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Floyd Mayweather was undefeated in his boxing career, but he faced one huge loss outside the ring that he couldn’t overcome.

It has been less than a year since Floyd lost his personal assistant, Marikit ‘Kitchie’ Laurico, but the pain still troubles him, as he shared in a tear-jerking personal interview with The Pivot Podcast.

Mayweather remembers dead assistant Kitchie

When asked how the losses of people he loved affected him, the 46-year-old initially said “we don’t wanna talk about that” before gathering himself and saying “we’re gonna get through this.”

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

A lonely tear rolled down Floyd’s left cheek as he began to remember his best friend Kitchie, who knew him better than anyone else. She passed away unexpectedly in March 2023.

“People really wouldn’t understand that people like your drivers and your assistants are your best friend,” he said to Pivot hosts Ryan Clark and Channing Crowder, who were also moved to tears by his vulnerability.

Floyd Mayweather and His Musician Friends: Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey &  More | Billboard

“Kitchie was the only person in life that I could talk about anything to. That knew my deepest secrets.”

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

Mayweather’s reflections revealed the side of fame that is not understood by many people who don’t live it. It is hard to trust people, even family members and partners. The assistant that he spent every day with was a sanctuary for the 15-time world champ.

Fans react to seeing new side of Floyd Mayweather

The emotional interview came as a shock to many fans, who had never seen that side of Mayweather, who is more widely known for his cocky attitude and flashy displays of wealth.

Boxing: Is Floyd Mayweather running out of money? | Marca

“First time seeing seeing Floyd this vulnerable,” said a user on Twitter/X.

“Need more raw content like this instead of everyone trying to be a fake gangsta,” another fan commented under the interview.

Former world champion Anthony Joshua (27-3, 24 KO) admitted that he was not surprised by the problems encountered by WBC titleholder Tyson Fury (34-0-1, 24 KO) against Francis Ngannou last October.

AJ notes that some people refer to the 35-year-old Fury as the “greatest,” but he does not share that view.

READ MORE ;Oleksandr Usyk has clause to fight Filip Hrgovic on May 18 if Tyson Fury pulls out again

“I’ve watched Tyson Fury fight many times – people claim he’s the greatest, but I think if I were to box Tyson Fury, the fight would be much like facing Ngannou,” said Joshua.

Joshua had his last fight in December against Sweden’s Otto Wallin. Anthony won by technical knockout in the fifth round.

Anthony Joshua accepts terms for fight with Tyson Fury in December | UK  News | Sky News

Earlier, Ngannou compared Joshua and Fury, expressing doubts about AJ’s ability to take a punch.

SHOCKED boxing fans declared there is no way Anthony Joshua can knock out Francis Ngannou – after the Cameroonian showed off his insane physique.

The former UFC heavyweight champ steps into the boxing ring for a second time next month when he takes on AJ in Saudi Arabia.

After massively scaring Tyson Fury in October, he is confident of causing plenty of problems for Joshua.

And supporters are inclined to agree following the veteran’s latest Instagram post.

READ MORE ;Tyson Fury vs Oleksand Usyk: Who wins? Will Anthony Joshua be champ again? Delicious Orie heavyweight predictions

Hulking Ngannou, 37, shared a video to his 6.6million followers of his trainer repeatedly slamming a weighted wall ball against his set of rock-solid abs in the gym.

The fighter remains unmoved in his training shorts with a towel around his neck and headphones on.

Ngannou captioned the clip: “My face when they said that I don’t belong in boxing. Not born different, built different.”

Anthony Joshua Uses Fury's Ordeal To Play Down On Ngannou's Punch

And that prompted a wave of responses with his followers feeling ominous for Joshua’s chances on March 8.

One said: “AJ ain’t knocking that thing out I’m sorry.”

Another wrote: “Only way you are beating this man is on points.”

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

A fifth commented: “Legend says they had to add cement on the ball cause he was breaking them all.”

A sixth responded: “AJ better aim for the face or win on points.”

A seventh quipped: “Lmao couldn’t pay me to fight this man.”

I've heard he doesn't have a chin' – Francis Ngannou questions Anthony  Joshua's punch resistance with KO talk | talkSPORT

An eighth claimed: “Francis is too strong for boxing.”

ninth put: “Absolute beast.”

RELATED ;Nate Diaz vows to f*** up Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury in X-rated rant

And a final user simply labelled him a “tank”.

However, AJ fans sent a similar chilling warning to Ngannou after he posted his own content from inside his training camp.

Lewis Hamilton “most motivated and focused I’ve ever been” as he targets a strong final Mercedes season; Sky F1 podcast panel discuss what Lewis’ final season at team might be like; watch pre-season testing live from Wednesday at 7am on Sky Sports F1

Lewis Hamilton has described it as being “the greatest honour” if he was able to help take Mercedes back to the top of Formula 1 in his final season at the team before moving to Ferrari.

Speaking in an interview released by Mercedes from their Silverstone car launch Hamilton said: “I feel the most motivated and focused I’ve ever been.

“I mean every year you come back and you’re like ‘I’m fitter than ever’ and all these different things but I genuinely feel I’ve put more work and more time and more focus into preparation this year.

READ MORE ;Hamilton blocked from Ferrari dream as Red Bull change Horner investigation plans

“I never thought that at this point in my life that I would have hunger like I do right now and to finish on a high with this team, it would be a dream.

“We’ve gone through a whole heap together so to finish on a high it would be the greatest honour to be able to help them to get back to the top.”

After briefly driving the team’s all-new W15 for the first time in a shakedown at a wet Silverstone after its launch last week, Hamilton’s 12th and final season at Mercedes will begin in earnest this week with three days of pre-season in Bahrain on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday – live on Sky Sports F1 from 7am each day.

Lewis Hamilton's simple criteria for continuing Formula 1 career revealed :  PlanetF1

Hamilton and Mercedes have cemented their places in record books during an astonishing partnership since the Briton joined the team from McLaren in 2013, with the 39-year-old becoming statistically the most successful driver of all time.

But they now enter a 24-race new season with the unusual situation of already knowing they are going their separate ways in 10 months’ time. Ferrari face the same scenario with Carlos Sainz, who Hamilton will replace.

In the latest edition of the Sky Sports F1 podcast after the completion of the car launches, Martin Brundle said: “I have no doubt he will give it absolutely everything he’s got until the last lap of the last race in Abu Dhabi for Mercedes-Benz.

“He will be wearing those overalls, holding that steering wheel, representing 1,500 people. If everybody is smart in that, and I think they are all very smart people, and they have had such a wonderful relationship together, I think they will see it as a farewell tour.

“I think that’s how they should and will treat it, and then wish him farewell and hope that he loses in a Ferrari!”

Lewis Hamilton: Mercedes driver bullish on F1 future, 'with plenty left in  the tank' after 300th race | F1 News | Sky Sports

But Brundle also believes the impending split means will inevitably mean that, at some point in the year, Ferrari-bound Hamilton will have to be exempt from certain meetings related to the future with team-mate George Russell the only one staying on at Brackley into 2025.

“You’ve got this transition point where Lewis will stop being invited to meetings, will not understand what’s going on with development of the car in the simulator, and the team consciously, subconsciously will favour George, they’ve got to.”

Simon Lazenby, who joined Brundle and Rachel Brookes on the podcast alongside host Matt Baker, said: “The thing is with Lewis is it’s an exceptional case, isn’t it?”

“At the end of the day, it’s Lewis, and Lewis has brought everything to Mercedes therefore they kind of do owe him a little bit.

“I think they owe him everything really and they probably owe him the respect that he deserves to treat him like the great champion that he is for the time that he has remaining at Mercedes.

When Lewis Hamilton Protested by Leaving the Podium With Winners Cap After  Stewards Penalized Him - The SportsRush

“Martin’s right, and he’ll know more because he has driven in the sport, has been around it and knows when they switch off the information to the outgoing driver, but as far as he [Hamilton] is concerned… it’s about how he’ll get through the season, he’ll know early on whether he has got a car to compete for the championship and that could be the key.

“If he does, they’ll have to rally around whoever is the best driver again.”

Tennis players need to follow a strict diet to always be on top of their game. Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic is already known to be a stalwart in the field, who maintained a great fitness and dietary regime. Much like Djokovic, the Italian tennis star and the world’s number-one player, Jannik Sinner also expressed a huge dedication to his lifestyle.

Previously Sinner spoke about his diet plans before the semi-finals of the Miami Open in 2021. He mentioned how a little snack in the evening doesn’t hurt the fitness requirement of the players. Now he impressed his fans by revealing a Djokovic-like focus on his health and fitness.

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

Recently, in an interview, Sinner candidly opened up about being structured and focused on maintaining his health. That is why he chose to limit his celebratory moments in between the hectic schedules of tournaments. Sinner said– “Right now I’m 100% careful about it. For example: on Sunday I played the final, the next day I flew to Italy and the following morning I immediately went to the gym. I didn’t celebrate excessively, I didn’t drink, because it’s not good for the body. We went to eat something and then I went back to the hotel.”

Australian Open: Novak Djokovic's bid for 25th Grand Slam ended by Jannik  Sinner in semi-finals | Tennis News | Sky Sports

Previously, Sinner explained his dietary habits to the fans. He mentioned- “Honestly, for me, it’s not important so much what I am eating. I am just trying to somehow, when I have to eat carbohydrates or protein, just trying being in like the biggest or easiest food. It’s very simple. It’s not that if I am going to eat dessert in the evening, I am going to lose the match the day after. That’s for sure not what we think. A dessert in the evening, I’m always eating.”

JUST IN ;Novak Djokovic returns: he hits the practice courts for the first time since being eliminated from the Australian Open

Jannik Sinner also mentioned that during extremely hot temperatures, this Italian tennis prodigy prefers to change his food habits a bit and eat better. He thinks this is how he has been able to maintain his performance in extremely hot conditions of the Australian Open tournaments. Sinner’s dedication to fitness and lifestyle reminded fans of Novak Djokovic, who once responded to Navratilova by saying that he doesn’t drink alcohol. Djokovic also mentioned that he hadn’t had beer for years.

Only Novak Djokovic is superior to Jannik Sinner', believes former ATP pro

Sinner’s statement brought fans the memories of Novak Djokovic. If Djokovic can perform such great at the age of thirty-six following this routine, Sinner will see more health benefits in the future.

Eight weeks is all it would take for Manny Pacquiao 62-8-2 (39) to be ready to face consensus pound-for-pound number one boxer in the world Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford 40-0 (31).

That is the view if the 45-year-old Filipino legend’s longtime strength and conditioning coach Justin Fortune.

Pacquiao, who has not boxed professionally since losing his WBA junior middleweight title to Yordenis Ugas on points in August 2021, had been angling for a spot on the Philippines Olympic team, something he missed out on as a youth.

READ MORE ;Everything to lose and nothing to gain’ – Canelo Alvarez insists there’s no chance he will fight Terence Crawford

“From the beginning, I went to Manila to be part of the Philippine team, but I wasn’t picked, I was rejected… because they said I was not good,” Pacquiao said in an interview last year.

“My heart and desire is to claim a gold medal in the Olympics.”

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) backed his bid for selection, despite the cut-off age being 40, and lodged a special request with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to allow the former eight-division world champion to box.

Manny Pacquiao camp denies Terrence Crawford fight on the table

 

The IOC announced this week they would not be allowing Pacquiao an exemption to box.

The IOC decision was not expected until March, with Pacquiao advisor Sean Gibbons recently telling World Boxing News that the Olympics remained the senator’s primary focus, while hinting that they would consider all other reasonable offers.

“If the right opportunity comes up for Manny, we will look at it. But we are also waiting on the Olympic decision,” Gibbons said.

RELATED ;Manny Pacquiao Ready ‘in 8 Weeks’ For the Terence Crawford ‘Fight of The Century’

“We expect the decision to be made on Manny fighting at the Olympics in March. We will see if we can get that before deciding on other fights.”

All of this leads us to Crawford, the 36-year-old former two-weight undisputed champion and current WBC, WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine welterweight champion from Omaha, Nebraska.

 

Pacquiao vs Crawford could happen in 2023, analyst believes | GMA News  Online

 

Crawford has not boxed since becoming the undisputed 147-pound champion of the world with his ninth-round knockout of Errol Spence Jr last July.

Last week coach Fortune said he would fancy Pacquiao’s chances against Crawford and that it wouldn’t take him long to prepare for the fight.

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

“He was a gym rat. I could pull him back into shape for Crawford in eight weeks. Of course, we’ll need to know when to push him or pull back because of his age,” Fortune said.

“Manny has a 50 percent chance of winning because he’s still a freak athlete and it wouldn’t take much to pull him into shape.

After $21 Million Feat Against Errol Spence Jr., Terence Crawford Drops a  Confession to Joe Rogan on Manny Pacquiao Fight That Eluded Him Throughout  His Career - EssentiallySports

“The power he has is a gift from God, he hasn’t lost his power. Manny has never ducked anyone.

 

“He’s always fought the best, and not saying [Floyd] Mayweather’s not the best, but he’s old.

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

“I’d prefer Manny to come back and prove himself against a current world champion like Crawford.

“That’s a massive payday and guess what, it’s a 50-50 fight.”

There have been many great fighters over the years, but very few have had as much impact as Gervonta Davis. His undefeated record is evidence of his skills. Davis has not fought since he defeated Ryan Garcia in April last year. While he did have an offer to fight Devin Haney, Tank rejected the offer, claiming to want at least a few Ferraris from the Saudis as a gift for making the fight.

However, after Conor Benn defeated Peter Dobson earlier this month, Davis responded to Benn and asked him to make him an offer for a fight. Eddie Hearn, elated by the discourse, even sent Tank an offer worth about $15 million dollars. But it seems now that their fight will not be taking place. Let us find out why.

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

Boxing reporter, Michael Benson revealed some important news regarding the matter. Benson wrote, “Eddie Hearn has revealed that Gervonta Davis has not accepted their offer for the Conor Benn fight as things stand,”. According to Benson, Hearn has revealed that Davis has rejected their fight offer for Conor Benn. While the reasons remain unknown, it is sad that the two will not be fighting.

Gervonta Davis vs. Conor Benn: Eddie Hearn confirms the fight is a 'done'  deal | Marca

Benson proceeded by adding, “So they are now in talks with Danny Garcia, as well as four/five other potential opponents for Benn’s next fight,” revealing that Hearn has talked of a plausible fight against Danny Garcia and many other fighters for Conor Benn. Considering Benn’s notoriety, Ring Magazine’s trainer of the year, Bob Santos put his thoughts on Conor Benn, fighting his pupil, Mario Barrios.

Mario Barrios, the WBC World Interim welterweight champion, was called out by Conor Benn. Bob Santos, his trainer, gave his thoughts on the matter. Bob Santos believes that Conor Benn vs. Mario Barrios will be a challenging bout, possibly even more so than Conor Benn vs. IBF welterweight champion Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis.

UPDATE ;Roy Jones Jr. Suggests Gervonta Davis Should Fight Haney, Stevenson Before They Outgrow Him

“Either fight would be a difficult fight, but that is what Mario Barrios has always been about. He has been about challenges,” said Santos. He proceeded to say, “One thing I like about Mario Barrios is he is a guy who never made excuses.” Santos believes it will be a challenging fight for both opponents. However, it remains to be seen if a fight between the two will in fact happen.

I love the fight' - Eddie Hearn talks up a potential Conor Benn vs Gervonta  Davis fight for 2023 amid their social media spat | talkSPORT

Do you think Gervonta Davis had a specific reason for rejecting the offer against Conor Benn?

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​​.

READ MORE ;Joseph Parker Shoots Down Deontay Wilder Travel Claim For Performance

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​​.

Joseph Parker shocks Deontay Wilder in heavyweight upset | Boxing News |  Sky Sports

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.

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.

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

Corrales picked himself off the deck twice in the tenth to deliver a thunderous flurry that knocked Castillo out on his feet in a conclusion that not even Sylvester Stallone could have written any better.

Castillo would exact his revenge in the rematch later that year when he stopped his fierce rival in the fourth round.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. launches The Money Team Racing | NASCAR

Any chance of a rubber match was snatched away from them when two years after their first fight Corrales died in a motorcycle accident.

Castillo, meanwhile, continued his career until 2014, eventually retiring with a record of 66-13 (57KOs).

The fights with Corrales may have been Castillo’s most notable nights in the paid ranks but ‘El Terrible’ insists Mayweather is the best he’s ever faced.

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.

Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao: Money Behind the Fight of the Century  – The Hollywood Reporter

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.

 

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.

READ MORE ;Oleksandr Usyk has clause to fight Filip Hrgovic on May 18 if Tyson Fury pulls out again

As a result of his strong performance against Fury, Ngannou has now landed another super-fight despite his 0-1 record, taking on another British heavyweight sensation Anthony Joshua, in just over two weeks’ time.

However, in the DAZN face-off ahead of their battle, Joshua dismissed Ngannou’s jaw-dropping knockdown, whilst responding to the Cameroonian’s belief that he will not be able to recover as well as Fury did if he too hits the canvas.

Anthony Ogogo advises Tyson Fury to take on Anthony Joshua next rather than  Oleksandr Usyk | talkSPORT