Tag

BOXING

Browsing

Floyd “Money” Mayweather became famous for being one of the greatest boxers of his generation.

However, his notoriety has continued despite retiring in 2017 because of his penchant for living a lavish lifestyle, which always keeps him in the headlines.

Mayweather’s affinity for nightclubs and Las Vegas parties is well-documented at this point. And during an October 16 episode of UFC legend Daniel Cormier’s podcast, former UFC bantamweight champion and current featherweight fighter Aljamain Sterling shared a story from the past where he and Mayweather almost got into an altercation because of Mayweather’s interest in Sterling’s then-girlfriend and current wife.

What Is the Controversy Behind Aljamain Sterling's Girlfriend and Floyd  Mayweather? - EssentiallySports

READ: Why Mike Tyson is motivated to ‘do better’ against Floyd Mayweath

Aljamain Sterling Shares Floyd Mayweather Club Story Involving Girlfriend

“It’s a real situation that happened,” Sterling said when Cormier asked him about Mayweather trying to take his girlfriend (now wife), Rebecca, at a club in Las Vegas. “2016, I think it was. I was just starting, I was undefeated, on my second contract for the UFC. So I’m feeling good.

“[Mayweather] is pointing to [Rebecca] and our friend at the time. They come over, he sent somebody up, she comes, she’s telling me, ‘Mayweather was just pointing at us, and was telling us to [come over].’ I’m like, ‘So what does that mean?'”

Cormier then interrupted by saying Sterling could beat Mayweather up in an actual fight because he could take him down, and Sterling said, “In an actual fight, yes.” Then, going back to the story, Sterling continued, “In the moment, I was kind of a young, hotheaded kid, so I’m thinking a couple things. I’m like, ‘If Shorty goes down there, it’s [over]. Signed, sealed, delivered.”

“Mayweather sent somebody up, I go over to them, I talk to them, I’m like ‘Hey, man. I know how this goes. You’re trying to tell me to bring her down. Nah, it don’t work like that,'” Sterling continued.

“They go back, they come back again, trying to recruit both of us now. And they’re like, ‘[Mayweather] said you could come down, too.’ I’m like, ‘Nah. Nah. I’ve seen this movie before. We go down together, she goes in, they try to stop me, and it’s gonna be an issue, because I ain’t gonna be made to look like no fool,” he added.

“I told them to tell [Mayweather], ‘He’s undefeated in boxing. I’m undefeated in MMA. If he wants to figure out what sport is better, we can find out today.'”

Clearly Sterling was willing to stand his ground. But it’s probably for the best for both sides that this situation was de-escalated before it became physical.

Oleksandr Usyk has confirmed he’ll fight on for “three more years” — meaning the reigning heavyweight king could remain at the top until age 41.

The undisputed champion revealed his plans on his Ready to Fight platform, vowing to keep boxing until his body — or the mandatory queue — says otherwise.

“I’ll fight until I’m 41,” Usyk told his Ready to Fight venture alongside Sergey Lapin. “Then I’ll build a sports academy. I’ll train there and train others.”

The Ukrainian maestro, who dethroned Tyson Fury last year and repeated the feat in December 2025, appears set for another mandatory merry-go-round that could define the remainder of his career.

Oleksandr Usyk

JUST IN: How Terence Crawford Owes Turki Alalshikh a Real Fight, After Ca

Usyk’s Next Move
“I can’t say who exactly because negotiations are ongoing,” Usyk admitted. “I’d like to make something up for you right now.”

With the sanctioning bodies circling, Usyk’s next four fights will likely come from a pool of six contenders outlined by World Boxing News. They are Joseph Parker, Fabio Wardley (depending on who wins their bout), Agit Kabayel, Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, and rising phenom Moses Itauma.

The Mandatory Chaos
Each presents a different kind of challenge. Kabayel, as the WBC’s mandatory, is a logical step for late 2026 or early 2027. Fury, of course, is pushing hard for the trilogy — desperate to regain the prestige he lost in Riyadh. Parker continues his late-career surge, and Wardley’s stock is rising. The winner of their October 25 clash will be first in line, potentially for a spot in the spring of next year in Saudi Arabia.

Finally, Wilder could still earn redemption if his comeback momentum holds, and he defeats a top name by the time Usyk completes the first stipulated title defense.

Then there’s Itauma — the 20-year-old prodigy already linked to a “passing of the torch” bout that Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh is said to want before Usyk hangs up the gloves.

“He Doesn’t Hit Grandpas!”
Usyk laughed off talk of facing Itauma anytime soon, though he didn’t completely rule it out.

“No, I won’t fight Itauma [in the next fight]. He’s young — always teasing me,” Usyk joked. “And he said himself he doesn’t hit grandpas!”

The coming years could see Usyk move through a mix of mandatories, mega-fights, and legacy bouts — perhaps ending with one final Riyadh blockbuster before his planned retirement.

“Next year,” Usyk added, “and, God willing, I’ll win.”

For boxing fans, that means three more years of brilliance, chaos, and unpredictability — all led by the sport’s most disciplined “grandpa.”

Usyk’s Possible Finale
Spring 2026 | Parker or Wardley

Fall 2026 | Wilder or Fury

Early 2027 | Kabayel

Final bout in late 2027 | Itauma

Terence Crawford Owes Turki Alalshikh A Real Fight: After Canelo Gift, It’s Time To Face David Benavidez

Terence Crawford owes Turki Alalshikh a favor for choosing him as the guy to fight the faded Canelo Alvarez to knock him off his perch as the King of the 168-lb division.

Turki wanted Crawford 42-0, 31 KOs) as his guy to fight the Mexican star rather than David Benavidez, who the U.S fans wanted to see fight Alvarez. No one was asking for Canelo-Crawford.

Canelo vs Crawford RECAP: Relive how Terence Crawford beat Saul 'Canelo'  Alvarez by unanimous decision in Las Vegas - BBC Sport

JUST IN: Unbeaten champion maps out path to huge undisputed fight with Crawford

The fans wanted Canelo to fight these guys:

David Benavidez

Dmitry Bivol

Jaron Ennis

Crawford wasn’t even on the list. His fighting style had never resonated with the larger public and was more favored by fans who enjoy Tom and Jerry fights.

NETFLIX NUMBERS TELL THE TRUTH

As we saw, it wasn’t ‘The Fight of the Century.’ It was boring, and Netflix viewing numbers for 41 million viewers weren’t even equal to half of the 108 million Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson produced in 2024.

Turki’s recent comment on X on September 14th about whether Benavidez can still make 168 was seen as a big hint that he wants to set up a fight between Crawford and him.

”Can David Benavidez still make 168 pounds?”

Time to Pay Turki Back in Blood Since that’s what Turki wants, doesn’t Crawford owe him to give him the fight that he wants? I mean, he reportedly paid him $50 million for the Canelo fight, and it wasn’t the match the U.S. or world public wanted.

Crawford should show his gratitude by facing Benavidez and providing an entertaining battle for him and the American fans. They just saw a boring fight between Canelo and Crawford that didn’t even match the entertainment of the undercard fight between Lester Martinez and Christian Mbilli.

Crawford has been calling himself deserving of being among the top of the all-time greats, saying, “Now I’m on top of Mount Rushmore.”

ONLY BENAVIDEZ CAN VALIDATE CRAWFORD

If Terence wants to be at the top or one of the three best fighters of all time, he owes it to Turki, himself, and the fans to face the walking guillotine David Benavidez.

It’s the only way he can be remembered as an all-time great because beating a washed Canelo and a car crash ruined Errol Spence isn’t good enough for Crawford to be on Mount Rushmore.

Middleweight world champions Janibek Alimkhanuly and Erislandy Lara are reportedly set to face each other in a unification clash before the end of the year.

According to Ring Magazine reporter Mike Coppinger, the bout will take place in San Antonio, Texas on 6 December on the undercard of the interim super lightweight world title fight between Isaac Cruz and Lamont Roach Jr.

Kazakh knockout artist Janibek, who is unbeaten in 17 professional fights and has 12 stoppages to his name, has been calling for fights with fellow titlists in recent months, and he has now got his wish.

READ: Terence Crawford Didn’t Hesitate When Asked If He Will Now Face 

He is currently in possession of the WBO and IBF belts, while Lara has the WBA strap.

The 42-year-old Cuban, (31-3-3), has held a version of the WBA title since 2021 but has not fought since September 2024.

He turned professional back in 2008 and was only narrowly beaten by split decision when he faced Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez in 2014.

The winner of the contest between Janibek and Lara will have three of the four middleweight world titles, with Dominican star Carlos Adames the other champion at 160lb.

Adames drew with Britain’s Hamzah Sheeraz in February and has not returned to the ring since.

He could be in line to face either Janibek or Lara in a potential undisputed fight in 2026.

Pound-for-pound No 1 Terence Crawford may also be keeping a close eye on proceedings down at middleweight as he plots his next career move.

Crawford became an undisputed champion in a third weight class last month when he outpointed Canelo to claim all four super middleweight titles.

He is the first man to completely rule three divisions and could fancy his chances of creating more history.

If the winner of Janibek vs Lara faces Adames in an undisputed showdown, Crawford may be tempted to move down for a shot at the new middleweight king.

This would give him the opportunity to earn undisputed status in a fourth division, while also becoming a six-weight world champion.

Oleksandr Usyk makes stance clear on Moses Itauma fight as he reveals ‘negotiations underway’ for return

Oleksandr Usyk admits he is unlikely to share the ring with precocious British heavyweight Moses Itauma next.

The Chatham southpaw has torn through the heavyweight division at an alarming rate, and at just 20 years old, he is already being touted as a world champion in waiting.

Saudi powerbroker Turki Alalshikh ranks Usyk vs Itauma highly on his boxing wishlist.

Oleksandr Usyk makes stance clear on Moses Itauma fight as he reveals  'negotiations underway' for return | talkSPORT

JUST IN: Tyson Fury prioritizes showdown with Oleksandr Usyk over waiting for Anthony Joshua in return fight

But Usyk, 38, doesn’t envisage the youngster in his immediate future.

“With Itauma? I won’t fight him,” he told UNN when asked about whether he will face Itauma in his next outing.

“He’s young. He’s still pushing me. And he said he doesn’t hit old men.”

Both Itauma and his trainer, Ben Davison, have repeatedly stated that they would accept a fight with Usyk in a heartbeat.

However, Itauma’s handlers aim to move their man at a more conservative rate.

The consensus feeling amongst his team is that Itauma needs to bank more rounds before diving in at the deep end.

Bouts with durable opponents such as Filip Hrgovic, Jermaine Franklin and Kubrat Pulev have been explored for December 13 in Manchester, although it has proven tricky to tie down his next dance partner.

Itauma’s promoter, Frank Warren, recently revealed to talkSPORTthat the majority of the boxers they have approached either priced themselves out of negotiations or flat-out rejected the fight.

Who could Oleksandr Usyk fight next?

Usyk, on the other hand, has no shortage of opponents queuing up to face him.

The Ukrainian was recently ordered by the WBO to face the winner of Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley’s upcoming clash on October 25 for the major sanctioning body’s interim title.

Meanwhile, Tyson Fury is campaigning for a trilogy with his bitter rival.

Whilst Usyk stopped short of revealing who he expects to face next, the former pound-for-pound king declared that ‘negotiations are underway’.

“I can’t say who I’ll be in the ring with because negotiations are underway,” he added.

“I’d be fooling you if I gave you a name…

“I train every day. Yesterday morning, I arrived and immediately went to the training hall.

“I train with the goal of entering the ring next year and, with God’s help, winning.”

Tyson Fury prioritizes showdown with Oleksandr Usyk over waiting for Anthony Joshua, reveals promoter Frank Warren

Tyson Fury’s potential return to the boxing ring is generating excitement, with a focus on a showdown against Oleksandr Usyk. Frank Warren, Fury’s promoter, has confirmed that Fury is prioritizing a match against Usyk rather than waiting for Anthony Joshua.

Fury’s Comeback Plans

After stepping away from boxing in early 2023, Fury aims to return in 2026. Warren explained, “He’s got to confirm it and sit down and work out when it’s going to be.” There is optimism about setting a date for Fury’s comeback.

Tyson Fury AND Anthony Joshua both in line for stunning Oleksandr Usyk  rematch as world champ gives update on next fight

JUST IN: Watch The KO that proved Mike Tyson was a different beast

Focus on Usyk

While discussions about a fight with Joshua are ongoing, Fury’s main ambition lies with Usyk. Warren stated, “The fight he really wants is another go with Mr. Usyk.” He believes that their previous encounters were thrilling and considers it the matchup that Fury consistently desires.

The Heavyweight Landscape

Anthony Joshua’s situation remains uncertain. Warren mentioned that discussions about Joshua involving a tune-up fight are prevalent. “He’s not going to sit around waiting,” Warren added, indicating the fluid nature of the heavyweight landscape.

Usyk’s Title Defense

Oleksandr Usyk’s future actions will significantly impact the heavyweight division. He faces a decision regarding his next mandatory challenger or possibly awaiting a third fight with Fury. To maintain his WBO title, Usyk may need to fight the winner of the Joseph Parker versus Fabio Wardley match.

Conclusion

Frank Warren emphasizes that whatever Usyk decides should be respected. The heavyweight division remains dynamic, and fans eagerly anticipate the prospect of a Fury-Usyk rematch. Fury, described as a savvy fighter, intends to only return if he feels prepared to compete effectively.

Boxing legend Mike Tyson was at his ruthless best on October 16, 1987.

The 31-0 knockout artist had already established himself as the best heavyweight on the planet.

Mike Tyson appeared to have his work cut out for him when he put the WBC, WBA, and IBF titles on the line against a 15-0 contender.

Mike Tyson vs Tyrell Biggs | October 16, 1987 | Highlights HD 60[fps]

READ: Why Mike Tyson is motivated to ‘do better’ against Floyd Mayweath

Tyrell Biggs stood at 6ft 5in tall and had the skills to potentially cause some problems. Good movement and a solid jab were two of the reasons he was able to win super heavyweight gold at the 1984 Olympics.

Watch Mike Tyson destroy Tyrell Biggs

Tyrell Biggs used his frame and footwork to keep Mike Tyson at bay for the first two rounds, but it was all downhill from there.

From round three on, the undisputed heavyweight champion began effectively cutting off the ring and landing big punches, which left Biggs’ face a swollen mess.

In round 7, Tyson sent his opponent crashing through the ropes with a monstrous left hook. Biggs was bloody and dazed, but he managed to make it back to his feet at the count of nine.

Tyson immediately landed a massive overhand right when the fight recommenced. Biggs tried to hold on, but the 21-year-old superstar landed another left hook to end the fight.

Biggs went flying across the ring into the corner, where the referee stood over him and waved off the fight with just one second left in the seventh stanza.

Mike Tyson’s next fight

Mike Tyson retired from professional boxing after suffering a stoppage loss to Kevin McBride in 2005.

Almost two decades later, the 59-year-old shocked the world by announcing a professional boxing comeback.

Tyson looked like a shadow of his former self but still managed to go the distance with Jake Paul in November 2024.

Next up, Tyson is set to face Floyd Mayweather in an exhibition mismatch scheduled for 2026.

Terence Crawford Didn’t Hesitate When Asked If He Will Now Face Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis

Pound-for-pound great Terence Crawford has once again been linked with a showdown with the unbeaten Jaron Ennis.

The 38-year-old from Omaha wrote his name into the boxing history books last month when he defeated Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez via unanimous decision to capture the undisputed super-middleweight championship.

Terence Crawford Didn’t Hesitate When Asked If He Will Now Face Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis

JUST IN: Canelo Alvarez receives fresh blow to Terence Crawford rematch c

Crawford became the first male fighter in the history of the sport to capture an undisputed crown in three separate weight divisions, having previously achieved this feat at super-lightweight and welterweight respectively.

As rumours begin to circulate about what could be next for ‘Bud’, one fighter that reportedly remains interested in a showdown with the pound-for-pound superstar is former unified world welterweight champion ‘Boots’ Ennis.

Speaking after his victory over Canelo, Crawford was asked if there was any possibility that he could drop back down in weight to allow a clash with Ennis to happen in the near future.

“No. I ain’t going down to 154.”

Crawford had a brief spell at super-welterweight back in August of 2024 when he dethroned former WBA world champion Israil Madrimov, defeating the Uzbek star via unanimous decision in Los Angeles.

Ennis recently made his debut at 154lbs having spent the majority of his career to date campaigning at welterweight, where he held the WBA and IBF world titles until August.

The 28-year-old from Philadelphia stopped Portugal’s Uisma Lima in the opening round of their bout on October 11, capturing the ‘vacant’ WBA interim super-welterweight title in the process.

Canelo Alvarez receives fresh blow to Terence Crawford rematch chase in new development

Canelo Alvarez’s chances of sharing the ring with Terence Crawford in an immediate title rematch have just received a sizable blow.

Now a month removed from his undisputed super middleweight title fight loss, Canelo Alvarez’s future in the ring is no clearer — akin to the future of newly-crowned kingpin Terence Crawford.

And with the Mexican set for an extended period on the sideline through a new injury setback, chances of him fighting as early as expected are in stark jeopardy.

Canelo Alvarez Terence Crawford

JUST IN: Why Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua is now likely in 2026?

However, in a new development, the Jalisco megastar seems even more unlikely to rematch Crawford in his immediate return to the ring.

Rematch clause ditched for Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford

Following long and rather drawn-out talks, Canelo and Crawford eventually agreed to face off with each other in one of the biggest blockbuster fights in recent boxing history.

However, according to boxing reporter Dan Rafael, as part of the fight talks, no rematch clause for the pairing was introduced by either Canelo or the unbeaten champion Crawford’s team.

“What I am told by Canelo’s (Alvarez) people is that absolutely there is no rematch clause [to fight Terence Crawford] in the contract,” Rafael told Boxing Social.

“He does have two more fights on a contract with Turki (Alalshikh),” Rafael explained.” Now, if Turki said, ‘I wanna do the rematch,’ I guess, they could make the rematch, but there’s nothing, you know, that he can invoke and say, ‘I’m getting an automatic rematch with Terence Crawford.’”

Canelo Alvarez urged to ditch 20-year partnership in return

Without a championship in tow for the first time in seven years, Canelo will likely enter the ring as a title challenger in his return to the ring.

And with a pairing against Crawford now seeming more and more unlikely as the duo remain sidelined, Canelo has been urged to make wholesale changes to his boxing approach.

According to a former close friend and promoter, the Mexican legend must ditch a boxing relationship dating back to his professional debut if he’s to make one final run to a championship reign.

Former lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury could return to the ring next year, according to Queensberry Promotions boss, Frank Warren.

Following two consecutive defeats against reigning undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk in 2024, Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs) has been clear about his desire to avenge the only two losses of his career.

The native of Manchester, England previously announced that he is coming out of retirement for a trilogy match against Usyk, set for April 2026. Although an official date, and opponent have yet to be announced, Warren indicated that “The Gypsy King” has unfinished business.

Anthony Joshua Tyson Fury

READ: Anthony Joshua’s return could snap interesting 10-year stat as pro

“He’s a fighting man, I know the fight he really does want,” Warren told Ring Magazine. “He wants to fight Oleksandr Usyk again. That’s what he wants. That’s all he talks about to me.”

A fellow British star has emerged as a suitable opponent 

Fury took a unanimous decision loss as he challenged Usyk for the WBA (Super), WBC, WBO, IBO, and The Ring heavyweight titles, in a rematch last December. Despite Fury’s claim, there hasn’t been any confirmation from Usyk’s camp that a third meeting will take place. However, another name has surfaced as an intriguing matchup, former unified heavyweight champion: Anthony Joshua.

The Watford-bred Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) has been away from the ring for more than a year. He was brutally knocked out in the fifth round by then-IBF heavyweight title holder, Daniel Dubois, in September 2024. “AJ’s” promoter, Eddie Hearn, has also expressed interest in a potential fight with Fury. Inarguably two of the biggest names among British fighters, a clash on United Kingdom soil has the makings of a huge fight.

“If he’s going to carry on, which he’s indicated he will,” said Warren. “Of course there’s a big fight with ‘AJ.’ It’s a no-brainer.”