Admin, Author at Sport Buddy

Deontay Wilder knows what Oleksandr Usyk brings.

A fighter who strips time and space down to seconds, who punishes anything loose. Wilder’s felt that level before. The hesitation, the fatigue, the cost of being half a beat behind. He still thinks one punch can change everything.

That right hand is his argument for belonging. It’s all he’s got left that scares anyone in the top five. Usyk’s transition through the division barely slowed. He had a couple of entry fights: Chazz Witherspoon, Derek Chisora and then went straight through the main men.

JUST IN: Deontay Wilder reveals key ‘recipe’ for beating Oleksandr Usyk as super-fight closes in

Joshua twice. Fury twice. Stopped Dubois. The work’s been clean, clinical, and complete. Wilder’s run went the other way. The Fury losses exposed real gaps, discipline, balance, reaction speed. Since then, he’s looked heavy and slower to reset.

The right hand still cracks, but everything before it looks like waiting. He talks about being patient and staying relaxed, but that’s another way of saying he doesn’t have many tools left. Even he seems to know he’s not winning rounds against Usyk.

Usyk Has The Leverage, Wilder Brings The Danger

Usyk’s team says talks are live. U.S. dates are being looked at, Vegas and Los Angeles both mentioned. Spring feels likely. They want a return with value, not a layup. Wilder, for his part, calls it steady progress, code for waiting on the financials. He’s the B side now. That’s just reality.

The fight only works on one axis: danger versus control. Usyk chips away at punchers until they stop taking chances. He pressures with movement, not volume, and breaks them by timing.

Wilder has to gamble early, before the rhythm locks him out completely. If he waits, it’s just punishment and fatigue from round three on. And if it goes wrong, it won’t just be another loss. It’s the last one that matters. Another clean defeat turns him into a checkpoint — the name younger heavyweights mention to justify their own raise. That’s the real danger now.

BOXING

Deontay Wilder reveals key ‘recipe’ for beating Oleksandr Usyk as super-fight closes in

Deontay Wilder knows just how good Oleksandr Usyk is – but he still believes that he has boxing’s greatest equalizer.

Since moving up from cruiserweight just before the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, Usyk has had a legendary run of victories. He took on two lesser tests in Chazz Witherspoon and Derek Chisora, before immediately heading to the big names in his new division.

He now boasts double victories over Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois. With his career coming to a close soon, he now has his eyes on the final great of this heavyweight era in Wilder next year.

JUST IN: Anthony Joshua pays ‘final respects to departed friends’ after leaving hospital

Deontay Wilder reveals key factor for beating Oleksandr Usyk

Despite the fact that boxing maths would dictate Deontay Wilder lost to Fury and as such would lose to Oleksandr Usyk, it doesn’t always work that way. The Ukrainian is technically perhaps the greatest fighter in the world, while the American has always been known for having a limited arsenal.

However, there is no denying that Wilder’s right hand is still one of the most feared weapons in all of boxing. And he intends to make that the key ‘recipe’ as he prepares to take on Usyk in a fight that appears to be moving ever closer.

“I would think that would be the main recipe of it,” Wilder admitted in an exclusive chat with Bloody Elbow earlier this month at the IBA World Championships in Dubai. “I’m not going to give away too much on this interview because people are looking and I don’t want nothing to be heard.

“They might send something back and try to correct certain things, but I will keep it basic. I do have the speed and the height and the athleticism which are three things that give me an advantage.”

Oleksandr Usyk’s team offer positive Deontay Wilder fight update

After years of fighting in Riyadh and the UK as part of Riyadh Season under Turki Alalshikh, it seems that Oleksandr Usyk is finally coming back to America. He is reportedly in talks with a US-based outfit to stage what would be his first non-Saudi backed show since 2023.

Providing an update on the potential clash, Usyk’s manager Egis Kimas told The National: “It’s very likely (we will see Usyk vs Wilder). Because right now we’re working on it, and we’re working on some multi-fight agreement for Oleksandr.

“As soon as we’re going to confirm that, we’re going to jump in. And some talks are already going on with the team of Wilder. We’re looking at Las Vegas or Los Angeles, and the dates are the end of April, beginning of May.”

For his part when we spoke to Wilder three weeks ago, he said: “You’re dealing with my team in America and his team wherever they’re based at. Sometimes if they’re doing email and stuff like that it takes a little while.

“Negotiations take time because he wants something and I want something so we’ve got to meet in the middle and see what’s going on. He is the champion and I have to be a bit more lenient on certain things because of the opportunity.

“I’m very grateful for that and I have no problem with it, so negotiations are going very well and in the end we will see what happens.”

BOXING

Anthony Joshua pays ‘final respects to departed friends’ after leaving hospital

Anthony Joshua has been discharged from hospital following the devastating car crash in Nigeria that left two of his close friends dead.

The two-time heavyweight champion was travelling in a Lexus SUV on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Makun, Nigeria on Monday when it hit a stationary vehicle.

Joshua escaped with ‘minor’ injuries but close friends and long-time members of his team Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami were killed instantly.

JUST IN: The Five Words Anthony Joshua Immediately Cried Out After Car Crash That Kille

Joshua’s mother Yeta Odusanya rushed to her son’s bedside following the tragedy with the pair paying their respects to his ‘departed friends’ at a funeral home on Wednesday afternoon ahead of their repatriation to the UK.

A statement from the regional governments of Lagos and Ogun said: ‘Anthony Joshua was discharged from hospital late this afternoon though heavy hearted and full of emotions over the loss of his two close friends he was deemed clinical fit to recuperate from home.

‘Anthony and his mother were at the funeral home in Lagos this afternoon to pay their final respects to his two departed friends as they were being prepared for repatriation scheduled for later this evening.

‘Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu deeply appreciate the public concern and show of love and affection over this very sad and unfortunate incident.’

The post also thanked the team of doctors and medical staff at the Lagoon Hospital Ikoyi ‘that attended to Anthony and those that sustained injuries.’

Ayodele was a long-time friend of Joshua’s, serving as his personal trainer.

Ghami worked as Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, another who has been part of ‘AJ’s team for several years.

‘Rest in peace Latz and Sina. Your energy and loyalty among so many other great qualities will be deeply missed,’ Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn wrote on Wednesday.

‘Praying for strength and guidance for all their family, friends and of course AJ during this very difficult time.’

BOXING

The Five Words Anthony Joshua Immediately Cried Out After Car Crash That Kille

The Five Words Anthony Joshua Immediately Cried Out After Car Crash That Killed Two of His Friends

British former two-time heavyweight world champion boxer Anthony Joshua continues his recovery in a Nigerian hospital following a horror crash that killed two people close to the fighter. Joshua’s two long-term friends, Sina Ghami and Kevin Latif Ayodele, were both killed as the black Lexus the group were travelling in hit a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Makun, Nigeria on Monday.

Joshua could be seen, via footage uploaded to social media, being helped from the wreckage. The boxer was then swiftly transported to the Duchess International Hospital in Lagos to receive treatment for what are reported to be minor injuries at this stage.

Anthony Joshua during his fight against Jake Paul

READ: Anthony Joshua’s Injuries Feared to be ‘Worse Than First Thought’ After Fatal Car Crash

The incident throws any immediate plans for a showdown between Joshua and fellow Brit Tyson Fury into severe doubt while AJ continues to recover and come to terms with the untimely loss of his friends. Both Ghami and Ayodele happened to be sitting on the opposite side of the vehicle to Joshua and the driver when the Lexus ended up coming into contact with the stationary truck.

Aftermath of Anthony Joshua’s Fatal Car Crash

Investigators have since revealed that the vehicle that Anthony Joshua was travelling in suffered a tyre blowout. Babatunde Akinbiyi, the Police Commander of Nigeria’s Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (Trace), stated that the vehicle had ‘experienced a tyre burst because of excessive speed’ on one of Nigeria’s deadliest roads.

The crash comes days after Anthony Joshua’s victory over Jake Paul in Miami, Florida. The British heavyweight felled The Problem Child with a monstrous right hand in round six of their contest to claim victory. Despite Joshua’s feelings of pain following Monday’s crash, the boxer remains in a stable condition. Joshua was heard to cry out ‘I feel pain all over‘ once freed from the wreckage, sparking fears about the extent of the fighter’s injuries.

Nigeria’s president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, confirmed that Joshua’s mother, Yeta Odusanya, had rushed to her son’s bedside after being informed of the incident. Tributes continue to pour in for both Sina Ghami and Kevin Latif Ayodele, with Joshua’s prospective next opponent, Tyson Fury, writing on Instagram on Tuesday: “This is so sad. May God give them a good bed in heaven.”

Why Anthony Joshua Was in Nigeria

Anthony Joshua celebrates with his belts after beating Andy Ruiz Jr

The trip to Nigeria was intended as a week’s holiday visiting family for Anthony Joshua, as footage emerged after the crash of the fighter playing table tennis with his friends while taking some time out of his busy schedule. The former two-time world champion was due to begin a training camp potentially in Saudi Arabia prior to facing kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in the lead up to the rumoured contest with Fury.

All that will sadly now have to wait as Joshua is set to spend New Year’s Eve in hospital while recovering both physically and mentally from a traumatic experience. Representatives for Joshua said in regard to the tragic deaths of Sina Ghami and Kevin Latif Ayodele: “Both were close friends and integral members of Anthony’s team. We respectfully ask that space and privacy be given to the families at this time while they process this truly shocking and devastating news.”

CELEB NEWS

Why Tiger Woods’ son Charlie made ‘I’m broke’ claim as his true ne

Tiger Woods’ son Charlie made ‘I’m broke’ claim as his true net worth emerges

Golf legend Tiger Woods celebrates his 50th birthday this Tuesday, marking a significant milestone for one of the most esteemed sports figures in history. Woods is the only golfer to have held all four major titles simultaneously and shares the record for the most PGA Tour wins – 82.

Although Woods continues to play, injuries have significantly curtailed his time on the course. Over the last six years, the Californian has participated in just 13 PGA Tour events, earning a relatively modest £157,000 in prize money. While this might seem like a substantial sum to most, it’s a rather paltry amount for a sportsman of Woods’ calibre.

READ: Unseen Moments of Tiger Woods With Late Earl Woods Surface as GF Vaness

However, we suspect Woods isn’t too concerned about his next pay cheque. According to Forbes, he’s amassed a pre-tax career total of £1.3 billion from prize money, endorsements, advertising deals and more. After tax, his wealth is just under £1 billion.

Woods holds a PGA Tour prize money record of around £90 million, and in 2022, Forbes officially declared him a billionaire (in US dollars), making him only the second athlete to achieve this status, following LeBron James.

Despite his peak years being in the late nineties and noughties, Woods remains the fourth highest-earning golfer of 2025 (£40 million), trailing behind John Rahm, Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy.

Woods has used his earnings to invest in property and business ventures. The iconic golfer owns two homes on Jupiter Island, runs a golf course design company, and has a mini-golf chain called Popstroke.

Charlie Woods, son of golfing legend Tiger, is making his own mark in the sporting world. The 16-year-old, who attends Benjamin School in Florida, has had a stellar academic and athletic year.

In March, he clinched the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) title at the Team TaylorMade Invitational and even scored a hole-in-one at the Junior Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass. With Charlie set to enrol in college in 2027, coaches are keeping a keen eye on his progress.

However, despite his early success, Charlie claims he’s not exactly flush with cash. After scoring his first hole-in-one back in December 2024, his father reminded him of an age-old tradition.

“You’re buying [a round of drinks] for everyone out here,” Tiger told his son, to which Charlie responded: “I’m not buying. I’m broke.”

It might be hard to believe that the son of billionaire Tiger Woods is strapped for cash, but it’s likely that his father still controls his finances given his young age.

Sportskeeda estimates Charlie’s net worth to be around £18.5m. Furthermore, it’s reported that a trust fund has been established for Charlie and his sister, Sam, with a rumoured sum of £14.8m set aside for them.

As Woods celebrates his 50th birthday, he can look back on a life filled with sporting triumphs. His son Charlie can only aspire to achieve a fraction of his father’s success, but he undoubtedly has the perfect mentor to guide him.

CELEB NEWS

Unseen Moments of Tiger Woods With Late Earl Woods Surface as GF Vaness

Unseen Moments of Tiger Woods With Late Earl Woods Surface as GF Vanessa Trump & More React

Tiger Woods has been one of the biggest stars. Yes, that might sound like a cliched sentence, but the truth is, Woods is still equally impactful as he was in his prime. And this is not something that any golfer has been able to pull off. Thus, when such a personality celebrates his 50th birthday, the hype is bound to shoot over the roof. Recently, the TGR Foundation took to their official Instagram handle to celebrate Woods’ birthday. As the sports world celebrated Woods’ legacy, a single photo from his past with his late father captured the attention of fans and family alike.

In one of the snaps, a young Woods can be spotted alongside his late father, Earl Woods. It was a throwback picture from one of Tiger’s birthday celebrations when he was a kid. There was another old picture where the US golfing legend could be seen standing beside his father on a golf course. Alongside these particular snaps, the carousel also featured several activities undertaken by the foundation on the occasion of the legend’s birthday. Woods could also be spotted posing with his family.

JUST IN: “He wants to be perfect”: Tiger Woods’ son Charlie Woods and his

Captioning the post, the foundation wrote on Instagram, “Today we celebrate 50 years of legacy, on and off the golf course. Happy birthday to our founder, @TigerWoods! His vision, leadership and unwavering belief in the power of education have inspired generations and empowered thousands of students to unlock their potential and bring their dreams to life.”

Soon, with love pouring in, the post gained a significant amount of traction. Notably, Vanessa Trump liked and reshared the same, as she felt proud of her partner.

View this post on Instagram

Coming to the bond between the late Earl Woods and Tiger, the relationship went well beyond that of a typical father-son relationship. After all, it was his father who inspired the legend to pick up a golf club early on in his life. Throughout his career, Earl Woods constantly motivated and mentored him, shaping Tiger into the champion that he is today. He was so confident in his son that he made a prophecy years in advance.

Back in 1996, when Tiger was just 20 years old, Earl Woods told Sports Illustrated, “Tiger will do more than any other man in history to change the course of humanity. I don’t know exactly what form this will take, but he is the Chosen One.”

Well, surely, the rest is history now. Earl’s prophecy spoke of an impact beyond golf, and decades later, that influence remains undeniable, as proven by his recent win in the Player Impact Program. Calculating the results of the 2024 Player Impact Program, Woods came out as the winner, bagging a whopping $10 million bonus!

Even as the golfing legend is struggling with his health, he stands tall in terms of impact. At 50, Tiger Woods is still the most Googled golfer in all the years of the Player Impact Program. Meanwhile, as the picture of Earl Woods gained traction, fans could not help but comment on the same.

Fans shower love & support for Tiger Woods’ throwback picture with his late father

As soon as the post went viral, fans flocked to the comments section. One fan wished Woods, mentioning how the legend is their favourite golfer. “Happy Birthday to my favorite pga tour golfer tiger woods”, read the comment.

Reflecting on the past, another Instagram user expressed their emotions, saying, “Happy Birthday, Tiger!❤️🥰🏆🥳 Thanks for the many years of great play in Sunday Reds. You are awesome.” Referring to the legend as the Greatest of all time, another netizen commented, “Tiger, my GOAT, and wishing you all the best in your future endeavors.”

Lately, his injuries and surgery have been keeping the star away from the competitive realm. But while Woods looks forward to making a comeback, his fans, too, are waiting with bated breath. One such fan wrote on his birthday post, “Look out @pgatourchampions Tiger’s coming! Can’t wait to watch him.”

Echoing the same thoughts, another fan stated, “Happy 50th Tiger!!! 🐯🐐 wishing you the best of health and your return to tournament golf ⛳️ 💯💪.” Thus, with Tiger Woods’ impact still unquestioned, fans are eagerly waiting for an update on when he will be coming back to professional golf again.

BOXING

Why Floyd Mayweather’s boxing comeback chances increase with

Floyd Mayweather’s boxing comeback chances increase with latest development

Pound-for-pound great Floyd Mayweather Jr. could be set to end a nine-year hiatus from the ring and return to the professional scene next year, after collapsed talks for a world title contest have opened the door for a lucrative opportunity.

Mayweather hung up the gloves following a stoppage win against Conor McGregor in the famous ‘Money Fight’ between the respective superstars of boxing and mixed martial arts back in 2017.

JUST IN: Anthony Joshua’s Injuries Feared to be ‘Worse Than First Thought’ After Fatal Car Crash

Since then, ‘TBE” has fought solely in exhibitions and raked in further cash, but a return to professional fighting has been mentioned continuously, especially after the comeback of perennial rival Manny Pacquiao in the summer.

Pacquiao could only muster a draw upon his return, coming extremely close to dethroning Mario Barrios and claiming the WBC welterweight title despite an extended period of inactivity.

Still, the Filipino icon had been linked to another world title bout, with strong suggestions that an announcement for a meeting with WBA champion Rolando Romero was imminent.

However, it is now understood that talks for that scrap have collapsed and that ‘Rolly’ will instead be made to fulfil his mandatory and attempt to defend his belt against Uzbekistan’s Shakhram Giysaov.

Speaking with The Ring, Giyasov’s manager, Vadim Kornilov, explained that he and his fighter would have been willing to wait for their shot, if the fight between Pacquiao and Romero was going ahead.

“I don’t think an exception works when there’s no fight and it’s not announced,”

“If [the Romero-Pacquiao fight] was happening, that’s one thing; we have a lot respect for a fight like that and for Pacquiao especially.

“But when there is no fight, I believe that rules have to be followed and Rolly has to fight Giyasov. I never understand why some fighters get exceptions and don’t have to fight their mandatories.”

As a result, Mayweather can now be considered as the frontrunner for Pacquiao’s next outing, after months of whispers that the pair will meet again over a decade on from their initial encounter.

CELEB NEWS

Serena Williams’ Ex-Coach Has One Bold Wish for Her Ahead of the 2026 Season

It was the fall of 2022 when fans last saw Serena Williams competing on the courts of Flushing Meadows.

After that US Open run, the 23-time Grand Slam champion avoided using the word “retirement,” instead saying she was “evolving away” from the sport. Ever since, fans have been hoping to see her step back onto the court one more time. Now, adding his voice to that chorus is none other than her former coach, Patrick Mouratoglou.

On December 26, Patrick Mouratoglou shared his 2026 wishlist. As he spoke about everything he hopes for in 2026, one wish clearly stole the spotlight. Mouratoglou expressed his desire to see Serena Williams return to competitive tennis.

READ: Why Serena Williams’ ex-coach is pushing for her comeback in 2026

Pointing to her recent training videos, he said, “I would love to see in 2026, a comeback from Serena. Why not? We’ve all seen the footage of Serena ripped. She is ready physically. She’s worked hard. She looks so fit, so ready. She loves tennis.”

Mouratoglou can relate: “She posted video of herself playing tennis. I would love to see if she can compete at the age she has, without playing one single tournament for three years, giving birth for a second time,” he continued.

With Williams posting photos and videos of herself on Instagram, showing off her workouts and gains, many fans were left wondering if these were early clues for a return.

“Can she compete with the best? Because she’s Serena; she’s the best of all time. What is her level? I would love to see that. And I know I’m not the only one,” Mouratoglou added.

With her former coach openly believing a Serena Williams comeback is possible, the bigger question is, does Serena Williams herself still have the desire to return at this stage of her career?

Serena Williams breaks silence on her comeback

Speculation around a possible Serena Williams comeback began in September, when she filed paperwork with the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). The filing exempted her from strict whereabouts requirements, a move that immediately caught fans’ attention and fueled fresh theories about a potential return to professional tennis.

Under ITIA and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules, any player considering a comeback must first comply with out-of-competition testing regulations.

This means being available for drug testing for at least six months before entering a tournament. Williams’ name later appeared on the ITIA’s Registered Testing Pool list dated October 6, further intensifying the discussion.

Soon after the news broke, Williams took to X, posting, “Omg, y’all, I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy,” though her denial has done little to quell fans’ imaginations.

ITIA spokesperson Adrian Bassett confirmed that Williams had requested reinstatement into the testing pool but clarified that it wasn’t a sure sign for a return. “I do not know if this means she is coming back, or just giving herself the option. All I can say is she’s back in the pool and therefore subject to whereabouts,” said Bassett.

The Registered Testing Pool is made up of top singles players, notable doubles and wheelchair athletes, as well as players returning after long absences. So now, while a Serena Williams comeback would undoubtedly excite the tennis world, the final decision ultimately rests with her.

BOXING

Anthony Joshua’s Injuries Feared to be ‘Worse Than First Thought’ After Fatal Car Crash

Ever since the news of Anthony Joshua being involved in a fatal car crash in Nigeria broke, the boxing world has been holding its breath to find out the extent of his injuries.

The former heavyweight world champion was one of the four people inside the black Lexus Jeep, which crashed into a stationary red commercial Sinotruck near Lagos on Monday, the 29th of December. The driver of the vehicle and Joshua survived, but the two other passengers in the car, Sina Ghami and Kevin “Latif / Latz” Ayodele, both friends of ‘AJ,’ sadly passed away at the scene due to their injuries.

Although this is a situation which is much bigger and more important than boxing, naturally, due to his fame and accomplishments in the sport, fans have been eagerly awaiting an update on what injuries Joshua suffered as a result of the crash.

JUST IN: Canelo Alvarez’s return to face undefeated ‘boogeyman’ for his for

Shortly after the accident happened, there were claims that the Brit initially suffered “minor” injuries, but there are now fears that the damage he sustained is more severe than first thought.

Although it seemed that Joshua had escaped the fatal car crash he was involved in Nigeria with just “minor” injuries, there are now major fears that this may not be the case.

As first reported by the Daily Mail, sources close to Joshua are now saying that the damage he sustained could be “more severe than publicised.” Even though Nigerian authorities have downplayed the amount of damage he suffered, the Brit was visibly in agony right after the crash in footage which was posted online by bystanders.

Specifically, the possibility of injuries to his rib and knee was floated around by members of Joshua’s inner circle, which, of course, wouldn’t be good news for the future of his boxing career. Although no injuries are good injuries, the most important thing is that he is in a stable condition after the fatal crash.

Tributes Have Poured in For Joshua’s Friends Who Passed Away

Eddie Hearn, as well as Anthony Joshua’s most recent opponent, Jake Paul, are among many people to have posted tributes to social media for Sina Ghami and Kevin “Latif / Latz” Ayodele, who were the two fatalities in the car crash.

Hearn, below an official statement from Matchroom Boxing, called Ghami and Ayodele “two great men.”

View this post on Instagram

Paul issued a similar statement to X, formerly known as Twitter, and sent thoughts and prayers to Joshua, as well as the families of the two men who lost their lives in the crash.

RIP Sina Ghami and Kevin “Latif / Latz” Ayodele. My thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends and AJ.

— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) December 29, 2025

BOXING

Canelo Alvarez’s return to face undefeated ‘boogeyman’ for his for

Canelo Alvarez’s return to face undefeated ‘boogeyman’ for his former title receives key update

An update has been issued regarding the status of the vacant IBF super middleweight title.

Canelo Alvarez was hoping to face Terence Crawford in a rematch before his latest opponent made the decision to retire from boxing.

The Mexican star, who is three years younger than ‘Bud’, still plans to continue fighting following the third defeat of his career.

JUST IN: All we know about Anthony Joshua’s injuries in horror car crash as star still in hospital

It isn’t clear when Alvarez will return due to the elbow surgery that he underwent shortly after losing his undisputed super middleweight belts.

While all of the talk in recent weeks has been about Crawford’s swan song, the face of boxing’s comeback will be a huge deal whenever it takes place.

Canelo Alvarez vs Osleys Iglesias inquired about for vacant IBF belt

Canelo Alvarez was removed from the Ring’s top 10 pound-for-pound rankings for the first time since 2018 following his loss to Terence Crawford in September.

The manner of the defeat was so shockingly one-sided that it’s likely going to take the Mexican superstar some time to build back his momentum.

One name that was already being suggested as the fighter who could face the winner of Canelo vs Crawford was Osleys Iglesias.

The undefeated Cuban stopped Vladimir Shishkin in September to emerge as the next contender for the IBF super middleweight belt that Crawford has now vacated.

Multiple sources have reported that the IBF has now ordered Iglesias vs Alvarez for the vacant belt, due to both men being their top ranked contenders in this division.

However, Dan Rafael has disputed this, stating that while the IBF did show interest in the matchup, it hasn’t been officially ordered at this time.

Contrary to some reporting out there the IBF did not order Osleys Iglesias vs Canelo, the two top contenders in their 168 rankings, to fight for the vacant title yesterday. What the IBF did do was inquire about their availability to participate in the vacant title bout. #boxing

— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) December 30, 2025

Terence Crawford retired due to fights against the likes of Osleys Iglesias

In a recent appearance on Adin Ross’ stream, Terence Crawford spoke about his decision to retire.

He revealed that one of the key factors was that he didn’t feel like there were any fights out there for him that would be against big names who could add to his legacy.

Osleys Iglesias, who could’ve been made his mandatory challenger, is a good example of this.

The 28-year-old could go on to become a star but at just 14-0 in his pro career, beating him won’t do much for either Crawford or Canelo Alvarez.

However, it’s rising and hungry competitors like Iglesias who are going to be hunting down someone like Alvarez so they can announce themselves on the global stage.