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“Insane”: Claressa Shields and Shakur Stevenson Laud Olympic Silver Medalist Ben Whittaker’s Sensational ‘Craft’ in the Ring

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Ben Whittaker’s latest ring victory was anything but ordinary. Known for his flair, he turned the match into a spectacle. Whittaker’s antics included a 360-degree spin and a dance that could rival Michael Jackson’s. Such showmanship in boxing isn’t new, but Whittaker pushes boundaries.

Some say it’s refreshing; others call it disrespect. Amidst this divide, names like Shakur Stevenson and Claressa Shields weigh in. What could these boxing luminaries possibly say? To say the least, they are fans. Is Whittaker’s approach a breath of fresh air or a breach of sportive decorum?

Shakur Stevenson has a reply for the haters!
Following Ben Whittaker’s victory, the boxing community buzzed with opinions. Amidst varied reactions, Shakur Stevenson and Claressa Shields stood out with their public endorsements. Stevenson took to Twitter, expressing admiration for Whittaker’s unique blend of skill and entertainment.

“I’m a fan champ,” he tweeted, “I love how much fun u having while doing yo craft.. Tell them if they don’t like it step up the competition so u could do that to them too @BenGWhittaker💪🏾.” This tweet not only highlights Stevenson’s support but also challenges critics to appreciate the artistry in Whittaker’s approach.

Subsequently, Whittaker, acknowledging the shoutout, shared Stevenson’s tweet on his Instagram story which was then reposted by Shakur. He added, “Real recognizes real. Appreciate it g @shakurstevenson,” showcasing a mutual respect between the two athletes.

Moreover, Claressa Shields, shared her enthusiasm for Whittaker’s performance. She posted a reel of the fight’s highlights on her social media, accompanied by the caption “Insane🤣🤣🤣.” Shields’ reaction.

Together, these interactions underscore a significant shift in how boxing’s entertainment aspect is perceived by some of its most accomplished practitioners. They signal a growing acceptance of Whittaker’s flamboyant style as a legitimate expression of “craft” within the boxing world. But what are Ben’s plans for this year?

From ring return to household stardom

Fresh off an Olympic silver medal win, Whittaker is eager to leave behind any setbacks caused by injuries, eyeing an action-packed 2024. “My plan for this year is to build my profile and become a household name,” he confidently shared with BoxingScene.com. With a strategy to engage in at least five fights and potentially secure a title, his aspirations don’t just stop at frequent bouts.

Whittaker is also keen on making a mark against notable names, including fellow Brits Joshua Buatsi and Dan Azeez. “Skillswise, I can beat both of them,” Whittaker asserts, underlining his readiness to challenge and surpass the established talents in his division.

Will his blend of skill, ambition, and strategic planning propel him to the top of the boxing world? Only time will tell.

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BOXING

John Fury sends stern warning to Anthony Joshua ahead of Francis Ngannou fight

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John Fury has sent a stern warning to Anthony Joshua ahead of his fight with Francis Ngannou.

Former heavyweight world champion and Olympic gold medalist Joshua will take on ex-UFC champion Ngannou in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 8 March.

Anthony Joshua seals unanimous points win against American opponent Jermaine Franklin in London - Eurosport

The fight against AJ will be Ngannou’s second boxing match, having lost to Tyson Fury via a split decision on his debut.

Meanwhile, Joshua looked more like his old self when he dispatched Otto Wallin towards the back end of 2023.

Ahead of the bout, Fury senior has sent a stern warning to Joshua.

Speaking to LowKick MMA, via Free Bets, Fury said: “Ngannou is a big strong fella. He’s muscly, but he can also move. He’s athletic and if you’re there, he’ll take the top of your head straight off.

Anthony Joshua explainer: Has AJ opened the door for Tyson Fury fight in 2023? | Boxing News | Sky Sports

“And don’t forget he’s a lot more powerful a man than Andy Ruiz Jr. When he gets you in trouble, you’ll know about it and he won’t just do that with A.J. He’ll do it to anybody out there.”

During the press conference, Ngannou questioned Joshua’s chin.

He said: “I heard he doesn’t have a chin. I don’t know if it’s true or not. I hope I have the opportunity to test it out, that’s my wish.

“I’m the underground king. I might not be the champion in boxing, but I’m a life champion. I’m pretty good at finding my way to do my thing.”

Why is John Fury, father of Tyson and Tommy, banned from entering the United States? | Sporting News

Joshua said: “His mind I have to conquer. You have to take someone’s soul, you have to take someone’s spirit. I’m looking forward to the challenge.

“He gave Fury an unbelievable fight. I thought ‘hang on a minute here’. The fight was not something I was looking at straight away, but that’s someone who is going to cause a bit of chaos in the heavyweight division.”

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BOXING

Fighter who cut Tyson Fury and postponed Oleksandr Usyk fight ‘responds’ with blunt message

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The fighter who was responsible for causing Tyson Fury’s fight-ending cut has reportedly issued a blunt verdict, saying: “I don’t feel bad.”

Fury was scheduled to fight Oleksandr Usyk on February 17 in Saudi Arabia for the undisputed world heavyweight title, however, it has since been postponed and will now take place on May 18.

Tyson Fury opens up on 'devastating' gruesome injury as Oleksandr Usyk fight postponed - Manchester Evening News

That is due to the Gypsy King suffering a cut above his eye that required 15 stitches and left wife Paris Fury ‘shaking’.

The man who Fury was fighting in sparring was Argon Smakici – a Croatian boxer and MMA fighter.

According to Boxing Talk, Smakici responded to the fight postponement by telling them: “It was a clear punch so I don’t feel bad.”

Wasserman Boxing on X: "Undefeated Croatian heavyweight Agron Smakici will face Gabriel Enguema on the undercard of @Filip_Hrgovic's WBC International title clash with Amir Mansour on September 8 in Zagreb. 📰 Full

That’s despite Fury’s promoter, Frank Warren, stating that it was the Croatian’s elbow that caught his client – and footage of the incident appears to back that up.

As a result of the injury, the fight has been rescheduled for May 18.

Explaining what happened in the incident, Warren explained: “It happened this morning (Friday) in sparring with a Croatian heavyweight who caught his eye with his elbow.

“I can’t tell you how gutted everybody is and I obviously feel for Tyson, I feel for Usyk and I feel sorry for His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and everyone who works at the Riyadh Season because this is an event that we all worked hard to make happen and unfortunately it’s going to be postponed now.”

 

Tyson Fury out of heavyweight title fight with Oleksandr Usyk after suffering 'freak cut' in training - Eurosport

Asked if he believes the fight will still happen, Warren said: “Of course I do. It’s what everybody signed up for.

“It’s a huge fight – the biggest fight this century, there’s no doubt about that. It’s the fight that everybody wanted and because of the Riyadh Season, His Excellency and all his team, that’s why the fight is happening and nothing is going to impair it or stop it going on.

“It’s unfortunate where we are but we will make sure that it will occur because it’s the fight that everybody wants to see.”

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BOXING

Anthony Joshua already lined up next opponent after Francis Ngannou with talks confirmed

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Anthony Joshua has already lined up who he will fight after Francis Ngannou.

Joshua is preparing to take on MMA fighter Ngannou in Saudi Arabia in March, with the Watford-born heavyweight plotting a path to eventually take on Tyson Fury in what would be among the most eagerly anticipated bouts in history.

Joshua was beaten by Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022, losing his WBO, IBF, and WBA belts in the process. Since then, Joshua has been on a redemption arc, beating Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius and Otto Wallin as he looks to return to boxing’s summit.

He is now set to take on Ngannou, who controversially lost to Fury in December by split decision.

Should Joshua claim a victory against the MMA’s hardest puncher, however, he may be forced to wait before facing Fury.

Saudi adviser Turki Alalshikh – who has been in charge of delivering major boxing events to the Gulf state – admitted that Joshua was in talks to face Croatian Filip Hrgović rather than his compatriot.

When asked if the winner of Joshua vs Ngannou remained in line to fight the victor of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk, Turki Alalshikh told SBN: “I’ll tell you a secret – what is in my mind. If Ngannou wins, you know he will have a rematch against the champion [Fury].

Joshua is looking to return to boxing's summit (Getty)

“If Joshua wins, then it will take a long time for the winner of Tyson vs Usyk to face [the 34-year-old] as they’ll have a rematch.

“We’re thinking and discussing with the Joshua camp and [Filip] Hrgović camp, to maybe have a fight between them.”

Fury’s undisputed heavyweight title fight with Usyk has been rearranged for 18 May.

The bout was originally due to take place on February 17 in Saudi Arabia, but it was postponed this week after the Fury suffered a “freak cut” above the eye in training.

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BOXING

Tyson Fury’s dad in trouble with Mike Tyson as boxing legend discovers Russell Crowe conversation

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Tyson Fury’s dad, John Fury, has been sent a word of warning from Mike Tyson that Joe Egan is “coming for you” due to a conversation he had with Russell Crowe.

Fury Snr had an established boxing career himself with 13 professional bouts to his name.

Heavyweight boxing: 5 best wins of Mike Tyson in his prime

But he’s become a celebrity in his own right as part of his son’s journey to becoming heavyweight world champion.

He’s a regular feature by Fury’s side at every fight and press conference and regularly gets heated with his son’s opponent.

Fury Snr has even called out numerous people throughout the years in an attempt to get back into the boxing ring for a big payday.

The 59-year-old famously called out boxing legend Tyson in October last year ahead of his son’s fight against Francis Ngannou.

It’s not the first time Fury Snr has stated his desire to get into the ring with Iron Mike.

Mike Tyson: Boxing's Legendary Champion - Spartans Boxing Club

The next best thing could be on offer for Fury Snr though with Tyson’s former sparring partner pushing to fight the Englishman.

Egan announced plans to come out of retirement and called out Fury Snr as the person he wanted to fight.

He said: “Hello everyone. I have one last hurrah in me. I haven’t fought in over 20 years.

“John Fury is my friend and he is a good fighting man, same as myself, a good fighting man and I think the two of us would have a great boxing match.

“Out in Saudi let’s show them YouTubers and them Saudi royals how two old warriors can perform.”

Mike Tyson is close friends with Joe Egan
Mike Tyson is close friends with Joe Egan

Fury Snr dismissed the request, replying: “Not interested in talking about those people. Can we move on please?”

But Egan hasn’t given up and enlisted the help of his close friend Tyson to try and elicit a response from Fury Snr.

Tyson said: “John Fury, you’ve got my friend Joe Egan really mad at you, saying you wanted to fight me.

John Fury is a character at his son's press conferences
John Fury is a character at his son’s press conferences

“And he also told me that you told Russell Crowe that he was a fraud. So, Joe Egan is looking for John Fury, okay?

“And if I’m able to see that fight – I hope it’s not in England because I’m a felon, I can’t go to England.

“But he’s coming for you John Fury, for my honor.”

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BOXING

“What’s Boxing Without Controversy “: Amanda Serrano Joins Claressa Shields in Surprise After Christina Cruz’s Controversial Loss

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In the world of boxing, controversy is as common as the sound of the bell. Yet, the recent IBF flyweight title bout took an unexpected twist. Gabriela Fundora’s victory over Christina Cruz on 27th January ended unusually, sparking debates far and wide. Was it just another fight, or something more? Top boxing figures like Amanda Serrano and Claressa Shields have voiced their shock.

Their tweets reveal a deep divide in opinions. Claressa Shields, didn’t hold back. Serrano, too, weighed in with her perspective. What really happened in that Phoenix ring?

Claressa Shields stands strong on her perspective!
The pivotal moment came in the tenth round of the fight, where Gabriela Fundora was declared the winner over Christina Cruz when Cruz turned her back to Gabriela. This outcome immediately sparked reactions from prominent figures in the boxing world.

Claressa Shields took to Twitter expressing her disbelief. “Just watched @christinaboxing fight! The ref never heard of an 8 count!? Why he just stop the fight like that! Bad stoppage 😒,” she tweeted. This comment stirred a response from a fan, emphasizing a key rule in professional boxing: “No 8-count in pro boxing Claressa.”

Shields, undeterred, continued, “Her turning her back wouldn’t be considered a Knock down.“

Amidst this exchange, Amanda Serrano added her voice. She tweeted, “It’s a misfortune thing but with the way they had them scorecards set that title was staying with the champ. They didn’t give poor Tina a fair share. One judge had it 90-81. I thought it was even or Tina ahead. What’s boxing without controversy nowadays? Sad but it’s the sport we love & do.”

These tweets, laden with emotion and expertise, underscore the complexity and often subjective nature of boxing’s rule enforcement and scoring.

What did Cristina Cruz have to say about her loss?

She tripped, Christina says
Christina Cruz has expressed feelings of betrayal and misunderstanding. Cruz detailed the sequence of events that led to the unexpected turn in her post on social media, stating, “The momentum of me missing with the hook, tripping on her front foot and getting hit in the back of my head caused me to turn my back. I didn’t intentionally turn and was not hurt.”

She highlighted a crucial moment, saying, “The 2nd my body turned, ref should’ve stepped in before she punched my back.” Cruz felt cornered in the situation, noting, “The ref wasn’t helping so my initial reaction was to cover up and protect myself in hopes the ref would give a warning.” Her account adds a vital layer to the unfolding narrative of the bout’s controversial conclusion.

How can the sport of boxing evolve to ensure fairness and clarity in its rulings, while maintaining the raw excitement and unpredictability that define it?

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BOXING

Daniel Dubois ordered to fight for the title Anthony Joshua ‘rejected’

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Daniel Dubois has the opportunity to win one of the few titles Anthony Joshua has never held.

Daniel Dubois has been ordered by the EBU to face Ryad Merhy for the vacant European heavyweight title – a belt Anthony Joshua rejected the opportunity to fight for earlier in his career. Dubois was unable to win the European strap when he fought for it against Joe Joyce back in November 2020 but he has now been given a second bite at the cherry.

Dubois has been ordered to box for the EBU belt
Daniel Dubois has been ordered to box for the EBU belt

The Brit is coming off arguably the best win of his career over Jarrell Miller on the ‘Day of Reckoning’ bill in Saudi Arabia and is looking to get his name back into the world title picture again following an unsuccessful shot at Oleksandr Usyk’s WBA (Super), IBF and WBO heavyweight titles.

Merhy is also flying high after a big win over Olympic gold medalist Tony Yoka in his last outing. The Belgian boxer, who is 32-2 in the paid ranks, beat Yoka via a split decision two months ago in France as he bounced back from a loss to Kevin Lerena.

Lerena was, of course, knocked out by Dubois in 2022 when Triple D picked himself up off the canvas three times in the opening round to stop the South African puncher in the third stanza.

Dubois has been called to face Ryad Merhy
Dubois has been called to face Ryad Merhy

A win over Merhy wouldn’t do much to improve his standings with the four major boxing sanctioning bodies but the allure of a European title may be enough to tempt Dubois into taking up the challenge. The European title remains one of the few belts that Joshua hasn’t got his hands on during his glistening professional career.

He was given the opportunity to fight for the strap against Derek Chisora in 2016 but rejected the order so that he could land himself a shot at Charles Martin’s IBF belt instead. “Unfortunately Joshua did not accept to dispute the EBU title.” confirmed EBU General Secretary Enza Jacoponi at the time. “So the vacant title will be disputed between Derek Chisora and Kubrat Pulev.”

Joshua rejected the EBU belt for a shot at the IBF
Anthony Joshua rejected the opportunity to box for the EBU belt for a shot at the IBF title in 2016

AJ went on to win the world title from Martin in one of the most dominant showings of his career, stopping the American in the second round in front of a packed-out O2 Arena.

Meanwhile, Chisora was beaten over the distance by Pulev in Germany although Del Boy would exact his revenge six years later when he defeated his old foe on home soil. Chisora is now represented by Joshua’s 258 Management and is good friends with the Watford powerhouse.

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BOXING

Francis Ngannou is leaving nothing to chance as he shows off ridiculous physique during workout for Anthony Joshua fight

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Francis Ngannou is in tremendous shape as he prepares for only his second professional boxing fight.

Ngannou faces Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia, months after impressing the boxing world against Tyson Fury.

Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou: How former UFC champion is training like Muhammad Ali | DAZN News GB

While the Cameroonian made his name in MMA as a former UFC heavyweight champion, he left many boxing fans stunned when he knocked down Fury.

Ngannou might have ultimately lost but he won a moral victory by taking the Gypsy King the whole way and many believed he deserved to win.

And now he will take on Britain’s other heavyweight boxing superstar in AJ – and this time he is training hard to match him in the ring.

Showing off an incredible physique on social media site Instagram, Ngannou is hard at work getting himself in tip-top shape.

UFC: Francis Ngannou, the African champion who wanted to change the UFC and is leaving on principle | Marca

As well as brandishing absolute cannons for arms, the 37-year-old towers over most men at 6ft 4ins.

Ngannou is renowned as one of the heaviest hitters in combat sports and seven of his last eight UFC wins came via knockout or technical knockout.

Before Joshua and Ngannou touch gloves in March, there is the small matter of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk to unify the heavyweight division.

With that clash also taking part in Saudi Arabia, Joshua is expected to be ringside but he has insisted his sights are firmly on Ngannou.

Francis Ngannou unsure of MMA return, says 'there's a chance' he does only boxing in 2024 - Yahoo Sports

“Let me say this again, I’m not focusing on that,” Joshua told The MMA Hour.

“I’m going to take my mind, I have to draw it back that Ngannou is my undisputed title fight. That’s the mentality I have to have.

“Ngannou is my undisputed fight. Because you’re only as good as your last fight, and I respect him a lot.

“He ain’t easy money. He’s a hard night’s work.

“And you know what’s crazy? So am I. I’m a hard night’s work for anyone. So let’s go, it’s going to be fireworks.”

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BOXING

Mike Tyson responds to claims he’ll fight MMA legend in Saudi Arabia

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Mike Tyson has debunked claims he is set to return to the ring in a big-money bout with Fedor Emelianenko.

The 57-year-old returned from a 15-year hiatus to fight Roy Jones Jr in November 2020 but has since kept out of the spotlight regarding another potential outing.

Fans however were quickly sent into overdrive once again this week, with a potential fight against MMA legend Emelianenko sparking rumors online.

Touted to be taking place in boxing’s new hot spot in Saudi Arabia, the claims were quickly dismissed by Tyson’s team, insisting ‘Iron Mike’ has no desire to fight the former four-time combat sambo world champion.

“This is false,” Tyson’s representatives told Sun Sport journalist Chisanga Malata.

“Mr. Tyson has not spoken to anyone in his camp.

“He is not interested in doing a fight with him now or in the future.”

His fight some four years ago with Jones Jr is still considered one of boxing’s all-time biggest pay-per-view events, with Tyson constantly talked of despite his age.

Approaching 60, the former world heavyweight champion has not shied away from one more outing but insists everything would once again have to be aligned correctly.

Mike Tyson. (Credit: Getty)

“I could be persuaded,” Tyson said of a potential comeback while speaking to TMZ News, before insisting that he ‘can’t express himself financially’.

“I don’t know. When I see the money people for the end of the product, my mind works clearer. I can’t express myself right now financially.”

Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis are just two of the names often brought into the picture, with Jake Paul and John Fury also loosely linked in the past with facing off against one of the all-time greats.

The American has also been offered the chance to help Francis Ngannou prepare for his bout with Anthony Joshua, as the two prepare to go toe-to-toe in March.

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BOXING

Francis Ngannou claims that Anthony Joshua doesn’t ‘have the strength’ to win their highly-anticipated Saudi clash

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Francis Ngannou has claimed that Anthony Joshua doesn’t ‘have the strength’ to win their upcoming boxing clash.

Ngannou is set to face Joshua in Saudi Arabia on March 8, after the Brit’s bout with Deontay Wilder fell through after the American’s defeat to Joseph Parker at the ‘Day of Reckoning’ card.

Francis Ngannou during his appearance on the High Performance Podcast            The former UFC star previewed his fight with Anthony Joshua

Francis Ngannou issued a chilling warning to Anthony Joshua ahead of their bout in Saudi Arabia, during a recent appearance on the High Performance Podcast

Wilder’s defeat opened the door for former UFC champion Ngannou to take on Joshua, despite having lost the only professional boxing fight of his career.

Ngannou, 37, fell to a split decision defeat against heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in a thrilling 10-round clash back in October, where he also scored an impressive knockdown.

Despite the loss, the Cameroonian is clearly full of confidence heading into the bout with Joshua and issued a chilling warning to the British star on the High Performance Podcast.

The 37-year-old will test his abilities against Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia on March 8th
The 37-year-old will test his abilities against Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia on March 8th

During his appearance on the show, Ngannou said: ‘Never say never. Nothing is impossible. We don’t know the strength of Anthony Joshua.

‘Even though I don’t believe he has that strength, we’re going to find out. In two months, we’re going to find out. I’m going to be the one taking his soul’.

The former UFC star has been adamant that he’ll be victorious against Joshua and even fired back at the Brit’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, in a recent interview.

Matchroom Boxing promoter Hearn said he expects his fighter, Joshua, to knock Ngannou out during their match.

Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou: When is the fight, how to watch and undercard line-up

He told MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani: ‘I feel like he’s earned that shot – or certainly to continue at that level. And I fancy the fight.

‘You’ve heard me say before, I really believe AJ knocks him out. But he’s a dangerous fight. I know that this guy’s a big, big lump that can really punch, and I think he has no fear, which makes him dangerous’.

As reported by The Mirror, Ngannou fired back: ‘Eddie is a promoter, that’s like a routine for me. It’s deja vu, he said the same thing all of the time just not about Francis Ngannou but about somebody else. That’s how he talks and what he does’.

Elsewhere, during his appearance on the High Performance Podcast, Ngannou offered inspirational advice and also reflected on his journey from African to Europe.

Francis Ngannou stunned Tyson Fury and knocked him down in the third round of their clash in October
Francis Ngannou stunned Tyson Fury and knocked him down in the third round of their clash in October

He said: ‘The only person that will help you and change your life is you. It’s not somebody who helped me or anybody that help me that make me who I am.

‘Because, if you are a stupid person, they can help you as much as they want. You won’t do anything. Your life depends on you.

‘I made it in Europe inside a zodiac. The small inflatable zodiac. It was nine of us. [I did it for] The dream. I’d rather have a life without dream instead of having a dream without life.

‘You seen all those people that have been rescued or died in the ocean every day. They know all the stories, they know all the worst thing that is happening there, that you have no idea. But they have no choice’.

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