Tony Bellew, a staunch supporter of Anthony Joshua, has expressed his desire to see Joshua vs Fury bout, he wants the two-time world champion face specific opponents next. Currently, Joshua is concentrating on revitalizing his career after facing two defeats at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk. Throughout those 24 consecutive rounds, Joshua experienced fleeting success and struggled to deliver the powerful hits that have characterized much of his career. Following this, Joshua earned a victory over Jermaine Franklin in April by points and secured a seventh-round knockout against Robert Helenius, a marginal contender, in August. There's been significant speculation about Joshua potentially battling Deontay Wilder in Saudi Arabia, but discussions seem to have slowed due to recent changes in the boxing environment. While discussing boxing on "Froch on Fighting," Bellew—whose closeness with Joshua led Carl Froch to suggest he shouldn't commentate on Joshua's matches—mentioned who he would prefer Joshua to battle before potentially facing Wilder. He expressed his interest in a match between Joshua and Andy Ruiz, believing that Joshua would dominate this time around. Ruiz and Joshua have a history, with Ruiz stunning the world by defeating Joshua in their first match, but Joshua reclaimed his titles in their subsequent meetup.

“Andy Ruiz. I like that fight. I think he pulverises Ruiz this time. But I would like to have seen the Dillian Whyte fight, that would have been a very good fight.”

Bellew also conveyed his eagerness for a Joshua vs Fury match, expressing disappointment in the general lack of competition in the heavyweight division, which he perceives as being filled with either marginal contenders or inadequate competitors.

“But [Tyson] Fury, obviously, that’s the one I really want to see. It’s tough, the heavyweight division isn’t as deep as it should be – there are fringe contenders or you’re not very good.”

Frank Warren has suggested another British boxer, Daniel Dubois, as a suitable contender to face Joshua, proposing that a match between them would be mutually beneficial at this point in their careers.

Conor Benn is preparing for his return to the boxing ring this Saturday, but his recent drug test controversy continues to cast a shadow over his career. Carl Froch, a former boxing champion, has expressed the view that Benn should face the consequences of his actions before public trust can be fully restored. Benn's last fight took place in April 2022, but he faced the specter of two failed doping tests leading up to his ill-fated bout with Chris Eubank Jr in October. Despite maintaining his innocence, Benn was briefly under provisional suspension in the UK earlier this year, a decision that was subsequently lifted. However, the British Boxing Board of Control has announced its intention to appeal this decision. Currently free to compete, Benn is scheduled to face Rodolfo Orozco from Mexico at the super-welterweight limit of 154lbs in Florida this Saturday.

“It’s gone on for so long I’m almost switched off to it. He’s getting a lot of hate which I don’t like to see but he’s got this dark cloud over him cause he failed a drugs test. Great he’s moving on, but I want to know what’s going on with him getting a British Boxing Board of Control license.”

Carl Froch, speaking with Talk Sport Boxing, expressed his frustration with the protracted saga. He noted the public backlash Benn has faced due to the failed drug test and questioned the status of Benn's British Boxing Board of Control license. Froch also highlighted the issue of Benn choosing to fight overseas instead of addressing the licensing matter in the UK, describing it as a "grey area." He emphasized the importance of professional boxing maintaining its credibility, especially in the eyes of casual fans, and stressed the need for accountability and adherence to regulations.

“It’s a shame. It puts a grey area on why he’s allowed to fight in Florida and not Britain. But I understand, it’s a technicality. But also you have to hold professional boxing as paramount importance in terms of how it looks to the armchair fan and if it just looks like they’re pulling one over on the Boxing Board or doing their own thing and sticking their middle finger up to the correct officials and it’s bad and it shouldn’t be happening.”

Froch ultimately called on Benn and his team to engage with the Board, face any necessary consequences related to the failed drug test, and only then resume Benn's professional career.

“When are they going to sit in front of the board and take their punishment for the failed drugs test? Because my understanding is that’s what needs to happen before Connor Benn can move on with his professional career. Until then they’re just p**sing in the wind.”

Negotiations between Benn and Chris Eubank Jr have surfaced, suggesting a potential future bout for both fighters if Benn emerges victorious this weekend. However, the location for this match remains uncertain. Promoter Eddie Hearn revealed that, during the process of securing a license to fight in the United States, consultations with the British Boxing Board of Control were conducted to address these matters.

In a recent interview with Fighter Talk TV, Ohara Davis shared his thoughts and feelings about his upcoming fight for the vacant WBA World title at 140 pounds against Barroso. Davis expressed a sense of normalcy and the importance of staying calm and not succumbing to pressure, drawing from past experiences where he let pressure affect his performance. During the interview with Fighter Talk TV, he acknowledged the support and inspiration he gains from his stablemates, even though they look up to him, and he appreciates their energy and enthusiasm.

"If I don't win this fight I'm done as far as I'm concerned so that's going to give me even more fire to work hard and to win this fight. I feel normal just like any other Camp to be honest um I know it's a big fight you know as a world I know it's a world title fight but I think the keys to is to keep calm don't be under pressure because I've been up for so many years and I've made so many mistakes that I've learned from so now my mindset now is you know what it's just like any other fight we've got to work harder and do what I do from time I like the pressure go um from time."

Davis also spoke positively about his opponent, recognizing him as a strong and fit fighter, despite his age, and understanding that he should not underestimate him. When asked about retirement, Davis mentioned his intention to continue boxing but emphasized the need to focus on the current fight and not look past it.

"Mitchell um good fight or strong fighter fit and I know he got robbed in his last fight so in this next fight could be looking to make a statement um against me and he's old but listen man when you're old up in Venezuela is that young in England mate those guys don't eat burgers and drink beer that's why these guys are 45 years old and they're still fit as hell so I can't look at his age and say he's over the hill he's not over the hill."

Further in the interview with Fighter Talk TV, he expressed gratitude for his coach, Will, who has been patient and supportive throughout his boxing career. Davis shared that this title shot, though significant, feels like just another day in his job, emphasizing his dedication to his craft.

"He's been very patient with me you know my boxing career has been up and down and I got with Will at the down part of my boxing career so you know I'm always thankful that he waited he had faith when the fight dates I had and then they got canceled and it's taking time away from his wife and kids and his family and you know all these things and then you know is the business at the end of the day and my culture was patient enough to wait with me and to ground it out with me through the hard time."

For Full Interview:

Since Andy Ruiz Jr won the unified heavyweight world championship from Anthony Joshua in 2019, his career has seen limited action in the upper echelons of the heavyweight division. Ruiz's most recent fight was a closely contested points victory over the seasoned Cuban contender Luis Ortiz in September. However, there have been talks throughout 2023 about potential matchups with Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury, though none of these fights have materialized as of now. Malik Scott, the trainer of Deontay Wilder, has shared his perspective on the negotiations for a Ruiz vs. Wilder bout and claimed that the Mexican American fighter priced himself out of the contest, as well as a potential showdown with Tyson Fury. During an interview with Boxing Social, Scott accused Ruiz of using the business side of boxing as a shield.

“Andy Ruiz did business with us the same way he attempted to do business with Tyson Fury, he out priced himself.” “He wants to act like he wants this fight, but it’s just big name association. Fighters and their team, they hid behind the business aspect of boxing, and it’s the perfect time to hide behind business because everyone is in to instant gratification – and that is what Andy did.” “It’s frustrating. And the more and more I talk about it, the more it gets frustrating.”

The WBC had ordered a final eliminator between Wilder and Ruiz at the beginning of the year, but even this mandate failed to bring about a fight between the two. In terms of inactivity, Deontay Wilder has not been in action since autumn 2022 when he swiftly dispatched Robert Helenius in under a round at the Barclays Centre in New York. Despite earlier assurances to fans that a highly anticipated showdown between Wilder and Anthony Joshua was "confirmed" for December, this long-anticipated bout also appears to be facing uncertainty at present.

Over the weekend, a surprise twist occurred during a virtual debate between boxers KSI and Tommy Fury, hosted by streamer Adin Ross. Jake Paul unexpectedly appeared on the 'Kick' livestream, only to be promptly removed. KSI was discussing his upcoming fight against Tommy Fury, along with Tommy's father, John Fury, when Jake Paul suddenly joined the conversation. Paul immediately began to challenge KSI's boxing credentials, questioning the quality of opponents he'd faced. KSI, who has a nearly flawless record with only a draw against Logan Paul and a no-decision after an elbow strike to Joe Fournier, will be settling his rivalry with Tommy Fury in a match set for October 14th in Manchester. For a brief moment, both Tommy Fury and KSI found common ground, as they made light of Jake Paul's own boxing record. Paul tried to flip the script by asking Fury about his performance, aware that Fury had previously defeated him. Just as the exchange was heating up, Jake Paul was suddenly removed from the stream.

"Lol KSI manager freaking out behind the scenes and making Adin’s manager kick me out of the chat!" Paul wrote to his 4.6million followers after the fact. "Soft!" Taylor responded by writing" "I’d never freak out over you, you fraudulent poser. Should have not ducked if you want that KSI clout. Get your attention elsewhere by fighting crippled old men."

With the KSI vs. Tommy Fury fight drawing closer and Logan Paul also participating in the event, anticipation is building for what promises to be a sell-out crowd.

The boxing world is buzzing with excitement over the potential return of hard-hitting heavyweight Deontay Wilder. Although there was anticipation for a showdown between Wilder and Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia in early 2024, discussions have stalled, altering the boxing scene in the nation. Both fighters are seeking new opponents to reestablish themselves after suffering major defeats—Joshua to Oleksandr Usyk and Wilder to Tyson Fury. In a recent interview with Seconds Out, American boxer Jermaine Franklin, who has previously gone the distance with Joshua and Dillian Whyte, expressed interest in facing Wilder.

“Yeah, I mean, anybody at the top. I feel like, with all due respect, if you’re at the top, you’re standing in the way. I’m a competitor at the end of the day and I got a family to feed.”

When asked if he would emulate the strategy used by Tyson Fury to defeat Wilder, Franklin was hesitant to commit. He acknowledged that while he has observed useful techniques from Fury, their fighting styles are distinct, making it difficult to adopt an identical approach. He emphasized the need for caution when facing Wilder's renowned punching power but stated his willingness to engage both strategically and aggressively when the opportunity arises.

“I can’t really say that cause me and Fury are two different style fighters. But I seen some things that he was doing that could help. I seen some of the things he did when we sparred. I’d utilise that. I don’t want to steal stuff from people. But we’re perfecting our prep, I view a lot of footage, I see small things to use but I wouldn’t say he gave me an overall game plan of beating Wilder.” “I mean yeah, he has power, you have to be aware of the power, you don’t want to be putting yourself in a situation where you get clobbered with the right hand, but I like to box, I like to brawl. When the time presents itself, I’ll be strategic but do what I gotta do. I”ll try to be smart about it.”

A Franklin vs. Wilder match could be a significant bout for both fighters at this juncture of their careers. It would also be an engaging contest for Wilder, who has been inactive since his last one-round fight in October of the previous year.

Frank Warren, the well-known Queensberry promoter, has high hopes for Moses Itauma, an 18-year-old heavyweight. Having sparred with notable names like Anthony Joshua, Joe Joyce, and Daniel Dubois, Itauma already shows promise in the boxing world. Before even making his professional debut, he boldly expressed his ambition to become the youngest world champion ever, aiming to break Mike Tyson's record set at 20 years and four months. Thus far, Itauma has delivered, securing four wins in his first four professional fights, with the initial two coming via first-round knockouts. Warren, although clearly optimistic about the future of the young fighter from Chatham, urges caution. Speaking to iFL TV, he emphasized the importance of Itauma focusing on one fight at a time rather than becoming fixated on beating Tyson's longstanding record. Warren encourages him to approach every fight as if it's a world title match and to put on a show that reflects that level of significance.

“I want to see him take each fight as it comes, not to keep looking down the road and thinking about how he wants to be the youngest guy to win a world title. I want him to look at that [next] fight like he is fighting for a world title and go out there and put a world title performance on. Go out there and look the absolute business, that is what I want to see from him, in every fight. I want the world to see what we see in him, because he is exciting, he’s young and I believe that he will be the face of the heavyweight division in the future.”

Up next for Itauma is a bout against Amine Boucetta from Belgium, who has a record of 7-8. The fight is part of the undercard for the rematch between Zhang and Joyce. Itauma will aim to add another knockout to his record, although Boucetta has proven to be a durable opponent, having been stopped just once in his career.

Absolutely, the boxing world is abuzz with several major developments. One of the most significant is the decision by three-division world champion Badou Jack to vacate his WBC Cruiserweight World title. He's doing this only seven months after winning it in an intense twelfth-round knockout against Ilunga Makabu. This memorable fight occurred in Saudi Arabia and was part of the same event where Tommy Fury bested Jake Paul. Now nearing the age of 40, the Swedish boxer Badou Jack is far from thinking about retirement. Instead, he's setting new career goals, specifically aiming to claim the WBC Bridgerweight Championship. A fight against Lukasz Rozanski is anticipated to be formally announced in the near future. This shift in focus by Jack likely puts an end to the rumors about Tony Bellew's potential comeback. Bellew had been linked to a possible fight against Rozanski, but that bout now seems increasingly unlikely. In the wake of Jack's decision to vacate his cruiserweight title, Don King Promotions has stepped in to fill the void. They've announced plans to stage an event where Makabu, the former champion, will go toe-to-toe with mandatory challenger Noel Mikaelian. The bout will serve to crown the next WBC Cruiserweight champion, and it's part of a lineup that promises to be one of Don King's most star-studded events in recent years. Scheduled for November 4 in Miami, Florida, the card is loaded with talent. Adrien Broner, a four-time world champion, is slated to make his return for his second fight of the year. He will be taking on Chris Howard in the welterweight division, and both fighters will undoubtedly be looking to make a statement. Meanwhile, Trevor Bryan is planning his comeback fight since his loss to Daniel Dubois and will be facing Cassius Chaney. Jonathan Guidry will also be in action, defending his WBA NABA Heavyweight Title against Puerto Rican knockout artist Jesus Escalera. The packed card and the drama surrounding the vacated titles exemplify the dynamism and ever-shifting landscape of professional boxing, keeping fans and pundits eagerly awaiting each bout.

Certainly, the boxing community seems divided over the anticipated return of Conor Benn, who is currently enmeshed in a controversy related to alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs. In a recent interview, Josh Taylor, the previous unified super lightweight world champion, criticized Benn's potential return to the ring. Taylor argued that Benn's return could tarnish the reputation of the sport, especially since he has previously tested positive for banned substances. Taylor feels that Benn should be sidelined from boxing until the issue is fully resolved.

“A fight with Conor Benn down the line would be huge, but he shouldn’t be fighting right now – he shouldn’t be anywhere near a boxing ring, that guy. I think it’s pretty bad for the sport. It’s a bad look, guy popping dirty twice and still getting to box. He’s basically had a slap on the wrist and is getting away with it and is now getting back to it. I don’t think it’s a great look for the sport.”

As for Benn's career plans, promoter Eddie Hearn has suggested that Benn might stage a comeback in a less high-profile match in the U.S. soon. Additionally, there's buzz that Benn could square off with family rival Chris Eubank Jr., who recently triumphed over Liam Smith. Negotiations for this matchup are said to be in the works, even though Eubank has expressed an interest in fights with other notable boxers like Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez.

After an impressive performance in his rematch with Liam Smith, Chris Eubank Jr. finds himself with several options for his next move. In their previous bout in January, Eubank had been stopped by Smith in the fourth round, but he activated the rematch clause and managed to reverse the result in a dominant fashion. In the rematch, Eubank won every round, ultimately securing a tenth-round TKO victory. This win opened the door for Eubank to call out potential opponents for his next fight. Among the names on his list were Conor Benn and former pound-for-pound star Gennady Golovkin. Golovkin, the hard-hitting Kazakh fighter, is no longer the champion in the middleweight division as he has vacated his belts, but Eubank still appears interested in facing him. However, Carl Froch, a former super-middleweight titlist, expressed reservations about Eubank's chances against Golovkin. Froch emphasized Golovkin's age, as he is currently 41 years old, but still believes that Golovkin's power and boxing skills could pose a significant threat to Eubank. Froch suggested that even an older and slightly past his prime Golovkin, with diminished reflexes, could potentially end the fight with a single punch.

“I don’t know, what’s Triple G done in a while? He’s 41 years old … I don’t think [Eubank] does, no. Cause the last things to go is a boxer’s power, and he’s that well-schooled that even an old, past his best, reflexes gone a little bit [Golovkin] lands a shot on Eubank Jr I think it’s fight over. So no, I don’t think he beats Triple G if I’m honest.”

Golovkin has been inactive since his trilogy defeat to Saul 'Canelo' Álvarez at 168 pounds in September of the previous year, and his future plans in boxing remain uncertain. Meanwhile, Eubank seems to be leaning more towards a fight with Conor Benn. This match had been scheduled previously but was canceled at the last minute due to a banned substance being found in Benn's system. Eubank's promotional team is confident that they can secure a British license for the fight in time for December and potentially host it in a stadium setting.

Mike Tyson has added an intriguing element to the upcoming crossover bout between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou, scheduled for October 28 in Saudi Arabia. The boxing legend is training Ngannou, who is making his boxing debut and is considered a significant underdog against the undefeated champion Fury. Fury, in a recent statement, expressed his disappointment that the man he was named after, Mike Tyson, will be in the opposite corner. He described it as a sad situation and mentioned that he believes Tyson should be supporting him instead of being on the opposing side. Fury further stated that regardless of what Tyson teaches Ngannou, the result of the fight will remain the same in his favor.

“I think that it’s sad, actually. The man that I am named after, a legend, has to go against me and then come out as a loser, having lost to a man who was named after him. I think that it’s sad and I think that he should be in my corner, not the opposing corner.”

When asked about going against his namesake by TNT Sports, Mike Tyson responded succinctly, stating,

"This is business, and he understands."

Indeed, it is a business venture for both fighters. Fury is expected to earn a substantial sum, likely in the tens of millions, for the bout, while Ngannou will also receive a career-high payday compared to his previous UFC championship stint. Mike Tyson believes that Ngannou will deliver a surprise on fight night, despite some skeptics viewing it as part of the promotional strategy. Tyson expressed confidence in Ngannou's abilities, highlighting his power punching and impressive speed for a heavyweight of his size (260 pounds). He expects Ngannou to exceed the expectations of many. The fight between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou will be contested over ten rounds in a professionally sanctioned bout. However, Fury's WBC World title will not be on the line.

Deontay Wilder, the former heavyweight champion, faced Tyson Fury in a trilogy of fights, with Fury emerging victorious twice and a controversial draw in the mix. Notably, Fury is the only opponent to withstand Wilder's knockout power. Since the third bout with Fury, Wilder has struggled to find high-caliber competition, with his only match being a quick demolition of Robert Helenius in October the previous year. Tyson Fury's father, John, has offered his perspective on Wilder's current career status, suggesting that most top heavyweight fighters are reluctant to step into the ring with him, except for one notable exception. In a recent interview with FreeBets, 'Big John' claimed that former unified heavyweight world champion Andy Ruiz Jr is the lone contender in the heavyweight division with the courage to accept a fight against Deontay Wilder. According to John Fury, other top fighters are apprehensive about facing 'The Bronze Bomber,' even though Tyson Fury managed to defeat him decisively on three occasions. John Fury emphasized that most top heavyweights, including fighters like Usyk and Joshua, are avoiding a clash with Wilder, recognizing the challenges he presents. However, he believes Andy Ruiz Jr might be willing to face Wilder if the financial terms are right and it makes good business sense because Ruiz has the courage to take on such a challenge.

“The only one out there who can challenge Tyson, and they all avoid him and they won’t fight him, is Deontay Wilder. They’re all terrified of him, and Tyson straightened him up three times!” “All those people will never get in with ‘The Bronze Bomber.’ Usyk, AJ, none of them will fight ‘The Bronze Bomber.’ Andy Ruiz Jr will – for a price. Because he’s got big you know what’s, and if the money is right and it makes good business sense, I can only see Andy Ruiz fighting him.” “He’s the only one who comes to mind who is in that bracket. He’s the only one who’s going to fight Deontay Wilder because there rest are terrified. They know what’s coming.”

Wilder had been in talks for a matchup with Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia, but those plans seem to have hit a roadblock due to changes in the country's boxing management. Discussions have also taken place for an all-American showdown with Ruiz, although financial negotiations appear to be a significant hurdle in finalizing that bout.

The much-anticipated showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua has been a topic of discussion for several years. At one point in 2021, Joshua held the WBA, WBO, and IBF titles, while Fury, fresh from his impressive knockout victory over Deontay Wilder, possessed the WBC belt. Both fighters agreed to terms for a historic undisputed battle, which would have undoubtedly been the biggest fight in the history of British boxing. When discussing the potential fight with former heavyweight world champion Frank Bruno:

“I’m really looking forward to a challenge. This might sound strange but I’ve been a professional for 13 years and I’ve been travelling the world to find somebody who can beat me basically and I haven’t found him so far in 32 fights.”

Bruno also shared his thoughts on the matchup, stating that he believed Fury would provide Joshua with a "boxing lesson" and cautioning Joshua against facing Fury.

“I don’t think Joshua should go anywhere near you because you’ll teach him a lesson you know, a boxing lesson.”

Regrettably, fans never had the opportunity to witness whether Bruno's prediction would come true. Fury was compelled to engage in a third fight with Deontay Wilder after the American won an arbitration battle. The trilogy bout concluded similarly to their second encounter, with Fury knocking out 'The Bronze Bomber' in an exciting heavyweight showdown. Following this, Fury successfully defended his title twice, first against mandatory challenger Dillian Whyte and then in another trilogy bout against his old adversary Derek Chisora. Meanwhile, Joshua faced a setback, losing all his titles in back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, a former cruiserweight undisputed champion. In the upcoming period, Fury is scheduled to compete in a crossover contest against MMA star Francis Ngannou, while Joshua had seemed poised to square off against Wilder in the near future. However, talks for that bout have hit a snag, with promoter Eddie Hearn acknowledging the possibility of exploring alternative opponents.

Boxing enthusiasts might be feeling disheartened about the prospects of a historic four-belt unification bout between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury ever materializing. Several unsuccessful negotiation attempts and a prolonged public blame game between the two fighters have left doubts lingering. Recently, Tyson Fury outlined the conditions he deems necessary for him to step into the ring with Usyk for the long-awaited undisputed heavyweight world title showdown. During an interview with Fight Hub TV at the press conference for his upcoming fight against Francis Ngannou, Fury stated that he would only entertain the idea of facing Usyk if the Ukrainian boxer agreed to a "modest share" of the purse for the match. Fury expressed some skepticism about his interest in becoming an undisputed champion, suggesting it was not his top priority. He also implied that he had other pressing concerns, notably his upcoming bout with Francis Ngannou. Nevertheless, he left the door open for a potential clash with Usyk if Usyk were willing to accept a smaller financial share for the fight. Fury made it clear that if Usyk demanded a substantial purse, the fight wouldn't materialize.

“Has it ever been my priority? Did I ever say I wanted undisputed? It’s always been some other little b**** dream. I’ve got Francis Ngannou to deal with. Should the other little sausage want to fight for the undisputed, and if he’s willing to take a small percentage then we might be able to make it happen. But if he wants a large bag? Not happening. Him [Usyk] and his team were s***houses! They get offered the fight at Wembley, and we moved on. That was it. Now we’re fighting Francis Ngannou, who is stepping up to the plate.”

The failed negotiations earlier in the year, which involved disputes over purse splits, choice of venue, and rematch clauses, had cast blame on Tyson Fury by many observers. However, his promoter, Frank Warren, recently expressed quiet confidence in the possibility of arranging a Fury vs. Usyk bout in 2024. Therefore, it remains to be seen whether Fury's recent comments are merely a diversion or a genuine reflection of his stance on the matter.

Widely considered the top heavyweight in boxing today, Tyson Fury has evolved from a nimble pugilist to a formidable striker. The "Gypsy King," a two-time heavyweight champion, has maintained an undefeated record, impressing fans with his agile movements, typically unexpected in a heavyweight. An iconic moment in his career was his fight against Wladimir Klitschko, a highly acclaimed heavyweight champion. Even though Fury was considered the underdog in that bout in Germany, he surprised everyone by handily defeating Klitschko through a unanimous decision. In a conversation with Frank Bruno, sponsored by Wow Hydrate, Fury admitted he thought it would be a more challenging match.

“They’re all pretty tough fights and all important – every one of them. Cause if you slip up here, you go back and got to start again. I think the one for me that I expected to be the toughest fight – against Wladimir Klitschko, who was undefeated in eleven years – it was one of the easiest fights.”

Fury highlighted how significant every fight is, emphasizing that a single loss can reset a boxer's career. The fight against Klitschko, who hadn't lost a match in 11 years, turned out to be easier than he anticipated. He explained that the intimidating power of the Ukrainian fighter, who is now a Hall of Famer, fueled his training regimen.

“I think he did need a bit of counselling after that. Mentally focusing for that fight, in training camp we were focusing on like if he hits me, I’m gonna get knocked out. With that fear factor, I went in there and I boxed unbelievable. Then I took his best shots and I was like ‘is that it?’ That was supposed to be my hardest fight. I prepared mentally, physically and emotionally for it to be my hardest fight.”

Fury recalled preparing intensely for the match, thinking Klitschko's punches would be lethal. However, he was surprised that Klitschko's best shots weren't as devastating as he had expected. Initially slated for a rematch, Fury instead took a hiatus from boxing, struggling with depression and substance abuse issues. After a hiatus of two and a half years, he made an awe-inspiring comeback, defeating another reigning champion, Deontay Wilder, in 2020. Currently holding the championship belt, Fury has opted not to defend his title this year. Instead, he plans on participating in a crossover fight against MMA sensation Francis Ngannou.

In a tragic turn of events, Diego Arrua, the coach and spouse of boxer Sabrina Perez, suffered a fatal heart attack during her match against Skye Nicolson in Tijuana. The fight, which was for the WBC Interim World Featherweight title, took place at the Fausto Gutierrez Municipal Auditorium. Nicolson emerged victorious in the contest that saw Perez put up a spirited fight. Arrua collapsed at the corner of the ring with just 30 seconds remaining in the tenth round. Perez was unaware of the incident until after the match concluded. Mauricio Sulaiman, the president of the WBC, later confirmed Arrua's passing on social media platforms. He stated that despite the best efforts of medical professionals, Arrua passed away at the QDEP General Hospital.

“It is with deep sadness that we have been informed of the sudden death of Argentine coach Diego Arua, who suffered a devastating heart attack during the Sabrina Pérez fight in Tijuana. The medical services did everything possible and he died at the QDEP general hospital.”

Matchroom, the promotional company involved, extended their heartfelt condolences to Perez. Eddie Hearn, who was present ringside, was one of the first to recognize the severity of Arrua's condition.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with Sabrina Perez and your loved ones.”

The boxing community and fans have been offering messages of support and expressing sorrow for the untimely demise of Arrua, who was 58. He was widely admired for the close working relationship he had with his wife, Perez, and for their collective achievements in the boxing world.

Paulie Malignaggi, renowned for his unfiltered opinions as a pundit, has not held back in criticizing current world champion Teofimo Lopez. The lightweight and super-lightweight divisions have witnessed a surge in talent, leading to some memorable matchups. Teofimo Lopez played a significant role in this, achieving unified champion status at 135 pounds with a stunning upset win over the future Hall of Famer, Vasily Lomachenko. However, Lopez's reign was short-lived, marred by an unexpected loss to George Kambosos Jr. In a spirited performance, Kambosos traveled to New York and secured a split decision victory against a seemingly sluggish Lopez.

“Lopez will probably never be forgiven for the Kambosos loss. If Lopez didn’t have that loss – which is utterly ridiculous, every time I see Kambosos fight I still can’t understand how Lopez got beat by that guy – but if you take it away, which you never will so he’ll never be forgiven, that guy’s on the pound-for-pound list maybe top three or four.”

Malignaggi, speaking on ProBox TV, expressed his strong opinions about Lopez's performance, stating, "Lopez may never be able to live down the Kambosos loss. It's almost unbelievable; every time I watch Kambosos fight, I still can't fathom how Lopez was defeated by him. But that loss will haunt him forever. Without it, he could have been on the pound-for-pound list, possibly in the top three or four." Subsequently, Kambosos lost the belts to Devin Haney. After nearly a year of absence from the ring, Lopez moved up to the 140-pound division. He delivered two decent performances before challenging Josh Taylor, the former undisputed champion in that weight class.

Malignaggi believes that Lopez's victory over Taylor establishes him as the top fighter in the division. He stated: “Lopez has done some insane things, man, including coming back and beating Josh Taylor. He was dynamite at 135 pounds and he’s shown at 140 when he’s on point he’s dynamite there as well. For me, he is the guy to beat at 140.”

Despite briefly announcing his retirement after the Taylor fight, Lopez has confirmed his intention to continue competing. Additionally, he has been elevated to the status of Super Champion by the WBO, granting him certain privileges and choices regarding his opponents. Devin Haney, who has also moved up to super-lightweight, may be his next challenger.

Criticism has been mounting against the top modern heavyweights for their apparent reluctance to face each other in the ring. However, one of the all-time heavyweight greats, Larry Holmes, has taken issue with something different – their perceived lack of boxing skills. In a recent interview with Fight Hub TV, Larry Holmes didn't hold back when sharing his thoughts on Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, and Anthony Joshua. Holmes believes Fury, Joshua, and Wilder lack fundamental skills. Their jab is not straight; they throw punches without proper technique. They don't know how to execute a 1-2 combination and protect themselves afterward. They don't move like I did. In boxing, you should give punches and avoid taking them, but Fury seems to want to prove he can take punches. Ideally, you should hit and not be hit.

“They [Fury, Joshua and Wilder] don’t have no skills. They throw punches like this for a jab, you’ve got to throw them straight. They don’t know how to throw a 1-2 and get out and protect yourself. But I had my day, I had great times doing what I was doing. They don’t move like Larry Holmes. You have to give punches, you shouldn’t take punches – and he [Fury] takes punches. I guess he wants to prove to people he can take punches, but you should hit and not get hit.”

Larry Holmes, a dominant force in the heavyweight division during the early 1980s, held the Ring Magazine and lineal titles from 1980 to 1985, the WBC world championship from 1978 to 1985, and the inaugural IBF belt from 1983 to 1995. While some may find Holmes' assessment of today's heavyweight contenders to be critical, it's clear that the Easton Assassin isn't overly impressed with the current big names in the heavyweight division. Despite ongoing discussions about potential fights between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk for an undisputed title and a potential transatlantic showdown between Joshua and Wilder, negotiations for these matchups have, thus far, failed to yield concrete results.

Former cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew is expressing his support for welterweight contender Conor Benn in a potential bout against middleweight Chris Eubank Jr. Bellew believes that Benn's physical attributes could give him the edge in this matchup. In a recent fight in Manchester, Chris Eubank Jr., aged 33, showcased his dominance by stopping former world champion Liam Smith in the tenth round. This victory has reignited the interest in a potential showdown between Eubank and Benn. Back in October 2022, Eubank and Benn were slated to face off, but the fight was canceled during fight week due to Benn testing positive for a banned substance. However, there is a possibility of rescheduling this bout for December.

Tony Bellew is of the opinion that Benn's speed and explosiveness could prove decisive against Eubank. He acknowledges that Benn's condition and performance in the ring after a year of inactivity would need to be assessed before making a definitive prediction. "Too quick, too explosive, I just think he beats him. I don't know how it'll go, I just need to see Conor back first to see what the year's took out of him, but I still favor Conor. Explosive, powerful, quick- Conor Benn's one of them, you're going to have to put him to sleep. He's going out on his shield,"

However, before a potential Eubank matchup, Conor Benn must resolve legal issues with the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) and UK Anti-Doping (UKAD). Benn has been out of action since his knockout victory over Chris Van Heerden in April. While the National Anti-Doping Panel cleared him to box earlier this year, both BBBofC and UKAD have appealed this decision. Promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom expects the matter to be resolved in the coming months. On the other hand, Eubank is exploring various options for his next fight, including a potential showdown against former middleweight world champion Gennadiy 'GGG' Golovkin.

This month, Joe Joyce is gearing up for a significant rematch against Zhilei Zhang, the fighter who handed him his first professional defeat and tarnished his "indestructible" reputation in the process. In their previous bout, Zhang's precise and powerful left hand caused Joyce's eye to swell so severely that the referee had to call off the fight in the sixth round. This victory earned Zhang the title of WBO Interim Champion and set him on a path to challenge Oleksandr Usyk for the full belt. However, Joyce has a chance at redemption with a contractual rematch clause, and he's been diligently preparing for this opportunity. Reflecting on what went wrong in their last encounter, former cruiserweight champion and boxing pundit Johnny Nelson offered some insights.

“In my head, in the last fight Joe got greedy. As in he tried to knock him out. Worse thing you can do, because when you punch him you’re eventually gassing yourself out. So what he’s been doing to everybody else was done to him. What Joe should do it not get greedy, be Joe. Let the shots go. This happens when you fight somebody that’s easy to hit. When I was at cruiserweight and I fought heavyweights, you can get greedy because you’re faster than them. You whack him, and whack him again and think ‘I’m gonna get rid of him.’ He’s still there and you’re gassed.”

Nelson provided a strategic plan for Joyce's rematch, taking into account Joyce's decision to come in at a heavier weight this time.

“In this fight, Joe’s got to be consistent, be The Juggernaut, let the shots go in and out. Don’t stand in the pocket with the guy because you’re up against a bigger version of yourself, but he’s smarter than Zhang. And that’s how he beats him as far as I see it. He can win, I believe he does win.”

Joyce's opportunity for redemption is scheduled for September 23 in London, and fans in the UK can catch all the action on TNT Sports. Nelson expressed his belief that this time around, it will be revenge rather than a repeat of their previous encounter.