Weeks after the controversial low punch from Daniel Dubois to Oleksandr Usyk, discussions about the legitimacy of the hit continue to make headlines. One heavyweight competitor, Michael Hunter, argues that this incident adds to a growing list of examples showing that Usyk is vulnerable to body shots. During their championship bout for the WBO, WBA, and IBF titles, Dubois landed a punch near Usyk's belt line in the fifth round. The referee halted the action, declaring it a low blow and giving Usyk a significant portion of the allotted five-minute recovery time. When the match resumed, Usyk went on to secure a knockout victory over Dubois after dominating most of the fight. In the wake of the match, Frank Warren, who promotes Dubois, has been pushing for the WBA to either declare the fight a no-contest or to mandate a rematch. The appeal remains pending. Michael Hunter, who fought Usyk in 2017 and lost by unanimous decision, recently spoke to Seconds Out to offer his opinion. He believes that the controversial punch was above board, noting that such belt-line hits are not uncommon in the sport. Hunter also discussed the long-standing belief that Usyk is susceptible to body blows, stating that he's seen multiple instances where Usyk seemed to struggle against such shots. Hunter suggested that Dubois should have been more persistent, claiming that the British boxer seemed to lack determination after the referee's ruling.

“The initial thought was that wasn’t low. We get hit on the belt line all the time.” “Yeah, it’s never been a secret. There’s other clips out there I’ve seen since I was younger before I even knew who he was. If you look you’ll find other body shots with him complaining or getting dropped. It’s no biggy, everybody can get hurt to the body.” “Daniel didn’t put his foot down. If I was him I would have gone right back to the same spot and let the ref do his job.”

With the WBA expected to make a decision in the coming weeks, it looks increasingly likely that Dubois may need to find an alternative pathway back to the upper echelons of the heavyweight division.

Frank Warren, a well-known name in boxing promotion, has given a new idea for who Anthony Joshua could fight next. Talks for a big fight between Joshua and Deontay Wilder haven't gone anywhere, and Joshua is trying to get his career back on track. He lost two big fights to Oleksandr Usyk in the past two years. Even though he's fought twice since then, against Jermaine Franklyn and Robert Helenius, many people feel he hasn’t shown his best form in those matches. Warren talked to IFL TV and said that if Joshua can't fight Wilder, he should consider fighting Daniel Dubois. Warren thinks this would be a really exciting fight that a lot of people in the UK would want to watch. The fight would be a test to see who can punch harder and who has more courage in the ring. He believes that the fight could be a big success and that a lot of people would buy tickets to see it.

“I’ll tell you what would be a good fight if that one doesn’t happen, a good fight in the UK, a fight people would buy tickets to see and see who is the biggest puncher and who has the biggest heart, him and Daniel Dubois.”

Before any of this can happen, there is one thing that needs to be sorted out. Dubois is currently trying to change the decision of his own fight with Usyk through an appeal with the World Boxing Association (WBA). So that issue needs to be resolved first. Dubois is still pretty young at 26 years old, so he has a lot of time to get back to the top level of boxing. But for Joshua, time is of the essence. He likely wants a fight that will quickly put him back in the picture for a world title. He wants to get back to the top, and he's probably looking for the fastest way to do that. So, while a fight between Joshua and Dubois would be interesting and could draw a big crowd, it would also have to make sense for both boxers' career plans. Warren's idea is exciting, but there are a few things that need to be sorted out before it can become a reality.

"Who’s got the biggest heart? Who’s gunna grit their teeth? You can’t say it wouldn’t sell. It would sell. It’s a big fight."

Andy Ruiz is still in the process of rebuilding his career after losing his unified world titles to Anthony Joshua in 2019. However, he believes he has what it takes to defeat Tyson Fury if given the opportunity by the WBC. Ruiz held the WBA, WBO, and IBF titles for a brief period after his unexpected victory over Anthony Joshua at Madison Square Garden in June 2019. Their rematch in Jeddah in December saw him struggle with weight issues and ultimately being outboxed by a disciplined Joshua. Ruiz claims to have fought in two eliminators for the WBC belt, securing unanimous points wins over Chris Arreola in May 2021 and Luis Ortiz in September 2022. He was gearing up for a third eliminator against Deontay Wilder, although negotiations have been slow, and the WBC has since withdrawn the order for the fight. Speaking to Make a Move, Ruiz expressed his desire to fight Tyson Fury in Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium. He also appealed to WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán for the opportunity, saying:

“I would love to fight Tyson Fury in Mexico at the Azteca Stadium but please I need [WBC president Mauricio] Sulaimán please to give me the opportunity man, give me the opportunity, I have a big feeling and a big chance that I’m going to win against Tyson Fury.”

When asked about dealing with Fury's size, Ruiz remained confident, stating:

“Yeah, he’s big and he’s awkward but so am I, so I am. I’m smart and fast and awkward too, so best believe I can win this fight and I’m going to win it if I get the opportunity.”

It would indeed be intriguing to witness how Fury would handle the shorter stature and fast hands of Ruiz, provided that Fury successfully navigates his upcoming challenge against MMA star Francis Ngannou on October 28, a matchup many in the sport consider a mismatch.

Anthony Joshua has been facing challenges in returning to his top form since his loss to Oleksandr Usyk, and one fellow heavyweight has suggested that this is due to him being "mentally broken." Joshua engaged in two grueling fights with the Ukrainian southpaw across 2021 and 2022, spanning a total of 24 rounds. In the aftermath of the second fight, Joshua displayed signs of emotional distress, seemingly overwhelmed that his best efforts had not been enough to defeat the technically skilled and elusive Usyk. Subsequently, Joshua had a cautious points victory over Jermaine Franklyn in April and took his time to secure a knockout against late replacement Robert Helenius in August. Part of the reason for Joshua's struggles could be attributed to his adjustment to a new coach, Derrick James, based in Texas. James became his third coach in as many years following his previous splits with long-time trainer Rob McCracken and Robert Garcia, who oversaw the Usyk rematch defeat. Mahmoud Charr, the recently reinstated WBA regular heavyweight champion, drew a comparison between Joshua's situation and that of Wladimir Klitschko, who took years to rebuild after his first knockout loss. Charr noted that Klitschko altered his fighting style and struggled mentally after his loss to Corey Sanders.

“When [Klitschko] lost to Corey Sanders, he changed his style, he was not mentally strong, he was broken, and he waited many years to fight people from the Top 20, Top 10, to get back to where he was at the beginning. He was fighting only bums for three or four years.”

Charr expressed his belief that Joshua's mental game is currently lacking and suggested that facing Deontay Wilder next would be detrimental to Joshua's career. Charr stated:

“Right now Joshua is mentally broken, you can see that. Against Andy Ruiz Jr when he got first KO’d, two losses against Usyk, he looks broken. He needs time. He is not ready for Fury. He needs five or six easy fights to get back to himself. If he fights Wilder next he can stop boxing after that. He is not ready for Wilder or Fury and not ready for me.”

It is worth noting that Joshua is on a path toward a highly anticipated, but widely regarded as a dangerous fight, against American knockout specialist Deontay Wilder in early 2024 in Saudi Arabia. Joshua's perspective on his readiness for this challenge may differ from Charr's assessment.

Deontay Wilder could miss out on a highly anticipated fight with Anthony Joshua if he doesn't submit his paperwork soon. Despite uncertainties surrounding the fight's location, promoter Eddie Hearn has accused Wilder of delaying the contract to face Joshua. Reports indicate that Saudi Arabian investors are losing interest in hosting the event, causing frustration for both camps. While a deal has been reached, Hearn and Joshua are eager to have the official contract signed so they can proceed with the necessary arrangements for the fight. Hearn stated:

“We’ve agreed the money, we’ve agreed everything,” Hearn told BBC Radio Five Live. “We’re waiting on the official contract, but we won’t wait forever. “He [AJ] is just training away, but he wants Wilder. If it can’t be made, he wants to stay active. If he fights in December, that’ll be three fights in eight months, which is incredible for him.”

Addressing concerns about Joshua potentially entering a Wilder fight with two less-than-stellar victories against Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius, Hearn commented:

“People keep saying he should have one more fight and then fight Wilder, but we don’t think so. “If it ends up that way, so be it. Nothing would surprise me. If he fights in December, if he fights Deontay Wilder, if he fights Tyson Fury next – nothing would surprise me.” Asked who could replace Wilder if he doesn’t ink the deal, Hearn responded: “There’s Filip Hrgovic, and there’s Andy Ruiz Jr, but it probably won’t take place in this country. “He’s had two now on the spin at The O2 Arena, so maybe we go to Madison Square Garden, somewhere in the Middle East. It’s just about activity for him.”

When asked about potential replacements for Wilder if the deal falls through, Hearn mentioned names like Filip Hrgovic and Andy Ruiz Jr. However, he hinted that the fight might not take place in the United Kingdom, considering Joshua's recent bouts at The O2 Arena. Alternate venues such as Madison Square Garden or locations in the Middle East are under consideration, with the focus being on keeping Joshua active. Despite uncertainties about his future, Wilder, who is approaching 38 years old, has expressed a desire to fight multiple times before retiring at age 40. However, he has been labeled semi-retired by some due to his limited activity, having fought only twice since February 2020. Wilder has promised to deliver exciting fights in his remaining years in the sport, but those promises have yet to materialize, leaving fans and pundits questioning what he's waiting for as his career winds down.

Former WBA Super-Middleweight World Champion, George Groves, has expressed his desire to see Chris Eubank Jr. face a formidable opponent in his next fight. Groves, who defeated Eubank in 2018 in what turned out to be his last professional victory, believes that Eubank's "frightening punch power" could lead to an exciting bout. Eubank, after securing a rematch victory against Liam Smith, is now eyeing success in the middleweight division. In an interview with Bitcoin Casinos, Groves suggested that a clash between Eubank and Gennadiy Golovkin would be an intriguing matchup.

“Golovkin is a great fight. I’m not sure what he has left. It might be the right time to get him. He hasn’t boxed for a year now and he’s just vacated one of his belts, so we’re not sure whether he’s accumulating injuries or father time has caught up with him, but that’s a fascinating fight.” ‘Golovkin is a career middleweight, a big name, has great boxing ability and his boxing IQ’s not going to leave him. Maybe some of the athleticism has left him, but he’s got the ability to manoeuvre himself into position to make those subtle adjustments, and then to punch off of it.” “He’s one of the best to do it in this era and he has frightening punch power, so I think that makes for a great fight, because neither will want to give away free shots. Eubank doesn’t have that one punch power, but if he’s a bit fresher than Golovkin and if he lands a decent body shot and then follows with three, four, five shots, it would be interesting.”

While Golovkin no longer holds a world title, a victory against him could set up Eubank for a shot at one of the current middleweight champions next year. However, Groves acknowledged that a fight with Conor Benn seems more likely. Promoter Eddie Hearn has already confirmed that discussions between the two camps have begun, despite Benn not currently holding a British Boxing Board of Control license.

“My preference is Golovkin. But I think we’ll end up with [Conor] Benn next.”

Shakur Stevenson and Frank Martin seemed poised to clash in November for the vacant WBC Lightweight World title after Devin Haney decided to move up to the super-lightweight division. As the mandatory challenger, Stevenson was eager to vie for the championship in his next bout. Initially, the opportunity to face Stevenson was extended to Vasily Lomachenko and Isaac 'Pitbull' Cruz, but both declined the offer. The next contender in line was the undefeated southpaw, Frank Martin. Despite challenges arising from promotional affiliations and broadcasting rights – Stevenson with Top Rank and ESPN, and Martin with PBC and Showtime – their teams appeared to have reached an agreement before purse bids became necessary. However, a surprising turn of events occurred when Top Rank sent the contract to PBC, as they were informed that Martin was no longer interested in the fight. This decision sparked widespread reactions from fans and experts who were eagerly anticipating what promised to be a technically impressive bout. Shakur Stevenson promptly voiced his frustration on social media, accusing Martin of avoiding the fight. In response, Martin, not unexpectedly, denied these allegations with a straightforward statement:

"I ain't duck s**t..."

Whether Frank Martin has any further comments or insights regarding the situation remains uncertain. As of now, it appears that the opportunity to contend for the vacant title against Stevenson will fall to Edwin De Los Santos from the Dominican Republic. If the Newark fighter secures victory, he will become a three-division champion at just 26 years old, further solidifying his potential to establish a remarkable legacy that has already gained recognition from many in the boxing world. The specifics regarding whether Top Rank will maintain the same date for Stevenson's next match, regardless of the opponent, remain unclear. Previously, the promotional company had targeted Thursday, November 16th, in Las Vegas, aligning with the Formula 1 weekend.

In what is undoubtedly the most significant fight of his career, Joe Joyce is gearing up for a rematch against Chinese heavyweight Zhilei Zhang. The first bout with 'Big Bang,' who employs a southpaw stance and delivers powerful, precise punches, ended in Joyce's defeat, with his eye dangerously swollen by the sixth round. Not only did Joyce lose his previously unbeaten record in that fight, but he also forfeited his mandatory position for a world title shot. However, he promptly activated the rematch clause in a bid to reclaim his mandatory status. Carl Frampton, a former two-weight world champion turned boxing pundit, is voicing his support for the British fighter in this rematch. Frampton believes that Joyce has what it takes to come out victorious this time around.

“I think revenge. I think that Joe was very, very poor in the first fight, he’s admitted that. It looked like he’d never seen a southpaw in his life, never mind prepared properly with southpaws in training. With small adjustments – he doesn’t even have to do anything major – he can reverse that and win the fight. I fancied him in the first fight but I got it wrong. But I think he will win this fight.”

Frampton also pointed out that, despite Joyce facing adversity early in the first fight and his eye swelling, there were indications that the momentum was shifting in his favor.

“There were signs in the first fight, although the eye was badly swollen and Joe was getting hit a lot, there were signs that Zhang was tiring just a little bit when the stoppage came. Joe was having a wee bit of success, obviously with one eye shut as well. I think he can win this fight and I think that he will stop Zhang late.”

The prevailing consensus among boxing enthusiasts is that if Joyce can weather the storm in the first half of the fight, his exceptional stamina could prove advantageous against the 39-year-old Zhang. This notion is supported by Zhang's previous bout against Filip Hrgovic, where he also showed signs of fatigue. However, the initial six rounds present a real challenge for Joyce, as he needs to find a way to evade Zhang's potent straight left hand, which was highly effective in their first encounter. These two formidable heavyweights will face off again for the WBO Interim Heavyweight Championship on September 23 in London.

After an almost two-year hiatus from the ring, the renowned heavy hitter Deontay Wilder is making a promise to make his return soon, and he's issuing a stern warning: "No one is secure." This Alabama-based heavyweight has taken a substantial break since his two grueling defeats to Tyson Fury in 2020 and 2021. During this time, he has engaged in less than one full round of boxing, where he managed to knock out Robert Helenius in the first round in October of the previous year. The world is eagerly anticipating a much-discussed showdown between Wilder and Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia, scheduled for January 2024. Meanwhile, 'The Bronze Bomber' sat down for an interview with Frenzee Broadcasting to shed light on the challenges he's faced in finding opponents.

“I’ve had a lot of people run throughout my career cause of the power I possess.”

Wilder claims that the reason behind his inactivity stems from other fighters being apprehensive about stepping into the ring with him.

“People put things out there to make it out like they not running or not scared. But in reality, they scared. I got a lot of guys right now, we could have made great money but they dodged it. They don’t know I know.”

He refrained from revealing specific names but issued a final warning to all his fellow heavyweight contenders.

“Deep down in they heart, they know who it is. But it’s all good though because at this moment in time nobody is safe. I think I’ve got three more years left but I’m gunna bless the world my last three years with some of the best fights they ever seen, the people they want. As long as they don’t run. We got them.”

A potential bout with Joshua would undoubtedly mark an exciting beginning to Wilder's final chapter in the sport.

Tyson Fury has unequivocally rejected the possibility of facing one of the top contenders in the heavyweight division, stating that there is "absolutely no chance" of such a bout taking place. Fury has been absent from the boxing ring since December of the previous year, when he secured victory over his long-standing rival Derek Chisora for the third time. This bout took place in front of an impressive crowd of 60,000 spectators at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. This victory marked Fury's third successful defense of his WBC belt, which he had claimed in a rematch against Deontay Wilder in 2021. Their initial encounter had ended controversially in a draw. Subsequently, a third showdown between the two fighters was mandated following an arbitration ruling in favor of Wilder's team. In their third encounter, the undefeated British fighter once again emerged victorious, delivering a knockout to Wilder in the eleventh round after an exhilarating back-and-forth battle. During an interview with Stephen A. Smith on ESPN's First Take, Fury was questioned about the possibility of a fourth bout against Deontay Wilder. In response, Fury left no room for ambiguity, stating,

“Zero possibilities. I already spanked him three times – you know I won the first fight. First one I kicked his a**, second two I knocked his a** out. I give him a hell of a beating three times so he’d have to be stupid to want to fight me again, that’s for sure.”

Fury is set to return to the ring next month as he faces Francis Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion, in a crossover fight in Saudi Arabia scheduled for October 28. While the outcome of this contest will be recorded on both fighters' records, it's important to note that the WBC title will not be at stake, as this marks Ngannou's debut in professional boxing.

In a recent interview with Fighters Talk TV, Ahmed Hatim, along with his coach Andy Gill, shared insights into his grueling training regimen, mindset, and what's on the horizon for this promising young fighter. Ahmed's journey in the boxing world has been nothing short of remarkable. He's recently switched coaches to work with Andy Gill, and the results have been impressive. According to Ahmed, their relationship clicked straight away, and they've been getting down to business ever since. The chemistry between a boxer and their coach is vital, and it's clear that Ahmed and Andy have found the perfect partnership. One thing that stands out about Ahmed is his dedication to the sport. He revealed that he's obsessed with training and pushes himself to the limit every day. His mantra is clear:

"Train hard in the gym, so you can fight easy in the ring."

It's this level of commitment that sets Ahmed apart from the rest. In interview with Fighters Talk TV, Andy Gill emphasized the importance of boxing smart, a lesson he's been instilling in Ahmed. The goal is to refine his boxing skills and strategy, allowing him to go the distance and secure those crucial victories. It's not just about going to war in the ring; it's about executing a well-thought-out plan. Ahmed's mindset is one of his biggest assets. He firmly believes that no opponent should have a stronger mindset or heart than him. It's this unwavering determination that gives him the edge. Talent is essential in boxing, but it's the mental fortitude that can make all the difference when the going gets tough. On September 16th, Ahmed Hatim faces the British Title Eliminator at York Hall. It's a crucial step in his career, and Ahmed is ready for whatever the fight brings. He's prepared for 10 hard rounds but is open to any scenario that may unfold. Ahmed's message to his fans is simple:

"Be there to watch it, because it's going to be a show you won't forget."

If you want to witness Ahmed Hatim's journey firsthand and support this rising star, you can get your tickets directly from him. Connect with him on social media, where he goes by the username @_a.hatim. Grab your tickets and be part of an electrifying night of boxing. Further in the interview he told Fighters Talk TV, that he is looking beyond the English Title Eliminator, Ahmed Hatim has big dreams. He's not just after one belt; he wants them all. With the right steps at the right time, he's poised to make a significant impact in the world of boxing. Ahmed Hatim's story is one of dedication, obsession, and unwavering determination. With a new coach, a refined strategy, and a mindset that can't be broken, he's ready to take on any challenge that comes his way. Mark your calendars for September 16th, and don't miss the chance to witness this rising star in action. Ahmed Hatim is a name you'll want to remember in the world of boxing.

Carl Froch, a prominent boxing pundit, has once again expressed his views on former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, this time characterizing the fellow British fighter as a "damaged fighter." Froch, known for his candid commentary on boxing, has been vocal about Joshua's recent performances. Previously, the former super-middleweight champion claimed that Joshua had his "soul taken" in his first career defeat against Andy Ruiz Jr. He asserted that Joshua has been hesitant and cautious in his fights ever since that loss. During an episode of his Froch on Fighting YouTube channel, "The Cobra" referred to Joshua as a "damaged" fighter since that significant upset in the heavyweight division. Froch went on to suggest that if Joshua were to lose to Deontay Wilder in their highly anticipated bout, it could spell the end of Joshua's career.

"If Deontay Wilder knocks out Anthony Joshua, then I don’t think Joshua will want to fight again after that, I don’t think he can build up after that. If Wilder knocks out Anthony Joshua, then I think that’s the end of Anthony Joshua, I don’t think he comes back from that."

Froch expressed his concerns about Joshua's mental state, stating:

"Anthony Joshua since the Ruiz loss – I think he’s been a damaged fighter, I’ve got to be honest. I don’t think he’s ever been the same since that loss. You can see by his performances what he’s thinking, when I watch him fight I’m concerned that he’s not there [points to his head] anymore."

While Froch has publicly indicated his belief that "The Bronze Bomber" Deontay Wilder will prevail over "AJ," he also discussed the possibility of Joshua winning. In that case, Froch suggested that the long-anticipated fight against Tyson Fury should be pursued. "Depending on how the fight went, if it was a one-punch knockout, then my opinion would be that he’s broken the curse and he’s back, and let’s get the Tyson Fury fight on ASAP because I think that fight is getting further and further away the longer Fury is out of the ring." While the Joshua-Wilder bout had been anticipated for early next year, promoter Eddie Hearn has acknowledged that progress has slowed due to changes in the sporting landscape in Saudi Arabia, prompting consideration of alternative locations.

WBC Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury has shared his thoughts on the highly anticipated bout between Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder, a showdown expected to occur in early 2024. Fury, who has twice defeated Wilder to secure and defend the WBC crown, offered his perspective on this much-discussed matchup. Following a year-long hiatus from the ring, Wilder returned with an impressive first-round stoppage of Robert Helenius, and now appears poised to face another British heavyweight star in Anthony Joshua. The Joshua vs. Wilder fight has been a subject of speculation for several years, initially touted as a clash that would crown the first-ever four-belt heavyweight champion and the first undisputed ruler of the division since Lennox Lewis in 2000. Despite both fighters losing their titles in the interim, the fight continues to generate significant interest within the sport, with many considering it the most exciting matchup that can be made today. During a media scrum with Boxing Social in preparation for his upcoming fight with Francis Ngannou, Fury provided a candid response when asked about his prediction for the Joshua vs. Wilder bout, stating, "Both p***ies, both losers, you can’t lie about that. I can’t lie, both p***ies, both losers." In this instance, Fury did not declare a winner. However, just a few months earlier, Fury had expressed a different sentiment in an interview with Boxing Social, suggesting that Joshua would be victorious, saying, "Do you need me to answer that? I think we all know what happens. I’d love for AJ to knock him out because Wilder’s a little b**ch. He’s a moaning p**sy, forgive me for my language ... But I just see [Joshua] getting chinned, to be honest." Despite earlier optimism about the matchup, recent developments have raised doubts about whether the long-anticipated clash will come to fruition. Matchroom Promoter Eddie Hearn has indicated a willingness to explore alternative venues to Saudi Arabia, previously considered a likely host for the event. Hearn has not ruled out the possibility of Joshua facing a different opponent in December if a deal is reached soon.

Former Cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew has recently shared his opinion on who he considers the "most overrated" fighter in the world of boxing today. Bellew has been making headlines for his candid views on various fighters, including his criticism of Daniel Dubois for not pushing harder in his fight against Oleksandr Usyk. He believes Dubois quit in the ninth round of their title challenge. In a recent discussion on Froch on Fighting, Bellew pointed to 140-pounder O'Hara Davies as the fighter he deems overrated due to what he perceives as a tendency to "quit" during his fights. Bellew stated:

"Ohara Davies. He’s quit twice, I’ve seen him step up against Josh Taylor and he quit and he’s going on about how he should be world champion. When he stepped up against Josh Taylor he got his a** absolutely handed to him on a plate and he spewed it, he watched the referee count to ten when he was on one knee."

Bellew's criticism stems from Davies' actions in his fight against Josh Taylor, where he went down to the canvas and appeared to turn his back to the action, leading to the referee waving off the fight. Davies has defended himself, claiming he couldn't breathe after the knockdown. Davies currently holds a record of 25 wins from 27 fights, with his two losses coming against fellow Brits Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall. He has since rebounded with a seven-fight win streak and is now the WBA mandatory challenger for the current belt holder, Rolando "Rolly" Romero. While Davies is next in line to face Romero, the American is currently dealing with an injury. Talks of a potential clash against Ryan Garcia have also emerged, with Golden Boy promoter Oscar De La Hoya pushing for the fight. Davies has recently signed with Golden Boy Promotions.

WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, with a record of 33-0-1 (24), recently opened up about his primary motivation in the world of boxing, emphasizing the financial aspect. These revelations came during his promotional tour for a 10-round non-title fight against Francis Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion making his boxing debut, scheduled for October 28 in Saudi Arabia. Fury candidly stated:

"When I come back into boxing I said I wanted to make the most money as possible, that’s what I said to my lawyer. I didn’t come back this time for belts or titles or anything; I come back to secure my family and their family and their kids and their grandkids. And I’ve done it. I’ve done it. The reason why I’m even boxing anymore, when I come back was to regain the belts, which I’ve done; and two, more than that, is to get the biggest bags possible."

These remarks might raise concerns among boxing enthusiasts, especially those eager to witness a four-belt unification showdown involving WBA, WBO, and IBF champion Oleksandr Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs). Alternatively, fans have been anticipating a match against his long-standing domestic rival and former two-time unified heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua (26-3, 23 KOs). As things stand, it appears more likely that Fury will square off against another boxing debutant, Jon Jones, the current UFC heavyweight champion. Fury confidently stated:

"I have no interest in fighting those guys because I’m bigger than all of ’em. I’m a superstar; they’re nobodies. I’m happy; they’re not. I have everything that they want, and there’s nothing they can do about it—apart from get yourself in line, get yourself mandatory by ten organizations, fight eliminator after eliminator for no money, like I did. And take ten years getting there, and when you get there and you’ve been the lineal champion for the longest ever, then come back to me and preach."

These statements may not align with the hopes of his co-promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank, who expressed his desire to see Fury in a unification fight with Usyk before retiring. On the other side of the promotional spectrum, Alexander Krassyuk, Usyk's promoter, conveyed Usyk's readiness to face Fury but indicated a willingness to wait if necessary. Krassyuk explained, "Do you think Fury can stop time from passing? Usyk is on his top now. If Fury wants to defeat him, he would have to wait something like five years because he will be on his top for the next two, three years, for sure. He’s 36. This is the golden era for a heavyweight." It seems that the ultimate unification of the heavyweight division is still awaiting resolution, and Tyson Fury remains a central figure in this ongoing saga.

Eddie Hearn recently provided insights into the current status of negotiations for the Anthony Joshua vs. Deontay Wilder fight. He revealed that discussions have slowed down due to changes in the sporting landscape in Saudi Arabia. Amidst this uncertainty, Hearn mentioned possible alternative opponents for Joshua. While the heavyweight division has been abuzz with excitement about the potential clash between Joshua and Wilder, Shane Fury, the brother of WBC champion Tyson Fury, expressed doubts about the fight's prospects, describing it as unlikely.

“I don’t know the political situation, obviously Shane Fury is working with the new entity so he’s going to be supportive of that and I’m sure we’ll work with that new entity as well, they do a great job. For us, we’ve agreed terms for Joshua-Wilder but until we receive a contract the fight is not happening. Obviously politically it sounds like there is a lot going on but for us we’re ready to take that fight. Wilder’s team are ready to take that fight, everybody has agreed the terms, but until the money is put in place, the fight is not happening. It doesn’t just have to happen in in Saudi Arabia, there are other talks about other countries it could take place in. Regarding the comments I think there is some truth to it that there is a movement of management and ownership of boxing in Saudi and it’s up to them for what they want to do. If they don’t want to do Joshua-Wilder, maybe it goes somewhere else.”

In an interview with Boxing King Media, Hearn acknowledged the shifting dynamics in the ownership of boxing within the region. He also identified two potential opponents for Joshua if the Wilder deal failed to materialize.

“If we don’t get something sorted soon we’ll probably see AJ fight in December at a level above where he’s been fighting because he wants to stay active. It’s frustrating because we’ve been waiting and waiting, we’ve been patient for them and we’ve agreed everything but now it’s slow. Filip Hrgovic, Andy Ruiz, I don’t know, but it needs to be a step up.”

Furthermore, Hearn hinted at the possibility of a fight between Joshua and Fury early next year, emphasizing that it would be the most significant bout for both fighters.

Deontay Wilder has been absent from the boxing ring since his impressive first-round knockout of Robert Helenius in October 2022. This victory came after a series of thrilling battles with Tyson Fury, where Wilder ultimately lost and failed to regain his title, prompting speculation about his retirement. Despite confirming his intention to continue fighting following the Helenius knockout, Wilder's time away from the ring has been far from active. In November, the WBC ordered him to face Andy Ruiz Jr in a final eliminator for a chance to fight Fury and reclaim his old belt. However, no concrete developments occurred until this summer when both fighters confirmed talks. Unfortunately, negotiations quickly soured due to disagreements over purse splits, with Ruiz's camp claiming they were offered an inadequate deal. Speaking to Little Giant Boxing, Wilder's trainer, Malik Scott, confirmed that the fight with Ruiz was officially canceled.

“That’s dead. Andy don’t wanna fight Deontay, and his way of saying it was asking for 20, 30 million dollars for a fight that you don’t deserve 20, 30 million dollars for. Hiding behind the business is what he did, and I truly believe he never really wanted to fight Deontay, but it was a good sales pitch and something to keep his name going.”

Despite this, Ruiz had recently expressed his desire to face Wilder. Instead, it appears that Wilder and Scott are now gearing up for a showdown with Anthony Joshua in early 2024. Joshua, after losing his world titles, has secured two victories this year, and his team has confirmed their interest in facing Wilder next. Whether either fighter takes on lesser opponents before the anticipated Saudi Arabia showdown depends on the timing. If the bout is scheduled for January, it will likely be their next fight. However, if it's set for March or later, they may step into the ring for another match in the meantime.

Tyson Fury is not happy with those who have criticized his upcoming Fury vs Ngannou bout. Some fans believe that Fury has chosen a lucrative payday over legitimate boxing opponents by facing Ngannou, an MMA fighter who refers to himself as 'the baddest man on the planet.' The Fury vs Ngannou fight is scheduled for October 28 in Riyadh and will be fought under boxing rules for 10 rounds. Fury has even expressed interest in a potential rematch in the MMA octagon. During the Fury vs Ngannou first press conference, Fury was asked about comments made by Carl Froch, who called the fight 'a mismatch,' and Tony Bellew, who referred to it as a 'cash grab from both ends.' Fury responded succinctly, saying, Jealous. Haters gonna hate. Critics gonna criticize. Bellew and Froch are just being negative. Get over it.

“Jealous. Haters gunna hate. B***hes gunna hate. Bellew’s a b***h and so is Carl Froch. Get Up.”

One person who believes in Ngannou's chances is Mike Tyson, who has been training the Cameroonian-French fighter in recent weeks. When asked if this bothered him, given that he was named after the former heavyweight champion of the world, Fury dismissed any concerns. He also shared his thoughts on what might happen if his father's proposed fight with Iron Mike were to take place on the undercard, stating that it's all business. He's making money, right? My dad would handle him.

“It’s just business. He’s getting a bag, isn’t he? My dad would beat him up.”

Regardless of people's opinions on the Fury vs Ngannou fight, it's creating a lot of buzz and keeping boxing in the headlines.

Tyson Fury was in his usual charismatic form on Thursday, trying to persuade anyone willing to listen that an inexperienced heavyweight has a real chance of knocking him out in their upcoming Fury vs Ngannou match next month. The flamboyant showman pointed out that anyone, from a random person at a bar to a female interviewer, could potentially knock out the undefeated WBC champion if they landed the right punch. Fury cautioned that if he were to underestimate Francis Ngannou and get knocked out by the former UFC heavyweight champion, it would be a disaster. This fear has driven Fury to train twice as hard for their 10-round exhibition match, scheduled for October 28 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, compared to his preparations for title fights against Deontay Wilder. While many boxing fans and media outlets consider Ngannou an unlikely threat to Fury, the lineal champion, at 35 years old, sees Ngannou's raw power as a legitimate danger.

"I only trained for six weeks for Deontay Wilder, I'm dedicating 12 weeks to prepare for Francis Ngannou. So, I need to be at my absolute best because there's more at stake now than just a boxing match. Losing to a fellow champion might not be too bad, but losing to an MMA fighter would be a humiliation I couldn't live down. People would mock me forever. So, this fight means more to me than any other."

Ngannou, at 37, had knocked out 12 opponents in 20 professional MMA matches (17-3) before agreeing to box Fury. He had an impressive six-fight winning streak in the UFC before leaving the organization last year when his contract expired. Despite the doubts, Fan Duel still lists Fury as a 13-1 favorite to win the Fury vs Ngannou pay-per-view main event. Earlier this year, Fury and his team attempted to negotiate a title unification fight with Oleksandr Usyk's representatives, but they couldn't make it happen. This added to the criticism when it became clear that Fury's only fight in 2023 wouldn't even be against a professional boxer, let alone the undefeated IBF/IBO/WBA/WBO champion. Nevertheless, Fury suspects that Ngannou, who stands at 6 feet 4 inches and weighs 260 pounds, might pack just as much, if not more, punching power than the taller and lighter Wilder. Fury, who stands at 6 feet 9 inches, insists he's treating his training camp for this unique event as seriously as he would for a fight against Wilder.

"Regardless of how the media portrays it, know this - Tyson Fury will leave no stone unturned, and I will come into this fight in the best shape of my life to defeat this man. And if I don't, and I get knocked out, then laugh at me. I would deserve it. I'd be an idiot not to give my absolute all in training for someone like Francis. He's a powerhouse, and I have the utmost respect for him. I'm in the gym every day, training as hard as I possibly can."

Fabio Wardley and David Adeleye, dressed sharply for their heavyweight fight announcement, unexpectedly provided fans with more action than anticipated. They were present on the red carpet during the press conference for Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou. Wardley and Adeleye are set to face off in an exciting domestic heavyweight clash on the undercard, which was initially supposed to be for the British title, but the status of the title is currently uncertain. Wardley mentioned that efforts were ongoing to have the title at stake in Saudi Arabia, but regardless of the outcome, he was confident that he would secure his sixteenth knockout out of 17 fights against Adeleye on October 28.

“It’s still TBC, it’s still a conversation we’re having. Obviously we want it on the line … If that’s not the case, the fight’s going ahead regardless. It’s still a great fight.” “He’ll be gone within the distance most definitely.”

Adeleye paid respect to his opponent but made it clear that he believes he will secure his thirteenth victory and maintain his flawless record.

“I’m confident. I know what I’m about. I don’t take nothing away from him. He’s a big guy just like me, both undefeated. He does what he needs to do every time, but at the end of the day it’s gonna be me or him – and I choose myself.”

Afterward, they had a face-to-face exchange of words, which quickly turned physical. Wardley approached Adeleye, who immediately pushed him. When Wardley attempted to retaliate, he stumbled over equipment. Wardley was later seen with a cut near his left eye and another under his chin. Tensions were already high, and this altercation has intensified the animosity between the two fighters. Unfortunately, the injuries have the potential to delay Wardley's sparring sessions, making the possibility of the fight being postponed a real concern for fans.