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After 13 Years, Deontay Wilder On the Brink of Losing Heavyweight Title Spot

For the first time in more than a decade, Deontay Wilder—the man who once ruled the WBC heavyweight division with unmatched knockout power—is at risk of being locked out of the title picture he once dominated.

The World Boxing Council’s October rankings have dropped Wilder to 13th, a steep tumble from the 10th spot he held after his June stoppage of Tyrrell Herndon. The reason is simple: inactivity.

Wilder’s comeback, originally penciled in for fall 2025, has been delayed. Promoter Shelly Finkel told WBN that Wilder was preparing for a return ahead of a massive 2026 showdown. But Finkel now signals a likely January or February return against an opponent that has yet to be confirmed.

JUST IN: Tyson Fury receives new blow to comeback plan as Oleksandr

By that point, Wilder risks falling out of the WBC top 15 entirely—effectively closing the door on a voluntary title shot against reigning champion Oleksandr Usyk, which WBN understands the Ukrainian is considering before retirement.

“I won’t get into speculating on Deontay’s next fight, but Eddie did reach out about the Dave Allen fight,” Finkel told WBN. “After Dave fights on October 11 and Deontay fights, we will see.”

However, with Allen falling short against Makhmudov, that option appears dead. The big Russian himself, though, could now be a target, offering Wilder a path back into the heavyweight conversation.

Wilder’s slide underscores just how unforgiving the heavyweight division has become. Fighters like Jalolov, Torres, and Vianello have overtaken him simply by staying active, sharp, and fresh. With Usyk firmly in control and contenders like Joshua, Hrgovic, and Okolie jostling for position, any further delay could see Wilder fighting merely to maintain relevance in the rankings.

Early Knockout Rampage
Wilder first broke into the WBC Top 15 in December 2012, dispatching Kelvin Price via third-round knockout at the Los Angeles Sports Arena. Between 2013 and 2014, he tore through the heavyweight division with a series of first-round stoppages, quickly becoming one of boxing’s most feared young heavyweights.

The year 2013 opened with a win over Matthew Greer, quickly followed by a high-profile victory against Audley Harrison in Sheffield, England, dropping the former Olympic gold medalist in round one. Former world champion Siarhei Liakhovich fell in the opening round next, proving Wilder was as unstoppable as he was powerful.

Knockouts over Nicolai Firtha and Malik Scott added to his momentum. Wilder capped this decisive run against Jason Gavern, forcing a fourth-round retirement after multiple knockdowns. In just over a year, six consecutive stoppages cemented his reputation as the WBC’s top challenger—a force the division could not ignore.

Rise, Reign, and Recent Struggles
After defeating Bermane Stiverne in early 2015, Wilder began a five-year reign as WBC champion—the most dominant in years since Vitali Klitschko—defending his belt multiple times with his trademark power.

The 2020 dethronement at the hands of Tyson Fury marked the beginning of a decline, though Wilder remained the number one-ranked contender well past their trilogy. Only losses to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang pushed him down the ladder. Even after stopping Herndon, Wilder slides again from 10th to 13th. For a man once untouchable, staying active is no longer optional—it’s survival.

Deontay Wilder Heavyweight Title Comeback
The coming months are critical. A delayed return could render Wilder ineligible for a voluntary title shot, forcing him to climb the rankings from scratch. Staying sharp, active, and marketable is now as much about survival as it is about pride. With the likes of Torres, Jalolov, and Vianello ahead of him, the Bronze Bomber faces a race against time.

For Wilder, the fight isn’t just in the ring anymore—it’s against the clock, against inactivity, and against a new generation of heavyweights eager to take his spot.

BOXING

Tyson Fury receives new blow to comeback plan as Oleksandr

Tyson Fury receives new blow to comeback plan as Oleksandr Usyk provides return update

Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has received a seismic blow in his bid to make a return to the ring against Oleksandr Usyk.

Calling time on his memorable career in boxing for the fifth time at the beginning of this year, former WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury confirmed plans to step away from the ring.

But in the time since, the Morecambe native is inching closer to a staggering comeback next year, targeting a showdown with Oleksandr Usyk, despite suffering a pair of losses.

READ: Terence Crawford Names The Two Undefeated Fighters Who Turned Down Offers To Face Him

However, in a new update from the undisputed champion’s camp, fans hopeful of seeing Fury face the Ukrainian again should lower their expectations.

Oleksandr Usyk’s team play down Tyson Fury trilogy

Suffering back-to-back undisputed title fight losses to Usyk last year, Fury was put to the sword for both the first and second time in his pro career.

However, amid a niggling back injury for Usyk in recent months, the future of the current undisputed champion remains up in the air.

But in a new update from the Ukrainian star’s team, a trilogy pairing with Fury is unlikely to happen, especially in Usyk’s immediate return to the ring.

Oleksandr Usyk is targeting a return in the first half of 2026 with the winner of Joseph Parker-Fabio Wardley the front-runner for a shot at the heavyweight champion, Usyk’s advisor, Serhii Lapin, tells The Ring’s @MikeCoppinger. pic.twitter.com/iVVhl107m3

— InsideRingShow (@InsideRingShow) October 20, 2025

“Theoretically, it’s an interesting option, but for whom?” Serhii Lapin told Ring Magazine of a trilogy between Usyk and Fury. “If boxing fans truly support it, then maybe. However, in my opinion, that chapter is already closed.

Instead, preferring a showdown with either Joseph Parker or knockout star Fabio Wardley, Usyk is sure to have a keen eye on proceedings this weekend.

Anthony Joshua inches closer to Tyson Fury clash

During his time away from boxing, former two-time heavyweight kingpin Anthony Joshua has made his feelings about an overdue clash with Fury more than clear.

Hoping to land a showdown with his British compatriot as soon as next summer, the Watford native is expected to fight in the early goings of 2026.

And linked with a “run out” fight first by his long-time promoter, Eddie Hearn, Joshua has been called out by a host of contenders, including a rather surprising claim from a veteran journeyman.

TENNIS

Grand Slam legend warns Coco Gauff winning ugly could back

Grand Slam legend warns Coco Gauff winning ugly could backfire in big Slam match

Rennae Stubbs declares Coco Gauff “the ultimate player of winning ugly” and she is giving credit to the American for having that ability, but also warns the 21-year-old that it could backfire on the latter stages of a Grand Slam tournament.

At the start of the Asian swing, Gauff was evidently far from her best game, but she still made the Beijing semifinal after surviving a couple of tight encounters. That was before Amanda Anisimova thrashed her 6-1 6-2. In Wuhan, the American experienced certain issues on her serve, but still lifted the title at the Chinese WTA 1000 tournament.

JUST IN: Serena Williams Just Wore the Perfect LBD and It’s 100%

Results-wise, Gauff did extremely well in back-to-back WTA 1000 tournaments in China. However, Stubbs – a former six-time Grand Slam champion in doubles – didn’t appear to be too convinced by what she saw from the two-time Grand Slam winner.

“She is the ultimate player of winning ugly,” Stubbs said on her podcast.

Stubbs: Will it hurt Gauff in a big Grand Slam match?

Gauff’s serve and forehand have been long ago identified as the two weaknesses in her game. In September, the American addressed the serving aspect by hiring biomechanics coach Gavin MacMillan.

“How many players in the top 10 are going ‘I hope I can hit that shot in the court today?’ and that is Coco. There were times she was double-faulting again. That was in the semis and in the final, but she just keeps going. She is built different. I give her tons of credit, I love her. I don’t know if it’s the right thing because at some point again, in a big match at the majors, is it going to hurt her though? That she hasn’t worked on those things enough,” Stubbs explained.

To Gauff’s defense, she has repeated several times over the last two months that her main priority for the rest of 2025 is to improve her game rather than chase the results.

CELEB NEWS

Serena Williams Just Wore the Perfect LBD and It’s 100%

Serena Williams Just Wore the Perfect LBD and It’s 100% Dance-Proof

When it comes to putting together an outfit, there’s a reason the little black dress is a forever go-to. It works for just about any occasion and it’s totally celeb-approved. Taylor Swift, Reese Witherspoon and Simone Biles have all put their own spin on the timeless piece. And now, Serena Williams is adding her name to the list.

The tennis icon, 44, recently teamed up with Shonda Rhimes for a fun social media trend, Serena is wearing a full-length black number (similar here for $268) with thin straps, a sweetheart neckline and a slit down the back. It’s a classic, elegant twist on the LBD and it’s giving effortlessly chic.

She styled the look with patterned pointed-toe pumps and wore her hair sleek and straight.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shonda Rhimes (@shondarhimes)

READ: As Coco Gauff Proves Serena Williams’ Former Coach

Now, about the Instagram trend, it gave us proof that this dress isn’t just fashionable, it’s danceable, too. The challenge usually involves one person lip-syncing while another dances in the background, with an on-screen caption offering a funny explanation. In this case? It read, “I told Serena she could be an extra in Bridgerton if she was my backup dancer.”

Serena fully committed, busting out move after move, including dropping it all the way to the floor and popping right back up.

Shonda captioned the post, “My girl @serenawilliams don’t play about @bridgertonnetflix!! This was SO fun. #stephaniemillschallenge.”

Serena has been on a fashion hot streak lately, especially when it comes to bold, monochromatic looks.

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A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams)

Earlier this month, on October 12, the WYN Beauty founder shared a carousel of photos wearing a stunning red dress with a fitted bodice and tailored skirt. She paired it with light pink pointed-toe heels and honestly, she nailed it.

GOLF

How Rory McIlroy Reacts To Audience’s Harassment Of Wife Erica

Rory McIlroy expressed his admiration for his wife, Erica Stoll, in the wake of the heckling she was subject to over the weekend by virtue of being associated with him.

As McIlroy was endlessly heckled at the 2025 Ryder Cup, where he helped Team Europe beat Team USA 15-13, Stoll received a similar bout of intense taunting, and on Saturday, one audience member even threw a beer can at her.

McIlroy filed for divorce from Stoll in May 2024, but called off the divorce in June, telling The Guardian the couple had resolved their “differences.”

JUST IN: Why Concerns Grow for Tiger Woods as PGA Tour Pro’s Career

Asked his feelings about his family being verbally assaulted while he was playing on Sunday, McIlroy said, “[Family] should be off limits, but obviously it wasn’t this week.”

“Erica is fine,” he said. “She is a very strong woman, and she handled everything this week with class and poise and dignity like she always has. I love her and we’re going to have a good time celebrating tonight.“

Frequently subject to merciless teasing as one of the biggest targets on Team Europe, McIlroy condemned the foul language and behavior of the audience over the weekend.

“I don’t think we should ever accept that in golf… I think golf should be held to a higher standard than what was seen out there this week. Golf has the ability to unite people. Golf teaches you very good life lessons.”

During Team Europe’s press conference, Milroy’s teammate, Justin Rose, also commended Stoll for her composed reaction to the crowd’s jeering.

“I actually had no idea that Erica had a beer thrown at her yesterday, so fair play to Erica. She didn’t bring that to the team room. We didn’t make that a big deal. That is news to me which that says a lot about the strength of Erica and everybody on this team.”

McIlroy’s close friend, Shane Lowry, additionally commented on the harassment Stoll received, saying, “I was out there for two days, and I’m not gonna lie, the amount of abuse she received was astonishing — And the way she was out there supporting her husband and supporting her team was unbelievable…And kudos to her for that.”

GOLF

Why Concerns Grow for Tiger Woods as PGA Tour Pro’s Career

Concerns Grow for Tiger Woods as PGA Tour Pro’s Career Hits Another Rock Bottom

Is this the end of Tiger Woods? The big cat showcased his swing during an exhibition event at the Liberty National Golf Club in September 2025. But he confirmed his 7th lower back surgery, and fans lost all hope of his comeback. That has raised the question on multiple occasions now: have we seen the last of him?

It will take him 3-6 months to recover from the surgery. Could be even longer, considering his age and history of back surgeries. And while he takes time to return, another salt has just been added to that wound.

As per the latest reports, the 82-time PGA Tour champion has fallen below the top 2000 golf rankings in the world. And if he doesn’t make it to the fairway by March 2026, then he could also become an unranked golf player. That’s what Golf Forever pointed out in their latest Instagram post: “Tiger Woods has fallen out of the top 2,000 in the Official World Golf Rankings. From World No. 1 for a record 683 weeks… to possibly unranked by the 2026 Masters. Time waits for no one ⏳.”

READ: Tiger Woods’ friends reveal golf icon’s dramatic new plan

Tiger had already hinted that he might move to the Senior Tour when he turns 50. In about two months he’s reaching there. Considering his health condition and status on the Official World Golf Rankings, it is very much possible that Woods might not play a professional event again. But what about his qualifying chances for the majors?

Well, he has exemptions to play in the Masters Tournament, the PGA Championship, and the Open Championship next season. So he will still be a part of the field if he wishes to play in them. But will that be enough to find that former glory?

Fans don’t seem to believe so, as they were disheartened by Tiger Woods’s status in golf. And they couldn’t help but share their heartbreaks in the comments.

Tiger Woods leaves fans heartbroken with career rock bottom

From world #1 for 683 weeks to his first week as world # 2084, Tiger Woods has certainly dropped way out of touch with golf. As heartbreaking as it is, one of the fans saw the reality of the situation as they commented, “Hope he gets well however as far as golf is concerned, he is completely done . Retire TW it’s ok you changed the entire golf industry and your a legend.”

The big cat changed the way golf is played, and the world will forever be in debt for that. But after his 7th lower back surgery, it will be a little too much for anyone to expect him to rise up the ranks once again. Retirement might truly be the best option as he watches his son, Charlie Woods, prosper in the game.

Someone wrote, “Doesn’t matter. He’s done all he needs to do and just needs to recover at this point and play for leisure.” Fans just want him to worry less about his professional days and purely enjoy the game.

With another season of TGL coming up, Woods will be able to join the Jupiter Links GC if he recovers quickly enough. That is probably all the golf he could play after another back surgery. Until then, as Woods himself promised, he will be in the stands at the SoFi Center supporting his team in every match. Even Johnson Wagner said that Woods’s time as a professional golfer was done during a conversation with Trey Wingo.

One of the fans even warned Woods, “Leave the golf before the golf leave you.” They seem to advise the big cat to stop playing professionally before he can not play golf at all. Considering the condition of his body and how hard he pushes it for every event, it would be painfully torturous for him to go through the process again. But if he does take golf very seriously right now, then he would still have enough gas in the tank to at least play a few more majors before he completely puts the clubs down.

Ignoring the OWGR status, a comment read, “Still the best golfer ever. Nobody cares about rankings, he only cares about his health.” They believe that the world rankings can’t judge how great Tiger Woods truly is. It seems they still have hope that if he gets back to full health, he will be able to return to golf and prove everyone wrong about his abilities despite his age and body’s condition.

Lastly, a fan said, “I feel like it’s incredibly impressive he’s still ranked given how little and poorly he’s played. What a run!” This one turns the perspective, where if you see it from those lens, then his current position is actually better than any other golfer at his place who would’ve already retired from the number game.

The last time Tiger Woods competed in a professional golf tournament was in July 2024 during The Open Championship. And the last time he played well in a tournament was way back in the 2019 ZOZO Championship, the one he won. So for him to drop below the 2000 mark after being inconsistent for so long is certainly quite impressive.

In the end, despite the setback in numbers or rankings, Tiger Woods’ legacy and impact on golf continues to remain untouchable, leaving fans both heartbroken but also in awe.

TENNIS

Coco Gauff hopes to pull off a Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka with latest move

Coco Gauff is hoping to pull off a Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka as the American reveals she thought about those two stars when agreeing to give a shot to changing her serve.

For more than two years, Gauff faced calls to bring in a biomechanics coach and make certain tweaks to her technique and service motion. And after mightily struggling with her serve for three months following her French Open victory, the world No. 3 parted ways with coach Matt Daly and hired biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan.

Two months since adding MacMillan to her team, Gauff’s serve is already looking better. However, it is still far from perfect since she is basically learning on the go since the 2025 season is still ongoing.

READ: As Coco Gauff Proves Serena Williams’ Former Coach

Before he became a part of Gauff’s team, MacMillan introduced himself to the tennis world big time in 2022 when he famously fixed Aryna Sabalenka’s major serving issues. The Belarusian has since won four Grand Slams and reached the world No. 1 ranking.

Gauff: Djokovic, Sabalenka had similar issues… I’ve drawn on those experiences

“I was looking at Novak and he’s someone who didn’t have as great of a serve in the beginning of his career, obviously different issue than me, but he just wasn’t serving as strong. And he made that change and has gone on to obviously be Novak Djokovic. And even at that time, he was still like a successful player. So yeah, I’ve drawn on those experiences. And obviously Aryna and Venus and those who’ve done those changes,” the 21-year-old told The National.

Gauff also highlighted that she is aware that her serve can’t be magically fixed overnight. However, the two-time Grand Slam champion believes in the process and looks at the bigger picture.

Meanwhile, Gauff got a bit of rest last week after winning Wuhan. Now, the American is preparing for the WTA Finals, where she will try to make it back-to-back wins at the season-ending tournament.

BOXING

New Category Created to Legitimize Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis

In a move that has stunned traditionalists, BoxRec has introduced a brand-new classification — the “Hybrid Professional” category — just in time for the controversial Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis showdown on November 14.

The pioneering but divisive decision effectively grants the YouTuber-turned-boxer and the reigning WBA lightweight champion a new kind of professional tag, even though the bout remains officially listed as an “Exhibition boxing bout.”

Hybrid Professional: A Technical Loophole
According to BoxRec’s official description, the contest “will not go on either fighter’s official record” but will appear under the Hybrid Professional classification for all to see.

JUST IN: The calculated move by Anthony Joshua to secure his own ‘Rumble in the Jungle’

That technical loophole means the fight — despite being a 200-pound man facing a 135-pound champion — will still be preserved on the sport’s most trusted results database.

For many boxing purists, it’s another slap in the face, signaling a further erosion of the sport’s integrity in the name of spectacle.

Jake Paul’s Quest for Credibility
For years, Jake Paul has declared his mission to “change the sport.” Now, the introduction of a hybrid record may be his most straightforward path yet to that recognition — without having to face legitimate contenders in his own division.

The former cruiserweight, who fought at heavyweight just last year, continues to market himself as a boxing disruptor. But critics argue this latest move is more about optics than legacy.

“They’ll never give me credit until I have a world championship belt,” Paul said recently. “But that’s okay — belts collect dust. What I’ve done in the sport is unprecedented.”

Unprecedented, perhaps. Authentic, less so.

The Tank Davis Spectacle
Gervonta “Tank” Davis, meanwhile, has embraced the event as an entertainment showcase rather than a sporting milestone.

“Boxing wins come November 14,” Davis said. “It’s not just me and Jake in a fight — it’s a whole card. We’re just giving boxing what it needs, and that’s excitement.”

But many insiders argue that excitement shouldn’t come at the cost of weight integrity or fair competition. With Davis walking around at 140 pounds and Paul outweighing him by roughly 60, the matchup raises serious questions about sanctioning, safety, and what truly counts as a “professional” bout.

A Dividing Line for the Sport
Paul supporters will undoubtedly hail BoxRec’s hybrid category as an “ingenious solution” — a way to document crossover fights without polluting the professional records that define boxing’s lineage.

But for purists, it represents the latest dilution of what separates professional boxing from social spectacle. A hybrid record ensures the fight lives forever on BoxRec, but not in the sport’s official annals.

Jake Paul promised to make history — and in a way, he has. Not the kind boxing’s gold standard would recognize in BoxRec’s new Hybrid Professional era.

BOXING

The calculated move by Anthony Joshua to secure his own ‘Rumble in the Jungle’

Anthony Joshua will be back soon, honest!

It’s looking increasingly likely that he will fight by the end of this year, and a late December date in Ghana is under serious consideration.

However, there are a lot of reasons why a fight in Accra may not happen, and there are equally a lot of reasons why a fight before the end of the year makes sense. This would be the only year in the 12 years that Joshua has been a professional that he has not fought. He needs a fight: it is that simple.

The talk once again is of a showdown with Tyson Fury: a fight first seriously talked about in June 2020, when Fury announced it had been agreed. Fury, however, has talked about a third and final fight with Oleksandr Usyk, who last week claimed he would fight again in 2026. The very top of the heavyweight division is currently in hibernation; the big bears have gone to their lairs with their secret demands, prejudices and fears.

JUST I N: Terence Crawford Names The Two Undefeated Fighters Who Turned Down Offers To Face Him

Fury, Usyk and Joshua have all reached their peak during close to a decade of great fights, and right now, each of their final matches needs to be calculated with care: there is a lot at stake, and they all know that. There are men waiting for a golden opportunity, but the trio know that the riches are contained inside their triangle of conflict, their cosy little war.

“The problem is that there is no way Anthony Joshua can have a low-key fight anywhere in the world,” said Eddie Hearn with a smile and a shrug. “I know what he wants to do: he just wants to get out and fight.” Joshua last fought in September 2024, when he was stopped at Wembley Stadium, in front of nearly 95,000 people, by Daniel Dubois.

If Joshua does fight in December in Accra – or in California, which has also been mentioned – he will not, as Hearn hinted, be the main attraction; he will be a lively sideshow, and that will help him ease back. It is increasingly difficult for main event boxers to return from losses, especially crushing defeats, in low-key fights. The modern pattern is to return in a big rematch, but that is not currently an option. The other route is topping the bill in a main event of significance. Joshua, it appears, does not want the added and unnecessary pressure right now.

In 1991, less than five months after Nigel Benn had lost to Chris Eubank in their first fight – which shaped the future of British boxing – in Birmingham in November 1990, Benn was back in action on a Wednesday night at York Hall. Benn beat Robbie Sims in seven rounds, and there was a Marvin Hagler connection – Sims was his half-brother. It was the fight that Benn needed, a return away from the spotlight and the pressure. Joshua would, it seems, like something similar.

Joshua has been the absolute main attraction in massive fights since beating Dillian Whyte for the British title at the O2 in 2015; it was not his first main event, but it was the first of the big ones, the nights that left an impression. He has fought outside in front of 65,000 people on six occasions during 10 extraordinary years of dominance at the box office. There is, let’s be absolutely clear, nobody in British boxing history that can come close to matching Joshua’s numbers.

Joshua was in Accra in June this year, ringside at a fight, and he met with Ghana’s boxing king, Azumah Nelson. Nelson is Africa’s greatest fighter. It was a historic meeting, especially for a boxing scholar like Joshua. There was a lot of talk at the time, with renewed chat about Joshua’s desire to fight in Africa. He has talked openly about a fight in Nigeria, where his parents are from, for a long time.

Joshua knows his Rumble in the Jungle and has talked about wanting something similar. A fight as part of an undercard in December would not quite be the second coming of George Foreman and Muhammad Ali on that monumental African dawn back in 1974, but it would be a lot of fun. Also, it is worth mentioning that the Rumble took place about 2,100 miles away from Accra.

The fight might be announced soon, or it might just vanish, which would be a shame. Joshua fighting in Accra in late December, with Nelson ringside and a global audience fascinated by the distant echoes of the Rumble, would end the year in style. It would also be invaluable preparation for a swansong fight or two next year. In short, he would have the edge over Fury, who has not fought since last December. It would be a calculated move, and a smart one, but it would not be anonymous.

BOXING

Terence Crawford Names The Two Undefeated Fighters Who Turned Down Offers To Face Him

Five-weight world champion Terence Crawford has established himself as one of, if not the greatest fighter of his entire generation over the last few years.

The 38-year-old from Omaha, Nebraska has had an exceptional professional career to date, remaining unbeaten in 42 bouts since he made his debut way back in 2008.

Crawford etched his name into the boxing history books once again last month when he defeated Mexico’s Canelo Alvarez to capture the undisputed super-middleweight championship at a sold-out Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

READ: Terence Crawford could miss out on historic ‘Fighter of the

‘Bud’ has also achieved undisputed status in a further two weight classes throughout the course of his career, accomplishing this feat at light-welterweight and welterweight respectively, becoming the first male fighter to do this in three separate divisions.

There are still a number of opponents out there that fans want to see Crawford take on, but he has claimed that two fighters in particular have refused the chance to face him.

Speaking in an interview, Crawford revealed that American stars Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis and Vergil Ortiz were reportedly offered the chance to face him recently, but both passed up on this huge opportunity.

“Boots had a chance to fight me, Vergil Ortiz had an opportunity to fight me, but now everybody like ‘Oh I’ll fight Terence or I’m this, I’m that’ … I’m like okay cool, when y’all had your opportunity y’all went elsewhere, but now that y’all see I’m the ticket now y’all like ‘Oh yeah we wanna fight Terence Crawford, we want Terence Crawford’ … that’s the narrative now.”

Both Ennis and Ortiz are undefeated in their respective careers, and while a clash against Crawford may not come to fruition in the near future, the pair have actually been linked to a bout with one another next.

‘Bud’ is expected to take some time away from the sport before he makes an important decision on his future, one that could result in the five-weight world champion announcing his retirement, although this remains unlikely.