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Anthony Joshua says he ‘f ruined’ rival’s career with uppercut in warning to Francis Ngannou

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Anthony Joshua warned Francis Ngannou that he would be unwise to underestimate the power that he possesses.

The two-time heavyweight world champion locks horns with the former UFC heavyweight world champion in the boxing ring on Friday March 8, with the verbal sparring beginning this week.

Ngannou warned Joshua that he’s capable of putting him in hospital in a chilling warning ahead of the fight dubbed ‘Knockout Chaos’.

And while ‘AJ’ is fully aware of Ngannou’s threat he still believes he’ll have too much for him.

The 34-year-old harked back to his impressive stoppage victory of Otto Wallin last month, his triumph over Robert Helenius earlier in 2023 as well as his brutal KO of Dillian Whyte in December 2015.

Joshua told Boxing News: “He has longer arms than me. He’s stocky and big.

“But I think people underestimate me, they think they can just come and put pressure on me because I am not mentally all that or this.

“And as much as there is hype around Ngannou, he still has to come through me. He is looking at someone who knows how to fight.

“I am a power puncher myself. I break peoples’ eye sockets.

“I broke Wallin’s nose and eye socket, Helenius got sparked out, and I f****** ruined Dillian Whyte’s career with an uppercut. The list goes on.

“He has to deal with me and that is what is going to make it a good fight.”

Ngannou has every right to feel confident having gone toe-to-toe with undefeated WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in October, losing narrowly on what was his professional boxing debut.

And Joshua admitted that one-upping his fellow Brit by beating Ngannou more convincingly would be satisfying.

He said: “There is an element of that. It’s all about perception in boxing.

“It just changes the whole perception if I can go out there and have a good fight. ‘Oh, AJ’s the king!’ my fans will roar louder.

“But I’ve still got a massive training camp to complete, I’ve still got to get through the fight first!

“Let’s get there first before we start thinking ahead.”

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BOXING

Lennox Lewis’ opinion on Anthony Joshua fighting Francis Ngannou

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Lennox Lewis

Boxing legend Lennox Lewis has weighed in on the upcoming heavyweight fight between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou, suggesting that the bout will add ‘zero credibility’ to AJ’s resume.

In a press conference this past Monday in London, England, Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou came face-to-face for the first time to officially confirm their blockbuster bout set for the 8th of March 2024 at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

This huge fight is set to take place just a matter of weeks after Tyson Fury takes on Oleksandr Usyk in another massive heavyweight clash on the 17th of February. It was revealed during the Joshua vs Ngannou press conference that the winners of these two bouts will go on to face each other later this year to crown the undisputed heavyweight champion.

Doubts over Francis Ngannou’s belonging at the top table

He’s only had one boxing fight so far, so questions have been raised

While Fury, Usyk, and Joshua have all earned their reputations as the best boxers currently in the heavyweight division, many fans have questioned the credibility of Ngannou being in the mix, having only ever competed in one boxing match to date.

After making the transition from the UFC, Ngannou impressed in his debut fight against Fury late last year, but ultimately lost the bout via split decision. But now, the Cameroonian fighter, who currently has a 0-1 record, could theoretically be crowned the undisputed heavyweight champion after just three career fights.

Lennox Lewis also raises questions over the fight

Following the announcement of Joshua vs Ngannou, Lennox Lewis, a former undisputed heavyweight champion in his own right, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his thoughts on the fight.

 

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BOXING

Gervonta Davis Draws Wild Comparison Between Mark Zuckerberg and a Cow

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Gervonta Davis

Gervonta Davis is one of the biggest rising prospects in the sport of boxing. He is not someone to hold back his words, as is proven time and time again. However, this time at the receiving end of his verbal lashing is one of the richest persons in the world. This time Davis has set his sights on none other than the co-founder of Facebook- Mark Zuckerberg.

After the news about Zuckerberg’s method of cattle raising surfaced on social media, Davis took the chance to provide a rather intriguing observation to his fans. Here’s what the WBA regular champion has to say about Zuckerberg’s likeness to an animal.

Gervonta Davis takes a dig at Zuckerberg after latter’s latest beef venture

Facebook’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, recently unveiled an intriguing agricultural venture on his Hawaiian ranch, aiming to produce top-quality beef. Zuckerberg’s project involves raising Wagyu and Angus cattle, known for their premium quality. In a bid to ensure the highest standards, the cattle are fed locally-produced macadamia meal and beer.
Gervonta DavisZuckerberg emphasized the commitment to a local and vertically integrated process, with his daughters actively participating in planting macadamia trees and caring for the animals.

Interestingly, the news of Zuckerberg’s intention to “create some of the highest quality beef in the world” made its way to X. Gervonta Davis couldn’t stop himself from reacting to the news. However, intriguingly, he pointed out the similarity between Zuckerberg and the cow in the picture. He wrote, “They Look Alike or I’m Buggin.”

The project has faced criticism from various quarters. Some experts questioned the water-intensive cultivation of macadamia nuts during global drought concerns. Additionally, concerns were raised about the environmental impact, given that cattle farming is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Despite the criticism, Zuckerberg remains enthusiastic about his endeavor.

Davis definitely had a unique response to the news. However, he has yet to reply to Bill Haney on his latest remarks.

Bill Haney questions Davis’ opponent and confidence

In a recent interview with Shawn Porter’s YouTube channel, Bill Haney, father and trainer of WBC light welterweight champion Devin Haney, expressed his views on Gervonta Davis, referring to him as a “manufactured” fighter. According to Haney, Davis has been strategically matched against “slow-footed Mexican fighters” throughout his career

What do you think about Haney’s remarks on Gervonta Davis? Also, share what you think about Davis’ jab at Zuckerberg.

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BOXING

Devin Haney Gives Reality Check After Saudi Royalty Offers to Host Gervonta Davis Fight

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Devin Haney

After Gervonta Davis, now Abdul Wahid after converting to Islam, turned down Bill Haney‘s $20 million to fight Devin Haney, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh publicly revealed he looked forward to staging Haney vs. Davis in Saudi Arabia this year. At this, Haney publicly announced his interest in facing ‘Tank’ Davis.

Taking to X, ‘The Dream’ declared he has been pursuing Gervonta for years. Likewise, following Alashikh’s message, the WBC Super Lightweight champion hoped Davis’ team would reach out to Haney. However, given the current circumstances, ‘The Dream’ also pointed out why a fight with Davis in Saudi Arabia was currently out of reach.

Devin Haney regrets Gervonta Davis won’t be able to fly to Saudi Arabia for a fight

After His Excellency Turki Alalshikh expressed that he was in favor of Devin Haney vs. Gervonta Davis in Saudi Arabia this year, Haney took to X and announced he was open to fighting ‘Tank’ whenever the latter wanted a contest. Additionally, he encouraged Team Davis to make an offer to Team Haney. However, despite the interest shown by Alalshikh and Haney, one cannot forget that Davis is still under house arrest and does not have permission to start training for a fight.

As a result, although Haney wanted to face ‘Tank’, the WBC Super Lightweight champion bemoaned the fact that Davis could not leave his house. “He can’t leave his house…,” wrote ‘The Dream’. In this context, it must be mentioned that after Davis was found guilty in a hit-and-run case which happened in 2020, the boxer was sentenced to 90 days of house arrest and 200 hours of community service.

Gervonta Davis

In 2023, after ‘Tank’ violated the terms of this house arrest, he went to jail. Although he was released after 44 days, the boxer was prevented from celebrating Christmas with his family as well as resuming his training. As a result, under the present circumstances, it is not possible for Davis to leave the US and visit Saudi Arabia for a fight.

Haney and his father roasted ‘Tank’

While His Excellency Turki Alashikh shows interest in a potential Haney vs. Davis, ‘Tank’ recently rattled the boxing world as he claimed that he “almost knocked out” Devin in a sparring match. However, as soon as the words reached Haney, ‘The Dream’ denied the claim. In fact, the 25-year-old announced that he had punished Gervonta well in their sparring match. Added to this, Bill Haney, the father of Devin, belittled Davis’ boxing skills and called the same no match for Haney.

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BOXING

After Bill Haney’s Alleged $20 Million Offer, Gervonta Davis vs. Devin Haney Receives Another Offer from Saudi Royalty

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Gervonta Davis

Bill Haney, the father of Devin Haney, recently claimed that he offered Gervonta Davis, now Abdul Wahid since he converted to Islam, $20 million for a potential fight against ‘The Dream’. However, stating the Haneys did not reach out to him properly, ‘Tank’ turned down the offer, sending Bill to disbelief.

But, of late, regarding a Dog-House sparring match, Haney and Davis have once again been firing shots at one another in public. In this connection, Saudi Royalty, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, declared that he planned to stage Davis vs. Haney in Saudi Arabia. Following Alalshikh’s statements, ‘The Dream’ publicly called out Davis.

Devin Haney vs. Gervonta Davis is likely to happen in 2024

Recently, after the London press conference for Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, the architect of ‘Riyadh season’ joined Ade Oladipo on The DAZN Boxing Show. At one point in this podcast, as Ade touched upon American fighters like Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson, Alalshikh immediately sent a message to ‘Tank’. In addition, His Excellency expressed that he longed to see Devin Haney, the current WBC Super Lightweight champion, fight in his country this year.

“I want him [Gervonta Davis] and I send [a] message now from you to [Al] Haymon. Let’s do the job, brother,” said Alalshikh who recently unveiled a special Undisputed Heavyweight belt for Fury vs. Usyk. “But Haney, I want to see [him] in my country. And I send [a] message from you now to him. I will try to do it in 2024,” he added.

Gervonta Davis

As soon as Ade suggested Haney and Gervonta Davis “against each other” in Saudi Arabia, Alalshikh nodded in the affirmative. With the ongoing banter between the two boxers and Alalshikh’s interest, Haney vs. Davis will likely take place in Saudi Arabia this year.

Haney publicly issues ‘Tank’ a challenge after Alalshikh’s statement

Right after Alashikh’s statement came to public notice, in a reply to Shawn Porter, Haney declared that he has now been calling out Gervonta Davis for years. Additionally, ‘The Dream’ announced that since he did not have an opponent right now, he could fight ‘Tank’ whenever the latter wanted the contest to be. And since Gervonta Davis earlier claimed that team Haney did not reach out to him properly, the 25-year-old encouraged Davis’ team to pursue the Haneys.

“We can fight whenever he chooses! Have your people reach out, Gervonta,” wrote Devin Haney. Frankly speaking, it looks like Devin is serious about facing Gervonta Davis in the ring. But, do you wish to see the two fight this year? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

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BOXING

Former two-weight class world champion wants to see Teofimo Lopez take on Bud Crawford

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Terence Crawford

Terence “Bud” Crawford and Teofimo Lopez may be 10 years apart in age, but the two are at the very top of their games as the 2024 boxing year begins.

While Crawford awaits the right fight following his dominant win over Errol Spence Jr. last summer, Lopez is all but ready to defend his WBO junior welterweight title against Jamaine Ortiz on February 8. It will be Lopez’s fourth straight fight at 140 pounds.

Could Terence Crawford fight Teofimo Lopez at 147?

With Crawford not having anything concrete yet and Lopez eyeing another big fight after Ortiz, Danny “Swift” Garcia is pleading the two to set up a potential fight.

Crawford has been fighting at 147 for the past half-decade, which would give him a major advantage over Lopez, considering the latter was fighting at 135 until 2022.

Terence Crawford

Still, like Garcia mentions, Lopez looks and fights much bigger than his weight. Lopez has never been afraid to take risks, and going up against what many consider the best pound-for-pound boxer on the planet would bring plenty of fireworks.

Garcia, meanwhile, is hoping for one more world title shot before retiring. He defeated Jose Benavidez Jr. for his 37th win in July of 2022.

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BOXING

Roy Jones Jr Names The Champion That Gives Crawford A ‘Very Difficult Fight’

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Terence Crawford

Four-division world champion Roy Jones Jr has looked ahead to Terence Crawford’s next potential bout after speculation that a rematch with Errol Spence Jr will now not take place.

‘Bud’ Crawford put in a generational performance when he dominated and stopped Spence last July, becoming the first four-belt welterweight champion and the first multi-divisional four-belt undisputed champion as a result.

However, shortly after the clash, Crawford was stripped of the IBF welterweight world title, with 26-year-old Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis being promoted as the new title-holder.

Now the pair are being linked to an All-American showdown and Roy Jones Jr told YSM Sports Media that the hard-hitting Ennis could have what it takes to hand Crawford his first career defeat in what would likely be the latter’s final outing at 147lbs.

Ennis has been vocal in his call-outs of Crawford, demanding that the arguable pound-for-pound king attempts to regain his old belt.

However, it seems that ‘Bud’ is less keen on the idea, favouring a move up to super-welterweight or a potential three-division jump to super-middleweight to face the legendary Canelo Alvarez for the undisputed 168lbs throne.

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BOXING

Tim Bradley: “Bivol Has To Fight The Perfect Fight In Order To Beat Beterbiev”

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Dmitri Bivol

If you asked Eddie Hearn and most who resided in the UK, they believed that Callum Smith was the right man for the job. Sure Artur Beterbiev is a dangerous and scary fighter with the type of power that can have you waking up in the emergency room, but Smith’s supporters wouldn’t let up.

Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs) wasn’t offended by Smith’s fans. He simply didn’t care. He knew once the bell rang, Smith’s fanbase could do nothing but sit on the sidelines while the beating ensued. This Saturday night, that’s exactly what happened.

Smith’s backers were loud in the opening frame, but as his face grew more and more disfigured, they simmered down. With blood pouring from his nose and the swelling around his eyes getting to the point where he could barely see, Buddy McGirt, Smith’s trainer, waved things off following two knockdowns in the seventh round.

Those who believed in Smith were shellshocked. He wasn’t an undefeated fighter but at no point did he ever appear hurt or even stunned in previous outings. Tim Bradley, who was calling the action from ringside, watched stoically as Beterbiev had his way. It isn’t that Smith is a bad fighter but from Bradley’s point of view, he was nowhere near the level of Beterbiev.

Dmirty Bivol

“I thought Smith would have success early on but I knew it was all downhill after four, five, six,” Bradley told Fight News during a recent interview. “Beterbiev is a slow starter, he likes to warm up into the action. He slowly breaks you down and every blow that he throws is heavy, heavy shots. I knew Smith wouldn’t be able to deal with that.”

When one challenger falls, another one rises. So, with Smith officially out of the picture, all of the attention will be placed on Dmitry Bivol. The two have danced around each other long enough and are hoping that an undisputed showdown will take place later this year.

Bradley has a soft spot for Bivol, always has. Beterbiev may have looked damn there unbeatable but Bradley isn’t ready to jump on the bandwagon. In his eyes, Bivol can still win, he just has to be flawless on the night.

“That’s the fight that everybody wants to see. I’ve always favored Bivol but Bivol has to fight the perfect fight in order to beat Bivol.”

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BOXING

Floyd Mayweather Jr. Sued over Alleged Assault by Bodyguard at Restaurant

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Floyd Mayweather

Legendary boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. is being sued by a California man after he allegedly directed his bodyguard to assault the man during an incident at a restaurant nearly two years ago, per TMZ.

Eduardo Andres Torres Martinez filed a lawsuit on Tuesday alleging that the incident took place at a Yard House in Los Angeles near Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 10, 2022. Martinez attempted to record videos of Mayweather as he entered the restaurant, but when Mayweather noticed he was recording, he “signaled for one of his bodyguards to handle the situation,” according to TMZ.

The bodyguard allegedly struck Martinez, causing him to fall to the ground. Martinez further alleged that the bodyguard then wrestled with him in an attempt to get his phone away from him.

Floyd Mayweather

Martinez stated in his lawsuit that in addition to the mental suffering and emotional distress he’s still dealing with over the situation, he also allegedly suffered injuries during the incident that still require treatment. He named Mayweather, his company and Yard House in his lawsuit, which is seeking unspecified damages.

Martinez had filed a battery report with authorities when the incident first occurred, but TMZ reported at the time that a witness had spoken with law enforcement and contradicted parts of his story.

For his part, Mayweather has denied that an incident ever took place, as a representative said the 46-year-old only “stopped by” the restaurant and left because it was too crowded.

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BOXING

“It would be my honor to fight him” – Kwon Won Il says Floyd Mayweather call-out was a ‘joke’, but would still jump at the chance

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Floyd Mayweather

South Korean firecracker and current third-ranked ONE Championship bantamweight MMA contender ‘Pretty Boy’ Kwon Won Il is over the moon with his most recent performance and is beaming with confidence.

Kwon took care of business against dangerous Mongolian fighter Shinechagtga Zoltsetseg at ONE Fight Night 18: Gasanov vs. Oh on Prime Video, which took place at the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Saturday morning, January 13th.

After an intense back-and-forth in the early stages of the match, Kwon began to take over the fight with his well-rounded skill set. Known primarily as a devastating knockout puncher, Kwon utilized his highly underrated grappling skills to subdue Zoltsetseg, finishing the Mongolian in the second round with ground-and-pound.

Floyd Mayweather

In the post-fight interview with veteran ONE Championship broadcast analyst Mitch ‘The Dragon’ Chilson, Kwon shockingly called out retired boxing legend Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather Jr. to a match.

Backstage at the official ONE Fight Night 18: Gasanov vs. Oh post-fight interviews, Kwon explained the call-out.

Of course, fighting Floyd Mayweather is a dream for pretty much any combat sports athlete, Kwon included.

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