“I do know that PBC has talked to Amazon. “I believe that’s their preferred destination. They’d prefer to do a deal with Amazon. “Amazon have gotten into sports more than other streaming services over the last couple of years. “I know there have been discussions between PBC and Amazon. “I don’t know what Amazon are looking to do – whether they’re looking to become a Showtime-like boxing provider or one-off shows, I don’t know the answer to that question. “But there has been dialogue between PBC officials and Amazon.”PBC boasts a stable of high-profile boxers, including Gervonta Davis, Canelo Alvarez, and Deontay Wilder, and has recently added Terence Crawford to its roster. The potential partnership with Amazon Prime could offer a fresh and innovative platform for PBC to showcase its marquee fights and could be a major step forward in the evolution of how boxing content is delivered to fans.
“Tyson Fury delivers again [by signing this fight]. That’s why you gotta love this guy, he’s like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gunna get.”When asked about his prediction for the Fury vs Usyk fight, Malignaggi was clear in his response.
“I think Fury beats him. I think it’s 65-35 Fury. I think he’s too big.”This is a sentiment echoed by many in the boxing community, but that won't diminish the Fury vs Usyk fight's significance. It's set to be one of the biggest fights in recent memory, with Fury expected to earn at least $100 million, according to his Top Rank promoter Bob Arum.
“Ben Davison is a good trainer, I like his tactics and the way he breaks down fights tactically from round one, so if Ben and AJ are working together, it will be an interesting addition to AJ’s mindset, and maybe tactics as well.” “But I I don’t know the extent of how much he’s working with him? But I can’t see any disadvantages to AJ having a little bit of work with Ben Davison. I think Ben Davison’s a great, great coach. He’s had some good success as a coach and is dedicated, he puts the time into his students, so I’ve got nothing against that.” “But I don’t understand what AJ’s thought process is, because why is he not just sticking with Derek James and sticking with him and listening to him and working with him. I think he’s a bit disrespectful actually to Derek James, but I don’t know how Derek James feels about that.”It's still unclear if Joshua will continue to work with Davison regularly or if this is just a temporary thing while he's in the UK. James is based in Texas, so there might be some logistical challenges. Promoter Eddie Hearn has said that Joshua could be back in the ring in December, but for that to happen, an opponent would need to be announced soon.
"I want the Chinese guy."he said, referring to Zhilei Zhang. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches, Zhang has rapidly risen through the ranks to become one of the most promising contenders in the heavyweight division. Zhang, also known as 'Big Bang,' has gained attention following two impressive knockout victories over British fighter Joe Joyce in 2023. These consecutive wins have earned him the WBA mandatory status, positioning him as a potential opponent for the winner of the upcoming undisputed world heavyweight championship bout between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. Throughout his 27-fight career, Zhang has suffered only one loss, a contentious decision against Filip Hrgovic in August 2022, which many fans believed Zhang had won. This setback hasn't deterred the 6'6" Chinese powerhouse, who has expressed his eagerness to face Tyson Fury, someone he has long wanted to challenge. However, Chisora's challenge represents a significant test for Zhang, who has more experience and a reputation for resilience. Despite Chisora's enthusiasm, Zhang has advised him to "wait in line," indicating that a fight between the two may not be imminent. Zhang, 40, has also been mentioned as a potential opponent for Anthony Joshua, a matchup that his team appears to be more interested in pursuing. Whether Zhang faces Chisora, Joshua, or another top contender, he is undoubtedly a fighter to watch in the heavyweight division. Chisora, on the other hand, continues to defy expectations at the age of 38. With a career spanning over a decade, he has faced some of the best in the division and has become a fan favorite for his never-say-die attitude and willingness to take on all challengers. Despite the odds, Chisora remains hopeful and determined to secure a big fight and possibly add a few more chapters to his storied career.
“I pick Usyk. Fury’s a big strong guy who can move. I’ve never been a Fury fan in the sense that he’s a great fighter, no. He beat Wilder, but Wilder is Wilder, a big puncher, but he doesn’t do anything else.”Mancini then explained why he believes Usyk has the upper hand. Usyk possesses a superior boxing IQ and a wealth of amateur experience. He's the real deal. His ability to create angles and handle larger opponents gives him an advantage. I predict he'll outmaneuver Fury with his precision and strategic approach. If Fury didn't view him as a challenge, he would have agreed to the fight much sooner.
“Usyk has a high boxing IQ. He has the amateur background, this guy is the real deal. He gives you angles, he knows how to fight big guys. I pick him to win. I think his angles will be on point. He punches in straight lines. I think he will give problems to Fury every which way and that he beats Fury, I really do. If Fury didn’t think he was a headache for him, he would have taken it in a minute. That didn’t happen.”Bob Arum has estimated that Fury could earn around $200 million for the fight. Whether he'll also secure four belts that night remains to be seen.
“As a man who knows first hand how hard it is mentally & physically to come off a defeat & go straight into a rematch. Gotta give all the respect to @JoeJoyceBoxing for getting back in there & putting it all on the line for a shot at glory & redemption,” Eubank said on social media. “Very few people understand how hard it is to do what you did tonight. “Zhang’s a hell of a fighter congratulations to him & keep your head up Joe you will be back.”The future steps for Joyce remain uncertain, especially as he loses his mandatory status for the WBO heavyweight world title, signaling a tough journey ahead for him to regain his position. However, promoter Frank Warren hinted at the possibility of a rematch with Daniel Dubois, whom Joyce defeated in 2020, even if Joyce lost to Zhang. Meanwhile, Zhang has secured his position as the mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk’s title and has expressed his desire to challenge WBC heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury, calling him out after his win over Joyce.
“I always come ready for every fight but we’ve taken the extra steps to make sure we get the win,” Zepeda told BoxingScene.com. “My losses have come in championship fights. But I don’t want to be known as that guy who falls short at [the top] level. That’s the main reason why I took this fight.”Zepeda, with a record of 34-3 and 27 KOs, has faced defeat in three title attempts, the most recent against Regis Prograis last November in California. Despite this, the 34-year-old has secured six consecutive wins before, earning his opportunity for title challenges. He started his winning streak with a victory over Jose Pedraza in September 2019 and demonstrated his prowess with a first-round knockout of Josue Vargas in October 2021. However, the loss to Prograis was a blow to his morale, especially with whispers suggesting he’s past his prime. Zepeda managed to bounce back with a decisive victory over Neeraj Goyat in March. He credits his newfound momentum to the insights gained from his new head trainer, Manny Robles, as he gears up to face the undefeated 25-year-old Hitchins, a prominent contender in the junior welterweight category.
“I know that Richardson Hitchins is very fast and probably the best prospect in the division,” noted Zepeda. “What I also know is that a win over a fighter like him puts me right back on the world title scene.”In this crucial match, Zepeda not only aims for victory but also seeks to revitalize his career and re-establish his presence in the world title landscape.
“Zhang is a great fighter, and he’s a great southpaw,” Joyce said. “He’s a fellow (Olympic) silver medalist, and he’s probably avoided by most. It was probably a bit too far of a risk. “I’m not used to fighting southpaws, I hadn’t fought a southpaw for a long time. But he’s a great fighter and he’s avoided for a reason. “It’s just disappointing, because I got myself into the position I was, and it obviously a risk too far, and I paid the price.”Joyce (15-2, 14 KO) had more to say:
“I was a bit more concentrated on what he was throwing and (trying to warm) into the fight, doing what I’d been practicing. But he’s a difficult fighter. It’s just a risk too far. Maybe I could have gone another route, but I decided to take the challenge and I paid the price. “But this is not it for me. There’s plenty more. I’ve got plenty more in the tank. You should see me again out there. I don’t know, I’m just going to have to have a bit of time off, reflect, watch the fight back, and come back new and improved.” “I’m going to have to talk to my team and see what’s the best route. Obviously I’m disappointed and have to reflect and watch the fight back and see what mistakes I made. But hats off to Zhang. He’s a great fighter and I’m sure he’s going to be in some great fights next. But I’m going to have to rebuild and come back, go a different route.” “Possibly. That’d be an interesting fight. He’s got a new coach and seems to be improving. If the people want to see it, that could be a possibility.”
“After the unification, you’ve got the IBF and the WBO calling for their respective mandatories, that means the winner of this will be the WBO mandatory challenger and will get a shot next year,” Warren told SecondsOut. “The loser, it could take him a long time to get himself into position for a voluntary, because there won’t be no voluntaries, or getting himself back into the number one spot. That could take two years. So that’s why Joe has asked for it (the rematch). Joe knows what he did wrong last time. And the big question is can he correct it.” “We’ll see, those titles are going to have to be defended, there’s no doubt about that,” Warren said. “The winner of this will fight for the WBO version.”