Admin, Author at Sport Buddy

Uncertainty surrounds the figure of Serena Williams in recent seasons.

It has been over three years since the American legend played her last match in competition: the third round of the US Open 2022 where she lost in the third set against Ajla Tomljanovic.

At the age of 44, rumors of a possible comeback to the courts resurfaced stronger than ever this past week when she appeared registered in the anti-doping program that would allow her to play from April 2026. Despite the excitement generated by this move, Serena herself came out to deny this news.

READ: Serena Williams Talks About Dad ‘King’ Richard, Her Multimillion D

“She keeps the option open, but she won’t return unless she’s certain she can compete at her best,” confessed Patrick Mouratoglou as reported by Express Sport. The French coach, who was Serena Williams’ coach for 10 years, took the opportunity to point out the keys to a potential return of the champion.

Serena Williams’ Real Opportunity

“Maybe it crossed her mind because she is in excellent shape, as everyone saw. It seems she has returned to being an elite athlete after becoming a mother. Perhaps it crossed her mind, and perhaps that opportunity presented itself. But to open up an opportunity and take advantage of it, I think there is still a long way to go, so I suppose we will find out in a few months if it happens.

I believe that when Serena wants something and fully commits to it, few things are impossible for her. I suppose if she’s considering a return, she will only do it if she believes she can compete with the best; otherwise, she won’t. That’s not her mentality. It never has been. It’s impressive, Serena and Venus are incredible athletes, I think they are above most players, so, for them, it is more possible than for many others.”

The Williams Sisters

“They have an incredible competitive mindset that has made them who they are, multiple Grand Slam champions, and Serena even in a different league. But both have the competitiveness, the ability to win matches, and for their age, they are still in excellent shape because, first, they continue to train, and second, they are incredible athletes.”

CELEB NEWS

Tiger Woods hints at major career shift with unexpected appea

Tiger Woods hints at major career shift with unexpected appearance

Tiger Woods hinted at a possible career change on Sunday when he appeared as a guest commentator on the Golf Channel broadcast of the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.

The 49-year-old joined fellow golfing star Kevin Kisner as they commentated on the final round of the tournament, which Tiger hosts each year. The duo shared hilarious banter as they reminisced about a particularly memorable bunker shot that Kevin hit during a match earlier in the year, which saw him hit a flagpole.

READ: Tiger Woods Makes Rare Comments About Lookalike Son Charlie, 16, Following

“So, since you’ve been practising your chipping and putting, are you ready for me to come down there and whack you for the TGL season coming up?” Kevin joked.

“Hey, I’ve seen you chip. I know you can putt. I think we can work on the bunker game a little bit,” Tiger responded.

Tiger’s fans couldn’t get enough of his commentary, sharing online that he was “pure comedy gold”, while another added: “Tiger would make an awesome broadcaster in the future!”

The father of two has been plagued by injuries in recent years, and recently updated the press on how he was faring after undergoing surgery on his back just weeks prior.

“I just got cleared last week to chip and putt, so that’s good,’ he said at a press conference ahead of the Hero World Challenge. “It’s been six weeks. It’s been slow, and you can’t really do anything on a disc replacement. You’ve got to let it set.”

“Now we’ve got the okay to start cranking up a little bit in the gym, start strengthening and doing more of the rotational component that I haven’t been able to do.” He announced the major surgery in October, taking to X to reassure fans of his speedy recovery.

“After experiencing pain and lack of mobility in my back, I consulted with doctors and surgeons to have tests taken,” he wrote. “The scans determined that I had a collapsed disc in L4/5, disc fragments and a compromised spinal canal.”

“I have opted to have my disc replaced yesterday, and I already know I made a good decision for my health and my back,” he continued. Tiger’s first back surgery was a microdiscectomy in 2014 to address a pinched nerve, which he followed with three more procedures in the ensuing years.

Tiger Woods of the United States with his son Charlie Woods and daughter Sam Woods prepare to tee off from the second tee during the second round of the PNC Championship at Ritz-Carlton Golf Club on December 22, 2024 in Orlando, Florida.

He then underwent a microdecompression surgery in September 2024 to fix a nerve impingement.

“The surgery went smoothly, and I’m hopeful this will help alleviate the back spasms and pain I was experiencing throughout most of the 2024 season,” he shared with fans.

“I look forward to tackling this rehab and preparing myself to get back to normal life activities, including golf.”

Tiger’s health battle worsened after he was involved in a major car crash in February 2021, which saw his vehicle roll several times on a road in Southern California. His right leg was severely damaged, and he had a rod inserted in it with pins and screws to hold it in place.

BOXING

Gervonta Davis Breaks Silence On Jake Paul Fight Collapse With

Gervonta Davis Breaks Silence On Jake Paul Fight Collapse With Defiant Message

Soon after news broke that Jake Paul’s scheduled fight against Gervonta “Tank” Davis, which was supposed to take place on November 15, was cancelled, Paul took to social media to put Tank on blast.

“Gervonta Davis is an actual walking human piece of garbage. Working with him is an absolute nightmare. The unprofessionalism, the bizarre requests, the showing up hours late to shoots. To the numerous arrests and related accusations and lawsuits. If you support this man you support the most vile sin a man can commit,” Paul wrote.

Jake Paul's camp wants Gervonta Davis after Canelo Alvarez fight fell off

JUST IN: Why Floyd Mayweather Prefers Secrecy as Tyson and Pacquiao Le

“I didn’t want to give this woman abuser a platform to grow his fans and to grow his bank account. My company champions women. I’m so sorry to everyone involved… Sacrificing time with loved ones and kids just for this fool to lose his unintelligent mind again. It’s scary that devilish men like this can rise to the top of culture and sports, including in positions of power. I hope you people moving forward look beyond his fake streetwear pieces ‘SWAG’ and search for something deeper to be a fan of,” he added.

Paul is referring to Davis having a domestic violence lawsuit filed against him at the end of October, which is presumably why the fight was cancelled.

Gervonta Davis Dodges Accountability with Message on Jake Paul Fight Failure

It doesn’t seem that Tank Davis is keen to accept accountability for this exhibition fight against Paul (which was surely going to be a massive payday for both men, given that it was going to be broadcast on Netflix).

He broke his silence on the bout’s cancellation with an X post on December 7 that read, “[Paul] was getting his a** beat in camp…..i was gonna do him bad..but everything happens for a reason that’s why I didn’t trip. Shawty has a whole history of going after men with money .. it’s me so y’all believed it. Y’all couldn’t wait. More opportunities in da future though. 👌🫡”.

Gervonta Davis commented on his canceled fight against Jake Paul.. pic.twitter.com/0V2gmFSdiG

— Boxing Kingdom (@BoxingKingdom14) December 7, 2025

The reigning WBA lightweight champion also called out Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) in a subsequent post, writing, “MVP couldn’t uphold nothing. Al [Haymon] had to come in to take over everything… MVP IS GARBAGE! Y’all run nothing at Netflix. Y’all are just workers,” per a December 8 article from talkSPORT.

Both of these posts were subsequently deleted, as is always the case when Tank posts on social media.

Ultimately, Davis can say whatever he wants. The bottom line is that Paul has since moved on to a bigger (and much more dangerous) fight against Anthony Joshua, which Tank will be watching on Netflix like everyone else.

BOXING

Why Floyd Mayweather Prefers Secrecy as Tyson and Pacquiao Le

Floyd Mayweather Prefers Secrecy as Tyson and Pacquiao Leak Fight Plans

Fighters don’t just lose matches — sometimes they lose the narrative. That may be what Floyd Mayweather is thinking after two of his biggest rivals — Mike Tyson and Manny Pacquiao — publicly revealed details about future match-ups.

JUST IN: Jake Paul injury leads to immediate Anthony Joshua cancellation cl

Tyson Drops the Bomb
At his “An Evening With Mike Tyson” event this week, Tyson stunned the audience by leaking plans when asked who his next fight would be against.

“Floyd Mayweather, can you believe that? It’s going to be in March in Africa. It’s going to break all the records.”

That revelation adds fresh heat to one of boxing’s most talked-about exhibitions: Tyson vs. Mayweather, expected in March 2026 somewhere on that continent.

Mayweather Likes to Control the Narrative
Mayweather built his 50‑0 professional legacy across five weight divisions by meticulously controlling timing, promotion, and media narratives.

So when Tyson — a man who once called Mayweather “a little scared man” for comparing himself to legends — announced the fight details in front of fans, he didn’t just hype the event. He encroached on Mayweather’s turf.

Pacquiao Set the Precedent
It isn’t the first time someone spilled what Mayweather preferred to keep under wraps. Earlier this year, Pacquiao revealed details of a planned 2026 rematch.

A few weeks after confirming it, he cut off a reporter who asked about the fight during his son’s professional debut in Los Angeles.

Observers noted Mayweather likely would have told Pacquiao to stay quiet — the same principle that makes Tyson’s public reveal potentially irritating for Floyd.

The Stakes Behind the Scenes
Now that Tyson is doing the same, the pattern is clear: the spectacle may thrill fans, but behind the scenes, Mayweather’s preference for control is being challenged.

Come March, Africa will host a historic exhibition that’s sure to break records — but behind the cameras, the real fight is already in motion.

BOXING

Jake Paul injury leads to immediate Anthony Joshua cancellation cl

Jake Paul injury leads to immediate Anthony Joshua cancellation claim

Boxing fans are convinced Jake Paul will cancel his fight with Anthony Joshua after he was see sporting a black eye.

Paul is due to take on Joshua next Friday in Miami in a controversial heavyweight fight. Paul is expected to be brutally knocked out by the former two-time world champion who is fighting for the first time in 15 months. And the YouTuber revealed he was handed the black eye by Joshua’s fellow Brit Lawrence Okolie.

READ: ‘Blessing in disguise’: Anthony Joshua says the clause Jake Paul inserted into

“I’m sparring a bunch of world champion heavyweights, I think Lawrence Okolie did that to me, he’s like 6ft 6in, 270lbs,” said Paul in a video on social media. Paul is likely to face a 30lb weight disadvantage when he meets Joshua in the ring, even with the imposition of a 245lb weight restriction on the Olympic champion.

And fans took to social media after seeing the video to doubt whether Paul even makes it to the ring. “Let me guess, he’s going to back out with an injury,” said one, while another added: “Bro might need to pull out.” Another fan said: “Based on those video, I don’t think that fight is happening. Looks like excuses have started” while he was backed up by yet another who added: “Fight’s going to be cancelled”.

One fan went further and said Paul had clearly been “humbled” by the incident. “Someone has definitely humbled Jake, his whole body language has changed. Whether it was that shot from Lawrence or a different one, someone has done it.” Another commentator believes Paul’s team are being reckless when he said: “Out of shape Okilie who is not on AJ’s level… Jake is going to die out there and his team are letting it happen all for money; they don’t care for Jake at all.”

Okolie had previously praised Paul’s ability following their sparring sessions. Trainer Joe Gallagher reported that the former cruiserweight world champion had said: “I messaged Lawrence, and he was quite glowing about Jake Paul, on how well he was doing with Frank Sanchez and Jared Anderson. I don’t think he’s gone as far as [backing him to beat Joshua.]”

Paul will take on Joshua over eight three-minute rounds in Miami with the rivals wearing 10oz gloves. Joshua sees the fight as the first of three over the next 12 months and plans to fight again in Saudi Arabia in February before finally settling his beef with domestic rival Tyson Fury in September.

BOXING

How Deontay Wilder’s 4,740-Day WBC Streak Survives Freefall for

Deontay Wilder’s 4,740-Day WBC Streak Survives Freefall for Usyk Title Clash

Deontay Wilder’s extraordinary 4,740-day streak as a permanent WBC heavyweight contender has narrowly survived a freefall that nearly derailed his newly agreed world-title shot against Oleksandr Usyk.

In just 24 months, Wilder plunged from the WBC’s long-standing No. 1 to No. 13 — the steepest decline of his career. One more rankings cycle and the Bronze Bomber could have slipped outside the top 15, instantly losing eligibility for a voluntary defense.

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The sanction arrived just in time, confirming a fight that had already been agreed in principle.

His 4,740-day WBC tenure dates back to December 15, 2012, when Wilder defeated Kelvin Price via third-round knockout at the Sports Arena, Los Angeles, to claim the vacant WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight title.

This victory would have automatically placed him in the top 15.

Usyk Called Him Out — Wilder Accepted Instantly
At the WBC Convention in Bangkok this month, Usyk publicly named Wilder as his next opponent. Wilder accepted immediately, telling delegates he “can’t wait to hear negotiations.”

WBN understands the pair had been in contact months earlier, with Wilder privately revealing in an interview that his “next fight would be for the title in January.”

The fight is agreed, locked in, and officially sanctioned — its survival hinged on timing rather than recent form.

Two-Year Freefall Nearly Costs Wilder the Fight
After years as the immovable No. 1 challenger behind Tyson Fury, Wilder’s position crumbled under inactivity, back-to-back losses to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang, and just one win across 30 months.

In the WBC’s latest list, he sits at No. 13 — surrounded by younger, undefeated, and far more active heavyweights:

Historic US Heavyweight Streak Lost
Just recently, Wilder surrendered his 4,000+ day reign as the top US heavyweight to rising Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. That loss symbolized what insiders already knew: Wilder wasn’t just drifting… he was sinking.

One more month of inactivity and he would have fallen too far for the WBC to sanction the Usyk bout.

The WBC Approved the Fight — Just in Time
The WBC has confirmed its approval of Usyk vs Wilder to WBN, locking in one of the most intriguing stylistic clashes of the modern era. Had the sanction been delayed until after the next rankings reshuffle, Wilder would have been outside the eligibility window.

The calendar, not momentum, saved his title shot.

The Delayed Comeback That Nearly Backfired
Wilder was expected to box this autumn. Shelly Finkel told WBN he intended to take a tune-up before a 2026 blockbuster. That tune-up has now slipped to January or February, with no opponent named.

The delay allowed active fighters like Jalolov, Torrez, and Vianello to leapfrog him. Had the slide continued, the Usyk fight — already verbally agreed — would have been dead before contracts arrived.

Timing, not form, preserved the showdown.

A Fight Still Worth Every Second
Despite the ranking chaos, the fight remains one of the most compelling matchups available:

Usyk, the master technician.
Wilder, the most destructive puncher of the century.

Both want the fight. The WBC has sanctioned it. Heavyweight boxing finally has its next blockbuster. But Wilder has burned through every inch of ranking goodwill.

His 13-year relevance streak is alive — but flickering at its lowest point. He is getting his shot, but only because the door slammed shut a second after he stepped through it.

The next punch he throws will decide whether he remains a contender or becomes a heavyweight relic frozen out of the WBC Ratings for good.

BOXING

3 potential opponents for Canelo’s comeback fight

Will Canelo Alvarez fight again – and if so, against whom?

We won’t get a clearer picture until next year, once the Mexican star has had time to process the third loss of his career. Terence Crawford followed Floyd Mayweather and Dmitry Bivol in outclassing Canelo – and, like those before him, was never in any real danger of being beaten.

Next summer, one of this century’s biggest boxing attractions turns 36. With 68 fights and 532 rounds behind him, the finish line is approaching, but Mexican pride and a fighter’s ego make it hard to imagine Alvarez bowing out on a defeat.

JUST IN: Tyson Fury ‘Vows to Return’ as Wardley Title Shot Opens Door to Usyk Trilogy

So who could he face next? Here are three realistic options.

Terence Crawford

During a visit to TV Azteca, Canelo made it clear he intends to fight in 2026 – and that he wants a rematch with “Bud” Crawford. Losing his undisputed super-middleweight crown to a man who began his title run at lightweight will have stung. Motivation won’t be an issue, but few will expect Canelo to overturn September’s result against someone of Crawford’s calibre.

Hamzah Sheeraz

Since Hamzah Sheeraz linked up with Turki Alalshikh and Riyadh Season, one opponent has remained central to their ambitions: Canelo Alvarez. The loss to Crawford may have dented Sheeraz’s title momentum, but the chance to dethrone the former king still appeals.

Canelo, meanwhile, may look at Sheeraz’s explosive win over Edgar Berlanga and fancy the opportunity to tame the rising threat and send him home humbled.

Chris Eubank Jr

As part of Canelo’s multi-fight Riyadh Season deal, several names were discussed had he beaten Crawford, and one of those earmarked for 2026 was Chris Eubank Jr.

Both men have suffered damaging defeats in the second half of 2025, but if Alvarez chooses to fight overseas, London would be the obvious destination. And few British fighters can generate stadium crowds and major revenue like Eubank Jr. In boxing, some moments are events first and fights second – and Canelo–Eubank Jr fits that mould.

Whomever Canelo chooses, the options are limited. Any return must make sense financially and competitively. Between middleweight and super-middleweight, there are not many opponents who bring everything he requires to the table.

BOXING

Tyson Fury ‘Vows to Return’ as Wardley Title Shot Opens Door to Usyk Trilogy

Tyson Fury has signaled a potential return in 2026, declaring: “The king must return to his throne. God’s fighting 1-man army.”

The Gypsy King’s statement follows back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk and points toward a high-stakes comeback through Britain’s rising star Fabio Wardley.

Redemption fight: Fury vs Wardley
Wardley, who defeated Fury’s former friend Joseph Parker, now holds a WBO world title. A bout with Fury would give the Gypsy King a chance to reclaim his legacy in Britain.

JUST IN: ‘Blessing in disguise’: Anthony Joshua says the clause Jake Paul inserted into

Fury said, “The battle was won over 2,000 years ago by a man who goes by the name of Yesuar. In his holy name, I march forward.”

Victory over Wardley could set up a third showdown with Usyk, who is scheduled to face Deontay Wilder next.

While Wardley is a proven contender, Fury’s experience and championship pedigree make him the main focus. A comeback at 37 would not just be another fight — it would be a statement of resilience.

Fury added: “There is a long and lonely road that only I can walk on, but after long and harad battles, it awaits immortality!”

Setting up the Usyk trilogy
The two-time ruler’s path is clear: defeat Wardley, regain momentum, and potentially face Usyk for a decisive trilogy fight.

After two consecutive losses, this would be another huge comeback story and closure for one of boxing’s most formidable champions.

Timing and stakes
With Wardley holding the WBO title and Fury hinting at a 2026 return, the British heavyweight scene is primed for his resurgence.

A Wardley fight offers a comeback opportunity while positioning Fury for another global blockbuster against Usyk, reigniting one of boxing’s most compelling rivalries.

BOXING

‘Blessing in disguise’: Anthony Joshua says the clause Jake Paul inserted into

Anthony Joshua says the clause Jake Paul inserted into his contract is a ‘blessing in disguise’

Anthony Joshua has his next opponent to thank for his terrific pre-fight shape.

The former two-time heavyweight world champion is set to face Jake Paul on December 19.

Due to their size difference, a 245lb weight limit was inserted into Anthony Joshua‘s contract.

READ: WBC increases punishment for Terence Crawford, potentially forcin

‘AJ’ recently stepped on the scale to reveal he is already below the limit two weeks out from fight night.

Anthony Joshua loves his 245lb weight limit

Anthony Joshua is feeling in better shape than he has for years, thanks to his enforced weight limit.

Jake Paul has inadvertently made his opponent come into their fight fitter than he planned to be.

If I’m honest with you, I really do like this weight, you know,” Joshua told TMZ Sports.

“It’s actually been a blessing in disguise that this task was put upon me because I feel good.

“I look back and think, ‘What was I doing carrying that weight? Where was my mind at?’

“I’ve obviously pushed myself with my cardio, so that means I’m getting fitter. Maybe I wasn’t training hard enough, and that’s why I wasn’t losing the weight. I’m super fit, and I’ve actually lost weight in the process of getting super fit.

“It’s not even like I’ve tried to make the weight. We just upped the cardio and upped the rounds in the gym. You need to work harder, that’s all that comes down to.

“You got lazy, champ, and that’s why you’re putting on all this weight.”

Joe Rogan thinks Jake Paul has made a big mistake

Joe Rogan predicted the clause Jake Paul put in Anthony Joshua’s contract would badly backfire.

The UFC commentator always believed a weight limit would simply force ‘AJ’ to train even harder.

“Listen, kids, it ain’t gonna matter,” Rogan said about the Paul vs Joshua weight limit.

“There’s not a chance that Anthony Joshua is not going to just lose the weight beforehand.

“He’s not gonna come in drained. What he’s going to do is just do extra cardio, and that’s just gonna make him more dangerous.

“He’s gonna be terrifying.”

BOXING

Why Andy Ruiz Jr. is The Biggest Loser as Deontay Wilder Eyes Usyk

By Admin December 7, 2025

For years, Deontay Wilder and Andy Ruiz Jr. were tipped for what was in 2019 an undisputed heavyweight clash that could have defined their legacies.

Now, after a string of near-misses, Ruiz finds himself once more on the outside looking in.

Wilder’s Focus Shifts to Usyk
As reported a few days ago, WBN revealed that Ruiz was Wilder’s number one target for a return fight — until Oleksandr Usyk upended the equation with his public call-out.

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In an exclusive with Fight Hub TV, Wilder left no ambiguity:

“Usyk, Usyk, Usyk. This is for you, Usyk. I just want to say to Usyk: I appreciate you for thinking of me. To have the boxing fans raging, and going crazy, [over] something that ain’t even happened yet, it’s almost like believing in something that you can’t see.

“To have this opportunity [against Usyk], it would be a blessing. I can’t wait to hear more details and give the fans what they want to see.”

Ruiz, who previously expressed enthusiasm for facing Wilder, now sees his path blocked. With Usyk, Tyson Fury (retired), and Anthony Joshua tied up, Wilder stands as the only top heavyweight realistically available — and Usyk has claimed his spot.

Ruiz’s Repeated Missed Opportunities
Ruiz’s track record against elite heavyweights underscores his misfortune. From previous failed negotiations to last-minute reshuffles, he has consistently found himself on the wrong side of timing and circumstance.

WBN coverage shows that even when Wilder was free, Ruiz never fully secured the opportunity — leaving him sidelined as the division’s marquee matchups continue without him.

Fan reaction emphasizes the disappointment. Social engagement around the potential Wilder vs Usyk fight has surged, generating over five million impressions since Usyk’s call-out.

Meanwhile, Ruiz’s hopes of starring in a career-defining bout are once again deferred.

Why Wilder vs Usyk Matters
The matchup represents more than just a fight — it’s a clash of styles, a heavyweight eliminator, and a legacy-defining event. For Ruiz, it’s another reminder that timing and circumstance have repeatedly denied him a shot at boxing’s most compelling narratives.

Between historical significance, fan demand, and the practical availability of contenders, Wilder vs Usyk now stands as the heavyweight showdown fans truly want — with Ruiz watching from the sidelines yet again.

Legacy on the Line
For Andy Ruiz Jr., the message is clear: he remains a talented heavyweight with past accomplishments, but when it comes to the division’s next defining fight, fate and timing have left him trailing.

Wilder’s focus on Usyk signals a new chapter for the top division elite — one Ruiz will have to watch unfold from afar despite a public face-off in Las Vegas last September.