Terence Crawford is set to challenge Israil Madrimov for his 154-pound belt on August 3rd in Los Angeles. Many fans and experts, including Eddie Hearn, believe this could be Crawford's toughest fight yet. Hearn, Madrimov's promoter, warned that Crawford and his team might be making the mistake of looking past Madrimov as they anticipate a potential fight with Canelo Alvarez. Hearn, speaking with Fight Hub, emphasized Madrimov’s strengths, saying, "He’s extremely tough and hits very hard. And it's like, 'Canelo after this.' Don’t get me wrong, Crawford is the favorite in this fight, but Madrimov is a very, very tough fight." Hearn praised Madrimov’s movement, fitness, strength, and punching power, suggesting that Crawford might be underestimating him. Crawford, with an undefeated record of 40-0 (31 KOs), is daring to achieve even greater heights by moving up to a fourth weight class. His most challenging fight to date was against Yuriorkis Gamboa ten years ago, where he was briefly rocked before securing a stoppage. Unlike Gamboa, Madrimov, 10-0-1 (7 KOs), will be the bigger man in the ring, making this match-up even more intriguing. This fight is not one that Crawford needed to take, and Madrimov, being the defending champion, has everything to gain. Should Crawford win and look impressive, the likelihood of a mega-fight with Canelo becomes more tangible, with Turki Alalshikh possibly facilitating the match due to Canelo’s demands. Hearn believes that Crawford, now 36 years old, may be underestimating the challenge Madrimov presents. "I think they’re underestimating him," Hearn stated. "He’s got great movement, he’s a fit, strong guy in his prime, and he punches very hard, and that’s not an easy fight." The potential for a Crawford vs. Canelo fight hinges on Crawford's performance against Madrimov. If Crawford succeeds, fans can expect Alalshikh to push for the super fight. However, Father Time remains undefeated, and even the great Crawford may eventually slow down. #TerenceCrawford #IsrailMadrimov #CaneloAlvarez #EddieHearn #FightHubTV #Boxing #PoundForPound #TurkiAlalshikh #BoxingNews #FatherTime

Gervonta Davis knocked out Frank Martin in the eighth round to retain his WBA Lightweight Title. However, the PPV numbers tell a different story about Davis' star power. This fight, which was his first since stopping Ryan Garcia last year, sold approximately between 325,000-350,000 PPVs, a stark contrast to the 1.2 million PPVs for the Garcia fight, the highest-grossing event of 2023. The Davis-Martin card, which featured David Benavidez vs. Oleksandr Gvozdyk as the co-main event, failed to draw the same interest. Benavidez, fighting for the first time at 175 pounds, became mandatory for either Artur Beterbiev or Dmitry Bivol, who fight for undisputed at 175 in October. Despite this strong main card, the numbers were underwhelming, suggesting that Davis needs the right dancing partner to draw big PPV buys. Davis' other PPV fights have shown similar results:

• Ryan Garcia: 1.2 million
• Hector Garcia: 200-250K
• Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero: 275K
• Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz: 200K
• Mario Barrios: 210-215K
• Leo Santa Cruz: 200-225K

These figures raise questions about Davis' claim to be the face of boxing. While he branded himself as such after defeating Garcia, the numbers indicate otherwise. Garcia's fight with Devin Haney sold more than 500,000 PPVs, highlighting the need for Davis to face top names to secure high purses. Reports suggest he might box Vasiliy Lomachenko next, a fight that has been long overdue, with Davis previously accused of ducking Loma in his prime. However, Lomachenko is no longer seen as the same fighter he once was. Davis also dismissed the idea of fighting Haney in Saudi Arabia, demanding two Ferraris just to consider negotiations. This attitude may prevent him from hitting the PPV highs he desires unless he fights the biggest names in the sport. Paulie Malignaggi has criticized Davis for avoiding the best, particularly Shakur Stevenson. Malignaggi said, "Now that Lomachenko is 175 years old and he still looks good, but you’re naming Lomachenko at the post-fight press conference. But now Stevenson is the prime guy, who doesn’t represent a risk that you want to take. This is my issue here. When I wanted to see Davis and Lomachenko, I wanted to see Davis and Lomachenko. I don’t need to see Davis and Lomachenko when it’s too late already. Now, I want to see Davis and Stevenson." A fight with Lomachenko might sell a lot of PPVs, but a bout with Stevenson is expected to be more competitive. However, Stevenson's defensive style may not attract the same number of viewers. To maintain his claim as the face of boxing, Davis needs to face the top contenders and prove his worth in the ring. #GervontaDavis #FrankMartin #Boxing #WBA #DavidBenavidez #OleksandrGvozdyk #RyanGarcia #VasiliyLomachenko #ShakurStevenson #PaulieMalignaggi

Lightweight contender William Zepeda (30-0, 26 KOs) is set for a stay-busy fight against Giovanni Cabrera (22-1, 7 KOs) this Saturday night, July 6th. The fight will take place at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California, and will be broadcast live on DAZN starting at 8:00 p.m. ET. With a victory over Cabrera, Zepeda hopes to secure a title shot against one of the division’s champions. Zepeda, 28, has been in excellent form and is known for his relentless pressure fighting style, which has seen him wear down and knock out many of his opponents. His performance on Saturday will be closely watched, as fans are eager to see how he might fare against WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson when the time comes for a title challenge. Cabrera, 29, is coming off a ten-round unanimous decision win over Ricardo Quiroz last March. Prior to that, he suffered a narrow split decision loss to Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz in July last year. Cabrera will be looking to make a statement by defeating Zepeda and getting back on the path to contention. Despite Zepeda's impressive resume, which includes wins over Maxi Hughes, Mercito Gesta, Joseph ‘JoJo’ Diaz, Jaime Arboleda, and Rene Alvarado, Golden Boy Promotions has not heavily promoted this card. This lack of promotion is surprising, given Zepeda’s potential and exciting fighting style. The co-feature bout will see flyweight Ricardo Sandoval (24-2, 17 KOs) facing Angel Acosta (24-4, 22 KOs) in a ten-round contest. The undercard features several fighters who may not be well-known to casual fans but have the potential to deliver exciting fights. Here’s a look at the undercard lineup:

• Ricardo Sandoval vs. Angel Acosta
• Manuel Flores vs. Nohel Arambulet
• Joel Iriarte vs. Yainel Alvarez
• Alex Martin vs. Pedro Campa
• Gael Cabrera vs. Mychaquell Shields
• Joshua Garcia vs. Jason Buenaobra
• Anthony Saldivar vs. Roman Canto
• Daniel Luna vs. Joseph Walker
• Japhethlee Llamid vs. Ryan Allen

#WilliamZepeda #GiovanniCabrera #Boxing #DAZN #ShakurStevenson #GoldenBoyPromotions #RicardoSandoval #AngelAcosta #LightweightBoxing #BoxingNews

Shakur Stevenson, the undefeated American sensation, is gearing up to defend his WBC lightweight title against Germany's Artem Harutyunyan. With 21 wins under his belt, including recent knockouts, Stevenson faces a formidable opponent in Harutyunyan, who boasts victories over four of his last five rivals. The bout is scheduled for July 6 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Stevenson, born on June 28, 1997, stands at 5' 8" with a reach of 68 inches. His opponent, Harutyunyan, hailing from Germany, was born on August 13, 1990, and stands at 5' 7.5". The event will be streamed live on ESPN+ in the U.S. and Sky Sports in the UK, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 2 a.m. UK time, with the main event ringwalks set for 11 p.m. ET / 4 a.m. UK time.   Joining Stevenson and Harutyunyan on the fight card are other thrilling matchups, including O'Shaquie Foster vs. Robson Conceicao for the WBC super featherweight title and Keyshawn Davis vs. Miguel Madueno in a lightweight clash.     #ShakurStevenson #ArtemHarutyunyan #Boxing #WBC #ESPN #SkySports #PrudentialCenter #FightNight #SportsNews #BoxingChampion  

Promoter Eddie Hearn has labeled a potential matchup between Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez and Naoya Inoue as a "fantasy fight," citing significant differences in weight classes as a major hurdle. While Hearn acknowledges the excitement such a fight would generate, he remains skeptical about its feasibility due to the fighters’ current and projected weight divisions.

Weight Class Difference a Hurdle

Hearn believes that by the time Rodriguez (20-0, 13 KOs) moves up to super bantamweight (122 lbs), Inoue will likely have advanced to featherweight (126 lbs). For the fight to occur, Rodriguez would need to take a significant risk by moving up to super bantamweight now, which he could physically handle given his size. Rodriguez recently showcased his capability by defeating WBC super flyweight champion Juan Francisco Estrada at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Rodriguez dispatched the 34-year-old Estrada (44-4, 28 KOs) in the seventh round with a body shot. Estrada has a rematch clause for his fight with Rodriguez, and Hearn believes he might use it to force a second match. If Rodriguez wants to fight Inoue, the smart move would be to handle the rematch with Estrada and then move up to 122 lbs.

Bam’s Potential Jump to Super Bantamweight

“Jesse vs. Inoue is a fantasy fight. It’s also an incredible fight. You’re talking about a guy [Rodriguez] who has come up from light flyweight. He’s currently at super flyweight, and he’ll definitely go to bantam,” said Hearn to Matchroom Boxing. He added that Rodriguez will likely end up at super bantamweight in time, but they might miss each other if Inoue moves up too quickly. Hearn suggested that if Rodriguez wants the Inoue fight, he should jump to 122 lbs after the potential rematch with Estrada. There are no big names for Rodriguez to fight at 115 or 118 that would attract significant attention in the U.S. However, a fight with Inoue would be a major event in both Japan and the U.S.

Future Prospects

Reflecting on Rodriguez's recent victory, Hearn said, “I felt Bam dominated the first part of the fight, but then Estrada came back with the knockdown [in round six] and turned the fight on its head. Estrada was in the fight, but then all of a sudden, the body shot was absolutely perfectly placed. He couldn’t get up, couldn’t breathe.” Hearn noted that Estrada appeared thin and emaciated for the fight, suggesting that 115 lbs is no longer a suitable weight division for him. Hearn believes Estrada should move up to bantamweight or super bantamweight (118 or 122 lbs) to improve his performance. “It was a stunning finish, stunning knockout to a stunning fight, and wild scorecards as well. I don’t agree with them, but it shows you how competitive the fight was and how dramatic the fight was,” Hearn said. He expressed a desire to see a rematch between Rodriguez and Estrada, hinting at more excitement to come. #BamRodriguez #NaoyaInoue #EddieHearn #BoxingNews #FantasyFight #JuanFranciscoEstrada #SuperBantamweight #BoxingMatch #FightNight #MatchroomBoxing

Ryan Garcia has hit back at accusations that his mother was faking breast cancer before his one-year ban for Ostarine. The boxer, who faced a suspension after failing two VADA tests for Ostarine following his victory against Devin Haney, is now dealing with personal attacks. His majority decision win was overturned, leaving Haney undefeated with a 31-0 record. Despite Garcia denying intentional use of the substance, his reputation has taken a hit. Adding fuel to the fire, Ishe Smith recently called out Garcia, questioning the seriousness of his mother’s cancer diagnosis.

Garcia vs. Smith

Smith’s comments were harsh and direct. He stated, “[Ryan Garcia] Moms probably doesn’t even have cancer. The dude is a…liar. You’re a kid, bruh; I have a son who’s twelve that acts older than you. You can’t be running your own handle.” Garcia fired back angrily, saying, “Sure, bro, your mom…you don’t do anything about it.”

Lopez’s Comments

Smith is not the only boxer to make controversial comments about Garcia’s mother. Teofimo Lopez also took a jab at Garcia, referencing his mother’s cancer diagnosis and accusing Garcia of selling his soul for a deal with Gatorade. Lopez, who claimed he turned down the Gatorade contract due to issues in the contract, saw Garcia’s signing as a betrayal. Lopez clarified his stance, stating, “I’m talking to Ryan Garcia here. I know you want to fight me when you see me in person. That’s fine. I didn’t mean no bad towards your mother in that essence. If you really look into it, I did say I really do wish your mum nothing but health.” He further added, “Cancer is not something to play with. But people are going to say what they’re going to say and tell you specifically that part of it and not talk about the good that I meant. But to each his own. If you want to duke it out outside the ring, I’ve got to defend myself, brother. So you’ve got to be the stupid guy to throw first.”

Garcia’s Next Steps

Garcia needs to maintain a strong mental state during his suspension. Previously, he took a two-year break after his win over Luke Campbell, during which he admitted to drinking and smoking weed. He cannot afford to fall into old habits, especially with Haney expressing interest in a rematch. To prove his critics wrong and reclaim his place in boxing, Garcia must stay focused and in peak condition. Garcia’s recent controversies and suspension have placed him under intense scrutiny. The boxer must navigate these challenges while preparing for a possible future rematch with Haney, aiming to show that he can emerge victorious once again. #RyanGarcia #IsheSmith #TeofimoLopez #BoxingDrama #BreastCancerAwareness #DevinHaney #GatoradeDeal #BoxingControversy #RyanVsSmith #BoxingNews

Jake Paul has accused Muhammad Ali’s son of avoiding a fight with him, calling him a "fraud" after Ali claimed to turn down the bout to focus on his boxing career. The accusation came after Ali’s victory over Sona Akale, where he overcame a dislocated shoulder to secure the win, improving his record to 10-1. Ali revealed that he had rejected a multi-million dollar contract from MVP Promotions to fight Paul, emphasizing his commitment to the sport. “Before this fight, I denied a multi-million dollar contract from MVP Promotions to fight Jake Paul and I’m fighting a real fighter tonight. So, I’m not part of that circus league of boxing. This is the real league of boxing. This is what I’m going to do. I just want everyone to know that I chose the path of boxing. I chose the path of legacy. If I wanted to I could be a millionaire right now,” Ali said. Paul responded on social media, stating, “Lol exactly. His whole point here works against him. I been trying to fight this fraud and now he admitted he ducked me but calling me a circus act. Gifted a decision tonight because of his last name. Shake my head.” Paul has since moved on and will fight Mike Perry on July 20, after his initial bout with Mike Tyson was called off due to Tyson's health issues. This fight, along with his previous matches against non-pro boxers, has raised questions about Paul’s intentions and his path to a potential world title. Meanwhile, Ali is aiming to make significant strides in the 140-pound division, targeting top fighters like Teofimo Lopez. Lopez, who recently defeated Steve Claggett, plans to move up to 147 pounds and has expressed interest in facing Terence Crawford, though that matchup appears unlikely as Crawford is competing at 154 pounds. Ali addressed comments made by Lopez, saying, “Teofimo Lopez said in an interview a few weeks before this fight. He disrespected my family saying that that I’m only in boxing because I’m desperate for money and fame. And I thought that that was really wrong for someone that I used to look up to say. But you know, it is what it is.” As both fighters look to their futures, Paul must focus on improving his level of opposition if he hopes to secure a world title, while Ali continues to build his career in pursuit of the biggest fights in his division. #JakePaul #MuhammadAli #Boxing #FightNews #MVPPromotions #MikePerry #TeofimoLopez #BoxingLegacy #FightNight #AliVsPaul

Hamzah Sheeraz is set to face European middleweight champion Tyler Denny on the Riyadh Season Card: Wembley Edition. As he prepares for this exciting match-up, Sheeraz shares how he aims to incorporate the styles of boxing legends Canelo Alvarez and Floyd Mayweather into his own game. He also explains why Anthony Joshua has always been one of his role models. Sheeraz, a rising star in the boxing world, is determined to climb to the top. He understands that to reach the levels of Canelo and Mayweather, he must adopt their techniques and strategies. “I’ve been studying their fights and trying to bring elements of their styles into my own,” Sheeraz said. “Canelo’s power and precision, combined with Mayweather’s defense and movement, can make me a more complete fighter.” Facing Denny is no small feat. The European middleweight champion is known for his resilience and skill, making this bout a crucial test for Sheeraz. “I respect Tyler Denny a lot. He’s a tough competitor, and I know this fight will push me to my limits,” Sheeraz acknowledged. However, Sheeraz is confident in his training and preparation. “I’ve been working hard in the gym, focusing on my strengths and improving my weaknesses. I’m ready to show everyone what I can do.” Sheeraz also spoke about the influence of Anthony Joshua on his career. “Anthony Joshua has always been a role model for me. His discipline, work ethic, and the way he carries himself inside and outside the ring are qualities I admire,” Sheeraz said. “Joshua’s journey from an Olympic gold medalist to a heavyweight champion inspires me to achieve greatness.” With the fight against Denny approaching, Sheeraz remains focused and motivated. He believes that integrating the styles of Canelo and Mayweather, along with the inspiration from Joshua, will propel him to new heights in his boxing career. “I’m excited to showcase the new elements of my style in this fight. It’s going to be a thrilling match, and I’m ready to make a statement,” Sheeraz concluded. The upcoming bout between Sheeraz and Denny promises to be an electrifying encounter, with Sheeraz eager to prove that he belongs among the elite in boxing. Fans can expect a display of skill, power, and determination as Sheeraz continues his quest to reach the pinnacle of the sport. #HamzahSheeraz #Canelo #Mayweather #AnthonyJoshua #TylerDenny #RiyadhSeasonCard #WembleyEdition #Boxing #BoxingMatch #MiddleweightChampion

PHOENIX – Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, an unbeaten two-division champion, is set to face veteran WBC junior bantamweight titleholder Juan Francisco Estrada on Saturday at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan. While many fighters today rely on self-promotion and trash talk, Rodriguez prefers to let his actions in the ring speak for themselves. Rodriguez, 24, has been relatively quiet on social media, contrasting with the likes of controversial fighter Ryan Garcia, who has been very active online. Rodriguez's focus remains on his training and performance rather than social media hype. “I just mind my business and do the work I’m supposed to, and that shows on fight night,” Rodriguez said in a recent interview. “I don’t have to go on social media and make a [reel] or whatever they do on there. I just like to work my ass off and show it on fight night.” To prepare for Estrada, Rodriguez’s trainer, Robert Garcia, brought in Nicaraguan legend Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez for several weeks of sparring. Rodriguez gained valuable insights from Gonzalez, who has fought Estrada three times. Rodriguez explained, “Everyone says they had the best camp ever, but I sparred with ‘Chocolatito’ – he’s been in there with Estrada three times, so no one knows Estrada better than Chocolatito. To gain that knowledge from him makes me that much of a better fighter, so coming into this fight I’m more ready than ever.” During his final training session, Rodriguez demonstrated his dedication by completing a timed 30-round workout, including mittwork, heavy-bag punching, and shadowboxing. His footwork and leg strength, honed by years of rigorous training, were evident as he moved with ease and precision. Rodriguez acknowledges the challenge that Estrada, 34, poses. “My youth,” Rodriguez said, is a critical advantage. “There’s a 10-year gap in my advantage. He’s been in a lot of wars. He’s not as fresh as he was at my age. I haven’t taken the punches he has. So I’ll be the fresher fighter, and that will play out in the later rounds, I believe.” Despite his confidence, Rodriguez remains respectful of Estrada’s experience. “He’s a legend. He’s been in there with the best of the best. He has a lot of experience, a great record. All things I respect. I’m expecting the best Estrada – whether he’s the Estrada of back then or Estrada now.” Rodriguez’s ultimate motivation is his daughter, Mila, born just before his training camp began. “It’s all about her,” Rodriguez said. “Anything that comes out of boxing is for her to live a better life.” As Rodriguez prepares for this significant bout, he envisions his victory with quiet confidence. “Going into a fight, I always see my hand raised – in a humble way. It’s not arrogance or cocky. I’m just that confident.” #BamRodriguez #JuanFranciscoEstrada #Boxing #FightNight #ChocolatitoGonzalez #RobertGarcia #YouthVsExperience #BoxingLegends #BoxingMotivation #FightPreparation

The boxing world is eagerly anticipating the potential unification clash between WBA lightweight champion Gervonta 'Tank' Davis and IBF champion Vasily Lomachenko, set to happen later this year. However, there's a noticeable bias against Tank Davis, with many fans focusing on the age difference between him and the 36-year-old Lomachenko. Some fans stubbornly refuse to give Tank the credit he deserves if he defeats Lomachenko. They need to set aside their bias and respect Tank if he secures a win without dismissing the victory due to Lomachenko’s age. Preemptive Discrediting is Unfair Many fans are already downplaying a potential win for Tank over Lomachenko (18-3, 12 KOs). They argue that Lomachenko’s nearing 37 suggests that a victory for Davis (30-0, 28 KOs) wouldn’t be significant because Loma is "too old." This preemptive discrediting is entirely unfair. Tank should receive full credit if he wins because beating a two-time Olympic gold medalist would be a substantial achievement. Despite his age, Lomachenko is far from being over the hill. He demonstrated this in his recent fights against George Kambosos Jr. and Devin Haney, defeating Kambosos and arguably deserving a win against Haney. Lomachenko remains highly skilled and capable of outboxing Tank if he avoids being caught by Davis’s powerful punches. Discrediting a potential victory doesn't benefit Tank or Lomachenko. Tank is a phenomenal fighter with exceptional abilities, having won titles in three weight classes and becoming a PPV star in just 11 years. It’s unfair for Tank’s potential win over Lomachenko not to receive full praise from fans, regardless of their personal biases. In conclusion, fans need to recognize Tank Davis's talent and give him the respect he deserves if he manages to defeat Lomachenko. Both fighters are elite in their own right, and a victory for Tank should be celebrated without any caveats. #TankDavis #VasilyLomachenko #Boxing #BoxingNews #LomaVsTank #GervontaDavis #Lomachenko #BoxingUnification #BoxingFans #FightNight

Manny Pacquiao is set to return to the ring on July 28, aiming to deliver a boxing masterclass to Chihiro Suzuki at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan. The 45-year-old boxing legend, who retired after losing to Yordenis Ugas in 2021, will face the kickboxer and mixed martial artist in an exhibition bout. Pacquiao, the only boxer to win titles in eight weight classes, is confident he will demonstrate the superior challenges of boxing compared to MMA. "They think boxing is easier than MMA, but boxing is harder because it is more exhausting," Pacquiao said at a press conference in Manila. He emphasized that Suzuki, who lacks boxing experience, will receive a valuable lesson in the sport. In the lead-up to the fight, Pacquiao expressed his intent to educate Suzuki on the intricacies of boxing. "My opponent has no boxing experience, that is why I want to teach him what boxing is. We are fighting boxing, so he is going to learn," he added. Despite his retirement, Pacquiao has remained active in the sport. He participated in an exhibition match against DK Yoo in South Korea a year after his official retirement. This upcoming bout against Suzuki marks another opportunity for Pacquiao to showcase his skills and passion for boxing. The Saitama Super Arena will host this intriguing matchup, drawing attention from boxing and MMA fans alike. Suzuki, known for his prowess in kickboxing and mixed martial arts, faces a daunting challenge against the seasoned veteran. The exhibition match will serve as a platform for both fighters to display their talents and for Pacquiao to reaffirm his legacy. With Pacquiao's storied career and Suzuki's determination, the fight promises to be an entertaining spectacle. Fans eagerly await the showdown, anticipating a blend of skill, experience, and the unpredictable nature of an exhibition bout. As the fight date approaches, the spotlight remains on Pacquiao's promise to deliver a boxing lesson. Whether Suzuki can adapt to the rigors of boxing and withstand Pacquiao's expertise will be revealed in the ring. Stay tuned for the highly anticipated exhibition match and witness a legend imparting his wisdom to a new challenger. #MannyPacquiao #ChihiroSuzuki #Boxing #ExhibitionMatch #SaitamaSuperArena #BoxingVsMMA #PacquiaoReturns #BoxingLegend #FightNight #PacquiaoSuzuki Pacquiao Promises Boxing Lesson for Suzuki in Exhibition Match Manny Pacquiao is set to return to the ring on July 28, aiming to deliver a boxing masterclass to Chihiro Suzuki at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan. The 45-year-old boxing legend, who retired after losing to Yordenis Ugas in 2021, will face the kickboxer and mixed martial artist in an exhibition bout. Pacquiao, the only boxer to win titles in eight weight classes, is confident he will demonstrate the superior challenges of boxing compared to MMA. "They think boxing is easier than MMA, but boxing is harder because it is more exhausting," Pacquiao said at a press conference in Manila. He emphasized that Suzuki, who lacks boxing experience, will receive a valuable lesson in the sport. In the lead-up to the fight, Pacquiao expressed his intent to educate Suzuki on the intricacies of boxing. "My opponent has no boxing experience, that is why I want to teach him what boxing is. We are fighting boxing, so he is going to learn," he added. Despite his retirement, Pacquiao has remained active in the sport. He participated in an exhibition match against DK Yoo in South Korea a year after his official retirement. This upcoming bout against Suzuki marks another opportunity for Pacquiao to showcase his skills and passion for boxing. The Saitama Super Arena will host this intriguing matchup, drawing attention from boxing and MMA fans alike. Suzuki, known for his prowess in kickboxing and mixed martial arts, faces a daunting challenge against the seasoned veteran. The exhibition match will serve as a platform for both fighters to display their talents and for Pacquiao to reaffirm his legacy. With Pacquiao's storied career and Suzuki's determination, the fight promises to be an entertaining spectacle. Fans eagerly await the showdown, anticipating a blend of skill, experience, and the unpredictable nature of an exhibition bout. As the fight date approaches, the spotlight remains on Pacquiao's promise to deliver a boxing lesson. Whether Suzuki can adapt to the rigors of boxing and withstand Pacquiao's expertise will be revealed in the ring. Stay tuned for the highly anticipated exhibition match and witness a legend imparting his wisdom to a new challenger. #MannyPacquiao #ChihiroSuzuki #Boxing #ExhibitionMatch #SaitamaSuperArena #BoxingVsMMA #PacquiaoReturns #BoxingLegend #FightNight #PacquiaoSuzuki

Oleksandr Usyk has officially vacated his IBF world heavyweight title, allowing Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua to fight for it in September. The decision comes just five weeks after Usyk became the first heavyweight to hold all four major belts – IBF, WBO, WBA, and WBC – by defeating Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia. In a video posted on social media, Usyk referred to vacating the IBF title as his “present” to Dubois and Joshua. “Anthony and Daniel, listen. I know the IBF title is important to you. It is my present to you on 21 September,” Usyk said. The video was captioned: “The world loves strong. Your friend, Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World, Oleksandr Usyk.” With Usyk now committed to a rematch with Fury, he is unable to defend the IBF crown against Dubois, who is the interim champion and mandatory challenger. This development means Dubois’ anticipated September 21 bout against Joshua at Wembley Stadium is now likely to become a world title fight. Usyk had reportedly requested to retain the IBF belt until December to ensure his expected rematch with Fury would be another fight for the undisputed title. However, IBF rules stipulated that he would be stripped of the title unless he fought Dubois first. Thus, Usyk chose to vacate the title voluntarily. Usyk completed his collection of world titles with a split-decision victory over Fury on May 18, adding Fury’s WBC belt to his WBA, IBF, and WBO titles. He initially claimed the latter three titles from Joshua with a stunning win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in September 2021 and later defended them against Joshua in Jeddah in August 2022. After his successful defense against Joshua, Usyk fought Dubois in Wroclaw, securing a knockout victory in the ninth round, which set up his first unifying fight against Fury. Since his loss to Usyk, Dubois has been on a winning streak, defeating Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic, both by knockout. Joshua, on the other hand, has had an impressive run, beating Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius, and Otto Wallin last year before knocking out Francis Ngannou inside two rounds in Riyadh this March. The stage is now set for what promises to be an electrifying showdown between Joshua and Dubois, with the IBF world heavyweight title on the line. This fight is not just a battle for the belt but a chance for both fighters to prove themselves on the world stage once again.

Teofimo Lopez is back in the ring, aiming to solidify his place at the top of the 140-pound division. Fresh off his win over Josh Taylor, Lopez is now set to face Steve Claggett on Saturday, June 29, at the James L. Knight Center in Miami, Florida. This fight will be crucial for Lopez as he looks to secure bigger matches against the likes of Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia. The bout will be broadcast live on ESPN+ in the U.S. and Sky Sports in the U.K. Fans can expect an exciting evening with undercard fights featuring Robeisy Ramirez, Yan Santana, and Nico Ali Walsh among others. Lopez (20-1, 13 KOs) brings his WBO junior welterweight title to the ring against Claggett (38-7-2, 26 KOs). Both fighters have identical heights, but Claggett has a slight reach advantage. The undercard is stacked, promising an action-packed night for boxing fans. Facebook Version Teofimo Lopez is back! After his victory over Josh Taylor, Lopez faces Steve Claggett on June 29 at the James L. Knight Center in Miami. Catch all the action live on ESPN+ (U.S.) and Sky Sports (U.K.). Don’t miss undercard bouts featuring Robeisy Ramirez and Nico Ali Walsh. #TeofimoLopez #SteveClaggett #Boxing #ESPNPlus #SkySports #RobeisyRamirez #NicoAliWalsh #DevinHaney #RyanGarcia

#DevinHaney #RyanGarcia #HaneyGarciaRematch #Boxing #Ostarine #PEDs #WBC #JuniorWelterweightChampion #PaulieMalignaggi #ChrisAlgieri #GoldenBoyPromotions

Bam Rodriguez Challenges Juan Estrada for WBC Super Flyweight Title on Saturday Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez is set to challenge the seasoned champion Juan Francisco Estrada for the WBC world and Ring super flyweight title this Saturday, June 29th, at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. The bout, which kicks off at 9:30 p.m. ET, promises to be an exciting clash of youth versus experience, airing live on DAZN. Estrada (44-3, 28 KOs), despite being ten years older than the 24-year-old Rodriguez (19-0, 12 KOs), is confident his experience will see him through. Estrada pointed out that Rodriguez struggled in his last fight at 115 pounds against Israel Gonzalez in September 2022, which led him to move down to 112 pounds. Now, back at 115, Rodriguez is eager to prove himself against one of the greats in the lower weight divisions. “This is my toughest fight to date. Estrada has been in the game for a long time. He’s been in with the greats of the lower division. This is a very tough fight. On June 29th, it’s going to be an action-packed night,” said Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez to Matchroom Boxing. Despite Estrada’s impressive resume, he hasn’t fought in nearly two years and has shown signs of decline. His last two fights, narrow wins against Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez and Argi Cortes, suggested that age might be catching up with him. Estrada's last bout was in December 2022 against Gonzalez. If he performs similarly against Rodriguez, he might struggle. Estrada, however, remains unfazed by the skepticism. “He knocked out Edwards really good, but then again, Edwards is a flyweight. It's a different story at super flyweight,” Estrada remarked. He believes he has four more years left in his career, despite the speculations about his retirement. “Everybody is saying I’m about to retire, but actually, I consider that at my 34 years of age, I have about four more years left in my career.” If Estrada continues to take long breaks between fights, he might only have a few more matches before calling it quits. However, he remains determined to make history and is ready to prove doubters wrong on June 29th. “Bam Rodriguez is ten years younger than me. He’s hungry and wants to be world champion in this division. I want to continue making history,” Estrada concluded. The fight card also features Sunny Edwards vs. Adrian Curiel and Yamileth Mercado vs. Ramla Ali, adding more excitement to an already stacked even

Ryan Garcia has retired from boxing but is open to fighting Sean O'Malley in MMA or bareknuckle. Garcia's retirement was announced shortly before he received a one-year ban for testing positive for Ostarine, which turned his win over Devin Haney into a no-contest. Despite denying intentional PED use, strict liability held him accountable. Garcia remains active and interested in facing O'Malley. The two exchanged words before Garcia's fight with Haney, and O'Malley has expressed willingness to box for a big fight. Since Garcia is banned from boxing, he is open to crossing into MMA or bareknuckle fighting. "I'm retiring for a year. So they don't get the satisfaction of suspending me cause it's bull. I never took steroids in my life. They can all suck... I like 'Suga' Sean [O'Malley] cause he defended me. But if he really wants to run it in the UFC, I'll run it. Or bare knuckle... I'm ready to fight anyone at this point," Garcia said. Bareknuckle fighting might be more advantageous for Garcia as it is still boxing but without gloves, making his punches more dangerous. However, it also increases the risk of injury. Given Garcia's absence from the ring for a year, he must stay in good condition. Garcia struggled to make weight for the Haney fight, coming in 3.2 pounds over and showing signs of fatigue during the match. Outside distractions could also affect Garcia. He has a large social media following and other ventures, including a recent attempt at stand-up comedy. Garcia performed at Laugh Factory, introduced by comedian Chris D’Elia, addressing his PED suspension on stage. "Hi guys, I'm a boxer. But I'm currently banned from boxing for a year. I didn't cheat, I didn't do anything – just to be clear. I've been doing anything to try to save my life. I've only boxed since I was 7 years old. So they said that maybe I can be a stand-up comedian. Worst comes to worst, I just start shadow boxing," Garcia said. "I just woke up. And I was drunk already and I woke up even more drunk... I never took steroids – the truth is the truth and a lie is a lie." #RyanGarcia #SeanOMalley #Boxing #MMA #Bareknuckle #PEDs #DevinHaney #USADA #FightNews #Sports

Jared Anderson faces the biggest test of his career on August 3 when he takes on Martin Bakole in Los Angeles. This fight is seen as a calculated gamble by his promoter, Bob Arum, who believes that Anderson has the potential to become a future heavyweight champion. Martin Bakole presents a formidable challenge with his powerful punching and recent dominance in the division. Bob Arum, head of Top Rank, expressed confidence in Anderson's abilities, saying, "Jared's up for the challenge. Bakole is a very tough fighter, but we believe Jared will beat him and go all the way in the heavyweight division." Anderson, who has been steadily progressing, is considered by many as America's next star heavyweight. Anderson's opponent, Martin Bakole, has been a force in the ring, particularly noted for his commanding win over Carlos Takam. BOXXER's Ben Shalom believes that Bakole will be Anderson's "acid test," a fight that will determine if Anderson truly has what it takes to compete at the highest level. "It's a 50-50 fight," Shalom said, emphasizing the significance of this matchup. Both fighters have a lot at stake. For Anderson, a victory would solidify his status as a top contender and move him closer to a world title shot. For Bakole, this fight is an opportunity to prove his worth and potentially set himself up for bigger bouts in the future. Shalom added, "It's an opportunity that Martin needed. If he gets through this, he'll be hard to avoid." The bout is generating a lot of excitement in the boxing world, with many seeing it as a pivotal moment for both fighters. Tyson Fury, who has sparred with Anderson, praised his potential early on, stating that Anderson has the makings of a future champion. This fight will be a true test of Anderson's skills and determination. Bakole, confident in his abilities, sees this as his chance to make a significant mark. "He's going to need to have a great camp and really be fit going in there with Jared Anderson," Shalom noted. Both fighters are expected to bring their best to the ring, making this a must-watch event for boxing fans. The outcome of this fight could reshape the heavyweight division, putting the winner on the fast track to a world title shot. As the fight approaches, all eyes will be on Anderson and Bakole to see who will come out on top in this highly anticipated clash. #JaredAnderson #MartinBakole #Boxing #TopRank #BOXXER #BobArum #BenShalom #HeavyweightBoxing #TysonFury #CarlosTakam