In a startling turn of events, unbeaten Ukrainian heavyweight Viktor Faust faced an unexpected defeat at the hands of Cuba's Lenier Pero in a gripping clash that ended in bizarre circumstances. The February 2022 showdown between the two undefeated giants took a dramatic turn in the eighth round, altering the course of the fight entirely. Faust, holding a commanding lead on the scorecards, seemed to have the upper hand against Pero despite occasional setbacks. However, a sudden moment shifted the entire narrative. Faust, ahead on the judges' scorecards, encountered a pivotal setback when Pero delivered a punishing right-hand blow to his body, leaving Faust stunned and immobilized. Despite Faust's prior dominance, the impactful body shot brought about an unexpected twist, causing Faust to turn away, visibly unable to continue the fight. Pero seized the opportunity, unleashing a flurry of punches on his incapacitated opponent until the referee intervened, halting the match. Post-fight, Faust revealed the excruciating pain in his ribs, suspecting possible fractures, which had hindered his ability to compete at full capacity. Pero, now standing at a perfect 10-0 record, acknowledged Faust's prowess but highlighted his strategy of targeting Faust's vulnerable areas, particularly aiming for the liver throughout the bout. The Cuban boxer emphasized the unforgiving nature of professional boxing, stressing the importance of seizing opportunities without hesitation, as he did in landing the decisive blow. The shocking defeat and Faust's unexpected physical limitations post-match added an unforeseen dimension to the heavyweight showdown, marking a pivotal moment in both boxers' careers. #Boxing #HeavyweightClash #VictorFaust #LenierPero #BoxingChamps

In an electrifying display of power and prestige, Francis Ngannou, the reigning heavyweight champion, unveiled his stellar ringwalk with iconic figures Mike Tyson, Kamaru Usman, and Israel Adesanya. This grand entrance, a testament to Ngannou's prowess both inside and outside the ring, captivated audiences worldwide. The aura surrounding Ngannou's ringwalk was nothing short of regal, earning him the title of the heavyweight king. Walking alongside the boxing legend Mike Tyson, UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, and middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, Ngannou exuded a magnetic presence that mesmerized fans and critics alike. This power-packed ensemble was a sight to behold, blending the might of Ngannou's fighting spirit with the charisma and influence of these legendary figures. Their collective presence created an unforgettable spectacle, symbolizing unity and strength within the combat sports world. The collaboration between Ngannou and these esteemed figures transcended boundaries, showcasing the camaraderie and mutual respect shared among elite athletes across different disciplines. It was a moment that resonated deeply with fans, demonstrating the impact and influence of these sporting icons. The powerful statement made during Ngannou's ringwalk reverberated through the realms of boxing and mixed martial arts, setting the stage for an unforgettable display of skill and sportsmanship inside the ring. This collaboration stands as a testament to the unity and solidarity within the fighting community. #FrancisNgannou #RingwalkPowerMoves #MikeTyson #KamaruUsman #IsraelAdesanya #CombatSportsIcons #HeavyweightChampion #UFCChampions

British boxing legend Frank Bruno, renowned for his triumphs in the ring, faced a different kind of fight beyond boxing ropes. His courageous struggle against depression led to a challenging period when he was sectioned for psychiatric care, a time that brought unexpected dangers. Bruno, a former heavyweight champion, opened up about the harrowing experiences within psychiatric facilities, where he became a target for fellow patients grappling with substance-induced aggressions. In his words, "When I went in there, some of the guys said they wanted to fight me." The environment, fueled by the effects of medications, presented a perilous scenario for Bruno. Recalling the intensity of the situation, he mentioned encounters where individuals approached him with intentions of causing harm, expressing, "I had people coming up to me and wanting to stab me in one of the places." Amidst Bruno's successful career as a boxing world champ, the revelation of his struggles during psychiatric care sheds light on the often-unseen challenges of mental health. It underscores the importance of understanding and support for individuals facing such formidable battles. The narrative from Bruno serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding mental health issues, transcending the boundaries of fame and achievement. His bravery in sharing this deeply personal aspect of his life amplifies the need for compassion and awareness in addressing mental health concerns. This candid disclosure by Bruno not only humanizes his journey but also highlights the significance of mental health advocacy. It's a poignant reminder that even champions face unseen battles beyond their public persona. #FrankBruno #MentalHealthAwareness #BoxingLegend #PsychiatricCare #ChampionBattles #DepressionJourney

In a thunderous return to the ring, Vergil Ortiz Jr. left no room for doubt, scoring a first-round knockout against Frederick Lawson in Las Vegas. The 25-year-old welterweight contender, now 20-0 with 20 knockouts, marked his debut in the junior middleweight division with an impressive display of power.   Ortiz utilized a stiff jab to control the fight, visibly stunning Lawson and prompting the referee, Tony Weeks, to intervene at the 2:33 mark. Despite Ortiz's desire for more rounds, the stoppage showcased his dominance in the ring.   Post-fight, Ortiz wasted no time in calling out Australian WBO junior middleweight champion Tim Tszyu (24-0, 17 KOs). In the ring, Ortiz expressed respect for Tszyu, acknowledging him as a formidable opponent and proposing a matchup that fans would eagerly anticipate.   Oscar De La Hoya, Ortiz's promoter, joined the chorus, indicating their willingness to travel to Australia for a showdown with Tszyu. The Australian champion promptly responded, welcoming Ortiz to the "’54 club" and expressing enthusiasm for a modern-day classic.   In the lead-up to the Lawson fight, Ortiz had already declared his readiness to face top names in his weight class, including Terence 'Bud' Crawford, Errol 'The Truth' Spence Jr, Jaron 'Boots' Ennis, Jermell Charlo, and Tszyu.   Unfazed by potential skeptics questioning his form after a 17-month layoff, Ortiz emphasized his eagerness to prove himself against the best. The welterweight contender's call-outs and willingness to face formidable opponents underline his determination to climb the ranks and validate his status as a rising force in boxing.   #VergilOrtizJr #TimTszyu #Boxing #KOVictory #FightNight

In a return to the ring, Vergil Ortiz Jr. secured a first-round TKO against Fredrick Lawson at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. The 25-year-old welterweight contender showcased his power with a stiff jab to the temple, prompting referee Tony Weeks to stop the fight just 2:30 into the bout.   Ortiz, now 20-0 with 20 knockouts, expressed a desire for more rounds but acknowledged the effectiveness of his jab in stunning Lawson. However, controversy arose as fans criticized the early stoppage, arguing that Lawson appeared ready to continue despite being hurt.   Referee Tony Weeks, no stranger to controversial stoppages, faced backlash reminiscent of his decision in the Canelo Alvarez-Alfredo Angulo fight. Weeks defended his call, emphasizing the responsibility of officials to prioritize fighter safety, especially in one-sided bouts where significant damage accumulates.   Ortiz, despite his quick victory, expressed readiness for future challenges and a return to the welterweight division.   #VergilOrtizJr #ControversialStoppage #Boxing #FightNight #TonyWeeks

Ismael Barroso, at 40, showcased his power with a sensational victory on Saturday night. The Venezuelan southpaw knocked down Ohara Davies twice and secured a first-round knockout, claiming the WBA interim super lightweight title. This emphatic win sets up a rematch with Rolly Romero, who controversially defeated Barroso in May.   Referee Celestino Ruiz intervened just 1:53 into the bout, halting the 140-pound contest after Davies failed to respond adequately following the second knockdown. Barroso's explosive performance solidified his status and earned him a shot at redemption against Romero.   Barroso (25-4-2, 23 KOs) expressed confidence in his power, attributing his success to divine intervention. London's Davies (25-3, 18 KOs) suffered his second career knockout loss, with only Josh Taylor achieving a similar feat.   The rematch with Romero looms on the horizon, as Barroso looks to settle the score. However, Ryan Garcia's announcement expressing interest in facing Romero adds an intriguing twist to the storyline, potentially steering Romero away from a rematch with Barroso.   Barroso's swift dismantling of Davies showcased his readiness for future challenges, emphasizing his determination to climb back to the top of the super lightweight division.   #IsmaelBarroso #OharaDavies #WBAInterimTitle #BoxingDominance

Joseph Parker's remarkable victory over Deontay Wilder in December has set the stage for exciting possibilities, and his promoter, David Higgins, is determined that there will be no backward steps for the former heavyweight world champion. Parker, initially the underdog against the powerful Wilder, delivered an impressive performance over twelve rounds, securing a shutout points victory. Speaking to Seconds Out, Higgins identified three potential opponents for Parker's next challenge: Filip Hrgovic, Zhilei Zhang, or a rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr. “I don’t think Joseph should step backwards. Against good opposition, he’s looked good. He’s got good momentum, so I think any one of Hrgovic, Zhilei Zhang, or Andy Ruiz, any one of those, if the money’s right, would be interesting and testing and learning. It’s a big fight. He doesn’t want to step backwards,” Higgins emphasized. Hrgovic, currently holding the number one spot with the IBF, is a particularly enticing option. The IBF is expected to strip the winner of the upcoming Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk bout in February, creating an opportunity for Hrgovic to contend for the vacant belt. Zhang, positioned at number one with the WBO, is another contender for Parker. He is likely to fight for a title within the next twelve to eighteen months. Meanwhile, Zhang is expected to return on the undercard of the Anthony Joshua-Francis Ngannou match in March, making him a potential opponent for Parker. The prospect of a rematch with Ruiz Jr is also on the table, allowing Parker to address any lingering doubts from their initial encounter. Parker secured a close majority decision victory in 2016, claiming the vacant WBO world title. A rematch would offer a chance for redemption for Ruiz, who, after a stunning upset against Joshua, faced a quick loss of his belts and a period of relative inactivity. As Parker's team considers these options, fans eagerly await the announcement of his next opponent, which promises to be a thrilling and significant matchup in the heavyweight division.

As boxing intensifies its efforts against doping, recent actions against fighters like Amir Khan highlight the sport's commitment to maintaining integrity. The latest case involves Polish light-heavyweight Krzysztof Glowacki, handed a four-year ban for breaching doping rules after a UK Anti-Doping test post his victory over Richard Riakporhe.   Currently, five boxers, including Amir Khan, Phillip Bowes, Kamil Sokolowski, Zolani Tete, and Glowacki, serve doping bans under UKAD/World Anti-Doping Agency jurisdiction. Notably, only Khan and Bowes, both caught using the banned substance Ostarine, are British, emphasizing the effectiveness of British Boxing Board of Control and UKAD in catching cheats.   In terms of doping tests, boxing ranks third in the number of athletes currently serving bans, trailing only rugby union and rugby league. However, concerns arise from a recent freedom of information request to UKAD by Boxing Clever, revealing limited transparency in the process.   Between January 2023 and September 2023, 250 tests were conducted on professional boxers in the UK. This testing frequency surpasses other sports with higher participation levels. The request also unveiled that seven boxers under BBBofC licenses submitted adverse analytical findings in the last two years, with outcomes known for only four.   However, the lack of information on the remaining three cases raises questions about transparency. UKAD's ability to determine cases without a hearing and the varied reasons for adverse findings make it challenging to assess the true extent of doping in the sport.   While the fight against cheats is evident, the call for greater transparency in the anti-doping process remains crucial for boxing's credibility and the integrity of its athletes.   #Boxing #boxingnews #AntiDoping #TransparencyInSports #AmirKhan      

In a one-two punch, boxing sensation Ryan Garcia celebrated the birth of his first son, Henry Leo Garcia, before dropping the bombshell that he and partner Andrea Celina are calling it quits.   Garcia, known for his lightning-fast moves in the ring, shared the news on social media, expressing gratitude for his newborn. Eight minutes from birth announcement to dad duties, the champ wasted no time revealing the name, Henry Leo.   But in a surprising twist, within half an hour, Garcia delivered a different kind of punch – announcing a divorce from Andrea. The revelation left fans stunned, especially as many were unaware the two were even married.   In a now-deleted Instagram post, Garcia shared his heartbreak, emphasizing their commitment to co-parenting. Andrea remained tight-lipped on the matter, responding with cryptic posts on her Instagram Story.   The timing and public nature of the divorce news sparked mixed reactions. Despite the split, Garcia acknowledged Andrea as an incredible partner and mother. The focus, he stressed, is on the well-being of their two kids.   In a surprising move, Garcia swiftly shifted the narrative back to his professional life, hinting at an upcoming boxing match. The champ seems determined to keep moving forward, both in and out of the ring.   #RyanGarcia #BoxingDrama #boxingnews #boxing      

In a surprising turn of events, the world of heavyweight boxing is buzzing with excitement as Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou are confirmed to face off in a ten-round bout scheduled for March 8. The showdown will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, promising a clash of titans that has fans eagerly anticipating the outcome. The announcement follows Joshua's recent victory over Otto Wallin, where he showcased his prowess in the ring. Ngannou, coming off an impressive showing against Tyson Fury despite a split decision loss, has elevated his standing in the professional boxing realm after a remarkable debut. Former super-middleweight champion turned Hall of Famer, Carl Froch, shared his initial thoughts on the upcoming battle. "It's not a bad fight. It's a fight that Anthony Joshua could potentially struggle with. We saw [Ngannou] against Tyson Fury, and Tyson Fury struggled. Was that because Ngannou is really good or Fury didn't quite turn up? I think the latter … but Ngannou was tidy." While acknowledging the excitement surrounding the match, Froch expressed concerns about the timing. He questioned Joshua's decision to enter the ring with Ngannou, emphasizing Joshua's ambition to become a three-time heavyweight champion without a clear title at stake. Froch also mentioned his preferred contenders for Joshua, including Filip Hrgovic and Zhilei Zhang, casting doubt on these matchups if Joshua goes ahead with Ngannou. "The Hrgovic fight's big – that could potentially be for the IBF title – the Zhilei Zhang fight, that's a fight I want to see Anthony Joshua in. We're getting further and further away from these fights happening if he jumps in there with Ngannou," Froch stated. Despite the anticipation surrounding the bout, Froch, a Hall of Famer, expressed reservations about the motivation behind the fight. "This fight is gonna be acceptable because Ngannou did so well against Fury, but let’s be honest, this is a cash grab out in Saudi Arabia, and I don’t think it’s good for heavyweight boxing." As fans eagerly await the heavyweight clash, the undercard is expected to follow the standards set by previous Riyadh Season events. There is even speculation about a potential matchup between Deontay Wilder and Zhang, adding more intrigue to an already highly anticipated event. #JoshuaNgannou #boxing #CarlFroch #AnthonyJoshua #FrancisNgannou

The trainer of British light heavyweight Anthony Yarde, Tunde Ajayi, has hinted at a potential shift in weight class for the boxer's next chapter in his career. Yarde, who has been competing in the light heavyweight division since his professional debut in May 2015, has twice fought for a world title at 175lbs. Although Yarde faced setbacks in his world title bids against Sergey Kovalev in 2019 and Artur Beterbiev last year, he made a comeback with a knockout victory over Jorge Silva in September. While there are still notable matchups available in the light heavyweight division, Ajayi suggests that a move to cruiserweight could be in the cards for Yarde. Ajayi mentioned, "There are some great fights, some great possibilities for Anthony primarily as the fighter and myself as the manager and trainer to explore. We were even talking about big fights up at cruiserweight." Notably, Ajayi issued a call-out to the WBO world cruiserweight champion, expressing Yarde's readiness to face Chris Billam-Smith. "I would even go so far if you put the right proposal to Anthony now, he'll fight Chris Billam-Smith tomorrow. 100 million percent." If Yarde and his team decide against an immediate move to cruiserweight, they may look towards a potential matchup with the winner of Joshua Buatsi vs. Dan Azeez, scheduled for an all-British clash on February 3. #Boxing #AnthonyYarde #Cruiserweight #ChrisBilliam-Smith

British welterweight Conor Benn has decided to undergo VADA drug testing ahead of his Las Vegas fight on February 3, aiming to demonstrate his commitment to a clean record. This move comes after Benn faced two adverse findings in October 2022, preventing him from fighting in the UK. The British Boxing Board of Control's refusal to grant a license led to the cancellation of a bout with Chris Eubank Jr. on English soil. Benn's return to the US for his upcoming fight against Peter Dobson prompted him to rejoin the VADA testing program. VADA publicly welcomed Benn and Dobson to their program, acknowledging their participation in preparation for the February 3, 2024 bout in Las Vegas. Despite Benn's claim that contamination caused the previous positive results, some skepticism arose regarding the effectiveness of the testing process. Critics questioned its impact, expressing doubts such as, "What's the point cos they just ignore it [if they test positive]." Benn's decision to adhere to the testing protocol is viewed as a significant step in rebuilding his reputation. The lead-up to the Benn vs. Dobson fight is expected to draw attention, with Benn likely sharing images of the testing process initiated by VADA. However, the debate continues whether this will be enough to dispel lingering concerns about the unexplained previous findings, as believed by the British Boxing Board of Control. #boxing #ConorBenn #VADA #BBBofC #BennDobson #LasVegas

Promoter Eddie Hearn has announced that Joseph Parker's aspirations for a rematch with Anthony Joshua will have to be put on hold, as Joshua is now set to face former UFC star Francis Ngannou in a high-profile showdown in Saudi Arabia. The announcement comes after Ngannou's loss to Tyson Fury in October, marking his professional boxing debut.   Initially, Joshua, 34, was scheduled to face Deontay Wilder after a triumphant victory over Otto Wallin. However, Wilder's unexpected defeat to Parker derailed plans for their much-anticipated bout. Parker, expressing interest in a rematch with Joshua, will now have to wait for the outcome of the Ngannou clash.   Eddie Hearn took to social media to confirm the blockbuster fight, stating, "it's a done deal." The Joshua-Ngannou collision is set to unfold on a significant night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with a potential date of March 9 mentioned. Hearn promised more details would be revealed at a press conference in London on January 15.   Ngannou, 37, born in Cameroon, gained recognition as the number 10 heavyweight by the WBC after his competitive performance against WBC heavyweight champion Fury, resulting in a controversial split decision loss in their Saudi Arabia bout.   The Saudi organizers had initially eyed a Joshua-Wilder bout for this year, but Wilder's decisive defeat by Parker on the same card as Joshua's win over Wallin altered those plans. Despite no signed contract, Joshua and Wilder were expected to announce a mega-fight post-fight, but the turn of events has shifted the spotlight to the impending Joshua-Ngannou clash.   In the broader heavyweight landscape, Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are set to fight for undisputed heavyweight supremacy on February 17 in Saudi Arabia. Fury, the WBC champion, will face Usyk, the WBA, WBO, and IBF belt holder, in a historic bout aiming to crown the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999.   #AnthonyJoshua #FrancisNgannou #JosephParker #HeavyweightBoxing #BoxingShowdown #SportsNews      

Conor Benn, the 27-year-old boxer, is gearing up for his second fight since returning to the ring, but not without facing challenges. Benn, who twice tested positive for the banned drug clomifene, is determined to prove his innocence in the appeal process. In an emotional statement, Benn admits falling out of love with boxing post the drug test controversy. He emphasizes his commitment, stating, "I'm willing to spend every last penny I have to fight my innocence, that's how much this means to me." Benn's career hit a snag in October 2022 when his bout against Chris Eubank Jr. was canceled due to positive drug tests. The independent National Anti-Doping Panel lifted his provisional suspension, but an appeal has been lodged by the British Boxing Board of Control and UK Anti-Doping. Despite the turmoil, Benn now prepares for his upcoming fight against Peter Dobson on February 3 in Las Vegas. He shares the struggles of staying disciplined and determined amid demotivation and challenges, saying, "I know how hard it is to drag myself to the gym, fall out of love with boxing, and still have to stay disciplined." Reflecting on the impact on his family's name, Benn reveals the emotional toll the incident took on him, even leading to thoughts of suicide. He describes the shame and anxiety he experienced, especially during public appearances, stating, "That (affecting family reputation) was the worst thing to deal with, the shame." Benn, the son of former two-division world champion Nigel Benn, remains focused on his upcoming fight with Dobson. While dreaming of a UK homecoming, Benn acknowledges the importance of each bout, treating Dobson as a world title fight. Despite fighting outside the UK, Benn is eager to showcase his skills in America, particularly in Vegas, known as the home of boxing. The road to redemption and clearing his name continues for Conor Benn, who remains determined to overcome challenges and prove himself in the ring. #ConorBennn #BBBofC #boxing #boxingnews

Daniel Dubois is eyeing a path back to a world title shot after his impressive victory against Jarrell Miller. His trainer, Don Charles, revealed the desired opponent for Dubois' next fight, aiming to reclaim the WBA Regular belt he lost to Oleksandr Usyk. Charles mentioned Manuel Charr as the current holder of the WBA Regular belt, which Dubois previously held. In an exclusive interview with TalkSport, Daniel Dubois' trainer, Don Charles, has unveiled their strategic plan for the British boxer's return to the world title scene. After an impressive victory over Jarrell Miller, Dubois, and his team are eyeing a specific opponent to pave the way for a second world title shot. Charles expressed his desire for Dubois to reclaim the WBA Regular belt, a title the British boxer previously held before his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in his maiden world title challenge. The current WBA Regular Champion is Manuel Charr, who was awarded the belt without winning it in the ring, according to Charles. "I have already mentioned this name, but Manuel Charr is the current holder of the WBA Regular belt, which is the belt that Daniel Dubois had before he fought Usyk. To my surprise, the WBA took that belt off of Daniel Dubois and awarded it to Manuel Charr; he didn’t actually win it in the ring. Obviously, I have got to speak to Frank [Warren], but that is the fight that I would actually like for Daniel, to get that belt back," Charles stated, highlighting the need for discussions with promoter Frank Warren. Charr, who didn't compete in 2023, finds himself in a favorable position with the WBA, making him a potential contender for the world title. The winner of the Fury-Usyk bout will eventually have to face Charr or vacate the full WBA (Super) title. Despite the long wait for the WBA's mandatory call, Charr may opt to defend his belt against potential challengers. Having called out notable British heavyweights like Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Derek Chisora, Charr now faces the prospect of a showdown with 'Diamond Boy' Daniel Dubois. If all goes according to plan, this matchup could be the key to Dubois' journey back to championship glory, pending discussions with promoter Frank Warren. #boxing #DanielDubois #ManuelCharr #boxingnews

Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou, both with secured title shots on the horizon, have opted to face each other this spring. Joshua, recently named the WBN Comeback of the Year, aims to build on his successful 2023, highlighted by a knockout victory over Otto Wallin on 'Day of Reckoning' in Saudi Arabia.   Despite the fallout from a scrapped Deontay Wilder fight, Joshua's active and victorious year positioned him for significant opportunities. While a vacant IBF ruling could have set the stage for a summer showdown with Filip Hrgovic, Joshua has chosen the high-stakes clash with ex-UFC star Ngannou on March 8.   The upcoming event, spanning ten rounds, bears resemblance to the Tyson Fury vs. Ngannou show in October, where Ngannou made waves by putting Fury on the canvas. Initially expected to be a Fury rematch over the summer, Ngannou's decision to face Joshua in Riyadh adds a layer of unpredictability to the heavyweight narrative.   Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed the bout, stating, "Tonight, we confirm it’s a Done Deal! Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou collide on a huge night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia." Further details will be unveiled in a press conference scheduled for January 15 in London.   However, the strategic move to pit Joshua against Ngannou poses significant risks for both fighters. If Ngannou pulls off an upset, Joshua risks losing his standing in the IBF pecking order, eliminating the opportunity to face Hrgovic for a vacant title.   Ngannou, despite earning a WBC ranking after a defeat, faces the precarious position of potentially losing his spot in the rating system with a second loss in boxing. Criticized by fans for a 0-1 ranking by WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman, Ngannou's eligibility to challenge Fury in a rematch is now in question, further adding intrigue to the already complex heavyweight scenario.   The strategic move to rank Ngannou was geared toward a coveted green and gold belt clash with Fury. However, a loss to the in-form Joshua could reshape the heavyweight landscape, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the outcome of this high-stakes showdown.   #AnthonyJoshua #FrancisNgannou #HeavyweightBoxing #TitleShot #RiyadhSeason #EddieHearn #SportsNews #HeavyweightShowdown

Terry Lane hints about a potential clash between Chinese heavyweight Zhilei Zhang and former WBC champion Deontay Wilder. The news emerged following the announcement of Anthony Joshua facing Francis Ngannou on March 8, injecting some much-needed excitement into the sport after a slow start to the year.   Chris Mannix added fuel to the fire when he tweeted, "Zhilei Zhang, the Chinese heavyweight who scored back-to-back knockout wins over Joe Joyce last year, is expected to appear on the card. One fight that has been discussed: Zhang-Deontay Wilder."   To validate these rumblings, ProBoxTV reached out to Terry Lane, Zhang's advisor, for insights into the potential matchup. "I guess it’s kind of out there. Things are moving fast this afternoon," Lane responded. "Zhilei (Zhang) kind of rested up some wear and tear. He’s back in the gym now, and he would love to fight (Deontay) Wilder. We think it’ll be a great fight."   Zhang, at 40 years old, had a remarkable 2023, rebounding from a loss to Filip Hrgovic with two decisive victories over Joe Joyce. Lane highlighted Zhang's growing popularity, citing the astonishing 60 million viewers in China for Zhang's rematch with Joyce.   Lane emphasized that Zhang isn't shying away from challenges and clarified that the potential Wilder matchup stems from the unavailability of other big names in the heavyweight division. "With (Daniel) Dubois and (Joseph) Parker taking brakes right now, (Oleksandr) Usyk fighting (Tyson) Fury in February, and now Joshua vs. Ngannou in March, the next biggest fight to make in boxing is Zhang and Wilder," Lane explained.   While the prospect of a Zhang vs. Wilder showdown is tantalizing, Lane cautioned that negotiations must be navigated carefully, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the business side of boxing. If the Saudi organizers are committed to making the fight a reality, it could potentially add another blockbuster bout to the already intriguing 2024 boxing landscape.   #ZhileiZhang #DeontayWilder #Boxing2024 #BoxingRumors #TerryLane #HeavyweightClash #SportsNews

As the highly anticipated undisputed heavyweight world title clash between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk approaches, speculation arises regarding Fury's commitment to the bout. The scheduled fight is just six weeks away, set to take place in Saudi Arabia on February 17th, yet former champion Shawn Porter is skeptical about it materializing.   Despite the fight being officially signed, sealed, and delivered, Porter questions Fury's enthusiasm for the upcoming challenge. In an interview with ProBox TV, Porter expressed his doubts, stating, "Even with the fight being signed sealed and delivered, I don’t feel like this is the kind of energy that he wants to exert any more in the boxing ring."   Porter continued to analyze Fury's mindset, pointing out the wear and tear a seasoned fighter like Fury might feel. "What we know about Tyson Fury is that he is a showman, what we know about Tyson Fury is that he likes things to be his way or no way," Porter remarked. He highlighted Fury's pursuit of lucrative and high-profile matchups, such as his bout against Francis Ngannou, as indicative of Fury's preferences at this stage of his career.   Fury's recent actions, including a trip to Saudi Arabia for training and a subsequent video that appeared to be filmed in England, have fueled speculation about his readiness for the upcoming fight. Meanwhile, Usyk has maintained a low profile in recent weeks, with Fury continuing to engage in verbal jabs at the Ukrainian.   In a recent social media post, Fury taunted Usyk, saying, "Another big day of running in the f**ng mountains! Come on! Easy work, smashing Usyk's little rabbit face right in for him. Useless piece of s*," accompanied by the hashtag "run rabbit run" and a caption suggesting preparation for the undisputed heavyweight championship in 2024.   The uncertainty surrounding Tyson Fury's commitment adds intrigue to the build-up of this high-stakes matchup, leaving fans and pundits alike eager to see how the narrative unfolds in the weeks leading up to the bout.   #TysonFury #OleksandrUsyk #UndisputedFight #ShawnPorter #BoxingSpeculation #HeavyweightBoxing #SportsNews2024  

In a recent development, Zhilei Zhang, the WBO Interim heavyweight champion, has expanded his hitlist by targeting a former world champion. Confident in his abilities, Zhang expressed, "Everyone thinks he's good," hinting at his eagerness to face another notable figure in the heavyweight division.   Having secured two victories against Joe Joyce in 2023 and establishing himself as a legitimate threat in the division, Zhang has set his sights on the biggest names, including Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. Winning Joyce's interim belt and mandatory position, Zhang appears poised for a shot at the victor of the upcoming Fury-Usyk clash.   Rather than resting on his laurels, 'Big Bang' Zhang is actively seeking opportunities and has expressed a willingness to feature on the Fury-Usyk undercard. His hitlist already includes names like Daniel Dubois, Efe Ajagba, Francis Ngannou, and now, a former world champion.   As the anticipation builds around Zhang's pursuit of greatness, the Chinese heavyweight's confidence and determination to face the best in the division make him a compelling figure in the ever-exciting world of heavyweight boxing.   #ZhileiZhang #HeavyweightBoxing #FuryUsyk #JosephParker #BoxingScene #WBOChampion #SportsNews