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Otto Wallin Reveals The Extent Of Damage Caused By Anthony Joshua Fight

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Swedish heavyweight contender Otto Wallin said Anthony Joshua was ‘past his peak’ before their fight, but was taught a quick lesson when the Brit turned up as good as he has looked in some time.

Joshua dominated from the opening bell, picking his shots with tremendous precision and measured aggression, forcing Wallin to retire on his stool with blood around his nose following the fifth-round. It was ‘AJ’s a first back-to-back knockout win since 2017.

In an interview with Boxing News, Wallin cleared up news of his injury and showed support for his trainer, Joey Gamache, who made the decision to pull him out of the contest.

“I have a fracture on my nose, it’s not completely broken, but it’s fractured.”

“I noticed that I was bleeding but when you are in the fight you have so much adrenaline and it was early in the fight. I noticed that it was uncomfortable but I don’t think it made a big difference.”

“I didn’t disagree with him [when he chose to pull me out], Joey [Gamache] told me that he was going to stop it and I didn’t say anything. Joey has been with me for ten years, he has seen me in training and almost all of my fights and he has never pulled me out of anything, so I trust Joey, he is always looking out for me and I feel very happy that I have a trainer who puts my health first. There is a life after boxing, so I am very appreciative that he is looking out for me.”

Joshua’s win seems to have lined him up for a fight with Filip Hrgovic and a possible IBF Vacant Title as he seeks to become just the fifth three-time heavyweight champion of all-time.

Wallin, at 33 and with losses to just Joshua and Tyson Fury, will take stock and come back this year.

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BOXING

Mike Tyson reveals the unusual reason why he could never have been a UFC fighter

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Mike Tyson hilariously revealed the exact reason why he would never have been able to become a UFC fighter.

Tyson enjoyed a legendary boxing career as he remains the youngest world heavyweight champion in history.

He won the WBC title aged just 20, beating Trevor Berbick in the second round to write his name in the boxing record books.

But how would his boxing skills translate to MMA and specifically in the UFC? Well, the former ‘Baddest Man on the Planet’ himself doesn’t like his chances inside the famed Octagon.

And he revealed why.

Tyson said that he could never become a UFC fighter because he has the ‘worst feet in the world’.

In an interview with GQ Sports, he was asked how he would have fared as an MMA fighter to which he replied: “I don’t know what I would do in the UFC, because I watched the UFC a couple of times, and I watched these guys step on people’s feet.”

The 57-year-old added: “And I have the worst feet in the world, and if somebody stepped on my feet, I would totally tap out and just give up.

“It would be a no-brainer.”

Tyson was a playable character on the video games UFC 2, UFC 3 and UFC 5 as he’s often sat cageside with Dana White, who once joined the ex-boxer’s podcast to discuss UFC GOATs.

Asked to name the greatest fighters in UFC history, White replied: “So hard to do because there have been so many great fighters… but you gotta start with Jon Jones.

Mike Tyson and Dana White watch a Ronda Rousey training session. Image: Getty
Mike Tyson and Dana White watch a Ronda Rousey training session

“You got to have Amanda Nunes,” he said, calling her the ‘greatest female fighter of all time’.

The UFC CEO continued: “How do you not have Usman?

“If you look at the different generations of people who helped take the sport to another level,” said White. “It’s hard to just pick five all-time great fighters. Matt Hughes would have to make the list… and then you look at all the different Brazilians that came up… the Pride era. It’s hard to pick just five.”

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BOXING

Claressa Shields Urges Women to Support Women’s Sports

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In a world where every tweet can spark a revolution, a single post from a champion boxer has started a dialogue that extends far beyond the ring. Claressa Shields, a two-division undisputed champion, is known for her power punches and fearless spirit. But recently, it’s her words outside the ring that are making an impact, igniting a discussion on an unexpected and often overlooked issue in the sports world.

As she prepares for an upcoming rematch, Shields has left her fans and followers intrigued and slightly perplexed with a recent tweet. While the message comes from a place of power, it also highlights a curious discrepancy in the world of women’s sports, leaving many to ponder over its implications.

A tweet that packs a punch: Claressa Shields highlights discrepancy in women’s sports viewership
In the heart of the discussion lies a tweet from Shields that has since garnered significant attention. The champion boxer took to her Twitter account to express a striking observation. She wrote, “It’s proven that most women don’t watch women sports. That’s weird to me. If we want to prosper in our sport we have to support each other!!! All women champions fights I’ve been too, all of them should be at my World title fight Vs Gabriels June 3rd! It should be packed with.”

https://x.com/Claressashields/status/1657027348561108992?s=20

Shields’ words seem to highlight an issue that has long been present but scarcely discussed the lower viewership of women’s sports, even among women themselves. With the upcoming match against four-division world champion Hanna Gabriels on the horizon, Shields’ call for more women to support and attend women’s sports events is timely, powerful, and evocative.

Is Claressa Shields the ‘face of women’s boxing’?
In a recent interview conducted at her Florida club during a training session, Shields discussed her upcoming bout with Gabriels, her personal beliefs about her role in the sport, and the disparity she sees in women’s representation in boxing. The Michigan native asserted her prowess in the ring, citing her victory over Savannah Marshall as evidence of her skill. She emphasized her conviction with a bold statement, “If I was a man, I’d be the face of boxing. I’ve got more accomplishments than everybody.”

Claressa Shields fighting for gender equality for women boxers | WFLA

Shields expressed frustration over the lack of consideration given to women’s boxing in discussions about the sport’s leading figures. However, she remains committed to her craft, promising to continue honing her skills and promoting women’s boxing, regardless of the world’s perception.

She ended the chat by emphasizing the significance of her impending bout against Gabriels, promising to bring her best self to the ring on fight night.

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BOXING

Mike Tyson made history by sending dazed world champion through the ropes to begin reign of terror in savage win

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Mike Tyson became the youngest heavyweight world champion in history with a devastating display against Trevor Berbick.

‘Iron Mike’ was just 20 years and 150 days old on fight night, but he was a big favourite to win after amassing a perfect 27-fight record and knocking out all but two of his opponents.

Young Tyson was terrifying
Young Tyson was terrifying

Berbick came into the fight as WBC champion, but despite being the man in possession of the gold, he was a 7/1 underdog against Tyson.

However, being the champ gave Berbick the decision on what colour trunks he would wear to defend the crown. Opting for mind games, he chose black, which Tyson had made his trademark as he blasted his way into contention. The challenger didn’t care, swallowing the $500k fine for his outfit, while the stunt backfired spectacular.

The bookies were quickly proven right when Tyson and Berbick squared off at the Hilton in Las Vegas on November 22, 1986.

Berbick was the man in the way of him making history
Berbick was the man in the way of him making history

As the first round began, both men took to the centre of the ring, Berbick set about trying to show his power, while Tyson used his signature bob-and-weave technique to back him up.

Berbick, who was 12 years older than his opponent, landed a couple of jabs and an illegal blow to the back of the head, but he had no impact on the fight.

By round two, Tyson was ready to close the show and tried to do just that by rocking Berbick with a huge overhand right during a clinch.

The following uppercut missed, but the young American connected with a left hook to the temple that sent Berbick tumbling to the canvas.

Tyson’s rival staggered to his feet before falling into the ropes and forcing referee Mills Lane to wave off the fight after less than six minutes.

Two rounds were all Tyson needed to close the show
Two rounds were all Tyson needed to close the show

After making history in epic fashion, he simply shrugged his shoulders before his corner jumped into the ring to celebrate with him.

“I came here very confident, and I knew I wasn’t leaving this ring alive without the championship of the world,” Tyson said.

“I was throwing deadly and accurate punches.

“I’ll fight anybody. I’m the best fighter in the world.

“No man can beat me.”

'Buster' Douglas beat Tyson in his prime
‘Buster’ Douglas beat Tyson in his prime

For Berbick, he met a grisly end in 2006 when murdered by his own nephew after being in regular trouble with the law and spending time behind bars.

Tyson’s comment about being unbeateable, though, rang true during the next four years as he went on an incredible run of destructive knockout wins and instilled fear at the top of the sport’s marquee division.

After improving his record to 37-0 and picking up all three major world titles, he suffered one of the biggest upsets in boxing history against Buster Douglas in February 1990.

'Iron' made light work of elite heavyweights for years
‘Iron’ made light work of elite heavyweights for years

Tyson retired from the sport with a 50-6 record in 2005 but almost two decades later many fans still regard him as the best heavyweight of all time.

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BOXING

“Newly practicing Muslim apparently” – Gervonta Davis’ alleged “Haram” jibe against fan takes social media by storm

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A recent social media exchange involving boxing champion Gervonta Davis has ignited a storm of controversy.

Davis disclosed his conversion to Islam and stated his plan to change his name to Abdul Wahid. However, a recent exchange of comments with a fan took an unexpected turn.

The initial comment from the fan on a post by boxing journalist Michael Benson highlighted Davis’s elevation to the sole WBA lightweight world champion following Devin Haney’s vacating of the title.

In response, the fan referred to Davis as an “email champion” and alluded to his new name. Davis, in turn, engaged with the fan’s unrelated tweet about taking family members for drinks, responding with a comment that some found offensive.

The exchange also triggered discussions about Davis’ recent conversion to Islam and whether his response aligns with the principles of his newfound faith.

https://x.com/MichaelBensonn/status/1741858714049540237?s=20

As fans took to social media to express their opinions on the matter, one user remarked:

“Newly practicing Muslim apparently…”

https://x.com/AhijahB/status/1741861469526933756?s=20

Another quipped:

“That wasn’t very Abdul Wahid of him.”

Some fans criticized Gervonta Davis for what they deemed an insecure and inappropriate post:

“Weird insecure tweet that”

“Bro is a Muslim btw.”

“Already engaging in Haram activities 😂😂😂”

Another fan wrote:

“He can cry all he likes, but it still remains that he’s the current email champion. And guaranteed will never ever fight any current champ in any division between 130 – 140. Never.”

Check out the comments below:

via. comments on Michael Benson's post

Top Rank Boss Bob Arum names trio he thinks can topple Gervonta Davis
Bob Arum stirred the pot recently, naming three fighters he believes could dethrone reigning WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis.

Since his explosive seventh-round KO of Ryan Garcia in April, Davis has cemented himself as a major draw in the pugilistic world. His star power continues to rise, along with his payday, but according to Arum, there are cracks in his armor.

In a recent interview, Arum, the head honcho of Top Rank Boxing, laid out his dream matchups, picking three contenders he believes possess the firepower to topple Davis: WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson, WBO super-lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez and legendary Ukrainian southpaw Vasyl Lomachenko.

“All three I think would beat Davis, I really believe that. But that’s why they do the fights, they get in the ring to determine who is better. I think that he [Gervonta Davis] is the real deal, that’s why we’re talking about him. He is a hell of a performer, a terrific athlete, terrific boxer, but so are the other three guys you mentioned.”[h/t:Talksport]

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BOXING

“It’s Levels to This Sh*t, You Gotta Earn It”: Claressa Shields Accuses Alycia Baumgardner of Being “Mad” at Her for Fighting at $862.9 Million Stadium

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Claressa Shields has already etched her name in boxing history. As the first American woman to claim Olympic gold in boxing and the first American, irrespective of gender, to secure consecutive Olympic golds, Shields stands as a trailblazer in the sport. However, outside the ring, Shields is also known for her adept trash-talking skills.

Recently, Alycia Baumgardner, the undisputed super featherweight world champion, threw down the gauntlet, challenging Shields to a bout. Responding to Baumgardner’s call, Shields confidently asserted that facing her would be an easy task. Just when fans thought, the two had stopped going back-and-forth, the two locked horns once again on social media.

Claressa Shields and Baumgardner at each other’s throats
In the boxing world, where respect is earned in the ring, a new feud has emerged between Claressa Shields and Alycia Baumgardner. Shields recently took to social media, stating, “I’ve never hated on a boxer in my life I just don’t mess with a lot of fighters cause they weird!!!! I thought this goofy was different, but she been a hater from jump. So mad that I got the opportunity to fight at LCA & her network had her at the Masonic temple… its levels to this shit. You gotta earn it!”

https://x.com/Claressashields/status/1740596796525551625?s=20

She emphasized her recent fight at the Little Caesars Arena (LCA) which cost $862.9 million to build, hinting at Baumgardner’s lesser-known venue, the Masonic temple. Shields feels that not all fighters are on the same level, and she clearly believes she’s on a higher one.

Baumgardner didn’t hold back either, responding, “Like I said a cap a** bih. Are you dumb? A hater? Girl, do you know who I am.” She defended her choice of venue and pointed out that Shields had also fought at the Masonic temple. Moreover, she also claimed, “Bc you fought at LCA..a half empty stadium ! BFFR.”

https://x.com/alyciambaum/status/1740606832064762164?s=20

The back-and-forth continued with Shields pointing towards how Baumgardner got suspended after failing a drug test. She stated, “She’s triggered again like bro go punch a bag & pray you get off the suspended list. This bishhh capped out talking like she really like that it’s so funny.”

This rivalry highlights the competitive nature of boxing. Only time will tell if these two will settle their differences in the ring. Here’s what happened recently when Baumgardner called Shields out for a bout.

Shields claims she is better even without the knockout power
In the previous exchange, Shields pointed out Baumgardner’s loss, stating, “They got all that KNOCKOUT POWER but still got them losses though.” Baumgardner’s sole defeat came against Christina Linardatou in her first WBC International Super featherweight title defense. On the other hand, Shields highlighted her flawless record, emphasizing her No.1 pound-for-pound ranking. Notably, Shields holds multiple titles, including WBA, WBC, IBF, and more.

Transitioning to the broader landscape of women’s boxing, Shields acknowledged the growing tension between them. This rivalry has undoubtedly become a focal point in the realm of female boxing. What do you think about the potential fight between the two? Would you watch it? Do share your thoughts in the comments below.

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BOXING

Gervonta Davis Now Sole Recognized WBA Lightweight Titlist; Haney Removed As ‘Super’ Champ

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The new year has begun with one less WBA belt in existence.

Devin Haney was formally removed as WBA ‘Super’ lightweight champion in the sanctioning body’s latest ratings update which published Tuesday. Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis is now the sole recognized WBA titleholder at the weight, having previously held WBA ‘Regular’ status.

The move was expected, when Haney (31-0, 15KOs) declared in late November that he was prepared to abandon his unified lightweight championship to fully compete at junior welterweight. The announcement was made prior to his WBC 140-pound title win over Regis Prograis. Haney delivered a tour-de-force performance atop a December 9 DAZN Pay-Per-View event from Chase Center in his birth town of San Francisco, California.

Despite his prior declaration, Haney was still the recognized WBA ‘Super’ lightweight champion as of the December 1 WBA rankings and headed into his fight versus Prograis.

Baltimore’s Davis (29-0, 27KOs) has yet to publicly comment on his newfound status as full titleholder. The only recent round of news involving the two-division titlist and boxing superstar was his recent conversion to Islam and that he chose the name Abdul Wahid (“Servant of The One”) upon his acceptance of Allah.

Gervonta Davis changes his name like Muhammad Ali: What's his new Muslim name? | Marca

Monday’s development barely changes things for Davis, whose current title reign dates back to a December 2019 twelfth-round knockout of Yuriorkis Gamboa. The only real change is the absence of a primary title ahead of his belt, which means he is free to further unify the division if that is the road he chooses to travel. The only other active lightweight titlist is Shakur Stevenson, who claimed the vacant WBC belt in a twelve-round, unanimous decision win over Edwin De Los Santos last November 16 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The IBF and WBO belts are both currently vacant. The IBF belt will iikely be at stake in a proposed Vasiliy Lomachenko-George Kambosos fight targeted for this spring. Denis Berinchyk would then become the leading candidate to fight for the vacant WBO title versus an opponent to be determined.

Davis has not fought since a seventh-round knockout of Ryan Garcia (24-1, 20KOs) last April 22 at T-Mobile Arena. The bout was fought at a 136-pound catchweight in a non-title fight, with Davis’ WBA title not at stake.

Team Gervonta Davis Does Not Believe Fight With Jose Valenzuela Would Last More Than Three Rounds - Boxing News

It mattered little to the masses; the fight sold a reported 1.2 million pay-per-view units and generated an estimated $22.8 million live gate atop a Showtime Pay-Per-View that served as the highest grossing event of 2023.

Davis last defended his WBA title in a stoppage win over previously unbeaten WBA junior lightweight titlist Hector Garcia after nine rounds. Garcia (no relation to Ryan) moved up in weight to unsuccessfully challenge Davis last January 6 at MCI Center in Washington, D.C.

No decision was yet made by the WBA as to whether Davis will be ordered to make a mandatory title defense; his last such obligation came in a May 2021 knockout win over then-unbeaten Rolando Romero.

Isaac Cruz and William Zepeda—a pair of contenders from Mexico—are the highest-ranked WBA lightweight contenders. Both have frequently expressed an interest in facing Davis.

Gervonta Davis' plea deal rejected after 2021 hit-and-run crash

Cruz has been teased as a leading candidate to next face Davis. Such a fight would represent a rematch to their December 2021 meeting, won by Davis via unanimous decision which snapped his sixteen-fight knockout streak. Cruz has since won three in a row, including a unanimous decision over Giovanni Cabrera last July 29 in Las Vegas.

Zepeda is due to fight in the first quarter of 2023, though an opponent was not yet identified as this goes to publication. The 27-year-old southpaw earned knockout victories over Jaime Arboleda and Merctio Gesta for his two bouts in 2023.

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BOXING

Tyson Fury ‘regretful’ of Francis Ngannou fight, according to promoter

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Tyson Fury’s promoter believes that Francis Ngannou has earned a rematch following their first clash.

The pair fought in October last year and Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion who was making his boxing debut, shocked the world, as he took WBC heavyweight champion Fury the distance and came close to emerging victorious.

Ngannou performed surprisingly well against Fury
Ngannou performed surprisingly well against Fury

Ngannou knocked Fury down in the third round and lost by a narrow split decision, although many people believed the Cameroonian had done enough to claim victory.

As such, Top Rank CEO Todd DuBoef thinks that Ngannou deserves a rematch.

“That’s an earned ability to get the rematch. He earned that,” Du Boef told Sky Sports.

“His performance dictated that, ‘Woah, he has a chance. We never thought he had a chance’ and in that situation I think absolutely.

“I think Tyson is regretful. He blamed himself. He thought he had an off night.

Was Francis Ngannou knocking Tyson Fury down the biggest boxing upset in 2023? | Video | Watch TV Show | Sky Sports

“He said: ‘I took it lightly. It was all on me.’ Didn’t point fingers, which was good.

“Ngannou outperformed anybody’s expectation and as a result of that you have all the components to say, hey, I want to see this again and that creates and warrants a rematch.”

For the time being, however, Fury is occupied as he has an upcoming undisputed heavyweight world title clash with Oleksandr Usyk on February 17.

The bout could see the first undisputed heavyweight champion crowned in the four belt era.

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BOXING

Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao 2.0: Legends Announce New Fight in 2024

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American and Filipino to step back into the ring in an epic fight

Both Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao gave one of the most legendary fights in boxing history in 2015 and now the Filipino raised his voice to announce that they will step into the ring again in 2024 in a new exhibition.

Pacquiao will come out of retirement and face another retiree, Mayweather. The Filipino had a moment of indiscretion and declared during an event in Tokyo, Japan, that there will be a rematch between them for 2024.

Video thumbnail

Since 2021 Pacquiao retired from the ring, while Mayweather returned to a fight with mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor in 2017.

https://x.com/camjnetwork/status/1741498255446302973?s=20

This second contest between Pacquiao and Mayweather means a rematch for Pac-Man, who in the controversial fight of 2015 lost it against

Money, who officially retired from the boxing scene as undefeated; and apparently this second fight will take place in 2024 much earlier than expected, and with both as retired and with political and business activities.

https://x.com/DerrickWhitney/status/1741591359306490272?s=20

Although in his announcement The Pacman did not reveal the tentative date for the fight, so it will be in the coming days when the day could be known, for his part Mayweather has not spoken about it, so the boxing world is waiting for more information in the early days of 2024.

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BOXING

“Gotta Prove She’s Not a Drug Cheat”: Amid Avoiding Faceoff Accusations, Video of Alycia Baumgardner and Claressa Shields at an Event Surfaces on the Internet Just to Draw Wild Response From Fans

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Claressa Shields, often hailed as the “GWOAT” or “Greatest Woman of All Time,” is ready for a showdown. After Alycia Baumgardner, the current super featherweight world champion, threw down the gauntlet, Shields responded with confidence. She firmly stated that she would fight and defeat Baumgardner at any weight. Shields’ response to Baumgardner’s assertive challenge is clear: she believes she’d dominate her if they were to face off.

However, it’s worth noting that Baumgardner recently faced a setback. Following her victory over Christina Linardatou in July, a drug test returned an adverse result for mesterolone. This led to her suspension. Yet, Baumgardner maintains her innocence. However, her beef Claressa Shields is currently the talk of the town. The two recently attended the same event recently, and things got even more complicated.

Claressa Shields and Baumgardner at each other’s throats
A casual gathering took an unexpected turn when Claressa Shields and Alycia Baumgardner found themselves at odds. Hosted by NFL receiver Dez Bryant, this event sparked a verbal spar between the two champions on Twitter. Shields felt that despite the opportunity provided by the host, Baumgardner was evasive. Sharing her sentiments online, Shields hinted at Baumgardner’s reluctance to confront her directly.

https://x.com/alyciambaum/status/1741629346044141838?s=20

In response, Alycia Baumgardner addressed Shields’ claims, signaling that there might be more to the story. As their words exchanged online, the boxing community and fans eagerly watched the unfolding drama. The clip from the event surfaced on social media as a question was raised, “Was Alycia speaking facts when she said shields turned down a face-off?”

Fans claim Claressa is too big for Baumgardner
As the clip made its way to social media, fans did not appear happy with Baumgardner calling out Shields with no fight in sight. One fan stated, “What’s the point of constantly calling her out? Shields way too big for her.”

https://x.com/BOXINGnBBQ/status/1741293843159339275?s=20

Meanwhile, a fan didn’t appear interested in the back-and-forth. He wrote, “Does is really matter. Alycia can’t even box currently. She has yet to clear her name.”

https://x.com/peej8989/status/1741308217966092385?s=20

A fan pointed out how he has become uninterested in the situation. He claimed, “At first, I found this Shields/Baumgardner stuff entertaining. Now it’s a bit ridiculous considering Shields is too big. Baumgardner is too small and suspended for PEDs.”

https://x.com/BillzVonDoom/status/1741376769381282215?s=20

Another fan boldly stated, “Alycia gotta prove she’s not a drug cheat. People be giving her a pass because they find her attractive, We gotta keep the same energy with female fighters as we do male fighters.”

https://x.com/Bozackery1/status/1741325835292848337?s=20

Overall, the back-and-forth between the two has set the stage for what could be a highly anticipated match. As the boxing world watches, the potential clash between these two talented fighters promises fireworks.

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