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EXCLUSIVE: Carlos Takam Picks Canelo Alvarez and Gervonta Davis as the Face of Boxing

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Carlos Takam Canelo Alvarez and Gervonta Davis

Who truly reigns as boxing’s supreme icon? Armand Carlos Netsing Takam, who once represented Cameroon in the 2004 Olympics, voices his verdict, but with an unexpected twist. Imagine selecting not one, but two faces of boxing. Canelo Alvarez, the Mexican maestro, boasts a staggering 60-2-2 record, shimmering with world titles across four weight classes.

Enter Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis, the dynamo, who once KOed Ryan Garcia and is now preparing to fight Frank Martin. Why this duo? And why not Floyd Mayweather Jr.? Takam’s choice defies the usual one-champion narrative, stirring curiosity. What makes them stand out in his eyes?

In the heart of a heated debate over boxing’s leading figure, Carlos Takam, the 40-8 fighter, delivered his verdict with confidence. In an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports’ Sahil Sood hosted by Press Box PR, Sood probed, “There’s an ongoing debate in the boxing world regarding who deserves the title of face of boxing. Possible contenders are Canelo, Gervonta Davis, and Terence Crawford. Who do you think among these fighters deserve to be the face of the sport?”

Gervonta Davis states he has Canelo Alvarez skills at 135 lbs

Takam’s response was both decisive and enlightening. “Canelo. I’m going to pick two, Canelo and Davis,” he stated, initially placing Alvarez at the forefront. However, he quickly nuanced his stance, “Well, I want to say, I want to pick Davis first and Canelo second.”

Diving into his rationale, Takam highlighted Canelo Alvarez’s exceptional boxing prowess, reflected in his thoughtful admiration of the Mexican champion. “One, I pick Canelo because that guy is a really great boxer, you know, he’s a good boxer. And then I think he was so good that time, when they put him against Mayweather. But that fight, I think it was too soon to put him against Mayweather. Canelo won that fight, not the fight, but the experience, you know. He learned many things about that fight with Mayweather. And he’s a good fighter. You know, when you see Canelo fight, people enjoy when they see Canelo fight.”

READ MORE ;Gervonta Davis Reacts as Errol Spence Jr. Sides With Frank Martin Amid Potential Fight Rumors

His commentary not only shed light on Alvarez’s storied career but also underscored the respect he holds for Gervonta Davis. Takam elaborated on his admiration for Davis, “And Davis, I want to pick Davis. Why? He’s a young guy, strong guy. They call him Tank, right? Really strong. And then I like the way he fight. I like the way he fights. I see many of his fights, I see many of his training. It’s no excuse. You know, he goes to fight, he doesn’t go to job. He’s a warrior, like they say in Africa, he’s a lion. Yes, he’s a lion.”

Canelo Álvarez Defeats Jermell Charlo by Unanimous Decision in Dominant Fight | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors | Bleacher Report

Through Takam’s lens, the conversation illuminated the qualities that, in his view, position Canelo Alvarez and Gervonta Davis as frontrunners for the face of boxing—melding prowess, resilience, and the sheer spectacle of their presence in the ring.

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Floyd Mayweather reveals details of his fight with Canelo in 2013: Canelo asked for agreed weight

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Floyd Mayweather Canelo

More than a decade ago, at the emblematic MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, one of the most memorable fights between Floyd Mayweather and Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez took place.

On that occasion, the former American boxer emerged victorious against the Mexican fighter without too much difficulty.

Recently, Mayweather has shared little-known details of that fight, which still resonates in the minds of fans of the sport. The former world champion’s revelations have shed new light on that historic confrontation between two boxing titans.

In an interview with Fight Hype, Mayweather made it clear that it was Canelo, who at the time was 23 years old, who requested that the fight be held at an agreed-upon weight of 152 pounds.

“Let’s be clear that I didn’t choose the agreed weight, it was Canelo who asked for it,” Mayweather stated.

Floyd Mayweather-Canelo Alvarez top grossing PPV fight - ESPN

“I never asked Canelo for a bantamweight. I remember someone on Canelo’s team gave an interview where they said they were willing to fight Floyd at a bantamweight, so my team took them at their word and asked them what weight they wanted to fight at and they chose the weight,” added the former American boxer.

Mayweather never had problems with the weight

During the same conversation, the Atlanta ’96 Olympic medalist, who finished his career undefeated, reiterated that he never had any problems with the weight in which he fought the Guadalajara superstar, with Canelo having lost his super welterweight titles in that fight.

“For me, the weight was not a problem; I would have fought anyway, even if we had agreed on 154 pounds instead of 152,” Mayweather recalled.

READ MORE ;Devin Haney takes break from attacking Ryan Garcia to call out hater Floyd Mayweather

It is important to remember that both Floyd Mayweather and Dmitry Bivol are the only fighters who have managed to defeat Canelo Alvarez to date. Alvarez is scheduled to return to the ring next May in Las Vegas, although the name of his next opponent in ‘Sin City’ is still unknown.

 

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FRANCIS NGANNOU’S TRAINER FIRES OMINOUS WARNING – ‘BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN TO ANTHONY JOSHUA’

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Francis Ngannou Anthony Joshua

Francis Ngannou’s trainer Dewey Cooper has tipped his fighter to claim victory over Anthony Joshua on Friday night and go on to become the heavyweight champion of the world. The former UFC champion nearly clinched a shock win over Tyson Fury on his professional boxing debut and takes on Joshua next, with the winner likely to be among the contenders for the next title shot.

Francis Ngannou’s trainer Dewey Cooper has fired a warning to Anthony Joshua ahead of their highly anticipated heavyweight boxing clash on Friday night in Saudi Arabia.
Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, nearly caused a seismic upset against Tyson Fury on his professional boxing debut, flooring ‘The Gypsy King’ in the third round before losing via split decision.
Next up for the Cameroonian is a showdown with Joshua, who is coming off the back of three successive victories as he plots a route back to the title.
But Cooper is confident Ngannou is going to thwart the Brit’s hopes and once again defy the odds.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Cooper said: “Can he go one better? Absolutely. That’s the goal and that’s the plan.
“In the Tyson Fury fight, we told you guys he was going to at least drop him once, that he could win the fight. We mean our words; this is not poetry, not fantasy.
“I know Joshua is your guy, you’re supposed to support him, but just know what he’s up against. He is up against a man who has proven life wrong from childhood all the way up.”
In the UFC, Ngannou was renowned for his devastating power, earning knockout victories in 10 of his 12 wins in the promotion.
It seemed to translate immediately when he swapped the octagon for the boxing ring as he sent Fury to the canvas, but Cooper says it’s not the only weapon in his arsenal.
“He has gargantuan power. It’s natural, in both fists. If he lands clean, bad things are going to happen for Joshua,” Cooper added.
“His precision is on point, his mentality is on point. It’s going to be one heck of a fight.
“We’re going to gain more from that first outing than anyone’s expectations could be. He’s going to be a much better, much more improved fighter than in his first outing against Tyson Fury.
Francis Ngannou Rules Out Fighting Anthony Joshua Next And Makes It Clear Who He Wants
“Beware and be worried if you’re a Joshua fan.”
Such is the confidence of the Ngannou team, they are already targeting the winner of the unification bout between Fury and Oleksandr Usyk on May 18, live on TNT Sports Box Office.
“He wins [Friday], the goal will be to become unified world boxing champion – and that will be a great thing,” Cooper continued.
“An ex-UFC world champion to unified boxing world champion in three fights… scary!
TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.
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Francis Ngannou vs. Anthony Joshua: A Clash of Titans in Riyadh’s Boxing Ring

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Francis Ngannou vs. Anthony Joshua

Francis Ngannou takes on Anthony Joshua in Riyadh, marking a significant moment in his boxing career. A testament to Ngannou’s ambition and versatility.

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is set to face former unified boxing champion Anthony Joshua in a highly anticipated 10-round bout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This match not only marks Ngannou’s significant move within the boxing world but also positions him as a formidable contender in the heavyweight division, offering a potential pathway to a shot at the undisputed title. Ngannou’s previous encounter with Tyson Fury showcased his knockout capabilities, despite a split decision loss, suggesting that Joshua faces a genuine threat in the ring.

From UFC Champion to Boxing Contender

Ngannou’s transition from the Octagon to the boxing ring is a testament to his unwavering dedication to combat sports. After leaving the UFC at the peak of his career, Ngannou expressed his lifelong passion for boxing and his intention to continue competing in both boxing and MMA. This dedication underscores his versatility as a fighter and his desire to establish a legacy across multiple combat sports platforms. Ngannou’s performance against Fury, coupled with his powerful striking ability, has already made waves in the boxing community, setting the stage for an explosive clash with Joshua.

Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou: How to live stream and watch the fight in the UK | Goal.com UK

The Road to Riyadh

The upcoming bout between Ngannou and Joshua is not just a fight; it’s a culmination of Ngannou’s extraordinary journey from the sand quarries of Cameroon to the global stage of professional boxing. With a reputation for devastating first-round knockouts in the UFC, Ngannou brings a unique threat to the boxing ring – one that Joshua cannot afford to underestimate. Their fight in Riyadh is poised to be more than a sporting event; it’s a narrative of perseverance, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.

An Unprecedented Sporting Spectacle

As fight night approaches, the sports world watches with bated breath. Ngannou’s bout against Joshua represents a pivotal moment in his boxing career and a significant milestone in the world of combat sports. While Joshua is a seasoned boxer with a proven track record, Ngannou’s unpredictable power and resilience make him a wildcard. This fight not only offers Ngannou a chance to solidify his place in boxing history but also an opportunity to inspire millions with his remarkable story of triumph over adversity.

Anthony Joshua To Fight Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia

As Francis Ngannou steps into the ring against Anthony Joshua, it’s clear that this is more than just a fight; it’s a manifestation of Ngannou’s unwavering spirit and determination. Win or lose, Ngannou’s journey from the streets of Cameroon to the pinnacle of combat sports is a testament to the power of dreams and the unyielding pursuit of one’s passions. As fans around the world tune in to witness this historic clash, one thing is certain: Francis Ngannou’s legacy extends far beyond the confines of any ring.
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Wilder Could Figure in Miller’s Future in Heavyweight Return

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Wilder Miller

Jarrell Miller’s career can still be rebuilt, according to his promoter Dmitriy Salita.

The disgraced heavyweight lost his undefeated record in December when he was stopped by Daniel Dubois in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on the same evening on which Otto Wallin, Salita’s other leading heavyweight, fought Anthony Joshua and was also stopped.

Miller, 35 and from New York, served three drug bans before he was presented with the biggest opportunity of his career since 2019 — the world heavyweight title fight with Joshua that didn’t happen because he tested positive for GW501516, a metabolic performance enhancer.

Before being installed as Dubois’ opponent he fought, in a largely overlooked occasion, Lucas Browne, but Dubois’ profile is such that during fight week there were vulgar suggestions that Miller and Joshua ought to still fight.

That Miller not only lost but was stopped by a fighter whose reputation had also suffered in defeat by Oleksandr Usyk made his options even more limited. Boxing is far from a sport that consistently punishes those for brushes with the law but a month later Miller was arrested in Florida for allegedly body slamming the employee of a car dealership, potentially leaving him even more stranded than he was before.

Deontay Wilder and Jarrell Miller get into heated on-air exchange - Bad Left Hook

“It is,” Salita responded when it was put to him that it is a long road back Miller is faced with. “It was a fight for him to win, and he didn’t really show up and do what we felt he could. It’s to Daniel Dubois’ credit, and [Dubois’ trainer] Don Charles — they fought an incredible fight.

“When I thought Daniel Dubois would break he didn’t break. When the going got tough he got going — so, much credit to him for being in incredible condition. Jarrell put a lot of pressure on him; was 100lbs heavier than him. That’s a lot to deal with. He did a great job.

“Jarrell is fighting his way back into shape. If he can maintain peace outside of the ring and stay focused, with a win or two he can get a shot at one of the big guys again.”

READ MORE ;“He’s a Real One”: Deontay Wilder’s Inspiring Message on His “Character” Earns Him Respect From Fans

When asked about potential opponents Salita mentioned Deontay Wilder, who also lost on the same night as Miller and Wallin — against Joseph Parker, jeopardising plans for Wilder to fight Joshua.

“[Miller would] like to be able to come back in May or June,” the promoter continued. “There was some conversation about him fighting on the March 8 [Joshuna-Ngannou] show, but what happened, happened. He couldn’t travel, and he had to recover from the fight with Daniel Dubois.

Deontay Wilder and Jarrell Miller turned down heavyweight contender says British trainer | DAZN News US

“So yeah, May, June — the heavyweight division is competitive because everybody is fighting everybody. Which is great. Jarrell and Deontay Wilder may be an interesting fight — they’re coming off sub-par performances. So I do think that there’s big fights out there for Jarrell. He only has one loss in the ring, so he definitely deserves another shot. Daniel Dubois, on paper and in the ring, is the best fighter that he’s fought.

UPDATE NEWS ;Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder II: The Night Fury Returned to the Top

“My hope is that he learns from the experience, gets better, and comes back and gives it another shot. At the end of the day, it’s up to Jarrell. He has talent; he has personality. He’s getting opportunities, so it’s up to Jarrell to put his best foot forward to be the best he can be.”

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Boxing Update: Terence Crawford Gets Special Recognition From WBO – Receives ‘Ring Of Power’

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Terence Crawford

Terence Crawford landed in Puerto Rico for the Amanda Serrano–Nina Meinke fight. However, the fight got canceled due to Serrano’s injury, but still, it turned out to be a decent event overall. Crawford made his presence known to the world when he entered the venue. However, that wasn’t the sole purpose of his arrival in Puerto Rico.

After attending the fight in San Juan on Saturday, the next day he flew out to Bayamón. Why? Well, it was to receive an honor from the World Boxing Organization. Even though Crawford doesn’t have any fight lined up as such, he’s still managed to stay relevant and is considered a top-notch modern-day boxer.

Terence Crawford says he “deserved” to receive the great honor

On Sunday, the WBO organized an event in Bayamón, Puerto Rico at the Monterrey Boxing Academy. This is where they celebrated to acknowledge the might of Boxing Pound x Pound fighter Terence Crawford. So, it was specially conducted to honor ‘Bud’ and present him with the ‘Ring of Power’.

Terence Crawford absolutely dominates toward ninth-round TKO of Errol Spence to become undisputed welterweight champion | DAZN News US

In the event, Terence Crawford met with the locals of the city and flaunted his prize to the camera as well. There are a lot of great pictures from that day, posted on WBO’s official X account. Furthermore, Crawford also shared the news on his Instagram story, and regarding the prize, he wrote, “Going for everything deserved.”

READ MORE ;Terence Crawford gives big update on whether he fight Canelo Alvarez

As of now, Crawford doesn’t have a finalized opponent for his next fight. He last fought against Errol Spence Jr. back in July 2023. So, it’s been seven months since he’s stepped inside the ring, however, there are many options available for the unified welterweight champion. The WBO President himself shared his vision for Bud’s future.

When is Crawford fighting next?

While fans gear up for the upcoming clash between WBO light middleweight champion Tim Tszyu and veteran Keith Thurman, whispers of a future welterweight showdown are swirling. The WBO President Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcarcel dropped a not-so-subtle hint during a press conference.

Crawford fight history: Who has he fought, who has he defeated ahead of Errol Spence Jr. fight? - DraftKings Network

Terence Crawford might be back in the ring soon. It also brings a new spin to the Tszyu-Thurman fight. Even Tszyu seemed excited about his potential bout against Crawford if he wins against Thurman on March 30. Anyway, Paco remained a bit vague during his interview with FightHype, he said, “I don’t know what we happen but but but we’ll be soon.” 

JUST IN ;TERENCE CRAWFORD GIFTS LOGO PENDANTS TO TEAM  As Thank You For Hard Work

He refrained from revealing anything about the possible prospects for Crawford but still gave a few important hints. Meanwhile, Crawford stated, “We’ve got a few guys on the roster for my next fight – Tszyu/Thurman is one of them.“

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Claressa Shields completes epic body transformation ahead of MMA comeback fight: ‘I conquered depression’

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Claressa Shields

Claressa Shields is in terrific shape ahead of her MMA comeback.

The undefeated three-weight boxing world champion hasn’t fought in her second sport since suffering a split decision defeat against Abigail Montes in October 2021.

Shields will look to improve her MMA record to 2-1 when she squares off against fellow novice Kelsey DeSantis on the PFL vs Bellator: CHAMPIONS card in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.

It’ll be her first fight of any kind since outboxing Maricela Cornejo to retain her WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, and WBF middleweight boxing belts in June 2023.

Since then, Shields has battled with a mental health issue that led to her gaining a lot of weight before she got back in the gym and completed an incredible body transformation.

Earlier this month, the 28-year-old shared a before and after picture that showed how far she’s come since deciding to fight back against depression.

“I did go through a rough time, and it did make me gain a whole lot of weight,” Shields told talkSPORT.com. “I was just not motivated, and kind of discouraged.

Shields to fight Cornejo after Gabriels's removal

“When I started back training, I did just decide to not let depression win and just to keep working. I really wasn’t going to let anyone know about it, but it was something that was on my heart to put out there.”

Shields, who is aptly nicknamed ‘The Greatest Woman of All Time’, revealed her unhappiness wasn’t to do with fighting, and was exacerbated by personal issues.

She added: “It wasn’t nothing involving boxing why I was down.

READ MORE ;Same thing Super Bowl weekend Cris Cyborg hits out at PFL for using her name to build Claressa Shields

“Real-life stuff happened that I can’t really go into detail about. People have family problems, relationship problems, and problems with yourself that you can’t really figure out.

“At the end of the day, I feel like I conquered it. I’ve only had to deal with depression a few times in my life, and it always feels different every time it creeps back on you.

“It’s all about if you’re going to let depression win or not, and I decided to win like I do everything else.”

Boxing Champion Claressa Shields To Make MMA Return In 2024, Signs New Multi-Year PFL Deal - MMA News | UFC News, Results & Interviews

Shields will carry her fighting spirit into the cage this weekend.

The Flint, Michigan native has set herself the lofty goal of becoming the first person to hold world titles in boxing and MMA simultaneously, and her journey starts against DeSantis.

RELATED NEWS ;Claressa Shields Threatens Cris Cyborg With Potential Lawsuit for Her Recent Remarks: “You Better Stop Lying”

If it doesn’t come off it won’t be for a lack of trying. Shields is certainly putting the work in, and her body transformation shows that.

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Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin Targeted Date Revealed

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Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin

Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis and Frank Martin are set to collide for the WBA lightweight title this summer, and now the potential date of the fight has been revealed.

Davis is coming off an emphatic seventh-round stoppage over social media sensation Ryan Garcia –who himself is now training for his shot at the WBC world super lightweight title against Devin Haney on April 20.

Since that destructive performance in April last year, Davis has been linked with several names in other divisions, including Conor Benn, but has turned his attention to face Martin.

Martin shone in a scintillating performance against Michel Rivera back in 2022 when the American slickster showcased his refined skills, headlining his biggest show at the Chelsea Ballroom in Las Vegas.

In April last year, the 29-year-old returned to Sin City where he took on undefeated German Artem Harutyunyan coming away with a unanimous decision victory.

Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin: When is Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin? All known details for the return of 'Tank'

Esteemed coach Derrick James trains Martin, and he anticipates the Davis vs. Martin showdown will land on June 15, according to Boxing Scene.

It means that in the upcoming weeks and months, James will have his hands completely full, with Martin and also Garcia, another fighter trained by James, dialled in on the daunting tasks ahead of them.

READ MORE ;Gervonta Davis Reacts as Errol Spence Jr. Sides With Frank Martin Amid Potential Fight Rumors

The American coach looks to get back to winning ways, with his fighters Errol Spence Jr and Jermell Charlo both losing to pound-for-pound elites last year, with Spence beaten by Terence Crawford, and Charlo losing to Canelo Alvarez.

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44-0 star Floyd Mayweather humiliated in one now ranked by WBC

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Floyd Mayweather

A boxer humiliated by Floyd Mayweather in one round has fought back to be ranked by the World Boxing Council.

Tenshin Nasukawa, who battled Mayweather in his first-ever boxing bout at the age of 20 in 2018, was a successful kickboxer at the time. He remains undefeated in that code at a startling 44-0.

However, after sharing the ring with Mayweather, albeit for only one round – as the legend pulverized Tenshin, the Japanese star turned to professional boxing full-time in 2023.

He’s since won three bouts in a row, including a January 2024 victory over the world-rated Luis Robles Pacheco. That triumph gave the WBC impetus to rate Tenshin at super bantamweight.

Floyd Mayweather humbling for Tenshin

Floyd Mayweather $100M USD Payout for Logan Paul Fight | Hypebeast

Nasukawa entered the WBC Rating System at number 21, having been impressive since the humbling by Mayweather. On New Year’s Eve five years ago, Nasukawa agreed to face Mayweather in a RIZIN exhibition. The result wasn’t his best despite gaining valuable experience.

READ MORE ;50 Cent Targets Floyd Mayweather in New Shade, Amid Diddy Assault Allegations Buzz

Mayweather dropped Tenshin three times. The five-weight champion humiliated the youngster in front of his own people before ‘Money” ended the fight before too much damage was done.

Credit has to go to Tenshin for dusting himself down and embarking on an impressive winning run in kickboxing and then boxing. He can now challenge for a WBC title with one more win.

WBC Ratings

Meanwhile, the WBC issued a “Thank You” message to all this month’s new entries to the Ratings, which included the young kickboxing superstar.

Floyd Mayweather will fight Logan Paul in February 2021 match

“The World Boxing Council wishes to recognize and congratulate the boxers who entered the February 2024 ratings based on their efforts and results. The WBC ratings have been published month by month since 1968. They consist of the top 40 boxers from all divisions.

“The rating committee comprises a director, an assistant director, an executive secretary, and 22 experts, experienced members from many nations worldwide.

“This committee is dedicated to compiling the results of fights and essential information to carry out a thorough, detailed, and comprehensive analysis of the fighters’ achievements to define their position in the WBC’s lists.

“We welcome and congratulate the warriors who entered the WBC rankings this month. We wish them the best of success in their future fights.”

Conor McGregor: Floyd Mayweather in worst shape I've ever seen - Eurosport

Heavyweight contenders Luis Ortiz and Michael Hunter were among those who reappeared. There were also places for Abdullah Mason at lightweight and ex-world champion Artem Dalakian in the flyweight division.

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Francis Ngannou vows ‘I’m not leaving boxing’ regardless of Anthony Joshua result

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Francis Ngannou Anthony Joshua

Francis Ngannou’s transition to boxing may have started as a side hustle, but as he readies to face Anthony Joshua on Friday, that mission statement has shifted to something more.

“I will definitely still do some MMA fights, but I’m not leaving boxing,” Ngannou said Monday at the event’s grand arrivals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

“Remember, at the beginning, it was boxing. I wasn’t aware of MMA. And for more than a decade, it was all about boxing, dreaming about boxing. And then even when the opportunity came around [in MMA], it was, for me, an opportunity to shine, to be a world champion, and then potentially switch to do the crossover and go back to boxing, because I feel like it was something that I needed, I had to fulfill in order to be at peace with myself. In order to retire peacefully, I needed to do that boxing because I just love it. I can’t tell you why, but I love it and I enjoy it.”

Ngannou, 37, faces two-time former heavyweight champion Joshua, 34, in a 10-round bout this weekend at Kingdom Arena. The fight is the second of Ngannou’s burgeoning professional boxing career — the former UFC heavyweight champion stunned the combat sports world in October when he knocked down Tyson Fury in his pro debut and nearly came away with one of the greatest upsets in the history of the sweet science. Ngannou ultimately lost a split decision, however his performance blew away the expectations of many and left boxing lifers such as Eddie Hearn and Carl Frampton singing his praises.

Eddie Hearn opens up on the possibility of Anthony Joshua facing Francis Ngannou - 'We're willing to consider it' - Eurosport

Merab Dvalishvili discusses his UFC 298 win over Henry Cejudo, his social media, getting the next title shot, why he prefers Sean O’Malley to win UFC 299, his fans back home, his fight with Aljamain Sterling before his UFC 298 fight, his relationship with Mark Zuckerberg, if Cejudo will retire, his

READ MORE ;Anthony Joshua tells John Fury ‘I’ve watched everything you’ve said’ as they meet ahead of Francis Ngannou fight

Ngannou is also signed with PFL and has pledged repeatedly that he will compete for the MMA organization before his career is over. Renan Ferreira, the 2023 PFL season heavyweight champion, recently demolished Bellator champ Ryan Bader with a 21-second knockout at the PFL vs. Bellator event to ostensibly earn the right to welcome Ngannou to the PFL whenever “The Predator” makes his promotional debut. Ferreira told MMA Fighting that he will not enter the 2024 PFL season and will instead opt to wait for Ngannou.

It remains unclear when or if that PFL debut will come, and that question may only be further complicated if Ngannou stuns the combat sports world again by defeating Joshua.

Anthony Joshua: BREAKING: Francis Ngannou vs. Anthony Joshua fight on the table for summer 2023

After previously working with boxing legend Mike Tyson for his Fury camp, Ngannou said Monday that he and Tyson were unable to work together for this fight, however the lessons he gleaned from Tyson have stayed at the forefront of his mind ahead of his big night.

“I was and I’m still working on the basics. I think from the moment that you forget about the basics, the fundamentals, you [lose what works],” Ngannou said. “Because what made me really be inspired and be [in] love [with] the Mike Tyson style so much was the fundamentals. Mike Tyson, he could’ve beaten the world champion and he was just [using] the fundamentals. You could’ve put a video of Mike Tyson [on] and take a 5-year-old kid and say, ‘OK, look, this how to box. This is the footwork. This is a jab. This is this.’ Everything was just the fundamentals, and fundamentals get the job done.”

Eddie Hearn eyes up fight against Francis Ngannou for Anthony Joshua

“I’m not a fool. I know that I’m not at the same technique level as those guys,” Ngannou continued. “I’m not saying you’re calling me a fool, I’m just pointing it out — I know the situation. All of them, they’ve been doing this sport for over 20 years at a high-level, full-time, and I’m just getting in, although I was passionate about it my entire life. But I know that I’m not going out there to show something extravagant that I know, that I’ve been practicing. Stick on the fundamentals.”

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