Tag

BOXING

Browsing

There they stood face-to-face in public for the very first time.

Needless to say Jake Paul looked, well, small compared to his opponent next month, former world heavyweight champion and current top heavyweight contender Anthony Joshua.

Everyone knew that Joshua was the bigger of the two men. It just really struck home seeing the fighters standing before each other at their pre fight press conference on Friday. Joshua looked to be about half a foot taller than Joshua, who is no small man himself. Paul, however, exuded confidence, as always.

JUST IN: Anthony Joshua Confirms Controversial Rule for Jake Paul Fight

“I like to challenge myself,” he told the gathered media. Suffice to say the man really has challenged himself but good this time around. Give Paul credit. He knows how to market a fight and he’s not a half bad fighter either. And, as he made clear on Friday, he’s more or less been doing the seemingly impossible for a while now. Who after all ever could have imagined that a social media star could become perhaps the biggest name in boxing? And yet here we are. The truth can’t be denied. However, this doesn’t look good for Paul. It really doesn’t. Joshua is a world-class fighter who is bigger, faster and stronger than his American counterpart. It is, when all is said and done hard to see Paul pulling out the victory next month when he meets Joshua in the ring.

“He’s one of the best heavyweights ever,” Paul said of Joshua, “but I believe that fighting a smaller man is oftentimes harder as a heavyweight because of the speed difference and because of the foot speed, because of the angles, because of the head being off of the center.” The man has a point, by the way. One can see Jack Dempsey on YouTube pummeling the far taller Jess Willard for the heavyweight title way back in 1919. Dempsey however was a ranked contender and an extraordinarily skilled fighter. Paul is neither of those things.

And while it’s admittedly true that pretty much anything can happen in boxing, the chances of Paul pulling off the upset are really profound. Like Mike Tyson-Buster Douglas profound. Again, though, stranger things have happened. Against a focused, relaxed Joshua, who doesn’t overlook him, though, Paul may find himself really taking a beating this time around. Here’s hoping that doesn’t happen. No one wants to see a fighter get truly hurt. It isn’t like Paul hasn’t asked for this fight to go down though. This is all his idea and he knows what he’s doing, or at least he should.

Canelo Alvarez‘s career suffered a major setback in September when he lost to Terence Crawford in their super-middleweight encounter.

Entering their contest as the undisputed champion at 168lbs, many felt that Canelo’s physical advantages would prove too significant for his naturally smaller opponent to cope with.

As it turned out though, Crawford produced one of his career-best performances to outfox and often frustrate the Mexican through large spells of their showdown.

Canelo Alvarez Terence Crawford

JUST IN: How Oleksandr Usyk decision could be major boost for Tyson Fury

It soon became clear that ‘Bud’ was not only in possession of the more calculated strategy, but also had the right temperament and technical advantages to put his gameplan into action.

It came as no surprise when Crawford was announced as the unanimous decision winner and in turn cemented his legacy by becoming a three-division undisputed champion.

That achievement is remarkable in itself, but even more impressive was the optics of a 38-year-old, seemingly coming towards the end of his career, being able to clinically dismantle his much bigger rival.

It would appear that there is not so much a particular attribute for Crawford, but rather a well-rounded approach, that almost makes him the full package. That much, at least, was expressed by Canelo during their post-fight press conference. When asked why he fell short on the night, Canelo simply put it down to not being able to figure out his opponent’s style.

“We knew Crawford is a great fighter. I did what I was supposed to do I tried every way.

I tried very hard. He deserves all the credit. I tried my best. I just couldn’t figure out his style.

He has everything.”

Crawford’s skills could be about to be put to the test again, with a potential move down to middleweight on the cards as he sets his sights on one man in particular.

Tyson Fury’s chances of fighting Oleksandr Usyk have been boosted by the Ukrainian’s decision to give up one of his belts.

Former two-time heavyweight champion Fury announced his shock retirement from the sport back in January following back-to-back defeats to the Ukrainian. Just weeks after hanging up the gloves, the ‘Gypsy King’ posted clips of him returning to training – hinting at a potential comeback.

Fury’s sabbatical seemingly ended back in July after he confirmed he would be making a sensational return to the squared-circle next year. That said, he has since sent out rather mixed signals after he recently stated that not even a £1billion pay day would tempt him into a comeback.

Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk rematch on 21 December says Saudi official -  BBC Sport

JUST IN: There is Only One Fight Left, As Oleksandr Usyk Gave up a World

Warren said: “The fight he really wants is another go with Mr. Usyk, he really wants that. And they were great fights, really close fights, to watch. I’d watch that again. That’s the fight he wants. That’s the one he talks about all the time.” And the ‘Gypsy King’ could find himself in a position where he could walk into an immediate fight with his rival.

Earlier this week, Fabio Wardley was crowned the new WBO heavyweight champion after Usyk gave up his belt. The Brit stopped Joseph Parker in the 11th round of their epic dust-up last month to become interim WBO champion. The Ukrainian behemoth had already been ordered to defend his four belts against the Ipswich native, but Wardley has now been elevated to full champion.

Following the news, Usyk now seemingly has no obligations he must fulfil in the near future – which frees up a potential third fight with Fury should he decide to perform a major U-turn. Earlier this year, the 37-year-old was quick to throw his hat in the ring to fight the two-time undisputed heavyweight champion.

Reacting to Usyk’s win over Daniel Dubois back in July, Fury said: “Massive shout out to Oleksandr Usyk. He did a fantastic performance tonight over Daniel Dubois, a good, young, game lad who came for a good tear, so congratulations to both men but Oleksandr Usyk knows there is only one man who can beat him.

“I did it twice before and the world knows it. I have been f***** good and proper. I took it like a man and here is me, not f****** around at some boxing match, I am out on the road running. I am running tonight. I came home, I did my job and I got myself back and I am the man. I am the f****** spartan and no matter what anyone wants to say, I won those fights. Guaranteed, 100 per cent. There is only one man. GK (Gypsy King) all day every day. Get up!”

Oleksandr Usyk gave up a world title, now there is only one fight left

At the age of 38, Oleksandr Usyk has already assured himself of a place in boxing’s Hall of Fame.

The brilliant Ukrainian (24-0) has been peerless at every level during a career which has showcased his staggering brilliance at every turn.

A 335-15 amateur record, topped off by Olympic gold at London 2012, undisputed world champion at cruiserweight after turning professional and now undisputed twice at heavyweight.

Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois 2 Wembley Stadium Press Conference April 2025

READ: Jake Paul Reveals ‘Real Reason’ Behind Why He’s Fighting Joshua

So when Usyk vacated his WBO world title on Monday, passing it on to Britain’s fairytale fighter Fabio Wardley, he did so having earned the right to plot his next move. One which could be his last as an active fighter.

There are those who still say Usyk is not proven at heavyweight, yet he has defeated Tyson Fury twice, Anthony Joshua twice and Daniel Dubois twice. Among others. He has been the ultimate road warrior, repelling not just elite fighters but also hostile home crowds.

So with time surely running out on an incredible career, what summits are left for Usyk to scale? In our opinion, only one.

Mercifully the talk of Oleksandr facing Jake Paul in a crossover fight (this was a thing back in the summer) appear to have gone away, with the aforementioned Joshua taking on that assignment in Miami next month..

Next fight for Usyk

What about a trilogy fight against Fury? Not for us, we remember the rematch in December 2024 where Usyk was a more clear-cut winner than he had been in their first meeting. Whatever size and ring savvy Fury had, it was not enough. Usyk was just better.

The rest of the heavyweight division right now is comprised of fighters just below that elite box office level, and these guys are called prizefighters for a reason. Usyk surely decided against a mandatory defence of that WBO title because Joseph Parker and then Wardley will not produce the PPV blockbuster that his stature now demands.

Usyk deserves the right to call the shots from here on in, and there is only one which would really set the pulses racing, one which would surely demand that Oleksandr rocks up with maximum focus and in perfect shape. Enter Moses Itauma.

Why it has to be Moses Itauma

The 20-year-old Itauma is the one heavyweight feared by all in the sport’s marquee weight class right now – even if his rivals won’t all publicly admit it.

The young sensation from Chatham in Kent has raced to 13-0 with 11 wins inside two rounds – a resume packed with highlight-reel finishes. None better than his last outing, that one-round demolition job on former world title challenger Dillian Whyte.

Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte Action

Itauma’s breathtaking cocktail of speed, power and ring savvy are incredible for one so young – and right now they appear to be the only true threat to the mighty Usyk.

Saudi power broker Turki Alalshikh summed it up in July, when in the immediate aftermath of Usyk’s win over Dubois, he said: “I want to see Usyk against Itauma. This is the fight”. And so say all of us.

A Usyk vs Itauma fight would be a global spectacular – the brilliant established grand master against the devastating young challenger. Experience vs youth, balletic brilliance vs devastating power. A match for both the connoisseur and the casual.

It is our firm belief that Itauma right now would start favourite against any heavyweight who is not named Usyk or Fury, and a showdown with Fury appears unlikely with ‘The Gypsy King’ holding no world titles right now.

So Usyk vs Itauma is the dream, the one fight that Oleksandr can now take on which would arguably lift his reputation even higher. Beating Fury or Joshua again, or any of those other pretenders, not so much.

The fact Fury and Joshua appear to be getting in position to settle their all-British rivalry at long last at some stage in 2026 just makes the way forward for Usyk even more clear. Not only does it make sense on every level, the pathway is open.

The only reason not to do this for Usyk is danger – any other heavyweight aside from Itauma carries a lower risk. A lower risk of defeat, and a lower risk of getting hurt.

But Usyk is the ultimate fighting man, a boxing great who has ducked no challenges, instead accepted every one sent his way. In any land, at any weight, in front of any crowd.

As Oleksandr prepares to sail off into the boxing sunset to deservedly enjoy the spoils of his success with his family, there is just one mountain left which is worthy of his ascent. One summit to reach, one rival to repel.

Usyk vs Itauma, in 2026. As Turki Alalshikh so rightly said, “this is the fight”.

Turki Alalshikh Saudi General Entertainment Authority Boxing Riyadh Season

The announcement this week that Jake Paul would be facing off against Anthony Joshua next month live on Netflix in a professionally sanctioned eight-round heavyweight fight shocked the boxing world.

While Paul has had a series of professional fights, none have been close to the level of opponent that he will come face-to-face with at the Kaseya Center in Miami. The 6ft 6in frame of Joshua will be unlike anything that The Problem Child has faced during his career and many have raised concerns about the safety of the YouTube sensation.

The American has already posted a video to his channel, titled ‘This is what you wanted’ which alludes to the fight with Anthony Joshua. Not only that, though, he also addresses the fight cancellation with Gervonta Davis and also the list of opponents he considered before settling on the Brit. It also shows his family reacting to the news, with his mother, father, and brother, Logan Paul, all seemingly shocked at his decision.

Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua Betting Odds

JUST IN: Why Floyd Mayweather was instantly criticized for pricing himself o

At the beginning of the video, the 28-year-old can be seen laying on a sun lounger. As part of a comedic skit, Paul reads aloud a list of his potential opponents from pieces of paper, before landing on AJ and then addressing the camera face on to explain how the opportunity came about.

Jake Paul

Unlike some of his opponents in the past, Jake was very respectful of the former two-time heavyweight champion in this video. He mentioned the Brit’s amazing knockout record and also talked about his Olympic triumph. When doing so, Paul said: “While he was winning Olympic gold, I was filming Vines in high school.”

He joked about how different his life looked back then and how much Joshua had already achieved in his career. He also mentioned Eddie Hearn not believing in him that he would never take this fight. The pair have had history with Hearn attempting to sue Paul after the YouTube star claimed in a 2022 interview with iFL TV that Hearn’s company, Matchroom Boxing, were paying veteran judge Glenn Feldman to score fights in favour of his fighters. The pair also clashed during the trilogy of fights between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, having been representatives of the opposing fighters.

Also in the video, Paul made reference to Gevonta ‘Tank’ Davis, who he was supposed to fight before new serious allegations came out against the current lightweight champion. The American said: “He had a past of many arrests and accusations, but everyone has a past. When you bring the past into the present with domestic violence, you’re out period.”

Video: Jake Paul Addresses Everything

It is clear that it would be wrong to entertain such a fight, with Paul’s focus now firmly on Joshua, who is near on twice the size of Tank.

Paul also stated that he’s doing something that ‘no one else has done before’ and claimed that he is ‘entering the lion’s den’ to fight the 6ft 6in frame of Anthony Joshua. While most don’t give Jake Paul a chance in this fight, the fact he is even capable of getting this opportunity to fight such a high-profile heavyweight is testament to his business acumen. Whichever way that the fight plays out, it will definitely attract one of the highest viewing figures of any boxing event in 2025.

Floyd Mayweather was instantly criticized for pricing himself out of big fights after dismantling veteran

On this day in 2005, Floyd Mayweather faced criticism before he went on to do exactly what he had said.

Mayweather could be returning to the ring to face Manny Pacquiao in a rematch to secure another huge payday before hanging his gloves up for good.

While ‘Money’ competed against some all-time greats in his career, he was still criticized for the way that his career played out.

Floyd Mayweather in the ring during his fight with Robert Guerrero in May, 2013.

JUST IN: ‘I never felt that bad’: Canelo names the opponent whose power wa

There were questions as to whether Mayweather avoided certain fighters altogether or waited until the odds were in his favor before taking on significant challenges.

This became a talking point after he stepped in the ring with a veteran that he beat in convincing fashion despite being linked with some big names.

Floyd Mayweather fought Sharmba Mitchell in 2005 after being linked with huge fights

Long before Floyd Mayweather would make fortunes in one-sided exhibition bouts, he made it look easy when stepping in the ring on November 19 of 2005.

The 34-0 fighter had been linked to bouts with the likes of Ronald ‘Winky’ Wright, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, Zab Judah, Shane Mosley, and Antonio Margarito but didn’t face off with any of them at this stage.

Floyd Mayweather and Ricky Hatton pose together

Instead, he received criticism for taking on 35-year-old veteran Sharmba Mitchell, who he dispatched in six rounds in unsurprising fashion.

Immediately after the bout, HBO’s Larry Merchant questioned whether Mayweather’s demands were preventing him from competing against other top names.

“I know you say this but it appears that when you get below that, what you’re saying is, ‘I’ll fight him if I get 2/3 or 3/4 of the money and they’re not going to give you that,” Merchant said in the post-fight interview.”

“I’m not here to talk about money,” Mayweather responded. “I’m here to talk about fighting the best guys out there and right now, Zab is a good fighter. That’s a good fight for me. ‘Winky’ Wright is a good fight for me. There’s a lot of big names. Oscar De La Hoya this summer. So there’s a lot of fights out there.”

As Mayweather left the ring, Merchant went on to summarize what had just taken place.

“Just a final thought, Floyd’s probably going to have to come down a little bit in his expectations of what it’s going to take to make some of those fights. He does want the money as well as the fights and that ain’t going to work.”

Floyd Mayweather’s potential drawback is what made him the most financially successful boxer of all time

While he never did fight Ronald Wright or Antonio Margarito, Mayweather did go on to tick the other names off his list in the coming years.

His very next outing came against Zab Judah before he went on to beat Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton in 2007, Shane Moseley in 2010, and Miguel Cotto in 2012.

By the time that he’d beaten a few of those names, Mayweather pricing himself out of big matchups was no longer considered to be an issue because he often held more bargaining power, meaning he could make financial demands.

The approach that could have hindered his career ended up being the reason why he’s earned more money from boxing than any other fighter.

Canelo names the opponent whose power was on another level

Canelo Alvarez has shared the ring with a number of big punchers throughout his illustrious career.

The Mexican icon has had tremendous success over the years, becoming a four-weight world champion, along with a two-time undisputed super-middleweight world champion.

He has only failed to defeat three men, Floyd Mayweather, Dmitry Bivol and most recently Terence Crawford, but has also overcome a number of still challenges, defeating heavy hitters such as Gennady Golovkin and Sergey Kovalev.

Canelo names the opponent whose power was on another level: “He hit harder than Golovkin”

JUST IN: Terence Crawford ‘Accepted’ Fight For This Year But Was Replac

Golovkin is often praised for the brute strength he showed during his fights, but Canelo has revealed that one of his past opponents hit even harder than the Kazakh superstar, heaping praise on James Kirkland whilst talking to the Million Dollaz Worth Of Game YouTube channel.

“Everybody can say Golovkin, but I never felt that bad like Kirkland. Kirkland hit my arms and it felt like rocks. I say I need to finish this guy right now, because he’s going to hit me all the fight around.”

Canelo fought Kirkland back in May 2015 at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas, and while the Mexican icon claimed a devastating third round knockout win, it is clear he was impressed by the power of his rival.

Kirkland last competed in 2020, with his record reading 34 wins from his 37 fights, with 30 of those victories coming by knockout, displaying just how powerful the American is.

As for Canelo, his next move is currently unknown following his loss to Crawford in September, but he recently revealed who he deemed to be the better of the two between ‘Bud’ and fellow former foe Mayweather.

Terence Crawford ‘Accepted’ Fight For This Year But Was Replaced By Another Man At The Last Minute

Pound-for-pound great Terence Crawford was on the verge of finalising a deal for his next ring appearance before being replaced by a surprise opponent at the last minute.

The 38-year-old from Nebraska cemented himself as arguably the greatest fighter of his generation on September 13 when he defeated Canelo Alvarez at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to capture the undisputed super-middleweight champion.

Terence Crawford ‘Accepted’ Fight For This Year But Was Replaced By Another Man At The Last Minute

JUST IN: After accepting recent offer, Terence Crawford interested in future

Craword entered the boxing history books once again with that victory over the Mexican superstar, becoming the first male fighter in boxing history to win an undisputed world championship in three separate divisions, after already accomplishing it at 140lbs and 147lbs.

Whilst he had been enjoying some well deserved down-time following his win over Canelo, it had been speculated that ‘Bud’ was approached to face Jake Paul next, an offer that he reportedly accepted.

As revealed by MVP’s Nakisa Bidarian on TMZ, Crawford was ‘one of 30 fighters’ that accepted an offer to face the YouTuber-turned-boxer next, before it was decided that Paul would be matched up with Anthony Joshua instead.

“There were probably 30 fighters who accepted. AJ being one of them, Terence Crawford being another. AJ is the one that we came to an agreement on. Crawford was 100% in.”

Paul is set to face two-time unified heavyweight champion Joshua over eight three-minute rounds at the Kaseya Center in Miami on Friday December 19.

‘Bud’ is now expected to turn his attention to securing a potential showdown with unified world middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly, as he looks to edge towards becoming a world champion in a sixth weight class.

Terence Crawford interested in future Jake Paul fight after accepting recent offer

According to Jake Paul’s team, undisputed super middleweight champion Terence Crawford is interested in a future clash against the controversial internet sensation.

Earlier this week it was shockingly announced that Jake Paul‘s next boxing outing will take place on December 19 against former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.

Jake Paul at the pre-fight press conference with Gervonta Davis

READ: Jake Paul let slip private texts with Anthony Joshua as blockbuster

The news came after Paul’s scheduled fight against Gervonta Davis fell through following an investigation into recent accusations against ‘Tank’.

After his fight against Davis was canceled, the 28-year-old and his team shortlisted a group of fighters that they offered the fight, one of which being undisputed super middleweight champion Terence Crawford.

Crawford interested in Jake Paul fight after accepting recent offer

Along with the likes of Francis Ngannou and Crawford, ‘The Problem Child’ also offered the fight to the biggest rival of his career, Tommy Fury, the man who handed him the first loss in his career.

According to Paul, he offered ‘TNT’ Fury $15 million for the fight but the Brit rejected the offer claiming that he isn’t allowed to enter the United States at the moment.

And even though a fight against ‘Bud’ Crawford didn’t come to fruition this time around, Paul’s team stated that Crawford was ‘100% in’ for the fight but the timeline didn’t align.

“There were probably 30 fighters who accepted, Anthony Joshua being one of them, Terence Crawford being another. AJ is the one we came to an agreement on. Crawford was 100% in,” Most Valuable Promotions claimed.

However, despite registering his interest in a clash against the internet sensation turned boxer, Crawford could end up missing out on the huge payday if Paul doesn’t beat Joshua.

Paul receives surprise backing against Joshua

Ahead of what is one of the biggest mismatches in combat sports history, Paul is being counted out by the large majority of boxing fans.

Despite that, he has surprisingly received backing from former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, as well as being backed to knock the Brit out by his former rival, Nate Diaz.

Jake Paul let slip private texts with Anthony Joshua as blockbuster fight announced

Jake Paul has already locked horns with Anthony Joshua in a war of words before their blockbuster bout was officially confirmed. Paul and Joshua are set to clash on a card dubbed Judgement Day next month.

The YouTuber-turned-boxer, who only turned professional five years ago, was scheduled to face lightweight champion Gervonta Davis this month in an exhibition but the contest was scrapped. The 28-year-old has wasted little time in revealing his next adversary. The American will square off against two-time unified WBO, WBA and IBF heavyweight world champion Joshua on December 19 in a fight that will be broadcast on Netflix. Both combatants have already exchanged barbs ahead of their showdown, particularly through a text message conversation earlier this year which Paul revealed.

Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua Poster Detail That Proves Boxing Is 'Finished'

JUST IN: VIDEO: ‘Real Reason’ Why Oleksandr Usyk Gave Up His WBO He

“He [Joshua] DM’d me today like saying ‘LOL’ to one of my training clips and then I sent him a ‘LOL’ with a picture of him getting knocked out by Daniel Dubois,” Paul disclosed in June.

“And so I guess like we’re kind of s*** talking, behind the scenes a bit. But I have a lot of love for Anthony Joshua. I think this type of stuff is funny and he’s a great guy.”

Both pugilists are confident ahead of what promises to be a captivating encounter, with Paul boasting he’ll send Joshua to sleep. Paul declared: “This isn’t an AI simulation. This is Judgment Day. A professional heavyweight fight against an elite world champion in his prime.

“When I beat Anthony Joshua, every doubt disappears, and no one can deny me the opportunity to fight for a world title. To all my haters, this is what you wanted. To the people of the United Kingdom, I am sorry. On Friday, December 19, under the lights in Miami, live globally only on Netflix, the torch gets passed and Britain’s Goliath gets put to sleep.”

Joshua is just as confident. The last time the Brit faced an opponent who didn’t have extensive boxing experience, he savagely knocked out former UFC champion Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia. AJ declared: “Jake or anyone can get this work. No mercy. I took some time out and I’m coming back with a mega show. It’s a big opportunity for me.

“Whether you like it or not, I’m here to do massive numbers, have big fights and break every record whilst keeping cool, calm and collected. Mark my words, you’ll see a lot more fighters take these opportunities in the future. I’m about to break the internet over Jake Paul’s face.”

Joshua stands at 6ft 6in and typically weighs 18 stone. This represents a substantial four stone advantage over Paul, who usually competes at 14st 4lb. Paul is also five inches shorter. Nakisa Bidarian, who co-founded the promotional company MVP with Paul, remains just as bullish as his partner, despite the enormous disparity in height and weight.

“Everyone laughed when Jake Paul said in March that he wanted to fight AJ in 2026,” declared Bidarian, “Well, plans changed, and in under two weeks, MVP and Netflix have made one of the biggest fights of all time. Now, as only Jake Paul could and would do, he’s fighting one of the most fearsome boxers in the world. Joshua has every advantage in this fight, except one – the delusional confidence of Jake Paul, and if anyone can shock the world, it’s him.”