Boxing Archives - Page 163 of 183

Tyson Fury and Terence Crawford are two of boxing’s biggest names right now, with both men holding undefeated records and numerous world titles.

Fury has been part of some of the sport’s best fights over the past two decades, namely his trilogy with Deontay Wilder, whilst Crawford recently rose to super-stardom with a career-defining performance win over Errol Spence Jr.

There has been a debate surrounding the world’s No.1 pound-for-pound boxer for several years, but following Terence Crawford’s KO win over Spence Jr., many felt ‘Bud’ established himself atop the list.

However, Tyson Fury’s skillset cannot be denied, and deciding who the sport’s P4P king is between ‘The Gypsy King’ and Terence Crawford is a tough task.

But former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, in attendance for Fury’s clash with Francis Ngannou this weekend, emphatically shared his pick for the P4P No.1 boxer on the planet.

Tyson was recently interviewed by Fight Hub TV, where he was asked to choose between Fury and Crawford. He said this:

BOXING

Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk: Former world champion picks winner

Former super middleweight world champion George Groves is not convinced that Oleksandr will fight Tyson Fury, but he backs the Ukrainian to beat the Briton should the pair meet.

Fury fights Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia on Saturday evening – live on DAZN in most countries (check here for details) in his first fight of the year, but there have been numerous hints that he will fight again against Usyk to decide the undisputed status of the heavyweight division, in either December or January.

Groves is unsure of how certain any fight is despite some recent announcements from both fighters.

He told Grosvenor Sport: “They’ve announced Usyk-Fury but whether it’s actually properly done or not, who knows?

“They haven’t announced a date, they haven’t done a press conference for it. I might be sceptical that it happens at all to be honest, just a little bit sceptical – I think the timing of the announcement is interesting. It builds a lot of excitement and a lot of headlines for Fury’s fight within Ngannou, so that makes sense why they would announce it now.

“I think it’s a possibility. I’m not saying it’s definitive because Usyk has announced it as well, so I don’t doubt that something’s been signed, but the timing of it is interesting.

“Fury’s already exceeded his earning capacity more than everyone else, so I’m sure it’s much more important to him right now to be the main man and to tell everyone he’s the best fighter in the world than it is to get a significant payday and risk losing against the guy who is in form and who is technically very good, unbeaten and dangerous.”

While Fury is the bigger man, Groves believes Usyk has the abilities to trouble the WBC champion.

“Fury’s got a lot more to lose than Usyk does in terms of him proclaiming he’s the people’s champion and being the best fighter on the planet,” he explained.

“Usyk is six inches shorter, and probably naturally three stone lighter, so technically Fury can’t lose to him. He diminished Usyk’s achievements but all of this creates a lot of pressure for Fury.”

BOXING

Gervonta Davis Changes His View On The “Face Of Boxing” Debate

After his dominant victory over Ryan Garcia in April, Gervonta Davis said that he is ‘abso-f***ing-lutely’ the face of boxing.

It was a sentiment expressed years prior by Floyd Mayweather, who took the Baltimore puncher under his wing and built his career. ‘Money’ May said that ‘Tank’ would undoubtedly be the standout star of the sport.

The success of the Garcia fight backs up those claims. The gate was one of the most successful in the history of Las Vegas, beaten only by events involved Mayweather and Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez.

Davis’ seventh round stoppage that night also cemented him as one of the best lightweights in the world, and there are still bigger fights out there for him.

In fact, many feel that he’s not faced enough top-level contenders 29 fights into his career, with match-ups against Shakur Stevenson, Devin Haney, Teofimo Lopez and more all still untouched. It’s something he seems to agree with.

Asked by Open Thoughts if he was ‘the king of boxing,’ ‘Tank said no.

Most observers of the sport still give that honour to Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez, the four-weight world champion who has built an incredible following over the span of an 18-year, 64-fight career.

The Mexican is fresh off another defence of his undisputed super-middleweight status and may have a huge fight coming against countryman David Benavidez in 2024.

‘Tank’ will look get busy then too after a prison stint halted his momentum this year. The first man up is rumoured to be Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz – one of only two fighters to take Davis the distance.

A rematch win may set him up to compete for a vacant lightweight title should Devin Haney be stripped after a more up to 140lbs

BOXING

Gervonta Davis Has Brutal Four-Word Response To Fan Saying He Would Lose To Jake Paul

Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis is not messing around with crossover bouts.

The undefeated puncher had a stellar start to the year with a victory over Ryan Garcia, but a prison stint halted his momentum.

Now back in training, he has returned to social media and is as brash as ever. One commenter found that out when they suggested crossover star, Jake Paul, would give him a good fight,

Despite there being a strong chance the post was a joke, Davis responded simply:

He has previously called Paul a ‘clown’ and ruled out the idea of ever fighting him. That didn’t stop the YouTuber-turned-fighter putting ‘Tank’ on his list of potential opponents, even with an over 40lbs weight difference between them.

‘Tank’ is focused on his ring return, expected for early 2024 and restarting his journey to become ‘the king of boxing.’

The opponent heavily rumoured is Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz, who previously took the Baltimore fighter the distance. That unanimous decision victory is just one of two on the 28-year-old’s record that went the distance.

As for Paul, he has announced a ring return for December 15 on DAZN but is yet to reveal – or perhaps cement – his opponent.

The statement that came alongside the news said the American was focused on becoming a world champion, leading some fans to believe it will be a relative established boxer in the other corner rather than an MMA star as previous.

BOXING

“Over $100 Million Fight Right Here”: Despite Retirement, Fans Rally Behind 44-YO Manny Pacquiao as He Calls-Out Gervonta Davis at 145

In the high-octane world of boxing, surprises never cease. Manny Pacquiao, the legend, steps back into the limelight, dropping a revelation that’s ruffling feathers. Remember Gervonta Davis? The young prodigy who stamped his authority with a dominant win over Ryan Garcia? The very Davis mentored by Floyd Mayweather and touted to be the future face of boxing. Well, Manny has eyes on him.

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The prospect? A mega-clash, but with a twist. Manny sets the bar: 145lbs, nothing less. Noteworthy, considering Davis’ impressive stint at lightweight. It’s a collision of experience versus fresh dynamism; the stalwart challenging the emerging star. But why now? Why Davis? And with Manny at 44, is it audacity or strategy?

Manny’s challenge: Is Gervonta Davis up for the 145lb face-off?

In a recent interview, they quizzed Manny Pacquiao about Gervonta Davis and his opinion on the young boxing sensation. With unwavering confidence, Pacquiao remarked, “Davis is a good fighter, a good fighter yeah.” The conversation took an unexpected turn when the possibility of Manny returning to the ring was broached. To this, Pacquiao responded with a challenge, further suggesting that if Davis were to come up to 147lbs, they could potentially face off. When probed further about a meeting at 140lbs, Manny counter-offered, saying, “145 maybe.” On being asked about the potential outcome of such a match, Pacquiao’s reply was brimming with confidence. “That’s not a problem for me. I am an experienced fighter.”

The boxing community on Twitter didn’t hold back their reactions. One fan emphasized Davis’ rising status and suggested that a call-out from a legend like Pacquiao cements his place in boxing

With Manny Pacquiao’s storied career, spanning decades of iconic matches, and Gervonta Davis’ recent dominance, especially his resounding victory over Ryan Garcia, this clash could be monumental. Many, including the legendary Floyd Mayweather, have projected Davis as the face of modern boxing, while Pacquiao’s legacy remains etched in the annals of boxing history.

So, as we stand at the crossroads of experience and youthful prowess, we must ask. Will this fight, if it comes to fruition, redefine boxing’s landscape or simply add another chapter to its rich tapestry? So, what do you think?

BOXING

Claressa Shields Hints at Being “Damn Near Head Over Heels” in Love

Even though they are known for punching the sense out of the other person standing against them inside the boxing ring, that doesn’t have to mean professional boxers can’t fall in love. Claressa Shields is one such professional boxer. The reigning undisputed champion recently took to her Twitter to tell her fans about love and how the strong emotion applies to her.

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Days after she made a strong claim on the ongoing Keke Palmer controversy with her partner, the ‘GWOAT’ took to her social media again to give an insight to her fans about love. She spoke about how rare it is for her to like someone back.

Claressa Shields on a recent development

On her Twitter, while tweeting about love and the common thing between her and everyone else, Shields wrote, “A lot of guys like me, hell girls too! I don’t barely be liking nobody back though. ” The undefeated champion made it certain that forming bonds is not easy for her.

In contrast to the previous claim, she added, “But when I like somebody, I’m damn near head over heels.” Claressa has infused passion into her love affairs just like her bouts.

Fueling all the rumors about her personal life, Shields also revealed that she currently likes someone. She wrote, “and right now I like someone.” Her fans are eager to discover who that lucky man is. But, there are no indications about the identity of the man from Shields’s end.

Who has Claressa dated in the past?

In 2022, Claressa Shields became the talk of the town after it was reported that she was dating Tony Richardson, a gym owner, as reported by Sportsmanor. The two made many public appearances together as a couple, and their affair caused a stir in the boxing world. Even though there were breakup rumors surrounding the two, nothing has been confirmed by the champion herself or anyone close to her.

Shields has revealed how she becomes when she falls in love with someone. And, it is safe to say that the ferocious female boxer has a soft side to her. Do you relate to Shields? Let us know in the comments.

BOXING

Claressa Shields Continues Until Challenges Come: Weekend Afterthoughts

Claressa Shields knows winning.

It’s almost all she’s ever known.

In 78 amateur fights, she won 77 with two Olympic Gold medals and two World Amateur titles. As a professional, she is now 14-0 and 11-0 in bouts for major titles. She is the reigning undisputed middleweight champion and can lay claim to the lineal Jr. middleweight crown as well.

Saturday in Detroit, the only question was whether she could get a knockout. She hasn’t had one since her first title fight against Nikki Adler in 2017. There was no mistaking the effort to finish late replacement opponent Maricela Cornejo early. It wasn’t to be and in a fight where Shields won all ten rounds, it was as close to a loss as she was going to get.

It wasn’t Shields’ best performance. There were spots against Cornejo where Shields looked anxious and rushed, taking the sort of clean shots a more disciplined and sharp Shields did not against the dangerous Savannah Marshall last year.

Could a more methodical body attack to balance out what was a lot of head hunting have gotten Shields closer to her goal?

Maybe, but it’s also pretty clear at this point knockouts just aren’t her thing. That’s okay. Being the best fighter in the sport will have to do.

When will that mantle receive its next real test?

Futures: In July, two former Shields foes will lock horns for the undisputed super middleweight title as Franchon Crews-Dezurn defends against former middleweight titlist Savannah Marshall. The winner would have a prize for Shields to come after. If it’s Marshall, the money would be better than almost any other Shields option as well.

The WBC mandatory to their fight is an extra element of intrigue around the weights.

Shadasia Green is 12-0 with 11 knockouts so far, and she’s coming off a very impressive stoppage of Elin Cederroos. Green is aggressive, heavy handed, and goes to the body with authority. She’s the sort of threat that could just as likely see the winner of the super middleweight affair vacate one of the straps as fight her.

Shields alluded after the Cornejo win to a “Four Queens” scenario featuring herself and these three rivals. If Green did get a shot at an undisputed super middleweight crown, and won, it wouldn’t have to be four.

Shields would have a new, intriguing rival to get people talking. Green could be seen as a sort of parallel offensive threat to what Anne Wolfe once was for Laila Ali.

Ali never went anywhere near Wolfe.

Shields has shown there’s no one she’s uncomfortable stepping in with, even trying her hand at MMA in the past.

Keep an eye on Green as a potential rival. There’s always one on the horizon.

Cliff Rold is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene, a founding member of the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board, a member of the International Boxing Research Organization, and a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America.

BOXING

“2 of the Baddest and Realest”: Fans Join in Harmony as Terence Crawford Pens Special Message While Sharing Picture With Shakur Stevenson

Terence Crawford is one of the greatest modern-day boxers to grace the squared circle. After ‘Bud’ Crawford dismantled his last opponent, Errol Spence Jr., in the ring, he became the first male boxer to hold all major titles in two different weight classes. However, he is not the only boxer rising through the ranks at the speed of light. Recently, ‘Bud’ penned a special message to Shakur Stevenson, another notable name in the boxing scene.

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Shakur ‘Sugar’ Stevenson is set to face Edwin De Los Santos on November 16 in a fight expected to be a total slugfest. However, Shakur had a hard time finding the opponent because it seemed like no one wanted to face this boxer. What’s more, Crawford has faced similar issues because of his dominance in the boxing world. So, when Crawford shared pictures of him and Shakur on Instagram, voices from fans became one to praise the duo.

Terence Crawford and Shakur Stevenson became the center of attention

Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford wrote, “What’s understood doesn’t need to be explained,” directing the message to Shakur Stevenson alongside a couple of pictures. Since the post went live on Instagram, it has collected over 46K likes and more than 550 comments. If those numbers don’t portray the love and respect fans have for the duo, the comments on the post should.

One user confidently predicted Crawford would defeat Canelo Alvarez and Shakur would Gervonta Davis if these fighters ever faced each other. “Shakur beats Tank, and Crawford beats Canelo. I said what I said,” wrote the user. It’s worth mentioning that Shakur and Crawford have shown interest in fighting Davis and Canelo, respectively, but nothing has materialized.

Another user boldly proclaimed that Crawford and Shakur stand out because they are the most authentic and unrelenting boxers. The user commented, “2 of the baddest and realest!” Interestingly, both fighters have achieved unparalleled accolades in their respective weight divisions.

Someone else confessed his desire to train alongside Terence someday. “I wish I could train with you one day,” commented the user. It’s worth mentioning that Terence Crawford and Shakur Stevenson have sparred each other in the past. Shakur even took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce that to his followers.

While most comments on the post were praising the duo, this user turned out to be a Davis fan. The user confidently declared that Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis would defeat Crawford and Shakur effortlessly. “Tank sleeps both of them easy,” the user commented.

The next user asserted that most boxers try to avoid fighting Terence and Shakur so as not to suffer a defeat at their hands. “2 Of The Most Ducked Fighters In Boxing History,” one user commented.

Terence Crawford and Shakur Stevenson are unquestionably among the best in the world right now. Moreover, the responses from the boxing world suggest the dominant impact the boxers have had. But the burning question is – what did you think about Crawford’s message to Shakur?

BOXING

Derrick James Believes Spence Won’t Be “Drained” At 154 In Crawford Rematch

No one knows Errol Spence Jr. quite like Derrick James. The world-renowned trainer has been there from the very beginning. From teaching Spence how to throw the jab to showing him how to work on the inside, to successfully guiding him to three world titles in the welterweight division – the constant has been James.

In essence, James knows his fighter like the back of his hand. But, since James is incredibly familiar with him, he found it hard to believe what he was watching on July 29th. On the night, Spence (28-1, 22 KOs) was thoroughly dominated against Terence Crawford. For years fans salivated over their matchup but once the two officially got it on, it was one-way traffic.

Normally sturdy and powerful, Spence was none of the above as Crawford dropped him multiple times before eventually stopping him in the ninth. It was a tough pill to swallow for the duo. Although he was given a bit of time to think about his next move, Spence, only minutes after his defeat, revealed that he plans on activating his immediate rematch clause.

Running things back is number one on Spence’s to-do list but he’s hoping that Crawford, who has full autonomy, will allow their showdown to take place at 154 pounds. James is also waiting on Crawford’s decision. If the pound-for-pound star agrees to allow their rematch to take place in the junior middleweight division, James is convinced that fans will see a completely different fighter.

“He won’t be so drained,” James told a group of reporters. “He won’t be so depleted.”

Before fans of Crawford jump out of their seats and begin to scream and shout in the direction of James, he isn’t putting too much stock on Spence’s 147-pound weight issues. The former Trainer of the Year knows Spence wasn’t his normal self during their first clash. But, with that said, he isn’t taking away from Crawford’s greatness. From his point of view, Crawford fought an unbelievable fight.

“That wasn’t the issue. Crawford fought a good fight. He was the better guy that day.”

BOXING

“We Have Got Something on You”: Tyson Fury Threatens to Expose Oleksandr Usyk Ahead of Undisputed Fight

The highly anticipated bout between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk has been drowning in tension.’The Gypsy King’ has disclosed that his much-anticipated undisputed Heavyweight clash with ‘The Cat’ is scheduled for the 23rd of December, just two days before Christmas.

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However recently, Tyson Fury took it to a whole new level. In a shocking turn of events, the Heavyweight champion unleashed a torrent of threats and insults towards his rival, Oleksandr Usyk, leaving the boxing world in shock and anticipation.

Tyson Fury has a colorful nickname for Usyk

Tyson Fury’s outburst, filled with expletives and fiery promises, came after their much-anticipated title match after the date announcement. This leaves fans and pundits wondering about the fate of this colossal showdown. The champion, never one to mince words, labeled Usyk with derogatory terms, questioning his integrity and character. “You sick is a dirty little slimy f***r actually. We have got something on you little sausage.”

The boxing community was left buzzing after Fury’s explicit tirade, wondering what could have provoked such an intense reaction. The verbal onslaught, delivered in Tyson’s typical unfiltered style, ignited curiosity and concern among fans worldwide. As the storm of controversy rages, one question hangs in the air: what does Tyson Fury have up his sleeve?

Fury’s choice of words, though inflammatory, has undeniably hooked the audience’s attention. His bold threat to expose Usyk hints at a deeper narrative. For one it goes beyond the confines of the boxing ring. While Fury’s language may be crude, his determination to unearth the truth has struck a chord with fans who now eagerly await the revelations he promised.Countdown to Glory

Currently, Fury is in Riyadh, diligently preparing for his upcoming face-off against UFC fighter Francis Ngannou scheduled for this Saturday. Despite the eight-week gap between this weekend’s tune-up bout and the proposed date to battle Usyk, Fury remains unfazed, displaying his confidence in his ability to meet this challenging timeline. This revelation adds an extra layer of anticipation to an already eagerly awaited match. Fans await the clash between these two Heavyweight titans on the brink of the holiday season.

Last month, the parties eagerly anticipating this battle signed the contracts. This monumental event will unfold in Riyadh. According to The Guardian, this marks the first undisputed contest in the Heavyweight division since Lennox Lewis triumphed over Evander Holyfield at Madison Square Garden in 1999, a match where all the coveted belts were on the line.

As the days unfold, the boxing world holds its breath, waiting for Fury’s bombshell to drop. Whatever revelation emerges, it will undoubtedly reshape the narrative of this rivalry and possibly even the entire sport. Currently, everyone is focused on Tyson Fury, the man who bravely confronted his opponent. However, not only with his fists but also with words that reverberate throughout the boxing world. Thus creating a sense of anticipation and intrigue wherever they land.