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Sep 18 2023

Frank Warren Believes Moses Itauma is the 'Future Of The Heavyweight Division'

Frank Warren, the well-known Queensberry promoter, has high hopes for Moses Itauma, an 18-year-old heavyweight. Having sparred with notable names like Anthony Joshua, Joe Joyce, and Daniel Dubois, Itauma already shows promise in the boxing world. Before even making his professional debut, he boldly expressed his ambition to become the youngest world champion ever, aiming to break Mike Tyson's record set at 20 years and four months. Thus far, Itauma has delivered, securing four wins in his first four professional fights, with the initial two coming via first-round knockouts. Warren, although clearly optimistic about the future of the young fighter from Chatham, urges caution. Speaking to iFL TV, he emphasized the importance of Itauma focusing on one fight at a time rather than becoming fixated on beating Tyson's longstanding record. Warren encourages him to approach every fight as if it's a world title match and to put on a show that reflects that level of significance.
“I want to see him take each fight as it comes, not to keep looking down the road and thinking about how he wants to be the youngest guy to win a world title. I want him to look at that [next] fight like he is fighting for a world title and go out there and put a world title performance on. Go out there and look the absolute business, that is what I want to see from him, in every fight. I want the world to see what we see in him, because he is exciting, he’s young and I believe that he will be the face of the heavyweight division in the future.”
Up next for Itauma is a bout against Amine Boucetta from Belgium, who has a record of 7-8. The fight is part of the undercard for the rematch between Zhang and Joyce. Itauma will aim to add another knockout to his record, although Boucetta has proven to be a durable opponent, having been stopped just once in his career.
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Sep 18 2023

Badou Jack Steps Down from WBC Cruiserweight Throne, Vacant Belt Showdown Confirmed

Absolutely, the boxing world is abuzz with several major developments. One of the most significant is the decision by three-division world champion Badou Jack to vacate his WBC Cruiserweight World title. He's doing this only seven months after winning it in an intense twelfth-round knockout against Ilunga Makabu. This memorable fight occurred in Saudi Arabia and was part of the same event where Tommy Fury bested Jake Paul. Now nearing the age of 40, the Swedish boxer Badou Jack is far from thinking about retirement. Instead, he's setting new career goals, specifically aiming to claim the WBC Bridgerweight Championship. A fight against Lukasz Rozanski is anticipated to be formally announced in the near future. This shift in focus by Jack likely puts an end to the rumors about Tony Bellew's potential comeback. Bellew had been linked to a possible fight against Rozanski, but that bout now seems increasingly unlikely. In the wake of Jack's decision to vacate his cruiserweight title, Don King Promotions has stepped in to fill the void. They've announced plans to stage an event where Makabu, the former champion, will go toe-to-toe with mandatory challenger Noel Mikaelian. The bout will serve to crown the next WBC Cruiserweight champion, and it's part of a lineup that promises to be one of Don King's most star-studded events in recent years. Scheduled for November 4 in Miami, Florida, the card is loaded with talent. Adrien Broner, a four-time world champion, is slated to make his return for his second fight of the year. He will be taking on Chris Howard in the welterweight division, and both fighters will undoubtedly be looking to make a statement. Meanwhile, Trevor Bryan is planning his comeback fight since his loss to Daniel Dubois and will be facing Cassius Chaney. Jonathan Guidry will also be in action, defending his WBA NABA Heavyweight Title against Puerto Rican knockout artist Jesus Escalera. The packed card and the drama surrounding the vacated titles exemplify the dynamism and ever-shifting landscape of professional boxing, keeping fans and pundits eagerly awaiting each bout.
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Sep 18 2023

'Conor Benn shouldn’t be anywhere near a boxing ring' - Says Former Undisputed Champion Josh Taylor

Certainly, the boxing community seems divided over the anticipated return of Conor Benn, who is currently enmeshed in a controversy related to alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs. In a recent interview, Josh Taylor, the previous unified super lightweight world champion, criticized Benn's potential return to the ring. Taylor argued that Benn's return could tarnish the reputation of the sport, especially since he has previously tested positive for banned substances. Taylor feels that Benn should be sidelined from boxing until the issue is fully resolved.
“A fight with Conor Benn down the line would be huge, but he shouldn’t be fighting right now – he shouldn’t be anywhere near a boxing ring, that guy. I think it’s pretty bad for the sport. It’s a bad look, guy popping dirty twice and still getting to box. He’s basically had a slap on the wrist and is getting away with it and is now getting back to it. I don’t think it’s a great look for the sport.”
As for Benn's career plans, promoter Eddie Hearn has suggested that Benn might stage a comeback in a less high-profile match in the U.S. soon. Additionally, there's buzz that Benn could square off with family rival Chris Eubank Jr., who recently triumphed over Liam Smith. Negotiations for this matchup are said to be in the works, even though Eubank has expressed an interest in fights with other notable boxers like Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez.
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Sep 17 2023

'GGG Will Knock Out Chris Eubank Jr' - Carl Froch Believes Even Though GGG Way Past His Prime, Chris Eubank Jr. Still Don't Have Any Chance Against Him

After an impressive performance in his rematch with Liam Smith, Chris Eubank Jr. finds himself with several options for his next move. In their previous bout in January, Eubank had been stopped by Smith in the fourth round, but he activated the rematch clause and managed to reverse the result in a dominant fashion. In the rematch, Eubank won every round, ultimately securing a tenth-round TKO victory. This win opened the door for Eubank to call out potential opponents for his next fight. Among the names on his list were Conor Benn and former pound-for-pound star Gennady Golovkin. Golovkin, the hard-hitting Kazakh fighter, is no longer the champion in the middleweight division as he has vacated his belts, but Eubank still appears interested in facing him. However, Carl Froch, a former super-middleweight titlist, expressed reservations about Eubank's chances against Golovkin. Froch emphasized Golovkin's age, as he is currently 41 years old, but still believes that Golovkin's power and boxing skills could pose a significant threat to Eubank. Froch suggested that even an older and slightly past his prime Golovkin, with diminished reflexes, could potentially end the fight with a single punch.
“I don’t know, what’s Triple G done in a while? He’s 41 years old … I don’t think [Eubank] does, no. Cause the last things to go is a boxer’s power, and he’s that well-schooled that even an old, past his best, reflexes gone a little bit [Golovkin] lands a shot on Eubank Jr I think it’s fight over. So no, I don’t think he beats Triple G if I’m honest.”
Golovkin has been inactive since his trilogy defeat to Saul 'Canelo' Álvarez at 168 pounds in September of the previous year, and his future plans in boxing remain uncertain. Meanwhile, Eubank seems to be leaning more towards a fight with Conor Benn. This match had been scheduled previously but was canceled at the last minute due to a banned substance being found in Benn's system. Eubank's promotional team is confident that they can secure a British license for the fight in time for December and potentially host it in a stadium setting.
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Sep 17 2023

'This is Business, and He [Fury] Understands' - Iron Mike Tyson Replied to Tyson Fury's Sadness Remarks

Mike Tyson has added an intriguing element to the upcoming crossover bout between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou, scheduled for October 28 in Saudi Arabia. The boxing legend is training Ngannou, who is making his boxing debut and is considered a significant underdog against the undefeated champion Fury. Fury, in a recent statement, expressed his disappointment that the man he was named after, Mike Tyson, will be in the opposite corner. He described it as a sad situation and mentioned that he believes Tyson should be supporting him instead of being on the opposing side. Fury further stated that regardless of what Tyson teaches Ngannou, the result of the fight will remain the same in his favor.
“I think that it’s sad, actually. The man that I am named after, a legend, has to go against me and then come out as a loser, having lost to a man who was named after him. I think that it’s sad and I think that he should be in my corner, not the opposing corner.”
When asked about going against his namesake by TNT Sports, Mike Tyson responded succinctly, stating,
"This is business, and he understands."
Indeed, it is a business venture for both fighters. Fury is expected to earn a substantial sum, likely in the tens of millions, for the bout, while Ngannou will also receive a career-high payday compared to his previous UFC championship stint. Mike Tyson believes that Ngannou will deliver a surprise on fight night, despite some skeptics viewing it as part of the promotional strategy. Tyson expressed confidence in Ngannou's abilities, highlighting his power punching and impressive speed for a heavyweight of his size (260 pounds). He expects Ngannou to exceed the expectations of many. The fight between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou will be contested over ten rounds in a professionally sanctioned bout. However, Fury's WBC World title will not be on the line.
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Sep 17 2023

'Other Than Tyson Fury Only Andy Ruiz Has the Balls to Wilder' - Says Big John Fury

Deontay Wilder, the former heavyweight champion, faced Tyson Fury in a trilogy of fights, with Fury emerging victorious twice and a controversial draw in the mix. Notably, Fury is the only opponent to withstand Wilder's knockout power. Since the third bout with Fury, Wilder has struggled to find high-caliber competition, with his only match being a quick demolition of Robert Helenius in October the previous year. Tyson Fury's father, John, has offered his perspective on Wilder's current career status, suggesting that most top heavyweight fighters are reluctant to step into the ring with him, except for one notable exception. In a recent interview with FreeBets, 'Big John' claimed that former unified heavyweight world champion Andy Ruiz Jr is the lone contender in the heavyweight division with the courage to accept a fight against Deontay Wilder. According to John Fury, other top fighters are apprehensive about facing 'The Bronze Bomber,' even though Tyson Fury managed to defeat him decisively on three occasions. John Fury emphasized that most top heavyweights, including fighters like Usyk and Joshua, are avoiding a clash with Wilder, recognizing the challenges he presents. However, he believes Andy Ruiz Jr might be willing to face Wilder if the financial terms are right and it makes good business sense because Ruiz has the courage to take on such a challenge.
“The only one out there who can challenge Tyson, and they all avoid him and they won’t fight him, is Deontay Wilder. They’re all terrified of him, and Tyson straightened him up three times!” “All those people will never get in with ‘The Bronze Bomber.’ Usyk, AJ, none of them will fight ‘The Bronze Bomber.’ Andy Ruiz Jr will – for a price. Because he’s got big you know what’s, and if the money is right and it makes good business sense, I can only see Andy Ruiz fighting him.” “He’s the only one who comes to mind who is in that bracket. He’s the only one who’s going to fight Deontay Wilder because there rest are terrified. They know what’s coming.”
Wilder had been in talks for a matchup with Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia, but those plans seem to have hit a roadblock due to changes in the country's boxing management. Discussions have also taken place for an all-American showdown with Ruiz, although financial negotiations appear to be a significant hurdle in finalizing that bout.
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Sep 17 2023

'Fury Will Teach Joshua a Lesson' - Says Frank Bruno While Talking About the Potential Fury vs Joshua Bout

The much-anticipated showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua has been a topic of discussion for several years. At one point in 2021, Joshua held the WBA, WBO, and IBF titles, while Fury, fresh from his impressive knockout victory over Deontay Wilder, possessed the WBC belt. Both fighters agreed to terms for a historic undisputed battle, which would have undoubtedly been the biggest fight in the history of British boxing. When discussing the potential fight with former heavyweight world champion Frank Bruno:
“I’m really looking forward to a challenge. This might sound strange but I’ve been a professional for 13 years and I’ve been travelling the world to find somebody who can beat me basically and I haven’t found him so far in 32 fights.”
Bruno also shared his thoughts on the matchup, stating that he believed Fury would provide Joshua with a "boxing lesson" and cautioning Joshua against facing Fury.
“I don’t think Joshua should go anywhere near you because you’ll teach him a lesson you know, a boxing lesson.”
Regrettably, fans never had the opportunity to witness whether Bruno's prediction would come true. Fury was compelled to engage in a third fight with Deontay Wilder after the American won an arbitration battle. The trilogy bout concluded similarly to their second encounter, with Fury knocking out 'The Bronze Bomber' in an exciting heavyweight showdown. Following this, Fury successfully defended his title twice, first against mandatory challenger Dillian Whyte and then in another trilogy bout against his old adversary Derek Chisora. Meanwhile, Joshua faced a setback, losing all his titles in back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, a former cruiserweight undisputed champion. In the upcoming period, Fury is scheduled to compete in a crossover contest against MMA star Francis Ngannou, while Joshua had seemed poised to square off against Wilder in the near future. However, talks for that bout have hit a snag, with promoter Eddie Hearn acknowledging the possibility of exploring alternative opponents.
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Sep 17 2023

'Did I ever say I wanted undisputed? If Usyk Wants a Large Bag? Not happening.' - Tyson Fury Talks About The Only Possibility Fans Can See Undisputed Heavyweight Title Fight

Boxing enthusiasts might be feeling disheartened about the prospects of a historic four-belt unification bout between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury ever materializing. Several unsuccessful negotiation attempts and a prolonged public blame game between the two fighters have left doubts lingering. Recently, Tyson Fury outlined the conditions he deems necessary for him to step into the ring with Usyk for the long-awaited undisputed heavyweight world title showdown. During an interview with Fight Hub TV at the press conference for his upcoming fight against Francis Ngannou, Fury stated that he would only entertain the idea of facing Usyk if the Ukrainian boxer agreed to a "modest share" of the purse for the match. Fury expressed some skepticism about his interest in becoming an undisputed champion, suggesting it was not his top priority. He also implied that he had other pressing concerns, notably his upcoming bout with Francis Ngannou. Nevertheless, he left the door open for a potential clash with Usyk if Usyk were willing to accept a smaller financial share for the fight. Fury made it clear that if Usyk demanded a substantial purse, the fight wouldn't materialize.
“Has it ever been my priority? Did I ever say I wanted undisputed? It’s always been some other little b**** dream. I’ve got Francis Ngannou to deal with. Should the other little sausage want to fight for the undisputed, and if he’s willing to take a small percentage then we might be able to make it happen. But if he wants a large bag? Not happening. Him [Usyk] and his team were s***houses! They get offered the fight at Wembley, and we moved on. That was it. Now we’re fighting Francis Ngannou, who is stepping up to the plate.”
The failed negotiations earlier in the year, which involved disputes over purse splits, choice of venue, and rematch clauses, had cast blame on Tyson Fury by many observers. However, his promoter, Frank Warren, recently expressed quiet confidence in the possibility of arranging a Fury vs. Usyk bout in 2024. Therefore, it remains to be seen whether Fury's recent comments are merely a diversion or a genuine reflection of his stance on the matter.
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Sep 16 2023

'That was supposed to be my hardest fight, I took his best shots and I was like is that it?' - Tyson Fury Talks About His Toughest Fight

Widely considered the top heavyweight in boxing today, Tyson Fury has evolved from a nimble pugilist to a formidable striker. The "Gypsy King," a two-time heavyweight champion, has maintained an undefeated record, impressing fans with his agile movements, typically unexpected in a heavyweight. An iconic moment in his career was his fight against Wladimir Klitschko, a highly acclaimed heavyweight champion. Even though Fury was considered the underdog in that bout in Germany, he surprised everyone by handily defeating Klitschko through a unanimous decision. In a conversation with Frank Bruno, sponsored by Wow Hydrate, Fury admitted he thought it would be a more challenging match.
“They’re all pretty tough fights and all important – every one of them. Cause if you slip up here, you go back and got to start again. I think the one for me that I expected to be the toughest fight – against Wladimir Klitschko, who was undefeated in eleven years – it was one of the easiest fights.”
Fury highlighted how significant every fight is, emphasizing that a single loss can reset a boxer's career. The fight against Klitschko, who hadn't lost a match in 11 years, turned out to be easier than he anticipated. He explained that the intimidating power of the Ukrainian fighter, who is now a Hall of Famer, fueled his training regimen.
“I think he did need a bit of counselling after that. Mentally focusing for that fight, in training camp we were focusing on like if he hits me, I’m gonna get knocked out. With that fear factor, I went in there and I boxed unbelievable. Then I took his best shots and I was like ‘is that it?’ That was supposed to be my hardest fight. I prepared mentally, physically and emotionally for it to be my hardest fight.”
Fury recalled preparing intensely for the match, thinking Klitschko's punches would be lethal. However, he was surprised that Klitschko's best shots weren't as devastating as he had expected. Initially slated for a rematch, Fury instead took a hiatus from boxing, struggling with depression and substance abuse issues. After a hiatus of two and a half years, he made an awe-inspiring comeback, defeating another reigning champion, Deontay Wilder, in 2020. Currently holding the championship belt, Fury has opted not to defend his title this year. Instead, he plans on participating in a crossover fight against MMA sensation Francis Ngannou.
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Sep 16 2023

Sabrina Perez’s Husband & Trainer Died During Her Title Fight

In a tragic turn of events, Diego Arrua, the coach and spouse of boxer Sabrina Perez, suffered a fatal heart attack during her match against Skye Nicolson in Tijuana. The fight, which was for the WBC Interim World Featherweight title, took place at the Fausto Gutierrez Municipal Auditorium. Nicolson emerged victorious in the contest that saw Perez put up a spirited fight. Arrua collapsed at the corner of the ring with just 30 seconds remaining in the tenth round. Perez was unaware of the incident until after the match concluded. Mauricio Sulaiman, the president of the WBC, later confirmed Arrua's passing on social media platforms. He stated that despite the best efforts of medical professionals, Arrua passed away at the QDEP General Hospital.
“It is with deep sadness that we have been informed of the sudden death of Argentine coach Diego Arua, who suffered a devastating heart attack during the Sabrina Pérez fight in Tijuana. The medical services did everything possible and he died at the QDEP general hospital.”
Matchroom, the promotional company involved, extended their heartfelt condolences to Perez. Eddie Hearn, who was present ringside, was one of the first to recognize the severity of Arrua's condition.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with Sabrina Perez and your loved ones.”
The boxing community and fans have been offering messages of support and expressing sorrow for the untimely demise of Arrua, who was 58. He was widely admired for the close working relationship he had with his wife, Perez, and for their collective achievements in the boxing world.
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Sep 16 2023

'Lopez will never be forgiven for the Kambosos loss' - Paulie Malignaggi shared his unfiltered opinions

Paulie Malignaggi, renowned for his unfiltered opinions as a pundit, has not held back in criticizing current world champion Teofimo Lopez. The lightweight and super-lightweight divisions have witnessed a surge in talent, leading to some memorable matchups. Teofimo Lopez played a significant role in this, achieving unified champion status at 135 pounds with a stunning upset win over the future Hall of Famer, Vasily Lomachenko. However, Lopez's reign was short-lived, marred by an unexpected loss to George Kambosos Jr. In a spirited performance, Kambosos traveled to New York and secured a split decision victory against a seemingly sluggish Lopez.
“Lopez will probably never be forgiven for the Kambosos loss. If Lopez didn’t have that loss – which is utterly ridiculous, every time I see Kambosos fight I still can’t understand how Lopez got beat by that guy – but if you take it away, which you never will so he’ll never be forgiven, that guy’s on the pound-for-pound list maybe top three or four.”
Malignaggi, speaking on ProBox TV, expressed his strong opinions about Lopez's performance, stating, "Lopez may never be able to live down the Kambosos loss. It's almost unbelievable; every time I watch Kambosos fight, I still can't fathom how Lopez was defeated by him. But that loss will haunt him forever. Without it, he could have been on the pound-for-pound list, possibly in the top three or four." Subsequently, Kambosos lost the belts to Devin Haney. After nearly a year of absence from the ring, Lopez moved up to the 140-pound division. He delivered two decent performances before challenging Josh Taylor, the former undisputed champion in that weight class.
Malignaggi believes that Lopez's victory over Taylor establishes him as the top fighter in the division. He stated: “Lopez has done some insane things, man, including coming back and beating Josh Taylor. He was dynamite at 135 pounds and he’s shown at 140 when he’s on point he’s dynamite there as well. For me, he is the guy to beat at 140.”
Despite briefly announcing his retirement after the Taylor fight, Lopez has confirmed his intention to continue competing. Additionally, he has been elevated to the status of Super Champion by the WBO, granting him certain privileges and choices regarding his opponents. Devin Haney, who has also moved up to super-lightweight, may be his next challenger.
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Sep 16 2023

'Fury, Joshua and Wilder Don’t Have No Skills' - Says Heavyweight Boxing Icon 'Larry Holmes'

Criticism has been mounting against the top modern heavyweights for their apparent reluctance to face each other in the ring. However, one of the all-time heavyweight greats, Larry Holmes, has taken issue with something different – their perceived lack of boxing skills. In a recent interview with Fight Hub TV, Larry Holmes didn't hold back when sharing his thoughts on Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, and Anthony Joshua. Holmes believes Fury, Joshua, and Wilder lack fundamental skills. Their jab is not straight; they throw punches without proper technique. They don't know how to execute a 1-2 combination and protect themselves afterward. They don't move like I did. In boxing, you should give punches and avoid taking them, but Fury seems to want to prove he can take punches. Ideally, you should hit and not be hit.
“They [Fury, Joshua and Wilder] don’t have no skills. They throw punches like this for a jab, you’ve got to throw them straight. They don’t know how to throw a 1-2 and get out and protect yourself. But I had my day, I had great times doing what I was doing. They don’t move like Larry Holmes. You have to give punches, you shouldn’t take punches – and he [Fury] takes punches. I guess he wants to prove to people he can take punches, but you should hit and not get hit.”
Larry Holmes, a dominant force in the heavyweight division during the early 1980s, held the Ring Magazine and lineal titles from 1980 to 1985, the WBC world championship from 1978 to 1985, and the inaugural IBF belt from 1983 to 1995. While some may find Holmes' assessment of today's heavyweight contenders to be critical, it's clear that the Easton Assassin isn't overly impressed with the current big names in the heavyweight division. Despite ongoing discussions about potential fights between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk for an undisputed title and a potential transatlantic showdown between Joshua and Wilder, negotiations for these matchups have, thus far, failed to yield concrete results.
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Sep 16 2023

'I still favor Conor' - Tony Bellew Expressed His Support to Conor Benn for Conor vs Eubank Jr.

Former cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew is expressing his support for welterweight contender Conor Benn in a potential bout against middleweight Chris Eubank Jr. Bellew believes that Benn's physical attributes could give him the edge in this matchup. In a recent fight in Manchester, Chris Eubank Jr., aged 33, showcased his dominance by stopping former world champion Liam Smith in the tenth round. This victory has reignited the interest in a potential showdown between Eubank and Benn. Back in October 2022, Eubank and Benn were slated to face off, but the fight was canceled during fight week due to Benn testing positive for a banned substance. However, there is a possibility of rescheduling this bout for December.
Tony Bellew is of the opinion that Benn's speed and explosiveness could prove decisive against Eubank. He acknowledges that Benn's condition and performance in the ring after a year of inactivity would need to be assessed before making a definitive prediction. "Too quick, too explosive, I just think he beats him. I don't know how it'll go, I just need to see Conor back first to see what the year's took out of him, but I still favor Conor. Explosive, powerful, quick- Conor Benn's one of them, you're going to have to put him to sleep. He's going out on his shield,"
However, before a potential Eubank matchup, Conor Benn must resolve legal issues with the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) and UK Anti-Doping (UKAD). Benn has been out of action since his knockout victory over Chris Van Heerden in April. While the National Anti-Doping Panel cleared him to box earlier this year, both BBBofC and UKAD have appealed this decision. Promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom expects the matter to be resolved in the coming months. On the other hand, Eubank is exploring various options for his next fight, including a potential showdown against former middleweight world champion Gennadiy 'GGG' Golovkin.
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Sep 15 2023

'Joyce is smarter than Zhang' - Johnny Nelson Predicts Joyce-Zhang Rematch

This month, Joe Joyce is gearing up for a significant rematch against Zhilei Zhang, the fighter who handed him his first professional defeat and tarnished his "indestructible" reputation in the process. In their previous bout, Zhang's precise and powerful left hand caused Joyce's eye to swell so severely that the referee had to call off the fight in the sixth round. This victory earned Zhang the title of WBO Interim Champion and set him on a path to challenge Oleksandr Usyk for the full belt. However, Joyce has a chance at redemption with a contractual rematch clause, and he's been diligently preparing for this opportunity. Reflecting on what went wrong in their last encounter, former cruiserweight champion and boxing pundit Johnny Nelson offered some insights.
“In my head, in the last fight Joe got greedy. As in he tried to knock him out. Worse thing you can do, because when you punch him you’re eventually gassing yourself out. So what he’s been doing to everybody else was done to him. What Joe should do it not get greedy, be Joe. Let the shots go. This happens when you fight somebody that’s easy to hit. When I was at cruiserweight and I fought heavyweights, you can get greedy because you’re faster than them. You whack him, and whack him again and think ‘I’m gonna get rid of him.’ He’s still there and you’re gassed.”
Nelson provided a strategic plan for Joyce's rematch, taking into account Joyce's decision to come in at a heavier weight this time.
“In this fight, Joe’s got to be consistent, be The Juggernaut, let the shots go in and out. Don’t stand in the pocket with the guy because you’re up against a bigger version of yourself, but he’s smarter than Zhang. And that’s how he beats him as far as I see it. He can win, I believe he does win.”
Joyce's opportunity for redemption is scheduled for September 23 in London, and fans in the UK can catch all the action on TNT Sports. Nelson expressed his belief that this time around, it will be revenge rather than a repeat of their previous encounter.
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Sep 15 2023

'Shall we do it as an exhibition?' - Carl Froch Offers Tony Bellew An Exhibition Match

Renowned British boxers and former world champions, Carl Froch and Tony Bellew, recently discussed the hypothetical scenario of a face-off in the boxing ring. Both fighters boasted remarkable determination, skill, and heart, which led them to capture world titles in their respective weight classes. They frequently headlined high-profile all-British clashes on Sky Box Office, with Froch notably defeating George Groves twice, and Bellew triumphing over David Haye on two separate occasions. While they sparred during their careers, a significant difference in weight always prevented a genuine showdown. However, the topic came up in a recent interview, with Froch posing a question from a viewer:
“A prime Carl Froch against a prime Tony Bellew at a catchweight, who wins?”
Bellew initially demurred, responding with humility, 'Oh mate, let's just say you'd come out on top.' Froch disagreed and tried to engage Bellew in a discussion about their private sparring sessions.
“I’m not so sure about that, you can’t just give in that easy. Look at the spars.”
Bellew chided Froch for bringing up their sparring history, remarking:
“Yeah but they were behind closed doors. What happens in the gym stays in the gym until you, you silly b**tard, you put it in your book. I don’t believe in telling gym stories. And I don’t believe in talking about shoulda, woulda, coulda.”
Froch elaborated on the incident and admitted to being knocked down.
“Yeh but I was being honest. You walked me onto a nice right hand. But did I or did I not get straight back up and carry on the spar?”
The debate continued as the two argued about the specific punch. Bellew claimed that it had a more significant impact than Froch believed, asserting,:
"In reality, it was a left hook, you silly guy."
Both fighters agreed that it would have been an incredibly exciting fight, and Froch proposed one final time if they should make it happen.
“Yeh, it would be a barnstormer. Shall we do it as an exhibition?”
Bellew ultimately expressed his willingness, provided the financial terms were right. As far as fantasy fights go, this matchup would undoubtedly be a captivating spectacle.
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Sep 15 2023

'The Only Person that Could Beat Me Is Gervonta Davis' - Gervonta Davis Believes Others Cannot Touch Him At All

Gervonta Davis is currently a highly sought-after name in the world of boxing, and he's been receiving plenty of challenges from his rivals. His recent victory over Ryan Garcia in April generated considerable attention, reportedly amassing over 1 million pay-per-view buys. However, Davis has also made headlines for non-boxing reasons, finding himself in legal trouble and serving time in jail due to a house arrest violation. This isn't the first time he's had run-ins with the law, and he acknowledges that his own actions could potentially jeopardize his superstar status. When asked about the boxing prospects Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson possibly having an edge over him, Davis firmly believes that the only person who can beat him is himself. He confidently states,
“You got the last one right – that’s the only person that could beat me, Gervonta Davis. That’s the only person. Those others cannot touch me at all. They’ve all been in the ring with me and I’ve cracked them both. Devin Haney is no 50/50 fight, how you going to keep me off him when he’s got no power. I sparred him twice – the first time his father took him out the ring, I almost knocked him out in Floyd’s gym, did they tell you that?”
Regarding a potential fight with Haney, it might have to wait, as Haney is moving up to the 140lbs division, where he's expected to face Regis Prograis for the WBC title. Stevenson has been struggling to find an opponent but is now likely to square off against Edwin De Los Santos for the vacant WBC lightweight title. As for Davis, he has plans to return to the ring before the end of the year, with a rematch against Isaac 'Pitbull' Cruz currently in the lead as the next bout on his radar.
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Sep 15 2023

'He’s got the biggest potential, especially on the American scene' - Paulie Malignaggi says Jared Anderson is the man with the potential but there are couple of red flags

Few have a tougher background than Paulie Malignaggi, a former boxing world champion who has also dabbled in bare-knuckle fighting and now offers insights as a pundit. He's known for his candidness and recently expressed concerns about a rising heavyweight prospect he believes may not be the future of boxing. Malignaggi, who held world titles in two weight classes during his 16-year career, shared his thoughts with ProBox TV. He discussed Jared Anderson, an unbeaten prospect with significant potential on the American boxing scene. Malignaggi acknowledged Anderson's promise but raised some red flags.
“He’s got the biggest potential, especially on the American scene. But potential does not always fulfil itself. But yes, I’m one of the ones expecting him to do great but here’s the thing, there are a couple of red flags.”
The concerns revolve around Anderson's attitude towards the sport. Anderson has openly admitted that he doesn't love boxing and sees it solely as a job. Despite his impressive record of 14 knockouts in 15 fights, he went the distance only once, against former IBF champion Charles Martin. Anderson has also stated that he doesn't feel the need to become an undisputed champion to validate himself, even claiming to be "broke" at one point. Malignaggi took issue with these comments, especially Anderson's admission of breaking down in tears after what he perceived as a subpar performance against Martin. He questioned whether Anderson truly has a passion for boxing, noting that someone who doesn't enjoy the sport is unlikely to invest the extra effort and time required in the gym, particularly on the way up in the boxing world where passion is paramount.
“I wasn’t really into him crying but hey that can be a moment in the emotions. But you take that then take the fact he only wants to fight for three or four years and you start to think dude, does this guy even like boxing? You can’t be the future of anything you don’t like. You’re never going to put in the extra mile and extra time in the gym. On the way up that passion is everything.”
While Anderson possesses the tools, power, and support of Top Rank, Malignaggi emphasized that achieving greatness in boxing hinges on the right mindset. If Anderson can develop a genuine passion for the sport, there's every reason to believe he can reach the pinnacle of the heavyweight division.
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Sep 15 2023

'Usyk cannot be taken lightly, he’s the undisputed champion' - Says the Last Undisputed Heavyweight Champion 'Lennox Lewis'!

Currently, there's no sign of an imminent showdown, but Lennox Lewis has shared his thoughts on a potential clash between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight title. Usyk holds the WBA, WBO, and IBF titles, with Fury possessing the WBC belt. Both fighters have impressive records and exceptional skills. Usyk's recent victory over Daniel Dubois and Fury's upcoming bout with Francis Ngannou have fans eager for them to meet and determine a true champion. In a brief YouTube video, Lennox Lewis, the last undisputed heavyweight champ and the first British champ since 1899's Bob Fitzsimmons, highlighted Usyk's credentials. He emphasized:
“Usyk cannot be taken lightly. He’s the undisputed champion under the heavyweights and he hasn’t lost.”
Lewis then focused on Usyk's renowned training methods, which incorporate mental and physical aspects. He also noted that Usyk has never faced an opponent as large as Fury, saying:
“When he trains for a fight, when he boxes for a fight, there is mental and physical involved so it’s going to be a great fight. Whatever he does he will come to win, he will pull out the stops. He’s up against a different man. He’s not up against a 6 foot 7 guy, he’s up against a 6 foot 9 guy who boxes orthodox and southpaw and moves very well about the ring.”
Lennox Lewis concluded by favoring Fury due to his size, saying:
“I always says a good small guy beats a good big guy, so there you have it.”
Regardless of the outcome, the boxing world eagerly anticipates this potential clash, although Fury has recently expressed disinterest in facing any opponents from the boxing world.
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Sep 14 2023

'I fancy a fight with Brock, for sure' - Deontay Wilder is Interested In Fighting Brock Lesnar

Deontay Wilder finds himself in a challenging situation after discussions for a bout with Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia fell through. The collapse came as Saudi backers were keen on hosting a doubleheader featuring Wilder vs Joshua and Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk. However, negotiations between Fury and Usyk fell apart, throwing a wrench in Wilder and Joshua's plans. Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter, is now considering alternative locations like Las Vegas and the UK for his fighter's next match. Wilder, who hasn't fought for nearly a year, faces further delays. Hearn indicated that Joshua aims to return to the ring in December, postponing a potential clash with Wilder to spring of next year. This would mean another seven months of inactivity for Wilder, which his co-manager Shelly Finkel is keen to avoid. One intriguing possibility for Wilder is a showdown with former WWE and UFC heavyweight champion, Brock Lesnar. In a discussion with TMZ, Wilder said:
"I’ll go straight with Brock Lesnar."
He explained his view that Lesnar's muscular build would be a disadvantage in a boxing match, saying:
"So, I think Brock Lesnar will be way too muscular. So, when you muscular like that, you knock off your flexibility."
This potential matchup has the chance to overshadow Tyson Fury's own crossover bout against Francis Ngannou, which took many by surprise. In the past, Fury himself had mentioned wanting to fight Lesnar, stating in an interview with True Geordie:
"I fancy a fight with Brock, for sure."
However, his bravado seemed to lessen in a later backstage exchange with Lesnar at a WWE event. In any case, a Deontay Wilder vs Brock Lesnar fight, either in boxing or MMA, would surely captivate fans and generate massive interest.
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Sep 14 2023

Does Fury vs Nagannou Has a Rematch Clause?

On October 28, Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou are set to deliver a highly-anticipated heavyweight Fury vs Ngannou showdown in Saudi Arabia. Notably, Fury has decided not to defend his WBC title in 2023, opting instead for this crossover match that will introduce Ngannou, a former UFC champion, to the world of boxing. Fury is expected to enter the ring as the heavy favorite for this Fury vs Ngannou mega-money event. However, Ngannou recently revealed that there's a rematch clause embedded in their contract. Speaking on the MMA Hour, Ngannou confirmed the presence of this clause, though he didn't provide specific details about its terms.
“Yeah. There is a potential rematch clause. I don’t know exactly how to explain that language, but yes, there is a rematch inside it.”
When asked if there would be a rematch in the event of an upset victory over Fury, Ngannou was unequivocal in his response, stating that there would indeed be a second fight.
“Oh, for that one, definitely.”
However, it remains uncertain whether the same privilege applies to Ngannou if he were to lose the initial Fury vs Ngannou match. Some insiders have also suggested the existence of a rematch clause in case of a Fury defeat. These comments from Ngannou, made back in July when the Fury vs Ngannou fight was announced, stand in contrast to Fury's initial statement at the press conference. Fury had proudly declared that there was no rematch clause, emphasizing his dislike for such provisions. He argued that once a fighter is beaten, it should be a conclusive result without the need for rematches.
“Oh yeah, by the way, we’ve got no rematch clause. So that sucks, doesn’t it? Imagine that. Couldn’t be bothered. I don’t like rematches. I hate them. I’ve been in litigation loads of times over poxy rematch clauses. When you beat a man once, that should be it, move on.”
While it's unclear if the contract terms have evolved since these statements, it's worth noting that the Fury vs Ngannou fight wouldn't have been officially announced and promoted without a finalized agreement in place. Despite the debate over contract details, many fans anticipate that Fury will dominate the bout, making these particulars seem somewhat inconsequential given his overwhelming favoritism in the matchup.
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