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Jul 14 2023

Usyk Fury Confrontation: 'Greedy Belly is Afraid of Me'

Oleksandr Usyk has thrown a new punch in the ongoing Usyk Fury Confrontation, reacting sharply to Tyson Fury's recent commitment to fight former UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou, scheduled for October 28 in Saudi Arabia. Yesterday's press conference in London was held to build momentum for Usyk's face-off against Daniel Dubois in Wrocław, Poland on August 26. The Sky Sports team sought Usyk's perspective on the latest turn in the Usyk Fury Confrontation, more specifically on Fury's decision to lock horns with a boxing novice. Usyk didn't hold back in his response. In an important segment of the Usyk Fury Confrontation, Usyk expressed, “This is a great opportunity for Francis Ngannou. For Tyson Fury, it’s definitely not. Doesn’t it seem strange that instead of choosing a top 10 guy, he is choosing someone who never boxed before?” On being asked if Fury was showing signs of fear, Usyk's response was assertive, stating, “Yeah, of course. Of course! Greedy belly is afraid of me.” The Usyk Fury Confrontation has been a long-drawn affair, tracing back to March of this year when discussions of a heavyweight world title fight fell through. The blame game has been fierce, with Fury launching a social media onslaught to label Usyk a “coward.” John Fury, Tyson's father, reinforced this sentiment last month, branding Usyk “a liar and a coward.” Despite the drama and spectacle of the Usyk Fury Confrontation providing some amusement, the stalemate has resulted in a widespread feeling of frustration among boxing fans. Doubts are now surfacing whether the two titans will ever square off in the ring. Nevertheless, Usyk appeared unperturbed during the London press meet, commending his next opponent, Dubois. His comment on Dubois was heartfelt, “a nice man, a nice guy, a nice athlete,” and expressed his “respect for him, his team, for all the people around him.” Following the face-off, Usyk surprised everyone by breaking into a rap and concluding with a peace gesture. Oleksandr Usyk's Challenge Adds a New Twist to the Usyk Fury Confrontation In a post-event interview with SecondsOut, Usyk brought another dimension to the Usyk Fury Confrontation. He reiterated his primary boxing ambition - a match against Tyson Fury. Moreover, he didn't miss out on an opportunity to humorously poke at former two-division UFC titleholder Conor McGregor's recent weight gain, teasingly suggesting, “Hey Conor, why don’t we make a fight at Wembley?” While McGregor is familiar with boxing, Usyk's proposition seems more like a wry dig at Fury's preference to spar an MMA athlete over a professional boxer in the ongoing Usyk Fury Confrontation saga. The future of the Usyk Fury Confrontation remains uncertain. Presently, both Usyk and Fury have upcoming bouts in August and October to focus on. The true hurdle might lie in the negotiations that follow. Could 2024 be the year for the long-awaited heavyweight clash to finally occur? Time holds the answer.
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Jul 14 2023

Eddie Hearn Slams Tyson Fury's Choice: Boxing Legacy Over Lucrative Safety?

In a recent interview, Eddie Hearn slams Tyson Fury's latest decision to fight Francis Ngannou, a newcomer to the boxing ring. The match, offering Fury a paycheck between $30-40 million, contrasts sharply with a more lucrative but riskier $60-80 million bout against seasoned boxer Oleksandr Usyk. Hearn argues that Fury is intentionally dodging fights with formidable opponents like Usyk and Anthony Joshua, prioritizing safety over challenge. Contrary to claims by Fury's team that Usyk and Joshua are hesitant to face him, Hearn insists it's Fury who avoids these fights due to their potential risks and less favorable terms. As a world champion boasting a stellar record of 33-0-1 with 24 KOs, Hearn believes Fury owes his fans matches that live up to their expectations. However, Fury's decision to face MMA fighter Ngannou has drawn criticism from Hearn, who believes it does not align with boxing fans' expectations. This move, while appealing to MMA enthusiasts cheering for Ngannou's big payday, shows a disconnection from Fury's own boxing fan base. In the ever-evolving world of boxing, these latest developments raise questions about Fury's future choices and his commitment to giving fans the thrilling bouts they crave. Hearn said: “So, number one, I don’t think he should be stripped of the world heavyweight title. Number two, it’s terrible for boxing because the World heavyweight champion should be making the fights that the world of boxing wants to see to cement your legacy as a true great.” “Okay, so the fact is, we have been trying; boxing has been waiting for the undisputed heavyweight championship for five, six, seven, however many years. “You’ve got an opportunity there for Tyson Fury to fight Oleksandr Usyk for 60, 70, 80 million dollars, and he didn’t want to do it, and that would cement Tyson Fury as a true great of the modern era. “When you look at Tyson Fury’s victories over the last six, seven years, they are Sefer Seferi, Francesco Pianeta, Tom Schwartz Otto Wallin, Deontay Wilder, Derek Chisora, and Dillian Whyte. “So I’m looking for him to fight AJ and Usyk. Listen, maybe he beats those guys. He’s a brilliant fighter. The problem and I face this problem sometimes as well. Frank Warren says the reason these fights is because everyone’s buggering off to Saudi Arabia. “Yeah, to be in legacy-defining heavyweight fights. You’re buggering off to Saudi Arabia to fight a debutant [Ngannou], who has absolutely no chance in the fight,” said Hearn. Tyson Walked Away “Commercially, I think it’s decent business, but we should just be a bit more honest sometimes and just go, ‘It is what it is.’ I don’t like the way they say, ‘Well, Usyk wouldn’t fight me. Joshua wouldn’t find me.” “What else? And I especially don’t like the WBC saying that either because the WBC are pushing the narrative. So, Mauricio [Sulaiman], you’re telling me that Joshua didn’t want the fight [with Fury]. You’re telling me that Usyk didn’t want the fight with Tyson Fury. Come on.” “No, Fury didn’t like the terms of the fight, so he walked away from those fights, but what he’s doing? He’s fighting a fight for, I don’t know, 30-40 million, whatever that he can’t lose. So I’m not here to criticize the fight. I don’t mind it. I think it’ll do okay. “The only people that are happy with the fight are MMA fans because I think they like Francis Ngannou, and they’re pleased for him to secure the bag. Boxing fans are furious. “The reality is Fury is smart. Fury knows how difficult the Usyk fight is, and he had a number in his mind, and he knows that this fight is very tough, and to take it, ‘I’m going to want this amount of money.’ “The reality is. I see it time and time again, if you believe you can win, if you want the fight, you get it made. So what? Take 70 or 80 million for the fight, but it’s business, and I get it.”  
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Jul 13 2023

Andy Ruiz Jr. Fires Back at Deontay Wilder's Brains-Splattering Remark

Andy Ruiz Jr., the former heavyweight champion, recently hit the gym to intensify his training for a potential bout against Deontay Wilder, and he made sure to deliver a strong message during his latest training session. While negotiations between Ruiz and Wilder have reached an impasse, it hasn't prevented them from engaging in a war of words on social media. In response to Wilder's comment about wanting to "splatter" Ruiz's brains when they eventually face off, Ruiz responded with a passionate outburst. "The Destroyer" expressed his doubts regarding Wilder's proposed thirty percent purse offer, countering the accusation made by "The Bronze Bomber" that Ruiz was hiding behind his father during their discussions. Clearly discontented, Ruiz let loose his frustrations while on the treadmill. “Don’t say motherf****** Wilder. You’re mad, wow! F*** man, why are you mad? My dad’s trying to look out for me. He wants the best for me [and is] trying to give me as much money as I can [get]. “Come on, man. There’s no reason to be f****** mad about that,” said Ruiz before turning his attention to Wilder’s continuing want to call him names. “[You’re] talking about that I’m fat. I got short arms, but then I’m fast. That’s what everybody thinks. That’s what everybody says until they meet me inside the ring. “[Well], guess what? — This f****** fat chubby kid is about a hummer your f****** a** down. Let’s get it, baby. Come on!” Before Ruiz fired back, Wilder poked him: “With my team, with your team, and now it’s time to put it all together,” said Wilder. “Who acting scared? It isn’t me.“You know, because what you all talk about is unreasonable. Let’s face it, and it is what it is. “So when you serious, holla at me until then. Do what you do, bro. You got a lot of weight to lose, man. You can talk that talk. But only a few walk the walk. “You know what I mean? So if you want to see what a knockout feels like, get your brain splattered. Holla at me, bro. I’m not far.” Wilder vs. Ruiz is anticipated to be announced in the next weeks, since a deal is not far off. As a clash in Las Vegas or Los Angeles this autumn approaches, both of them is exclusively focused on one other. Furthermore, the winner will be required to compete for the WBC championship. However, depending on champion Tyson Fury's decision to continue fighting cross-overs, an interim or even full version might be on the line. Fury has agreed to fight MMA fighter Francis Ngannou in October. The WBC has been supportive thus far, but any additional diversion might result in the victor of Wilder versus Ruiz being proclaimed full titleholder.  
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Jul 13 2023

Anthony Joshua's Disappointment over Fury-Ngannou Matchup: A Controversial Clash and its Implications on Boxing

Anthony Joshua's disappointment over the Fury-Ngannou matchup was clearly seen when the news of Tyson Fury's next bout was revealed. Despite multiple attempts to organize a face-off between Joshua and Fury, or even a unification fight with Oleksandr Usyk, none of these matches came to pass. Consequently, the WBC world heavyweight champion, Fury, has shifted his focus to a new challenge: former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. This surprising duel is set to unfold on October 28 in Saudi Arabia. The choice to have Fury square off against Ngannou has triggered quite a controversy within the boxing world. It's an unconventional pairing that sees a boxing powerhouse facing a former UFC heavyweight, and many voices are rising in critique. Prominent among them is Joshua, who made no attempt to hide his disappointment over the Fury-Ngannou fight. Joshua's disappointment over the Fury-Ngannou fight was brought into the spotlight during the press conference announcing his rematch with long-standing adversary Dillian Whyte. This eagerly awaited event is slated for August 12 and will be broadcast on DAZN. Even as Joshua readies himself for a significant bout, he found it hard not to voice his dissatisfaction with Fury's choice. Joshua's disappointment over the Fury-Ngannou fight underscores his view that the decision of a champion boxer to engage with a former UFC champ instead of other boxers, speaks volumes about the current dynamics of the boxing world. Notwithstanding his disappointment over the Fury-Ngannou fight, Joshua remains unwavering in his focus on his impending fight with Whyte, underscoring the significance of readiness and mental fortitude in such high-stakes contests. This episode of Joshua's disappointment over the Fury-Ngannou fight once again sheds light on the intricate politics and unpredictable turns in the world of boxing. Joshua said: "[I have] three thoughts. ‘One – I shouldn’t give a f—k, it’s none of my business. It has no business concerning me. It pays me no business," Joshua told iFL TV. "Number two – Why? He should’ve been fighting for the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world. Straight up. That’s nonsense. "Three – If we’re acknowledging his business, good luck to the man. Do your thing. If it’s right for him, what’s it got to do with me? That’s my three views on it."
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Jul 13 2023

Leaked Sparring Footage Ignites Controversy Ahead of Nate Diaz vs Jake Paul Showdown

Just a little over three weeks prior to his clash with Jake Paul, leaked video footage of Nate Diaz's boxing sparring has surfaced online, creating quite the stir amongst fans. The footage, which has recently popped up on various social media platforms, offers a sneak peek into Diaz's training regimen for his forthcoming boxing match against YouTube sensation Jake Paul, scheduled for August 5 in Dallas, Texas. As part of his preparation, Diaz had a sparring session with Esquiva Falcao, a 2012 Olympic silver medalist with a professional record of 30-1. The video is believed to have been shot last month when Falcao was gearing up for his IBF world middleweight title fight in Germany against Vincenzo Gualtieri, a match he unfortunately lost by unanimous decision after 12 rounds. Despite being a respected figure in the UFC, Diaz seemed to fail in impressing Falcao during their spar. This becomes significant as Diaz is gearing up for his maiden boxing outing against Paul. Falcao's reflections on the spar were less than flattering: “At first I thought he was tired, and in the end, it looked like he was dying,” Falcao shared. “His fighting style is crazy. You look at him and say, ‘Oh, he’s tired,’ and then we started sparring. [Coach] Robert [Garcia] told me in the second round, ‘He’s tired already, hold back a little bit and keep the rhythm, so he does at least 10 rounds.' “I held back and kept boxing, and we did 12 rounds. He was tired, but taking punches and throwing, too. [He] is bad, [he] is bad, but since he’s too heavy — he’s overweight, probably around 220 pounds or more — and I’m the only big guy in the gym, I had to do it. But I liked doing it." Falcao's claims have sparked discussions regarding Diaz's fitness, considering he has never fought at over 170lbs, and Paul, his opponent, fights at 185lbs and also has an advantage in terms of age and size. Diaz's renowned cardio levels might not be able to help him if he is indeed, as Falcao suggests, bringing an extra 40 pounds into the contest. However, these remarks from Falcao didn't go unnoticed. Chris Avila, a longtime teammate of Diaz, responded on The MMA Hour: “Bro, that guy got f***** up,” Avila retaliated. Avila will also be stepping into the ring on August 5, sharing the fight card with the Diaz vs Paul bout, where he will be squaring off against UFC veteran Jeremy Stephens. The leaked sparring footage and the subsequent remarks have only added to the anticipation surrounding the upcoming Diaz vs Paul fight, making it one of the most talked-about boxing events of the year.
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Jul 13 2023

Saudi's Wants an Easy Fight for Joshua on August 12

In a recent conversation with The DAZN Boxing Show, Eddie Hearn shared that during negotiations with Saudi Arabian officials, they urged for an "Easy Fight" for Anthony Joshua on August 12, rather than facing his persistent adversary, Dillian Whyte. Talks between Hearn and Saudi Arabia concerning an anticipated bout between Joshua and Deontay Wilder, potentially scheduled for December, were laced with the condition that Joshua's next contender should not pose a significant risk to disrupt the plans for what could be one of the most high-profile boxing matches. Though Hearn acknowledged Joshua's interest in a rematch with Whyte, he also expressed cognizance of the significant implications should Joshua fail to win at the rematch in London's O2 Arena. Hearn said: “He wants to fight Dillian Whyte…but just to let you know if you lose this fight, you see this offer [to fight Deontay Wilder]? If you lose this fight, it’s off the table,” Hearn said. “That made my bum go a little bit, but for AJ he’s like ‘No, I need to be beating people like Dillian Whyte to prepare myself for Deontay Wilder.’ and I like that attitude.” Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte have a long-standing fighting history that dates back to their amateur boxing days. In a surprising victory in 2009, Whyte managed to defeat Joshua, thus setting the stage for their intense rivalry. Several years later, in 2015, they crossed paths again, this time in the professional boxing circuit. They competed for the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles, where Joshua successfully avenged his previous defeat. The match concluded with Joshua's decisive victory in the seventh round, marking a key moment in their professional rivalry. Now, once again, Joshua and Whyte find themselves on a collision course set for August 12. This isn't just another match, but rather a pivotal juncture for both fighters' future prospects within the heavyweight division. Their shared history fuels the anticipation of the match, as audiences eagerly wait to see if Joshua will solidify his reign or if Whyte will reclaim his past glory. This upcoming match holds much more than just titles at stake. For Joshua, it's a chance to further distance himself from that initial upset, and for Whyte, it's an opportunity to prove that his early victory wasn't a fluke. As they both look to secure their respective futures in the heavyweight division, the boxing world watches in anticipation of what's expected to be a thrilling chapter in this long-lasting rivalry.
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Jul 10 2023

Dubois Promises to Dethrone Usyk at Inaugural Heavyweight Face-Off

Oleksandr Usyk is prepared to safeguard his unified titles against Britain's Daniel Dubois, who is the first mandatory challenger in a heavyweight clash set for Wroclaw, Poland on August 26. This bout signals the year's first championship engagement in the heavyweight division and will be Usyk's second title defense following his last contest with Anthony Joshua in August of the previous year. At merely 25 years old, Dubois enters the ring with a goal to **dethrone Usyk** and bring the titles back to Britain. Despite suffering a setback with a loss to Joe Joyce, his trajectory in the division regained momentum after securing a win against Trevor Bryan, consequently bagging the WBA Regular belt and qualifying him for a shot at the world title. Surviving a hard-fought battle with Kevin Lerena, where he endured three knockdowns in the first round, Dubois managed to hold on to his mandatory spot. The fight, which is seen as a crucial opportunity for Dubois to **dethrone Usyk**, is being managed by Usyk's team, K2, and will be aired on TNT Sports Box Office, previously known as BT, in the UK. The initial press conference allowed the two fighters to size each other up for the first time. Usyk, a former undisputed cruiserweight champion aiming to replicate his success in the heavyweight category, expressed his gratitude to those currently defending Ukraine. The fight is timed to take place two days after Ukraine's Independence Day. Given Poland's close proximity to Usyk's homeland, his promoter, Alex Krassyuk, is anticipating a turnout of 43,000 spectators at the Tarczynski Arena. Meanwhile, Dubois, undeterred by the challenge to **dethrone Usyk**, confirmed that he is in injury-free condition for the upcoming bout – a detail that was unclear following his fight with Lerena – and expressed his resolve to emerge victorious in Poland. “I’m ready to take it with both hands. Usyk’s been a great champion, but everything with a beginning has an end, and I’m ready.” The press conference ended with chants in favor of the current champion as the two faced off, anticipating another encounter scheduled for Thursday in London as part of the press tour.  
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Jul 10 2023

"Deontay Wilder Awaits Anthony Joshua's Bout with Dillian Whyte: High Stakes, High Nerves"

Deontay Wilder has openly expressed his concern as he awaits Joshua's bout with Dillian Whyte on August 12. The bout between Joshua and Whyte was officially announced earlier this week, promising to end their long-standing rivalry in London's O2 arena the following month. Joshua and Whyte first faced off as amateurs in 2009, with Whyte, also known as 'The Body Snatcher', coming out on top and even managing to floor 'AJ'. However, Joshua avenged this loss in 2015 in their first professional fight, with a thrilling seventh-round knockout. Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter since his professional debut, has expressed concerns about Joshua taking on Whyte before the lucrative face-off with Wilder in Saudi Arabia later this year. This sentiment is shared by 'The Bronze Bomber' himself. In an interview with The Sun before the official fight announcement, the American boxing powerhouse admitted he would be on edge if 'AJ' were to have another bout before their showdown. “Are you nervous? Everybody’s nervous, we all are. I will be, I’ve said before I’m a straight forward, honest guy anyone that knows me knows that. But I am nervous, if he takes a fight.” This sentiment is echoed by Wilder’s coach, Malik Scott, who expressed doubt about 'AJ' making it through the fight with Whyte unscathed. “I don’t trust AJ fighting Dillian Whyte in the summer before us. I’d much rather us get the fight, and he waits. Just continue to develop and sharpen up mentally, and then in December he fights Deontay and we let nature take its course. With how he looked in his last fight, there’s no telling if he will make it.” Both parties have their nerves on display, which can be attributed to the reportedly massive prize money at stake in the Wilder vs Joshua fight. Hearn disclosed that his fighter would earn $60 million from the bout, but only if he survives the match against Whyte. According to our experts it will be really hard for Joshua to first win the fight and then on the top of that, come out clean so that he can fight Deontay and makes loads of money in December. This match is highly awaited, as it was already postponed multiple times. Fans are eagerly awaiting as well to see these boxing icons of the heavyweight division to get in the ring and get things settle for once it for all.
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Jul 10 2023

Tony Bellew Names Chantelle Cameron as the Best Current British Fighter Following Her Showdown with Katie Taylor

Tony Bellew, a retired boxer who remains involved in the fight game, has shared his opinion on the best current British fighter. During an interview on the show "Fighting" with Carl Froch, Bellew took his time to consider his answer before revealing his thoughts. Bellew named Chantelle Cameron as the best British fighter. He praised her remarkable performance against Katie Taylor, which took place in May. The fight was a high-stakes matchup for the IBF, IBO, WBA, WBC, and WBO World super-lightweight titles. Despite the fight being a homecoming for Taylor in Dublin, the result did not go in her favor. Cameron secured a majority decision victory, with one judge scoring it 95-95 and two others scoring it 96-94 in her favor. “Good question. Chantelle Cameron. That performance against Katie Taylor was something else. I think she can surpass it. Unbelievable [fight].” Cameron, hailing from Northampton, currently holds the undisputed super-lightweight titles and is on an impressive winning streak. In addition to her victory over Taylor, she also secured a points win over Jessica McCaskill in Abu Dhabi in November 2022, adding the WBA, WBO, and IBO titles to the WBC and IBF titles she had already won in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Katie Taylor, a two-division champion and 2012 Olympic Gold medalist, suffered her first loss in her amateur and professional career against Cameron. Prior to the defeat, Taylor had a successful career, holding the WBA lightweight title since 2017 and defending it while also capturing the other major titles in fights against notable opponents such as Amanda Serrano, Natasha Jonas, and Delfine Persoon. Eddie Hearn, Taylor's promoter, recently confirmed that Taylor intends to exercise her contractual right to a rematch with Cameron. The rematch is reportedly being targeted for later in the year in Dublin.
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Jul 10 2023

Jared Anderson Unable to Deliver a Knockout Performance in Clash Against Charles Martin

Jared Anderson, an American boxing prospect, has been widely regarded as the future of the heavyweight division due to his impressive start in the professional ranks. With a remarkable record of 14 consecutive knockout victories in his first 14 fights, Anderson has garnered substantial attention and built a reputation as a formidable force within the sport. However, the excitement surrounding Anderson was met with a slight setback in his recent highly anticipated bout against Charles Martin, a seasoned former heavyweight champion who stepped in on short notice. Despite initially sending Martin to the canvas in the third round, Anderson encountered a new challenge - going the distance for the first time in his burgeoning career. Martin, drawing upon his experience, had his own moments of success, notably causing Anderson to wobble in the fifth round. In the end, Anderson emerged victorious, securing a wide unanimous decision. While he expressed satisfaction at completing the full distance, Anderson took to Twitter to reflect on his performance, revealing a candid admission of shedding tears over his subpar showing. Despite believing it was meant to be an easy night's work, Anderson recognized his underperformance and acknowledged his capability to achieve much more. With his eyes firmly set on the future, Anderson is eager for a swift return to the ring as he relentlessly pursues a title shot in the highly competitive heavyweight division. He spoke about his desire to go the distance in this fight, wanting to test his endurance and ability to withstand power throughout the ten rounds. Anderson remains aware of the improvements he can make and, driven by his own high standards, expressed disappointment at his performance by revealing his emotional reaction of tears upon realizing his subpar display. The setback against Charles Martin serves as motivation for Anderson to prove himself and showcase his true potential. With his unwavering dedication and ambition, Anderson is determined to make significant strides in his career, confident that he possesses the capability to be ten times better than what he demonstrated in this particular bout. The experience gained from going the distance and the lessons learned from this challenge will undoubtedly shape Anderson's future performances, propelling him closer to his ultimate goal of securing a coveted title shot. Jared Anderson is poised to bounce back stronger, ready to seize the opportunities that lie ahead. After his fight he said: “I wanted to go the distance. It was my first time. I just wanted to make sure that I could go the distance and especially be able to withstand power the whole 10 rounds. He had power until the last round, and I was happy to get the rounds in.” However, talking to his twitter followers, he said: "You couldn’t have thought that was a tough night for me then and if you did, then as I said before know nothing about boxing, could I have done better hell yea I know what I’m capable of I went and [in] the Bacc [back] and cried at how terrible I preformed cause I know I’m 10x better."
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Jul 10 2023

Charles Martin Eyeing Redemption: Calls for Rematch with Joshua After Impressive Win Against Jared Anderson

Anthony Joshua remains a highly sought-after figure in the boxing world, despite no longer holding the unified heavyweight champion title. Following his impressive performance against the rising heavyweight prospect Jared Anderson on July 1, Charles Martin is eagerly anticipating his next big fight and has set his sights on a highly anticipated rematch with Joshua. Martin emphasizes that he fought their first encounter with a fractured rib and is confident in his ability to perform better this time. In his most recent match, Martin faced off against the hard-hitting heavyweight Jared Anderson, resulting in his first full-distance fight. This significant milestone took place in Anderson's hometown of Toledo, Ohio. Throughout the bout, Martin managed to land impactful blows on Anderson, although he experienced a knockdown himself. Despite losing by unanimous decision after ten rounds, Martin's competitive spirit persisted until the final bell. This marked a considerable improvement compared to his world title fight against Joshua seven years ago, where he was swiftly defeated. The match lasted only two rounds at the O2 Arena in London, with Martin suffering two knockdowns before the fight was halted. Martin openly admits that the loss has haunted him for years, fueling his current unwavering dedication to boxing. So, he believes this is the right time for the rematch with Joshua. In an exclusive interview with BoxingScene.com, the 37-year-old southpaw boxer expressed his deep frustration over the 2016 loss and the injury he sustained during that fight. Martin firmly believes that his renewed commitment and unwavering focus now provide him with an enhanced opportunity to secure a highly sought-after rematch with Joshua. With the prospect of a rematch on the horizon, Martin is eager to demonstrate his true abilities and seek redemption within the boxing ring. Martin said: “I wanna fight Anthony Joshua so bad that I will donate my entire purse to a charity if he beats me. I fought AJ with a fractured rib, and it was the worst mistake of my life. I’ve taken sh!t for it since that day. He’ll never get back in the ring with me. He knows he got me at my worst.” “I don’t have any more time to waste. I wanna fight in another big fight before the end of this year. I’ve always been my own worst enemy. I’d be off for six to 12 months, roll off the sofa, take a fight and train for four or five weeks. It took me a long time to realize you can’t do that and be the best. Now I live in the gym, and hopefully, it showed.”
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Jul 09 2023

Joshua vs Whyte: Franklin Predicts Smooth Victory for Joshua

The third encounter between Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte, slated for next month at London's O2 Arena, will finally bring an end to their long-standing rivalry. This Joshua vs Whyte match holds great significance, given their competitive history. During their earlier showdowns, Whyte managed to secure a win over Joshua in their amateur boxing days. However, the Joshua vs Whyte rematch in 2015 saw Joshua exacting his revenge on Whyte in their professional face-off. For a significant time, there has been speculation regarding a 'tie-breaker' in the Joshua vs Whyte saga. Yet, such a decider wasn't considered necessary, especially with Joshua's career soaring high, seemingly outclassing Whyte. However, the professional standing of Joshua has been shaky of late, marked by three defeats in his last six bouts, and the loss of all his heavyweight titles. Now, the Joshua vs Whyte trilogy fight suddenly appears to be a pivotal moment for both fighters. Jermaine Franklin, having recently competed against both athletes, offers a unique perspective on the upcoming Joshua vs Whyte bout. Franklin's fight against Whyte was closely contested, but he ultimately lost via a majority decision with the scores being 115-115, 116-112, 116-112. Joshua had been open about his aim for a decisive knockout victory after his back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk, but had to satisfy himself with a dominant points victory. In an interview with iFL TV, Franklin provided his prediction for the Joshua vs Whyte clash on August 12, forecasting a comparatively easy win for Joshua, the former two-time champion. Franklin said : “I think Joshua will beat Whyte. I don’t think it’ll be a hard fight for Joshua. It was a little harder for Joshua to punch me cause it’s harder for bigger guys to punch down than it is for shorter guys to punch up, but you know when you’re taller some of those shots are easier to get off. Yeah I think beats Dillian.”
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Jul 09 2023

Financial Success vs. Ring Aggression: Teddy Atlas on Anthony Joshua's Downfall

Anthony Joshua, the former two-time heavyweight champion, has recently been in the center of the storm following his bad form. The boxing champion, who is originally from the United Kingdom, has had a number of fans as well as analysts question his ring violence, which was previously considered as the driving force for his climb to the top of the division. The widespread belief among many is that Joshua's downward spiral was triggered by his first professional loss to Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019. During that face-off, Joshua found himself hitting the canvas on four separate occasions, which is thought to have had a lasting impact on his fighting style and confidence. However, acclaimed boxing coach-turned-analyst, Teddy Atlas, has a contrasting perspective on Joshua's current predicament. Atlas shared his insights on the popular boxing-themed Macklin’s Take podcast, strongly countering the popular narrative that ties Joshua's decline to the bruising defeat he suffered at the hands of Ruiz. Atlas argued that the shift in Joshua's performance is not tied to any physical or mental toll from his bout with Ruiz. Instead, he suggested that Joshua's change in form might be connected to his already achieved financial success. According to Atlas, Joshua's current form could be reflective of the boxer having already attained substantial financial success. Atlas hinted that such monetary achievement may have potentially lessened Joshua's competitive drive, leading to a shift in his performance and style. In this view, Atlas diverges from the mainstream narrative, suggesting a more profound reason for Joshua's current form. He effectively highlights the possible psychological implications of a boxer reaching significant financial milestones, and the potential impact it can have on their fighting aggression and ambition. Indeed, the discourse surrounding Anthony Joshua's form and potential reasons for his perceived decline offer a captivating angle to the ever-evolving saga of his boxing career. Teddy said: “When you talk about the Klitschko fight, bravo. He got off the floor with a guy who can hit with a right hand, bravo, that’s the behaviour of a champion. But the guy was 40 years old, let’s not forget that. Would he have got off the floor with a 30 year old Klitschko? I don’t know. But he did and he behaved like a champion. But what I take out of that fight is he never behaved quite the same again, finding a way, doing what a champion does, getting up. With the Ruiz fight, everyone looked at the physical parts, but what I’m saying is he didn’t behave like the way he did against Klitschko. I have to believe it’s this, and I know in my mind, he didn’t want to behave, he’s too rich to behave that way – I’m going to make it real simple. When it was against Klitschko it meant everything, he didn’t have a bank account anywhere near as big as he does now and it was in front of his people. He didn’t have to get off the floor against Ruiz, his bank account was beyond all numbers, so he was safe, he was already safe – in boxing you should never be safe.” Joshua will fight Dillian Whyte next on August 12, with many saying if there is a man to bring out the old style 'AJ' it's 'The Body Snatcher'.
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Jul 08 2023

Fury Bashes Joshua and Potential Mega-Fight with UFC Champ Ngannou: Middle East Buzz

Heavyweight boxing champ Tyson Fury Bashes Joshua, accusing him of evading a long-awaited showdown that was originally scheduled for September. Joshua, seemingly unbothered by Fury's remarks, has opted to focus on a rematch with Dillian Whyte, set to take place on August 12 at the O2 Arena in London. If victorious, Joshua aims to set his sights on a potential match-up with Deontay Wilder in December. In the past, as part of his narrative, Fury has claimed impressive victories against both Whyte and Wilder, with knockout wins in 2022 and 2020-21 respectively. Additionally, the self-proclaimed 'Gypsy King' Fury bashes Joshua for ducking him and expresses his doubts regarding the likelihood of a future bout with Joshua. “Ever since 2017, I've been keen on fighting Joshua, but he seems apprehensive. He may lack the nerve to go toe-to-toe with someone like me," Fury elaborated during his appearance on the Out Of Interest podcast, stoking the flame. Unshaken and exuding confidence in his stance, Fury insists that Joshua might not be ready to take on a challenger of his stature. The direction of Fury's next match hangs in the balance, with rumours swirling of an imminent game-changing announcement. Speculation abounds that Fury might step into a crossover bout with former UFC champion, Francis Ngannou. Although Fury avoided giving a definite confirmation, he did admit to receiving several enticing offers from the Middle East, adding another layer to the ongoing saga. Ngannou's desire to transition to boxing and square off with Fury is no secret. Ngannou even showed up at one of Fury's earlier fights, taking the opportunity to confront him in the ring. Fury acknowledges the potential of this matchup, stating, “There's plenty of chatter about a prospective face-off between Ngannou and myself. We've received significant offers from the Middle East to host this bout over the summer.” Previously, Eddie Hearn also teased the Fury and Ngannou showdown. In replying to the question at Boxing Social Show “It’s rumored that Tyson Fury’s next opponent will be Francis Ngannou,” he answered. “Yes, I believe so.” “This is what I’ve heard: It would be an exhibition apparently, no knockdowns or anything.” I don’t know, I mean I’m only telling you what I’ve heard. Who knows what’s what, but I think that is, apparently, what is going to be the next fight [for Fury]. [It’s] disappointing, but it is what it is.” “Good for boxing or not, it’s a big event. I wanted to see him fight Usyk, it’d be nice to get an undisputed champion. But look: Tyson’s in charge of his own career and I’m sure he’s gonna make a load of money and good luck to him racking up a quick one-offer.” Even Frank Warren, Fury's promoter, had earlier hinted at a major revelation about Fury's subsequent match, suggesting it could redefine boxing as we know it. If the speculation of a showdown with Ngannou is true, it would indeed be a cross-sport spectacle comparable to the iconic Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather fight.  
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Jul 08 2023

Heavyweight Showdown: Hrgovic vs McKean Undercard Could Boost Joshua-Whyte 2

In the aftermath of the highly anticipated announcement regarding the rematch, known as Joshua-Whyte 2, boxing enthusiasts are buzzing about the potential undercard fights. One of the main attractions is the thrilling heavyweight showdown that has truly piqued interest. On August 12, an unforgettable night awaits spectators at the O2 Arena, where they might witness an additional, significant heavyweight showdown. Eddie Hearn, the well-known boxing promoter, revealed in an IFL TV interview that a much-hyped match between Filip Hrgovic, the top-ranked IBF heavyweight, and Demsey McKean, the undefeated Australian southpaw, is being arranged. This heavyweight showdown is likely to take place in London in just over a month, potentially as a part of the Joshua-Whyte 2 event. Hearn Said: "The potential clash between Hrgovic and McKean is significant, effectively acting as a gateway to the world championship. Although there's a chance of this heavyweight showdown happening in America a couple of weeks later, it's highly probable that it will feature in the Joshua-Whyte 2 event.” Following a close victory over Zhilei Zhang in Saudi Arabia on the undercard of the Usyk vs Anthony Joshua 2 match last year, Hrgovic became the mandatory challenger for the IBF belt. The Croatian boxer is expected to challenge Usyk, the unified world champion, later this year. However, a defeat against McKean in this heavyweight showdown could potentially disrupt these plans. McKean, despite his undefeated record and commendable knockout ratio, is considered an underdog against Hrgovic due to the comparatively lesser strength of his previous opponents. Boxing fans are hopeful that this match will be included in the Joshua-Whyte 2 event. Considering the high pay-per-view price of £26.99, the inclusion of such a significant heavyweight showdown would certainly enhance the appeal of the fight card. Additionally, it's almost certain that the long-postponed middleweight match between Felix Cash and Ammo Williams will be a part of the Joshua-Whyte 2 event. However, the impact of Cash's recent split with his coach Tony Sims on his performance remains uncertain.
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Jul 06 2023

Usyk vs Dubois: Heavyweight Clash Paves the Way for a Future Fury Face-off

The boxing world is abuzz with rumors of a possible heavyweight clash between current IBF/WBA/WBO champion Oleksandr Usyk and secondary WBA titleholder Daniel Dubois in the highly anticipated Usyk vs Dubois showdown. Slated for August 26th, this thrilling encounter could potentially be streamed via TNT Sports PPV at Wroclaw Stadium, Poland. Although official confirmation is still pending, this prospective matchup has certainly got the fans talking. Usyk, with his impressive record of 20 wins and 13 knockouts, is widely recognized for his agility, quickness, and precision punches. On the other hand, Dubois, known for his formidable power despite a lack of speed, stands at an imposing 6'5". A win for Dubois in Usyk vs Dubois would pave the way for his management at Queensberry to arrange a future face-off with WBC champion Tyson Fury. However, the interest from Saudi Arabia lies in a potential Fury vs Usyk fight, and negotiations are still uncertain. The organizers' decision to potentially broadcast the Usyk vs Dubois fight on pay-per-view in the UK adds an intriguing element to the mix. In Dubois' previous encounter against former cruiserweight Kevin Lerena, he faced adversity after being knocked down three times in the first round. Some fans felt that referee Howard Foster should have intervened due to Dubois' knee injury. Surprisingly, Lerena's offensive output diminished from the second round onwards, allowing Dubois to mount a comeback and secure a knockout victory in the third. Despite experiencing defeat against Joe Joyce and coming close to losing to Lerena, Dubois earned the opportunity to face Usyk due to his secondary WBA title win over Trevor Bryan last year. Usyk, eager to participate in the Saudi card, must first overcome the challenge posed by Dubois. His ultimate aim is to square off against WBC champion Tyson Fury, although the success of previous negotiations with both Fury and Anthony Joshua remains uncertain. Having been inactive since his rematch victory against Anthony Joshua last year, Usyk's efforts to arrange a fight with Fury fell through due to disagreements over the rematch clause purse split. Now he needs to deal with Dubois in a mega-fight Usyk vs Dubois first. Speculation among fans suggests that Fury may have been apprehensive about the fight, leading to its eventual collapse. Meanwhile, Fury's upcoming exhibition match against former UFC champion Francis Ngannou, featuring non-knockdown and non-knockout rules, may impact his negotiating position with Usyk. The much-anticipated Usyk vs Dubois bout is generating considerable excitement in the boxing community, with fans eagerly awaiting confirmation of this epic clash.
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Jul 03 2023

Dillian Whyte Agrees for the Epic Rematch with Joshua

Dillian Whyte has officially signed the contract for the highly-anticipated epic rematch with Joshua, scheduled for August 12. This development, as reported by Sky Sports, signifies a solution to the hurdles that the rematch had previously encountered. Whyte's agreement was contingent on the removal of the initial rematch clause, which had posed a significant obstacle to reaching a satisfactory agreement. With less than six weeks remaining until August 12, the focus now shifts to whether Joshua will follow suit and confirm his participation in the rematch. Considering Eddie Hearn's earlier declaration that this is the fight Joshua desires, particularly prior to the December/January blockbuster with Deontay Wilder, it appears likely that Joshua will sign the contract. Whyte, however, firmly believes that he will defeat Joshua and position himself for a major showdown with Wilder. The Saudi financiers, who seem intent on a Joshua-Wilder clash, may resist the idea of Joshua engaging in another fight before December/January. Although Whyte has experienced recent setbacks, including brutal knockouts against Alexander Povetkin and Tyson Fury, critics argue that Joshua, mainly from a mental and self-belief perspective, is also not at his best. If the fight does materialize and Whyte begins aggressively, throwing powerful punches, anything can happen. While some fans may express disinterest towards this rematch, based on comments found on various platforms, it has the potential to deliver thrilling action on August 12. This encounter features two prominent heavyweight fighters who share a history, having crossed paths even as amateurs and harboring a mutual hate for each other. Both possess formidable punching power, making the fight an entertaining prospect. From the perspective of serving as a tune-up for a showdown with Wilder, this rematch is deemed acceptable. Whyte is confident in his ability to knock Joshua out, while Joshua remains convinced that he will secure another victory. The outcome of this epic rematch with Joshua on August 12 remains to be seen.
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Jul 03 2023

Behind the Gloves: Wilder's Take on Usyk's Ducking and Ruiz's Money Fight

Deontay Wilder, has disclosed that reigning unified champion Usyk ducked multiple lucrative proposals for a match against him. The unified champion Usyk is scheduled to make a defence of his WBO, IBO, IBF, WBA belts against the mandatory opponent, Daniel Dubois, in Poland on August 26th. In the event of a Usyk victory, speculation has it that he might defend his title once more in December. Meanwhile, Wilder is working on securing a match with Andy Ruiz in the fall, with prospects of a face-off against Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia come December. Previously, a fight between Usyk and Wilder was deliberated for the summer season, however, Wilder questions the unified champion's readiness to meet him in the ring as Usyk ducked him Wilder told 78SPORTSTV: "I don't think Usyk really cares. As long as he ain't got to fight me. I don't think he cares, as long as he don't have to fight me, it's all good, because that man is terrified of me." "He's dodged me so many times and I know. And don't act like I don't know, I don't want anyone to come out like, 'Usyk said this and that. It would be a lie because I know a lot of sh*t. I'm in the business, I know. He's been offered a lot of money to fight me, many times. But he's denied it. They said they do not want Bomb Squad problems." Deontay Wilder's planned fight with Andy Ruiz, approved by the WBC as the final title contender fight, is still up in the air. Ruiz and his team want a straight 50-50 split of the money, even though they were first offered a 70-30 split that favours Wilder. Wilder made it clear recently that he has no plans to agree to a fair split with Ruiz.  
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Jun 27 2023

Adrien Broner Drunk Interview on 'The Danza Project' - Unravelling of a Boxing Star

Broner is back but not in the quick and faster version of himself like we used to know. Surprisingly he looked like someone had hammered him in the head and couldn't come to senses. On Monday 26th, a live interview was scheduled for Adrien Broner with “The Danza Project.” They had to delete their interview with Adrien Broner after the boxer showed up in a drunk state. The 33-year-old seemed to be drunk or high during the interview, an occurrence now referred to as the "Adrien Broner Drunk Interview." He was slurring his words, repeating himself, and making no sense. Broner was clearly very confused. Broner was clearly not well during the interview, so The Danza Project decided to take down the full interview. They also explained how hard it was to get him on the show. “We rescheduled the show 3 straight days and we took the interview down immediately following the live stream,” the show tweeted about the Adrien Broner Drunk Interview incident. One of the hosts of the show tried to justify themselves: “None of us planned for that … it was tough,” one of the hosts said. Broner had a fight with Bill Hutchinson on June 9, which was his first fight in more than two years. He has only fought twice in the last four years. The "Adrien Broner Drunk Interview" isn't the only controversy Broner has faced. He has also faced many legal problems over the years, and has made them even worse by not showing up in court.    
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Jun 26 2023

Eddie Hearn's Risky Gambit: GGG vs Berlanga - The Epic Showdown to Crown MSG

Following his fighter victory over Jason Quigley on Saturday night at the Hula Theatre in New York, Eddie Hearn says he wants unbeaten super middleweight challenger Edgar Berlanga to face Gennadiy Golovkin next. Hearn's desire for Golovkin vs Berlanga shows that he believes Edgar can win this bout. Hearn may have made a mistake because Berlanga looked terrible not just against Quigley but also in the previous bouts against Roamer Alexis Angulo and Marcelo Esteban Coceres. You have to believe that the fighter is just having luck when he continuously performs poorly during the fights. We can't say it's just a bad night, surely there is a lack of talent which no experience can change. Eddie wants a big name for his fighter to sell out the grand arena of MSG (Madison Square Garden) for Berlanga's fight on DAZN, and he sees GGG (42-2-1, 37 KOs) as the perfect candidate. Berlanga needs to add big names to his 26-0 winning streak. That's the only way he can have a piece of Canelo in 2024. Eddie knows that Quigley (20-3, 14 KOs) was not a big name to get Canelo to face Berlanga. So, he is currently relying on a 41-year-old GGG to accept the offer of a fight against Berlanga. Hearn will have to make an impressive offer to convince Gennady to agree to the match because he won't take bait against massive-sized Berlanga for chicken feed. If Hearn makes a $15 million offer, he might be able to get Gennady to fight the unbeaten Berlanga. Triple G ruined a winnable battle against the faded-looking Canelo in September by fighting quietly over the first six rounds. For the first six rounds, it looked like an over-hyped sparring match until midway when GGG’s spirit kicked in and he dominated the remaining fight. When talking to the media at the post-fight press conference Eddie talked about GGG as a potential next fight for Berlanga. “Yeah, GGG is a much bigger name. It’s just whether he fights again” “He (GGG) punches harder (than Jaime Munguia). I think he’s a better fighter. It’s just that he’s an older fighter. I think he’s not a prime GGG anymore, but he’s still a tremendous fighter,” If Hearn throws enough money at Golovkin, he could agree to fight Berlanga to help Hearn sell out the MSG. 'Be cautious what you wish for,' as the saying goes, applies in this situation because Golovkin is still dangerous. He looks like an unexploded bomb from a battle zone or an artillery range. Berlanga is not an EOD expert, and Golovkin is simply too dangerous for a fighter who looked above average against Quigley. Additionally, Eddie added “I love him (GGG) as a person. I would like to see Edgar with (him). I really like Jaime Munguia as a person, but I don’t see him as an elite guy like Gennadiy Golovkin.” “For the resume and obviously the fan base, Gennadiy Golovkin has boxed in the Garden many times, but it all depends if he wants to fight again,”. Eddie should focus on finding a fighter who can help Berlanga advance rather than someone who will help him fill MSG. Berlanga said: “I think it’s just the pressure of delivering for my people. It’s a little tough for me right now because people are expecting something. A KO, a knockout, or a TKO, and my Puerto Rican people and from New York, they’re expecting that." "Listen, I’m excited to be here under the promotion. I got the victory, and that’s all that matters. I ended the fight amazingly, and I’ve just got to pick off from there.”  
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