"It was a soul-cleansing day. Firstly, on a business level, boxing has been good to us, and it feels right to invest in the community and grassroots boxing. Secondly, on a personal level, there's immense joy in seeing kids move in a positive direction. With two kids of my own, one attending a boxing club, I've observed firsthand how it enhances their confidence, physical and mental health, and instills values like discipline and respect." It's more than just winning championships; it's about fostering positivity and health."During the interview with FTTV, he further talked about AJ, mentioning lots of career opportunities in world of boxing.
"AJ mentioned years ago the numerous opportunities in boxing — not just being a fighter but also roles like trainer, promoter, manager, lawyer, media, photographer, and even security. The community's involvement in boxing extends beyond just the matches. It's about providing avenues for learning, growth, and personal development."When asked about the upcoming weekend Joshua vs Helenius fight in the FTTV interview, He replied:
"There's a palpable nervousness. We've been here before — on the cusp of the Wilder fight — only to face a last-minute replacement due to a failed drug test. However, this time, the hope is that experience will guide our reactions differently."He then credited Joshua for stepping up and taking this replacement fight by cutting his purse just so undercard fighters got payed for their hard work during the whole long training camp.
"Anthony Joshua, deserves immense credit. He took a hit on the pay but was insistent on performing. It's not just about him; it's also about the undercard fighters, many of whom have invested significantly in their training."He also mentioned George Littleton in the FTTV interview as a promising young talent and before ending the FTTV interview, he talked about hoping Joshua win the fight so that he can make the most awaited Joshua vs Wilder fight.
"A notable mention was George Littleton, an emerging talent who has shown immense promise early in his career. His pairing with Kevin Mitchell is promising, with many expecting Mitchell to be an outstanding trainer. With AJ headlining this non-pay-per-view event, there's an expectation for a significant show, potentially one of the best. However, the financial dynamics have shifted significantly, affecting everyone involved, from the promoters to the fighters. The aim now is to look forward to the show, hoping for a performance that would elevate AJ's status further and make the awaited Wilder fight even more tantalizing."Watch the Full Interview here:
"Yeah, I think so. I don't know what Dillian is gonna do or how he's gonna go about this situation - but it's a huge, huge fight on his hands. We've been a year, over a year, in process with Conor Benn [and his positive drug tests]. He's now been reinstated in the WBC rankings, he's had his suspension lifted and cleared by UKAD and we're just coming out the other side of it.. you know, 12 or 13 months on," Hearn explained to Boxing With Chris Mannix. "You can imagine that Dillian Whyte has to go through a similar process with a different set of results and analysis that we've seen. And at that age [of 35], you know, is that a process that [Whyte] can come through the other side of. "We wish him all the best. And again, I was surprised. You always believe and you want to believe in those people [who test positive]. It's not something that I would expect from him, knowing the meticulous way that he goes about his work and how careful he is after previous incidences that he was exonerated for, but you also can't ignore it and it has to be dealt with."This incident marks the third drug testing controversy in Whyte's career. He faced a two-year ban in 2012 due to a positive drug test and had another positive test in 2019, although he was later cleared of those charges by UKAD.
"They are all big fights for me, all the fights are my babies, from the first fight to when I have my last fight, I love them all. I got two kids and I love them the same way, I don’t love one better than the other and it’s the same with my fights," Chisora said. "I know what Gerald is going to bring, he’ll put his Usain Bolt shoes on and he’s going to run, but that’s OK, we’re going to chase him, find him and mess him up. I won’t lie, he’s my friend, but when I get in the ring, I’ll eat this guy up. "All fights you have to win, sometimes it’s not your day; man makes plans and God laughs at him. I can say I’m going to KO him in three rounds and it goes the 12. I wanted to win all the fights I’ve lost."Washington's recent track hasn't been smooth either, facing defeat in three of his last four fights. But in 2019, he managed to secure a knockout win against Helenius, the same boxer set for the main event against Joshua. This upcoming match with Chisora will be Washington's first since January 2022.
“I told him, listen, give me the same purse bid you offered to Dillian Whyte, I will fight. Who’s Dillian Whyte? I was the last WBA champion, I never lost. I was ready. I am bigger than Dillian Whyte.”Charr implied that Joshua might not be willing to face him due to his belief that Joshua is mentally struggling. Despite his confidence in his abilities, it's clear that Charr will not get the opportunity to prove his theory. Instead, Robert Helenius will be the one stepping in to fight Joshua at the O2 Arena.
“They’re looking for an easy opponent. It’s not about money, trust me. I think Joshua is not ready to fight me, that’s the problem. If he is a real man he would say yes I will take Charr. I know one punch on his skin and I will break his chin. He’s not strong, he knows he’s mentally broken.”
“That’s my plan, and that’s why I’m here.” “This means everything because I’ve been chasing world champion for fifteen years. I’ve not gotten there. I’ve had some injuries here and there. I’ve gotten big fights. In 2009, I knocked out Samuel Peter, Lamon Brewster, and Siarhei Liakhovich, but I’ve had a bad injury and have been long away.” “I’ve been in this game for a long time, and I think this is my golden ticket. Derek Chisora is going to be surprised. I’m going to beat Anthony Joshua on Saturday night.”You can overlook Chisora’s predictions because Joshua is his friend, so he’s obviously biased. However, common sense would tell you that this is Joshua’s fight to lose.
“He’s a good guy, and he has his heart in the right place, and I have much respect for him. The fight didn’t go well for me. I’d been training for that fight for one year, but this is boxing, and this stuff happens. “I hope to redeem myself and show my worth. It’s going to be a really, really good fight. I’ve been training really hard. It’s going to be fireworks and glorious.”
“I don’t know what now for Dillian Whyte. We are in a position where he is 35 years old and he has failed a drug test. “This is going to look terrible for him and what does the future hold for him? He needs to clear his name but that could take six months. Dillian Whyte must be devastated but if he has been cheating then I am glad he has been found out and he should be punished and banned and this should be the end of his career. But let’s wait, we can’t point the finger, we need to wait and see because of the Conor Benn situation.”Froch also referenced welterweight star Conor Benn's recent positive tests for banned substances in 2022, leading to a hearing with the National Anti-Doping Panel. Although Benn was eventually cleared to fight, UKAD and the British Boxing Board of Control may appeal the ruling. Carl Froch strongly believes that fighters who test positive for banned substances need to face significant punishments and bans to preserve the integrity of the sport. He hopes that harsher penalties will deter athletes from cheating and protect the reputation of boxing.
“It is not good enough and I am glad they are getting found out. If they are cheating they need to be found out, they need to be punished, they need to get banned. If you get done twice then it’s a lifetime ban and a massive fine, get out because you are a disgrace to the sport."
“My motor was running hot and I was punching him hard and hard and hard, and he wasn’t going down. He was standing there. So I didn’t want to burn out and let him catch a win and come back with something. So I was being patient, being smart, and was looking for the kill. But at the end of the day, he withstood a bunch of big, big, big punches. "I don’t know how he survived the first round, but he’s a dog and I walked the dog. For sure [he could feel my power], I could see it the whole fight. In the first round, I seen his eyes light up and he was like, ‘OK, they talk about this kid’s power, but when you feel it, it’s different.”According to Paul, Diaz could certainly feel his power throughout the Paul vs Diaz fight, especially in the first round when his punches seemed to surprise the MMA veteran. Diaz's trademark antics and trash-talking were also on full display during the match, adding an extra layer of excitement and intensity to the encounter. The two fighters engaged in verbal exchanges throughout the Paul vs Diaz bout, creating an electric atmosphere inside the ring. Paul recalled how they communicated with each other during the fight, with Diaz delivering words that were not fit for repetition. Despite the heated exchanges, Paul found the experience enjoyable and mentioned that it was one of his most memorable fights yet.
“We were talking to each other the whole fight. He was saying words that I can’t repeat, but I was like, ‘Where’s all that talk now? Gotcha! Shut up!’ It was fun. “When you’re in there with another dog, you can sense it and it just makes the sport more fun. This fight was probably the most memorable yet.”The Paul vs Diaz clash showcased the passion and intensity that both fighters brought to the ring. For Paul, the victory over an MMA veteran like Diaz served as a significant accomplishment in his burgeoning boxing career. The fight provided thrilling moments and a glimpse of the potential for future matchups that could further elevate the sport's popularity.
“The greatest fighters fight everybody.”When asked about his prediction for the Usyk vs Dubois fight, Tyson stated that he would stick with the champion, Usyk, as he hasn't seen Dubois fight before. Many others also favor Usyk in this bout, believing that Dubois only has a "puncher's chance" against the experienced champion.
“I never saw Dubois fight. I’m going to stick with the champion. [Usyk]”Despite being just 25 years old, Dubois is considered a seasoned fighter in the heavyweight division compared to Tyson's early achievements when he won his first world title at the age of 20 after 27 professional fights. Usyk, who is now 36 years old, is hoping for a victory in this Usyk vs Dubois fight. There are hopes that if he wins, negotiations can take place for a potential showdown between Usyk and WBC champion Tyson Fury, aiming to create the first undisputed heavyweight fight in over two decades. However, Fury has his own challenge ahead in the form of a bout against MMA star Francis Ngannou, and it's worth noting that Tyson has been appointed as one of Ngannou's trainers for the match in Riyadh, scheduled for October. The potential outcome of the Usyk vs Dubois fight carries significant implications for the future of the heavyweight division. Should Usyk emerge victorious, the hope is that negotiations can be initiated for a historic showdown between Usyk and the reigning WBC champion, Tyson Fury. The boxing world eagerly anticipates the possibility of an undisputed heavyweight title fight, which would mark the first time in over two decades that one fighter would hold all four major belts in the division. However, Tyson Fury faces his own tough challenge before such a bout can become a reality. He is set to take on MMA superstar Francis Ngannou, and interestingly, Tyson himself has been officially appointed as one of Ngannou's trainers for this highly-anticipated crossover match scheduled in Riyadh for October. This unique collaboration has added an intriguing subplot to the heavyweight landscape and garnered significant attention from both boxing and MMA enthusiasts.
“Eddie Hearn, Joshua, I believe I can be the replacement you're looking for – again! Let's go another round. Let's complete the trilogy. Let’s make this happen.”The backdrop to Ruiz's challenge lies in the past encounters between the two boxers. In the summer of 2019, Ruiz Jr gave Joshua the first defeat of his career. This match was met with widespread astonishment as the Mexican boxer not only bested Joshua on points but also claimed the world title belts, bringing them back to North America in a stunning upset. Yet Joshua was not to be deterred by this setback. In a highly-anticipated rematch, Joshua showcased his resilience and determination. He turned in a focused performance and successfully regained all of his belts, proving to all his critics that he was still a formidable force in the boxing world. These belts, however, would later be lost to Oleksandr Usyk. In the aftermath of these bouts, Ruiz Jr, who was noticeably heavier during the first two fights, has undergone a significant physical transformation. He has shed a considerable amount of weight and presents a leaner figure now. With this physical overhaul, Ruiz Jr is now eagerly setting his sights on a potential trilogy match against the British boxer. This proposed bout has added a new layer of intrigue and anticipation to the unfolding drama in the boxing world.
"All credit to my team and I want to run it back in MMA, $10million PFL," that’s the offer. Let’s run it back in MMA to make it fair. I won one, now it's your chance in home territory of MMA. He’s real tough, that’s what he’s known for but tough in this sport doesn’t work. I knocked him and won basically every round, I had him hurt in the first round and he kept on coming.Diaz responded to Paul's proposal with readiness, expressing disappointment in his own performance but demonstrating his willingness to fight anyone. He joked about his MMA moves during the boxing match, mentioning a guillotine choke in the ninth round, and suggesting he "won that battle."
"Let's do it," Diaz replied to Paul's offer. "We're going to have to co-promote with Real Fight Inc. He's big and he's tough, I wish I could have done better things but some s***, it didn't go the way I wanted it to. I should have trained better and done better things but it’s all good. He won this one but i'll fight anyone, I don't give a f***. "I wasn't trying to but I had the single leg [takedown] in the first round and the choke in the ninth, so I won that battle. He’s tough and he’s big, I think he’s doing a great job.” "I'm glad I had a worthy opponent, someone who has done something out of fighting and also made a big name for themselves inside of fighting too. That's what I like, I can go out there against somebody who everyone thinks is going to whip my a** when I beg to differ. So we can definitely come and get that back."Diaz appreciated having a formidable opponent in Paul, recognizing his accomplishments both in and out of the fighting world. He expressed interest in facing someone who is generally expected to defeat him, stating he "begs to differ." With the prospect of Paul vs Diaz MMA rematch, Diaz is eager to redeem himself.
"I think (Nate) needs a little more work, but let's get straight to the point. I'm considerably superior to both of these guys that are out there. I'd be intrigued by the idea of taking on whoever they've got for me. If they want a Round 2 and he doesn't want to, I'll step up. He's not the only one with an older brother. Remember the original."Nick Diaz, aged 40, has been absent from combat sports since a September 2021 defeat to Robbie Lawler. This bout, which Diaz lost via a third-round TKO, marked his first since 2015. Post-fight, Diaz suggested more matches were in his future, but the UFC and its president Dana White remained noncommittal about his path forward. Currently, it appears that Diaz is considering various possibilities.
"I'd like to get a clear understanding of the current scenario because I'm not entirely sure what's happening. However, I'd like to keep my options open... I'd be interested in exploring something in the near future. We could discuss that. It could be either of the Paul brothers, or perhaps something different. I've got a lot on my plate right now, but we can figure it out. "That's why I generally steer clear of the fight game, because when I'm in, I'm all in. It's never half-hearted for me. My presence here today, I feel, gives me an opportunity to slightly open the window. If that's the case, I just want to make it clear. I'm as motivated as ever. I work harder and am better than anyone else in this field at this point in time."Jake Paul, 26, Won on Saturday with a unanimous decision against Nate Diaz in Paul vs Diaz bout, following a split decision loss to Tommy Fury in February. Logan Paul is gearing up for his first professional boxing match since 2019, slated to face an opponent yet to be announced on October 14 in Manchester, England.
"That Jake Paul performance was terrible”alongside an emoji symbolizing both laughter and tears. In the same tweet, he promoted his forthcoming October 14 faceoff against Tommy Fury, billing it as a
"real fight and challenge."Paul vs Diaz match began with an explosive start. Paul, the social media influencer turned boxer, landed several powerful hits against Diaz in the opening round, leaving Diaz reeling on the ropes in his boxing debut. Despite this early onslaught, Diaz managed to rally and show marked improvement as the rounds progressed. By the fourth round of the Paul vs Diaz, Diaz seemed to finally gain some ground, with Paul showing signs of fatigue for the first time in the fight. But this upward trend was short-lived. In the fifth round, Paul struck Diaz with a clean left hook, scoring a knockdown and nearly sending Diaz out of the ring. Though Paul rushed in to finish the job, Diaz hung on. The latter half of the fight saw both men showing signs of fatigue, but Paul's boxing experience gave him the upper hand, helping him secure most of the rounds. Despite the scrappy nature of the action, the match lasted the full ten rounds, with Paul unable to deliver a knockout blow. Paul was declared the winner by unanimous decision, though Diaz claimed a moral victory. Many observers, including KSI, remained unimpressed by Paul’s performance. KSI's criticism of Paul and his upcoming fight with Fury add another layer of intrigue to the drama. Fury previously beat Paul in a split decision in February, with Paul hinting at a potential rematch. Furthermore, a potential showdown between KSI and Paul would be a high-stakes, high-revenue event, serving as a pinnacle in the ongoing spectacle of 'influencer boxing.' This anticipated matchup continues to generate buzz, regardless of the outcome of KSI's imminent match with Fury.
"In light of this news, the fight will be cancelled, and a full investigation will be conducted. Further information on the event will follow."Dillian Whyte's camp has been taken aback by the news, and the fighter himself is likely to face scrutiny as the investigation unfolds. The setback could have serious consequences for Whyte's career and reputation, potentially resulting in a lengthy suspension or even the termination of his boxing license. On the other hand, Anthony Joshua, the former heavyweight champion, finds himself in a difficult position. With his much-anticipated rematch against Whyte now off the table, Joshua's team may consider seeking a replacement opponent for the scheduled date. However, there are no confirmations yet on whether Joshua will pursue an alternative fight or simply wait for the proposed Deontay Wilder showdown, rumored to take place in January in Saudi Arabia. The cancellation of the Joshua vs Whyte rematch also casts a shadow on the undercard match between Filip Hrgovic and Demsey McKean, which was set to take place on the same night. Fans who were eagerly anticipating the action-packed event are left disappointed, with the possibility of Hrgovic and McKean's match being postponed or rescheduled. Anti-doping measures play a crucial role in professional sports, particularly in boxing, where the physical toll on fighters can be immense. The detection of adverse findings emphasizes the importance of such testing to ensure a level playing field and protect the health and safety of the athletes involved. The boxing community is now closely watching how the investigation will unfold and what consequences will be imposed on Dillian Whyte. For Matchroom and other boxing organizations, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for stringent anti-doping protocols to maintain the sport's credibility and integrity. As the situation continues to evolve, fans of the sport will have to wait for further updates from the authorities and promoters to know how the heavyweight division will shape up in the aftermath of this unexpected turn of events. For now, the excitement surrounding the Joshua vs Whyte rematch has been replaced by uncertainty and disappointment, leaving a cloud of controversy hanging over the world of boxing.
"I know it's going to be very challenging for me," Ngannou told Sky Sports News. "I don't think I will be frustrated because I'm not going there just expecting to hit him easily. I know it's going to be tough, it might even be tougher for me than for him, which is the case because he has a lot of experience "I'm prepared for that, my mind is ready for that. I have that information, even in my training camp, I'm preparing for someone who is tough, not easy to hit, very well-rounded as a boxer, very durable. "It's about a delivery system. You can have a biggest weapon but you also need to aim at the right target and to hit. We are shaping that skill to be able to deliver on the proper direction so we can get the result."Despite the vast difference in boxing experience between the two fighters, Ngannou remains undaunted by Fury's unbeaten record of 34 professional fights. He respects his opponent but refuses to be intimidated, drawing on his own experience of facing high-level opponents in the octagon. Since parting ways with the UFC and signing with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and their Super Fights Division in 2023, Ngannou has had ample time to prepare for this significant showdown. As the Fury vs Ngannou fight approaches, fans eagerly await the clash between these two formidable heavyweight fighters, each bringing their unique skills and strengths to the ring. Ngannou's determination to challenge Fury in the boxing arena has set the stage for an exciting and highly anticipated encounter.
"I respect him, as I respect every opponent, which I should. But being intimidated by him, no I'm not intimidated by him and I'm not intimidated by anybody. "I've been there so many times with so many people, maybe in the octagon, but it's the same thing. "When you have somebody in front of you, octagon or ring, it's just about fighting and focusing on your opponent. "I think I have a lot of experience of that myself, of being with a high level of fighter in front of me."
'I know it's going to be very challenging for me,' Ngannou told Sky Sports News. 'I don't think I will be frustrated because I'm not going there just expecting to hit him easily. I know it's going to be tough, it might even be tougher for me than for him, which is the case because he has a lot of experience. 'I'm prepared for that, my mind is ready for that. I have that information, even in my training camp, I'm preparing for someone who is tough, not easy to hit, very well-rounded as a boxer, very durable. 'It's about a delivery system. You can have a biggest weapon but you also need to aim at the right target and to hit. 'We are shaping that skill to be able to deliver on the proper direction so we can get the result.'
“Shout out to everybody for the love and support. I appreciate everybody coming out. Much love. And no matter how the fight goes, don’t forget, this motherf***** can’t really fight. Motherf*****. F*** you.”In response, Paul kept it straightforward. He began by mocking the crowd that was heavily booing him, but then shifted his focus to Diaz, delivering a stern final warning.
“Boo yourselves, virgins. Boo yourselves, virgins. They’ve been saying ‘Nate’s tough, Nate’s a dog.’ Well guess what, Ariel? Tomorrow, I’m dog-walking that b****! I’m putting him back on a leash and I’m sending him back to the cage! I’m f****** him up! I’m f****** him up!”