Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has made a surprising statement, naming former two-time world champion Anthony Joshua among his top five boxers in the world. This declaration comes despite Usyk’s dominant victories over Joshua in their two previous encounters.
As Usyk prepares for his highly anticipated rematch against Tyson Fury in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on December 21st, he revealed his top five list during an interview with DAZN. The Ukrainian sensation placed pound-for-pound king Terence Crawford and super-middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez at the top of his list. Following closely behind, he named Anthony Joshua, a fighter he has clearly outclassed in the ring.
Joshua’s recent career trajectory has been marked by setbacks, most notably his devastating knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September. This defeat, which saw Joshua dropped multiple times before the fight was halted, has significantly impacted his reputation. Despite this, Usyk’s inclusion of Joshua in his top five highlights the Ukrainian’s respect for his opponent’s skill and past achievements.
Usyk’s top five list is rounded out by Tyson Fury and undefeated Japanese sensation Naoya Inoue. Fury, who is aiming to avenge his loss to Usyk, has promised a more aggressive approach in the rematch, vowing to knock out the Ukrainian. Inoue, on the other hand, continues to dominate the bantamweight division with his exceptional boxing skills and devastating power.
The winner of the Usyk-Fury rematch could potentially face Joshua in 2024, as the British fighter has no plans to retire despite calls from various boxing figures. This potential matchup would undoubtedly be a highly anticipated clash between two of the biggest names in heavyweight boxing.
Professional boxer and Michigan native Claressa Shields is in the news this week ahead of her biopic film premiere.
However, the headlines aren’t over the film or the two-time gold medalist’s boxing career. Instead, the talk behind the screen is about her beef with rapper Remy Ma.
Here’s what to know.
Who is Claressa Shields?
Claressa Shields is a professional boxer and mixed martial artist. She won gold medals in the women’s middleweight division at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. She also has won super middleweight, junior middleweight and middleweight professional boxing crowns.
Where is Claressa Shields from?
Shields is a Michigan native, born and raised in Flint.
Who is Claressa Shields in a feud with?
Shields was trending online Thursday after rapper Remy Ma took to social media to lash out at her husband Papoose over an affair with Shields. The beef led to Remy Ma and Papoose exchanging cheating accusations and Shields posting her own takes on the drama.
“Remy Ma vs. Claressa Shields drama heats up!,” Twitter celebrity watching account, chasethatclout, reported. “Remy accuses Papoose of cheating with the boxer, sharing alleged texts. Shields claps back, denies the affair, and even jokes about a boxing match. Both have since deleted posts, but the internet is buzzing.”
What is the Claressa Shields movie?
“The Fire Inside,” is a film about Claressa Shields’ journey from training as a boxer in Flint to becoming an Olympic gold medalist. The movie is written and produced by Barry Jenkins and directed by Rachel Morrison.
When will the Claressa Shields movie be released?
“The Fire Inside” will be released Dec. 25.
Who stars as Claressa Shields in the movie?
Ryan Destiny stars as Claressa Shields in “The Fire Inside.” The Detroit native won awards at the Denver International Film Festival and Celebration of Cinema and Television for the upcoming role.
Who is Remy Ma?
Reminisce Kioni Mackie, known as Remy Ma, is a rapper who rose to prominence for her work as a member of Fat Joe’s group, Terror Squad. Her debut solo album, There’s Something About Remy: Based on a True Story (2006), peaked at number 33 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Ma’s most commercially successful songs include “Whuteva”, “Lean Back” (with Terror Squad, “Conceited”, and “All the Way Up.” She won the BET Award for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist in 2005 and 2017.
(DEC 13) On February 2, 2025, at the Dort Federal Event Center in Flint, Michigan, Claressa “T-Rex” Shields, boasting an impressive record of 15-0-0 (3KO), is set to face off against Danielle Perkins, who comes in at 5-0-0 (2KO) from Houston, Texas. This match is particularly significant as it will be for the WBC Heavyweight world title.
Shields last fought in July of 2024, at the Little Caesars Arena, in Detroit, Michigan, when she moved up to the heavyweight division and fought Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse for multiple world titles, winning the bout by a second round TKO in scheduled 10-round bout.
Perkins, also last fought in July of 2024, on the same card in against Christianne Fahey in a six-rounder winning by a unanimous decision.
While the matchup is highly anticipated, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges facing women’s boxing, specifically in the heavyweight division. The talent pool in this category is notably sparse, with historically a handful at best of boxers deemed of championship caliber.
The hotly-anticipated rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk is just around the corner, with the Gypsy King looking to avenge a heartbreaking loss to his rival earlier this year.
Usyk defeated Fury in Riyadh to hand him his first-ever professional defeat, and became the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999 in the process. The WBC, WBA, and WBO belts will all be on the line this time round, with Usyk relinquishing the IBF title shortly after beating Fury. That title is now held by Daniel Dubois, who was upgraded from interim champion and will defend that title in February against Joseph Parker.
The rematch is set for the 21st of December, and Lewis, along with other top names in the boxing scene, have been giving their predictions about who will come out on top this time.
Oleksandr Usyk & Tyson Fury’s pro boxing records (as of 13/12/24)
Oleksandr Usyk
Tyson Fury
Fights
22
36
Wins
22
34
Losses
0
1
Draws
0
1
Lennox Lewis & Anthony Joshua Both Back Oleksandr Usyk
Lewis, with 41 wins from 44 fights, and despite initially throwing his support behind Fury, is now under the impression that Usyk is on the top of his game and will be hard to stop.
Lewis told Droeks On Boxing: “Well, I cannot go against Usyk. He has proven himself time and time again, and he is still undefeated. It really comes down to who boxes the best. Who’s smart in the ring? I didn’t think Tyson Fury was smart in the first fight. I think he played around a little bit too much, and allowed Usyk to really pile up the points. Usyk is a difficult opponent. He moves all the time, he’s always throwing punches, he’s in great shape, and that’s hard to beat.”
Anthony Joshua
Anthony Joshua, who was ringside for the first fight in May, can tell you first hand what it is like to be in the ring with Usyk, having lost to him twice. He also believes the Ukrainian will come out on top once again. He told Queensberry Promotions: “I think it’s going to be a tough fight early on, and then I feel like Usyk will edge it again. He’s a class operator, so I think Usyk’s one of the best out there. That’s why I think he will win.”
Other Fighters Have Their Say
Derek Chisora, Carl Frampton, and Amir Khan have all cast their picks
Another British fighter who isn’t backing Fury to win is Derek Chisora. He has been in the ring with both men, losing on a total of four occasions (including a trilogy with Fury). He said: “[Usyk] is still the same, bro. It’s gonna be a good fight, we’re gonna see a little bit of difference, but you have to understand: Tyson will come a little bit different, but Usyk will come a little bit different [as well]. But as the scales hit right now, my money’s still edging on Usyk.”
Someone who is backing Fury, however, is another former world champion, CarlFrampton, as he said: “I fancy Fury. My mind hasn’t really swayed from start to finish, which is strange in a fight of this magnitude; I’ve been saying Fury from the start. I think Fury is in the zone now, he’s serious, he’s ready to fight. Both guys seem to be very, very confident. Both, I think, know it’s going to be a difficult fight.”
Amir Khan similarly backed Fury to right his wrong from May, with the former world champion saying: “I just lean more towards Tyson in this fight. As we get closer to the fight, I feel like Tyson might be a little too thin. We know Fury can fight on his back foot, but we just don’t know what to expect […] Let’s see, I’m gonna stick with Fury to win the fight, but there could be a few scares.”
So the boxing world is split over who they believe will win. One thing is for sure, it will be sure to be a massive clash between two of boxing’s best.
Mike Tyson has responded to claims that his heavyweight showdown with Jake Paul was ‘rigged’, with the 58 year old dismissing the rumors and insisting it was a legitimate fight. The former heavyweight world champion made a comeback last month to face off against the YouTuber-turned-boxer.
Despite the match being lackluster, ‘The Problem Child’ managed to secure a decisive unanimous decision victory in Texas, pushing his professional record to 11-1. Tyson, who was trying to recapture his past glory on fight night, only landed 18 punches over the course of eight rounds.
After the fight, some fans were quick to label the bout as ‘fixed’ after footage surfaced showing the 58 year old seemingly pulling away from a punch. However, Tyson has since set the record straight.
In an interview with Fox Sports Radio, the boxing legend stated “it was a real fight.” He was also questioned about why he wasn’t throwing punches throughout the fight. His response was quite surprising, confessing he doesn’t recall much of the fight.
“I don’t remember the fight that much, I kind of blanked out. I haven’t watched the fight back,” he admitted. “You know what I remember… coming back from the first round and Jake was doing some sort of bow… that’s the last thing I remember.”
He added: “I wasn’t tired, I wasn’t sweaty. I went to the house we were staying in, I left the house with my wife and kids, went to the after-party then went back.”
In the same interview, when asked if the fight added to his legacy, the American star astonishingly said: “I never thought about that! The day after the fight, I woke up and told my wife ‘why did I do that?’ I just don’t know what the hell went on.”
The 58 year old then shared how his family reacted to his shocking confession, stating they were very ‘supportive’ after the contentious bout. Tyson also disclosed a near-death experience before the match, saying he almost died from an ulcer flare-up during a flight.
He reflected on the event, noting, “This is one of those situations when you lost but still won,” and expressed gratitude for the opportunity, adding, “I’m grateful for [Friday] night and have no regrets about getting in the ring one last time.”
Tyson revealed his harrowing health ordeal, “I almost died in June; I had eight blood transfusions. I lost half my blood and 25lbs in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight so I won. To have my children see me stand toe to toe and finish eight 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.”
Former WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew has backed Anthony Joshua to return to the ring for a rematch with Daniel Dubois, even as Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk prepare for their highly anticipated December 21 heavyweight unification bout in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking to Spaceport Sweden, Bellew expressed confidence in Joshua’s ability to bounce back from his shocking September defeat to Dubois at Wembley Stadium, where he lost by knockout.
“I wouldn’t doubt that he’ll be back for a single second. As long as he’s still hungry and has the desire, he’ll be back,” Bellew said.
The former champion believes Joshua, who has earned over $200m in his career, including $75m from fights in 2024 alone, will take his time before making any decisions about his future.
“It’s a smart move to sit and wait. Just let it all unfold in front of you and then all he has to do is decide in January. Enjoy Christmas, and enjoy your New Year. Enjoy your time,” Bellew added.
Joshua, who started 2024 with a victory over Francis Ngannou before losing to Dubois, still has one fight remaining on his lucrative Riyadh Season contract.
Meanwhile, IBF heavyweight champion Dubois has confirmed his interest in a rematch with Joshua, despite being scheduled to defend his title against Joseph Parker in February.
“As a fighter, I would love to get in the ring and put the final touches on our rivalry,” Dubois told the Mirror recently.
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has indicated that the British-Nigerian won’t return to action until at least May 2024, with multiple options available, including a potential clash with the winner of the WBC interim title fight between Zhilei Zhang and Agit Kabayel.
However, Bellew suggests Joshua’s immediate focus should be on the Dubois rematch rather than the upcoming Fury-Usyk clash.
“I think the last thing on Anthony Joshua’s mind right now is one of those two. I think his goal and his focus will be on Daniel Dubois,” Bellew said.
I’ve sparred Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury but scary prospect was toughest at just 15-years-old in ‘school uniform’
Lawrence Okolie has sparred Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, but was given his toughest examination by another frightening prospect.
Okolie is a two-weight world champion who has shared the ring with some of the best fighters in the sport, including some of the heaviest-handed heavyweights.
‘The Sauce’ has touched gloves with the likes of long-term friend Joshua regularly as well as former two-time champion Fury, who he sparred in 2023 while competing at cruiserweight.
After moving up to the blue-riband division himself with a big first round KO win, some of these names could become his future opponents.
But despite sparring some formidable profiles, the new British heavyweight was most threatened by prospect Moses Itauma in a tough sparring session.
He recalled the rounds during an interview on talkSPORT’s White & Jordan, revealing they were his toughest despite Itauma being just 15-years-old.
He said: “Funnily enough, I don’t know if it was because I was making cruiserweight or not.
“But the young up and comer, Moses Itauma that I remember sparring when he was 15 when I was preparing for a world title shot.
“I don’t know what it was about him, he was so fast and explosive and also very skillful.
“To be fair that’s the toughest spar I had. I was 27 and geared up for a world title shot and in my best shape.
“This boy came in his school uniform, taking off his tie and blazer and coming in to give some great work.
“That’s why I’m rooting for him, as I want someone with that much talent actually go and accomplish great things.”
Itauma has earned rave reviews from a number of big names, having even faced lofty comparisons to heavyweight legend Mike Tyson.
The 19-year-old has had 10 fights already in his professional career, and is yet to be beaten winning eight of them by KO.
Fury has already tipped Itauma as a future star of the division, given he has already risen to a superb standard.
The ‘Gypsy King’ even himself admitted that he would avoid a showdown with Itauma, who clearly carries formidable punching power.
Itauma will even help Fury spar for his upcoming rematch with Oleksandr Usyk on December 21, a sign that he is considered a real force moving forward.
The Briton will face experienced Australian Demsey McKean on the undercard of the sequel, as he looks to continue to expand his profile.
And his trainer Ben Davison, who is also the cornerman for Joshua, believes he is the best prospect in the heavyweight scene currently.
“He’s a very smart, intelligent fighter. He’s a thinking fighter,” he said.
“At his age a lot of it is instinct. Our job is to make it very conscious so when he comes across another fighter with a high IQ, he’s able to process, he’s able to have answers for whatever questions they’re asking back of him.
“He’s able to recognise traps that better opponents are trying to set on him. I feel like his progress is quick.
“I know sometimes he plays it down but he really loves the sport. He’s got a lot of passion for it and he’s really exciting.”
Okolie and Itauma could be pit against each other in the future, given he too plans to join Itauma at the pinnacle of the division.
The former Olympian is already ranked fifth in the WBC rankings, and is hoping to make a quick push towards world glory.
It could easily see the pair pit in a future all-British clash, which would certainly light up the squared circle.
Mike Tyson, who was reportedly offered $700 million from a Saudi Royal, is facing legal action for allegedly breaking a promotional agreement.
Mike Tyson, who was reportedly offered $700 million from a Saudi Royal, is facing legal action for allegedly breaking a promotional agreement with a gambling corporation to fight YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.
According to FTTV Boxing, Turki Alalshikh, the head of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, offered the huge amount to Tysonif he convincingly defeats Paul in a knockout win in three minutes.
“Jake Paul is a joke. I am giving Mike Tyson $700 million if he agrees to fight Jake Paul this time in a real fight and wins by KO in a maximum of three minutes,” Alalshikh stated.
Paul defeated the famed boxer last month in a highly anticipated bout that aired live on Netflix to millions of spectators worldwide.
While the bout was deemed as a lackluster event that was allegedly staged, Tyson might have the opportunity to make amends with a “real fight” after receiving a very generous offer.
Mile Tyson accused of breaking January contract
UK-based Medier, which promotes online casino and betting provider Rabona, has accused Tyson and his firm Tyrannic of violating a January contract in March when the Netflix special was announced. Medier has claimed that the deal was broken due to a scheduling dispute.
In contrast, the suit filed in October in London asserts that Tyson cost Medier a significant loss of around $1.59 million (1.5 million euros).
“The true reason for Mr. Tyson and Tyrannic’s hasty and unlawful termination was because Mr. Tyson had agreed [to] a deal, sponsored by Netflix, to fight the influencer Jake Paul,” the firm’s attorney wrote in documents published on Friday.
In response, Tyson’s aides issued a statement to The Post.
“It is the company’s position that Medier, Ltd. materially breached the terms of its license agreement on multiple occasions and in various ways. As such, Tyrannic, LLC was well within its legal and contractual rights to terminate the license agreement for material breach in an effort to mitigate additional reputational harm to the Tyson brand.”
A match-up between two fighters of Nigerian origins Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder is set for 2025.
In a thrilling matchup between the United Kingdom and the United States, Anthony Joshua is predicted to face Deontay Wilder.
This year, the two former world champions were scheduled to finally meet, but Wilder lost unexpectedly to Joseph Parker.
Zhilei Zhang then knocked him out, and in September, Daniel Dubois stopped AJ after five rounds.
Richard Torrez, an 11-0 American professional and US Olympian, is still interested in seeing the two square off, though.
Turki Alalshikh, the powerful Saudi boxing head, recently announced plans to hold a 6v6 series of contests between the United Kingdom and the United States.
In June, Eddie Hearn’s stable of Matchroom fighters lost against Frank Warren’s Queensbury Promotions.
However, Hearn and Warren might team up this time to fight Golden Boy of America and Top Rank.
Joshua was expected to take a rematch against Dubois but is now out for an extended period.
Wilder on the other hand has set his sights on fighting Ngannou.
ANTHONY JOSHUA has been tipped to fight Deontay Wilder in a sensational UK vs USA event.
The pair of former world champions were lined up to finally face each other this year but Wilder suffered a shock defeat to Joseph Parker.
He was then knocked out by Zhilei Zhang before AJ was stopped in five rounds by Daniel Dubois in September.
But US Olympian and 11-0 American professional Richard Torrez still wants to see the two fight.
Torrez, 25, told Sky Sports: “I still want to see Wilder versus AJ, I still want to see some of those big guys go at it.
“We still want to see all of those fights happen. They will still be entertaining fights.
“You put a big heavyweight versus another big heavyweight – that’s going to be fireworks.”
Powerful Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh recently revealed plans to stage a 6v6 series of UK vs USA fights.
Frank Warren’s stable of five triumphed against Eddie Hearn’s in June.
But Hearn and Warren could this time join forces to take on Top Rank and Golden Boy of America.
And Torrez said: “It’s going to be UK versus US pretty soon. I think a lot of these guys are showing their stuff.
“I think they’re putting on the scene over on the European side and I feel like once some of us jump the Pond to head over I think it’s going to be a really cool and active scene for the up and comers.
“It’s building up and I’m really excited to see where we go with heavyweight boxing.”
