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“It will Be A Harder Fight” As Daniel Dubois Set for Summer Return With One Man…

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Daniel dubois

“It will Be A Harder Fight” As Daniel Dubois Set for Summer Return With One Man Targeted

Daniel Dubois is likely to make his ring return this summer after withdrawing late in the day from his last fight.

That was supposed to be a voluntary defence of his IBF world title against tough challenger Joseph Parker in February

However, Dubois came down with a virus in the final hours before the fight so was pulled from the card. Martin Bakole stepped up and was stopped inside two by the in-form Parker.

Daniel Dubois became IBF champion after beating Filip Hrgovic in June last year, then backed it up with an imposing knockout win over former two-time world champion Anthony Joshua in September.

Right now he has several options including honouring the fight with Parker, a second bout with Joshua, or a rematch with Usyk who beat him in August 2023 after a controversial body shot that had Usyk down was ruled low.

Usyk recovered, rallied and went on to stop Dubois. This time, a fight with the unified Ukrainian champion would be for undisputed honours.

READ MORE : I doubt he really want it : Roy Jones Jr Predicts Anthony Joshua vs Deontay…

Speaking to talkSPORT Boxing, promoter Frank Warren gave an update on the health of Dubois.

“He’s recovering and he’s eager to get back in the ring again, having basically worked very hard and spent a fortune on a training camp for a fight that didn’t happen. He’ll probably be back in summer.”

He was then asked whether that return will be against Parker or Usyk.

“Well, what’s a harder fight, Joe Parker or Usyk? What’s the bigger fight? It’s a no brainer. I don’t get where anybody’s brains can be on this.

“He ain’t ducking anyone. The objective of the fight that didn’t happen was that the winner would face Usyk. So if the Usyk fight can be made, it will be made. We’re talking.”

With the extra confidence and momentum Dubois has built up since his first fight with Usyk, and Usyk being two years older, the rematch could be a different proposition entirely.

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BOXING

The biggest World Champion Brands Terence Crawford Overrated And Vows To….

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Terence Crawford

The biggest World Champion Brands Terence Crawford Overrated And Vows To Finish Him Inside 9 Rounds

Terence Crawford is gearing up for a huge fight against Canelo Alvarez, despite being on the radar of another world champion.

The 37-year-old from Omaha, Nebraska has set his sights on making more history when he challenges the unified WBC, WBA and WBO super middleweight champion in September, in what will be one of the biggest fights boxing has ever seen.

Canelo has dominated the super middleweight division for almost five years, but faces a new kind of challenge in ‘Bud’ Crawford, who has cemented himself as one of the greatest fighters of his generation, and in many people’s eyes one of the best of all time.

Another fighter that has been on the radar of Crawford in recent years is WBO super lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez, who is targeting a showdown with the 37-year-old in the near future.

READ MORE : Former Super-Middleweight World Champion Has No Doubt Terence Crawford Will..

Speaking to TKO Boxing, Lopez spoke of a potential fight against Crawford, claiming he intends to prove to the world that ‘Bud’ is overrated.

“The only way I can show the world that I’m the best is by facing the best. My main goal depends on Canelo and Bud, as I would love to fight Crawford as well.

He is one of the top pound-for-pound fighters of this time, and I want to show the world why he’s not in my eyes.”

In a separate interview with ESNEWS, he vowed to finish Crawford by round 9.

“I’d say by 9. It’s my favourite number and a guy like him, you gotta break him down, you gotta break him down, you can’t just take him out.”

‘The Takeover’ is set to return to the ring on when he faces current WBO interim light welterweight champion Arnold Barboza Jr in Times Square in New York.

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BOXING

“Who’s next for world champion ? How can I fight for the world title next? If Oleksandr

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Anthony joshua

“Who’s next for world champion ? How can I fight for the world title next? If [Oleksandr] Usyk wants a dance partner next, then we can get Uncle Frank [Warren] in here.”

Those were the words of Joseph Parker after he dispatched Martin Bakole inside two rounds in Saudi Arabia.

With the New Zealander losing his chance at becoming a two-time world champion when IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois withdrew through illness, Parker took the opportunity to put himself in the frame to fight WBC, WBA (Super) and WBO king Oleksandr Usyk.

Dubois’ illness could have a huge impact on the heavyweight scene with the Briton now eyeing an undisputed clash with Ukraine’s Usyk.

But Usyk is not short of challengers and it seems everyone is lining up to fight him.

Despite not looking to instantly avenge his brutal knockout by Dubois back in September 2024, Anthony Joshua remains on the scene and still has ambitions on becoming a three-time champion.

BBC Sport looks at the heavyweight landscape after a week or shocks and a night of knockouts.

What will Dubois do next?

According to Dubois’ promoter, Queensberry’s Frank Warren, the heavyweight was devastated to be pulled from the Parker bout. It would have been Dubois’ second defence and he was due to earn a massive purse. He keeps his belt of course.

But while one door closes, another might have opened for Dubois.

READ MORE : I don’t Think he can win,Tyson Fury Warns Anthony Joshua to Stay Well Away From…

We had thought the 28-year-old, should he have beaten Parker, would push for a rematch with Usyk. Considering the boxing schedule and recovery time, it could have been quite the wait but now the Briton’s next fight could be the undisputed meeting with the 38-year-old Usyk.

With no mandatory challenger currently listed for Dubois’ IBF title, he remains free to select his next opponent and Usyk has already said he wants to do it.

It would be heartbreak for Parker, 33, who has spent nearly seven years fighting his way back towards a world title fight.

Bakole, who is ranked number three with the IBF, was set to fight Efe Ajagba on 2 May but that fight is now in doubt after his second-round stoppage loss to Parker.

This really is the big question – what does Usyk want to do?

The unified WBA (Super), WBO and WBC champion has earned the right to call the shots at heavyweight and if he says he wants to fight Dubois in May, then that is likely to happen.

Anthony joshua

Usyk says he only envisions two more fights in his career, which means only the biggest names would be entertained. Usyk has made a brilliant career of breaking British hearts and he would probably like to end his career as undisputed champion, once more.

Germany’s Agit Kabayel may also want to throw his name in the hat after he maintained his number one ranking with the WBC by becoming the first man to stop China’s Zhilei Zhang.

What about Joshua?

The withdrawal of Dubois throws a bit of spanner in the works for Joshua. He was campaigning to fight the winner but now Dubois is unlikely to give his compatriot a look in with Usyk on his radar.

Joshua, 35, has made no secret of his desire to be a three-time world champion and he will probably get at least one more shot at that goal. Who would it be against?

Should Usyk v Dubois happen next, it is very possible the belts will scatter after that considering how complicated it is to hold four titles at once in a busy division. That could give Joshua the opportunity he craves – possibly by the end of the year.

Or, could Joshua be thrown into a rematch with Parker with the winner earning a title shot? The possibilities are endless.

Dillian Whyte fights Joe Joyce on 5 April. That fight night also includes the professional debut of Olympian Delicious Orie and an intriguing contest between Lawrence Okolie and Richard Riakporhe.

The seasoned cruiserweights face off in what is unlikely to reveal much about their capabilities at heavyweight, but is set to be a fascinating bout considering the beef between the two rivals.

RELATED : I doubt he really want it : Roy Jones Jr Predicts Anthony Joshua vs Deontay…

Anthony joshua,Daniel dubois

Moses Itauma, who only turned 20 in December, is expected to be added to that card, but one fight that isn’t happening is Deontay Wilder’s imminent return. After many whispers, Wilder’s team has cooled talk of a comeback for now.

Frazer Clarke will return to action on 20 April against Ebenezer Tetteh while a potential rematch between Johnny Fisher and David Allen is yet to be announced.

Fabio Wardley is also expected to be back in action soon.

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I doubt he really want it : Roy Jones Jr Predicts Anthony Joshua vs Deontay…

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Deontay wilder

 I doubt he really want it : Roy Jones Jr Predicts Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder: “Does He Really Want It?”

Roy Jones Jr is one of many people who would still like to see Anthony Joshua square off with Deontay Wilder.

These two former heavyweight champions of the world were sitting at the top of the division for many years at the same time. They are both big punchers and exciting fighters who put together plenty of high profile knockouts but frustratingly never managed to align with each other and battle it out in the ring

Recent years have pushed them even further apart as Wilder lost two of his three fights with Tyson Fury, and then his rebuild attempts went the same way as he lost to Joseph Parker and was then stopped by Zhilei Zhang.

That was his last outing last June, and since then, there have been only rumours that he will return.

It was Oleksandr Usyk who dethroned Anthony Joshua and last time out in September the Brit was stopped by Daniel Dubois as he attempted to become a three-time world champion.

READ MORE : “Only The Ring can judge” Joseph Parker Says He Has No Doubt Who Wins Anthony Joshua..

Speaking to iFL TV, multi-weight world champion and boxing legend Jones Jr felt that Joshua would come out on top were they to fight any time soon.

“That’s a tough fight but I think Joshua has a better chance of winning that fight. I don’t think Joshua is as damaged as Wilder. Wilder with Parker showed he looked like he didn’t really want it so we’ll see what Wilder shows up.

‘The Bronze Bomber’ has lost four of his last five fights and is now 39-years-old so the clock is very much ticking on his career.

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BOXING

I don’t Think he can win,Tyson Fury Warns Anthony Joshua to Stay Well Away From…

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Anthony joshua

I don’t Think he can win,Tyson Fury Warns Anthony Joshua to Stay Well Away From One Boxing Heavyweight

Tyson Fury has warned Anthony Joshua that it would be unwise for him to take on former opponent, Daniel Dubois, in another fight as he would come up short again

Anthony Joshua was knocked out inside five rounds by his compatriot last September in an IBF heavyweight title showdown at Wembley Stadium. While AJ does not have another fight officially lined up at the moment, he is keen to get back in the ring soon and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, is hoping to lock down a rematch agreement with Dubois for later in 2025

Hearn has also expressed the idea of Joshua potentially taking on Fury, Joseph Parker, Deontay Wilder or Agit Kabayel. Due to Joshua wanting to avenge his devastating loss to Dubois, a rematch with the IBF heavyweight holder is presumably deemed the biggest priority

Tyson Fury Doesn’t Think Joshua Can Win Heavyweight Fight

However, despite Joshua and Hearn’s eagerness to set up a second contest with Dubois, and the belief that the result could go the other way if the pair met again, Fury is adamant that matters would remain the same in a rematch. When asked on The Stomping Ground whether Joshua could beat Dubois in a second contest, the former heavyweight world champion simply replied: “No. I don’t think he can.”

The former world champion then questioned whether a second fight between his two compatriots would even go ahead, commenting: “I don’t even think he (Joshua) will take a rematch.”

READ MORE : After British star was ‘snubbed, Eddie Hearn names the FIVE fighters who Anthony…

Joshua has avenged a loss before, however, as he followed up a shocking stoppage loss to Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019 by defeating him on points in a rematch. The former heavyweight champion was unable to pull off the same feat, though, against Oleksandr Usyk, as he lost both fights on points to the Ukrainian.

What Next in the Heavyweight Division

Dubois is eyeing his next fight, while AJ still doesn’t know what is next either

Dubois was set to defend his IBF belt against Parker a fortnight ago in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on the undercard of the Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol rematch. However, sickness caused the Brit to pull out of the contest just days before the scheduled fight, and he was replaced by Martin Bakole. The Congolese boxer took the fight at very short notice, and his lack of preparation showed as he was stopped in the second round by the New Zealander.

Dubois and his promoter, Frank Warren, are likely looking beyond Joshua and hoping to schedule an undisputed fight with Usyk, as the Ukrainian kept hold of the remaining heavyweight belts after beating Fury for a second time last December. Usyk already got the better of Dubois when the two fought in 2023, but the Brit has grown as a fighter since then and would be much more confident in his chances if another fight occurred.

Anthony joshua

This places Joshua in a tough position to get another world title shot and become a three-time heavyweight champion anytime soon.

RELATED : “Only The Ring can judge” Joseph Parker Says He Has No Doubt Who Wins Anthony Joshua..

While there is still a desire from Joshua, Hearn, and plenty of boxing fans to see Joshua and Fury finally battle it out in the ring one day, the chances remain low for the time being after the latter announced a sudden retirement from boxing at the start of the year. However, Fury’s latest decision has not convinced those involved in boxing that he is actually retired as he has made similar announcements in the past.

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BOXING

After British star was ‘snubbed, Eddie Hearn names the FIVE fighters who Anthony…

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Anthony joshua

After British star was ‘snubbed, Eddie Hearn names the FIVE fighters who Anthony Joshua could face in comeback fight – after British star was ‘snubbed for Saudi showdown’

Eddie Hearn has revealed the five fighters who could face Anthony Joshua as the heavyweight star looks to return to the boxing ring later this year.

The 35-year-old has not fought since his comprehensive loss to Daniel Dubois last year, where was knocked out by his compatriot in front of 96,000 fans at Wembley.

In a turn of events, last month, he was tipped to step in and replace Dubois after he fell ill and was forced to pull out of his bout against Joseph Parker in Riyadh.

Reports claimed at the time that Joshua was not considered as a late replacement option for Dubois, despite being in Riyadh at the time.

Perhaps that’s because he already has his sights on another bout after promoter Hearn revealed the five-name shortlist of boxers who could face Joshua.

Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: ‘Daniel Dubois still [is the frontrunner]. In an ideal world, he will fight [Tyson] Fury, if not Dubois.

‘There is also Joseph Parker, who I think would be a great fight, there is Agit Kabayel and Deontay Wilder, obviously [Turki Alalshikh] has stated he would love to see that fight.

‘I guess the [Martin] Bakole fight is still there, but he would probably get criticised if he fought Bakole, so less likely.’

The potential fight that would generate the most interest among British fans is undoubtedly Joshua vs Fury.

But Fury announced his retirement last month with immediate effect on the heels of his second defeat by Usyk in December of last year.

Last month, Joshua gave an intriguing reply when asked about his future in the ring when he was interviewed ringside at the Beterviev vs Bivol II card.

READ MORE : “Only The Ring can judge” Joseph Parker Says He Has No Doubt Who Wins Anthony Joshua..

When questioned on his future, Joshua said: ‘More fights, this is my life, this is what I do. Right now I sit outside and I watch and then I’ll make my return one day.

‘I sit back as a fan and watch the great people in the sport I love.’

Joshua, 35, won the first 22 fights of his professional career, before losing his WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles in a shock defeat by Andy Ruiz Junior in June 2019.

Anthony joshua

The Watford-born fighter bounced back by beating Ruiz in a rematch six months later but he has since lost twice to Oleksandr Usyk, before being knocked out by Daniel Dubois in his most recent fight in September last year.

Joshua won four fights against relatively easier opposition between his rematch defeat by Usyk and last year’s loss to Dubois.

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Unlikely match-up ,Canelo Alvarez Names His One Condition To Fight Jake Paul….

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Canelo Alvarez

Unlikely match-up ,Canelo Alvarez Names His One Condition To Fight Jake Paul After Being Accused Of ‘Ducking’

Saul ‘Canelo‘ Alvarez was close to fighting Jake Paul this year.

instead opted to The unlikely match-up was dashed at the last minute when Canelo – currently unified champion at 168 pounds – stick to the traditional scene, signing a four-fight deal with Turki Alalshikh

Paul has labelled the move as a clear ‘duck’ – something extremely few would agree with – and criticised Alvarez for the way he went about it.

Speaking on Hot 97, the elite Mexican champion revealed just how far talks had progressed before leaving the door open for it to take place in the future, but only when he is done with the more serious business of world championships.

“I think everybody wants to see me beat Jake Paul. You know, I thought about it for a minute, we agreed for the promoters to go and see what the numbers are for that fight in May.

“I don’t call that a fight, I call it an event. That event needs to wait. It’s not the moment to do that kind of event at this moment in my career. I think at the end of my career, when I’m retired, maybe. We’ll see.”

Asked how he rates the YouTuber-turned-fighter skill-wise, Canelo said it was hard to say but did praise his dedication to the sport.

“He’s focused. He’s focused on boxing. He’s disciplined. We need to credit him for that. Maybe he’s more disciplined than other fighters.

READ MORE : “He Knows Now”: Canelo Gives His Honest Rating Of Terence Crawford’s Last….

“But, as a fighter, it’s very difficult to say. That’s why when you say ‘a fight with Jake Paul’ for me it’s difficult to say a fight. It’s more an event than a fight.”

Paul is yet to announce his next opponent, though news is expected soon.

As for Canelo, he kicks off his Riyadh Season deal with an undisputed clash against new IBF Super-Middleweight World Champion William Scull. Should he win and become four-belt ruler once more, extra intrigue is added to an already booked mega fight against Terence Crawford in Las Vegas this September.

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Detroit Free Press: Suspending Michigan Boxer Claressa Shields For Marijuana is…

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Claressa shields

Detroit Free Press: Suspending Michigan Boxer Claressa Shields For Marijuana is ‘Ludicrous’

Flint native Claressa Shields, one of the most outstanding boxers in the world, has been suspended by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs on behalf of the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission after testing positive for a trace amount of marijuana.

She has denied ever using the drug and is fighting the suspension.

But that’s beside the point, according to Khalil AlHajal, deputy editorial page editor of the Detroit Free Press, who has written a column explaining why the suspension is absurd.

First, AlHajal points out that medical marijuana was legalized in Michigan in 2008, and in 2018, voters approved its recreational use.

He calls the suspension over marijuana “ludicrous” and goes on to say:

READ MORE : Claressa Shields And Ryan Garcia Bitterly React To Controversial Gervonta Davis…

The changes [in marijuana laws] have not made their way to the state’s regulations around combat sports, leading to last month’s ludicrous suspension of one of Michigan’s greatest athletes, potentially tarnishing her spotless reputation for clean competition…

The state’s order of suspension absurdly calls Shields’ supposed conduct “an imminent threat to the integrity of the sport of professional boxing” and “the public interest.”

AlHajal also notes that the trace amount of marijuana was detected after Shields was tested following a fight in Flint last month. Two other boxers that night also tested positive.

He goes on to write:

A Free Press writer who covered the event confirmed reports that weed smoke was noticeable throughout the arena that night, and it isn’t inconceivable that secondhand exposure may have played a role in those test results.

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As Rematch Nears : Oleksandr Usyk Delivers Honest Verdict On Daniel Dubois…

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oleksandr usyk

As Rematch Nears : Oleksandr Usyk Delivers Honest Verdict On Daniel Dubois Power

Oleksandr Usyk is well acquainted with being up close and personal with Daniel Dubois in a boxing ring.

The pair first fought in August 2023. It was a fight on Polish soil with a huge crowd in favour of Usyk. At that point he was already a unified heavyweight champion having beaten Anthony Joshua in 2021 for his three world titles. He then defended them successfully in a rematch in 2022 before going into a second defence against Dubois

The Brit started well and infamously managed to knock Usyk down to the canvas with a body shot, although the referee judged that it was a low blow. Usyk took all the time he needed to recover, and when the fight restarted, he went through the gears and stopped ‘DDD’ in the 9th round.

Many people have spoken about Dubois’ body shot and claimed it should have stood, which is why there is plenty of intrigue about the pair rematching. That fight is top of Usyk’s list as he wants to become the undisputed champion for a second time, having first done so by beating Tyson Fury last May.

Right now, Dubois holds the IBF belt he needs to complete his collection once more.

READ MORE : Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua cannot believe the brutal knockout…

Speaking in the ring after their controversial first bout, the Ukrainian great was asked if he rated how hard the 27-year-old punches and was dismissive with his answer.

“No [power], only in my balls.”

Usyk has never been down in the ring before or since that night, and has rarely even looked troubled. He is now in his late thirties, however, so is likely to be close to the end of his career, so if Dubois is to ever fully impose himself on the southpaw champion, it might be now.

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“Only The Ring can judge” Joseph Parker Says He Has No Doubt Who Wins Anthony Joshua..

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Anthony joshua

“Only The Ring can judge” Joseph Parker Says He Has No Doubt Who Wins Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder After Facing Both

Joseph Parker is one of only a few men to have fought both Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua.

Some of the other names include Dominic Breazeale and Robert Helenius. American puncher Wilder knocked out both of those men inside the first round, and knocked out all of his opponents until he came up against Tyson Fury

Across three fights, he drew one, then was stopped in the next two and since then has taken two more losses. One was against Parker on points in December 2023, and the other was by KO against Zhilei Zhang back in June 2024.

He has not fought since, though there has been plenty of speculation he will be returning to the ring. Former two-time world champion Joshua is often mentioned as a possible opponent for what would be a blockbuster fight despite the fact that both men are now towards the end of their careers.

Anthony Joshua is coming off a loss against Daniel Dubois, who knocked him out inside five rounds back in September to retain his IBF belt.

He was due to defend it in February against former WBO ruler Parker, but fell ill at the last minute and was withdrawn. so Parker instead took on Martin Bakole and stopped him in the second round.

READ MORE : “He’s Not The Better Boxer” Tony Bellew Makes KO Prediction For Anthony Joshua…

Speaking to Mail Sport Boxing, the New Zealander was asked who would win if ‘AJ’ and ‘The Bronze Bomber’ were to fight one another now.

“Anthony Joshua.”

The fight would likely represent a final chance to get back to the top of the sport for either man, so even without a belt on the line it would be a much anticipated contest between two of this era’s most entertaining fighters.

However, it has now been suggested that Joshua could instead be going into a rematch with Dubois.

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