Shannon Briggs, the 51-year-old former heavyweight champion, is set to make a remarkable return to the ring after nearly seven years of absence, boldly declaring, "I'm still an animal." Hailing from the same Brooklyn neighborhood as Mike Tyson, Briggs is renowned for his iconic catchphrase, "let's go champ," and his storied bouts against legends like Lennox Lewis, George Foreman, Francois Botha, and Ray Mercer. Briggs, who hasn't fought since a first-round knockout in 2016, is gearing up for a comeback against American mixed martial artist 'Rampage' aka Quentin Jackson next year. Speaking on the Jaxxon Podcast, Briggs attributed his hiatus to a lack of willing opponents, stating, "The only reason I haven't been active is nobody will fight me. They're scared." Asserting that age has not diminished his power, Briggs emphasized, "I'm 51, and I still hit hard. I'm still an animal." He brushed off concerns about losing power, confidently stating that he can still take a punch. With an eye on the heavyweight title, Briggs outlined his ambitious goal of a ten-fight comeback run, expressing a desire to face real boxers and eventually challenge the likes of Tyson Fury for the championship. As Briggs sets his sights on a boxing resurgence, the question looms over whether he can secure legitimate opponents at this stage in his career. Nevertheless, his determination and confidence add an intriguing chapter to the narrative of a seasoned fighter seeking a late-career triumph in the unforgiving world of professional boxing. Boxing enthusiasts eagerly await the unfolding of Briggs' comeback journey and the potential challenges he may face on his quest for heavyweight glory.

The highly anticipated heavyweight world championship unification clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury is still awaiting a formal date, with February being the targeted month. As the WBC Convention commenced in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman expressed confidence that the upcoming bout would go down in history as one of the greatest boxing matches ever. Sulaiman, speaking at the convention, dismissed concerns about Fury's recent performance against MMA fighter Francis Ngannou, emphasizing that a single bout doesn't define a fighter's caliber. He acknowledged Fury's challenging outing against Otto Wallin but highlighted the subsequent impressive knockout victory over Deontay Wilder. According to Sulaiman, "It's about the moment, and we will see who has it at that time. It will be one of the greatest fights in history." Despite Fury's recent challenges, Sulaiman remains optimistic about the champion's readiness to face Usyk, the three-belt titleholder. He urged spectators not to underestimate Fury based on a single match, reiterating that anything can happen in the world of boxing. The WBC president emphasized the unpredictability of the sport, stating, "The best man will win." As fans eagerly await the formal announcement of the bout's date, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be a historic showdown between two formidable champions. The clash between Usyk and Fury has captured the imagination of the boxing world, with Sulaiman's endorsement only adding to the excitement surrounding this heavyweight unification spectacle.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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