Breaking
Author

Admin

Browsing
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.
Keep Reading
By
BOXING

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

By
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.”

Keep Reading
By
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

By
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.

 

 

 

 

 

Keep Reading
By
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

NEWS: “Yall Haters Was Definitely Calling Him a Cherry Pick”- Terence Crawford Demands ‘Respect’ for Fighting Israil Madrimov

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.

Keep Reading
By
BOXING

“Yall Haters Was Definitely Calling Him a Cherry Pick”- Terence Crawford Demands ‘Respect’ for Fighting Israil Madrimov

By
Terence Crawford Israil Madrimov

Terence Crawford stood tall when he faced Israil Madrimov, where each punch was thrown with calculations.

In a clash of willpower and boxing IQ, he edged out the Uzbek fighter and bagged the WBA title. A few had anticipated this close encounter, where a round if it went differently, could have changed the result. But the American fighter had a fair idea of what he was getting into. Now, he wants the fans’ respect for picking a tougher champion.

Crawford, 36, had to shut down the noise about not picking other champions, with some questioning the caliber of Madrimov, 29, as a champion. However, since the fight’s conclusion, the fans have been pouring in praises for him. They hadn’t witnessed someone push ‘Bud’ to his limits in a long time and nearly stop this undefeated juggernaut. But shouldn’t Crawford be receiving respect for toppling such a champion? That’s exactly what he argues.

Terence Crawford takes unanimous decision over Israil Madrimov to become four-division world champion | DAZN News US

READ: “I’m a threat to his legacy”: Terence Crawford blasts Canelo Alvarez over ‘antics’ and ‘excuses’

Crawford, at 41-0, turned to his X handle and pointed out the love that fans had bestowed on Madrimov. He wrote, “I love that everyone is giving Madrimov his credit/respect because yall haters was definitely calling him a cherry pick when we all said he was a champion for a reason. Look just give me my respect and stop the hate.”

There have been demands for a rematch between the two. But no one is sure whether the fans will get to see a rematch or not. With the support of HE Turki Alalshikh, Crawford was on his way to face Canelo Alvarez, but it seems unlikely as the Mexican champion’s attention is now on his upcoming fight with Edgar Berlanga.

If Oscar De La Hoya is to be believed, that worked out well for the Omaha native, as the holes in his game were on display against Madrimov. What’s more? There are rumors of Vergil Ortiz Jr. being next in line. So, where do the two stand in contrast to each other?

De La Hoya weighed in on the gulf of skills between Ortiz Jr. and Madrimov and declared, “Better skills, I literally think he [Vergil Ortiz Jr.] has better skills. It’s not the punching power. Crawford has ring IQ like there’s no tomorrow, but he was exposed last Saturday night. He was exposed against Madrimov.”

While there are no concrete reports on who the WBA champion will take on next, HE Turki Alalshikh has charted out a plan. Teofimo Lopez and Ortiz Jr. find themselves in the mix. But Crawford could also pick other champions at 154, trying to become undisputed in a third division.

Keep Reading
By
GOLF

Rory McIlroy reaches unwanted career milestone

By
Rory McIlroy PGA Championship

Rory McIlroy has reached an unwanted milestone in his career as 10 August marks the beginning of a second decade in his hunt for a fifth major.

Rory McIlroy knew this day was coming 22 holes into the final men’s major of the year at Royal Troon.

The four-time major champion was hoping to stick around for the weekend at The Open by making inroads early in his second round.

Fighting sickness, Rory McIlroy salvages 71 to open PGA Championship - PGA TOUR

READ: ‘Did Everything I Could..’: Phil Mickelson Revives Feud With Jay Monahan & Exposes Own Mistreatment by PGA Tour

But things went south quickly and, by the time he reached the 7th tee he was already 6-over for the day and thinking of holiday destinations.

He likely was thinking of how he was going to have to spend the next nine months being asked the same questions about whether or not he’ll ever win The Masters.

McIlroy pointed out there was still a lot to play for, such as the Olympic Games, FedEx Cup and Race to Dubai.

But we all know what he cares most about, don’t we?

Legacy, history and an annual seat at the table next to Tiger Woods at Augusta National.

Now we have arrived at 10 August 2024.

The date marks the beginning of a second decade in McIlroy’s bid for a fifth major championship.

His last major triumph came as a bushy-haired 25-year-old when he claimed the PGA Championship in darkness at Valhalla.

Few would have expected that a drought this long was to follow but this is where we are.

Since that day in Louisville, Kentucky, 39 men’s major championships have been played and won by 26 different players.

Some golfers in the same generation as McIlroy have won multiple times in that span.

Brooks Koepka is now a five-time major champion.

Jon Rahm has won two.

Bryson DeChambeau battled back from wrist and hip injuries to claim his second major at the 2024 U.S. Open.

Now McIlroy has Scottie Scheffler and an increasingly confident Xander Schauffele to contend with.

There’s also a young Swede by the name of Ludvig Aberg who the Ulsterman will be wary of.

At 35 years old, you could argue that McIlroy is now teeing it up on the back nine of his career.

But he’ll take solace from the fact that, providing he takes care of his body and remains focussed he’ll have plenty more chances of glory.

And he’ll take note of the history books.

Phil Mickelson was 34 years old when he got his hands on his first major in golf, 12 years after he made his professional debut.

Lefty went on to win five more, including the 2021 PGA Championship when he became the oldest major winner in history at 50 years, 11 months and seven days.

But this is a young man’s game.

Who knows what’s in store for the next chapter of McIlroy’s career.

Whatever comes to pass, we know it will be a captivating watch.

McIlroy has made no secret of the fact that winning The Masters is the ultimate goal.

He would complete the career grand slam and join Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Gary Player as the only golfers to win each and every major.

“I’d love to win The Masters,” McIlroy told reporters at the turn of the year.

“It’s the only major that I haven’t won.

“St Andrews is where the game started, but Augusta has become this cathedral of golf in some way, and all the greats of the game have won there in the past.

“It’s the only major that we go back to each year on the same golf course.

“It seems like it gets bigger and bigger every year, and it’s the first major of the year too – it’s more hyped up.”

Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy record in majors since 2014:

2014

  • Masters: T8
  • U.S. Open: T23
  • The Open Championship: Win
  • PGA Championship: Win

2015

  • Masters: 4th
  • U.S. Open: T9
  • The Open Championship: Did not play (Injury)
  • PGA Championship: 17th

2016

  • Masters: T10
  • U.S. Open: MC
  • The Open Championship: T5
  • PGA Championship: MC

2017

  • Masters: T7
  • U.S. Open: MC
  • The Open Championship: T4
  • PGA Championship: T22

2018

  • Masters: T5
  • U.S. Open: MC
  • The Open Championship: T2
  • PGA Championship: T50

2019

  • Masters: T21
  • U.S. Open: T9
  • The Open Championship: MC
  • PGA Championship: T8

2020

  • Masters: T5
  • U.S. Open: T8
  • The Open Championship: Postponed
  • PGA Championship: T33

2021

  • Masters: MC
  • U.S. Open: T7
  • The Open Championship: T46
  • PGA Championship: T49

2022

  • Masters: 2
  • U.S. Open: T5
  • The Open Championship: 3rd
  • PGA Championship: 8th

2023

  • Masters: Missed Cut
  • U.S. Open: 2
  • The Open Championship: T6
  • PGA Championship: T7

Summary:

  • Wins: 2
  • Top 5 finishes: 15
  • Missed cuts: 7
Keep Reading
By
TENNIS

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

By
Novak Djokovic Olympic Games

Yevgeny Kafelnikov has lauded Novak Djokovic as the greatest tennis player of all time but believes that he cannot lay claim to being sports greatest ever athlete.

Kafelnikov puts basketball superstar Michael Jordan, who also played baseball at the pro level, on a pedestal as the greatest athlete of all time.

He says that Jordan’s charismatic draw sets him aside as someone that you just needed to see.

Impressed With Michael Jordan's 30,000,000 Viewership, Novak Djokovic Looks to Emulate Last Dance's Success: "Been Shooting For Years" - The SportsRush

JUST IN: Despite ATP Ranking, Carlos Alcaraz stays as world No 1 in rankings endorsed by Novak Djokovic

“There’s no doubt that Novak is the greatest tennis player of all time, that’s for sure. You can’t put him on the same level as Michael Jordan… I don’t think so, because I grew up idolising the greatest athlete of all time, which was Michael Jordan,” Kafelnikov wrote in a social media post.

“All I wanted to do was watch him play live. To me, he’s still number one, but Novak is definitely in the top three greatest athletes of all time, without a doubt – all the accomplishments, the records he’s broken, the titles he’s won.”

Djokovic found an answer for the new generation at last in Paris, blowing away many with his efforts in overcoming Carlos Alcaraz in the gold medal match.

The Serbian had identified the need to find a way to best the likes of Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner after he was bested in straight sets by the Spaniard at Wimbledon.

“Well, the Olympic Games and US Open are the two big goals for the rest of the year for me really,” Djokovic said as he took in his loss at SW19.

“I’m hoping I can be at my best on those two tournaments, yeah. That’s all I can say right now.

“I mean, being able to reach the finals of Wimbledon, of course, it’s a great confidence boost. But I also feel like in a matchup today against best player right now in the world for sure, I mean, other than Jannik, and both of them are the best this year by far, I feel like I’m not at that level.

“In order to really have a chance to I guess beat these guys in Grand Slam latter stages or Olympics, I’m going to have to play much better than I did today and feel much better than I did today.

“I’m going to work on it. It’s not something I haven’t experienced before ever in my life. I’ve had so many different experiences throughout my career. In the face of adversity, normally I rise and I learn and get stronger.

“That’s what I’m going to do.”

Keep Reading
By
TENNIS

Despite ATP Ranking, Carlos Alcaraz stays as world No 1 in rankings endorsed by Novak Djokovic

By
Jannik Sinner Carlos Alcaraz Novak Djokovic

Jannik Sinner may be sitting at the top of the official ATP Rankings, but Carlos Alcaraz is top of a rankings list that may offer a more accurate reflection of current form.

Alcaraz’s stunning summer of success saw him collect a first French Open title and retain his Wimbledon crown with a crushing win against Novak Djokovic in the final at the All England Club in July.

Now Alcaraz has been confirmed as the world No 1 in the UTR Rankings that use a different method to calculate the current best players in tennis.

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic To Face No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz In ATP Finals

READ: Novak Djokovic achieves another milestone, joins Federer and Nadal in exclusive group

The UTR rankings are calculated using a different method to the traditional ATP list, with current form and the ranking of your opponent taken into account when the final analysis is made.

The method for calculating the UTR ratings differs greatly from the rolling ATP list, which ranks players based on the points they collect over 52 weeks.

Victories against higher-ranked played are worth more in the UTR list than the official ATP or WTA ranking, meaning they offer up a more accurate reflection of the current form at the top of the game.

The UTR rankings are based on the current form from the last few weeks and months rather than reflecting results that occurred up to a year ago, with the system created to promote fair and competitive play across the tennis world.

All players, regardless of age, gender, geography, or skill level, are rated on the same scale between 1.00 and 16.50 based on actual match results.

The UTR rankings have been endorsed by 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic, who has suggested they may offer a more accurate reflection of the current form in the game.

Italy’s Jannik Sinner ousted Djokovic from the top of the UTR rankings after his Australian Open win in January and he backed that up by leaping to the top of the ATP Rankings a few weeks later.

Yet Alcaraz is now at the top of the UTR list after his French Open and Wimbledon wins, with Djokovic down in third place behind Sinner.

Australia’s Alex De Minaur is in the top 5 of the UTR rankings after his impressive form in 2024 and Alexander Zverev is at No 6.

The American duo of Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul are also in the top ten, with the impressive form shown by a returning Matteo Berrettini reflected in the UTR list as he is listed as the 12th best player in the world on current form.

Russia’s Andrey Rublev is still in the top ten of the ATP rankings despite a drop in form in recent months, but he is down at a lowly ranking of No 26 in the UTR list.

Despite his stunning recent form, Alcaraz will struggle to oust Sinner from the top of the ATP Rankings in the second half of 2024.

Sinner’s last-16 defeat against Alexander Zverev in last year’s US Open means he will have a chance to gain ranking points if he can reach the semi-finals or win the last major of the year.

Meanwhile, Alcaraz lost 180 points by withdrawing from this week’s Montreal Masters and he also has plenty of points to defend next week if he plays in the Cincinnati Masters, where he was a runner-up last year.

Alcaraz will have opportunities to replace Sinner at the top of the ATP Rankings during the indoor swing on the ATP Tour, but he admits Sinner and Djokovic are still a step ahead of him in those conditions.

Keep Reading
By
BOXING

Floyd Mayweather Jealousy Of Muhammad Ali Rears Its Bitter Salty Head Again

By
Floyd Mayweather Muhammad Ali

You know, it’s very interesting when it comes to Floyd Mayweather bringing up Muhammad Ali sometimes.

On one hand, and in one breath, sure, Mayweather points out some solid numerical, technical and statistical facts on comparisons of his and Muhammad Ali’s career.

Often pointing to Ali never throwing body shots, where Ali’s professional boxing record was at 36-years-old compared to his, and so on.

Mayweather justifica su particular ranking histórico: "Ali sólo peleó en una categoría" | Marca

JUST IN: ‘It showed him who’s boss’- Oleksandr Usyk planned for nine months to land one specific punch on Tyson Fury in fight win

He even goes on to state ethical truths too — such as Ali largely being hated in his life and not liked until he was a crippled vegetable of an old man, later on, basically.

He’s right damn it on that. He is though.

However, he does all this in an almost tactical way, bit by bit almost trying to undermine Ali’s legacy (which is giant obviously what a run he had in boxing) — while still saying he respects Ali for paving the way for him.

It’s almost a step by step, bit by bit, over time, kind of thing, where Mayweather has steadily been taking Ali down for a while now.

The latest with Mayweather saying here that he thinks Lennox Lewis would have beaten Ali (many boxing fans on X below both agree and disagree too):

Judge the above comments and reaction from the boxing world for yourself.

Alas, it is certainly very interesting now that Mayweather recently has gone on the attack at various parts of Ali’s legacy.

Some of it is well informed and is spot on but just the overall nature of it now, the fact it is going on so long, suggests something else.

Mayweather returns to the ring later this month in an exhibition rematch against John Gotti in Mexico city.

Keep Reading
By
BOXING

‘It showed him who’s boss’- Oleksandr Usyk planned for nine months to land one specific punch on Tyson Fury in fight win

By
Oleksandr Usyk Tyson Fury

Oleksandr Usyk admits he had been working on stunning Tyson Fury from the very first bell.

Usyk and Fury did battle in an undisputed title clash in May, and the Ukrainian picked up a huge victory to make history and hand the Briton the first defeat of his career.

There had been several concerning moments for Fury including in the ninth round, where he was knocked down but managed to cling on and survive until the bell.

Oleksandr Usyk Tyson Fury

JUST IN: Anthony Joshua takes drastic measures to prevent reputation being ruined

But Usyk feels he got the respect of Fury early on, after preparing to unleash a powerful shot which crushed through the guard of the Briton in the opening three minutes.

“It was a planned action that we had worked on for nine months,” Usyk told Mail Boxing when discussing a left hand he had rocked Fury with in the opening round.

“It was necessary as it showed him immediately in the ring who the boss is.

“I was in control the whole time, there were no worries. The process was ongoing.”

Usyk then went on to describe a moment in the sixth round, where he felt he would then go on to win the clash.

He added: “When I didn’t get knocked down by an uppercut in the sixth round.

“I felt such a force behind me that I understood that nearby there is my force which I pray to.

“Maybe it was even an angel, but I felt some kind of support for my back there was no one there (behind me) but the support was felt.”

The saga is not yet over though, as he is now set to face Fury again in an immediate rematch on December 21.

Usyk threatened to close the show in their maiden clash so will be hoping to go one better and win inside the distance in Saudi Arabia.

Despite the threatening shots, Fury was confident he had done enough when the judges’ scorecards were read out.

He has even since suggested he scored himself in the lead after rewatching the clash.

And the ‘Gypsy King’ has insisted that Usyk was at the level of an ‘amateur boxer’, and that he found the exchanges ‘easy’.

Fury said on his Furocity YouTube Channel: “I’ve watched the fight back lots of times and still got the same answer – I thought I won the fight.

“Usyk knows he didn’t beat me. I thought I boxed the head right off him for most of the rounds.

“It was actually a lot easier than I thought it’d be, the Usyk fight. People said he’s a hard man to hit, I was lighting him up with four-punch combinations and laughing at him.

“My problem in that fight was I probably had too much fun. It was probably too easy. It was like I was in there with a local amateur boxer.”

Keep Reading
By
Verified by MonsterInsights