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Last month, Daniel Dubois shocked everyone when he defeated Anthony Joshua in just 5 rounds via knockout and changed both of their future.

Dubois is a huge commodity in Heavyweight boxing now and surely has the luxury of picking his opponents. Therefore, Frank Warrenis taking his sweet time to decide on his future opponent. On the other hand, Joshua’s future was jeopardized after the loss, as fans even speculated retirement from the London resident.

But Joshua ensured he was not looking to retire and expressed his desire for a rematch with Dubois. While things went positively for the rematch, it has taken a huge U-turn. Firstly, IBF ordered a title eliminator and now Warren himself doubted the immediate nature of this rematch.

Joshua vs Dubois: Dubois victory over Joshua in 10 pictures - BBC Sport

READ: Gervonta Davis Gives Stern Warning to Lamont Roach as Baltimore Ravens’ Match Ignites Verbal Spat

The Queensberry Promotions founder sat down with talkSport and revealed Dubois’ future and his next fight. According to Warren, Dynamite will fight in early 2025, but there is a huge mystery regarding the opponent. “He [Dubois] will fight early next year. We are just looking at a few matches. I hope we get it done by next week, who he’ll be facing. It may be AJ, it may not. It depends,” stated Warren as he dropped the bombshell.

Warren was then specifically asked about his thoughts on the rumored rematch in February 2025 in Riyadh. “I mean, I have no problem with that fight [Joshua rematch]. I’d have that fight all day long for him,” stated the English promoter, implying that he would like to see that fight.

He was proud of his boxer and the way he fought against Joshua and stated, “I mean, he really, really announced himself on the world stage in a big way, didn’t he?” with a huge smile on his face. While earlier, both parties confirmed that there would be a rematch, this latest interview by Warren has created significant doubts. Moreover, the rumors of Dubois facing the winner of Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Furymatch have also been going viral recently. Additionally, the title eliminator match ordered by IBF has created a lot of barriers for AJ to get his rematch.

Earlier this week, the IBF ordered a match between Martin Bakole and Agit Kabayel to determine the next challenger for Dynamite’s IBF heavyweight championship. There is no concrete timeline regarding the contest, but Bakole’s promoter, Ben Shalomrecently revealed that he is trying for a date in December.

Meanwhile, Eddie Hearn has admitted that Joshua wants an immediate rematch. He could go for other opponents but will wait for the Usyk-Fury fight result, before deciding. Joshua wants to get back in the ring as soon as possible to get back in his groove, but waiting for Daniel Dubois can hurt that.

The next few months are extremely crucial for both Dubois and Joshua if they want a rematch as the IBF title eliminator and Usyk vs. Fury can massively affect their plans to face each other.

Tyson Fury’s coach, Andy Lee, said that his fighter was not able to spar in the build-up to the Oleksandr Usyk fight.

Fury suffered a split decision loss as Usyk became the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion. It was the first time that Fury had been defeated. Coming into the fight, the Gypsy King reassured everyone that his preparation was on point. He was also praised for his physique, with Fury coming in leaner than he usually would. However, the original fight date was rescheduled after Fury suffered a cut over his right eye in sparring.

This meant that the original day in February was moved to May. The cut reportedly would take around three months or more to heal fully, leaving questions about whether Fury would have been ready for the fight. However, the cut ended up healing. While it did not become a factor in the bout, Fury was ultimately dominated. Usyk was the better fighter in the earlier rounds, finishing strongly at the back end.

Tyson Fury Trainer Andy Lee Has Now Revealed His Honest Usyk Scorecard  After Rewatching Fight - Seconds Out

JUST IN: Gervonta Davis Gives Stern Warning to Lamont Roach as Baltimore Ravens’ Match Ignites Verbal Spat

Fury’s main success came in the middle rounds, but the Ukrainian almost knocked him out in the ninth round, only for the referee to impose a standing eight count. However, Lee has now confirmed that Fury’s preparation was disrupted since he was not able to spar for fear of the cut reopening. If that is the case, then Lee will fancy his fighter to do much better in the rematch. They will square off on December 21. It will not be for undisputed after Usyk vacated his IBF belt. Daniel Dubois took that belt, knocking Anthony Joshuaout to retain it. Lee expects to see a different Tyson Fury coming into the rematch.

“Fights are won and lost in the training and preparation. Because of the rearranged and rescheduled fight due to a cut, Tyson couldn’t spar in the camp. The conditioning, sharpness and your ability to concentrate to stay ready and to sustain attacks. When Tyson would have success in the fight, he would have to back away and look to rest to build up his energy again before mounting his next attack. In the meantime, it encouraged Usyk to come forward and gave him the emphasis to go forward to take it now because ‘I’m taking a break.’ It’ll be different because he’ll be able to spar,” Lee said 

Nevertheless, it is important to consider the following points. Those comments could simply be used to move attention away from how Fury faded in the fight. He had talked up a big game, stating that he would retire if he came out second best. He also repeatedly referred to the Ukrainian as a blown-up cruiserweight and a rabbit, talking down his opponent’s skills. Fury also had a 40-pound advantage and a seven-inch reach advantage. But the Ukrainian was able to negate those disadvantages and dominate his man.

Even if Fury spars and fights on the front foot, there is a danger that he will play into Usyk’s hands. Usyk is a master counterpuncher, known for picking his opponents off. If Fury continues to come forward, he risks giving Usyk a much bigger target to hit. Usyk had also shown that he could hold his own in his clinches. This is pivotal if Fury tries to lean on Usyk, much like he did against Deontay Wilder in their second fight. But if Fury’s preparation is on point, he will back himself to come out victorious. But the question is whether Fury can back up his words come fight night.

The online rivalry between Gervonta Davis and Lamont Roach Jr. is getting more intense with each passing day.

A week ago, the duo got into an online spat on ‘X’ when Roach tried to troll the WBA lightweight champion and stated that the latter needed to spar with heavier boxers before their fight in December in order to have an edge over him. The 29-year-old received a stellar comeback from Tank, who stated that he would do his talking inside the ring.

Things were quiet for a week before Lamont Roach once again decided to pull Davis’ leg ahead of the NFL match between the Baltimore Ravens and Washington Commanders. But once again, the WBA super featherweight champion was shut down as the move backfired on him.

Gervonta Davis-Lamont Roach Jr. Tops Dec. 14 PBC on Prime Video PPV In  Houston, Texas - The Ring

READ: Canelo vs. Beterbiev, Who Hits Harder?: Dmitry Bivol Warned as He Answers the Burning Question

The spat started when Roach responded to a Ravens fan who was making fun of the Washington Commanders. However, while doing so, the fan also decided to bring in Gervonta Davis’ fight against Lamont Roach to make his point. The tweet read, “We whipping DC a** for the rest of the year. Ravens today, Tank in December,” adding that Roach will be losing to Davis come December.

Being from Washington, D.C., Roach did not take the comment kindly and shot back, “This s**t different over here 😶‍🌫️.” As expected, Tank saw the response and decided to jump right in. The WBA lightweight champion retorted, “Yea, you asking for it…”

The WBA Super Featherweight champion was stunned by the reply, as he was only able to muster up the “🤨” emoji in reply. However, that wasn’t the only hit Lamont Roach Jr. had to take. The Baltimore Ravens also managed to defeat Roach’s Washington Commanders 30-23 in their Week 6 matchup on Sunday. The Ravens extended their winning streak to four games with a strong performance, particularly from their offense. Lamar Jackson led the charge with multiple big plays, while Derrick Henry had a standout day, rushing for 132 yards and scoring two touchdowns. The Ravens maintained control of the game, holding the ball for over 30 minutes and outgaining Washington significantly. This victory solidifies the Ravens as strong contenders to Kansas City in the AFC.

As for the upcoming Davis vs. Roach fight, when this fight was officially announced last month, fans were not so happy with it. Still, with the recent online spat between the two, the anticipation for the fight is gradually increasing. The tensions are rising between the duo. With a solid undercard, this fight might just be worth everyone’s time as Roach has promised to give Davis a run for his money.

Tank and Roach will face each other on December 14 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas for the WBA lightweight title. The WBA allowed Lamont Raoch to move up a weight category to challenge for the lightweight title while also retaining his featherweight strap. This match has not excited the fans that much, as everyone thinks that it will be an easy victory for the 30-0 boxer. But the undercard has piqued the interest of everyone as it includes one high-profile return of a two-weight world champion and a match-of-the-year contender.

Former WBC middleweight champion Jermall Charlo will make his return on this undercard and may face Thomas LaManna in his attempt to rebuild his career. But the real eyes will be on the rematch between Stephen Fulton and Brandon Figueroa. Reports have also indicated that David Benavidez will face Jesse Harton the same card as part of the co-main event.

While the main event had very little hype amongst fans earlier, this online war has helped their case. This will be the biggest fight of Roach’s career and he has promised to deliver his best performance.

Former WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol has officially fought two of the biggest names in boxing—Canelo Alvarez and Artur Beterbiev.

Now, the Russian technician has answered the question many have been asking since last Saturday night’s mega event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Who hits harder—Canelo or Beterbiev?

The 33-year-old took on ‘Cinnamon’ back in April 2022, emerging victorious via unanimous decision after 12 rounds of battle. However, surprisingly, he could not produce the same results last weekend, as he lost the fight to Beterbiev via a majority decision, which is now shrouded in controversy.

Canelo Alvarez Artur Beterbiev Dmitry Bivol

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Despite looking like the slightly better fighter in the 12-round skirmish, Bivol was handed his first career loss, as he continues to ask for a rematch to avenge his loss. Regardless, while appearing in an interview with Box Nation, Bivol expressed his thoughts about Beterbiev’s power.

The Kyrgyzstan-born boxer said, “He has very strong punches. [I felt] his right hand even through my left. My thumb is swollen because I was holding it on my head and he was beating on my hand.” Bivol added that because of the repeated blows from Beterbiev, who had entered the fight with a perfect knockout record, it felt as if Bivol’s guard was pushed inside his head.

After this statement became public, former super middleweight and light heavyweight champion Andre Ward reacted by suggesting Bivol should not indulge these details if he wants a rematch. “You should never concede this openly when there is potential for a rematch. Keep that to yourself! Too much talking,” he wrote on X.

However, things didn’t end there, as Bivol went on to compare Beterbiev’s power with Canelo Alvarez. While appearing in another interview with Fight Hub TV, Bivol told Marcos Villegas“I could compare [it] with Canelo. He put all his energy, all his power [into] a single punch. [So,] sometimes he’s harder than Beterbiev.”

He explained that, unlike Canelo, Beterbiev doesn’t wind up his punches, rather he likes to fight in the pocket. However, when there are combinations or just the volume of punches is increased in the comparison, Beterbiev is the more powerful puncher. “Beterbiev, every punch will be [harder than] Canelo. Both of them are strong, but Beterbiev is bigger, and he’s born strong,” Bivol said.

However, these weren’t the only times Bivol commented on Beterbiev’s power.

Despite the controversy surrounding his loss to Beterbiev, Bivol decided to keep things real. Speaking to iFL TV right after the fight came to a close, Bivol acknowledged that Beterbiev’s power was significant, highlighting the bruises he had suffered after the action-packed 12 rounds.

“It’s hard, but not as [hard] as people are describing. Yeah, it’s hard, you see my eye. He landed a lot of punches on my left hand, through my hand. You see the bruises,” Bivol said. However, the Russian boxer remained adamant about his own abilities, stating, “He [hits] hard but we can handle these hard punches.”

That said, the next best thing for Dmitry Bivol would be to pursue a rematch with Artur Beterbiev to avenge his loss. However, the final word on the matter will only be revealed in the coming days, as Beterbiev contemplates other options.

Is a Conor McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather rematch really in the works?

There’s been an uptick of chatter recently regarding the fight, but no clear indication that anyone is close to signing a contract.

What we do have, however, is Conor McGregor’s word that talks are ongoing, to the point where discussions on weight and rounds are being had.

“You know, there is conversations ongoing,” McGregor told Spanish news outlet Marca. “I fought Floyd at 153 pounds, which is a low weight. So he brought me all the way down. It was over 12 rounds. I’d never fought 12 rounds. Now the discussion is: at my weight, higher, heavy weight. 170 pounds. And maybe less rounds. So … I would fancy it.”

Floyd Mayweather defeats Conor McGregor by TKO in 10th round - ESPN

JUST IN: ‘Robbed, Disgusting’ – Beterbiev Vs. Bivol CompuBox Numbers

As for how he perceives the first fight to have gone?

“I had him bent over!” McGregor declared. “You see me I had him bent over. What more do you want me to do? Do you want me to finish the job while I have him bent over?”

McGregor did look decent through the first couple of rounds against Mayweather, forcing the boxing legend to turn his back at one point so the ref would step in and slow the action down. For his part, Mayweather claims he carried Mac through the fight before turning up the heat his gassed opponent. Both have said a rematch will happen, but neither seems in any rush to make it happen next.

All of this sounds promising, but these days “The Notorious” is in entrepreneurial overdrive. There’s not a weekend where he isn’t out there hawking a new product or Bare Knuckle FC event. He clearly wants to fight … but is under contract with the UFC, who seem in no rush to get him back in the cage.

Would UFC loan him out for a boxing event at some insane price tag? Maybe, if it means they still get to keep him on a leash with the two fights left on his UFC contract.

Whatever happens, McGregor claims he’s cool with it.

“I don’t need,” he said. “I am so blessed by God. I don’t need nothing. I don’t need. I have, but I’d like a fight.”

The CompuBox numbers for the Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivolfight have been released, showing how close the fight was.

The two boxers faced off for the Undisputed Light Heavyweight Championship. Beterbiev won via a majority decision to make him the Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion. However, the result divided the boxing community, with many feeling that Bivol had been robbed. Beterbiev’s corner was heard telling their man that he had to knock his opponent out. But when it came to the judges’ scorecards, they saw things differently. One scorecard had it 114 apiece, whilst the other two were in favor of better Beterbiev with scores of 116-112 and 115-113.

Bivol was clearly left disappointed, while Beterbiev’s team shut down any claims that there had been a robbery. And looking at the stats, it was a close fight. Bivol managed to land 50% of his power punches. This was a lot more than Beterbiev, who only landed 29%. This meant Bivol connected with 33 power punches over the first six rounds, while Beterbiev only landed 23. But when it came to the second half of the fight, Beterbiev was stronger. He landed 67 power punches in comparison to Bivol, who only landed 51.

Artur Beterbiev Dmitry Bivol

READ: “I don’t think the result was fair”: Turki Alalshikh confirms plans to stage a rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol

And when it came to the home stretch, Beterbiev was stronger in rounds 11 and 12. He landed 29 power punches, while Bivol managed to connect with 19. They were also separated by just five punches in total. Bivol outlanded Beterbiev with 142 punches compared to his opponent’s 137. Bivol also landed with more jabs. He had 58 compared to Beterbiev’s 47. But Beterbiev landed more power punches, with 90 compared to 84. Therefore, the fact that one judge had 116-112 drew the wrath of Eddie Hearn. His comments were also backed up by Frank Warren, who felt that Bivol had done enough to win. And that has set up the narrative for a rematch.

“In one of the biggest fights of our generation, the most important fight of Dmitry Bivol’s life, you give him four rounds?” he told the DAZN broadcast. It’s disgusting. You heard Beterbiev’s corner in the 10th round: They told him he had to knock him out. Top Rank knew he’d lost. I’m absolutely baffled and disgusted. I don’t want to disrespect Artur Beterbiev… That judge should never work again. Four rounds [to Bivol] in a fight of this, magnitude is disgusting,” Hearn said 

“I gave it to Bivol by a couple of rounds. That score of 8-4 is beyond ridiculous. Everyone around that ring thought Bivol had won it by at least two rounds. There should be a rematch because it was such a quality fight. Brilliant skills in there by Bivol, his jab was superb. Artur the last couple of rounds was told it was sink or swim. The score 8-4 was a joke. It’s terrible when you get a fight like that and it ends in controversy,” Warren stated

Check out these photos from Artur Beterbiev’s undisputed light heavyweight boxing title victory over Dmitry Bivol at Riyadh Season – IV Crown Showdown.

Ciara performs ahead of the IBF, IBO, WBC and WBO World Light Heavyweight titles’ fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitrii Bivol as part of the Riyadh Season – IV Crown Showdown card at Kingdom Arena on October 12, 2024 in Riyadh. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

JUST IN: “I don’t think the result was fair”: Turki Alalshikh confirms plans to stage a rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – OCTOBER 12: Missy Elliott performs ahead of the IBF, IBO, WBC and WBO World Light Heavyweight titles’ fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitrii Bivol as part of the Riyadh Season – IV Crown Showdown card at Kingdom Arena on October 12, 2024 in Riyadh. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Missy Elliott and Ciara perform ahead of the IBF, IBO, WBC and WBO World Light Heavyweight titles’ fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitrii Bivol as part of the Riyadh Season – IV Crown Showdown card at Kingdom Arena on October 12, 2024 in Riyadh. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Busta Rhymes performs ahead of the IBF, IBO, WBC and WBO World Light Heavyweight titles’ fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitrii Bivol as part of the Riyadh Season – IV Crown Showdown card at Kingdom Arena on October 12, 2024 in Riyadh. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Busta Rhymes performs ahead of the IBF, IBO, WBC and WBO World Light Heavyweight titles’ fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitrii Bivol as part of the Riyadh Season – IV Crown Showdown card at Kingdom Arena on October 12, 2024 in Riyadh. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Turki Alalshikh, the influential Saudi sports authority and head of the General Entertainment Authority, has voiced his desire to stage a rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol following Beterbiev’s controversial points victory in their undisputed light-heavyweight title fight. 

Alalshikh, a key figure in bringing major boxing events to Saudi Arabia, believes the result of the fight was not fair and is already working to organise a second showdown between the two champions.

Beterbiev’s victory, secured by a majority decision after twelve rounds of intense action, has sparked widespread debate in the boxing community, with many—including professional fighters—arguing that Bivol deserved the win.

Artur Beterbiev scores controversial majority decision win over Dmitry Bivol  in 12-round battle - MMA Fighting

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While Beterbiev’s aggressive style and power shots earned him the judges’ nod, Bivol’s technical skill and ring control had many feeling he had done enough to claim victory.

Alalshikh, who has played a major role in bringing boxing mega-fights to Saudi Arabia over the last 12 months, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the result, suggesting that the judges may have gotten it wrong.

Speaking about the result, Alalshikh told The Stomping Ground: ‘This was one of the great fights of the last 20 years I think, but I don’t think the result was fair, in my opinion. The two fighters are like my brothers, but I think Bivol won two rounds more. I will focus and I will try to do the rematch. If they accept, we will do it.’

Known for his passion for combat sports and his ability to deliver blockbuster events, Alalshikh is already in talks with both Bivol’s and Beterbiev’s teams to make the rematch a reality.

He is reportedly keen on hosting the bout in Saudi Arabia, which has become a prime destination for high-profile boxing matches, including bouts involving Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.

A rematch between Beterbiev and Bivol would undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated fights of 2025, given the controversy surrounding their first bout in Riyadh.

Bivol, who many believe was ‘robbed’ of a victory, has welcomed the idea of a rematch. While Beterbiev, now the undisputed light-heavyweight champion, has also indicated that he would be open to a second fight.

The potential rematch has already generated excitement among fans and boxing insiders alike, with many viewing it as a must-see event. Given Alalshikh’s track record of organising high-stakes fights, there is growing anticipation that this rematch could come together quickly.

Artur Beterbiev is the Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion after a divisive majority decision win over Dmitry Bivol. 

Beterbiev added Bivol’s WBA belt to his WBC, WBO and IBF titles, extending his record to 21-0. It was the first time he went the full 12 rounds while Bivol suffered his first defeat. Bivol began the opener well as he was landing the jab. He doubled up on it, connecting with his right hand as Beterbiev started slow.

However, Beterbiev maintained control of the center. He caught Bivol’s attention with a big right hand in the third as he worked himself into the fight, while Bivol kept moving around the ring. Bivol responded with a right cross, but Beterbiev took it cleanly, with no impact as he walked forward.

In the sixth, Bivol was backed up on the ropes. Beterbiev landed upstairs, grazing Bivol’s head with a right cross as he found himself on the ropes. Bivol was breathing heavier as Beterbiev was putting his combinations together. However, Bivol fought back in the seventh. He buzzed Beterbiev with a combination on the ropes.

READ: Canelo’s Unfinished Business: A Rematch with Bivol

Beterbiev reacted by backing up Bivol, who was forced to cover up. Neither man was backing down. Bivol’s backhand landed on the body in the ninth, followed by a cross that popped Beterbiev’s head. Beterbiev’s corner was clear that he needed a KO following the tenth. Beterbiev went for it, unleashing a flurry of punches as Bivol slowed down in the 11th. However, Bivol held his ground only to come up short on the scorecards, dividing the boxing community: 114-114, 115-113, and 116-112.

Post-Fight

“I don’t have any explanation, because it would look like excuses. I just congratulate Artur and his team, they deserve it. [And] I did my job. I felt that I could do better, it just… some opinion of judges… Congratulations, Artur. I didn’t see this fight. He won, what can I say?,” Bivol

“In one of the biggest fights of our generation, the most important fight of Dmitry Bivol’s life, you give him four rounds? It’s disgusting. You heard Beterbiev’s corner in the 10th round: They told him he had to knock him out. Top Rank knew he’d lost. I’m absolutely baffled and disgusted. I don’t want to disrespect Artur Beterbiev… That judge should never work again. Four rounds [to Bivol] in a fight of this magnitude is disgusting,” Hearn

Full Card

Fabio Wardley defeated Frazer Clarke by first-round TKO (2:28).

Jai Opetaia defeated Jack Massey by sixth-round TKO (2:00).

Chris Eubank Jr. defeated Kamil Szeremeta by seventh-round TKO (1:50).

Skye Nicolson defeated Raven Chapman by unanimous decision (99-91, 98-92, 98-92).

Ben Whittaker vs. Liam Cameron ended in a split draw after an injury caused by both fighters falling out of the ring (58-57, 57-58, 58-58).

Mohammed Alakel defeated Jesus Gonzalez by unanimous decision (40-36 x3).

Marco Maric defeated Christian Lopez Flores by unanimous decision (40-36 x3).

Conor McGregor has been out of action since his UFC 264 trilogy defeat to Dustin Poirier, and recently revealed he won’t be returning to the Octagon until 2025 – so he may explore other avenues

Conor McGregor has teased a jaw-dropping, multi-million dollar showdown with boxing ace Terrence Crawford.

The UFC legend has been out of action since his 2021 defeat to Dustin Poirier, when he suffered a leg break that halted their trilogy fight. Since then, McGregor has been sidelined once more due to a busted toe, which axed his planned UFC return against Michael Chandler earlier this year.

Terence Crawford rechaza pelea con Conor McGregor: “No iba a permitir que  me pateara y diera de codazos” - ClaroSports

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Confirming his absence from the MMA scene until next year in a chat with Ariel Helwani at the high-voltage Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois bout last month, ‘The Notorious’ isn’t just kicking back and relaxing. It looks like he’s hunting for new thrills outside the Octagon while he gears up for his grand comeback.

In a bombshell live stream revelation, McGregor claimed that Crawford turned down a $200million (£152m) mega-deal to face him in an epic crossover duel. McGregor went into detail about the proposed offer, saying: “We were talking back and forth about a two-fight deal. He rings up Crawford in front of me the day after the fights.

“I get on the phone and say ‘Crawford, they’re here talking about you and me [fighting]. Two-fight deal, MMA first, boxing second. I know you have an extensive wrestling background, and balls the size of a Bengal tiger. They’re asking for a fight, it’ll be hundreds of millions on the line. What’s up?’, I said and then he goes, ‘I don’t fancy taking a kick off Conor McGregor ‘, that’s what he said. You have to respect that,” reports the Express.

Boxing champ Crawford has also spilled the beans on his chat with McGregor about a potential two-fight deal – one in the ring and one in the octagon. Recalling the conversation on Bernie the Boxer, Crawford said: “I told Conor, ‘Hell no’. They called me and they offered me the fight and me and Conor got on the phone and started trying to figure something out. And I told him, ‘Man I ain’t getting into no Octagon with you so you can be kicking me and elbow me and s***’.

“He started laughing and s*** and he said ‘Man, I respect it. You respect my sport just like I respect your sport and you understand that if you get in an Octagon you’re going to be at a disadvantage. Just like if I get into the boxing ring with you, I’m going to be at a disadvantage’.”

Despite saying no way at first, it looks like Crawford might actually be open to the mammoth idea after all. McGregor recently teased on Instagram saying: “Big respect to @tbudcrawford! $100million dollars in a fight, 1 in mma, 1 boxing. $200million dollars!” Crawford couldn’t help but drop a hint back, replying with a cheeky: “Tempted,” while giving a shout out to the UFC superstar.

Even though he’s got the wrestling skills that could’ve taken him far in MMA, Crawford decided to chase glory with the gloves instead. He burst onto the scene against Brian Cummings in 2008, clinching a first-round knockout victory. Zooming ahead to 2024, Crawford boasts an impeccable 41-0 record, with 31 knockouts and ten decisions against top fighters like Errol Spence Jr, Kell Brook, and Amir Khan.

His latest triumph was over Israil Madrimov in August, when he claimed the WBA and WBO interim light middleweight titles. McGregor, on the other hand, has had a glittering career in mixed martial arts. He shot to fame in Cage Warriors back in 2011 and 2012, scooping up both the featherweight and lightweight belts, before his UFC debut against Marcus Brimage in 2013 – a match he won with a first-round TKO.

The 36-year-old nabbed the UFC featherweight belt in 2015 by flooring Jose Aldo in a mere 13 seconds, then went on to become a “champ-champ” by beating Eddie Alvarez for the lightweight title the next year. However, he was stripped of both titles due to inactivity and hasn’t reclaimed champion status since.

No newbie to boxing, the southpaw took a swing at the boxing world in 2017, facing off with the legendary Floyd Mayweather Jr in a pro 12-rounder in August 2017, lasting ten rounds against the undefeated champ before a TKO stoppage in “Money” Mayweather’s favour.

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