Tag

BOXING

Browsing

Former five-division champion Floyd Mayweather was in the spotlight a few days ago when employees of the Mayweather Gym in Los Angeles staged a protest outside the facility on Highland Avenue over non-payment of wages.

However, the latest update on the matter has absolved the undefeated legend of the sport from any wrongdoing.

A report from the Daily Mail highlighted that the employees claimed they hadn’t been paid by the boxing legend’s ‘Money Team’ company for weeks. In retaliation for the alleged nonpayment of wages, disgruntled staffers brought out signs and shouted during the protest to raise awareness of their situation, as they were unable to cover their daily expenses.

JUST IN: How Claressa Shields can match Oleksandr Usyk’s achievement by becoming an undisputed heavyweight champion

One sign at the protest said, “modern-day slavery” while the other read “The $ Team has no $,” accusing Mayweather’s money team of bankruptcy. “We’re out here just letting everybody know that they have not been treating us right,” one employee told Daily Mail.

“Even if you work for a different company and you ain’t getting paid, you’re scared to show up and say something because you know how businesses do. They silence you and they fire you because everything’s ‘at will.’”

They accused the Mayweather of Boxing and Fitness group of violating the California Labor Code. However, boxing insider Rick Glaser hopped on X today to shed light on the reality of the matter. “Allegations of non-payment of wages against @FloydMayweather are false,” Glaser wrote. “This Mayweather Gym in LA is a franchise that Floyd gets a franchise fee for.”

Glaser also added, “Floyd himself has nothing to do with thee assets or liabilities of this. These reports are misleading, & defamatory.” It’s also worth noting that the staffers staging the protest had claimed that they were not aware whether Mayweather himself was in the loop about their situation.

However, this isn’t the first time a Mayweather Gym has faced the threat of closure. Last year in May, Mayweather’s gym in Elk Grove was shut down due to a breach of contract involving $30,000 in unpaid rent. In the meantime, the bankruptcy allegations never really made any sense because the boxing legend was spending millions some time ago.

Mayweather started investing in real estate in October by spending $402 million to purchase a portfolio of more than 60 buildings in New York City. He went on to invest an unspecified amount in the 601W Companies, which have a collection of 18 buildings and 10 million square feet of space worth a staggering $10 billion.

While money was leaving Mayweather’s accounts, he sold his home in Miami’s Biscayne Bay for $22 million. The boxing legend also acquired a stake in the former Versace Mansion—it has been transformed into a luxury hotel in Miami Beach. He then entered into a joint venture with Go Partners by investing $100 million into a sprawling portfolio in New York, featuring both luxury and market-rate housing.

That being said, the nonpayment of wages issue seems to be unraveling, as Rick Glaser has come out in Floyd Mayweather’s support. He calls the gym a franchise and clears Mayweather of any wrongdoing. Meanwhile, Mayweather himself hasn’t addressed the situation.

Claressa Shields ‘stands among’ elite champions such as Oleksandr Usyk ahead of her bid to unify the heavyweight division, says promoter Dmitriy Salita.

The American star has already been crowned as a world champion in five weight divisions and can match Oleksandr Usyk’s achievements when she bids to become an undisputed world title holder at heavyweight next month.

Usyk defeated Tyson Fury in May last year to secure all the major belts in the top division and defended three of them in a rematch win over his British rival last month, while Shields battles Danielle Perkins for the WBC, IBF, WBA and WBO titles in Michigan on February 2.

Claressa Shields will attempt to make boxing history Aug. 17 in Flint -  mlive.com

READ: VIDEO: ‘The Fire Inside’ chronicles Claressa Shields’ gold medal road with immersive boxing

“Boxing is an individual sport, making it incredibly challenging to compare the unique and remarkable accomplishments of these two great fighters,” Dmitriy Salita, who promotes Shields, told Sky Sports.

“What sets Claressa apart from everyone else in boxing – past or present – is her ground-breaking achievements as a pioneer in women’s sports.

“She has been the first to accomplish many feats, breaking barriers and opening doors for equality while remaining utterly dominant in the ring.”

Both Usyk and Shields previously excelled in the amateur ranks, with the Ukrainian claiming gold at the 2012 Olympic Games, and Shields also took gold in London and in Rio four years later.

The 29-year-old avenged the only loss on her record, a World amateur Championship loss to Savannah Marshall, with a unanimous decision win to become undisputed super-middleweight champion in front of a huge televised audience and packed out crowd at The O2.

“Claressa is undoubtedly an all-time great, not only because of her unparalleled list of achievements but also due to her unwavering belief and determination,” said Salita.

“Growing up as a young girl in Flint, Michigan, one of the most challenging environments in the United States, she had the resilience to rise above her circumstances and prove that neither her surroundings nor her gender could define her limits.

“For these reasons, Claressa is a generational talent and stands among the all-time greats in the world of sports.”

Shields can extend her 15-bout unbeaten record against Perkins, who is undefeated in five fights.

Lauren Price, the WBA welterweight champion, has admitted she would welcome a fight against Shields at the Principality Stadium in front of her home support in Wales.

“It’s hard to put anything past Olympic champions. She won the Olympics 2021,” Shields, who has fought one division above at super-welterweight, told Sky Sports last year.

“I feel like when you’ve been all over the world and you’ve boxed and you’ve won World championships, it’s kind of destined for you to be great in the pros. I wish her the best of luck.”

But Price must first overcome Natasha Jonas in their world title unification fight at Royal Albert Hall on March 7.

IBF super middleweight champion William Scull claims he has been approached by Canelo Alvarez’s team regarding a unification clash.

Canelo was stripped of the IBF title in July after refusing to fight Scull, who was his mandatory at the time.

Instead, Canelo opted to take on Edgar Berlanga in September while Scull was matched up against Vladimir Shishkin in a vacant IBF world title fight in October, which he won, albeit controversially, via unanimous decision.

JUST IN: ‘It Makes Me Hungry’: Anthony Joshua admits to ‘turbulent times’ after Daniel Dubois defeat

The other three major world titles (WBA, WBC and WBO) all remain in Canelo’s possession so if the fight gets over the line then it will be for undisputed supremacy at 168lbs.

Scull claims that both his and Canelo’s team will sit down and have a meeting on January 10 to discuss the fight, although the Mexican superstar isn’t his only option.

“The truth is that there are three offers: to Berlanga, to Canelo and at the time there was talk of [Christian] Mbilli but I think that was left behind because the offer was not very good,” Scull told Punos Cubanos.

“But we are aiming to unify with Canelo Alvarez. And now on January 10 we will speak over the phone and they will tell us more later.

“I will keep you informed on what is coming because this is going to be a great year.

“That will be a good fight for me [with Canelo] to continue dreaming and continue making history.”

Esteemed boxing journalist Jake Donovan confirmed that contact had been made between Scull and Canelo team’s but also added that the Cuban boxer is one of ‘several options’ being explored and is ‘not necessarily first or even second choice’.

Donovan didn’t mention the other names in the hat, although it is understood that a super fight with Terence Crawford remains a possibility for Cinco de Mayo weekend in Las Vegas.

The fight has been at the top of Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh’s wishlist for some time now and despite a breakdown in communication in August last year, the Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority is ready to make Canelo an offer.

“Yo Turki, tell them we are going to go for Canelo next,” said Crawford on an Instagram live video following Canelo’s dominant win over Berlanga four months ago.

The camera was then turned to Alalshikh, who replied: “Yes. Let’s go! Canelo, come on. We are ready.”

Crawford added: “You heard it from him. Just put me in the game b****.

“Canelo-Crawford, the biggest fight in boxing. But we stay ready though.

“We stay ready, that way we ain’t got to get ready.”

Crawford is the current WBA champion at super welterweight, two weight classes below Canelo’s super middleweight division.

It is likely both men will meet at a catchweight, although Crawford insists he is willing to move up to 168lbs for the fight.

Anthony Joshua has admitted to going through “turbulent times” since losing to Daniel Dubois, while revealing his priority fight for 2025.

In September, Joshua was dropped multiple times en route to a fifth-round loss to Dubois, who retained the IBF heavyweight belt at Wembley.

Talk quickly turned to a rematch, but Dubois has since been paired with Joseph Parker, whom he will face in February. Meanwhile, a long-awaited clash between Joshua and Tyson Fury looks close again, after the latter lost to Oleksandr Usyk in December.

Dubois knocked out Joshua in round five of their heavyweight bout

JUST IN: Floyd Mayweather Kicks Off 2025 With a Power Move

“2025, I am targeting Tyson Fury,” Joshua said during his meeting with Nigerian president Bola Tinubu, per multiple reports.

Of his loss to Dubois, “AJ” added: “[It] makes me hungry, makes me want to work harder. Time is of the essence, time is limited, so I just want to put in more work.

“When I look back, I believe I could have done more in 2024. I have another chance in 2025 to do more, and I am going to make sure I take every opportunity that comes my way.

“I should have won but I didn’t, and I am going to go again. My life is up and down, so I have to get used to the turbulent times and keep riding the wave. I can’t stop now. I have to keep going until I reach my destination.”

Joshua, 35, started 2024 in fine fashion, brutally knocking out Francis Ngannou in early March. But after beating the ex-UFC champion, Joshua’s fortunes changed, as he was dismantled by fellow Briton Dubois.

As a result, Joshua’s pursuit of a third world-title reign is up in the air. But a dream match with compatriot Fury would not need a title.

In late December, after Fury lost to Usyk on points for the second time in seven months, Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn said AJ wants to fight twice in 2025.

“[The first fight will be] in May or June,” Hearn told iFL TV. “He’s not in full training yet. He’s probably ready to resume training in January.

“At the moment, you’ve got the Dubois fight on 22 February, and you’ve got to see what Fury wants to do. We’re not in a terrible rush. AJ will fight twice in 2025. Once in the summer and once in the winter.

“If we can’t make the Dubois fight and if Fury doesn’t want to fight, then you have to make the decision to fight somebody, or do you wait for those fights?

“I can’t speak on behalf of AJ, for who he’s prepared to fight. But what I know is the focus is Daniel Dubois or Tyson Fury. Of course, Joshua’s done it all. If he gets Fury on his resume, he’s boxed virtually everybody of his era.”

Reports suggest that Floyd Mayweather Jr. may be gearing up for a high-profile exhibition bout against KSI.

Although he retired from professional boxing seven years ago, Mayweather has stayed active in the exhibition scene. After the controversial clash with John Gotti III in 2023, the undefeated champion made a return in August 2024 for a rematch.

Given that he toyed around with his younger brother two years ago, KSI, reports suggest, has been eager to step into the ring with Mayweather Jr. Fans will have to wait to see if this match materializes. In the meantime, they can marvel at Mayweather’s accomplishments outside the ring. There’s a reason why the Olympic medal winner is known as ‘The Money’ Mayweather.

READ: Anthony Joshua all but confirms huge all-British clash for 2025

Despite retirement, he still remains the richest boxer in the world. Rumors surfaced suggesting that Mayweather Jr. might be facing financial difficulties. However, the former world champion’s recent moves suggest otherwise. When it comes to making money, he’s the best.

Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s story is legendary. Beginning with an Olympic bronze medal, the Grand Rapids-born boxer followed in the footsteps of his father and uncles. Soon he carved out a career that defined an era in boxing. Beyond defeating some of the sport’s biggest names, his unparalleled dedication earned him unprecedented wealth, making him not only the richest boxer but also one of the wealthiest athletes in history.

But what if I told you there’s a new chapter, one where Money Mayweather isn’t throwing punches but making billion-dollar deals?” said the voice in the ‘Rich & Fabulous’ channel. Not long ago, reports suggested money gradually slipping out of ‘Money’ Mayweather’s hands. Fans may recall erstwhile friend 50 Cent‘s words. “I think he got to right now because the money’s gone,” said the ‘In Da Club’ singer while responding to a question about Mayweather Jr.’s potential return.

Whispers echoed through the real estate world: Mayweather listed his $48 million Beverly Hills mansion, followed by his Las Vegas Palace at $12.5 million, and then that stunning $22 million waterfront mansion in Miami. Speculation ran wild: was the champ going broke?” revealed the celebrity news breaker.

But that’s not true, it seems. Floyd Mayweather Jr. is shifting his investments. He is transitioning from flashy homes to large, income-generating properties such as skyscrapers, office buildings, and affordable housing. His decisions were not driven by a need for cash but by a focus on more profitable investments.

One of his crown jewels is a $10 billion stake in a prime office portfolio with 601 W companies. This isn’t just any real estate; we are talking about 18 buildings spanning 10 million square feet of prime urban property. Key investments include the Amazon-anchored 410 10th Avenue in Hudson Yards, New York, and the Aon Center in Chicago,” said ‘Rich & Fabulous’.

Prioritizing financial growth over appearances, Mayweather Jr.’s investments are not about showing off or being extravagant. Instead, they are smart, calculated decisions that focus on generating steady, reliable income every month. To some, his $42 million purchase of 60+ affordable housing buildings in New York City may appear a charitable cause. But, one should note, these investments generate consistent income and grow in value over time.

Take another example: the majority stake in the Versace mansion in Miami Beach. He’s not relying on luxury for show. Mayweather Jr.’s goal is to create steady cash flow and build wealth over the long term. His post-retirement journey underscores his ability to reinvent himself. Floyd Mayweather Jr. no longer throws punches, but he’s building an empire that could eclipse his boxing fortune.

2025 promises to be a massive year in boxing, with some huge fights on the horizon – especially in the heavyweight division. 

However, no fight will be of bigger interest than the possibility of finally seeing Anthony Joshua squaring off against Tyson Fury at some point this year.

Despite both men suffering big losses in 2024, which some have suggested could dampen the thirst for the clash, the fight could still be one of the biggest that British boxing has ever seen.

Anthony Joshua all but confirms huge all-British clash for 2025

JUST IN: ‘I’m In, Easy Fight, Easy Money’: Canelo Says He Is Ready For Crawford

Fury has yet to comment on his future following his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk last month, but Joshua has claimed that he believes the encounter could finally happen in the next twelve months.

“I’ve been involved in a whole lot of fights, but this has to happen in 2025. Of course, it has to happen, and hopefully, it does happen,” he told SportsBoom.com.

Whether or not the fight happens remains to be seen, but one meeting that has been confirmed is the September clash between Efe Ajagba and Martin Bakole, which will determine the next mandatory challenger for the IBF heavyweight title.

Looking forward to the fight, Joshua – whose Mother is Nigerian – is backing Efe to come out on top in the meeting of the two Africans.

“Two giants of Africa coming together to collide. It’s going to be an interesting fight. Efe is a good boxer, and obviously, I’m going to support Efe, even though he doesn’t support me.

“I’m backing him, because we are from the same place, and I really want to see him do well.”

Canelo Alvarez says he is ready to fight Terence Crawford following the latter’s last performance.

Canelo has been linked with a fight against Crawford at 168 pounds, which would require Bud to jump up two weight classes from 154. Alvarez initially dismissed the fight by saying he would get no credit for defeating Crawford, who would be coming up from a much smaller weight class. Canelo recently defeated Jermell Charlo, who moved up two weight classes from 154 pounds in a one-sided unanimous decision. There is a perception that the same thing could happen again if a Crawford-Canelo fight was made. But Alvarez has now changed his view by saying that if the numbers are right, he is willing to take that fight.

“I’m in. Why not? Don’t get me wrong, he’s a great fighter but for me, in my weight class, it’s an easy fight. Easy money. If the money is right, I’m in, because I don’t like to fight guys like Crawford because he moves a lot and the fight is not that great, I saw in his last fight and he don’t move that much now. So if the money is right I’m in right now … there are weight classes for a reason,” Canelo stated  

Canelo Says He Is Ready For Crawford - 'I’m In, Easy Fight, Easy Money'

JUST IN: Tyson Fury’s retirement statements, U-turns and clear stance after Oleksandr Usyk defeats

The bout is seen as an alternative to David Benavidez, someone Canelo has been accused of ducking. Benavidez was the WBC Interim Super Middleweight Champion for over two years. But the fight never happened, as Canelo demanded $150-200 million to make that fight. Benavidez ultimately moved up to 175 pounds, where he is scheduled to fight David Morrell Jr. on February 1. That has reduced any chances of Canelo facing off against Benavidez, even if the latter could come back down. That has paved the way for a Crawford fight. Crawford is coming off a victory against Israil Madrimov, which earned him the WBA Junior Middleweight Title.

It was his first fight at 154 pounds. Crawford was hit more than usual and appeared slower. But that was also due to Madrimov’s skills. But Crawford has expressed confidence about beating Canelo. He managed to dismantle Errol Spence Jr. with ease when the boxing community had Spence as the favorite. Floyd Mayweather and Bivol have shown the blueprint for beating Canelo. While Crawford is a switch hitter, capable of moving, can he handle the power? Bud did look uncomfortable when Madrimov hit him, and Canelo’s punches will have more of an impact. Crawford made it clear he was ready.

“I feel as if that’s a legacy fight. I feel as if this is the biggest fight in boxing today. I’ve been fighting bigger guys my whole life. Of course I’ll beat him. It ain’t no doubt in my mind that I won’t beat anybody that I step in the ring with,” Crawford said 

But at 37 years of age, Crawford does not have too long left to secure that fight. 2025 is the right time to make this legacy-defining fight for his boxing career.

Former world heavyweight champ Tyson Fury has made his stance on retirement crystal clear despite back-to-back losses against Oleksandr Usyk.

The Mancunian lost his pristine record to Usyk in May 2024 after a split-decision defeat. The 36-year-old boxing phenomenon then failed to get redemption in their rematch last month, with the result even more in Usyk’s favour this time.

Retirement rumours have naturally begun swirling, considering Fury’s age and dashed ambitions for undisputed glory. Still, he’s strongly hinted he’s not quite ready to hang up his gloves.

Oleksandr Usyk won the first encounter

READ: EXCLUSIVE – Tyson Fury retirement fears quashed as epic Wembley superfight is coming

Shortly after his latest defeat in Saudi Arabia, Fury signalled his intent to reporters as he said: “What’s next for me? I’m going home and having some time off.” When quizzed about whether fans would see him in the ring again, he responded: “You might do, you might not. Who knows? We’ll talk about that next year.”

These comments left fans guessing at what the Wythenshawe native’s next move could be after a challenging year. But recent reports from The Sun (via The Mirror US) revealed he’s confided in friends, saying: “It’s not over.”

Fury is no stranger to stepping away from boxing; it has been over a decade since his initial retirement announcement in November 2013. ‘The Gypsy King’ cut a frustrated figure after his fight with David Haye fell through for a second time.

“Hi everyone, I have officially retired from boxing,” he posted on X (then Twitter). “There’s too many bent [crooked] people in the sport. They will have to f— someone else. Goodbye boxing.”

Tyson Fury with wife Paris after losing to Oleksandr Usyk

This declaration turned out to be fleeting as he faced Joey Abell in the ring just three months later. He maintained a steady career trajectory for some years after that, albeit with a three-year break from boxing between 2015 and 2018 amid his mental health battle.

After defeating Dillian Whyte at Wembley with a sixth-round finish in 2022, he announced his retirement again. He mentioned that he had made a promise to his wife Paris to retire after besting Whyte, stating: “I’m a two-time undisputed world champion. [I have] £150m in the bank and nothing to prove to anybody.”

Yet again, his assertion was shown to be insincere when he returned to the ring to fight Derek Chisora eight months later. Since then, he has fought thrice more, although two of those bouts resulted in losses to ‘The Cat’.

It’s not unusual for Fury to change his plans abruptly, indicating a significant change could always be around the corner. However, despite recent hiccups, all indications point towards his boxing career continuing into 2025.

2024 has been nothing short of a landmark year for boxing!

While it may not rival the Golden Era of Boxing—that unforgettable stretch from the late 1960s to the mid-1970s when legends like Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, and George Foreman captivated the world with blockbuster bouts that transcended sports—it’s undeniable that boxing is experiencing a thrilling resurgence. This revival owes much to recent shifts in how the boxing business is managed and the caliber of matchups being delivered.

These changes are reigniting the passion of fans who once fell in love with the sport’s drama and spectacle. At the heart of this resurgence is one pivotal figure, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh. Yet, even with the exciting momentum, there are still dream fights that the boxing world is yearning for. With hope and anticipation, we’ve compiled a list of matchups we’d love to see. Here’s to Alalshikh working his magic once again to turn these fantasies into reality!

Saudi Arabia's latest effort to reinvent itself through sports led by Turki  Alalshikh

JUST IN: EXCLUSIVE – Tyson Fury retirement fears quashed as epic Wembley superfight coming

Canelo Alvarez vs. David Benavidez

Canelo Alvarez is undeniably a legend of the sport—a fighter who has faced some of the finest talent boxing has to offer during his illustrious career. However, as he approaches the twilight of his journey, ‘Cinnamon’ has seemingly chosen a safer path, prioritizing lucrative paydays over high-risk challenges. Thanks to his immense name recognition and carefully cultivated leverage, he’s managed to turn this strategy into a profitable venture.

The biggest casualty of Canelo Alvarez’s selective matchmaking has been David Benavidez. For over a year, ‘The Mexican Monster’ stood as Canelo’s WBC mandatory challenger at super middleweight. Yet, Canelo repeatedly denied Benavidez the opportunity to make history—or to silence his critics by taking on one of the division’s most dangerous fighters. Frustrated and unable to secure the fight, Benavidez was forced to shift his focus to the light heavyweight division, seeking opportunities that eluded him at super middleweight.

Canelo has even gone as far as to demand an unprecedented $200 million purse to face Benavidez—a staggering figure that underscores the challenges in making this fight a reality. While not impossible, such a bout seems unlikely for now. Meanwhile, Benavidez is set to take on David Morrell on February 1st in Las Vegas. Should he emerge victorious, a shot at the undisputed light heavyweight title could be next on his horizon.

Ryan Garcia vs. Devin Haney 2

At the start of this year, Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney delivered a thrilling showdown that had fans buzzing about a potential rematch. In a shocking turn, Garcia dominated Haney, dropping him three times before securing a majority decision win. However, the celebration was short-lived as Garcia later tested positive for Ostarine.

The victory was overturned to a no-contest, Garcia was fined his entire purse, and he received a suspension lasting over a year. The fallout didn’t stop there—Haney sued Garcia, citing battery and breach of contract, escalating the tension between the two fighters.

The animosity between Garcia and Haney has deep roots, stemming from their six amateur bouts. With both fighters eager to settle the score, a rematch in 2025—potentially in Saudi Arabia—could reignite their storied rivalry, setting the stage for one of boxing’s most dramatic comebacks.

However, Turki Alalshaikh has one condition Garcia has to meet for the fight to happen. “First of all, I like Ryan Garcia, and second, I want to do a big fight with him,” Alalshikh told Charlie Parsons. “But I’ll tell you my situation now… I’m against drugs and everything, I said to Ryan Garcia ‘You must pass the test and clear yourself’ and I’m waiting for you and this is fair.”

Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford

After or before Benavidez, the fans wouldn’t really mind, Canelo Alvarez needs to face Terence Crawford. ‘Bud’ has been lobbying for the fight since he defeated Errol Spence Jr. last year, emerging as the first male boxer to achieve undisputed status in two different weight classes. The Nebraska technician even agreed to climb up to the super middleweight division.

All this in an effort to make his last fight in the sport a big payday! However, Canelo Alvarez has brushed past this potential fight, suggesting he has nothing to gain from the fight. During Crawford’s last appearance against Israil Madrimov, His Excellency had even reached out to Canelo’s team to make the fight real.

However, ‘Cinnamon’ made some absurd demands for the fight, so it quickly fell apart and produced a very public back-and-forth between Canelo and the Saudi Royal. As of the time of writing, there’s no sign of this fight actually coming to fruition. Meanwhile, Crawford remains adamant about fighting Canelo as he looks to exit the sport with a big payday.

Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua

Moving on to the heavyweight side of things, former WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury just lost his rematch against Oleksandr Usyk. Many are speculating whether the English heavyweight would call it quits after his second consecutive career loss. However, there’s a lot of money left on the table for the Brit.

The good news is, now, he has nothing to lose—his precious zero is gone, and Usyk’s win has erased the possibility of a trilogy. Similarly, former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has suffered four losses now, and the biggest fight on the table for him would be a bout against Tyson Fury. The all-British clash would be bigger than Joshua’s bout against Daniel Dubois.

And there’s no reason for Joshua or Fury to not cash in on the fight. Even if it’s not a title fight, the British fan base has been asking for this bout for several years now and if the fight happens, it would definitely be a blockbuster. With both fighters approaching their 40s, 2025 would be the best year for them to get it out of the way.

Jake Paul vs. Tommy Fury 2

Although boxing purists often refuse to consider Jake Paul a legitimate boxer—largely due to his choice of opponents, including MMA fighters and aging, out-of-prime boxers—the Cleveland native has undeniably carved out a significant name for himself in the sport. His latest performance against the legendary Mike Tyson, or more precisely, the staggering numbers the fight generated, has cemented his status as a sought-after figure in boxing.

Following the Tyson fight, Paul received several offers but has yet to announce his next opponent. Rumors are swirling about a potential bout with Conor McGregor in India, but the fight fans are clamoring for a rematch with Tommy Fury. The two first faced off in February 2023, a match that handed ‘The Problem Child’ his first professional loss.

If Paul truly wants to be taken seriously as a boxer, a rematch with Fury seems inevitable. Reports previously revealed that Paul’s team, MVP, had approached Fury for a Netflix-backed fight instead of the Tyson showdown. However, Fury and his father turned down the offer. With the success of Paul’s Netflix venture, the dynamics may have shifted, making 2025 an ideal time for this much-anticipated rematch.

Gervonta Davis vs. Shakur Stevenson

WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis is arguably the biggest name in boxing today. However, in a surprising turn of events, Davis recently announced his retirement from the sport after 2025. This revelation came shortly before he shared on social media that his March 1st bout was canceled. Interestingly, his opponent, Lamont Roach, has made conflicting statements, and tickets for the fight remain on sale.

Despite the confusion, fans appear relieved about the fight’s cancellation. Many believed Roach, who was moving up a weight class for the bout, posed little challenge to Davis. Instead, fans are calling for a showdown between Davis and Shakur Stevenson before Davis steps away from the ring. Stevenson, who shares the same weight class as Davis, has been vocal about wanting the fight for some time.

Davis, however, has largely avoided the matchup, even though most experts agree Stevenson would be his toughest challenge yet. With few legitimate contenders left in the division, 2025 seems like the perfect time for these two fighters to finally deliver the matchup fans have been waiting for. This clash has the potential to be a massive pay-per-view event and could even break existing records.

That concludes our list of fights that should happen in 2025, but we would also like to see Joseph Parker, Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez, and Oleksandr Usyk in action as well.

Tony Bellew believes a Wembley showdown involving Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will definitely happen at some point before the Gypsy King hangs up his gloves.

Fury is yet to confirm his next move after losing on points to Oleksandr Usyk in their highly-anticipated rematch. The man from Morecambe was unable to gain revenge following his previous defeat in their original fight back in May.

In the days since the rematch, it has been suggested that Fury could decide to walk away from boxing. He briefly retired in 2022 but many are now wondering whether he could hang up the gloves for good in the wake of back-to-back losses.

Anthony Joshua reveals fight with Tyson Fury is 'in the pipeline,' says the  British heavyweight showdown will happen 'soon'

JUST IN: Why Daniel Dubois deserves a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk

Speaking to Express Sport before the fight, Bellew admitted that he would be surprised if Fury retires without ever facing Joshua.

“I don’t think that ship will ever sail,” he said. “You’re telling me you couldn’t stick 100,000 in Wembley to watch those two fight? I think you’d get 50,000 just at the press conference. It’s coming, it is on. It’s on the charts and it’s on the board.

“Everyone wants to see it. The sad part is that it will be when both are just slightly past their sell-by date, by the looks of it. It looks like it’s going to be [Floyd] Mayweather and [Manny] Pacquiao all over again. It’s been held back and held back.

“You have to remember, the only person who has signed up to these fights and hasn’t pulled out is Anthony Joshua. He signed to fight Fury, he signed to fight [Deontay] Wilder, he’s fought Usyk twice, he’s fought [Wladimir] Klitschko.

“All these people, he signed to fight and they pulled out on him. He signed to fight Tyson Fury and Fury had to pull out because of the arbitration from Wilder. He signed to fight Wilder and Wilder pulled out because of the mess he was in with Fury.

“It is what it is. It’s a mess, really, but 100 per cent that fight will happen one day. It’s huge. It’s a massive blockbuster event and it will probably go down as the biggest domestic boxing match ever.”

A long-awaited showdown between Fury and Joshua has been discussed for many years without ever coming to fruition. A deal to host the fight in Saudi Arabia was close to being agreed in 2021, but talks ultimately fell through.

Only time will tell if Bellew’s prediction comes true despite both fighters coming off the back of defeats and holding no belts between them.

Bellew was speaking to Express Sport as an ambassador for the Men on a Mission campaign, in conjunction with DRINKiQ and Men’s Sheds, raising awareness for mental health and unhealthy drinking patterns in men aged over 50.

“We know the stats tell us that one in four men aged between 50 and 75 hardly ever think about their mental wellbeing and mental health,” he explained.

“You don’t really speak about it. It’s like a taboo subject. They don’t really want to speak about it, they don’t feel the need to. They actually think it’s weak. Those are the guys who are turning to drink.

“Before you know it, it catches up with you and it piles on and something has to be done about that. We need to be out there speaking to men of this age and letting them know there are other things to do because it’s so, so difficult.”

Verified by MonsterInsights