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Canelo names the opponent whose power was on another level

Canelo Alvarez has shared the ring with a number of big punchers throughout his illustrious career.

The Mexican icon has had tremendous success over the years, becoming a four-weight world champion, along with a two-time undisputed super-middleweight world champion.

He has only failed to defeat three men, Floyd Mayweather, Dmitry Bivol and most recently Terence Crawford, but has also overcome a number of still challenges, defeating heavy hitters such as Gennady Golovkin and Sergey Kovalev.

JUST IN: Terence Crawford ‘Accepted’ Fight For This Year But Was Replac

Golovkin is often praised for the brute strength he showed during his fights, but Canelo has revealed that one of his past opponents hit even harder than the Kazakh superstar, heaping praise on James Kirkland whilst talking to the Million Dollaz Worth Of Game YouTube channel.

“Everybody can say Golovkin, but I never felt that bad like Kirkland. Kirkland hit my arms and it felt like rocks. I say I need to finish this guy right now, because he’s going to hit me all the fight around.”

Canelo fought Kirkland back in May 2015 at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas, and while the Mexican icon claimed a devastating third round knockout win, it is clear he was impressed by the power of his rival.

Kirkland last competed in 2020, with his record reading 34 wins from his 37 fights, with 30 of those victories coming by knockout, displaying just how powerful the American is.

As for Canelo, his next move is currently unknown following his loss to Crawford in September, but he recently revealed who he deemed to be the better of the two between ‘Bud’ and fellow former foe Mayweather.

BOXING

Terence Crawford ‘Accepted’ Fight For This Year But Was Replac

Terence Crawford ‘Accepted’ Fight For This Year But Was Replaced By Another Man At The Last Minute

Pound-for-pound great Terence Crawford was on the verge of finalising a deal for his next ring appearance before being replaced by a surprise opponent at the last minute.

The 38-year-old from Nebraska cemented himself as arguably the greatest fighter of his generation on September 13 when he defeated Canelo Alvarez at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to capture the undisputed super-middleweight champion.

JUST IN: After accepting recent offer, Terence Crawford interested in future

Craword entered the boxing history books once again with that victory over the Mexican superstar, becoming the first male fighter in boxing history to win an undisputed world championship in three separate divisions, after already accomplishing it at 140lbs and 147lbs.

Whilst he had been enjoying some well deserved down-time following his win over Canelo, it had been speculated that ‘Bud’ was approached to face Jake Paul next, an offer that he reportedly accepted.

As revealed by MVP’s Nakisa Bidarian on TMZ, Crawford was ‘one of 30 fighters’ that accepted an offer to face the YouTuber-turned-boxer next, before it was decided that Paul would be matched up with Anthony Joshua instead.

“There were probably 30 fighters who accepted. AJ being one of them, Terence Crawford being another. AJ is the one that we came to an agreement on. Crawford was 100% in.”

Paul is set to face two-time unified heavyweight champion Joshua over eight three-minute rounds at the Kaseya Center in Miami on Friday December 19.

‘Bud’ is now expected to turn his attention to securing a potential showdown with unified world middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly, as he looks to edge towards becoming a world champion in a sixth weight class.

BOXING

After accepting recent offer, Terence Crawford interested in future

Terence Crawford interested in future Jake Paul fight after accepting recent offer

According to Jake Paul’s team, undisputed super middleweight champion Terence Crawford is interested in a future clash against the controversial internet sensation.

Earlier this week it was shockingly announced that Jake Paul‘s next boxing outing will take place on December 19 against former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.

READ: Jake Paul let slip private texts with Anthony Joshua as blockbuster

The news came after Paul’s scheduled fight against Gervonta Davis fell through following an investigation into recent accusations against ‘Tank’.

After his fight against Davis was canceled, the 28-year-old and his team shortlisted a group of fighters that they offered the fight, one of which being undisputed super middleweight champion Terence Crawford.

Crawford interested in Jake Paul fight after accepting recent offer

Along with the likes of Francis Ngannou and Crawford, ‘The Problem Child’ also offered the fight to the biggest rival of his career, Tommy Fury, the man who handed him the first loss in his career.

According to Paul, he offered ‘TNT’ Fury $15 million for the fight but the Brit rejected the offer claiming that he isn’t allowed to enter the United States at the moment.

And even though a fight against ‘Bud’ Crawford didn’t come to fruition this time around, Paul’s team stated that Crawford was ‘100% in’ for the fight but the timeline didn’t align.

“There were probably 30 fighters who accepted, Anthony Joshua being one of them, Terence Crawford being another. AJ is the one we came to an agreement on. Crawford was 100% in,” Most Valuable Promotions claimed.

However, despite registering his interest in a clash against the internet sensation turned boxer, Crawford could end up missing out on the huge payday if Paul doesn’t beat Joshua.

Paul receives surprise backing against Joshua

Ahead of what is one of the biggest mismatches in combat sports history, Paul is being counted out by the large majority of boxing fans.

Despite that, he has surprisingly received backing from former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, as well as being backed to knock the Brit out by his former rival, Nate Diaz.

CELEB NEWS

Serena Williams Opens Up About Her Down-to-Earth Fr

Serena Williams Opens Up About Her Down-to-Earth Friendship With Duchess Meghan

The world may have been shocked when American tennis legend Serena Williams showed up to Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan’s royal wedding at Windsor Castle in 2018, but they shouldn’t have been, as the women have been close friends for 15 years.

Meghan and Williams first met at Super Bowl XLIV when the New Orleans Saints faced off against the Indianapolis Colts in 2010. It was held in Miami Gardens, Florida. At the time, Meghan was in a serious relationship with film producer Trevor Engelson, whom she began dating in 2004 and married in 2011. (The two divorced in 2013, three years before Meghan met Harry.)

READ: Drake reignites Serena Williams feud with pointed dig during raunc

In Meghan’s December cover story for Harper’s Bazaar, Williams recalls her instant connection with the now-duchess. “We both definitely have a dry sense of humor. I think that’s why we hit it off for no reason at this silly football thing. We were just like, ‘Why are we here? To meet you?’ Apparently, and we’ve been lifelong friends ever since,” she says.

Since then, their friendship has only deepened, as they have both navigated being entrepreneurs, mothers, and media targets—separately, but together.

“We love a good mimosa,” Williams says. “We could talk for a hundred hours, and it feels like 10 minutes go by, and it’s like we never stop smiling.”

Meghan says their friendship is easy: “I don’t like things that feel overly realized. If you overwork the dough, it’s not going to rise. And sometimes I think the stress that people put on moments … they are so consumed in them that you lose the fun of why you are doing something.”

And Williams says Meghan helps her be a better mother: “She’s just so smart, and I feel like no matter what, I can always learn from her.” She adds that the last time the two hung out, Meghan “was talking about this amazing woman who is really helpful and how to talk to kids. I’m implementing so much that she’s teaching me.”

CELEB NEWS

Why Charlie Woods’ phone is ringing and who will Tiger Woods’ so

Charlie Woods in hot demand over college golf career: Who’s in the race?

A wave of interest is unsurprisingly building around Charlie Woods, and according to those closest to him, conversations have already begun. Multiple college coaches and top programs are understood to be in talks with Tiger Woods’ son as they position themselves for one of the most coveted commitments in junior golf.

Charlie might be keeping his cards close to his chest over his next move, but the scramble to recruit him is very much underway—especially after what he has achieved in 2025.

At just 16 years old, the son of a certain 15-time major champion has become the most talked-about uncommitted talent in the AJGA (American Junior Golf Association) Top 10.

READ: As Tiger Woods watches on, Charlie Woods has drastically different result to Kai Trump

Charlie’s breakout 2025 season, the strongest of his career to date, has turned quiet college golf enquiries into serious interest.

Charlie Woods in hot demand over college career

With his first AJGA win at the Team TaylorMade Invitational in March, a stunning ace at TPC Sawgrass during the Junior Players Championship over the summer, and leading Benjamin School to state championship victory last week, Charlie’s profile has soared.

The AJGA underscored his rapid ascent by naming him to its first-team All-American list, the same honour Tiger earned more than three decades ago.

Now ranked ninth in the AJGA standings heading into 2026, Charlie stands as the only top-10 junior still undecided over their college choice—a status that has made his recruitment one of the most intriguing plotlines in the sport.

Benjamin School head coach Toby Harbeck last week confirmed the growing interest, telling The Palm Beach Post that Charlie has been “very mum-mum” about his preferences despite plenty of coaches actively pursuing him.

“There’s a lot of people that want him,” Harbeck told the publication. “It’s just where he feels most comfortable. He’s visited a couple schools. We’ll see.”

Florida State leading race

One school that appears to be stepping forward is Florida State.

According to The Palm Beach Post, Florida State head coach Trey Jones was spotted speaking with Tiger Woods moments before Charlie posted a superb team-leading final-round 68 at the Florida Class 1A State Championship.

The Seminoles—2024 national runners-up—already have a commitment from rising superstar and AJGA No. 1 Miles Russell, so landing Charlie would complete a blockbuster 2027 recruiting class.

Meanwhile, the Florida Gators (University of Florida) have made early moves of their own, securing AJGA Top 10 prospects Giuseppe Puebla (No.2) and Jessy Huebner (No.4). The Gators already have Ian Poulter’s son Luke Poulter, who made the GB&I Walker Cup team this season.

Adding Charlie to either side of the Florida rivalry would therefore dramatically tilt the recruiting landscape in the state.

🚨🐅👀 #NEW PHOTOS — Tiger Woods was walking the golf course this afternoon in central Florida as he watched and supported during Charlie’s high school state championship match. Woods was alongside Elin Nordegren, as well as some of his TGR staff. (📸: @pbpost) pic.twitter.com/fBaFMqtccc

— TWLEGION (@TWlegion) November 15, 2025

Follow in family footsteps?

Then there’s Stanford—the most sentimental option of all.

The Cardinal remain closely tied to the Woods family thanks to Tiger’s legendary collegiate career and Charlie’s sister Samantha currently studying there.

During his two seasons at Stanford (1994–1996), Tiger Woods set numerous records, including a school record of 11 tournament wins, a career stroke average of 70.96, and a dominant performance that led to him winning the 1996 NCAA Championship.

He was also named the Pac-10 Player of the Year twice, earned First-Team All-American honors, and won the Ben Hogan and Haskins Awards in 1996.

Stanford’s academic prestige and golfing pedigree make them a perennial contender for Charlie.

An outside contender for his signature could be the University of Miami, especially with Kai Trump, 18, heading up their college team in 2026.

Charlie’s father Tiger confirmed he is dating Kai’s mother Vanessa Trump earlier this season.

Kai, who also attends Benjamin School, made her LPGA debut last week at The Annika after receiving a sponsor exemption from golf legend Annika Sorenstam.

She received advice from Tiger before the tournament.

Kai went on to finish last but performed admirably given the circumstances, especially with a brilliant second-round 75 that included four birdies.

Big decision ahead for Charlie

For now, Charlie’s college choice remains unknown, but what is clear is the groundwork being laid behind closed doors.

College coaches are circling, conversations are happening, visits are underway, and as Charlie’s performances continue to elevate, the urgency among top programs is growing.

The American’s rapid rise on the state and national stage mirrors his increasingly crowded recruitment picture.

After a season that has shifted him from emerging talent to headline attraction, the next six months will see the battle for Charlie’s commitment intensify.

Charlie Woods just made his first ever hole-in-one!!

📺: GOLF Channel pic.twitter.com/yEvN3HuYWP

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) December 22, 2024

Charlie’s college choice will be one of the most defining storylines in junior golf next season, and whichever programme ultimately secures him will gain not only a premier recruit, but a player on a trajectory that continues to steepen with every round.

BOXING

Jake Paul let slip private texts with Anthony Joshua as blockbuster

Jake Paul let slip private texts with Anthony Joshua as blockbuster fight announced

Jake Paul has already locked horns with Anthony Joshua in a war of words before their blockbuster bout was officially confirmed. Paul and Joshua are set to clash on a card dubbed Judgement Day next month.

The YouTuber-turned-boxer, who only turned professional five years ago, was scheduled to face lightweight champion Gervonta Davis this month in an exhibition but the contest was scrapped. The 28-year-old has wasted little time in revealing his next adversary. The American will square off against two-time unified WBO, WBA and IBF heavyweight world champion Joshua on December 19 in a fight that will be broadcast on Netflix. Both combatants have already exchanged barbs ahead of their showdown, particularly through a text message conversation earlier this year which Paul revealed.

JUST IN: VIDEO: ‘Real Reason’ Why Oleksandr Usyk Gave Up His WBO He

“He [Joshua] DM’d me today like saying ‘LOL’ to one of my training clips and then I sent him a ‘LOL’ with a picture of him getting knocked out by Daniel Dubois,” Paul disclosed in June.

“And so I guess like we’re kind of s*** talking, behind the scenes a bit. But I have a lot of love for Anthony Joshua. I think this type of stuff is funny and he’s a great guy.”

Both pugilists are confident ahead of what promises to be a captivating encounter, with Paul boasting he’ll send Joshua to sleep. Paul declared: “This isn’t an AI simulation. This is Judgment Day. A professional heavyweight fight against an elite world champion in his prime.

“When I beat Anthony Joshua, every doubt disappears, and no one can deny me the opportunity to fight for a world title. To all my haters, this is what you wanted. To the people of the United Kingdom, I am sorry. On Friday, December 19, under the lights in Miami, live globally only on Netflix, the torch gets passed and Britain’s Goliath gets put to sleep.”

Joshua is just as confident. The last time the Brit faced an opponent who didn’t have extensive boxing experience, he savagely knocked out former UFC champion Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia. AJ declared: “Jake or anyone can get this work. No mercy. I took some time out and I’m coming back with a mega show. It’s a big opportunity for me.

“Whether you like it or not, I’m here to do massive numbers, have big fights and break every record whilst keeping cool, calm and collected. Mark my words, you’ll see a lot more fighters take these opportunities in the future. I’m about to break the internet over Jake Paul’s face.”

Joshua stands at 6ft 6in and typically weighs 18 stone. This represents a substantial four stone advantage over Paul, who usually competes at 14st 4lb. Paul is also five inches shorter. Nakisa Bidarian, who co-founded the promotional company MVP with Paul, remains just as bullish as his partner, despite the enormous disparity in height and weight.

“Everyone laughed when Jake Paul said in March that he wanted to fight AJ in 2026,” declared Bidarian, “Well, plans changed, and in under two weeks, MVP and Netflix have made one of the biggest fights of all time. Now, as only Jake Paul could and would do, he’s fighting one of the most fearsome boxers in the world. Joshua has every advantage in this fight, except one – the delusional confidence of Jake Paul, and if anyone can shock the world, it’s him.”

BOXING

VIDEO: ‘Real Reason’ Why Oleksandr Usyk Gave Up His WBO He

‘Real Reason’ Why Oleksandr Usyk Gave Up His WBO Heavyweight Title Revealed

Oleksandr Usyk shocked the boxing world by relinquishing his WBO heavyweight championship on Monday evening. The decision to give up the title ended Usyk’s second reign as undisputed heavyweight champion, which began when he knocked out Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July to add the IBF version of the heavyweight crown to the WBA, WBC and WBO titles that he was already in possession of.

The Ukrainian’s decision was confirmed by the WBO in a statement, with Usyk yet to comment on his reasons for dumping the gold. However, the situation led to good news for Britain’s Fabio Wardley.

JUST IN: Paul vs Joshua: Turki Alalshikh told Anthony Joshua it would be ‘go

Within minutes of it emerging that Usyk was giving up the title, interim WBO heavyweight titleholder Wardley was promoted to full champion. The Ipswich slugger had already earned the opportunity to challenge for the belt after stopping fellow top contender Joseph Parker in controversial fashion last month. However, Wardley, who is unbeaten in 21 fights and has 19 knockout wins, now won’t have to fight to earn the gold.

The WBA statement annoucing Usyk’s decision read:

“The World Boxing Organisation announced today that it has received formal communication from Team Oleksandr Usyk regarding the future of the WBO Heavyweight Championship. After thoughtful consideration, Usyk has elected to relinquish his title. We accept and respect his decision to relinquish the WBO Heavyweight Super Championship. This is not a farewell, but — as expressed by his team — a respectful pause. The doors of the WBO will always remain open to Oleksandr Usyk and his team.”

The governing body went out of their way to insist that there was no ill will towards Usyk after he voluntarily surrendered the belt. There was, though, nothing in the way of an explanation as to why the call had been made.

Why Oleksandr Usyk Really Gave Up WBO Heavyweight Championship

Amid much speculation, Sky Sports Boxing reporter Andy Scott rubbished speculation that Usyk had given up the gold in order to duck Wardley, before explaining what the true motivation likely was behind the decision.

“He [Usyk] hasn’t come out yet and given a reason why he has vacated that belt. He’s been nursing this back injury, hasn’t he, which caused a lot of debate online because he likes a party […] And there were a couple of people who raised an eyebrow and said, ‘Is that really a man who has a back injury and is that the reason he didn’t fight Wardley?’ But there are also people who are calling it a duck from Usyk.

“But can we just be real for a second? The guy has been to everybody’s backyard, fought every single fighter that he could, and never shied away from a contest. I don’t think Oleksandr Usyk is ducking or running away from Fabio Wardley.”

Scott continued: “I would suspect that he doesn’t want to dance to the tune of the governing bodies who have put a time span on things. What is he now, 38? When we all get to that age, the back’s a bit sorer isn’t it, and he probably wants more time to recover, and he wants to plot his own course out of the sport.”

Last month, Usyk suggested that he would like to remain active until his 41st birthday, which is in January 2028. ‘The Cat’ has frequently spoken about his desire to face Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua in a trilogy fight – or potentially even meet Jake Paul in an MMA bout. While his future plans are unclear, it seems as though the former undisputed cruiserweight champion is now only interested in big fights as he “plots his own course” to retirement in just over two-and-a half years.

BOXING

Paul vs Joshua: Turki Alalshikh told Anthony Joshua it would be ‘go

Anthony Joshua was told by boxing’s most powerful man it would be ‘good for me’ if he ‘destroys’ Jake Paul

Jake Paul has not endeared himself to boxing’s most powerful man Turki Alalshikh, and Anthony Joshua has the chance to make the Saudi businessman’s day.

Paul and Joshua are set to compete on December 19 in an outlandish heavyweight mismatch, it was confirmed today. The fight will take place on Netflix, marking just the fourth live boxing fight on the streamer.

JUST IN: “Possibly the best ever”: Floyd Mayweather says ‘unbelievable’ fight

The fight will be Joshua’s first in 14 months after being viciously knocked out by Daniel Dubois in his last effort at the world title. Meanwhile, Paul was due to fight Gervonta Davis on November 14, before the bout was cancelled on short notice.

Turki Alalshikh’s thoughts on Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua

While this December showcase isn’t happening under Turki Alalshikh’s Riyadh Season or The Ring Magazine banners, he is certainly going to be watching closely. He has boasted of having a fight ready for Anthony Joshua as soon as February, and will later put on his ultimate grudge fight with Tyson Fury.

And earlier this year, His Excellency gave an interview to Tha Boxing Voice where he noted that a win for Joshua would be an overall positive for his business. “If Joshua destroys him, it will be good for me because the headache is finished.

“Let me explain for you, Joshua against Jake Paul, if Joshua destroys him then the headache of Jake Paul will go from my mind. If Jake wins, then I will know that Joshua is finished and Jake Paul deserves to be ranked and deserves to have a future in boxing.

“You asked me about Edgar Berlanga against him, I am not very sure Berlanga can knock Jake out. But I have a good feeling about Joshua… I don’t want a 50-50, in this situation I want it to be 99-1.”

Alalshikh is head of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia, who preside over all major boxing matches with Saudi funding. He is also involved with Dana White’s new TKO Boxing venture and has put on major UFC events in Riyadh.

BOXING

“Possibly the best ever”: Floyd Mayweather says ‘unbelievable’ fight

Floyd Mayweather says ‘unbelievable’ fighter has been forgotten by UK fans

The debate for the greatest British fighter of all time is one that remains undecided, but Floyd Mayweather has thrown one name into mix, believing that there is a fighter whom many fans overlook.

When quizzed on the hot topic, British fight fans are often split between Lennox Lewis, who became the undisputed heavyweight champion in a competitive era, and super-middleweight legend, Joe Calzaghe, who retired undefeated.

READ: Anthony Joshua makes Netflix request hours after signing $65millio

Meanwhile, boxing historians often point to the earlier eras of the 20th century, when Ted Kid Lewis and Randolph Turpin successfully represented the United Kingdom on the world stage.

Yet, in a clip captured by Seconds Out, Mayweather paid respect to featherweight icon Naseem Hamed, who dominated the 126lb division during the 1990’s and brought attention to a lesser-watched division with his unique and exciting style of fighting.

“Prince Naseem Hamed – he doesn’t get the props that he truly deserves. We still speak on a regular basis, [he was] one hell of a showman and a lot of people in the U.K. forget about him.

“We need to give him his flowers, [he was] unbelievable. One of the best fighters to come from the U.K. – if not the best.”

It’s clear to see why Mayweather feels that way, as Naseem Hamed retired with a record of 36-1 in 2002 and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015.

While it may be over two decades since ‘Prince Naz’ hung up the gloves, the Hamed name is still present in boxing through his son, Aadam Hamed, who boasts a 6-0 professional record.

CELEB NEWS

Drake reignites Serena Williams feud with pointed dig during raunc

Drake reignites Serena Williams feud with pointed dig during raunchy photoshoot with Sexyy Red

Drake has seemingly reignited his long-running feud with ex-girlfriend Serena Williams after making a pointed dig at the tennis star on his Instagram.

On Monday, the Canadian rapper – who previously dated Williams from 2011 to 2015 – took to the social media platform to share a picture alongside fellow artist ‘Sexyy Red’.

The duo posed for a series of tennis-themed photos, with Drake captioning it: ‘I said tennis lesson she said where’s the bracelet or the necklace’.

READ: PHOTOS: Inside Serena Williams Love Story With

However, eagle-eyed fans were quick to note a subtle dig from the ‘Hotling Bling’ rapper, when they headed down into the comment section.

They noticed that Drake had liked one comment from a user, which read: ‘Serena Williams upgrade [fire emojis]’.

It marks just the latest subtle dig between Drake and Williams, who have been consistently throwing shade at one another in recent years.

Perhaps the most notable incident was when tennis star Williams made a surprise cameo in Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl performance earlier this year.

Williams showed up and started dancing while Lamar was performing his song ‘Not Like Us’ – a diss track from his beef with Canadian rapper Drake.

She wasn’t seen up close, but a tweet from the tennis icon after the game showed her in the exact same outfit as the performance.

‘Let’s go Super Bowl halftime??! I died a little!,’ the star tweeted.

The sight of Williams c-walking on a stage as big as this sent social media into hysterics.

In the midst of their Drake’s beef with Lamar, Serena delivered a jab of her own at the 2024 ESPYS, which she hosted: ‘If I’ve learned anything this year, it’s that none of us – not a single one of us, not even me – should ever pick a fight with Kendrick Lamar.’

She added: ‘He will make your hometown not like you. The next time Drake sits courtside at a Raptors game, they’re gonna Forrest Gump him, “seat’s taken”.’

Shortly after Williams’ shock appearance at the Super Bowl, Drake seemingly made a subtle dig at the 23-time Grand Slam winner on his private Instagram account.

In response, the Canadian-born rapper took a thinly veiled dig at Williams, 43, when he posted a photo of himself with her former agent, Jill Smoller.

The image was taken in 2015 when he attended Wimbledon to watch Serena compete in a match.

Drake – whose full name is Aubrey Drake Graham – opted to not add a caption to the picture, but left the comment section open to allow social media users to offer their own thoughts.

Drake and Williams were first romantically linked in 2011 and four years later in 2015, the pair were spotted together on various occasions – such as kissing at a Cincinnati restaurant.

However, the two stars went their separate ways and the following year in 2016 – he dropped the track Too Good where he appeared to reference the tennis player.

The lyrics in the chorus are: ‘I’m too good to you/ I’m way too good to you/ You take my love for granted/ I just don’t understand it.’

Williams later tied the knot with Alex Ohanian in 2017 and Drake seemingly reference to her husband in his 2022 song titled Middle of the Ocean.