The highly anticipated showdown between Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning WBO, WBA, and IBF heavyweight champion, and Tyson Fury, the lineal and WBC titleholder, marks the first undisputed heavyweight title fight in over two decades. Paulie Malignaggi, a prominent boxing figure, has not been able to contain his excitement and has boldly predicted the outcome of this historic match. Scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia, pending a formal announcement of the date and venue after Fury's upcoming bout with former MMA champion Francis Ngannou on October 28, this clash is set to captivate the world. The road to undisputed glory appears to be within reach for "The Gypsy King" Tyson Fury if he triumphs in this crossover bout. While opinions on the Fury vs. Ngannou matchup have been mixed, it remains a pivotal stepping stone. Tyson Fury's journey towards undisputed champion status has been marked by his memorable trilogy of battles with Deontay Wilder, resulting in him becoming a two-time champion, with two impressive victories following a contentious draw in their initial encounter in 2019. Paulie Malignaggi, sharing his thoughts on his platform, Paulie TV, initially expressed his admiration for Tyson Fury's enigmatic character, noting how unpredictable and entertaining he is. "Tyson Fury delivers again [by signing this fight]. That's why you gotta love this guy; he's like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're gunna get." With the bout now officially confirmed, Malignaggi was straightforward when asked about his prediction. "I think Fury beats him. I think it's 65-35 Fury. I think he's too big." This sentiment is echoed by many within the industry, and despite consensus, it's poised to become one of the most significant fights in recent history. Tyson Fury is set to reap substantial financial rewards, with estimates suggesting he will earn at least $100 million, as stated by his promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank.

Al Haymon's Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) is in discussions with Amazon Prime for a potential game-changing streaming deal. This news comes as PBC's current broadcaster, Showtime, is set to exit the boxing business at the end of this year and won't be renewing its contract. It is reported that Showtime may continue to broadcast select major Pay-Per-View (PPV) fights but won't be hosting regular boxing events moving forward. As a result, PBC is exploring other options, including a potential partnership with Amazon Prime for streaming services. Sports Illustrated reporter Chris Mannix shared on his podcast that PBC has engaged in talks with Amazon. Mannix stated that he know that PBC has talked to Amazon. I believe that's their preferred destination. They'd prefer to do a deal with Amazon. Amazon has become more involved in sports compared to other streaming services over the past couple of years. I know there have been discussions between PBC and Amazon. I don't know what Amazon is planning to do - whether they're looking to become a Showtime-like boxing provider or just host one-off shows. But there has been dialogue between PBC officials and Amazon.

“I do know that PBC has talked to Amazon. “I believe that’s their preferred destination. They’d prefer to do a deal with Amazon. “Amazon have gotten into sports more than other streaming services over the last couple of years. “I know there have been discussions between PBC and Amazon. “I don’t know what Amazon are looking to do – whether they’re looking to become a Showtime-like boxing provider or one-off shows, I don’t know the answer to that question. “But there has been dialogue between PBC officials and Amazon.”

PBC boasts a stable of high-profile boxers, including Gervonta Davis, Canelo Alvarez, and Deontay Wilder, and has recently added Terence Crawford to its roster. The potential partnership with Amazon Prime could offer a fresh and innovative platform for PBC to showcase its marquee fights and could be a major step forward in the evolution of how boxing content is delivered to fans.

The boxing world is buzzing with excitement as Fury vs Usyk the first undisputed heavyweight title fight in 24 years is just around the corner. The highly anticipated Fury vs Usyk match-up will see WBO, WBA, and IBF champion Oleksandr Usyk face off against lineal and WBC champion Tyson Fury. This dream fight has been talked about for a long time and is finally set to take place in Saudi Arabia, although the exact date and venue are yet to be announced. This will happen only if Fury wins his upcoming 10-round fight against former MMA champion Francis Ngannou on October 28. If Fury emerges victorious in this crossover fight, which hasn't been well-received by many, he will pave the way for the Fury vs Usyk undisputed title bout. This will likely be his most challenging test since his trilogy of fights with Deontay Wilder, where he became a two-time champion after two notable wins and one controversial draw in their first meeting in 2019. Paulie Malignaggi, a former champion, expressed his thoughts on the matter on his own Paulie TV. He stated his pleasure at Fury's unpredictable nature, having previously thought he would announce his retirement.

“Tyson Fury delivers again [by signing this fight]. That’s why you gotta love this guy, he’s like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gunna get.”

When asked about his prediction for the Fury vs Usyk  fight, Malignaggi was clear in his response.

“I think Fury beats him. I think it’s 65-35 Fury. I think he’s too big.”

This is a sentiment echoed by many in the boxing community, but that won't diminish the Fury vs Usyk fight's significance. It's set to be one of the biggest fights in recent memory, with Fury expected to earn at least $100 million, according to his Top Rank promoter Bob Arum.

Last week, the boxing world was surprised to learn that Anthony Joshua, a top boxer, has been training with Ben Davison. Davison used to train Tyson Fury, who is one of Joshua's main competitors. Carl Froch, a former boxer who often speaks his mind, has shared his thoughts on this situation. Froch thinks that Joshua working with Davison could be seen as "disrespectful" to Derrick James, who is Joshua's current coach. James has helped Joshua prepare for his last two fights.

“Ben Davison is a good trainer, I like his tactics and the way he breaks down fights tactically from round one, so if Ben and AJ are working together, it will be an interesting addition to AJ’s mindset, and maybe tactics as well.” “But I I don’t know the extent of how much he’s working with him? But I can’t see any disadvantages to AJ having a little bit of work with Ben Davison. I think Ben Davison’s a great, great coach. He’s had some good success as a coach and is dedicated, he puts the time into his students, so I’ve got nothing against that.” “But I don’t understand what AJ’s thought process is, because why is he not just sticking with Derek James and sticking with him and listening to him and working with him. I think he’s a bit disrespectful actually to Derek James, but I don’t know how Derek James feels about that.”

It's still unclear if Joshua will continue to work with Davison regularly or if this is just a temporary thing while he's in the UK. James is based in Texas, so there might be some logistical challenges. Promoter Eddie Hearn has said that Joshua could be back in the ring in December, but for that to happen, an opponent would need to be announced soon.

Derek Chisora, the veteran British heavyweight boxer known for his aggressive fighting style, is setting his sights on a new opponent. Although he's faced several high-profile fighters like Tyson Fury, Joseph Parker, and Oleksandr Usyk in recent years, and despite some calls for him to retire, Chisora is determined to continue his boxing journey. In an interview with Boxing Social, Chisora, nicknamed 'Del Boy,' expressed his desire to face a particular fighter in the ring.

"I want the Chinese guy."

he said, referring to Zhilei Zhang. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches, Zhang has rapidly risen through the ranks to become one of the most promising contenders in the heavyweight division. Zhang, also known as 'Big Bang,' has gained attention following two impressive knockout victories over British fighter Joe Joyce in 2023. These consecutive wins have earned him the WBA mandatory status, positioning him as a potential opponent for the winner of the upcoming undisputed world heavyweight championship bout between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. Throughout his 27-fight career, Zhang has suffered only one loss, a contentious decision against Filip Hrgovic in August 2022, which many fans believed Zhang had won. This setback hasn't deterred the 6'6" Chinese powerhouse, who has expressed his eagerness to face Tyson Fury, someone he has long wanted to challenge. However, Chisora's challenge represents a significant test for Zhang, who has more experience and a reputation for resilience. Despite Chisora's enthusiasm, Zhang has advised him to "wait in line," indicating that a fight between the two may not be imminent. Zhang, 40, has also been mentioned as a potential opponent for Anthony Joshua, a matchup that his team appears to be more interested in pursuing. Whether Zhang faces Chisora, Joshua, or another top contender, he is undoubtedly a fighter to watch in the heavyweight division. Chisora, on the other hand, continues to defy expectations at the age of 38. With a career spanning over a decade, he has faced some of the best in the division and has become a fan favorite for his never-say-die attitude and willingness to take on all challengers. Despite the odds, Chisora remains hopeful and determined to secure a big fight and possibly add a few more chapters to his storied career.

Despite his unbeaten record as a cruiserweight champion and his success in the heavyweight division, Oleksandr Usyk isn't favored by many in his highly anticipated bout against Tyson Fury. However, former WBA lightweight champion Ray 'Boom Boom' Mancini believes Usyk has what it takes to defeat 'The Gypsy King.' The fight's details, such as date and venue, are yet to be finalized. First, Fury needs to emerge unscathed from his October 28 fight against Francis Ngannou. Assuming all goes well, the stage will be set for the first undisputed championship bout in 24 years, with Fury's WBC title on the line against Usyk's IBF, WBA, and WBO titles. Mancini expressed his reservations about Fury in a conversation with FightHub TV.

“I pick Usyk. Fury’s a big strong guy who can move. I’ve never been a Fury fan in the sense that he’s a great fighter, no. He beat Wilder, but Wilder is Wilder, a big puncher, but he doesn’t do anything else.”

Mancini then explained why he believes Usyk has the upper hand. Usyk possesses a superior boxing IQ and a wealth of amateur experience. He's the real deal. His ability to create angles and handle larger opponents gives him an advantage. I predict he'll outmaneuver Fury with his precision and strategic approach. If Fury didn't view him as a challenge, he would have agreed to the fight much sooner.

“Usyk has a high boxing IQ. He has the amateur background, this guy is the real deal. He gives you angles, he knows how to fight big guys. I pick him to win. I think his angles will be on point. He punches in straight lines. I think he will give problems to Fury every which way and that he beats Fury, I really do. If Fury didn’t think he was a headache for him, he would have taken it in a minute. That didn’t happen.”

Bob Arum has estimated that Fury could earn around $200 million for the fight. Whether he'll also secure four belts that night remains to be seen.

In Orlando, Austin 'Ammo' Williams emerged victorious against his most significant adversary thus far, overcoming middleweight contender Steve Rolls in a tight, unanimous decision. The judges unanimously scored the bout 97-93 in favor of Williams, marking a crucial bout in DAZN’s main card event held at Caribe Royale Orlando. Both combatants initiated the match focusing heavily on their jabs, with Williams demonstrating faster and more impactful punches, causing noticeable swelling under Rolls’ left eye. Williams started incorporating powerful shots in the second round, momentarily pushing Rolls back with a straight left hand. In the initial rounds, both Williams and Rolls displayed caution, choosing their moves strategically. Williams, however, managed to land impactful punches, including body shots and hooks, taking the lead in the match. Rolls showed resilience but couldn't counter Williams’s swift moves effectively, relying mainly on blocking Williams's advances. Williams's momentum continued throughout the match, maintaining control with his effective jabs and swift movements, escaping Rolls’s counterattacks. Williams endured a right hand and managed to deliver powerful body shots in the final round, ending the bout on a high note. At the close of the match, both fighters raised their hands in anticipated victory, but it was Williams who walked away triumphant, maintaining his undefeated record at 15-0 (10KOs). This marked his third unanimous decision win in his last four bouts. Rolls, on the other hand, experienced his third defeat, dropping his record to 22-3 (12KOs). His losses included a notorious fourth-round stoppage to Gennadiy Golovkin and a ten-round decision to Edgar Berlanga. The main event featured a bout between Richardson Hitchins, a former Olympian, and experienced contender Jose Zepeda, in a closely watched 12-round junior welterweight match.

Chris Eubank Jr. has shared words of encouragement with Joe Joyce after Joyce’s impactful knockout loss to Zhilei Zhang. Joyce faced defeat in the third round of his rematch with Zhang, experiencing a similar outcome as their first encounter. A powerful right hook from Zhang in the third round concluded the match in his favor. However, Eubank Jr., known as ‘The Juggernaut’, has expressed confidence in Joyce’s ability to recover from this defeat. Eubank Jr. himself has been through a loss against Liam Smith but managed to reclaim his standing in the subsequent rematch. He conveyed support to Joyce, his compatriot, emphasizing the resilience required to face a rematch after a loss. He praised Joyce on social media for his courage to re-enter the ring and strive for victory and redemption. Eubank Jr. acknowledged the challenges Joyce encountered, offering respect and reassuring him of his potential comeback, while also congratulating Zhang on his victory.

“As a man who knows first hand how hard it is mentally & physically to come off a defeat & go straight into a rematch. Gotta give all the respect to @JoeJoyceBoxing for getting back in there & putting it all on the line for a shot at glory & redemption,” Eubank said on social media. “Very few people understand how hard it is to do what you did tonight. “Zhang’s a hell of a fighter congratulations to him & keep your head up Joe you will be back.”

The future steps for Joyce remain uncertain, especially as he loses his mandatory status for the WBO heavyweight world title, signaling a tough journey ahead for him to regain his position. However, promoter Frank Warren hinted at the possibility of a rematch with Daniel Dubois, whom Joyce defeated in 2020, even if Joyce lost to Zhang. Meanwhile, Zhang has secured his position as the mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk’s title and has expressed his desire to challenge WBC heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury, calling him out after his win over Joyce.

Jose Zepeda is determined to prove he's more than just a stepping stone in boxing. He has verbally expressed this resolve and plans to demonstrate it in his upcoming match against Richardson Hitchins this Saturday on DAZN in Orlando, Florida. Zepeda, from California, feels well-prepared for this pivotal match against Brooklyn-based Hitchins.

“I always come ready for every fight but we’ve taken the extra steps to make sure we get the win,” Zepeda told BoxingScene.com. “My losses have come in championship fights. But I don’t want to be known as that guy who falls short at [the top] level. That’s the main reason why I took this fight.”

Zepeda, with a record of 34-3 and 27 KOs, has faced defeat in three title attempts, the most recent against Regis Prograis last November in California. Despite this, the 34-year-old has secured six consecutive wins before, earning his opportunity for title challenges. He started his winning streak with a victory over Jose Pedraza in September 2019 and demonstrated his prowess with a first-round knockout of Josue Vargas in October 2021. However, the loss to Prograis was a blow to his morale, especially with whispers suggesting he’s past his prime. Zepeda managed to bounce back with a decisive victory over Neeraj Goyat in March. He credits his newfound momentum to the insights gained from his new head trainer, Manny Robles, as he gears up to face the undefeated 25-year-old Hitchins, a prominent contender in the junior welterweight category.

“I know that Richardson Hitchins is very fast and probably the best prospect in the division,” noted Zepeda. “What I also know is that a win over a fighter like him puts me right back on the world title scene.”

In this crucial match, Zepeda not only aims for victory but also seeks to revitalize his career and re-establish his presence in the world title landscape.

After suffering a knockout loss to Zhilei Zhang in Joyce vs Zhang 2, Joe Joyce believes that he isn’t finished with boxing. He acknowledges Zhang’s dominance in the Joyce vs Zhang match and vows to recover and return to the ring with renewed strength.

“Zhang is a great fighter, and he’s a great southpaw,” Joyce said. “He’s a fellow (Olympic) silver medalist, and he’s probably avoided by most. It was probably a bit too far of a risk. “I’m not used to fighting southpaws, I hadn’t fought a southpaw for a long time. But he’s a great fighter and he’s avoided for a reason. “It’s just disappointing, because I got myself into the position I was, and it obviously a risk too far, and I paid the price.”

Joyce (15-2, 14 KO) had more to say:

“I was a bit more concentrated on what he was throwing and (trying to warm) into the fight, doing what I’d been practicing. But he’s a difficult fighter. It’s just a risk too far. Maybe I could have gone another route, but I decided to take the challenge and I paid the price. “But this is not it for me. There’s plenty more. I’ve got plenty more in the tank. You should see me again out there. I don’t know, I’m just going to have to have a bit of time off, reflect, watch the fight back, and come back new and improved.” “I’m going to have to talk to my team and see what’s the best route. Obviously I’m disappointed and have to reflect and watch the fight back and see what mistakes I made. But hats off to Zhang. He’s a great fighter and I’m sure he’s going to be in some great fights next. But I’m going to have to rebuild and come back, go a different route.” “Possibly. That’d be an interesting fight. He’s got a new coach and seems to be improving. If the people want to see it, that could be a possibility.”

Zhilei Zhang triumphed over Joe Joyce in Joyce vs Zhang rematch on Saturday night with a powerful knockout. The Chinese boxer, who fights southpaw, delivered a well-executed right hook to Joyce in the third round of the WBO interim heavyweight championship rematch at OVO Arena Wembley in London. Although Joyce managed to get up, the referee, Steve Gray, decided it was unsafe for him to continue, concluding the 12-round bout early in the third round. Zhang, 40 years old with a record of 26-1-1 and 21 KOs, kept his WBO interim title, having previously knocked down Joyce for the first time in his pro career. The defeat in Joyce vs Zhang was a significant blow to the 38-year-old Joyce's career, who held a record of 15-2 and 14 KOs, and had initiated the immediate rematch clause in their contract. Zhang expressed his happiness and respect for Joyce post-fight, asking the audience to cheer for him. Joyce came in heavier than their first bout, weighing 281.2 pounds, hoping to withstand Zhang’s power, but this made him slower and more susceptible to Zhang’s hits. Zhang’s victory reinforces his status as a top heavyweight and secures his position as the mandatory challenger for one of Oleksandr Usyk’s titles. In their first Joyce vs Zhang match, Zhang surprised everyone by winning through a technical knockout in the sixth round. Joyce was a 9-1 favorite and was leading on the scorecard of one judge. Despite the defeat, Joyce believed he could have continued the first Joyce vs Zhang fight. During the Joyce vs Zhang rematch, Zhang continually landed powerful hits on Joyce, dominating most of the rounds and leaving Joyce off balance multiple times, while Joyce remained defensive, especially protecting his right eye, and refrained from opening up to throw punches at Zhang in the initial round.

British promoter Frank Warren has issued a warning that the loser of the upcoming heavyweight bout between Joe Joyce and Zhilei Zhang will face a substantial setback in their pursuit of a championship for at least a couple of years. The rematch between China's Zhang (25-1-1, 20 KOs) and London's Joyce (15-1, 14 KOs) is scheduled to take place at OVO Arena Wembley in London. This showdown comes five months after Zhang caused an upset by defeating Joyce with a technical knockout in the sixth round of their first encounter. As a result of that loss, Joyce had to relinquish his WBO interim title, making this rematch a crucial opportunity for redemption. Frank Warren, who heads Queensberry Promotions and supports Joyce, anticipates a challenging road ahead for the fighter who comes up short in this bout. He believes it will take a minimum of two years for the loser to work their way back into contention for a title shot. This could prove particularly daunting for both fighters, as Joyce is 38 years old, and Zhang is 40. Warren is hopeful that the victor of the Zhang-Joyce II bout will swiftly move on to compete for a title against the winner of the undisputed heavyweight championship, featuring WBC titlist Tyson Fury, who Warren manages, and Oleksandr Usyk, the holder of the remaining three belts (WBO, WBA, and IBF). Warren acknowledges that securing an agreement between Fury and Usyk has proven elusive in the past. Fury's next scheduled fight adds an additional layer of complexity, as he is set to face former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in a high-profile crossover event on October 28 in Saudi Arabia. Adding to the timeline challenges is the possibility that Usyk's next fight may entail a defense against the IBF's top-ranked heavyweight contender, Filip Hrgovic. Usyk recently dispatched his WBO mandatory challenger, Daniel Dubois, with a late-round stoppage victory in Poland.

“After the unification, you’ve got the IBF and the WBO calling for their respective mandatories, that means the winner of this will be the WBO mandatory challenger and will get a shot next year,” Warren told SecondsOut. “The loser, it could take him a long time to get himself into position for a voluntary, because there won’t be no voluntaries, or getting himself back into the number one spot. That could take two years. So that’s why Joe has asked for it (the rematch). Joe knows what he did wrong last time. And the big question is can he correct it.” “We’ll see, those titles are going to have to be defended, there’s no doubt about that,” Warren said. “The winner of this will fight for the WBO version.”

Joe Joyce, the heavyweight fighter from Putney, faced an unusual path to deal with his first professional defeat, which occurred in April at the hands of China's Zhilei Zhang. This loss marked the first since his controversial defeat by France's Tony Yoka in the 2016 Olympic final. Now, at 38, Joyce is set to return to the ring for a Joyce vs Zhang rematch at Wembley Arena, aiming to reignite his world title aspirations. To cope with the setback, Joyce turned to unconventional means. He found solace in a one-wheel skateboard, immersing himself in nature while riding it. This helped him cope with the disappointment. Additionally, spending time with family and friends and reviewing fight footage to analyze his mistakes played a crucial role in his recovery. Joyce emphasized the importance of having hobbies outside of boxing, such as swimming, diving, and cycling, but his newfound passion for the one-wheel skateboard served as a welcome distraction from the all-consuming world of boxing.

“I got out in nature on my one wheel skateboard thing, that helped me,” he said. “Going to see family and friends. Reviewing the footage as well and seeing where I went wrong. t wasn’t that I was thinking, it was a distraction and something to feel good about and enjoy. “I have hobbies away from boxing, I swim, dive, cycle and the one wheel is my new thing. It helps me take my mind off it and enjoy life. It means it’s not boxing, boxing, boxing.”

In Joyce vs Zhang previous encounter, Joyce's fight was stopped in the sixth round due to grotesque swelling around his eye, rendering him unfit to continue. This loss not only led to relinquishing the WBO 'interim' belt but also cost him the No. 1 position in the sanctioning body rankings, with the title held by unified champion Oleksandr Usyk.

“I’ve made a lot of minor adjustments in the build up some of the things with the team, and tactics and weight,” Joyce said. "I’m coming in more practised and prepared. I was a little bit light, Zhang was heavier and stronger. “I had to make sure I was eating right and eating enough. When I started previous camp I was already on fight weight so it was hard for me to keep the weight on. It was just something in my protein shake that wasn’t agreeing with me. “Maybe I overlooked him a bit and got tactics wrong, there were some minor last minute changes and weren’t practised. This time they have been practised and hopefully it will be a better outcome.”

Joyce acknowledged that he has made minor adjustments in his preparation for Joyce vs Zhang 2, including changes in team dynamics, tactics, and weight management. He learned from his past mistakes, ensuring he maintains the right weight and nutrition throughout his training camp. He also noted that some last-minute tactical changes had not been adequately practiced in their previous bout but assured fans that this time they would be better prepared. Regarding the Joyce vs Zhang rematch, Joyce decided not to wait, recognizing the slow pace at which mandatory challenges and undisputed fights can materialize in the heavyweight division. He understood the importance of seizing opportunities, given his status as the No. 1, mandatory, and interim champion. Despite the setback, Joyce remains confident in his abilities and aims to prove that he is more than just a fighter with an iron chin.

“I wasn’t going to wait,” he said. “Especially with how the mandatories go. Daniel Dubois has had his chance with Usyk, now it’s Filip Hrgovic with the IBF so then it should be the WBO interim champion. I will be back in time and nothing will have changed so I had to take the rematch. “It’s hard enough when you’re No 1, mandatory and interim champion and still waiting for the undisputed fight, so these fights take so long so you don’t have time to waste going around the long way. I was in the fight and I can beat him.”

Joyce emphasized his desire to become a world champion and the excitement and challenges that come with pursuing success in the sport of boxing. As he readies himself for the Joyce vs Zhang rematch, he is determined to showcase his skills and determination on the path to achieving his world title dream.

“I know my strengths and weaknesses,” he said. “It’s the boxing media building me up as ‘look at his chin’ but that’s not what I’m all about. I’m going to be a world champion. That’s what I got in it for - to be successful. I enjoy the lifestyle, the excitement and the challenge that comes with boxing.”

 

Eddie Hearn, the Matchroom promoter, has confirmed that there have been offers from venues to host a potential Joshua vs Wilder showdown. This announcement comes after Joshua's recent victory over Robert Helenius, reigniting the search for his next opponent. The discussion in boxing circles hints at a December match for Joshua, possibly as a warm-up before facing Deontay Wilder. The prospect of a Joshua vs Wilder fight has been long-awaited, with years of speculation and negotiations. Some even speculate that this fight could be part of a double-header event, sharing the bill with Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight championship. However, during an interview with Boxing Social, Eddie Hearn primarily focused on the possibility of a Joshua vs Wilder clash. He disclosed that he had productive talks with Shelly Finkel, Wilder's representative, and both parties are eager to make this fight happen. Offers have been extended to both Joshua and Wilder, but the details are still being worked out. Hearn mentioned that while the original date discussed was in January, there are now talks of potentially moving it to February or March. The possibility of a Joshua vs Wilder December fight is also being considered, but there are logistical factors to address.

"I have one name - Deontay Wilder. I had a good convesation with Shelly Finkel yesterday. We want to make a fight. We received an offer, as did Deontay Wilder. Now, at the moment, we can't move forward with that, but we do have other offers that have come in, and we have opportunities to do that in other locations. "We'll speak to AJ about a couple of offers that have come in and hopefully we can go straight into that fight. "In the Middle East. We have to digest them, we have to speak to them about when the fight would take place. The original date was January, now there are talks of potentially February or March. Do we fight in December? "One name remains the focus for next fight and that's Deontay Wilder."

Interestingly, Hearn raised questions about Wilder's track record, despite his formidable reputation. He pointed out that Wilder lacks a victory over an elite heavyweight throughout his career, suggesting that he has never defeated a top-five ranked heavyweight.

"I think Deontay Wilder is extremely exciting, but he does not have one elite victory on his resume. I don't think he's ever beaten a top-five heavyweight in his whole career."

Chris Eubank Jr has a shot at becoming a legitimate world champion after avenging his earlier loss to Liam Smith. In their rematch, which took place earlier this month, Eubank Jr put on a stellar performance at Manchester Arena and secured a tenth-round knockout victory. As a result, he has now climbed to the top spot in the WBO middleweight rankings, positioning himself as the mandatory challenger for a world title opportunity. The current holder of the 160lbs WBO belt is Janibek Alimkhanuly, an undefeated fighter from Kazakhstan with a record of 14-0. Alimkhanuly is scheduled to defend his title in a unification bout against IBF middleweight world champion Vincenzo Gualtieri in Texas on October 14. While becoming a world champion is a lifelong aspiration for any boxer, Eubank Jr may have reservations about facing the winner of Alimkhanuly vs. Gualtieri, as they are not widely recognized in the boxing world. Eubank Jr, who has previously held the IBO middleweight title and the WBA interim middleweight belt, is more inclined towards pursuing significant fights for the remainder of his career. Eubank expressed his desire to give the fans what they want to see, emphasizing that there are numerous big-name opponents and exciting opportunities available, including world title fights and high-profile matchups.

“I want to do whatever the fans want to see,” the 34-year-old said after his latest win. “There’s some huge names out there, there’s some big opportunities. World titles, big fights, it’s all on the table.”

In recent discussions, there has been talk of a potential grudge match between Eubank Jr and Conor Benn. They were initially slated to face off in October 2022, but their pay-per-view event was canceled due to Benn failing two drug tests. Benn is set to make his long-awaited comeback in Florida and is expected to call out Eubank after the fight. Promoter Eddie Hearn is eager to initiate negotiations for a potential showdown in Britain, possibly in December, which could prove to be a highly lucrative and exciting matchup.

Former UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou, is determined to ensure fairness in his upcoming Fury vs Ngannou fight against Tyson Fury scheduled for October 28 in Saudi Arabia, voicing concerns about potential glove-tampering by Fury. Ngannou shared his worries during an appearance on the JRE MMA Show with Joe Rogan, remarking that Fury is tricky with his gloves, and went on to accuse him of cheating. Ngannou referenced allegations made by Deontay Wilder, a three-time opponent of Fury, who had previously claimed, without substantiation, that Fury had loaded his gloves during their rematch in February 2020. Derek Chisora, another previous opponent, also claimed that Fury had cut his glove to land an eye poke in one of their matches.

“He’s very tricky with his glove. I think he cheats.”

While discussing these concerns with his team, Ngannou emphasized the need to check every glove meticulously before Fury vs Ngannou . He expressed dissatisfaction with relying solely on the U.K. commission's check on the gloves, insisting on additional scrutiny. Despite the Nevada Athletic Commission clearing Fury of any wrongdoing in the past, Ngannou remains apprehensive, advocating for either a bare-knuckle fight or thorough verification of the gloves used.

“We are talking about it with the team, and they’re like, ‘Oh, there’s the U.K. commission with the gloves,’” Ngannou said. “I’m like, ‘Bro, we’re going to get there, we need every glove to be checked.” “You don’t tell me about this commission, ‘Oh, the gloves get to be checked,’” Ngannou continued. “If you want us to fight bare hands, bare-knuckle, let’s go bare-knuckle. But don’t give me 10-ounce gloves and wear 8-ounce or 6-ounce gloves because he has no protection. No.”

Joe Rogan challenged Ngannou’s claims, questioning the evidence behind them and disputing fan-made videos suggesting that Fury had manipulated his gloves. Ngannou maintained that double-checking was necessary, given that multiple people, including Fury’s past opponents, have raised concerns about his gloves.

“But his opponent complains about his gloves,” Ngannou replied. “It might not be [true], but we have to check that. ... I think we have nothing to lose by double-checking, because it’s been more than once that people talk about his gloves, and even his opponents.” “I’m sure they talk about it,” Rogan said. “[Fury] kicks their ass.” “But in the boxing world, you have to worry about everything,” Ngannou said. “If somebody says something in boxing, you better double-check.”

Ngannou, transitioning to boxing after a successful MMA career and rejecting a new contract from UFC, has signed a profitable deal with the PFL. He is set to make $10 million from the Fury vs Ngannou fight, which will be available on ESPN+ pay-per-view. The Fury vs Ngannou match came into fruition after a potential bout between Fury and Oleksandr Usyk fell through, leading Fury to shift his focus to Ngannou. Francis Ngannou is firm on his stance, emphasizing the importance of precaution and scrutiny in boxing, particularly when there have been recurring allegations or complaints from different quarters.

Conor Benn's upcoming fight this weekend has stirred controversy, with concerns raised about his eligibility to compete. Benn has faced two instances of testing positive for a banned substance, and the matter remains unresolved. Despite Eddie Hearn, Benn's promoter, claiming that Benn is cleared to fight in September, the British Boxing Board of Control Secretary, Robert Smith, has refuted these assertions. Currently, an appeal is underway regarding the lifting of Benn's provisional suspension by the UK's National Anti-Doping Panel, and a final decision has yet to be reached. Rather than waiting for the outcome of the investigation, Benn and Hearn pursued a license from the Texas Athletic Commission in the United States. This move was driven by the absence of a unified governing body in boxing to prevent individuals suspected of cheating from participating. Texas has granted Benn permission to fight, even though controversy surrounds the welterweight boxer. Smith firmly believes that Benn should not be seeking to continue his boxing career until a final ruling is issued on the test results. There is still a significant possibility that Benn may face suspension in the UK. Smith expressed his disappointment, saying:

“Although it’s a sport, we don’t deal with teams, we deal with individuals. And sometimes people look after themselves rather than the sport in general, which is slightly disappointing,” Smith told talkSPORT. “I understand why they do it. But no, I don’t think he should be boxing. Personally, I don’t think he should be boxing until this matter is cleared. “Hopefully, that’ll be done as soon as possible,” he added. Responding to several announcements by Hearn and Benn that he’s cleared his name, Smith gave a damning verdict on that insistence. “He hasn’t cleared it [his name]. There are a number of issues that are still outstanding, which everybody’s aware of. “We’ve decided to appeal a decision. Once the appeal has taken place, we’ll take it on board from there. “But when Eddie says he’s cleared his name, according to us, we haven’t had an explanation of how the positive test came about. So I don’t quite agree with Eddie on that one.”

Smith disputed claims made by Hearn and Benn that Benn's name has been cleared. He highlighted that several issues related to the positive test results are still pending resolution and that an appeal is in progress. This weekend, Benn is scheduled to fight Rodolfo Orozco in Orlando, Florida, under the Texas Athletic Commission's jurisdiction. However, the cloud of controversy stemming from two separate positive tests for the same banned substance, clomifene, still hangs over him. The World Boxing Council (WBC) acknowledged that contaminated supplements might have caused Benn's adverse findings, leading to the cancellation of his fight with Chris Eubank Jr. last October. Benn disagreed with this explanation. Although the WBC reinstated Benn in their rankings in April, he was removed again in July due to inactivity. Benn's return to the ring this weekend is accompanied by unresolved issues and the possibility of suspension by the British Boxing Board of Control, which could raise further questions about his situation.

David Haye expresses concern about Joe Joyce's future in the heavyweight division if he experiences another defeat at the hands of Zhilei Zhang this weekend in Joyce vs Zhang 2 bout. Joyce, earlier this year, faced his first professional loss when Zhang stopped him in a surprising turn of events. As they prepare for Joyce vs Zhang 2, another loss could have dire consequences for Joyce. Before their initial encounter, Joyce held the WBO interim champion title, positioning himself for a potential future fight with the full titleholder, Oleksandr Usyk. However, the defeat against Zhang eliminated that opportunity. Haye emphasizes that if Joyce doesn't regain that honor in their upcoming bout, it could be a challenging road ahead. Haye shared his thoughts with the PA press agency, stating, "I believe Joe has the capability to secure a victory if he employs a smart boxing strategy. If he fails to do so, he might find himself excluded from the heavyweight division." He goes on to explain that it would be risky for managers or promoters to match their fighters against Joyce in minor eliminators or 10-round fights if he loses this pivotal match. Joyce's world-class skills could potentially overwhelm younger fighters entering the division, making him a formidable opponent. Haye underscores the challenges of a potential comeback for Joyce, especially given his age of 38. A long road back to the top may not be feasible at this stage in his career if he faces another setback in the rematch with Zhang.

“I believe Joe has enough to find a way to win if he boxes smart. If he doesn’t do that, he probably will get frozen out of the heavyweight division,” said Haye when speaking to the PA press agency. “What manager or promoter would want to risk their guy fighting Joe in a minor eliminator or in a 10-rounder. He would be too good for his own good. “He is a very world class fighter so young fighters coming through, he would be too much for them. No manager or promoter in their right mind would chuck their young fighter in with Joe if he loses this fight. “It would be a long road back and a long road back you can’t afford at the age of 38.”

Tyson Fury, an undefeated two-time world champion, is widely regarded as one fight away from solidifying his position as the best of his generation. Throughout his 34-fight career, Fury has delivered memorable moments in the heavyweight division, transitioning from a highly skilled mover to a formidable puncher with a strategic approach. After a contentious draw with Deontay Wilder, Fury has secured six consecutive victories, with five of them coming by knockout. It's no surprise that Fury, who believes he has conquered boxing, doesn't see any external rival capable of ending his reign. However, he acknowledges one internal challenge that he has faced before – his own battle with mental health. Fury shared his perspective on the Out Of Interest podcast, emphasizing that his most formidable opponent is himself, particularly in terms of his mental well-being. He candidly stated that the toughest battle he has ever faced is against his own mental health struggles, acknowledging that it's a lifelong challenge.

“Toughest opponent is my own self. Every single time. The only person that can beat Tyson Fury, is him himself. Mentally. The toughest battle I’ve ever had is mental health. You never, ever defeat it. You can never win against it. Ever.”

Fury's past struggles with depression and addiction, following his victory over long-reigning champion Wladimir Klitschko, are well-documented. He openly discussed experiencing suicidal thoughts during that dark period. After nearly three years away from the ring, Fury made a successful comeback, eventually defeating the hard-hitting American, Deontay Wilder. More recently, a Netflix series offered fans a glimpse into Fury's life, highlighting his battle with bipolar disorder, as recognized by his family. On the podcast, Fury also shared his strategies for coping with mental health challenges. He emphasized the importance of setting small short-term goals, maintaining a structured daily routine, prioritizing fitness and health, and taking life one day at a time. Additionally, he stressed the significance of maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle.

“My top tips for battling mental health is this. Small short term goals, a structured routined lifestyle, fitness and health, working out and stuff, and just living one day at a time. Eating well, drinking well, and that’s about it really.”

Fury's immediate goal is to face MMA star Francis Ngannou in a boxing match on October 28 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Boxing enthusiasts might have started to doubt the possibility of a legacy-defining four-belt unification showdown between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury. The failed negotiations and public disputes between the two teams have dragged on for months, making Fury vs Usyk seem uncertain. However, there is a glimmer of hope, as Fury's manager, Spencer Brown, hinted at a positive update regarding the long-awaited Fury vs Usyk undisputed clash, possibly happening later this year. While appearing on The Fight With Teddy Atlas, Brown didn't reveal specific details but suggested that talks were in progress to stage Fury vs Usyk in Saudi Arabia.

“I can’t divulge anything that’s going on at the moment, but if you had a Christmas Wishlist with one fight you wanted to see in the heavyweight division, it could very well happen.” “I’m going to say this: The Saudis will make everybody’s Christmas come true – that’s all I can say.”

Issues such as purse splits, venue selection, and rematch clauses previously derailed the Fury vs Usyk fight earlier in the year, with some observers pointing fingers at "The Gypsy King." Adding to Brown's encouraging remarks, Fury's promoter, Frank Warren, also expressed quiet confidence in arranging a Fury vs Usyk bout. Fury's upcoming exhibition bout with MMA star Francis Ngannou, set to take place in Riyadh next month, received mixed reactions from boxing fans. However, the excitement would reach new heights if an historic Fury vs Usyk showdown were to follow.