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“He Doesn’t Understand”: Soon After Feud With Canelo Alvarez, HE Turki Alalshikh Refuses to Work With Another Boxing Star

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Canelo Alvarez Turki Alalshikh

HE Turki AlalShikh is making things tick in the boxing world. He is currently the most sought-after matchmaker.

The prime architect of blockbuster events like “Queensberry vs Matchroom – 5 vs 5”, and “Ring of Fire”,is rejuvenating the boxing scene with matchups the boxing fans have been dreaming of. The shrewd businessman’s message is quite clear— get with the program, or fall by the wayside! It is quite evident that boxers and promoters have to fit into his plans rather than the other way around.

The Saudi Arabian matchmaker’s beef with Canelo Alvarez is a clear indicator that he is not here to suck up to any fighter, no matter how famous he is. Now, Australian boxing star Tim Tszyu has been added to the list of people he isn’t willing to work with. In an interview with Fight Hub TV, he unequivocally stated that he “will not work” with Tszyu. “He doesn’t understand,” HE said sternly.

Turki Alalshikh: Tim Tszyu banished by Turki Alalshikh, who declares he will not work with the Australian fighter

JUST IN: ‘I definitely knocked him out’: Deontay Wilder includes Tyson Fury in his top three KOs,

Reportedly, Tim Tszyu was supposed to fight Vergil Ortiz on the Riyadh season fight card on August 3. But, a severe cut to the head suffered during his last bout against Sebastian Fundora in March this year, which hasn’t healed yet, forced him to pull out of the event. Previously, the Australian fighter stated that he was hopeful about working with the mastermind of the Riyadh season. “I’d love to work with him. “He’s all about making the big fights happen and I’m all for that. But I’ve got a team. I’ve got a professional team with me and everything is organized through that.”

However, it needs to be mentioned that HE has not stated the exact reason why he isn’t willing to work with Tsyzu. In the meantime, the 29-year-old fighter has been mandated to fight IBF junior-middleweight world champion Murtazaliev later this year.

Moving on to Turki Alalshikh’s feud with Canelo Alvarez, what exactly triggered it?

As with someone with the reputation of orchestrating matchups that the fans would want to see, HE Turki Alalshikh came to Canelo with the offer to fight undefeated two-time undisputed champion Terence Crawford. But, the unified super-middleweight champion flat-out refused. “He needs to do it my way, and not his way. “I respect everybody but I don’t like the way [Alalshikh] talks… I didn’t ask for this fight.” Alvarez said at the press event for his upcoming fight against Edgar Berlanga.

In response, the Saudi Arabian Royal Court adviser shut down all prospects of the Saudis arranging a Canelo event. He accused Canelo of making “easy show-only fights”, which did not fit in with his aim of “making big fights at fair prices.”

As things stand currently, the four-division champion has put an astronomical price tag of $150 million and $200 million on fights with elite contenders David Benavidez and Terence Crawford, respectively.

Clearly,  the ‘face of boxing’ Canelo wants to call the shots, but HE isn’t willing to budge.

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Uncategorized

‘I definitely knocked him out’: Deontay Wilder includes Tyson Fury in his top three KOs,

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Deontay Wilder Tyson Fury

Deontay Wilder included his draw with Tyson Fury when he was asked to rank the top three knockouts of his boxing career.

Many felt the former WBC heavyweight world champion was fortunate to escape with his unbeaten record after his first fight with the Brit, in which he scored two knockdowns but looked to have been largely outboxed for most of the rounds.

The second knockdown, in round 12, has always been contentious with Wilder.

Wilder knocked Fury down twice in their first fight, but many still believed Fury did enough to win

JUST IN: ‘It’s Going To Be Tough’ – Joshua Doubts Fury Can Beat Usyk

He previously said he believed referee Jack Reiss counted slowly and so gave Fury a chance to get up.

When asked to name his best KOs, Wilder told Marcus Watson on Instagram Live in 2021: “Coldest knockouts? There’s so many.

“I’m gonna give you the ones that pop out in my mind.

“Bermane Stiverne II – I transformed, I had an outer experience with him. It was so crazy.

“Artur Szpilka, Szpilka was another one.

“And the 12th round knockout of Fury, because I definitely knocked his ass out…

“I won that fight hands down.

“Not only with me knocking him out and the ref giving him more time because he felt like it would be the right thing to do because of the type of fight that it was.

“It was a highly anticipated fight, had a lot on the line and sometimes these referees go out of their character feeling like, ‘I’mma do what’s best for the sport,’ instead of what is in the rules.

Fury floored Wilder twice and stopped him in round seven of their rematch in February 2020

“I definitely knocked him out. The referee was Jack Reiss and if you go back and look at any of his fights, he stops a lot of fights early.

“Sometimes they don’t even get to get up and he’s waving it off.

“When I knocked Fury out I literally seen it with my own self, that’s one of the reasons why I was so surprised.

“Not only with the count, but I seen this man’s eyes rolled back into his head, that’s how this s*** was.

“I seen his veins popping out his head and I knew he had a concussion. He was gone, that’s a wave off, period.”

Unfortunately for Wilder, he’s more recently been on the receiving end of highlight-reel KOs.

In 2020, he was stopped by Fury and lost his WBC heavyweight world title in their rematch.

Then, in 2021, he again floored the Brit twice in their trilogy fight, but was unable to finish the job,

Fury survived once more and brutally KO’d Wilder in the 11th round.

The American returned in 2022 with a KO of Robert Helenius, but has since lost twice more.

He was outboxed by Joseph Parker last year and then brutally knocked out by Zhilei Zhang in June.

His future is now unclear with many expecting him to retire, though he has shown no indication of doing so.

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BOXING

‘It’s Going To Be Tough’ – Joshua Doubts Fury Can Beat Usyk

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Anthony Joshua Tyson Fury Oleksandr Usyk

Anthony Joshua has given his take on Tyson Fury’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.

Fury lost the first fight via a split decision as Usyk became the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World. The scorecards suggested it was a close fight, but Usyk dominated most of the bout. Aside from the middle rounds, the Gypsy King was out-fought for most of the fight, as Usyk almost stopped him in round nine. The referee imposed a standing eight count just when Usyk went for the stoppage.

Joshua also lost to Usyk in consecutive fights, losing his Unified Heavyweight Title. But Fury has the chance to redeem himself. He rematches Usyk on December 21. Meanwhile, Joshua takes on Daniel Dubois on September 21. If Joshua and Fury win, they could fight each other next for undisputed. But before that can happen, Joshua has told Fury to focus on himself.

Heavyweight star Anthony Joshua gives his prediction for the highly anticipated bout between Tyson Fury and

READ: Anthony Joshua: ‘I’m not here to be friends with anyone’

“It [Fury-Joshua] needs to happen, it’s just taking a long time, it needs to happen. But he’s got his hands full and so have I. Let’s both do our jobs and we’ll see a positive 2025 I’m sure of it because we know that the people that are listening want to make good things happen. So potentially we might see Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury enter into a ring in collaboration with Riyadh Season, here in London. But let’s get focused on Daniel, that’s our main objective and we’ll see what happens there,” Joshua said

Fury is the underdog in his rematch, where he was the favorite in the first fight. The Gypsy King maintained that he had beaten Usyk, arguing the Ukrainian had only been given the decision due to the war with Russia. Fury also watched the fight again and alleged he had won around ten rounds. He referred to Usyk as an amateur boxer who refused to accept defeat.

He was seen getting thrown out of a bar in his hometown of Morecambe after appearing to be drunk. Meanwhile, Joshua is in great form. He has bounced back from his loss to Usyk and is unbeaten in his last four bouts.

Two of his wins have been under his new trainer, Ben Davidson. Since working with Davidson, he has stopped Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou. Since Davidson was Fury’s trainer, it has set up an intriguing fight with the Gypsy King. But Joshua felt that Usyk would be too much for the Gypsy King.

“I think it’s going to be a tough fight early on and then I feel like Usyk will edge it again. He’s a class operator and I feel like Usyk’s one of the best out there. That’s why I think he’ll win,” Joshua added

A Fury vs. Joshua fight is not as big as it could be now that both fighters have been defeated. But given the rivalry’s long history, there is potential for fans to see a mega clash. That allows fans to see a big domestic clash to decide the best British heavyweight of his era.

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BOXING

“He Made It Personal”: Accusing Referee of Being Partial Towards Floyd Mayweather, John Gotti III Predicts a Dog Fight In Rematch

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Floyd Mayweather

An “enemy for life” Floyd Mayweather has now been forgiven by John Gotti III, grandson of former New York mobster John Gotti.

After the melee that erupted following John Gotti III’s disqualification during an exhibition match against Floyd Mayweather in June last year, there was bad blood between them for quite a long time. But things have cooled down, and they are now looking to settle the dispute once and for all inside the ring on November 14 in Mexico City, rather than engaging in crude mudslinging on social media.

In an interview with TMZ, Gotti III took a trip down memory lane and narrated the chain of events that happened inside the ring which eventually led to the entourages of both camps rushing into the ring and engaging in a brawl. Furthermore, he revealed his game plan for the rematch against the legendary 50-0 fighter.

John Gotti III suspended after brawl with Floyd Mayweather

JUST IN: Anthony Joshua: ‘m not here to be friends with anyone’

In an interview with TMZ, the 2-0 professional fighter shared his perspective on his ill-famed bout with Floyd Mayweather. For the uninitiated, referee Kenny Bayless disqualified him, midway through round 6, for clinching Mayweather, and not adhering to the rules of the bout. This made an angry Gotti III shove the referee and charge at Mayweather while throwing haymakers.

But, the anger was building up in Gotti III from round one. “He made it personal, I didn’t make it personal. You know he came out from the get-go of that first fight. He was on the verbal attack right away you know and Kenny Bayless had no problem with that whatsoever,” he said. The fight was a one-sided domination as an aggressive Mayweather kept peppering him with big shots, all the while shooting insults at him.

Thereafter, he accused the referee of being partial towards Mayweather. “When I started giving it back it became a problem,” Gotti remarked, pointing out that he received warnings for verbally insulting Mayweather, while ‘Pretty Boy’ got away scot-free.

Nonetheless, he stated that things would be different in the rematch. “He [Mayweather] could say whatever he wants to say he’s not going to snooker me again you know,” Gotti asserted.

But, what does Gotti expect Floyd to do in the rematch?

Gotti III hopes that Mayweather comes out swinging like he did in the first fight. Safe to say, he isn’t afraid of the “dog fight”. The New York native’s response would be to “stay in the pocket” and trade punches with him.

“If he comes out the way he did the first fight you know I think I am gonna stay right in the pocket this time and I’m gonna give it as good as I could take,” he said confidently.

What’s more, he won’t be afraid to make adjustments if Mayweather decides to move around and play the usual evasive counter-puncher role.

“Maybe he’ll move and be on his bike a little more I don’t I don’t know but I’m prepared like I said,” Gotti told TMZ.

Hopefully, John Gotti III is “mentally prepared” for the boxing pedigree that a skilled, and undefeated fighter like Mayweather is going to bring into the ring.

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GOLF

“I fully accept the sanctions”: LIV Golf pro suspended after positive drugs test

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LIV Golf

LIV Golf pro Graeme McDowell has been suspended and fined from one tournament after he tested positive for a banned substance. 

McDowell took to X on 11 August to confirm he had used a ‘generic’ Vicks nasal decongestant ahead of LIV Nashville after struggling to sleep.

The golfer didn’t realise that it was on the list of prohibited substances, he said.

Graeme McDowell suspended for violating LIV Golf's doping policy

READ: Rory McIlroy reaches unwanted career milestone

The 45-year-old said he did not think to apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) because of the ‘over the counter nature’ of the medicine.

In his statement, McDowell said he ‘deeply’ regretted the oversight and he fully accepted the sanctions imposed by the breakaway tour.

He also appeared to hit out at the PGA Tour by saying that LIV, ‘Unlike other tours’, enforces rules rigorously.

The former European Ryder Cup star appeared to confirm he has been banned from competing in one LIV event.

McDowell said he looks forward to getting back into action at LIV Chicago over 13-15 September.

It means that he won’t be in the field at The Greenbrier next week and explains why he withdrew from last week’s Asian Tour event.

McDowell and his LIV peer Ian Poulter were expected to headline the International Series event at Foxhills in Surrey.

But both players pulled out. Poulter cited the recurrence of an ankle injury whilst McDowell did not give a reason.

“Ahead of LIV Nashville, I was struggling with severe congestion that was affecting my sleep,” McDowell said in a statement.

“In an effort to manage it, I used a generic Vicks nasal decongestant without realising it might be on the banned list.

“As a professional golfer, I understand the importance of checking all medications and the option to apply for a TUE.

“Unfortunately, I did not think to do this due to the over the counter nature of the medicine, and I deeply regret the oversight.

“I fully accept the sanctions imposed by LIV.”

He continued: “LIV’s Anti-Doping Policy is designed to be thorough and transparent.

“Unlike some other tours, LIV enforces these rules rigorously, which made this situation particularly challenging for me.

“However, I respect the rules and penalties – they are essential for maintaining the integrity of the sport.

“I’m proud of my 22-year career and the way I’ve conducted myself throughout it.

“Now, I’m focused on moving forward and getting back on the golf course.

“I look forward to seeing everyone at LIV Chicago.”

McDowell's statement on X

It has been reported that McDowell has been fined $125,000 (£98,000) for the offence.

The results of McDowell and his team from LIV Nashville will be disqualified following his suspension.

McDowell was among the first wave of players to join the controversial, Saudi-backed league in June 2022.

He resigned his membership with the PGA Tour and DP World Tour 30 minutes before the first tee shots were hit in LIV’s inaugural event at Centurion Club.

McDowell is currently a member of Brooks Koepka’s Smash GC.

He spent the first two campaigns as part of Martin Kaymer’s Cleeks outfit.

McDowell has not played in a major championship since the 2020 U.S. Open, when his 10-year exemption for winning the tournament expired.

He has since tumbled to 972 in the Official World Golf Ranking.

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TENNIS

Novak Djokovic is about to discover if his tennis career is coming to an end

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Novak Djokovic Olympic

Novak Djokovic has admitted he is writing the final few chapters of his career and his emotions over the next few weeks could be crucial to deciding when he retires.

After achieving his last great goal in tennis by winning the Olympic gold medal with a win against Carlos Alcaraz in the Paris 2024 final earlier this month, what comes next is a question Djokovic will be asking as he prepares for the final months of this year.

After struggling for motivation and slipping to some surprise defeats in the first half of this year, Djokovic bounced back into form as he performed heroically to come through some tight matches at the French Open.

Olympics 2024: Novak Djokovic defeats Carlos Alcaraz to win gold in men's singles final at Roland Garros | Tennis News | Sky Sports

JUST IN: How does Sinner’s loss affect the battle for World No. 1? Alcaraz could potentially snatch the No. 1

His run at Roland Garros was ended by a knee injury that required him to undergo surgery on June 5, but he made a remarkably quick recovery to play at Wimbledon and reach the final, where he lost against Alcaraz.

Djokovic then bounced back to serve up some passionate performances and claim the Olympic gold medal for Serbia allowed him to complete his record of claiming every major title in tennis.

“I thought in 2012, carrying the flag of my country in the opening ceremony was the best feeling an athlete could have – until today,” the 24-time Grand Slam winner said.

“This supersedes everything that I imagined and hoped I could experience and feel. The fact I won the bronze in my first Olympic Games and ever since then failed to win a medal despite playing in three semi-finals, I couldn’t overcome that obstacle.

“Now, at age 37, I beat a 21-year-old that is probably the best player in the world right now. When I take everything into consideration, this is probably the biggest sporting success I’ve had in my career.

Djokovic’s declaration that he now has everything he could ever need from his tennis career inspired questions over how long the greatest player of them all would continue to play at the highest level.

He has openly admitted that playing in ATP Masters series events is no longer driving his ambition and with the Olympic dream no longer on his horizon, what more can Djokovic aim for?

This is a player with more Grand Slam titles than any male in tennis history, who has been world No 1 for more than two years longer than anyone else, so what is left for Djokovic now?

He could extend his lead in the Grand Slam title race and target an eighth Wimbledon title to equal Roger Federer’s all-time record next summer, but that achievement would not define his legacy.

Djokovic has won his battle with Rafael Nadal and Federer to be etched into the record books as the greatest tennis player of all-time and with the Olympic dream complete, he admits there are doubts over what comes next.

“It’s complete,” he said of his career. “I completed all the achievements with this gold medal, but I love this sport. I don’t just play only to win the tournament.

“I play because I love the competition, training my body, perfecting my game. This sport has given me so much in my life and I try to give back to the sport with dedication and the sacrifice I put on the court when no one else is watching.

“I do it as hard as any young player out there, so these successes are no accident.

“I don’t know about the future. I have worked very hard, sacrificed a lot to get to this moment. Now it’s about happiness, joy and celebration.”

Djokovic will need to get back onto hard courts imminently as he prepares to defend his US Open title, but he will not play in any warm-up events after pulling out of the Toronto and Cincinnati Masters events.

The Serbian has proved time and again that he cannot be written off in any tournament, but Alcaraz and world No 1 Jannik Sinner appear to have been a step ahead of him over the course of 2024 and for the first time in many years, Djokovic may not arrive in New York as US Open favourites.

Beating Alcaraz in a best-of-three-set match that meant more to him than any other in recent years is an achievement he will cherish forever, but can Djokovic still win a Grand Slam against the young guns snapping at his heels?

The great man himself will get some answers to that dilemma when he steps on court at the US Open for the first time because if his motivation wanes for a second on the biggest stages in tennis, even the great Djokovic will be swept aside by his youthful rivals.

If Djokovic steps back on the court and does not feel the drive and passion to continue to strive for perfection, he won’t wait for too long to accept he sport he as loved and completed has given him all he needs.

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TENNIS

How does Sinner’s loss affect the battle for World No. 1? Alcaraz could potentially snatch the No. 1

By
Jannik Sinner Carlos Alcaraz

Jannik Sinner was the heavy favorite to win the Canadian Open title, especially after the absences of Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz.

However, the Italian fell in the quarterfinals to Andrey Rublev, failing to defend the title he won in 2023.

The Italian lost a significant number of points, narrowing the gap with Alcaraz and Djokovic, putting his hold on the top ranking at risk in the coming weeks.
For most of the year, Sinner had comfortably held the No. 1 spot, as none of his rivals could achieve results that brought them close enough to the Italian. However, with the start of the hardcourt swing, we may see changes at the top of the rankings.
Jannik Sinner's Canadian Open exit leaves his top tennis rank vulnerable

READ: “You can’t put him on the same level”: Former world No 1 believes Novak Djokovic falls short of being the GOAT athlete

Sinner is set to lose 800 of the 1,000 points he earned at last year’s Canadian Open, bringing his total down to 8,770 points in the next ranking update. He will have just over a 300-point lead over Djokovic (8,460), with less than 1,000 points separating him from Alcaraz.
Starting Monday, the Cincinnati Open will take place without the defending champion Novak Djokovic, who will lose 1,000 points when the tournament concludes. As for Alcaraz, he finished as runner-up in 2023, so the only way for him to gain points is by winning the title. However, Alcaraz needs to reach the quarterfinals to secure the World No. 2 ranking, though he cannot yet aim for No. 1, as Sinner is not defending points in Cincinnati, and there is no mathematical way for Alcaraz to overtake him yet.
Cincinnati could be a crucial event for Sinner if he hopes to remain No. 1. Without defending points, it’s a golden opportunity to widen the gap with his pursuers and limit the risk of what could happen afterward at Flushing Meadows. There, Djokovic is defending the title (2,000 points), while Alcaraz is defending the semifinals (720 points). Sinner, on the other hand, only reached the fourth round (180 points).
Given this, Djokovic currently has no chance of reclaiming the No. 1 spot, even if he defends his title at the US Open. Alcaraz, however, appears more threatening, having won the last two Grand Slams and looking like the player in the best form in recent months. He also knows what it takes to win the title at Flushing Meadows, having done so back in 2021.
Depending on their results in Cincinnati and the US Open, Alcaraz could potentially snatch the No. 1 spot from Sinner once the fourth Grand Slam of the year concludes. Sinner is guaranteed 8,590 points at the end of the US Open, plus any additional points he may earn in upcoming tournaments, while Alcaraz could reach a maximum of 9,640 points if he wins both the US Open and Cincinnati.
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BOXING

Anthony Joshua: ‘I’m not here to be friends with anyone’

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Anthony Joshua IBF heavyweight

When Anthony Joshua walks to the ring to fight Daniel Dubois for the IBF heavyweight title at Wembley Stadium in London, England, on September 21, 3,088 days will have passed since Joshua breezed past Charles Martin to first win the famous red belt. 

Lots has happened since that night in April 2016 but although things may feel different if he wakes up on Sunday morning with the belt at the end of his bed – for the time being at least – the thought of recapturing his original title doesn’t trigger any particular feelings in Joshua, nor does it hold any special significance.

When Joshua, 28-3 (25 KOs), beat Martin to first win the title it signified much more. It confirmed Joshua’s arrival on the world stage and was the first, significant step towards turning him into the global attraction he developed.

Anthony Joshua

READ: Ryan Garcia & Serhii Bohachuk Join Forces Against Boxing World as HE Turki Alalshikh’s Plan Sets in Motion After Vergil Ortiz Jr. Calls Out Terence Crawford

These days, the title belt would be a nice bonus but is part of a much bigger picture. Beating Dubois, 21-2 (20 KOs), won’t kickstart another long run of title defenses but it should earn him a straight shot at the winner of the upcoming rematch between Oleksandr Usyk or Tyson Fury and, depending on boxing politics, a crack at the undisputed heavyweight title for the first time in his career..

“I always say I would always compare and look back when it’s all said and done. At the minute I’m just very chilled. Everything’s a blessing so I just get on with it. It’s an opportunity to fight” Joshua told Queensberry.

“It’s going to be tough, it’s nerve-wracking but in terms of world titles I’m just like, ‘Here today gone tomorrow. Onto the next’ and then when it’s all said and done I’ll like, ‘Oh I remember when I won that and that was amazing and that was amazing,’ but as for now, conqueror’s mindset; win onto the next.”

Joshua and Dubois have a history dating back some seven years. The exact details of what really happened during their much talked about sparring session in Sheffield will probably end up being lost to time but although it probably means little given how much both fighters have changed since, it has certainly left an undercurrent of tension.

If Joshua has slowly changed and evolved as a fighter and person during his time at the top, Dubois’ transformation has been quick and startling. The 26-year-old’s gutsy, stoppage victories over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic cast aside the doubts and questions thrown up by his stoppage defeats to Joe Joyce and Usyk.

Dubois is also beginning to develop that all important aura that a heavyweight champion must possess. He will never be as professional or as slick as Joshua is in front of the cameras but he seems to have decided to be himself and appears much more comfortable as a result.

During a long press day of set piece events to launch the fight, tempers flared as the two came head to head for a round table discussion.

Dubois – buoyed by the way he handled the domineering Filip Hrgovic – had clearly made up his mind not to show the more experienced Joshua even the slightest hint of weakness and refused to be intimidated as Joshua sought to impose his seniority, leaving his seat and warning the younger man that he doesn’t take being disrespected lightly.

Joshua respects the attitude that Dubois is bringing to the fight and revealed that a bit of pre-fight tension helps  him become the person he needs to be on fight night.

“Always been that way. This is what I feel people don’t really get to understand what it’s like to do our job,” he said. “It’s a very unique job. The glitz and the glamor of it is very unique but when you strip it down to the core of it, let’s say you’re going to get two men to stand up in the ring in front of people and we want you to fight for 47 minutes. A lot of people couldn’t even fight for two minutes. Start the clock and try and fight – try and throw punches – for two minutes.We’re going to do it for 47 minutes so, yeah, people couldn’t really grasp where that takes us as people but I’m straight warrior mindset the whole time. I’m not here to be friends with anyone.”

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BOXING

Ryan Garcia & Serhii Bohachuk Join Forces Against Boxing World as HE Turki Alalshikh’s Plan Sets in Motion After Vergil Ortiz Jr. Calls Out Terence Crawford

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Vergil Ortiz Jr. Terence Crawford

Although he had to walk the whole distance, Vergil Ortiz Jr. finally did it! The Grand Prairie-born boxer remains unbeaten. At the Michelob Ultra Arena, Ortiz Jr. defeated Serheii Bohachuk by a majority decision to become the new WBC (interim) light middleweight champion.

The triumph might have caused a dent in his 100% KO record; nevertheless, it has also opened new pathways for the 26-year-old, who has been striving for his share of boxing glory for quite some time. Thus, making his next move on the board, during the post-fight in-ring interview, he called out Terence Crawford.

With the much-sought-after fight between Crawford and Canelo Alvarez falling off the radar, roads appear open for a potential showdown between Vergil Ortiz Jr. and ‘Bud’ Crawford. It’s a matchup that has even caught the attention of His Excellency Turki Alalshikh. Ortiz Jr. returned to boxing after a break that lasted nearly 17 months. He announced his arrival with a quick dispatch of Frederick Lawson and Thomas Dulorme in the year’s first half. Needless to say, several renowned names from the boxing world took to their keyboards to pen their thoughts; some of them deemed the fight a modern-day classic!

JUST IN: Vergil Ortiz wins despite 2 knockdowns, eyes Crawford

Perhaps both Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Serhii Bohachuk, who had previously sparred with each other, had decided on not giving either any quarter. Both went after each other. Round after round, crowds in the arena witness a slugfest, which is sure to enter this year’s fight of the year’s contention.

 

For the first time in his eight-year-old career, Ortiz Jr. suffered two knockdowns. but as rounds proceeded, he got busier, working his way up through precision body shots that slowed down his Ukrainian opponent. Full credit goes to Bohachuk for the fight he gave that eventually witnessed one of the judges going neutral with a 113-113 scroecard. However, for the remaining two, Ortiz Jr. had worked sufficiently to deserve a win: 114-112, 114-112.

The Grand Prairie-born boxer’s feat followed ‘Bud’ Crawford’s light middleweight debut on August 3. The Nebrskan defeated Israil Madrimov to secure the WBA and WBO (interim) titles. Though he has always expressed interest in a fight with Canelo Alvarez, the Mexican icon, it appears he isn’t too keen on the matchup. His price quote for the Crawford fight eventually saw HE Alalshikh release a statement on parting with the project. So what could be next for ‘Bud’ Now that there are two new champions in the 154-pound weight class, a title unification seems like a logical move.

As far as the outcome of the fight is concerned, views fall on either side of the fence. While a few felt the fight could have been a draw, others don’t seem eager about Ortiz Jr.’s future moves, especially the Crawford duel. Let’s check what a few of them had to say.

 

 

 

 

 

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BOXING

Vergil Ortiz wins despite 2 knockdowns, eyes Crawford

By
Vergil Ortiz Terence Crawford

Vergil Ortiz survived the first two knockdowns of his career to score a majority-decision victory over Serhii Bohachuk on Saturday night in Las Vegas.

Ortiz, who was floored in Rounds 1 and 8, prevailed via scores of 114-112, 114-112 and 113-113 in a fight of the year contender.

“I felt like I did enough,” said Ortiz, who entered the ring rated No. 5 by ESPN at junior middleweight. “I proved everyone wrong who said that I’m washed, I can’t fight at 154, I can’t go the distance. … All of it fueled me. I’m the best in the world right now, and I’m going to keep showing it.”

Vergil Ortiz Jr. Vs. Serhii Bohachuk Results, Scorecards And Reaction

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Ortiz and Bohachuk combined for 1,500-plus punches in a firefight from bell to bell that included many violent exchanges. Ukraine’s Bohachuk landed an overhand right in Round 1 that dropped Ortiz to one knee, though it was originally ruled a slip. Before the start of Round 5, instant replay was consulted, and the call was overturned in a rare instance.

Bohachuk (24-2, 23 KOs) scored another knockdown in Round 8, this time when a left hook forced Ortiz’s glove to touch the canvas. Ortiz (22-0, 21 KOs) stormed back with renewed urgency afterward and was able to stun Bohachuk. Ortiz rocked him again in the penultimate round. He won the last three rounds unanimously and the final four on two cards to pull out the victory.

“People [who] saw this fight today and who understand boxing know what happened today,” Bohachuk, 29, said in reference to the judges’ verdict. “I’m feeling great, I make two knockdowns. Come on, guys.”

The bout, which had title implications, featured non-stop punching from two heavy hitters. Ortiz landed an array of body shots, left hooks and uppercuts while Bohachuk looked to take a step back and set up power punches with his jab.

“Fight of the year, baby,” said Ortiz’s promoter, Hall of Fame boxer Oscar De La Hoya.

With the victory, Ortiz picked up the WBC interim title, which positions him for a shot against the winner of the planned December bout between Sebastian Fundora and Errol Spence. Ortiz is also now the leading contender to fight Terence Crawford, who made his 154-pound debut last week with a title win over Israil Madrimov.

Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, organized the Crawford-Madrimov event and was ringside Saturday. He said on the DAZN broadcast he is looking to match Ortiz with Crawford next.

“I’m ready for a challenge,” said Ortiz. “I think Bud [Crawford] is probably No. 1 pound for pound in the world and I wanna show that I have what it takes to beat him.”

Ortiz was set to fight former champion Tim Tszyu last week on the Crawford-Madrimov undercard before the Tszyu was forced to withdraw. The 26-year-old Texan was fighting for the third time in 2024. He finished his previous two opponents — Fredrick Lawson and Thomas Dulrome — in the first round.

Ortiz entered the fight rated No. 5 by ESPN at 154 pounds. He emerged with a cut over his left eye and a gash over the bridge of his nose.

Bohachuk is ESPN’s No. 7 junior middleweight. He entered the ring on the heels of his career-best performance, a March decision win over Brian Mendoza. Bohachuk’s previous defeat was an eighth-round TKO vs. Brandon Adams in 2021.

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