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Why Oleksandr Usyk was handed world title ultimatum by WBC afte

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Oleksandr Usyk

Oleksandr Usyk handed world title ultimatum by WBC after request granted

We don’t know who Oleksandr Usyk is set to face next, but we do know who he will be ordered to box afterwards.

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has confirmed that the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight champion must defend his belts against interim title holder Agit Kabayel following a voluntary defence.

Agit Kabayel with the WBC interim heavyweight title

READ: What really happened to Terence Crawford’s $15,000 bet on Shaku

Usyk hasn’t set foot in the ring since his five-round demolition job of Daniel Dubois in July to unify the division.

The Ukrainian didn’t retain his undisputed status for long, as he was stripped of his WBO belt within two months of winning it, after rejecting a mandatory defence against Fabio Wardley.

Usyk did so with the knowledge that he would be facing Deontay Wilder next.

The WBA, WBC and IBF all cleared the path for the bout to take place by granting Usyk a voluntary defence.

However, ‘The Bronze Bomber’ has elected to box Derek Chisora instead, leaving Usyk out in the cold.

Former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr and kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven have been floated around as potential dance partners for ‘The Cat’, while a long-awaited date with Kabayel looms.

“Kabayel was not available because he had a fight scheduled in January,” Sulaiman told Chris Mannix.

“So [Usyk] requested a voluntary title defence, which is very customary.

“He was given that opportunity, and he must fight the interim champion next. That’s the ruling.”

Kabayel picked up the interim WBC strap by chopping down Zhilei Zhang inside six rounds in February last year.

Usyk last fought in July when he dispatched Dubois

He subsequently defended his belt on January 10, blasting away Damian Knyba in front of a sold-out Rudolf Weber-Arena in Oberhausen, Germany.

Rather than sitting on the sidelines and waiting for his shot at a full world title, the fast-rising 33-year-old intends to remain active this year.

His promoter, Frank Warren, is eyeing another home fight for the German superstar in the Spring, with WBC No.1-rated contender Lawrence Okolie being floated around as a potential opponent.

“We had the balls to go there, do it and take that chance,” Warren told Ring Magazine.

“Going back a long time, there’s always been a lot of love for boxing in Germany, and they’ve got a hero.

“The arena sold out in just over a day. He’s fighting in May, and we’re going for a bigger venue next time.”

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BOXING

What really happened to Terence Crawford’s $15,000 bet on Shaku

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Terence Crawford Shakur Stevenson ADIN ROSS

What really happened to Terence Crawford’s $15,000 bet on Shakur Stevenson after dodging Adin Ross’s near scam?

Some would have bet against Shakur Stevenson before his fight with Teofimo Lopez. Until the first bell rang, most people thought the fight was a 50–50 contest. Once the fight started, ‘Sugar outboxed, outpunched, and outclassed ‘The Takeover.’ Nobody was surprised by the result, least of all Terence Crawford.
Crawford, Stevenson’s long-time friend and training partner, didn’t consider thinking to put $10,000 on Stevenson’s win when he appeared on celebrity streamer Adin Ross’ livestream last December. Crawford came to receive his winnings from Ross after ‘Sugar’ proved him right on January 31 with a powerful, unanimous decision victory over Teofimo Lopez.

Terence Crawford reacts to WBC stripping Shakur Stevenson of world title days after Lopez win | Boxing News

JUST IN: Canelo Explains Why He Can’t Walk Away From Crawford

What made things uncomfortable between Terence Crawford and Adin Ross?

Shakur Stevenson made an appearance on a livestream with Ross earlier today, with Crawford joining them later. Ross said, “Why are you so happy?” Crawford replied, “Because I came to collect.” As Ross lost the bet worth $10,000, he said, “I feel like I should just scam, because what are you going to do?”

https://www.instagram.com/adinross/?hl=en?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading

The atmosphere suddenly became awkward as all three of them laughed uneasily. Terence Crawford then cautioned Ross about the public perception. “I’m just going to be like, ‘Man, that’s crazy, Adin. And all the people are going to be like, Man, Adin, you’re not a stand-up guy,” he stated, highlighting the possible backlash. Ross eased the tension right away.
Ross said, “You know I’m joking, right? Look what I have in my pocket right here.” He pulled a bundle of cash, handing it to Crawford. However, the money exchange didn’t end there. ‘Bud’ stated that Ross would also have to pay the interest. Ross offered to transmit the money right away at the venue using either Zelle or cryptocurrency, but Crawford said he didn’t use either.

Stevenson also questioned how much interest Ross owed. “I’d say $5,000… needs $2,500, because you bet against him,” Crawford explained. Ross declared, during the stream, “I’m not going to lie, guys, Teo will win the rematch.”

However, there doesn’t appear to be any quick pressure for a rematch, especially considering how dominant Stevenson was during the fight, and the Newark native seemed well aware of that. “We can fight 10 times; he won’t win one,” Stevenson stated. This also brings a question: who will be Stevenson’s next opponent? And who will help him earn even more if Crawford bets against Ross?

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BOXING

Canelo Explains Why He Can’t Walk Away From Crawford

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Canelo Alvarez Terence Crawford

Canelo Alvarez says his body did not respond the way he wanted on the night he faced Terence Crawford, but the bigger point may be why he felt he could not step aside in the first place.

Speaking on a Ring podcast, Alvarez described issues that surfaced during the fight, including fatigue, heavy legs, and cramps. He also made clear he was not using that as a way to take anything away from Crawford.

“My body didn’t respond the way I really wanted,” Alvarez said. “I wanted to move faster. I didn’t recuperate my weight like I needed. So, I felt a little bit tired, and my legs felt a little bit tired, too.

Canelo Alvarez workout 2025

JUST IN: Mercy for Boxer Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis As Baltimore judge recalls

“I did well, even if my body didn’t really feel like I wanted. I tried, but my body didn’t respond.

“I had cramps in my legs, so it doesn’t respond the way I want.”

Alvarez then explained why the outcome still feels unfinished to him, even while giving Crawford full credit.

“I always give all his credit but we need to run it back,” Alvarez said. “That’s why, after the fight, I say ‘we need to run it back, this fight’ because I don’t feel the way I really want, and I need to make this fight happen again, and it’s going to be different.

“I think for him to deserve all the credit, he needs to give me the rematch, obviously. But he decides to retire, and we need to accept that and move forward.

“I’m going to keep moving forward and do the fights I want and fight world champions again, and that’s it. But I think the rematch will be perfect for boxing.”

Why Walking Away Was Not Simple
At the top level, fights are not always taken when everything feels perfect. Sometimes the decision is made because the cost of pulling out feels worse than the cost of going through with it.

For Alvarez, stepping aside from a Crawford fight would not have been treated like a normal withdrawal. When the opponent is that big, the timing is that tight, and the event is that public, the story quickly turns into something else.

That is what Alvarez’s comments really underline. They are less about explaining a performance and more about explaining why the option to walk away did not feel clean at the time.

Future Plans May Close The Door Further
World Boxing News understands Turki Alalshikh is working behind the scenes on Alvarez’s next move, and that direction may not naturally leave room for Crawford on the other side of the ring.

Discussions are ongoing about a WBC title challenge for Alvarez against Christian Mbilli on September 12. The already confirmed Mexico vs. The World card is part of that picture, and it is not an obvious fit for a Crawford rematch anyway.

If that is the route Alvarez takes, Crawford could end up with a long reprieve. The window may not reopen until 2027, when the question would shift from legacy talk to a simple choice: stay retired, or return for the kind of money that forces a hard decision.

In the meantime, Alvarez has done something most stars avoid. He has admitted his body did not give him what he wanted that night, while also making clear he is moving forward. That combination is why the Crawford fight still lingers in the background, even with no rematch in sight. – If you use these WBN quotes, please link back to the source: https://www.worldboxingnews.com/canelo-cant-walk-away-from-crawford/

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BOXING

Mercy for Boxer Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis As Baltimore judge recalls

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Gervonta Davis

Baltimore judge recalls arrest warrant for boxer Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis

A Baltimore judge on Tuesday recalled an arrest warrant for boxer Gervonta “Tank” Davis that was based on allegations he had violated his probation in a 2020 hit-and-run that injured four people, including a pregnant woman.

Circuit Judge Althea Handy on Feb. 2 issued the arrest warrant for Davis, less than one week after the Miami Gardens Police Department and a U.S. Marshals Service fugitive task force took him into custody on charges of battery, false imprisonment and attempted kidnapping. He posted bond in that case.

Davis, 31, now of Parkland, Florida, is accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend Courtney Rossel on Oct. 27, 2025, at a popular gentlemen’s club in Miami, where she had been working as a VIP cocktail waitress.

Gervonta Davis arrives at the Elijah E. Cummings Courthouse for a probation violation hearing Wednesday, March 12, 2025.

READ: Terence Crawford offered $100 million to end boxing retirement, ‘Bu

Hunter Pruette, Davis’ attorney, had asked Handy to recall the arrest warrant and instead issue a summons to appear in court and order GPS monitoring.

Assistant State’s Attorney David Owens, chief of the Misdemeanor Jury Trial Unit, did not oppose the request.

“We’re thankful the court recalled the warrant,” Pruette said. “Mr. Davis remains compliant and will continue to appear as required.”

Davis has appeared before Handy multiple times during the past several years.

In 2023, Handy sentenced Davis to 90 days of home detention and three years’ probation in the hit-and-run.

But Handy later ordered Davis to immediately be taken into custody after learning that he had been serving his sentence at a Four Seasons Hotel and a $3.4 million penthouse condo. He was released after serving more than six weeks in jail.

She allowed him to travel to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games to “support and advise” Team USA boxing but rejected his request to go to Tokyo for his 30th birthday.

Then in 2025, Handy spared Davis additional jail time after his probation agent spotted him eating dinner at Proper Cuisine on East Redwood Street near South Calvert Street in Baltimore — a few blocks from the Clarence M. Mitchell Jr. and Elijah E. Cummings courthouses.

The problem: Davis had not received permission to travel from Florida to Maryland.

Handy extended his probation by 18 months and directed him to make a $10,000 donation to the Community Assistance Network.

“I don’t like sending anyone to jail, sir. I really don’t,” Handy told Davis. “But you need to wake up.”

Davis grew up in West Baltimore and has a professional boxing record of 30-0-1. He was the World Boxing Association lightweight champion.

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BOXING

“I Believe That Fight Will Happen”: Canelo Linked With Unlikely Op

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Canelo Alvarez

Canelo Linked With Unlikely Opponent: “I Believe That Fight Will Happen”

Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez is edging closer to finalising his highly-anticipated return to the ring.

The 35-year-old from Guadalajara has been out of action since he was defeated by the recently retired Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas back in September.

Whilst it had been suggested that Canelo was on the verge of announcing his own retirement, the four-weight world champion has now confirmed that he will be making a return to the sport this year.

Canelo Alvarez

Canelo is currently recovering from elbow surgery for an injury that he sustained during his monumental clash with Crawford, although he is expected to be ready to return to action by this September.

One man that appears to be on Canelo’s radar is Britain’s Chris Eubank Jr, who recently suffered the fourth defeat of his career to fierce rival Conor Benn.

Speaking to Boxing Scene, Eubank’s promoter Ben Shalom revealed that he expects a showdown between Canelo and Eubank to happen, despite the Brit suffering that loss to Benn back in November.

“He would have. Listen, it’s funny how boxing works, but had he beaten Conor Benn that fight was nailed on. So it’s a big thing to have lost, but I still believe that fight will happen. I really do. I think it’s a [good fight].”

Shalom was then asked if he believes Eubank could face Canelo next.

“You never know, you never know. It might work. We’re focused on the next fight. It might work out but yeah we’ll see, we’ll see.”

Eubank was comprehensively beaten by Benn in their much-anticipated rematch at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on November 15, seven months on from their first encounter which saw Eubank defeat Benn in what has been regarded as one of the best fights of 2025.

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BOXING

Eight Fights to Another Undisputed Heavyweight Champion

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Oleksandr Usyk

The heavyweight division is edging toward another undisputed champion, not through a formal tournament, but through a set of fights that are already booked, already moving, or lining up next.

This is not fantasy matchmaking. The route is forming across the WBO, WBA, and WBC pathways, and if the pieces fall into place, a full unification could land in 2027.

The Fights Already Set The Route In Motion
Derek Chisora faces Deontay Wilder on April 4.

One week later, Tyson Fury returns against Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11.

Oleksandr Usyk appears at a boxing event ahead of the next phase of the heavyweight title picture

JUST IN: Terence Crawford offered $100 million to end boxing retirement, ‘Bu

Elsewhere, Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois for the WBO heavyweight title is in talks for the summer.

Those fights are separate on the surface. In reality, they start filtering the division into clear lanes toward the belts.

The WBA Funnel And The Next Challenger
In addition, the winner of Chisora vs Wilder has already been offered a shot at Murat Gassiev.

Gassiev has a mandatory obligation in Moses Itauma, but all parties have agreed to delay it, which opens the door for the Chisora-Wilder winner to face Gassiev next.

If that happens, the winner of Chisora, Wilder, and Gassiev would emerge as the sole WBA secondary champion.

From there, the route points straight at Oleksandr Usyk. That fighter would get the green light to face Usyk in his next mandatory after the Ukrainian satisfies his WBC obligation against Agit Kabayel.

Itauma still matters. His delayed mandatory status gives him a say in what happens next, which is why he remains a wildcard even with the agreement in place.

Usyk Keeps The Whole Picture Together
At the top, Usyk is the anchor holding the championship picture in one place.

Before any bigger unification can happen, he is expected to satisfy his next mandatory.

After that, the WBA route would be ready-made: the winner coming out of the Chisora-Wilder-Gassiev sequence would be next in line once the WBC requirement is cleared.

That is what makes this feel structured instead of chaotic. The contenders arrive through obligations, not shortcuts.

The WBO Side Runs Through Fury
Fury’s job is simple on paper and difficult in reality.

He must first beat Makhmudov. If he does, the winner of the proposed Wardley vs Dubois fight would sit directly in his path, establishing who controls the WBO route.

Once the WBO ruler is known, and once Usyk has worked through his WBC and WBA obligations, the division finally has a clean line toward a full undisputed encounter.

Where The Wildcards Fit
Itauma remains a wildcard because a delayed mandatory still carries leverage. Anthony Joshua is another.

Wardley has already stated he would be willing to face Joshua if the Fury fight does not happen.

Andy Ruiz Jr is the highest-ranked contender not currently involved. If injuries or pullouts hit any stage of the route, Ruiz is the type of name who could be slotted in quickly.

A Realistic Route To Undisputed In 2027
If Fury comes through his side and Usyk clears his obligations against the WBC and WBA challengers, the division narrows on its own.

At that point, undisputed would not be something forced together. It would be the logical meeting point of the routes that are already forming now.

Nothing here guarantees an undisputed champion. But the pathway is real, and finally visible.

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BOXING

Terence Crawford offered $100 million to end boxing retirement, ‘Bu

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Terence Crawford

Terence Crawford offered $100 million to end boxing retirement, ‘Bud’ issues ‘Soul’-stealing response

“Bud” isn’t coming back.

Former undisputed boxing champion and pound-for-pound great, Terence Crawford, abruptly retired in Dec. 2025 at 38 years old, walking away after the biggest win — and biggest payday — of his career by schooling Canelo Alvarez to capture the WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO and The Ring Super Middleweight titles (watch highlights).

And while boxing retirements are often temporary, Crawford insists his is final.

In a recent appearance on The Pivot Podcast, former NFL player, Channing Crowder, asked Crawford point-blank if there was a number — $80 million, $100 million — that could bring him back for one more fight.

READ: “It’s Not Worth It”: Terence Crawford Opens Up on Fear of Ending U

“Nah, because now you’re selling your soul,” Crawford replied.

When Crowder joked that he’d take $100 million and, “sell his soul,” Crawford fired back.

“That’s you — now we know your character,” Crawford said. “Sometimes you look at people and be like, ‘Dang, man, you ain’t got no dignity, no morals.’ Come on, man. Like, what are you gonna stand for if everything is about money?”

Crawford explained that while boxing obviously paid the bills, money was never the driving force behind his career.

“I never was in a sport because of money, you know? Well, of course, I was in a sport to make money, but I wanted to be a world champion,” Crawford said. “I wanted to do something that I set my sights out to do as a little boy, and money wasn’t the motivation. Being a world champion was the motivation. Me accomplishing all the things that I’ve accomplished along the way on my journey.

“Then I became a world champion, and it was just like, man, all this other stuff is a cherry on the top,” he added. “I did what I set my sights out to do.”

Health also played a major role in his decision. Crawford has long said he wanted to retire on his own terms.

“I wanted to retire after defeating Spence,” Crawford said. “I always told myself, I want to retire from boxing, I don’t want boxing to retire me. So, just going through all the aches and pains and the things that it’s not talked about, and it was just like, how many more of these do you want to go through?

“A lot of people ask me, and they say, ‘Why are you retiring?’ You’ve got a lot more fighting.’” Crawford added. “Why would I give it all to you, though? Why not take some more with me and use it for something else. You know, why not put all that energy into my kids or into something outside of boxing? I want to have a life outside of boxing. I don’t want to be like those fighters who stayed in too long, and they can’t enjoy the fruits of their labor. They can’t enjoy playing with their family. They can’t enjoy being able to have a decent conversation. That played a part, too.”

“I’ve been doing this sport since I was seven years old,” Crawford told Ring Magazine in another interview. “I retired at 38. Ask yourself: if you’ve been taking your body through hell for 30 years, would you retire? That’s why I retired. There is nothing else left for me to accomplish in the sport of boxing. I gave my all to boxing, but I’m not going to give my health to boxing.”

Crawford retired with a perfect record (42-0), 31 knockouts and one of the most complete resumes in boxing history — with nothing left to prove and no interest in cashing in one last time.

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BOXING

How Floyd Mayweather Saves Al Haymon From Public Embarrass

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Floyd Mayweather Al Haymon

Floyd Mayweather Saves Al Haymon From Public Embarrassment Amid $340M Showtime Lawsuit Tied to Pacquiao, McGregor Fights

Floyd Mayweather has a friendly bout scheduled against Mike Tyson this spring. Ideally, the boxing world should be buzzing around the apparently mismatched exhibition. But it is not. As often happens in Mayweather’s case, conversations mostly center on money. In a notable development, the world’s richest boxer decided to file a $340 million lawsuit against Showtime Networks and its former president, Stephen Espinoza.

Years ago, the partnership produced some of Mayweather’s most iconic fights, including the bout against Manny Pacquiao and later with Conor McGregor. Adding intrigue to the turn of events now drawing attention across the boxing world is that recent reports suggest Floyd Mayweather may have gone easier on one of the figures included in the lawsuit – his former manager, PBC boss Al Haymon.

feature-image

JUST IN: Why Gervonta Davis’ Career Is No Longer Fully in His Own Hands

Floyd Mayweather may overlook former manager in legal action vs. Showtime

Dana Rafael revealed the development through a tweet. Posting the full 25-page filing on his official X account, the award-winning journalist wrote, “Floyd Mayweather sues Showtime & Stephen Espinoza for $340M, claiming they assisted Al Haymon, his former manager, of stealing that much from him.”

The tweet immediately caught the attention of users. One wondered why Mayweather chose to go after Showtime and Espinoza but spare Haymon. In response, Rafael added, “Based on what I’m told, Floyd has already quietly settled with Haymon. I don’t know that for sure, but that’s the word.”

While Rafael may have shared what his sources relayed, another user offered a different angle. According to that user, people close to the situation said Al Haymon had contracts structured well in advance to protect him from lawsuits down the road.

It may still take time before clearer details about the multi-million-dollar litigation emerge.

Mayweather’s court fight surprises network boss Stephen Espinoza

In the lawsuit, Mayweather claimed Showtime and Espinoza colluded with his former manager, Al Haymon, to misappropriate fight earnings. The damages sought are reportedly around $340 million, which Mayweather believes represents his share from some of the biggest fights he participated in, including the Mayweather–Pacquiao bout and the Mayweather–McGregor fight. Reportedly, Mayweather made approximately $600 million from the 2016 Pacquiao fight alone.

Stephen Espinoza weighed in on the lawsuit. A lawyer himself, he was careful not to comment on legal specifics that could potentially prove self-incriminating. Speaking with Compass on the Beat, he said he had yet to review the lawsuit. “I have not seen the paperwork,” he said before adding, “I’ve seen the reports, I’ve seen the descriptions, and as usual, the attorneys don’t want me out there publicly saying it.”

Emphasizing his reputation, Espinoza said he had acted fairly in all his dealings. “I’m proud of my reputation. I think it’s one of integrity,” the former Showtime president said. “I’ve never done anything to make sure that a fighter got less than every penny that he deserved.”

Still, Espinoza could not hide his surprise at the development. Being sued shocked him personally, and he said he does not fully understand why Mayweather is pursuing legal action against him.

What continues to draw attention is the timing of Mayweather’s lawsuit. It came nine years after he fought his last professional bout, the 50th, against Conor McGregor. So what pushed the boxing great to pursue legal action now?

With multiple reports hinting at possible financial strain for the former world champion and Olympian, some believe money pressure, rather than newly discovered wrongdoing, could be behind the move. Fans will have to follow closely as further developments emerge in this massive legal fight.

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BOXING

Why Gervonta Davis’ Career Is No Longer Fully in His Own Hands

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Gervonta Davis

For much of late 2025, Gervonta Davis appeared to be managing the timing of his own exit from professional boxing.

He spoke openly about stepping away, questioned what the sport still offered him, and leaned toward exhibition-style opportunities rather than traditional title pathways.

At the time, the direction looked deliberate.

Gervonta Davis wearing a black robe before his ring walk at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

JUST IN: Anthony Joshua has counter-offer for Islam Makhachev and Khabib

A Planned Exit, Then a Loss of Control
Fighters change their minds. Some retire and return. Others step away briefly before deciding they want back in. That cycle is familiar in boxing.

What separates Davis’ situation is not the idea of fighting again, but how much control he now has over whether that can happen.

Recent reports suggest Davis wants to resume his career. Yet there is no confirmed opponent, no announced date, and no promotional timetable.

In a sport built around scheduling and certainty, that absence matters.

Availability Becomes the Limiting Factor
As the situation currently stands, Davis is dealing with legal issues that directly affect his ability to return to the ring. He has been released on bond in Miami and has a separate active warrant from Baltimore.

If that situation is not resolved, the consequence is simple. A fighter who cannot guarantee availability risks losing the ability to be licensed, scheduled, or cleared to compete.

In the most basic terms, freedom becomes part of the equation. The legal process will proceed as it does, and boxing does not wait for it.

Athletic commissions need certainty. Promoters and broadcasters plan months in advance. When doubt replaces reliability, cards move on without the fighter involved.

When Boxing Moves Forward
The lightweight division does not pause. The WBA’s decision to remove Davis as champion already showed how quickly the landscape can change.

Rankings shift. Mandatory situations change. Opponents make other plans. Once that happens, a return becomes less about ability and more about timing.

Davis remains at an age where elite fighters can still deliver defining performances. But boxing history is clear. Prime years lost to inactivity are rarely recovered.

The window does not close with an announcement. It closes when the sport no longer holds space for an individual.

Inside the industry, fighters are judged not only by record but also by availability. When uncertainty replaces scheduling, leverage fades and momentum moves elsewhere.

In late 2025, Davis appeared to be closing a chapter by choice. In early 2026, that choice may no longer rest entirely with him.

No judgment is required to understand the stakes. If a clear path back to competition cannot be established, boxing will continue as it always has — forward.

In practical terms, that is how many careers end. Not with a farewell, but with an absence that quietly becomes permanent.

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Anthony Joshua has counter-offer for Islam Makhachev and Khabib

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Anthony Joshua Islam Makhachev

Anthony Joshua has counter-offer for Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov’s famous Dagestan offer

Anthony Joshua doesn’t want to be sent to Dagestan for two-three years and forget – but he is interested in a visit.

The two-time unified heavyweight boxing champion currently lives in Dubai, where he stopped by PFL’s latest event on Saturday night. As usual, their show at the Coca-Cola Arena was headlined by Usman Nurmagomedov, who choked out Alfie Davis in the third round of their clash to retain his belt.

Before the fight, Joshua headed backstage to meet with the famed Nurmagomedov team, which included an all-star corner. Khabib Nurmagomedov headed up proceedings alongside Javier Mendez, while Usman’s brother Umar and the legendary Islam Makhachev filled out the corner.

Anthony Joshua meets Islam Makhachev, in a PFL t-shirt, backstage

READ: Why Canelo Is Frustrated He Never Got a Rematch With Crawford

Anthony Joshua wants brief visit to Dagestan to train with Islam Makhachev

During his visit to the Nurmagomedov dressing room, Anthony Joshua spent time with Khabib Nurmagomedov. But he seemed particularly keen to meet with Islam Makhachev and show him something on his phone.

The two-weight UFC champion was the last person Joshua met before heading back to his seat, and was quick to take out his phone and show Makhachev something. They didn’t appear to laugh at whatever was shown, but the pound-for-pound great did tell him that he ‘should come’ to Dagestan.

Joshua then made reference to the popular ‘2-3 years Dagestan’ meme, which is used when someone is not masculine and it is suggested that they head to the Russian town to learn to fight and become tougher.

The boxing champion joked that he might not be willing to visit for two or three years, but instead might make a trip for two to three weeks, which drew a big laugh from the room.

Anthony Joshua meets with PFL MMA CEO John Martin

It wasn’t just the Nurmagomedovs who got a chance to meet with the heavyweight boxing star. He sat next to Dakota Ditcheva throughout the night, and also had a chance to meet with the new CEO John Martin.

Joshua and Martin could be seen shaking hands, with the Brit asking him ‘how’s business’. The former Turner Broadcasting boss took over last year, and is already making wholesale changes including getting rid of the world tournament and allowing long-time executives Donn Davis and Peter Murray to move on.

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