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‘Tank’ Davis fight is a phone call away – Shakur Stevenson’s co-manager

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Gervonta “Tank” Davis Shakur Stevenson

In the strongest terms possible, Shakur Stevenson and his representatives are ready to fully launch negotiations with fellow unbeaten three-division champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis for a lightweight unification bout.

Now, it’s just a matter of making those terms make sense.

“It’s all up to ‘Tank.’ The one thing about Shakur – he will take anyone you put in front of him,” Stevenson’s co-manager, Josh Dubin, told BoxingScene Tuesday. “We’re here and waiting and ready to negotiate.”

James Toney Makes Emphatic Gervonta Davis-Shakur Stevenson Prediction: "He'll Ruin His Career" - Seconds Out

READ: ‘GERVONTA CAN KILL THIS GUY’ – TANK DAVIS BACKS TO KO LOMA AND SHAKUR

Through last week, Baltimore’s World Boxing Association champion Davis (30-0, 28 KOs) was in talks to stage a unification against IBF champion Vasiliy Lomachenko of Ukraine.

However, Lomachenko arrived in the U.S. and told his representatives he’d prefer to stand down and return to fight in the first quarter of 2025, according to Lomachenko promoter, Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum.

With Davis, 29, coming off an eighth-round knockout of Frank Martin June 15, his alternate plans for a high-profile lightweight fall bout seem to be down to the 27-year-old Stevenson (22-0, 10 KOs) or No. 1 contender William Zepeda.

Facilitating his case, Stevenson is now operating as a free agent following his July 6 unanimous-decision triumph over Artem Harutyunyan that marked the expiration of his contract with Top Rank.

Officials at Davis’ promoter Premier Boxing Champions did not immediately return messages left by BoxingScene this week asking about Davis’ next move.

One source told BoxingScene that there has been a preliminary discussion between Davis and Stevenson’s representatives. Dubin declined to comment on that subject.

“We’ll know how realistic (Davis and PBC’s interest) is by how financially viable they make it for Shakur,” Dubin said. “They know Shakur produced the highest-rated ESPN card of the year (July 6), so they need to come correct.”

Dubin said he and Stevenson co-manager James Prince “have our phone lines open, ready for a call, and they have our numbers.

“It’s a fight Shakur really wants. He’s been begging for it for a long time. What Shakur wants to do – let me say it plainly – is to unify at 135. The logical fights to make that happen are to fight the champions.”

Stevenson criticized Arum and Lomachenko for keeping that bout off limits while Stevenson was with the promotion.

“(Lomachenko) obviously knows the outcome, and he walked away,” Dubin said.

Additionally, Dubin said Stevenson’s team asked for a unification attempt at new WBO lightweight champion Denys Berinchyk.

“We couldn’t get a straight answer – and that was when Shakur was still under contract,” Dubin said. “We asked for that fight and they wanted to talk about a long-term contract.

“Shakur’s own enemy is his own greatness, and other peoples’ fear of him. But he has total trust in James and I and he’s also patient.”

Ideally, his patience is rewarded with the Davis fight – a bout that would match two unbeaten three-division champions in their primes and two highly-popular social-media figures.

Davis has shown that he can generate more than one million pay-per-view buys when he’s teamed with a popular opponent, as he was with Ryan Garcia (1.2 million buys) last year.

For Stevenson, the bout against one of the sport’s most potent knockout artists would be an opportunity to dispel the criticism over the inactivity of his evasive, defensive-minded style that has left audiences and critics panning his past two bouts.

A similar opportunity seemed possible against the destructive Zepeda (31-0, 27 KOs), but Zepeda promoter Oscar De La Hoya says he won’t permit Zepeda to fight Stevenson unless the Newark, N.J., product and 2016 U.S. Olympic silver medalist signs with De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions.

“Why would (De La Hoya) penalize his own fighter? You don’t issue edicts like that at the expense of your own fighter,” Dubin said.

That moves Stevenson straight toward Davis, an irresistible showdown seemingly there for the taking.

“The phone lines are open,” Dubin said.

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‘GERVONTA CAN KILL THIS GUY’ – TANK DAVIS BACKS TO KO LOMA AND SHAKUR

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Gervonta Davis Vasiliy Lomachenko Shakur Stevenson

Jorge Linares feels Gervonta Davis stops Vasiliy Lomachenko and Shakur Stevenson.

Davis is one of the sport’s most devastating punchers. He is undefeated with a 30-0 record, 28 of which are knockout. He stopped Frank Martin in his last fight to retain his WBA Lightweight Title. After the fight, several names were mentioned for Tank’s next opponent. Both Loma and Shakur are in the running. Lomachenko was the favorite, with Davis saying he was next.

The Ukrainian had just picked up the vacant IBF Lightweight Title after stopping George Kambosos Jr. However, it appears Loma is not interested in the fight. His manager, Egis Klimas, has said Loma has no motivation for that challenge now as he will ponder his next move. Lomachenko is not the same fighter who had previously dominated the division.

Gervonta Davis vs. Vasily Lomachenko Lightweight Unification Fight In Jeopardy

JUST IN: Terence Crawford explains why he prefers to face Canelo over Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis

At 36, he has slowed down. His losses to Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez showed that. He was also vocal about considering retirement before the Kambosos fight. But he took the fight on his father’s advice, who did not want him to retire on a loss after the Haney fight. Linares was clear that Loma was not the same fighter.

“[Vasiliy] Lomachenko is a great fighter, amazing guy, amazing boxer. I fought with him, but it’s different. It’s a different time. Maybe four years ago, it would be 50/50. Now I believe Gervonta – we will see in that moment – maybe TKO, maybe some crazy KO.

“You know Gervonta is the guy who maybe wants to do the same plan as he did in the last fight [against Frank Martin]. Keep waiting and waiting. You know he received a couple of punches that night, but what happened after the sixth or seventh round? He waited for the moment, and he killed the guy. So maybe we can see the same situation with Lomachenko,” Linares said

That leaves Shakur as an alternative. Stevenson is a highly skilled boxer with great defense. But his defensive style has not gone down well with the fans. He was booed for his last two fights against Edwin De Los Santos and Artem Harutyunyan. That has made Shakur less of an attractive option. Davis has shown that he can walk down his opponents if they do not have the power. Shakur is not the biggest puncher, meaning he must do more to earn Tank’s respect. Martin was doing well in the fight until Davis closed the distance and knocked him out. Linares expects the same to happen if he fights Shakur.

“If Gervonta is fighting with Shakur [Stevenson], it’s more of an easy fight. “I like Shakur, but he has so many crazy things right now. For me, it’s more exciting to see Lomachenko with Gervonta. If that fight happens with Shakur, it’s easy. With Shakur, [Davis] can do whatever he wants to do – maybe decision, maybe KO. If that fight with Shakur can happen, I think Gervonta can kill this guy,” Linares stated

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Terence Crawford explains why he prefers to face Canelo over Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis

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Terence Crawford Canelo Alvarez

Terence Crawford could still have his biggest fight ahead of him.

Forty fights into his undefeated boxing career, Crawford doesn’t have much left to prove. This Saturday at a Riyadh Season event in Los Angeles, he moves up to the super welterweight division to fight Israil Madrimov for a vacant WBA title — and after that, he may just move up a couple more weight classes for the right opponent.

That opponent? The great Canelo Alvarez.

During an appearance on The MMA Hour, Crawford was asked what weight class he’d be willing to take on the larger Canelo at, and he didn’t hesitate to give a number.

JUST IN: ‘PEOPLE SAY TANK’S DUCKING SHAKUR’ – GERVONTA DAVIS’ TRAINER TARGETS SHAKUR

“One hundred sixty-eight [pounds],” Crawford said. “If that’s the fight in front of me, then yes.”

Crawford, 36, has spent the majority of his career competing anywhere from 135 to 147 pounds, capturing titles in three divisions along the way, and he targets another with his move to 154 pounds against Madrimov. Jumping up to 168 pounds for a bout with Canelo, 34, would be the heaviest Crawford has ever weighed for a fight, by far.

Undefeated welterweight Jaron “Boots” Ennis also looms as a potential opponent after recently defeating David Avanesyan to retain his IBF title, which was promoted from interim status due to Crawford (since stripped of his share of the IBF title) being expected to rematch Errol Spence Jr. at some point in the future rather than face Ennis.

Unfortunately for Ennis, Crawford would prefer a matchup with Canelo, with the understanding that it would likely require the involvement of Riyadh Season promoter Turki Alalshikh.

“Being where I’m at right now, I’m looking at the fight that makes the most sense. and that’s not ‘Boots,’” Crawford said. “Canelo’s going to bring way more to my legacy, way more to my bank account, because at the end of the day when boxing is done with, what will we have? I want to have a legacy that’s something that people talk about for the ages, and not only that, I want to have a bank account that lasts as well.”

“I think it would be everybody’s choice. Canelo would have to agree, I would have to agree, Turki would have to agree because he’s the one that’s dishing out the money, so a lot of moving parts got to be involved in that fight.”

As for Spence, who Crawford defeated by ninth-round TKO in July 2023, Crawford is still waiting for the call to make their rematch official.

“I didn’t hear anything from Team Spence or his handlers after the fight, so everything just kind of went cold turkey,” Crawford said.

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‘PEOPLE SAY TANK’S DUCKING SHAKUR’ – GERVONTA DAVIS’ TRAINER TARGETS SHAKUR

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Gervonta Davis Shakur Stevenson

Gervonta Davis’ co-trainer, Kenny Ellis, wants to target a fight with Shakur Stevenson following the breakdown in talks with Vasiliy Lomachenko. 

Davis was in talks with Loma for a possible unification in November. Tank holds the WBA belt at 135, while Lomachenko has the IBF Belt. However, Lomachenko will take the rest of the year off, leaving Davis without an opponent. But now, the focus has turned towards Stevenson. Shakur is the WBC champion at 135, which still allows Davis to unify and chase undisputed.

Stevenson is a free agent following his last fight against Artem Harutyunyan. That makes a possible Davis fight much easier, given Shakur is not held down to a network. There is also an issue with rehydration clauses since they both make 135 pounds quite easily. Ellis was hoping to make that fight next.

Fans boo Shakur Stevenson and say he is 'not ready' for Gervonta Davis after 'boring' Edwin De Los Santos win | talkSPORT

READ: LOMACHENKO DUCKS TANK DAVIS – ‘LOMA IS NOT IN THE MOOD RIGHT NOW’

“Still salty about Lomachenko not agreeing to fight Tank. He is straight ducking. Hopefully, Shakur won’t duck. People say Tank’s ducking Shakur, let’s see,” Ellis said

Nevertheless, there are still issues with making this fight. The fight is not as big as it could have been due to Shakur’s recent performances. He was booed during his fight against Edwin De Los Santos. Shakur was fighting on the back foot as he won a unanimous decision. He defended the performance, saying he had an injury coming into the fight. But Shakur’s next performance against Artem also came under fire. Despite Shakur dominating the fight, he failed to stop his opponent.

Some fans were seen walking out of the arena before the last round. There were also some jeers from the crowd, although Shakur put that down to Arem’s reluctance to engage. Shakur is also not a big PPV draw. His style does not resonate with the fans, while Davis has shown he needs a big dance partner to sell. The Ryan Garcia fight sold over 1.2 million PPVs, with a live gate of over $20 million.

 

That was the highest-grossing boxing event in 2023, earning Davis approximately $50 million. The Shakur fight is unlikely to get anywhere near that. However, with legacy on the line, there is a feeling Davis must take that fight to avoid claims that he does not fight top-level opposition. Terence Crawford hoped Shakur could unify the division to shut down his critics.

“I would like to see Shakur Stevenson do exactly what he’s doing now. Keeping his name out there in the media, people are talking about him. I want see him fight the best in the [lightweight] division. [And] I want see him unify the division and shut these guys up who are saying, ‘He’s not this great fighter they think he is’. I want see those guys get in the ring with him,” Crawford said

Crawford is well aware of those struggles. He struggled to make the big fights during his time with Top Rank. He held the WBO title at 147 before leaving to chase the Errol Spence Jr. fight. Bud got the fight and stopped Spence to become the first Undisputed Welterweight Champion of the four-belt era. The win solidified his position as a future Hall-of-Famer. Shakur may need to follow the same blueprint to get his flowers.

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Tyson Fury has ‘No collision course’ with Anthony Joshua he defeat Oleksandr Usyk in rematch

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Anthony Joshua Tyson Fury

Tyson Fury must win his December rematch with Oleksandr Usyk if he is to remain on course to fight the Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois victor, Fury’s manager Spencer Brown says.

Tyson Fury, the former two-time world heavyweight champion, is expected to attend the Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois fight on September 21.

Fury lost his WBC title to Oleksandr Usyk in a four-belt undisputed unification in May. But, with Fury and Usyk set for a rematch in December, the Ukrainian had to vacate his IBF championship.

Anthony Joshua accepts Tyson Fury fight after call-out from British rival - Mirror Online

JUST IN: ‘LET’S TALK’ – USYK READY TO FIGHT MCGREGOR IN BKFC

Dubois, previously an IBF interim titlist, was elevated to become the body’s full champion and now fights Joshua at Wembley Stadium.

Although Fury has a long-standing rivalry with Joshua, he might well be backing Dubois in that September 21 fight.

Spencer Brown, Fury’s manager, told Sky Sports: “I think he’s a good friend of Daniel Dubois and obviously he’s in that [same] promotional company. But I think Tyson just wants to see a good fight. Who will he back? Probably Daniel Dubois.”

The winner of Joshua vs Dubois would of course make for a hugely appealing all-British clash with Fury.

But Fury, 35, will not be plotting out a route to fighting the AJ-Dubois victor just yet. His focus is on the Usyk rematch.

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‘LET’S TALK’ – USYK READY TO FIGHT MCGREGOR IN BKFC

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Conor McGregor Oleksandr Usyk

Oleksandr Usyk has welcomed a bare-knuckle fight with Conor McGregor. 

The Ukrainian is coming off the best win of his career when he defeated Tyson Fury to become the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion via a split decision. Usyk followed in the footsteps of Lennox Lewis, who became the last man to win all the belts. The Ukrainian became undisputed in a second weight class with the win. Usyk will rematch Fury on December 21. However, it will not be undisputed after Usyk vacated his IBF belt.

Usyk’s team has hinted at several options should he beat Fury. He could move back down to cruiserweight and try to become undisputed again.  However, that is unlikely as he would have to lose significant weight, meaning he might not be the same. Another alternative is to pursue a crossover fight. Several names were mentioned, including McGregor and John Jones. Now, it appears McGregor is the leading Ukrainian name. Usyk’s trainer, Sergey Lapin, has said calls for talks to take place.

Oleksandr Usyk ready to accept Conor McGregor's bare-knuckle fight offer - Mirror Online

JUST IN: After dismantling Mike Perry, Jake Paul has a clear pathway to a WBA world boxing title

“He’s proven he’s the best of his generation and, once he’s retired Tyson Fury, he will consider his options. Maybe that’s dropping down in weight again, or maybe there’s a wildcard option on the table for him; be it in the boxing ring, the MMA cage or even Conor McGregor’s Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.

“Hey bro, Conor McGregor. First Oleksandr Usyk has to retire Tyson Fury, but our team is ready to make something great together with the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. Let’s talk,” Lupin said 

It will be news for McGregor, who recently became a part-owner of BKFC. He has stated that he wants to fight in BKFC once his UFC contract expires. McGregor has two fights left on his UFC contract. He was scheduled to take on Michael Chandler at UFC 303 on June 29. However, the Irishman pulled out with a broken toe. He expects to return in September with the aim of fighting by the end of the year.

During this period, McGregor has been talking up BKFC. At a presser for BKFC Spain, McGregor indicated that he wanted fighters to consider BKFC as an alternative. He promised fighters bigger paydays, expressing his intention to win a title in another promotion. McGregor has enough pulling power to do that. His fight with Chandler set a new UFC live gate record with over $20 million. McGregor hopes to replicate that in BKFC.

“For me, I’ve got a bit of business left with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, two fights left on my contract. But for sure we have three lightweights up here and I have my eye on all of this. I’m not here up here just as a knower, player-manager I’d title myself on this. That’s me. I am coming to the end of my contract. I have two fights left. This is a very, very exciting organization here. How could you not?

“How could you not look to become a two-sport world champion in something as wild as a bareknuckle fighting organization. We’ve got the money, too. We’ve got the dough. This is big payouts here, also – big pay, big shows, big news, and a coveted world title in a wild and dangerous game. For any real fighter out there, that’s all you want to hear. Money, power, respect – Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship has it all,” McGregor said

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After dismantling Mike Perry, Jake Paul has a clear pathway to a WBA world boxing title

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Jake Paul Mike Perry

Jake Paul is elite when it comes to grabbing a hold of fans and media’s attention spans in a world where there’s so much great content to consume.

He’s quite the natural, honestly. From taking over the Vine app years ago to spinning a Disney career into a mainstay on YouTube, followed by stepping in the ring, Paul, and of course his brother Logan, know exactly what strings to pull to get our ears and eyes focused on them — and you can add the WBA president Gilberto Mendoza to the list of people paying attention.

Mendoza hinted this week, after seeing Paul defeat Mike Perry, that he’d sanction an official world championship bout for the internet sensation — providing the opponent is right.

Jake Paul stops Mike Perry, calls out UFC champ Alex Pereira

READ: TERENCE CRAWFORD KNOCKS OUT WWE WRESTLER

Since turning pro in 2020, the “Problem Child” has faced waves and waves of criticism both far and wide, especially when it comes to his opponent selection. The Ohio native went from facing fellow YouTubers to basketball players to former UFC champions. And instead of facing Mike Tyson over the weekend, Paul locked horns with bare-knuckle boxer Perry. However, after Paul dismantled ‘Platinum Mike’, he reminded people that he plans to fight for a cruiserweight world title in two years’ time.

In the past, Paul has received push-back for this outlandish claim, but he has been steadfast in his belief that this will happen before he hits 30. Famed Matchroom Boxing promoter, Eddie Hearn, gave Paul credit (in his mind) for calling the YouTube boxer ‘average’, but Paul couldn’t stand the sound of that and fired right back.

Also, when talking with TalkSPORT a year later, Paul reiterated his goal of fighting for a world title:

“I want to become a world champion, I will become a world champion. … It’s definitely gonna happen [fighting for a title] and it might be light-heavyweight, it might be cruiserweight, we’ll see. …and look, that’s like a 24-36 month goal. I’m 26, coming into my athletic prime. …So that’s probably when I’ll make a run for it. But man, I just want to do it because I think it’s funny. I think to go from boxing Deji to being a world champ in a period of years, nobody thinks I can do it. They think it’s impossible, they think I’m crazy, they think I’m lying when I say that, but I’m being serious.”

Jake Paul could one day box Julio Cesar Chavez Jr for a cruiserweight championship

Following Paul’s latest victory and reassurance about fighting for a cruiserweight world title in two years, WBA President Gilberto Mendoza took to X.com to open the door for Paul and former world champ Julio Cesar Chavez Jr to walk through, stating:

While an immediate title fight for Paul is extremely hard to justify at this point in his career, with a constant increase in caliber of opponent over the next few years, anything is possible, but putting Paul in a title fight seems more like a money ploy than anything else.

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TERENCE CRAWFORD KNOCKS OUT WWE WRESTLER

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Terence Crawford on Friday Night SmackDown

Terence Crawford turned up at a WWE event, specifically the Friday Night SmackDown, to knock out one of the sport’s biggest stars. 

The former Undisputed Welterweight Champion is scheduled to take on Israil Madrimov in his next fight. The August 3 clash is part of Riyadh Season’s first fight overseas, as Crawford chases Madrimov’s WBA belt at 154. It is Bud’s first bout at the weight class, as a win makes him a four-division champion. That lines up a potential unification withSebastian Fundora, who holds the WBO and WBC belts.

Fundora has been linked with a fight against Errol Spence Jr., meaning fans could see a Crawford rematch. Alternatively, a win takes Crawford closer to a mega-fight with Canelo Alvarez. The Canelo fight offers Bud the chance to make history and become undisputed in a third weight class. Despite the massive pressure on the fighter, Crawford seemed relaxed as he attended the WWE event. He was alongside his trainer, Brian McIntyre. But it was Crawford who took all the headlines.

JUST IN: ANTHONY JOSHUA EXPOSES CARL FROCH’S WORLD TITLE WIN – ‘YOU DIDN’T BEAT A CHAMPION’

The following clips show Crawford assisting Cody Rhodes by giving him a chair. Rhodes was facing Theory and Waller; Crawford then took things a step further by getting in the ring. He confronted Theory and knocked him out with a huge right hand. The appearance will increase his profile, which is vital for the Madrimov fight. Reports indicate that the venue is struggling to sell out. Despite his achievements, Crawford is not the biggest commercial draw.

His fight with Errol Spence Jr. sold around 700,000 PPVs. Before the Spence fight, Crawford’s highest number of buys was in the 200,000 range. The Spence fight also produced a live gate of over $20 million. However, given Crawford’s WWE appearance, he is increasing his marketability as he aims to become one of the sport’s biggest stars.

Heading into the fight, Madrimov is backing himself to cause an upset. It is Crawford’s first fight in around 13 months. Madrimov is a heavy-handed fighter with an extensive amateur record of 350-20. He has vowed to overpower Crawford when they face off.

“Experience-wise, yes, I have ten professional fights, but it’s a high quality. All ten were WBA fights. All ten were twelve-rounders against stiff opposition. I have more than 200 International amateur fights. So overall, over 300 amateur fights. I have experience fighting everyone around the world.

“The ring will show everything. On August 3rd, you will see everything. We have some things we’ve been watching. We’re not going to talk about it right now. With a lot of fighters, they’re losing before they even step in the ring [with Crawford]. They’re already kind of on the downside [of their careers]. With me, I’m mentally strong,” Madrimov said

But if Bud can replicate the power he showed at the WWE event, then Madrimov will have a tough task. Crawford managed to subdue the much bigger Spence, who was tipped to overpower Crawford. Bud will be hoping to replicate that form again.

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ANTHONY JOSHUA EXPOSES CARL FROCH’S WORLD TITLE WIN – ‘YOU DIDN’T BEAT A CHAMPION’

By
Anthony Joshua Carl Froch

Anthony Joshua called out Carl Froch over his first world title as the pair butted heads.

The duo have not had the best relationship. Froch was very critical of Joshua following his departure from Robert McCracken. Froch also worked under McCracken as he backed up his former trainer. Carl singled out Joshua’s defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr., suggesting he quit in that fight. He was also critical of Joshua’s level of opposition following his losses to Oleksandr Usyk, calling into question Joshua’s legacy.

However, given that Joshua has twice been a former Unified Heavyweight Champion, those comments did not sit well with him. Now, AJ has fired back with some words of his own. He commented on Froch’s win over Jean Pascalin 2008 for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight Title. Since Froch did not beat a world champion, AJ questioned the magnitude of that win.

Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk share an intense face-off at their London press conference ahead of their

JUST IN: LOMACHENKO DUCKS TANK DAVIS – ‘LOMA IS NOT IN THE MOOD RIGHT NOW’

“What’s happening? How’s your week going? How’s your podcast going? Quick question – when you boxed Jean Pascal for your first world title in Nottingham actually, Tyson Fury actually made his pro debut on that card, you fought for a vacant title right?

“So you didn’t beat a champion. What do you feel about that? Do you feel that you was regarded a champion because you fought for a vacant one? So the title not being there, it would have just been a normal fight. But they threw a title in the air and you became champion.

“You didn’t beat a champion, to become champion if you get what I mean. Do you feel like that win, not irrelevant, but it’s not highly regarded the same as if you was to have gone and beat a world champion? How do you feel about that fight with Jean Pascal?” Joshua said 

Froch had plenty to say about the question. There are suggestions that Froch ducked Joe Calzaghe, something he denied. However, Froch has made it clear that he wanted the fight. But Calzaghe vacated his WBC belt, meaning Froch could not have fought him as the belt became vacant. Froch also doubled down on his win, stating that Pascal was undefeated at the time.

Pascal would also move up to light heavyweight and became a unified champion, showing his level of talent. Given that Joshua had won his first world title by facing Charles Martin, the IBF Heavyweight Champion, AJ’s comments suggested his win was better. Froch, however, dispelled those claims.

“Did I feel like world champion? I had the green and the gold belt. When I woke up and saw the belt at the bottom of my bed in the morning, I felt like a world champion. I know what he means. I didn’t beat the champion to become the champion. That’s probably why he conveniently didn’t ask about the IBF title.”

“I think they all know. Anthony Joshua was the first question. He sent me a voicemail. I think he’s alright. I think we’re seeing eye-to-eye. We’ve had a good exchange of messages. For all you fanboys out there that are upset that we’ve played the voice note ‘oh you shouldn’t be releasing private messages’. Trust me, me and Anthony Joshua are okay,” Froch replied

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LOMACHENKO DUCKS TANK DAVIS – ‘LOMA IS NOT IN THE MOOD RIGHT NOW’

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Gervonta “Tank” Davis Vasiliy Lomachenko

Vasiliy Lomachenko has no interest in fighting Gervonta Davis. 

That is according to his manager, Egis Kimas. Talks over a Loma-Davis fight began following their latest wins. Lomachenko defeated George Kambosos Jr. to pick up the vacant IBF Lightweight Title. Davis responded to the win, saying Loma was next. This was dependent on Davis beating Frank Martin in a defense of his WBA Lightweight Title. Tank stopped Martin in round 8 to set up the potential bout. Bob Arum confirmed that talks had taken place, as he was realistic about making the fight at the back end of the year.

“My feeling is, reading Egis, that it’s a Gervonta “Tank” Davis fight. It’s a Vegas fight, MGM or T-Mobile. We’d decide a date where there are openings. Nobody [in the Top Rank brass] has talked to [PBC boss Al] Haymon in over a year,” Arum said. “Carl Moretti and them deal with Luis de Cubas. Nobody [in the Top Rank brass] has talked to [PBC boss Al] Haymon in over a year,” Arum said

Gervonta Davis vs. Vasily Lomachenko Lightweight Unification Fight In Jeopardy

READ: Andy Ruiz Jr opens door to surprise showdown with Canelo Alvarez’s bitter rival

“I’m optimistic that will happen but until it’s signed, you don’t know. The networks are cooperative. You can’t blame the networks if a fight isn’t made. It’s people involved with the fighters who are not being realistic, but I don’t think that will be the case. I think the negotiations will go very well between the sides,” Arum stated

Meanwhile, Davis’ co-trainer Kenny Ellis publicly said he was working on a game plan. Despite the speculation over a fight, it appears Loma’s focus is elsewhere.

“Loma is not in the mood right now, he doesn’t have the motivation at the moment. He’s taking off; he wants to spend more time with the family. He doesn’t want to do anything till the end of the year.  So he’s definitely not coming to the ring until the end of the year. With Loma, just money is not what motivates him. He doesn’t take anything just because of money. You can offer him millions, tens of millions of dollars. If he doesn’t have motivation, he’s not ready to prepare for the fight,” Egis revealed

The chances of that fight happening now are even more slim. Lomachenko is already 36 years old, so waiting any longer takes him further away from his prime. The Ukrainian is also not at the peak of his powers, unlike the boxer who was dominating the sport five years ago. His losses to Teofimo Lopez and Devin Haneyshowed that even if there were circumstances around that. Loma fought with an injured shoulder against Lopez, while he was arguably robbed against Haney.

Lomachenko also considered retiring before he faced Kambosos. However, he chose to continue boxing since his father did not want him to go out on a loss following the Haney fight. His main aim was to become an undisputed champion, but that appears unlikely. He would have to beat Shakur Stevenson, the WBC Champion, Tank Davis (WBA) and Denys Berinchyk (WBO). Unless Loma can secure a fight for more of the belts, becoming undisputed will be tough. Given everything Loma has achieved in making him a three-division champion, there is no pressing need for him to take this fight.

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