Lauren, Author at Trending Sport

Anthony Joshua should take on Filip Hrgovic rather than wait for the winner of Tyson Fury against Oleksandr Usyk, according to TNT Sports expert Carl Frampton. Joshua is looking for his next fight after a knockout win against Francis Ngannou, but will have to wait before getting the chance to come up against Fury or Usyk. Frampton described a bout with Hrgovic as “very winnable” for Joshua.

TNT Sports expert Carl Frampton has advised Anthony Joshua to fight Filip Hrgovic while he’s waiting to take on the winner of the highly-anticipated bout between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.

Joshua landed a second-round knockout against former MMA fighter Francis Ngannou earlier this month, winning his fourth fight in the past year.

Anthony Joshua says he will target Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk winner after his knockout win over Francis Ngannou | Boxing News | Sky Sports

He is still waiting to take on either Fury or Usyk, who will meet for an undisputed heavyweight title fight in May.

The pair agreed to a rematch clause, so Joshua may not get the chance to come up against either for quite some time.

The 34-year-old’s other option is to take on Hrgovic, the mandatory challenger for the IBF heavyweight title.

“If I’m AJ I think I take a Hrgovic fight,” Frampton told TNT Sports.

“I think that Hrgovic is made for AJ. I think that it’s a very, very winnable fight for AJ. I’d have him as a strong favourite in that fight.

“It keeps a bit of momentum going while he’s waiting. He can’t wait on Usyk and Fury… could be three fights, maybe. So, I think take a fight, and hopefully get the winner after.”

Joshua has beaten Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius, Otto Wallin and Ngannou over the past 12 months, resurrecting his career after losses to Usyk in September 2021 and August 2022.

Frampton, a former super-bantamweight and featherweight champion, did not appear worried that Joshua was taking on too many fights.

Anthony Joshua must fight Filip Hrgovic over Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk winner, says Carl Frampton - Eurosport

“I like it,” he said. “I like it. I mean, we complain a lot when fighters aren’t that active.

“I think that as long as the fights aren’t too hard, which they haven’t been, then fight all the time.

“I mean, AJ is someone who, in my mind, is someone who lives in the gym. He’s always in the gym. No harm in AJ having four fights a year.”

The Winner Of Keith Thurman Vs Tim Tszyu Could Face Terence Crawford

LAS VEGAS — Calvin Ford believes Keith Thurman has a chance to face Terence Crawford if he defeats Tim Tszyu.

On March 30, Thurman from the United States and Tszyu, 29, from Australia will square off at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The fight will be available for pay-per-view on Amazon Prime.

Along with his fellow trainer Kenny Ellis, Ford is a well-known coach who plays a major role in Gervonta Davis’s career. Terence Crawford is the unsung hero in this situation. In July of last year, the two-division undisputed champion stopped Errol Spence Jr. in what was thought to be a 50-50 battle. However, Crawford controlled the bout and ended it via technical stoppage in the ninth round.

Although Crawford was supposed to face Spence again, the bout never materialized, therefore Crawford hinted at a move up in weight. At a catchweight of 155 pounds, Thurman-Tszyu is a fight one class higher than Crawford, who is the current WBC, WBA, and WBO welterweight champion.

Ford sees this battle as an opportunity for one of them to square off against Crawford, the greatest fighter of all time. “Like I said, the winner of this fight may have a chance to fight Terence Crawford. That is motivation right there,” said Ford in media reports.

Thurman (30-1, 22 KOs) is returning from an extended period of inactivity and layoff. In seven years, he has engaged in three fights. Ford doesn’t discount Thurman, who went from being one of the biggest names in the sport to maybe losing out on matches against some of the biggest names of his period, including Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford.

“Thurman’s got options if he pulls this one off. Both of them have something to prove.” said Ford.

In contrast is Tszyu (24-0, 17 KOs). Fighting three times in 2023, he seems to be attempting to get things done as quickly as possible. With victories over Brian Mendoza and Tony Harrison, Tszyu has advanced in the competition at that time. With the best names in the sport as his opponents, Tszyu will now try to show that he belongs. On paper, Thurman, 35, is the hardest exam he has taken so far.

BOXING

Conor McGregor responds to Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury comparison

McGregor was asked about why he’s been unable to demand his UFC fight date after facing frequent delays to his comeback bout in recent months

Conor McGregor has admitted frustration in being unable to demand his fight date in the way Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury can.

UFC legend McGregor has faced frequent delays to his comeback fight against Michael Chandler but will now seemingly return in the summer. McGregor and Chandler’s fight was announced a year ago as the rivals coached against each other on season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter to promote their showdown.

RELATED ;Francis Ngannou felt like he was ‘falling asleep’ warming up for Anthony Joshua: ‘I was the only one that didn’t show up’

“There’s been no talks about no deals,” he added. “Usually Lorenzo [Fertitta] would have had something tasty on my plate well ago, Lorenzo would have re-signed me two fights ago even. I know they know I’m up, but what way do you approach it? I’m a billionaire, Mr B. So what way do you come at someone like me?

“I just ride the wave and then I don’t know after that, but that’s my catalogue and my life. The UFC is what made me and gave me this, I love the company with all of my being. It’s the best and most iconic fighting organisation there’s ever been and I’m all over it, I f****ing love that. I’d love to carry it on, I hope.”

CELEB NEWS

Tiger Woods Registered for 2024 Masters Tournament; Full Player List Revealed

Tiger Woods is officially registered for the 2024 Masters, per Adam Schupak of Golfweek, who relayed that news on Thursday.

The field lists 85 players, including past champions such as Woods, Jon Rahm, Scottie Scheffler, Dustin Johnson and Jordan Spieth, among others. The tournament, which annually takes place at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, will be held from April 11-14 this year.

UPDATE ;Mike Trout and Tiger Woods Expected to Get Final Approval on Golf Course

However, it appears Woods will give it a go for the Masters, a welcome sight to his legion of fans who get to see the legend play at a golf course where he’s authored tremendous performances, including setting a then-course record (18-under) in 1997 as a 21-year-old.

CELEB NEWS

Andy Murray Joins Elite Club Ft. Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal After Defeating Matteo Berrettini at Miami Open 2024

Andy Murray kickstarted his Miami Open 2024 campaign with a win against a struggling Matteo Berrettini. With this, he became only the third active ATP professional with 30 main draw victories in the ATP 1000 tournament. Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal lead the way.

After a lengthy rough patch that saw him go winless for months, Murray finally has some wins under his belt. He came up against Berrettini in the first round of the Miami Open 2024. The Italian himself is on a comeback trail after suffering extended injury troubles. However, he got off to a great start and bagged the first set.

Murray found his groove in the second set, breaking to go up 4-2. A health scare for Berrettini late in the second set saw a brief interruption. Preparing to serve to save the set, he seemed to lose balance and lean on his racket. He stumbled and almost fainted, complaining about dizziness. A medical checkup later, he was deemed okay to continue. However, he could not get back to his level.

RELATED ;Novak Djokovic Ending Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s Duopoly Cited as the Reason for Unwanted Hate by Tennis Bigwig

Murray’s losing streak lasted from October 2023 to February 2024, spanning six tournaments. He snapped it when he won his first-round match at the Qatar Open. While he has not had any deep runs since then, he has managed to win the opening encounter of each event. The three-time Grand Slam champion’s triumph against Matteo Berrettini at the Miami Open 2024 marked the fourth straight tournament where he has reached the second round.

Now, Andy Murray faces a stern test for his 31st main draw win at the Miami Open as he plays Tomas Martin Etcheverry. The 29th seed received a bye into the second round and will be well-rested for the contest. The duo had recently clashed at the Australian Open 2024. The Argentine had sent Murray packing in the opening encounter in straight sets. This tie is scheduled for Friday, March 22, not before noon local time (ET).

UPDATE ;‘Lives Rent Free in Your Head’ – Novak Djokovic Loyalists Brutally Obliterate Claims of Rafael Nadal’s GOAT Status

However, before his singles fixture, Murray will pair up with Sebastian Korda for a doubles clash. They will take on Tallon Griekspoor and Julian Cash on Thursday afternoon.

CELEB NEWS

Who Is Kellita Smith? The Simone Biles Look-Alike Who Made Her Way Through Hollywood

As per some reports, the chances of finding a lookalike are estimated to be one in a trillion, and a further report suggests that there are six to seven people in the world who share similar appearances. While eminent personalities have had a history of having doppelgangers, just like the recent one, Simone Biles, aka the queen of gymnastics, has been one of the most accomplished figures in gymnastics for years now.

Simone Biles has a Hollywood doppelgänger who might give her a run for her money

The former basketball player turned podcaster Etan Thomas shared a picture of the two on his X handle and wrote, “Is it just me or does #SimoneBiles and Aunt Wanda look a LOT alike?” Aunt Wanda is the famous fictional character Wanda McCullough, or Wanda Mac, played by Smith in the famous American sitcom television series, The Bernie Mac Show, telecasted between 2001 and 2006 on Fox. The uncanny likeness between Simone Biles and Smith in the photo shared by Thomas has amazed everyone.

Kellita Smith, a native of Chicago, Illinois, has gained popularity from her appearances in films and shows such as House Party 3, Sister, Sister, Moesha, and In Living Color. The 55-year-old actress started her career as a supermodel before transitioning to acting, and for over 20 years, she has established herself as one of the most popular faces in Hollywood. Interestingly, Smith isn’t the only person who resembles Simone Biles; the gymnast also has another doppelgänger in her inner circle.

RELATED ;Absent From Gymnastics World, Simone Biles Punches Debut Ticket for American Dream

It’s Adria Biles, the younger sister of Simone Biles, who has often attracted attention due to the striking resemblance she shares with her elder sister. Like many siblings, the duo shares a special camaraderie, which was evident during the Tokyo Olympics when Adria supported Simone throughout the competition. The two spent their early years in kinship care before being adopted by Ronald and Nellie Biles at the age of six.

While people can share the same facial resemblance, their personalities can still be poles apart, as evidenced by the aforementioned explanation. Simone Biles has been making waves in gymnastics for years, while Kellita Smith has achieved legendary status in Hollywood. Similarly, Adria is pursuing a career in hygiene and dental assisting.

BOXING

Video: WWE’s Logan Paul Says He Declined Floyd Mayweather Jr. Boxing Rematch Twice

Logan Paul said on In Depth With Graham Bensinger that he declined two requests from Floyd Mayweather Jr. to have a rematch of their June 2021 exhibition bout.

“Yeah. He asked me. He asked me. Twice. He was supposed to fight someone on top of the Burj Al Arab in Dubai – it fell through. He asked if I wanted to step in. I said no. He’s not a person you take a fight on six weeks notice with, and not with the goal that I have. I already fought Floyd Mayweather. If I did it again, it would be to beat Floyd Mayweather – which I think is doable. I just need to train proper… And also if I fought him again it wouldn’t be 85/15, it’s 50/50. ‘F–k you bro, I don’t need this s–t. You need it way more than I do.'”

UPDATE ;David Benavidez vs. Terence Crawford? Floyd Mayweather shares surprising alternative for a potential mega-fight at 168 pounds

“Maybe, but I just feel like I got bigger fish to fry, literally. But the idea of being the only person to knock out Floyd Mayweather excites me. I would also request 10 rounds, because I was coming alive at the end. He was not.”

Boxing doesn’t seem to be in Paul’s future at the moment, regardless. The now-WWE superstar currently holds the promotion’s United States Champion belt. He’ll be defending that title at WrestleMania XL in a triple threat match against Kevin Owens and Randy Orton.

BOXING

EXCLUSIVE : David Benavidez To Fight On The Same Card As Gervonta Davis, Target Date Revealed

Boxing fans are in for a treat on June 15th with a doubleheader featuring two of the sport’s most feared knockout artists. Lightweight champion Gervonta Davis steps into the ring against Frank Martin in the main event, headlining a PBC pay-per-view extravaganza streamed live on Prime Video. But the fireworks don’t stop there.

The undercard is shaping up to be just as explosive, with a potential co-main event featuring David Benavidez. ‘The Mexican Monster’ is looking to make a thunderous debut in the light heavyweight division against former champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk. Benavidez’s father, Jose Benavidez Sr, revealed this enthralling news in one of his interviews.

RELATED ;Some Think It’s Impossible”: Gervonta Davis Reacts to Jay-Z Singing His Name in a Live Concert

He continued, “It’s an exciting night of fights, and we’re super-excited. Everything is ready to go, and in a few days, they will announce the venue and location.” So, it’s going to involve this exciting contest as well. Besides this fight, there are two other main card fights announced via Davis’ trainer Calvin Ford.

Calvin Ford goes for the kill with a shocking announcement

The already stacked undercard for Gervonta “Tank” Davis’ June 15th fight against Frank Martin just got even hotter, thanks to a social media leak from Davis’ trainer, Calvin Ford. Ford dropped some bombshell names on his Instagram story, revealing three potential fights that promise fireworks. First up, we have a rematch many have been clamoring for–Edwin De Los Santos and Jose Valenzuela. Their September 2022 clash was a wild brawl.

De Los Santos ultimately emerged victorious, but this grudge match promises another war. Next, in a bit of a twist, David Benavidez’s arch-rival Demetrius Andrade steps into the ring against David Morrell. While Morrell craved a shot at Benavidez, this fight against a skilled opponent has too presented a golden opportunity. A win could solidify his position as The Mexican Monster’s next big test.

UPDATE ;Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin Targeted Date Revealed

The fight between Tank and Martin will grab a lot of eyes because of the much-anticipated fights on their undercards. But, it’s definitely going to be an interesting night with great fights lined up for the fans.

BOXING

Hearn mocks Ngannou’s excuse for Knockout defeat to Anthony Joshua

Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn is poking fun at Francis Ngannou‘s excuse for his knockout defeat to Anthony Joshua.

Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, suffered a second-round knockout against Joshua in Saudi Arabia earlier this month.

Despite putting up a strong fight in the first round, Ngannou succumbed to Anthony Joshua’s powerful punches, ending the bout swiftly.

JUST IN ;Francis Ngannou felt like he was ‘falling asleep’ warming up for Anthony Joshua: ‘I was the only one that didn’t show up’

“But for the fight, at least two hours beforehand. They did this kind of trick to get me tired.

“I didn’t know how important that was, until the fight day that I had to get there two hours before.”

However, Hearn dismissed Ngannou’s explanation, implying that the knockout might still be affecting him mentally.

Responding to Ngannou’s comments shared on Instagram, Hearn wrote: “I’m not sure he has come round yet from the knockout.”

UPDATE ;‘Jake Paul beat you’ – Nate Diaz reminded of last loss as he threatens to ‘whoop’ Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder

Ngannou’s future in combat sports remains uncertain, with rumours suggesting a potential return to MMA. The Cameroonian recently signed a deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and is scheduled to face Renan Ferreira in his next bout.

BOXING

Francis Ngannou accuses Anthony Joshua’s team of wasting his time before the fight