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Conor Benn: Terence Crawford Would Smash Chris Eubank Jr. to Pieces

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Terence Crawford

Not long after Conor Benn and Manny Pacquiao came face-to-face in Saudi Arabia, Benn’s bitter domestic rival Chris Eubank Jr. teased a fight poster advertising a contest between himself and Terence Crawford.

While there has been no confirmation whatsoever from Eubank’s side or Team Crawford that a potential fight between the middleweight from Brighton in the UK and the brilliant Omaha welterweight could actually happen, Crawford and Eubank do at least share the same trainer, Brian “BoMac” McIntyre, and it is a bout Benn would like to see.

“I think it will be a great fight, well, not a great fight, it will be a very one-sided fight, but I’d like to see the fight because I’d like to see Eubank get smashed to pieces,” said Benn.

“I think everyone looks at Eubank because he’s easy work. After his last few performances, he hasn’t looked great at all. He’s definitely on a downhill trajectory.”

Benn and Eubank had been due to fight at the end of 2022, until two positive VADA tests side-lined Benn, who has not boxed in the UK since. He has subsequently fought in Florida and Las Vegas, and there have been talks with Manny Pacquiao about a possible bout in May or June in Saudi Arabia.

Benn is not sure that the idea of Crawford moving up to tackle Eubank is not a hoax.

“I’m not a betting man, but if I was I’d bet you I can almost guarantee you that that’s all smoke; smoke and mirrors,” predicted Benn. “It’s not happening, it’s all rubbish, but obviously Eubank wants the fight with me, so he ain’t fighting Janibek [Alimkhanuly], so why’s he fighting another welterweight? With the same trainer? Do you know what I mean?”

Talking to BoxingScene, Benn sounded fatigued by the very mention of Eubank’s name. Does he think that fight has gone for good, despite promoter Eddie Hearn predicting it would do record numbers in the UK?

“Who knows?” said Benn. “I don’t really have much interest in him. I’m a 147 fighter. That’s the reality of it, I’m 147, and the guys I’ve fought in my last fights were quite big, and also in 10-ounce gloves, so I can’t wait to get back in those eight-ounce gloves and do some serious damage. There’s definitely a massive difference in the gloves. Put 10s on and put eights on and feel the difference. But with Eubank, yeah, that’s probably the only fight I’d go up to 160 for.”

The Benn-Eubank debate has been ferocious in British boxing circles for several reasons, not least because Benn would be jumping up two weight classes to fight in a division he would not otherwise be bothered with, and because Eubank Jr. for many, including his famous father, should not be boxing at middleweight any longer, rather at 168lbs.

“Let’s see if there’s any uproar about him [Eubank Jr.] fighting a welterweight [Crawford] again, and let’s see if there’s any uproar at him fighting at 160,” Benn added, of the Crawford-Eubank rumour. “It’s ridiculous. The public pick and choose what’s suitable and what’s not suitable, when it suits.”

Benn is awaiting news of a hearing after the British Boxing Board of Control and UKAD appealed a decision by the National Anti-Doping Panel to allow Benn to return to the ring in the United Kingdom.

There is no question Benn wants to get in the world title mix, but he also sees another lucrative path given the demands of vast sections of the British public, not least finishing the rivalry of the Eubank and Benn fathers from the 1990s, and the constant spectre of Sheffield’s former IBF champion Kell Brook returning to the ring.

“People want big fights,” Benn continued. “That’s what the public wants. World titles don’t mean what they used to mean, which is a crazy thing to say. I think with the interims, the silvers, the diamonds, the supers, it’s like world titles don’t mean what they used to mean, and it feels like the public just wants the mega fights, and the mega fights for me are the names you mentioned. Even though I still want to win a world title, but we’ve called for [Mario] Barrios and the only way these guys are going to fight me are if I’m mandatory.

“We’ll see what happens. I just want to fight and whoever that is, no problem.”

Brook was also in Saudi Arabia at the Anthony Joshua-Francis Ngannou fight last week, but while Benn talked business with Manny Pacquiao, there were no commercial discussions with Brook.

“I saw him briefly, I didn’t speak to him but that’s another fight I know the public may be interested in,” Benn went on. “But I’ll fight anyone. I really will fight anyone.”

Asked about the hangover of the appeal looming large, and public opinion – where Benn still is divisive but he has retained a significant UK fanbase – he said: “I just want this to be done.

“I can’t carry on caring what people think. What’s done is done. It is what it is. I can’t go, ‘Oh, he thinks this, she thinks that,’ because it’s actually got to a stage where I don’t really care, to be honest.”

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BOXING

Manny Pacquiao vs Terence Crawford is “a 50-50 fight”, says coach

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Terence Crawford

Eight weeks is all it would take for Manny Pacquiao 62-8-2 (39) to be ready to face consensus pound-for-pound number one boxer in the world Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford 40-0 (31).

That is the view if the 45-year-old Filipino legend’s longtime strength and conditioning coach Justin Fortune.

Pacquiao, who has not boxed professionally since losing his WBA junior middleweight title to Yordenis Ugas on points in August 2021, had been angling for a spot on the Philippines Olympic team, something he missed out on as a youth.

“From the beginning, I went to Manila to be part of the Philippine team, but I wasn’t picked, I was rejected… because they said I was not good,” Pacquiao said in an interview last year.

“My heart and desire is to claim a gold medal in the Olympics.”

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) backed his bid for selection, despite the cut-off age being 40, and lodged a special request with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to allow the former eight-division world champion to box.

Terence Crawford

The IOC announced this week they would not be allowing Pacquiao an exemption to box.

The IOC decision was not expected until March, with Pacquiao advisor Sean Gibbons recently telling World Boxing News that the Olympics remained the senator’s primary focus, while hinting that they would consider all other reasonable offers.

“If the right opportunity comes up for Manny, we will look at it. But we are also waiting on the Olympic decision,” Gibbons said.

“We expect the decision to be made on Manny fighting at the Olympics in March. We will see if we can get that before deciding on other fights.”

All of this leads us to Crawford, the 36-year-old former two-weight undisputed champion and current WBC, WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine welterweight champion from Omaha, Nebraska.

Crawford has not boxed since becoming the undisputed 147-pound champion of the world with his ninth-round knockout of Errol Spence Jr last July.

Last week coach Fortune said he would fancy Pacquiao’s chances against Crawford and that it wouldn’t take him long to prepare for the fight.

“He was a gym rat. I could pull him back into shape for Crawford in eight weeks. Of course, we’ll need to know when to push him or pull back because of his age,” Fortune said.

“Manny has a 50 percent chance of winning because he’s still a freak athlete and it wouldn’t take much to pull him into shape.

“The power he has is a gift from God, he hasn’t lost his power. Manny has never ducked anyone.

“He’s always fought the best, and not saying [Floyd] Mayweather’s not the best, but he’s old.

“I’d prefer Manny to come back and prove himself against a current world champion like Crawford.

“That’s a massive payday and guess what, it’s a 50-50 fight.”

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BOXING

Manny Pacquiao open after Paris denial, Terence Crawford alerted

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Terence Crawford

Manny Pacquiao will return to the professional boxing ranks this summer after being told he’s too old to qualify for the Olympic Games.

The eight-weight legend had asked for a special dispensation to compete at Paris 2024. However, this request was denied, meaning he had to try to progress through the qualifiers.

Pacquiao was never eligible to do so due to the stipulated qualifying limit of 40.

President of the Philippines Olympic Committee, Abraham Tolentino, announced on Sunday. The decision wasn’t initially due until March, as Pacquiao advisor Sean Gibbons told World Boxing News exclusively.

“If the right opportunity comes up for Manny, we will look at it. But we are also waiting on the Olympic decision,” Gibbons told WBN.

“We expect the decision to be made on Manny fighting at the Olympics in March. We will see if we can get that before deciding on other fights.”

Terence Crawford

Manny Pacquiao denied Olympic spot

On the Olympic denial, Tolentino commented that Pacquiao couldn’t enter the qualifying system due to his age.

“Too bad our beloved boxing icon is disqualified because of his age. Everyone needs to go through qualifiers – in all sports – to be able to participate in Paris.”

James Macleod, IOC Director for National Olympic Committee Relations, added: “The Universality places for the Olympic Games will not be allocated to NOCs with an average of more than eight athletes in individual sports/disciplines at the last two editions of the Olympic Games [Rio and Tokyo],” Macleod said.

“Pac-Man” can now focus on his upcoming exhibition with Buakaw Banchamek on April 20 before accepting potential professional offers.

Fresh Air Festival, organizers of Pacquiao vs Buakaw, had to release a denial that the fight was off recently.

“Contrary to information circulating, ‘The Match of Legends’ has not been canceled. While discussions for the event date are ongoing, inaccurate reports have unfortunately surfaced suggesting its cancellation,” they said.

Terence Crawford fight

Terence Crawford, who got ruled out of a fight with Canelo Alvarez on May 4, will now be on red alert after learning of Pacquiao’s denial.

A fight between the pair could take place this summer and would be the blockbuster Pay Per View “Bud” is looking for. For weeks after the American agreed to move up 21 pounds to super middleweight, Canelo vs Crawford was on the table.

However, the Pacquiao fight at 147 would appeal more to the fans.

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BOXING

“Tank’s First Loss”: Manny Pacquiao Gets Fans Riled Up With “Morning Run” Ahead of Boxing Comeback

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Manny Pacquiao, boxing’s legend, teases a return. At 45, he eyes a comeback with targets at Conor McGregor and Gervonta Davis. Pacquiao’s career, marked by victories across eight divisions, ended in 2021. Yet, whispers of his return stir the boxing world.

Imagine, the Filipino icon stepping back into the ring against McGregor in a crossover spectacle, or Davis in a clash with boxing’s current titan. The idea seems almost odd. But why return now, against such formidable foes? The notion alone sparks intrigue. Can Pacquiao defy time and expectations?

Manny Pacquiao in the shape of his life?

Manny Pacquiao took to Instagram, sharing his rigorous training regimen. His post, captioned “Morning Run ☀️🏃🏽,” showcases him running, performing crunches, and strategizing with his team. This glimpse into his dedication quickly captivated fans, amassing 22k likes. Meanwhile, his promotions hint at a thrilling comeback.

According to his team, Pacquiao is eyeing big names like Conor McGregor, Ryan Garcia or Gervonta Davis for his return to the ring. According to them, “He’s got about a year left.” This strategic move not only teases a monumental return but also rekindles the excitement around his storied career. Are the fans excited about his comeback?

Gervonta Davis

They foresee a historic victory

The anticipation surrounding Manny Pacquiao’s potential return to boxing has reached a fever pitch, as evidenced by the reactions to his Instagram post. Fans, quick to voice their support and predictions, have flooded the comment section with their thoughts.

Firstly, one fan’s encouragement, “Let’s go boss,” reflects a widespread sentiment of support and admiration for Pacquiao. Next, one fan echoes a sentiment of unwavering confidence with “You still got it champ.” This comment highlights the belief in Pacquiao’s enduring skill and competitiveness, despite his age.

Another person hints at the broader implications of Pacquiao’s training, stating, “Looks like comeback!” This observation taps into the collective excitement for what many hope will be a historic return to the ring.

In a bold prediction, another fan anticipates, “Tanks first loss,” directly linking Pacquiao’s training efforts to a potential bout with Gervonta Davis. This person sums up the anticipation perfectly with “He’s getting ready. He’s cooking something.” This remark encapsulates the mystery and excitement surrounding Pacquiao’s next move, suggesting that his return could shake up the boxing world.

Together, these reactions paint a picture of a fanbase that is both nostalgic for Pacquiao’s past triumphs and eager for future glories. The support for Pacquiao is palpable, with fans clearly excited at the prospect of his return and the potential matchups it could bring.

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Manny Pacquiao is now ‘out of retirement’ and eyeing fights with Gervonta Davis, Ryan Garcia and Conor McGregor

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Manny Pacquiao and gervonta davis

Manny Pacquiao is set to return from retirement at the age of 45.

That’s according to Sean Gibbons, who is the president of Pacquiao’s promotional company MP Promotions.

The legendary eight-weight boxing world champion quit the sport in 2021 with a record of 62-8-2 following his loss to Yordenis Ugas.

He has since climbed back into the ring for exhibition bouts and is set to do so again on April 20 in Thailand.

After that though, Pacquiao intends to return for real.

“Technically he’s out of retirement,” Gibbons told BoxingScene.

“He would love to fight Gervonta Davis, Ryan Garcia.

“He’s got about a year left. He just wants to fight.

“Manny feels that he’s in tremendous shape. He’s training for this exhibition but hopefully that will lead to something bigger and better.”

Gervonta Davis

Pacquiao ran for president in his home country of the Philippines when he retired but was not elected, hence his desire to fight again

Gibbons affirmed: “I do [expect him to fight in professional boxing again].

“One of the fights that people talked about for a long time was Manny Pacquiao vs Conor McGregor.

“That’s something that will be sensational in Saudi Arabia, let’s go. It will be a good place to do it. It’s really simple.

“His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, [chairman of Saudi’s General Entertainment Authority], loves big events, and he’s putting on the best events.

“It’s a very intriguing and fun fight bringing two of the biggest names together in combat sports.”

 

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Manny Pacquiao Ready To Unretire For Fights Against Gervonta Davis, Ryan Garcia, Conor McGregor

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Manny Pacquio

Manny Pacquiao still has plenty of fight left in him.

The eight-division champion Pacquiao retired in 2021 shortly after losing a unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugas, and he’s since hit the exhibition trail like many other past-their-prime stars have in recent years.

The 45-year-old Filipino boxing icon will return for another exhibition boxing match on April 20 against muay thai fighter Buakaw Banchamek in Thailand.

Aside from the exhibition against Banchamek, the former eight-division champion Pacquiao has also teased an exhibition with rival Floyd Mayweather and even a run for the 2024 Olympics.

Sean Gibbons, who runs Manny Pacquiao’s promotional company and serves as an agent and advisor for Pacquiao, is equally open to the idea of Pacquiao returning for a professional fight.

“Technically he’s out of retirement,” Gibbons told BoxingScene.com in an interview. “He would love to fight Gervonta Davis, Ryan Garcia. He’s got about a year left. He just wants to fight. Manny feels that he’s in tremendous shape. He’s training for this exhibition but hopefully that will lead to something bigger and better. I do [see a pro return for Pacquiao]. One of the fights that people talked about for a long time was Manny Pacquiao versus Conor McGregor. That’s something that will be sensational in Saudi Arabia, let’s go. It will be a good place to do it. It’s really simple. His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, [the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia], loves big events, and he’s putting on the best events. It’s a very intriguing and fun fight bringing two of the biggest names together in combat sports.”

Gervonta Davis

Pacquiao has been linked to a potential fight with both McGregor and Garcia on and off for the last four years.

In October, Pacquiao stated he’d be open to fighting Davis.

“Gervonta Davis is a good fighter. He’s a good fighter, yeah. If he comes up to 147, we can fight – 145, maybe. That’s not a problem for me. I am an experienced fighter,” said Pacquiao.

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Pacquiao Teases Mayweather Exhibition Rematch on 2024

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Floyd Mayweather

Eight division champion Manny Pacquiao was present at the MMA event RIZIN 45, which took place at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan.

The Filipino star entered the ring and indicated to the crowd that he was would be facing Floyd Mayweather in a rematch, as part of a RIZIN card in 2024.

“I hope to see you in Japan in a big fight against… Floyd Mayweather,” Pacquiao said to the thousands in attendance.

“I thought you wouldn’t want me to say that. I am excited. Thank you for always supporting RIZIN promotions.”

Nobuyuki Sakakibara, the president of RIZIN, confirmed that a Mayweather vs. Pacquiao rematch is being worked out for one of their cards in the coming year, but no details were revealed.

The fight, which is sure to be an exhibition, has not been confirmed by Mayweather or his handlers.

Manny Pacquiao Floyd Mayweather

The two boxers collided, after several years of negotiations, in 2015.

In what became the most financially lucrative combat sports event in history, Mayweather won a twelve round unanimous decision. The pay-per-view – a joint effort by HBO and Showtime – brought in 4.6 million purchases, which shattered all revenue and PPV records.

Pacquiao retired from the sport in 2021, with Mayweather retiring from boxing in 2017. Both fighters have continued to enter the ring in exhibition contests. Mayweather has taken part in two exhibition fights in Japan, as part of RIZIN events.

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BOXING

Amir Khan Predicts Manny Pacquiao vs Gervonta Davis After Shock Callout

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Manny Pacquiao and gervonta davis

Amir Khan has predicted who would win if multi-weight world champion Manny Pacquiao and Gervonta Davis ever met in the ring.

Although this very much sounds like a fantasy fight between boxers from very different generations, Pacquiao has actually said he would fight Davis at welterweight. He hasn’t fought since August 2021 when he lost to Yordenis Ugas, which was the 72nd fight of a long and decorated career.

He recently said to FightHub TV, however, that, ‘If he [Davis] wants to and comes up to 147, then we can fight. 145, maybe. It’s not a problem for me, I’m an experienced fighter.’

In light of that unlikely call out, Khan was asked by ESNEWs about the fight. At first, he was shocked at the proposition before rationalising the finances of it.

Gervonta Davis

He was then pushed for a prediction and comes down on the side of the man he has long wanted to face himself.

Davis, however, is in his prime right now. He has marquee wins over Ryan Garcia and Leo Santa Cruz and has won the IBF and WBA world titles at super-featherweight.

At 44-years-old, many would say Pacquiao should confirm retirement and that, even if he did come back, a fight with a young knockout artist like Davis seems a step too far.

Should he be able to find a way to fight in the Paris 2024 Olympics, that would represent a more realistic challenge for the legendary vetran.

 

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BOXING

Pacquiao eyes brawl with Mayweather in blockbuster exhibition bout

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Manny Pacquiao Floyd Mayweather

The legendary Manny Pacquiao dropped a bombshell while quietly observing the electrifying showdown between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou last week.

According to Marca, the 44-year-old boxing icon disclosed his intent to step into the ring once again against the enigmatic Floyd Mayweather Jr.

While nothing has been set in stone just yet, this potential spectacle promises to be an unforgettable exhibition of pugilistic prowess.

Pacquiao, ever the tireless warrior, affirmed his unwavering commitment to his craft in an interview with Fight Hub TV.

“I am still active. I am an active guy. I am actively training. I have an exhibition match this coming December in Japan. We are working on it, the opponent. We’re working with Mayweather. Yes, a Mayweather fight,” he said.

FLOYD MAYWEATHER AND MANNY PACQUIAO

Should Mayweather’s elusive signature remain out of reach, the Filipino dynamo has a contingency plan up his sleeve.

Pacquiao, who seems utterly fearless in his pursuit of the extraordinary, is poised to seek out another adversary.

He called out Gervonta Davis, affectionately known as “Tank.”

In an interview, Pacquiao spoke of the prospect of facing the rising star, saying, “Davis is a good fighter, a good fighter. If he wants to and comes up to 147, then we can fight. 145, maybe. It’s not a problem for me; I am an experienced fighter.”

Pacquiao is actively working to represent the Philippines at the 2024 Olympics, provided the committee eliminates the age limit.

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Manny Pacquiao sets tentative date for exhibition fight against Floyd Mayweather

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floyd mayweather and manny pacquiao

Manny Pacquiao quietly revealed last week while in attendance for Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou that he’s going to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. next month, if all goes well, of course. The would-be rematch is going to be an exhibition, but nothing is official as of now.

Pacquiao, 44, told Fight Hub TV he is still training and eager to get back inside the ring. The fight against Mayweather would happen in Japan with Japanese fight promotion RIZIN.

“I’m still active, I’m an active guy, I’m actively training. I have an exhibition match this coming December in Japan,” Pacquiao revealed. “We’re working on it, the opponent. We’re working with Mayweather. Yes [a Mayweather fight].”

If Mayweather does not agree to fight Pacquiao, who would even unretire in hopes of marring Money’s undefeated record, the Philipino fighter is likely going to have a backup opponent.

Floyd Mayweather

Manny Pacquiao calls out Gervonta Davis

Pacquiao is also working on representing The Philippines at the 2024 Olympics if the committee removes the age limit.

He also called out Gervonta Davis. Pacquiao would fight “Tank” if it happens at welterweight.

“Davis is a good fighter, a good fighter,” Pacquiao said. “If he wants [to] and comes up to 147, then we can fight. 145, maybe. It’s not a problem for me, I’m an experienced fighter.”

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