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IBF and WBO Middleweight Champion Zhanibek Alimkhanuly (17-0, 12 KOs) is one of the belt-holders at 160 that Terence Crawford is believed to be looking at in search of his sixth division world title.

CRAWFORD’S OPTIONS

Canelo Alvarez Terence Crawford

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Carlos Adames: WBC World Middleweight champion Adames (24-1-1, 18 KOs). He’s a strong possibility for Crawford, as they’ve sparred in the past and he’s viewed as beatable.

Hamzah Sheeraz: The unbeaten super middleweight contender Sheeraz (22-0-1, 18 KOs) is coming off a fifth-round knockout win over Edgar Berlanga last summer on July 12th. It was easily the best career win for him. Hamzah, 26, is popular in the UK, so there’s money to be made for Bud if he selects him.

Erislandy Lara: The 43-year-old Cuban Lara holds the WBA middleweight title. There would be less upside for Terence if he chose him, as it would give the appearance that he’s cherry-picking.

Janibek Alimkhanuly: Considered to be the King of the 160-lb division, Janibek has past wins over Denzel Bentley, Danny Dignum, Vincenzo Gualtieri, Andrei Mikhailovich, and Anauel Ngamissenque. His punching power, southpaw stance, and skills would make him a tough task for Crawford. It would be a real fight, because Alimkhnuly wouldn’t be hesitant to attack Bud, and he wouldn’t fade after six rounds the way Canelo did.

Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis: Apart from an improbable rematch against Canelo, ‘Boots’ Ennis (35-0, 31 KOs) would be Crawford’s best option for a big payday in a fight that would be somewhat winnable.

Of course, Crawford could get a mega-million purse fighting David Benavidez, but his chances of coming out victorious in one piece would be slim and none.

There is little interest from fans in a Crawford and Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez rematch. Their September 13th fight was less than thrilling to watch, and the second one would likely be a similar dull affair. No one wants to see them fight again.

The Omaha, Nebraska, native, Crawford, is clearly holding onto his four super middleweight titles for a reason, hoping that the Mexican star Alvarez (63-3-2, 39 KOs) will use the rematch clause. That’s Crawford’s best and only chance for another giant payday of $50 million.

Canelo Alvarez’s First Public Appearance Since Crawford Loss Has Boxing Fans Talking

Canelo Alvarez has kept a very low profile ever since his defeat to Terence Crawford exactly one month ago, on September 13.

This isn’t necessarily out of the norm for Canelo. The former undisputed super middleweight champion isn’t very active on social media, and certainly doesn’t keep his huge fan base updated about what he’s getting up to daily.

However, given that Canelo suffered the third loss of his professional career against Crawford and lost all of his 168-pound belts, his not being in the public eye in the days and weeks after fighting raised some concerns among fans that he was taking the loss hard.

Terence Crawford Canelo Alvarez

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Canelo Alvarez’s First Public Appearance After Terence Crawford Loss Speaks Volumes

But Canelo taking the defeat tough doesn’t seem to be the case at all, if the recent video of Canelo making his first public appearance since the Crawford loss is any indication.

Canelo’s daughter Emily celebrated her 18th birthday over the weekend, and Canelo made a heartfelt Instagram post that was captioned (in translated English), “Happy 18th my beautiful girl @emilyc.alvarez I will always be here for you, may this new stage bring you everything you expect from life I LOVE YOU ❤️”.

What’s more, videos of Canelo and his wife singing and celebrating during their daughter’s birthday party have surfaced. Fight Hub TV posted a clip of Canelo singing to their YouTube account, which is making many waves on social media.

Boxing Fans React to Canelo Alvarez Singing Video

Canelo is clearly no longer upset about his loss to Crawford video. And this is good for his fans to see, which they’re making clear on the video’s comments.

“Love to see Nelo out enjoying himself. Bro, is focus on enjoying life and that’s what’s it’s about. This is the reason for Boxing,” one fan wrote.

“Good man, family first,” said another.

A third wrote, “Canelo enjoying the fruits of his labor after so many years of training hard he can celebrate time with his family. A lot of fighters don’t get a chance to celebrate their kids birthdays or their birthdays.”

In an X post of the video, one fan commented, “This is what it’s all about and what all these cats fight for! Not these ungrateful fans!”

“Canelo is the man I respect out of everybody in boxing such a beautiful soul and his daughter is beautiful congratulations familia,” another added in a YouTube comment.

“That man took care of his family!!! Respect!!!” wrote one more.

“Love to see Canelo enjoy time with his daughter, it reminds me of me and my father when we enjoyed moments together… oh how I love ❤️ that 😊,” added another fan.

“Gotta respect that!” said another.

“Canelo dont look like a man who is DWELLING on his loss to Bud. He’s moving on its the canelo fanatics who can’t move on. Canelo has solidified his legacy in boxing he will go down in the books as one of the greats 🫡,” wrote another X comment.

Another YouTube fan added, “goatnelo not stressing after loss, legacy secured.”

It’s cool to see the love and support Canelo is receiving through this video and by celebrating his daughter over the weekend.

Mike Tyson is motivated to ‘do better’ against Floyd Mayweather

Mike Tyson is preparing for one of the most unexpected fights in modern boxing history — showdown clash with Floyd Mayweather next spring. As the 59-year-old legend steps back into the ring spotlight, he’s taking lessons from his recent defeat to Jake Paul.

“I couldn’t believe it until he signed,” Tyson said of Mayweather’s confirmation. “He signed it, so I believe it.”

Mike Tyson is motivated to ‘do better’ against Floyd Mayweather

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Looking back on his loss to Jake Paul, Tyson said the most important lesson wasn’t about physical preparation but mental focus. “I wasn’t as focused as I should have been,” he admitted. “This moment’s going to be over. Just enjoy it — it doesn’t last forever.”

Now, as he trains for his much-anticipated clash with Mayweather, Tyson says his motivation comes from gratitude rather than rivalry. “I’m just preparing and looking forward,” he said. “It’s a wonderful thing that could happen.”

Tyson described the fight as “something neither the world nor I ever thought would or could happen,” calling it part of “a new era of the unpredictable” in boxing.

Anthony Joshua’s return could snap interesting 10-year stat as promoter hints at new fight date

Anthony Joshua’s return to boxing has seen another twist in this seemingly never-ending tale.

Gearing up for his comeback to the ring for the first time since his stunning knockout loss to Daniel Dubois over a year ago, former two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua has yet to land an opponent for the clash.

And linked most recently to a showdown with Russian giant Arslanbek Makhmudov off the back of his win over Dave Allen, Joshua seemed set for a 2026 return to action.

Anthony Joshua attends a pre-fight press conference ahead of his fight with Daniel Dubois in September, 2024.

READ: Anthony Joshua’s Next Opponent ‘Confirmed’ And it’s Not Tyson Fury

However, in a new update, the Watford native may be returning sooner than expected, in a setting which would snap his lengthy spree.

Anthony Joshua may compete before 2026

In a new update from Matchroom Boxing leader Eddie Hearn, the Dagenham promoter revealed Joshua could feature as soon as the last months of 2025.

And to boot, according to the veteran boxing matchmaker, Joshua would be placed on the undercard of a potential end-of-year show.

If that were the case, Joshua would be fighting in a clash outside of a main event for the first time in 10 years, when he improved to 13-0 with a knockout of Kevin Johnson on the undercard of Kell Brook’s showdown with Frankie Gavin.

“All I’m saying is, if he (Anthony Joshua) fights this year, it will just be a ‘run out’ fight,” Hearn told IFL TV. “Because, coming back and fighting in a big arena, in a tough fight after being out for a year and a half, it’s not easy.

“And it ain’t about the money [in] this fight this year,” Hearn explained. “…It’s 50/50 if he fights this year, but if he will (sic), he’ll be added to a card. He won’t be headlining.”

Anthony Joshua picked to knock out ‘dangerous’ star.

Having shared the ring with the above-mentioned 6ft 5in Makhmudov, veteran British star Allen has weighed in a potential fight between the Russian and his compatriot.

And having trained with the Olympic gold medalist in the past, Allen raved over the power of Makhmudov.

But as far as he’s concerned, Joshua holds the tools to likely finish Makhmudov — early, in fact.

I think I’d pick (Anthony) Joshua to beat him (Arslanbek Makhmudov). I think Joshua will flatten him in a couple rounds. But he’s a dangerous guy though, so it’d be a good fight while it lasted,” Allen told Boxing King Media.

Anthony Joshua’s next opponent has been ‘confirmed’ and a ‘deal’ is supposedly in place for a big fight next year.

Joshua hasn’t fought since his crushing knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium last year.

But a comeback is in the works, having undergone surgery on his elbow in May to correct an injury that had sidelined him from training.

Anthony Joshua Tyson Fury

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A bout in Africa has been mooted, with Nigeria and Ghana rumoured as countries to host a mega event, ahead of a potential all-British battle against Tyson Fury, who is expected to return to action next year.

A proposed clash against Fury would likely take place in the summer, paving the way for a tune-up at the start of 2026.

Several names have been linked with a fight against Joshua, including Martin Bakole and Tony Yoka.

But, according to Arslanbek Makhmudov, he has a ‘deal’ in place to fight Joshua next year, having beaten Dave Allen on Saturday.

Makhmudov beat Allen by unanimous decision in Sheffield to seemingly punch his ticket for a meeting against ‘AJ’.

Speaking after his hard-fought win, where he had two points deducted for holding, the towering Russian contender confirmed a fight with Joshua following talks on social media.

“I already have a deal with him,” he told Boxing News. “We spoke with him in Instagram. He said, ‘Okay go fight with Dave Allen and [we] fight next year’. He confirmed. Now it’s his turn.”

Makhmudov has won 21 of his 23 professional matches and is on a two-fight winning streak following his defeat to Guido Vianello last year.

What has Eddie Hearn said about Anthony Joshua?

Hearn has remained tight-lipped on who Joshua will return against, but he insists his client is hellbent on facing Fury.

A fight between Fury and Joshua could break all records in the UK given the profile of each men and their long-standing rivalry.

“It’s exactly what everybody wanted to hear,” Hearn said of Fury’s expected return to the ring. “The thing that AJ wants more than anything, is to fight Tyson Fury.

“That is the biggest fight in the sport… I’m hopeful.”

He added: “The only thing that is close to that level [for Joshua] is to win the world heavyweight championship again, which is a big motivation for him.”

Like Joshua, Fury also hasn’t fought this year. The ‘Gypsy King’ suffered a points defeat to Oleksandr Usyk last year.

Jake Paul makes controversial move for Gervonta Davis fight and proves fans right in a bad way

At one point, the idea of a real, high-level boxer stepping into the ring with Jake Paul seemed like a laughingstock. Up until the end of summer, that was still the case. But Gervonta Davis has decided to take the plunge, prioritizing money over legacy for an exhibition bout against Paul on November 15 in Miami, Florida.

Many fans believe “Tank” will take a dive in the fight, or not even truly try to hit Paul. There have been plenty of conspiracy theories regarding Paul’s fights, with his last one against Mike Tyson turning into a joke in many fans’ eyes. As things stand, there is no fishy business regarding the fight. Whether Davis goes all-out on fight night remains to be seen. If the bout ends up going to the judges’ scorecards, that’s where the controversy might begin.

Jake Paul Gervonta Davis

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AI judge to be one of three official scorers for Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis fight

Reports emerged on Friday that the Paul-Davis fight will feature an AI (artificial intelligence) judge as one of the three judges who will determine the outcome of the bout if it comes down to a decision. While an AI judge has been featured on boxing broadcasts, it’s unprecedented for one to make an official scorecard. Thankfully, it’s an exhibition anyway.

That could certainly lead to a controversial moment if fans believe a specific boxer dominated the fight, and the final verdict comes down to AI. Given that Paul has tons of doubters as is, this likely won’t sit well with any of them.

The Paul-Davis fight is just over a month away and will feature legitimate, high-profile professional fights on the undercard. Alycia Baumgardner, Ellie Scotney, Gary Antuanne Russell and other stars will feature.

Mike Tyson has warned Floyd Mayweather yet again about their upcoming fight in 2026. ‘Iron’ Mike, now 59, is coming back to take on Mayweather in 2026 in an exhibition bout.

It’s a clash of two legends. Tyson is arguably the biggest name in the history of boxing while 50-0-0 Mayweather is the sport’s most profitable superstar to date. And there’s no doubt fans will tune in when two greats of their respective eras share the ring next year.

Tyson lost to Jake Paul via unanimous decision in November 2024. At 58, Tyson looked like a man of his age, but he’s made a promise about the Mayweather fight that might sound like a warning music to the latter’s ears.

Mike Tyson Floyd Mayweather

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Mike Tyson speaks out on Floyd Mayweather bout

Tyson has promised he’d be better than his last bout against ‘The Problem Child’. Speaking to People, he said, “It’s going to be really interesting. I can’t believe, since the last time I did this, I’ve fought… What? Two times, going on three times…I’ll do better in the next one.”

While Tyson is now 59, he is a special type of human being. And if he promises to improve, any opponent, even if that’s Mayweather, needs to take note. Tyson is also looking to live in the moment for the upcoming fight. He said:

“This moment’s going to be over. Just enjoy it, it doesn’t last forever.”

– Mike Tyson

Tyson retired from professional boxing in 2005. He returned inside the ring in 2020 to take on Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition. In 2024, his bout against Paul was under professional settings. The Mayweather clash, though, will be an exhibition.

As for ‘Money’ Mayweather, his last professional outing was in 2017, a 10th round TKO win against UFC icon Conor McGregor. Mayweather has since appeared in exhibition bouts, taking on Tenshin Nasukawa, Logan Paul, Deji, and more.

Tyson ruled the heavyweight division during his career while Mayweather is the king of lighter weight classes. Neither is in their prime, meaning fans can expect a showcase of their skills in this spectacle instead of an actual fight. With two legends like them involved, it can be expected to be a show stopping event regardless of all the aforementioned factors.

Oleksandr Usyk Heartbreakingly Set to Miss Out on Dream Fight, Says Klitschko Mentor

The boxing world is anticipating Oleksandr Usyk’s next move in the heavyweight division. Still, according to Bernd Boente, former 17-year manager of the Klitschkos and long-time Sky Germany and DAZN DACH commentator, Usyk may never get the chance to defend his world titles in Kyiv’s Olympic Stadium—a fight he has long dreamed of.

Boente, a two-time The Ring Magazine Manager of the Year and German Boxing Manager of the Year in 2017, exclusively told World Boxing News that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine makes the Kyiv dream fight unlikely.

Oleksandr Usyk

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Kyiv Fight in Jeopardy
“Usyk doesn’t have anything to prove to anyone anymore,” Boente told WBN. “His dream is to defend his world titles in Kyiv’s Olympic Stadium after the war. But unfortunately, there are currently no signs that Russia will end its brutal war of aggression anytime soon.”

Boente also outlined Usyk’s potential path if he chooses to continue:

“With an undisputed champion like Usyk, waiting is always a problem for the official challengers. The winner of Parker vs. Wardley is next, and then hopefully Agit Kabayel sometime in 2026. However, if Usyk retires before then, Agit would immediately become WBC World Champion.”

A Career Defined by Mastery and Legacy
Boente praised Usyk’s recent performances and emphasized the importance of finishing a career at the top.

“I would like to see the great person and champion Oleksandr Usyk retire as reigning champion, like Rocky Marciano, Lennox Lewis, and Vitali Klitschko before him. He could even be the second heavyweight champion after Marciano to retire undefeated. Usyk delivered a terrific performance against Dubois. A sold-out Wembley Stadium and excellent PPV sales suggest that the rematch, after Dubois’ sensational KO victory over Anthony Joshua, was a complete commercial success.”

“Usyk has already achieved everything. The right path now is to retire while still at the top—that’s how true champions build legacies that last forever,” Boente added.

What’s Next for Usyk
If Usyk decides to continue fighting, the heavyweight division awaits. Boente noted that official challengers must plan around Usyk’s schedule, with names like Agit Kabayel and the Parker vs. Wardley winner poised for potential title shots.

However, retirement could make those matchups moot, instantly elevating challengers like Kabayel.

Usyk Career Highlights
2012: Wins Olympic Gold in Heavyweight (London).

2013: Turns professional at age 26, debuting on November 9.

2016: Captures WBO Cruiserweight title by defeating Krzysztof Głowacki.

2018: Becomes the undisputed Cruiserweight champion after defeating Murat Gassiev in the WBSS Final.

2019: Moves to Heavyweight, defeating Chazz Witherspoon.

2021: Beats Anthony Joshua to become Unified Heavyweight Champion (WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO).

2022: Successfully defends Unified Heavyweight titles in rematch against Anthony Joshua.

2023: Defends Unified Heavyweight titles against Daniel Dubois in Wrocław, Poland.

2024 (May): Defeats Tyson Fury via Split Decision to become Undisputed Heavyweight Champion (WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO, and The Ring).

2024 (December): Defeats Tyson Fury via Unanimous Decision to successfully defend the Undisputed Heavyweight Championship.

2025: Reclaims undisputed heavyweight titles in a rematch against Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium.

Analysis
Boente’s insights underscore the challenges elite champions face: balancing legacy, opportunity, and external factors beyond their control.

Usyk has accomplished nearly everything inside the ring, and his choices now, whether to retire or continue facing challengers, will define the lasting legacy of one of modern boxing’s greatest heavyweights.

The Florida State Athletic Commission has released detailed rules for the Jake Paul vs Gervonta Davis bout that will take place on November 14 and be broadcast on Netflix.

The fight announcement took fans by surprise, mainly due to the significant size difference between the two opponents. Paul’s last fight was at cruiserweight, while Davis is the WBA lightweight champion. ‘The Problem Child’, 6’1″, also holds an 8 inch height advantage over ‘Tank’ Davis.

The fight was initially set for Atlanta, Georgia, however, was later shifted to Florida following the previous commission refusing to sanction it. The fight poster, meanwhile, is inspired by GTA VI. Paul’s marketing genius has once again been on display and more rules for the Davis bout have now come to light.

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Commission reveals Jake Paul vs Gervonta Davis rules

Perhaps the most notable aspect of the fight is that Paul vs Davis will have two human judges and one AI judge for the bout.

The bout will consist of 10 rounds, each lasting three minutes. While it’s an exhibition, TKO and KO will still be in play. In a statement, the Florida State Athletic Commission revealed:

“The Florida Athletic Commission confirms that this event has been sanctioned as an exhibition. The match will be logged in the national registry as an exhibition, and it will not count toward either athlete’s professional record.”

– FAC

The Commission added, “The exhibition will classify knockouts and technical knockouts as fight-ending in the same manner as professional contests. The Florida Athletic Commission remains committed to transparency, regulatory compliance, and the continued safe advancement of combative sports in Florida.”

AI judging is definitely something new and adds another unique talking point to the already hyped Paul vs Davis bout. ‘The Problem Child’ never fails to grab eyeballs, despite fans remaining skeptical of the merit of his opponents so far. ‘Tank’ Davis, meanwhile, is one of boxing’s most notable superstars and it’s always fireworks when he’s in action.

Jake Paul disses Gervonta Davis in fight build-up

Paul knows how to hype a fight up and he has been doing so through relentless trash talk for the ‘Tank’ Davis showdown. Paul isn’t pulling any punches and the YouTuber turned pro-boxer told Netflix:

“His nickname might be Tank, but I’m an FPV drone, and I’m about to disable his ass. Yes, he is one of the top pound-for-pound boxers in the world, but my motto is anyone, anytime, anyplace, against all odds. And I like my odds.”

– Jake Paul

Terence Crawford urged to accept ‘fight for the ages’ with undefeated former unified world champion

Eddie Hearn wants to see Terence Crawford face Jaron Ennis in 2026.

Crawford has yet to commit to his next move in the sport and is pondering his future after becoming undisputed 168lbs champion with victory over Canelo Alvarez.

Terence Crawford Didn't Hesitate When Asked If He Is Now Interested In A Jaron  Ennis Fight - Seconds Out

READ: I’m the last man to beat Terence Crawford, here’s how I did it

He has teased both retirement from the sport and potential fights at 160lbs, or whatever route will provide any life-changing financial incentive.

The likes of middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly and Carlos Adames have offered to step in with Crawford in recent weeks.

But now it is a familiar face who wants to take on Crawford, several years after the pair were originally ordered to face each other.

Eddie Hearn wants his charge Jaron Ennis, who has been tipped as a future pound-for-pound king in the sport, to step in with Crawford imminently.

He said: “For me, that is a fight for the ages, against (Terence) Crawford.

“But, we have to prove ourselves — look, Terence is only going to fight ‘Boots’ if there’s loads of money on the line.

“Because he knows how good Ennis is, and he’s not gonna fight anymore, unless it’s for a lot of money.

“He has to earn his shot against Crawford, but that is the fight in nine to 12 months time — three fights down the line.”

Ennis’ would arguably be the biggest remaining test on the table for Crawford within the three weight classes he is open to competing in.

Will Terence Crawford vs Jaron Ennis actually happen?

Crawford vs Ennis seems unlikely given a bout previously failed to materialise.

In July 2023 while both at 147lbs, Crawford was ordered to face ‘Boots’ for the IBF title by the governing body, but the bout didn’t happen.

Crawford’s team reportedly suggested they’d be unable to fight Ennis, and the showdown remained on ice with the champion stripped of his title.

‘Bud’ later suggested Ennis had been given opportunities to bring the clash to life but had turned them down.

A huge all-American clash would be huge for the sport, but Ennis is yet to make the same splash as Crawford commercially despite his elite skills.

Crawford has also already captured a world title belt at 154lbs, where Ennis will debut this weekend against Uisma Lima.

So it is deemed more likely that he will choose to return at 160lbs, with the chance to make further history more attractive.