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Turki Alalshikh wants to see Oleksandr Usyk face kickboxing legen

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Turki Alalshikh Oleksandr Usyk

Turki Alalshikh wants Oleksandr Usyk to face 1-0 boxer after Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder book bouts

It isn’t clear who Oleksandr Usyk will face next following some recent fight announcements.

Several names will be hoping to square off with The Ring’s #1-ranked pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

Tyson Fury returns on April 11 to face Arslanbek Makhmudov in a matchup that he’ll surely want to use as a step towards a trilogy with his former foe.

Photo by Gabriel Kuchta/Getty Images

JUST IN: Anthony Joshua: Concerning New Details Emerge About Driver In

Meanwhile, Deontay Wilder also booked a fight despite being linked with Usyk for some time, as he prepares to take on Derek Chisora on April 4.

With two of the heavyweight division’s top names already booked, Turki Alalshikh has suggested an alternative plan for the Ukrainian.

Turki Alalshikh wants to see Oleksandr Usyk face kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven

Last year, Rico Verhoeven vacated his GLORY Kickboxing heavyweight title following a remarkable reign that started all the way back in 2014.

Rico Verhoeven gets his hand raised after beating Artem Vakhitov at Glory 100

The ‘King of Kickboxing’ has since been linked with some big fights in different rulesets to the one that he has dominated for over a decade.

Verhoeven was even offered a UFC contract but talks of him potentially facing someone like Anthony Joshua seemingly put this option on the backburner for now.

While there are other names he could face, with Oleksandr Usyk being called out by Agit Kabayel following his win at the start of the year, none of them present marquee matchups for him to return to.

Verhoeven, who has a professional boxing record of 1-0 isn’t necessarily one either but the matchup would generate some interest due to its unique nature, and Turki Alalshikh supports the idea.

“I want to see him against Oleksandr Usyk,” Alalshikh wrote on X underneath a video of one of Verhoeven’s knockout wins in GLORY.

Oleksandr Usyk has been scheduled to face a former GLORY kickboxer in the past

A fight against Rico Verhoeven wouldn’t be the first time that Oleksandr Usyk has prepared to take on a fighter who has an extensive kickboxing record.

In 2019, the Ukrainian was booked to make his heavyweight debut in America against former GLORY and K-1 fighter Tyrone Spong.

Spong was 14-0 at the time but was pulled from the bout after testing positive for a banned substance and replaced by Chazz Witherspoon.

Spong hasn’t competed in boxing since then, though he’s fought in MMA and Karate Combat.

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Anthony Joshua: Concerning New Details Emerge About Driver In

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Anthony Joshua

Concerning New Details Emerge About Driver Involved in Fatal Anthony Joshua Car Crash

Concerning new details have now emerged about the driver involved in the fatal Anthony Joshua car crash. Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, appeared in court this month, accused of causing the deaths of the boxer’s two best friends by dangerous driving in Nigeria over the festive period.

AJ and his two friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, were travelling in a black Lexus SUV when the driver lost control, reportedly due to a burst tyre, and collided with a stationary lorry that was illegally parked on the roadside.

anthony joshua boxing

READ: Why Anthony Joshua Is Not Considering Retirement

Sadly, both of Joshua’s friends immediately lost their lives at the scene, whereas the former two-time heavyweight champion of the world and the driver were both escorted to a nearby hospital where they were treated for minor injuries. A couple of days later, both were released, with AJ flying back to the UK and the driver facing serious questioning from the police.

Concerning New Details About AJ’s Driver Amid Court Case

Anthony Joshua

According to The Sun, a little over a year before the fatal crash on December 29, Kayode was sacked for allegedly driving another SUV off the road and into a ditch. The accident in October 2024 happened when he became distracted while driving his boss in his black Infinity QX56 for a work trip, a source said.

“Kayode had been employed for a number of weeks. He was very attentive. He always took the bags and opened doors. He was very polite,” the source told the tabloid newspaper.

“But on one trip, they were in a village, and suddenly he went into the ditch. There was no reason that was obvious to cause the accident. He drove over a gutter on the side of the road when it was totally avoidable. After that, he wasn’t trusted to pay attention properly. He was sacked for being ‘absent-minded’.”

They continued: “Nobody was hurt, but the car had a nasty dent and scratch at the front of it, and two tyres were punctured.” Kayode arrived at Sagamu Magistrates Court in Ogun state on Tuesday, January 20, but the case was adjourned until 25 February after the prosecutor was granted more time to gain legal advice.

AJ’s Driver Faces Life in Prison For Manslaughter & Dangerous Driving

boxing anthony joshua

While appearing before a magistrate in Sagamu on Friday, January 2, Kayode was charged with dangerous driving causing death, reckless and negligent driving, having no licence, and driving without due care and attention causing bodily harm to damage and property.

Should the 47-year-old be found guilty, he could face life in prison. The father-of-three, who has worked for Joshua for more than three years, was initially granted bail, but returned to custody until the 5 million Naira (roughly £2,500) bond was paid.

After the initial hearing, his lawyer, Olalekan Abiodun, told the Daily Mail: “My client has pleaded not guilty and what happened was an accident. I haven’t had a full chance to speak with him yet, but I know he is saying the brakes failed.”

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A Direct Shot at Canelo ÁLvarez! Claims That the Mexican Boxer Is

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Canelo Alvarez

A Direct Shot at Canelo ÁLvarez! Claims That the Mexican Boxer Is Already ‘Old

At 35 years old and with a professional career that began at 15, Canelo has accumulated physical mileage that, according to Mora, is irreversible. ‘At this point, Canelo is an old man. With 68 professional fights, he can no longer fight at the same level. We will not see the great pound-for-pound fighter he used to be,’ he stated emphatically.

Why are the knockouts no longer happening?

One of the most frequent criticisms of the Mexican star in recent years is his inability to finish fights early. Mora attributes this to a loss of power in the legs, a classic symptom of athletic decline:

“When your legs no longer support you, you stop looking for the knockout and start thinking about crossing the finish line. You begin to pace yourself to reach the final rounds, and you worry more about your health than the show,” the former boxer explained.

JUST IN: “That Punch Had a Barber License”: Tyson Fury and Others Rea

Who is the critic?

Sergio Mora rose to stardom after winning the first season of the reality show The Contender. Inside the ring, he achieved glory by seizing the WBC Super Welterweight world title from Vernon Forrest. Since his retirement, he has established himself as one of the most outspoken analysts for the DAZN network.

The debate surrounding Álvarez’s decline is more alive than ever. While his detractors see the lack of knockouts as an unmistakable sign of chronic fatigue, his supporters remain confident that his experience and technique will allow him to continue reigning over the 168-pound division.

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BOXING

“That Punch Had a Barber License”: Tyson Fury and Others Rea

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Tyson Fury

“That Punch Had a Barber License”: Tyson Fury, Skye Nicolson, and Others React as Jarrell Miller Humiliated After Toupee Flies Off Mid-Fight

Weird things have happened inside the boxing ring, but nothing quite like this. Jarrell Miller squared off against Kingsley Ibeh in a heavyweight bout on the undercard of Teofimo Lopez vs. Shakur Stevenson on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. But what was supposed to be an action-packed encounter quickly turned into a comedy show.

In the second round of the fight, Kingsley Ibeh landed a crushing blow, which was supposed to knock Jarrell Millerout. Instead, it detached the toupee that ‘Big Baby’ was wearing during the fight. What made the scene even more amusing was that the hairpiece didn’t completely fall off—it peeled back completely, barely hanging on to Miller’s head.

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JUST IN: The Hint That Could Reveal Canelo Álvarez’s Next Opponent

Miller, however, leaned into the mishap, even tossing the stray hairpiece into the stands. If you thought the bizarre moment might have derailed his performance, you’d be wrong. With only a ring of hair left circling the top of his head, Miller pressed on and ultimately secured a split-decision victory. The judges scored the bout 94–96, 97–93, and 97–93.

During his post-fight interview, Miller addressed the incident with humor. “So, it’s kinda funny, right?” But the question on everyone’s mind lingered—was Miller going bald? He didn’t dodge it for long. “I get to my mama’s house, and she had some shampoo bottles under her table, and I shampooed it,” Miller revealed.

“That s—t was like ammonia and bleach. I nearly lost my hair like two days ago, so I called my manager: ‘Let me slap that s—t on my own head real quick.’ And [Ibeh] slapped that s—t off!” Rather than feeling embarrassed, Miller leaned fully into the moment, branding himself a comedian. “You can’t take life too seriously sometimes—you’ve got to roll with the punches.”

The hairpiece later made the rounds among fighters seated ringside before Miller danced his way backstage wearing a hat. Not long after, Ring Magazine shared a clip on X capturing the exact instant the mishap occurred. “Kingsley Ibeh just punched Jarrell Miller’s hair off 🤯🤣,” they wrote, prompting reactions from the likes of Tyson Fury, Regis Prograis, Skye Nicolson, and others.

No one knew Jarrell Miller was wearing a wig

Regis Prograis was among the people shocked at the scene. He wrote, “This n—a got a toupee on 😂.” Some of you might remember how Gervonta Davis’ hair leaked grease in his eye, forcing him to take a knee during the Lamont Roach Jr. fight. However, Miller handled his situation better.

Former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury commented on a post shared by WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman regarding the same. “Wow, Baldy 😂never knew,” Fury commented. Perhaps if Fury ever ends up fighting Miller, he would try to repeat the stunt.

Sulaiman himself was attending the fight. “Found it,” he wrote on X while sharing a couple of images holding Miller’s hairpiece as the latter fought inside the ring.

Skye Nicolson, who was also ringside for the fight, took things further, as she wore the toupee on her head. Uncrowned shared a picture of Nicolson with the toupee on X, which attracted a comment from Ariel Helwani. “Bru.”

Meanwhile, fans weren’t far behind. “That punch had a barber license,” one user joked. After the loss, Ibeh may well have found a second career.

It appears Ring VI shifted gears and decided to give everyone a laugh. But impressively, Jarrell Miller managed to produce a win despite what many would call an embarrassing moment in front of thousands.

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BOXING

The Hint That Could Reveal Canelo Álvarez’s Next Opponent

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Turki Al-Alshikh Canelo Álvarez

Turki Al-Alshikh moves the pieces and leaves an image that shakes boxing: Canelo Álvarez and Christian Mbilli, face to face. September now has a date, and the title is on the line.

Turki Al-Alshikh moves the board and sends a direct message

Boxing lives on gestures, symbols, and silences that speak louder than any official statement. And Turki Al-Alshikh understands that better than anyone. During the 2025 The Ring Awards, the Saudi promoter delivered a hint that did not go unnoticed: he brought Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez together with Christian Mbilli in front of the cameras, embraced them… and then stepped aside.

The scene was brief but loaded with intention. In a video shared on his social media, Turki is seen posing with both fighters before moving away and allowing Canelo and Mbilli to face each other, exchange greetings, and part with a hug. There were no words, no formal announcement. But the message was clear: the fight is a real possibility.

Canelo Alvarez

JUST IN: Why Terence Crawford doesn’t sound fully convinced of his retirem

According to what Turki himself stated days earlier, Canelo Álvarez will fight for a world title next September 12, a historic date for Mexican boxing. And Mbilli’s name is starting to gain serious traction.

Canelo’s return and a title on the line

After losing his undisputed super middleweight status following his defeat to Terence Crawford last September 13, Canelo Álvarez entered a rebuilding phase. He underwent surgery on his left elbow and ruled out his traditional May return, prioritizing a full recovery.

Just a few days ago, Canelo himself confirmed that he will return to the ring in September — and that it will be for a world title. In that context, Christian Mbilli, recently elevated to full WBC champion at 168 pounds, emerges as a natural… and dangerous option.

According to those close to the international boxing scene, the WBC belt currently held by Mbilli represents one of the most direct paths for Canelo to reclaim a crown he once dominated. And the timing does not appear to be accidental.

Mbilli, the uncomfortable challenger who already heated things up

Beyond Turki’s gesture, Christian Mbilli had already added fuel to the fire. The French fighter, nicknamed “The Assassin Panther,” made waves with comments suggesting that Canelo is “no longer the same fighter” he was five or ten years ago.

Although no verbal exchange can be seen in the video, the image speaks for itself. Mbilli is young, strong, a reigning champion, and hungry. Canelo, on the other hand, represents experience, legacy, and the need to reassert himself after a major setback in his career.

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Why Terence Crawford doesn’t sound fully convinced of his retirem

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Terence Crawford

Terence Crawford doesn’t sound fully convinced of his retirement

While no one was completely surprised when Terence Crawford announced his retirement in mid-December, there was a lingering feeling that he was leaving the sport while still in his prime. At 38 years old, he had just soundly beaten Canelo Alvarez and could have picked any other opponent next, and he would likely be favored.

But “Bud” decided to go out on top, “walking away as a great with nothing left to prove”. He truly didn’t have to prove anything else to anyone, but his fans wanted to continue seeing him in action. Now, Crawford is focusing on his family life and paving the way for the next generation of boxers.

Terence Crawford retired at the top of his game at 38 years old.

READ: Why Anthony Joshua Is Not Considering Retirement

Terence Crawford named Ring Magazine’s Male Fighter of the Year for 2025

On Friday night, he was able to turn back the clock – not too far – by showing up at Ring Magazine’s “The Ring Awards”, where he was named the Male Fighter of the Year. But before he got on the stage, it was an interview on the red carpet that sparked some intrigue.

Crawford was asked if it felt different attending a boxing event as a retired fighter. His answer showed that he still has the competitive nature in his bones.

A little bit. I done put it behind me, but I still got that fight in me. But at the same time, it feels great to be one of the pioneers that paved the way for the younger fighters that’s coming behind me.

Crawford could fight at an elite level right now and probably for the next few years if he wanted to. Despite the fire still burning within him, he does seem at peace with his retirement decision. But he surely knows he could go toe-to-toe with anyone at the awards ceremony if he pleased.

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BOXING

Why Anthony Joshua Is Not Considering Retirement

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Anthony Joshua

Anthony Joshua has opened up on the tragic car crash that saw his close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, lose their lives.

It’s the first time AJ has sat down in front of a camera and addressed the horrific events in December.

The heavyweight champion has kept a low profile since the crash in Lagos, in which he lost his close pals since childhood and sustained injuries himself. The funerals of Sina and Latz took place on January 4 at a mosque in London.

Joshua, 36, fought back tears as he paid a fitting tribute to his ‘two brothers’. The British boxer also addressed whether he’ll return to the ring after the traumatic event.

Anthony Joshua Not Considering Retirement

Anthony Joshua

JUST IN: What’s Gervonta Davis’ Future After Posting Bail

Speaking from the heart, AJ addressed his feelings as he opened up: “That was such an unforeseen circumstance that was out of all of our control. And not only did their parents, their uncles, their cousins, their friends and myself, lose two great men. We lost people that we really care about have been major players in all of our lives, major, major players in all of our lives. It’s tough. It’s really tough.”

Addressing his future in boxing, which was thrown into doubt by the mental and physical issues caused by the accident, Joshua appeared to confirm he would be back in the ring eventually. He said:

“I know what my duty is. They were my brothers, my friends, first and foremost. Then we became business partners, we became hustlers, we became generals, we became everything. We became housemates, who were living together.

“I’ve lost people before, but I don’t think I’ve lost people like that, my left and my right.

“The mission must go on… I understand my duty.”

Joshua Vows to Look After His Friends’ Loved Ones

Anthony Joshua face off during the weigh-in

The 36-year-old athlete reaffirmed his intentions to look after the loved ones and families of his late friends. Joshua stated:

“My goal is to help their families and to help them achieve their goals, even though they may not be here in the physical. I will be saying my prayers, and I’m going to help them fulfill their dreams for their families. It’s not only me though helping. There’s a whole team working on that stuff.”

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BOXING

What’s Gervonta Davis’ Future After Posting Bail

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Gervonta Davis

Gervonta Davis was released on bail just hours after being apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force and Miami Gardens police, as we look at what is next.

The arrest brought an end to a two-week manhunt that began on January 14. Davis was ultimately located in Miami’s Design District and booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Facility before posting bail for $8,500. Davis was taken in after he was accused of charges stemming from a domestic dispute relating to his ex over battery, false imprisonment, and attempted kidnapping.

JUST IN: Gervonta Davis Speaks at Bond Hearing as Lawyer Says He Is the

It is claimed he grabbed her by the hair and throat before trying to get her into his vehicle. While Davis is currently free, he is subject to standard travel restrictions and is strictly prohibited from contacting the victim. The victim is also pursuing a civil lawsuit seeking over $50,000 in damages. Despite his, Tank Davis’ attorney hit back.

“Gervonta Davis is actually a victim here, and I look forward to establishing that shocking narrative in court. What has happened to Gervonta Davis in this case will transcend the initial charges against him and expose a level of criminality which will be talked about long after his charges are resolved,” Simon Steckel said

The Future

Professionally, Davis is at a standstill. The World Boxing Association recently stripped him of his lightweight title, designating him a “champion in recess” due to his inactivity and the gravity of his legal situation. He hasn’t fought since a controversial majority draw against Lamont Roach Jr. in March 2025, and his highly publicized exhibition match against Jake Paul—originally set for late 2025—was scrapped specifically because of the civil lawsuit filed by the victim. Promoters are currently hesitant to book him, as travel restrictions and potential court dates make scheduling a fight more risky.

Davis could target a late 2026 “super-fight” against the winner of the Teofimo Lopez vs. Shakur Stevenson to reclaim standing. That would require Davis to face the best, something he has previously been criticized for not doing. Tank could take that fight at 135 pounds if Shakur wins and moves back down to lightweight where he is the WBC champ. Alternatively if Lopez wins, Tank could move up to 140 to target that WBO belt. Davis previously moved up to 140 and defeated Mario Barrios. Lopez is ready to face the best.

“He just needs to let go of his pride and ego,” Lopez told a group of reporters in regard to a potential tilt with Tank. Just play business, bro. You really want to fight us, that’s how we can make it happen. We all want to fight each other,” Lopez stated

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Gervonta Davis Speaks at Bond Hearing as Lawyer Says He Is the

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Gervonta Davis

Gervonta Davis Speaks at Bond Hearing as Lawyer Says He Is the Victim

Gervonta Davis briefly addressed the court during a bond hearing following his arrest in Miami, as his attorney claimed the former world champion is “actually a victim” in the case.

Davis was released later the same day after bond was set at $16,000, with the court issuing a stay-away and no-contact order as part of the conditions of his release.

Davis appeared before a judge after being taken into custody on charges of attempted kidnapping, false imprisonment, and battery stemming from an alleged October incident.

Gervonta Davis appears in court during a bond hearing in Miami following his arrest.

READ: Gervonta Davis Arrest Ends With Same-Day Rele

During the hearing, the court outlined strict conditions tied to his release.

Judge issues stay-away order as Davis responds
“Mr. Davis, you are ordered to stay away from the alleged victim,” the judge said. “No contact with the victim either directly, indirectly, in person, in writing, by telephone, or through third parties. Do you understand the stay-away order, sir?”

Davis responded simply, “Yes.”

The judge then summarized the charges before the court, stating: “Attempted kidnapping, false imprisonment, and battery.”

Attorney disputes allegations during hearing
During the proceeding, Davis’ attorney disputed the allegations.

“Where their alleged victim has lied to them in an effort to try and extort money out of somebody,” Davis’ lawyer told the court. “This case is going absolutely nowhere. The police officer who investigated this was lied to blatantly.”

An objection was raised during the exchange, with opposing counsel noting that probable cause had already been established.

“A judge has already found probable cause,” the attorney said.

Miami-Dade County Court
Davis’ lawyer then clarified that he was not seeking to relitigate the case during the hearing.

“All I’m asking is, Your Honor, leave the bond and issue the stay-away order,” he said. “I understand this is not my first date.”

Bond was left in place, and the no-contact order was formally issued as a condition of Davis’ release.

Lawyer reiterates “victim” claim in statement
Following the hearing, Davis’ attorney reiterated his position, saying the case would ultimately be viewed differently as it moves through the court.

“Gervonta Davis is actually a victim here, and I look forward to establishing that shocking narrative in court,” the lawyer said in a statement to The Associated Press.

“What has happened to Gervonta Davis in this case will transcend the initial charges against him and expose a level of criminality which will be talked about long after his charges are resolved.”

The case remains ongoing.

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‘Hit Harder Than Canelo’: Terence Crawford names who hit him hardest after 42 fight career

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Terence Crawford Canelo Alvarez

Last month, Terence Crawford announced his retirement from boxing, but when recalling which opponent hit him the hardest during the entirety of his professional career, ‘Bud’ provided an unexpected response.

Crawford hung up the gloves two months on from a career-defining victory over Canelo Alvarez, as the Omaha-born phenomenon became the first fighter to become a three-weight undisputed champion in the four-belt era and just the second of all time.

That super-middleweight triumph is made all the more impressive by the fact that Crawford first claimed world honours as a lightweight, making the win sit as one of the most impressive triumphs since the turn of the millennium.

Terence Crawford names who hit him hardest after 42 fight career

JUST IN: Watch Anthony Joshua staves off tears as he opens up on loss of fri 

However, despite moving up multiple weight-classes to face Canelo, Crawford explained that he did not feel overwhelmed by the punch power of the super-middleweight superstar. Instead, in the post-fight interview, Crawford named Lithuanian welterweight Egidijus Kavaliauskas as a harder puncher.

“I’ve been hit harder in a real fight. ‘Mean Machine’ [Kavaliauskas] hit harder than Canelo, to me, to be honest.”

Kavaliauskas collided with Crawford back in 2019 in his maiden challenge for a world title, where he was stopped by the American after nine rounds of action. He does, however, have a claim as the only man to drop the American star. Though Crawford touching the canvas in round three was ruled a slip, most feel that the referee should have awarded a knockdown.

That shortcoming was the first of Kavaliauskas’s career, but the 37-year-old has been trumped by both Vergil Ortiz Jr and Souleymane Cissokho since.

The Kaunas contender has since bounced back from defeat to Cissokho, after a controversial win against Samuel Molina on home soil saw him get his hands on the EBU European welterweight crown and rise to #7 in the WBC 147lb ratings.

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