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“It’ll Shock The World”: Terence Crawford Officially Announces Who He Will Fight Next

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Terence Crawford

Numerous conflicting reports this week have left fans confused about when and who Terence Crawford will be fighting next.

The four-division world champion was last out in August of 2024 when he made his debut at super-welterweight, beating Israel Madrimov to win the WBA title. Post-fight, he immediately resumed calling out Saul ‘Canelo‘ Alvarez, an exercise he had started almost a year prior after becoming undisputed at welterweight with a victory over Errol Spence Jr.

Though Canelo was initially dismissive of the fight, claiming he would get no credit for beating a smaller man in Crawford would have to come up two divisions for the challenge, talks progressed well this year.

Terence Crawford Canelo Alvarez

READ: Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford fight CANCELLED amid Jake Paul link

In fact, it was reported that both men had agreed the fight for September in Las Vegas before The Ring magazine – owned by Turki Alalshikh, the man putting the fight together – announced this week that talks had collapsed and it was off the table.

Canelo was then linked with a bout against controversial fighter Jake Paul in May, however late last night Alalshikh announced a u-turn and that he has indeed struck a four-fight deal with Alvarez.

“Canelo in Riyadh in May. The biggest fight in the history of boxing in September. Then two more fights in 2026. Don’t miss, with the lion.”

Crawford then finally broke his silence on it all, confirming he will face Canelo later this year, taking no fight in the interim.

“I’m waiting on Canelo in September and going to shock the world in Riyadh Season!”

Fans will hope that the contract saga is over and done with, and will look forward to an announcement as to who Canelo will face in May. As for Crawford, he will now be working on packing on the pounds for the weight jump.

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BOXING

Fans Demand Canelo Faces One Man Next As Terence Crawford Fight Is Now OFF

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Canelo Alvarez Terence Crawford

Terence Crawford was all set to move up two weight-classes to challenge unified super-middleweight champion Saul ‘Canelo‘ Alvarez.

Though the fight has previously seemed unrealistic, the two pound-for-pound stars entered talks this year and looked to have made excellent process on the mega fight.

However, the Ring Magazine, owned by Turki Alalshikh who was putting the fight deal together, has now reported in unequivocal terms that the fight is off.

Fans Demand Canelo Faces One Man Next As Terence Crawford Fight Is Now OFF

JUST IN: Hearn Denies Joshua’s Next Fight Is With Wilder Or Bakole

While fans wait for the reason in talks breaking down for a fight that reportedly had both a date and venue, many took to social media to urge the Mexican to finally face David Benavidez.

Benavidez – whose stock and pulling power has never been higher – has moved up to light-heavyweight after failing to secure his shot at Canelo when competing at super-middle. After winning his debut in the division via decision against Oleksandr Gvozdyk, earlier this month he came out on top of a stern test in the form of hard-hitting Cuban southpaw David Morrell.

The victory saw Benavidez leave the ring with both the WBC Interim belt and the WBA Regular title, putting him in prime position for a fight against the winner of Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol later this month.

There is the potential for a trilogy there if Bivol, who previously beat Canelo, can come out on top against undisputed champion Beterbiev at the second time of asking. With it being well known Canelo wants to avenge that defeat, what better way to earn it than beat number one contender David Benavidez, and tick off a dream fight for fans in the process?

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BOXING

Hearn Denies Joshua’s Next Fight Is With Wilder Or Bakole

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Anthony Joshua Deontay Wilder

Eddie Hearn has denied reports that Anthony Joshua’s next fight has been agreed with either Deontay Wilder or Martin Bakole. 

Joshua is expected to make his return to the ring in the summer. He is coming off the fourth defeat of his career after Daniel Dubois knocked him out in the fifth round. Joshua hit the canvas three times on his way to the stoppage defeat. There were negotiations over a rematch, but talks broke down as Dubois chose to face Joseph Parker. Dubois will face Parker on February 22. Joshua has been linked with a fight against Wilder for some time.

Talks initially began in 2018 when the fight could have been for the Undisputed Heavyweight Title. Joshua held the WBA, IBF and WBO belts, whilst Wilder held the WBC title. Reports indicated that Wilder’s team made a $50 million offer. Once again, talks broke down as both fighters moved on. Joshua would lose his belts, eventually to Oleksandr Usyk. Meanwhile, Wilder lost his WBC belt to Tyson Fury. Joshua and Wilder were meant to face off last year. They had signed a two fight deal.

Deontay Wilder Issues Bold Challenge to Anthony Joshua: "Your Time Is Up" – RingSide24

JUST IN: Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford fight CANCELLED amid Jake Paul link

This was dependent on Joshua and Wilder winning their next fights. Joshua defeated Otto Wallin, but Wilder came up short against Parker. He then chose to face Francis Ngannou, and Wilder took on Zhilei Zhang. Joshua stopped in Ngannou, but Wilder lost to Zhang, reducing the demand to see that fight. But following Joshua’s defeat, a fight with Wilder could make sense.

Joshua’s Future

The other alternative is a fight with Bakole. Bakole is consistently on record, stating that he has hurt Joshua in sparring. He secured the biggest win of his career when he stopped the-then undefeated Jared Anderson in his last fight. Bakole is expected to fight in May in his next bout. There were reports that a deal with Joshua had been agreed for a fight in Africa. Hearn has now dispelled any rumors of a Wilder or Bakole fight, leaving questions over where Joshua goes next.

Eddie Hearn Didn't Hesitate When Asked If Anthony Joshua Has Now 'Signed' To Fight Martin Bakole - Seconds Out

“The latest one that someone sent me on Saturday, saying, ‘Anthony Joshua vs. Martin Bakole is done, signed.’ We have not had one conversation about that fight. I’m not ruling it out, by the way, but it’s never even been a conversation. So, I don’t know where that came from. I saw one last night, ‘Wilder-Joshua is done for June 7th.’ [And] I’ve not had one conversation about that fight.

“[And] I spoke to AJ for the first time yesterday in a few weeks, and he’s actually in real good spirits. I think Martin Bakole is a very good fighter, but don’t get carried away that this is the new George Foreman. It’s always been the two – Tyson Fury – who is retired at the moment, we’ll see how long that lasts, and the winner of Dubois-Parker,” Hearn said of Joshua’s ideal next opponent,” Hearn said

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BOXING

Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford fight CANCELLED amid Jake Paul link

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Canelo Alvarez Terence Crawford Jake Paul 

Canelo Alvarez’s blockbuster showdown with Terence Crawford has now been scrapped.

The rivals were set to meet in Las Vegas on September 13 at super-middleweight but The Ring magazine is now reporting the fight has been cancelled. The meeting would have seen Crawford move up two weight divisions and the postponement comes days after reports suggesting Alvarez will fight Jake Paul in May.

Crawford had been pushing the fight for almost a year and both men recently spoke to Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh in London – who has been a huge advocate of this mouthwatering showdown. Terms were believed to have been agreed with an official announcement imminent.

READ: Jake Paul Date Announcement Contradicts Rumor of Agreed Canelo Alvarez Bout

Following the recent meeting with HE, Alvarez was expected to sign a three-fight deal with Alalshikh and was expected to compete in the ring before taking on Crawford in September. Previous reports claimed that ‘Saul’ would be open to a showdown with IBF mandatory challenger William Scull before talks opened with YouTuber Paul.

As for Crawford, the undefeated American star recently moved up to 154lbs and took on Israil Madrimov – where he eventually became a four-weight world champion. Last year, it looked like a clash between the pair was seemingly off the cards after Alalshikh revealed he had no interest in pursuing it anymore. His Excellency had the dust-up at the top of his boxing wishlist and even made the offer to ‘Saul’, but talks between the pair broke down.

Both Crawford and Alalshikh jumped on an Instagram live during UFC 306 back in September – with ‘Bud’ going on to call out Canelo following the latter’s win over Edgar Berlanga. “Yo Turki, tell them we are going to go for Canelo next,” said Crawford. “Yes,” replied Alalshikh. “Let’s go! Canelo, come on. We are ready.”

Crawford then added: “You heard it from him. Just put me in the game b****. Canelo-Crawford, the biggest fight in boxing. But we stay ready though. We stay ready, that way we ain’t got to get ready.”

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BOXING

Floyd Mayweather’s unblemished 50-0 record at risk as undefeated lightweight creeps closer to legend’s streak

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Floyd Mayweather

Abel Mendoza is just eight wins away from tying Floyd Mayweather’s unblemished 50-0 record.

Mendoza has flown under the radar during his nine-year stretch in the paid ranks but has compiled an impressive 42-0 record.

The undefeated lightweight has mostly beaten journeymen on club shows, although there are a few prospects mixed amongst his résumé.

HE'S 41-0! MEET ABEL MENDOZA THE FIGHTER NOBODY KNOWS THAT WANTS TO FIGHT EVERYBODY : r/Boxing

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In his last outing in December, he made short work of Yonnaiquer Rondon (22-4-1) and prior to that, he outclassed German Ivan Meraz (65-72-3) in June.

Terence Crawford is the current world champion with the longest unbeaten streak at 41-0 but as he nears his 38th birthday it seems highly unlikely he will make it to 50 fights.

Mendoza, meanwhile, has time on his hands at 29 years old though he will have to step up his level of opposition if he wants to get anywhere near Mayweather and Crawford’s achievements.

At 42-0, Mayweather had already won world titles in five different weight classes while Mendoza isn’t even ranked by any of the four major sanctioning bodies at 135lbs.

He could easily surpass Mayweather’s legendary 50-0 record without facing a world-level foe but he wouldn’t gain much respect from the boxing fraternity.

“My Goal was never to beat Floyd’s record. It is to become a world champion,” Mendoza told World Boxing News.

“If I have got to be 100-0 to do that, then so be it.”

Mendoza’s BoxRec made the rounds on social media over the weekend and caught the attention of Mayweather’s protege Curmel Moton, who moved to 7-0 on Saturday night with a destructive third-round stoppage of Cuba’s Frank Zaldivar.

Moton commented three trash can emojis on a screenshot of Mendoza’s record.

The response prompted fans to call for a fight between the pair.

To which, Moton remarked: “I’d do him so bad!”

Moton isn’t the first fighter to take a swipe at Mendoza’s record.

Fellow unbeaten lightweight J’hon Ingram (6-0) also recently labelled Mendoza a ‘bum’ on social media.

Responding to the slack he has caught from other boxers, Mendoza added: “People criticize for anything, but when I prove them wrong, they’ll find something else to criticize me for.”

“I’ve been called out so many times by so many different fighters, but I need to fight someone who is a top-rated contender, not someone who has never even fought eight rounds.

“Hopefully, my team has a good strategy to negotiate those fights.”

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BOXING

Between Manny Pacquiao And De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather Has No Doubt Who Was Better After Beating Both

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Floyd Mayweather Jr Manny Pacquiao Oscar De La Hoya

Floyd Mayweather Jr defeated all 50 of the opponents he faced during his incredible career, including Manny Pacquiao and Oscar De La Hoya.

The 47-year-old from Grand Rapids, Michigan entered the professional ranks back in 1996, shortly after capturing an Olympic Bronze Medal at the 1996 games in Atlanta. ‘Money’ would go on to win world titles in five weight classes without suffering a single blemish to his perfect record.

He fought and defeated a number of generational greats including Miguel Cotto, Canelo Alvarez and Shane Mosley, as well as ‘Pac-Man’ Pacquiao and De La Hoya before his retirement from the sport.

Floyd Mayweather Has No Doubt Who Was Better Between Manny Pacquiao And De La Hoya After Beating Both

JUST IN: Jake Paul Date Announcement Contradicts Rumor of Agreed Canelo Alvarez Bout

On his fight against De La Hoya in 2007, where he won the WBC light middleweight title by a close split decision, Mayweather claimed it was ‘easy work’ and he was simply having fun against the boxing legend.

“I was having fun in there. It was a hell of a fight. It was easy work for me. I could see his shots coming. I stayed on the outside and made him miss.”

With regards to Pacquiao, Mayweather told the Million Dollaz Worth Of Game Podcast, that the eight division world champion was the greatest fighter he faced throughout his 21-year tenure.

“Pacquiao [is the best I’ve faced]. It’s because of his movement. He’s a hell of a fighter, and I can see why he won so many fights, and I can see why he’s going down as a Hall of Famer. It’s just certain moves he makes.”

Despite their showdown coming a few years too late, Mayweather and ‘Pac-Man’ clashed in 2015 in what was described as the ‘Fight Of The Century’ in one of the most highly anticipated contests of all time. Unfortunately, the fight did not live up to its hype as ‘Money’ comprehensively outboxed Pacquiao over 12-rounds to retain his WBC and WBA welterweight titles, capturing the WBO title in the process.

The 47-year-old would go on to lace the gloves up on two more occasions after defeating Pacquiao, going the distance with Andre Berto in September 2015 which was followed up with a 10th-round stoppage victory over MMA legend Conor McGregor in August 2017.

Mayweather has not fought as a professional since defeating McGregor, but has had a number of exhibition contests against the likes of Tenshin Nasukawa, Logan Paul and Aaron Chalmers.

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BOXING

Jake Paul Date Announcement Contradicts Rumor of Agreed Canelo Alvarez Bout

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Jake Paul Canelo Álvarez

Jake Paul sure knows how to promote himself. The boxing superstar has been teasing who his next opponent is in the ring and had many believing it was going to be his brother Logan Paul.

The Paul brothers shared what appeared to be a fight posted for the pair, but it ended up being a publicity stunt for their new reality TV series. Jake and Logan also had a run-in with Conor McGregor on the way to the Donald Trump inauguration, which added more fuel to the fire of one or both fighting the Irish UFC star. Still, no fight has been announced. That was until a rumor blew up the internet on Monday.

Boxing journalist julianisjulius revealed in a post on X that Jake and Canelo Alvarez verbally agreed to a fight with one another on Cinco de Mayo in 2025. The X post reads via translation, “There is already an agreement for Jake Paul to be Canelo Álvarez’s rival in May of this year, a source very close to the operation informs me. The event will be co-promoted by CaneloPromotions & MVP & PBC.”

Canelo Alvarez Jake Paul

READ: Canelo Reportedly Set For ‘Biggest Fight In Boxing’ Before Crawford: “It Will Shock The World”

Though there could be some truth to this, Jake has shared a date on his own X page that contradicts the above post. Jake’s post reads: It’s time Sat July 5th New York, New York The post could mean many things, and if Jake’s publicity stunt with Logan can be used as an example — the boxer could be pointing to any major activity happening on July 5. However, he could also be teasing his next fight for that date in New York. If Jake is truly teasing his next boxing match, the July 5 date would contradict the report that he is set to fight Alvarez in May. Though the months are close, that is still a major discrepancy.

For now, it appears the world will have to wait to see how Jake might fight next. Though it could be his brother Logan at some point, that will not be the case. The world assumed that McGregor would happen, but his random announcement of fighting Logan, along with the bus run in says otherwise.

What is most interesting about the rumors of an Alvarez and Jake fight is the world-renowned boxer complimented Jake recently. When being interviewed by Sports Illustrated, Alvarez admitted that Jake is “good for boxing” and that he is “good.”

Alvarez alluded to the hard training that Jake engages in. Whether or not that is enough for the pair to share the ring remains to be seen. What would make Alvarez consider fighting Jake is money. Jake has proven to be a global superstar, and his fight with Mike Tyson broke multiple records. Alvarez vs Paul would be an incredibly lucrative fight and could be true — at least according to the rumor presented on X.

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BOXING

Anthony Joshua’s Team Responds To Reports That Martin Bakole Fight Is ‘Signed’ And Set For Africa

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Anthony Joshua

Speculation has been growing in the last few days that Anthony Joshua and Martin Bakole are set to fight in Africa.

Joshua hasn’t fought since he was stopped inside five rounds by IBF world champion Daniel Dubois back in September. He had hoped to fight Tyson Fury this year but Fury announced his retirement at the start of 2025.

Bakole is an often avoided heavyweight who has stopped Carlos Takam and, even more impressively, the much-hyped American Jared Anderson in his last two fights.

Eddie Hearn Finally Reveals What Really Happened In Anthony Joshua-Martin Bakole Spar - Seconds Out

READ: ‘Most Avoided Heavyweight’ Has Been Told By Turki Alalshikh That He Will Fight Anthony Joshua Next

He is now in camp for an IBF eliminator against Efe Ajagba with his promoter, Ben Shalom, saying a deal to face Joshua was ‘done’ for the Congo later in the year.

“The promoter of Martin Bakole, that’s what I want to be known as. The number one heavyweight in the world. It’s done. I’m hearing he’s signed and we’re off to the Congo.”

However, speaking to BoxNation, journalist Gareth A Davis revealed that Joshua’s camp hadn’t even had a conversation about the potential match-up.

“With them saying that I had to check that out with certain people who shall remain nameless off the record but I’m hearing from Anthony Joshua’s side there hasn’t even been a conversation. Maybe this is Bakole and his team trying to speak the fight into reality given that Joshua hasn’t got a fight yet and Tyson Fury has retired and that was his obvious fight this summer.

It would be a major spectacle in Africa, in Congo, in that Stadium that Ali and Foreman fought in. It’s a great event if they can do it there 51 years after the Rumble in the Jungle, but I’m sorry I’m hearing there hasn’t even been a conversation about it.”

For now, it seems that this one is a long way off.

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BOXING

Canelo Reportedly Set For ‘Biggest Fight In Boxing’ Before Crawford: “It Will Shock The World”

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Terence Crawford Canelo Alvarez

Canelo Alvarez could be about to take on a shock opponent in May.

The Mexican superstar is set to face fellow pound-for-pound star Terence Crawford in Las Vegas in September, in a bout that will see ‘Bud’ jump up two weight divisions from super-welterweight to super-middleweight.

While Crawford isn’t planned to return before that meeting, it was expected that Alvarez would still compete in May, with a fight against current IBF super-middleweight champion William Scull seemingly the frontrunner.

Canelo Reportedly Set For ‘Biggest Fight In Boxing’ Before Crawford: “It Will Shock The World”

JUST IN: Ryan Garcia’s Comeback Fight Will Now Be For ‘World Title’

in a surprise twist, it has been reported by Julius Julianus that Canelo has agreed a deal to take on on the controversial Youtuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.

“BREAKING NEWS There is already an agreement for Jake Paul to be Canelo Álvarez’s rival in May of this year, a source very close to the operation informs me. The event will be co-promoted by Canelo Promotions, MVP and PBC”

Paul last fought in November, defeating boxing legend Mike Tyson by unanimous decision in a fight that divided the sport, with many boxing fans unhappy to see ‘Iron Mike’ competing in his first professional bout for nearly two decades at the age of 58-years-old.

It was a Tyson that was firmly past his best, but if Paul is indeed set to face Canelo, the same won’t be able to be said this time around, with the Mexican superstar arguably in his prime or just a little past it.

Paul has claimed for a number of years that he will take on Alvarez one day, having previously explained why he was so confident it would take place and vowed to ‘shock the world’ when they do meet in the ring.

“This moment will prove that I’m the face of boxing, the largest attraction. Me vs. Canelo at 200 pounds for the cruiserweight championship of the world is the biggest fight, arguably even bigger than me vs. Tyson.

“It makes so much sense. Canelo is on his way out. He’s going to want a payday, and I want to show the world that all the s*** I’ve been talking about beating Canelo is actually true.

“I’ll have the biggest upset in the sport of boxing, and we will fight to really see who actually is the face of boxing because, after this event, I’m going to claim it.”

While neither team has commented on the report, it would certainly be a huge, albeit controversial, attraction. Canelo has downplayed Paul’s ability in the past.

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BOXING

Ryan Garcia’s Comeback Fight Will Now Be For ‘World Title’

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Ryan Garcia

Ryan Garcia is just a few months away from making his long awaited return to the sport.

The 26-year-old from California is currently serving a suspension which was handed to him after he tested positive for Ostarine in the lead-up to his fight with former WBC super lightweight champion Devin Haney last April. Garcia put on a career best performance against ‘The Dream’, dropping him multiple times before being declared the winner, although it was eventually ruled a no-contest.

Garcia is now preparing to make his return to the ring, which is set to come against Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero in May. It was initially expected that ‘King Ry’ would go straight in to a rematch against Haney, but it appears both fighters are set to take interim fights in the meantime, with Haney set to face former unified WBC and WBO super lightweight champion Jose Ramirez on the same show in May.

Ryan Garcia says Rolando Romero fight will happen on April 20 - Bad Left Hook

JUST IN: Is It Happening?: Canelo Alvarez vs. Jake Paul On Cinco de Mayo

As reported by The Ring Magazine, the stakes have now been raised even higher for Garcia ahead of his return, with the WBA ‘regular’ world welterweight title set to be on the line in his showdown with Romero. The 26-year-old has never won any version of a world title, although he did hold the WBC ‘Interim’ lightweight title for a period of time during 2021.

A win for Garcia will secure him a rematch with his long-term rival Haney, who must also come through potential opponent Ramirez if he is to avenge the events of what occurred last April. Haney relinquished his WBC super lightweight title shortly after his bout with ‘King Ry’, with the WBC making him ‘Champion In Recess’. The 26-year-old from San Francisco has not fought since that controversial meeting with Garcia, which forced him to take a break from the sport for a number of personal reasons.

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