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Turki Alalshikh lines up next fights for Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Francis Ngannou

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Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez Francis Nganno

Turki Alalshikh is continuing to line up prospective opponents for two of the fight game’s greatest stars, Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, and Francis Ngannou.

Canelo has been a pound-for-pound stalwart for years, and remains the clear No.1 fighter in the super middleweight division. He is yet to fight in Saudi Arabia, or under a Riyadh Season umbrella, but Alalshikh has spoken warmly of the boxer, and is steadfast in his belief regarding whom the Mexican bruiser should box next.

Ngannou, meanwhile, has fought three times under Alalshikh’s remit due to his two-fight swing in boxing, in which he floored Tyson Fury in a shocking scene but lost to the heavyweight via narrow decision. Anthony Joshua then knocked Ngannou out in two rounds, before the the former UFC champion returned to the cage and destroyed Renan Ferreira in a PFL Super-Fight. All three fights took place in Saudi Arabia.

Turki Alalshikh Rules Out Working With Another Fighter After Canelo Spat: "He Doesn't Understand" - Seconds Out

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Alalshikh has long regarded Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford as the ideal opponent to fight Canelo, yet has faced resistance as Alvarez focused on his September opponent Edgar Berlanga, whom he beat by decision.

With his ruthless thrashing of Errol Spence Jr. last year, Crawford secured one of the most significant wins of boxing’s modern era, and followed the knockout with a decision win over Israil Madrimov atop a Riyadh Season-sponsored card in Los Angeles that GIVEMESPORT attended in August. Alalshikh remains interested in Crawford, and, during an interview Tuesday on DAZN, spoke of his desire to see the American fight Canelo.

“I don’t know anyone now from the Canelo team, and I don’t have any connection, but if he’s hearing me, we are ready to discuss. But I want to discuss [with] him directly, without anyone in the middle.”

Canelo & Terence Crawford’s pro boxing records (as of 3/12/24)
Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez Terence Crawford
Fights 66 41
Wins 62 (39 by KO) 41 (31 by KO)
Losses 2 0
Draws 2 0

In the same interview, Alalshikh discussed Ngannou’s possible future, and said that, if the PFL champion were to return to a boxing ring rather than an MMA cage, then he’d like to see the Cameroon slugger compete against America’s thunderous puncher Deontay Wilder.

“I need to sit with Wilder [for] two minutes to see his condition.” said Alalshikh.

“I can catch it from two minutes [and check] if he’s ready or not [to fight]. I don’t want to waste time and money anymore. I need to check first if he’s still got it.”

Francis Ngannou & Deontay Wilder’s pro boxing records (as of 3/12/24)
Francis Ngannou Deontay Wilder
Fights 2 48
Wins 0 43 (42 by KO)
Losses 2 4
Draws 0 1

Alternatively, Ngannou could remain in MMA. Should he continue winning in that sport, then a cross-promoted bout involving UFC GOAT Jon Jones will always carry intrigue, as could PFL fights against the likes of Rico Verhoeven.

“Francis will come to me in December,” Alalshikh said, referencing the December 21 rematch between heavyweight fighters Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury. It is during that fight week when Alalshikh will talk to Ngannou about “a lot of business” they have to discuss “together.”

“Yes, I have on the table two options for Francis — one in MMA and one in boxing I want to discuss with [Ngannou]. The MMA [fight], you know all the time, my answer is we want to do the biggest things.”

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BOXING

Francis Ngannou Provides Deontay Wilder Fight Update, Opens Up About Boxing Future

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Francis Ngannou Deontay Wilder

As he juggles between the fabled crossroads of choice: one path leading to boxing, the other to MMA—Francis Ngannou sat down for an interview to discuss his future plans.

His boxing career might have witnessed a downswing; however, Ngannou’s stretch in the mixed martial arts remains strong. Despite an impressive performance against a reigning heavyweight champion, he lost his boxing debut. Unfortunately, things didn’t look up in the next outing either. ‘The Predator’ suffered a shocking loss to Anthony Joshua early in March this year.

That said, things may take a turn for the better. Though talks surfaced last year, discussions about a potential matchup with Deontay Wilder have once again gained momentum. In the cage, Ngannou proved why he was still one of the best fighters around. The former UFC heavyweight champion, who joined the Professional Fighters League last year, marked his return with an emphatic win over Renan Ferreira.

Francis Ngannou and Deontay Wilder Want to Face Each Other - Ready To Fight

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Given the current buzz, the TMZ interview began with the Jake Paul–Mike Tyson show. “It just hurt me to see Mike there in that situation,” said Francis Ngannou. He has good enough reasons to feel so. Last year, in a move that surprised many, he roped in Mike Tyson to his corner for his debut against Tyson Fury.

He has nothing but love and admiration for Mike Tyson. Despite being 58 years old, the former heavyweight champion displayed immense courage and stepped into the ring against an opponent 30 years his junior. While discussing his brief exchange with Jake Paul, Ngannou dismissed any likelihood of a face-off against ‘The Problem Child’. Unlike many who criticized the Paul-Tyson event, Francis Ngannou believed the MVP-Netflix card advanced both the sport and entertainment.

“What is next? I know the last time we talked, you mentioned Deontay Wilder. We ran into Deontay Wilder; he couldn’t have been nicer talking about you and all you’ve gone through, and then he said, Let’s talk. Is that still a fight that interests you?” the interviewer asked.

Francis Ngannou explained that following his last conversation with Deontay Wilder, ‘nothing has changed’. Otherwise, the fight remains on his radar. It’s one of those engagements he looks forward to before he decides to hang the gloves for good.

The reporter wanted to know whether the French-Cameroonian would enter the squared circle before his next foray into the octagon. Ngannou responded that he would wait for some time to see if the PFL guys pull up any fight for him. If there’s nothing on the horizon, he might switch gears to boxing. Nonetheless, given that he can easily move between the two platforms, the issue doesn’t bother him that much.

In a recent interview with TMZ, even Deontay Wilder seemed optimistic about a potential matchup with ‘The Predator’. During their three outings, he gave Tyson Fury tough competition, so Wilder could be confident about challenging the French-Cameroonian fighter.

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BOXING

[VIDEO] Deontay Wilder Ready To Begin Talks W/ Francis Ngannou About Super Fight

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Deontay Wilder Francis Ngannou

It seems a Deontay Wilder vs. Francis Ngannou super fight might actually happen … ’cause the Bronze Bomber tells TMZ Sports he’s down to begin negotiations now!

Ngannou, of course, said just a couple weeks ago he was hoping to get in the boxing ring with Wilder soon … and, when we caught up with DW out at LAX this week, he seemed very open to the idea.

READ: Mike Tyson confesses what happened when prisoner tried to attack him while behind bars

In fact, he told us he wants to get Ngannou’s team on the phone and begin talks ASAP!

The two would make for an extremely compelling fight — especially considering how massive they are. Wilder checks in at 6-foot-7, 214 pounds … while Ngannou tips the scales at 6-foot-4, 257 pounds.

There isn’t much worry of a potential lopsided bout … as, after all, Ngannou nearly beat Wilder’s nemesis, Tyson Fury, back in 2023.

Then again, Wilder said he’s getting healthy now after finding out “everything was f***ed up” with his shoulder … and Ngannou was knocked out by Anthony Joshua in his most recent boxing match.

Regardless, Deontay made it clear he’s got nothing but respect for Ngannou — even sending his condolences to the former UFC star over the recent, tragic death of his infant son.

As for Wilder’s personal life, it hasn’t been the most smooth sailing year for the former heavyweight champ — but he told us he feels he’s cut some toxic people from his corner … and now, “the best is yet to come.”

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BOXING

THE OTHER GUY, LIKE A FART IN THE WIND: KLITSCHKO “HANDS DOWN JOSHUA” TO BEAT FURY

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 Anthony Joshua Tyson Fury

Wladimir Klitschko has picked Anthony Joshua to beat Tyson Fury. 

The Ukrainian has faced both boxers and came up short in those flights. Fury shocked the world to unify the heavyweight division when he outboxed Klitschko to a unanimous decision win in Germany. The rematch never happened, as  Klitschko later faced Joshua. The Ukrainian dropped Joshua and almost stopped him. However, Joshua recovered to secure a late stoppage.

Since then, Joshua and Fury have gone in different directions. Fury became the WBC Heavyweight Champion after beating Deontay Wilder. Joshua lost his belts after consecutive losses to Usyk. However, the Brit has bounced with wins over Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou as he now boxes Daniel Dubois for the IBF belt on September 21.

Anthony Joshua vs Wladimir Klitschko announcement being held off until Tyson Fury's future resolved - Mirror Online

 

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Fury suffered the first loss of his career against Usyk in his last fight as the Ukrainian became undisputed. They will rematch on December 21. If Joshua and Fury win their next fights, it sets up an undisputed British fight.  Klitschko felt Joshua would come out with a win.

“Hands down Joshua. He is getting to be the complete fighter. Technically, size-wise, weight-wise, power-wise. And he is a good learner. The other guy [Fury], like a fart in the wind it is there and it is gone. In the history of boxing there are a lot of examples of this kind of guy.

“They can be successful for a time but are not disciplined enough to continue to be successful. I

wish Tyson well but I think there is a lack of discipline there, and discipline is more important than motivation. Drawing from my experience I would say it is going to be very difficult for Tyson because there’s that lack of discipline,” Klitschko said

The difference in discipline was shown by how Joshua and Fury reacted to their respective losses to Usyk. Joshua would change trainer, going to Derrick James and then Ben Davidson as he remained undefeated since then. However, Fury was pictured getting thrown out of a bar in his hometown after being drunk. Fury also struggled to accept the loss. He felt Usyk only got the decision due to the Russia-Ukraine war.

The Gypsy King also said he rewatched the fight and still felt he won, labelling Usyk as an amateur boxer. Fury’s previous struggles with mental health concerns are also something to keep an eye on. The drunken incident raised concerns that he may have been going through a tough period. While the Gypsy King appears in better spirits now, his brother Shane Fury has said he wants to see Fury retire after the Usyk fight regardless of the result. That would rule out a Joshua fight. But Fury has the motivation to come back from the loss for the first time.

“Counting down the days until I can get my redemption on Usyk. December the 21st is going to be my time. I’ve done everything in boxing, but I ain’t come back from a loss. And I relish it, the chance to come back and redeem myself. Get up! December 21st is all me. Undisputed here we come,” Fury stated

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BOXING

“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

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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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‘BOXING IS AN ADDICTION’ – FURY REVEALS ALL ON HIS RETIREMENT

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Tyson Fury

Tyson Fury has opened up on his retirement from the sport. 

The Gypsy King suffered his first loss against Oleksandr Usyk as the Ukrainian became the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World. The rematch has been scheduled for December 21, giving Fury a chance to avenge his loss. Another defeat for Fury will raise question marks over whether he should retire.

The two Usyk fights alone have earned him over $100 million, setting up his financial future. Another defeat will also reduce the importance of an Anthony Joshua fight, who is likely to chase a third Usyk fight if the Ukrainian wins. Fury is now 36 and has won every belt at heavyweight, even if he has not been undisputed. But Fury’s following comments suggest he will struggle to walk away from the sport.

Tyson Fury Oleksandr Usyk

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“I’ve been in love with boxing for such a long time – from being a little boy – and I’m 34 now. I’m probably at the end of my career in the next few years. It’s been a love-hate relationship. It’s been toxic at times. When it’s good, it’s very good, and when it’s bad, it’s very toxic.

“So I’m in that relationship and I don’t just abandon things. I try and make things work and that’s where we are at the minute. We’ve been in this romantic relationship since I can remember, since I was a child, and now I am a fully grown adult with a family of my own. It’s like, ‘Do I abandon it, or do I not?’ I wanted to walk away a lot of times but it always drags me back,” Fury said

Fury’s brother, Shane Fury, has already warned his brother that he wants him to retire from boxing after the Usyk fight. This is regardless of the outcome. He referenced how Fury took a lot of punishment in the fight, especially as he was nearly knocked out in round nine. In his post-fight comments, it was clear that Fury had been concussed. He wished everyone a Happy New Year when it was only May. Fury has also had three tough fights with Deontay Wilder.

The Gypsy King was dropped in the first and third fights with brutal right hands. Fury admitted that he feared he had brain damage after the third Wilder fight. He has also been accused of not being the same fighter after the Wilder fights.

He was dropped by Francis Ngannou, an MMA fighter making his boxing debut, in a fight where he was lucky to scrape through with a split decision win. However, the longer Fury stays in the sport, the more he risks harming himself. Derek Chisora has suffered similarly, as the boxer is showing early signs of having CTE. And yet, the 42-year-old continues to fight. Fury must avoid doing something similar.

“It’s like a massive drug and an addiction. I know it’s an addiction and I’m an addictive person. Boxing is an addiction; it’s not my best friend. It abuses me. When I come in this gym, it abuses my body, my mind, my soul. But afterwards I feel like it takes me to ecstasy. The rush is unbelievable. It gives me the biggest highs ever, but it also gives me the lowest lows as well. Boxing is more addictive than any drug ever. Ever. You can’t let it go,” Fury added

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