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“Hungry Lion” Terence Crawford Can Knockout Canelo Alvarez, Says Olympic Medalist

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Terence Crawford Canelo Alvarez

Who can give the 2-division undisputed champion Terence Crawford a legacy-defining big-money fight?

At thirty-six, Terence Crawford is looking for a bout that would set him up nicely for retirement. Now, Crawford only has his eyes on one man: the undisputed super-middleweight champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez. “Canelo is going to bring way more to my legacy; way more to my bank account. At the end of the day, when boxing is done with, what will we have? I wanna have a legacy that people talk about for ages, and not only that, I want a bank account that will last for ages,” the former undisputed welterweight champion told Ariel Helwani.

Crawford is gradually working to reduce the weight gap between himself and Canelo. On August 3, at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, the Nebraska native will move up to Light Middleweight to challenge WBA champion Israil Madrimov for the title as part of the massive Matchroom Boxing event. Depending on the outcome of the Madrimov fight, Crawford will go to great lengths to entice Canelo into a bout, potentially next year. Most boxing experts have high confidence in Crawford’s chances of defeating the current face of boxing. Keyshawn Davis, a silver medalist at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and an emerging star in the Lightweight division is also backing Terence Crawford to pull off an upset win against the super-middleweight kingpin, Canelo Alvarez.

Terence Crawford: American boxer to face Israil Madrimov in bid to win world title at fourth different weight - Eurosport

JUST IN: ‘THEY DID STUFF THAT WASN’T FAIR’ – FRANCIS NGANNOU SAYS PROMOTERS OF USING DIRTY TACTICS TO HELP ANTHONY JOSHUA

While in a conversation with Fight Hype TV, the 25-year-old was asked about the outcome of a potential showdown between Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez. Without hesitation, the Olympian chose Crawford to do a number on the Mexican if they were to fight it out in the ring. On top of that, he didn’t rule out Crawford’s chance of even knocking out ‘Cinnamon’. “Size don’t mean everything in a fight… I think he can knock out Canelo. Yes. For sure. If he does that, that would be crazy. This guy is a young, hungry lion. This guy not coming here just to lay down. He really fights. This guy got real IQ,” Davis said.

‘The Businessman’s’ opinion differs from those who feel that weight would play a significant part in Terence’s downfall against Canelo. The Mexican boxer, who will not be budging from his natural weight class, is being touted to inflict serious damage since Canelo is much more attuned to fighting at 168 than Crawford. But, Davis feels that Crawford’s superior boxing IQ will reign supreme.

Doubling down on his prediction, the twenty-five-year-old boxer further remarked, “Terence about to outbox him like he got to do. Terence about to knock him out like he got to. Whatever, he gotta do to get the win, it’s gonna be crazy. This matchup is just crazy to even get into.” 

Interestingly, Crawford has a higher KO rate than Canelo at 77.5%, ending 31 of his 40 fights via knockout. Meanwhile, Canelo’s KO percentage stands at 63.93%, with him preferring to go the distance with his last four opponents.

Reportedly, Canelo will be going up against the 27-year-old undefeated boxer Edgar Berlanga on September 14 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, according to ESPN’s Mike Coppinger. Berlanga has never fought a world title fight. Right now, it seems Canelo is looking for easy fights that wouldn’t mess up his impressive boxing record. At the tail end of his career, Canelo will be demanding a humungous sum of money to enter into the ring against elite competitors like Terence Crawford or even David Benavidez.

Meanwhile, Canelo’s former promoter Eddie Hearn revealed why the Mexican legend wouldn’t be willing to take up the Crawford fight.

In an interview with talkSPORT in May, Eddie Hearn said Alvarez is likely to turn down the Crawford fight due to the gulf in weight classes between the two fighters. He further stated that Canelo is more likely to fight someone close to his weight class, at a hefty price of course! Does Canelo’s $200 million price tag set on the Benavidez fight ring a bell?

“When I met Saul, he wasn’t crazy on that [Crawford] fight. He just felt that you have got a welterweight coming up to light-middleweight, going up to super-middleweight and that he wouldn’t get any credit for that win. I think that he would pick Benavidez over Crawford because he knows he would get the credit for that victory, whereas he might not for fighting a guy that is three or four divisions lower,” Hearn asserted.

Notably, Canelo started his career at light welterweight and slowly made his way up to light-heavyweight. So, for Terence Crawford to make that leap in weight classes isn’t an unimaginable task. But, Canelo’s comfortability in the super-middleweight division cannot be factored out. After all, a sudden jump from 147 to 168 for Crawford could affect his mobility and the quickness of throwing punches.

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BOXING

‘THEY DID STUFF THAT WASN’T FAIR’ – FRANCIS NGANNOU SAYS PROMOTERS OF USING DIRTY TACTICS TO HELP ANTHONY JOSHUA

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Francis Ngannou Anthony Joshua

Francis Ngannou has slammed boxing promoters for giving Anthony Joshua an unfair advantage in their fight. 

Ngannou was knocked out in the second round in his second boxing bout, much to the disappointment of fans. He failed to follow up on his impressive showing against Tyson Fury. The Predator dropped Fury in the third round while managing to last the distance in an impressive debut. Despite losing a split decision, many felt Ngannou had done enough to win. But when it came to facing Joshua, Ngannou was unhappy with the scheduling.

He recalled how he was made to wait for the media obligations that ran beyond the scheduled times. Ngannou also referred to how the fight happened much later than planned. He had prepared to box Joshua for around 1 am, while the fight started much later at 3:30 am. Ngannou recalled feeling tired before he entered the boxing ring. Given that Matchroom and Queensbury were responsible for the scheduling, Ngannou was unhappy.

JUST IN: Floyd Mayweather Promises Two Lucky Fans a Trip to Mexico for John Gotti III Rematch, Find Out How to Participate

“Not to say Anthony Joshua couldn’t beat me. I think if there’s somebody that you can lose against, he’s the guy, he’s one of the best doing it. This is definitely not on him, because he wasn’t the guy that was sending all those emails, organizing. So I’m not blaming him for anything. But the organization, they did quite some stuff that wasn’t fair.

“His team was part of the organization because it was Queensbury (Promotions) and Matchroom (Boxing), those emails were coming to me from them. Those were the people that were sending the schedule, and every day they send everything, the pickup time, the program, the schedule,” Ngannou said

Nevertheless, Ngannou has earned enough money to set him up for the rest of his career. He is now in a position where he does not have to fight unless it is for the right bout. The Predator is the former UFC Heavyweight Champion, meaning he has beaten the best in the MMA world. He has also been appointed Chairman of PFL Africa, giving him a career outside of fighting.

The organization will hold its play-off season next year, as the best African talent faces off against each other. Ngannou is expected to make his PFL debut this year. However, the passing of his son did complicate matters. His 15-month-old son, Kobe, died, raising question marks over whether Ngannou would fight again. PFL Chairman Donn Davis first hoped that Ngannou would fight in the summer. While Ngannou still expects to fight, the timing has now been moved.

“It’s working pretty good, we have a good relationship. Perhaps, I will be fighting by the end of the year. I think Renan Ferreira is the guy [I will fight next]. He’s dangerous, I think [that fight will be in Saudi Arabia], that’s what the PFL is working on. [It will likely take place] in October. They’re working on October, it’s not finalized yet but they were talking about October 19th [as the date],” Ngannou stated 

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BOXING

Floyd Mayweather Promises Two Lucky Fans a Trip to Mexico for John Gotti III Rematch, Find Out How to Participate

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Floyd Mayweather John Gotti III Mexico City

All your life you admired Floyd Mayweather‘s boxing. You often wished you saw ‘TBE’ in action live! However, you could never afford the tickets. But, what if Mayweather himself now decided to treat you and sponsor a visit to his next exhibition? Sounds interesting, right?

Well, Floyd Mayweather cannot help but be generous. After taking 34 people to Super Bowl LVII by spending one million, Mayweather now wants to provide two lucky fans with the time of their lives! How? He wants to make sure they catch his rematch with John Gotti III live in Mexico City. Bang on!

In June this year, Floyd Mayweather announced that the rematch with John Gotti III was taking place at Arena CDMX, Mexico City, on August 24th. Additionally, it was revealed that Victor Ortiz was returning against Rodrigo Damian Coria. So, the card is not going to be boring at all. Meanwhile, since the last fight between Mayweather and Gotti III ended in chaos with Gotti III willing to attack Floyd even after the official stoppage, one can expect at least full-fledged entertainment from the rematch if not excellent boxing. But, how to be one of the two lucky fans?

John Gotti III suspended in Florida after Floyd Mayweather Jr. brawl - Los Angeles Times

READ: ‘Tank’ Davis fight is a phone call away – Shakur Stevenson’s co-manager

While we await more details, Floyd Mayweather took to Instagram and, in one of his stories, wrote, “Two people will win an all-inclusive trip to Mexico for my next exhibition.” For more details, it has been advised to keep an eye on his Instagram account. Soon, he also posted some training videos, showing him preparing for the Gotti III rematch.

Now that the tickets are on sale, Floyd Mayweather is devoting most of his time to training. Although he had out-performed John Gotti III in their first match, Mayweather does not want to take the rematch lightly as he understands that “anything can happen in a fight.” So, he has teamed up with Crystal Thomas! With an Instagram video, Mayweather introduced Thomas to the world.

“As you guys know, I’ve been working for a while. I’ve been working for like thirty minutes or forty minutes. I don’t know the exact time,” said Floyd Mayweather, taking a break. “My trainer, I chose her for a reason. She works extremely hard. Anytime you call, she shows up,” he said about Crystal.

“And she’s got great energy. It’s all about having a person who has great energy. That’s why I chose her. She’s from the Detroit area,” Mayweather added before resuming the session. With that said, do you want to see Floyd Mayweather vs. John Gotti III live? Then keep an eye on Mayweather’s activities on Instagram.

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GOLF

Charlie Woods’s Rival Etches His Name With Tiger Woods’s Legacy As New Record Beckons at U.S Junior

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Tiger Woods Charlie Woods PGA Tour

Few have matched what Tiger Woods has achieved in his career.

Blades Brown is one of those few who have one record in common with the nine-time USGA champion. Brown matched Woods’s record of earning the stroke-play medalist honor in both the U.S. Amateur and the U.S. Junior Amateur.

Last year, Brown became the youngest co-medalist at the U.S. Amateur Championship. He was 16 when he edged past Benton Weinberg at Cherry Hills. The previous record belonged to Bob Jones. But Jones was 18. Woods of course took notice of Brown’s heroics.

Golf, Tiger Woods' son Charlie aiming to make PGA Tour debut at pre-qualifier

READ: Tiger Woods photos show gruesome extent of injuries from near-fatal crash for first time

At Oakland Hills, Blades Brown, again matched what he did last August. Firing two rounds of 66 & 68, the Tennessean’s 2024 boys athlete of the year topped the leaderboard after 36 holes. Of course, that couldn’t have come at a better moment as Tiger Woods was also present in the field.

Woods’s 15-year-old son, Charlie, made his USGA debut at Oakland. The 15-time major winner flew straight to Bloomfield Township to accompany his son. After getting to know Brown matched his record, Tiger Woods wanted to congratulate him in person. The two posed for a picture after the round, as shared by Nuclr Golf from their X handle.

Brown, of course, has a long way to go to take a piece of Woods’s USGA record. The former world no.1 six-peated at USGA—three U.S. Junior Amateur titles followed by three U.S. Amateur titles. Brown was eliminated in match play at Cherry Hills, however. At Michigan, Brown, son of former WNBA star, Rhonda Blades, just received a massive boost to bolster his hopes.

This has been a spectacular few months for the 2023 Tennessee Golf Association’s Player of the Year. He made his PGA Tour debut at the Myrtle Beach Classic tying for 26th. Brown, who had to switch to online classes because of golf, also has signed a deal with equipment giant, Callaway.

However, for the Woods father-son duo, it has been a rather stark contrast. The 82-time PGA Tour winner and his 15-year-old son have had a topsy-turvy year so far.

Tiger Woods could only make the trip because he missed the cut at Royal Troon, his last competitive appearance this year. The only flicker in an otherwise forgettable season was the first round at Augusta National in April. Similarly, Woods Jr. played his way into the U.S. Junior Amateur after earning the medalist honor in Coral Springs.

Woods Jr. opened with a round 12-over 82 spoiled by five doubles and four bogeys. TV cameras caught the 15-year-old holding his face in his palm for more than a minute inside the clubhouse. The second round started differently, but a storm halted play for over an hour. When it did resume, the teenager lost the steam.

Marred by a triple bogey on the 18th, Charlie Woods finished at 162 to miss the cut for match play. The 48-year-old could only watch as parents are not allowed to coach at the U.S. Junior Amateur.

A rough crowd of a thousand followed Woods Jr. and his father through the first 18 holes. After rain, that dwindled to half. Nevertheless, securities and marshals—increased to 18 after the first six holes—tried to control the crowd.

Tiger Woods came to Oakland Hills after an early exit from the Open, his third MC in a row. However, neither that nor his son’s heartbreak stopped the former world no.1 from congratulating an aspiring pro for his stellar achievement. The 48-year-old plans to tee off with his son at the 2024 PNC Championship, which he jokingly dubbed as the fifth major.

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TENNIS

Rafael Nadal Puts His Faith in Carlos Alcaraz as He Wishes to End Career on a High at Paris Olympics

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Paris Olympics Rafael Nadal Carlos Alcaraz

Rafael Nadal is gearing up to hit the ground running at the Paris Olympics, competing in both the singles and doubles categories.

The Spanish player, who is well-known for his unwavering skill and unwavering dedication, hopes to add an Olympic gold medal while getting closer to retirement. Even though Rafa expressed some doubts about his own play, he has complete faith in Carlos Alcaraz, his doubles partner, to guide their team to victory in Paris.

The 38-year-old tennis legend already has two gold medals from the Olympics after winning the men’s singles title at the 2008 Beijing Games. He teamed up with Marc Lopez eight years later to win the doubles title in Rio. With this remarkable accomplishment, Rafael Nadal becomes the only tennis player in Olympic history to win gold in both the singles and doubles competitions.

Tennis stars Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz to compete together at Paris 2024

READ: Nadal ‘not comfortable’ ahead of Olympics bid

Talking about his Olympic participation, he said, “I know that if I play well in singles, I will also play well in doubles, but I will have to work hard.” Notwithstanding the passing of a long time, Nadal is ready to win the round once more, having sent a confident message about his partner in a recent interview.  

While talking about his doubles partner, he said, “And I’m convinced that Carlos will be at a great level, knowing that he arrives with confidence.” The world No. 3 will be competing for the first time in the Olympics in Paris.

Subsequently, he told Tennis Channel that he was hoping to win both singles and doubles competitions when his collaboration with Rafael Nadal was announced earlier this year, calling their alliance a “dream.” On the other hand, he expressed his excitement, saying, “And obviously, the doubles with Rafa is going to be a really dream moment for me. Obviously, we will try to bring home the gold medal again.”

The four-time Grand Slam winner disclosed that he and Nadal would wait to talk strategy until they got to France. The 21-year-old acknowledged that, despite being an up-and-coming talent in the sport, he would yield to his more seasoned partner and let Nadal lead.

The 2024 Wimbledon winner said a few days ago that while he isn’t anxious about the Olympics just now, he expects to feel pressure once he gets to Paris. He conveyed his excitement to absorb knowledge from the 22-time Grand Slam champion, who possesses an abundance of expertise from competing in the Olympics.

He said, “I’m not nervous right now. When the time comes, I will be. And yes, obviously, he’s already experienced this, he already knows what it’s like to play in the Olympics, to win a gold in both singles and doubles. I’m new, I’m the rookie here, so I have to keep my mouth shut and just listen to him.”

The storyline involving Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz looks promising as the Paris Olympics approaches. With Alcaraz’s growing star power and Rafael Nadal’s seasoned experience, this partnership is sure to captivate tennis fans everywhere.

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BOXING

Tyson Fury makes Oleksandr Usyk fight decision after John Fury jibes

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Tyson Fury Oleksandr Usyk

Tyson Fury’s manager has confirmed that there’ll be no changes to the Brit’s corner during his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.

Fury, 35, tasted defeat for the first time in his professional career in May after a split-decision result. Although their rematch hasn’t been given an official date, the ‘Gypsy King’ is expected to have a second chance at downing the Ukrainian this coming December, with the winner likely to take on either Anthony Joshua or Daniel Dubois in March 2025.

During the loss, there was notable change in Fury’s corner. Traditionally, only one person speaks to a fighter between rounds, yet in Riyadh, Fury’s father John, SugarHill Steward and Andy Lee were all seen giving him advice.

Oleksandr Usyk beats Tyson Fury by split decision to become the undisputed heavyweight champion

JUST IN : “I wanna see him fight the best in the division”: Terence Crawford Draws Out Plan for Shakur Stevenson to Sweep the Lightweight Division

Some of that was contradictory, leading to criticism of having too many voices. Nevertheless, manager Spencer Brown says that Fury won’t be changing tack.

“There’ll be changes, not in management or his team, there’ll be some other stuff that he’ll be looking at training-wise,” Brown told Sky Sports. “With the closeness of the fight last time, it could have gone either way. Some people will say Usyk was three rounds in front, some people won’t, it’s your opinion on boxing – that’s why we love it,” reports the Mirror.

Ex-heavyweight boxer and former sparring partner to both Usyk and Fury, Dave Allen, didn’t mince his words when criticising Fury’s corner. He told Boxing Social: “[There were] just too many voices in the corner really, I thought tactically through halfway was spot on case he boxed him and he had to box him because Usyk was so sharp, but you know you cut to the corners.”

Referring specifically to Fury’s trainer, SugarHill Steward, he added: “SugarHill in the corner, he’s the only voice for me but he’s getting advice from John as well, after the knockdown in round 10 get on your bike and have a rest but 11 and 12 you need to win them rounds, he was trying to steal it. They’re telling him if you win the last round you’ve won the fight no, by this point you need a knockdown you need to get him out of there.”

When it comes to Fury’s upcoming rematch with Usyk, the pressure is certainly on for the British heavyweight to bring home the victory. But Brown remains optimistic about his odds, stating: “Tyson Fury will be back. He’ll be firing and we’ll see a new, better, improved Tyson Fury.”

Concluding his thoughts, he remarked: “At his age, I don’t know how much you can improve but there was very, very little in the fight between them, so let’s back our British guy and I’m sure he will win and then we’re going to talk about the next stage.”

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BOXING

“I wanna see him fight the best in the division”: Terence Crawford Draws Out Plan for Shakur Stevenson to Sweep the Lightweight Division

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Terence Crawford Shakur Stevenson

Shakur Stevenson has been trying to get bigger fights in the lightweight division for the past few years.

However, it has not gone his way, and he has become one of the most ignored fighters in boxing. But, one legendary boxer believes Stevenson is headed in the right direction for greater success. Two-division undisputed champion Terence Crawford has prepared a plan to help Stevenson get to the top of the lightweight division.

Stevenson extended his unbeaten record to 22-0 earlier this month against German boxer Artem Harutyunyan. Despite Stevenson’s victory, fans deemed it as a boring fight. Additionally, it was his last fight with Bob Arum’s Top Rank, and he has not signed another promoter yet. But the news of him being a free agent has created a buzz online.

Terence Crawford and Shakur Stevenson spar, gearing up for next fights - Bad Left Hook

JUST IN: Why David Benavidez Puts Canelo Alvarez Dream to Rest Decides to Remain at 175 Explain

Fans have criticized Stevenson for being a boring combatant. He uses a fairly defensive style of play. However, ‘Bud’ prefers that the young boxer continue doing what he is doing and make no changes to his style. During his conversation with sports journalist Ariel Helwani, Crawford stated, “I would like to see Shakur Stevenson do exactly what he’s doing now. Keeping his name out there in the media, people are talking about him. Ultimately, I wanna see him fight the best in the division.”

Additionally, Crawford added, “I wanna see him unify the division and shut these guys up who are saying, ‘he’s not this great fighter they think he is’. I wanna see those guys get in the ring with him.”

Stevenson has been waiting for a long time to take on top boxers such as Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia, and Gervonta Davis. But to no avail.

However, he feels these boxers will eventually have to fight him for the title given that he currently holds the WBC lightweight belt. Moreover, another sports icon shares the same thoughts as ‘Bud’.

Joe Cordina, a former two-time super featherweight champion, admired Stevenson’s boxing abilities. The Welsh boxer was a rival to Stevenson before, but he still admires the latter’s talent. While talking to BoxingScene, Cordina said, “It’s mad, because I see loads of people giving him stick. But if you love the art of boxing, you can’t knock it. How can you knock that? He hits and doesn’t get hit. He’s smart.”

The 32-year-old further mentioned that Stevenson is among the best defensive fighters today. Cordina stated that he genuinely doesn’t understand why the Newark native is getting so much hate. He explained, “It’s people that just don’t see the art of boxing. All they want to see is knockouts.”

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BOXING

Why David Benavidez Puts Canelo Alvarez Dream to Rest Decides to Remain at 175 Explain

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David Benavidez Canelo Alvarez

Perhaps the grass on the other side is indeed greener. 

David Benavidez might have sensed that a fight with either Artur Beterbiev or Dmitry Bivol makes more sense than the prolonged wait for long-time divisional rival Canelo Alvarez. ‘The Mexican Monster’s callout of the Mexican icon has now entered boxing folklore. With Alvarez showing no signs of interest in fighting the 168-pound interim champion, it seemed more prudent for Benavidez to test the waters elsewhere.

So, on to the 175-pound division. To announce his arrival, a quick dispatch of Oleksandr Gvozdyk followed. It was time to wait and watch. Either go back home and wait for Canelo Alvarez to accept the mandatory challenge, or face the division’s other big names, such as his namesake David Morrell or Edgar Berlanga. Otherwise, stay back at light middleweight. The division is set for its biggest upheaval when champions Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol finally clash for the undisputed title. So, why not become a mandatory challenger here rather than face a protracted delay at super middleweight, where Canelo Alvarez shows no sign of abdicating his throne anytime soon?

Boxing: David Benavidez bashes Canelo once again: 'He knows I'm the biggest threat at 168' | Marca

JUST IN: ‘Tank’ Davis fight is a phone call away – Shakur Stevenson’s co-manager

The landscape of the super middleweight and light heavyweight divisions seems to be settling down, at least for the time being. According to an update posted by talkSPORT’s Michael Benson, David Benavidez has seemingly decided to stay at 175 pounds.

So, he will become the mandatory challenger to the winner of the October 21 Riyadh Season showdown between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. However, the move comes at a price. Currently the WBC’s ‘interim’ super middleweight champion, he will have to relinquish the belt, rendering his status as Canelo Alvarez’s mandatory challenger redundant.

Needless to say, the news has drawn a myriad of reactions from fans and followers. The overall vibe and theme raked of Canelo Alvarez ‘ducking’ Benavidez, thus resulting in such a move from the latter. One fan wrote, “Benavidez vs. Dmitry Bivol would be a good fight! Since it seems we’ll never get Benavidez vs. ducker Canelo.”

But in hindsight, one must consider whether it is a prudent move from ‘The Mexican Monster’.

From what it appears, Canelo Alvarez’s second fight of the year may take place around the Mexican Independence Day weekend. According to available reports, Edgar Berlanga, the WBA’s mandatory challenger, appears the strongest candidate to stand opposite him. So what if the undisputed champ decides to consider a fight with Benavidez? Chances are it may not happen until September 2025. One must consider the ongoing talks about a potential matchup with Terence Crawford under Riyadh Season’s auspices.

So, does it make any sense to stay put and wait for his next payday, risking possible ring rust? Now, as a light heavyweight challenger, he will have to await the outcome of the October 21 clash in Riyadh. Artur Beterbiev is nearing forty. Hence, if he wins, there are chances he might pursue another high-profile fight against a big name such as David Benavidez. That might well be his swan song.

If Dmitry Bivol wins, then, thanks to their sparring sessions, as he stated before, Benavidez knows the fighting style of the Russian-Kyrgyz boxer. Given the confidence he expressed in knocking out Bivol if ever there was a fight, his dream of becoming an undisputed champion could be close enough. The die has been cast. The light heavyweight division is going to witness some high-class, edge-of-the-seat action in the coming months. Perhaps fans might as well be happy with ‘The Mexican Monster’s decision.

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‘Tank’ Davis fight is a phone call away – Shakur Stevenson’s co-manager

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Gervonta “Tank” Davis Shakur Stevenson

In the strongest terms possible, Shakur Stevenson and his representatives are ready to fully launch negotiations with fellow unbeaten three-division champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis for a lightweight unification bout.

Now, it’s just a matter of making those terms make sense.

“It’s all up to ‘Tank.’ The one thing about Shakur – he will take anyone you put in front of him,” Stevenson’s co-manager, Josh Dubin, told BoxingScene Tuesday. “We’re here and waiting and ready to negotiate.”

James Toney Makes Emphatic Gervonta Davis-Shakur Stevenson Prediction: "He'll Ruin His Career" - Seconds Out

READ: ‘GERVONTA CAN KILL THIS GUY’ – TANK DAVIS BACKS TO KO LOMA AND SHAKUR

Through last week, Baltimore’s World Boxing Association champion Davis (30-0, 28 KOs) was in talks to stage a unification against IBF champion Vasiliy Lomachenko of Ukraine.

However, Lomachenko arrived in the U.S. and told his representatives he’d prefer to stand down and return to fight in the first quarter of 2025, according to Lomachenko promoter, Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum.

With Davis, 29, coming off an eighth-round knockout of Frank Martin June 15, his alternate plans for a high-profile lightweight fall bout seem to be down to the 27-year-old Stevenson (22-0, 10 KOs) or No. 1 contender William Zepeda.

Facilitating his case, Stevenson is now operating as a free agent following his July 6 unanimous-decision triumph over Artem Harutyunyan that marked the expiration of his contract with Top Rank.

Officials at Davis’ promoter Premier Boxing Champions did not immediately return messages left by BoxingScene this week asking about Davis’ next move.

One source told BoxingScene that there has been a preliminary discussion between Davis and Stevenson’s representatives. Dubin declined to comment on that subject.

“We’ll know how realistic (Davis and PBC’s interest) is by how financially viable they make it for Shakur,” Dubin said. “They know Shakur produced the highest-rated ESPN card of the year (July 6), so they need to come correct.”

Dubin said he and Stevenson co-manager James Prince “have our phone lines open, ready for a call, and they have our numbers.

“It’s a fight Shakur really wants. He’s been begging for it for a long time. What Shakur wants to do – let me say it plainly – is to unify at 135. The logical fights to make that happen are to fight the champions.”

Stevenson criticized Arum and Lomachenko for keeping that bout off limits while Stevenson was with the promotion.

“(Lomachenko) obviously knows the outcome, and he walked away,” Dubin said.

Additionally, Dubin said Stevenson’s team asked for a unification attempt at new WBO lightweight champion Denys Berinchyk.

“We couldn’t get a straight answer – and that was when Shakur was still under contract,” Dubin said. “We asked for that fight and they wanted to talk about a long-term contract.

“Shakur’s own enemy is his own greatness, and other peoples’ fear of him. But he has total trust in James and I and he’s also patient.”

Ideally, his patience is rewarded with the Davis fight – a bout that would match two unbeaten three-division champions in their primes and two highly-popular social-media figures.

Davis has shown that he can generate more than one million pay-per-view buys when he’s teamed with a popular opponent, as he was with Ryan Garcia (1.2 million buys) last year.

For Stevenson, the bout against one of the sport’s most potent knockout artists would be an opportunity to dispel the criticism over the inactivity of his evasive, defensive-minded style that has left audiences and critics panning his past two bouts.

A similar opportunity seemed possible against the destructive Zepeda (31-0, 27 KOs), but Zepeda promoter Oscar De La Hoya says he won’t permit Zepeda to fight Stevenson unless the Newark, N.J., product and 2016 U.S. Olympic silver medalist signs with De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions.

“Why would (De La Hoya) penalize his own fighter? You don’t issue edicts like that at the expense of your own fighter,” Dubin said.

That moves Stevenson straight toward Davis, an irresistible showdown seemingly there for the taking.

“The phone lines are open,” Dubin said.

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TENNIS

Paris Olympics: Coco Gauff Takes Inspiration From Danielle Collins

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Coco Gauff Danielle Collins

There are three days to go before the Paris Olympics and Coco Gauff is ready for the event.

Known to showcase her extraordinary fashion game on the court, Gauff is not making any exceptions for the Olympics. Right before she attended the event as a debutante, this 20-year-old American showcased her diva self by following her teammate Danielle Collins‘ path. Is Gauff gearing up to bag her first Olympic medal in Paris?

Before the commencement of the Paris Olympics, participants are trying to lift their spirits for this exclusive event. America’s Coco Gauff, set to represent her country, showcased her Paris Olympics enthusiasm by donning a special fashion. She shared a photo of her nail art that perfectly represented the dominant colors of America’s national flag, red and blue. Sharing the image on her official Instagram story, Gauff wrote, “Paris soonnn.” She also added the American national flag emoji to help her followers understand where she sought the aesthetic inspiration for her new nail art, who happened to be her fellow teammate!

Coco Gauff has big plans for 2024 Paris Olympics - NBC Sports

READ: Coco Gauff Breaks the Myth Surrounding Lower-Ranked Players

Now, Gauff is not the only WTA star who showcased this interesting fashion before the Paris Olympics. Her teammate Danielle Collins also donned similar nail art inspired by her country’s United States flag. Sharing its pictures on her social media, Collins wrote, “Olympics here I come.” The Olympic nail art trend crossed the borders of the United States and reached Canada. WTA star Bianca Andreescu also opted for French manicure short square nails with the top highlighted by colors inspired by the hues of Canada’s national flag.

While the Paris Olympics have encouraged WTA stars to go to extra lengths to make sure they look gorgeous while trying their heart and soul for the medal, Coco Gauff’s followers are quite used to seeing her donning new nails before any special event. Before attending Wimbledon, Gauff showcased an adorable fashion sense through her nail art.

This 20-year-old WTA star lifted her 2024 Wimbledon doubles trophy by showing off her pretty nails that perfectly captured Wimbledon’s essence. Showing off small oval nails in transparent polish and French manicure tips, Gauff represented her great fashion game by adding small strawberries to some of her nails. Given that enjoying strawberries and cream as equally iconic as Wimbledon’s charm, Gauff’s nails enhanced her presence.

She also donned raven-themed nail art for the 2022 Halloween celebration where the WTA star dressed as the Raven from the Teen Titans. Adding the hues of black and purple with spooky elements such as spider webs and cute polka dots in white and black, Gauff’s Halloween nails were too gorgeous for her followers to miss.

Nevertheless, her recent nail art for the upcoming Paris Olympics represents her inner enthusiasm for the event. After all, she couldn’t attend the Tokyo Olympics after being tested positive for Covid 19. This year is special for her being the debutante and her excitement is visible through her reactions.

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