Tyson Fury, the self-proclaimed "Gypsy King" of boxing, has offered his unique perspective on why Deontay Wilder's thunderous punches consistently floored him but never extinguished his fighting spirit. The two heavyweight titans battled each other in a captivating trilogy, marked by dramatic knockdowns and thrilling comebacks.
Fury, known for his larger-than-life persona, attributes his resilience to his sheer size and weight. Standing at 6'9" and tipping the scales at 277lbs, he suggests Wilder's punches, while devastating to smaller fighters, simply couldn't deliver the same knockout blow against his bigger frame.
"He hits a guy 6ft 3ins and 225lbs, they're nailed to the canvas," Fury remarked, highlighting the contrast between his own physique and that of many other heavyweights. "But a guy 6ft 9ins and 277lbs – I think that has a lot to do with it, size matters."
Fury's confidence extends beyond his physical attributes. He boldly proclaims that no fighter, past or present, could best him in a one-on-one battle. "I believe that I could beat any man born from his mother in any era, in any decade, in any century," he declared.
While such statements are sure to spark debate amongst boxing fans, there's no denying the mental strength and unwavering belief that have played a crucial role in Fury's success. His upcoming clash with Oleksandr Usyk on February 17th will be another test of this self-assuredness, as the Ukrainian challenger seeks to dethrone the heavyweight king.
In a surprising turn of events, Francis Ngannou's successful boxing debut against Tyson Fury has shifted the narrative surrounding his skills in the ring. The former UFC heavyweight champion, who defied expectations in his debut match, is now set to face two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua on March 8.
Ngannou's odds for this upcoming bout are around 4/1, a significant decrease from his debut against Fury. Joshua's trainer, Ben Davison, expresses confidence in Ngannou's abilities, citing his trainer Dewey Cooper's strategic prowess. Cooper, known for his well-thought-out gameplan against Fury, has caught the attention of Davison.
"Dewey Cooper is a coach that looks like he does his homework," says Davison. "My respect went up for him even more after the Ngannou fight against Fury. I'm sure they'll put together a good plan, knowing not to be as reckless, considering the power of both fighters."
While some question the value of a fight with Ngannou for Joshua's resume, Davison sees it differently. "Ngannou made a real statement when he boxed Tyson; it's a real fight," he asserts, emphasizing the credibility Ngannou brings to the ring.
Addressing potential challenges, Davison dismisses concerns about Joshua's performance against southpaws, pointing to his recent victory over Otto Wallin. With the tape of Ngannou's bout against Fury, Davison sees it as an advantage but stresses the need for serious preparation.
"He [Joshua] is a true professional, takes his job very seriously. It's a serious fight, and the job needs to be done properly," Davison asserts.
Regarding tactics for the fight, Davison cautions against a reckless approach from Ngannou, advising a patient strategy. "A patient guy who can punch really hard – that's what makes Ngannou a handful," he explains.
Reflecting on working with Joshua, Davison commends the boxer's coachability and emphasizes the importance of trust. As the anticipation builds for the March 8 showdown, Davison remains optimistic about their collaboration, gearing up for what promises to be an intense and unpredictable battle in the heavyweight division.
Boxing promoter Frank Warren has strongly criticized former boxer Tony Bellew's comments suggesting that Artur Beterbiev's recent dominant performance might be due to performance-enhancing drugs.
Beterbiev, the undefeated light-heavyweight champion, scored a devastating seventh-round knockout against Callum Smith in Montreal last month to retain his titles. However, the victory was overshadowed by news of "atypical findings" in a December VADA drug test, although Beterbiev was subsequently cleared of any wrongdoing.
In the aftermath of the fight, Bellew stated, "Beterbiev is a beast and a fighter who is getting stronger as he gets older, which is hard to believe, but he is!"
Warren, Beterbiev's promoter, took strong exception to Bellew's remarks, calling them "a stupid thing to say."
"You can't make those allegations unless there is some sort of proof," Warren told Boxing King Media. "It's a stupid thing to say. If there is proof then great, let him face the consequences, but just saying it and just putting it out there is ridiculous."
Warren emphasized the importance of upholding fair play and due process in boxing.
"Every boxer deserves the right to compete without facing baseless accusations," he said. "We should celebrate Artur's incredible achievement and his upcoming undisputed fight with Bivol, not tarnish it with unfounded rumors."
Beterbiev is now set to face Dmitry Bivol in a highly anticipated unification clash, with the winner being crowned the undisputed light-heavyweight champion. The fight is likely to take place sometime in the summer, potentially in Saudi Arabia.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Zhilei "Big Bang" Zhang is throwing a bomb before his heavyweight clash with Joseph Parker, claiming that their co-main event will be the real spectacle on March 8th, not the much-anticipated Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou showdown.
While Joshua and Ngannou's cross-sport clash grabs the headlines, Zhang believes his twelve-round war with Parker will steal the show at the Kingdom Arena. "Parker isn't someone you can sleep on," Zhang declared to FightHype. "I'm very happy to showcase my skills in Saudi Arabia. In my point of view, that's the true main event."
Zhang's bold statement stems from his skepticism about the Joshua-Ngannou fight. He views it as a mere "ten-round exhibition" due to Ngannou's limited boxing experience. "People are tuning in for the boxing vs. MMA clash," Zhang admits, "but to me, there's no question that Joshua will win. It's an exhibition, and from a boxing perspective, you know who the real main event will be."
Adding fuel to the fire, Zhang throws shade at the Joshua-Ngannou fight's legitimacy. "You wouldn't see this in other sports," he argues. "You can't just walk in from another sport and play at the highest level." This raises questions about the fight's official status and potential impact on rankings.
Meanwhile, Parker isn't napping on the hype. "No sleeping allowed," he warns. He's hungry for redemption after his recent loss to Joe Joyce and sees the Saudi clash as a chance to prove himself on the world stage.
With Zhang's fiery pronouncements and Parker's steely focus, the co-main event promises to be a captivating battleground. Will Zhang's "Big Bang" explode and eclipse the main event, or will Parker silence the doubters and claim his victory? One thing's for sure: March 8th in Riyadh is shaping up to be a night of explosive boxing action, with both the ring and the words outside it promising fireworks.
Joe 'Juggernaut' Joyce is set to resurrect his heavyweight journey as he faces Kash Ali in a compelling ten-round bout on March 16th at the Resorts World Arena, Birmingham. Determined to rebuild after his setbacks, Joyce remains resolute, refusing to let two knockout losses to Zhilei Zhang define his career.Move to Trash
Acknowledging the challenging stylistic matchup with Zhang, a forceful puncher with Olympic pedigree, Joyce sees this as a mere detour. He draws strength from his previous victory against Joseph Parker, demonstrating his ability to bounce back and deliver in the ring.
Reflecting on his recent challenges, Joyce expressed, “I didn’t think one minute about retirement. I don’t think I’ve completed everything I’ve set out to do in the sport. I think I did everything I could to get the win last time around, and it wasn’t to be.”
Eager to provide fans with thrilling performances, Joyce sets his sights on the future, eyeing potential matchups and remaining hungry for success. His resilience shines through as he emphasizes that setbacks do not equate to surrender. With a hunger for victory and a strong will, Joyce aims to continue his pursuit of becoming a world champion.
As the Juggernaut gears up for a pivotal bout against Kash Ali, boxing enthusiasts anticipate a spectacular comeback and the resurgence of Joe Joyce in the heavyweight landscape.
#JoeJoyce #TheJuggernaut #BoxingComeback #HeavyweightJourney
As the clock ticks down to the historic showdown between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk on February 17 in Riyadh, both fighters are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for undisputed glory. The choice of sparring partners is a key element in their meticulous preparations, shedding light on the contrasting strategies employed by the two camps.
Tyson Fury's Camp:
Jai Opetaia (24-0-0): Ring’s cruiserweight title holder, undefeated, adds depth to Fury's preparations.
Moses Itauma (7-0-0): Rising 19-year-old prodigy, an unbeaten force contributing youth and skill.
Kevin Lerena (30-2-0): WBC bridgerweight (interim) title holder, former IBO cruiserweight champion, brings experience and versatility.
Alexis Barriere (11-0-0): Canadian heavyweight with an 82% knockout rate, adding power and a different style to Fury's training.
Notably, all four of Fury's chosen sparring partners are southpaws, mimicking Usyk's stance. This strategic choice aims to enhance Fury's ability to navigate the challenges posed by a left-handed opponent.
Oleksandr Usyk's Camp:
Sanel Hasanovic (7-1-1): Adding variety to Usyk's training with a mixed record.
Mariusz Wach (38-10-0): A seasoned heavyweight, brings height and reach, aiding Usyk's preparation for taller opponents.
Darren Sealy (0-1-0): Despite limited professional experience, contributes to Usyk's diverse sparring lineup.
Emanuel Odiase (3-3-0): Another element of variety with a balanced record.
Volodymyr Katsuk (5-1-0): Offering insights into handling opponents with a positive win-loss ratio.
Usyk's team appears to focus on creating diverse challenges for the Ukrainian, providing him exposure to different styles and physical attributes. While Fury leans on experience and replication of Usyk's stance, Usyk strategically incorporates a mix of opponents to refine his adaptability and tactical prowess.
As the fight for undisputed supremacy draws near, these sparring choices offer a glimpse into the fighters' nuanced approaches to ensure they are battle-ready come February 17.
#TysonFury #OleksandrUsyk #UndisputedClash #BoxingPrep
Turki Alalshikh remains committed to delivering the fights that fans desire, even if the outcomes don't go as planned. In a recent interview with DAZN’s Ade Oladipo, Alalshikh discussed his willingness to back potential matchups, including a financially supported Anthony Joshua-Tyson Fury clash, irrespective of Fury's fate against Oleksandr Usyk.
With Saudi Arabia's generous funding, Alalshikh has played a pivotal role in bringing major boxing events to fruition. His vision extends to potential fights such as Fury-Usyk, Fury-Ngannou, Joshua-Ngannou, and the highly anticipated Joshua-Fury showdown.
"We want to see Fury-Usyk and the result, and the rematch between Fury [and] Usyk," Alalshikh stated. "And after that, we want to see Tyson Fury against Ngannou, or the people want to see it. And we want to see, if Fury [wins], we want to see him against Joshua if Joshua [wins]. If Usyk [wins], maybe we have [a] chance to have the third fight. And even if Usyk [wins], the people still want to see Tyson against Joshua. This is what we want to deliver to the market."
Alalshikh emphasized the urgency of making these fights happen, considering the ages of the fighters involved. His commitment to delivering high-profile matchups resonates with fans, showcasing a proactive approach to satisfying boxing enthusiasts around the globe.
"We are coming with a new strategy, a new idea, and a new vision to deliver to the market the best [fights], with good prices, and make the [fights] that people want to see," Alalshikh declared. "The people need to see Joshua-Fury, Fury-Joshua, need to see Joshua-Wilder. And I hope Wilder [comes] back."
In a sport where time is a crucial factor, Alalshikh's dedication to making these matchups a reality aligns with the desires of boxing fans globally.
#TurkiAlalshikh #BoxingVisionary #FightFans #JoshuaFury #boxingnews #boxing
Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, has laid out an intriguing proposal for Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol after their anticipated light heavyweight title unification bout. Alalshikh envisions the winner of Beterbiev vs. Bivol moving up in weight to face undefeated cruiserweight Jai Opetaia.
Opetaia recently showcased his prowess by knocking out Ellis Zorro, and Alalshikh sees the potential for a compelling matchup against the victor of the Beterbiev-Bivol clash. In an interview with DAZN’s Ade Oladipo, Alalshikh expressed his eagerness for this sequence of fights, emphasizing the desire for fans to witness the showdown.
"The people need to see Artur-Bivol,” Alalshikh stated. “I want to see the [winner] of Artur and Bivol [fight] against Opetaia. You understand me? Yeah, this is what I hope to have. We need to see this fight."
Alalshikh's ambition extends beyond just proposing matchups, as he updates on the ongoing negotiations for the Beterbiev-Bivol battle. While acknowledging the significance of Tyson Fury versus Oleksandr Usyk, Alalshikh emphasizes the massive appeal of Beterbiev and Bivol from a fan's perspective.
"As a fan, Artur and Bivol is huge," Alalshikh said. "Maybe in some [regions] doesn’t have a lot of pay-per-view [interest]. I understand this. And this is why a lot of promoters don’t take the risk because this will cost a lot. But we take the risk, and we talk with them."
Alalshikh acknowledges the logistical challenges, considering Artur Beterbiev's religious observance of Ramadan and the need to give him ample time to prepare. Nevertheless, the prospect of this high-stakes matchup adds another layer of excitement to the already fervent boxing landscape.
#TurkiAlalshikh #BeterbievBivol #OpetaiaChallenge #BoxingTalks
In the ongoing verbal exchanges between Devin Haney and Gervonta Davis, Haney has had enough. The WBC super lightweight champion recently aired his frustration, pointing out that Davis only seems to speak up when Haney has a fight lined up.
"I’ve been calling that dude out for years," Haney stated bluntly on social media. "He only says something when I got a fight, but now, I don’t. We can fight now, wherever he chooses!"
As Haney reflects on his eventful 2023, which included a controversial win over Vasiliy Lomachenko and a successful move up to the super lightweight division with a dominant victory against Regis Prograis, the spotlight is now squarely on a potential clash with Gervonta Davis.
Despite both fighters having standout years, the constant back-and-forth banter has become tiresome for Haney. Known for his negotiating prowess, Haney cuts to the chase, urging Davis to make the fight a reality.
"He said we don’t know how to get in contact with him, well have your people reach out Gervonta."
With tensions escalating, the question looms large: Will Gervonta Davis continue the verbal jousting, or will actions finally speak louder than words in the eagerly anticipated matchup between these two boxing titans?
#DevinHaney #GervontaDavis #BoxingTalk #boxing #boxingnews
In an exciting announcement, promoter Ben Shalom has confirmed that the highly anticipated rematch between Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe is now signed and set to take place. This time, the stakes are even higher as Billam-Smith's WBO cruiserweight world title will be on the line.
The potential venues for this thrilling showdown include Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium and Crystal Palace's Selhurst Park, adding to the anticipation of the event. Fans can expect a fierce battle for the world title in what promises to be a must-watch rematch.
#ChrisBillamSmith #RichardRiakporhe #WBOChampionship #BoxingRematch #VitalityStadium #SelhurstPark
In the fast-paced world of boxing, Turki Alalshikh, the 42-year-old Chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, is on a mission to transform the sport and bring back its glory days. The urgency behind his vision is rooted in a deep-seated commitment to deliver extraordinary events for 'Riyadh Season,' a concept that has already witnessed spectacular matchups like Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou and the unforgettable 'Day of Reckoning' card.
In an interview with streaming platform DAZN, Alalshikh, a passionate boxing enthusiast, shared insights into his relentless work ethic and the health issues that drive him to propel the sport forward. He envisions a return to the heydays of the 1970s and 1980s when fighters were universally recognized on the streets.
Alalshikh's dedication is evident in his tireless work schedule, clocking around 16 hours a day without taking breaks even on weekends. He emphasized that his commitment stems from a personal desire to contribute to his country and fulfill the trust placed in him by the King and the Crown Prince.
“I want to tell you, I don’t have the magic, I have something more powerful than the magic. Behind me there is two big mountain, you cannot see the end of the mountain. The King and the Crown Prince support what we are doing. We cannot do this without their support.”
Addressing his remarkable achievements with the General Entertainment Authority, Alalshikh attributed their success to the unwavering support of the King and the Crown Prince. He highlighted the significance of this backing, emphasizing that it is more potent than any magical formula.
As 'Riyadh Season' continues to unfold with a lineup featuring Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua vs Ngannou, and potential future bouts like Fury vs Joshua and a light-heavyweight unification clash, Alalshikh's determination remains a driving force in reshaping the landscape of modern boxing.
#TurkiAlalshikh #BoxingRevival #RiyadhSeason
The boxing landscape is buzzing with intrigue as Ryan Garcia finds himself at a pivotal juncture, turning down a clash with Devin Haney and setting his sights on Rolando Romero, despite Oscar De La Hoya's push for a bout with Jose Ramirez.
Garcia's decision to veer away from Haney was a strategic business move, aiming for a bigger spectacle against Romero. The hope was to secure the WBA Junior Welterweight Title and then pursue a substantial unification fight with Haney. However, with the Ramirez option seemingly out of the picture, Garcia faces uncertainty in his next move.
De La Hoya's assertion that the Garcia-Ramirez bout is nearing fruition clashes with Garcia's own denial, leaving fans speculating on the Californian's next opponent. Options like Teofimo Lopez and Subriel Matias loom, each presenting challenges akin to the declined Haney bout.
The legal battle between Garcia and Golden Boy Promotions adds another layer to the narrative, with contract disputes influencing Garcia's decisions. Reports suggest his contract may conclude this year, fueling speculation about a potential move to PBC.
Garcia's recent rendezvous with Floyd Mayweather and his insistence on staying active indicate an eagerness to keep the momentum going. Following his first career loss to Gervonta Davis, Garcia's shift to 140 pounds under Derrick James signals a new chapter in his career.
As the unfolding drama continues, Garcia stands at a crossroads, balancing commercial aspirations, contractual disputes, and a commitment to staying active in the competitive world of professional boxing.
#RyanGarcia #BoxingCrossroads #GarciaVsRamirez
In what was supposed to be a showcase, Shakur Stevenson found himself in an unexpected battle against Edwin De Los Santos. The lackluster performance led to disappointed fans leaving the arena early, and Stevenson acknowledging he didn't bring his A-game.
Stevenson, normally a dominant force in the ring, struggled against De Los Santos, who managed to make him work for the win. Despite not showcasing his usual make-you-miss-and-pay style, Stevenson praised De Los Santos, calling him "a really good fighter" with world champion caliber skills and a promising future.
For the first time in his career, Stevenson faced public criticism for his performance, with calls for a rematch circulating. While initially dismissing the idea, Stevenson has had a change of heart, expressing his willingness to give De Los Santos a rematch down the line. However, he believes the first fight was De Los Santos' best shot at beating him, asserting that the opportunity was missed that night.
The prospect of a rematch adds an intriguing layer to Stevenson's journey, leaving fans wondering if De Los Santos can capitalize on a second chance and bring a different dynamic to the ring.
#StevensonRematch #BoxingShowdown #DeLosSantosChallenge
In the world of boxing chess matches, Artur Beterbiev's trainer, John Scully, sees a tailor-made target in David Benavidez. According to Scully, Benavidez's reliance on strength plays perfectly into Beterbiev's style, making the matchup an ideal one for the undefeated Russian.
Scully highlights Benavidez's close-range fighting approach, predicting that standing directly in front of Beterbiev could lead to a quick dismantling. While Benavidez has expressed interest in moving up to 175 pounds, particularly eyeing a bout with Dmitry Bivol, Scully dismisses him as a formidable challenge for Beterbiev.
As the spotlight intensifies on the looming showdown between Beterbiev and Bivol in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Scully offers a warning. He believes Bivol is in for a rude awakening, emphasizing that Beterbiev's relentless pressure will set the tone for a vastly different fight compared to Canelo's encounter with the Russian.
Scully challenges those predicting Bivol's victory based on the Canelo fight, asserting that it's not a wise assessment. Instead, he redirects attention to Benavidez, labeling him as the perfect opponent for Beterbiev, dismissing the notion that Benavidez's strength and late-game strategy would trouble the Russian powerhouse.
In the intricate world of boxing strategy and predictions, Scully's insights add an extra layer of anticipation to these potential matchups, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the outcomes in the ring.
#BeterbievVsBenavidez #BivolVsBeterbiev #BoxingStrategy
As the boxing world eagerly awaits Tim Tszyu's next move in 2024, speculation runs rife with names being thrown into the ring for the Australian super welterweight's potential opponents.
In his last outing on the Gold Coast in October, Tszyu secured a unanimous decision against Brian Mendoza, defending his WBO title. The 29-year-old's impressive track record includes a first-round elimination of Carlos Ocampo in June 2023 and a ninth-round stoppage of Tony Harrison in March of the same year, earning him the interim WBO belt.
A much-anticipated clash with former undisputed super welterweight champion Jermell Charlo seems likely. Charlo, fresh off a defeat against Canelo Alvarez, was initially expected to face Tszyu, setting the stage for a showdown that promises fireworks.
Another potential matchup could see Tszyu vying for the undisputed 154-pound title against two-division undisputed world champion Terence Crawford. With a record of 40-0, Crawford has expressed interest in mega fights, including a clash with Canelo and a rematch with Errol Spence Jr.
Vergil Ortiz Jr, riding high after a first-round stoppage win against Fredrick Lawson, has also thrown his hat into the ring, expressing a desire to face Tszyu. The Australian welcomes the challenge, setting the stage for a potential blockbuster bout.
The super welterweight division boasts a roster of formidable contenders, including Jesus Ramos, Josh Kelly, Erickson Lubin, Serhii Bohachuk, Charles Conwell, Xander Zayas, Bakhram Murtazaliev, and others. With the possibility of a mystery opponent always in play, the intrigue surrounding Tszyu's next opponent intensifies.
Tim Tszyu is anticipated to make his 2024 ring appearance in February or March, and boxing enthusiasts worldwide are poised for an electrifying start to the year.
#Tszyu2024Showdowns #WelterweightClash #BoxingSpeculations
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) and Amazon Prime Video are gearing up to unleash a wave of exciting events, marking a new era in the boxing world. The action-packed journey kicks off on March 30th, promising fight enthusiasts a riveting experience.
The partnership, sealed with a multi-year deal, is poised to showcase its first event on March 30th, followed by a must-watch Pay-Per-View (PPV) extravaganza on May 4th featuring the sensational Canelo Alvarez. While details about the March 30th card being on PPV are still uncertain, expectations are high for quality matchups that fans will gladly pay to witness.
According to boxing insider Dan Rafael, the deal is set to deliver twelve to fourteen events annually. However, questions linger about whether additional events will fill the gaps between these scheduled fights. The challenge for PBC will be to keep their roster of star fighters busy, potentially necessitating undercard appearances to maintain momentum.
Learning from past experiences, PBC aims to avoid the pitfalls that plagued their last PPV event on Showtime, where a lackluster bout left fans disgruntled. As they transition to Amazon Prime Video, there's an opportunity for fresh faces in the broadcast team, injecting new energy into the boxing coverage.
To ensure a strong start, PBC could electrify the audience with a clash between Gervonta Davis and top-tier fighters like Shakur Stevenson or Devin Haney. Steering away from lackluster events, such as Tank's dominant victory over Ryan Garcia, will be crucial for winning back fan trust.
The colossal subscription base of Amazon Prime presents a golden opportunity to amplify the reach of PBC's boxing events. Effective advertising could draw in a massive audience, but caution is warranted to prevent overwhelming fans with a barrage of PPV events. Striking the right balance will be essential to prevent a backlash from fans hesitant to shell out $75 per month for boxing entertainment.
As the PBC and Amazon Prime Video partnership unfolds, the world of boxing anticipates a fresh and dynamic chapter, bringing high-stakes matchups and unparalleled excitement to screens everywhere.
#PBCPrimeShowdown #AmazonBoxingRevolution #FightNightUnleashed
In a decisive statement, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, head of Saudi Arabia's General Sports Authority, has declared an end to YouTube boxing events in the country. "Please, we don't want any YouTuber fights again. I want fighters, this is what I support. For me, inside my heart, I want the fighters," Alalshikh asserted, signaling a shift away from entertainment-oriented matches.
The announcement comes after the surge in popularity of YouTube boxing events that often feature internet personalities stepping into the ring. Alalshikh's emphasis on supporting genuine fighters aligns with a commitment to elevate the level of competition and focus on the sport's core essence.
The move reflects a strategic decision to prioritize professional athletes over non-traditional boxing matchups. Alalshikh's sentiment resonates with those who seek a return to the fundamentals of the sport, fostering an environment where skilled fighters take center stage.
As Saudi Arabia continues to be a prominent host for major sporting events, this shift aligns with a desire to showcase authentic boxing talent and attract serious contenders to compete on the international stage.
#SaudiBoxing #RealFighters #SportsAuthority #BoxingNews
In a stern warning ahead of their upcoming boxing match in Saudi Arabia, former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has cautioned Anthony Joshua that he might "wake up in the white room" after their clash on March 8.
Ngannou, who made his boxing debut against Tyson Fury in Riyadh, emphasized the power in the heavyweight division and urged Joshua to be cautious. Backstage at the press conference, Ngannou stated, "If I catch him, then he's going to sleep. This is the heavyweight division, and everyone is quite strong. Keep your chin away and fight smart."
The Cameroonian fighter stressed the unpredictability of the sport, emphasizing the need for strategic awareness rather than underestimating opponents. Despite being touted as the hardest puncher, Ngannou acknowledged the challenges in connecting with skilled opponents.
Joshua, coming off a victory against Otto Wallin in December, faces Ngannou in what promises to be a high-stakes showdown in Riyadh. The unexpected matchup diverted from the initial plan of an IBF title eliminator for Joshua, adding intrigue to the heavyweight landscape.
As Fury defends his WBC title against Oleksandr Usyk on February 17, the winner of that bout will become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 2000. The victor of Joshua vs Ngannou eyes a potential opportunity against Fury or Usyk in the quest for heavyweight supremacy.
#NgannouVsJoshua #HeavyweightShowdown #BoxingClash #WhiteRoomWarning
Boxing legend Lennox Lewis has ignited a fiery exchange with promoter Eddie Hearn over Anthony Joshua's path to the undisputed heavyweight title. Lewis, Britain's last undisputed champion, expressed skepticism about Hearn's plan, particularly questioning Joshua's readiness for Tyson Fury. The proposed strategy hinges on Joshua defeating Francis Ngannou on March 8, but Lewis deems Otto Wallin and Ngannou as insufficient tests for the lineal champion.
In a back-and-forth with Hearn, Lewis addressed the criticism, labeling himself a 'Joshua hater' due to his views on the undisputed plan. Hearn defended the approach, emphasizing that the winner of Joshua vs. Ngannou would face the victor of Fury vs. Usyk for undisputed glory.
However, Lewis remained unconvinced, asserting a stronger case for the winner of Joseph Parker vs. Zhilei Zhang to contend for the undisputed title. The exchange highlighted differing perspectives on Joshua's journey to undisputed status.
The verbal sparring between Lewis and Hearn underscores the intense scrutiny and debate surrounding Joshua's potential undisputed path. Fans await developments as
#LennoxLewis #AnthonyJoshua #EddieHearn #UndisputedHeavyweight #BoxingDebate
Undisputed super-featherweight champion Alycia Baumgardner has been declared not guilty of intentionally taking a banned substance, according to a recent statement by the World Boxing Council (WBC). The American fighter tested positive for mesterolone just days before her victorious bout against Christina Linardatou in July. The WBC's thorough investigation considered Baumgardner's defenses, ultimately ruling out intentional ingestion for performance enhancement.
In their statement, the WBC acknowledged the validity of the anti-doping test but highlighted the lack of conclusive evidence supporting Baumgardner's intentional use of mesterolone. Despite placing her on probation for a year, the WBC confirmed her status as the reigning WBC Super Featherweight World Champion. The probation entails random anti-doping tests at Baumgardner's expense, with any adverse findings leading to immediate action under the WBC Clean Boxing Program Protocol.
Baumgardner expressed gratitude to the WBC for a fair investigation and agreed with the ruling, emphasizing her commitment to clean competition. She eagerly accepted random testing during her probationary period, highlighting her dedication to the sport.
The WBC's decision underscores the complexity of anti-doping cases and strives to strike a balance between acknowledging the test result's accuracy and determining the athlete's intent.
#AlyciaBaumgardner #WBC #BoxingChampion #AntiDoping #CleanSport