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From Facing Fury & Joshua to Challenging Klitschko – What’s He Thinking?

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rom Facing Fury & Joshua to Challenging Klitschko – What’s He Thinking?

Wladimir Klitschko has long teased a return to the ring and continues to refuse to rule it out.

Alongside his brother Vitali, Klitschko dominated the heavyweight division between 2004 and 2015 before suffering a loss to Tyson Fury and losing his unified belts. He returned two years later for a fire-fight with Anthony Joshua but ultimately came up short again, this time inside the distance.

Klitschko would hang up the gloves then with a record of 64 victories from 69 fights, holding the record for most wins and title defences of the unified championship.

Should he indeed decide to come back, there are plenty who would take the fight, not least MMA superstar Francis Ngannou, who has also lost to Fury and ‘AJ’ in his two boxing bouts.

When speaking to Sportsbook Review about his ring return, Ngannou named Klitschko as a potential.

“Wladimir Klitschko could be an option.”

While a bout with Ngannou represents an easier return for the Ukrainian compared to some of the current top contenders, he has made it clear that his comeback would be focused on breaking George Foreman’s record as the oldest heavyweight world champion in history. Ngannou, as box office as he is, cannot provide that.

Klitschko will instead have eyes on the winner of the Daniel Dubois vs Joseph Parker fight at the end of this month. Should Dubois keep a hold of his belt, he has already said he would be happy to welcome the former long-reigning champion back into the game.

However, another Ukrainian in Oleksandr Usyk – who would never step through the ropes with his countryman Klitschko – may halt that, as he himself is targeting the winner of Dubois-Parker for a chance to become two-time undisputed in the division.

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BOXING

What Made Him Change His Mind? Usyk Flips His Canelo vs Crawford Pick

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What Made Him Change His Mind? Usyk Flips His Canelo vs Crawford Pick

Oleksandr Usyk has had a change of heart when it comes to Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford.

Two of the current pound-for-pound greats are set to go head-to-head when Canelo and Crawford collide in Las Vegas in September.

‘Bud’ will be stepping up two weight divisions for the fight and will have the opportunity to become undisputed in a third division, provided that Canelo can first defeat IBF champion William Scull in May.

Another man that knows full well what it is like to be a pound-for-pound great and an undisputed champion is Usyk, having been the sole ruler of both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions at various points in his career.

The Ukrainian became undisputed cruiserweight champion with wins over the likes of Mairis Briedis and Murat Gassiev, before repeating the feat at heavyweight after defeating Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

Usyk first discussed the Canelo vs Crawford match-up back in June, telling The 3 Knockdown Rule podcast that he would back the American to come out on top.

“I like Terence. He’s a crazy man.

“Terence win. Listen, Terence is different man. Terence works on two sides. Right and left, he’s very smart man. He feels distance and space.”

“Canelo big, yeah, good boxer, but I say, Terence. Terence can box him like a big guy.”

Now that the fight has been officially agreed, Usyk has changed his stance and no longer seems as confident, after he was asked by TNT Sports who he thinks wins the fight and called it a pick ’em

“50-50.”

Usyk isn’t the only big name to change their mind when it comes to Canelo vs. Crawford, with boxing legend Oscar de la Hoya also making a new prediction on the bout.

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BOXING

He’s Next” – Usyk Reveals the Future of Heavyweight Boxing

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He’s Next” – Usyk Reveals the Future of Heavyweight Boxing

As one generation comes to a close, another fresh crop of talent is waiting to take its place.

The three kings of this current heavyweight era: Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are entering the twilight of their careers.

Fury is presently retired, Joshua is unlikely to still be boxing by 2027 and Usyk recently admitted he only has two fights left in his illustrious career.

Boxing needs fresh-faced contenders to take the reins from the superstar trio once they inevitably hang up their gloves in the not-so-distant future.

And luckily for fans of the sweet science, there are plenty of exciting prospects who look destined to achieve big things in years to come.

Two-time Olympic champion Bakhodir Jalolov will be a force to be reckoned with if he can translate his glittering amateur career to the pros.

IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois is still only 27 years old and could become the next man to unify the division provided he can beat Joseph Parker on February 22 and then overcome Usyk in a rematch.

Meanwhile, Teremoana Teremoana, Justis Huni, Richard Torrez Jr, Delicious Orie, Martin Bakole, and Agit Kabayel all look poised to make a big impact.

But the man everyone is most excited about, at least on British shores, is 20-year-old Moses Itauma.

The Chatham-based puncher hasn’t put a foot wrong during his perfect 11-0 start in the paid ranks and he’s got the seal of approval from the current king of the glamour division.

When asked by talkSPORT.com who will succeed him as the next undisputed heavyweight champion, Usyk replied: “Moses Itauma, I think is a great fighter.

“Young. 20 years old. I think Itauma has a big future.”

Usyk is not alone in his assessment of Itauma.

Fury has also dubbed Itauma ‘the future of the heavyweight division’ after sparring with him.

The Brit’s explosive all-action style and eye for a knockout have led to comparisons with the great Mike Tyson.

When Itauma turned over as a pro two years ago, he set his sights on breaking ‘Iron Mike’s’ record as the youngest heavyweight world champion of all time (20 years, 4 months, and 22 days old).

However, he is being moved at a far more conservative pace by promoter Frank Warren, which should prove to serve him well in the long run.

Last time out, Itauma blasted fringe contender Demsey McKean away inside the opening round.

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GYMNASTICS

Fans Can’t Stop Talking About Simone Biles’ Hair Makeover in These Romantic Pics

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Fans Can’t Stop Talking About Simone Biles’ Hair Makeover in These Romantic Pics

The history-making Olympic gymnast shared a glimpse into the couple’s Valentine’s Day celebrations

Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens amped up the romance this week.

On Friday, the couple marked their second Valentine’s Day together since tying the knot almost two years ago.

The history-making Olympian and the football player first met through dating app Raya shortly before the pandemic in 2020, and got engaged in February of 2022. They tied the knot with two weddings, one in Houston in April 2023 and another in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, the following month.

Following their Valentine’s Day celebrations, Simone took to Instagram and shared a sweet glimpse into them with fans.

She started off with a photo of her wearing a silky, baby pink dress and long braids, holding a large bouquet of massive white roses, followed by one of Jonathan wearing a colorful printed shirt.

Photo shared by Simone Biles on Instagram Valentine's day of herself in a pink silk dress holding white roses from her husband Jonathan Owens

The gymnast also included a photo of the roses laid down on a bed, plus a snap of Jonathan as the two enjoyed a lunch with mimosas, and lastly another photo of her holding the epic bouquet.

“Valentine’s day,” she simply wrote in her caption, and fans were then quick to take to the comments section under the post and gush over it, though first Jonathan himself wrote: “Had the most amazing day with you,” alongside a red heart emoji.

Others followed suit with: “You look stunning! I love your dress,” and: “You look so beautiful and wonderful!!!” as well as: “The hair, the dress, you look stunning,” plus another added: “You are so beautiful.”

It’s a special, lowkey time for Simone and Jonathan, who are both on a break from their respective sports.

Photo shared by Simone Biles on Instagram of her Valentine's Day celebrations with husband Jonathan Owens

Simone was also recently celebrated at the Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year event, honoring her history-making performance at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, which came after a two-year break. For the special moment, she had her husband  by her side, plus her parents, Nellie and Ronald Biles, as well as former teammate Aly Raisman.

As for what’s next, Simone has not confirmed retirement from the Olympics, but she previously told Sports Illustrated that it felt “greedy” to compete for more. “I’ve accomplished so much, there’s almost nothing left to do, rather than to just be snobby and to try again and for what? I’m at a point in my career where I’m humble enough to know when to be done,” she said.

Photo shared by Simone Biles on Instagram Valentine's day of herself in a pink silk dress holding white roses from her husband Jonathan Owens

“If you go back, you’ll be greedy. Those are the consequences,” she further noted, adding: “But that’s also your decision to decide. What sacrifices would be made if I go back now? When you’re younger, it’s like, prom, college. Now it’s like, starting a family, being away from my husband. What’s really worth it?”

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BOXING

Mayweather’s Pick for Boxing’s Top Fighter Will Shock You!

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Mayweather’s Pick for Boxing’s Top Fighter Will Shock You!

Floyd Mayweather was not only the top pound-for-pound fighter of his era, but perhaps one of the greatest in history. Now retired, he is best placed to pick the heir to his throne.

‘Money’ Mayweather hung up the gloves in 2017 with a perfect 50-0 record having demonstrated some of the most impressive defensive skills boxing fans have ever witnessed throughout his campaign.

Floyd Mayweather, Jr. | Biography & Facts | Britannica

With statement wins over the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Oscar De La Hoya, the five-weight world champion has seen, and beaten, every style.

Many have made their case in this current crop, and Canelo was most convincing for some years. Over the last twelve months, three names have run clear of the rest: Oleksandr Usyk, Terence Crawford and Naoya Inoue.

All three are two-weight undisputed champions. For his money, Mayweather backs Crawford as the best, as confirmed in an interview with Brian Mazique.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. Net Worth: How much is the fortune of the controversial boxer? | Marca

“I think Terence Crawford, right now in the sport of boxing, is the pound-for-pound best fighter. It’s good to see him in the position that he’s in … Terence Crawford, continue to be great.”

Switch-hitting Crawford is a four-weight world champion from lightweight to super-welterweight, but will soon attempt to make that five by packing on 14 pounds to face unified super-middleweight king Canelo. Should he win when they face off in Las Vegas this September, there will be much less debate around whether or not he is the very best fighter in the world.

 

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BOXING

Unexpected Twist: Is Claressa Shields Innocent After All?

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Shields Fires Back as Jake Paul Makes History!

Claressa Shields made history earlier this month by defeating Danielle Perkins. ‘T-Rex’ not only became the first woman to claim the undisputed heavyweight championship but also the only female boxer to achieve undisputed status in three different weight classes. However, her triumph was soon overshadowed as her name was dragged through the mud.

Just the other day, boxing insider Rick Glaser suggested that Shields has failed a PED test following her victory over Perkins. “Claressa Shields has reputedly failed a drug test for her most recent fight, rumored to be a PED test,” Glaser wrote. However, contradicting this report, BALCO founder Victor Conte suggested Shields had actually tested positive for marijuana only through a swab test which can very well be a result of second-hand smoke.

Claressa Shields Proposes Boxing Match with Remy Ma Amid Papoose Drama

This prompted Shields to hit back at Glaser with threats of a lawsuit on social media. “Yeah @RealRickGlaser1 you getting sued buddy,” Shields wrote. Regardless, Conte seems to be back with an update on the matter. “What many may fail to realize is that @Claressashields was hugging and kissing family members and lots of others congratulating her after the fight for about 30 minutes and JUST BEFORE the swab saliva test sample was collected,” he wrote.

“It now seems this activity may have been a source of exposure that caused her positive test for marijuana. The trace amount found in the saliva swab test was 3.4 ng/ml,” he continued. “Claressa has always been a clean athlete. A mouth saliva test for marijuana is not common in boxing or any other sport. The swab saliva test is primarily used for pre-employment screening and law enforcement. Urine is the sample used for marijuana testing in Olympic sport and for reasons likely involving fewer possible sources of contamination.”

Boxer Claressa Shields Says She'd Beat Jake Paul: 'He Is An Amateur'

“There are many anti-doping entities including the Nevada commission and the UFC that do not even test for marijuana because it is not considered to be a PED. My questions are as follows. Why would a doping control officer possibly watch an athlete hugging and kissing people for thirty minutes and then ask them to collect a mouth swab sample? Is it feasable that direct observation of so many possible sources of contamination is part of a standard specimen collection protocol?”

Despite the marijuana fiasco, Shields is already looking ahead to her next fight.

 

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BOXING

“Usyk’s Legacy: Evander Holyfield’s Honest Take on His Place in History”

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He’s Next” – Usyk Reveals the Future of Heavyweight Boxing

Evander Holyfield has had his say on where he thinks Oleksandr Usyk ranks in the list of all-time great heavyweights.

Throughout his 27-year career, Holyfield captured the undisputed championship at both cruiserweight and heavyweight, which makes him only one of two fighters in boxing history to achieve this feat next to Usyk himself.

Holyfield made the move up to heavyweight to challenge Mike Tyson in November 1996, where he claimed an eleventh round stoppage victory over ‘Iron’ Mike to capture the WBA title.

Evander Holyfield Didn’t Hesitate When Asked Where Usyk Ranks In The All Time Great Heavyweights

He went on to unify the WBA and IBF titles with a win over Michael Moorer in 1997 before going on to lose his titles in his rematch against Lennox Lewis two years later, after they fought to a draw in their first bout.

Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Holyfield was asked to rank Usyk amongst the all-time great heavyweights, as he claims he belongs in the ‘top three’.

The Ukrainian superstar cemented himself as the greatest heavyweight of his generation after he defeated Tyson Fury for the second time on December 21.

Their first bout back in May was contested for the first undisputed heavyweight championship of the ‘four belt era’, which Usyk won via split decision after 12 close rounds.

Their highly anticipated rematch saw Usyk defend his WBC, WBA and WBO titles after he opted to vacate his IBF title last summer which paved the way for Daniel Dubois to be elevated to full champion.

Usyk retained his titles with a unanimous decision win, leading to ‘The Gypsy King’ to announce he was retiring from boxing at the beginning of this year.

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BOXING

“‘Being Honest’—Dubois Finally Reveals the Truth About Joshua’s Punching Power”

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Anthony Joshua was largely out-gunned by Daniel Dubois last September at Wembley Stadium, but managed to almost turn the tide towards the end.

Dubois, who had been elevated to IBF Champion, entered the ring an underdog. Despite that, he hurt ‘AJ’ significantly in the first round with a shot that would shape the entire contest.

Joshua showed incredible heart to stick around, being dropped a total of four times before the eventual fifth round ending. Before the final shot put him down and rendered him unable to make the referee’s count, he had his best success of the fight.

Daniel Dubois Finally Delivers His Verdict On Anthony Joshua’s Power: “Being Honest”

A right hand put Dubois on the back-foot and got the crowd on their feet. ‘AJ’ would land two more before ‘rolling the dice’ by throwing an uppercut only to be caught on the way in

Speaking to the Ring Magazine, Dubois said the shot in question was like ‘a bomb going off.’

There may be a rematch down the line, it is certainly a fight Joshua wants, however Dubois first defends his belt against Joseph Parker on February 22. Should he retain it, he will look to face unified champion Oleksandr Usyk to become undisputed.

Meanwhile, Joshua is in the market for an opponent after Tyson Fury announced his retirement and put paid to talks of a long-awaited clash.

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CELEB NEWS

I got job as Tiger Woods’ caddie after helping him out of desperate toilet situation

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Woods Denied Access? His Two Brutal Questions!

Legendary caddie Billy Foster has seen just about everything on the golf course, but his greatest story comes from inside a bathroom.

These days, the Yorkshireman is best-known for his work with Matt Fitzpatrick, after both men won their first major title at the 2023 US Open.

Foster had to wait until recently to finally get his hands on one of golf's four biggest prizes

Over the years, Foster has worked with some of the game’s greats – Seven Ballesteros, Sergio Garcia, Thomas Bjorn, Darren Clarke, Lee Westwood, and even Tiger Woods.

Over a glittering 43-year career, Foster has been a part of 45 professional victories, making him one of the most iconic caddies in all of golf.

But besides being a wizard at selecting clubs and reading greens, the 61-year-old is also a master of storytelling.

And there is no better story than his interaction with 15-time major winner Woods at the 2002 Ryder Cup, when Foster was caddying for Clarke.

Speaking to the DP World Tour in 2019, Foster recalled: “First morning, first match was Darren Clarke and Thomas Bjorn playing Tiger Woods and Paul Azinger.

“So I got to the putting green at 7.45am, 8am is the first tee time. I said to Darren, ‘Your flock of seagulls are flapping. I need to go for a Tom Kite. I’ll be back in a minute’. So I went to go to the toilets.

“So I’ve sat down in cubicle number one, trollies around the ankles, just about to give it the full-thrust morning glory.

Woods delivered 2.5 points for Team USA at the 2005 Presidents Cup with Foster's help

“And I look to the side, full reverse, no toilet paper. So I’ve come out of the cubicle, walked straight across the corridor. And there’s Davis Love III’s caddie Cubbie [John Burke].

“So I sit down. 20 rolls of toilet paper behind me. No problem. Next minute, spikes on the bathroom floor.

“I hear, ‘Morning Cubbie, morning Tiger’. Bang, he’s gone in the one where I’ve just come from.

“Well, I’m crying now because I’ve just got this vision in my head of Tiger Woods walking up the fifth, like John Wayne just got off his horse.

“So I come out and as I’m walking past his cubicle, it’s now six minutes to tee off, I hear this little sigh. He realises there’s no toilet paper. And I thought, you know what? I can’t do it to him.

“So I walked back to my cubicle, rolled off about 20 sheets, folded them up, got down on my hands and knees and went under his toilet door, said, ‘Whoever’s in there, you might be needing this’.

“And as he grabbed it, I went, ‘Europe, 1UP!’ And walked out. And sure enough, we beat them 1UP.

“He came out with the biggest smile on his face. Obviously, I told everybody on the putting green.

“I said, ‘You owe me, Tiger Woods’. And he held his hands up and said, ‘Billy Foster, I owe you big time’.”

Woods was truly at the peak of his powers in the summer of 2002, having won six of the last 12 major championships.

Foster and Woods go way back - and remain friends to this day

It was perhaps the greatest prolonged spell of golf the game has ever seen.

Foster and Team Europe got one over on Woods that weekend, beating Team USA by three points.

But three years later, the Englishman and the American would join forces.

Ahead of the 2005 Presidents Cup, Woods’ regular caddie Steve Williams needed a week off for the birth of his child.

Woods asked Clarke if he could borrow Foster – and the iconic caddie is convinced his antics at The Belfry got him the gig.

Speaking to the Daily Mail in 2023, Foster said: “I swear that’s why I got the job.

“Not because I’m a good caddie, but because I was the s***house saviour.”

Woods did not forget his debt to Foster - and offered him a part-time job three years later

Foster recently decided to take a step back from caddying, announcing his decision to share Fitzpatrick’s bag with fellow veteran Daniel Parratt for the 2025 season.

The master orator recently appeared on Sky Sports’ coverage of the Phoenix Open, suggesting that he could be moving towards a punditry role.

And if his story about Woods is anything to go by, golf fans are in for a treat.

 

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CELEB NEWS

Eminem Reaches a Rare Milestone—What Connects Him to Bob Marley & Adele?”

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Eminem Reaches a Rare Milestone—What Connects Him to Bob Marley & Adele?"

Months after he released his new album The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce), Eminem’s latest project has largely fallen away from the charts in the United Kingdom. The set still holds on and makes a home on the Official Hip-Hop and R&B Albums list, but its success doesn’t extend beyond that one tally.

While the most recent full-length added to his discography may not be the sturdiest win in his catalogue, Eminem has several other projects performing better than The Death of Slim Shady. His most successful at the moment, and in most instances, is Curtain Call: The Hits, a compilation of his most popular singles. This frame, Curtain Call reaches a momentous milestone on the Official Album Streaming chart, the U.K.’s list of the most-streamed full lengths in the nation.

As of this moment, the compilation has now lived on that ranking, which features 100 spaces, for 520 weeks, or exactly a decade. Curtain Call marks Eminem’s first release to make it to that lofty sum.

His is not the only title to reach a decade on the Official Album Streaming chart this week, and the rapper is in fantastic company with some global–and especially British–superstars. Eminem’s is one of nine titles to reach 520 weeks on the streaming only roster this frame. All of the following projects also make it to that landmark at the same time, as this is a very special period for the Official Albums Streaming ranking: both AM and Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not by the Arctic Monkeys, Time Flies… 1994–2009 and (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? by Oasis, the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Greatest Hits, Bob Marley and the Wailers’ Legend, Adele’s 21, and Back to Black by Amy Winehouse.

Curtain Call appears on four charts in the United Kingdom this week. Amazingly, among all of them, it has spent the third-most time on the streaming roster, where it makes history this frame.

The set has only managed a shorter stay on the Official Album Downloads chart, where it actually returns this period and earns its three hundred and fifteenth frame. Eminem’s first greatest hits set has now managed 656 stays somewhere on the 100-spot list of the most-consumed albums in the U.K. It’s performed even better on the Official Hip-Hop and R&B Albums ranking, where it will reach 900 turns perhaps in the next month or so.

Curtain Call 2 is the only other Eminem album, aside from its predecessor, to appear on more than one U.K. based ranking. The Death of Slim Shady, The Marshall Mathers LP, and The Eminem Show all only manage to find a home on the Official Hip-Hop and R&B Albums chart. Those sets decline to Nos. 19, 37, and 39 respectively.

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