In a bombshell revelation, Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, stirred up the combat sports world by demanding a rematch with Tyson Fury following his scheduled bout with Anthony Joshua on March 8. Ngannou, known as "The Predator," revealed his intentions during an interview on TMZ Sports TV. The looming clash between Ngannou and Joshua, two formidable athletes, has generated immense anticipation. However, Ngannou's focus extends beyond this high-stakes fight, expressing his singular desire to face Tyson Fury, regardless of Fury's impending battle with Oleksandr Usyk for the heavyweight belts in February. Asserting his intent, Ngannou stated, "Tyson owes me a fight. I don't give a s*** about the winner of Usyk and Tyson. I'm coming after Tyson. Win or lose, I want Tyson!" Despite Fury's current undefeated status and a prior victory against Ngannou, their October encounter was disputed by many in the boxing community, despite Fury's official split decision win. Acknowledging his underdog status against Joshua, Ngannou remains unfazed by the betting odds, recognizing the challenge ahead against a former champion. He expressed understanding, citing his limited boxing experience compared to seasoned opponents, acknowledging the uphill battle he faces. Ngannou, emphasizing his determination, believes Joshua, having witnessed his bout with Fury, will prepare differently. He aims to prove that his performance against Tyson Fury was no fluke and anticipates an even more commanding display against Joshua. With Ngannou's unwavering focus on his upcoming fight against Joshua and the resolute demand for a rematch with Tyson Fury, the stage is set for an electrifying series of clashes in the heavyweight division. March 8 cannot arrive soon enough for fight fans eagerly awaiting these monumental showdowns. #FrancisNgannou #TysonFury #AnthonyJoshua #HeavyweightBoxing #RematchDemand #CombatSports

Heavyweight boxer Jarrell Miller has been at the center of attention recently, first for his intense showdown with Daniel Dubois and then for his subsequent arrest upon returning to the United States. Following his clash with Dubois in Saudi Arabia, Miller faced his first career loss, leaving him far from the heavyweight title scene. However, his return to the States was marred by legal trouble as he was arrested for alleged carjacking and burglary with assault at a Florida car dealership. It's reported that he took a Dodge pickup truck, recently repossessed, leading to his arrest. Now, after five days of silence, Miller has taken to social media to express his optimism for a positive resolution to the ongoing legal case. His first public statement since the incident suggests he's confident about the outcome. The heavyweight contender's arrest has significantly impacted his career trajectory, pushing him away from the championship picture. His defeat to Dubois and the subsequent legal issues have raised questions about his future in boxing and the possibility of redemption in the sport. Despite the setback, Miller's fans are eager to hear more about his situation and whether the 'Big Baby' can make a comeback. Will he be able to overcome these challenges and regain his standing in the heavyweight division? #JarrellMiller #Boxing #Arrest #LegalIssues #HeavyweightDivision

In a recent turn of events, former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. found himself in hot water, arrested in Los Angeles for illegal possession of an assault rifle, labeled a "ghost gun." The 37-year-old, son of boxing legend Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., was taken into custody after concerns were raised by a fan regarding his well-being.   Chavez Jr. permitted LAPD to enter his home, where they discovered the untraceable firearm, leading to his arrest around 1:30 PM. The troubled boxer, who last fought in December 2021, has been on a downward spiral, with recent accusations against his father and a history of substance abuse.   This isn't the first time worries have surfaced about Chavez Jr.'s safety. His father, a boxing legend, expressed concerns about his son's life if he doesn't change his ways. The arrest adds another layer to a saga that includes public disputes, accusations of abuse, and erratic behavior.   The "ghost gun" discovery is the latest chapter in Chavez Jr.'s tumultuous journey. The weapon, often sold as kits and assembled by owners, raises legal concerns, further complicating the already troubled boxer's situation.   Chavez Jr., with a record of 53-6-1, has faced criticism for weight issues, failed drug tests, and lackluster performances. Recent social media outbursts against his father and accusations of mistreatment suggest deeper personal struggles.   The hope now is for Chavez Jr. to receive the necessary support and intervention to address underlying issues. Substance abuse and mental health concerns have played a role in his tumultuous career, and seeking professional help could be the key to his recovery.   In the ring, Chavez Jr. carved a noteworthy but ultimately disappointing career. Recent events, however, highlight a different kind of fight – one against personal demons and legal troubles. Only time will tell if this troubled boxing figure can find redemption and turn his life around.   #ChavezJr #BoxingTroubles #GhostGunArrest #PersonalStruggles #RoadToRecovery

The first major boxing event of the year in the US has stirred controversy as referee Tony Weeks' decision to stop the Vergil Ortiz-Fredrick Lawson fight within the first round faced severe criticism. The showdown, headlined by Ortiz's lightning-quick victory over Lawson, sparked uproar due to the rapid stoppage by Weeks. Weeks took to social media, revealing that Lawson's medical clearance had raised concerns. He alleged that a prior brain scan had detected an aneurysm, but subsequent tests provided conflicting results, ultimately clearing Lawson to fight. However, Weeks faced scrutiny for stopping the fight prematurely, citing Lawson's eyes rolling back during Ortiz's assault as the reason for the stoppage, despite not being in the ring at the time. Golden Boy Promotions, the event's organizer, issued a brief statement refuting Weeks' recent claims and redirected inquiries to the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC), affirming Lawson's clearance by an NSAC-approved doctor. Ortiz, undefeated with 20 wins, delivered a swift victory in his comeback fight, overwhelming Lawson early in the brief encounter. Lawson, a seasoned fighter with a 30-4 record, succumbed to Ortiz's assault, prompting the stoppage at 2:33 of the opening round. The controversy surrounding Weeks isn't isolated. His prior contentious call in the Rolando Romero-Ismael Barroso fight drew similar backlash. Weeks faced criticism for stopping that bout prematurely, citing concerns about Barroso's ability to withstand punches due to his age, despite Barroso's readiness to continue. Weeks' actions in high-stakes fights have ignited debates about referee discretion, prompting scrutiny from fans, media, and even boxing authorities. #VergilOrtiz #FredrickLawson #BoxingControversy #RefereeWeeks #BoxingRefs #GoldenBoyPromotions #NSAC

A tense encounter unfolded post-fight as boxing legends Bernard Hopkins and Bill Haney clashed following the Golden Boy event headlined by Vergil Ortiz Jr's triumphant victory over Fredrick Lawson. The altercation, caught on camera and shared by ES News, escalated dramatically when Hopkins, a Hall of Fame fighter, approached Haney, expressing a desire to resolve their differences away from the public eye. In a heated exchange, Haney confronted Hopkins, urging him to vocalize the cause of his frustration. As the confrontation intensified, Hopkins seemed to physically shove Haney, prompting security intervention to separate the two. Haney, undeterred by the altercation, emphasized his refusal to be intimidated, standing firm in support of his son, WBC's Super-Lightweight Champion Devin Haney. In the aftermath, Bill Haney expressed his unwavering dedication to his son's career, emphasizing his willingness to stand his ground against any form of intimidation. He recounted the incident, highlighting Hopkins' instruction to follow him, which led to the confrontation, while affirming his commitment to Devin Haney's success above all else. The cause behind Hopkins' request to engage in a private conversation remains unclear, although recent connections have arisen due to negotiations between Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia, who is under the representation of Golden Boy. The confrontation between Hopkins and Haney adds an unexpected chapter to the ongoing boxing negotiations and interconnections within the sport. #BoxingLegends #BernardHopkins #BillHaney #BoxingShowdown #DevinHaney #GoldenBoyPromotions

In a startling turn of events, unbeaten Ukrainian heavyweight Viktor Faust faced an unexpected defeat at the hands of Cuba's Lenier Pero in a gripping clash that ended in bizarre circumstances. The February 2022 showdown between the two undefeated giants took a dramatic turn in the eighth round, altering the course of the fight entirely. Faust, holding a commanding lead on the scorecards, seemed to have the upper hand against Pero despite occasional setbacks. However, a sudden moment shifted the entire narrative. Faust, ahead on the judges' scorecards, encountered a pivotal setback when Pero delivered a punishing right-hand blow to his body, leaving Faust stunned and immobilized. Despite Faust's prior dominance, the impactful body shot brought about an unexpected twist, causing Faust to turn away, visibly unable to continue the fight. Pero seized the opportunity, unleashing a flurry of punches on his incapacitated opponent until the referee intervened, halting the match. Post-fight, Faust revealed the excruciating pain in his ribs, suspecting possible fractures, which had hindered his ability to compete at full capacity. Pero, now standing at a perfect 10-0 record, acknowledged Faust's prowess but highlighted his strategy of targeting Faust's vulnerable areas, particularly aiming for the liver throughout the bout. The Cuban boxer emphasized the unforgiving nature of professional boxing, stressing the importance of seizing opportunities without hesitation, as he did in landing the decisive blow. The shocking defeat and Faust's unexpected physical limitations post-match added an unforeseen dimension to the heavyweight showdown, marking a pivotal moment in both boxers' careers. #Boxing #HeavyweightClash #VictorFaust #LenierPero #BoxingChamps

In an electrifying display of power and prestige, Francis Ngannou, the reigning heavyweight champion, unveiled his stellar ringwalk with iconic figures Mike Tyson, Kamaru Usman, and Israel Adesanya. This grand entrance, a testament to Ngannou's prowess both inside and outside the ring, captivated audiences worldwide. The aura surrounding Ngannou's ringwalk was nothing short of regal, earning him the title of the heavyweight king. Walking alongside the boxing legend Mike Tyson, UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, and middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, Ngannou exuded a magnetic presence that mesmerized fans and critics alike. This power-packed ensemble was a sight to behold, blending the might of Ngannou's fighting spirit with the charisma and influence of these legendary figures. Their collective presence created an unforgettable spectacle, symbolizing unity and strength within the combat sports world. The collaboration between Ngannou and these esteemed figures transcended boundaries, showcasing the camaraderie and mutual respect shared among elite athletes across different disciplines. It was a moment that resonated deeply with fans, demonstrating the impact and influence of these sporting icons. The powerful statement made during Ngannou's ringwalk reverberated through the realms of boxing and mixed martial arts, setting the stage for an unforgettable display of skill and sportsmanship inside the ring. This collaboration stands as a testament to the unity and solidarity within the fighting community. #FrancisNgannou #RingwalkPowerMoves #MikeTyson #KamaruUsman #IsraelAdesanya #CombatSportsIcons #HeavyweightChampion #UFCChampions

British boxing legend Frank Bruno, renowned for his triumphs in the ring, faced a different kind of fight beyond boxing ropes. His courageous struggle against depression led to a challenging period when he was sectioned for psychiatric care, a time that brought unexpected dangers. Bruno, a former heavyweight champion, opened up about the harrowing experiences within psychiatric facilities, where he became a target for fellow patients grappling with substance-induced aggressions. In his words, "When I went in there, some of the guys said they wanted to fight me." The environment, fueled by the effects of medications, presented a perilous scenario for Bruno. Recalling the intensity of the situation, he mentioned encounters where individuals approached him with intentions of causing harm, expressing, "I had people coming up to me and wanting to stab me in one of the places." Amidst Bruno's successful career as a boxing world champ, the revelation of his struggles during psychiatric care sheds light on the often-unseen challenges of mental health. It underscores the importance of understanding and support for individuals facing such formidable battles. The narrative from Bruno serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding mental health issues, transcending the boundaries of fame and achievement. His bravery in sharing this deeply personal aspect of his life amplifies the need for compassion and awareness in addressing mental health concerns. This candid disclosure by Bruno not only humanizes his journey but also highlights the significance of mental health advocacy. It's a poignant reminder that even champions face unseen battles beyond their public persona. #FrankBruno #MentalHealthAwareness #BoxingLegend #PsychiatricCare #ChampionBattles #DepressionJourney

In a thunderous return to the ring, Vergil Ortiz Jr. left no room for doubt, scoring a first-round knockout against Frederick Lawson in Las Vegas. The 25-year-old welterweight contender, now 20-0 with 20 knockouts, marked his debut in the junior middleweight division with an impressive display of power.   Ortiz utilized a stiff jab to control the fight, visibly stunning Lawson and prompting the referee, Tony Weeks, to intervene at the 2:33 mark. Despite Ortiz's desire for more rounds, the stoppage showcased his dominance in the ring.   Post-fight, Ortiz wasted no time in calling out Australian WBO junior middleweight champion Tim Tszyu (24-0, 17 KOs). In the ring, Ortiz expressed respect for Tszyu, acknowledging him as a formidable opponent and proposing a matchup that fans would eagerly anticipate.   Oscar De La Hoya, Ortiz's promoter, joined the chorus, indicating their willingness to travel to Australia for a showdown with Tszyu. The Australian champion promptly responded, welcoming Ortiz to the "’54 club" and expressing enthusiasm for a modern-day classic.   In the lead-up to the Lawson fight, Ortiz had already declared his readiness to face top names in his weight class, including Terence 'Bud' Crawford, Errol 'The Truth' Spence Jr, Jaron 'Boots' Ennis, Jermell Charlo, and Tszyu.   Unfazed by potential skeptics questioning his form after a 17-month layoff, Ortiz emphasized his eagerness to prove himself against the best. The welterweight contender's call-outs and willingness to face formidable opponents underline his determination to climb the ranks and validate his status as a rising force in boxing.   #VergilOrtizJr #TimTszyu #Boxing #KOVictory #FightNight

In a return to the ring, Vergil Ortiz Jr. secured a first-round TKO against Fredrick Lawson at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. The 25-year-old welterweight contender showcased his power with a stiff jab to the temple, prompting referee Tony Weeks to stop the fight just 2:30 into the bout.   Ortiz, now 20-0 with 20 knockouts, expressed a desire for more rounds but acknowledged the effectiveness of his jab in stunning Lawson. However, controversy arose as fans criticized the early stoppage, arguing that Lawson appeared ready to continue despite being hurt.   Referee Tony Weeks, no stranger to controversial stoppages, faced backlash reminiscent of his decision in the Canelo Alvarez-Alfredo Angulo fight. Weeks defended his call, emphasizing the responsibility of officials to prioritize fighter safety, especially in one-sided bouts where significant damage accumulates.   Ortiz, despite his quick victory, expressed readiness for future challenges and a return to the welterweight division.   #VergilOrtizJr #ControversialStoppage #Boxing #FightNight #TonyWeeks

Ismael Barroso, at 40, showcased his power with a sensational victory on Saturday night. The Venezuelan southpaw knocked down Ohara Davies twice and secured a first-round knockout, claiming the WBA interim super lightweight title. This emphatic win sets up a rematch with Rolly Romero, who controversially defeated Barroso in May.   Referee Celestino Ruiz intervened just 1:53 into the bout, halting the 140-pound contest after Davies failed to respond adequately following the second knockdown. Barroso's explosive performance solidified his status and earned him a shot at redemption against Romero.   Barroso (25-4-2, 23 KOs) expressed confidence in his power, attributing his success to divine intervention. London's Davies (25-3, 18 KOs) suffered his second career knockout loss, with only Josh Taylor achieving a similar feat.   The rematch with Romero looms on the horizon, as Barroso looks to settle the score. However, Ryan Garcia's announcement expressing interest in facing Romero adds an intriguing twist to the storyline, potentially steering Romero away from a rematch with Barroso.   Barroso's swift dismantling of Davies showcased his readiness for future challenges, emphasizing his determination to climb back to the top of the super lightweight division.   #IsmaelBarroso #OharaDavies #WBAInterimTitle #BoxingDominance

Joseph Parker's remarkable victory over Deontay Wilder in December has set the stage for exciting possibilities, and his promoter, David Higgins, is determined that there will be no backward steps for the former heavyweight world champion. Parker, initially the underdog against the powerful Wilder, delivered an impressive performance over twelve rounds, securing a shutout points victory. Speaking to Seconds Out, Higgins identified three potential opponents for Parker's next challenge: Filip Hrgovic, Zhilei Zhang, or a rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr. “I don’t think Joseph should step backwards. Against good opposition, he’s looked good. He’s got good momentum, so I think any one of Hrgovic, Zhilei Zhang, or Andy Ruiz, any one of those, if the money’s right, would be interesting and testing and learning. It’s a big fight. He doesn’t want to step backwards,” Higgins emphasized. Hrgovic, currently holding the number one spot with the IBF, is a particularly enticing option. The IBF is expected to strip the winner of the upcoming Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk bout in February, creating an opportunity for Hrgovic to contend for the vacant belt. Zhang, positioned at number one with the WBO, is another contender for Parker. He is likely to fight for a title within the next twelve to eighteen months. Meanwhile, Zhang is expected to return on the undercard of the Anthony Joshua-Francis Ngannou match in March, making him a potential opponent for Parker. The prospect of a rematch with Ruiz Jr is also on the table, allowing Parker to address any lingering doubts from their initial encounter. Parker secured a close majority decision victory in 2016, claiming the vacant WBO world title. A rematch would offer a chance for redemption for Ruiz, who, after a stunning upset against Joshua, faced a quick loss of his belts and a period of relative inactivity. As Parker's team considers these options, fans eagerly await the announcement of his next opponent, which promises to be a thrilling and significant matchup in the heavyweight division.

As boxing intensifies its efforts against doping, recent actions against fighters like Amir Khan highlight the sport's commitment to maintaining integrity. The latest case involves Polish light-heavyweight Krzysztof Glowacki, handed a four-year ban for breaching doping rules after a UK Anti-Doping test post his victory over Richard Riakporhe.   Currently, five boxers, including Amir Khan, Phillip Bowes, Kamil Sokolowski, Zolani Tete, and Glowacki, serve doping bans under UKAD/World Anti-Doping Agency jurisdiction. Notably, only Khan and Bowes, both caught using the banned substance Ostarine, are British, emphasizing the effectiveness of British Boxing Board of Control and UKAD in catching cheats.   In terms of doping tests, boxing ranks third in the number of athletes currently serving bans, trailing only rugby union and rugby league. However, concerns arise from a recent freedom of information request to UKAD by Boxing Clever, revealing limited transparency in the process.   Between January 2023 and September 2023, 250 tests were conducted on professional boxers in the UK. This testing frequency surpasses other sports with higher participation levels. The request also unveiled that seven boxers under BBBofC licenses submitted adverse analytical findings in the last two years, with outcomes known for only four.   However, the lack of information on the remaining three cases raises questions about transparency. UKAD's ability to determine cases without a hearing and the varied reasons for adverse findings make it challenging to assess the true extent of doping in the sport.   While the fight against cheats is evident, the call for greater transparency in the anti-doping process remains crucial for boxing's credibility and the integrity of its athletes.   #Boxing #boxingnews #AntiDoping #TransparencyInSports #AmirKhan      

In a one-two punch, boxing sensation Ryan Garcia celebrated the birth of his first son, Henry Leo Garcia, before dropping the bombshell that he and partner Andrea Celina are calling it quits.   Garcia, known for his lightning-fast moves in the ring, shared the news on social media, expressing gratitude for his newborn. Eight minutes from birth announcement to dad duties, the champ wasted no time revealing the name, Henry Leo.   But in a surprising twist, within half an hour, Garcia delivered a different kind of punch – announcing a divorce from Andrea. The revelation left fans stunned, especially as many were unaware the two were even married.   In a now-deleted Instagram post, Garcia shared his heartbreak, emphasizing their commitment to co-parenting. Andrea remained tight-lipped on the matter, responding with cryptic posts on her Instagram Story.   The timing and public nature of the divorce news sparked mixed reactions. Despite the split, Garcia acknowledged Andrea as an incredible partner and mother. The focus, he stressed, is on the well-being of their two kids.   In a surprising move, Garcia swiftly shifted the narrative back to his professional life, hinting at an upcoming boxing match. The champ seems determined to keep moving forward, both in and out of the ring.   #RyanGarcia #BoxingDrama #boxingnews #boxing      

In a surprising turn of events, the world of heavyweight boxing is buzzing with excitement as Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou are confirmed to face off in a ten-round bout scheduled for March 8. The showdown will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, promising a clash of titans that has fans eagerly anticipating the outcome. The announcement follows Joshua's recent victory over Otto Wallin, where he showcased his prowess in the ring. Ngannou, coming off an impressive showing against Tyson Fury despite a split decision loss, has elevated his standing in the professional boxing realm after a remarkable debut. Former super-middleweight champion turned Hall of Famer, Carl Froch, shared his initial thoughts on the upcoming battle. "It's not a bad fight. It's a fight that Anthony Joshua could potentially struggle with. We saw [Ngannou] against Tyson Fury, and Tyson Fury struggled. Was that because Ngannou is really good or Fury didn't quite turn up? I think the latter … but Ngannou was tidy." While acknowledging the excitement surrounding the match, Froch expressed concerns about the timing. He questioned Joshua's decision to enter the ring with Ngannou, emphasizing Joshua's ambition to become a three-time heavyweight champion without a clear title at stake. Froch also mentioned his preferred contenders for Joshua, including Filip Hrgovic and Zhilei Zhang, casting doubt on these matchups if Joshua goes ahead with Ngannou. "The Hrgovic fight's big – that could potentially be for the IBF title – the Zhilei Zhang fight, that's a fight I want to see Anthony Joshua in. We're getting further and further away from these fights happening if he jumps in there with Ngannou," Froch stated. Despite the anticipation surrounding the bout, Froch, a Hall of Famer, expressed reservations about the motivation behind the fight. "This fight is gonna be acceptable because Ngannou did so well against Fury, but let’s be honest, this is a cash grab out in Saudi Arabia, and I don’t think it’s good for heavyweight boxing." As fans eagerly await the heavyweight clash, the undercard is expected to follow the standards set by previous Riyadh Season events. There is even speculation about a potential matchup between Deontay Wilder and Zhang, adding more intrigue to an already highly anticipated event. #JoshuaNgannou #boxing #CarlFroch #AnthonyJoshua #FrancisNgannou

The trainer of British light heavyweight Anthony Yarde, Tunde Ajayi, has hinted at a potential shift in weight class for the boxer's next chapter in his career. Yarde, who has been competing in the light heavyweight division since his professional debut in May 2015, has twice fought for a world title at 175lbs. Although Yarde faced setbacks in his world title bids against Sergey Kovalev in 2019 and Artur Beterbiev last year, he made a comeback with a knockout victory over Jorge Silva in September. While there are still notable matchups available in the light heavyweight division, Ajayi suggests that a move to cruiserweight could be in the cards for Yarde. Ajayi mentioned, "There are some great fights, some great possibilities for Anthony primarily as the fighter and myself as the manager and trainer to explore. We were even talking about big fights up at cruiserweight." Notably, Ajayi issued a call-out to the WBO world cruiserweight champion, expressing Yarde's readiness to face Chris Billam-Smith. "I would even go so far if you put the right proposal to Anthony now, he'll fight Chris Billam-Smith tomorrow. 100 million percent." If Yarde and his team decide against an immediate move to cruiserweight, they may look towards a potential matchup with the winner of Joshua Buatsi vs. Dan Azeez, scheduled for an all-British clash on February 3. #Boxing #AnthonyYarde #Cruiserweight #ChrisBilliam-Smith