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BOXING

Why Logan Paul Claims Floyd Mayweather Still Owes Him Millions

By Admin March 3, 2026

Logan Paul Claims Floyd Mayweather Still Owes Him Millions

WWE star says Floyd Mayweather did not fully pay him for their boxing exhibition bout in 2021

After years of sitting on the shelf, Floyd Mayweather suddenly has three fights already booked in 2026, prompting fans to wonder if the 49-year-old is struggling financially once again. Logan Paul added smoke to that fire with a jaw-dropping allegation stemming from their exhibition bout in 2021.

JUST IN: Gervonta Davis: WBA lightweight title fight set after Gervonta Davis

Although it was an exhibition, Paul claimed Mayweather still owes him $1.5 million from that event, after the latter sold the rights to promote the fight for $10 million. Paul claimed that the company that initially bought the fight is now suing Mayweather for reneging on the deal, leading him to believe he will never see the money he is owed.

“I didn’t make as much money as you’d think fighting Floyd,” Paul said on ‘The Iced Coffee Hour’ podcast. “He still owes me a million and a half, maybe more.

“He pre-sold the fight using my likeness to some company — I think in Dubai — for $10 million cash. We ended up doing the fight in the [United States] with a different company. That’s the company that put on the fight, but he sold our fight with my name and likeness to someone else in Dubai for $10 million cash… Our deal was 15 percent and he smoked me… That company that paid him that money is suing him. I actually don’t know the status of that lawsuit, but he has a bunch of legal trouble at the moment. I don’t think I’m ever getting the money.”

Logan Paul reveals Floyd Mayweather still owes him $1,500,000 from their fight in 2021

“He pre-sold the fight using my name and likeness to a company, I think in Dubai or somewhere in the Middle East, for $10,000,000 cash”

“We ended up doing the fight in the US with a different… pic.twitter.com/ubTFOEbaar

— Jack (@Jackkk) March 2, 2026

As a successful WWE star and entrepreneur, Paul can afford to let a $1.5 million slip away. The number still makes for a jarring accusation that most would not have kept under wraps for five years.

The fight was only one of Paul’s four boxing bouts and his only exhibition. The 30-year-old has only fought once since getting in the ring with Mayweather, winning an odd disqualification over Dillon Danis in Misfits Boxing in 2023.

Logan Paul’s claim adds to Floyd Mayweather rumors

Paul’s claim that Mayweather is under legal pressure only reinforces the idea that ‘Money’ is returning to boxing to support himself. Despite being one of the highest-paid boxers of all time, Mayweather has often been alleged to have financial troubles, particularly since his initial retirement in 2008.

Mayweather has attempted to make money in other ways, including starting his own promotion and management company. Yet, time and again, rumors surrounding his financial status return.

Mayweather, who is already booked to face Mike Tyson in April and Manny Pacquiao in September, announced his third fight of the year on Sunday. He added an exhibition bout with former kickboxing world champion Mike Zambidis in June, giving himself three fights in a six-month span after sitting on the sidelines since August 2024.

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BOXING

Gervonta Davis: WBA lightweight title fight set after Gervonta Davis

By Admin March 3, 2026

WBA lightweight title fight set after Gervonta Davis stripped of belt

The WBA is reportedly set to order a world title showdown at 135lbs after stripping Gervonta Davis of his black and gold belt in January.

Davis became the sanctioning body’s ‘champion in recess’, meaning he has not been completely removed from the picture, after being dealt a domestic violence charge at the beginning of 2026.

Naturally, his unsavoury behaviour outside the ring has resulted in a prolonged spell of inactivity, which is also why the WBA no longer considers him an active champion.

READ: WBC complete U-turn on Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven cross

The 31-year-old’s last outing saw him make a successful WBA title defence, boxing to a controversial draw against Lamont Roach in March 2025, before inking a deal to face Jake Paul in an exhibition match.

Due to allegations of domestic violence, though, Davis was ultimately removed from the event and replaced by Anthony Joshua, who scored a sixth-round finish over Paul in December.

As for the vacant WBA lightweight title, boxing journalist Dan Rafael reported via social media on Monday that the organisation will order a clash between Floyd Schofield and Lucas Badhi.

“Letters expected to go out this week but [the WBA] told me [on] Sunday it will order Floyd Schofield-Lucas Bahdi [for the] vacant 135[lb] title.”

Schofield has not fought since his blistering first-round finish over Tevin Farmer in June, when the 23-year-old cemented himself as the WBA’s leading lightweight contender.

Placed just behind him in the rankings is Bahdi, another unbeaten operator, who comes off a unanimous decision victory over Roger Gutierrez in August.

As per the WBA’s rules and regulations, both parties will be given a 30-day negotiation window once their world title fight is ordered, with their matchup heading to a purse bid hearing if a deal cannot be reached.

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GOLF

How Rory McIlroy humiliates Tiger Woods’ team in a heart-stopping

By Admin March 3, 2026

Rory McIlroy humiliates Tiger Woods’ team in a heart-stopping finish that froze the TGL

Tiger Woods had no choice but to swallow his anger and frustration from the bench as he watched his team, Jupiter Links, fall to Rory McIlroy’sBoston squad, despite delivering an epic battle on the course.

By the 13th hole, Jupiter’s chances of winning stood at a mere 2.2 percent. However, determination, resilience, and the inner drive of each of Woods’ players propelled them to force overtime in order to decide the winner.

n the end, Tiger and his teammates came up short-very short-of securing the victory. Once the showdown concluded, the final score stood at 7-6 in favor of the TGL’s top-ranked team.

READ: Why Scottie Scheffler & Co. Won’t Like Tiger Woods’s Statement o

Tiger Woods finished frustrated and visibly upset with the loss

After the match ended and in its closing moments, Tiger Woods appeared angry about what had transpired with his team and the defeat they had suffered.

Obviously, Tiger being the more serious guy.

Akshay Bhatia

Akshay Bhatia said about Tiger.

Injuries continue to sideline Woods from being present on the course to help his teammates chase victories, limiting him to supporting them from wherever he can and sending positive energy their way.

The golfers finished with the following scoreboard:

Akshay Bhatia 0 points
Rory McIlroy 0 points
Homa 2 points
Tom Kim 1 point

Regarding the triples, Jupiter claimed the third hole via hammer, though Boston quickly responded by winning the fourth and fifth holes with the hammer.

Woods’ team would later capture holes 11 and 14 in singles, along with Tom Kim’s triumph on the 15th. Those victories enabled them to push the contest into overtime. There, however, Keegan Bradley struck the flagstick, putting Boston ahead.

McIlroy then stepped up and also missed his approach, sending it into the bunker, which leveled matters once again. The duel between Matsuyama and Homa followed, with Homa hitting his shot closer, 10 feet 4 inches, while Jupiter’s player left his at 10 feet 8 inches. That margin sealed Boston’s victory.

They made a lot of putts on us and kind of held us off.

Homa

Homa said afterward. Rory added:

I knew I had to hit a 30-yard hook. I was aiming it 30 yards right of the pin, so I just had to stand up there and trust my swing.” Boston Common earned a half on that hole and stayed in front.

Rory McIlroy

The defeat did not sit well with Tiger Woods, a born competitor who is deeply bothered by losing. It also came against the team of one of today’s finest golfers, Rory McIlroy.

Jupiter still has opportunities to reach the postseason. They must defeat The Bay Golf Club on March 3, 2026.

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BOXING

‘They can’t cut the check without us’: Terence Crawford says fighter

By Admin March 2, 2026

Terence Crawford says fighters need to come together: ‘They can’t cut the check without us’

Terence Crawford thinks fighters need to be more assertive in combat sports.

The first man to capture undisputed titles in three weight-classes in the four-belt era of boxing, Crawford is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time. Last year, Crawford retired after beating Canelo Alvarez, saying he had nothing left to accomplish in the sport. But while “Bud” may be done, combat sports roll on, and he’d like to see some changes from his peers. Specifically, Crawford wants his fellow fighters to understand how much power they have.

JUST IN: WBC complete U-turn on Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven cross

“These combat sports, it’s got to come from the fighters,” Crawford told Joe Rogan on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast when talking about weight-cutting being a problem in the UFC. “Just like boxing. I think if the fighters come together, they can make anything happen. The fighters don’t understand the level of power that they carry, because they think, ‘Oh, since they’re cutting the check, they’ve got the power.’ But they can’t cut the check without us.”

The idea of MMA fighters banding together has been around for years but never come even close to happening. Various attempts at organizing fighters have started and stopped, faltering early on as fighters seem broadly disinterested in the idea. Or, as Crawford says, because the financial realities of opposing the promoters are not viable for many fighters.

“But it’s the fighters that need the money that makes it hard, because the fighters already got the money, they can make a stand for something,” Crawford said. “But the fighters that doesn’t, they’re like, ‘You can do that. I’ve got to provide for my family. You can take a chance of going at the organization for a year or however long it’s going to last, but who’s going to pay my bills? Who is going to put food on my family’s table while we’re doing this, while we’re making a stand? So it’s a little tougher for them to make that stand than a person that’s already established. I think that’s where the seesaw effect happens with boxing and UFC.”

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BOXING

WBC complete U-turn on Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven cross

By Admin March 2, 2026

WBC complete U-turn on Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven crossover fight

After careful consideration, the WBC has decided to sanction the heavyweight crossover fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven.

Oleksandr Usyk hasn’t competed inside the boxing ring since last July when he knocked out Daniel Dubois in their undisputed heavyweight title rematch.

After having achieved everything there is to achieve in the sport, the Ukrainian appeared to be teetering towards retirement, before targeting a fight against Deontay Wilder.

JUST IN: “Let’s do it”: Why Shakur Stevenson agrees to Ryan Garcia’s new t

Despite that, the 39-year-old was approached with a mega crossover fight by Turki Alalshikh, and it was announced a few days ago that he will take on legendary kickboxer, Rico Verhoeven in a huge crossover.

WBC release statement on Usyk vs Verhoeven

The super fight is scheduled to take place in front of the Pyramids of Giza on May 23, in what is set to be one of the biggest fights of the year.

Initially, WBC president, Mauricio Sulaiman, stated that the WBC fully supports the clash, but claimed that it wouldn’t be for the WBC world title.

“We will create an unbelievable belt featuring the elements of Pyramids of Egypt,” he told Sports Illustrated.

“At this moment there has not been discussion of a request to be a title defense and just a special event involving the WBC heavyweight champion.”

Despite that, in a statement released this Sunday afternoon, the WBC have completed a U-turn regarding their stance on the fight, revealing that the WBC world heavyweight title will now be on the line.

“After careful consideration, the WBC Board of Governors has ruled in favor of sanctioning WBC World Heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Usyk’s voluntary title defense against legendary kickboxing champion, Rico Verhoeven.

“At its 63rd Annual Convention in Bangkok, Thailand, the WBC granted Champion Usyk a voluntary defense. Subsequently, the WBC received the petition to sanction Usyk vs Verhoeven fight as a voluntary defense.”

Oleksandr Usyk celebrates with his team after knocking out Daniel Dubois in their heavyweight title fight

The WBC didn’t sanction Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou

The WBC’s decision to in fact sanction this mega crossover fight as a title fight potentially comes after a competitive clash between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou in 2023.

In his statement to Sports Illustrated, Sulaiman touched on the fact that the WBC supported Fury vs Ngannou, which turned out to be ‘very competitive’.

Despite that, when those two heavyweights clashed, Fury’s WBC title was not on the line.

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BOXING

“Let’s do it”: Why Shakur Stevenson agrees to Ryan Garcia’s new t

By Admin March 2, 2026

Shakur Stevenson agrees to Ryan Garcia’s new terms for title fight: “Let’s do it”

After claiming the WBC welterweight world title, a host of fighters are eyeing up a lucrative world title shot against Ryan Garcia, but ‘King Ry’ has announced that he is willing to head to a new weight-class in order to face another world champion.

Garcia moved up to the welterweight division after missing the super-lightweight weight limit in his controversial meeting with Devin Haney in 2024, which was followed by a one-year ban from the sport due to a failed drugs test.

‘King Ry’ was unsuccessful in a WBA welterweight title fight against Rolando Romero upon his return and debut at 147lbs, but he impressed in his second outing in the division, dominating Mario Barrios on to finally become world champion.

READ: Floyd Mayweather’s WBC Champion Emeritus Status Explained

Before that fight, it was expected that the victor would next defend the belt against mandatory challenger Conor Benn, but Garcia went on to call out WBO super-lightweight ruler Shakur Stevenson.

However, after stating he would fight Stevenson at a catchweight of 144lbs, Garcia has now had a change of heart and has offered to come down to super-lightweight in an attempt to become a two-division world champion.

“Forget the catchweight s**t.

“Let’s do it for real.

“I want to take your belt and snatch it right off you. @ShakurStevenson.”

Garcia missed weight by over three pounds when he was tasked with Haney, thus losing the chance to win the WBC super-lightweight title and insisted that ‘his body could not safely go lower than 143lbs’ and that he refuses ‘to kill himself to make the weight’.

As a result, there is concern amongst his fans that an attempted return to the weight could be a mistake. On social media, Garcia reassured his supporters that he will make the weight safely, before warning Stevenson not to make allegations alluding to his use of performance enhancing drugs.

“To those that are worried about the 140 pound weight. I will tell you this, it was my plan to be able to also win at 140.

“As long as there’s no rehydration clause things will be going forward.

“Testing always included, I’ve never shy’d away from that. For Shakur to assume I’m on steroids, that is defamation. So I would advise you to refrain yourself, I know you are deep down scared and you should have fear. I’m coming for you.

“Fear the lord.”

In response, Stevenson accepted the challenge from Garcia and opened the door for a potential super-fight in the 140lb division.

“That’s my opinion, you can’t sue nobody for their opinion, You a boxer, champ, wassup with all the suing tactics anyway? 140. Let’s do it, chump.”

A Stevenson-Garcia title fight at 140lbs would undoubtedly be one of the biggest fights that could be made in the sport.

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BOXING

Joe Rogan corrects Terence Crawford’s theory on viral UFC Ke

By Admin March 1, 2026

Joe Rogan corrects Terence Crawford’s theory on viral UFC Kendrick Lamar error

Joe Rogan wants Terence Crawford to know the UFC would never intentionally disrespect him.

The 42-0 boxing superstar was the victim of mistaken identity at UFC 306 in September 2024.

Terence Crawford was beamed onto the big screen while sitting in the front row at the Sphere in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, someone in production mistook him for Kendrick Lamar, and the rapper’s name appeared alongside Crawford’s image on the live UFC 306 broadcast.

JUST IN: Floyd Mayweather’s WBC Champion Emeritus Status Explained

Joe Rogan shuts down Terence Crawford’s theory

Terence Crawford thought the UFC 306 Kendrick Lamar gaffe was ‘intentionally done’ at the time.

17 months later, ‘Bud’ touted the same theory during a recent appearance on Joe Rogan‘s podcast.

“I think they did that on purpose. They had to,” Crawford said.

“I was sitting next to everybody like, ‘Did they really just do that?’”

The long-time UFC commentator emphatically shut down Crawford’s theory about the viral error.

“No. No way. No way. No, no, no, it was just some moron in the truck,” Rogan insisted.

“No. 100 percent, they did not do that on purpose. No one in the UFC would ever disrespect you like that. No one would disrespect you like that. No chance.

“No, they did not do that on purpose. That was just some dumba– that thought that you were Kendrick Lamar for some reason.

“It was so stupid. And then I think they corrected it later in the broadcast.

“I don’t know who it was. I didn’t want to know. I’d yell at them.”

Terence Crawford talks retirement

Terence Crawford beat Canelo Alvarez to become undisputed at a third weight class last September.

Three months later, the 38-year-old boxing legend announced his shock retirement from the sport.

Crawford has now reaffirmed his retirement decision and explained why he chose to walk away on top.

“It’s over with,” he said when Joe Rogan asked if his retirement is permanent.

“Since 2014, I’ve been fighting for something. I won my first world title in March 2014. Ever since then, I’ve been fighting for titles and undisputed. Now, if I come back, what’s the motivation? Just money? Okay, what is on top of that?

“I wanted to be remembered as one of the greatest champions of all time. I think I did that. This last fight I had, the height of it, there is no better finish than that, to me… You did everything right. So, what can top that?”

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BOXING

Floyd Mayweather’s WBC Champion Emeritus Status Explained

By Admin March 1, 2026

As World Boxing News recently reported, Floyd Mayweather’s WBC Champion Emeritus designation remains active within the organization’s regulatory framework.

This stipulation, handed down upon his retirement in 2015, can still play a part in his September 19 rematch with Manny Pacquiao as the clash moves forward as a professional bout.

The WBC Champion Emeritus Status
The World Boxing Council grants Champion Emeritus recognition to select former titleholders who step away from active competition.

JUST IN: Why Oleksandr Usyk’s Next Move Feels Like the Beginning of the

The status preserves a former champion’s standing within WBC governance and allows a direct title opportunity to be requested in the division previously held.

Any such request requires approval from the WBC Board of Governors. It cannot override an existing champion, confirmed mandatory challenger, or binding contractual obligation without formal review.

However, if a champion vacates, the designation permits the WBC to authorize Mayweather to fight for the title.

No Automatic Title Attachment
Champion Emeritus does not automatically convert a scheduled fight into a championship contest. It does not install a returning boxer as champion. It establishes eligibility within the WBC framework.

The organization retains full discretion over whether and when that eligibility is exercised.

Why It Connects To Mayweather vs Pacquiao II
With Mayweather vs. Pacquiao II confirmed as a professional contest and weight discussions centered on 147 or 154, the WBC structure becomes relevant if either division changes before September.

If a title becomes available or the championship picture shifts, Mayweather’s emeritus standing would permit him to pursue recognition without first entering a standard eliminator process.

Whether that route is granted would depend entirely on the WBC’s assessment of the divisional landscape at that time.

A Regulatory Option, Not A Guaranteed Outcome
The emeritus classification is a regulatory mechanism within the WBC system. It keeps a former champion inside the sanctioning body’s system while permitting normal title movement to continue.

For Mayweather, it represents a procedural option tied to WBC rules rather than a predetermined championship outcome, with the Pacquiao rematch currently unaffected.

Any such development would depend entirely on future divisional circumstances and WBC approval.

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BOXING

Why Oleksandr Usyk’s Next Move Feels Like the Beginning of the

By Admin March 1, 2026

Oleksandr Usyk’s Next Move Feels Like the Beginning of the End

Usyk will defend his WBC heavyweight title against longtime GLORY kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven on May 23 in Giza, Egypt, in an event titled “Glory in Giza.”

The bout was announced by Turki Alalshikh and Ring Magazine as an undisputed-versus-undisputed crossover, with Verhoeven stepping back into professional boxing for the first time since 2014.

Alalshikh stated, “It is not fun, it is a dangerous fight,” in defense of matching the heavyweight champion against a 1-0 kickboxer for a WBC title defense.

JUST IN: Why Turki Alalshikh’s Risky Gamble With Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico

Voluntary Window
Usyk holds three versions of the heavyweight championship and is currently in a voluntary defense period. That window had been expected to produce a fight with Deontay Wilder.

Wilder’s decision to move forward with his previously planned bout against Derek Chisora effectively closed that route, unless Usyk chooses to vacate belts to avoid upcoming mandatory obligations.

As outlined by WBN, Agit Kabayel stands next in line. Murat Gassiev or Moses Itauma could follow after another voluntary allowance before IBF and WBO mandatories return to the forefront.

Kabayel now faces the real possibility of being left behind, much like Joseph Parker once waited at the top of the WBO rankings only to see his opportunity evaporate.

The structure of the division remains intact, and the contender line is active, but Usyk has chosen to step outside it.

Control Over Titles
Holding three belts provides leverage that few heavyweights in history have possessed simultaneously.

The Verhoeven selection shows Usyk is prioritizing control over obligation. The urgency to satisfy the queue appears secondary to controlling his own timetable.

This is not a criticism. At 39, with wins over Mairis Briedis, Gassiev, Anthony Joshua twice, Tyson Fury twice, and Daniel Dubois twice, Usyk has already completed the historical checklist at cruiserweight and heavyweight.

At this stage, the focus is no longer proving anything — it is managing time and chasing specific historical targets.

The Endgame Is Visible
One plausible route sees Usyk defeat Verhoeven and then target the winner of Fabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois, a bout that would likely receive sanctioning approval given the undisputed implications.

Victory there would position Usyk as a three-time undisputed champion, joining Terence Crawford in rare territory. That scenario would allow him to leave the division on his terms before the full mandatory cycle closes around him.

The Verhoeven decision makes the direction clear.

With three titles secured and contenders waiting, the move points toward career control over belt consolidation.

If this sequence plays out, the Giza event will not be remembered as a spectacle — it will be remembered as the moment Usyk chose his exit strategy over clearing the division for a third time.

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BOXING

Why Turki Alalshikh’s Risky Gamble With Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico

By Admin March 1, 2026

Turki Alalshikh’s Risky Gamble With Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven Receives Conor McGregor’s Nod

Next time, when His Excellency Turki Alalshikh points at a matchup, you had better assume it’s a done deal.

On February 1, he had said he wanted to “see him against Oleksandr Usyk.” He was pointing at Rico Verhoeven. Now, as the month winds down, boxing is staring at yet another unusual crossover bout, one that pits a three-time undisputed champion—now a unified title holder—against a kickboxing great and the longest-reigning heavyweight champion in GLORY history. The move raised eyebrows. The last time a heavyweight boxing champion stepped in against an MMA fighter—Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou—it almost ended disastrously. Still, Alalshikh remains certain. This time it’s a gamble worth taking. Many, including former UFC champion Conor McGregor, seem to approve of it. Once the news was confirmed, insider Mike Coppinger first weighed in.

READ: Real Reason Behind Floyd Mayweather’s Manny Pacquiao Rematc

“Usyk has fought practically everyone at heavyweight,” the veteran journalist wrote. “From four fights total with Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury to another two with Daniel Dubois, Derek Chisora, etc. Yes, Wardley and Kabayel are deserving. But if Usyk wants to have some fun with a big spectacle, so be it.”

He promptly received a response from Turki Alalshikh himself.

“It is not fun,” Alalshikh wrote on X. “It is a dangerous fight.”

Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven will meet on May 23 in Egypt. With the Pyramids of Giza serving as the tentative venue, the two will fight for the Ukrainian champion’s WBC title. Usyk is coming off a spectacular win over Daniel Dubois this past July, a victory that made him an undisputed champion for the second time in the same division. He subsequently decided to vacate the WBO title and, in turn, became a unified title holder.

With a record of 66 wins (21 KOs) against 10 losses, Rico Verhoeven had his most recent fight in June 2025. He holds the distinction of being GLORY’s longest-reigning heavyweight title holder, having defended it multiple times over the years. As a professional boxer, his last bout took place 11 years ago, when he knocked out Janos Finfera in Germany.

It is not fun. It is dangerous fight. https://t.co/6ejtDdt4MT

— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) February 27, 2026

“I truly respect people who reach the very top of the sport,” Usyk said in an official statement. “Rico is one of them—a powerful athlete and a great champion. He’s truly the king of kickboxing. Being a champion isn’t just about belts. I’m ready and looking forward to meeting him in the ring. It’s going to be a unique experience for both of us; a big night is coming.”

His callout has been met with equal enthusiasm by his upcoming opponent, who called it “undisputed vs. undisputed.”

Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven: hype meets heavyweight reality

The fighters’ enthusiasm is understandable. Still, for Turki Alalshikh to stress that this is serious business does raise questions.

“Indeed, kickboxers have had a lot of success in heavyweight boxing,” Coppinger said, reinforcing Alalshikh’s message. “Vitali Klitschko. Dillian Whyte. Big Baby Miller. Alexander Povetkin. This isn’t a wrestler boxing Usyk. It’s a man who has knockout power and stays upright when he fights.”

Tagging his media brand The Mac Life‘s post, which shared an Instagram post featuring the “Glory in Giza” fight poster and update, Conor McGregor also appears to have taken a shine to the fight.

Yet the fact that a heavyweight champion’s title, WBC in this case, would be on the line continues to baffle many. Earlier this month, when asked about it, the Mexico City-based sanctioning body’s president mentioned that he had hardly heard of Rico Verhoeven. He later clarified that the WBC has separate ranking standards when a boxer steps into a different combat sport discipline, such as kickboxing or Muay Thai, or when they return to amateur boxing.

With the MMA fight between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano lined up, and the rematch between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao also in the mix, combat sports analyst Luke Thomas summed it up best.

“The biggest fights in combat sports this year feature older athletes in unusual bouts,” he wrote. “No fighter here is younger than 36. Two are 39, and the rest are over 40. Several were retired. One is fighting for the second time in this sport. Virtually none have relevance to their division.”

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