Heavyweight boxing

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Boxing

      Dana White cools talk of Conor McGregor boxing after UFC 257 rematch with Dustin Poirier amid Manny Pacquiao talk

      by

      UFC president Dana White wants Conor McGregor to forget about a return to the boxing ring this year.
      The former two-division UFC champion has ambitions of returning to the squared circle, which he entered in August 2017 for a blockbuster showdown with Floyd Mayweather.

      UFC president Dana White isn’t keen on Conor McGregor returning to the boxing ringCredit: Getty

      Conor McGregor entered the boxing world in August 2017 to face Floyd MayweatherCredit: Getty – Contributor

      McGregor, 32, teased a mega-money fight with Manny Pacquiao last September.
      But White would prefer the Irishman to focus on returning to the top of the MMA mountain, telling ESPN: “I would love to see him focused on what he can do here at the UFC.
      “Whether it’s take another shot at that title against Khabib [Nurmagomedov] or fight for the title against somebody else if Khabib retires and defend that title.”
      White has no problem with McGregor boxing again, he’d just prefer him to do so in the latter stages of his career.

      He added: “A boxing match with any of these guys, that stuff’s always going to be there.
      FANCY A PUNT? CLAIM £40 IN FREE BETS BY BETTING £10

      “You are the absolute best in the world right now in MMA and the timing is right now. Not getting any younger.
      “I’d love to see him go for it here over the next year. If he wants to fight one of these boxing guys, do that next year. That fight’s always going to be there.”

      Should McGregor return to the ring and get a win over a top-15 opponent, he could find himself in line for a world title shot.
      WBC chief Mauricio Sulaiman told SunSport: “I would say, he needs to face and defeat a ranked fighter, then he would be eligible to be ranked and to compete for a title.
      “Because, we have plenty of examples of Muay Thai fighters, who turn professional in international boxing, and they are eligible to fight for the title.

      How McGregor and Pacquiao stack up ahead of their proposed fight
      “We also have amateur superstars like Vasyl Lomachenko, they come into professional boxing and fight for the title and it’s proven it works.
      “Conor has a mixed martial arts resume, so if he comes into boxing and wins a fight against a ranked fighter, he would be eligible to be ranked.
      “This is not a rookie entering the sport; he has a long history of combat sports, so it’s a different scenario of what it used to be in the past.”
      McGregor, 22-4, is currently gearing up for his UFC 257 rematch with Dustin Poirier, whom he’ll face a week on Saturday.
      But the winner of the lightweight showdown won’t be crowned the new ruler of the division, despite the recent retirement of champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.

      White said: “If Khabib does retire, then whoever the highest-ranked guy is at the time will end up facing Conor if Conor beats Poirier and would end up fighting for the title, I’m sure.”
      McGregor knocked out Poirier in just under two minutes six years ago at UFC 178 in Las Vegas.
      The Irishman is planning to have a shorter night at the office in his second meeting with The Diamond, saying: “I will knock Dustin out inside 60 seconds.”
      The Notorious believes Poirier has made improvements since their first encounter but insists he’s still not on his level.
      He said: “I love Dustin, I think he’s a good fighter. He’s even a great fighter, you know? But great is still levels below me.”

      McGregor vs Poirier 2 – Watch LIVE, channel info and start time More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Jake Paul calls out Conor McGregor protege Dylan Moran after Irish star said he’d put Paul brothers ‘to sleep’

      by

      JAKE PAUL has hit back at Conor McGregor’s sparring partner Dylan Moran after the boxer vowed to KO the YouTuber.
      The Irish welterweight recently vowed to teach Paul and his older brother, Logan, ‘some manners’ if they show up to Abu Dhabi for McGregor’s UFC 257 rematch with Dustin Poirier.

      Dylan Moran is currently in Abu Dhabi helping Conor McGregor prepare for hIs UFC 257 showdown with Dustin PoirierCredit: INSTAGRAM@DYLANMORANN

      Dylan Moran has found himself on the receiving end of trolling from Jake PaulCredit: INSTAGRAM@DYLANMORANN

      Jake Paul has been campaigning heavily for a boxing match with Conor McGregorCredit: INSTAGRAM

      It didn’t take long for Paul to get wind of Moran’s threat, which he responded to his Instagram story.
      He said: “Conor’s taking easy fights. But he’s been sparring in Ireland!”
      “He’s been boxing, going against some phenomenal, exciting Irish talent,” adds Paul, dripping with sarcasm.
      “This kid must be really good, because Conor’s a ‘good boxer’ right? And then we looked this kid up!

      “Ladies and gentlemen, presenting to you: the big, bad, exciting Irish talent – Dylan Moran, the kid that Conor McGregor is sparring against. Take a look!”
      FANCY A PUNT? CLAIM £40 IN FREE BETS BY BETTING £10

      Paul’s story then cut to footage of Moran being dropped three times in his 2019 loss to Dennis Okoth.
      The final image was of Moran on the canvas, a snap which included the accompanying caption: “This is who Conor is calling a phenomenal boxer.”

      Paul’s trolling of Moran is his latest attempt to get under the skin of The Notorious, who he’s desperate to fight.
      The 23-year-old has been campaigning relentlessly for a bout with the Dubliner since his stunning KO of Nate Robinson last November, going as far as to direct message the former two-division UFC champion on Instagram.

      In an expletive-laden Instagram video, Paul said to Mystic Mac: “What the f** is up you Irish c**t? Good morning Conor McGregor.
      “I know you’re probably beating up old dudes in a bar right now or maybe you’re j**ing off as you’re sick of f***ing your wife, I mean, she’s a four [out of ten], Conor you could do a lot better, but happy Monday!
      “My team sent you a $50 million offer this morning, $50 million cash, proof of funds, the biggest fight offer you’ve ever been offered.
      “But you’re scared to fight me Conor. You duck me as you’re scared to fight a YouTuber.

      “You’re 0-1 as a boxer, I’m 2-0 as a boxer. I just came off the eighth biggest pay-per-view event in history.
      “But you want to fight Dustin Poirier, who has less followers on Instagram than my f***ing dog, that’s a fact.
      “And Dana White, you’re a f***ing p***y, you ugly f***ing bald bitch.
      “You said there’s zero per cent chance of this fight happening but there’s zero percent of you getting some p****.
      “Conor, you’re scared, Dana, you’re scared. Sign the f***ng contract you idiots. Irish b***h, f**k these guys.”

      Jake Paul mocks Conor McGregor, Dana White and Michael Bisping in latest foul-mouthed social media clip More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Jake Paul calls out Conor McGregor protege Dylan Moran after Irish starlet said he’d put Paul brothers ‘to sleep’

      by

      JAKE PAUL has hit back at Conor McGregor’s sparring Dylan Moran after the boxer vowed to KO the YouTuber.
      The Irish welterweight recently vowed to teach Paul and his older brother, Logan, ‘some manners’ if they show up to Abu Dhabi for McGregor’s UFC 257 rematch with Dustin Poirier.

      Dylan Moran is currently in Abu Dhabi helping Conor McGregor prepare for hIs UFC 257 showdown with Dustin PoirierCredit: INSTAGRAM@DYLANMORANN

      Dylan Moran has found himself on the receiving end of trolling from Jake PaulCredit: INSTAGRAM@DYLANMORANN

      Jake Paul has been campaigning heavily for a boxing match with Conor McGregorCredit: INSTAGRAM

      It didn’t take long for Paul to get wind of Moran’s threat, which he responded to his Instagram story.
      He said: “Conor’s taking easy fights. But he’s been sparring in Ireland!”
      “He’s been boxing, going against some phenomenal, exciting Irish talent,” adds Paul, dripping with sarcasm.
      “This kid must be really good, because Conor’s a ‘good boxer’ right? And then we looked this kid up!

      “Ladies and gentlemen, presenting to you: the big, bad, exciting Irish talent – Dylan Moran, the kid that Conor McGregor is sparring against. Take a look!”
      FANCY A PUNT? CLAIM £40 IN FREE BETS BY BETTING £10

      Paul’s story then cut to footage of Moran being dropped three times in his 2019 loss to Dennis Okoth.
      The final image was of Moran on the canvas, a snap which included the accompanying caption: “This is who Conor is calling a phenomenal boxer.”

      Paul’s trolling of Moran is his latest attempt to get under the skin of The Notorious, who he’s desperate to fight.
      The 23-year-old has been campaigning relentlessly for a bout with the Dubliner since his stunning KO of Nate Robinson last November, going as far as to direct message the former two-division UFC champion on Instagram.

      In an expletive-laden Instagram video, Paul said to Mystic Mac: “What the f** is up you Irish c**t? Good morning Conor McGregor.
      “I know you’re probably beating up old dudes in a bar right now or maybe you’re j**ing off as you’re sick of f***ing your wife, I mean, she’s a four [out of ten], Conor you could do a lot better, but happy Monday!
      “My team sent you a $50 million offer this morning, $50 million cash, proof of funds, the biggest fight offer you’ve ever been offered.
      “But you’re scared to fight me Conor. You duck me as you’re scared to fight a YouTuber.

      “You’re 0-1 as a boxer, I’m 2-0 as a boxer. I just came off the eighth biggest pay-per-view event in history.
      “But you want to fight Dustin Poirier, who has less followers on Instagram than my f***ing dog, that’s a fact.
      “And Dana White, you’re a f***ing p***y, you ugly f***ing bald bitch.
      “You said there’s zero per cent chance of this fight happening but there’s zero percent of you getting some p****.
      “Conor, you’re scared, Dana, you’re scared. Sign the f***ng contract you idiots. Irish b***h, f**k these guys.”

      Jake Paul mocks Conor McGregor, Dana White and Michael Bisping in latest foul-mouthed social media clip More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua fight with Tyson Fury could hit buffers as Usyk refuses to give ‘consent’ on passing up mandatory clash

      by

      ANTHONY JOSHUA’S undisputed title clash against Tyson Fury has a major obstacle to overcome in the form of Oleksandr Usyk.
      And it could lead to Joshua vacating the WBO heavyweight belt in order to get the Fury deal done.

      Oleksandr Usyk is the WBO’s mandatory challenger for Anthony Joshua’s beltCredit: Mark Robinson

      Usyk is the WBO’s mandatory challenger, and according to his promoter the Ukrainian has ‘not given his consent’ for the two Brits to fight for all the belts.
      This is despite SunSport recently reporting that Usyk himself said he would consider stepping aside to allow the ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’.
      And Usyk fighting next in a non-title bout has ‘never been under discussion’, according to Alexander Krassyuk.
      The promoter told Sky Sports: “According to now the deadline is more for Fury and AJ not for Usyk.

      “There were talks about an interim title or the AJ vs Fury winner relinquishing the WBO title the next day [after they fight].
      “But as for today Usyk is the WBO mandatory and never gave his consent for the [Joshua vs Fury] bout to happen without him.
      “Usyk is in good conditions now, he successfully recovered from his last fight and looks forward to fight challenge the title this spring.
      “A non-title fight has never been under discussion and I really hope it will never be.”

      BETTING OFFER: CLAIM RISK FREE £20 BET WITH PADDY POWER

      Tyson Fury has predicted an easy night’s work against JoshuaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Joshua holds all the heavyweight belts except the WBC versionCredit: PA:Press Association

      In only his second fight at heavyweight after being crowned undisputed cruiser champ, Usyk outpointed Brit bruiser Derek Chisora on October 31.
      But he is now out of contract with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom stable ‘unless he is delivered the Joshua fight’.
      But AJ seems to be focusing on one man and one man only – Fury.
      The WBA, IBF and WBO king uploaded a picture on Snapchat, which revealed him dissecting the Gypsy King’s win over Wilder.

      That night last February earned Fury the WBC belt, the only crown missing for Joshua’s collection.
      With the two agreeing a 50/50 split, they are on the verge of fighting for all four of the heavyweight marbles for the first time in history.
      But, Wilder, 35, still believes he is contracted to a trilogy bout with Fury, and has launched a legal case to salvage his shot at revenge.

      Watch Anthony Joshua shout ‘I’m coming Usyk’ as footage emerges of heavyweight rivals’ exchange after Chisora fight More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Boxing to resume next month as BBBofC lift suspension with Josh Kelly vs David Avanesyan set to take place

      by

      BRITISH boxing lovers can get ready for their sport to return on Valentine’s weekend.
      The British Boxing Board of Control cancelled all bouts scheduled for January to help the NHS combat coronavirus.

      Josh Kelly, left, has moved a step closer to returning to actionCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Kelly and Avanesyan nearly got it on in 2018Credit: PA:Press Association

      Josh Kelly’s bid for the European welterweight title on January 30 was the only major casualty.
      And the BBBofC have now confirmed that mid-Feb, with Saturday the 13th looking the most attractive date, is the target for the action to restart.
      Board secretary Robert Smith said: “The British Boxing Board of Control will be resuming Boxing tournaments under its jurisdiction in the middle of February, dates and venues to be confirmed in due course.”
      Eddie Hearn made excellent use of the family garden last summer and the Marshall Arena at Stadium MK, thanks to a hotel being attached to the ground to help their strict COVID-19 protocols.

      Matchroom also visited Peterborough and Wembley Arena for Sky Sports events.
      And Frank Warren kept his BT Sport shows running behind-closed-doors at their Stratford studios and York Hall.
      As well rearranging Kelly vs David Avanesyan for a FOURTH time, Hearn has Dillian Whyte champing at the bit to return after his shock August loss to Alexander Povetkin.

      Eddie Hearn used his back garden to help fight fans through the Covid hellCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      And in-form Conor Benn wants to continue his impressive learning under Tony Sims ASAP.
      Warren will resume trying to secure Welsh middleweight Liam Williams an overdue WBO world title shot and rematching Lyndon Arthur and light-heavy rival Anthony Yarde.
      That is as well as pushing along the young careers of prospects like Hamzah Sheeraz and Dennis McCann.

      Oscar De La Hoya says he has been inspired by Mike Tyson to box again and wants to pick his brain More

    • 188 Shares129 Views

      in Boxing

      UFC superstar Conor McGregor can BEAT Manny Pacquiao in boxing match, says legend Evander Holyfield

      by

      CONOR MCGREGOR has a ‘chance’ of beating Manny Pacquiao in a boxing match, former undisputed cruiserweight champion Evander Holyfield believes.
      A blockbuster crossover fight between the pair has been mooted for well over a year, with McGregor teasing a 2021 showdown last September.

      Conor McGregor entered the boxing world in the summer of 2017 to face Floyd Mayweather JrCredit: Getty

      Conor McGregor and Manny Pacquiao are represented by the same managementCredit: Getty

      The Irishman, who boxed Floyd Mayweather in August 2017, has already had his chances of beating the 43-year-old Pacman written off.
      But Holyfield insists the former two-division UFC champ is capable of causing a stunning an upset, telling SunSport: “Well, he’s got longer arms. So he has reach advantage.
      “So he has to keep Pacquiao to the side and throw the punches straight, which is going to be difficult. You’re talking about fighting somebody who has been doing boxing their whole life.
      “McGregor’s strength is grabbing people and turning people and flipping people, where he had more things to think about.”

      Despite believing McGregor can beat Pacquiao, Holyfield, 58, admits The Notorious faces an uphill task to get the better of the former eight-weight world champion.

      He added: “When you to boxing where you’re boxing and using your hands only and not kicking, it is going to be difficult for someone like McGregor.
      “It makes it even more difficult because, as I said, Pacquiao has been doing it all his life and his hand routine is perfect.

      “And regardless anybody gets into a fight with him the only person who’s going to have a better chance to beat him is somebody younger doing the same thing he does, which is boxing.
      “But if you are the same age there’s not much difference because then you’re going to get whooped.
      FANCY A PUNT? CLAIM £40 IN FREE BETS BY BETTING £10

      “However, anybody who gets in the ring has some chance, I believe. You ain’t getting in the ring if you think you ain’t got a chance. And McGregor has some skills too.
      “He has that heart to fight, heart of a fighter. He can fight so ain’t nobody just going to beat him up in no kind of way. Just like the boxers, he has the mentality of a fighter.
      “Manny, even if he went into a MMA fight he would get kicked but he will get some punches in there and fight, he may get tore up in the end but he is a fighter who is able to do something because of the mentality andhow we fighters think. So, McGregor has a chance.”
      Should McGregor land a mega-money fight with the pride of the Philippines, Holyfield would happily prepare the Dubliner for the bout.

      The Real Deal said: “If I was asked then I would go out to him and say to him, ‘You know what, do this thing.’
      “The thing is that I’m not a ‘coach’. I can give him good advice, but I’d have someone else hold the hand pads – I don’t know how to hold hand pads! – I came up hitting hands pads.
      “So, it’s like Mayweather, he doesn’t know how to hold hand pads like coaches do. But he was a good fighter.
      “There are a lot of things fighters don’t do real well if they were to coach. Because they were great fighters, so it’s kind of different. But it’s easy to give directions and advice, but show someone how to do something is different.”
      McGregor is currently gearing up for his UFC 257 rematch with Dustin Poirier, whom he’ll rematch a week on Saturday in Abu Dhabi.
      WBA welterweight champion Pacquiao, meanwhile, currently doesn’t have a fight booked but intends to make two outings this year.

      Joe Rogan says Conor McGregor fighting ‘one of the greatest boxers of all time’ Manny Pacquiao is ‘bonkers’ More

    • 163 Shares159 Views

      in Boxing

      Evander Holyfield says he’d coach Conor McGregor for blockbuster Manny Pacquiao boxing match

      by

      EVANDER HOLYFIELD has revealed he would happily coach UFC superstar Conor McGregor for a blockbuster fight with Manny Pacquiao.
      The UFC’s poster boy revealed last September that a multi-million-pound showdown with the eight-weight world champion was in the works.

      Conor McGregor teased a boxing match with Manny Pacquiao last SeptemberCredit: Getty

      Manny Pacquiao is represented by the same management company as the UFC’s poster boyCredit: AP

      McGregor, 32, entered the boxing world in 2017 to take part in a much-maligned fight with Floyd Mayweather, which he lost via tenth-round TKO.
      And for heavyweight champ Holyfield is open to helping the Irishman prepare for Pacman, telling SunSport: “If I was asked then I would go out to him and say to him, ‘You know what, do this thing.’
      “The thing is that I’m not a ‘coach’. I can give him good advice, but I’d have someone else hold the hand pads – I don’t know how to hold hand pads! – I came up hitting hands pads.
      “So, it’s like Mayweather, he doesn’t know how to hold hand pads like coaches do. But he was a good fighter.

      “There are a lot of things fighters don’t do real well if they were to coach. Because they were great fighters, so it’s kind of different. But it’s easy to give directions and advice, but show someone how to do something is different.”
      CASINO DEALS: BEST SIGN UP OFFERS TO CLAIM OVER £700

      Although Holyfield has a vast amount of knowledge to share with The Notorious, he admits bestowing it all would also have its downsides.
      He added: “The thing is I know boxing, but I realise the more you tell a person what to do it’s going to make him slow because a guy can get confused while in a fight with too much information – in boxing it’s all about reaction, pa pa pa, pa, you don’t get a chance to consciously think for two seconds where you think to yourself, ‘OK, I got to do this. I can keep the feet like that.’

      “Every time you come into a certain distance it’s an instant reaction you have to get your punches out.
      “This is what you have to do. So, what I’m talking about is the person with the advantage – Manny against McGregor – is always the guy who’s been doing it longer.”
      Should the fight come to fruition, Holyfield reckons Pacquiao, 42, would have a lot less to worry about than the UFC’s first simultaneous two-weight world champion.

      Former undisputed cruiserweight champion Evander Holyfield would happily coach Conor McGregor for a fight with Manny PacquiaoCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The Real Deal said: “Pacquiao won’t have to think much as it’s going to be a boxing match compared to Conor McGregor.
      “The fact of the matter is you’ve got to ask yourself, ‘What was Mayweather’s purpose?’ His purpose was to win, and he won.
      “He realised he could’ve put pressure on in such a fierce pace on Conor McGregor and could have made him give up earlier.
      “There are a lot of things to factor in. You’ve got to have a plan on what you want to do.

      “And how to make this thing interesting, you know, it’s entertaining. Entertaining to the people is the idea. So, what is entertaining?
      “So if you go out there and if you have the ability to knock out the guy in 30 seconds, or people get chance to see a great entertaining fight with the two.
      “They could knock each other out – they are very tough guys, so either way it’s about the performance itself.
      “Everybody knows that Pacquiao is a good fighter, and everybody knows if Mayweather was good then Pacquiao is as good.
      “He’s as good as Mayweather I believe. It’s pretty much just like a person has a certain gift, your gift is writing, or someone’s gift is speaking, and someone who tries to compete with you the other person is going to find it quite difficult .
      “What is the gift that God gave you? This is the question. It’s something that you’ve known whole your life.”
      McGregor, 32, is currently preparing for his UFC 257 rematch with Dustin Poirier, which takes place a week on Saturday on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi.
      Pacquiao, meanwhile, currently doesn’t have a fight booked but intends to compete twice this year

      Joe Rogan says Conor McGregor fighting ‘one of the greatest boxers of all time’ Manny Pacquiao is ‘bonkers’ More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua reveals ‘film study’ of Fury vs Wilder rematch as he gears up for showdown with Brit rival in 2021

      by

      ANTHONY JOSHUA revealed his ‘film study’ of Tyson Fury’s rematch with Deontay Wilder as he prepares fight his British rival this year.
      Joshua, 31, and Fury, 32, are in the process of agreeing a potential double header, which could total £500million.

      Anthony Joshua andTyson Fury are in the process of agreeing a fight

      Anthony Joshua revealed his ‘film study’ of Deontay Wilder vs Tyson Fury

      FANCY A PUNT? CLAIM £40 IN FREE BETS BY BETTING £10
      But while no contracts have officially been signed, the pair of heavyweight champions are beginning their early stages of preparation.
      For AJ, as well as returning to the gym, he is putting in the hours of tactical analysis by watching Fury’s past fights.
      The WBA, IBF and WBO king uploaded a picture on Snapchat, which revealed him dissecting the Gypsy King’s win over Wilder.

      That night last February earned Fury the WBC belt, the only crown missing for Joshua’s collection.
      With the two agreeing a 50/50 split, they are on the verge of fighting for all four of the heavyweight marbles for the first time in history.
      But, Wilder, 35, still believes he is contracted to a trilogy bout with Fury, and has launched a legal case to salvage his shot at revenge.
      The WBC have confirmed to SunSport that the process is still ongoing.

      For Joshua, he is mandated by the WBO to fight Oleksandr Usyk NEXT, and could risk having to vacate the strap.

      But, Usyk, 33, has thrown his fellow Olympic gold medalist a lifeline by hinting he would step aside to allow for an undisputed title decider.
      He told SunSport in December: “All four belts might end up in the same hands of one person.
      “It might be a once in a lifetime opportunity. We should all talk and communicate for that to happen because it is a really big event.”

      Anthony Joshua shows off devastating punch power in training ahead of massive Tyson Fury fight More