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Oleksandr Usyk receives good news on Daniel Dubois clash from WBO after next fight plan hits snag

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Oleksandr Usyk Daniel Dubois

Oleksandr Usyk could get his wish of fighting Daniel Dubois next after ‘Triple D’s’ withdrawal from his clash with Joseph Parker.

Dubois was due to defend his IBF heavyweight title against Parker as chief support for Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol’s rematch on Saturday night.

However, Dubois fell ill with a viral infection and was subsequently removed from the bill on the doctors’ advice.

READ: Oleksandr Usyk Names The One Heavyweight Who Was Harder To Beat Than Tyson Fury

As a result, Martin Bakole has stepped in on two days’ notice to replace the Brit.

Prior to the shocking development, WBA, WBO and WBC champion, Usyk told talkSPORT.com of his intentions to box the winner of Dubois vs Parker for the undisputed crown in his penultimate professional outing.

“We wait for a fight on February 22 between Daniel and Joseph,” he said during an exclusive interview on the London Eye.

“Whoever wins this fight between Daniel and Joseph, I have already made the fight.”

But following the collapse of Dubois vs Parker, Usyk has now shifted his attention to the champion.

“I want to fight next with Dubois,” he told DAZN.

As Dubois is out of the fight, the IBF belt is also off the table.

Parker will instead defend his WBO ‘interim’ title against Bakole to decide Usyk’s next mandatory challenger.

The WBO has the power to order Usyk to fight the winner of Bakole vs Parker next, but newly elected president Gustavo Olivieri has told talkSPORT.com that they will also consider the possibility of stepping aside and allowing Usyk to box Dubois in a four-belt shootout should the relevant parties push for it.

“The winner of Bakole-Parker will be mandatory for Usyk,” Oliveri told talkSPORT.com

“The question is when will the mandatory will be enforced.

“It remains to be seen because of the existence of a rotation agreement (order of mandatories) between the sanction bodies.

“Most likely, the WBO is next in line, however, if a unification request (Usyk vs Dubois) is submitted to the Championship Committee, it would certainly be considered as unifications take precedence over mandatories and serve the best interests of boxing.”

The WBO has always favoured making unification fights over ordering mandatories so it appears a Usyk vs Dubois rematch for the undisputed crown is a real possibility for both of their next fights.

Usyk knocked out Dubois in August 2023, but en route to the eventual stoppage the Ukrainian was dropped by a punch that divided the boxing world.

Some claimed the shot was legal and should have been counted while others insisted it had strayed low.

Ultimately, the referee determined it was an illegal blow and so Usyk was given four minutes to recover before coming back to stop Dubois in the ninth round with a stiff jab.

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BOXING

(VIDEO) Fans Shocked At Photo Revealing Martin Bakole’s Current Physique As He Replaces Dubois In Parker Fight

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Martin Bakole Joseph Parker

After IBF Heavyweight World Champion Daniel Dubois fell ill, it took just hours for Martin Bakole to step up to the plate as a late replacement for Joseph Parker.

Parker was all set to challenge for Dubois’ belt before the 28-year-old Brit reportedly came down with a viral infection and was deemed ineligibly to compete by the doctors.

Enter Bakole, who was visiting his home country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, when he got the call to step in. Reports say he and his team did not hesitate, even despite the lack of a training camp and gameplan for one of the most in-form heavyweights in the division.

@boxxerofficial

That feeling when you step in on 2 days notice to fight Joseph Parker on the biggest fight card in history 🔥 #boxing #thelastcrescendo #beterbievbivol2 #parkerbakole #martinbakole #bakole #congo

♬ original sound – BOXXER

JUST IN: CONFIRMED: Shields Suspended Pending Investigation into Positive Marijuana Test

The 31-year-old dubbed ‘the most avoided heavyweight on the planet’ was set to fight an IBF final eliminator against Efe Ajagba in May to earn a shot a the winner of Dubois-Parker and was set to enter camp in Scotland soon.

Bakole has weighed as his as 282 pounds on the scales and fans expect a heavy man come fight night. In fact, fans looked at his most recent social media post from February 14 and worried that he will be in nowhere near fighting shape.

One fan on Instagram commented, “this is a setup for failure. I hope you didn’t take the Parker fight.” Another said on X, “he could be 300 pounds” and someone then addressed the bettings odds: “Now I understand why he’s the underdog.” With a prediction of only having a good ‘three rounds’ in him for the bout from one observer, a Bakole win would indeed make an incredible statement.

Promoter Ben Shalom told Seconds Out he believes his charge is the only heavyweight on the scene who would take such a risk.

“From their perspective they’re probably thinking, if we’re ever going to have our best chance against Martin Bakole it’s on two days’ notice, let’s get him out the way … Martin on two days’ notice flying in from the Congo deserves a huge amount of credit.

“It’s not ideal preparation for any fighter. When Martin’s got no hesitation and is 100%, I’m not gonna stand in the way of a fighter. I couldn’t quite believe the speed of which he wanted this fight and he deserves a huge amount of credit. I hope this puts him in the hearts of every boxing fan in the world because there’s no other heavyweight, I believe, in that top 10 that does this … If he wins on Saturday night this is the biggest statement in the division for a long time … Joseph Parker has just had a twelve week ultimate preparation … Martin is taking it on 48 hours and has to travel from the Congo.”

All credit should go to Parker, too, who showed excitement at the idea of a last-minute fight against Bakole, who’s latest stoppage of American Jared Anderson may have permanently changed the trajectory of Anderson’s career.

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BOXING

CONFIRMED: Shields Suspended Pending Investigation into Positive Marijuana Test

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Claressa Shields

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Claressa Shields has been suspended by the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission following a positive marijuana test.

Shields, who historically became the only boxer to hold undisputed status in three weight classes, has been placed under investigation for the positive test which followed her victory over heavyweight Danielle Perkins in Michigan on February 3.

“Ms. Shields’ conduct as a licensed professional boxer constitutes an immediate threat to the integrity of professional boxing, the public interest and the welfare and safety of professional athletes,” the Michigan Commission said on Thursday.
Photos: Claressa Shields Drops, Decisions Danielle Perkins Over Ten

JUST IN: “He’s A Boxer Now”: Gervonta Davis Agrees To Jake Paul Fight Under One Condition

Marijuana is banned in-competition by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The World Boxing Organization (WBO), meanwhile, does not have the power to suspend boxers, but has requested a “show notice” from Shields, asking the 29-year-old to explain the positive test.
Shields took to social media to respond to the news, saying on X: “On my soul can’t nobody tarnish my image. It’s a temporary suspension til I go to trial for this very small amount of marijuana.
“I’m not SUSPENDED from boxing, I’m not stripped of my titles. I’m just waiting. Also I can’t defend a lie! Do your research!”
Shields and Perkins would have been subject to drug tests conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) for their February bout, and the positive returned test was from an “oral fluid sample”.
The Michigan Commission’s investigation has opened an investigation to consider whether Shields should face disciplinary action.
The American, who became an Olympic champion at the age of just 17, is widely considered the biggest star of women’s boxing, after bursting onto the scene with her stunning middleweight gold at London 2012.
She went on to claim every major world title in three different weight classes, and is currently undefeated in 16 fights.
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BOXING

“He’s A Boxer Now”: Gervonta Davis Agrees To Jake Paul Fight Under One Condition

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Gervonta Davis Jake Paul

Gervonta Davis is now willing to face YouTube sensation Jake Paul under one simple condition.

The 30-year-old from Baltimore, Maryland has enjoyed an accomplished professional career to date, capturing world titles across three weight classes. ‘Tank’ currently holds the WBA lightweight title which he is set to defend against Lamont Roach Jr on March 1 in New York.

As he enters arguably the most important years of his tenure, Davis is reportedly interested in only the biggest fights available to him. Although one bout that looks to be of interest to him is against ‘The Problem Child’ Paul, who ditched his YouTube career to enter professional boxing back in 2020.

Gervonta Davis Agrees To Jake Paul Fight Under One Condition: “He’s A Boxer Now”

JUST IN: Terence Crawford: “There Is Only One Man Who Can Beat Me”

Speaking on The Mr Jay Hill Network, ‘Tank’ admitted he would fight Paul if the opportunity arose, but stated he would only do it if the 27-year-old agreed to drop his weight down to 190-195lbs.

“Yeah I’d fight him for that money. He can’t come in at 220lbs [what he weighed last fight]. Give him 190 or 195.

I would consider him a boxer now because he’s definitely in the gym so I will consider him a boxer. He just got to fight an actual fighter now, like a fighter. [I can see him] fighting me.”

The weight would require Paul to come in 30lbs lighter than his last contest against heavyweight legend ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson last November. Their controversial heavyweight clash took place at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on the first ever boxing show to be broadcasted on Netflix, with Paul winning by a wide unanimous decision.

Many prominent figures in the sport have urged ‘The Problem Child’ to make a serious step-up in opposition in his next fight. He looked all set to face current super-middleweight champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez before the Mexican pulled out of negotiations at the last moment.

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BOXING

Terence Crawford: “There Is Only One Man Who Can Beat Me”

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Terence Crawford

Terence Crawford looks to have entered the final chapter of what has been a remarkable career.

Since making his professional debut 17-years-ago, the 37-year-old switch-hitter from Omaha, Nebraska has made his way through the ranks to capture world titles in four weight divisions, as well as becoming the undisputed champion at super lightweight and welterweight respectively.

His latest ring appearance came last August when he defeated Israil Madrimov to claim the WBA light middleweight title in his debut at 154lbs. Since claiming victory over Madrimov, ‘Bud’ has turned his attention to Mexican superstar and unified super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez, with a mega-fight between the pair set to take place in Las Vegas this September.

Terence Crawford: “There Is Only One Man Who Can Beat Me”

JUST IN: Canelo Shares Just How Long He Would Have ‘Played With’ Jake Paul Before Knocking Him Out

Speaking on the Earn Your Leisure Podcast, the 37-year-old revealed he has the utmost confidence in his own boxing ability, claiming the only way he can lose is if he beats himself.

“My mindset is always, win at all costs. Make sure I’m coming in at 110% shape and prepared for whatever the opponent brings to the table. Make sure that I’m at the best of my abilities going into a fight so I don’t have to worry about anybody else.

A lot of people ask me ‘what have you got to do to win a fight’, and I always say, ‘just be myself’. I always say that because I obviously feel that I’m Terence Crawford and can’t nobody beat me unless I beat myself.”

Crawford will be looking to achieve what many people believe is the unthinkable when he steps up to 168lbs to challenge Canelo, who holds the WBC, WBA and WBO titles at 168lbs. It’s an opportunity for ‘Bud’ to become a five-weight world champion, which would be a defining moment in what’s been a sensational professional career.

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BOXING

Canelo Shares Just How Long He Would Have ‘Played With’ Jake Paul Before Knocking Him Out

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Canelo Alvarez Jake Paul

Canelo vs Jake Paul very nearly happened this year.

The two men were linked to a shock clash this summer, and were believed to be in deep negotiations before the fight collapsed at the 11th hour after Canelo opted to sign a four-fight deal with Riyadh Season instead.

It means that the Mexican superstar will take on IBF champion William Scull in May before turning his attention to Terence Crawford in September, but that hasn’t stopped YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul from claiming that Canelo ‘ducked him.’

Canelo Shares Just How Long He Would Have ‘Played With’ Jake Paul Before Knocking Him Out

READ: Terence Crawford could equal Floyd Mayweather record on one condition

The fight would have been viewed by most boxing fans as a huge mismatch, with Canelo the current unified super-middleweight champion and one of the pound-for-pound best fighters in the world.

It is a stark contrast to Paul, who was last in action in November taking on a 58-year-old Mike Tyson who hadn’t fought professionally for over two decades.

Canelo has now revealed exactly how he thinks a fight against Paul would have gone, telling The Breakfast Club that he might have ‘played with him a little’ before stopping him in the first round.

“Not that Long. Maybe [first round], not long. Yeah [I might play with him a little], I think people would enjoy it.”

With Canelo now having fights against Scull and Crawford lined up for the reminder of 2025, it has left Paul once again searching for his next opponent.

It could potentially come against a current world champion with 20 knockouts from 21 victories, who has stated they want to face ‘The Problem Child’ in order to try and get payback for Tyson.

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BOXING

Terence Crawford could equal Floyd Mayweather record on one condition

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Terence Crawford Floyd Mayweather

Terence Crawford believes he ranks as an all-time great if he can jump up in weight and dethrone Canelo Alvarez.

Crawford has already achieved it all in the boxing ring, winning world titles in four weight classes by the age of 37, including the undisputed crown at super-lightweight and welterweight.

He has faced a resume of tough opponents including Kell Brook, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter and Errol Spence Jr.

JUST IN: “That’s The Reality”: Terence Crawford Reveals Exact Weight Details For Canelo Alvarez Fight

But the biggest examination of his ring credentials is set to come this year as he is set to touch gloves with fellow pound-for-pound great Alvarez.

The pair will meet in a blockbuster clash in front of over 60,000 fans in Las Vegas in September, with the fight to take place for Alvarez’s 168lbs belts if he beats William Scull in May.

Crawford is set to put on 14lbs from his previous fighting weight where he took on and beat Israil Madrimov at 154lbs in September.

It will be a seismic task to dethrone the naturally bigger Mexican, but if he successfully does so, he can become a five-weight world champion.

It would see him match boxing legend Floyd Mayweather’s total record of becoming a five-weight world champion in his stellar fifty-fight undefeated career.

And Crawford believes reaching that feat and winning the bout, will see him ranked as a one of the best fighters of all-time.

He said on The Cigar Talk podcast: “Yeah I think I would definitely rank my resume in the top five.

“I’m really moving up three weight classes in all reality, and fighting arguably one of the best Mexicans to ever fight.

“It’s at his weight, no rehydration clause, I am just fighting the guy at his best.

“My body of work that I have put together, I feel like I can compete with anybody at any era.

“If I win this fight, it will solidify myself as an all-time great because there isn’t many fighters who have done what I did.

“Coming from 135lbs to 168lbs it is crazy.”

Crawford will have put on a total of 33lbs of fighting weight during his stellar career.

Floyd Mayweather vs. Terence Crawford Post Draws “Murder” Prediction in Boxing's Heated Debate - EssentiallySports

Mayweather fought from 130lbs to 154lbs, a total pile on of 24lbs, which could see the new American on the block make a frightening leap.

Of course it could dramatically backfire given Crawford could feasibly lose, given it will be his debut at the higher weight.

It is still a difficult fight to pick the winner, imposing an intriguing clash of styles on fight night.

But ex-world champion Johnny Nelson doesn’t expect Crawford to be able to bridge the gap.

He told talkSPORT.com: “Yeah I think the weight and size will play a big impact in the fight.

“I think Canelo will simply be too big and too strong for him if Crawford puts on the weight.

“I think Canelo is a really clever fighter, but I’m not sure he was the fighter he once was five or six years ago.

“I think that Canelo beats Crawford to be honest, if not stops him because of that gulf in size.

“But whatever happens it is going to be a great fight, we are getting the fights between big name A and big name B.

“It is giving fight fans the opportunity for fight fans to think of dream fights and then see them become reality.”

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BOXING

“That’s The Reality”: Terence Crawford Reveals Exact Weight Details For Canelo Alvarez Fight

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Terence Crawford Canelo Alvarez

After many months of talk, Terence Crawford‘s fight with Saul ‘Canelo‘ Alvarez has now been locked in.

This fight sees two pound-for-pound greats face off despite being in very different weight classes.

American switch-hitter ‘Bud’ is a former undisputed super-lightweight champion who also won all four belts at welterweight. All in all, he is, like Canelo, a four-division champion.

Terence Crawford Reveals Exact Weight Details For Canelo Alvarez Fight: “That’s The Reality”

JUST IN: Oleksandr Usyk Names The One Heavyweight Who Was Harder To Beat Than Tyson Fury

In 2024 he made his debut at 154 pounds, still 14 pounds off Canelo’s fighting weight. The Mexican legend has won belts as high as light-heavyweight and is currently the unified super middleweight champion with a chance to become undisputed again when he faces William Scull in May.

Their fight has been made at 168lbs which gives ‘Canelo’ the natural advantage, not only as the bigger man but as he has been campaigning at the higher weights for several years and is long bedded into the division.

Speaking to Cigar Talk, Crawford has revealed that there are zero stipulations on the weight, including no rehydration clause on the day of the fight – something Canelo has used in the past.

“I’m really coming up three weight classes, in all reality. But we can say I’m moving up two weight classes, fighting arguably one of the best Mexicans ever.

“You know, and his weight, there are no rehydration clauses, no nothing, you’re just fighting him at his best. There are no stipulations in it, it’s mano-a-mano, I make weight on Friday we fight on Saturday. It’s simple.”

Manny Pacquaio is one man who has moved freely through the weights and won belts in multiple divisions and he recently warned the American ‘it’s not easy.’

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BOXING

Oleksandr Usyk Names The One Heavyweight Who Was Harder To Beat Than Tyson Fury

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Oleksandr Usyk Tyson Fury

Oleksandr Usyk has taken on all challenges across two weight divisions culminating in 24 rounds with Tyson Fury, though he says ‘The Gypsy King’ didn’t give him his toughest fight.

Usyk has been in unstoppable form almost all of his boxing career. He won plenty of amateur accolades and ended with a gold medal at the London Olympics in 2012. As soon as he turned pro, he soon picked up momentum in the cruiserweight division and, by 2018, had beaten become the undisputed champion.

He then moved up to the top division and soon settled in with wins over Chaz Witherspoon and Derek Chisora before taking on the long-ruling unified champion Anthony Joshua.

Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk: Boxing world including Tyson Fury and Mike Tyson predicts who will win grudge rematch | The Sun

READ: Daniel Dubois Reveals Who Hit Harder Between Oleksandr Usyk And Anthony Joshua

Usyk took a points victory then repeated the feat in the rematch. In August 2023 he took on his mandatory challenger Daniel Dubois and, after being down from a controversial low blow, he scored the stoppage win in the 9th round.

That set up an undisputed fight with the then-unbeaten Fury, who Usyk bettered on points after another tight 12 round contest.

Alongside Terence Crawford and Naoya Inoue, that made him a historic two-weight undisputed champion. Last time out in December the Ukrainian southpaw again beat ‘The Gypsy King’ and sent him into retirement, for now at least.

However, he recently revealed to talkSPORT Boxing that it was in fact ‘Del Boy’ who gave him his hardest night.

“I think it is Derek. My friend Derek. Hey, Derek I am coming for you! Derek is a terrible guy, really tough. It’s just hard [fighting] Derek. He was just very difficult.”

Chisora’s 49th contest came earlier this month when he beat Otto Wallin by late KO. He is now looking for a 50th and final opponent later this year after a thrilling career with plenty of ups and downs. Though Usyk won their contest unanimously back in 2020, many have credited the Brit with laying the blueprint for the best way to get to the Ukrainian.

Usyk is now waiting around to once again challenge for undisputed honours against whoever wins the IBF title fight between Dubois and Joseph Parker. A callout from Chisora for a rematch in his 50th fight likely won’t come to anything.

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Gervonta Davis Names The One Man He Wants To Face Most But Admits It Will Be His Toughest Test

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Gervonta Davis

Gervonta Davis has identified the one opponent he would like to face the most.

The 30-year-old from Baltimore, Maryland ranks as one of the best current fighters on the planet, where he reigns as the WBA lightweight champion. ‘Tank’ remains unbeaten through 30 professional outings, knocking out 28 of the opponents he has fought during his career.

In a shock admission made by Davis recently, the 30-year-old was asked on a podcast to name his ‘dream fight’, revealing Floyd Mayweather Jr as the one man he would want to face most.

Gervonta Davis Floyd Mayweather

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“Me vs. Floyd [Mayweather].”

Mayweather has not fought since making his retirement from professional boxing shortly after defeating MMA legend Conor McGregor in August 2017. The 47-year-old from Grand Rapids, Michigan has a history of working with ‘Tank’ during the early stages of the lightweight star’s career, before the pair went their separate ways in 2022.

Despite making the shock call-out to ‘Money’, Davis has also admitted in an interview with Boxing News that a showdown against his former promoter would still be the toughest test of anyone he could potentially fight.

“Probably Mayweather [would be the toughest]”.

Although he has not appeared in a professional capacity in just under 9-years, Mayweather has had a number of exhibition contests where he has come up against the likes of Tenshin Nasukawa, Logan Paul and Aaron Chalmers.

The 47-year-old has left the door open for a return to the sport over the last few years, although any concrete news of this has never come to fruition. ‘Tank’ Davis returns to the ring on March 1 when he faces Lamont Roach Jr in a defence of his WBA crown in New York City.

The 30-year-old revealed at the end of last year that he could make a shock exit from the sport within the next 12-months, claiming he has ‘grown tired’ of boxing.

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