Boxing Archives - Page 5 of 183

Martin Bakole has no doubt as to who he thinks will get their hand raised between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois.

The heavyweight titans are set to square off on September 21 at Wembley Stadium for the IBF heavyweight title.

Dubois was recently upgraded from ‘interim’ to full world champion after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt to fulfil his rematch clause with Tyson Fury.

AJ opens up as a 1/5 favourite to beat Dubois with talkSPORT Bet.

And Bakole – who has sparred both men – is in agreement with the oddsmakers.

“Joshua is too good for Dubois and more experienced. He has a technique and a big heart,” he told talkSPORT.com.

Daniel doesn’t have a big heart so as soon as he starts landing the big beautiful punches, he will give up.

“He doesn’t have a big heart. I think Joshua for the experience but anything can happen.

“Daniel Dubois can land beautiful punches he surprised everyone against Hrgovic but I don’t Joshua will give up and he will try his best.

“So for experience, for boxing style, for his brain, I think he is a little bit higher than Dubois.”

The Congolese heavyweight claims to have stopped Dubois twice in sparring and given Joshua a ‘hard time’ when they shared the ring together.

“Ask anyone about me. Go ask Daniel Dubois about me, ask Joshua about me, ask Usyk about me, ask Tyson Fury about me, they will keep quiet. Nobody will say they gave me a hard time,” he added.

“I gave them all a hard time. I stopped Daniel Dubois twice, stopped Joe Joyce and Joshua oh, that was a big one, he was hurt that day.”

Bakole is currently ranked by all four major sanctioning bodies including a No.1 rating with the WBA.

Since losing for the first and only time in his professional career against Michael Hunter in October 2018, the 31-year-old has strung together a nine-fight winning streak and has now been handed the biggest opportunity of his career.

On August 3 in Los Angeles, Bakole will face Jared Anderson in Riyadh Season’s first overseas event, headlined by Israil Madrimov vs Terence Crawford.

Anderson is widely considered to be one of boxing’s most exciting heavyweight prospects while Fury has tipped him to become the next big thing.

If Bakole can derail the hype train then it will be a massive statement that would open doors to some colossal fights.

BOXING

Terence Crawford Explains Why He Prefers Fighting Canelo Alvarez Over ‘Boots’ Ennis

Terence Crawford has accomplished too much to be anything but transparent at this career stage. When I spoke with him about his upcoming fight against Israil Madrimov, his friend Shakur Stevenson, and a potential rematch with Errol Spence Jr., Crawford seemed to shoot straight.

This flow continued on Monday when he sat down with the MMA Show’s Ariel Helwani and discussed some of the same topics. One of the primary topics swirling around Crawford is his next opponent following the August 3 scrap with Madrimov.

Assuming he beats Madrimov, which may be a concept too quickly assumed by the masses, there are cries for him to take on IBF champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis.

The Philadelphia native scored an explosive TKO victory over David Avanesyan earlier this month, and he and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, have been calling Crawford out for the past six months.

Crawford has never presented himself as the type of champion to duck opponents, but at 36 years old, he has made it clear he is more interested in a fight with fellow future Hall-of-Famer Canelo Alvarez than a bout with the up-and-coming Ennis.

A fight with Canelo would take place at 168 pounds, per Crawford.

“Where I’m at right now, I’m looking at the fight that makes the most sense and that’s not Boots,” Crawford said. “Canelo is going to bring way more to my legacy; way more to my bank account. At the end of the day, when boxing is done with, what will we have? I wanna have a legacy that people talk about for ages, and not only that, I want a bank account that will last for ages.”

BOXING

Terence Crawford is ready to make history, conquer the world

Terence Crawford’s weekend consisted of playing as an active participant at a WWE show on Friday by delivering a steel chair assist and knockout right hand.

On Saturday, “Bud” was headlining a hometown sendoff in Omaha, Nebraska as he continues preparation for his junior middleweight debut against Israil Madrimov on Aug. 3 at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.

The three-division champion Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs) will continue his conquests at 154 pounds after claiming the undisputed welterweight crown.

Madrimov (10-0-1, 7 KOs) is the WBA junior middleweight champion, and a vacant interim WBO title will be on the line as well.

“I’m very excited and blessed. I can’t wait to go out there and once again make history,” Crawford told the media. “My body is growing and I’m getting older. Making 147 pounds was kind of tough. It was time for me to move up. Becoming undisputed at 147 pounds, there was nothing for me to prove to kill myself making weight so why not move up?

“I’ve always been competitive and trying to stay on top to conquer the world.

“I don’t know yet [what will be the most challenging thing moving up to 154 pounds]. I don’t know how my body is going to feel. I don’t know how things are going to go, but I am looking forward to it.”

“The Dream” Madrimov, a 29-year-old from Uzbekistan, will look to defend the title he won against Magomed Kurbanov in March for the first time in the toughest test of his six-year career.

“He’s a decorated amateur. He may only have 11 fights but he’s a world champion for a reason,” said Crawford. “He’s strong. I have to respect everything about him … It could be [a tough fight]. Every fight could be my toughest fight. I won’t know until I step in the ring. We’re not taking him lightly or taking any shortcuts.”

As Crawford prepares for Madrimov, questions swirl about meeting former rival Errol Spence Jr. at 154 pounds for their long-discussed rematch as well as fighting undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez.

“My mind is crystal clear on one thing – that’s Aug. 3, and that’s Israil Madrimov,” said Crawford. “I’m not worried about Canelo or anyone else for that matter. Aug 3 is the only fight on my mind.”

As Crawford prepares to start taking on bigger opponents, he’s also tapping into former super middleweight and light heavyweight champion Andre Ward for sparring.

Ward, 40, retired in 2017 and has already been enshrined in the Hall of Fame.

“It was dope. I appreciate Dre for even giving me the opportunity to step in the ring with him,” said Crawford. “I can say that I sparred Andre Ward – that’s dope. It was good sparring and a great experience for me. Once we got in the ring we were locked and focused on the task.”

BOXING

Gervonta Davis targeting alternative fight after Vasyl Lomachenko collapse

Gervonta Davis is moving on from Vasyl Lomachenko.

The pair were deep in negotiations to square off this year in a WBA and IBF lightweight world title unification clash.

It is understood that talks between Bob Arum’s Top Rank (who promote Lomachenko) and Al Haymon’s PBC (who represent Davis) were progressing well for a November fight date.

However, the Ukrainian slickster has opted to take some time out of boxing and won’t return to the ring until 2025.

Davis’ team was understandably taken aback by Lomachenko’s response, who has always sought the biggest fights possible during his 21-fight (18-3) pro career.

But instead of sitting around and waiting for Loma, Davis’ co-trainer Kenny Ellis has indicated that they may target a fight with WBC champion Shakur Stevenson next.

Speaking to Mill City Boxing, he said: “He [Loma] is straight ducking… Hopefully, Shakur won’t duck.

“They keep saying that Tank is ducking Shakur, let’s see. Him and Lomachenko are the only ones left.”

Asked what Davis would do if a fight with Stevenson or Lomachenko can’t be made by next year, Ellis added: “It’s up to Tank and what he wants to do but he might retire.

“If he does I support that, whatever he does I’ll support it. If he said let’s get the next one, I’ll support it.”

This comes after Lomachenko’s manager told boxing reporter Steve Kim: “Loma is not in the mood right now.

“He doesn’t have the motivation at the moment. He’s taking off, he wants to spend more time with the family.

“He doesn’t want to do anything until the end of the year. So he’s definitely not coming to the ring until the end of the year…

“With Loma, just money is not what motivates him. He doesn’t take anything just because of money.

“You can offer him millions, tens of millions of dollars – if he doesn’t have motivation, he’s not ready to prepare for the fight.”

Besides Stevenson, William Zepeda and a rematch with Isaac Cruz are also said to be potential options for Davis.

However, Zepeda – who is currently ranked No.1 by all four major sanctioning bodies at 135lbs – is expected to go down the WBO route and challenge their champion Denis Berinchyk next.

BOXING

Gervonta Davis Team Set Sights On One Man After Lomachenko Collapse: “Let’s See If He Ducks Too”

Gervonta Davis looked set to unify the lightweight world titles against Vasiliy Lomachenko.

Following an impressive knockout win over Frank Martin to retain his WBA belt, ‘Tank’ made it clear he would take on the Ukrainian, who recently won the vacant IBF title by beating George Kambosos Jr.

Things were looking positive until Lomachenko’s manager claimed his fighter wasn’t yet motivated to return to the ring, and reports later confirmed talks were off.

‘Tank’ Davis’ co-trainer Kenny Ellis told Mill City Boxing that it was time for Lomachenko to retire if he didn’t want this mega-money bout.

Asked what his initial thoughts on the news were and what happens next, Ellis said he feels Lomachenko is ducking Davis and hopes WBC Champion Shakur Stevenson won’t do the same.

The move from Lomachenko to withdraw from negotiations does indeed open the door to a fight with Stevenson, who this month became a free agent after a longterm promotional deal with Top Rank.

In theory, the fight should be easy enough to make, with both men recently coming off a defence. Whether that translates to signing the contract remains to be seen.

BOXING

Tim Bradley Delivers Passionate Verdict On Terence Crawford-Jaron Ennis: “He Has It All”

Jaron Ennis continues to make a case for a fight with Terence Crawford, most recently by stopping David Avanesyan one round quicker than the pound-for-pound star could.

‘Boots’ was defending his IBF Welterweight World title in that scrap, gained when ‘Bud’ Crawford decided to move up in weight and challenge super-welterweight champ Israil Madrimov on August 3.

Despite those plans, Ennis keeps calling the former four-belt 147 titlist out.

Speaking on Pro Box TV, Hall of Fame fighter turned analyst Tim Bradley praised him for wanting ‘all the smoke’ with Crawford and said the former undisputed champion’s team was ‘making excuses,’

Bradley is firmly in the camp that Ennis deserves the shot, completely disagreeing with anyone who says it’s too early in the career of 27-year-old from Philly.

Bradley ended his analysis by saying without doubt that Crawford should be facing Ennis. Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh agrees, saying he would like to make the fight at 154 if ‘Boots’ is willing to move up.

BOXING

Terence Crawford backtracks on comments made about possible Canelo Alvarez fight

Terence Crawford is gearing up for his super welterweight debut in an exciting WBA title fight against champion Israil Madrimov.

The showdown is set for August 3, and Crawford, the former undisputed welterweight champion, is fully focused on the upcoming bout

Following his welterweight title victory over Errol Spence Jr. in 2023, Crawford expressed interest in a match against undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez.

However, as he prepares for his WBA title fight with Madrimov, Crawford has put any discussions about Alvarez on hold.

The undefeated fighter (40-0) is determined to win undisputed titles at 154 pounds, with Madrimov being the first challenge. During a recent media appearance, Crawford addressed the possibility of a future clash with Alvarez.

“My mind is crystal clear on one thing. That’s August 3rd and that’s Israil Madrimov. I’m not thinking about, worrying about Canelo or anyone else, for that matter. August 3rd is the only fight that’s in the back of my mind, in the front of my mind, in the side of my mind,” Crawford declared.

Crawford vs. Madrimov: What to expect?

Many expect Crawford’s debut at 154 pounds to be successful. Turki Alalshikh, who arranged the upcoming fight, has already shown interest in scheduling Crawford against Jaron Ennis or Canelo Alvarez next.

However, leading boxing promoter Eddie Hearn believes Madrimov could pose a significant challenge.

Hearn shared his thoughts in a recent interview.

“I’ve got to say, and I really mean this, I’ve got bad, bad feelings for Terence Crawford against Israil Madrimov. Because all I hear is Crawford-Canelo, Crawford-Boots, Crawford-this. He is fighting the biggest puncher he’s ever faced on August 3rd… I’m telling you now, if Crawford gets hit on the chin by Israil Madrimov, he is gonna really, really know about it,” Hearn admitted.

“I’ve got a really sneaky feeling for my guy on August 3rd, I really have. I think it’s a really tough fight.”

The clash between Crawford and Madrimov on August 3 for the WBA super welterweight title promises to be a thrilling encounter.

BOXING

There Is Only One Man Who Can Beat Gervonta Davis Says Claressa Shields

Gervonta Davis is one of the most ferocious champions in the sport of boxing having knocked out all but two of his 30 opponents.

Now WBA Lightweight World Champion, ‘Tank’ from Baltimore made his first defence of the belt with a knockout win over previously undefeated Frank Martin.

In his typical fashion of giving away a few rounds to lure his opponent in, the 29-year-old found his opportunity in the eighth to lay fellow southpaw Martin flat on his back.

He is one of four champions in the 135 ranks, joined by Shakur Stevenson, Vasiliy Lomachenko and Denys Berinchyk.

In an interview with The Only Kayla, two-weight undisputed champion Claressa Shields defended Stevenson for hitting back at criticism he has received due to his last two performances. In doing so, she named his as the only fighter who has a chance against Gervonta Davis.

One of the most sought after fights in the sport, Davis-Stevenson became more realistic this week.

‘Tank’ was previously in early talks with another champion in Vasiliy Lomachenko but the Ukrainian has decided he is not currently motivated enough to take the fight.

That leaves the door open for Shakur, who recently became a free agent, to step in and negotiate the fight all boxing fans want to see.

BOXING

Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury moves closer as groundbreaking broadcast deal to be signed before British blockbuster clash

ANTHONY JOSHUA’s highly anticipated clash with Tyson Fury is closer to becoming a reality.

Broadcaster DAZN is reportedly closing in on a deal that would see promoters Frank Warren

and Eddie Hearn come under the same banner.

The streaming service is confident of sealing a long-term deal with Queensberry Promotions, according to The Times.

The report has suggested that Warren’s company could have the deal in place in weeks.

It is said that it would be a “seismic shift” in the world of boxing with Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing having a deal with DAZN since 2021.

Joshua is the star of Matchroom Boxing and has signed a career-long deal with DAZN as well as holding equity in the broadcaster.

Fury is promoted by Warren, meaning the deal would see the two boxers are aligned to the same service.

Queensberry had been contracted to TNT Sports but that deal will expire in 2025.

The new deal with DAZN would come into place once that has expired.

It would also make the streaming service the “home of UK boxing”.

DAZN has previously sub-licensed TV deals with TNT and Sky Sports in order to make the most from pay-per-view fights.

This was the case for bouts involving both Fury and Joshua in Saudi Arabia.

BOXING

Number 1 Ranked Heavyweight ‘Stopped Anthony Joshua In Sparring’: “That Was A Big One”

Anthony Joshua has taken shots from huge heavyweight hitters, risen from the canvas and only been stopped once in his 31-fight professional career.

The two-time champion from Watford is much more accustomed to dishing out the punishment rather than taking it, and he flew through his 18 fights without going by the seventh round.

Then came a unification bout against Wladimir Klitschko, who dropped the Brit for the first time. ‘AJ’ fought through the fire and added another stoppage to his record, this time in the eleventh.

It would be Andy Ruiz Jr who could hurt Joshua enough to stop him, doing so in 2019 to win the unified heavyweight titles in a shock upset. Joshua would box smart in the immediate rematch to win the belts back but go on to lose them to Oleksandr Usyk.

In his 24 rounds with the Ukrainian he took plenty of shots but stayed standing to lose on points on both occasions.

Despite most in the sport agreeing that sparring should not be judged as pro contests are, and that what happens in the gym should stay there, WBA top-ranked heavyweight Martin Bakole says you can count him on the list of people to hurt ‘AJ.’

In an interview with TalkSPORT, Bakole elaborated on his previous claims that he ‘smashed’ the 34-year-old.

Bakole says he stopped Joe Joyce and Oleksandr Usyk in sparring sessions, too. He claims to have done the same to Daniel Dubois, recently elevated IBF World Champion and the man Joshua faces on September 21.

Bakole returns to the ring on August 3 to face unbeaten rising star Jared Anderson.