Richie, Author at Rich Sport

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a heavyweight fight.

Reports trickling out of Saudi Arabia over the last few days indicated that rival heavyweight title claimants Tyson Fury (WBC) and Oleksandr Usyk (IBF/WBA/WBO) will put their respective baubles on the line in a long-awaited unification on December 23 or early next year. Fury confirmed the fight on Instagram.

He has been in the kingdom prepping for a non-title “fight” against ex-UFC heavyweight kingpin Francis Ngannou that’s scheduled for October 28 in Riyadh. Usyk, meanwhile, is several weeks removed from his most recent title defense, a ninth-round TKO over Daniel Dubois in which he was dropped by a body shot ruled low by referee Luis Pabon.

The two have shared space atop the big-boy division for more than two years since the Ukrainian, a former undisputed champ at cruiserweight, climbed the ladder to defeat Anthony Joshua on Joshua’s home turf in England. He repeated the feat 11 months later in the Saudi city of Jeddah, about 600 miles southwest of Riyadh.

The prospect of the two champs meeting set the B/R combat team ablaze and prompted an early head-to-toe breakdown in which we looked at boxing ability, defense, punching power and X-factors. Take a look at what we came up with and drop a thought in the comments.

What’s at Stake: Simply put, heavyweight domination.

Their achievements have put Fury and Usyk at the top of the sport’s traditional glamor division and the bout is even more riveting because neither has lost in a professional ring.

Fury toppled long-running champ Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 before a prolonged hiatus due to personal issues and then returned for an unlikely vanquishing of Deontay Wilder across three fights (two wins, one draw) from 2018 to 2021. He’s defended twice since completing the trilogy, beating Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora into submission in a combined 16 rounds.

As for Usyk, he completed his own four-belt dominance at cruiserweight in 2018 before rising to defeat Chazz Witherspoon (TKO 7) and Chisora (UD 12) to earn the Joshua title try.

He’s 5-0 with two KOs at heavyweight after 16 straight wins with 12 KOs before the jump.

The winner will become the division’s first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999.

BOXING

The stratospheric amount of money Tyson Fury will earn for fighting Usyk

The fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, the most anticipated heavyweight fight that will unify all four belts for the first time, will move a dizzying amount of money.

The fight, scheduled for January 2024, though it could be moved up to December 23 of this year, will be held in Saudi Arabia.

Bob Arum, Tyson Fury‘s promoter, revealed that his client could pocket 200 million dollars for his fights in Saudi Arabia.

This includes the October 28 fight against Francis Ngannou (former UFC heavyweight), to be held in Riyadh, and the subsequent showdown with Usyk, owner of three belts (WBA-IBF-WBO).

How much will Fury earn vs Ngannou and vs Usyk?

Derek Chisora, who has had several deals in Saudi Arabia, let slip that Fury should receive 50m dollars for the fight with Nbannou, according to The Sun.

If this amount is discounted and, without the option of a rematch in the agreement between the Gypsy King and Usyk, it would mean that he would be pocketing 150m dollars for the fight with the Ukrainian.

Arum confirmed that the fight should be held not too far from the beginning of the year so as not to coincide with Ramadan.

CELEB NEWS

Lewis Hamilton ‘irritating’ George Russell as McLaren sue own driver for £19m

Max Verstappen will be able to wrap up his third Drivers’ Championship title in Qatar this weekend before the race even begins on Sunday. The Dutchman only needs to finish in the top six in Saturday’s sprint to secure the end-of-season honours and officially extend Lewis Hamilton’s barren spell for another year.

Verstappen still has a long way to go in order to match Hamilton’s impressive tally of seven titles, but he does not appear to be overly fussed about knocking the Brit off his perch. He recently insisted that although it is fun to break records, he remains focused on taking things one step at a time and doing the best he can at each and every Grand Prix weekend.

“It’s good but at the other end I’m not too focused about it,” he told the Mind Set Win podcast when quizzed on the prospect of smashing more F1 records.

“I just want to do the best I can every single time I’m in the car, and if that means that you break a record, okay, great, but it’s more important what you are doing and achieving. At the end of the day, my goal this year is to win the championship.”

CELEB NEWS

Mercedes War Gets Uglier as George Russell Insults “Slower” Lewis Hamilton to Favor Max Verstappen

It seems like there’s more drama off the track than on it for Mercedes these days. Ever since Mercedes made the bold decision to bring young talent George Russell on board, sidelining Valtteri Bottas, there’s been an electric buzz of rivalry. Add to that Russell’s commendable performance beating 7-time champion Lewis Hamilton last season, and you have the perfect recipe for a turbulent team relationship.

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During the recent Japanese GP, the two were more “Fast & Furious” than any brotherhood. While most drivers aim to beat the competition, it looked like Hamilton and Russell were more keen on outdoing each other. Russell’s radio message, “Are we fighting each other or what”, says it all. Drama, drama, drama.

Recently, Russell sat down for a chat on the F1 Beyond the Grid podcast with Tom Clarkson. The youngster will be celebrating his 100th Grand Prix in Austin. To put that into perspective, that’s as many races as the legendary Jackie Stewart did in his entire career. Russell confidently mentioned, “I really feel like I’m only just getting started… I think I’m performing at a really high level.” He didn’t stop there.

In a not-so-subtle nod to his Mercedes teammate, he added, “I’m really happy with my own personal performance, but I recognize that you need to sustain this performance and be ready for when the car gives you that opportunity. And I think Max and Lewis are a perfect example. Yeah, Max [Verstappen] isn’t suddenly one second faster a driver than he was in 2020, and Lewis isn’t suddenly one second a lap slower than he was in 2020.” Ouch!

The conclusion of Russell’s idea brings out the frustrating reality of F1 – that even if a driver is exceptionally skilled, they sometimes have to wait for the right opportunity. He mentions that he’s not the only driver currently in this position, suggesting that many are waiting for their chance to shine based on the cars and situations they’re in.

Russell’s conviction that he’s “just getting started” resonates strongly with the sentiment that there’s a change on the horizon. And it’s not just about the number of races but the mindset and intent behind every race. But while Russell is primed to rise, he’s also realistic about the challenges ahead, as the young gun knows all too well the intricacies and politics of F1.

Mercedes showdown: George Russell gears up to challenge Lewis Hamilton

If the F1 tracks had walls, they’d be echoing whispers of an impending ‘changing of the guard’ at Mercedes. The much-touted George Russell, after hopping onto the Mercedes ride last year, seems determined to stamp his presence alongside the revered Lewis Hamilton. However, that journey has been, shall we say, a bit bumpy off late.

Riding high on ambition, Russell appeared set to take on the mantle of ‘team leader.’ But with Hamilton’s pen committing two more years to Mercedes and not even a hint of slowing his F1 pace, George might need to hit the brakes on that aspiration. For now.

BOXING

“He Was Going Out the Door”: Despite Canelo Alvarez’s Jermell Charlo Win, Gervonta Davis Remains Adamant on Self-Proclaimed “Face of Boxing” Remarks

The boxing world can’t stop talking about the victory of Canelo Alvarez over Jermell Charlo. As famous, ‘Cinnamon’ beat Jermell Charlo and kept his super middleweight title. Charlo had moved up two weight classes, confident in giving Canelo a tough fight, but struggled during the bout. We don’t know if it was the weight change, lack of recent fights, or just facing a formidable opponent that caused Charlo’s loss.

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Alvarez took control from the start. He knocked Charlo down in round seven, showing he’s still at his best and shunning the critics for his past performances. As a reason, many think this victory makes him the face of boxing. However, Gervonta Davis, another top champion, disagrees. In a recent interview with Fight Hype, ‘Tank’ unraveled why he’s still the face of boxing despite Canelo’s lopsided win against ‘Iron Man.’

Why does Gervonta Davis think he’s “the face of boxing”?

According to Davis, Alvarez’s win was great but not spotlight-stealing. Davis believes the sport’s face must show dominance and showmanship. He thinks these qualities are part of his own style. As ‘Tank’ said, “for sure, I think I’m the face of boxing already if we being real. I think I’m the face of boxing right now. I think with Canelo going out the door, all the top guys, I mean. Canelo’s probably the only one, but he’s going out the door.”

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 23: CAPTION at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

When the interviewer asked what he thinks it takes to be the ‘face’ of boxing, he gave a detailed answer. He said, “Just every time I’m in there, just put on a great performance, you know. Just go out there and put on a great performance. That’s, I think that’s what make me, what make me that star over everybody. ‘Cause people be winning, but they, you watching them and they be like, first of all, they go 12 rounds. Not saying 12 rounds is bad, but it just like how they do it. Like they run and they think it’s still amateur boxing and things like that. Like, come on.”

Who’s Tank aiming next to make his legacy irrefutable?

According to Boxing Social, Calvin Ford, Davis’s trainer, recently revealed the mega fight Davis is aiming for next. The focus is on a potential bout between Davis and Teofimo Lopez, a two-weight world champion. Both fighters have a long history, tracing back to their days in the American amateur ranks. He said it’s not a question of “if,” but “when.” Both fighters have sparred before, adding intrigue to a future pro bout. Ford believes the fight will happen after they clear other challenges.

He wants Lopez to keep his 140-pound class spot, while Davis holds his. Both fighters are at career highs after recent wins. Davis beat Ryan Garcia, and Lopez defeated Josh Taylor. However, there are still logistical hurdles in the fight’s manifestation. These include promoter and broadcasting issues that need resolution before scheduling the fight.

The boxing ring is as much a stage for personalities as it is for athletes. While Canelo Alvarez’s recent win over Jermell Charlo was a significant milestone, Gervonta Davis remains steadfast in his belief that he is the true “Face of Boxing.” With upcoming fights and plans to diversify his boxing portfolio, Davis is not just talking the talk; he’s walking the walk.

So, who do you think is the real face of boxing—Canelo Alvarez or Gervonta Davis? Or is there room for more than one star in this arena?

BOXING

Gervonta Davis Sends Defiant Message To His Doubters In ‘Face Of Boxing’ Debate

Gevonta ‘Tank’ Davis has been vocal throughout 2023 about his belief that he has adopted the position as the ‘face’ of the sport following on from his blockbuster win over fellow pay-per-view superstar, Ryan Garcia.

His case was coupled with the supposed steady decline of former pound-for-pound number one, Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez. Now, ‘Tank’ has doubled down on those claims, despite an improved display from Canelo over Jermell Charlo recently.

Alvarez has been widely regarded as the ‘face of boxing’ in recent years. However, disappointing performances against Dmitry Bivol, Gennadiy Golovkin and John Ryder appeared to open the door for a new poster boy. Davis’ win over Garcia convinced some fans that he had overtaken the Mexican in terms of superstardom, and he said so himself in his post-fight interview.

This weekend, fans witnessed a resurgence from Canelo, who comfortably outpointed undisputed super-welterweight champion, Jermell Charlo, without ever really looking to be in danger.

The performance, although dominant, extended his run to four fights without a knockout win and equalling the longest stoppage drought of his career since 2008.

After Alvarez’ win, Davis maintains that he is the ‘face of boxing’, responding to a fan on social media who claimed he was a ‘nobody’ outside of the lightweight division.

Many will claim that, for Davis to truly confirm his position, the 28-year-old power-puncher needs to hold a full world title.

Now, with Devin Haney potentially set to vacate all of his 135lbs belts, Davis’ WBA Regular title will either see him upgraded to become the true world champion or he will fight for the vacant title, perhaps against Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz, who he beat in 2021.

BOXING

Barry McGuigan Says Anthony Joshua ‘Shouldn’t Go Near’ Heavyweight Rival

Anthony Joshua versus Deontay Wilder may just be the most intriguing match-up in the sport that wouldn’t be for a world title.

The two heavyweights seem to have finally agreed that it’s the right time to face off after the years of a unification of the belts being possible.

Now, both with losses to the current champions, fans were promised it would happen this year. A shift in the boxing landscape in Saudi Arabia means that is now not the case.

Speaking to Boxing King Media, Hall of Fame fighter Barry McGuigan said that it was good – at least from Anthony Joshua’s career point of view – that the fight talks have taken a hit.

Promoter Eddie Hearn tells Boxing Social that the hard-hitting American is still very much the target for his charge, even despite the task of now finding a new site. He is still open to ‘AJ’ fighting this December if the fight can’t be finalised soon.

As for Wilder, it looks like he’ll remain inactive until he gets his hands on Joshua. Talk of a fight in the meantime with Andy Ruiz Jr has fallen apart due to a dispute on the purse.

BOXING

Conor McGregor walks back KSI callout and explains confrontation at Anthony Joshua’s fight Jordan Ellis

Conor McGregor claims he is not interested in fighting KSI.

The former dual-weight UFC champion certainly seemed like he fancied a scrap with KSI when they were both in attendance at Anthony Joshua’s latest fight.

After watching the British boxing superstar knock Robert Helenius out cold in August, McGregor grabbed the microphone and challenged KSI to a bare-knuckle boxing bout.

“I know your man KSI is in the crowd, and he couldn’t box eggs if he worked in an egg boxing factory,” he said.

“So, if he wants to get in here, I’ll give him a final yoke, bare-knuckle if you want.”

At this point, KSI had already left London’s O2 Arena, but McGregor’s callout soon got back to him, and excitement started to build about a potential crossover fight as they had already clashed earlier in the evening.

However, ‘Notorious’ has now revealed that he has no interest in actually fighting KSI and only called him out to add a bit of spice to Joshua’s event.

“Ah he was there, it was just a bit of craic,” McGregor told Mirror Fighting when asked why he had called out the YouTube boxer, who faces Tommy Fury next week in Manchester.

He added: “I’m not interested.”

In a later interview with Seconds Out, he admitted to keeping an eye on the influencer boxing scene but views them as “side hustles” to what he’s truly trying to achieve.

McGregor’s currently fixated on returning to the UFC Octagon for the first time since breaking his leg during a trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021.

The 35-year-old is booked to face Michael Chandler and it’s believed they will clash at a UFC event in the first quarter of 2024.

If all goes well against Chandler, McGregor plans to make history by winning the welterweight title currently held by Leon Edwards ahead of his meeting with Colby Covington at UFC 296 on December 16.

After previously holding UFC gold at featherweight and lightweight, ‘Mystic Mac’ would become the first-ever three-weight champion in company history if he repeats the feat at 170lbs.

First things first, he’s got to get his highly anticipated return date pencilled in.

BOXING

GARBINE MUGURUZA SPOTTED ALONGSIDE FIANCE AT SAN SEBASTIAN FILM FESTIVAL AS RETURN PLANNING BEGINS

Garbiñe Muguruza made a public appearance with her fiancé, Arthur Borges, at the San Sebastian Festival in Spain.

The 2-time Grand Slam champion had been keeping a low profile and avoiding public appearances since she made the decision to take a break from the WTA Tour due to a rough patch in her tennis career.

In 2023, she participated in only four tournaments, suffering four first-round defeats, with the latest being on January 30th against Linda Noskova at the Lyon Open. Following her victory in the 2021 WTA Finals, Muguruza faced a challenging 2022 season with unfavorable results, causing her to fall out of the top 50 in the rankings.

Currently, the Spanish tennis star appears content with the break she took from the sport. While in Spain, she enjoyed the premiere of the biographical film ‘Dance First,’ based on the work of Irish playwright Samuel Beckett.

Muguruza was invited to the San Sebastian Festival in Spain, where she appeared alongside her fiancé, Arthur Borges, and shared photos of the event on her social media platforms. The former world No. 1 looked elegant in a white one-shoulder Dior dress, complemented by a micro bag adorned with multicolored stones from Lady Dior:

“San Sebastián Film Festival at @dior 🤍,” Muguruza wrote on Instagram.

While Muguruza mentioned at the beginning of the year that she initially planned to skip only the clay and grass seasons, her break will extend into 2024. She recently mentioned her return during the Australian Open, a tournament where she reached the final in 2020 but was defeated by Sofia Kenin.

“I’m enjoying this sabbatical, I think it’s good to stop but it’s not a definitive goodbye. I want to prepare myself to come back, when I’m ready I’ll go back to the courts. US Open, Australian Open, Olympic medal,” Muguruza responded when asked about her comeback

CELEB NEWS

Garbine Muguruza announces happy news while on extended break from tennis

Garbine Muguruza has announced her engagement to long-time boyfriend Arthur Borges. Muguruza, 29, hasn’t played since January as she is currently taking a break from tennis to address her well-being. In recent months, Muguruza has been spending lots of time with her family and friends.

Now, former world No 1 Muguruza announced some happy news. “We would like it to be next year, in the summer, near the beach and in Spain, because it is the place that most unites us,” Muguruza told iHola!

Muguruza shares happy news while on a break from tennis

After going 12-17 in 2022 and starting the 2023 season with four consecutive defeats, Muguruza decided to abruptly stop her season.

In April, Muguruza took to Instagram to reveal why she was out since late January. “Spending time with family and friends and it’s really been healthy and amazing so I am going to lengthen this period till summer. Therefore I’m going to miss the clay and grass season.

Thanks for all the lovely messages and will be updating you guys,” Muguruza said in a message posted on her Instagram Story in early April. Muguruza, a two-time Grand Slam champion, had a rough 2022 season and her 2023 season didn’t start in a great way either.

Just before taking a break from tennis, Muguruza suggested she needed to lower her expectations and be more humble considering her situation. “With tennis, one week it can go wrong, then next week it can go well, then everything changes again.

I think experience helps me to stay calm in the not-so-good moments when I haven’t been playing as well or results haven’t followed. That’s where the experience comes in; to stay calm and keep working hard.

And if you have to be a little more humble, that’s good too. It’s really a rollercoaster, the athlete’s career,” Muguruza said in February. It remains to be seen when exactly Muguruza will return to tennis.