BOXING

Flint native Claressa Shields will defend her unified titles and fight for the vacant WBA Heavyweight World title against undefeated contender Danielle Perkins on Feb. 2.

The Salita Promotions event, dubbed “Super Brawl Sunday” will take place at Dort Financial Center in Flint and air live globally on DAZN.

Shields, who is widely known as the “GWOAT” (Greatest Woman of All Time), is undefeated at 15-0 with three knockouts. She won the WBC heavyweight title (and the vacant WBO Lt Heavyweight title) in July when she knocked out defending champion Vanessa Lepage Joanisse.

Shields is also the current, reigning Unified Middleweight World Champion.

Shields adds another chapter to her remarkable career that now includes a feature film. Shields is the subject of an upcoming theatrical film chronicling her incredible life story. The biographical drama, titled The Fire Inside, premieres in theatres on Christmas Day and spans her rise from humble beginnings in Flint to becoming a two-time U.S. Olympic gold medalist.

“I feel so blessed at this point in my life and my career,” said Shields. But make no mistake, every blessing came with blood, sweat, and tears behind it. My home in Flint helped make me the person I am today. That city, with all its struggles and strengths, built something in me that can’t be broken. Without Flint and the determination I developed there at a young age, I don’t know if I’d be here today. I can’t wait for this homecoming event. Danielle Perkins is undefeated and a strong contender, but I’ve been fighting my whole life, not just in the ring. Whether it was in my personal life, in the amateur boxing ring, or as a professional world champion, I simply do not fail. February second will be no different.”

“Claressa Shields has been breaking glass ceilings for her whole career,” said Dmitriy Salita, president of Salita Promotions. “She was the first American boxer to win two Olympic gold medals. She was the first woman to headline an event on premium television. She is the only two-division Undisputed Women’s World Champion, and she has the chance to make history yet again unifying the women’s heavyweight division on this special Sunday event. Claressa is at the peak of her career and has an incredible film coming out honoring her life, achievements and determination. We could have taken this event anywhere in the world. Claressa wanted to come back to Flint to share her success with her fans and to give the city of Flint the shine it deserves for helping produce an incredible diamond of a world champion.”

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Perkins (5-0, 2 KOs) is a decorated amateur and a survivor.

Before winning gold at the 2019 IBA Women’s World Championships and defeating the tournament’s top seed in the finals, Perkins saw success outside of boxing.

A former collegiate basketball standout at St. John’s University, standing 6-feet tall and 200 pounds, Perkins boasted a successful professional basketball career in Europe.

That was until Perkins sustained severe injuries when struck by a car on a busy city street in Brooklyn. While unsure if she would ever walk again, Perkins’ undeniable pursuit for greatness drove her to a full recovery and, ultimately, to the sport of boxing.

Perkins earned the WBC No. 1-ranked, mandatory position with a unanimous-decision win over Christianne Fahey on the undercard of Shields vs. Joanisse in July.

Known for her power and technique, Perkins has made a name for herself with an unblemished record and relentless drive to claim a world title.

“I am more than excited to get in ring with one of the best fighters in the world,” said Perkins. “I am looking forward to showcasing my skillset to the world and winning my second, third and fourth title belts in Flint. I won the WBC Silver belt there in 2020 and I coming back to make another statement.”

An announcement regarding ticket sales for the event will be made soon.

BOXING

Tyson Fury warned by Oleksandr Usyk he won’t get same treatment as Anthony Joshua

Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will do battle once again on Saturday night, with the Ukrainian vowing to go for the knockout in his blockbuster heavyweight title rematch with the ‘Gypsy King’

Tyson Fury has been given a stern notice from Oleksandr Usyk: the Ukrainian will not be as forgiving as he was with Anthony Joshua.

The heavyweight champion, boasting an immaculate 22-0 record with 14 KOs, has made it clear he’s aiming for the finish in their upcoming rematch. Having dished out a history-making split decision defeat on the ‘Gypsy King’ back in May to claim the undisputed heavyweight crown – a first since Lennox Lewis in 1999 – the fighters are gearing up for their highly anticipated sequel at Saudi Arabia’s Kingdom Arena just days before Christmas.

Fury is set on redemption following his setback in the same venue earlier this year. Despite his formidable record, Usyk has displayed commendable sportsmanship toward his adversaries, as seen in his leniency with Joshua during the tail end of their initial fight in 2021.

Ahead on the scorecards and with Joshua in trouble, Usyk chose discretion over destruction, opting not to press harder in the final moments. Usyk’s promoter, Alex Krassyuk, detailed the champ’s outlook, saying: “When he comes to the ring, it’s Oleksandr’s profession, so he has to fight, and he has to win but he doesn’t have to hate his opponent. He loves his opponent. He respects him.

“With a full heart of love, he hits him according to the rules, but he doesn’t feel this anger. He doesn’t feel like he’s doing damage. His objective is to win, and the less damage he does to his opponent the better. This is his philosophy. That’s why he did not knock out Anthony Joshua in the twelfth round,” reports the Mirror.

“He said I’m winning on points. Why should his kids watch his father falling on the ring when enough is done to get the victory? That’s his mindset.” However, the Ukrainian boxer has vowed that he will not go easy on Fury in their rematch.

He told Mail Sport: “Against Fury, it wasn’t me who decided this – it was the heavenly virtues who decided this was the way I would win [decision not KO]. But, if I have an opportunity to knock out Tyson Fury in the rematch, I will take it.”

Usyk defeated Joshua in 2021 to become the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight champion. He then defended his belts against Joshua again in 2022. He knocked out Daniel Dubois in August 2023 before becoming the undisputed champion by beating Fury in May this year for his WBC belt.

However, he vacated the IBF belt shortly after to set up a lucrative rematch with Fury. Since then, Dubois has unified his interim IBF belt by defeating Joshua in a fifth-round knockout last September. However, with Fury and Usyk rumored to be planning a third fight in 2025, it might be a while before we see ‘DDD’ get his shot at undisputed greatness.

BOXING

Tyson Fury insists Anthony Joshua ‘still a great fight’ and says his main motivation is money

Fury is aiming to seize the WBA, WBC and WBO world heavyweight titles held by Usyk when they meet for the second time at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena on Saturday

He may have a heavyweight title rematch with Oleksandr Usyk looming, but former champion Tyson Fury also said he was looking beyond the Ukrainian and a lucrative showdown with British rival Anthony Joshua, saying money, not legacy, was his driving force.

Fury is aiming to seize the WBA, WBC and WBO world heavyweight titles held by Usyk when they meet for the second time at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena on Saturday.

Whatever the outcome, the ‘Gypsy King’ believes there will always be appetite for a domestic clash with Joshua even though his rival’s star has waned after his crushing fifth-round knockout by Daniel Dubois in September.

Fury was ringside at Wembley, part of the Riyadh Season series, to watch Joshua’s dramatic defeat and was caught on camera saying “that’s cost me £150 million”.

The 36 year old insisted the comment was genuine, adding that he and Joshua would have had a two-fight deal where each would have made a “ton of money”.

“Unfortunately doors open, doors close,” Fury said.

Defeat to Dubois was the fourth of Joshua’s 32-fight career, and the manner of it had some observers wondering if he had what it took to reclaim the heavyweight championship, having also suffered back-to-back defeats to Usyk.

Fury, who has won 34 of his pro bouts, with one draw and a defeat to Usyk the only blemishes on his record, insisted that a showdown with Joshua is still a blockbuster matchup that fights fans will pay to see.

“Does it really matter if he has another loss or not? It doesn’t matter. It’s still a big fight,” Fury added.

“Even if he goes in against Dubois and he gets knocked out again … It’s still a great fight. It’s a great fight that we all want to see.”

Joshua has heavily favoured to become a three-time world champion when he faced Dubois, only to be outclassed by a younger opponent.

A rematch looked likely to be his next step, but talks have stalled on a second bout, with Dubois now slated to face New Zealand’s former WBO champion Joseph Parker in Riyadh in February.

Usyk was crowned undisputed champion with a split decision victory in May before relinquishing the IBF belt, which was awarded to sanctioning body’s No 1 challenger Dubois.

Fury reportedly earned close to £100m for the first fight with Usyk but, as challenger, will take the lower percentage for the rematch, which is reported to be worth a combined £150m.

He insisted that the financial rewards were the only reason he continued to box.

“Legacy is my kids. I care about my family, my kids, providing for them, looking after them. That’s it,” he said.

“I’m only doing it for the money. All prize fighters, if they tell the truth, do it for the money. Who here is not doing it for the money?

“I want as much as I can get. I want the easiest fights possible for the largest amounts of money possible.

“I don’t want the toughest fights possible for the least amount of money. I wasn’t born in a Christmas cracker.”

BOXING

Gervonta Davis, Claressa Shields Dragged In as Jake Paul Discredits Boxing Rankings

When Jake Paul entered the world of boxing a few years ago, no one thought he would be this big. The Problem Child is now at the top of the industry, with several world champions issuing a challenge to him. After defeating Mike Tyson last month, he has ascended to a new level.

Nevertheless, the question of Jake Paul not fighting a legitimate active boxer is still persistent. The 27-year-old has wracked up 11 victories in 12 matches. However, none of those victories came against a sanctioned active boxer in their prime. Which raises the question, has Jake Paul done enough to challenge for a title or even rank prominently? Well, FightHype asked the same question to Paul, and he had some snarky things to say.

Jake Paul does not care

During the press conference of the MVP Prospects 10, the self-proclaimed El Gallo declared, “F**k the rankings! It’s a number who cares,” claiming that numbers or rankings do not bother him. According to the 27-year-old, he only cares about the numbers his fights are doing and what he is doing. “People just want to like classify things into a number chart. I’ve never looked at the rankings. I could care less,” claimed Paul.

The Cleveland native further added that he is eventually going to challenge for the world title. He was soaring with confidence and announced, “I’m the best in the world and I’m going to be world champion.”

This is not the first time that Jake Paul has promised to challenge for the world title. He has always claimed that he wants to fight the best fighters. After his fight with Mike Tyson, The Problem Child issued a challenge to Canelo Alvarez and declared himself as the face of the boxing. Furthermore, world champions like Artur Beterbiev, Daniel Dubois, and Gervonta Davis have also challenged Paul after his win over Tyson.

However, the 27-year-old has not officially accepted anyone’s challenge. It looks like Paul knows that he lacks too much at this stage to challenge some of the best pound-for-pound fighters. He currently ranks #129 in WBA’s heavyweight ranking and will have to improve if he wants to challenge for the title, which he will eventually do.

MVP’s co-founder, Nakisa Bidarian, also gave his opinion on the matter and called out the likes of Dubois and Claressa Shields in a brutal manner.

The biggest box office draw

Bidarian declared, “The rankings are, He’s the biggest box office draw in boxing. He’s ranked number one above everybody else,” claiming that Jake Paul is above every other boxer in the world currently. However, he asserted these rankings based on draw rather than skills.

Bidarian further added, “That’s why Dubois is calling him out. That’s why better Beterbiev is calling him out. That’s why Gervonta Davis is calling him out, and that’s why Ryan Garcia is calling him out,” claiming that everyone wants a shot against The Problem Child.

The MVP co-founder then referenced the comment that the women’s undisputed heavyweight champion, Claressa Shields, made in an interview with TMA Sports, where she asserted, “I don’t think Jake Paul has the skills to get in the ring with me. He’s no match for me.”

Bidarian expanded, “Claressa Shields is calling him out. So, it’s you know it’s pretty apparent who the number one ranked fighter in the world is across all weight classes. It’s Jake ‘El Gallo’ Paul,” claiming that The Problem Child has nothing to worry about when it comes to pull and making a fight happen.

BOXING

Claressa Shields To defend her WBC Heavyweight Title against Danielle Perkins December 2024

On February 2, 2025, at the Dort Federal Event Center in Flint, Michigan, Claressa “T-Rex” Shields, boasting an impressive record of 15-0-0 (3KO), is set to face off against Danielle Perkins, who comes in at 5-0-0 (2KO) from Houston, Texas. This match is particularly significant as it will be for the WBC Heavyweight world title.

Shields last fought in July of 2024, at the Little Caesars Arena, in Detroit, Michigan, when she moved up to the heavyweight division and fought Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse for multiple world titles, winning the bout by a second round TKO in scheduled 10-round bout.

Perkins, also last fought in July of 2024, on the same card in against Christianne Fahey in a six-rounder winning by a unanimous decision.While the matchup is highly anticipated, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges facing women’s boxing, specifically in the heavyweight division. The talent pool in this category is notably sparse, with historically a handful at best of boxers deemed of championship caliber.

BOXING

Mike Tyson officially challenged to a rematch after Jake Paul bout

Following the disaster that was his bout against Jake Paul, Mike Tyson has officially been challenged to a rematch in an effort to clean up his image.

The fight between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson was a fiasco. Following the huge criticism that ‘Iron Mike’ has faced, a rematch has been proposed to him in order to help him create a better image for his fans.

A few months ago, Jake Paul decided to challenge Mike Tyson to a professional bout. Many fans doubted Tyson’s condition, as the 58-year-old had been retired for 19 years.

Nevertheless, Tyson promised his fans that they would see a big show at AT&T Stadium. Unfortunately, he was unable to keep up with the pace set by the influencer and was easily defeated by Jake Paul.

Mike Tyson gets called out for a rematch after Jake Paul fiasco

While many fans were eager to see the great Mike Tyson once again in the ring, the reality was a big disappointment. The legendary boxer was clearly exhausted by the third round, making it impossible for him to throw powerful punches against his rival.

Mike Tyson lasted all eight rounds, but he was clearly not in optimal physical condition for the fight. He has even admitted that he doesn’t remember much about the fight, a clear sign that he wasn’t ready for it.

After this poor performance by ‘Iron Mike,’ several boxing legends have stepped in to support him. Now, it was Roy Jones Jr.‘s turn, a fighter Tyson faced four years ago, to show his support towards his former rival.

Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. fought in 2020 in an eight-round exhibition match. While the bout ended in a draw, Jones Jr. believes Tyson performed better against him than against Paul, which is why he has now challenged him to a rematch.

BOXING

Anthony Joshua Brings Christmas Early for Kids Battling Serious Illnesses

Christmas came early for the children staying in Starfish Ward at Watford General Hospital. Former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua visited the hospital where he was born on Thursday and handed out gifts to young patients admitted to the hospital. This was part of his Clean Hearts Community program, which he founded some years earlier.

It wasn’t Joshua’s first charitable effort in his hometown either. The ongoing initiative aims to uplift the people where the Watford native grew up. Joshua has previously used this initiative to launch a plethora of physical and educational programs this year. It included football camps, cooking, and science classes, to name a few.

“Today we went to visit Watford General Hospital,” Joshua told Daily Mail Sports about his latest charitable effort in the hospital where he once unveiled the Leigh Warman Mural in the Children’s A&E department following his Olympic win in 2012. “There were a few kids there on the ward. Some have serious illnesses and some others were actually going home today which was nice to hear.”

The 35-year-old suggested that the main purpose of his visit was to acknowledge the children there. “I always try to put myself back to when I was four years and if someone came down with some gifts it would have made my day,” Joshua said. Meanwhile, he also shared a post on Instagram, with a bunch of pictures from his visit.

We brought Santa Claus with us, since I’m sure they don’t know who I am. Seeing their faces light up when we handed out gifts was such a nice feeling,” Joshua wrote in the caption. Paediatric Consultant Lynn Sinitsky praised Joshua’s visit and the impact it will have on the children, especially on one who woke up to find the world champion at his bedside.

“The joy Anthony has spread is truly healing,” Lynn Sinitsky said. “The smile on that ten-year-old’s face was priceless.” Meanwhile, ward manager Kerry Beasley also chimed in, highlighting the boost in morale Joshua’s visit gave to the children and staff present. “It’s amazing for everyone—both the staff and the patients. It really lifts morale and spreads the Christmas spirit,’ she said. ‘We couldn’t get him out.”

BOXING

Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk undercard fight cancelled as failed drugs test confirmed

Dennis McCann has provided an “adverse analytical finding” in his Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) test.

British fighter Dennis McCann has provided an adverse analytical finding in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) test – resulting in the cancellation of his upcoming super-bantamweight bout with Peter McGrail – which was set to take place on undercard of Tyson Fury’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk next weekend.

Promoted by Frank Warren and the world-renowned Queensberry Promotions, 23-year-old southpaw McCann is now facing up to an investigation. Queensberry released a statement on the news via social media.

“The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) has today informed all relevant parties that Dennis McCann has returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted in advance of his upcoming bout,” read their statement. “McCann’s scheduled fight next Saturday will no longer take place while the relevant parties investigate the matter further. No further comment on this will be made at this time.”

No further details have been provided on the substance that was found in McCann’s sample – nor the date the a sample was provided. McCann has fought twice in 2024, beating Ionut Baluta and Brad Strand.

McCann had been training in Liverpool with coach Joe McNally ahead of the fight, which was expected to be a centrepiece of the Fury vs Usyk build-up in Riyadh. McGrail – who made his name as an esteemed amateur from Liverpool – is now without an opponent unless a last-minute replacement can be arranged.

McCann, meanwhile, will now face up to a full investigation, and the matter is likely to be referred to the Board of Control and UK Anti-Doping, who will handle any procedure in the case. He will be handed a temporary suspension once an investigation formally begins.

BOXING

Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 thrown into chaos as undercard fighter fails anti-doping test just days before event

A SCHEDULED undercard bout for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 has been cancelled due to a failed drugs test.

British super-bantamweight Dennis McCann has been pulled from his meeting with Peter McGrail after an “adverse finding” was discovered in his anti-doping test.

An update from Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority and the mastermind behind the huge battles that take place in Saudi Arabia, on Friday evening read: “The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) has today informed all relevant parties that Dennis McCann has returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted in advance of his upcoming bout.

“Mr. McCann’s scheduled fight next Saturday will no longer take place, as the relevant parties investigate the matter further.

“No further comment on this will be made at this time.”

The Brit’s promoter, Frank Warren’s Queensberry, also confirmed the cancellation.

At just 23 years old he is also British and Commonwealth champion.

McCann vs McGrail was one of five scheduled undercard fights for Fury vs Usyk 2.

The main event is set for next Saturday, December 21, in Riyadh.

Fury insists he won’t make the mistake of trying to outbox Usyk in their crunch rematch.

The former unified heavyweight champion said: “I’ve always been a bad man my whole life, and I’m still one today at nearly 40 years old, a few years off 40.

“I’m going to go in there with destroy mode. Last time I went to box him, I was being cautious.

“But this time I’m not going for a points decision. I’m going to knock that motherf****r out.”

BOXING

Gervonta Davis’ Legacy Tarnished Under One Minute as Floyd Mayweather, Lomachenko Roped In to Prove a Point

WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis is often regarded as the ‘Face of Boxing’ today. But there are countless in the community who feel the Baltimore native is not deserving of the prestigious title. Well, YouTuber Showbizz The Adult is one of them. In his latest rant on YouTube, Showbiz tore apart Davis’ legacy while roping in Floyd Mayweather and Vasyl Lomachenko. The 30-year-old puncher is about to get in the ring against Lamont Roach in Brooklyn, New York for Davis’ WBA title. However, there has been criticism towards the bout, which claims the fight is too easy for Davis and he is avoiding any real challenge, mainly because Roach normally fights in the super featherweight division.

Regardless, before Roach, Davis had his eye on someone else. ‘Tank’ was in talks with Ukraine’s Vasyl Lomachenko to unify their belts. This also came hand-in-hand with criticism that, now that ‘Loma’ is too old, Davis decided to fight him. Anyway, Lomachenko decided to pull out of the fight talks, claiming he wanted a break and would like to spend more time with his family.

Fast forward to today, Showbizz accused Davis of fighting nobodies, despite having backing from one of the greatest boxers in recent history. What did he say?

Can you imagine, bro?” he began. “You [have been] fighting from six years old. You meet a legend in Floyd Mayweather. You think all is about to be right with the world. I’m about to clean everybody up. And you fight none of them? And you look around and you [are] 30-31 years old and you know that you are the best one. I’m not saying that he is the best one, I’m saying that he knows he is the best one,” he stated.

Notably, Mayweather discovered Davis back in 2015 and immediately offered him a contract with his promotional company, Mayweather Promotions. Regardless, Showbizz insinuates that while Davis thinks he is the best, the reality is very different.

“We got time for Lomachenko. That was four years ago. All of a sudden, he gets his chance. Lomachenko. Lomachenko like [looking uncertain]. Because Lomachenko fought Kambosos, Devin ‘The American Dream’ Haney, Teofimo Lopez, Garry Russell, Linares, Rigondeaux.”

“He done fought them all. He’s like, ‘I don’t feel like [fighting Davis]’. He can afford not to feel like. He ducked him but he is kinda like… And Tank’s like, ‘Damn! Hey Shakur’ and then he looks up, Lamont Roach. Another situation like this again. He like, ‘Man, I’m done,’” Showbizz added, referencing to Davis’s latest move. ‘Tank’ announced a week ago that he would retire in 2025.