In a recent interview, Anthony Joshua shares his insights on the upcoming Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk clash, predicting that Usyk will have the edge in this highly anticipated bout. Joshua, currently preparing to face former UFC titan Francis Ngannou, recognizes the significance of the Fury-Usyk showdown, which will determine the undisputed heavyweight champion next month. Expressing his thoughts on the matchup, Joshua admits, "It's going to be a good fight. I think Usyk edges it." Despite his potential clash with Usyk for the third time, Joshua believes Fury won't emerge as the holder of all world titles after facing Usyk. His primary concern, however, is the well-being of both fighters, stating, "I just want them both (Fury and Usyk) to be healthy and leave the ring." While acknowledging the tough nature of the sport, Joshua remains indifferent to the outcome, stating, "It doesn't affect my life. I'm not one of those fans that starts crying because someone won or lost." Despite this, Joshua reveals a preference between Usyk and Fury, leaning towards the opportunity to face Tyson Fury in the ring, considering it a better fight for both fans and himself. Looking forward, Joshua seems at peace with various future scenarios, emphasizing luck to both fighters. He also recognizes the challenging nature of facing Usyk, highlighting the difficulty others, including himself, have experienced against the Ukrainian boxer. #AnthonyJoshua #TysonFury #OleksandrUsyk #FightPrediction #HeavyweightShowdown #BoxingTalk

In a thrilling Super Bowl weekend showdown, WBO light welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez (19-1, 13 KOs) is all set to defend his title against fringe contender Jamaine Ortiz on February 8th in Las Vegas. Lopez, eyeing future clashes with top names like Terence Crawford, Ryan Garcia, and Devin Haney, sees this fight as the pinnacle of his career. This bout holds special significance for Lopez, who has faced criticism for not immediately pursuing a rematch with George Kambosos Jr. Despite the chatter, Lopez remains laser-focused on Ortiz, with whom he crossed paths in the amateur ranks at the age of 17. The champion is eager to gauge the growth and skills he and Ortiz have developed since then, making this a true test of their mettle. The opponent choice, Ortiz, recently defeated by Vasily Lomachenko, has raised eyebrows among fans. Lopez acknowledges the skepticism but is determined to make a statement in the ring. He strategically drops names like Terence Crawford to generate buzz around the fight, emphasizing his commitment to progressing to more significant challenges in 2024. As the Super Bowl weekend approaches, Lopez is gearing up to captivate fans at the Michelob Ultra Arena. He aims to showcase his skills against Ortiz and continue pursuing elite matchups beyond, setting the stage for an eventful year in boxing. #TeofimoLopez #JamaineOrtiz #WBOChampion #SuperBowlShowdown #BoxingGreatness #FightNight

Australian-based boxer Darragh Foley has thrown down the gauntlet, urging Eddie Hearn to arrange a showdown with British Champion Dalton Smith. After a brief hiatus following his May defeat against Jack Catterall, Foley is eager to be the one to give Smith a "real test" in the ring. The 35-year-old is making noise on social media, indicating that it's high time for the Sheffield prospect to face a formidable opponent. Foley, known for his upset victory against Robbie Davies Jr in March 2023, believes he has what it takes to disrupt the predictions of future stardom surrounding Smith. Despite the loss to Catterall, Foley is keen on securing one last fight under his Matchroom contract, and he sees Smith as the ideal opponent. The Australian fighter is no stranger to causing surprises, having halted Davies Jr's title pursuit with a knockout win. Dalton Smith, a familiar name for Irish fight followers, is yet to experience Foley's challenge. The 26-year-old, often linked to Irish fighters like Sean McComb, has garnered praise from Hearn and others in the industry. However, Foley remains unconvinced and is eager to upset Hearn's plans by securing a bout with Smith instead of an in-house fight with Liverpool's Davies, as suggested by the promoter. Foley's bold callout and desire for a significant matchup have added an exciting twist to the super lightweight division. As the talks gain momentum, fight fans are anticipating whether Foley can indeed be the real test that Smith needs or if the British Champion will continue his ascent unscathed. #DarraghFoley #DaltonSmith #BoxingChallenge #MatchroomBoxing #FightTalks #UpcomingBout

In what promises to be a 'knockout chaos,' the much-anticipated heavyweight clash between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou has taken an intriguing turn. The fight, dubbed 'KO Chaos' by the promotion, is set to unfold in Saudi Arabia, with the added twist that the winner might face off against the victor of the Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk showdown on February 17, as revealed by Saudi Arabia’s Chairman of General Authority for Entertainment, Turki Alalshikh. As the promotional machinery gears up, Joshua took a moment to question Ngannou about his recent opponent, Tyson Fury. Filming a promotional feature, Joshua queried Ngannou about Fury's power, particularly seeking the Cameroonian's thoughts on whether he respected Fury's punching prowess. Ngannou, known for his candid remarks, had previously acknowledged Fury as one of the hardest hitters he has faced across both MMA and boxing. The statistics hint at a power-packed encounter, with Joshua boasting an 88% knockout ratio compared to Fury's 70%. Fresh from a punishing victory over Otto Wallin, Joshua brings formidable power to the ring. The fight is further fueled by the 'KO Chaos' branding, a phrase that encapsulates both fighters' propensity for one-shot stoppages. Ngannou, a force in the UFC with a highlight reel of explosive finishes, dropped Fury early in their previous bout, showcasing his own knockout prowess. As the heavyweight landscape is set for 'chaos,' fans are eagerly anticipating whether Joshua's knockout ability will triumph over Ngannou's raw power, and if this clash will pave the way for the long-awaited Joshua vs. Fury showdown. #HeavyweightClash #JoshuaVsNgannou #KOChaos #TysonFury #BoxingDrama #FightNightFeast**

In a major development, the World Boxing Association (WBA) has officially mandated a high-stakes eliminator showdown between the #1 ranked heavyweight, Martin Bakole, and the #7 contender, Cassius Chaney. The WBA's Championships Committee has issued a formal communication to both fighters' teams, providing a 30-day window to ink the bout contract and vie for the golden opportunity to become the next mandatory challenger for the prestigious title. According to championship rule C.30, an elimination fight will be arranged between the highest available contenders certified by the Championship Committee, allowing a maximum of thirty (30) days for negotiation. This sets the stage for a fierce battle, as Bakole and Chaney eye the chance to climb the heavyweight ranks and secure a shot at championship glory. However, should the parties fail to reach an agreement within the stipulated timeframe, or if either side declines to sign the contract, the Championship Committee holds the authority to initiate a purse bid. This bid, conducted under the body's rules, will involve a 50% purse split, adding an additional layer of anticipation to the unfolding drama in the heavyweight division. Boxing enthusiasts around the globe are now on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating whether Bakole and Chaney will seize this golden opportunity or if the Championship Committee will step in to determine the course of this pivotal eliminator. #WBAEliminator #BakoleVsChaney #HeavyweightTitleShot #BoxingDrama #RoadToChampionship

In a sensational twist in the world of boxing promotions, the legendary Frank Warren has thrown down the gauntlet, challenging arch-rival Eddie Hearn to a jaw-dropping million-pound bet. This bold move comes as Saudi Arabia expresses interest in a dream Matchroom vs. Queensberry card, headlined by none other than the much-anticipated clash between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. Warren, the mastermind behind Queensberry Promotions, hinted at pitting the best of his stable against Matchroom fighters as early as 2020. Now, it seems like the gloves are truly off, with the 71-year-old promoter exuding confidence about making this blockbuster matchup a reality. Speaking exclusively to Mail Sport's Charlotte Daly after the Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou press conference, Warren emphasized the jeopardy Joshua faces against the big-punching Ngannou. He pointed out the risk involved and compared it to Tyson Fury's unbeaten record, underscoring the challenge for the heavyweight champion.     The veteran promoter went on to reveal his enthusiasm for a potential showdown between the winners of the March 8 bout and the Fury vs. Ngannou clash. Notably, Warren proposed a million-pound wager with Hearn to add an extra layer of excitement to the already electrifying prospect of the two promotional giants going head-to-head. Warren concluded with insights into the pressure on Joshua and the potential for Ngannou to become one of the top three heavyweights globally. As the boxing world eagerly awaits these epic matchups, the stakes have been raised with Warren's million-pound challenge to Hearn. #BoxingShowdown #WarrenVsHearn #HeavyweightBattle #MillionPoundBet #MatchroomQueensberryClash

In a surprising twist, Anthony Joshua has voiced his prediction that Oleksandr Usyk will emerge victorious against Tyson Fury in their upcoming undisputed heavyweight title clash on February 17. Joshua, set to face Francis Ngannou on March 8 in Saudi Arabia, sees Usyk as the likely winner but expresses his preference to square off against fellow Brit Fury in the future. Despite his prior losses to Usyk in 2021, Joshua maintains a keen interest in the heavyweight landscape. The anticipation for both the Fury vs. Usyk clash and Joshua's bout with Ngannou is escalating, with fans eager to witness the unfolding drama in the division. The winner of Joshua vs. Ngannou could potentially secure a shot at the victor of the undisputed showdown, adding an extra layer of significance to both matchups. Having tasted defeat at the hands of Usyk, Joshua remains composed, emphasizing his primary concern for the well-being of both fighters. He states, "I just want them both to be healthy and leave the ring. It's a tough game. So that's all I can ask for, that they leave the ring healthy." Joshua's pragmatic approach underscores the challenges and risks inherent in the sport, transcending personal preferences or rivalries. While the boxing world awaits the outcomes of these crucial matchups, Joshua remains stoic about the results not significantly impacting his life. His focus is on the health of the athletes, recognizing the demanding nature of the sport. As the heavyweight saga continues to unfold, the potential for a future showdown between Joshua and Fury adds another #AnthonyJoshua #HeavyweightPredictions #FuryVsUsyk #BoxingShowdown #SaudiArabiaClash

In a groundbreaking move, boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has been bestowed with the prestigious title of Honorary President of Carry Fighting Championship (CFC), marking a monumental stride for Taiwan's burgeoning professional boxing scene. The announcement, made by CFC on January 9, comes as a strategic effort to elevate the nation's boxing landscape and foster international collaboration within the sport. Manny Pacquiao's new role as the Honorary President of CFC solidifies his commitment to the global boxing community. This move is not just an honorary title; it reflects Pacquiao's dedication to enhancing the sport's presence in Taiwan and beyond. Team Pacquiao expressed enthusiasm about this strategic collaboration, emphasizing its potential to amplify Taiwan's boxing prowess on the world stage. This development signals a turning point for Taiwan's boxing enthusiasts, as they can now anticipate a surge in the popularity and competitiveness of the sport in their region. Pacquiao's involvement is expected to attract attention and participation, not only from local talents but also from international contenders eager to showcase their skills in Taiwan's first professional boxing championship. As the Honorary President of CFC, Manny Pacquiao's influence is poised to leave an indelible mark on the league's growth and success. His unparalleled experience and achievements in the boxing world make him an iconic figure to lead Taiwan's boxing league into a new era. Fans, athletes, and stakeholders alike eagerly await the positive transformations that Pacquiao's involvement is sure to bring to the Carry Fighting Championship. Hashtags: #MannyPacquiao #CFCPresident #TaiwanBoxing #BoxingLegend #GlobalCollaboration

Eddie Hearn, Anthony Joshua's promoter, is exuding confidence ahead of Joshua's clash with Francis Ngannou on March 8 in Riyadh. Despite recognizing Ngannou's undeniable power, Hearn firmly believes Joshua will dominate the 10-round bout. In an interview with Boxing Social, Hearn emphasized that while Ngannou is a formidable puncher, Joshua's superior skills in the art of boxing will prove decisive. Hearn expressed respect for Ngannou's power but maintained that Joshua will be "much too good for him." The fight, officially announced during a press conference in London, has already set Joshua as a significant favorite. Hearn acknowledged Ngannou's professional boxing debut, where he faced Tyson Fury in a split-decision defeat. Despite the defeat, Ngannou showcased his power by flooring Fury in the third round. Hearn, however, envisions a decisive victory for Joshua, positioning him for a potential showdown with Fury. Hearn discussed Joshua's approach, highlighting the heavyweight division's need for strategic boxing. Whether Joshua opts for a smart, calculated approach or an aggressive one, Hearn believes the outcome will favor the former IBF/IBO/WBA/WBO heavyweight champion. He commended Ngannou for stepping into his second professional fight against such elite opponents but reiterated his confidence in Joshua's ability to secure the win. As the anticipation builds for the clash, Hearn remains optimistic about Joshua's future, anticipating a showdown with Tyson Fury. Despite the looming challenge from Fury's bout with Oleksandr Usyk, Hearn believes in Joshua's ability to handle either opponent. The heavyweight division promises excitement, with Joshua at the forefront, ready to showcase his skill against Ngannou. Hashtags: #JoshuaVsNgannou #BoxingShowdown #HeavyweightClash #HearnConfidence #BoxingPredictions

In a stunning revelation, Saudi Arabia's influential figure, Turki Alalshikh, hints at an epic matchup between the winner of Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou and the victor of Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk. The boxing world is buzzing with excitement as the March 8 clash between Joshua and Ngannou approaches, set to unfold in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A month earlier, Fury and Usyk will vie for the undisputed heavyweight crown, with a potential rematch clause adding further anticipation. Alalshikh's vision for boxing extends beyond individual bouts, expressing his desire for the ultimate showdown between the undisputed champion and the Joshua-Ngannou victor. Despite Joshua's expected victory, Alalshikh's ambitions align with creating the most significant fights possible in the heavyweight division. His Excellency's plans don't stop there – Alalshikh envisions a groundbreaking collaboration between rival promoters Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn. The 'Day of Reckoning' event showcased their partnership, and now there's talk of a five-vs-five head-to-head battle, pitting the best fighters from Matchroom and Queensberry promotions against each other. "Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren agree to a Matchroom vs Queensberry 5 vs 5 show that His Excellency Turki Alalshikh wants to stage," reveals Michael Benson, shedding light on the ambitious plans. While the road ahead may be unpredictable in the heavyweight division, Alalshikh's influence and Saudi Arabia's rise in boxing promise fans major fireworks. Despite disruptions in previously planned matchups, the prospect of these colossal battles adds an extra layer of excitement to the sport. #TurkiAlalshikh #JoshuaNgannou #FuryUsyk #BoxingShowdown #SaudiBoxingRevolution"

Tyson Fury is facing a "serious" warning ahead of his eagerly awaited undisputed clash against Oleksandr Usyk just a month away. Set to take place on February 17 in Saudi Arabia, this fight promises to crown the first undisputed heavyweight world champion since 1999. As details emerge about Usyk's intense sparring sessions, the stakes for this showdown are reaching new heights. Usyk, who hasn't stepped into the ring since his victory over Daniel Dubois in August, is leaving no stones unturned in his preparation. The Ukrainian has enlisted the help of 6'8" Serbian heavyweight Sanel Hasanovic for rigorous sparring sessions. Hasanovic, sharing insights into their training, expressed confidence in Usyk's victory, stating, "After some serious sparring, I believe you will emerge victorious in the fight against Tyson Fury. Also, thanks to my team KUC Boxing Promotion for the support and promotion." Fury, on the other hand, has maintained a low profile during his training in Saudi Arabia, implementing a social media blackout, a strategy he typically employs in the lead-up to his fights. The Brit is determined to deliver a stronger performance than in his last bout against Francis Ngannou, where controversy surrounded his victory over the former UFC champion. Adding an intriguing twist to the narrative, Fury's father, John, has advised him to adapt to a new style to overcome Usyk's challenging and awkward approach. As the anticipation builds and the fighters fine-tune their strategies, the boxing world is buzzing with excitement over this historic undisputed clash. Stay tuned for more updates as the countdown to the Fury vs. Usyk showdown intensifies! #TysonFury #OleksandrUsyk #UndisputedBoxing #FightNight #SparringSessions

In a surprising turn of events on the latest episode of Dancing On Ice, fans were left in disbelief as former professional boxer Ricky Hatton delivered a punch to co-host Stephen Mulhern so hard that he ended up on the ice. The 2024 series kicked off on Sunday, marking Holly Willoughby's return to television since leaving This Morning. Replacing Phillip Schofield, Stephen joined Holly as the new co-host, and stars like S Club 7’s Hannah Spearritt and Love Island's Amber Davies showcased their ice-skating skills. The jaw-dropping moment occurred when Ricky, along with his professional partner Robin Johnstone, was holding a boxing ring microphone for Stephen. At Holly's playful suggestion, Ricky didn't hesitate to deliver a powerful left hook, causing Stephen to dramatically fall to the ground. Despite the likely scripted nature of the punch, Holly's shocked expression sparked speculation among viewers. Some fans even suggested that Ricky's punch might have been stronger than anticipated. One viewer, Kaylie, remarked, ‘That looked like a real punch!’ while Ashleigh added, ‘100% that punch was meant to happen just not that hard. I’m creasing The incident added an unexpected twist to the show, leaving fans buzzing with excitement. Whether planned or not, Ricky Hatton's punch certainly stole the spotlight, creating a memorable moment on the Dancing On Ice stage. As the social media chatter continues, fans are eager to see if this unexpected moment will have any repercussions in the episodes to come. Stay tuned for more surprises and thrills on Dancing On Ice! #DancingOnIce #RickyHatton #StephenMulhern #IcePunch #TVSurprises

Golden Boy Promotions CEO, Oscar De La Hoya, isn't holding back in response to UFC CEO Dana White's claim that MMA fighters aren't making more money in boxing. De La Hoya laughs off White's assertion, pointing to the undeniable trend of MMA fighters crossing over to boxing for significant paydays.   In recent years, the likes of Conor McGregor and Francis Ngannou have stepped into the boxing ring for lucrative matchups. De La Hoya emphasizes the primary motivation behind this crossover – the allure of substantial paychecks.   “The only thing I have to say about that is I think I heard Dana White say something about, ‘These MMA fighters are not making more money in boxing.’ All I can say or do is laugh," De La Hoya stated. "Like are you kidding me? Why do you think MMA fighters are going into boxing and crossing over for the payday?"   De La Hoya acknowledges the courage and self-belief required for MMA fighters to enter the boxing ring against elite opponents, emphasizing that their pursuit of significant paydays is admirable.   "When Dana White’s saying they’re not making more money it’s bullsh*t. They’re making tons of money inside of the ring in boxing. That’s the bottom line. That’s why you’re seeing Joshua with Ngannou. These guys are warriors," De La Hoya asserts, underlining the financial incentive driving MMA fighters toward the sweet science.   As the debate over fighter pay continues, De La Hoya's candid response adds fuel to the ongoing discussion surrounding the crossover between MMA and boxing.   #OscarDeLaHoya #DanaWhite #MMAvsBoxing #FighterPay

Teofimo Lopez has boldly crowned himself as the king of the 140-lb division, but reality and fans beg to differ. After a victory over Josh Taylor, Lopez's stock took a hit with a loss to George Kambosos Jr. in 2021. Despite Top Rank's continued support, questions linger about his future matchups. Lopez's self-perception clashes with fan opinion. Many see Subriel Matias as the true #1, with Devin Haney at #2. Teofimo sits at #3, and concerns rise about a potential slip if his form falters. The desire for fights with Haney and Crawford sounds good, but realism is in short supply. Negotiating these bouts may prove challenging given Lopez's inflated self-view. In his self-proclaimed list, Lopez ranks himself at #1, Haney at #2, Matias at #3, Rolando Romero at #4, Ismael Barroso at #5, and Ryan Garcia at #6. He stresses the need to earn the rank, a sentiment that may come back to haunt him. As the boxing community watches closely, Lopez's upcoming bout against #11 WBO Jamaine Ortiz could be crucial. Can he regain his former glory, or is he destined for a downward slide? #TeofimoLopez #BoxingReality #140Division #SportsAnalysis  

In a surprising turn of events, veteran heavyweight Kevin Johnson has officially become a Russian citizen, adopting the name Kevin Vladimirovich after gaining the approval of President Vladimir Putin himself. The 44-year-old made the bold decision after declaring his intentions last summer and has now secured a Russian passport, paving the way for a lifelong change. Johnson, who recently fought in Moscow, expressed his desire to become a full-time resident in Russia and pursue his boxing career under the guidance of Russian promoter Vladimir Khryunov. Following his approval, Johnson is set to continue his boxing journey under the national flag of Russia, with his inaugural bout scheduled for February. His move to Russia is not just about fighting; he has also been appointed as a coach at the Olympic training center in Samara, where he will impart his experience to younger Russian boxers. Khryunov stated, “Kevin will be officially registered as a resident of Samara, where he will have his own apartment and an official position at the training center.” In a gesture of admiration for President Putin, Johnson expressed, “This is the day I was reborn again. To pay the greatest compliment to President Vladimir Putin, I have decided to change my name. My name will now be Kevin Vladimirovich. Now I’m 100% Russian.” Johnson, who has fought 60 professional bouts, losing almost half, has been a gatekeeper for young heavyweight contenders over the last decade. Upon receiving his Russian documents, Johnson celebrated with joy, singing 'Happy Birthday to me' while wearing a Putin t-shirt. This unexpected move adds a unique chapter to Johnson's storied career and brings an intriguing twist to the heavyweight boxing scene. Keep an eye out for Kevin Vladimirovich as he embarks on this new chapter in his life and career, making waves in Russian boxing circles. #KevinVladimirovich #HeavyweightBoxing #RussianCitizenship #VladimirPutin #BoxingNews #SurpriseMove

Former WBA and Ring Magazine super middleweight champion Callum Smith faced the daunting challenge of taking on Artur Beterbiev in Quebec, Canada, but the outcome was far from what he envisioned. Beterbiev, a wrecking machine, showcased his lethal prowess, overpowering Smith in a devastating seventh-round stoppage. Now, with a record of 29-2(21), Smith is left contemplating his future in the wake of the crushing defeat. Having experienced firsthand the sheer strength and power of Beterbiev, Smith acknowledges the difficulty of accepting that he's not the best in the world. In an interview with Sky Sports, the 33-year-old hinted at the possibility of retirement, expressing the need to spend time with his family and assess his goals. Despite the setback, Smith reflects on a successful career, being a world champion and reaching the pinnacle of the sport. While retirement looms as a consideration, Smith, at 31, is still young enough for a comeback. His only losses have come at the hands of elite fighters like Canelo Alvarez and Beterbiev, both top-tier operators in their respective weight classes. Despite the tough decision ahead, Smith can take pride in his accomplishments, knowing not everyone can claim to be a world champion. Beterbiev, undefeated at 20-0(20), acknowledged Smith's resilience and thanked him for the fight. The humble light heavyweight great expressed gratitude, stating, "[Smith] gave me a good fight, he stayed strong. Thank you to him. But today, luck is on my side." As the boxing world awaits Smith's decision, the narrative of his storied career takes a dramatic turn, leaving fans and pundits alike pondering the next chapter for the Liverpool fighter. #CallumSmith #Beterbiev #RetirementTalk #BoxingFuture #LightHeavyweightGreat #ThankYouCallum