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‘I never felt that bad’: Canelo names the opponent whose power wa

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Canelo Alvarez

Canelo names the opponent whose power was on another level

Canelo Alvarez has shared the ring with a number of big punchers throughout his illustrious career.

The Mexican icon has had tremendous success over the years, becoming a four-weight world champion, along with a two-time undisputed super-middleweight world champion.

He has only failed to defeat three men, Floyd Mayweather, Dmitry Bivol and most recently Terence Crawford, but has also overcome a number of still challenges, defeating heavy hitters such as Gennady Golovkin and Sergey Kovalev.

Canelo names the opponent whose power was on another level: “He hit harder than Golovkin”

JUST IN: Terence Crawford ‘Accepted’ Fight For This Year But Was Replac

Golovkin is often praised for the brute strength he showed during his fights, but Canelo has revealed that one of his past opponents hit even harder than the Kazakh superstar, heaping praise on James Kirkland whilst talking to the Million Dollaz Worth Of Game YouTube channel.

“Everybody can say Golovkin, but I never felt that bad like Kirkland. Kirkland hit my arms and it felt like rocks. I say I need to finish this guy right now, because he’s going to hit me all the fight around.”

Canelo fought Kirkland back in May 2015 at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas, and while the Mexican icon claimed a devastating third round knockout win, it is clear he was impressed by the power of his rival.

Kirkland last competed in 2020, with his record reading 34 wins from his 37 fights, with 30 of those victories coming by knockout, displaying just how powerful the American is.

As for Canelo, his next move is currently unknown following his loss to Crawford in September, but he recently revealed who he deemed to be the better of the two between ‘Bud’ and fellow former foe Mayweather.

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BOXING

Terence Crawford ‘Accepted’ Fight For This Year But Was Replac

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Terence Crawford

Terence Crawford ‘Accepted’ Fight For This Year But Was Replaced By Another Man At The Last Minute

Pound-for-pound great Terence Crawford was on the verge of finalising a deal for his next ring appearance before being replaced by a surprise opponent at the last minute.

The 38-year-old from Nebraska cemented himself as arguably the greatest fighter of his generation on September 13 when he defeated Canelo Alvarez at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to capture the undisputed super-middleweight champion.

Terence Crawford ‘Accepted’ Fight For This Year But Was Replaced By Another Man At The Last Minute

JUST IN: After accepting recent offer, Terence Crawford interested in future

Craword entered the boxing history books once again with that victory over the Mexican superstar, becoming the first male fighter in boxing history to win an undisputed world championship in three separate divisions, after already accomplishing it at 140lbs and 147lbs.

Whilst he had been enjoying some well deserved down-time following his win over Canelo, it had been speculated that ‘Bud’ was approached to face Jake Paul next, an offer that he reportedly accepted.

As revealed by MVP’s Nakisa Bidarian on TMZ, Crawford was ‘one of 30 fighters’ that accepted an offer to face the YouTuber-turned-boxer next, before it was decided that Paul would be matched up with Anthony Joshua instead.

“There were probably 30 fighters who accepted. AJ being one of them, Terence Crawford being another. AJ is the one that we came to an agreement on. Crawford was 100% in.”

Paul is set to face two-time unified heavyweight champion Joshua over eight three-minute rounds at the Kaseya Center in Miami on Friday December 19.

‘Bud’ is now expected to turn his attention to securing a potential showdown with unified world middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly, as he looks to edge towards becoming a world champion in a sixth weight class.

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BOXING

After accepting recent offer, Terence Crawford interested in future

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Terence Crawford

Terence Crawford interested in future Jake Paul fight after accepting recent offer

According to Jake Paul’s team, undisputed super middleweight champion Terence Crawford is interested in a future clash against the controversial internet sensation.

Earlier this week it was shockingly announced that Jake Paul‘s next boxing outing will take place on December 19 against former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.

Jake Paul at the pre-fight press conference with Gervonta Davis

READ: Jake Paul let slip private texts with Anthony Joshua as blockbuster

The news came after Paul’s scheduled fight against Gervonta Davis fell through following an investigation into recent accusations against ‘Tank’.

After his fight against Davis was canceled, the 28-year-old and his team shortlisted a group of fighters that they offered the fight, one of which being undisputed super middleweight champion Terence Crawford.

Crawford interested in Jake Paul fight after accepting recent offer

Along with the likes of Francis Ngannou and Crawford, ‘The Problem Child’ also offered the fight to the biggest rival of his career, Tommy Fury, the man who handed him the first loss in his career.

According to Paul, he offered ‘TNT’ Fury $15 million for the fight but the Brit rejected the offer claiming that he isn’t allowed to enter the United States at the moment.

And even though a fight against ‘Bud’ Crawford didn’t come to fruition this time around, Paul’s team stated that Crawford was ‘100% in’ for the fight but the timeline didn’t align.

“There were probably 30 fighters who accepted, Anthony Joshua being one of them, Terence Crawford being another. AJ is the one we came to an agreement on. Crawford was 100% in,” Most Valuable Promotions claimed.

However, despite registering his interest in a clash against the internet sensation turned boxer, Crawford could end up missing out on the huge payday if Paul doesn’t beat Joshua.

Paul receives surprise backing against Joshua

Ahead of what is one of the biggest mismatches in combat sports history, Paul is being counted out by the large majority of boxing fans.

Despite that, he has surprisingly received backing from former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, as well as being backed to knock the Brit out by his former rival, Nate Diaz.

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BOXING

Jake Paul let slip private texts with Anthony Joshua as blockbuster

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Jake Paul Anthony Joshua

Jake Paul let slip private texts with Anthony Joshua as blockbuster fight announced

Jake Paul has already locked horns with Anthony Joshua in a war of words before their blockbuster bout was officially confirmed. Paul and Joshua are set to clash on a card dubbed Judgement Day next month.

The YouTuber-turned-boxer, who only turned professional five years ago, was scheduled to face lightweight champion Gervonta Davis this month in an exhibition but the contest was scrapped. The 28-year-old has wasted little time in revealing his next adversary. The American will square off against two-time unified WBO, WBA and IBF heavyweight world champion Joshua on December 19 in a fight that will be broadcast on Netflix. Both combatants have already exchanged barbs ahead of their showdown, particularly through a text message conversation earlier this year which Paul revealed.

Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua Poster Detail That Proves Boxing Is 'Finished'

JUST IN: VIDEO: ‘Real Reason’ Why Oleksandr Usyk Gave Up His WBO He

“He [Joshua] DM’d me today like saying ‘LOL’ to one of my training clips and then I sent him a ‘LOL’ with a picture of him getting knocked out by Daniel Dubois,” Paul disclosed in June.

“And so I guess like we’re kind of s*** talking, behind the scenes a bit. But I have a lot of love for Anthony Joshua. I think this type of stuff is funny and he’s a great guy.”

Both pugilists are confident ahead of what promises to be a captivating encounter, with Paul boasting he’ll send Joshua to sleep. Paul declared: “This isn’t an AI simulation. This is Judgment Day. A professional heavyweight fight against an elite world champion in his prime.

“When I beat Anthony Joshua, every doubt disappears, and no one can deny me the opportunity to fight for a world title. To all my haters, this is what you wanted. To the people of the United Kingdom, I am sorry. On Friday, December 19, under the lights in Miami, live globally only on Netflix, the torch gets passed and Britain’s Goliath gets put to sleep.”

Joshua is just as confident. The last time the Brit faced an opponent who didn’t have extensive boxing experience, he savagely knocked out former UFC champion Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia. AJ declared: “Jake or anyone can get this work. No mercy. I took some time out and I’m coming back with a mega show. It’s a big opportunity for me.

“Whether you like it or not, I’m here to do massive numbers, have big fights and break every record whilst keeping cool, calm and collected. Mark my words, you’ll see a lot more fighters take these opportunities in the future. I’m about to break the internet over Jake Paul’s face.”

Joshua stands at 6ft 6in and typically weighs 18 stone. This represents a substantial four stone advantage over Paul, who usually competes at 14st 4lb. Paul is also five inches shorter. Nakisa Bidarian, who co-founded the promotional company MVP with Paul, remains just as bullish as his partner, despite the enormous disparity in height and weight.

“Everyone laughed when Jake Paul said in March that he wanted to fight AJ in 2026,” declared Bidarian, “Well, plans changed, and in under two weeks, MVP and Netflix have made one of the biggest fights of all time. Now, as only Jake Paul could and would do, he’s fighting one of the most fearsome boxers in the world. Joshua has every advantage in this fight, except one – the delusional confidence of Jake Paul, and if anyone can shock the world, it’s him.”

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BOXING

VIDEO: ‘Real Reason’ Why Oleksandr Usyk Gave Up His WBO He

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Oleksandr Usyk

‘Real Reason’ Why Oleksandr Usyk Gave Up His WBO Heavyweight Title Revealed

Oleksandr Usyk shocked the boxing world by relinquishing his WBO heavyweight championship on Monday evening. The decision to give up the title ended Usyk’s second reign as undisputed heavyweight champion, which began when he knocked out Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July to add the IBF version of the heavyweight crown to the WBA, WBC and WBO titles that he was already in possession of.

The Ukrainian’s decision was confirmed by the WBO in a statement, with Usyk yet to comment on his reasons for dumping the gold. However, the situation led to good news for Britain’s Fabio Wardley.

Oleksandr Usyk

JUST IN: Paul vs Joshua: Turki Alalshikh told Anthony Joshua it would be ‘go

Within minutes of it emerging that Usyk was giving up the title, interim WBO heavyweight titleholder Wardley was promoted to full champion. The Ipswich slugger had already earned the opportunity to challenge for the belt after stopping fellow top contender Joseph Parker in controversial fashion last month. However, Wardley, who is unbeaten in 21 fights and has 19 knockout wins, now won’t have to fight to earn the gold.

Fabio Wardley vs Joseph Parker

The WBA statement annoucing Usyk’s decision read:

“The World Boxing Organisation announced today that it has received formal communication from Team Oleksandr Usyk regarding the future of the WBO Heavyweight Championship. After thoughtful consideration, Usyk has elected to relinquish his title. We accept and respect his decision to relinquish the WBO Heavyweight Super Championship. This is not a farewell, but — as expressed by his team — a respectful pause. The doors of the WBO will always remain open to Oleksandr Usyk and his team.”

The governing body went out of their way to insist that there was no ill will towards Usyk after he voluntarily surrendered the belt. There was, though, nothing in the way of an explanation as to why the call had been made.

Why Oleksandr Usyk Really Gave Up WBO Heavyweight Championship

Oleksandr Usyk

Amid much speculation, Sky Sports Boxing reporter Andy Scott rubbished speculation that Usyk had given up the gold in order to duck Wardley, before explaining what the true motivation likely was behind the decision.

“He [Usyk] hasn’t come out yet and given a reason why he has vacated that belt. He’s been nursing this back injury, hasn’t he, which caused a lot of debate online because he likes a party […] And there were a couple of people who raised an eyebrow and said, ‘Is that really a man who has a back injury and is that the reason he didn’t fight Wardley?’ But there are also people who are calling it a duck from Usyk.

“But can we just be real for a second? The guy has been to everybody’s backyard, fought every single fighter that he could, and never shied away from a contest. I don’t think Oleksandr Usyk is ducking or running away from Fabio Wardley.”

Scott continued: “I would suspect that he doesn’t want to dance to the tune of the governing bodies who have put a time span on things. What is he now, 38? When we all get to that age, the back’s a bit sorer isn’t it, and he probably wants more time to recover, and he wants to plot his own course out of the sport.”

Last month, Usyk suggested that he would like to remain active until his 41st birthday, which is in January 2028. ‘The Cat’ has frequently spoken about his desire to face Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua in a trilogy fight – or potentially even meet Jake Paul in an MMA bout. While his future plans are unclear, it seems as though the former undisputed cruiserweight champion is now only interested in big fights as he “plots his own course” to retirement in just over two-and-a half years.

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Paul vs Joshua: Turki Alalshikh told Anthony Joshua it would be ‘go

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Anthony Joshua Turki Alalshikh

Anthony Joshua was told by boxing’s most powerful man it would be ‘good for me’ if he ‘destroys’ Jake Paul

Jake Paul has not endeared himself to boxing’s most powerful man Turki Alalshikh, and Anthony Joshua has the chance to make the Saudi businessman’s day.

Paul and Joshua are set to compete on December 19 in an outlandish heavyweight mismatch, it was confirmed today. The fight will take place on Netflix, marking just the fourth live boxing fight on the streamer.

Jake Paul Anthony Joshua Turki Alalshikh

JUST IN: “Possibly the best ever”: Floyd Mayweather says ‘unbelievable’ fight

The fight will be Joshua’s first in 14 months after being viciously knocked out by Daniel Dubois in his last effort at the world title. Meanwhile, Paul was due to fight Gervonta Davis on November 14, before the bout was cancelled on short notice.

Turki Alalshikh’s thoughts on Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua

While this December showcase isn’t happening under Turki Alalshikh’s Riyadh Season or The Ring Magazine banners, he is certainly going to be watching closely. He has boasted of having a fight ready for Anthony Joshua as soon as February, and will later put on his ultimate grudge fight with Tyson Fury.

And earlier this year, His Excellency gave an interview to Tha Boxing Voice where he noted that a win for Joshua would be an overall positive for his business. “If Joshua destroys him, it will be good for me because the headache is finished.

“Let me explain for you, Joshua against Jake Paul, if Joshua destroys him then the headache of Jake Paul will go from my mind. If Jake wins, then I will know that Joshua is finished and Jake Paul deserves to be ranked and deserves to have a future in boxing.

“You asked me about Edgar Berlanga against him, I am not very sure Berlanga can knock Jake out. But I have a good feeling about Joshua… I don’t want a 50-50, in this situation I want it to be 99-1.”

Alalshikh is head of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia, who preside over all major boxing matches with Saudi funding. He is also involved with Dana White’s new TKO Boxing venture and has put on major UFC events in Riyadh.

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“Possibly the best ever”: Floyd Mayweather says ‘unbelievable’ fight

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Floyd Mayweather

Floyd Mayweather says ‘unbelievable’ fighter has been forgotten by UK fans

The debate for the greatest British fighter of all time is one that remains undecided, but Floyd Mayweather has thrown one name into mix, believing that there is a fighter whom many fans overlook.

When quizzed on the hot topic, British fight fans are often split between Lennox Lewis, who became the undisputed heavyweight champion in a competitive era, and super-middleweight legend, Joe Calzaghe, who retired undefeated.

Floyd Mayweather says 'unbelievable' fighter has been forgotten by UK fans: "Possibly the best ever" | Boxing News

READ: Anthony Joshua makes Netflix request hours after signing $65millio

Meanwhile, boxing historians often point to the earlier eras of the 20th century, when Ted Kid Lewis and Randolph Turpin successfully represented the United Kingdom on the world stage.

Yet, in a clip captured by Seconds Out, Mayweather paid respect to featherweight icon Naseem Hamed, who dominated the 126lb division during the 1990’s and brought attention to a lesser-watched division with his unique and exciting style of fighting.

“Prince Naseem Hamed – he doesn’t get the props that he truly deserves. We still speak on a regular basis, [he was] one hell of a showman and a lot of people in the U.K. forget about him.

“We need to give him his flowers, [he was] unbelievable. One of the best fighters to come from the U.K. – if not the best.”

It’s clear to see why Mayweather feels that way, as Naseem Hamed retired with a record of 36-1 in 2002 and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015.

While it may be over two decades since ‘Prince Naz’ hung up the gloves, the Hamed name is still present in boxing through his son, Aadam Hamed, who boasts a 6-0 professional record.

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BOXING

Anthony Joshua makes Netflix request hours after signing $65millio

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Anthony Joshua

Anthony Joshua makes hilarious Netflix request hours after signing $65million Jake Paul fight

Anthony Joshua has just signed one of the most lucrative deals of his career – but now he wants a favor worth just $7 from Netflix.

The two-time unified heavyweight champion was due to have an unannounced run-out fight in December that would have earned him around $1million after 14 months of inactivity. But he has stumbled into a fight with Jake Paul, which will earn him a reported £50million, or around $65million.

Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images

JUST IN: First Time Ever: Why Anthony Joshua Will Be Forced To Make A W

Joshua has pocketed hundreds of millions throughout his legendary career, including multiple paydays as a headliner in Saudi Arabia. But this is a strange Christmas treat that he has been offered for an astronomical sum.

Anthony Joshua pleads for free Netflix subscription after signing for Jake Paul fight

Despite the fact that he is about to add tens of millions to his already staggering net worth reported to be around $152million, Anthony Joshua has called for one more favor from Netflix. The broadcaster will air his fight with Paul as part of their subscription, but his household may not even be able to watch.

Joshua has been signed with DAZN for years, fighting exclusively on their platform. And it seems that he may not even have a Netflix account judging by a tongue in cheek Instagram story where he asked the streamer “Can I get a company username and password please?”

Joshua could easily afford the just $7 that it costs for a standard subscription in his native UK, and could probably even spring for the $25 premium tier. However, he jokingly asked for a new login just hours after signing up to fight on the service.

It has been reported that DAZN were paid a considerable sum to allow Joshua to fight on another platform. Katie Taylor has done similar deals on a much smaller scale in the past year for her two Netflix meetings with Amanda Serrano.

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BOXING

First Time Ever: Why Anthony Joshua Will Be Forced To Make A W

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Anthony Joshua Jake Paul

Anthony Joshua Will Be Forced To Make A Weight Limit For The First Time Ever In Jake Paul Fight

The long-awaited return of two-time unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has been made official, but not many expected Jake Paul to be in the opposite corner.

Joshua is set to face the Youtuber-turned-fighter in an eight round heavyweight bout on Friday December 19 at the Kaseya Center in Miami — the latest high-profile event to be shown on Netflix via Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions.

Anthony Joshua Will Be Forced To Make A Weight Limit For The First Time Ever In Jake Paul Fight

JUST IN: Undisputed Era Ends As Oleksandr Usyk Makes Final Decision On

The 36-year-old Olympic Gold Medalist from Watford has been out of action since he suffered the fourth defeat of his career to former IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois in September 2024.

It has been revealed that the controversial main event will be a sanctioned professional bout, eight rounds and with 10oz gloves. There is, however, one notable stipulation.

As revealed on Sky Sports by Most Valuable Promotions CEO Nakisa Bidarian, ‘AJ’ will face a restriction on his weight for the first time in his career.

“So there’s a lot of discussions around the weight. Joshua fought Usyk twice. Both of those times Usyk was 221 pounds, Joshua was 240-245. When Jake fought Mike Tyson last year [he was] 227 pounds. I expect Jake will come in anywhere between 225 and 230, and Anthony Joshua has a weight limit of 245 pounds.”

Whilst it remains to be seen whether this condition will have an impact on ‘AJ’, the 36-year-old weighed in at 252.5lbs ahead of his last outing against Daniel Dubois.

As for Paul, the 28-year-old weighed in at 198.5lbs ahead of his June showdown with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, although he did weigh a career heaviest of 228.25lbs before he faced Mike Tyson last November.

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Undisputed Era Ends As Oleksandr Usyk Makes Final Decision On

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Oleksandr Usyk

Oleksandr Usyk Makes Final Decision On Whether He Will Defend Or Relinquish His WBO Title

Oleksandr Usyk has made a final decision on whether he will be defending his WBO heavyweight title against mandatory challenger Fabio Wardley next.

The 38-year-old Ukrainian superstar has had an exceptional campaign at heavyweight, becoming the first fighter of the ‘four belt era’ to win the undisputed championship on two separate occasions.

Oleksandr Usyk Makes Final Decision On Whether He Will Defend Or Relinquish His WBO Title

READ: Turki Alalshikh Hints At Anthony Joshua Superfight After Jake Paul

Usyk cemented himself as arguably the best heavyweight of his entire generation in July when he stopped Britain’s Daniel Dubois in the 5th round of their historic showdown at Wembley Stadium.

It had been suggested that the Ukrainian great could return to the ring to defend his undisputed championship against Fabio Wardley, who became the WBO mandatory challenger when he defeated Joseph Parker last month.

As revealed by the World Boxing Organization on Monday evening, Usyk has actually decided to relinquish his world title to bring an end to his reign as the undisputed heavyweight champion.

“The World Boxing Organization (WBO) announced today that it has received formal communication from Team Oleksandr Usyk regarding the future of the WBO Heavyweight Championship. After thoughtful consideration, Usyk has elected to relinquish the title.”

This decision means that Wardley has been elevated to full WBO world champion, which was confirmed by the Brit’s promoter Frank Warren shortly after the WBO statement was released.

It has been quite the journey for Ipswich’s Wardley, who made his professional debut back in 2017 without having a single amateur contest. The 30-year-old had just a handful of white collar bouts before entering the paid ranks, where he has defeated the likes of Justis Huni, David Adeleye and Joseph Parker last time out.

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