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Mike Tyson, 58, shares heartbreaking revelation one month on from Jake Paul defeat

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  • Tyson went the distance with Jake Paul in his first professional fight in 19 years 
  • Iron Mike lost by unanimous decision to the social media star 31 years his junior
  • The 58-year-old had to postpone the original fight date due to a health scare .

  • ‘The fight’s over, boom. Wow, I’m kind of depressed a little bit. We got to get back [into] our living situation [daily life], back to living. [We were] training for it 9 months.’

    Paul and Tyson were due to square off in July, but the former world champion had to pull out due to an ulcer, causing the event to be pushed back to November.

    The 58-year-old’s health scare was a cause for concern for boxing fans and experts alike before he suffered his seventh professional loss to Paul.

  • Following the clash, Tyson took to social media to share his pride in returning from a supposed near-death health scare to getting back in the ring.

    ‘This is one of those situations when you lost but still won. I’m grateful for last night. No regrets to get in ring one last time.

    ‘I almost died in June. Had 8 blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25lbs in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight so I won.

    READ MORE;Mike Tyson Didn’t Hesitate When Asked If Jake Paul Punches Hard

  • ‘To have my children see me stand toe to toe and finish 8 rounds with a talented fighter half my age in front of a packed Dallas Cowboy stadium is an experience that no man has the right to ask for. Thank you.’

    Before stepping into the ring, Tyson was not shy in opening up about the events that left him wondering whether he would survive.

  • Speaking to New York Magazine, Tyson explained: ‘I was in the bathroom throwing up blood. I asked the doctor, ‘Am I going to die?’ He said, ‘We have options’.

    ‘Options? I couldn’t believe it. I had, like, eight blood transfusions. The doctor said I lost half my blood. I almost died.

    ‘I lost 25 pounds in 11 days. Couldn’t eat. Only liquids. Every time I went to the bathroom, it smelled like tar. Didn’t even smell like s*** anymore. It was disgusting.

    ‘It threw me off [when I continued training]. All my coordination, stamina, everything was hectic getting back. I was peaked already. I could have fought him that day, now I got to start from scratch. I just don’t give up. I’m an a****** sometimes. I’m a d***. If I haven’t outlived my enemies, I’ve turned them into my friends.’

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BOXING

Deontay Wilder Coach Makes Bold Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury Prediction

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Deontay Wilder’s long-time boxing coach Malik Scott, who helped guide the American puncher through some of his most historic bouts, has made a bold prediction for the prospective all-British super-fight between heavyweight rivals Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.

Joshua and Fury have been linked with one another for years but are yet to fight, despite hailing from the same country, and competing in the same division, for more than a decade. However, after exhausting other options, and after both have suffered significant setbacks of late, 2025 could finally be the year that they come to blows. And those within the industry are having their say over who could come out on top should they swap slugs any time soon.

For Scott, there is one fighter in particular who is “not what he used to be” — and that could impact the outcome.

READ MORE;Anthony Joshua expected to fight Daniel Dubois for world title as Oleksandr Usyk vacates IBF belt

Tyson Fury Has Declined, Malik Scott Says

Anthony Joshua, too, has had bad nights but has shown he bounces back from these, Scott added

After Fury’s two defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, the dominant Ukrainian will likely move on from that rivalry, and onto either a rematch with Daniel Dubois to once again unify all the titles, or a new challenger entirely. Joshua, meanwhile, lost to Dubois and, like Fury, finds himself further down the divisional rankings. A big bout between them could be billed as a last-chance-saloon fight for eventual world title challenges for the winner, and the winner only.

For Scott, it remains “a good fight,” even if it arrives years beyond when they were both competing in their respective primes.

When breaking down the fight for The Stomping Ground on YouTube, Scott said: “If we’re going off the last couple of fights, we have to go with Tyson. But it depends which ‘AJ’ turns up.”

“But I also know styles make fights. Tyson is not who he was three years ago.”

Usyk is the first, and only, fighter to defeat Fury. It is unknown how Fury bounces back from defeat, let alone two. Joshua, meanwhile, has bounced back from setbacks time and again. And this experience could be a difference-maker between them, according to Scott.

“To me, ‘AJ’ had a bad outing against Dubois, but I’ve seen ‘AJ’ come back from bad outings and even look impressive,” he said.

“If it would be ‘AJ’ who fought [Kubrat] Pulev, that ‘AJ’ would give anybody hell. It’s a good fight, it’s something I would look forward to.”

 

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BOXING

Calls Mount Against Gervonta Davis, Shakur Stevenson as ChatGPT’s Bold Prediction Draws Scathing Response

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Who is the future face of boxing? Canelo Alvarez holds the title after toiling hard for years to get to where he is. But who is after him? It seems ChatGPT has a curious and logical answer: Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson. But the fans are not liking it.

Davis, 30, is currently scheduled to fight and defend his WBA lightweight title against Lamont Roach. Stevenson, 27, is recovering from a hand injury and also booked to fight Floyd Schofield on February 22. The two can cement their position at the top of the lightweight division and lay claim to the ‘face of boxing’ crown.

ChatGPT pushes Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson

Boxing Media took to their Instagram handle and posted the question of who could be in line to replace Alvarez, 34, and reign over the boxing world in the coming years. The answer read, “In five years, the face of boxing will likely be Shakur Stevenson or Gervonta Davis, given their youth, talent, and marketability. However, a new star could emerge unexpectedly, as boxing often produced breakout sensations.”

READ MOREVasyl Lomachenko Accused of Ducking Gervonta Davis, Shakur Stevenson

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BOXING

Calls Mount Against Canelo Alvarez as Terence Crawford Disrespected With Controversial Decision

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As the curtain begins to fall on 2024, the world of boxing has delivered yet another shocker that has left fans puzzled. In a year filled with unforgettable moments, record-breaking bouts, and controversial calls, the newly released pound-for-pound (P4P) rankings have sparked a storm of debate. The list, shared by World Boxing News on X, has drawn widespread criticism, with fans questioning the rationale behind several placements.

While the boxing community is no stranger to spirited discussions, the sheer intensity of this reaction highlights just how divisive the new rankings are. With names like Terence Crawford, Oleksandr Usyk, and Saul “Canelo” Alvarez taking center stage in the debate, the list has been labeled by some as one of the most contentious in recent memory. Let’s see what the fuss is about!.

READ MORE;Oleksandr Usyk was ‘wobbled’ and beaten in amateur fight by former welterweight world champion who fought Terence Crawford

BoxRec rankings spark heated debate

Not too long ago, World Boxing News posted the 2024 P4P list on their official X account with a caption that reads, “BoxRec Pound for Pound list – December 2024 1 Naoya Inoue 2 Saul Alvarez 3 Gervonta Davis 4 Terence Crawford 5 Artur Beterbiev 6 Junto Nakatani 7 Dmitrii Bivol 8 David Benavidez 9 Shakur Stevenson 10 Jaron Ennis ——— 13 Oleksandr Usyk.”

5 Highest Paid Boxers in 2024: It’s Not Canelo Alvarez

At the heart of the backlash is the perception that Canelo Alvarez has been overly favored in the rankings. The 34-year-old boxer, who was once universally praised, has faced increasing criticism following his defeat against Dmitry Bivol back in May 2022. According to the list, Oleksandr Usyk, who defeated Tyson Fury for the second time this year, has been placed at an inexplicable #13. This decision has left the fans fuming, especially given the Ukranian’s undisputed dominance both in the cruiserweight and in the heavyweight division. The fact that he’s outside the top three is an insult to the sport.

Similarly, Terrance Crawford, the 41-0, 31 KO boxer, who had a stellar year by becoming the first male boxer to claim undisputed championships in two weight divisions, was ranked below Alvarez. As a result, it fueled allegations of bias. Crawford’s dismantling of Errol Spence Jr., a fight many anticipated to be closely contested, was a testament to his superior skills and adaptability. So now fans argue that Crawford’s accomplishments deserve a position at least in the top 3 of the list, and not below Alvarez for sure.

Fans have also noted that while Artur Beterbiev is correctly ranked above Bivol, Canelo’s spot above both fighters undermines their achievements. The top three spots, widely expected to feature Usyk, Crawford, and Inoue, have instead stirred controversy. Fans argue that Usyk’s recent victories and Crawford’s unmatched skill set should place them at the very summit of the list. Naoya Inoue’s inclusion in the top three has faced less resistance, given his extraordinary feats this year. However, the consensus among fans seems clear as the list doesn’t reflect the realities of the ring.

Fans slam P4P rankings as “Utter Nonsense”

The latest pound-for-pound (P4P) rankings have sparked widespread outrage among boxing fans, with many dismissing the decisions as “the biggest BS ever.”

“It got you talking about it though,” one fan quipped, hinting that the controversy might be intentional to generate buzz. “Sometimes I wonder if that’s why it’s so questionable. But yeah, that list has quantum leapt from some alternative boxing reality,” they added, underscoring how disconnected the rankings feel from recent performances.

The frustration is palpable across the fanbase. One commenter bluntly stated, “Utter nonsense,” while another dismissed the rankings entirely as “a joke.” Adding to the chorus of discontent, one fan declared, “BoxRec is wacked, Usyk #1, easy,” calling for Oleksandr Usyk to top the list based on merit.

These reactions reflect a growing dissatisfaction among boxing enthusiasts, who argue that such rankings undermine the sport’s credibility. As the year draws to a close, the boxing world is left grappling with uncertainty. Will these contentious rankings influence future matchups? And more importantly, how can boxing authorities restore trust by ensuring fair and transparent rankings in the future?

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BOXING

Anthony Joshua expected to fight Daniel Dubois for world title as Oleksandr Usyk vacates IBF belt

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Undisputed heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk confirms he will vacate one of his four titles, the IBF belt; Daniel Dubois upgraded from IBF interim title holder to IBF champion ahead of expected fight with Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium on September 21

Anthony Joshua is expected to fight Daniel Dubois for the IBF heavyweight belt after Oleksandr Usyk confirmed he was vacating the world title.

Usyk defeated Tyson Fury on points to become undisputed champion with the WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF titles, but has announced he will relinquish his IBF belt ahead of a planned fight between Joshua and Dubois at Wembley Stadium on September 21.

“Hey Anthony Joshua, Daniel Dubois, the IBF Belt is my present for you for 21.09.2024. The world loves strong. Your friend, Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World, Oleksandr Usyk,” he posted.

Dubois, who Usyk defeated last year, holds an IBF Interim belt and would have been the mandatory challenger for Usyk, who is contracted to rematch Fury, a bout which has been set for December of this year.

READ MORE;Anthony Joshua’s incredible £150m property portfolio including former oil HQ worth millions

Joshua, formerly a unified world champion himself, has previously lost twice to Usyk.

He returned with a points win over Jermaine Franklin in 2023, but then followed up with two stoppage victories over Robert Helenius and Otto Wallin.

He has boxed once this year already, taking out Francis Ngannou in just two rounds. Ngannou, a former UFC champion in MMA, was an inexperienced boxer, but he had managed to go the 10-round distance with Tyson Fury in his first professional boxing bout.

Dubois has also rebuilt successfully from a loss to Usyk.

The 26-year-old challenged Usyk for the WBO, WBA and IBF titles at the Wroclaw Stadium in Poland last August. Dubois put in a game effort, pressing the Ukrainian initially. Usyk had to rise from a low blow, a ruling which Dubois and his team still dispute, to halt Dubois in the ninth round.

The Briton though went on to grind down Jarrell Miller in December and at the start of this month pounded Filip Hrgovic to a halt to win the IBF Interim strap.

“[Being world champion] is a dream. From challenging for the world title to getting the chance to win [it] outright, that’s what I want,” Dubois declared after that fight.

“I’ll demolish Joshua. I’ll get even better from here.”

As he looks to reclaim his former position in the division, Joshua said: “I’ve got to pick them off one by one.

“It’s not going to be easy, but that’s my mentality. So come one, come all.

“He [Dubois] has been in tougher fights [now], so he becomes hardened. He has worked his way up the ladder, we’ll see what happens.

“I’ll turn up and do my job.”

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BOXING

Mike Tyson Didn’t Hesitate When Asked If Jake Paul Punches Hard

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In one of the more bizarre and controversial events of boxing’s 2024, Mike Tyson returned to the ring to face YouTuber-turned-fighter Jake Paul.

The eight-round contest was widely criticised in the lead-up for the dangers it presented to 58-year-old Tyson, who retired from the professional sport way back in 2005 after back-to-back defeats.

Fears only grew when the initial date was postponed due to the former undisputed heavyweight champion taking seriously ill on a flight – an episode he would later reveal could have been deadly.

READ MORE;Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson on July 20 to be a sanctioned pro boxing match

Paul entered the ring a favourite due to his youth. He is inexperienced and, according to many Hall of Fame fighters, unskilled, but packs a punch having scored knockouts in seven of his 11 victories. That includes an ESPN KO of the Year over former UFC fighter Tyron Woodley which saw the MMA man laid out flat on his face.

Thankfully, ‘Iron’ Mike lasted the distance in the fight, though lost by a wide unanimous decision having been largely uncompetitive. In the aftermath, he was asked by FOX Sports Radio to rate Paul’s power and confirmed that it was significant.

Fears only grew when the initial date was postponed due to the former undisputed heavyweight champion taking seriously ill on a flight – an episode he would later reveal could have been deadly.

Paul entered the ring a favourite due to his youth. He is inexperienced and, according to many Hall of Fame fighters, unskilled, but packs a punch having scored knockouts in seven of his 11 victories. That includes an ESPN KO of the Year over former UFC fighter Tyron Woodley which saw the MMA man laid out flat on his face.

Thankfully, ‘Iron’ Mike lasted the distance in the fight, though lost by a wide unanimous decision having been largely uncompetitive. In the aftermath, he was asked by FOX Sports Radio to rate Paul’s power and confirmed that it was significant.

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BOXING

Vasyl Lomachenko Accused of Ducking Gervonta Davis, Shakur Stevenson

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Boxing fans were eager for a marquee matchup between Gervonta Davis and Vasyl Lomachenko this year. But those hopes were dashed. Lomachenko, who became a world champion for the fourth time in May, pulled out of the potential fight, citing personal reasons.

To the diehard fans, the news was a crushing blow. There’s been a prevalent discussion suggesting ‘Loma’ kept himself out of Shakur Stevenson‘s lane. The Newark-born southpaw later rewarded ‘Lomachenko’ with the most unique of monikers, ‘Duck’chencko’. Jokes aside, the latest developments have put the two-time Olympic gold medalist under the scanner. While speculations about his retirement run wild, former two-division champion Timothy ‘Tim’ Bradley weighed in with his candid thoughts.

READ MORE;Shakur Stevenson’s team claim they are very close to Gervonta Davis fight but it’s not up to him…

Timothy Bradley’s Perspective

“Got to be fair across the board; you know you want to call this a duck; it’s a duck; there’s no doubt about it,” said the voice attributed to ‘The Desert Storm’. However he reasoned, there’s more to the plot than meets the eye. Fans don’t recall ‘Loma’ avoiding tough fights. But of late, he has started avoiding key matchups.

Calls Mount Against Devin Haney’s Legacy as Ryan Garcia, Vasyl Lomachenko Roped In

Taking up Shakur Stevenson’s example, he said, “However, when I look at him and how he’s been behaving as of late, I think about the fact that this isn’t only once; this isn’t one time; this is twice now.” Bradley highlighted how both Stevenson and Lomachenko were part of the Top Rank stable at one point in time.

However, when Stevenson sought a fight, ‘Loma’ reportedly declined the offer. Perhaps Bradley was referring to last year’s situation. After defeating ‘Loma’ in May, Devin Haney vacated his WBC lightweight belt and moved up a division to face Regis Prograis.

By April, Shakur Stevenson announced his arrival in the 135-pound division. Thus a fight between the foremost ranking Lomachenko and the new challenger for the vacant title became a huge possibility. “So not only did he duck Shakur, he also ducked Tank,” said Timothy Bradley

‘The Desert Storm’ took a philosophical route. Or perhaps speaking from his experience, he emphasized that fighters often know what they can accomplish and what they cannot.  ‘Tim’ Bradley said, “I’m sure he and his team don’t want him to go out on his shield getting knocked out or getting embarrassed.”

He picked George Kambosos Jr.‘s example. Vasyl Lomachenko took the fight because he was confident about outboxing the Australian former champion in his backyard. “He knew that was a fight that he can win, and he can win a belt and go out on a high, though I think that this is it for Loma; I don’t think Loma returns,” Bradley concluded.

Vasyl Lomachenko: Speculations About Retirement

The buzz around Lomachenko’s retirement was amplified by a parody tweet, which prompted the WBC to post a tribute to the Ukrainian champion’s contributions to boxing. Though the post was later deleted, it sparked further discussions about Lomachenko’s next steps

When Fight Hub TV founder Marcos Villegas checked, Bob Arum recalled a conversation he had with Loma, his father and manager. At the time, ‘Loma’ was still in Los Angeles. But later, he expressed his desire to spend time with his children and mentioned he would be returning to Ukraine. “He will contact me after the new year about whether he wants to fight who he wants to fight, so that’s the best I can do,” replied the veteran promoter.

Villegas inquired whether the talks for a ‘Tank’ Davis face-off will resume. Arum appeared quite optimistic, stating that it will be a great fight. But there were other options to explore as well—the clash against Shakur Stevenson and Keyshawn Davis.

For now, fans can only speculate and hope for positive news regarding Lomachenko’s career.

What about you? Do you believe Lomachenko is avoiding tougher fights, or is there more to the story?

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Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson on July 20 to be a sanctioned pro boxing match

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Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul on July 20 will be a professional boxing fight sanctioned by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations, the promoters announced Monday. The heavyweight bout, to be shown live on Netflix from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, will take place over eight, two-minute rounds using 14-ounce gloves.

The result will affect their professional records.

“Mike Tyson and Jake Paul signed on to fight each other with the desire to do so in a sanctioned professional fight that would have a definitive outcome,” Most Valuable Promotions co-founder Nakisa Bidarian said in a statement. “Over the past six weeks MVP has worked with its partners to satisfy the requirements of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR) to sanction Paul vs. Tyson and we are grateful that we have gotten to this point.”

READ MORE;Everything Mike Tyson has said since Jake Paul fight including blank out and wife confession

Tyson, 57, is one of the greatest boxers of all time. Once known as “The Baddest Man on the Planet” for his intimidating demeanor and ferocious knockout power, Tyson was the undisputed heavyweight champion from 1987 to 1990. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011.

Tyson (50-6 with 44 knockouts) has not fought since losing to Kevin McBride in June 2005. He will be 58 by the time he enters the ring, making him 31 years older than the 27-year-old Paul. It is the biggest gap in boxing history.

Paul (9-1), a social media star, made his professional boxing debut in 2020. He has since gone on to defeat the likes of former MMA stars Anderson Silva, Tyron Woodley, Ben Askren and Nate Diaz. His lone loss came to boxer Tommy Fury in February 2023.

“It’s crazy to think that in my second pro fight, I went viral for knocking out Nate Robinson on Mike Tyson’s undercard,” Paul said in a statement when the fight was announced in March. “Now, less than four years later, I’m stepping up to face Tyson myself to see if I have what it takes to beat one of boxing’s most notorious fighters and biggest icons.”

The bout was dubbed a “boxing mega-event” by Netflix, which has expanded its live sports offerings in recent years.

Netflix has multiple sports documentary series including “Formula 1: Drive to Survive,” “NASCAR: Full Speed,” “Tour de France: Unchained,” “Break Point” and “Full Swing.” The streaming company also broadcast the Netflix Cup — a golf tournament that paired Formula 1 drivers with PGA players — and a tennis match between Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz.

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Gervonta Davis’ Legacy Questioned in Frustrating Argument

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If one goes by what Gervonta Davis said, then the chances of watching the lightweight champion return on March 1 appear slim. Just a few days ago, he posted a cryptic message suggesting that the much-anticipated fight against Lamont Roach Jr. has been cancelled. But if one follows Lamont Roach Jr., then the showdown at the Barclays Center in New York still holds out.

It has become a very confusing situation. Add to that Davis’ earlier statements about hanging the gloves before 2026. Altogether it seems to have exacerbated the dilemma related to the Baltimorean’s career and, more significantly, his legacy. While Davis is renowned for his technical prowess and remarkable power—boasting a knockout rate exceeding 90%—fans and analysts alike are increasingly critical of his career trajectory. ShowBizz The Adult weighed in on the matter and shared his insights.

READ MORE;Who knows when Gervonta Tank Davis will fight next?

ShowBizz The Adult on Gervonta Davis’ Potential

“That’s the thing about Tank that bothers me: it’s like what I said when I said what I want to see out of Shakur is what I want to see out of Tank,” said the popular content creator. He praised ‘Tank’ as an extraordinary fighter with incredible skills. Perhaps even one of the best ever seen. His approach to fights is unique and highly impressive, which sets him apart from most fighters.

Tyson Fury’s Failed Strategy vs. Oleksandr Usyk Explained Using Floyd Mayweather, Canelo Alvarez Example

However, “Tank bothers me because I see he approaches the fight—yo, I haven’t seen too many fighters ever approach a fight the way Tank approaches a fight,” said ShowBizz The Adult. The issue, according to him, however, lies in Davis’ career decisions. It could be avoiding the top opponents, lacking activity in the ring, or failing to strategically plan his legacy.

Given that he mentioned Shakur Stevenson, it is clear ShowBizz The Adult holds both fighters to a high standard. He wants to see the same qualities—perhaps hunger, ambition, or a desire to take on big challenges—from ‘Tank’ that he expects from Shakur.

This isn’t the first time ShowBizz The Adult has voiced concerns about Davis. He has previously drawn comparisons to boxing legends Roberto Durán and Manny Pacquiao, wishing Davis shared their mindset and drive.

The Mindset for Greatness

Duran and Pacquiao never restricted themselves to a particular division. The content creator wanted Gervonta Davis to follow in their footsteps. Davis should dream of becoming a welterweight champion rather than hanging about the lightweight division and ending his career there. For the context, ‘Tank’ won his first world title as a super featherweight and, venturing into the 135-pound division, stormed up to the light welterweight to face Mario Barrios in 2021, only to return back to the lightweight to defend his title.

ShowBizz The Adult argued that Pacquiao lacked Gervonta Davis’s power and craftiness. But on the other hand, the Baltimorean lacked the Filipino legend’s mindset for greatness. “I wish he had that mindset to say, I am going to conquer 147; I am going to conquer 140; Teofimo Lopez, you’re next. If he had that mindset, we’re talking about an all-time great fighter. I think abilities are all time, but I’m saying greatness; he just had that mindset,” he concluded.

With his upcoming fight shrouded in uncertainty, questions about Davis’ career choices and legacy are bound to grow louder. Fans can’t help but wonder: will Gervonta Davis seize the opportunities needed to cement his place among boxing’s greatest?

What do you think? Is Gervonta Davis on track to achieve greatness, or is he falling short of his potential?

 

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Oleksandr Usyk was ‘wobbled’ and beaten in amateur fight by former welterweight world champion who fought Terence Crawford

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Oleksandr Usyk fell to defeat in the amateurs against former IBF and WBC welterweight champion Shawn Porter.

Before Usyk established himself as the best heavyweight of his generation, the Ukrainian slickster started off as a middleweight in the unpaid ranks.

In 2006, he met Porter in a USA vs Ukraine amateur tournament that saw 11 fighters from both countries pitted against each other.

Despite being considerably shorter and smaller than Usyk, ‘Showtime’ was able to beat the future two-weight undisputed champion on points by a margin of 23-20.

Recalling his victory, back when both men were around 20 years old, Porter said on his podcast, The PorterWay: “I’m roughly 5ft 7ins now – I was pretty much that then – Usyk was not as tall as he is now but around 6ft [he was] slim at 165lbs, but he could box.

“Back in the day, we were on a point system where three out of five judges had hit a button at the same time in order to get points.

READ MORE;Terence Crawford beats Israil Madrimov to become four-division champion

“In the amateurs a lot of punches landed, not many points were scored, it is just how it went.

“It was a close fight the whole way, it was like a 2 to 3-point spread the whole way.

“I don’t remember who was winning each round but I do remember this: going into the last round, my dad was coaching me, and we had this other guy Dan Campbell, he was the 2008 Olympic coach, he’s down on the floor putting the stool in, putting the bucket in, putting the water in.

“[He was] not saying too much but going into that fourth round before I walked out and the bell rang, he said ‘Hey, Shawn, if you line him up, he’s there for the right hand – if you throw a straight right, you’ll land it and get him’.

“And that’s exactly what happened in the fourth round. We were moving around, we were doing our thing and I landed a right hand on Usyk and he stumbled back.

“And [being] Shawn Porter, you already know I jumped on him and ended up winning 23-20.

“It was a great fight. That fight, I promise you for an amateur fight it is worth paying for. I remember it was a great competitive fight.”

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 29: Terence Crawford looks on prior to the World Welterweight Championship bout against Errol Spence Jr. at T-Mobile Arena on July 29, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Unfortunately, there is no footage of the fight at the time of writing, although Porter is hoping to get his hands on it.

In the years that followed their bout, Porter went on to win the 2007 National Golden Gloves and turned over as a professional a year later after missing out on a spot at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

As a pro, Porter became a two-time welterweight world champion before hanging up his gloves in 2021 following a tenth-round stoppage loss to Terence Crawford.

Usyk found more success in the amateurs, winning gold at the Worlds, Europeans and 2012 London Olympics.

In the paid ranks he continued to thrive as he became the undisputed cruiserweight champion by beating Murat Gassiev in the final of the 2018 World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight tournament.

He then achieved the same feat at heavyweight by toppling Tyson Fury in May before defeating him for a second time earlier this month to close out their rivalry in style.

 

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