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Terence Crawford offered fight by two-weight world champion he confronted in altercation

Teofimo Lopez wants to face Terence Crawford in 2026 and will pursue the bout if he beats Shakur Stevenson.

Crawford has multiple options after beating Canelo Alvarez to claim the undisputed super-middleweight titles in stunning fashion in September.

Crawford has a number of options after beating Canelo to become pound-for-pound king

 

JUST IN: Floyd Mayweather was stunned when Ricky Hatton turned press conference into

‘Bud’ doesn’t have to fight again, but has suggested he could fight again in March with a move to 160lbs and a clash with Janibek Alimkhanuly on the cards.

A rematch with Alvarez is also being discussed, but it could take a mammoth purse to lure him back into the rivalry.

In a new approach, current WBO super-welterweight champion Lopez is now keen to settle his feud with Crawford.

And he insists he will look to beat Crawford’s friend and pound-for-pound star Stevenson on December 31 before pursuing the bout.

He said: “Crawford sent out one of his little guys to finish the job, and I think that’s not going to work.

“I’m still going to be here, and if he’s still going to be in boxing, I’d love to face him right after.”

A fight would likely need to see Lopez move up one or several weight classes to do battle.

Crawford last fought at 168lbs and is open to moving down to 160lbs but is unlikely to come down much further at this stage of his career.

Terence Crawford and Teofimo Lopez’s history

A fight between the pair would make sense, given they are not on the best of terms.

Crawford confronted Lopez last year at a boxing event in October, after his potential rival slammed his professional record and accused him of fighting injured opponents.

Lopez has agitated Crawford on multiple occasions and is now on the hunt for a clash

 

The pair then also traded words over Lopez’s racist remarks towards himself and Gervonta Davis.

And ‘Bud’ insisted he would beat him in a boxing fight if the pair ever did do battle after his disrespectful tirade.

He said: “Teo is like the little kid that’s screaming for attention.

“Had me or Tank called him a racial slur, they would’ve been trying to cancel us, calling us racist; it would’ve been all over the news.

“The hatred that’s within always shows. That’s not something that’s just came out, that’s something that’s been inside that man that he was taught as a little kid.

“[Teofimo is] disrespectful. He’s playing because he thinks everything’s a game.

“But he doesn’t understand I will beat the stuffing out of him.”

Floyd Mayweather was stunned when Ricky Hatton turned press conference into a stand-up comedy show

Floyd Mayweather never tasted defeat in the ring during his legendary 50-0 boxing career.

‘The Best Ever’ was almost as good at trash-talking as he was fighting, but a few opponents got the better of him on the mic.

UFC superstar Conor McGregor terrorized him during a four-city press tour ahead of their fight in 2017.

Floyd Mayweather got his payback with a 15-punch combination to secure a tenth-round TKO win.

That’s the same round ‘Money’ stopped Ricky Hatton when they fought in Las Vegas on December 8, 2007.

Floyd Mayweather and Ricky Hatton Announce Their December 8, 2007 Welterweight Championship Fight

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The Roast of Floyd Mayweather

Floyd Mayweather bravely traveled to Ricky Hatton’s backyard to promote their 39-0 vs 43-0 fight.

The American didn’t know what to do when his opponent began cracking jokes for his hometown crowd.

“I’ve missed my son, my six-year-old son, but I probably haven’t missed him quite as much as you would think because I’ve had the misfortune to spend the full week with another f—ing six-year-old,” Hatton said as a room full of Englishmen laughed and cheered.

“Floyd’s gonna run away all night – he says he isn’t, but he is – he’s gonna run away all night.

“I know I’m gonna have to be fast on my feet to catch him.

“So I’ve got two wonderful sparring partners coming in – Forrest Gump and Carl Lewis.”

Mayweather tried to fight back with his words, and when that didn’t work, he simply chuckled along.

In the end, he got the last laugh by stopping Hatton in front of 30,000 Brits who traveled across the pond for their fight.

Floyd Mayweather’s next fight

Ricky Hatton sadly died in September, just months after announcing his return from retirement.

Floyd Mayweather officially quit boxing in 2017, but he’s still taking fights almost a decade later.

The 48-year-old has signed a deal to fight heavyweight boxing legend Mike Tyson in 2026.

Right now, there’s no official date or location for Mayweather’s boxing bout with Mike Tyson.

The former undisputed heavyweight champion recently revealed their fight date and location.

“It’s going to be in March, and it’s going to be in Africa,” Tyson claims.

“It’s going to be incredible, it’s going to break all the records, and it’s going to be one of the biggest events in the history of the sport.”

In the build-up to his clash with Anthony Joshua, Jake Paul sparked online pandemonium by hinting at a “major update”, leading fans to fear the controversial bout might be scrapped.

The widespread concern arose from the perceived gap in boxing ability between the pair, prompting speculation that Paul might withdraw. Yet the reality of his announcement had nothing to do with cancelling the fight, but instead related to his commercial interests.

The actual major update concerned the capture of Olympic boxer Caroline Dubois, currently a lightweight world champion, by Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) outfit. Dubois, the sister of former heavyweight Daniel Dubois, was branded the most coveted free agent in women’s boxing. Paul framed the acquisition as a tactical move to “even the odds” ahead of his encounter with Joshua.

Jake Paul Anthony Joshua

READ: Gervonta Davis Breaks Silence On Jake Paul Fight Collapse With

This was an obvious nod to Joshua’s recent decision to link up with former undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk as part of a major overhaul of his training set-up.

Dubois will step into the ring for her promotional bow on the undercard of the Paul versus Joshua main event next week in Miami. She is scheduled to put her lightweight world title on the line against an opponent named Camila Panatta during the televised segment of proceedings.

The reigning champion stated that signing with MVP marks a crucial “next step” in her career. She also revealed that her primary goal is to become the undisputed face of women’s boxing worldwide.

Paul emphasised that MVP’s central vision is to create a major global brand dedicated entirely to elite female competitors in the sport. He underlined that the promotion seeks to present the “unquestionably the best athletes” in women’s boxing, rather than merely chasing championship titles.

Paul additionally pointed out that Dubois bolsters the promotion’s “elite British contingent” of boxers. MVP has already outlined plans to showcase her in a significant UK event in early 2026, designed to accelerate her rise on the international stage.

Regarding broadcast arrangements, the main heavyweight clash between Paul and Joshua will be streamed live on Netflix. The bout is set for Friday, December 19, and will be accessible to existing subscribers.

Joshua has recently overhauled his fight preparation by training with Usyk’s coaching team during a camp in Spain. Whilst Usyk’s team will oversee his corner, the former champion himself is not anticipated to be ringside for Joshua’s bout next week.

Gervonta Davis Breaks Silence On Jake Paul Fight Collapse With Defiant Message

Soon after news broke that Jake Paul’s scheduled fight against Gervonta “Tank” Davis, which was supposed to take place on November 15, was cancelled, Paul took to social media to put Tank on blast.

“Gervonta Davis is an actual walking human piece of garbage. Working with him is an absolute nightmare. The unprofessionalism, the bizarre requests, the showing up hours late to shoots. To the numerous arrests and related accusations and lawsuits. If you support this man you support the most vile sin a man can commit,” Paul wrote.

Jake Paul's camp wants Gervonta Davis after Canelo Alvarez fight fell off

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“I didn’t want to give this woman abuser a platform to grow his fans and to grow his bank account. My company champions women. I’m so sorry to everyone involved… Sacrificing time with loved ones and kids just for this fool to lose his unintelligent mind again. It’s scary that devilish men like this can rise to the top of culture and sports, including in positions of power. I hope you people moving forward look beyond his fake streetwear pieces ‘SWAG’ and search for something deeper to be a fan of,” he added.

Paul is referring to Davis having a domestic violence lawsuit filed against him at the end of October, which is presumably why the fight was cancelled.

Gervonta Davis Dodges Accountability with Message on Jake Paul Fight Failure

It doesn’t seem that Tank Davis is keen to accept accountability for this exhibition fight against Paul (which was surely going to be a massive payday for both men, given that it was going to be broadcast on Netflix).

He broke his silence on the bout’s cancellation with an X post on December 7 that read, “[Paul] was getting his a** beat in camp…..i was gonna do him bad..but everything happens for a reason that’s why I didn’t trip. Shawty has a whole history of going after men with money .. it’s me so y’all believed it. Y’all couldn’t wait. More opportunities in da future though. 👌🫡”.

The reigning WBA lightweight champion also called out Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) in a subsequent post, writing, “MVP couldn’t uphold nothing. Al [Haymon] had to come in to take over everything… MVP IS GARBAGE! Y’all run nothing at Netflix. Y’all are just workers,” per a December 8 article from talkSPORT.

Both of these posts were subsequently deleted, as is always the case when Tank posts on social media.

Ultimately, Davis can say whatever he wants. The bottom line is that Paul has since moved on to a bigger (and much more dangerous) fight against Anthony Joshua, which Tank will be watching on Netflix like everyone else.

Floyd Mayweather Prefers Secrecy as Tyson and Pacquiao Leak Fight Plans

Fighters don’t just lose matches — sometimes they lose the narrative. That may be what Floyd Mayweather is thinking after two of his biggest rivals — Mike Tyson and Manny Pacquiao — publicly revealed details about future match-ups.

Mayweather vs Tyson Africa poster

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Tyson Drops the Bomb
At his “An Evening With Mike Tyson” event this week, Tyson stunned the audience by leaking plans when asked who his next fight would be against.

“Floyd Mayweather, can you believe that? It’s going to be in March in Africa. It’s going to break all the records.”

That revelation adds fresh heat to one of boxing’s most talked-about exhibitions: Tyson vs. Mayweather, expected in March 2026 somewhere on that continent.

Mayweather Likes to Control the Narrative
Mayweather built his 50‑0 professional legacy across five weight divisions by meticulously controlling timing, promotion, and media narratives.

So when Tyson — a man who once called Mayweather “a little scared man” for comparing himself to legends — announced the fight details in front of fans, he didn’t just hype the event. He encroached on Mayweather’s turf.

Pacquiao Set the Precedent
It isn’t the first time someone spilled what Mayweather preferred to keep under wraps. Earlier this year, Pacquiao revealed details of a planned 2026 rematch.

A few weeks after confirming it, he cut off a reporter who asked about the fight during his son’s professional debut in Los Angeles.

Observers noted Mayweather likely would have told Pacquiao to stay quiet — the same principle that makes Tyson’s public reveal potentially irritating for Floyd.

The Stakes Behind the Scenes
Now that Tyson is doing the same, the pattern is clear: the spectacle may thrill fans, but behind the scenes, Mayweather’s preference for control is being challenged.

Come March, Africa will host a historic exhibition that’s sure to break records — but behind the cameras, the real fight is already in motion.

Jake Paul injury leads to immediate Anthony Joshua cancellation claim

Boxing fans are convinced Jake Paul will cancel his fight with Anthony Joshua after he was see sporting a black eye.

Paul is due to take on Joshua next Friday in Miami in a controversial heavyweight fight. Paul is expected to be brutally knocked out by the former two-time world champion who is fighting for the first time in 15 months. And the YouTuber revealed he was handed the black eye by Joshua’s fellow Brit Lawrence Okolie.

Jake Paul shows off his black eye

READ: ‘Blessing in disguise’: Anthony Joshua says the clause Jake Paul inserted into

“I’m sparring a bunch of world champion heavyweights, I think Lawrence Okolie did that to me, he’s like 6ft 6in, 270lbs,” said Paul in a video on social media. Paul is likely to face a 30lb weight disadvantage when he meets Joshua in the ring, even with the imposition of a 245lb weight restriction on the Olympic champion.

And fans took to social media after seeing the video to doubt whether Paul even makes it to the ring. “Let me guess, he’s going to back out with an injury,” said one, while another added: “Bro might need to pull out.” Another fan said: “Based on those video, I don’t think that fight is happening. Looks like excuses have started” while he was backed up by yet another who added: “Fight’s going to be cancelled”.

One fan went further and said Paul had clearly been “humbled” by the incident. “Someone has definitely humbled Jake, his whole body language has changed. Whether it was that shot from Lawrence or a different one, someone has done it.” Another commentator believes Paul’s team are being reckless when he said: “Out of shape Okilie who is not on AJ’s level… Jake is going to die out there and his team are letting it happen all for money; they don’t care for Jake at all.”

Okolie had previously praised Paul’s ability following their sparring sessions. Trainer Joe Gallagher reported that the former cruiserweight world champion had said: “I messaged Lawrence, and he was quite glowing about Jake Paul, on how well he was doing with Frank Sanchez and Jared Anderson. I don’t think he’s gone as far as [backing him to beat Joshua.]”

Paul will take on Joshua over eight three-minute rounds in Miami with the rivals wearing 10oz gloves. Joshua sees the fight as the first of three over the next 12 months and plans to fight again in Saudi Arabia in February before finally settling his beef with domestic rival Tyson Fury in September.

Deontay Wilder’s 4,740-Day WBC Streak Survives Freefall for Usyk Title Clash

Deontay Wilder’s extraordinary 4,740-day streak as a permanent WBC heavyweight contender has narrowly survived a freefall that nearly derailed his newly agreed world-title shot against Oleksandr Usyk.

In just 24 months, Wilder plunged from the WBC’s long-standing No. 1 to No. 13 — the steepest decline of his career. One more rankings cycle and the Bronze Bomber could have slipped outside the top 15, instantly losing eligibility for a voluntary defense.

Wilder vs Usyk poster with WBC background by WBN

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The sanction arrived just in time, confirming a fight that had already been agreed in principle.

His 4,740-day WBC tenure dates back to December 15, 2012, when Wilder defeated Kelvin Price via third-round knockout at the Sports Arena, Los Angeles, to claim the vacant WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight title.

This victory would have automatically placed him in the top 15.

Usyk Called Him Out — Wilder Accepted Instantly
At the WBC Convention in Bangkok this month, Usyk publicly named Wilder as his next opponent. Wilder accepted immediately, telling delegates he “can’t wait to hear negotiations.”

WBN understands the pair had been in contact months earlier, with Wilder privately revealing in an interview that his “next fight would be for the title in January.”

The fight is agreed, locked in, and officially sanctioned — its survival hinged on timing rather than recent form.

Two-Year Freefall Nearly Costs Wilder the Fight
After years as the immovable No. 1 challenger behind Tyson Fury, Wilder’s position crumbled under inactivity, back-to-back losses to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang, and just one win across 30 months.

In the WBC’s latest list, he sits at No. 13 — surrounded by younger, undefeated, and far more active heavyweights:

WBC Heavyweight Rankings | December 2025
1| Lawrence Okolie (Silver)
2| Daniel Dubois
3| Anthony Joshua
4| Moses Itauma (COMM)
5| Filip Hrgovic
6| Efe Ajagba
7| Martin Bakole
8| Frank Sanchez
9| Zhilei Zhang
10| Bakhodir Jalolov
11| Richard Torrez Jr (NABF)
12| Guido Vianello (CON. AMERICAS)
13| Deontay Wilder
14| Dereck Chisora
15| Jared Anderson
For the first time in his career, Wilder is ranked below fighters he once would have been heavily favored to demolish.

Historic US Heavyweight Streak Lost
Just recently, Wilder surrendered his 4,000+ day reign as the top US heavyweight to rising Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. That loss symbolized what insiders already knew: Wilder wasn’t just drifting… he was sinking.

One more month of inactivity and he would have fallen too far for the WBC to sanction the Usyk bout.

The WBC Approved the Fight — Just in Time
The WBC has confirmed its approval of Usyk vs Wilder to WBN, locking in one of the most intriguing stylistic clashes of the modern era. Had the sanction been delayed until after the next rankings reshuffle, Wilder would have been outside the eligibility window.

The calendar, not momentum, saved his title shot.

The Delayed Comeback That Nearly Backfired
Wilder was expected to box this autumn. Shelly Finkel told WBN he intended to take a tune-up before a 2026 blockbuster. That tune-up has now slipped to January or February, with no opponent named.

The delay allowed active fighters like Jalolov, Torrez, and Vianello to leapfrog him. Had the slide continued, the Usyk fight — already verbally agreed — would have been dead before contracts arrived.

Timing, not form, preserved the showdown.

A Fight Still Worth Every Second
Despite the ranking chaos, the fight remains one of the most compelling matchups available:

Usyk, the master technician.
Wilder, the most destructive puncher of the century.

Both want the fight. The WBC has sanctioned it. Heavyweight boxing finally has its next blockbuster. But Wilder has burned through every inch of ranking goodwill.

His 13-year relevance streak is alive — but flickering at its lowest point. He is getting his shot, but only because the door slammed shut a second after he stepped through it.

The next punch he throws will decide whether he remains a contender or becomes a heavyweight relic frozen out of the WBC Ratings for good.

Will Canelo Alvarez fight again – and if so, against whom?

We won’t get a clearer picture until next year, once the Mexican star has had time to process the third loss of his career. Terence Crawford followed Floyd Mayweather and Dmitry Bivol in outclassing Canelo – and, like those before him, was never in any real danger of being beaten.

Next summer, one of this century’s biggest boxing attractions turns 36. With 68 fights and 532 rounds behind him, the finish line is approaching, but Mexican pride and a fighter’s ego make it hard to imagine Alvarez bowing out on a defeat.

3 potential opponents for Canelo’s comeback fight

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So who could he face next? Here are three realistic options.

Terence Crawford

During a visit to TV Azteca, Canelo made it clear he intends to fight in 2026 – and that he wants a rematch with “Bud” Crawford. Losing his undisputed super-middleweight crown to a man who began his title run at lightweight will have stung. Motivation won’t be an issue, but few will expect Canelo to overturn September’s result against someone of Crawford’s calibre.

Hamzah Sheeraz

Since Hamzah Sheeraz linked up with Turki Alalshikh and Riyadh Season, one opponent has remained central to their ambitions: Canelo Alvarez. The loss to Crawford may have dented Sheeraz’s title momentum, but the chance to dethrone the former king still appeals.

Canelo, meanwhile, may look at Sheeraz’s explosive win over Edgar Berlanga and fancy the opportunity to tame the rising threat and send him home humbled.

Chris Eubank Jr

As part of Canelo’s multi-fight Riyadh Season deal, several names were discussed had he beaten Crawford, and one of those earmarked for 2026 was Chris Eubank Jr.

Both men have suffered damaging defeats in the second half of 2025, but if Alvarez chooses to fight overseas, London would be the obvious destination. And few British fighters can generate stadium crowds and major revenue like Eubank Jr. In boxing, some moments are events first and fights second – and Canelo–Eubank Jr fits that mould.

Whomever Canelo chooses, the options are limited. Any return must make sense financially and competitively. Between middleweight and super-middleweight, there are not many opponents who bring everything he requires to the table.

Tyson Fury has signaled a potential return in 2026, declaring: “The king must return to his throne. God’s fighting 1-man army.”

The Gypsy King’s statement follows back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk and points toward a high-stakes comeback through Britain’s rising star Fabio Wardley.

Redemption fight: Fury vs Wardley
Wardley, who defeated Fury’s former friend Joseph Parker, now holds a WBO world title. A bout with Fury would give the Gypsy King a chance to reclaim his legacy in Britain.

Fury vs Wardley and Usyk

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Fury said, “The battle was won over 2,000 years ago by a man who goes by the name of Yesuar. In his holy name, I march forward.”

Victory over Wardley could set up a third showdown with Usyk, who is scheduled to face Deontay Wilder next.

While Wardley is a proven contender, Fury’s experience and championship pedigree make him the main focus. A comeback at 37 would not just be another fight — it would be a statement of resilience.

Fury added: “There is a long and lonely road that only I can walk on, but after long and harad battles, it awaits immortality!”

Setting up the Usyk trilogy
The two-time ruler’s path is clear: defeat Wardley, regain momentum, and potentially face Usyk for a decisive trilogy fight.

After two consecutive losses, this would be another huge comeback story and closure for one of boxing’s most formidable champions.

Timing and stakes
With Wardley holding the WBO title and Fury hinting at a 2026 return, the British heavyweight scene is primed for his resurgence.

A Wardley fight offers a comeback opportunity while positioning Fury for another global blockbuster against Usyk, reigniting one of boxing’s most compelling rivalries.

Anthony Joshua says the clause Jake Paul inserted into his contract is a ‘blessing in disguise’

Anthony Joshua has his next opponent to thank for his terrific pre-fight shape.

The former two-time heavyweight world champion is set to face Jake Paul on December 19.

Due to their size difference, a 245lb weight limit was inserted into Anthony Joshua‘s contract.

Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua face off on stage at a press conference

READ: WBC increases punishment for Terence Crawford, potentially forcin

‘AJ’ recently stepped on the scale to reveal he is already below the limit two weeks out from fight night.

Anthony Joshua loves his 245lb weight limit

Anthony Joshua is feeling in better shape than he has for years, thanks to his enforced weight limit.

Jake Paul has inadvertently made his opponent come into their fight fitter than he planned to be.

If I’m honest with you, I really do like this weight, you know,” Joshua told TMZ Sports.

“It’s actually been a blessing in disguise that this task was put upon me because I feel good.

“I look back and think, ‘What was I doing carrying that weight? Where was my mind at?’

“I’ve obviously pushed myself with my cardio, so that means I’m getting fitter. Maybe I wasn’t training hard enough, and that’s why I wasn’t losing the weight. I’m super fit, and I’ve actually lost weight in the process of getting super fit.

“It’s not even like I’ve tried to make the weight. We just upped the cardio and upped the rounds in the gym. You need to work harder, that’s all that comes down to.

“You got lazy, champ, and that’s why you’re putting on all this weight.”

Joe Rogan thinks Jake Paul has made a big mistake

Joe Rogan predicted the clause Jake Paul put in Anthony Joshua’s contract would badly backfire.

The UFC commentator always believed a weight limit would simply force ‘AJ’ to train even harder.

“Listen, kids, it ain’t gonna matter,” Rogan said about the Paul vs Joshua weight limit.

“There’s not a chance that Anthony Joshua is not going to just lose the weight beforehand.

“He’s not gonna come in drained. What he’s going to do is just do extra cardio, and that’s just gonna make him more dangerous.

“He’s gonna be terrifying.”