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Reason Tyson Fury struggled against Francis Ngannou revealed

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Tyson Fury

Tyson Fury didn’t perform to his best against Francis Ngannou as the WBC heavyweight champion hit the canvas early on.

His UK promoter has since explained the reason for Fury’s sub-par efforts in a close decision victory.

Frank Warren lamented the lack of video footage of Ngannou in the boxing ring, a major contributor to the contest.

Warren added that now Fury has experience facing the former UFC champion, “The Gypsy King,” and will be a lot better in the rematch.

Why did Tyson Fury struggle against Francis Ngannou?

“There was no video footage to look at of Ngannou in a ring,” Warren told The MMA Hour. “All you could look at him of was in an MMA match, in UFC as it was.

“When I looked at that, I could see him as a tough guy. He’s a big competitor. He’s strong, so I knew what was coming in the clinches or whatever.

“Tyson, as he’s fought in his last four fights, where he stood toe-to-toe with people and slugged it out in some cases, like he did with Deontay Wilder, he didn’t do what he used to do in the past.

“What he used to do was to get up on his toes and box, use his jab. He stood there and traded with him. I thought that I didn’t want him getting in these clinches with Ngannou if they did that.

Tyson Fury and Francis Nnanganou

“I felt that he’d be used to that. But when that first bell went, and he came out, and I watched as he shaped up, I thought to myself, ‘Oh, this is not what I’m expecting. This is not.’

“Normally, MMA guys, they’re a bit more square on. He actually had the stance of a boxer, could jab, and was switch-hitting.

“After a couple of rounds, I believed Tyson was winning, but I thought, ‘This is not going to be the job that everybody’s saying it’s going to be.’”

Lack of training

Fury’s father, John, spoke to Metro about the lack of training, which he believed was evident.

‘He didn’t look right. Everything had changed about him: his demeanor, his body. I was puzzled,” said John.

“He said he had been training, but there is training, and there is training. If you’re going at your own pace, no one will tell you; otherwise, no one will offend you or kick you up the backside.

“No one can teach Tyson how to box or teach him more than he knows. All they can do is put some muscle on there and make his body rock solid.

“For my money, he looked fat-thin. He should have been better, a bit heavier with a lot more muscle. Tyson is a mammoth fella.

“He needs to power up in the body department, and the only way you do that is a proper course, and they take time, and we don’t have the time.”

Fury vs Ngannou 2 is expected to occur in 2025 after Oleksandr Usyk gets two chances at the undisputed crown.

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BOXING

Jose Benavidez Jr. Would Love To Run it Back With Terence Crawford

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Terence Crawford

Fighting, at least inside the ring, was supposed to be a thing of the past for Jose Benavidez Jr.

Once viewed as a hotshot prospect, the career of Benavidez was dangling in the wind after he was shot in the leg while walking his dog in 2016. Doctors presumed that walking, let alone fighting, would be a minor miracle. But, always defiant when doubted, Benavidez (28-2-1, 19 KOs) brushed off the words of medical advisors and began putting the work in.

In just over two years, not only did the surly contender grab a handful of wins, but he also parlayed those victories into a showdown against Terence Crawford. Things didn’t play out the way he was hoping, but Benavidez refused to be a walking target. At times, he made the pound-for-pound star work. And, just recently, Crawford admitted that Benavidez was one of the toughest fights of his career, despite becoming an undisputed champion recently.

Over the years, apprehension normally sets in for Crawford’s opponents. With 11 consecutive knockout wins, Benavidez can take some solace in how he performed. During that violent seven-year run, the 31-year-old was the only fighter that reached the final round. It isn’t something to brag about, but Benavidez believes that small accomplishment is sort of like a badge of honor.

Terence Bud Crawford

“I lasted 12 rounds,” Benavidez told a group of reporters. “Yeah I got stopped but I put a helluva fight on. Terence Crawford is the best of the best. He’s been taking everyone out. I’m the only one that’s given him a run for his money.”

Since getting it on, both fighters have gone in different directions. For Benavidez, he vacillated between numerous weight classes. He’ll officially move up even higher when he takes on Jermall Charlo at a catchweight of 163 pounds this weekend.

Oddsmakers may not believe him but Benavidez is incredibly confident that the night will go according to plan. If it does, Benavidez will be on top of the world. He’ll have his pick of the litter and opponents will line up at his front door looking to take him on.

From Benavidez’s point of view, he plans on brushing past those new faces and shaking hands with an old pal. Although he knows it’s unlikely, he’s holding out hope that Crawford will give him the opportunity to redeem himself.

“I would love a rematch at a higher weight but that probably won’t happen. He’s a good guy, I wish him the best in his career.”

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BOXING

Gervonta Davis keeps fans guessing with cryptic Instagram post during Ryan Garcia fight

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Gervonta Davis

On the eve of Ryan Garcia’s triumphant return to the boxing ring, Gervonta Davis injected an air of mystery into the atmosphere with a cryptic Instagram post.

Garcia, who secured a knockout victory over Oscar Duarte in the eighth round, marked his comeback after a setback against Tank in April. Despite facing challenges during the bout, the 25-year-old American emerged victorious with a decisive knockout.

As the fight unfolded, Davis, Garcia’s former adversary, took to social media, sharing two pictures accompanied by captions that were derogatory towards Garcia.

What did Gervonta Davis post?

The initial image showcased Davis’ Ferrari, while the subsequent one depicted Garcia wincing in agony from the body shot that led to his defeat in April. The caption drew from the lyrics of British rapper Dave’s verse in Trojan Horse.

Gervonta Davis

“Antisocial, I’m a loner… let’s not talk bout makin a Mil, this year I average 100 ms in a month… had a vision of running it up, and it’s working well like rum in a punch,” Davis posted.

The post left fans perplexed, prompting questions about its meaning. One fan expressed confusion.

“What does that even mean?” were the words of one fan.

“I don’t understand that type of talk,” another stated.

Various theories circulated about the post’s significance, but the prevailing belief was that Davis intended to troll Garcia. Fans reacted with a mix of amusement and disapproval.

“You’re cold for the second pic during the man’s fight,” joked one fan.

Another labeled Davis as a troll, while a third speculated that the second picture held a personal significance. Amidst the diverse interpretations, a consensus emerged that Davis, in his own unique way, aimed to emphasize the victory with the inclusion of the second picture.

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BOXING

British Boxing Legend Says Deontay Wilder Knocks Joshua Out In One Round: “He Won’t Get Up”

By
Anthony Joshua

A former British boxing hardman gives Anthony Joshua very little chance against Deontay Wilder.

This fight is one of the most desired in boxing right now, and has been for some time. Both big-hitting heavyweights are former champions with huge profiles on either side of the Atlantic. They have often talked of facing one another in the ring but have, as of yet, failed to sign any contracts.

Anthony Joshua and Deontay

They will, however, be appearing not the same bill on December 23 in Saudi Arabia. Former unified champion Joshua faces Swedish southpaw Otto Wallin, while the one-time WBC champion Wilder comes up against another former champion in Joseph Parker on a bill that also includes Daniel Dubois versus Jarrell Miller and Dimitry Bivol versus Lyndon Arthur.

One now-retired fighter who has experience of coming up against a huge rival is Carl Froch, the man who twice fought George Groves across some of British boxing’s biggest-ever nights.

Speaking to Gambling Zone, the former super middleweight champion made a bold prediction for what would happen should Joshua and Wilder meet in the ring.

He then laid out some specifics.

For that fight to even be a possibility, Joshua will need to beat Wallin first, which his American heavyweight rival Jarrell Miller thinks is unlikely.

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BOXING

‘Joshua will beat Wallin’

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Anthony Joshua

Two-time world featherweight champion Leigh Wood has said that Anthony Joshua will be clear, decisive and knock Otto Wallin out in their December 23 fight in Saudi Arabia.

Joshua has been working with trainer Ben Davison, who also happens to train Wood, ahead of the bout in Riyadh with Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker happening on the same card.

Under Davison, Wood has been hugely successful, going from losing in a British title fight earlier in his career, to then becoming WBA featherweight world champion and pulling off some incredible victories, and Joshua will be hoping for similar success.

Wood believes Joshua is learning a lot from Davison and has predicted the British-Nigerian will knock out Wallin in their next fight.

“The approach he’s got with Ben, he’s like a sponge – he’s absorbing all the information,” Wood told Boxing News.

“A lot of people look at it and think, ‘He’s training with Ben, is he mad?’ but like I’ve said, Ben (is) way ahead. I’ve said this many times, and people can quote me, because I know in ten years’ time they’ll be like, ‘Leigh Wood told us.’

anthony joshua

“I didn’t have to tell you. Look at my fights I’ve had; I’ve been the underdog time and time again, (but) I’m getting these results. Is it because I’m superhuman, or is it because I’ve got a mint team? Do the maths.

“I can see a lot of similarities between Joshua and myself in the way he’s learning. He’s always asking questions and wants to know how it works. Sometimes you’re trying to learn something and it doesn’t click straight away, then it’s a good feeling when you get it.”

Wood further spoke on the shift in Joshua’s approach, highlighting the newfound confidence and clarity.

“He’s on the right path, and I can’t wait for his fight in December. I think you will see AJ be more clear and decisive with what he’s doing in there because I feel like he’ll know what he needs to do.

“Whereas in previous fights, he’s (seemed) a bit apprehensive. (It’s like he’s) thinking, ‘It doesn’t feel right,’ or half-guessing and not confident in what he’s doing but just doing it anyway.

“I know for this fight he will be clear and decisive, knowing what he needs to do and going out and doing it. A lot of people will say, ‘AJ’s looking more like his old self,’ and that will be because of these things he’s doing (with Davison). Without a shadow of a doubt, it’s an AJ knockout (against Wallin).”

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BOXING

Ryan Garcia brushes off boos after sluggish start and knocks out Oscar Duarte

By
Ryan Garcia

Ryan Garcia struggled through seven rounds and was booed by fans when he unloaded punches on Oscar Duarte, knocking him out in the eighth round.

Round 8: Garcia unloads and stuns with a knockout

Round 8: Fans start booing in full force as Ryan Garcia remains puzzled to let his hands go with mean intentions. Garcia is on the proverbial bike and riding around the ring, moving away from Oscar Duarte. It’s not engaging, but Garcia is at least showing nothing is wrong with his legs.

And then lightning strikes and Garcia connects with a check left hook. Duarte is hurt in an immediate flash. Garcia unloads on Duarte with a flurry along the ropes and Duarte’s legs betray him. He crumbles down to the canvas. He tries to get up and barely gets up at 10 and referee James Green counts him out at the 2:51 mark of the round. Garcia is your winner by knockout.

Round 7: Duarte delivers blows during aggressive round

Round 7: Oscar Duarte gets overly aggressive and eats a counter shot from Ryan Garcia. That doesn’t deter Duarte from still charging ahead for the rest of the round. Garcia is sticking and moving trying to find his openings with not much success. Garcia is not letting his hands go as much as he did in the opening few frames, and Duarte appears to tack another round in his favor.

Round 6: Garcia settles into poor defensive posture

Round 6: Ryan Garcia lands a hard uppercut to begin the round, but his poor defensive posture resurfaces. Garcia appears stiff and upright and his body is positioned in a poor angle with his back almost turned to Oscar Duarte. Duarte doesn’t care and continues pounding Garcia. A curious defensive adjustment for Garcia midway through the fight. Is something perhaps bothering him? Momentum continues to shift to Duarte.

Round 5: Duarte delivers arguably his best round

Ryan Garcia

Round 5: Both fighters have landed 21 power punches through four rounds. Ryan Garcia opens the round with a sharp three-punch combination. He then resorts to an unconventional defensive approach that mimics a poor man’s version of Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s shoulder roll. Garcia hits Oscar Duarte below the belt and gets warned for it, and Duarte ends the round with a fierce attack to the body. The fifth is arguably Duarte’s best round of the fight.

  • Round 4: Duarte warned twice for excessive shots to back of Garcia’s head

    Round 4: Oscar Duarte continues with relentless pressure but doesn’t let his hands go with equal intensity. Ryan Garcia is picking and popping his shots. When Duarte does let his hands go, referee James Green serves Duarte with two hard warnings for excessive shots to the back of Garcia’s head. A foul-filled round comes to an unspectacular close.

    Round 3: Garcia is aggressive, but many punches are off target

    Round 3: Ryan Garcia unleashes a three-punch combination in the opening minute that glances off the gloves of Oscar Duarte. He later follows up with a right hand with devastating intentions that slightly misses the mark. Garcia shows some deft defense, slips a wild left hook from Duarte and impressively answers with another three-punch combo. It wasn’t all defense, however — Duarte’s best punch of the round is an overhand right hand that connects.

    Round 2: Duarte lands a sweeping left hook

    Round 2: Ryan Garcia ditched his stool and remained standing in his corner after the first round ended. But it’s Oscar Duarte who is still rejuvenated, landing an impressive and sweeping left hook midway through the round. Garcia eats it well and does not appear to be rattled. He’s been dropped twice before in the second round throughout his career. Garcia reacts with sharp counters off his back foot to end a competitive round.

    Round 1: Both fighters open with aggression

    Round 1: Hip hop artist Lupe Fiasco walked Ryan Garcia into the ring by serenading him with his hit anthem “Superstar.” The 25-year-old boxter will need a show-stopping performance to propel himself back as a star.

    Oscar Duarte is introduced to a healthy chorus of cheers, but it’s clear the Houston crowd in attendance is overwhelmingly there to see Garcia revive his career.

    At the sound of the opening bell, Garcia steps out and pumps a flashing jab and a left hook as well as a nice right to the body. Duarte answers with a left hook of his own. He puts his head down and charges forward, but Garcia rings his bell with a sharp left uppercut. Duarte continues to come forward, but Garcia banks the round by moving and jabbing at the end of the first frame.

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BOXING

LIVE VIDEO: Ryan Garcia Knocks Out Oscar Duarte In Houston

By
Ryan Garcia

Ryan Garcia has stopped Oscar Duarte.

Garcia and Duarte shared the boxing ring inside the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas on December 2. It was a big chance for Duarte to pull off the biggest win

in his pro career. For Garcia, it was an opportunity to bounce back from his lone pro loss to Gervonta Davis.

Garcia threw out the jab early in round one. He dug in a shot to the body. Duarte threw a left hook, but Garcia blocked it. A counter left uppercut was there for “KingRy.” Garcia went for another uppercut near the end of the round.

A right hand was thrown for Garcia, but Duarte had his guard up. Duarte shoved Garcia to the corner before the ref broke up the clinch. A left hand landed for Duarte. Garcia connected with his own left hand. A jab was there for Garcia, Duarte answered back with a left hand. A right hand from Garcia connected.

In the third round, Garcia went for an uppercut that only hit Duarte’s arm. Duarte was making it tough for Garcia to get in his counters. Duarte was warned for hitting “KingRy” in the back. A hard right hand was partially blocked by Duarte. A right hand down the pipe gave Duarte pause momentarily, but he continued moving forward. A combination was there for Garcia. Duarte was warned for punches to the back a second time.

Ryan Garcia

Round four began and Garcia once again looked to pierce the guard of his opponent. Duarte showed no fear, moving forward and landing a body shot. Duarte was once again warned, this time for punches to the back of Garcia’s head. Fight fans inside the arena became restless with the referee’s interference. With Garcia’s back to the ropes, Duarte fired off his offense. Duarte was warned yet again, this time for a low blow.

One minute into round five, Garcia found the home for an uppercut that snapped his opponent’s head back. Duarte still didn’t seem fazed and kept moving forward. Garcia connected with a left hook. Garcia initially looked to land a clean body shot, but it was ruled a low blow near the end of the round.

Throughout the fight, Garcia was doing a half shoulder roll that made it look like he was giving up his back, which was being criticized by Shawn Porter and Sergio Mora on the DAZN broadcast. Garcia scored a big uppercut in round six. Duarte landed a right hand over the top, but missed a winging hook.

Garcia landed a big counter right hand as Duarte was moving forward in round seven. “KingRy” continued moving around, as Duarte moved forward. A left hand from Garcia had Duarte off balance. Garcia appeared to be frustrating his opponent.

Garcia continued to be on his bicycle in the eighth round, looking for counters. Garcia landed a massive check left hook that had Duarte on wobbly legs. A few more punches from “KingRy” dropped his opponent. Duarte couldn’t beat the 10-count.

Ryan Garcia got the job done.

 

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BOXING

“You Are Too Rich My Guy”: Fans Have a Field Day as Floyd Mayweather Gives a Glimpse of His “King Cave”

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Floyd Mayweather

Floyd Mayweather, the undefeated boxing champion, has become synonymous with a lifestyle that exudes luxury. From his flashy car collection to his extravagant mansions, Mayweather’s wealth is on full display. One of the most notable aspects of Mayweather’s lavish lifestyle is his penchant for high-end cars. His garage boasts an impressive collection of luxury vehicles, including rare and custom-made cars that showcase his extravagant taste. However, recently the boxing legend showed off something else. He took to Instagram to show off his version of the ‘man cave’ to the world.

In the video, the boxing legend showed off the impressive place. In the caption, he wrote, “It’s one thing to have a “Man Cave” but it’s another to have a King Cave! Step into my domain where the Jumbotrons flashing movies & sports, the indoor pool stays heated all winter long. Not to mention the competition is heavy in the arcade from air hockey, to basketball to foosball or just some old school mrs Pac-Man. Of course a King Cave isn’t complete without a wine cellar, filled with @lebonargent and an open bar serving nothing but the finest @goodmoneywhiskey.” However, it appears that the fans were not really impressed by his ‘King Cave’.

Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s King Cave fails to impress his fans

Floyd Mayweather

The glimpse into Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s so-called “King Cave” has sparked a wave of reactions among fans, and they’re not holding back. One fan humorously pointed out, “Man, that’s not no ‘Man-cave.’ That’s a 3-bedroom house. My garage is a Man cave, 840 square feet.” It seems Mayweather’s opulent space may have surpassed the typical concept of a man cave.

Others chimed in with comparisons, noting, “I’ve seen even better setups in smaller houses. You got mad bread, champ; use your imagination. It looks like an old folks’ Chinese restaurant in there.” The critique suggested that despite Mayweather’s wealth, fans expected a more creatively curated space.

The commentary extended to Mayweather’s fashion choices, with one fan questioning, “What’s the story with that stupid-looking hat always on his head?” This comment is in line with the recent incident where Mayweather

Moreover, in a light-hearted jab, a fan humorously remarked, “Floyd, this is not even a man cave; this is a house atp, you’re too rich, my guy.” However, one fan came in support of the boxing legend. The fan stated, “TBE aint nobody doin it like that.”

Overall fans were left largely unimpressed with Mayweather’s recent post. What do you think about his ‘King Cave’? Do you think it looks good or do you agree with the fans? Do share your thoughts in the comments below.

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BOXING

Encouraging ‘Math and Science’ Over Sports, Claressa Shields Gives a Harsh Reality Check to Black Guys Pursuing Career in Basketball

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Claressa Shields

Claressa Shields has posited herself as a role model in the realm of sports at large. Her journey from the debut Franchon Crews Dezurn fight in 2016 till today remains a matter of resilience in itself. With each stride she takes in the combat realm, she sends ripples through it. She has represented black communities and is trailblazing for them at a global platform. In one such effort, she recently took to her social media educating her fellow black ‘brothers’ about the harsh reality of pursuing a career in basketball.

Reports suggest that the National Basketball Association (NBA) has one of the highest representations of African-American men. The numbers are promising enough to suggest ample representation of Black folks in the sport. However, there have been debates about how difficult it is for them to get to that position. Chiming in this discourse, Shields shared a video of Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu. He is a writer and educator who has dedicated his body of work to highlighting the ills affecting black culture in the US. Through the video, Shields noted how black men are losing out on career opportunities as they press over a career in the NBA.

“Listen to the full video”: Claressa Shields highlights the path to NBA

An advocate for Black rights in the US, and the world at large, GWOAT took to her Instagram stories in pursuit to inform her 792k large follower base of how being inclined towards a career in the NBA might be ruining chances of Black men in other possible career avenues. In the video shared by her, “Countering the Conspiracy to Destroy Black Boys,” author, Kunjufu spoke vividly about how hundreds of thousands of black boys want to pursue a career in the NBA. However, from these “400,000” in school to the court, these numbers are massively reduced to a mere 7.

Claressa Shield

These kids devote almost their entire lives to training for the sport. However, when the time to be successful in it dawns, only a handful can reach the ranks. The tough competition and limited opportunities keep thousands of black boys on the margins. In contrast to the NBA, are the fields like computer science, academia, and medical sciences. These fields hold ample opportunities that go amiss.

Imploring his fellow black brothers to leverage more career opportunities, the author said, “So the real problem is we have a million brothers, looking for 7 full-time jobs that last 4 years. And yet last year, we had 100,000 jobs available to be a computer programmer, engineer, or doctor; and only 1000 brothers qualified. So I appeal to black males is to realize the odds that you do most will be that you do best.”

“That you do most, with that you do best,” emphasized Kunjufu. He further elucidated that no matter what career path one chooses, determination to practice it propels them toward success. However, he did elaborate that it is necessary to weigh their options before fixing their goals. He said, “If you play basketball from 3 o’clock to 9 o’clock, you’ll be a very good basketball player. If you went home and went to the library you’d be a very good scholar. We need more black male role models that will encourage our youth in math and science.”

There are calls to establish and maintain an equal society for the black community in the country. Further to this, there is an increasing need to ensure representation of them in all spheres. Through this conversation, both Shields and Kunjufu have called for the same in the field of sports. It is in these efforts do we see a viable future for the community where success is accessible to them.

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BOXING

Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez says fight with Terence Crawford ‘doesn’t make sense’ after beating Jermell Charlo

By
Terence Bud Crawford

Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez beat Jermell Charlo on Saturday night; Mexican says time is not right to fight Terence Crawford, who criticised Charlo’s approach in Las Vegas; Charlo wants Crawford bout but American says he is “over” his compatriot

Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez says a fight with Terence Crawford “doesn’t make sense right now” after beating Jermell Charlo on Saturday night.

Alvarez dropped Charlo in the seventh round on his way to a unanimous decision victory in Las Vegas that extended his career record to 60-2-2.

The undisputed super-middleweight champion has faced calls to take on Crawford, the 40-0 undisputed welterweight champion, in his next bout, but said in his post-fight press conference on Saturday: “If the fight makes sense, go ahead.

“But right now, the fight with Terence Crawford, it doesn’t make sense. I just won, let me enjoy this.

“This is Canelo, I’m finally back. I feel great and I feel happy because I haven’t felt like this in a long time. I’m back.”

Terence Crawford

After handing Charlo just his second professional defeat, Alvarez said: “Nobody can beat this Canelo.

“We know he’s a great fighter. He knows how to move in the ring.

“We worked on attacking the body for three months. For three months in the mountains without my family, without everything.

“I wasn’t disappointed not to get the knockout. I feel great. That’s why we fight 12 rounds.

“If I don’t get the knockout, I get 12 rounds to show I’m the best, that I’m the better fighter. That’s why it’s 12 rounds, to show who’s better.”

Crawford uninterested in Charlo bout

While Alvarez does not want to take on Crawford in the near future, Charlo does have his eyes on his fellow American, saying: “I wanna fight Terence Crawford.”

Charlo jumped up two weight divisions to take on Alvarez but said: “I can fight Crawford in my weight division. I’ll fight Crawford. I’m waiting.”

However, Crawford appeared unimpressed with Charlo’s efforts against Alvarez, writing on X: “Jermell Charlo, you went out sad. Didn’t even try to win, all you did was try to survive. You should be ashamed of yourself.

“Congratulations Canelo, you made the so-called lion look like a baby cub.

“I’m over Jermell Charlo. He’s no longer on my hit list. He went out there and laid down with no type of resistance.”

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