Boxing Archives - Page 27 of 183

Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh is reportedly hoping to stage Naoya Inoue’s next fight at Wembley Stadium in September.

According to Yahoo Japan, Inoue has received an offer to fight on the Saudi backed Riyadh Season card headlined by Anthony Joshua on September 20/21.

Inoue is set to defend his undisputed WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO super-bantamweight world titles against IBF mandatory challenger Sam Goodman in his next outing.

‘The Monster’ welcomed Goodman into the ring after his sixth-round knockout win over Luis Nery on Monday and confirmed that the fight will take place in September.

Inoue is estimated to have earned $3.8million for his last bout while the Saudi’s are said to be willing to pay him up to $10m.

The report goes on to add that Saudi Arabian government officials intend to visit Japan before the end of May to finalise the deal with alternative dates and venues also being considered.

A fight in Saudi Arabia or the Es Con Field Hokkaido, home of Japanese baseball side Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, have been floated around as other potential options.

Inoue hasn’t fought outside of Japan in three years.

The last time he did, he knocked out Michael Dasmarinas at the Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas to retain his WBA and IBF bantamweight titles.

He has never boxed in England before but did face Emmanuel Rodriguez at Glasgow’s SSE Hydro in the World Boxing Super Series: bantamweight semi-final back in May 2019.

BOXING

Floyd Mayweather and Gervonta Davis Told to Fight Like Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson to Settle Their Beef

There’s only one way to settle beef in boxing! What’s that? Through a boxing match, of course. So, retired world champion Shane Mosley has suggested Gervonta Davis and Floyd Mayweather should do the same like Mike Tyson and Jake Paul. The former boxer-promoter/mentor duo has been throwing shade at each other for a while now! Why?

According to reports, Mayweather took a sly but subtle dig at his former star fighter, claiming fighters today chose to blow their money on expensive stuff. Instead of doing the smart thing by investing it. Davis promptly responded to this by revealing Floyd was stuck in Dubai. Why? Ironically, because of unpaid dues. Thus, starting their feud! While appearing in an interview with The Art Of Dialogue, Shane Mosley quickly proposed a fight to finally settle the beef!

Speaking about who would win between Davis and prime Floyd Mayweather, Mosley seemed confident ‘Pretty Boy’ would emerge victorious. However, when the host asked what would the result be if ‘Tank’ and ‘Money’ fought today, Mosley didn’t seem to have an answer. So, he said, “They should run that! Let’s see [if they can hold their own]. That [would] be a big one.”

Davis is 29-years-old and Mayweather is sitting comfortably at 47, so a fight isn’t impossible. Mosley’s proposal, though, has breathed new life into the idea, making the fight seem even more feasible. He said, “Then, you know, they could sanction it like Tyson and Jake Paul doing, right? To see if he can hold his own. Let’s run it! Do it at 140, 145.”

While Davis last entered the ring in April last year, Mayweather has also remained relatively active. Even though not as talented as Davis, John Gotti III fought Mayweather in June last year, proving ‘Money’ can still do the dance in the ring. However, it’s entirely up to both fighters whether they would want such a fight to happen. Nevertheless, a not so old tweet from Gervonta Davis suggests he would win in a fight against Mayweather.

Amid feud with Gervonta Davis, Floyd Mayweather announces his next fight

During the peak of their feud, Gervonta Davis tweeted, “Now I f*** around and knock Floyd out when I see em and I’ll care about going back to jail,” referencing his 90 days stint in Baltimore jail for breaking house arrest rules. He further added, “He such a b**** he don’t allow his security carry guns…”

Soon afterwards, Floyd Mayweather hopped on Instagram to announce his next fight, full announcement due on May 15. While the opponent is unlikely to be Davis, Mayweather has been linked with several potential opponents, alongside a failed rematch attempt against last exhibition opponent John Gotti III.

Though unlikely, a fight between Floyd Mayweather and Gervonta Davis has the potential to overshadow even the Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight. However, hypothetically if they did fight and that too on the same card, the numbers from such an event will be astronomical! What do you think? Would you want to watch such a clash?

BOXING

Gervonta Davis and Devin Haney trade insults in heated face-to-face altercation after Davis ‘pulled up’ on rival’s car

Gervonta Davis and Devin Haney argued after ‘Tank’ took a picture with Haney’s car.

Davis and Haney’s feud began several years ago since they met in a sparring session, but it has re-intensified after ‘Tank’ jumped on to social media to mock ‘The Dream’ after his upset defeat to Ryan Garcia.

The 29-year-old decided to escalate their rivalry on to a personal level by ‘pulling up’ and taking a picture with Haney’s luxury Mercedes Benz G63 and posting it on his social media.

A video has since emerged of Haney clearly finding out about his move, and the pair have been going it at it in a furious confrontation in the street.

The pair were separated by their teams as they shouted inaudible insults at each other, with people around them also being dragged into the angry confrontation.

Haney was clearly taking aim at Davis, and it has certainly set up a future showdown if the pair choose to settle their rivalry in the boxing ring.

Footage had previously emerged which appeared to show Davis embroiled in a separate argument with Haney, although the latter isn’t entirely visible.

It is clear that the fiery altercation had originated from the picture, which Davis posted with the caption: “Aha, can’t stop s*** and we on their side.”

He then tweeted: “Tell them how I made you and your team dip out, and I’m on your side of town. That n***a a cold b***h.”

Haney then responded by confirming it was his car, and hitting back: “This n***a like my car so much, he took a picture next to it. Send him one @championmotoring.”

But his comments on Haney’s performance left a sour taste in his rival’s mouth.

He said: “Look at Ryan Garcia vs. Devin Haney, then look at my fight vs Ryan.

“If Ryan looked any different, he probably looked worse [vs Haney]. Bigger, much slower.

“He only hit him with the same punch I told everybody – a hook, a hook, a hook.

“Devin was sitting right there to be caught with the hook.

“And they were talking about this guy as pound-for-pound. Come on, he’s trash, he’s trash.”

BOXING

When is Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin? Ticket info, fight card, how to watch and stream

One of boxing’s biggest names is back in action later this year.

Gervonta “Tank” Davis will return to the ring later this year when he defends his WBA lightweight title against Frank Martin in Las Vegas.

Davis has not fought since beating Ryan Garcia in April 2023, and now faces another undefeated opponent.

Martin is undefeated in his 18 fights as a professional and this upcoming clash with Davis will be the biggest bout of his career so far.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Davis vs. Martin.

Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin fight date, start time

Date: Saturday, June 15
Time: TBA
Main event ringwalks (approx): TBA

Timings for this event have not been confirmed at the time of writing.

What channel/stream is Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin?

U.S.: Prime Video PPV
UK: TBA

Fans in the U.S. can purchase the fight on Prime Video PPV (click here for more information), a UK broadcaster has not been announced.

Where is the Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin fight?

The fight will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Ticket information for Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin

Fans can purchase tickets for the fight on May 8 at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT, find out more by clicking here.

Gervonta Davis record and bio

Nationality: American
Date of birth: November 7, 1994
Height: 5′ 5.5″
Reach: 67.5″
Total fights: 29
Record: 29-0 (27 KOs)

Frank Martin record and bio

Nationality: American
Date of birth: January 12, 1995
Height: 5′ 8″
Reach: 68″
Total fights: 18
Record: 18-0 (12 KOs)

Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin fight card

Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin; For Davis’ WBA lightweight title
David Benavidez vs. Oleksandr Gvozdyk; Light heavyweight

BOXING

Gervonta Davis criticized for wearing cross after Islam conversion

Gervonta “Tank” Davishas stirred controversy by donning a cross, despite his recent conversion to Islam. The backlash erupted on social media following a video posted by boxer Badou Jack, which highlighted Davis’ conversion and was met with both support and skepticism from the Muslim community.

Criticism came swiftly, as seen in tweets from users like @mrvate0, questioning if Davis was “disrespecting all Muslims and the religion of Islam by wearing a cross?” Similarly, @SaycheeseDGTL highlighted the growing backlash, noting that Davis was seen “rocking Cross after announcing he’s converting to Islam and changing his name to Abdul Wahid.”

This move has prompted speculation and raised questions about the sincerity of his conversion. Some online commentators have even wondered if his initial conversion was motivated by potential financial gains linked to a fight in Saudi Arabia, particularly after a rumored request for two Ferraris from Saudi sports authority head Turki Alalshikh went unfulfilled.

Gervonta Davis remains silent amid religious symbol controversy

Davis, known for his emotional and sometimes cryptic social media presence, has not yet responded to the criticism regarding his choice of religious symbol. His recent social media activity includes expressing dissatisfaction with Las Vegas, the venue for several of his fights, and defending fellow boxer Ryan Garcia over drug test controversies.

The WBA lightweight champion, who has previously shown a penchant for stirring the pot, continues to be a magnetic figure in boxing both for his prowess in the ring and his unpredictable off-ring persona. His upcoming fight against Frank Martin at MGM Grand Garden Arena remains highly anticipated, with fans and critics alike eager to see his next move amidst the ongoing controversy.

As the debate swirls, the boxing community and observers of religious and cultural dynamics will be watching closely to see how Davis navigates the complex interplay of faith, identity, and public perception in the coming days.

BOXING

Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence Crawford Boxing Fight Eyed by Turki Alalshikh

An official for Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority laid out his plans to stage what would be one of the most hotly anticipated fights in boxing.

Turki Alalshikh told ESPN’s Mike Coppinger he’s prepared to do what it takes to make Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence Crawford happen.

“I’m working to deliver [Canelo], but it will be big fight [for Crawford],” he said. “I’ll discuss with him the names.”

Securing one half of the equation might be fairly straightforward. Alalshikh is helping to present the card headlined by Crawford and Israil Madrimov on Aug. 3 in Los Angeles.

“There’s a lot of respect that comes with Turki and myself,” the welterweight champion said to Coppinger. “He’s seen the road that I had to take to get to where I am now. And he just wanted to display respect for the sport of boxing and not just somebody that’s coming to hold these type of fighters down and not let the world see him. It’s an honor that he chose me. He could have chosen anybody else. So I’m definitely grateful.”

When it comes to Álvarez, there’s little doubt a Saudi-backed venture would at least theoretically have the finances to meet his likely asking price. When dismissing the idea of a bout with David Benavidez, he said in March he might reconsider for $150 million or more.

There’s no question that Canelo vs. Crawford would have massive broad appeal. The winner would be able to make a strong claim as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

A lot of boxing fans will also agree with Alalshikh when he told Coppinger that boxing is “broken” thanks in part to a lack of a centralized authority over the sport. The matchups that failed to materialize over the last decade or so would probably rival what was actually presented.

Alalshikh’s involvement, however, would renew the concerns over the wider “sportswashing” efforts by Saudi Arabia. The country has widened its foothold across multiple sports, with critics arguing it’s an effort to sanitize the Saudis’ image and turn the attention away from human rights violations by the ruling regime.

Either staging or working to promote a Canelo vs. Crawford card would be another big feather in Saudi Arabia’s cap.

BOXING

Tyson Fury finally admits true feelings about Oleksandr Usyk ahead of fight

Tyson Fury has finally admitted he considers Oleksandr Usyk the “real deal”.

Fury will take on fellow heavyweight world champion Usyk later this month to crown the division’s first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999. The Brit has been dismissive of his challenge in front of him, denying that that the former cruiserweight champion will pose a threat to his reign.

But Fury has now conceded he does indeed respect the Ukrainian. “Oleksandr Usyk’s a real bad man and to underestimate Usyk you’d be a mug,” he told Queensberry Promotions. “So I’m training hard for him, I’m doing everything I can. I respect Usyk as a man. I respect his career as well – Olympic champion, undisputed cruiserweight champion, unified heavyweight champion.

“You have to respect that, I’m fighting the real deal. I’m looking forward to the challenge. He’s a southpaw, he’s got good footwork, good boxing ability, technically sound. He’s proved he can mix it with the big heavyweights because he’s beat Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois.

“I’m messing with an elite fighter who’s got more than boxing ability. He’s stubborn and he wants to win like I do. All of the talent and attributes aside, it will come down to who wants it most on the night. If he wants it more than him, he’ll win and if I want it more than him then I’ll win. I just think my will and determination will be more than his on the night.”

Fury won three of the four world titles when he outpointed Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 but was later forced to give up the belts when he descended into a near three-year drink-and-drug-fuelled depression. He returned to beat Deontay Wilder in their rematch to become a two-time champion and now has the chance of hold all four belts.

“To win them all back again would be fantastic,” he added. “To get them all under one banner for the first time in 25 years… there have been a few heavyweight champions since then who haven’t been able to get undisputed. It’s a very special moment, especially for heavyweight boxing to have all the belts on the line and two unbeaten champions.”

BOXING

Jake Paul bulking up to same weight as Anthony Joshua ahead of Mike Tyson clash

Jake Paul is planning on bulking up to 240lbs ahead of his upcoming clash against Mike Tyson before cutting down.

The pair are scheduled to square off on July 20 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in a professional contest streamed live on Netflix.

Paul has mostly competed at cruiserweight or at a 190lbs catchweight during his 10-fight (9-1) pro career.

But against Tyson, he will make his heavyweight debut.

In preparation for the fight, ‘The Problem Child’ has been pilling on the mass.

Shane Mosley, a former three-weight world champion and Paul’s trainer, recently revealed the YouTube star is walking around at 230lbs.

However, he doesn’t intend to stop there.

“It’s just like shocking to people that that is how much I weigh,” Paul said on his podcast.

“I think just because normally I’m fighting at 200 and walking around at 210. It’s weird to me that I’m weighing 230.

“But since this was noodling after my last fight I’m just getting to eat as much as possible and it turns out my body carries this weight super well.

“And I’m only growing. I think I’ll get up to 240 and probably cut down so I’m like way faster.

“But if I’m training for this camp – and camp hasn’t started – but if I’m training in this camp at 240 and then I cut down to 220 it’s basically like I had a 20lbs weight vest on for the whole entire camp.

“So my muscles are going to be so much stronger and that speed will come through.”

Before Paul begins his cuts down to 220lbs he will be walking around at the same weight that Anthony Joshua tipped the scales at for his inaugural encounter against Oleksandr Usyk in September 2021.

This is especially remarkable given that AJ has five inches in height on Paul and is a much bigger human being.

Tyson fought at around 220lbs during his prime years and came in at 220.5lbs for his exhibition bout against Roy Jones Jr in November 2020 – ‘Iron Mike’s’ last appearance in a boxing ring.

BOXING

Shakur Stevenson predicts a ‘rude awakening’ for Gervonta Davis when they meet

Shakur Stevenson is setting the stage for what could be the most significant fight in boxing by challenging Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis.

As he seeks to elevate his profile for a shot at the lightweight world champion of the WBA, Stevenson has openly promised Davis a “rude awakening” should the opportunity arise for them to face each other.

He anticipates that their match, a classic showdown between a slugger and a boxer – both undefeated – would become a landmark event in the sport.

However, Davis, who has not fought in over a year and is expected to face Frank Martin later this year, dismisses the potential challenge from Stevenson as an easy fight due to Stevenson‘s perceived technical limitations.

In an interview on Naji’s podcast, Cigar Talks, Davis mocked Stevenson‘s abilities when asked if the 26-year-old challenger would be his toughest opponent to date:

“Hell no. Show me something he has done. Show me. His power isn’t scandalous. What defense? He’s just lacking,” Stevenson said.

Stevenson Confident Despite Criticism

These remarks did not sit well with Stevenson, who took to his X account (formerly Twitter) to respond to the criticisms, asserting that it would be “a rude awakening when fight night comes.”

While such exchanges have been common between them for months, experts believe these provocations might finally lead to a face-off, giving Stevenson a chance to prove whether his zeal is sufficient to challenge one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.

Regarding the potential fight, Todd duBoef, President of Top Rank, indicated that it’s only a matter of time before it happens as their careers are on a “collision course.” He stated: “I hope so. I think it makes sense.”

In addition, Bob Arum expressed confidence in Stevenson‘s capabilities to defeat Davis, but emphasized that the decision ultimately rests with ‘Tank’ himself.

In a conversation on the podcast Million Dollaz Worth of Game, Stevenson acknowledged Davis‘s stature as the PPV star, noting the financial dynamics at play.”

Who am I to make an offer to the biggest star in boxing? What can I offer him? It doesn’t make sense. It would have to come from his side, from his team, to want to make a fight,” Stevenson said.

As anticipation builds, the boxing community is keen to see if this verbal sparring will translate into an actual match-up, potentially setting up one of the most intriguing fights in recent boxing history.

BOXING

Gervonta Davis pulled up on Devin Haney and allegedly confronted him in obscured video

Gervonta Davis has escalated his feud with Devin Haney — and the two boxers might have come close to blows outside of a nightclub in Las Vegas.

Davis and Haney have traded blows online in recent weeks, ever since Haney fell to a surprise defeat in his bout with Ryan Garcia. But the latest development in their feud has taken it from a simmer to a boil, running the risk of a physical altercation.

Why are Davis and Haney beefing?

Davis mocked Haney relentlessly on social media following the Garcia fight at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, as hopes dim for a long-gestating bout between the two. Those hopes certainly will not have gotten a boost after the WBA lightweight title holder Davis posted a photo of himself to Instagram in which he claims to have located Haney’s Mercedes-Benz SUV.

And to make matters worse? Davis took a picture right alongside it.

The super lightweight champion Haney made light of Davis’ provocative post by jokingly asking San Diego-based dealership Champion Motoring to send Davis his own luxury vehicle, and some might have thought that this would bring an end to the latest installment in their feud. But later, phone camera footage appears to show Davis and Haney outside a club, shouting at one another amidst the commotion outdoors.

It’s anyone’s guess as to who will write the next chapter in the Tank – Haney saga, but as long as the two can’t come to an agreement, their differences will have to be settled outside the boxing ring.