webpage
There has been a flurry of wars – some we’ve heard about for a while, some not so much – either currently being worked on or even about to be signed and announced. So, to keep things fresh, this week we’re taking a look at each of these fights, how likely they are, how they’ve been covered in the media, and what they mean for the sport. sports in general. Let’s dive in.
Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk
This is the big one. The person who defines the true and perhaps the most powerful heavyweight king of the current era. Since his winning trio with Deontay Wilder and then countrymen Dillian Whyte and Dereck Chisora, Fury has become a global star. Not only that, he’s cemented his status as one of the best boxers on the planet.
Meanwhile, Usyk cleaned up in cruiser class before storming into the sport’s banner class and twice beating Anthony Joshua with two career-defining performances. He is definitely one of the most talented fighters in the sport.
This is the only fight for either man and arguably the most important fight that can be made in boxing right now. Some might say Terence Crawford-Errol Spence should claim that title, but nothing can compete with the allure of heavyweights, especially when it comes to characters like Fury and Usik.
According to recent reports, more specifically a talkSPORT interview held with promoter Frank Warren, Fury-Usyk is almost over and is targeted towards the end of April. We may even hear about a confirmed location in the coming days.
Negotiations for this have been going on for months, and we’ve received partial updates in the media all the time, which has become quite tiresome at times. However, all of that becomes irrelevant if the fight is officially announced soon.
Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia
While Fury and Usyk are two men at the end of their careers, having proven themselves time and again at the highest level, we could soon see a fight between the two as well. boxers at a very different stage in their careers. Davis and Garcia, while both have become famous, still have something to prove and both could be on the verge of becoming real superstars.
So it makes perfect sense for the two American lightweights to fight each other, that’s clearly the plan. April 15 is supposed to be the desired date, somewhere in Las Vegas.
Discussions about this have been going on for a long time, mostly on social media, and it’s certainly more annoying than Fury-Usyk’s updates. About a month ago, it looked like an official announcement was coming, but there was no such news. Both Davis and Garcia regularly post ‘updates’ that don’t say much.
At this point, it’s hard to know how likely the war really is. All signs point to a positive outcome, but we had information about this war that was signed and sealed before, only that didn’t happen.
It’s an important battle between two young talents and the winner is sure to become one of the sport’s brightest stars. For Garcia in particular, it’s also a fight that will probably wait until later in his career after he’s outlasted opponents tougher than he’s faced.
Anthony Joshua vs Jermaine Franklin
Of all the fights discussed in this column, Joshua-Franklin is the closest to being officially announced. According to those involved, including promoter Eddie Hearn, the fight has been signed and confirmed is imminent (or already happening, depending on the time of your reading).
There are only a few reports of this war in the media; most of the attention surrounding Joshua is focused on his new training facility, which currently looks set to be moving to the United States under the direction of a still-unconfirmed head coach.
After two defeats to Usyk, the Londoner is clearly looking to rebuild himself. A new coaching team — especially one away from any distractions he inevitably suffers from at home — seems like a smart move. Not only that, but choosing Franklin as a rival shows that Joshua doesn’t want to go back to being at the highest level again.
Franklin’s final battle was a controversial defeat to Dillian Whyte. He’s not considered a top heavyweight at all, but he could be the right opponent for Joshua at this stage.
Anthony Joshua (François Nel/Getty Images)
Conor Benn vs Manny Pacquiao
You have read correctly. And no, this is almost certainly not going to happen. The idea for this fight only arose because Hearn mentioned in several interviews that there had been “small discussions” with Pacquiao’s team about doing this fight. Pacquiao has taken a break from boxing despite having participated in exhibition fights since leaving.
Of course, Benn failed two drug tests last year despite claiming his innocence while two separate investigations are underway to determine whether he intentionally ingested the drug. Are not.
Even without the issue of Benn’s failed tests, a fight with Pacquiao would be a disappointing one. The Philippine icon is not an active fighter and will turn 45 this year. A fight with Benn would be a pretty desperate attempt to keep raising the Brit’s record.
Benn’s focus should be clearing his name without a doubt, if he is indeed innocent. If that happens, then he should consider active heavyweights who will help him develop a very promising career before he fails.
Of course, in fact, Hearn could have mentioned Pacquiao in an attempt to garner more interest for Benn’s eventual return to action, as reports suggest he will be vindicated in the little future. at least one of his investigations into his unsuccessful drug test results.
Boxing on the box
February 11th
Adam Azim-Santos Reyes
Sky Sports Gymnasium
Coverage starts at 6pm
