Boxing Archives - Page 3 of 4

WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson is weeks away from his highly anticipated bout against rising star Floyd Schofield Jr. The bout is scheduled to unfold on the undercard of the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol rematch in Saudi Arabia. In the meantime, the Newark native has been accused of being a coward by Gervonta Davis’ team.

You see, ‘Sugar’ Stevenson has been asking for a fight against ‘Tank’ Davis for quite some time now. However, all he has received in return are insults. With Stevenson’s next fight on the doorstep, Davis’ co-trainer coach Kenny Ellis has accused Stevenson of being the one who is ducking a fight against Davis.

Davis, the WBA lightweight champion, will lock horns with WBA super featherweight champion Lamont Roach Jr. on March 1st in Brooklyn, a fight that has received backlash as the Baltimore native chose to fight someone from a lower weight class. Regardless, while appearing in an interview with Mill City Boxing recently, Ellis suggested Stevenson would use hand injury as an excuse to avoid fighting ‘Tank.’

For context, in October last year, Stevenson was scheduled to face Joe Cordina on the undercard of Beterbiev-Bivol. However, due to a hand injury, Stevenson had to pull out of the fight. Reports later revealed that Stevenson had to undergo surgery to fix the issue with his hand. In a recent interview with Matchroom Boxing, Stevenson claimed that his hand is much better now and shouldn’t cause any issues during or before the Schofield bout.

Regardless, Ellis feels the injury will come back after the Schofield bout. “Shakur will win his next fight,” Ellis told Mill City Boxing. “But he is gonna hurt his hands. Even if his hand ain’t hurt, it’s going to be hurt.” As to why this will happen, Ellis claimed, “That’s what you do when you trying to buy time.”

It’s also worth noting that ‘Tank’ Davis has previously revealed that he will retire after 2025. With the Roach fight in March, and Davis fighting twice a year, there’s only one fight left for ‘Tank’ if he sticks to his retirement claims. In contrast to Ennis’ claims about Stevenson, however, the WBC lightweight title holder sees a potential fight between them as a legacy-defining fight.

Shakur Stevenson isn’t buying the narrative that he’s the only one who needs a fight with Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis. While many believe Stevenson is chasing Davis, the reigning WBC lightweight champion sees it differently. In his eyes, their potential showdown is just as important for Davis’ legacy as it is for his own.

“Me and ‘Tank’ is the legacy-defining fight for each other,” Stevenson told Eze Talks Sports last month during the February 22nd Saudi card press conference. “A lot of people try to make it seem like I need him. But honestly, he needs me just as much as I need him.” However, before Stevenson can even dream of fighting Davis, he must make a statement finish against Schofield Jr.

And Stevenson’s attitude suggests he is planning to do exactly that. “There’s gonna be a lot of big fights but I gotta focus on the task in front of me,” Stevenson said. “Then we can talk about the next guy and the guys after that.”

Having said that, it appears coach Kenny Ellis is under the impression that Shakur Stevenson is ducking Gervonta Davis. However, from the outside looking in, it seems like the Davis fight is Stevenson’s ultimate goal. But you be the judge of who is ducking who. Regardless, if they were to fight, who do you think would win?

BOXING

Frank Warren Holds Nothing Back on Canelo vs. Crawford – You Won’t Believe His Take!

Arguably the biggest story in the boxing world right now is the reported bout between Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford, which is expected to take place in September at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium.

Given that Canelo and Crawford have been two of the world’s best boxers over the past decade, there is understandably a ton of excitement about this showdown, despite the weight difference between the two.

But no boxing fan is going to say no to watching this incredible fight when it arrives. And despite not having either of these fighters under contract, Frank Warren, founder of Queensberry Promotions, explained his intrigue about this Canelo vs. Crawford match during his February 4 appearance on The Ariel and Ade Show.

Frank Warren Holds Nothing Back on Canelo vs. Crawford – You Won’t Believe His Take!

“Look, if it’s done, I mean as a boxing fan, I can’t wait to see that fight. It’s a fabulous fight,” Warren said, per an X post from Ariel Helwani.

He later added, “I’m pretty positive that it will happen, fingers crossed… because what a fight that will be between those two. And a great fight for American boxing. You know, it’s a real great fight and you need great fights there. They need a massive big fight if it does go on in Vegas, which I think is the home for [boxing] with the greatest respect to everywhere else. That is something special. That’s a burster, that fight.”

It sounds like Warren will be tuned in like the rest of the boxing world once Canelo and Crawford finally meet in the ring.

BOXING

Teddy Atlas Predicts Canelo vs. Crawford – Will He Be Right Again?

The boxing world continues to buzz with excitement over a potential showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford. The sport has seen its fair share of cross-division superfights. Now, another historic matchup could be on the horizon, with pound-for-pound stars from different weight classes looking to collide.

The intrigue behind this potential matchup stems from both fighters’ incredible achievements in recent years. Terence Crawford solidified his legacy by becoming undisputed at two weight classes.

Canelo Alvarez has dominated the super-middleweight division as its undisputed champion. Now, they are reported to fight in September of this year at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. With Crawford already dipping his toes at super-welterweight by defeating Israil Madrimov, the boxing community is split on whether he can successfully jump two more divisions to challenge Canelo.

Teddy Atlas Backs The Underdog

Renowned boxing trainer Teddy Atlas, known for his sharp analysis and no-nonsense approach, isn’t shy about picking Crawford (+185) to pull off the upset against Alvarez (-225). Speaking on The Fight podcast, Atlas expressed his belief in Crawford’s special qualities that transcend physical advantages.

“I think you know where I’m leaning. I’ll make it even clearer when I’m leaning so there isn’t a lot of suspense. I ain’t going against Crawford. I do think he is that special guy, I think Canelo’s special too, but Crawford even more so. He hasn’t learned how to lose yet. I think he does have those special ingredients that go beyond the physical. So, that’s it. Okay? You don’t like it? Too bad.”

Atlas acknowledged that while both fighters are exceptional, Terence Crawford possesses something unique. Teddy Atlas’s endorsement carries significant weight, given his decades of experience training world champions and analyzing the sport’s biggest fights.

Contrasting Paths To Greatness

Terence Crawford started his career at lightweight, systematically conquering division after division while maintaining his undefeated record. Meanwhile, Canelo Alvarez transformed from a teenage prodigy into boxing’s biggest star, facing everyone from Floyd Mayweather to Gennady Golovkin. After his recent setback against Dmitry Bivol at light heavyweight, Canelo returned to form with dominant performances against Jaime Munguia and Edgar Berlanga at super middleweight.

Conclusion

Looking ahead, this matchup would represent more than just another big fight. It is a chance to witness something truly historic. Terence Crawford aims to accomplish what few fighters have ever attempted: moving up multiple weight classes to challenge a dominant champion.

If the fight materializes, it would not only determine supremacy between two of boxing’s finest but could also reshape how fans view weight class limitations in the sport. With Teddy Atlas’s bold prediction adding fuel to the fire, fans can only hope that boxing politics don’t prevent this dream matchup from becoming reality (hope that Turki Alalshikh can get this one finalised for the fans as well!)

BOXING

World Champ With 75% KO Rate Calls Out Terence Crawford – Is His Legacy in Danger?

Rather than stick around to unify the belts and perhaps become undisputed, something he has done in two of his four previous divisions, ‘Bud’ is slated to move up to super-middleweight for the Canelo mega fight.

If those plans fail for whatever reason, Bakhram Murtazaliev is waiting in the wings. The undefeated Russian won the vacant IBF Super-Welterweight World Title in April last year by stopping Jack Culcay in eleven rounds.

His first defence really put him on the map – a three-round destruction of Tim Tszyu. Speaking to Manouk Akopyan, the 32-year-old made it clear that he wanted to collect more belts.

Rather than stick around to unify the belts and perhaps become undisputed, something he has done in two of his four previous divisions, ‘Bud’ is slated to move up to super-middleweight for the Canelo mega fight.

If those plans fail for whatever reason, Bakhram Murtazaliev is waiting in the wings. The undefeated Russian won the vacant IBF Super-Welterweight World Title in April last year by stopping Jack Culcay in eleven rounds.

His first defence really put him on the map – a three-round destruction of Tim Tszyu. Speaking to Manouk Akopyan, the 32-year-old made it clear that he wanted to collect more belts.

BOXING

Usyk’s Reign Continues! What This Award Means for His Legacy

By 24 seven live February 5, 2025

The Boxing Writers Association of America released the results of its annual awards naming the best boxer, fight, trainer and manager of 2024, as well as several supporting honors.

Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, who defeated Tyson Fury twice in 2024, was named the BWAA Sugar Ray Robinson Fighter of the Year.
Usyk also took part in what may be the BWAA’s other most prestigious award, the Muhammad Ali-Joe Frazier Fight of the Year, which went to his first meeting with Fury, held on May 18 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The Eddie Futch Trainer of the Year award went to Robert Garcia, who runs his boxing academy in Oxnard, California. In 2024, Garcia guided rising pound-for-pound super flyweight star Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez and new interim super welterweight champion Vergil Ortiz Jr., among others.

Egis Klimas was named BWAA Cus D’Amato Manager of the Year. Klimas manages the careers of Usyk and Vasiliy Lomachenko.
Other 2024 BWAA award winners include Bruce Silverglade (Nice Guy); Marv Albert (Broadcasting); Brad Goodman (Meritorious Service); Prichard Colon (Courage to Overcome Adversity).

BOXING

AMAZING! The “GWOAT” Claressa Shields makes history and achieves what neither Usyk, Crawford nor Inoue have done

Claressa Shields (16-0; 3 KOs) became the undisputed women’s heavyweight champion after defeating Danielle Perkins (5-1; 0) by unanimous decision (100-89, 99-90, 97-92) in her hometown of Flint, Michigan. Although the size difference was evident, the experience of the two-time Olympic champion and the age difference (29 to 42) was more decisive.

In any case, Shields, who proclaimed herself the ‘GWOAT’ (Greatest Woman of All Time), made history by becoming the first female boxer to be crowned undisputed champion in a third weight category. Since there are four belts, in men there are three fighters who have been in two divisions: Oleksandr Usyk, Naoya Inoue and Terence Crawford. Among the girls, Katie Taylor has ruled in two weights.

From the start, it was clear that Shields was going to take advantage of her speed. She is tough and was ready to get in and out quickly. The second round was really entertaining, as Perkins realized that her opponent was extremely effective, so in the final seconds she went all out despite the risks. In the third round there was again a lot of dynamite.

Claressa continued to dominate and even attack with the jab. In the seventh, adrenaline levels rose again. Although the result did not seem to be in danger if it went to the end, the contest remained interesting because Perkins threw punches with a lot of bad temper. However, Shields shone in the ninth and in the tenth she sent her opponent to the canvas just before the end. If there is one thing about women’s 10×2, it is that the fights are very intense.

According to the champion, she fought very depleted: “I think I’m going to have to have surgery on my left arm. I tore my labrum last week, so the fight almost didn’t happen. I didn’t want to disappoint my city, but I really couldn’t use my jab the way I wanted to,” she said.

His triumph comes just as a biographical film about his early years in boxing, entitled ‘The Fire Inside’ has been released

BOXING

Oleksandr Usyk Just Earn a new Recognition together with some of your fav. Check it out!

The Boxing Writers Association of America on Monday released the results of its annual awards naming the best fighter, fight, trainer and manager of 2024, as well as several supporting honors.

Lineal, unified and de facto undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, who defeated Tyson Fury twice in 2024, was named the BWAA Sugar Ray Robinson Fighter of the Year.

Usyk was also involved in what may be the BWAA’s other most prestigious award, the Muhammad Ali-Joe Frazier Fight of the Year, which went to his first meeting with Fury. Usyk battled and defeated Fury over 12 rounds on May 18 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The Eddie Futch Trainer of the Year award went to Robert Garcia, who runs his eponymous boxing academy in Oxnard, California. In 2024, Garcia guided emerging pound-for-pound junior bantamweight star Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez and new junior middleweight interim titleholder Vergil Ortiz Jnr, among others, while helping construct the perfect game plan for Jose Valenzuela to upset Isaac Cruz in August.

Egis Klimas was named the BWAA’s Cus D’Amato Manager of the Year. Klimas manages Usyk and Vasiliy Lomachenko, who bounced back from a 2023 defeat to Devin Haney with a win over George Kambosos Jnr to win a lightweight title last May in Kambosos’ native Australia.

Full list of BWAA awards winners and nominees are as follows

Sugar Ray Robinson Fighter of the Year: Oleksandr Usyk

Additional BWAA 2024 awards winners include Bruce Silverglade (Good Guy); Marv Albert (Broadcast); Brad Goodman (Meritorious Service); Prichard Colon (Courage in Overcoming Adversity).

Artur Beterbiev

Daniel Dubois

Zurdo Ramirez

Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez

Oleksandr Usyk

Muhammad Ali-Joe Frazier Fight of the Year: Oleksandr Usyk W 12 Tyson Fury I

Raymond Ford KO 12 Otabek Kholmatov

Derek Chisora W 10 Joe Joyce

Vergil Ortiz Jnr W 12 Serhii Bohachuk

Kenshiro Teraji W 12 Carlos Canizales

Oleksandr Usyk W 12 Tyson Fury I

Eddie Futch Trainer of the Year: Robert Garcia

Don Charles

Freddy Fundora

Robert Garcia

Rudy Hernandez

Yuri Tkachenko

Cus D’Amato Manager of the Year: Egis Klimas

Keith Connolly

Egis Klimas

Vadim Kornilov

Brian Peters

Marvin Kohn Good Guy: Bruce Silverglade

Russ Anber

Sam Jackson/Andrew Roberts

Steve Pratt

Bruce Silverglade

Don Turner

Sam Taub Broadcast: Marv Albert

Marv Albert

Jim Gray

Dave Harmon

Mauro Ranallo

James “Smitty” Smith

Barney Nagler Long and Meritorious Service: Brad Goodman

Brad Goodman

Randy Gordon

Henry Hascup

Don Majeski

John Sheppard

John McCain & Bill Crawford Courage in Overcoming Adversity: Prichard Colon and family

Prichard Colon and family

Billy Dib

Vanes Martirosyan

Christy Martin

BOXING

See What Jake Paul offer Saquon Barkley if he is named MVP in the Super Bowl

Ahead of Super Bowl LIX, boxer and YouTuber Jake Paul has thrown down an unusual challenge to Saquon Barkley.

The Philadelphia Eagles running back, already one of the top players in the NFL, now has an additional incentive to shine on football’s biggest stage: Paul has promised to give him one of his Ferraris if he wins Super Bowl MVP.

While Barkley doesn’t need much motivation, given his incredible talent and the opportunity to prove himself on the Super Bowl stage, Paul’s offer of a luxury sports car is an interesting twist.

“If you win the Super Bowl MVP, I think you can do it brother … I will give you one of my Ferraris.” Paul declared.

It’s a gesture that underscores Paul’s confidence in Barkley’s abilities while offering a fun, high-stakes reward for an already highly motivated player.

Super Bowl and a birthday bonus for Barkley

This year’s Super Bowl is even more significant for Barkley-it falls on his birthday. Playing for a Lombardi Trophy and celebrating his personal milestone could provide the perfect backdrop for Barkley to cement his legacy.

The Philadelphia Eagles will be taking on the Kansas City Chiefs, and Barkley’s performance could not only change the outcome of the game but also earn him the MVP title that Paul has wagered on.

Despite being a Cleveland Browns fan, Paul and Barkley have a somewhat surprising connection. When mentalist Oz visited the Eagles, Barkley was seen wearing a sweatshirt from Paul’s personal brand, “W”. While their history is limited, Paul’s offer is clearly meant to spur on the Eagles’ star player, fueling the belief that Barkley has the potential to dominate in the Super Bowl.

While the Chiefs are gunning for a three-peat as champions, Saquon Barkley has become a fan favorite across the country, with many rooting for the Eagles to bring the title home. The added motivation from Paul’s offer could be the spark that helps Barkley reach the pinnacle of his career, not just with a Super Bowl win, but with the MVP trophy to go along with it.

As the big game approaches, all eyes will be on Barkley, with fans eagerly anticipating what could be a historic performance-and perhaps a shiny new Ferrari as a reward for his efforts.

BOXING

Finally You won’t believe!! Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford have reached an agreement to face each other

Terence Crawford (41-0, 31 KO) got his guy and likely secured a serious bag in the process.

According to Ring Magazine, Canelo Alvarez (62-2-2, 39 KO) and Crawford have an agreement in place to fight on September 13 at a yet-to-be-determined venue in Las Vegas.

The fight will be contested at 168 pounds and will be for Canelo’s super middleweight titles. Since Crawford began working with Saudi powerbroker Turki Alalshikh, the future Hall-of-Famer has made it clear that he wanted to set up a superfight with the Mexican legend.

After making his preference known for more than a year, it appears Canelo is on board for what could produce the largest payday in boxing history. Canelo, 34, is expected to keep with his tradition of fighting in May ahead of his September fight.

he prime candidate for the fight in May is William Scull. Following a unanimous decision win over Vladimir Shishkin, Scull became the IBF super middleweight champion. If Canelo fights and defeats Scull, he will once again be the undisputed super middleweight champion.

Crawford is the reigning WBA junior middleweight champion at 154 pounds, so he will be moving up two weight classes to face a fellow all-time great in one of the biggest boxing matches in the past 10 years.

The fight is expected to be the main event for an upcoming Riyadh Season event. It seems like the T-Mobile Arena, MGM Grand, or even Allegiant Stadium could be the landing place for the fight.

Also, based on the precedent Alalshikh and Riyadh Season have established over the past two years, it wouldn’t be a shock if the card was stacked with other intriguing fights to guarantee a mega event.

BOXING

Claressa Shields becomes undisputed heavyweight champion with victory over Danielle Perkins

By 24 seven live February 3, 2025

Claressa Shields became undisputed women’s heavyweight champion on Sunday, comprehensively outpointing Danielle Perkins for a hometown win in Flint, Michigan.

Shields, who dropped Perkins in the 10th and final round, secured a unanimous decision over her fellow American, winning 100-89, 99-90, 97-92. The result kept Shields, 29, unbeaten at 16-0, while 42-year-old Perkins fell to 5-1 as a professional.

Shields entered Dort Financial Center as WBC and WBF heavyweight champion, and the “GWOAT” claimed the vacant WBO and IBF belts with her victory.

Speaking after the fight, Shields said: “Danielle was strong, she was definitely a problem, but my experience and my skills got me over it.

“I’ve been in plenty of street fights with bigger people, and I had to use some of my skills in that [against Perkins], too. So, when I dropped her in the last round, it’s because she got greedy.

“I actually think I’m going to have to have surgery on my left arm. I tore my labrum last week, so the fight almost didn’t happen. I didn’t want to let Flint down, but I really couldn’t use my jab the way that I wanted to.

“I iced it, I did therapy, and now I think I’m going to have a shoulder surgery.”

Shields’s victory comes just days before the UK release of The Fire Inside, a biopic about the early years of her boxing career – including her Olympic gold-medal triumph in 2012, which was followed by another in 2016.

The film, directed by Rachel Morrison and starring Ryan Destiny and Brian Tyree Henry, was released in the US in December. Its UK release date is 7 February.