BOXING Archives - Page 50 of 53

In professional boxing, a sport renowned for its unpredictability and high stakes, the heavyweight showdown between Joseph Parker and Deontay Wilder on December 23, 2023, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, emerged as a bout for the ages. This encounter not only reaffirmed boxing’s capacity to astonish but also underscored the razor-thin margins between triumph and defeat among elite fighters.

Joseph Parker vs. Deontay Wilder

Prelude to the Upset

Wilder, known for his devastating right hand and knockout power, entered the ring against Parker, a fighter respected for his durability and technical prowess. Wilder, aiming to reassert his dominance in the heavyweight division, found himself pitted against an opponent ready to seize the moment and etch his name in the annals of boxing history.

From the opening bell, the fight encapsulated the essence of heavyweight boxing, with both fighters exchanging heavy blows that echoed the intensity of their ambitions. Wilder, attempting to impose his will, launched aggressive attacks, only for Parker to respond with precision and power, particularly with his formidable right hand. This back-and-forth battle showcased not just the physical – but also the strategic depth of boxing, as each combatant sought to outmanoeuvre the other.

The Turning Point

As the fight progressed, the momentum began to shift unmistakably in Joseph Parker’s favour. His ability to withstand Wilder’s onslaught and counter with impactful strikes began to take its toll on the American fighter.

Parker’s disciplined approach – combined with strategic striking, slowly eroded Wilder’s resistance, leading to moments where the former champion appeared vulnerable and off-balance. This tactical execution by Parker highlighted the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.

JUST IN ;Floyd Mayweather vs. Tommy Hearns: Former World Champ Uses Deontay Wilder Example to End the Debate

The conclusion of the fight saw Parker emerge victorious, a testament to his preparation, heart, and determination. The unanimous decision in Parker’s favour not only marked a significant upset but also propelled him into the spotlight, reshaping the dynamics of the heavyweight division. Parker will now take on Zhilei Zhang for Zhang’s WBO interim heavyweight title on March 8th in Saudi Arabia.

Deontay Wilder addresses doubts over his future after shock loss to Joseph Parker | Marca

Wilder’s gracious acknowledgement of the defeat, coupled with his resolve to return stronger, underscored the sportsmanship and perseverance inherent in boxing.

This monumental bout extends beyond the confines of the ring, echoing in podcast discussions and analyses that dissect the intricacies of the fight and its implications for the future of the fighters involved.

Moreover, the upset has piqued interest in the UFC fights odds, as fans and pundits speculate on the crossover appeal and potential matchups that could further blur the lines between boxing and mixed martial arts.

Deontay Wilder: American says defeat by Joseph Parker is 'not the end' - BBC Sport

Joseph Parker’s victory over Deontay Wilder is a vivid reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional boxing, where legends are forged, and history is written with each bout. This fight not only captivated the imaginations of fans worldwide but also served as a catalyst for discussions on resilience, strategy, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. As the boxing world continues to evolve, the tale of Parker’s upset will undoubtedly inspire future generations of fighters to dream big and challenge the odds, no matter how insurmountable they may seem.

BOXING

I fought in the greatest round of boxing in history, recorded 57 KOs but Floyd Mayweather had the best of everything

Jose Luis Castillo has fought a who’s who of high-calibre opponents but insists Floyd Mayweather trumps them all.

The Mexican puncher is widely considered to be one of the best lightweights of his era and was part of several exhilarating fights.

None more so than his inaugural barn-burner with former two-weight world champion Diego Corrales.

The bout was named the 2005 Fight of The Year by both Ring Magazine and the Boxing Writers Association of America – and their epic tenth round is considered to be one of the best rounds in boxing history.

RELATED ;Bill Haney Fires Shots at Floyd Mayweather for His “Big Boys” Bodyguards, Warns Ryan Garcia

Castillo fought Mayweather twice in 2002 with many believing he should have had his hand raised when they first squared off in the spring.

According to Compubox, Castillo landed 203 punches to a young Mayweather’s 157 while Harold Lederman of HBO had it 115-111 for Castillo.

Yet all three ringside judges sided with ‘Pretty Boy Floyd’.

Their second encounter was an entirely different story as Mayweather came out the clear winner, frustrating Castillo from range.

Speaking to Ring Magazine in a ‘Best I’ve Faced’ segment, Castillo recalls how hard the American slickster was to hit.

“The best skills were none other than Floyd Mayweather Jr. He kept me at distance so I really couldn’t get to him. I couldn’t hit Floyd clean so he had the best defence also.”

JUST IN ;Floyd Mayweather Sr Reveals ‘The Truth’ About Sparring Session Between Devin Haney and Gervonta Davis in a Resurfaced Video

Those were reserved for the bullish Juan Lazcano.

BOXING

Joshua taunts Fury: ‘So many people have knocked him down’

Two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has taunted Tyson Fury and played down Francis Ngannou’s achievement of dropping his fellow countryman, as he prepares to go one better than Fury and stop the former UFC superstar.

Ngannou dropped Tyson Fury on his professional boxing debut in the most shocking moment of boxing in 2023, but ultimately lost a split-decision to ‘The Gypsy King’, coming so close yet so far to pulling off arguably the greatest upset in the history of the sport.

Johnny Nelson backs Anthony Joshua to beat Francis Ngannou – but warns of high risk in crossover fight

Former cruiserweight champion Johnny Nelson expects Anthony Joshua to beat Francis Ngannou but added there is plenty of danger for the Brit; Joshua and Ngannou will meet in heavyweight clash live on Sky Sports Box Office on Friday March 8

Johnny Nelson expects Anthony Joshua to comfortably beat Francis Ngannou in their crossover showdown but warned of the danger the former world champion faces in taking on the MMA star.

Joshua continues his attempt to work his way back into world title contention when he takes on former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou in Saudi Arabia on Friday March 8, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

JUST IN ;‘I’ll f*** up Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury’, says UFC hardman in chilling threat to Brit boxing superstars

Yet Nelson believes the biggest danger the 2012 Olympic gold medallist faces is if Ngannou is able to get in close during the fight, where he will be able to deploy the inside fighting techniques he has honed in MMA.

“He is used to getting up close and personal,” Nelson said. “Making them feel uncomfortable, tying them up,

wearing them down, then getting a shot.

Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou - Former world champion makes 'easy' prediction | DAZN News US

“Once he is in, that is his safe spot, that is his world. He will be a better inside fighter than Joshua, trust me because this guy knows what he is doing on the inside.

“Joshua knows he can punch. Joshua knows he has the knockout ability to get rid of him so I would not be surprised if Anthony Joshua thought ‘I am going to stay in the pocket and knock you out’.

“Common sense would be, if you use your boxing ability, it is day and night. But it is the devil in the detail and that is where the problem might lie.”

RELATED ;Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury sent same foul-mouthed threat by UFC legend

Joshua has rebounded from back-to-back defeats to unified champion Oleksandr Usyk with three straight wins, the most recent of which came in December last year when opponent Otto Wallin retired from the contest following the fifth round.

The winner of this clash could well earn a shot at the winner of the upcoming undisputed heavyweight title match-up between Fury and Usyk, but Nelson cautioned it is effectively make or break for Joshua as far as the 34-year-old’s career goes.

Francis Ngannou Knows Exactly Who He Wants To Fight After Anthony Joshua

“It has got to be just for him as an individual,” Nelson said. “It is hard to swallow when you, all of a sudden, realise you are not the best fighter in the world, but you want to be the best fighter in the world.

“The great side of our sport is the glow, and the downside is when everybody wants to be your boss and tell you how bad you do.

UPDATE ;Boxing legend backs Joshua to beat Usyk

“Joshua, he needs to get these wins, the pride he has. To possibly lose to Ngannou, how would he be able to lift himself mentally, never mind how the press will crucify him?

“So, he understands what he has got to do – and I suppose we all do.”

BOXING

Benzino Breaks Down in Tears Over Eminem Beef, Claressa Shields Gives Harsh Response

In the labyrinth of hip-hop feuds, Eminem and Benzino’s battle stands tall. Yet, a recent ‘Drink Champs‘ episode unveiled an unexpected twist. Benzino, often seen as the indomitable force against Eminem, showed a different face. Tears flowed as he touched on a feud spanning over two decades.

But not all viewed his vulnerability through a sympathetic lens. Claressa Shields, an observer from another world of combat, threw jabs from the Twitter corner. Was Claressa too harsh in her response? That’s on you to decode.

JUST IN ;Claressa Shields again calls for intergender boxing match with not great Keith Thurman

Meanwhile, Claressa Shields, an outsider to the hip-hop feud, but no stranger to combat, took to Twitter with a cutting remark. “I wanna go on @drinkchamps & I promise I’m not gonna pull a Benzino 😂 he tripped out,” she quipped. Shields’ tweet, terse and mocking, starkly contrasted Benzino’s emotional disclosure, adding a layer of public scrutiny to his display of vulnerability.

As Benzino’s tears reveal the human cost of long-standing feuds, Shields’ tweet reminds us of the ongoing debate over public emotional expression. Where do we draw the line between genuine emotional expression and the performative aspects of celebrity culture?

BOXING

Mike Tyson urges Biden to free thousands locked up over cannabis: ‘Right these wrongs’

The former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson has urged Joe Biden to follow through on his commitment to “correct our country’s failed approach to marijuana” and give clemency to the thousands of nonviolent cannabis offenders still languishing in federal lockups.

“President Biden has the power to effect real change – he can right these wrongs and grant clemency to those who are sitting in prison for cannabis offenses,” Tyson told the Guardian. “We know the failed war on drugs was wrong and no one should be sitting in jail for cannabis. It’s time our country moves forward and end cannabis prohibition once and for all.”

UPDATE ;“I’m the Best Ever”: Bruce ‘Shu Shu’ Carrington Pays Homage to Mike Tyson After Victory

In a video for Reeform, a campaigning cannabis brand founded by Weldon Angelos, who served a 13-year prison sentence for selling less than $1,000 worth of cannabis before he was granted clemency in 2016, Tyson said it beggared belief that people were doing “murderers’ time” for trafficking a “mild medicine”.

The White House will receive a letter on Tuesday penned by Tyson, a cannabis advocate and entrepreneur, which says it is high time the authorities reconcile with communities, including poor people and people of color, who have paid the heavy cost of the US’s so-called drug war.

Even for those who sold cannabis and are now free, their criminal records are often a serious impediment to finding work.

“The war on marijuana is over, Mr President, as seen in legalization efforts across the country and in polls showing that most Americans oppose marijuana prohibition,” Tyson wrote in the letter to Biden. “Through a categorical clemency grant you can declare an end to federal warfare on our own people and mark a new era based on peace and prosperity.”

Tyson’s letter comes after the rappers Drake, Killer Mike and a host of other chart-topping artists told Biden in a letter in 2021 that, “Enough is enough. No one should be locked up in federal prison for non-violent marijuana offenses.”

In 2019, Jerry Haymon, a former college football player, was federally sentenced to 10 years for distributing large amounts of cannabis, despite his home state of California having legalized medical cannabis in 1996. The state sanctioned recreational sales in 2016.

BOXING

WATCH: Terence Crawford Comes Across ‘Crazy’ Dude in Walmart

Terence Crawford might not get to meet Canelo Alvarez in the ring anytime soon, but he met someone who he claims is a “Crazy” dude. The update comes after the Mexican Superstar shut down any chances of a fight between him and ‘Bud’ Crawford. However, the question is, who is this person Crawford claims to have met?

Terence Crawford visits Walmart

Turning to Instagram, the Omaha, Nebraska resident shared a couple of clips while shopping in Walmart. In the clip, ‘Bud’ Crawford can be seen filming himself while a strange individual can be seen walking with him. Crawford captioned the first clip, “This dude crazy but I love em.” Meanwhile, the unknown individual starts blabbering something.

rts out the person next to Crawford. Later, explaining the situation, the undefeated boxer claimed, “He [is] following me around Walmart, man, messing with me!” The incident didn’t seem to annoy the champion too much, but he remarked, “That’s why I never come to Walmart, man.” He even added, “That’s why you separate yourself from people like that, man.” The incident aside, here’s what Canelo said about a fight against Crawford.

Canelo Alvarez distances himself from Crawford

Since ‘Bud’ dominantly defeated Errol Spence Jr last year, he has been vehemently calling for a scrap against Canelo Alvarez! However, despite becoming the undisputed king in the welterweight division, Canelo doesn’t seem to see him as worthy of his time. What’s more, Canelo will fight on May 4 in Las Vegas against an American. However, the identity remains a mystery, which led Box Azteca to question Canelo whether the opponent would be Terence Crawford.

JUST IN ;Keyshawn Davis Accuses Canelo Alvarez of Making “Excuses” to Not Fight Terence Crawford

And the answer was a swift “No!” When the money side of the fight was brought up by the host in the interview, Canelo had an answer for that, too! “Yes, but they’re going to criticize me… and that’s it, they love it,” said Canelo. He further added, “I have everything to lose and nothing to gain because if I win, they’ll say, ‘Oh, he was too small, and everything!”

While the boxing world ponders who Terence Crawford may face next, Crawford’s encounter with this random man gave his followers an update on what’s going on with the champion. What did you think about the strange encounter?

BOXING

“I’m Not Ryan Garcia”: Keith Thurman Cautions Gervonta Davis of the “Challenge” if They Ever Fight

Keith Thurman isn’t Ryan Garcia. But why does he stress this? Garcia, once undefeated, met his match in Gervonta Davis during their historic April 2023 bout. A brutal body shot in the seventh round sealed Garcia’s fate, marking his first professional loss in a dramatic fashion. It wasn’t just a loss; it was a pivotal moment where Ryan faced a significant setback in his rising career.

Keith Thurman believes Ryan Garcia had immaturity going into the Tank fight

In the heart of a revealing interview with ESNews, Keith Thurman sheds light on his perspective, offering a critical view of Ryan Garcia’s defeat at the hands of Gervonta Davis. Thurman suggests, “It was evident that Ryan Garcia had immaturity going into that fight, okay? We know this in boxing, that even with talent, you should groom him, right? He had skills, but he was not well-groomed, and it was evident in the performance.”

Furthermore, Thurman distinguishes himself from Garcia, stating, “Keith Thurman is solid, solidified, well-groomed, and that’s why I said I’m not a Ryan Garcia. No disrespect to Ryan Garcia.” This declaration not only highlights Thurman’s confidence in his own preparation and mental fortitude but also sets the stage for the interviewer’s next question, which directly addresses the potential of a fight between Thurman and Davis.

Responding to whether he could beat Tank Davis, Thurman confidently replies, “Oh, I mean, it’s the Thurman test. If you can beat me, beat me. But boy, is it going to be a challenge.” Through this conversation, Thurman articulates a clear message: he is a different breed of fighter, one who is not only aware of his own capabilities but also keenly observant of the nuances that separate the champions from the contenders.

RELATED ;Floyd Mayweather Sr Reveals ‘The Truth’ About Sparring Session Between Devin Haney and Gervonta Davis in a Resurfaced Video

Ryan and Davis’ fans might think that Keith Thurman is just yapping here, but they aren’t the only ones. Tim Tszyu, who is set to fight Thurman on March 30 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, also thinks that Thurman talks a bit too much.

Tim Tszyu didn’t hold back when responding to Keith Thurman’s comments about him, questioning the logic behind his statements. “I’m not sure what he’s implying there. Maybe he thinks I’m easy to hit?” Tszyu retorted. Tszyu further dissected Thurman’s character, stating, “The guy doesn’t think before he speaks. He’s just a little yapper.”

UPDATE ;He cannot hit hard Ryan Garcia opens up on the power of Gervonta Davis

He drew parallels between Thurman’s pre-fight antics with Manny Pacquiao and his current behavior. “And I’ve always found the bigger the dog, the less they bark. But Chihuahuas, they’re [going to] yap. It’s all for show,” Tszyu added, painting Thurman as more bark than bite in the buildup to their potential showdown.

When words turn into punches, who will have the last word? Will Thurman’s experience and self-assuredness prevail, or will Tszyu’s determination and critique of Thurman’s approach prove to be the winning formula?

BOXING

Floyd Mayweather vs. Tommy Hearns: Former World Champ Uses Deontay Wilder Example to End the Debate

On November 19, 2005, Floyd Mayweather Jr. fought his first welterweight fight. Four months later, he would win his first championship belt in the division. But in that duration, on February 4, 2006, an era came to an end. One of the greatest boxers in history, Thomas Hearns, finally hung up his gloves.

Mayweather Jr. retired nearly a decade later. But many can’t help but pose an intriguing question. Towards the twilight years of his career, Hearns fought in the cruiserweight and lightweight divisions. However, he commenced his career as a welterweight. So what would have happened if the two greats had collided as 147-pounders? Who would have won? A former champion seems certain of the route this gripping square-off would have taken.

JUST IN ;Bill Haney Fires Shots at Floyd Mayweather for His “Big Boys” Bodyguards, Warns Ryan Garcia

However, the fact remains that, like Deontay Wilder, he possessed that fatal right hand. And like the former heavyweight champion, Hearns was completely aware of how to use it for maximum benefits. More so, he had an amazing mix of both power and speed.

Hence, in a nutshell, Thomas ‘Hitman’ Hearns would have won the match hands-down. “…but he knew what he was doing. A lot like, uh, Deontay Wilder. He just had this feeling on when to let that right hand go; um, he knew how to set it up, uh. He had speed; he, I mean clearly, he had power; yeah, ‘Hitman’ wins that fight. It is what it is,” said Shawn Porter.

Additionally, it should be noted that for all his lower-division appearance, Hearns was a six-footer with a 78-inch reach. The features helped him leverage his advantage subsequently in upper divisions such as super middleweight and light heavyweight. A masterful Mayweather Jr. would have successfully evaded and dodged ‘The Hitman’s scathing attacks. But then it would have become a question of—for how long, given the latter’s ferocity?

BOXING

Tyson Fury vs Oleksand Usyk: Who wins? Will Anthony Joshua be champ again? Delicious Orie’s heavyweight predictions

GB super-heavyweight Delicious Orie on the big questions: Who will win the Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk undisputed clash? Will Anthony Joshua become a world champion once again? Can Frazer Clarke win the British heavyweight title? And who will win the Olympic super-heavyweight gold medal?

Who will become the undisputed champion when Tyson Fury fights Oleksandr Usyk?

Delicious Orie said: “I think Tyson Fury just about edges it. I’m not taking anything away from Usyk. If Fury turns up mentally I feel like he’s the heavyweight to beat and I feel like it will be very difficult to beat a heavyweight like Tyson Fury.”

Can Anthony Joshua become a champion again before the end of the year?

DO: “Of course I do believe he can become a champion. He’s got the heart of a lion. He’s always been somebody that I’ve looked up to. I feel like, whenever he’s performing or talking, there’s a bit of me in there. I can feel it. He’s got that real lion in him. So I do believe he has what it takes.

“The coming up is easier than staying there and being able to manage yourself and not really manage the money and not be too comfortable. That’s the hard bit. Fair play to him, he’s doing his thing.”

Can Frazer Clarke become the British heavyweight champion?

DO: “I hope so. If there’s one person I want to see British champion it’s Frazer Clarke. I’ve always said this. I’ve done so many rounds with Frazer Clarke and he’s the one who’s got me from that domestic scene to that international scene.