boxing Archives - Page 26 of 64

Things are starting to happen at the top of the heavyweight division as a huge card approaches on December 23 featuring Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder – just not against one another.

It plays out in Saudi Arabia and will see Wilder fight Joseph Parker, Daniel Dubois versus Jarrell Miller and Joshua versus Otto Wallin amongst several other big fights.

Wilder is stepping into the ring after a long layoff since beating Robert Helenius with a first-round knockout back in October 2022, which itself was his first fight since the second of two losses in his Tyson Fury trilogy in October 2021.

Joshua against Wallin meanwhile will be the Brit’s third fight this year and the hope is that, should he and Wilder both come through their tests, the pair can meet in the ring next after many years of back and forth.

The chances of that were given a huge boost recently when the WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman suggested that fight could be to decide a mandatory challenger.

Speaking on The Last Stand, Wilder was asked what needs to happen in their next fights for him to finally fight Joshua and he remained open to it no matter the outcome.

Whilst he said he would fight the Brit ‘win lose or draw’, he does expect him to beat Wallin.

“It may even happen win, lose or draw. Of course, if we win it makes it that bit more interesting and better on paper. I think he’s gonna win, I’m definitely gonna win.”

He then expressed his desire to meet Joshua but cautioned he has to take care of his own business first.

“We can finally get this fight on once and for all, that is the plan. I’m looking forward to doing what I have to do on December 23, that’s my main focus right now.”

For many months this year Wilder was also linked with former Joshua foe, Andy Ruiz, but has now said the Mexican-American is ‘on the shelf’ and out of the picture.

BOXING

Praised by Mike Tyson Himself, Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz Receives Scathing Response From Gervonta Davis Following Recent Call-Out

Getting the legend, Mike Tyson to not only acknowledge but also compare a fighter to himself is not a feat just about anyone can achieve. However, Isaac Cruz, the fighter from Mexico, made it possible.

Post Ryan Garcia‘s loss against Gervonta Davis, he saved his career by defeating Oscar Duarte. After the fight between Garcia and Duarte, Cruz in an Instagram story, tagged Davis and Garcia both with a picture of himself pointing toward the camera. This was nothing short of a call-out by the fighter. Davis has made sure to respond to it.

The feud between Cruz and Davis traces back to December 2012. Davis ascended to boxing stardom fueled by explosive knockouts and the backing of mentor Floyd Mayweather. Cruz, a late replacement for Rolando Romero, proved skeptics wrong as he presented “Tank” with a formidable challenge on short notice. The bout at Los Angeles’ Staples Center unfolded as a closely contested 12-round affair, contrary to expectations. Despite the tough competition, Davis narrowly secured a unanimous decision victory, showcasing the unanticipated difficulty of the matchup.

Davis reposted the story on his Instagram, but not without adding a hard-hitting response of his own. “I beat yo a** with one hand rock head,” wrote Davis suggesting it would barely demand any effort from his side to end the argument with Cruz once and for all. Possibly, we will soon get to see whether the claims are true or not.

Fans have been demanding a rematch between the duo for a while now. Fortunately, it might finally materialize. According to recent reports, the rematch between Davis and Cruz is scheduled for the official launch of the PBC on AMAZON in early 2024. American boxer Gervonta “Tank” Davis will once again face Mexican boxer Isaac Jonathan Cruz.

The exact date and venue for the rematch will be disclosed in the coming weeks. Gervonta Davis maintains an undefeated record, while Cruz has encountered two losses, one of which was against Davis in 2021. Popularly known as the Pitbull, Cruz surprised many with an outstanding performance in their previous encounter, displaying a formidable fight that pushed Gervonta to his limits.

BOXING

“I Never Dreamt in 100 Years I’d Be Doing This”: With Over $160 Million Partnership, Once Bankrupt Mike Tyson Credits “Divine Intervention” for His Revived Success

In a surprising twist, boxing legend Mike Tyson now champions a realm far from the ring. With a venture valued over $160 million, Tyson’s pivot is startling. Once grappling with bankruptcy, he credits an unexpected source for this turnaround: divine intervention. Tyson, known for his ferocity in boxing, reveals a softer, more reflective side.

Transitioning from the boxing ring to the cannabis industry, Mike Tyson’s journey is as compelling as it is unexpected. His latest venture, Tyson 2.0, has catapulted him into a new realm of success, with a partnership now valued at over $160 million. This marks a stark contrast to his past financial struggles, highlighting a remarkable turnaround.

In his candid conversation with Sports Director Bryan Salmond, Tyson’s enthusiasm for his new endeavor was palpable. “Hey, listen, it was some divine intervention,” Tyson expressed. He continued, “I never dreamt in 100 years I would be doing this and thank god that I am.” This humility and gratitude underscore a significant shift from his former image. He attributes much of his success to the people around him, saying, “I have a good team around me. It’s the biggest factor in this whole situation, I have a really good team.”

Tyson’s entry into the cannabis market is more than just a business decision. It is a personal journey that began with his support of the plant’s many health benefits. Through Tyson 2.0, he’s advancing a way of life that he fervently believes in alongside developing a brand. In the same interview Tyson also talked about his alcohol addiction. Dive deeper to find that out!

In the same eye-opening segment with Sports Editor Bryan Salmond, Mike Tyson, revealed a more vulnerable side of his past. While discussing his successful cannabis venture, Tyson 2.0, the conversation shifted to his personal struggles during his boxing years. Surprisingly, Tyson confessed that he wasn’t using cannabis at the time but battled severe alcoholism. “I would drink like a fish; I was a full-blown alcoholic,” he admitted.

He also recognized the irony in his choices, saying, “the alcohol is legal, so you’re not doing anything bad in your mind, but killing yourself.” This candid revelation highlights Tyson’s ongoing journey as a recovering addict, a stark contrast to his public persona and a revelation that might startle many fans.

As Tyson continues to navigate his new path with Tyson 2.0, his story serves as a reminder of the power of reinvention and the importance of confronting one’s past. How often do we overlook the struggles behind a public figure’s success?

BOXING

If We Have Learned Anything From Floyd Mayweather, Devin Haney’s Decision To Vacate All Titles at Lightweight Maybe Sudden but a Smart Move Especially Financially

Being a champion comes with costs, and more so if you hold multiple titles. It’s not only the mandatory challengers that you have to brush aside but also some chunk of your purse. The uphill task becomes tiresome and troublesome when you harbor ambitions like Devin Haney. He recently caught the boxing world by surprise when he relinquished his 135-pound titles ahead of his December 9 fight against Regis Prograis. It all started with Floyd Mayweather, and ‘The Dream’ has followed in his footsteps with his gutsy but smart decision.

When ‘Money’ let go of his titles weeks after defeating Manny Pacquiao in 2015 and collecting the undisputed label in the Welterweight division, it caused an uproar. While he justified his decision by calling himself “not greedy” and giving “other fighters a chance,” it was all about money. A few years down the line, he tried to impart the same wisdom to Devin Haney.

In August, Mayweather, now a promoter, suggested to Haney that he give up titles and stick to only one belt and keep it defending. The reason? To not shell out a fight purse percentage to pay the sanctioning fees. The American boxer-turned-promoter told Fight Hype, “Let’s relinquish these titles, pay one sanctioning fee and keep it moving. Keep defending your title. Why pay four sanctioning fees?”

Skills pay the bills, according to Mayweather, and he believed Devin had proved his mettle in the Lightweight division. He added, “I’m not knocking the different sanctioning bodies. Is it really about the belts, the money or both? I think it’s about both. But there has to be boundaries for certain things.”

The boundaries Mayweather hinted towards were the 2-3% sanctioning fees WBO, WBA, WBC, and IBF charge whenever there is a title on the line. There are too many belts and too many champions, and the trend of undisputed or unified champions proves to be a costly affair. Is it worth having multiple straps eating dust and having to pay a fee whenever you take those out?

Sanctioning fees that act as a stumbling block

The boxing world decries and bemoans champions for not chasing other champions and running away to unify titles. However, the boxing community is unaware of the fact that for every belt a champion holds, there is a sanctioning fee. “This is not good for the sport of boxing,” Mayweather once expressed to Showtime Boxing.

Devin Haney has saved himself a fortune by ceding away his titles. And he is not the first to circumvent the rule. Mayweather, in 2010, demanded that his fight with Shane Mosley not be for the WBA title so that he could avoid a sanctioning fee of $675,000 or 3% of his $22.5 million base purse. WBO stripped him in 2015 for refusing to pay a $200,000 sanctioning fee after he snatched it from Pacquiao.

Moreover, André Ward and Anthony Joshua have made their distaste for sanctioning fees known. The British fighter had paid almost $1 million to the sanctioning bodies after his 2018 fight with Joseph Parker. Therefore, for Haney, the decision was a no-brainer, as he had specified his intent to move up for some time now.

Devin Haney avoids the troubles of shuffling divisions

Haney has struggled with weight-cutting issues and a move to 140 pounds and then, depending on the result, to the 147-pound division. “When I’m making 135, I have to work out every single day. Two to three times a day. I can’t ever let my body rest, and going into the fight, I feel depleted,” the 25-year-old told the NY Times.

The San Francisco native wants to reign supreme in three weight divisions, and holding onto Lightweight titles only gave him psychological comfort. He could come down if he fails against Regis Prograis. But he chose to ensure he didn’t keep the division hostage to his ambitions. Haney wants to have the luxury to carve his boxing legacy and path, and holding the lightweight belts would have shackled him. That’s what Mayweather did. Keep winning, pay one sanction fee, and keep it moving.

BOXING

“Killing Yourself”: Years After It Almost Took His Life, Mike Tyson Opens Up About His Alcohol Addiction

During an emotional press conference in New York a couple of years ago, former Heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson candidly admitted to deceiving his friends about maintaining sobriety. In a raw revelation, Tyson expressed the severity of his struggle, confessing that he was “on the verge of dying” due to his battles with alcoholism.

Again in a recent interview, Mike Tyson talked about how he never really did cannabis during his fight days, however, he drank a lot of alcohol. Besides that, he has also touched on the topic of quitting his addiction to cigarettes, once it got between his training and fight routine. And, the legendary boxer has also cited the reason it was difficult for him to quit alcohol.

In a candid conversation with Sports Editor Bryan Salmond, Tyson talked about the flourishing business of his cannabis line named Tyson 2.0. Then, the reporter also asked him if his use of these products had helped him improve inside the boxing ring. At that moment, Tyson said, “But I would drink like a fish, I was a full-blown alcoholic, and then I learnt that the smoking, I shouldn’t be doing this if I’m fighting. You know, the alcohol is legal so you’re not doing anything bad in your mind but killing yourself.”

So, Tyson has been quite vocal about his addictions and how he’s always tried to overcome them. It’ll be surprising for some of the fans to know that Tyson still considers himself to be a recovering addict.

In an interview with NORE and DJ EFN on Drink Champs, ‘Iron Mike’ Tyson openly acknowledged his ongoing battle as a “recovering drug addict and alcoholic.” Tyson’s struggles, well-documented over the years, reflect a personal journey he is actively seeking to overcome. In a stark self-reflection, Tyson identified his aggressiveness and closed-mindedness as formidable adversaries in his quest for personal growth.

Expressing a desire to transform into a “good person,” the former universal monarch acknowledged the need for reinvention in the aftermath of various controversies. So, it’s difficult to say if ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet’ is successful in leaving his addiction completely or not.

BOXING

Despite Over $160 Million Success, ‘Striving’ Mike Tyson “Not Satisfied” With International Venture Partnership

It’s been two whole decades since Mike Tyson filed for bankruptcy. One might have assumed that his time in the public had reached its closure then. But, proving people wrong, through the years, he rose again, started an entirely new business, and aced it. The business currently has a $160 million base. However, despite the success he’s amassed, he remains dissatisfied.

In a conversation with sports anchor Bryan Salmond, Tyson delved into his cannabis business and the success it has amassed. His brand is one of the biggest to deal in legalized marijuana products. Yet, Tyson noted that he has more distance to navigate with the brand. He said, “I am happy but I am not satisfied. Still, some stuff I wanna do.” When Salmond asked Mike if he thought he was still striving, the boxing legend nodded in affirmation.

Tyson is not one to rest. Apart from Tyson 2.0, the legendary heavyweight has his footings in multiple avenues. One of them remains his successful podcast, Hotboxin with Mike Tyson. In the conversation with Salmond, Tyson revealed that he is currently taking a sabbatical from the podcast to focus more on his business front.

Iron Mike wants his brand to reach more states in the country, and have it percolate internationally. These efforts include his newest international partnership with InterCure to take his products to Israel. He has also furthered his wings in Amsterdam with a one-of-its-kind establishment called, ‘Coffeeshop Tyson 2.0.’ Tyson has on multiple occasions iterated his aspiration to make Tyson 2.0 a global name, and toward these aspirations, he continues to strive.

‘Iron Mike’ and Carma Co. have announced the entry of their cannabis brand in his home state of New York. They have announced this venture in partnership with Hudson Cannabis. The debut comes in the wake of the brand making an entry in Montana via a collaboration with Yellowstoned.

In a statement, the face of Tyson 2.0, Mike himself said, “As a native New Yorker myself, I’m thrilled to bring Tyson 2.0 to my hometown.” He further added, “This brand represents a culmination of my personal journey towards holistic well-being and my belief in the power of cannabis to promote a balanced lifestyle.”

Tyson’s ambitions have left a lasting impact beyond the confines of the conventional cannabis market. As he inches closer to his idea of success every day, it is important to commend his business acumen. Not many can do what he’s done. Rising from the trenches of adversities, and powering through success, that’s the story of Mike Tyson.

BOXING

“Bud Crawford Era. For All Sports”: Terence Crawford Winning MVP in a Charity Basketball Match Leave Fans in Astonishment

Ever since his victory against Errol Spence Jr. a couple of months ago, Terence Crawford has been on a roll. His popularity has since skyrocketed without any signs of slowing down. As the year moves towards its end, he is not going to fight anyone for now. However, interestingly, he seems to be branching out into other sports as well. Recently, Crawford shared a picture of himself in a basketball jersey holding an award.

Ever since his victory against Errol Spence Jr. a couple of months ago, Terence Crawfordhas been on a roll. His popularity has since skyrocketed without any signs of slowing down. As the year moves towards its end, he is not going to fight anyone for now. However, interestingly, he seems to be branching out into other sports as well. Recently, Crawford shared a picture of himself in a basketball jersey holding an award.

As the post surfaced on social media, it quickly garnered the attention of boxing enthusiasts as they shared their surprise at him playing basketball. One fan questioned, “How they let you win MVP man heard you dropped 43”.

Another fan remarked, “The Bud Crawford Era. For all sports.” The fan proclaimed Crawford’s supremacy in all sports he takes part in. Meanwhile, a fan jokingly remarked, “They probably was scared Bud was gone get to beating ish in there if he didn’t win”.

Someone else complimented the boxer as they wrote, “Way to Keep winning and Staying in shape Great work Champ.” One fan called Crawford, “Bud the Goat fr”. Another fan also joked “Stop ducking Deontay Wilder”.

Overall fans had a myriad of reactions to the post. While some took the chance to make joking remarks, others complimented the fighter. However, did you know that Crawford participated in a high-profile boxing match in 2018?

This is not Crawford’s first venture into the world of basketball. Back in 2018, he put his basketball skills to the test as he took part in the NBA’s All-Star Celebrity Game. The impressive lineup included several other celebrities including Justin Bieber, Micheal B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx, etc.

This appearance took place prior to his bout against Jeff Horn at Madison Square Garden as he tried to become a three-division champion. Interestingly the boxer ended up scoring 9 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists. Despite his short stature of 5’8, he managed to pull off an amazing performance and appeared most in shape on his squad as well.

BOXING

“Always Been a Daddy’s Girl”: Awestruck by Daughter’s Involvement and Over Quarter-Million-Dollar Ferrari, Fans Mock Floyd Mayweather for Bizarre Louis Vuitton Outfit

In the world of boxing and luxury, Floyd Mayweather Jr. stands as an emblem of both. Recently, his Instagram post blurred these lines intriguingly. The post featured Mayweather, dressed in an eccentric Louis Vuitton outfit, beside his lavish black Ferrari. But the twist? His daughter, Iyanna ‘Money Yaya’ Mayweather, was behind the camera.

A father-daughter moment, set against a backdrop of opulence. The fusion of familial warmth with high-end fashion and auto-luxury isn’t a common sight. This juxtaposition casts Mayweather in a light rarely seen. It’s a scene that evokes curiosity: a boxing titan, a quarter-million-dollar car, and a loving father.

Floyd Mayweather Jr., the boxing icon, once again captured the spotlight with a unique Instagram post. His caption set the scene: “@moneyyaya being my videographer for the night just capturing the moments of her dad. You can see her shadow on 1 of the 3 short videos.” Standing beside his black Ferrari, Mayweather donned a Louis Vuitton outfit, striking a stark contrast against the sleek vehicle.

Floyd Mayweather’s Instagram recently lit up with a video showcasing his 14 pairs of diamond-studded shades, a testament to his luxurious lifestyle. Accompanied by a caption highlighting his readiness to confront detractors, Mayweather stated, “Traveling for 2 weeks so I brought 14 pair of shades to peep the haters. They always said karats are good for vision.” This ostentatious display sparked a spectrum of reactions from fans.

Some labeled it a “Waste of money,” while others admired the collection, applauding, “NiCE Collection, Floyd.”

BOXING

“Did Ryan Take Too Many Shots to the Back of His Head?”: Fans in Disbelief as Ryan Garcia Makes Bold Comparison Between Gervonta Davis and Recent Opponent Oscar Duarte

Despite facing challenges from Oscar Duarte‘s aggressive tactics, Ryan Garcia secured a victory with a knockout in the eighth round on Saturday night in Houston. Garcia, competing for the first time since his KO loss to Gervonta Davis in April, encountered disapproval from the crowd in the fifth round and seemed to be losing control of the fight. However, he turned the tide with a decisive blow to the head that ultimately sent Duarte to the canvas and forced him to take a knee.

Garcia has recently revealed that the fight against Duarte was much tougher for him than the Davis fight which he in fact lost. Fans were in disbelief and took to the comments section to air out their feelings.

After the fight, King Ry made his controversial revelation during the post-fight presser. Garcia in a press conference stated, “This was scarier than fighting Tank. I am not gonna lie. He had a hard punch.” Fans had their own interpretation of his statement. One fan claimed this was another tactic to get Davis inside the ring, stating, “Rolly said the same. They tryna lure Tank into a rematch.”

“Did Ryan take to many shots to the back of his head ? Cuz he sounds different and acting different,” said another user mocking Garcia.

“I don’t ever complain he said…” recalled another user, underscoring the boxer’s hypocrisy.

“Lmaoo what a surprise literally every time when someone wins they try to make their opponent seem great, lmaooo before shakur fought santos he was a bum after he won he’s a great fighter,” said one fan who pointed out how every boxer tries to put his opponent on a pedestal to make their own victory seem bigger.

“Duarte chose not to get up just like Ryan did vs Tank,” stated a user who drew parallels between Duarte’s performance against Garcia and Garcia’s performance against Davis.

At 25, Garcia is already eyeing his next challenge in his pursuit– a potential unification bout against Rolly Romero, the WBA super-lightweight champion. When reflecting on his recent performance and outlining his long-term goals, Garcia specifically mentioned Romero as a good prospect. Expressing eagerness for the matchup, Garcia characterized Romero as a formidable and exciting adversary.

Despite uncertainty regarding Romero’s injury status, Garcia issued a direct challenge, stating, “I want Rolly. I feel like it’s a fun fight. He’s a great, aggressive, crazy dude. The lead-up would be crazy. I want that, you know. [The] dude has the title, technically. But yeah, let’s do it. I don’t know if you have a real injury or not, but he’ll answer.”

BOXING

“He Also Had Fragile Hands”: While Lauding Floyd Mayweather’s Boxing Skills, BKFC President Claims 50-0 Boxer Wouldn’t Do Well in a Bare Knuckle Fight

Floyd Mayweather has left an undeniable imprint on the sport of boxing. But would he be able to do so in another combat? Let’s say, Bare Knuckle boxing? Founder and president of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), David Feldman thinks not. In his unbeaten career of fifty fights, the former welterweight champion rose to the pinnacles of boxing. While these skills helped him through boxing, Feldman thinks they would not help him when it comes to BKFC.

In the recent episode of ES Fancast, David Feldman engaged in a candid conversation with Noah Lack about the inception of the promotion company, its future, and the trends around it. While MMA fighters are adapting to the sport through transitions, would boxers be able to do the same? Now, let’s narrow this question further.

‘Pretty Boy’ is a name in the boxing world that needs no introduction. He has transcended into the status of a legend for everything he’s done in the ring. In the exclusive conversation with the ES Fancast, the BKFC president noted, “I don’t think that bare-knuckle fighting is Floyd Mayweather’s sport. So I don’t think he would do very well here. I think he’s great at boxing. One of the best that ever did it. There’s a different type of fighting boxing than there is for bare-knuckle fighting. And I think he was great at like I said, one of the best at boxing.”

Further, into the conversation, the 53-year-old founder also elucidated as to why he thinks ‘Pretty Boy’ would not sustain in a fight without the gloves. He said, “He also had fragile hands, and he was a slick boxer, so, he had a couple of things that would take away from him being good at bare-knuckle fighting.”

One of the features of the ES Fancast is it allows viewers and fans to participate in interactive polls while a conversation is going on. During the Feldman episode, the question about Mayweather’s adeptness for bare-knuckle fights was also posed to fans. 33% of the fans voted in favor of the notion that Mayweather would emerge as a champion in the sport. However, another 56% thought otherwise.

We might never know how Floyd Mayweather would fare in a bare-knuckle fight. However, for argument’s sake, let’s assume that he does go into the bare-knuckle fights.