There’s news on where Anthony Joshua’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk could land, a modern great has hung up his gloves and Bez from the Happy Mondays is fighting this weekend. Here are five boxing stories you might have missed this week.
Joshua vs Usyk Heading To The UK, Middle-East Or Ukraine
Eddie Hearn says he’s been approached to stage the heavyweight rematch between Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk in the Middle East, likely next spring, although the promoter would like to host it in the UK.
Speaking to Boxing Social, Hearn said: “I would certainly go outdoors in April. We’ve done it before. The Klitschko fight was in April.
“I would like to do the fight in the UK. I’m sure they would like to do the fight in Kiev
“I don’t have a problem looking at it at all. I have no problem going to Kiev. We’ll look at the revenue that can be generated. Of course, the UK would be our first choice.
“We’ve already had approaches from the Middle East to do the rematch out there, but Saturday was pretty special. I know we didn’t get the win, but when I look back at the pictures, Jesus.
“I’ve never seen anything like it. AJ did that again. It’s all down to him, all down. There’s no one else who can do it in this country.”
Terence Crawford vs Shawn Porter Officially Announced
Terence Crawford vs Shawn Porter has been officially announced for November 20. The unbeaten Crawford will put his WBO welterweight strap and unbeaten record on the line when he takes on ‘Showtime’ at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas.
“I’ve been calling out the top welterweights since I moved up to 147 in 2018, and I’m excited that Shawn stepped up,” Terence Crawford said. “This fight will bring out the best in me and showcase parts of my game that the world hasn’t seen yet. On November 20, I will silence my doubters and prove that I am the best welterweight in the world.
Crawford, widely considered to be one of the pound-for-pound best fighters in the sport, has made five defences of his title since beating Jeff Horn in 2014. He was last in action in November, stopping Kell Brook in four rounds.
Celebrity Boxing Card Heads To Manchester This Weekend
This weekend in Manchester sees a night of celebrity boxing at the AO Arena, with Michael Buffer as Master of Ceremonies and Sky Sports pundit Chris Kamara hosting.
Boxstar Celebrity Boxing will bring together a selection of stars from the worlds of reality TV, music, sport, comedy. Headlining the event is DJ Tom Zanetti vs Love Island’s Luke Mabbott but also making their boxing debuts are Simon Webbe from Blue, former Manchester United star Clayton Blackmore, The X-Factor’s Jake Quickenden, Bez from the Happy Mondays and many more.
“With the legendary Michael Buffer as Master of Ceremonies and the unbelievable Chris Kamara hosting, this will be the night of a lifetime,” a Boxstar statement read.
“We have celebrities from all parts of the country, grudge matches, rivalries and friendly banter.
“See the outspoken DJ Tom Zanetti go toe to toe with Love Island nice boy Luke Mabbott.
“Watch Manchester United take on the Happy Mondays with Clayton Blackmore versus Bez and the Cheshire housewives' battle it out with Rachel Lugo versus Leanne Brown.”
“I Could Beat Up Jake Paul,” Says Claressa Shields
Three-weight world champion and double Olympic gold medal winner Claressa Shields says it is disrespectful to suggest she should appear on a Jake Paul undercard.
"Don't ever disrespect me,” the 11-0 star retorted when asked by a journalist.
"I would never fight on the undercard of Jake Paul. I'm a three-division world champion and a two-time Olympic gold medallist in boxing.
"I would never fight on Jake Paul's undercard. I don't know what Amanda Serrano's purse was - I think it was $75,000-$100,000.
"I would never fight another boxing match for that money because I'm worth so much more. I'm a $1 million fighter.
"I could beat up Jake Paul at the weight class I'm at right now.
"I would never fight on the undercard of someone who does not possess the skills or accomplishments that I have."
Manny Pacquiao Hangs Up Gloves
Manny Pacquiao has announced his retirement from boxing at the age of 42. The legendary Filipino retires as the only man to win titles across four decades and ended with a 25-7-2 (11 KOs) against former or current world champions.
The Pac-Man has carved out a 26-year career that has seen him become an eight-weight world champion, lineal champion in five different weight classes, and claim wins against such names as Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Juan Manuel Marquez, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, Joshua Clottey, Antonio Margarito, Shane Mosley, Brandon Rios, Timothy Bradley, Lucas Matthysse, Adrien Broner and Keith Thurman among many more.
“To the greatest fans and the greatest sport in the world, thank you," he wrote in a statement. "Thank you for all the wonderful memories. This is the hardest decision I’ve ever made, but I’m at peace with it. Chase your dreams, work hard, and watch what happens. Good bye boxing."
