In a sensational twist in the world of boxing promotions, the legendary Frank Warren has thrown down the gauntlet, challenging arch-rival Eddie Hearn to a jaw-dropping million-pound bet. This bold move comes as Saudi Arabia expresses interest in a dream Matchroom vs. Queensberry card, headlined by none other than the much-anticipated clash between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. Warren, the mastermind behind Queensberry Promotions, hinted at pitting the best of his stable against Matchroom fighters as early as 2020. Now, it seems like the gloves are truly off, with the 71-year-old promoter exuding confidence about making this blockbuster matchup a reality. Speaking exclusively to Mail Sport's Charlotte Daly after the Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou press conference, Warren emphasized the jeopardy Joshua faces against the big-punching Ngannou. He pointed out the risk involved and compared it to Tyson Fury's unbeaten record, underscoring the challenge for the heavyweight champion.     The veteran promoter went on to reveal his enthusiasm for a potential showdown between the winners of the March 8 bout and the Fury vs. Ngannou clash. Notably, Warren proposed a million-pound wager with Hearn to add an extra layer of excitement to the already electrifying prospect of the two promotional giants going head-to-head. Warren concluded with insights into the pressure on Joshua and the potential for Ngannou to become one of the top three heavyweights globally. As the boxing world eagerly awaits these epic matchups, the stakes have been raised with Warren's million-pound challenge to Hearn. #BoxingShowdown #WarrenVsHearn #HeavyweightBattle #MillionPoundBet #MatchroomQueensberryClash

In a surprising twist, Anthony Joshua has voiced his prediction that Oleksandr Usyk will emerge victorious against Tyson Fury in their upcoming undisputed heavyweight title clash on February 17. Joshua, set to face Francis Ngannou on March 8 in Saudi Arabia, sees Usyk as the likely winner but expresses his preference to square off against fellow Brit Fury in the future. Despite his prior losses to Usyk in 2021, Joshua maintains a keen interest in the heavyweight landscape. The anticipation for both the Fury vs. Usyk clash and Joshua's bout with Ngannou is escalating, with fans eager to witness the unfolding drama in the division. The winner of Joshua vs. Ngannou could potentially secure a shot at the victor of the undisputed showdown, adding an extra layer of significance to both matchups. Having tasted defeat at the hands of Usyk, Joshua remains composed, emphasizing his primary concern for the well-being of both fighters. He states, "I just want them both to be healthy and leave the ring. It's a tough game. So that's all I can ask for, that they leave the ring healthy." Joshua's pragmatic approach underscores the challenges and risks inherent in the sport, transcending personal preferences or rivalries. While the boxing world awaits the outcomes of these crucial matchups, Joshua remains stoic about the results not significantly impacting his life. His focus is on the health of the athletes, recognizing the demanding nature of the sport. As the heavyweight saga continues to unfold, the potential for a future showdown between Joshua and Fury adds another #AnthonyJoshua #HeavyweightPredictions #FuryVsUsyk #BoxingShowdown #SaudiArabiaClash

In a groundbreaking move, boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has been bestowed with the prestigious title of Honorary President of Carry Fighting Championship (CFC), marking a monumental stride for Taiwan's burgeoning professional boxing scene. The announcement, made by CFC on January 9, comes as a strategic effort to elevate the nation's boxing landscape and foster international collaboration within the sport. Manny Pacquiao's new role as the Honorary President of CFC solidifies his commitment to the global boxing community. This move is not just an honorary title; it reflects Pacquiao's dedication to enhancing the sport's presence in Taiwan and beyond. Team Pacquiao expressed enthusiasm about this strategic collaboration, emphasizing its potential to amplify Taiwan's boxing prowess on the world stage. This development signals a turning point for Taiwan's boxing enthusiasts, as they can now anticipate a surge in the popularity and competitiveness of the sport in their region. Pacquiao's involvement is expected to attract attention and participation, not only from local talents but also from international contenders eager to showcase their skills in Taiwan's first professional boxing championship. As the Honorary President of CFC, Manny Pacquiao's influence is poised to leave an indelible mark on the league's growth and success. His unparalleled experience and achievements in the boxing world make him an iconic figure to lead Taiwan's boxing league into a new era. Fans, athletes, and stakeholders alike eagerly await the positive transformations that Pacquiao's involvement is sure to bring to the Carry Fighting Championship. Hashtags: #MannyPacquiao #CFCPresident #TaiwanBoxing #BoxingLegend #GlobalCollaboration

Eddie Hearn, Anthony Joshua's promoter, is exuding confidence ahead of Joshua's clash with Francis Ngannou on March 8 in Riyadh. Despite recognizing Ngannou's undeniable power, Hearn firmly believes Joshua will dominate the 10-round bout. In an interview with Boxing Social, Hearn emphasized that while Ngannou is a formidable puncher, Joshua's superior skills in the art of boxing will prove decisive. Hearn expressed respect for Ngannou's power but maintained that Joshua will be "much too good for him." The fight, officially announced during a press conference in London, has already set Joshua as a significant favorite. Hearn acknowledged Ngannou's professional boxing debut, where he faced Tyson Fury in a split-decision defeat. Despite the defeat, Ngannou showcased his power by flooring Fury in the third round. Hearn, however, envisions a decisive victory for Joshua, positioning him for a potential showdown with Fury. Hearn discussed Joshua's approach, highlighting the heavyweight division's need for strategic boxing. Whether Joshua opts for a smart, calculated approach or an aggressive one, Hearn believes the outcome will favor the former IBF/IBO/WBA/WBO heavyweight champion. He commended Ngannou for stepping into his second professional fight against such elite opponents but reiterated his confidence in Joshua's ability to secure the win. As the anticipation builds for the clash, Hearn remains optimistic about Joshua's future, anticipating a showdown with Tyson Fury. Despite the looming challenge from Fury's bout with Oleksandr Usyk, Hearn believes in Joshua's ability to handle either opponent. The heavyweight division promises excitement, with Joshua at the forefront, ready to showcase his skill against Ngannou. Hashtags: #JoshuaVsNgannou #BoxingShowdown #HeavyweightClash #HearnConfidence #BoxingPredictions

In a stunning revelation, Saudi Arabia's influential figure, Turki Alalshikh, hints at an epic matchup between the winner of Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou and the victor of Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk. The boxing world is buzzing with excitement as the March 8 clash between Joshua and Ngannou approaches, set to unfold in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A month earlier, Fury and Usyk will vie for the undisputed heavyweight crown, with a potential rematch clause adding further anticipation. Alalshikh's vision for boxing extends beyond individual bouts, expressing his desire for the ultimate showdown between the undisputed champion and the Joshua-Ngannou victor. Despite Joshua's expected victory, Alalshikh's ambitions align with creating the most significant fights possible in the heavyweight division. His Excellency's plans don't stop there – Alalshikh envisions a groundbreaking collaboration between rival promoters Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn. The 'Day of Reckoning' event showcased their partnership, and now there's talk of a five-vs-five head-to-head battle, pitting the best fighters from Matchroom and Queensberry promotions against each other. "Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren agree to a Matchroom vs Queensberry 5 vs 5 show that His Excellency Turki Alalshikh wants to stage," reveals Michael Benson, shedding light on the ambitious plans. While the road ahead may be unpredictable in the heavyweight division, Alalshikh's influence and Saudi Arabia's rise in boxing promise fans major fireworks. Despite disruptions in previously planned matchups, the prospect of these colossal battles adds an extra layer of excitement to the sport. #TurkiAlalshikh #JoshuaNgannou #FuryUsyk #BoxingShowdown #SaudiBoxingRevolution"

Tyson Fury is facing a "serious" warning ahead of his eagerly awaited undisputed clash against Oleksandr Usyk just a month away. Set to take place on February 17 in Saudi Arabia, this fight promises to crown the first undisputed heavyweight world champion since 1999. As details emerge about Usyk's intense sparring sessions, the stakes for this showdown are reaching new heights. Usyk, who hasn't stepped into the ring since his victory over Daniel Dubois in August, is leaving no stones unturned in his preparation. The Ukrainian has enlisted the help of 6'8" Serbian heavyweight Sanel Hasanovic for rigorous sparring sessions. Hasanovic, sharing insights into their training, expressed confidence in Usyk's victory, stating, "After some serious sparring, I believe you will emerge victorious in the fight against Tyson Fury. Also, thanks to my team KUC Boxing Promotion for the support and promotion." Fury, on the other hand, has maintained a low profile during his training in Saudi Arabia, implementing a social media blackout, a strategy he typically employs in the lead-up to his fights. The Brit is determined to deliver a stronger performance than in his last bout against Francis Ngannou, where controversy surrounded his victory over the former UFC champion. Adding an intriguing twist to the narrative, Fury's father, John, has advised him to adapt to a new style to overcome Usyk's challenging and awkward approach. As the anticipation builds and the fighters fine-tune their strategies, the boxing world is buzzing with excitement over this historic undisputed clash. Stay tuned for more updates as the countdown to the Fury vs. Usyk showdown intensifies! #TysonFury #OleksandrUsyk #UndisputedBoxing #FightNight #SparringSessions

In a surprising turn of events on the latest episode of Dancing On Ice, fans were left in disbelief as former professional boxer Ricky Hatton delivered a punch to co-host Stephen Mulhern so hard that he ended up on the ice. The 2024 series kicked off on Sunday, marking Holly Willoughby's return to television since leaving This Morning. Replacing Phillip Schofield, Stephen joined Holly as the new co-host, and stars like S Club 7’s Hannah Spearritt and Love Island's Amber Davies showcased their ice-skating skills. The jaw-dropping moment occurred when Ricky, along with his professional partner Robin Johnstone, was holding a boxing ring microphone for Stephen. At Holly's playful suggestion, Ricky didn't hesitate to deliver a powerful left hook, causing Stephen to dramatically fall to the ground. Despite the likely scripted nature of the punch, Holly's shocked expression sparked speculation among viewers. Some fans even suggested that Ricky's punch might have been stronger than anticipated. One viewer, Kaylie, remarked, ‘That looked like a real punch!’ while Ashleigh added, ‘100% that punch was meant to happen just not that hard. I’m creasing The incident added an unexpected twist to the show, leaving fans buzzing with excitement. Whether planned or not, Ricky Hatton's punch certainly stole the spotlight, creating a memorable moment on the Dancing On Ice stage. As the social media chatter continues, fans are eager to see if this unexpected moment will have any repercussions in the episodes to come. Stay tuned for more surprises and thrills on Dancing On Ice! #DancingOnIce #RickyHatton #StephenMulhern #IcePunch #TVSurprises

Golden Boy Promotions CEO, Oscar De La Hoya, isn't holding back in response to UFC CEO Dana White's claim that MMA fighters aren't making more money in boxing. De La Hoya laughs off White's assertion, pointing to the undeniable trend of MMA fighters crossing over to boxing for significant paydays.   In recent years, the likes of Conor McGregor and Francis Ngannou have stepped into the boxing ring for lucrative matchups. De La Hoya emphasizes the primary motivation behind this crossover – the allure of substantial paychecks.   “The only thing I have to say about that is I think I heard Dana White say something about, ‘These MMA fighters are not making more money in boxing.’ All I can say or do is laugh," De La Hoya stated. "Like are you kidding me? Why do you think MMA fighters are going into boxing and crossing over for the payday?"   De La Hoya acknowledges the courage and self-belief required for MMA fighters to enter the boxing ring against elite opponents, emphasizing that their pursuit of significant paydays is admirable.   "When Dana White’s saying they’re not making more money it’s bullsh*t. They’re making tons of money inside of the ring in boxing. That’s the bottom line. That’s why you’re seeing Joshua with Ngannou. These guys are warriors," De La Hoya asserts, underlining the financial incentive driving MMA fighters toward the sweet science.   As the debate over fighter pay continues, De La Hoya's candid response adds fuel to the ongoing discussion surrounding the crossover between MMA and boxing.   #OscarDeLaHoya #DanaWhite #MMAvsBoxing #FighterPay

Teofimo Lopez has boldly crowned himself as the king of the 140-lb division, but reality and fans beg to differ. After a victory over Josh Taylor, Lopez's stock took a hit with a loss to George Kambosos Jr. in 2021. Despite Top Rank's continued support, questions linger about his future matchups. Lopez's self-perception clashes with fan opinion. Many see Subriel Matias as the true #1, with Devin Haney at #2. Teofimo sits at #3, and concerns rise about a potential slip if his form falters. The desire for fights with Haney and Crawford sounds good, but realism is in short supply. Negotiating these bouts may prove challenging given Lopez's inflated self-view. In his self-proclaimed list, Lopez ranks himself at #1, Haney at #2, Matias at #3, Rolando Romero at #4, Ismael Barroso at #5, and Ryan Garcia at #6. He stresses the need to earn the rank, a sentiment that may come back to haunt him. As the boxing community watches closely, Lopez's upcoming bout against #11 WBO Jamaine Ortiz could be crucial. Can he regain his former glory, or is he destined for a downward slide? #TeofimoLopez #BoxingReality #140Division #SportsAnalysis  

In a surprising turn of events, veteran heavyweight Kevin Johnson has officially become a Russian citizen, adopting the name Kevin Vladimirovich after gaining the approval of President Vladimir Putin himself. The 44-year-old made the bold decision after declaring his intentions last summer and has now secured a Russian passport, paving the way for a lifelong change. Johnson, who recently fought in Moscow, expressed his desire to become a full-time resident in Russia and pursue his boxing career under the guidance of Russian promoter Vladimir Khryunov. Following his approval, Johnson is set to continue his boxing journey under the national flag of Russia, with his inaugural bout scheduled for February. His move to Russia is not just about fighting; he has also been appointed as a coach at the Olympic training center in Samara, where he will impart his experience to younger Russian boxers. Khryunov stated, “Kevin will be officially registered as a resident of Samara, where he will have his own apartment and an official position at the training center.” In a gesture of admiration for President Putin, Johnson expressed, “This is the day I was reborn again. To pay the greatest compliment to President Vladimir Putin, I have decided to change my name. My name will now be Kevin Vladimirovich. Now I’m 100% Russian.” Johnson, who has fought 60 professional bouts, losing almost half, has been a gatekeeper for young heavyweight contenders over the last decade. Upon receiving his Russian documents, Johnson celebrated with joy, singing 'Happy Birthday to me' while wearing a Putin t-shirt. This unexpected move adds a unique chapter to Johnson's storied career and brings an intriguing twist to the heavyweight boxing scene. Keep an eye out for Kevin Vladimirovich as he embarks on this new chapter in his life and career, making waves in Russian boxing circles. #KevinVladimirovich #HeavyweightBoxing #RussianCitizenship #VladimirPutin #BoxingNews #SurpriseMove

Former WBA and Ring Magazine super middleweight champion Callum Smith faced the daunting challenge of taking on Artur Beterbiev in Quebec, Canada, but the outcome was far from what he envisioned. Beterbiev, a wrecking machine, showcased his lethal prowess, overpowering Smith in a devastating seventh-round stoppage. Now, with a record of 29-2(21), Smith is left contemplating his future in the wake of the crushing defeat. Having experienced firsthand the sheer strength and power of Beterbiev, Smith acknowledges the difficulty of accepting that he's not the best in the world. In an interview with Sky Sports, the 33-year-old hinted at the possibility of retirement, expressing the need to spend time with his family and assess his goals. Despite the setback, Smith reflects on a successful career, being a world champion and reaching the pinnacle of the sport. While retirement looms as a consideration, Smith, at 31, is still young enough for a comeback. His only losses have come at the hands of elite fighters like Canelo Alvarez and Beterbiev, both top-tier operators in their respective weight classes. Despite the tough decision ahead, Smith can take pride in his accomplishments, knowing not everyone can claim to be a world champion. Beterbiev, undefeated at 20-0(20), acknowledged Smith's resilience and thanked him for the fight. The humble light heavyweight great expressed gratitude, stating, "[Smith] gave me a good fight, he stayed strong. Thank you to him. But today, luck is on my side." As the boxing world awaits Smith's decision, the narrative of his storied career takes a dramatic turn, leaving fans and pundits alike pondering the next chapter for the Liverpool fighter. #CallumSmith #Beterbiev #RetirementTalk #BoxingFuture #LightHeavyweightGreat #ThankYouCallum

In an electrifying clash in Quebec City, Artur Beterbiev showcased his unparalleled punching prowess, securing a dominating seventh-round knockout against the valiant Callum Smith. Despite Smith's admirable efforts, Beterbiev's devastating punches left him with no answers, crushing his dream of becoming a two-weight champion. The fight reached its climax in the seventh round when Beterbiev's relentless assault put Smith on the canvas twice, prompting the Brit's corner to call an end to the bout. With this victory, Beterbiev retained his WBC, IBF, and WBO light-heavyweight titles, maintaining his extraordinary record of stopping all 20 of his opponents at the professional level. As Beterbiev looks ahead, he has set his sights on the WBA belt held by compatriot Dmitry Bivol, expressing his desire to add a fourth belt to his collection. The 38-year-old believes in a bit of luck but attributes his success to hard work with his coach, underscoring his pursuit of becoming the first undisputed light-heavyweight champion in the four-belt era. For Smith, this marked only the second defeat in his 31-fight professional career. The Liverpudlian struggled to cope with Beterbiev's intensity, particularly evident in the fourth round when a barrage of jabs, hooks, and body shots left Smith bloodied and bruised. Beterbiev's victory seemed inevitable, asserting his dominance in the ring. With Beterbiev eyeing the coveted WBA belt, the prospect of becoming the undisputed light-heavyweight champion looms large. This enthralling encounter not only solidified Beterbiev's reign but also added another chapter to Smith's resilient journey in the world of boxing. #BeterbievSmith #LightHeavyweightChampion #Boxing #KnockoutKing #UndisputedChampion

As the dust settles on Artur Beterbiev's commanding victory against Callum Smith, attention turns to the much-anticipated showdown between Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. While rumors circulated about negotiations, Bob Arum, Beterbiev's promoter, provides insights into the potential timeline for this clash.   In a recent interview, Arum addressed the speculation surrounding Beterbiev vs. Bivol. He clarified that as of now, there have been no discussions with Beterbiev about the fight, emphasizing that nothing is even close on their side.   When asked about the reported done deal, Arum categorically stated that there have been no talks, putting to rest any premature assumptions about the bout being finalized.   However, Arum expressed confidence in making the fight happen, highlighting the significance of Beterbiev aiming for a fourth belt. The desire for unification is clear, and Arum stated, "It's not done yet. But absolutely we want to do it."   Addressing the potential timeline, Arum revealed that the fight could take place in the summer. Beterbiev, observing Ramadan, is expected to be ready for the clash approximately three months after the conclusion of Ramadan, which falls in the middle of April.   Arum hinted at the venue, suggesting that the Beterbiev vs. Bivol bout might occur in Riyadh, providing a potential international stage for this high-stakes encounter.   As Beterbiev continues to solidify his reputation as an "unstoppable force" with his destructive performance against Smith, the anticipation for a unification bout with Bivol intensifies, setting the stage for a summer spectacle in the world of boxing.   #BeterbievvsBivol #UnificationFight #SummerShowdown #Boxing

As the countdown intensifies for the highly anticipated clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury on February 17 in Saudi Arabia, the training camps are in full swing. Usyk's latest sparring partner, the towering 6ft 8½ins Serbian giant Sanel Hasanovic, believes the Ukrainian will emerge victorious against the Gypsy King.   Sparring sessions in boxing are a crucial aspect of preparation, and while replicating the unique styles of Usyk and Fury is challenging, Hasanovic, with a professional record of 7-1-1 (6 KOs), aims to bring size and profile similarities to the table.   In a post directed at Usyk, Hasanovic expressed confidence after "serious sparring" sessions, predicting Usyk's triumph over Fury. The 25-year-old Serbian, with a height comparable to Fury's 6ft 9ins, adds an intriguing element to Usyk's training camp.   While technical prowess and experience may differ, Hasanovic's physical stature aligns with Fury's, offering valuable insights for Usyk's preparations.   Boxing trainer Don Charles, familiar with Usyk's skills from coaching against him, shared his perspective on the upcoming bout. Despite acknowledging Fury's seriousness in training, Charles believes Fury's size advantage will play a pivotal role. Charles predicts that Fury will "maul" Usyk, utilizing his size to control the fight through clinches, hits, and strategic moves.   As the narrative builds towards this undisputed heavyweight showdown, the contrasting views from Usyk's sparring partner and boxing insiders add layers of anticipation to the approaching clash between two elite heavyweights.   #UsykvsFury #HeavyweightShowdown #SparringInsights #UndisputedChampion    

MMA powerhouse Francis Ngannou is confident in his skills and punching power as he prepares to face former two-time world champion Anthony Joshua on March 8 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in only his second professional boxing match. Ngannou made waves in October of the previous year when he debuted in the boxing ring against WBC world champion Tyson Fury in a non-title bout. Despite being an underdog, Ngannou surprised experts by dropping Fury in the third round and engaging in a highly competitive fight until the end. Fury ultimately secured a close ten-round split decision victory. “The day is set,” Ngannou declared to MMA Fighting. “It’s two months from now, and if any of them think they are going to have easy money, too bad for them. If AJ takes the punch that Fury took, I don’t guarantee that he’s [getting back] up. I have heard that he doesn’t have a chin. I’m going to find out.” Having stayed active throughout the previous year, Joshua showcased an impressive performance on December 23, stopping top contender Otto Wallin in five rounds. While acknowledging Joshua's recent success, Ngannou believes the British star remains the same fighter who experienced three defeats in the ring. “I think he’s still the same fighter,” Ngannou commented. “Being the same fighter doesn’t mean you can’t lose. He lost to Andy Ruiz. He lost to Oleksandr Usyk, and he can still lose. By the way, I’m really intending to hand him a loss on March 8. You can still be who you are but still lose. Nobody is undefeated.” #Boxing #FrancisNgannou #AnthonyJoshua #JoshuaNgannou #TysonFury

Artur Beterbiev showcased his devastating power once again, crushing Callum Smith in a seven-round spectacle to maintain his perfect knockout streak and retain the WBC, IBF, and WBO light heavyweight titles in Quebec City.   The 38-year-old Russian wrecking machine improved his record to 20-0 (20 KO) against Smith, who fell to 29-2 (21 KO) in defeat. Beterbiev's thunderous blows overwhelmed Smith, who had never been knocked down in his career until this bout.   From the opening round, Beterbiev's aggression set the tone, catching Smith early and asserting dominance. Despite Smith's efforts, Beterbiev's relentless attack proved too much, leading to two knockdowns in the seventh round.   Beterbiev's next challenge could be WBA titlist Dmitry Bivol, setting the stage for a potential undisputed light heavyweight showdown. However, hurdles exist, including the WBC's ruling on Russian fighters and the willingness of Beterbiev to relinquish the WBC belt.   In the co-main event, super middleweight contender Christian Mbilli improved to 26-0 (22 KO) with a dominant performance against Rohan Murdock. The fight was stopped after six rounds, showcasing Mbilli's power and Murdock's resilience.   Beterbiev's call for a matchup with Bivol could usher in an era of an undisputed light heavyweight champion, solidifying his status as one of the most formidable forces in the division.   #BeterbievvsSmith #LightHeavyweightShowdown #UndisputedChampion #KnockoutStreak