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Unbeaten champion maps out path to huge undisputed fight with Crawford

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Terence Crawford

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.

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BOXING

Oleksandr Usyk makes stance clear on Moses Itauma fight as he re

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Turki Alalshikh Oleksandr Usyk Moses Itauma

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.”

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BOXING

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

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Tyson Fury Oleksandr Usyk Anthony Joshua

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.

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BOXING

Watch The KO that proved Mike Tyson was a different beast

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Mike Tyson

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.

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BOXING

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

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Terence Crawford

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.

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BOXING

Canelo Alvarez receives fresh blow to Terence Crawford rematch c

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Canelo Alvarez Terence Crawford

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.

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BOXING

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

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Tyson Fury Anthony Joshua

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.”

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BOXING

Who Is Next For Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford?

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Terence Crawford

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

JUST IN: Canelo Alvarez’s First Public Appearance Since Crawford Loss Has

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.

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BOXING

Canelo Alvarez’s First Public Appearance Since Crawford Loss Has

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Canelo Alvarez

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

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

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.

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BOXING

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

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Mike Tyson Floyd Mayweather

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

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

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.

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