BOXING Archives - Page 12 of 79

BOXING

AJ RECOVERY: Months after horror car crash Anthony Joshua undergoes

By Admin March 4, 2026

Anthony Joshua undergoes treatment on ribs as boxing legend continues rehab months after horror car crash

ANTHONY JOSHUA has undergone intensive treatment on his ribs as he continues physical therapy months after his horror car crash.

The heavyweight star, 36, was involved in a fatal smash in Nigeria on December 29 — just ten days after beating YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami.

AJ survived the wreck but the tragedy claimed the lives of two close friends, personal trainer Kevin “Latz” Ayodele and long-time therapist Sina Ghami.

JUST IN: Why Terence Crawford Rejects ‘Disloyalty’ Claims Over Co

Joshua has been in recovery ever since the ordeal and shared snaps of the painful-looking work being done on his ribs via Snapchat.

He captioned the post: “Rehabilitation protocol. When you go thru certain things, you realise that you are stronger than you think you are.”

Personal trainer “Latz” was a childhood friend of AJ’s while Ghami was his long-time recovery therapist.

Joshua was flown back to the UK days after the crash to attend the funerals of his fallen “brothers.”

After knocking out Paul, 29, in six rounds, AJ was scheduled to fight in March, until the crash left his boxing future in doubt.

Promoter Eddie Hearn believes the two-time heavyweight king will fight again to honour of his late pals.

A summer return is growing increasingly likely, with rival Tyson Fury, 37, also out of retirement for an April clash against Arslanbek Makhmudov.

Hearn told Boxing Scene in February: “Originally, the plan with AJ was for him to fight in March and then fight Tyson Fury in August. That’s not happening.

“He’s not fighting Tyson Fury next. He’s going to come back I believe late summer, but physically he’s not yet in a position to return to camp.

“I’m planning, but he’s just resting and preparing. So for me I’m looking at options to get him back in the ring in July time.

“But we’ll only know if that’s a real possibility when he returns to camp, which will hopefully be in the next couple of weeks or a month.”

Keep Reading

BOXING

Why Terence Crawford Rejects ‘Disloyalty’ Claims Over Co

By Admin March 4, 2026

Terence Crawford Rejects ‘Disloyalty’ Claims Over Conor Benn’s $15M Zuffa Switch

Zuffa Boxing’s entry into the sport has pushed the Conor Benn–Eddie Hearn fallout back to the only part that ultimately governs these situations: the contract.

This week, Terence Crawford addressed the backlash during an appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast, questioning why fighters are expected to show loyalty to promoters who are not legally bound to return.

READ: Gervonta Davis: WBA lightweight title fight set after Gervonta Davis

Crawford Questions The Loyalty Standard
“He just signed with Zuffa. And a lot of people were saying he’s disloyal, and Eddie Hearn and them were loyal to him, and this and that. He’s getting $15 million for his next. Like, man, what are people talking about?

“I said, it’s just business. It ain’t personal with them. I said Conor Benn did what was best for him and his family. I said, just like the promotional companies going to do what’s best for them and their business.”

Crawford’s point was simple. Promotional companies protect their financial interests first, and fighters are entitled to do the same.

He has lived it himself. Crawford ended his long association with Bob Arum to reposition his own career, a move that showed how quickly “loyalty” talk can disappear once leverage and options change.

Hearn has since suggested that Crawford did not always enjoy the smoothest relationship with his promoter, Bob Arum, during his rise.

In boxing, stability often lasts only as long as both sides see equal value.

Zuffa’s presence now exposes the structure behind that value. If a fighter can leave, it is because the agreement allows it. If a promoter feels blindsided, the weak point is in the clauses, not the sentiment.

Prograis Grounds The Debate In Reality
Regis Prograis, who faces Benn on April 11 at Tottenham Stadium, offered a similarly measured tone in his recent exclusive interview with World Boxing News.

He questioned the widely reported $15 million figure and cautioned against assuming the public understands the full picture.

“I don’t think the number is true,” he laughed. “But the fight came pretty fast. I got the call, and the fight was made in about two days.

“With him and Eddie, I think it’s always three sides to a story.”

Prograis did not frame it as betrayal. He framed it as boxing moving quickly with details the public rarely sees.

In a market where new money is available, relationships hold only as firmly as the contract language behind them.

Benn now enters the ring under a new promotional banner with reported financial backing attached to his name.

Against Prograis, the performance will not only decide the result. It will shape whether the $15 million debate becomes justification or ammunition.

Keep Reading

BOXING

“BACK IN THE MIX’: How Gervonta Davis’ boxing return being plan

By Admin March 3, 2026

Gervonta Davis’ boxing return being planned despite ‘battery & kidnapping’ case

GERVONTA DAVIS’ coach has claimed a plan for him to return to the ring is in place – despite his outstanding legal troubles.

The controversial American was due to throw down with social media sensation Jake Paul in a Miami melee live on Netflix last November.

But allegations of battery, false imprisonment and attempted kidnapping from one of the southpaw’s former girlfriends led to the fight being scrapped.

Gervonta Davis v Lamont Roach - Weigh in

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

Davis was arrested in relation to the alleged incident, which is said to have taken place at a strip club in Miami Gardens, late last month following a two-week manhunt.

The 31-year-old is out on bail and will likely soon appear in court over the harrowing allegations.

But his current troubles with the law, according to his coach Calvin Ford, haven’t stopped the foundations for his ring return from being laid.

In an interview with The Rise podcast, he said: “He will be back in the mix.

“Tank has been doing this s**t since he was seven-years-old. Sometimes you need that reset because that reset means a lot.

“I can’t wait. I already know who I would like to see for a comeback.

“The person I want to see him in the ring with is the one we’re going to fight.

“That’s why I can’t say yet. I’m campaigning for it.

“At the end of the day he has to make the decision on who he wants to fight.

“But I know it has to be the right opponent, especially for his fans, so they can really say I support him.

“It has to be a fight where they can be like, ‘Yeah!’”

Davis’ alleged victim claims the incident which led to the scrapping of his fight with Paul was an initial argument which escalated.

It’s alleged that Davis hit her in the back of the head and then slapped her in the face during the confrontation.

Additionally, she claims Davis “forcefully escorted” her out of the premises down a stairway and into a park garage.

Davis is said to have released his grip on the woman after reaching the parking lot, allowing her to seek help from her co-workers.

She reported the alleged incident, which she claims left her with minor injuries, to the police two days later.

Police claim to have video footage that “corroborates key elements of the victim’s statements.”

Keep Reading

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.

Keep Reading

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.

Keep Reading

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.”

Keep Reading

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.

Keep Reading

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.

Keep Reading

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?”

Keep Reading

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.

Keep Reading