Deontay Wilder has ‘hope’ for Anthony Joshua showdown but won’t believe in the fight until one thing happens

Claressa Shields launches youth program “Follow Your Dreams” ahead of her fight against Lani Daniels

Before stepping into the ring to compete for the Undisputed Heavyweight World Championship, Claressa Shields proves once again that her impact goes far beyond boxing.

The undefeated champion announced the launch of the “Follow Your Dreams” program, an emotional community initiative in partnership with King Moore, a child actor, social media phenomenon, and youth motivator who is just nine years old.

The project is presented by SMT Financial Partners and will culminate on fight night, when 1,000 local children will attend the bout at Little Caesars Arena free of charge as part of an unforgettable experience.

The evening will include a powerful tribute to “Follow Your Dreams,” a message of hope, resilience, and faith in the future. Moore will perform his song of the same name live in front of the illuminated stadium, surrounded by the invited children, in a tribute that seeks to inspire an entire generation.

“I know what it’s like to grow up with big dreams and face big challenges,” Shields said. “That’s why it means so much to me to partner with King Moore and SMT to show the youth of Detroit that anything is possible. I want all the young people in that arena to feel recognized, supported, and inspired to pursue their dreams, just as I did,” Shields said.

Shields, who overcame a childhood marked by poverty in Michigan, remains committed to youth development in her community. “Follow Your Dreams” has benefited iconic Detroit programs such as the Children’s Boxing Center, Kronk/Emanuel Steward Champions of Tomorrow, the Police and Fire Youth Program, the Motor City Wolverines, the Arthur Eddy Academy, and various local schools and organizations.

Moore said, “Children are 50% of the population, but 100% of the future. I want those 1,000 kids at Little Caesars Arena to know that if they pursue their dreams, nothing is impossible!”

SMT CEO DJ Selph concluded, “When a child sees a champion, they believe they can be one. I am proud of the message these two champions are sending to our children.”

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Shakur Stevenson Brutally Roasts ‘Little Girl’ Gervonta Davis

Shakur Stevenson offers a scathing take on Gervonta Davis.

Gervonta Davis vs Shakur Stevenson is a fight that boxing fans across the globe would love to see. It’s a stellar stylistic matchup between two of the top lightweights in the world. Stevenson is the WBC champion of the division, while Davis holds the WBA title.

Stylistically, it’s a purist’s dream fight. Davis is 30-0-1 with 28 knockouts and always seems to find a way to put his opponents down. Stevenson, meanwhile, is often seen as the modern day Floyd Mayweather due to his masterful defense.

They aren’t expected to cross paths any time soon as Stevenson has an upcoming fight against William Zepeda on July 12, while Gervonta Davis is expected to have a rematch against Lamont Roach on August 16.

Stevenson, though, is frustrated with “Tank” Davis’ antics and brutally roasted him in a recent interview. Speaking to FightHype, he said:

I am done saying it a hundred times, I am willing to make the fight happen. I still feel the same way. He gotta do what he gotta do. I don’t wanna keep chasing somebody that’s like, he’s like a little girl. He feels as though me chasing after him, no, I am just trying to make the best fight in the sport. I am trying to make boxing great. I want to the best versus the best.

He further added:

I want to prove I am the best, that’s all I want. It’s not that I’m chasing you, I keep your name in my mouth. Bro, it’s the fight that the world wants to see, it’s the fight that the fans keep calling on. So, that’s what I am saying. But with him, it’s like a little girl sh*t. He feels like I need him or something. N***a I don’t need you, I am already filthy rich.

Stevenson added that it’s not the money that interests him for a Davis fight. Instead, he just wants to make the best fights in the sport happen.

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Gervonta Davis and Turki Alalshikh Kill The ‘Beef’

Gervonta Davis and Turki Alalshikh have been going back and forth for years since Turki’s introduction to the sport.

But now it may seem like the ‘Beef’ has settled and could mean both will work together in the future.

Davis is one of the biggest names in the sport and a huge PPV attraction but has declined to do business with Turki.

Gervonta famously claimed he would want “Two Ferraris” just to work with His Excellency but after Turki accepted his offer its been radio silence between the two.

This could change in the near future after Turki has ‘squashed his beef’ with Tank.

In a recent interview with The Ring Magazine, where Turki discussed his future plans in the sport, Gervonta Davis’s name was brought up.

“I don’t have a problem with him or any fighters. If he respect what we are doing to the boxing, I don’t have any problem. And if he want the green light from Haymon, we work with Haymon now. In each card we have one or two fights with Haymon.”

Gervonta Davis Offered a Olive Branch-

Turki has offered the olive branch over to Davis saying that he knows where to search for glory.

“It depends about him if he want to enjoy the fast train for the glory, he know where he can search. And of course I like and I respect the loyalty for his partner Haymon.

His excellency also mentioned that the respect has to be key in bringing Davis into the inner circle.

“He need to understand that what we are doing is important for boxing. We work with who respect us and we have a tough fight, we don’t have normal fight.”

Tank has his own problems to face when he rematches Lamont Roach.

The first was controversially called a draw after Davis took a knee which wasn’t called a knockdown.

Roach is set to take revenge on Davis in August after the original June 21st date had to be pushed back.

If Gervonta can re write the script and prove his quality again against Roach, major matchups involving Turki Alashikh will be on the table.

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Gervonta Davis and Turki Alalshikh Kill The ‘Beef’

Gervonta Davis and Turki Alalshikh have been going back and forth for years since Turki’s introduction to the sport.

But now it may seem like the ‘Beef’ has settled and could mean both will work together in the future.

Davis is one of the biggest names in the sport and a huge PPV attraction but has declined to do business with Turki.

Gervonta famously claimed he would want “Two Ferraris” just to work with His Excellency but after Turki accepted his offer its been radio silence between the two.

This could change in the near future after Turki has ‘squashed his beef’ with Tank.

In a recent interview with The Ring Magazine, where Turki discussed his future plans in the sport, Gervonta Davis’s name was brought up.

“I don’t have a problem with him or any fighters. If he respect what we are doing to the boxing, I don’t have any problem. And if he want the green light from Haymon, we work with Haymon now. In each card we have one or two fights with Haymon.”

Gervonta Davis Offered a Olive Branch-

Turki has offered the olive branch over to Davis saying that he knows where to search for glory.

“It depends about him if he want to enjoy the fast train for the glory, he know where he can search. And of course I like and I respect the loyalty for his partner Haymon.

His excellency also mentioned that the respect has to be key in bringing Davis into the inner circle.

“He need to understand that what we are doing is important for boxing. We work with who respect us and we have a tough fight, we don’t have normal fight.”

Tank has his own problems to face when he rematches Lamont Roach.

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Deontay Wilder has ‘hope’ for Anthony Joshua showdown but won’t

Deontay Wilder has ‘hope’ for Anthony Joshua showdown but won’t believe in the fight until one thing happens

Deontay Wilder wants to face Anthony Joshua in a huge heavyweight clash, but he won’t believe the bout until he sees it for himself.

Tyrrell Herndon will battle Deontay Wilder as he makes his comeback fight, although the former world champion already has his eye on a fight with Anthony Joshua.

Joshua has reportedly agreed to face Tyson Fury at Wembley Stadium in one of the biggest fights on British soil in history.

However, Wilder still has hope of taking on the Olympic Gold Medallist once he’s done with Herndon, although he has his doubts about the fight taking place.

Deontay Wilder has hope for the Anthony Joshua fight, but doesn’t believe it until it happens

Wilder has admitted that he has “hope” of facing off with former World Heavyweight champion Joshua, but he won’t believe it until it actually happens.

He spoke with Boxing News and admitted that “there’s always going to be hope” about the heavyweight clash.

However, until he’s stood in the ring and the bell rings, Wilder won’t believe any talk about the potential super fight.

Wilder said: “I’m in. I’m a fighter, he’s a fighter. As long as he’s in the division, I’m in the division, then you know, there’s always going to be hope.

“There’s always going to be a discussion. I would say hope as well, but definitely a lingering conversation around it.

“But at this point, I don’t get excited about hearing it no more like I used to. Because I know the truth. I know the truth behind what’s been covered up.

“They always say the truth will set you free—and I’m free. I’m free from it. I don’t get excited about this talk anymore like a lot of people would or still do now, because they don’t know the real situation behind it.

“I’m not putting no energy into it anymore. Not unless we’re at the press conference, or better yet, in the ring, the bell’s about to ding. That’s when I believe it.”

Deontay Wilder will need to get past Tyrrell Herndon before a potential fight with Anthony Joshua

While there could be huge interest in a Wilder vs. Joshua fight, he’ll need to beat Herndon in his next bout to keep that idea alive.

Wilder has lost four of his last five fights, a far cry from his time as the undefeated world champion.

The knockout artist lost in a shock knockout to Zhilei Zhang, which followed Wilder’s back-to-back defeats against Tyson Fury to derail the American’s career.

A loss to Herndon should put a dent in his hopes of facing Joshua, who will want a much bigger fight than Wilder should his bad form continue.

Wilder is predicted to easily beat Herndon when they face off on June 27.

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Groves hints Joshua vs Fury bout signed

Former world champion George Groves has claimed that a blockbuster bout between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua is either already signed or close to being finalised, saying both fighters are likely to meet next without interim bouts, The PUNCH reports.

Groves said he believes Fury’s temporary retreat from the spotlight is simply part of the build-up before an official announcement.

“I don’t think you need to convince him,” Groves said in an exclusive interview with CasinoBeats when asked what it would take to bring Fury out of his brief retirement.

“I think it’s done. He’s fighting Joshua. He’s just switched off from boxing for a bit. I’m almost certain that the fight is either signed, sealed, delivered and just not announced, or well on its way to being done.”

The former WBA super-middleweight champion added that both heavyweights are past the stage of needing warm-up fights and are ready to face each other despite their recent form.

“Joshua wouldn’t have a warm-up fight. Those ships have sailed. They’ll just fight each other,” Groves said.

“They’re both coming off losses, so neither of them is in particularly good form. Fury’s probably been in worse form than Joshua. Joshua got beat by Dubois. Up till then, he was doing okay.

“Knocked out a cage fighter. Fury had life and death with a cage fighter. So yeah, it’s two heavyweights, former world champions, they want to roll around, have a little fight.”

Groves even suggested tongue-in-cheek that the long-awaited fight could happen in a cage, referencing the pair’s recent respective match-ups with MMA crossovers.

Reflecting on Joshua’s place in British heavyweight history, Groves offered a strong comparison with another former world champion, David Haye. While many fans have fantasised about a Joshua-Haye dream match-up, Groves was clear on where he stands.

“Haye was a lot better fighter than Anthony Joshua,” Groves said bluntly.

“He was so fast, so powerful. If he hit you, he could get rid of you. And I’ve seen him spar the likes of Deontay Wilder, Carlos Takam and other quality heavyweights in his prime. He handled almost all of them.”

The 37-year-old, who trained with Haye during his career, recalled just how difficult it was to even land a jab on the former cruiserweight and heavyweight world champion.

“I had a lightning-fast jab, really good reactions, but I couldn’t land a glove on him. He could jab and feel like he shoved my teeth out of my head. It was the most frustrating thing ever. Heavyweights shouldn’t be able to do that,” Groves recounted.

He described a hypothetical fight between Haye and Joshua as a shootout but maintained that Haye’s technical gifts and speed gave him the edge, even if both had the power to end it with one shot.

“Haye was a gifted amateur. He won silver at the World Championships. Maybe I’ve seen more of Haye than Joshua so I’ve got a bit of bias, but I think it would have been a 50–50 fight. A great one.”

Groves, who retired in 2018, and remains one of the most respected voices in British boxing also weighed in on recent rumours surrounding Dillian Whyte and Moses Itauma, after Derek Chisora reportedly turned down a £2m offer to face the 29-year-old heavyweight prospect.

“Whyte’s in it for the paydays,” Groves said.

“He doesn’t have the credibility or the profile of Chisora. His options aren’t the same.”

Asked about Whyte’s interest in reigniting a fight with Anthony Joshua, Groves referenced their scrapped bout last year and Joshua’s well-known stance on drug offences in the sport.

“They were scheduled to fight again, weren’t they? Then Whyte tested positive for drugs. And Joshua isn’t a fan of that,” he said. “When Big Baby Miller did that to him, Ruiz stepped in and he came unstuck. Joshua doesn’t like last-minute replacements and he definitely doesn’t like drugs in the sport.”

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Anthony Joshua in ‘semi-retirement’ as heavyweight waits for return

Boxing legend Amir Khan believes Anthony Joshua is in ‘semi-retirement’ despite the Brit looking to return to the ring later this year. Joshua has not fought since suffering a brutal knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois last September.

The pair looked certain to go head-to-head in an immediate rematch, but ‘AJ’ was not ready to fight soon after their initial encounter after sustaining some minor injuries in the bout. The 35-year-old recently had surgery on his elbow and is now looking to fight before the end of the year.

Joshua seems to be enjoying life at the moment and was recently spotted with Khan in Ghana. The pair appear to be on good terms again after Khan accused the British heavyweight of sleeping with his wife. Following their brief encounter, the 38-year-old has stated that he believes Joshua’s career is coming to an end.

In an interview with Vegas Insider, he said: “He seems to be in semi-retirement. He’s looking at all business opportunities and stuff like that, but he has done all of the hard work, AJ has done great things in the sport and has done it all.

“He is an Olympic gold-medallist, a former two-time world champion and I think he’s one or two fights away from retiring or maybe one more fight and he’ll call it a day but that’s just my opinion. We all want to see the Tyson Fury fight, let’s hope they can make it happen.”

With Joshua looking to get back to winning ways, he is still hoping to one day go head-to-head with long-time rival Tyson Fury. The ‘Gypsy King’ retired earlier this year after suffering his second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk. That said, he has teased a potential return to the ring over the last few weeks.

In an interview with Vegas Insider, he said: “He seems to be in semi-retirement. He’s looking at all business opportunities and stuff like that, but he has done all of the hard work, AJ has done great things in the sport and has done it all.

“He is an Olympic gold-medallist, a former two-time world champion and I think he’s one or two fights away from retiring or maybe one more fight and he’ll call it a day but that’s just my opinion. We all want to see the Tyson Fury fight, let’s hope they can make it happen.”

With Joshua looking to get back to winning ways, he is still hoping to one day go head-to-head with long-time rival Tyson Fury. The ‘Gypsy King’ retired earlier this year after suffering his second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk. That said, he has teased a potential return to the ring over the last few weeks.

“I have Daniel Dubois losing to Oleksandr Usyk and that would be a great comeback fight for Tyson as it is a fight still at the top (level) and then fight Oleksandr Usyk or Anthony Joshua which is the fight I want to see.

“There are a few good options still there for Fury because he is such a big name and has that backing. I think Fury takes the loser of Usyk vs Dubois and then fights Joshua or the king of the heavyweight division.

“With Fury and AJ, they have both had time out of the ring and I believe both fighters have a 50/50 chance of winning the fight. At first, I was favouring Tyson Fury but not anymore, I think it is a 50/50 fight. It is a fight where you can’t say who is going to win because is it the power or the boxing IQ that wins the fight? It’s hard to say.”

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Deontay Wilder wants to square off with Anthony Joshua before both retire

The year was 2018, and Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder were undefeated and ruled the heavyweight division by owning all of the titles and were en route to face off for an undisputed championship fight.

After Wilder fought to a draw in December 2018 against Tyson Fury, the plan was for him to move on to face Joshua. In March 2019, DAZN offered Wilder $100 million for a three-fight package, including two vs. Joshua, but he declined the deal, citing dishonesty.

Joshua moved on to fight Andy Ruiz Jr. and suffered a shocking stoppage loss and hasn’t been able to properly find his footing since, going 6-4 in the last six years. Wilder moved on to face Fury two more times and lost both by knockout, and he’s 1-4 in the last six years.

And now, Wilder, who turns 40 on Oct. 22, and Joshua, who turns 36 seven days prior, are looking to reignite a rivalry that has seen its share of false starts throughout the years.

Wilder (43-4-1, 42 KOs) returns Friday to face Tyrrell Herndon (24-5, 15 KOs) at Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas. The Global Combat Collective PPV event will be distributed by BLK Prime, Fubo, and PPV.com, among others, for $24.95.

Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs), meanwhile, is recovering from elbow surgery and plans to return later this year for his first fight since getting stopped in five rounds by Daniel Dubois in September. He, too, needs a bounce-back win.

“If that fight against Joshua comes, and everything is right, why not?” Wilder told The Ring. “We’ll deal with the situation when it happens. He’s still in the business, and I am as well. I want all of [them]. I am not going after just one particular person. If it’s a great fight to be made, I am there. I want to make the best fights people want to see.

“But I am not going to be around with picket signs asking for the fight. I am not going to do that. I never chased anyone. If people didn’t want to fight me, it was what it was. … I always wanted the biggest fights possible in my career.”

Wilder and Joshua were supposed to face off last year, but the former wasn’t able to beat Joseph Parker as the co-main event. Joshua gained a stoppage win against Otto Wallin in December 2023 in Saudi Arabia.

The decision defeat was a setback for Wilder, forcing him to seek a meaningful win against Zhilei Zhang. The result was even worse this time, and Wilder was zapped in five rounds last June.

It seems like a lifetime ago that Wilder was wreaking havoc in the division as an underweight knockout artist. Wilder enjoyed a WBC title run beginning in 2015 when he beat Bermane Stiverne and defended the title 10 times before meeting his match in Fury.

After overcoming mental health issues, Wilder wants to make one last run and face contemporaries he never got to clash with, including Oleksandr Usyk.

“I want the biggest fights possible,” said Wilder. “I don’t care about who the individual is. I’m not dwelling on these guys. These guys wouldn’t give me an opportunity to save their lives because they were stuck on not losing. I just wanted to be undisputed, but many people did not have me on their agenda because of how dangerous I am. That’s OK. That’s why I am still here pursuing myself and going on to do even greater things. This time it will be even more powerful.”

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Deontay Wilder to have two comeback fights before eying double header with Anthony Joshua in

Deontay Wilder to have two comeback fights before eying double header with Anthony Joshua in London and Las Vegas

DEONTAY WILDER is set for two confidence-building comeback fights – before eyeing a double header with Anthony Joshua.

The former WBC champion returns on Saturday in Kansas against little-known Tyrrell Herndon looking to bounce back after two losses.

Nelson Lopez Jr – a former matchmaker for the likes of Oscar de la Hoya and PBC – is promoting Wilder’s low-profile return.

A three-fight deal is in place between the pair – with Wilder’s second comeback fight already pencilled in – before they target a showdown with AJ.

Lopez told SunSport: “Yeah listen, we got a tentative deal and we’re just going one by one.

“We have the next one set up, this one set up, nothing solid for the third one – you know how boxing is, there’s no path of how you succeed.

“We have to get over this, so anything can happen. We got to get over the next one. Anything can happen.

“And then, you know maybe Eddie will sit at the table and see what we can do something with AJ.”

Wilder was stunned on points against Joseph Parker in December 2024 before he was knocked out in June 2024 by Zhilei Zhang.

Both times he blew the chance to fight 35-year-old Joshua – who was knocked out by Daniel Dubois in September and has since had elbow surgery.

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Promoter Nelson has opened the door to a two-fight with with AJ – in Las Vegas and London – with the possibility of a trilogy.

He said: “Maybe we go ahead and lock in a trilogy. You know what I mean, why not?

“For both fighters maybe we lock in something we can do guaranteed two fights and if one wins and one wins, we do the third.

“I would do it that way. I don’t think the fans would be mad at that.

“I think either way it would have be amazing fight for both of them and whoever wins the first two then you’re crowned the man.”

Wilder, 39, went through a period of radio silence after his fifth-round stoppage loss to Zhang in Riyadh.

He cited personal issues for his absence from the spotlight – and also had secret arm surgery with plans to return to the big time.

Lopez said: “Yeah, he’s definitely up for these fights.

“Our in Kansas slated “Legacy Reloaded” so the first two fights are just leading towards that.”

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Jake Paul ready to come to UK for fight… and teases huge bouts against Anthony Joshua and Tommy Fury

JAKE PAUL is ready to come to the UK for a fight – against either Anthony Joshua or Tommy Fury.

Paul has recently signed a string of female stars to his Most Valuable Promotions roster including Ellie Scotney and Savannah Marshall.

So the YouTuber-turned-boxer is plotting an MVP show in the UK – and could even headline against ex-heavyweight champion AJ.

Paul said: “For sure, we would love to.

“We’re going to do it all and I’d love to come back to the UK and maybe for Anthony Joshua, maybe Madison Square Garden, who knows?

“But I’d love to fight in the UK and we’ll definitely do an event there.”

Paul, 28, called out Joshua, 35, earlier this year and the two struck a verbal agreement to fight in 2026.

AJ is yet to return since being knocked out by Daniel Dubois, 27, in September and has since undergone elbow surgery.

Paul’s last fight was at heavyweight against Mike Tyson – who controversially came out of retirement aged 58 before losing on points.

He now returns on Saturday in California back down at cruiserweight against former middleweight champ Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, 39, on DAZN PPV.

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Paul’s promotional partner Nakisa Bidarian revealed plans are in place for a UK show – with Fury among those who could be in the opposite corner.

Bidarian said: “We’ve had discussions around later this year in terms of having a UK event based on the roster of talent that we’ve built in terms of Jake, it really depends on who he’s fighting next and if that makes sense or not, right?

“The Tommy Fury fight is definitely a fight that he still wants if Tommy ever gets realistic about compensation.”

Fury, 26, beat Paul via split-decision in 2023 in Saudi Arabia but turned down an offer to rematch last year.

The 2019 Love Islander underwent hand surgery after rejecting a £6m deal to fight Paul on Netflix – with Tyson stepping in as a replacement.

Paul wants to avenge his only loss in the boxing ring – but only for the right price.

He said: “I’m on a path to world championship and if Tommy gets realistic we can make that happen. But he’s just like out-priced himself.

“I’m the only thing that Tommy has. I don’t need Tommy. I would love to avenge the loss 1,000 per cent.

“But there’s 15 people with massive names waiting to fight me and also the goal is to become world champion.

“I won Knockout of The Year, most watched fight ever. The only thing left to do in the sport is to become a world champion.”