Daniel Dubois has never been higher.

The manner of the stunning knockout has propelled Dubois back to the elite of the heavyweight landscape.

Daniel Dubois is once again a box office attraction.

What that ultimately means is that fight fans want to know who the 27-year-old will be fighting next.

For the longest time, it was expected that there would be a rematch between AJ and Dubois in February 2025.

However, that rematch has been nixed for the time being with Daniel Dubois commenting on it to confirm the status of it.

So the next question is, who is the man who will Dubois will be facing instead?

A number of names have been thrown into the mix.

Martin Bakole has recently had his name thrown into the hat.

Fabio Wardley is another, but Wardley has been advised to wait for that fight rather than take it now.

exclusively revealed that Zhilei Zhang was also up for the challenge.

One of the most prominent names has been New Zealand heavyweight Joseph Parker.Keyshawn Davis vs. Gustavo Lemos: Weigh-In Update

Parker was written off by many after losing to the likes of Anthony Joshua, Dillian Whyte and Joe Joyce.

However, stunning wins against Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang have revitalised his career.

That’s why Joseph Parker was named as a potential opponent for Daniel Dubois too.

And it seems that we know now who the preferred opponent for Dubois is.

Sky Sports report that Joseph Parker is the fighter that is most preferred to fight Daniel Dubois next.

With the AJ fight now off the table, at least for February, this is the most likely fight for that date.

Despite Parker rehabilitating his image with his recent wins, Dubois will surely go into that fight as overwhelming favourite.

However, that shouldn’t write off Joseph Parker.

And Daniel Dubois knows better than most to not count out the underdog.

Just like he did against Joshua in their clash, an underdog in the heavyweight division can be crowned winner easily if they connect their opponent well enough.

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Nov 10 2024

Crawford vs Ennis: Why Boots Won't Beat Bud—At Any Weight

Jaron "Boots" Ennis (32-0) is undeniably one of boxing's brightest rising stars, and his recent rematch win over Karen Chukhadzhian (24-2) has only furthered that reputation. Ennis was expected to show an even better performance this time around, following his earlier dominance of the IBF mandatory challenger. However, despite a decisive fifth-round knockdown, Ennis’ display raised some questions, especially about his defensive lapses.

In the rematch, Chukhadzhian came out with a more aggressive approach, capitalizing on the openings Ennis left in his defense. While Boots did eventually grow into the fight, he was tagged too often for a fighter of his caliber, especially considering Chukhadzhian’s status as a 20/1 underdog. Despite the knockdown and a point deduction for Chukhadzhian, Ennis’ performance was far from flawless. The Ukrainian challenger had his moments, making the fight less impressive than expected for a fighter as hyped as Boots.

With his lack of defensive refinement on display, the question has been raised: Is it time for Ennis to move up to 154lbs? The move could open doors to high-profile matchups, but if his defensive vulnerabilities are present at super-welterweight, they could become even more costly against heavier hitters. Ennis' power and speed are unquestionable, but the key to his success lies in tightening up his defense.

This is where a potential fight with Terence "Bud" Crawford becomes especially concerning. Crawford, who has proven himself at the highest levels of both welterweight and light-middleweight, is a master tactician with the ability to exploit even the slightest openings. Against someone like Bud, who has an impeccable defense and can adjust mid-fight, Ennis’ current shortcomings could be magnified. Crawford's experience and fight IQ would likely overwhelm the young contender, even at 147lbs, and especially if the fight moves up to 154lbs.

Ennis may still be a rising star with limitless potential, but until he addresses his defensive lapses, the thought of him beating Crawford remains unrealistic. If he can't solve the defensive problems that allowed Chukhadzhian to land clean shots, it’s hard to imagine him having the tools to deal with a fighter as complete as Bud Crawford.

As Ennis looks to move forward, his next steps will be critical. If he decides to pursue the dream of unifying the 147lb division, he’ll have to fix his defensive holes first. Otherwise, jumping up in weight may expose him to even bigger challenges, especially against power-punching, tactically sound fighters like Crawford. Until then, it's hard to see how Boots could overcome the puzzle that is Terence Crawford—at any weight.

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Nov 09 2024

Mike Tyson names key difference between himself and Jake paul

Mike Tyson is arguably the greatest man to ever enter a boxing ring. However, at 58 years old he is returning to the ring to face Jake Paul. He has named the key difference between him and his opponent.

The fight will take place next Friday at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Despite once being the explosive, powerful ‘Iron Man’, Tyson is certainly not what he once was, which has led many within the sport to fear for his health going into this fight.

None other than ‘The Cobra’ Carl Froch has come out in disgust when asked about what he thinks about the fight.

Jake Paul, once a Youtuber has in the past few years pursued a career in boxing.

Despite fighting the likes of Nate Diaz and Tommy Fury, Paul has never faced any boxer who is currently at a top level.

This had led to the likes of Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn labelling him an ‘average’ boxer, which Paul has not taken well.

The pair were set to face off back in July, however after Tyson suffered an injury resulting in him being hospitalised, the fight was postponed.

Controversially, the fight is set to be a licensed professional bout, with eight two-minute rounds, with neither fighter wearing head guards.Carl Froch makes controversial prediction ahead of Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson

It is incredible to think that Tyson could have a defeat on his professional record handed to him by a former Youtuber.

On the newly released Netflix show ‘Countdown: Paul vs. Tyson’, Tyson has made it clear what he feels the key difference between himself and Paul is.

”There’s a fundamental difference between me and Jake, he’s a manufactured killer.”

”Television and papers made him a killer, he’s manufactured.”

“I’m a natural born killer, that’s the difference.”

Tyson has said the difference between himself and his opponent is that he is a born killer, whereas Paul is not.

Fight fans will be hoping that the legendary fighter suffers no injuries in this fight and the majority of fans are suggesting that the result will not have any impact on his legacy.

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Nov 09 2024

Oscar De La Hoya claims Gilberto Ramirez will go down as an ‘all time great’

WBA cruiserweight world champion Gilberto Ramirez returns to the ring next Saturday when he faces WBO champion Chris Billam-Smith in an unification clash on the next installment of ‘Riyadh Season’. His promoter, Golden Boy’s Oscar De La Hoya has claimed that by the end of his career, he will go down as one of the greatest men to entire the sport of boxing.

Ramirez’s only defeat of his career to date came in 2022 against Dmitry Bivol, however this was at super-middleweight.

The Mexican has since moved up to cruiserweight, picking up two wide point decision victories, including a triumph over Arsen Goulamirian back in March when he claimed his WBA strap.

His opponent, ‘CBS’, is in red-hot form and will be looking to produce another upset victory – something he has done continuously over his career.

The Bournemouth-born sensation, became world champion by defeating former stablemate Lawrence Okolie at the stadium of his beloved A.F.C Bournemouth back in 2023.

He has since gone on to claim wins over Mateusz Masternak and Richard Riakporhe.

Ramirez has been very outspoken about where he wants to get to in his career, notably he has mentioned the name Oleksandr Usyk as a potential opponent.Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson; full card preview, rules, time and how to watch

His promoter, De La Hoya, speaking to DAZN’s The Roundtable has suggested that a fight with the current three-belt heavyweight champion, could put him amongst the greats.

“I’m excited not because of him unifying, but because of the fact Zurdo is talking about Usyk, and Usyk coming back down to cruiserweight.”

“That’s pretty exciting. He doesn’t like to show off what he’s accomplished. But when all is said and done, I think we’re going to call him one of the all-time greats.

“If he unifies this title, then imagine him fighting Usyk. If something miraculous happens and he beats him, then you have a legendary fighter.”

Ramirez has said that he is happy to fight at any weight to make the fight with Uysk.

Usyk returns on December 21st in his rematch against Tyson Fury out in Saudi Arabia, on the final ‘Riyadh Season’ card of the year.

#GilbertoRamirez #ChrisBillamSmith #CruiserweightUnification #WBAChampion #BoxingNews #OscarDeLaHoya #RiyadhSeason #BoxingGreats #OleksandrUsyk #BoxingLegends

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