However, before the fantasy showdown with Canelo can materialize, Crawford must navigate a rematch with Errol Spence Jr. Their initial encounter in 2023 saw Crawford emerge victorious, prompting Spence to activate his immediate rematch clause. While this rematch is anticipated by many, Jaron Ennis, the rising 26-year-old welterweight contender, has been vocal about his desire to face the division's top talents, particularly Crawford.
Crawford, however, has shown little enthusiasm for a showdown with Ennis, citing the high risk and low reward factor. The sentiment echoes the age-old boxing adage, where fighters are often cautious about facing young, hungry contenders who pose a threat without offering a commensurate financial reward.
Former champion Antonio Tarver acknowledges Crawford's perspective but contends that if the Spence rematch doesn't materialize, Crawford must face Ennis to uphold his status as a champion. In Tarver's view, the showdown with Ennis is not just an option; it's a necessity for Crawford's legacy.
“The only reason Ennis has to take a backseat is to the rematch of Spence and Crawford," Tarver emphasized during an appearance on The Porter Way podcast. "If that rematch doesn’t happen, and Crawford still campaigns as the champ, he has to face Ennis.”
As the negotiations and boxing politics unfold, the question remains: Will Terence Crawford opt for the high-stakes gamble against Ennis, a potential rising star in the division, or will he find a way to secure the elusive Canelo payday? The next moves in Crawford's career will undoubtedly shape the final chapters of his storied boxing journey.
#TerenceCrawford #ErrolSpenceJr #JaronEnnis #boxing #boxingnews
WBO Championship Committee chairman Luis Batista-Salas formally communicated this directive, providing a 15-day window for both parties to reach a deal. If an agreement isn't reached within this timeframe, the WBO will initiate purse bid procedures, with the minimum bid set at $150,000 for the anticipated lightweight title clash.
Navarrete's recent successes highlight his strategic prowess and ring dominance. He secured his third divisional belt with a comeback victory over Australia's Liam Wilson, earning a ninth-round stoppage last February. Following successful defenses against Oscar Valdez and a thrilling draw with Robson Conceicao, Navarrete solidified his 'Super Champion' status.
Berinchyk, a 2012 Olympic Silver medalist and compatriot of boxing luminaries like Oleksandr Usyk and Vasiliy Lomachenko, poses a formidable challenge. Undefeated through nine years in the professional ranks, Berinchyk's journey to this title opportunity includes notable victories over Yvan Mendy and Anthony Yigit.
As negotiations unfold, the boxing world eagerly anticipates the outcome of talks between Top Rank, representing Navarrete, and Alex Krassyuk’s K2 Promotion-Ukraine, overseeing Berinchyk's interests. The prospect of Navarrete securing a title in a fourth weight class adds historic significance to this potential matchup.
In the lightweight division, following Devin Haney's departure, the landscape has shifted with Shakur Stevenson claiming the WBC title. Gervonta 'Tank' Davis holds the WBA belt, and an upcoming bout between Lomachenko and George Kambosos will determine the IBF titleholder.
As the negotiation period progresses, anticipation builds for a clash that could shape Emanuel Navarrete's legacy, marking his journey to conquer uncharted territory in the world of boxing.
#EmanuelNavarrete #DenysBerinchyk #boxing
The matchup between Joshua and Ngannou is set to take place on March 8 in Saudi Arabia. While there's immense speculation about potential future opponents, Joshua is keen on keeping his attention squarely on the challenge presented by Ngannou. The fight is expected to be a major attraction, merging elements of both the U.K. and U.S.A. boxing scenes.
Acknowledging Ngannou's prowess, Joshua recognizes him as a formidable and challenging opponent. He highlights that facing Ngannou won't be an easy night's work, emphasizing the mutual toughness they bring to the ring. The respect is reciprocated, with Joshua acknowledging that Ngannou is no walkover.
The stakes are high for this crossover bout, not just for the fighters involved but for the broader heavyweight boxing landscape. The winner of the Joshua-Ngannou clash will position themselves as a significant contender in the division and potentially challenge the victor of the upcoming Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk undisputed title fight on February 17.
Joshua's decision to view Ngannou as his undisputed title fight underscores the gravity and significance he attributes to this matchup. Fans can expect fireworks as these two formidable fighters square off, with both men aiming to prove their mettle in what promises to be an exhilarating clash.
As the heavyweight division continues to capture global attention, the outcome of this bout will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the future landscape of the sport. With Joshua's focused mentality and Ngannou's determination, fight enthusiasts can anticipate an epic battle that will unfold on March 8, captivating audiences and setting the stage for what's to come in the heavyweight boxing scene.
#AnthonyJoshua #FrancisNganno #boxing #boxingnews
Barry McGuigan, the former boxing champion and Hall of Famer, has shared his perspective on the upcoming heavyweight title clash between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk scheduled for February 17. In an analysis provided to the Mirror, McGuigan expressed his admiration for Usyk's technical prowess, noting that the Ukrainian boxer "studiously avoids tear-ups" and opts for a more strategic approach in the ring.
McGuigan drew a comparison to Tyson Fury's second fight against Deontay Wilder, where Fury aggressively overwhelmed Wilder with a barrage of attacks, describing it as a "blitz." However, McGuigan believes that the Fury vs. Usyk bout will not replicate the intense and thrilling heavyweight battles of the 1970s, characterized by fighters like Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier engaging in toe-to-toe exchanges.
According to McGuigan, the Fury vs. Usyk showdown is expected to be a "technical contest" rather than a fight filled with prolonged and intense exchanges. He highlights Usyk's tendency to avoid brawls and Fury's effective use of the jab to control distance as factors that will shape the nature of the upcoming bout. McGuigan concludes by expressing his anticipation for an engaging but strategically focused match between two top-tier heavyweights.
This perspective aligns with McGuigan's belief that while Usyk is technically excellent, his style leans towards avoiding prolonged and intense exchanges. Fury, on the other hand, is known for his ability to mix technical skills with aggressive tactics, and McGuigan suggests that the upcoming bout will likely be characterized by a balance of strategy and engagement, steering away from the wild and frenetic style reminiscent of the heavyweight clashes of the 1970s.
#TysonFury #OleksandrUsyk #Boxing #UndisputedChampion #BarryMcGuigan
David Haye[/caption]
Both in their primes, this hypothetical battle would be a spectacle of contrasting styles. Joshua, the stoic giant, wields his jab like a battering ram, while Haye, the agile "Hayemaker," dances with lightning-fast reflexes and unorthodox angles.
"AJ's too big for him," admits Froch, but then adds, "A prime David Haye is very good...explosive power, fast, brave as you like." He envisions Haye peppering Joshua early, but warns, "AJ's a big lump." Froch draws a parallel to their shared opponent, Wladimir Klitschko, reminding everyone that despite being past his prime, AJ still flattened him.
[caption id="attachment_6010" align="alignnone" width="800"]
Anthony Joshua[/caption]
However, Froch also remembers Klitschko's dominance over Haye, highlighting the size disparity. "Klitschko was just too big for him," he says, "smothered him and leaned on him."
Ultimately, Froch predicts a close dance, but leans towards Joshua's size and relentless pressure: "As much as I think David Haye could iron out AJ, I just think AJ beats the Hayemaker cause he's too big for him."
#AnthonyJoshua #CarlFroch #DavidHaye #Boxing
Explosive Rivalry Unleashed: Dan Azeez vs. Joshua Buatsi Heat Up Before Wembley Showdown[/caption]
Buatsi's voiced doubts about Azeez's injury didn't sit well with his opponent, but Azeez remains focused on the fight itself. Despite acknowledging the strain on their friendship, Azeez is ready for the challenge, stating, "This is someone I know, do you know what I mean? But if that's what he wants to think, that's up to him. I know the truth."
Buatsi, an Olympian, has faced disruptions in his favor, and Azeez believes the postponement might have rattled him. However, Azeez is prepared for the best version of Buatsi in the ring, envisioning a cool and calm opponent.
As the anticipation builds for this clash of undefeated contenders, Azeez sees the fight as an opportunity to become "the man" in the light-heavyweight division. The Wembley showdown promises to deliver fireworks and settle the score between two fighters who share a long history and are now on a collision course.
#AzeezBuatsiShowdown #WembleyClash #LightHeavyweightBattle #BoxingRivalry #UndefeatedContenders
Jermall Charlo[/caption]
While Tszyu's comments are certainly strong, they stem from a long-standing frustration. Charlo was initially scheduled to fight Tszyu in January, but pulled out due to a hand injury, leaving Tszyu in limbo. This latest outburst suggests a deep-seated disappointment with Charlo's actions, impacting not just Tszyu's career but the entire division's title picture.
Instead of dwelling on Charlo, Tszyu's focus is now squarely on Thurman, a formidable opponent with a single loss on his record and a reputation for power and skill. Tszyu acknowledges the challenge ahead, calling it a "pinch yourself moment" and a "big deal" to headline in the United States. He believes his peak performance will be too much for Thurman to handle, even though Thurman has never faced anyone like him.
Interestingly, Tszyu has experience mimicking Thurman's fighting style, having sparred with Pacquiao in 2019 before Pacquiao's victory over Thurman. This unique perspective could give Tszyu an edge in the fight, as he claims to know Thurman's strengths and weaknesses intimately.
The article also mentions Michael Zerafa, Australia's controversial middleweight contender, who will be fighting on the undercard. Zerafa, known for his outspoken nature and rivalry with Tszyu, has a long-awaited title shot against Erislandy Lara. The article ends with Tszyu jokingly dismissing Zerafa's potential challenge, adding to the ongoing tension between the two Aussie fighters.
Overall, the article paints a picture of a determined Tszyu, ready to showcase his skills on the world stage and silence his critics. His fiery words about Charlo add spice to the upcoming fight, while his respect for Thurman and understanding of his style hint at a thrilling and unpredictable matchup. With Zerafa's presence on the undercard, the event promises to be a night of high-stakes boxing and Aussie rivalries.
#TimTszyu #Boxing #JermellCharlo #KeithThurman #MannyPacquiao