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Beyond the 15-major haul and the 82 PGA Tour wins, there are even more numbers behind this man’s career that are quite staggering

He represents one half of the ‘greatest golfer ever’ debate with Jack Nicklaus. He never did chase down the Golden Bear’s major haul of 18 titles, but there were fireworks along the way.

82 PGA Tour wins, to be precise, and not to mention 15 major titles. His victory at the 2019 Masters was quite something at a time when everyone had written him off, 11 years after his most recent major win at that stage.

He fist-pumped, he cheered, and he cried during an unforgettable career, and one of the likes that we won’t see again.

JUST IN: Phil Mickelson accused of misleading one major player into leaving the PGA Tour and joining LIV Golf

We want to go through the best statistics from Tiger’s career. We’ve given you some spoilers above with his PGA Tour and major tally, but we want to get into the specifics, the nitty-gritty, the numbers that are truly mesmerising.

Crazy Tiger Woods stats

Consecutive cuts made

This statistic is bananas. For over seven seasons, Woods made 142 cuts in a row.

He missed the cut at the 2005 EDS Byron Nelson Championship, and this was the first one he missed since the Bell Canadian Open in 1997. Remarkable.

Weeks spent as World No.1

Woods’ dominance wasn’t just clear by his trophy count, but also by the amount of time he spent at the top of the Official World Golf Rankings.

He was World No.1 for 683 weeks in his career. That is the equivalent of over 13 years. The next best is Greg Norman, who was World No.1 for 331 weeks, and Scottie Scheffler is the only current competitor who could conceivably catch either of these players.

Winning a major by 15 shots

A 15-shot margin is ridiculous, especially at a major. He won the 2000 US Open at Pebble Beach by this margin, beating Ernie Els and Miguel Angel Jimenez in second place.

He had a 10-shot lead after three rounds, and extended it by five with a final-round 67. He also won The Masters in 1999 by 12 shots and The Open in 2000 by eight shots.

Winning 41 times in Europe without being a member

Woods has never been a member of the DP World Tour, or what used to be called the European Tour. But he is credited with 41 victories on the Old World Circuit.

His first win at a European Tour event that wasn’t a major was at the Johnnie Walker Classic in Thailand in 1998.

The Tiger Slam

The Tiger Slam. Now this is something we will likely never see again. Woods held every major trophy at once, an achievement that spanned across 2000 and 2001.

His 2000 US Open started the streak. He then won The Open at St Andrews and the PGA Championship at Valhalla. Then April came around, and he won the Masters by two strokes from David Duval.

Win percentage

Through the 2025 season, Woods had played in 378 PGA Tour events and won 82 times. This is a win percentage of 21.69%, which is a truly staggering effort across a career spanning four different decades.

Leading the majors

This statistic is mightily impressive, but not completely surprising given he won 15 majors. When Woods led or shared the lead heading into the final round, he only lost once.

He led by two shots after the third round of the 2009 PGA Championship, but lost by three shots to Y.E. Yang. He came from behind to win the 2019 Masters, having trailed Francesco Molinari by two shots after 54 holes.

The Grand Slammers

Think of the number of golfers who have played in the majors in the history of the game. It is a lot, but there are only six golfers who have won all four men’s major titles.

Tiger Woods is one of them, and he completed his set of four at the 2000 Open. He was the youngest to do it, and he completed it in just three years to join Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus in this most exclusive club. Rory McIlroy earned his career grand slam at the 2025 Masters.

King of the US Amateur

Woods is the only player to have won the US Amateur three times in a row. His first came at the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in 1994, beating Trip Kuehne in the final.

He beat Buddy Marucci a year later by the same score at Newport Country Club the following year, and then Steve Scott was his third victim at Pumpkin Ridge on the 38th hole of the 36-hole final.

Top finishes

Woods successfully defended a title on the PGA Tour 24 times. He also finished runner-up 31 times and came third 19 times. This shows just how many more events he could’ve won.

He also holds the record for the most consecutive rounds under par. The streak began at the 2000 GTE Byron Nelson Classic in the second round and finished 52 rounds later at the 2001 Phoenix Open in the second round.

BOXING

I’m the last man to beat Terence Crawford, here’s how I did it

Terence Crawford has never tasted defeat as a professional, but he is familiar with the gutwrenching feeling from his amateur days.

Before embarking on a 42-0 pro career that has seen him rise to the top of the sport, Crawford fought 70 times in the unpaid ranks, losing on 12 occasions.

The last of those defeats came in his final outing in the vest against Miguel ‘Silky Smooth’ Gonzalez at the US Olympic trials in Houston back in August 2007.

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Crawford had already beaten Gonzalez twice in October 2006 and June 2007.

But when they met for a third time, Gonzalez exacted his revenge, outpointing Crawford by a margin of 32–23.

Explaining how he did it during a recent appearance on the Porter’s Way Podcast with Shawn Porter, Gonzalez said: “You’ve got to punch with Crawford, you’ve got to counter him while punching with him.

“You have got to bang the body and stay on top of Crawford. Fight him in that phone booth if you can.

“As I remember, that is exactly what I did… What tripped me out was that he got low in the ring; he cut his height down.

“I had a field day with that. He should have stayed tall. I stayed on his chest.

“What I always thought about Crawford was that he is easily taken out of his fight.

“Maybe he fought his fight, but I thought he fought my fight.

“With Bud, you can easily get him to fight you. In all of Bud’s fights, Bud fights you. If you catch him, he wants to catch you back.

“Bud doesn’t run from anybody, and that is where I felt I had the upper hand in our competition.”

Gonzalez eventually had his Olympic dream shattered by Sadam Ali, who went on to represent the United States at the 2008 Beijing Games.

One year later, both Crawford and Gonzalez turned over as professionals to differing levels of success.

What did Miguel Gonzalez and Terence Crawford achieve as professionals?

While Crawford went on to become the first three-weight undisputed champion of the four-belt era, Gonzalez never fought for a world title.

In 2014, when Crawford broke out onto the world stage by dethroning WBO lightweight king Ricky Burns in Scotland, Gonzalez lost to the unheralded Fernando Carcamo.

After competing just twice in five years, Gonzalez hung up his gloves in 2019 with a 25-4 record, having never taken a step above North American level.

Terence Crawford’s world titles

WBO Lightweight Title
WBO Super Lightweight Title
WBC Super Lightweight Title
IBF Super Lightweight Title
WBA Super Lightweight Title
WBO Welterweight Title
IBF Welterweight Title
WBC Welterweight Title
WBA Welterweight Title
WBA Super Welterweight Title
WBA Super Middleweight Title
WBC Super Middleweight Title
IBF Super Middleweight Title
WBO Super Middleweight Title

While he doesn’t measure up to Crawford’s résumé, ‘Silky Smooth’ will forever remain a footnote in the future Hall of Famer’s story.

“It’s mixed emotions,” added Gonzalez, of being mostly remembered for his amateur win over Crawford.

“I wish I was the guy who is on top at the moment, but unfortunately, that didn’t happen.

“I’m great with the victory, and I’m great with my past with Bud Crawford.

“I take my hat off to him and his career, but he and I know what is going on when we are in that ring.

“As long as he keeps winning, I am that man.”

BOXING

Controversial Rule Tyson Fury May Be Forced to Follow if AJ Fight Goes Ahead

Tyson Fury may be forced to follow a strict rule if his super-fight against Anthony Joshua goes ahead next year.

Fury is set to end his latest retirement from boxing as he eyes a return to the ring next year.

Promoter Frank Warren has spoken with Fury and mapped out his plans ahead of the self-proclaimed ‘Gypsy King’ resuming his legendary professional career.

JUST IN: Turki Alalshikh Suffered Financial Loss Over Canelo vs. Crawford’s $15

An all-British showdown against Joshua has been rumoured, with Matchroom chief Eddie Hearn revealing a monstrous purse awaits both men if they can strike a deal.

If Fury and Joshua agree to fight each other next year, then ‘AJ’ could look to enforce a controversial rule on his rival.

When the 37-year-old rematched Oleksandr Usyk last December, Team Usyk took exception to the Brit’s beard and claimed it ‘grossly violates’ boxing rules.

Alex Krassyuk, who was promoting Usyk at the time, said: “Beard rule is grossly violated.

“WBC rules clearly say: ‘A boxer may spouse a trimmed beard and/or moustache as long as, in the discretion of the commission and the supervisor, the facial hair thickness does not: (1) cushion or in any way affect the impact or trajectory of punches; or (2) cause cuts or abrasions to his rival’.

“So, Tyson’s beard has to be trimmed. We will push it further.”

If Fury enters a proposed clash against Joshua with a beard, then the 35-year-old could look to enforce the rule.

Fury, who wore an eye-catching suit, arrived at Ricky Hatton’s funeral on Friday with a somewhat clean-shaven look, but the beard could return once he embarks on another gruelling fight camp.

If his facial hair is bushy and out of control, then Team Joshua could follow in the same footsteps of Usyk’s camp by requesting it to be trimmed.

But Team Joshua will be hoping for a different outcome if such scenario arose as Team Usyk failed in their request as Fury did not have to cut or trim his beard despite calls to do so.

His manager Spencer Brown said: “Tyson Fury has boxed with a beard on many occasions as do other fighters, most recently [Artur] Beterbiev. Usyk himself has come out publicly and said Tyson having a beard is no problem.

“There is no law or ruling in boxing to say you can’t fight with a beard. It’s ridiculous that this has already been brought up in a rules meeting to no avail. Simply put if Usyk had a beard we would have no issue. This is not a fashion show, it’s boxing.”

BOXING

Turki Alalshikh Suffered Financial Loss Over Canelo vs. Crawford’s $15

Turki Alalshikh Suffered Financial Loss Over Canelo vs. Crawford’s $150M+ Fight Purse Deal, Speculates Rival Promoter

Just the other day, boxing insider Rick Glaser bestowed a new moniker on Terence Crawford. ‘I’m going to call him “King,” as King Crawford has a quality sound to it,” he said. Given Crawford’s recent visits to Saudi Arabia and Japan, Glaser reflected on the age-old wisdom – ‘To the victor goes the spoils.’ With the super middleweight’s four belts, his third undisputed championship, and $50 million, the Nebraska native is indeed flying high. After all those years fighting in the sidelines, he deserves it. However, if what Eddie Hearn said stands true, then his achievement might have exacted a price.

One, paid by Turki Alalshikh. Hearn’s appearance at Ariel Helwani’s show has sent alarm bells across the boxing world. According to the Matchroom boss, despite the streaming and gate records and Canelo and Terence Crawford‘s $150 million paycheck, Turki Alalshikh and his team might have suffered a financial hit. Many lauded Zuffa Boxing’s inaugural event at T-Mobile Arena. Still a few, like Eddie Hearn, seemingly prefer to hold it under the lens.

READ: Canelo Alvarez targeted for comeback fight by fierce rival’s

Eddie Hearn: Canelo vs. Crawford missed the mark

Speaking about Zuffa Boxing’s purported plans to hold a ‘Contender Series’ in 2026 that likely resembles the UFC format, Hearn shed some light on the potential layout of schedules. “I think their model will be the league, the content, whatever they want to call it. And then I think they’ll delve into some big shows during the year,” he said. Helwani promptly cited an example – the Canelo-Crawford showdown.

Only, it forced Eddie Hearn to spill the tea on some hard truths. “I don’t think the reality is I don’t know the numbers, but there was probably a loss on that show because of the deal that Turkey did with Canelo and Crawford, and, you know, he really looks after the fighters and, you know, the costs involved in a Saudi Rad season show,” the Matchroom honcho stated.

He speculated if the Zuffa Boxing-Riyadh Season collab would risk staging another show of such magnitude. “Now, every big fight we do runs the risk of making a loss. That’s just boxing. You just hope that the numbers, you know, are good enough and solid enough at the end that it’s a profitable game.”

Another followed. Reflecting on Dana White’s claims about staging some of the biggest shows in history, he pointed out – funded by Riyadh Season, Canelo vs. Crawford was Turki Alalshikh’s brainchild.

A rivalry to push the sport to new heights?

The noise of Eddie Hearn’s sharp critiques now reverberates across the boxing world. Falling on either side of the fence, followers have invariably taken sides. But one might as well take a look at Rick Glaser’s nuanced take.

With serious comments coming from both, a battle between @DanaWhite & @EddieHearn is now heating up. It's going to be a very interesting watch with these two giants going at it. I'm Switzerland in this battle, I simply want what's best for Boxing, which giant can deliver for the…

— Rick Glaser (@RealRickGlaser1) October 9, 2025

Speaking about Hearn and White’s rivalry, the New York Boxing Hall of Fame (NYBHOF) inductee stated, “Competition drives some to greatness; Bob Arum & Don King had each other to drive each to great heights,” he said before raising a poignant question: “Could Dana White vs. Eddie Hearn become the next Arum vs. King battle royale?”

Ever since Zuffa Boxing stepped into the ring, legacy promoters have been sitting on pins and needles. With the exception of a few, most currently work in tandem with Riyadh Season. So a clash of thoughts and ideas is bound to take place.

Fans should watch out for this space as more such intriguing conversations emerge.

GOLF

Phil Mickelson accused of misleading one major player into leaving the PGA Tour and joining LIV Golf

LIV Golf star Phil Mickelson is now one of the most divisive figures in the world of professional golf.

Mickelson played a leading role in the formation of LIV Golf back in 2022 after he upped sticks and led a mass exodus from the PGA Tour.

By his own admission, Mickelson ruined his chances of becoming Ryder Cup captain by joining LIV Golf.

That is such a shame, given the 55-year-old’s successful career in the game.

READ: Tiger Woods vs Phil Mickelson: Whose career earnings and

He hasn’t done himself any favours with his recent claims about the Saudi-backed outfit.

Back in May, Mickelson suggested that LIV team golf is even better than the Ryder Cup at times.

That was obviously a ludicrous statement but it’s worth noting that Mickelson has actually been proven right with his suggestion that the PGA Tour were holding more money back from the players than they should have been.

Players on the PGA Tour now are much richer as a result of LIV Golf being formed.

However, people seem to forget that, and instead focus on some of the bad things he may or may not have done.

Phil Mickelson accused of misleading major player into joining LIV Golf

Brandel Chamblee is well known for criticising Mickelson and the driving force he played behind LIV’s emergence on the scene.

So it’s no surprise that Chamblee took aim at the six-time major champion yet again, when speaking on Trey Wingo’s podcast.

He even accused Mickelson of misleading Jon Rahm into joining LIV Golf.

Chamblee said: “A lot of the players out there were misled, thinking they would be the impetus for change.

“Amongst them at the top of that heap was Jon Rahm. I think Jon Rahm was misled probably by Phil Mickelson, maybe by Greg Norman, that he was going to be the impetus for change.

“That he was such a a monumental star that if they got him everything would collapse and they’d be forced to come together.“

Chamblee is sometimes overly critical of LIV Golf. The main issue here is that he sometimes forgets that it is okay to criticise the Saudi regime and their human rights record while being open to the fact that LIV’s emergence has actually been a good thing for the PGA Tour.

The two things are not mutually exclusive.

The PGA Tour players are competing for more money right now than they ever have before, and that wouldn’t have happened without LIV coming onto the scene.

It’s also worth noting that Jon Rahm is very much his own man, and he would not have needed Mickelson to twist his arm in order to join LIV.

The four needle-movers in golf according to Brandel Chamblee

Chamblee has suggested that there are only four golfers in the world of professional golf who genuinely move the needle, so to speak, when it comes to getting fans watching the sport on TV.

He said: “There are very few people in the game of golf who cause people to stop mowing their lawn to go inside and watch golf.

“Tiger, Rory, Spieth, when Jordan Spieth was playing like Jordan Spieth and Phil Mickelson eons ago.

“But when Phil went to LIV and talked about the atrocities of the people who fund LIV and said that, in essence, he could use LIV as leverage to get what he wanted from the PGA Tour, it turned a lot of people off. In fact, it turned everybody in the game of golf off and they saw LIV for what it was – a money grab.“

In fairness, Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau should be on that list, but on the whole, Chamblee has got it spot on.

There genuinely aren’t many needle-movers in the world of professional golf, and LIV Golf definitely don’t have anywhere near enough of them.

CELEB NEWS

Tiger Woods vs Phil Mickelson: Whose career earnings and

Tiger Woods vs Phil Mickelson: Whose career earnings and investments reign supreme?

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are much more than two of golf’s greatest players. They’re two of its biggest business empires. Over the period of two decades, the two of them have defined what it means to succeed both on and off the course. They successfully turn championship wins and smart investments into huge opportunities.

Considering pure career earnings, Tiger Woods holds an upper hand. He earned over $120 million in PGA Tour winnings and numerous endorsement deals, making Woods golf’s first true billionaire athlete. He has a long partnership with Nike. This is estimated to have brought in roughly $500 million, helping transform him into a global icon. Ventures like his TGL tech-forward golf league and the Sun Day Red apparel brand with TaylorMade also portrayed an athlete who has mastered both performance and business.

JUST IN: Amanda Balionis reaction to treatment of Erica Stoll at Ryer Cup noticed

Phil Mickelson with his clear strategies

Phil Mickelson has left no stone unturned, either. He’s the PGA Tour’s second-highest earner, collecting around $96 million in prize money. His shift to LIV Golf in 2022 was worth $200 million. This added another layer to his already impressive wealth. Unlike Woods, Mickelson’s income stream has leaned heavily on endorsements. Brands like Rolex, Grayhawk Golf Club, and VisaJet are associated with him. His wellness coffee brand, For Wellness, has become a personal passion project. It is an example of how he has turned lifestyle into a business.

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The two are well-known for their own unique characteristics, which are also clearly evident through their financial rivalry. Tiger Woods is known for being disciplined and private. He is careful with his money and spending. He’s even known for being a bit strict when it comes to tipping. Phil Mickelson, in contrast, is friendly and generous. He’s known for handing out $100 tips at lemonade stands and once gave $1,000 in tips to staff at Augusta after winning the Masters, earning him the reputation of being a “man of the people.”

The slight gap defining the personalities

When it comes to Augusta National, there is not much difference between the two. Mickelson now tops the Masters all-time earnings list with $9.8 million. This is just beating Woods from the edge, who owns $9.6 million. This clearly shows how the two legends are separated by a fine line. They are still pushing each other decades into their careers.

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The answer to who wins is all about how success is measured. The bar of who reigns cannot be defined so easily. Woods may have the larger empire, but Mickelson’s generosity and longevity have carved him a legacy money can’t buy. In golf’s richest rivalry, both have won in their own way.

CELEB NEWS

Amanda Balionis reaction to treatment of Erica Stoll at Ryer Cup noticed

Erica Stoll, Rory McIlroy’s spouse, was struck by a beer cup while on the 17th green during the Ryder Cup amid a weekend filled with hostility directed at Team Europe and their loved ones.

“Golf should be held to a higher standard than what was seen out there this week,” McIlroy commented regarding the behavior from American spectators.

Veteran golf commentator Amanda Balionis – who worked with the PGA from 2011-2017 before joining CBS from 2017 to the present – like many, saw what should have been celebratory proceedings. After, she endorsed a detailed Instagram post from the Glamour Mag account demanding reform in golf’s atmosphere.

READ: Donald Trump responds to Rory McIlroy and Team Europe chants a

“If you need more evidence that culture is becoming more misogynistic in 2025, just look at Rory McIlroy’s wife’s Ryder Cup experience,” the post read.

“Over the weekend, Erica Stoll was subjected to the following: had a beer thrown at her head, was taunted with barbs about her brief 2024 split from her husband, and had to listen to fans chant the name of a woman who, some fans online claim without proof, had a relationship with McIlroy at some point around their breakup.

“At the link in bio, read why the hateful [in real life] harassment shows a cultural shift, one where men feel emboldened to attack women in public, without shame or consequence.”

Thankfully, McIlroy revealed during his post-match media session following Team Europe’s nail-biting 15-13 victory over Team USA that Stoll is all ok. “[Family should be off-limits, but it wasn’t this week,” he stated.

“Erica is fine. She’s a strong woman. 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 [this win].”

Irish golfer Shane Lowry’s six-foot birdie putt on the 18th during Sunday’s singles ensured at least a retention of the Ryder Cup title for the Europeans.

He partnered with McIlroy in Saturday’s doubles and confirmed that Stoll was being harshly treated by the American fans.

“I was out there for two days with Erica McIlroy, and the amount of abuse that she received was astonishing,” he remarked. “And the way she was out there supporting her husband and supporting her team was unbelievable, and kudos to her for that.”

CELEB NEWS

Aryna Sabalenka admits why she cannot reach Serena Williams’ Grand Slam success

Aryna Sabalenka had a very candid response to being asked about the possibility of reaching Serena Williams’ heights as the Belarusian admitted that pulling off the American’s Grand Slam record was not possible for her.

Since 2023, Sabalenka has made seven Grand Slam finals and won four titles on the biggest stage. While the current top-ranked WTA star is by far one of the most accomplished players of her generation, she is still 19 Slams away from matching Williams’ record of 23. Also, she is 20 Majors away from leveling Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24.

Considering that Sabalenka – who turned 27 in May – is still very much in her prime and has at least a couple of more strong years ahead of her – all the chances are that she will add more success to her portfolio before she retires.

JUST IN: Only Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova have beaten Iga Swiatek to key milestone after latest win in Wuhan

Sabalenka: I want to break records but it’s really tough to compete with Williams’ 23 Grand Slams

“Of course, I want to (break records), but it’s going to be really tough to compete with the Grand Slam titles that Serena has. I guess for me, the goal is to go as far as I can in this sport, and I do my best every day. I dedicate my life to the sport. So I really hope that by the end of my career, I’ll sit back, I’ll look at my results, and I’ll be really proud of myself,” the Belarusian tennis star admitted.

After losing in three Grand Slam finals early in her career, Sabalenka made her big breakthrough at the 2023 Australian Open. Since then, the 27-year-old has won another Australian Open title in 2024, as well as back-to-back US Open titles in 2024 and 2025.

When it comes to the remaining two Grand Slams, Sabalenka lost her first French Open final this year to Coco Gauff. At Wimbledon, the world No. 1 is consistently making deep runs but just can’t make it past the semifinal stage – her last three campaigns at The Championships ended in the semis.

CELEB NEWS

Only Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova have beaten Iga Swiatek to key milestone after latest win in Wuhan

Iga Swiatek navigated her way past a tricky opponent to advance at the Wuhan Open on Thursday.

Swiatek, who made history after her round of 32 triumph, defeated Olympic gold medallist Belinda Bencic 7-6, 6-4.

The Pole, who is attempting to chase down Aryna Sabalenka for the year-end number one spot, will be hoping to capture a third WTA Tour title of 2025 following successes at Wimbledon and in Korea.

READ: Coco Gauff was ‘obsessed’ with one item of clothing – until her

The six-time Grand Slam champion is already a great of the sport, despite being just 24 years old.

And, following her victory over Bencic, she has again forced herself into a conversation with two legends of the sport.

Iga Swiatek has reached 25 WTA 1000 quarter-finals in just 41 matches

Iga Swiatek has continued to shine on the WTA Tour, and her fans will be delighted to read about the Pole’s latest milestone.

As per OptaAce, since the format’s introduction in 2009, only Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova have managed 25 quarter-finals in fewer WTA-1000 main draws than Iga Swiatek.

Swiatek has achieved the feat after 41 matches.

Comparatively, Williams and Sharapova accomplished this total after 32 and 39 matches, respectively.

25 – Since the format’s introduction in 2009, only Serena Williams (32) and Maria Sharapova (39) have managed 25 quarter-finals in fewer WTA-1000 main draws than Iga Swiatek (41). Rolling.#WuhanOpen | @wuhanopentennis @WTA @WTA_insider pic.twitter.com/MVI0ssJt5N

— OptaAce (@OptaAce) October 9, 2025

Swiatek will feel confident heading into the quarter-final, as she is playing a rival whom she has never lost to.

In fact, Jasmine Paolini has only won one set against Swiatek.

Will Jasmine Paolini finally defeat Iga Swiatek?

Jasmine Paolini has failed to defeat Iga Swiatek once in six attempts, dating back to 2018.

During their last contest in the 2025 Cincinnati Open final, Paolini led Swiatek by a break in the first set, before losing 7-5, 6-4.

Paolini advanced to the Wuhan Open quarter-finals earlier on Thursday after 10th seed Clara Tauson retired during the third set of their match.

Paolini will hope her fortunes change during their quarter-final clash in Wuhan, set to take place on Friday.

BOXING

Canelo Alvarez targeted for comeback fight by fierce rival’s

Canelo Alvarez targeted for comeback fight by fierce rival’s next opponent

Anthony Yarde fancies his chances against Canelo Alvarez, if he wins his next fight.

Yarde is currently gearing up to challenge David Benavidez for his WBC light heavyweight title, on November 22.

Benavidez is a two-weight champion and has amassed a professional record of 30-0 in his career so far.

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He is also a long-term foe of Canelo.

Their rivalry dates back to when Benavidez was the mandatory challenger for the Mexican’s WBC super middleweight title, but a fight never materialised between the pair.

Now, the American will put his new title on the line after being upgraded to full champion from interim earlier in the year.

Should Yarde be the first man to defeat Benavidez, he sees himself sharing the ring with some of the biggest names in the sport – like Canelo.

After the Mexican’s recent loss to Terence Crawford, the 35-year-old will naturally be assessing his options for a comeback.

In light of that, Yarde told Sky Sports: “We will see. Someone like Canelo?

“I think Canelo would want to come back and think ‘I can beat this guy. He lost to [Sergey] Kovalev. I knocked out Kovalev.’

“Do you know what I’m saying?

“No one knows where this storyline can go.

“Imagine that. Anthony Yarde versus Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez. It would be crazy.”

What else would a victory against David Benavidez mean for Anthony Yarde?

As well as the chance to face-off with Canelo, Yarde thinks a win could secure him a spot on the sport-wide ranks.

He told Sky Sports: “I think [Benavidez is] on the pound-for-pound list.

“Again that’s motivation for me because this will be two people I’ve fought that are on the current pound-for-pound list.

“It would be a crazy thing to see Anthony Yarde on a Ring magazine pound-for-pound list by beating David Benavidez.

“That’s the reason I got into boxing, to push the limits and see just how far I can go to be the best.”

As the Briton looks to extend his current four-fight win streak, the only obstacle he has to get over first is his 6ft 2ins foe.

It will be Yarde’s third shot at a world title, having fallen short in his two previous assault at the division’s elite.

The carrot of a huge showdown with Alvarez beckons, and despite the Mexican’s recent defeat, he remains a huge commercial draw.

And the former pound-for-pound king teased a first appearance in the UK, and still has two fights remaining with Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh.