Tag

Boxing

Browsing

Tyson Fury’s wife has admitted she’d love him to retire after his upcoming fight with Oleksandr Usyk.

An announcement is expected imminently to confirm the two men

will go to war in February, with their fight previously scheduled for December.

Fury wants more time to recover, however, having been left bruised following his recent victory over Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia.

Talk of the 35-year-old retiring just yet has been dismissed by his manager.

But wife Paris, speaking to iFL TV, has admitted she’d love her husband to quit boxing once his fight with Usyk is out of the way.

“I’m hoping after Usyk [his upcoming fight against Oleksandr Usyk] that will be the end of it,” she said.

When it was explained to Paris that Fury would likely face Usyk on two more occasions, she seemed far from happy.

She said the news was ‘news to her’ and said she’d ‘hoped to have him home’.

According to OK! Magazine, Paris fears for Fury each time he steps into the ring.

Claressa Shields couldn’t have accomplished more than she has.

Two Olympic gold medals. World titles in two divisions. A 13-0 professional record, 10-0 in championship fights. One of the two or three faces of women’s boxing. She is already one of the best to ever do it.

Only one thing is missing: knockouts. Only two of her victories have come by stoppage, the latter of which came in her fourth fight, in 2017.

That continues to bother Shields as she prepares to face Hanna Gabriels in a rematch on June 3 at Little Ceasars Arena in Detroit.

And it serves as motivation. Boxing Junkie asked her whether it’s difficult to get up for her fights given her dominance over everyone she has faced as a professional.

“No, it’s not,” she said. “If I were knocking these girls out in the first or second round, it would be hard to get up. I went 10 rounds and dominate and in my mind … why can’t I knock her out? So for me that’s what gets me up.”

The question is: What will get her knockouts?

The two-minute rounds in women’s boxing don’t help. Women don’t have as much time to wear down their opponents. And, obviously, some fighters simply have more pop in their punches than others.

Shields figures that the KOs will come if she does the right things.

“We gotta figure out how to knock these girls out,” she said. “I already dominate them. So the next level is to KO them. I feel like all these men get knockouts [against inferior opposition] early in their careers.

“I’ve had only tough challenges, girls with more experience, girls who are stronger than me. … I’ve finally caught up to them in experience. I’m more comfortable sitting down on my punches.

“We want quality over quantity, digging the body shot, the good head movement, countering, explosiveness. Now we’re getting into that. I had been winning with pure talent.”

Claressa Shield

She has a little extra motivation against Gabriels (21-2-1, 12 KOs).

The Costa Rican is the only opponent to have ever put Shields on the canvas, turning the trick in the first round of their 2018 fight. Shields ended up winning a wide decision, proving that she was the superior fighter in spite of the early mishap.

Still, Gabriels, now 40, evidently believes she has the power to turn the tables in the rematch. For her part, Shields put the knockdown behind her years ago.

“It made me upset that night that it happened,” he said. “That was it. I’m not thinking about a knockdown five years later like she is. What else did you do? You lost. That’s what everybody else has done inside the ring with me, lose.”

Indeed, if stopping fights early has been a problem for Shields, winning certainly hasn’t. She hasn’t lost a fight since Savannah Marshall outpointed her when she was a 17-year-old amateur in 2012.

And winning supersedes everything else. It would just be nice to have an early finish once in a while.

“Honestly, I just ‘want to’ keep winning, keep getting better, knock these girls out, keep getting faster and stronger, and just continue having a great career,” Shields said. “There’s always somebody who’s up and coming, who wants a shot at world titles.

“I just want to stay ready for them and just fight the best. That’s all I can do right now.”

A three division world champion and two-time Olympic gold medal winner, Claressa Shields, took a huge risk when she decided to test the waters in mixed martial arts.

Considered by many as the best pound-for-pound fighter in women’s boxing, Shields signed a contract with PFL and made her MMA debut in 2021.

In her debut bout, she picked up a stoppage win over Brittney Elkin. Shields was down on the cards when she stopped Elkin in the third and final round.

She wasn’t as lucky in her next bout, as he lost a split decision to Abigail Montes.

Despite the mixed bag in MMA, Shields has no regrets about her decision to step in the cage.

“I don’t regret doing MMA,” Shields said on The MMA Hour. “I’m 1-1, I lost a fight — a split decision that could have went either way against an opponent who’d been doing MMA her whole life. So the fact that I was doing MMA only a year, trying to learn the ground game and trying to learn some wrestling and add it to my boxing, and then to lose a split — like, I didn’t get knocked out, I didn’t get armbarred, I didn’t get submitted.

“I just lost a split decision. I don’t regret it at all. It actually made me a better fighter. It showed me what I already knew — I can do whatever I put my mind to. I beat a girl who was a brown belt and had been doing MMA for 13 years. I went in there and I was able to beat her, so I just know that I’m dangerous whether it’s in a boxing ring or it’s in a cage.”

Shields is back in action this coming Saturday night. She defends her undisputed middleweight crown against Maricela Cornejo at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena.

At some point, Shields is planning to make another MMA run.

According to the undefeated fighter, discussions are already underway with PFL.

“I would like to do MMA again,” Shields said. “We are in talks with PFL now to try to see what the plan is, but I would like to be given the right amount of time to train and to learn the craft of MMA, to have me a solid team behind me, because I’ve just been winging it.

“I went to JacksonWink and I trained with them, and they were a great team. I did a lot of jiu-jitsu training, a lot of wrestling. But it just was like, you get a 30-minute session, a 45-minute session — you don’t really get like the full [experience]. Like, I go to the gym and I don’t train less than three hours for boxing, and I’ve been doing boxing for 17 years.

“So I feel like in MMA, I want to have that same kind of routine in order for me to just learn those arts, because I’m far behind the other girls, but my boxing gives me a little lift. But if I can’t be on my feet, then we have to figure out something else. So I just want to learn those arts to where it can give me a better chance at winning. I’m not afraid to do MMA. I’ve already done it. I just want to — I like to win. I like to win fights.”

Claressa Shields told the DAZN MMA Show that she consults with some of the biggest names in men’s boxing as she attempts to improve.

Shields is remaining in the PFL MMA franchise as she attempts to become a champion in two disciplines, having been undisputed in two different divisions in the boxing ring, as well as winning to Olympic gold medals in her amateur days,

The self-styled GWOAT said that while she is focusing on MMA in order to let her boxing rivals catch up to her standard, she remains committed to improving all aspects of her ring craft.

She said: “I’m always trying to get better in boxing, if it’s not speed it’s power, if it’s not power, it’s skill. I ask the other guys so many questions. Shakur Stevenson, Terence Crawford, Errol Spence, Jared Anderson. I’m always asking them what I can do to get better at boxing, so I’m never at a standstill.

Claressa Shield

“Now with MMA, it’s just really something that scares the s*** out of me. I’m not great at it, but I’m good at it and I’ve got a lot of potential, and I’m just a natural born fighter.

“It’s not easy to do, but I guess I enjoy the challenge of it. In boxing when I go in the ring I’ve got a 98 percent chance to win but in MMA it’s probably like 50.”

 

Not many fans, fighters or pundits gave Francis Ngannou much of a shot when he announced his pro boxing debut would be against undefeated two-time heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.

In fact, the general narrative was that Fury could end the bout as and when he pleased.

Eddie Hearn, Devin Haney and Terence Crawford all gave the former UFC champ no hope of springing the upset, with Crawford in particular saying he had ‘zero’ chance.

Ngannou not only made it the ten-round distance and boxed impressively, but he knocked Fury down in the third round. He left the ring as moral victor, but missed out on the official win via a split decision in favour of the Brit.

Tyson Fury

He has since mocked the three predictions mentioned above.

‘Bud’ Crawford – undisputed at welterweight and widely considered as the best fighter in the world – has now shared his verdict on social media, saying that his prediction was right but giving brief props to Ngannou.

Ngannou now finds himself a man in demand on the heavyweight scene. He has been called out by Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder and Derek Chisora just one week on from the fight.

With an MMA contract with the Professional Fighters League already signed, there’s a chance that he may not stick around the squared circle straightaway, but there’s no doubt he’ll be back.

The 37-year-old has made clear that the fight atop his own wish-list is a rematch with Tyson Fury.

Anthony Joshua might be one of the most eligible bachelors in British sport right now but dating the former heavyweight boxing champion appears to be a family affair. That’s because despite now being 34, Joshua is still living with his mum in his old family home and has no intention of moving out any time soon

London fighter ‘AJ’ moved back into his mum’s two-bedroom ex-council flat in 2017 despite having just banked an estimated £15 million after beating Wladimir Klitschko.

Joshua gave an insight into his private life during an interview with Louis Theroux that covered his close relationship with his family and, in particular, his mother Yeta Odusanya.

Joshua told the respected BBC interviewer: “I still live with my mum. In our culture, we grew up in our own family home, we support our parents. Why am I going to move out and leave my mum by herself, for some girl? Family is the most important thing.

“When a girl gets with me, she ain’t just marrying me, she’s marrying my family.”

The two-time world champion had previously been in an on-off relationship with childhood school friend Nicole Osbourne, the mother of his child, who he bought a £500,000 flat close to his family home.

Are we going to dissect everything I say and use it as a narrative to create a story? That’s why I keep myself to myself,” he said.

“You put all this pressure on yourself to come and be this big star and be perfect. I’m telling you, they’ll pull you down. The higher you are, the bigger the drop.”

Despite currently being ‘on the market’, Joshua couldn’t resist engaging in some fairly blunt flirting with Laura Woods during an interview with the TNT Sports presenter after his comeback win against Jermaine Franklin.

When asked by Woods, who is now dating former Love Island star Adam Collard, what he thought of his career so far, Joshua said: “I think it’s blossomed amazingly, just like you.

Former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has told promoter Eddie Hearn that he has absolutely no interest in fighting newcomer Francis Ngannou but he is focused on becoming a world champion again.

The British-Nigerian said this to Hearn when they discussed the opportunity of the big-money crossover clash.

The 44-year-old boxing promoter explained that Joshua expressed zero interest in taking on the former UFC heavyweight champion, despite knowing the major money that could be earned.

When they discussed the possibility, the Hearn claims that it was not even on his fighter’s radar, which is covered completely by his path back to heavyweight gold.

In an interview with talkSPORT, Hearn said that Joshua said during their discussions that he had, “Absolutely no interest at all,” in the fight, before adding, “I want to become heavyweight world champion again, I’ve got no interest in fighting Francis Ngannou.”

Previously, Hearn had discussed the notion of contacting Ngannou’s team and advising Joshua to take the fight in a heartbeat.

“Francis Ngannou came to me, we had a very nice meeting and he’s got a great story,” Hearn said.

“He came to me because he wanted to fight Anthony Joshua. I went straight to AJ, I’ve said ‘look it’s a bit of a left-field one’ and don’t forget Anthony Joshua is not a world champion and didn’t have a shot at the world championship.”

However, the Watford man completely shut down any chances of discussions further and remains locked in negotiations with American Deontay Wilder for a mega-fight in January or Februay 2024.

WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury survived what could have been the biggest upset in the history of boxing in a fight against Ngannou in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Fury claimed a controversial split decision victory over former Ngannou in a ‘Battle of the Baddest’ fight on October 28.

Floyd Mayweather, often known as “Money” Mayweather, can be regarded as one of the greatest boxers in the history of the sport. He is a legendary figure in the world of combat sports. With his undefeated professional record of 50-0, he managed to carve himself an almost unmatched legacy with the help of his incredible skills, work ethic, and brilliant talent. Interestingly, his interest in boxing can be attributed to his family being deeply entrenched in the sport. Under his father and uncle’s guidance, he developed his passion. This burst him forth and he managed to reach the pinnacle of the sport.America’s Favorite Video Today

Even though his style was criticized again and again by boxing pundits, nothing could stop the boxing legend on his path to success. He fought some of the greatest fighters of his era and still managed to keep himself out of harm’s way while remaining undefeated. Not only that but he also became one of the highest-paid athletes of all time. The only boxer who could come close to him in PPV sales in this era is Gervonta Davis. Thus the question arises- if he and Terence Crawford ever fought each other, would they be able to leave Mayweather’s legacy in the dust?

Floyd Mayweather still tops the chart of PPV sales

Mayweather has been a huge name in the world of boxing and as such whenever he fought, he would have the attention of the whole boxing world. He has fought some of the biggest names in the sport and thus has reached such high PPV sales that it has still not been topped by other fighters. Some of these fights are-

Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao

In what was hailed as the ‘Fight of the Century’ in 2015, Floyd Mayweather took on Manny Pacquiao in a bout that had been years in the making. Mayweather, known for his defensive prowess, went toe-to-toe with Pacquiao, who was considered one of the most exciting brawlers in the sport. Mayweather emerged victorious via a unanimous decision. This fight generated a record-breaking 4.6 million pay-per-view (PPV) buys, making it the most lucrative boxing match in history.

Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor

In 2017, Floyd Mayweather crossed over into the world of mixed martial arts to face UFC superstar Conor McGregor. This bout was highly anticipated and hyped as a showdown between two different combat sports. Mayweather’s boxing skills ultimately prevailed, and he won by TKO in the 10th round. The fight generated an astounding 4.3 million PPV buys, demonstrating the crossover appeal of both fighters

Mayweather vs. Canelo Álvarez

Mayweather’s bout against Canelo Álvarez in 2013 showcased his unmatched boxing skills. Mayweather used his experience and defensive tactics to defeat the young and aggressive Álvarez, maintaining his undefeated record. The fight sold 2.2 million PPV buys, solidifying Mayweather’s status as the sport’s biggest draw.

Mayweather vs. Oscar De La Hoya

In 2007, Mayweather faced Oscar De La Hoya in a super-fight that lived up to the hype. Mayweather won a split decision, showcasing his boxing IQ and defensive mastery. This bout generated 2.4 million PPV buys, at the time, setting a new record and establishing Mayweather as a PPV superstar.

These four fights not only highlighted Mayweather’s boxing skills but also his ability to attract viewers. His incredible success in the PPV market has made him one of the most financially successful athletes in the history of professional sports.

Gervonta Davis vs Terence Crawford: A Potential PPV record?

Earlier this year, Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia went toe-to-toe in a highly anticipated fight that attracted the attention of the whole boxing world. Moreover, the fight achieved record-breaking sales as the PPV number reached a whopping 1.2 million. With this fight, Davis solidified his status as a true boxing talent. Meanwhile, Terence Crawford is also another name that shined brightly over others. He defeated his long-standing rival Errol Spence Jr. and became the first two-division undisputed champion.

With such accomplishments under their belt, any fights these boxers pick will receive a lot of attention from fans. However, what if the two decide to fight against one another? Interestingly, they had engaged in a brief back-and-forth. Davis appeared interested in a fight against Crawford and ‘Bud’ is never one to back down from a challenge. However, Davis soon made it clear that he was only joking around and that he wasn’t interested in the fight at the time. But with the popularity of these two fighters, if a fight could be made, it would undoubtedly break the record Davis and Garcia made earlier this year.

It may even snatch the position from one of Mayweather’s fights and create a history of its own. What do you think about the potential fight between Davis and Crawford? Do you think it would be able to break past all the records? Do share your thoughts in the comments below.

Terence Crawford‘s trainer, Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre, expressed his relief on social media after his release from the historic HM prison in Birmingham, England. He is now a free man after his release. He was arrested in September for carrying a loaded firearm in his suitcase at the airport. McIntyre, a native of Omaha, Nebraska, had a stint as a journeyman heavyweight from 1994 to 2007.

America’s Favorite Video Today

Despite his modest record of 7 wins, 14 losses, and 2 knockouts, he managed to make a mark by enduring the full four rounds against Butterbean in November 2004. Eventually, he discovered his true passion and calling as a coach. As a result, he paved the way for his journey in the world of training and mentoring fighters.

Now that the bad times are over, the coach has his luck turned over as he poses with an enormous stack of cash after becoming the coach of the year. The Floyd Mayweather imitation has fans talking.

Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre on his way to becoming the next Floyd Mayweather? Fans have their own theories.

Hard work pays. McIntyre posed for a picture with stacked up cash, biting one stack while looking at the camera. The coach has been a strong pillar for his boxers. While he enjoys the fruits of his labor, fans have a few mixed reactions.

“That’s cool and all but money so dirty, never ever put it in your mouth! Disgusting.” said one fan who found the act unhygienic.

What’s the whole purpose of blk people always showing the money and jewelry? I don’t Bill gate or Facebook owner doing the same” said another fan who questioned the showcase of vanity.

Floyd Mayweather

BoMac also shaped the careers of champions like Amir Khan, Jamel Herring, and Maurice Hooker, and currently trains the promising Lightweight prospect Keyshawn Davis, marking him as a respected figure in the boxing world. However, the one fighter who has stayed by his side since the very beginning is none other than Crawford.

How far back do Terence Crawford and Brian “BoMac” McIntyre go?

In the heart of Omaha’s challenging neighborhood, Brian “BoMac” McIntyre, a former journeyman heavyweight, discovered a young talent just down the street—Terence Crawford. Little did he know that their initial connection in training for the Butterbean bout would lead to an extraordinary partnership. Crawford, under BoMac’s guidance, transformed into a boxing sensation.

Since turning professional in 2008, Crawford soared to greatness, clinching world titles in multiple weight classes. BoMac’s influence was pivotal. It aided Crawford in becoming the first male fighter to achieve double undisputed status. Additionally, reigning as the Welterweight champion after defeating Errol Spence Jr.

Article continues below this ad

McIntyre has made a blasting comeback after his prison time. While he was already on his way up, the unforeseen legal trouble put a break on it. However, he is back and ready to give his best again. What do you think of this comeback?

In the world of boxing, victories are often measured by belts and bruises. But for Terence Crawford, it’s bricks and mortar. Fresh off a stunning win against Errol Spence Jr. and a cool $25 million richer, Crawford’s fists aren’t just packing punches. They’re building palaces. His latest Instagram post offers a sneak peek, not of swollen gloves or championship belts, but of the stately entrance to his nascent mansion. A testament to his prowess outside the ring.

America’s Favorite Video Today

At “Chateau Crawford,” the staircases rise, not to a podium for a belt, but to the halls of a king’s domain. Here, the talk isn’t of jabs or uppercuts. It’s about architecture and legacy. There’s no ring in sight, yet the champ’s latest move is strategic, the calculated unveiling of success. As the world buzzes over his triumphs, Crawford is building something greater, a fortress befitting his moniker, ‘The King.’

Inside Terence Crawford’s mansion-to-be

Transitioning from the reverberating echoes of the ring to the hushed awe of grandeur, Terence Crawford’s latest reveal echoes his monumental rise. The caption, simple yet grandiose, “The palace at Chateau Crawford’s coming soon…,” sets the stage for an opulent future. The photo captures the entrance to his impending mansion—a narrow path leading to regality, with twin staircases framing the way to an abode designed for boxing royalty.

The reactions are immediate and telling, a cascade of admiration and wit, reflective of Crawford’s recent triumphs. One fan marries humor with respect, jesting, “That boy fried that fish & start building mansions,” a nod to Crawford’s mastery over Spence Jr. in the ring. Another person’s commendation is succinct, reinforcing the sentiment with, “Well deserved my guy.” The tone shifts with one user’s toast to prosperity, “WHEN U PLAY GOOD THEY PAY GOOD….,” drawing a direct line between Crawford’s victories and his wealth.

Meanwhile, one person spotlights the design, “love the narrow entrance with the two staircase coming from the sides”. And the local support beams through one fan’s prideful proclamation, “NEW CASTLE FOR THE KING OF OMAHA!!!!,” cementing Crawford’s place as a hometown hero.

Crawford celebrates his sons’ sporting triumphs

Terence Bud Crawford

In a touching showcase of paternal pride, Terence Crawford, the welterweight maestro, turned the spotlight from his own accolades to the budding achievements of his sons. Through his Instagram stories, Crawford shared a glimpse into the very tournament that had his sons following in his formidable footsteps. The stories featured Terence Crawford Jr., beaming with medals and mementos of victory, earning a heartfelt “Number two, good job, son” from the champion.

While it remained a mystery whether the second triumphant boy was T. Bud Crawford or Tyrese Crawford, the pride in ‘Bud’s’ congratulatory note was unmistakable. This display of familial pride comes on the heels of viral clips showcasing Crawford’s own wrestling prowess. Further solidifying the Crawford name in the annals of combat sports.

With his new mansion in place and his both sons doing great in their field, Terence Crawford is really winning at life. All these accomplishments tend to overshadow each other. With Errol Spence triggering the rematch clause, who do you see winning the second match?