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Gervonta Davis isn’t as good as we think he is, reveals a form

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Gervonta Davis

Gervonta Davis isn’t as good as we think he is, reveals a former sparring partner and world champion

I would f**k him up

Despite his inactivity, Gervonta Davis (30-0-1, 28 KOs) remains one of the most heralded figures in the boxing world.

Tank last won in 2024, knocking out Frank Martin, though he has since succumbed to a controversial draw against Lamont Roach Jr., while battling legal troubles outside of the ring.

Gervonta 'Tank' Davis Given Bold Challenge: 'Let's Make the Fade Happen' - Athlon Sports

READ: Why Gervonta Davis’ Mid-2026 Return Talk Heats Up Amid Arrest

Nevertheless, he is still the man to beat in the lightweight and super lightweight divisions.

As a result of his ongoing legal battles, ‘Tank’ remains inactive and was recently stripped of his WBA lightweight title.

Has his inactivity taken the edge off the once fearsome ruler at 135 lbs? Keyshawn Davis thinks so.

Speaking to Oblivion, fellow former lightweight champion Davis (14-0, 10 KOs) revealed that he would make easy work of his countryman should he ever feel the itch to return to the fight game.

“I think that bro can fight, for real. His power is his best attribute, for sure.”

Davis went on to reveal that the pair had sparred in the past, stating that he never found ‘Tank’ to field much of a challenge in their previous encounters.

“I have sparred him twice, I actually sparred him at the Floyd Mayweather Gym, the second time I sparred him.

“That sh*t was easy too. I don’t like to keep talking sh*t about Tank because I don’t wanna seem like I am d**k-riding him, but I would f**k him up for sure.”

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Why Gervonta Davis’ Mid-2026 Return Talk Heats Up Amid Arrest

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Gervonta Davis

Report: Gervonta Davis’ Mid-2026 Return Talk Heats Up Amid Arrest Warrant Drama

Gervonta Davis may not be done yet.

The Baltimorean has been making headlines, not for boxing, though. Legal troubles led to his arrest by law enforcement in late January on domestic battery allegations, followed by another arrest warrant saga in Baltimore.

Though he secured bail in the Miami case and the Baltimore warrant was reportedly recalled by the judge, the entire fiasco raised questions about the lightweight phenom’s future in boxing. Meanwhile, it’s been 12 months since Davis stepped into the ring. His inactivity since the controversial draw against Lamont Roach Jr. in March 2025 forced the WBA to designate him a “champion in recess.” Only later did it emerge that Tank had been stripped of his belt. However, the latest report indicates the former champion could make a comeback by midyear.

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JUST IN: ‘Didn’t Want it’: Canelo Alvarez Was Offered Nine-Figure Sum to Fi

Taking a cue from a Mexican boxing journalist for ESPN, Salvador Rodriguez’s latest tweet, Pound4our4Pound reported that Gervonta Davis vs Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz & Lamont Roach vs William Zepeda are reportedly being discussed for the middle of the year.

For the record, Rodriguez had only shared a collage of pictures—Isaac Cruz and Gervonta Davis alongside Roach Jr. and Zepeda—saying, ” What’s brewing for midyear.” The speculation likely stems from recent reports about the vacant WBA and WBC belts at 135 pounds, along with comments from his trainer.

“He ain’t gone nowhere. ‘Tank’ is still here,” Calvin Ford told The Rize Podcast. “… When he comes back, it’s got to be the right fight because we want to entertain… He will be back in the mix. Y’all got to remember ‘Tank’ been doing this sh-t since he was seven years old. Sometimes you need that reset… Going through things that he’s been going through… he looks happy.”

Early this week, Dan Rafael reported that the WBA is planning to send letters ordering a title fight between number one contender Floyd Schofield Jr. and Lucas Bahdi. Reports that the WBC officially ordered a matchup between its top-ranked contender, William Zepeda and the No. 2-ranked contender, Lamont Roach Jr., soon followed.

Against that backdrop, Roach Jr. had faced Tank Davis on March 1 last year. With the latter taking a voluntary knee in the ninth round – for which he went unpunished – the fight ended in controversial fashion. Later reports indicated that both sides had planned a rematch, but it fell apart as Davis became embroiled in one legal tussle after another.

An opportunity arrived with the money-making exhibition against Jake Paul on November 15. But Davis’ involvement in a civil lawsuit forced the cancellation of the fight.

What Gervonta Davis’ return would mean for the 135-pound title picture

For Gervonta Davis, the fallout was significant. A fighter who became one of boxing’s biggest draws – the proverbial “face of boxing” – saw his status shift from champion to one of the sport’s most controversial figures, coinciding with his comments about leaving boxing.

Taken together, the rumored matchup against Pit Bull Cruz should relieve diehard fans who have been looking forward to his return.

If true, Tank and Pit Bull would be facing each other for the second time. The duo faced off four years ago, and the fight ended in a tough unanimous decision win for the American. Cruz became the second fighter to take the formidable Tank the whole distance.

With Tank Davis getting back in the mix, the division becomes more intriguing. If he defeats Cruz once again and Roach Jr. secures a win over Zepeda, then they stand a chance to meet again for title unification. If Cruz prevails over a ring-rusted Davis and Roach Jr. defeats Zepeda, a rematch between them could loom. The coming months should clarify whether Tank reshapes the division or becomes part of its uncertainty.

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‘Didn’t Want it’: Canelo Alvarez Was Offered Nine-Figure Sum to Fi

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Canelo Alvarez

Canelo Offered Nine-Figure Sum to Fight David Benavidez But ‘Didn’t Want it’

Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez was once offered a nine-figure sum to fight David Benavidez — one of the biggest bouts boxing could possibly make.

That’s according to Benavidez himself, who mentioned the apparent proposal during an interview with the popular Kick and Twitch streamer N3on.

Alvarez has long been a mainstay at the highest echelon of world boxing, winning world champions across four weight classes, beating Shane Mosley, Austin Trout, and Miguel Cotto along the way, before a super middleweight swing that saw him break people’s faces.

Canelo Alvarez vs David Benavidez: Fight confirmed by the World Boxing Council | Marca

JUST IN: “I’ll whoop him”: I’ll make Gervonta Davis fight look easy

And though he was ever-present for years in the pound-for-pound conversations, he never seemed to entertain one of the greatest threats to his dominance, and popularity, by taking on Benavidez — a two-weight champion who is far higher on P4P lists than where Alvarez now finds himself.

During a light-hearted spar, N3on told Benavidez he wouldn’t get in the ring with him for real even for $1 billion. Benavidez seemed to take this as an opportunity to say N3on isn’t alone in that thinking.

“They wanted to pay Canelo $150 million but he didn’t want it.”

It is unclear who Benavidez is referring to when he says an offer was made for Canelo to fight him, however, in a clip DAZN aired when backstage for Ryan Garcia’s disciplined win over Mario Barrios, Benavidez said to Turki Alalshikh’s face that he was powerless to make the Alvarez fight.

“Remember you told me you were going to give me Canelo,” Benavidez told him with a smile. “What happened with that?”

Said Alalshikh: “I want to tell you something. There is something we can do and something we cannot do. Of course I want to see this fight.”

Back to N3on, Benavidez hinted at why he thinks Canelo never accepted the deal. “I’d f*** him up, that’s what I do.”

A fighter who was willing to meet Benavidez in the ring, is the unified cruiserweight champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez, who puts his WBA and WBO titles on the line for a Cinco de Mayo clash at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas atop a TBG Promotions card in a PBC on Prime Video pay-per-view.

Should he succeed in his challenge for two of the major belts in the 200-pound division, Benavidez said this week he is targeting big fights only, and laid out a three-fight plan including Dmitry Bivol at light heavyweight, Artur Beterbiev, too, and Jai Opetaia.

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“I’ll whoop him”: I’ll make Gervonta Davis fight look easy

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Gervonta Davis

Former world champion says he’ll make Gervonta Davis fight look easy: “I’ll whoop him”

Gervonta Davis remains regarded as one of the most fearsome knockout artists in the sport, but there is one former world champion who is extremely confident of handing ‘Tank’ his first professional defeat, after having success in sparring.

Davis last won a fight in June 2024, when he knocked out Frank Martin, controversially drawing with Lamont Roach Jr in his lone bout since, with a host of issues outside of the ring possibly having an impact on his performance inside of it.

Former world champion says he’ll make Gervonta Davis fight look easy: “I’ll whoop him”

READ: Gervonta Davis: WBA lightweight title fight set after Gervonta Davis

Issues with the law continue to intervene with what should be the prime years of the 31-year-old Baltimore brute, who has now been stripped of his WBA lightweight world title, but it remains unknown when, or if, ‘Tank’ will make his return to the sport.

Should he opt to return to the fight game, fellow former lightweight ruler, Keyshawn Davis, told Oblivion that he is confident of being able to ‘f**k Tank up’ after ‘easy’ sparring sessions in the past.

“I think that bro can fight, for real. His power is his best attribute, for sure.

“I have sparred him twice, I actually sparred him at the Floyd Mayweather Gym, the second time I sparred him.

“That sh*t was easy too. I don’t like to keep talking sh*t about Tank because I don’t wanna seem like I am d**k-riding him, but I would f**k him up for sure.”

Keyshawn Davis knocked out Jamaine Ortiz in his first fight up at 140lbs since losing his lightweight world title, but it remains to be seen whether ‘The Businessman’ will stick around at super-lightweight or move up to the welterweight scene this year.

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How Mayweather vs Pacquiao II Winner Could Face Ryan Garcia f

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Floyd Mayweather Manny Pacquiao Ryan Garcia

Mayweather vs Pacquiao II Winner Could Face Ryan Garcia for WBC Title

If Floyd Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao decides to pursue one more run at 147 after September 19, the WBC’s internal rules could place the welterweight title directly in play for 2027.

Ryan Garcia currently holds the WBC belt, meaning any credible title pursuit at welterweight would ultimately require engagement with the reigning champion.

The rematch creates a parallel track that intersects with the championship picture next year if the winner stays at welterweight.

Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao face off at weigh-in with WBC championship belt displayed above

JUST IN: Why Floyd Mayweather vs Mike Tyson exhibition is in jeopardy after

Welterweight Weight Matters
Pacquiao fought at 147 in July 2025 at age 47, demonstrating that a divisional title remains realistic for him if the terms are right.

If the rematch is contracted at welterweight and the winner signals interest in another meaningful run, a championship conversation becomes viable in a way it would not at 154.

No belt is attached to September 19, and no weight has been confirmed. The relevance depends entirely on what division is chosen and whether the winner intends to stay active afterward.

The WBC Angle
If a returning legend pursues a championship at 147, the WBC title is the most direct headline route. Garcia’s position as champion, combined with his public willingness to entertain major fights, places that belt at the center of any serious discussion.

Mayweather’s WBC champion emeritus designation could be raised as part of any future request, subject to Board approval.

The status does not override the current champion and does not attach a title to the rematch. It simply preserves a procedural pathway should the WBC choose to consider it.

Therefore, whoever comes out on top would hold a serious claim through the previous designation and could request an immediate title shot.

Garcia has a summer return scheduled, but if the champion elected to revisit negotiations after the rematch, the emeritus provision could be formally raised for consideration without procedural conflict.

Mayweather or Pacquiao vs Garcia for the WBC belt then becomes a viable outcome from December onwards.

How The WBC Framework Applies
The WBC’s champion emeritus designation exists to recognize former champions while preserving the current title structure. It does not automatically grant a shot, but it allows the Board of Governors discretion to consider a returning champion for immediate contention if circumstances align.

Any such move would require formal approval and would be weighed against existing mandates and divisional activity at the time. The designation keeps a procedural door open without guaranteeing entry.

What Would Need To Happen
If Garcia remains champion into 2027 and either Mayweather or Pacquiao signals title intent at 147, the intersection is straightforward.

For now, the rematch stands alone without championship implications.

Structurally, a welterweight winner who stays active would not be entering an empty landscape, and Garcia’s belt remains the clearest route into the discussion.

A convincing Mayweather victory without visible decline would raise the prospect of Mayweather vs. Garcia in the first half of 2027.

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Why Floyd Mayweather vs Mike Tyson exhibition is in jeopardy after

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Floyd Mayweather Mike Tyson

Floyd Mayweather vs Mike Tyson exhibition in jeopardy after losing date as new chaos erupts

Floyd Mayweather’s bizarre exhibition with Mike Tyson has now taken a fresh logistical turn for the worse.

The surprise showdown between 50-0 legend Mayweather and iconic heavyweight Tyson was announced in shock circumstances last year.

Mike Tyson [left]and Floyd Mayweather [right[

JUST IN: Why Oleksandr Usyk’s IBF and WBA belts could be at risk if he fig

A date and venue were not included on the original promo, but Tyson suggested the bout will take place in April in Africa.

It was suggested that the event would take place in Congo, the site of the famous ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman.

But, boxing insider Dan Rafael has suggested that the event has yet to have any details officially confirmed.

He has in fact suggested that a date has yet to be made official, and it could well now be pushed back.

And he has suggested although Congo has been earmarked, a venue has also yet to be officially slated in the contract.

Despite Mayweather’s planned busy series in boxing, it is still believed the bout could go ahead, given he is contractually obliged to the clash.

This is despite Mayweather announcing a showdown with 18-time kickboxing champion Mike Zambidis in Greece in June.

If a showdown with 59-year-old Tyson is to still materialise, it is likely the bout with Zambidis too would be forced to push back.

Again, it could cause further chaos with Mayweather set to make a full retirement U-turn for a rematch with Manny Pacquiao in September.

For now it is unclear how Mayweather’s year will look, but he will hope to scoop as many lucrative paydays as possible and focus on his busy 2026.

Mayweather and Tyson on a fight poster

Mayweather’s announcement of a new exhibition

Difficulties in the logistical planning of Mayweather’s schedule will continue to grow, but he is in full swing again ahead of a planned return.

It was this year that the 49-year-old also confirmed he will risk his perfect professional record later this year against a familiar foe in Pacquiao.

Recently, ‘Money’ returned to the gym and is already looking to get back into as good physical condition as possible.

And in his most recent update, Mayweather cited his next focus as making history in Greece against Zambidis.

“2026 is already shaping up to be an exciting year for me…

“I’m on the way to entertain!! Athens, Greece. Get ready
for an all out exhibition. This summer will be a legendary battle.

“June is the month where history will be made at the Telekom Center. Different energy. Different level.”

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Why Oleksandr Usyk’s IBF and WBA belts could be at risk if he fig

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Oleksandr Usyk

Oleksandr Usyk’s IBF and WBA belts could be at risk if he fights Rico Verhoeven in a WBC heavyweight title defence

Oleksandr Usyk will defend his WBC title against Rico Verhoeven, but the unified champion’s IBF and WBA belts could be at risk.

The Ukrainian star has announced that he will face kickboxer Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza, with the WBC confirming that Usyk is making a voluntary defence of his heavyweight belt on May 23.

Usyk also holds the IBF and WBA belts, but it remains unclear whether the governing bodies will also agree for their belts to be on the line against Verhoeven.

Verhoven shows off his speed ahead of his title fight against Usyk. Pictures from @ricoverhoeven.

READ: Why Oleksandr Usyk Might Be Following In Floyd Mayweather’s Fo

The unbeaten 39-year-old relinquished the WBO belt in October and mandatory challenger Fabio Wardley was elevated as the new WBO champion, although Usyk could be ordered to fulfil more title commitments.

Derek Chisora defeated Otto Wallin in an IBF eliminator last February and promoter Kalle Sauerland is lobbying for Chisora to receive a fight for a vacant IBF belt.

Sauerland, who is promoting Chisora vs Deontay Wilder on April 4, told Sky Sports: “Oleksandr Usyk is already a boxing legend and a two-weight cruiserweight and heavyweight unified world champion. I was very proud to put the fourth belt around his waist in the ring in 2018 and he’s obviously gone and done the same at heavyweight.

“But the sport is the sport and there’s lots of other gladiators out there, and two of them in Deontay Wilder and Derek Chisora have had amazing careers culminating in a massive fight on April 4 at the O2.

“And Oleksandr Usyk has not had one single mandatory defence of the IBF in his reign as heavyweight champion, as IBF heavyweight champion.

“Given Chisora’s position at the very top of the heavyweight rankings right now, and Wilder’s position as well, and given the high-profile nature of the fight it would be an amazing addition for them to be able to fight for the belt.

“That’s the politics of boxing. We will be speaking to the IBF to see whether there is something that can resolve the situation and we will be lobbying for such a move.

“At the same time I totally understand that boxing is also a business and the fight with Verhoeven is a fight that will attract a lot of eyeballs. Look at AJ and Tyson [Fury] taking similar fights, you could almost say he deserves a payday along those lines as well. But it doesn’t affect that boxing goes on.”

Al Siesta helps to guide the career of WBA 'regular' champion Murat Gassiev (pic courtesy of IBA Pro)

Usyk relinquished his IBF title in June 2024 and then won it back in his rematch with Daniel Dubois last July at Wembley Stadium.

Murat Gassiev, who holds the WBA ‘regular’ title is also seeking clarity about when Usyk is due to defend his WBA ‘super’ belt.

Al Siesta, the IBA Pro promoter who co-promotes Gassiev, told Sky Sports: “It does present an interesting situation with the WBA title. Murat is a proud WBA champion and he only wants to fight the best. Whether it is Usyk, [Moses] Itauma, Joshua – it doesn’t matter to Murat. He is ready for anyone.

“We are currently awaiting communication from our friends at the WBA regarding the status of Usyk as ‘Super’ champion. Usyk has not made a mandatory defence of his WBA title since August 2023 [against Daniel Dubois], which we understand as he has been involved in big unification fights.

“It seems that he is now looking to maximise his earnings and have these ‘event’ fights against kickboxers and such. All we ask is for this not to hold up the activity in the heavyweight division.

“It is a similar situation to the WBO, who stripped Usyk when he decided not to face [mandatory challenger] Fabio Wardley. This allowed the division to progress and now we see a great fight with Wardley and Dubois in May – an amazing fight that we will be keeping a very close eye on. To face the winner in the UK would be a dream for Murat and I believe, whoever the winner is, would make for a blockbuster bout for Murat in the future.

“If the WBA title is not at stake for Usyk against Verhoeven, then it only makes logical sense to strip him of his title or make him a ‘Champion in Recess’. This would allow for Murat to be elevated to ‘Super’ champion. I can promise Murat will defend his WBA title with pride against the most deserving opponent – he is not interested in gimmick fights.

“Then, if Usyk wishes to reclaim his title, Murat would be more than happy to oblige him.

“Remember, when they first met in July 2018, Usyk was the same age that Murat is now. I believe experience played a big factor in that fight. Now, Murat is not a puppy: he is a fully-grown heavyweight with destructive knockout power, as we saw against [Kubrat] Pulev in December.”

Usyk defeated Gassiev on points to become undisputed world cruiserweight champion in July 2018.

The Russian has since joined Usyk in the heavyweight division and claimed the WBA ‘regular’ title with an explosive sixth-round stoppage in December.

Agit Kabayel, the WBC interim champion, is expected to be the next available challenger for Usyk.

But Britain’s former cruiserweight world champion Lawrence Okolie, who is the WBC No 1 contender, fully expects Usyk to eventually vacate the WBC title, opening the door for him to fight Kabayel for the vacant belt.

“I think he’s at the stage where he’s not interested in hard fights against guys who aren’t going to give him the sort of money he’s made. I think Agit falls into that category,” Okolie told Sky Sports‘ Toe 2 Toe podcast.

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Why Oleksandr Usyk Might Be Following In Floyd Mayweather’s Fo

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Oleksandr Usyk Floyd Mayweather

Is Oleksandr Usyk Following in Floyd Mayweather’s Footsteps?

Oleksandr Usyk’s upcoming bout against kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven has drawn comparisons to one of the most unusual events in modern boxing history.

On May 23, at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, Usyk will defend his IBF, IBO, and WBC heavyweight titles against Verhoeven, a decorated kickboxer making only his second appearance in a boxing ring.

The matchup immediately recalls the 2017 crossover fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and MMA star Conor McGregor, an event that blended combat sports audiences and produced enormous pay-per-view numbers.

Oleksandr Usyk Rico Verhoeven

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Usyk, a southpaw from Simferopol, Ukraine, enters the bout undefeated in 24 fights with 15 stoppages. The Ukrainian champion has already established himself as one of the most accomplished fighters of his era, first dominating the cruiserweight division before moving up to heavyweight and defeating Anthony Joshua twice to claim multiple world titles.

Verhoeven comes from a very different background. The Dutch fighter, known as “The Prince of Kickboxing,” has compiled a 54-10 record in professional kickboxing with 16 stoppages. His professional boxing experience is extremely limited. Verhoeven fought once in boxing in 2014, winning by knockout to move to 1-0 with one stoppage.

The situation mirrors what happened nearly a decade ago when Floyd Mayweather Jr. faced UFC star Conor McGregor. On August 26, 2017, Mayweather entered the ring with a perfect 49-0 record while McGregor was making his professional boxing debut after building his reputation in mixed martial arts.

That fight, held in Las Vegas, ended with Mayweather stopping McGregor at 1:25 of the tenth round of a scheduled twelve. The victory pushed Mayweather’s record to 50-0, surpassing the long-standing 49-0 mark set by heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano in 1955.

Financially, the event proved massive. The Mayweather-McGregor fight generated approximately 4.3 million pay-per-view buys, making it one of the most successful combat sports events ever staged.

Now the question is whether the Usyk-Verhoeven matchup can create similar attention. While Verhoeven brings a strong reputation from kickboxing, he does not carry the same crossover celebrity that McGregor brought to the Mayweather event.

Still, the setting alone may draw interest. Promoters have chosen the Pyramids of Giza as the venue, an unusual location intended to give the event global visibility and spectacle.

Meanwhile, Mayweather himself is preparing for another high-profile appearance. The former five-division champion is scheduled to face Manny Pacquiao again on September 19 in what would be a rematch of their 2015 bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. In their first meeting on May 2, 2015, Mayweather defeated Pacquiao by decision to retain the WBC and WBO welterweight titles.

That fight generated more than 4.6 million pay-per-view buys, the highest total in boxing history.

Whether Usyk’s clash with Verhoeven can approach those numbers remains uncertain. The crossover concept has worked before, but success often depends on the personalities involved as much as the sporting contest itself.

For now, the bout raises a simple question: can a boxing champion facing a star from another combat sport capture the same kind of attention Floyd Mayweather once did?

On May 23 in Egypt, Oleksandr Usyk will attempt to find out.

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AJ RECOVERY: Months after horror car crash Anthony Joshua undergoes

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Anthony Joshua

Anthony Joshua undergoes treatment on ribs as boxing legend continues rehab months after horror car crashNINTCHDBPICT001063565892

ANTHONY JOSHUA has undergone intensive treatment on his ribs as he continues physical therapy months after his horror car crash.

The heavyweight star, 36, was involved in a fatal smash in Nigeria on December 29 — just ten days after beating YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami.

AJ survived the wreck but the tragedy claimed the lives of two close friends, personal trainer Kevin “Latz” Ayodele and long-time therapist Sina Ghami.

Anthony Joshua and two friends Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele sitting after a workout.

JUST IN: Why Terence Crawford Rejects ‘Disloyalty’ Claims Over Co

Joshua has been in recovery ever since the ordeal and shared snaps of the painful-looking work being done on his ribs via Snapchat.

He captioned the post: “Rehabilitation protocol. When you go thru certain things, you realise that you are stronger than you think you are.”

Personal trainer “Latz” was a childhood friend of AJ’s while Ghami was his long-time recovery therapist.

Joshua was flown back to the UK days after the crash to attend the funerals of his fallen “brothers.”

After knocking out Paul, 29, in six rounds, AJ was scheduled to fight in March, until the crash left his boxing future in doubt.

Promoter Eddie Hearn believes the two-time heavyweight king will fight again to honour of his late pals.

A summer return is growing increasingly likely, with rival Tyson Fury, 37, also out of retirement for an April clash against Arslanbek Makhmudov.

Hearn told Boxing Scene in February: “Originally, the plan with AJ was for him to fight in March and then fight Tyson Fury in August. That’s not happening.

“He’s not fighting Tyson Fury next. He’s going to come back I believe late summer, but physically he’s not yet in a position to return to camp.

“I’m planning, but he’s just resting and preparing. So for me I’m looking at options to get him back in the ring in July time.

“But we’ll only know if that’s a real possibility when he returns to camp, which will hopefully be in the next couple of weeks or a month.”

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Why Terence Crawford Rejects ‘Disloyalty’ Claims Over Co

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Terence Crawford

Terence Crawford Rejects ‘Disloyalty’ Claims Over Conor Benn’s $15M Zuffa Switch

Zuffa Boxing’s entry into the sport has pushed the Conor Benn–Eddie Hearn fallout back to the only part that ultimately governs these situations: the contract.

This week, Terence Crawford addressed the backlash during an appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast, questioning why fighters are expected to show loyalty to promoters who are not legally bound to return.

Terence Crawford speaks on Joe Rogan’s podcast as Conor Benn stands alongside in composite image discussing Zuffa Boxing move

READ: Gervonta Davis: WBA lightweight title fight set after Gervonta Davis

Crawford Questions The Loyalty Standard
“He just signed with Zuffa. And a lot of people were saying he’s disloyal, and Eddie Hearn and them were loyal to him, and this and that. He’s getting $15 million for his next. Like, man, what are people talking about?

“I said, it’s just business. It ain’t personal with them. I said Conor Benn did what was best for him and his family. I said, just like the promotional companies going to do what’s best for them and their business.”

Crawford’s point was simple. Promotional companies protect their financial interests first, and fighters are entitled to do the same.

He has lived it himself. Crawford ended his long association with Bob Arum to reposition his own career, a move that showed how quickly “loyalty” talk can disappear once leverage and options change.

Hearn has since suggested that Crawford did not always enjoy the smoothest relationship with his promoter, Bob Arum, during his rise.

In boxing, stability often lasts only as long as both sides see equal value.

Zuffa’s presence now exposes the structure behind that value. If a fighter can leave, it is because the agreement allows it. If a promoter feels blindsided, the weak point is in the clauses, not the sentiment.

Prograis Grounds The Debate In Reality
Regis Prograis, who faces Benn on April 11 at Tottenham Stadium, offered a similarly measured tone in his recent exclusive interview with World Boxing News.

He questioned the widely reported $15 million figure and cautioned against assuming the public understands the full picture.

“I don’t think the number is true,” he laughed. “But the fight came pretty fast. I got the call, and the fight was made in about two days.

“With him and Eddie, I think it’s always three sides to a story.”

Prograis did not frame it as betrayal. He framed it as boxing moving quickly with details the public rarely sees.

In a market where new money is available, relationships hold only as firmly as the contract language behind them.

Benn now enters the ring under a new promotional banner with reported financial backing attached to his name.

Against Prograis, the performance will not only decide the result. It will shape whether the $15 million debate becomes justification or ammunition.

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