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“You Shouldn’t Even Be in the Ring”: Claressa Shields Blasts Imane Khelif’s “Soft” Opponent

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Claressa Shields Imane Khelif 2024 Paris Olympics

The 2024 Paris Olympics was a wild ride for boxing.

Algerian female boxer Imane Khelif clinched gold in the women’s 66 kg division despite becoming a target of hate and widespread misinformation campaign online. And now, two-time Olympic gold medalist Claressa Shields has suggested that one of Imane’s opponents, Angela Carini, in the Paris Games, was “soft” for complaining after their fight. Let’s start things from the top.

After being disqualified from the World Championships last year for failing an unspecified gender identity test, the IOC permitted the 25-year-old boxer to compete in this year’s games because she was born a biological female. However, the hate began after she defeated Angela Carini of Italy in the round of 16, where Carini quit 46 seconds into the fight, claiming that Khelif’s punches impacted her more than ever before.

Claressa Shields apologizes for referring to controversial Olympic boxer Imane Khelif as a "Transgender" | BJPenn.com

READ: Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford given lifeline as Turki Alalshikh reveals message from Mexican superstar

Soon popular internet personalities began hitting out at the IOC over Khelif’s participation in the women’s category, claiming that the IOC was allowing a biological man to fight a female boxer. This included celebrities like Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling, Elon Musk, and even former President Donald Trump. Interestingly, even Claressa Shields had initially joined the chorus against Khelif, writing, “Women should fight against women, men fight against men and transgenders fight against transgenders,” adding Khelif fighting women was “ridiculous” and that she was “heartbroken” for the women competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

However, after realizing she had been the victim of misinformation on social media, Claressa Shields appeared in an interview with TMZ Sports to state, “I wish I would’ve [done] my research before, because now I couldn’t imagine being at the Olympics, winning these fights.” She added, “I just feel really bad about that, and I want to clear it up on my end that I have found out that these two women were born women, and I don’t know what this testosterone stuff is about.”

Following her win, Khelif filed a lawsuit in France against J. K. Rowling, Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and everyone else who attacked her on social media while she was competing in the games. Meanwhile, Shields appeared in The Breakfast Club Podcast, where she seems to have turned her criticism stick on Angela Carini of Italy.

Reflecting on the entire fiasco, Shields suggested that everyone was trapped in the vicious cycle of misinformation, and claimed, “she’s right to sue whoever” started the misinformation about her. Shields said, “Yeah girl, get that money,” reacting to Khelif suing Musk and Rowling for their posts about her gender. She also congratulated the Algerian for winning gold.

However, when she turned to Carini, Shields didn’t have very nice things to say about the Italian boxer, stating, “But to the girl who [was] like, ‘Oh she hit me harder than I’ve ever been hit before’. Soft. Soft.”

Shields didn’t stop there, as she asked Carini to retire from the sport altogether, stating, “Hang it up, you shouldn’t even be in the ring. I spar against men. I ain’t never been hit that hard, where I’m like ‘Let me get the hell up out of here’. Ever. And I’ve been hit to where I couldn’t chew for three days with, like, a hook.” Regardless, even Carini had apologized to Khelif after the hate campaign began and revealed that she felt sad for her opponent.

According to a report, Angela Carini issued a heartfelt apology to Imane Khelif after their Olympic boxing match. Carini, who was pretty bummed about the short fight, said, “All this drama definitely got me down, and I also felt bad for my opponent. She didn’t do anything wrong and, like me, was just here to fight.”

She explained that not shaking Khelif’s hand was just a result of her frustration and not a comment on Khelif herself. “It wasn’t intentional at all, and I’m really sorry to her and everyone else,” Carini added. “If I run into her again, I’d definitely give her a hug.” Carini’s apology highlights the personal toll of the controversy surrounding Imane Khelif, who’s been facing unwanted attention over her gender and biological status.

Having said that, Claressa Shields seems to have also become a victim of misinformation, just like most others. While she has corrected her mistake and withdrawn her statements about Khelif, her recent statements show the change of tide that has occurred in the minds of many about the entire fiasco.

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Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford given lifeline as Turki Alalshikh reveals message from Mexican superstar

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Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford

HE Turki Alalshikh has left the door open for Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford.

The blockbuster showdown had been at the top of the Saudi boxing chief’s wishlist earlier this year with a big money offer said to have been sent to Canelo’s team.

However, HE Alalshikh quickly withdrew the proposal after communication lines broke down with the Mexican superstar.

Canelo Alvarez Terence CrawfordJUST IN: ‘I GET PUMPED FOR SUCH THINGS’ – USYK EXPECTS A TOUGH REMATCH FROM FURY

Taking to X earlier this month, he wrote: “I decided to disregard the Canelo fight, as I don’t want it anymore.

“Instead, I will be focusing for the US market with bigger fights, especially for the legend Crawford.”

Canelo responded by insisting that he ‘doesn’t like the way HE Alalshikh works’ and that he wouldn’t be discussing future fights until his next outing against Edgar Berlanga on September 14 is wrapped up.

Taking exception to Canelo’s words, HE Alalshikh released a statement, in which he accused the Mexican superstar of being afraid of fighting David Benavidez and Crawford.

However, they appear to have made up now, as Alalshikh told Charlie Parson via an X Space interview: “We were talking with Canelo for a long time, around four months to do a big fight with him.

“What bothered me was when he announced that he respects me but he doesn’t like what Riyadh Season is doing to boxing.

“After that I responded with what I responded and he sent an indirect message to me by someone and said, ‘No I am respecting you, but there was a situation between me and Eddie when we talk and I don’t like the way Eddie talking to me.’

“Then I said it is not my responsibility if something happens between you and someone else, why get me inside this?

“We want to do the big fights. My door is open to all the fighters, so let’s see, he sent to me an indirect message that he wants to connect after the fight, but I don’t know if this is a real message or not.

“It is nothing personal it is business. I’d like to see the fight against Crawford, I’d like to see the fight against Benavidez.”

With the Canelo vs Crawford clash seemingly on the rocks, ‘Bud’ has received an offer from the Saudis to fight Vergil Ortiz.

But that fight as well as a much-anticipated bout with IBF super welterweight champion Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis seem unlikely at this stage.

“Great fight but not the top fight we want to see,” Alalshikh said of Crawford vs Ennis.

“I don’t think Crawford will fight anyone except Canelo… We give him offer for (Vergil) Ortiz, I don’t know if he’ll take it or not.

“We have an agreement to do big fight for Ortiz if Crawford doesn’t take the fight.”

Only time will tell who Crawford fights next, but he appears to have his heart set on Canelo.

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‘I GET PUMPED FOR SUCH THINGS’ – USYK EXPECTS A TOUGH REMATCH FROM FURY

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Tyson Fury Oleksandr Usyk Undisputed Heavyweight Champion

Oleksandr Usyk does not expect the December 21 rematch with Tyson Fury to be easier.

Usyk won the first fight in a split decision to become the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion. It was Fury’s first loss, as Usyk became a two-weight undisputed champion following his feats at cruiserweight. Usyk dominated the fight, aside from the middle rounds, as he almost stopped Fury in round nine.

The referee intervened with a standing eight count just when Usyk was going for the finish. After having shared 12 rounds with him, Usyk still expects a tough fight. The Ukrainian admitted Fury was his hardest fight, as he was giving up 40 pounds going into the ring.

Tyson Fury Oleksandr Usyk

JUST IN: Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois: Beating AJ will make me ‘legit champion’ – Dubois

He also had a seven-inch reach disadvantage. This time around, Usyk will go into the fight as the favorite. There is a different pressure, knowing that Fury performs best when he is the underdog. But Usyk is preparing for a much tougher fight.

“No, it won’t be easier. I think it will be even more difficult. Look. I always set myself up for a hard night, never an easy one. I’m expecting the cosmos that will crush me so only my eyes will see what happening. I get pumped for such things. I don’t think that it will be easier for me, but I don’t need it to be easier. Diamonds cannot be found in easy, because they are not there. You cannot succeed without hard work, everything that is given easily does not grow,” Usyk said

Usyk’s comments do have some credence. If Fury comes out second best again, it will confirm the narrative that he is not the best heavyweight of his era. He infamously referred to Usyk as a blown-up middleweight. Usyk lost to Shawn Porter in the amateurs in that weight class. Further, derogatory comments included rabbit, playing into the narrative that Fury would impose his size on Usyk, who would be running.

Fury even went further, saying he would retire if he lost to Usyk. While he has not done so, it could happen with another loss to Usyk. There is plenty on the line as a Fury fight against Anthony Joshua is possible.

The Saudis have said they want to make that fight next. In order for the demand to remain, Fury must beat Usyk, while Joshua must overcome Daniel Dubois on September 21. That sets up the narrative for an undisputed fight between Fury and Joshua. But Usyk has his views, as he could give Joshua a third fight if the results play out that way.

“I don’t particularly want any rematches, but when we beat Tyson Fury for the second time and when Anthony Joshua beats Daniel Dubois, of course they will want to do a third fight. From my point of view, I have no right to deny Anthony a third fight because he gave me two incredible fights. Anthony helped me become even more famous in the world. Anthony did it, and if it happens with God’s help, then I am ready for a third fight with Anthony,” Usyk stated  

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Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois: Beating AJ will make me ‘legit champion’ – Dubois

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Anthony Joshua Daniel Dubois

Daniel Dubois’ Interim title was upgraded to full championship but he seeks legitimacy and a knockout victory against Anthony Joshua

Daniel Dubois is the reigning IBF heavyweight world champion. But he is yet to win a fight for a full world title.

However, he intends to rectify that when he fights Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium on September 20, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois

READ: Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury: Turki Alalshikh gives clear answer on whether fight will happen if ‘Gypsy King’ loses to Oleksandr Usyk

Dubois lost his attempt to win the unified world title when Oleksandr Usyk stopped him in nine rounds last year.

The Londoner regrouped after that to defeat Jarrell Miller and then won the IBF Interim belt with his victory over Filip Hrgovic.

After beating Tyson Fury to become the undisputed champion, Usyk agreed a rematch and vacated the IBF title. That saw Dubois upgraded to full world champion.

He believes a victory over Joshua, a world-class heavyweight who has been a unified champion himself twice before, will legitimise his championship status.

“I’m the underdog because I have to prove myself and beating him and winning this next fight will set me as a legit champion. I’m raring to go. This is everything. The big opportunity,” Dubois told Sky Sports News.

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“Floyd Doesn’t Drink Alcohol”: Floyd Mayweather’s Hypocrisy Gets Called Out After Selling Liquor With ‘Value Deal Steve Harvey’

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Floyd Mayweather Good Money Whiskey

Floyd Mayweather is set to face John Gotti III in a highly anticipated rematch on August 24 in Mexico. However, recent footage surfaced showing Mayweather promoting his whiskey brand, ‘Good Money Whiskey’, at a local supermarket.

The clip, which quickly received traction on YouTube, sparked a backlash among fans who were less than thrilled with his alcohol venture.

Floyd Mayweather launched his spirits brand on October 18th, 2023, at Southern Glazer’s Las Vegas office and warehouse facility, which serves as their official distributor. The launch included both his whiskey brand, ‘Good Money Whiskey’, and his Champagne label, ‘Le Bon Argent’. Fast forward to today, Mayweather was spotted signing bottles and interacting with fans at a local store, which prompted an angry response from fans.

5 Success Principles We Can Learn From Floyd Mayweather

JUST IN: Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury: Turki Alalshikh gives clear answer on whether fight will happen if ‘Gypsy King’ loses to Oleksandr Usyk

Earlier today, Fight Hype uploaded a nine-minute clip to YouTube showing Floyd Mayweather signing bottles of whiskey for fans at a supermarket. The retired five-division champion took the time to interact with the crowd and pose for pictures, promoting his brand in the process. According to the Fight Hype reporter, around 400 people gathered at the store to meet Floyd in person.

Floyd Mayweather’s whiskey brand has made its mark across 11 states, as reported by The Spirits Business. The lineup features two distinctive options, a five-year-old blended whiskey, which has flavors of caramelized apple, tropical fruits, and a dash of spice, and a 10-year-old rye that offers a rich, complex profile with notes of butterscotch, spice, vanilla, and a refreshing citrus finish.

Nonetheless, fans expressed their frustration when they saw the disciplined athlete, known for his strict lifestyle and aversion to drinking and smoking, promoting alcohol. The reaction was swift and vocal, with many voicing their displeasure in the comments section of the video.

While Floyd Mayweather has several other business ventures, this one managed to attract some negativity from the fans. One user didn’t shy away from highlighting what they saw as hypocrisy in Mayweather’s business venture. “It’s crazy to see Floyd doing liquor promotion because he was one of the most disciplined fighters known to not drink etc,” the user wrote. Notably, the spirit venture is more of a way to make money for the five-division champion than a way to set an example.

Meanwhile, this user seems to have come up with an exciting alternative for Floyd Mayweather to sell instead of alcohol. The user wrote, “Floyd doesn’t drink alcohol, but endorses it for “Money.” Why not create a healthy sports drink for athletes to compete with PRIME? Call it “50-0” 50 vitamins and Zero sugar. You’re welcome, this took 50 seconds to come up with.” However, Floyd’s fan base primarily consists of adults, while energy drinks are more popular among younger people.

The next user humorously dubbed one of Floyd’s employees ‘Value Deal, Steve Harvey’. This employee, seen in the clip at 00:46 helping Floyd with the bottle signings, bore an uncanny resemblance to the TV personality Steve Harvey. “Floyd out here selling Alcohol with value deal Steve Harvey,” the user remarked.

While most of the comments were criticizing Mayweather, there were some who still voiced their support for Mayweather. “Good to see Floyd expanding his brand,” the user wrote. In fact, Floyd Mayweather’s businesses are everywhere. From owning a NASCAR team to boxing promotion to bars and restaurants.

Another user showed their support for Mayweather amid all the criticism. The user wrote, “I’m sorry haters but Floyd is the GOAT.” Despite what the prevailing sentiment is, Mayweather always finds himself loyal fans who support him no matter what.

That said, Floyd Mayweather’s promotion of his whiskey brand hasn’t been well-received by many. However, it’s hard to fault him for capitalizing on opportunities to earn money.

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Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury: Turki Alalshikh gives clear answer on whether fight will happen if ‘Gypsy King’ loses to Oleksandr Usyk

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Anthony Joshua Tyson Fury

Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury is still one of the most hotly anticipated fights in boxing.

Fans have been clambering to see the contest for several years and it appears both men are now on the cusp of finally sharing the ring together.

If Joshua can beat Daniel Dubois on September 21 and Fury can exact his revenge over Oleksandr Usyk on December 21, then Saudi boxing chief HE Turki Alalshikh has always insisted they will fight each other next.

Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury

JUST IN: Gervonta Davis vs Shakur Stevenson: Stevenson ‘won’t take’ Tank fight despite Zepeda delay

“Joshua if he wins, he will wait for the result of Tyson and Usyk, this is the big fight and everyone will wait for it,” HE Alalshikh told Charlie Parsons via an X Space.

“If Tyson wins then that means we must see Joshua vs Tyson. One of the biggest fights in boxing,all the people want to see it.”

What wasn’t as clear was what would happen if one of them fell to defeat.

Clarifying Saudi Arabia’s stance on the fight if that scenario were to play out, HE Alalshikh added: “I will tell you the clear answers.

“Even if they lost before it doesn’t mean everyone doesn’t want to see it.

“First of all if Usyk wins then he deserves to choose a big fight and this will be his right, right?

“If he chooses Joshua and Joshua accepts then we want to do this fight but still at the same time we want to see Tyson vs Joshua.

“Let’s see what Tyson will do on this night and whether he will give us on December 21 a great fight then for sure we want to see him against Joshua.

“This would be huge for the fans and for boxing.”

Clearly, it is dependent on the manner in which they lose.

A devastating defeat that doesn’t offer much in terms of redeeming qualities may spell the end of the much-anticipated all-British showdown altogether.

But a tight and competitive loss wouldn’t dim interest too much.

Providing both men win their next fights then their showdown will likely be for all four major sanctioning body belts.

Usyk defeated Fury via split decision in May to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era.

However, he vacated the IBF strap to pursue his rematch with Fury.

As a result, Dubois was elevated from ‘interim’ to full IBF champion and will defend his title against Joshua, while Fury and Usyk duke it out for the WBC, WBA, and WBO belts.

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Gervonta Davis vs Shakur Stevenson: Stevenson ‘won’t take’ Tank fight despite Zepeda delay

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Shakur Stevenson Gervonta Davis

Shakur Stevenson is running short of suitors.

The American fighter wants to stay active and prove his credentials and show the world he has what it takes because of his highly regarded technical skills. He had an explosive boxer in William Zepeda as an option to bolster his resume and boost his PPV star image. However, that’s not the case anymore. After screening out one more legend of the boxing world, the WBC lightweight has finally had his pick.

‘Sugar’ went on a rant when he admitted that his fight with Zepeda, 28, wasn’t in the works anymore. He also admitted that he had approached Vasyl Lomachenko, but the IBF champion declined the shot at unification. Stevenson, at 22-0, revealed in one of the posts, “Loma just recently said no Again.”

Stevenson: "I'm Going To Be The Person To Expose Tank Davis"

READ: “He’s Dangerous”: Daniel Dubois Sparring Partner Predicts Anthony Joshua Fight

He then stressed the fighters’ agency to take the fights, cutting across the promotions, and continued, “whatever gone get me paid the most and make the most sense I’m down!” This came after Stevenson, 27, had turned to his social media handle and disclosed that Zepeda had pushed back the date. It was already clear thatOscar De La Hoya and Zepeda, at 31-0, had other options too, and it could be a stylistically tough fight for the latter. So, Golden Boy Promotions and Zepeda pushed the fight. But the fight was still on and since he wanted to stay active in between, Stevenson picked up Joe Cordina.

The lightweight champion wrote in one post, “Zepeda pushed it back The fight will happen in February.” In another separate post, he pointed out the past weight cut issues of Cordina, 32, but praised him as a fighter and again highlighted Zepeda’s reluctance to take up the fight. Stevenson added, “Zepeda don’t want to fight just yet so whoever it is gone be they gone get this work.”

This development might come as a blow to Stevenson’s fans, who wanted him to exchange punches with an aggressive fighter. The 2016 Olympics medalist first chased a fight with Gervonta Davis and then made peace with Zepeda as an alternative. But with the Mexican fighter out of frame, he is again back to square one. But all is not lost.

Eddie Hearn recently laid down the path for Stevenson to bag the ‘Tank’ fight. And it goes through Zepeda. It would adjust him to an aggressive and volume punching style and help set up the fight with Davis. He told Cigar Talks, “If I’m Shakur, I chase the [William Zepeda] fight. I keep building my brand into the ‘Tank’ fight next year.”

It remains to be seen whether it happens or not, as Stevenson is still avoided at 135. While he is coming off a win against Artem Harutyunyan, it wasn’t a comprehensive win. He has the uphill task of stacking up the resume and ironing out his orthodox and technical style with some flair.

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“They Can Know Everything”: Ryan Garcia Sends Shock Rematch Offer To Devin Haney

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Ryan Garcia Devin Haney

Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney have been involved in the most dramatic rivalry of the year with the manner at which Garcia overcame the previously undefeated champion shocking the world – but not as much as the positive drugs test that followed.

Four months on from that controversial encounter, Garcia has now made a one-of-a-kind offer to rematch Haney and put an end to his unbeaten record once again.

Garcia shockingly missed weight for their super-lightweight title clash, meaning that he could no longer win Haney’s belt, but Haney refused to cancel the fight – a decision which he most likely reflects upon with regret. Instead, the American duo battled it out but it was ‘King Ry’ who was able to upset the odds and knock Haney down for the first, second and third time of his career on the way to a majority-decision win.

Ryan Garcia knocks down Devin Haney three times to claim shock majority decision victory in Brooklyn - Eurosport

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Since that spellbinding display, the performance has been infamously tainted for well-documented reasons and the result has been overturned to a no-contest. Although, the effects of the beating will still remain with Haney, both physically and mentally and ‘The Dream’ made the decision to vacate his world title last month, admitting that he needs a break from boxing.

Yet, just two months later, Devin Haney has revealed that he is looking to return to the sport outside of the United States, declaring that ‘the game ain’t been the same’ without him in it.

In a clip captured by Fight Hub, Garcia made Haney a unique offer for a rematch, where he detailed how his rival and his team could watch every second of his training camp in preparation for the bout in order to ensure that Haney has no excuses this time around.

“I would gladly beat his a** twice. Like I have said, I can tell the truth twice. I beat him easy; they could watch me every day, watch me train, watch what supplements I take, they can blood test me every week, every day after training, they can have a camera in my training camp, they can see what my plan is and how I’m going to throw a left-hook. They can know everything, and this man will not beat me. I have ruined this man, bad.

“I would do it every day just to prove that I am the better fighter. He didn’t beat me, that is the bottom line, he didn’t even get close to beating me. It is just funny how Bill [Haney] is continuing the same story, making it seem like I cheated and that there is no way that his son would have lost if I didn’t take Ostarine – when I know that I didn’t.”

After Garcia missed weight and revealed that he will be moving up to at least welterweight for his next outing and Haney vacated his super-lightweight belt, it is expected that both will debut at 147lbs when they make their respective returns – whether they will do so against one another remains to be seen.

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“Too early to discuss…”: Deontay Wilder’s WBC title offer gets response from manager Finkel

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Deontay Wilder

Deontay Wilder was offered a shot at the WBC bridgerweight title, after which manager Shelly Finkel spoke exclusively to World Boxing News.

Wilder gained a call-out from British fighter Lawrence Okolie, who recently took the green and gold belt from Lukasz Rozanski in Poland. Okolie confirmed his interest in facing Wilder weeks before reiterating that fact in another interview.

WBN gave those quotes to Finkel, who informed us of his position regarding Deontay Wilder moving from heavyweight south to 224 pounds.

Deontay Wilder WBC Rankings

RELATED: ‘It’s a great fight’ declares Brit world champion as he calls out Deontay Wilder for bout

“Please thank Lawrence Okolie for the offer, but we have no interest in the WBC bridgerweight title,” Finkel told World Boxing  News exclusively.

Previously, Finkel had stated that it’s “too early to discuss whether Deontay Wilder will retire” following a knockout defeat to Zhilei Zhang in June before adding that he “had no comment on the news” of Wilder retiring a month later. He added to WBN, “At this point, Deontay Wilder has not retired.”

It’s not the first time Wilder had to fend off speculation that his future lay at bridgerweight. PBC presenter Brian Custer asked “The Bronze Bomber” when working with Showtime.

“My career is to be a heavyweight. That’s what I got in it for, and that’s what I’m going to end with,” Wilder told Custer. “Guys always outweigh me. So putting on weight is not a difficult part for me. My power makes up for all that,” he added.

After Zhang handed Wilder his third loss, WBN specifically called on WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman to confirm if he’d consider allowing his former heavyweight champion to have an immediate shot at the 224-pound belt despite two straight losses. Sulaiman told WBN, “Lawrence Okolie is our champion and has the mandatory fight versus interim champion Kevin Lerena. However, if Lawrence Okolie and Deontay Wilder reach an agreement, it could be a possibility.”

Okolie has since agreed to fight Lerena in a mandatory to be arranged, meaning Wilder is out of the running unless there’s a significant turnaround on all sides.

Due to his name and accomplishments in the sport, Wilder will continually be linked to big fights unless he confirms his retirement. The defeats to Joseph Parker and Zhang have seemingly irrefutable damage to his reputation, and any future offers may come against one of the up-and-coming heavyweights rather than on the path to a title shot.

A rematch with Zhang is already considered unwinnable for Wilder, while Parker is at a loose end and would consider a second fight if the money was right. Given Wilder’s performance in December, though, it’s unfathomable to see any serious money being put down for a Parker return.

It’s more likely that Wilder’s career has run its course as the world-renowned knockout puncher approaches his 39th birthday.

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“He’s Dangerous”: Daniel Dubois Sparring Partner Predicts Anthony Joshua Fight

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Newly crowned IBF heavyweight world champion Daniel Dubois has been tasked with an extremely difficult first defence of the belt, as he prepares for a domestic dust-up with two-time champion Anthony Joshua.

Ahead of what can only be described as a world champion acid test for Dubois, one of his former sparring partners has offered his opinion on how the all-British affair will go.

Dubois challenged Oleksandr Usyk for the unified heavyweight titles around 12 months ago but came up short despite having success of his own, taking a knee and accepting a knockout defeat for the second time during his career – resulting in a heap of backlash.

Anthony Joshua Daniel Dubois

JUST IN: ‘I fought Daniel Dubois and knocked him down – Anthony Joshua is spot on about him’

However, those who doubted the heart of ‘Triple D’ were soon silenced, as the Greenwich-born knockout-artist bounced back with two career-best stoppage wins of his own against Jarrell Miller and then Filip Hrgovic.

That upset victory over Hrgovic saw Dubois claim the IBF interim title, which was later upgraded to the full world championship. Now, the 26-year-old faces a tantalising clash against a resurgent Joshua in what will be a third world title fight between two Britons in as many years, although many are favouring the form of the experienced challenger – who has secured three consecutive wins inside the distance for the first time since 2017.

In an interview with Boxing Social, Guido Vianello explained why he believes Joshua may simply have too much for his former sparring partner.

“I sparred with Daniel in the training camp before my Efe [Ajagba] fight, he is a very strong and dangerous boxer, but we were very close in every session. This made me feel stronger in my mind because if I can box with Dubois, one of the strongest guys in the heavyweight division, I can do everything. So, I was very happy to spar with him, he is very dangerous.

“Joshua is back and he is back in the best shape [of his career] I think. I know Francis Ngannou too and we are good friends, Ngannou is very dangerous in the ring.

“We could see this when he fought Tyson Fury, we saw a tough Francis Ngannou. Then, with Joshua, everything was better for him [Joshua]. He was fought 12 rounds many times, Joshua knows what to do in the ring and versus Francis, Joshua was perfect.

“I saw Joshua [against Francis Ngannou] and I said that he looks very different, he looks much better than in the past. With Dubois it is a very close fight and I think that Joshua, with his experience, maybe he can win.”

Dubois-Joshua will take place at Wembley Stadium on September 21st, topping a bill that features a plethora of British talent in what will be Saudi kingpin Turki Al-Alshikh’s first foray into the United Kingdom. As for Vianello, he meets the notoriously hard-hitting Arslanbek Makhmudov on away soil this Saturday in Canada, in the highlight of the Mbilli-Derevyanchenko undercard.

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