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Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has opened up about the factors that led to his knockout loss to Anthony Joshua earlier in the year.

The 38-year-old Cameroonian, who left the UFC after defending his heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 in 2022, shifted his focus to boxing and signed with the PFL. However, his MMA debut was delayed after he ventured into the boxing ring, first facing Tyson Fury in a close split-decision defeat and later suffering a brutal knockout at the hands of Joshua in Saudi Arabia.

Reflecting on his defeat to Joshua, Ngannou revealed in an interview with Piers Morgan that several problems plagued him leading up to the fight, ultimately affecting his performance. “That fight wasn’t a good fight,” Ngannou admitted. “The whole experience wasn’t good. A lot of things were off. It might have just been a bad day at the office, but lots of things leading up to that fight were not right. My timing and everything was off.”

Ngannou further explained that he knew something was wrong from the start when an unexpected punch floored him. “The first punch, which wasn’t even hard, put me down, and that’s when I realised something was wrong because that’s not a punch that would normally get me down,” he said. “Even in the Tyson Fury fight, Tyson hit me with an elbow, and I didn’t even realise it. But in the Joshua fight, a punch that hit my hand first brought me down. Nothing went well that night.”

Despite the disappointing result, Ngannou refused to make excuses, acknowledging, “I lost that fight, period. But I’ll move on. Next time, I will prepare better and fix the things I overlooked.”

Ngannou is set to return to MMA action on October 19, where he will face reigning PFL heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira in Riyadh. This will mark his highly anticipated debut in the PFL after a turbulent year in boxing.

Boxing legend Roy Jones Jr has advised Anthony Joshua to dump trainer Ben Davison following the Brit’s defeat to Daniel Dubois last month.

Heading into the clash with Dubois, Joshua was a huge favourite and had enjoyed a lot of recent success in the ring. However, ‘AJ’ struggled from the first bell. ‘Dynamite’ went on to drop the two-time heavyweight champion four times in total before securing a sensational knockout in the fifth round to retain his IBF title.

Despite such a one-sided main event, Joshua refused to walk away. “You’re probably asking if I still want to consider fighting. Of course I want to continue fighting,” said Joshua, who declined to take questions at the post-fight press conference. “We took a shot at success and we came up short. What does that mean now? That we’re going to run away? We’re going to live to fight another day. And that’s what I am – I’m a warrior.

“Always walk with your head high. We rolled the dice for the third time. There have been 13 world-title fights, not every one of them has been successful but every one has been fun and entertaining. There were a few mistakes in there but that’s the name of the game. Fine margins will cost you at the top level. Also before I finish, we have to give credit our opponent Daniel. When I sign up to fight opponents, I don’t really like them in my head any more. But now that it’s done, I take my hat off to him and say well done.”

Following his defeat at Wembley, Joshua has dropped to seventh in the heavyweight rankings. While fans are calling for Dubois to face the winner of Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury II, it would seem that a second showdown with ‘AJ’ appears more realistic. Frank Warren, Dubois promoter, has revealed that ‘Dynamite’s’ next fight will take place early next year and is very much open to the rematch between the two heavyweight giants with February 22 pencilled in for a fight card in Riyadh.

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury

Amid talks of a potential rematch, Jones Jr believes Joshua needs to ditch Davison in favour of someone who has actual experience in the sport as he believes the famous coach doesn’t have the encyclopaedic knowledge of boxing because he is not a fighter. Speaking to talkSPORT boxing, he said: “It takes real boxing knowledge to prepare yourself and get better. If you don’t have someone with real IQ and boxing knowledge who has been there and done that, they can’t teach you anything. You need someone who can charter those seas when they get tough. I don’t think Ben Davison has been in enough fights. Ben has done a lot of coaching, but it’s hard when you haven’t been there yourself.”

Davison famously trained Tyson Fury ahead of his return to the ring in 2018 following a three-year hiatus from the sport. However, just months before the Brit’s rematch with Deontay Wilder, ‘The Gyspy King’ offloaded him in favour of SugarHill Steward.

Jones Jr added: Some guys get lucky, but it’s very difficult for a coach who hasn’t been there himself. I can’t tell you how to swim through the ocean if I’ve never swam through the ocean before. I’m sorry. It’s nothing against Ben Davison because he’s been good, but when you get in that deep water and you ain’t been in that deep water, that shark invested water, it’s hard for you to tell somebody what it’s like because you’ve never been there.”

The Gypsy King takes to social media to compare their physiques, leaving fans wanting more

Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua

A potential showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua has long been the fantasy fight boxing fans dream about. With both fighters reigning as two of Britain’s most celebrated heavyweights, the idea of these two giants meeting in the ring has sparked endless debates and speculation. Yet, despite no concrete plans for such a bout, Fury continues to stoke the fire of their rivalry in his signature brash style.

Anthony Joshua

While the boxing world waits for any official announcement, Fury isn’t waiting for the bell to start throwing jabs at Joshua-at least, not on social media. Fury’s antics have kept the spotlight on a possible clash, and he recently took to Instagram to deliver his latest barb, making a playful comparison between their physiques. The post quickly gained traction, igniting yet another round of discussions among fans about the contrasting approaches of the two fighters.

Fury, known for his larger-than-life personality, posted a picture of Joshua along with a detailed description of his disciplined, nutrition-packed breakfast routine. “My breakfast consists of yams, eggs, and dates. Followed by a big bowl of porridge, a protein shake, a glass of orange juice, and a glass of honey, lemon, and ginger,” read Joshua’s mock-up breakfast, highlighting the Olympian’s strict regimen. But it didn’t stop there.

In true Tyson Fury fashion, the Gypsy King’s caption had an entirely different tone. “I remember one night I had 14 pints of Fosters & then sparred three top-ten heavyweights and battered them all,”Fury quipped, playing up his unorthodox, everyman persona that fans have come to know and love. The post, dripping with sarcasm, was a reminder of Fury’s unique way of engaging with both his fans and rivals.

This latest post is far from the first time Fury has taken to social media to troll Joshua. For years, Fury has made it clear that despite Joshua’s polished public image and chiseled physique, he believes his unshakable confidence and skill set in the ring would prove too much for the former two-time heavyweight champ.

Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua

Fury vs. Joshua: The Battle of Britain on hold as verbal sparring intensifies

Despite the constant back-and-forth, the likelihood of a Fury vs. Joshua fight remains uncertain. With Fury scheduled to face unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk on December 21 in one of the year’s most highly anticipated rematches, it seems the Battle of Britain may have to wait.

However, that hasn’t stopped the public from clamoring for the matchup. With Fury’s sharp tongue and Joshua’s desire to regain his standing at the top of the heavyweight division, a future clash seems almost inevitable, even if it’s still just a distant possibility.

Whether Fury’s taunts will push Joshua into responding remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Fury’s psychological games are just as important as his prowess in the ring. As always, Fury knows how to keep himself and his potential opponents on their toes.

Until then, fans can only hope that the stars align for what would undoubtedly be one of the biggest fights in British boxing history. For now, the verbal sparring continues, with Fury clearly relishing every moment.

WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis is making his much-anticipated return to the ring against WBA super featherweight champion Lamont Roach sometime in December. There are a couple of dates being tossed around for the title fight, but nothing specific has been confirmed quite yet. Something similar was going on with the venue as well.

Gervonta Davis

 

 

Some reports claimed it could be in Washington, D.C. since both Davis and Roach are from the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area. Meanwhile, a Las Vegas venue made more sense. Regardless, the Baltimore native has now hinted at a location where the fight may happen. According to Davis’ recent post on Instagram, where he took a jab at Frank Martin, Houston, Texas, seems to be the chosen city for the bout. The news has already generated buzz, with stars like Riddick BoweTank Dell, and others expressing excitement.

Earlier today, Tank took to Instagram to share a powerful moment from his last fight against Frank Martin. The post featured a still from the eighth round, just after Davis had knocked Martin out to successfully defend his WBA title. Alongside the image, Davis teased his next fight in December, captioning the post with, “DECEMBER, Houston #TheONE #LongLiveBABYFRANK.”

Gervonta Davis

Initial reports had suggested Davis’ bout against Lamont Roach could take place on either December 21—the same night as the highly anticipated Oleksandr UsykTyson Fury rematch in Saudi Arabia—or December 14. Given the magnitude of the Usyk-Fury rematch, it’s unlikely Premier Boxing Champions would schedule Davis’ fight on the same night, making December 14 a more plausible option.

Nevertheless, the location details alone were enough to prompt these sports personalities to share their thoughts in the post’s comment section.

Tim Wright is betting big on Davis

While it’s no secret that Davis had quite the pull in the community, nobody could have guessed just a single post would attract so many people. Memphis Grizzlies’ point guard, Ja Morant, used an emoji to share his thoughts about Davis. He commented, “🦍,” to emphasize Davis’ power. Davis is known to end fights with one punch, so having animalistic power shouldn’t be a surprise.

Meanwhile, wide receiver for the Houston Texans Tank Dell had a request for the WBA lightweight champion. “Drown em,” Dell wrote. Interestingly, Dell shares his nickname with Davis—Tank.

Another NFL player—the defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders, Maxx Crosby, also joined the conversation. Like Morant, Crosby also used emojis to share his take. He wrote, “🦅🦅🦅.” Notably, Crosby uses boxing in his training—according to a report from Fox 5 Vegas, it helps him improve hand speed, technique, and understanding of distance.

Gervonta Davis

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Tim Wright seems to have found a huge money-making opportunity with Gervonta Davis’ recent announcement. He wrote, “Let me get my bet money ready! Christmas gone be lovely.” It’s worth mentioning that Davis is facing criticism for fighting Lamont, who is from a lower weight class, making their bout look like a cakewalk for Tank.

Even former undisputed heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe joined the conversation, to confirm his presence at the venue. “@gervontaa This your Big Uncle Bowe . I will be there, just missed you when I was [in] D.C.,” Bowe stated. Bowe has previously shown his support for Davis, and the duo have been spotted together as well.

That said, it appears it’s not just the fans excited about Gervonta Davis’ upcoming fight, even popular sports personalities are looking forward to the night of punches. However, the question is, with Davis taking on an easy challenge, does this fight seem worth it? What’s your take?

Anthony Joshua Offered Huge Heavyweight Fight If Daniel Dubois Rejects Rematch: “I’ll Sign Now

For many years, Anthony Joshua sat at the very top of the tree in the heavyweight division.

After winning his first world title by taking the IBF belt from Charles Martin, he continued to beat all comers including the likes of Joseph Parker and Wladimir Klitschko on his way to becoming the unified champion.

A first hiccup came in June 2019 when he was upset by late stand in Andy Ruiz Jr on his US debut at Madison Square Garden, but ‘AJ’ avenged that loss with a clear points win in Saudi Arabia in December of the same year.

Following a win over Kubrat Pulev, the two-time world champion then went into back-to-back fights with Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022. He lost his belts in the first one after 12 hard-fought rounds and failed to win them back in the rematch. Usyk has since gone on to become undisputed champion after beating Tyson Fury in May.

READ MORE:Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois sell out Wembley Stadium for all-British world title clash

Last time out in September, Joshua was knocked down multiple times in his attempt to become a three-time champion, ending in a fifth-round stoppage loss to the IBF champion Daniel Dubois.

He is thought to want a rematch as a way back in to the world title picture but has now been called out by Zhilei Zhang, who told Boxing news he is ready to go and avenge the loss he suffered to Joshua in the 2012 Olympics.

“Eddie is calling the shots right now. Let’s say Eddie sends me the contract tomorrow, I’ll sign it tomorrow. I’m very interested, I want to get that London Olympic loss back.”

Zhang has recently stopped the likes of Deontay Wilder and Joe Joyce but fallen short to Parker over the distance. He is keen on avenging that loss, but would likely skip it for a long-awaited shot at Joshua – perhaps finally getting his wish of a fight at Beijing’s National Stadium, The Bird’s Nest.

Whether or not the Brit’s team feel the Chinese southpaw is worth the risk over a Dubois rematch for the title at this stage of his career remains to be seen.

Gervonta Davis has taken to social media to give his first reaction to the news that Devin Haney is now suing Ryan Garcia.

On Friday, news broke that Haney has filed a lawsuit against his last opponent alleging battery, fraud and unjust enrichment, relating to their fight in April.

The highly controversial bout saw Garcia dominate Haney, flooring him three times in a ruthless beatdown which he won on points.

However, it later emerged that he failed multiple drugs tests on the day before and the day of the fight.

As a result, Garcia’s team accepted a settlement with the New York Commission which saw him handed a one-year ban and fined $1million, with the win overturned to a no-contest.

Gervonta Davis

Now, Haney is taking things into his own hands which further legal action.

Haney’s attorney Pat English wrote in a 16-page filing that his client is seeking punitive damages (damages awarded separately from the actual damages from an event).

“At no time did Devin Haney consent to engage in a bout against a boxer who was positive for a performance-enhancing drug, and would not have proceeded with the bout had he known,” the lawsuit reads .

“The New York Commission would not have permitted the bout had it known of the positive finding or of Garcia’s IV use.

“Adding insult to the Commission and to the sport of boxing, Mr. Garcia has alleged that he was ‘high as f*** during’ his bout with Mr. Haney.

“This very clearly brings disrepute on the sport of boxing and by derivation on the New York State Athletic Commission…

“The Actions of Ryan Garcia and those who assisted him evince a high degree of moral turpitude and demonstrate wonton dishonesty as to imply criminal indifference to his civil obligations as well as wilful or wanton negligence, or recklessness, or where there is a conscious disregard of the rights of others or conduct so reckless as to amount to such disregard.”

Gervonta Davis

In relation to the battery count, English added: “[Haney] at no time agreed to engage in a bout against an individual who had taken a performance-enhancing drug.

“His consent was limited to a bout held fairly and under the rules and prohibitions set forth above.

“Thus, the fighting (touching) by Garcia was non consensual.

“Devin Haney suffered damages in that he suffered physical injury, reputational damage which will amount to millions of dollars, and emotional and mental distress.”

The fraud count is connected to Garcia’s signed documents vowing he would not use performance-enhancing drugs.

And the unjust enrichment count stems from Haney’s legal team’s assessment that Garcia doesn’t deserve to keep his purse and pay-per-view profits.

The news of the lawsuit has set the boxing world alight.

One person who initially didn’t give any reaction is Haney’s lightweight rival Davis, who is friendly with Garcia after they fought last year.

Tank has now tweeted about the lawsuit though.

In response to a fan who tweeted: “Didn’t Bill Haney say they were sending in Devin Haney to kill Ryan Garcia? Said he really wants Ryan to die in the ring? Now Team Haney is saying they could’ve died and wanting to sue. Lol, b**ch move.”

Davis simply gave his thoughts by replying: “Crazy how life works.”

Anthony Joshua gives his side of Daniel Dubois sparring story in which eye-witness claimed he was left on ‘jelly legs’

Anthony Joshua has provided his first-hand account of the famous sparring session with Daniel Dubois.

In 2017, when Dubois turned over as a professional, rumours began to swirl around boxing circles that Dubois had either dropped or knocked out Joshua in sparring a year prior.

Joshua and Dubois have sparred several times, now they duke it out for real on September 21

His promoter Frank Warren proudly exclaimed that his new signing had iced Joshua when they shared the ring together at the GB Performance Institute in Sheffield, while Dubois was a fresh-faced 18-year-old.

Joshua has remained silent on the topic for several years.

But during an interview with Sky Sports ahead of his upcoming clash with Dubois on September 21, the Watford powerhouse gave his side of the story.

“He just cracked me with a good shot. I stood on my feet,” he said.

“I don’t know where this whole narrative of someone turned my lights off came from.

“There were a lot of people in the gym that day as well.

“And people have come out and said, ‘Nah, nothing [happened]’.

“But anyway, people say what they say. With me, there’s always been like an inch that makes a mile. But it’s all good. It’s all good.”

While Joshua insists ‘nothing happened’, Anthony Fowler – who was on the Team GB squad at the time and claims to have witnessed the spar from ringside – recently told talkSPORT.com that Dubois turned AJ’s legs to jelly.

READ MORE:Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois sell out Wembley Stadium for all-British world title clash

He said: “They were just sparring normally. Dubois was really young so he wasn’t really trying to win the rounds.

Fowler claims Dubois could have knocked out Joshua but didn’t out of respect

“I wouldn’t say he was in survival mode but he wouldn’t take many risks.

“He was very cagey sparring Joshua. Obviously, Joshua was the main man on the team so he was always quite wary, but he always punched really hard.

“I remember he hit Frazer Clarke so hard that he snapped his ankle.

He fell to the floor and snapped his ankle. After that, he was walking around with a cast so he’s always had that real power Dubois.

“Joshua must have been a little clumsy sparring him and he got caught with a short left hook and Joshua’s legs completely went.

“Dubois could have hit him again and put him to sleep but Dubois had a bit too much respect for him to finish him off.

“Obviously, everyone was stood there like ‘Wow’ and Joshua went and jogged around the ring because his legs were like jelly and he was trying to get his legs back.

“And everyone was going ‘Wait, wait, wait’. Joshua wanted to carry on but Rob McCracken was like ‘Have a little break, get your legs back to normal, and then spar’ and then they continued sparring.

“He didn’t knock him out, he didn’t hit the floor but he was really, really hurt.

“Dubois probably could have hit him again and knocked him out but he chose not to out of respect.

 

Deontay Wilder Reveals Injury After Loss To Zhilei Zhang: “You Can’t Give Up

Deontay Wilder is facing calls to retire after two back-to-back losses.

The big-hitter from Alabama was out of the ring for 14 months after a first round knockout of Robert Helenius in late 2022. He returned in December of last year to face fellow former world champion Joseph Parker and looked tentative, losing a near shutout on the cards.

With the promise of more aggression, Wilder came back against Zhilei Zhang in June, admitting pre-fight that a loss could spell retirement. China’s Zhang knocked him out in five rounds.

Since then, the likes of Lennox Lewis and Teddy Atlas have advised him to retire. He has been silent on the matter until a recent public appearance in which he also showed off an injury.

In a video shared by Tom Dillemuth from The Lions Den Boxing Community Reunion, Atlanta, the 38-year-old sported a sling on his right arm as he appeared to confirm he would fight on during a thank you speech for a lifetime achievement award.

Just like others have paved the way for me. It’s gratitude to give back. I tell everyone we all have greatness in us and greatness is determined by service. Everyday I wake up I try to provide my service because I know how great I am.

So many may hold you back, so many stop signs may come, many things may come and hinder your craft, but you can’t give up, though. No matter how many falls you may take, you gotta get your ass back up and keep going. And that’s what we’re on the journey doing, the best is yet to come, you understand me? I appreciate the love.”

The extent of the injury – which appears to be Wilder’s arm rather than his hand – is unclear. With plenty of movement in the heavyweight division coming up, fans may hear from him soon

Former World Champion Says A ‘Failed One-Trick Pony’: “I Told You ALL

The former WBC Champion went 40 fights undefeated in his campaign, ending 39 of them inside the distance, before he faced Tyson Fury. The Brit was coming back from a long and damaging lay-off but scored a draw on the cards, surviving two knockdowns.

wilder knocked Dominic Breazeale out in one round and Luis Ortiz in seven before facing Fury again when he would taste defeat in the manner he had been dishing out for years. ‘The Gypsy King’ dominated and stopped him in seven. Wilder was more competitive in the third fight but was ultimately knocked out again.

Since then he has beaten Robert Helenius but lost back-to-back against Joseph Parker (UD) and Zhilei Zhang (KO, 5). It’s not the losses that have made pundits call for him to retire, rather the way in which he has fought – tentatively and without the same threat.

In an interview with Fight Hub TV, three-weight world champion James Toney said that he saw it coming, criticising Wilder’s resume and calling him a ‘one-trick pony’ who didn’t belong at the top level.

“Deontay Wilder and that bomb bulls**t. Everybody was believing in that. I told everyone look who he’s fighting. He fighting bums. If I was fighting them I would have all fights by knockout. The guys he fought I would’ve knocked out in two, three rounds too. They built him up right and then when it was time to come through, he failed. He wasn’t ready. It’s sad seeing what happen to him but it is what it is. Deontay was a one-trick pony.”

Toney has long argued that the fighters of today wouldn’t last two fights in his own era. He was famously tough, losing ten in his career but never being stopped. With 92 fights in total, many felt he clung on too long and should’ve hung up the gloves earlier. Some in the sport are now encouraging Wilder to think the same way.

The fight will take place at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.

The cancellation of Jake Paul’s fight against Mike Tyson scheduled for July 20 did not upset the YouTuber-turned-boxer’s schedule.

JAKE PAUL VS MIKE PERRY

JUST IN: Lennox Lewis Has No Doubt Who Wins Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul: “I Don’t Want Him To Get Hurt”…

He has kept his plans to step into the ring on the same date, although he found a new opponent to fulfill the commitment ahead of his fight with ‘Iron Mike’ on November 15.

His next opponent will be Mike Perry, former UFC fighter and current Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), with whom he will clash in an eight-round bout to be held at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.

“He is a proven knockout artist who has proven to be a maniac in and out of the ring. This is the perfect experience for me before I face Mike Tyson. But getting that experience comes with risks. Those who know me know I’m a risk taker and while ‘Platinum’ Perry might try to take me down, I’m Titanium Jake Paul and I’m not afraid of anyone,” Paul stated in an interview with ESPN about his decision to find the ideal opponent for a fight while stepping into the ring with Mike Tyson.

Jake Paul AND Mike Tyson

For his part, Perry had long called for a fight against Paul and during an appearance on TMZ Sports television show revealed the intense rivalry he has with the YouTuber.

“We’ve never been friends. He’s never been good to me, he wanted to beat me up, and he’s a sneaky little snake, and I’m going to f*** him up by pulling his teeth out of his mouth. F*** ’em. F*** you, Jake. I’m going to break your face, b****.”

SEE MORE: ‘I Sparred Anthony Joshua & Tyson Fury – Two Brits Punch Harder’…

JAKE PAUL VS MIKE PERRY

Since leaving the UFC, Perry joined BKFC, where he became the biggest star with an undefeated 5-0 record. His wins include notable names such as Luke Rockhold and Michael ‘Venom’ Page.

What day is Jake Paul vs Mike Perry?

The Jake Paul vs Mike Perry fight will be next Saturday, July 20, 2024.

What time is Jake Paul vs Mike Perry?

The Jake Paul vs Mike Perry fight is scheduled for around 12 am ET, while the show will start at 9 pm ET.

  • ET: 12:00 AM
  • CT: 11:00 PM
  • MT: 10:00 PM
  • PT: 9:00 PM

Where will Jake Paul vs Mike Perry take place?

Jake Paul and Mike Perry will square off in the eight-round main event fight at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.

Where to watch Jake Paul vs Mike Perry in the United States?

The Jake Paul vs. Mike Perry headliner will air exclusively on DAZN on Pay-Per-View in the United States and more than 200 other countries.

RELATED: Frank Bruno Reveals His Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk Score: “He Won That Fight”….

 

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