Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury must happen this year, says George Groves: ‘I wouldn’t bother with any other fights’

The last remaining piece of the puzzle for the super fight between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford is set.

Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas will host the Riyadh Season and TKO Group event on Sept. 13, it was announced on Tuesday.

The 65,000-seat multi-purpose stadium was originally set to host a college football game between the UNLV Rebels and Idaho State Bengals, but a deal has been struck for the boxing event to take over the date and venue.

The fight will be the venue’s first combat sports event since opening in 2020.

It was announced last week that the fight between the undisputed super middleweight champion Alvarez (63-2-2, 39 KOs) and Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) will stream on Netflix.

Press conferences are scheduled this weekend to promote it, with the first set for Friday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and the second for Sunday in New York City at Fanatics Fest.

A third press conference is scheduled for June 27 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

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Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury must happen this year, says George Groves:

Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury must happen this year, says George Groves: ‘I wouldn’t bother with any other fights’

George Groves is himself no stranger to being in a domestic rivalry, as he pleads with Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury to clash.

The British legend once fought Carl Froch in an iconic duology which ended in back-to-back defeats for ‘Saint George’. But this is why the former super middleweight champion has urged both parties to make a deal.

Rumours have circulated of Anthony Joshua mounting a return with a two-fight deal which could see him face Jared Anderson.

And with Tyson Fury reportedly training in the gym, despite his retirement, the conversation about a potential bout has returned.

George Groves wants Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury this year

While AJ is scheduled for a comeback against a different opponent, the 37-year-old believes there is no other fight to make.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “If I was either guy, I’d just fight each other and that’s it. I wouldn’t bother with any other fights.

“I’m sure the money’s great and that but who’s going to be paying through the nose for either guy to not fight each other?

“Just save it now, fight each other with no more mileage on the clock, no more risks.”

Groves believes there is a “number” which would make it “worthwhile” for both men that they are holding out for.

Now Turki Alalsheikh is involved in the sport, money is not seen as an obstacle to super fights.

As soon as the money is agreed, the Hammersmith fighter thinks it should happen as soon as possible.

He said: “That fight will be nailed on. He’s had surgery, Joshua, and Fury’s out running. I’m pretty sure they’ll box in September, October, rematch next year.”

Other all British heavyweight contests

This contest would likely be one of the biggest British heavyweight fights of the last two decades if sealed.

Wembley would be the only location but it would bring back sore memories for the Watford boxer.

Last September he took on fellow Brit Daniel Dubois but was devastatingly knocked out in the fifth round.

Although he has successfully beaten a fellow compatriot with a seventh-round stoppage of Dillian Whyte in their London derby.

Morecambe’s own is also no stranger to a domestic dust-up.

A night in one of boxing’s greatest venues Wembley Stadium saw the then-WBC champion floor Whyte with an uppercut in the sixth round to retain his crown.

He also holds three wins over Derek Chisora with the most recent being a tenth-round stoppage at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

However, these pale in comparison to Lennox Lewis’s seventh-round TKO of Frank Bruno at the National Stadium.

Their 1993 clash surrounded an era of a UK boom period in the sport and their bout should be a blueprint for this era’s heavyweight spectacle.

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Claressa Shields eyes victory against Lani Daniels: Nobody in the world can beat me

Claressa Shields faces Lani Daniels in Detroit, Michigan in July

Claressa Shields expresses confidence ahead of her next fight with Lani Daniels on July 26 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, MI. With just over a month to go, the fighters previewed their bout and went face-to-face at the press conference.

Unbeaten Shields (16-0, 3 KOs) makes her first defense of the undisputed heavyweight title. In her previous outing in front of her hometown crowd in February, the 30-year-old Flint, MI native scored a unanimous decision over Danielle Perkins. In her most recent ring appearance in Detroit last July, the three-division undisputed champion TKO’d Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse in the second round.

Ahead of their clash, Shields said she doesn’t think there’s an opponent who can defeat her. Daniels, who makes her U.S. debut, promised a “mean fight.”

“I’m so happy to be here,” Claressa Shields said. “I want to give the honor and thank you to God for making this happen. I want to thank Papoose for his support. It means a lot.”

“I fought here in Detroit last year when I knocked out Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse for the heavyweight title. Never in a million years did I think I would be fighting at heavyweight. I remember when it was first announced last year that I would be competing at heavyweight, it got a really big buzz. That’s when I took notice of all the other fighters at heavyweight for me to face.”

“The girls at the heavyweight division are not afraid of me, which is good because the girls who were a little bit smaller were intimidated. Now at heavyweight, I am getting the bigger fights I want. I’m coming off a victory against an opponent who was highly avoided from everyone in the heavyweight division in Danielle Perkins. The only person who didn’t avoid Danielle Perkins was me. I went in there and whooped Danielle Perkins.”

“At first, I thought this fight wasn’t going to be made. I got an email from my manager Mark Taffet, and he said she didn’t want to fight. So, I DM’d Daniels asking if she was scared of me. She said she was a little scared of me, but she can beat me.”

“I don’t think there’s a woman in the world that could beat me.”

‘It’s going to be a mean fight’

Two-division champion Daniels (11-2-2, 1 KO) of New Zealand currently holds the IBF title at light heavyweight. The 36-year-old, who previously held the IBF title at heavyweight, looks to get on the top of the divisions, claiming all four major straps.

“We welcome everyone who came along to support this fight,” Lani Daniels said. “It’s an honor and a privilege to be here. I’d like to thank Salita Promotions and Mark Taffet. Thank you, Claressa, for agreeing to fight me. Everyone knows who Claressa is, and it’s an honor to share the ring with her.”

“My team and I respect boxing, and we respect you. We are planning to come here next month and win. I’ve been preparing the best I can to give a mean fight. I know it’s going to be a mean fight.”

Among the bouts featured on the Shields vs Daniels undercard, former title challenger Licia Boudersa (23-3-2, 4 KOs) of France takes on French-born Canadian Olympian Caroline Veyre (9-1). The pair square off in a WBC featherweight title eliminator.

Plus, Samantha Worthington (23-8, 13 KOs) of Lexington, KY and Victoire Piteau (14-2, 2 KOs) of France go head-to-head at super lightweight, with the WBA interim belt at stake.

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Claressa Shields staying active and looking to fill the building

Undisputed heavyweight champion and consensus pound-for-pound queen Claressa Shields is staying active – and wants to add to her already-unparalleled resume.

Shields is scheduled to defend her heavyweight championship against IBF light heavyweight titleholder Lani Daniels on July 26 at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. The bout will stream on DAZN.

Shields, 16-0 (3 KOs), has a long list of achievements. She is a two-time Olympic gold medalist. She is a three-division undisputed champion. Rarely has she even been challenged – except, perhaps, by activity. She boxed only once per year in 2023 and 2024.

“The girls at the higher weight classes are fighting each other,” Shields, a 30-year-old from Flint, Michigan, told BoxingScene. “It was so hard for me to get fights at 154lbs, 160lbs and 168lbs.”

“I don’t think any of my fights at heavyweight have been hard to make, to be honest with you,” Shields said. “I am just fighting who will fight me. It just has to have some history on the line. I want to fight for some belts.”

Shields consistently fought the best available opposition during her title reigns at super middleweight, middleweight and junior middleweight, and defeated them all. Her record includes wins over Hanna Gabriels, Christina Hammer and Savannah Marshall, among others.

“I think a lot of these girl fighters are good, but I think I will be the one in the history books because of my longevity, the Olympic gold medals, and how I continue to fight the best,” Shields said. “I think I have one of the biggest spots in women’s sports ever.”

Shields also made mention of how, when she began her Olympic journey in 2012, women’s boxing was less visible than it is now. Shields cited herself, Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano as examples of pioneers making significant sums of money in the past decade – women’s boxing remains underdeveloped compared to men’s, but Shields, Taylor and Serrano have established themselves as quality operators and stars.

“I was the first woman to make a million dollars in boxing,” Shields said. “We are building a great blueprint for the girls coming after us.”

Daniels, 11-2-2 (1 KO), is a 36-year-old from Pipiwai, New Zealand, and is riding a seven-fight win streak since 2022.

“She is a two-time world champion, and she is coming to fight,” Shields said. “I am looking forward to being inside the ring with her and being challenged, and seeing if someone could take me off my GWOAT [Greatest Woman of All Time] status.”

Another thing of importance for Shields is the attendance for her fights. The Little Caesars Arena has a capacity of 19,000, and she wants to sell it out.

“I am a one-woman army. I want to let people know I don’t have to have a stable of 100 females for me to change women’s boxing,” Shields said. “I have done with myself, Salita Promotions, and God for the longest. And I am hoping once I sell 19,000 tickets, they can stop that myth that I don’t sell tickets.”

Shields wants to stay true to herself as she continues her remarkable career.

“There is not a certain type of woman’s boxer who sells tickets,” Shields said. “You can be different, you can be loud, you can be confident and still sell tickets, and have a great career while being the best.”

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‘Like the female Mike Tyson’: Claressa Shields urges Lani Daniels to come

‘Like the female Mike Tyson’: Claressa Shields urges Lani Daniels to come prepared for their July 26 fight

Claressa Shields says the next time Lani Daniels sees her in person she’ll be in prime fighting form.

Claressa Shields and Lani Daniels held their press conference ahead of their scheduled fight and Shields essentially held court for most of the event, discussing how the fight came to be and later taking aim at Daniels.

“This fight is like the female Mike Tyson — ‘cause I’m telling you, you don’t want to brawl with me. You don’t want to do that, but I want you to. I don’t think you strong as Danielle Perkins. What you think?” Shields asked Daniels.

“She said she can beat Danielle Perkins, so maybe after I beat her July 26th you’ll fight against Danielle Perkins ‘cause all ya’ll girls are scared of Danielle Perkins and ya’ll girls scared of me, too.”

Lani Daniels would chime in to claim that she couldn’t be scared of Perkins as she never even heard of her before she just fought Shields.

“When you go to the gym I just want ya’ll to know something,” Shields would continue. “I look like this now but up in five weeks I’m going to come with my braids straight to the back, I’m not going to have on no makeup, no lashes, my neck and my arms going to be a little bit bigger than what they are now. So I’m telling you all this so hopefully you’re prepared.”

Shields will defend her undisputed heavyweight crown against Daniels at Little Caesars Arena, live on DAZN on July 26.

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Gervonta Davis Sends Direct Message To Lamont Roach Jr As Rematch Still

Gervonta Davis Sends Direct Message To Lamont Roach Jr As Rematch Still Not Official

Gervonta Davis has shared an update on the situation surrounding his rematch with Lamont Roach Jr.

The 30-year-old from Baltimore, Maryland made a defence of his WBA world lightweight title against Roach earlier this year, with the fight ending in a split decision draw after a competitive twelve rounds at the Barclays Center in New York.

The result could have been very different however, after ‘Tank’ took a knee to the canvas during the ninth round after being on the receiving end of a Roach jab which referee Steve Willis failed to rule as an official knockdown. The champion later revealed that it was due to grease from his hair getting into his eyes.

A rematch between the pair is expected to take place in Las Vegas on August 16, with an announcement due in the coming weeks. There have been concerns around the delay in their second encounter being made official however, with both fighters going back and forth on social media in recent weeks.

In a post sent by Davis, the 30-year-old appeared to accuse Roach of holding out for a bigger purse this time around, which has left fans wondering whether the fight is actually going to go ahead.

“You should’ve been on that instead of calling for that $250k, [the f**k] is you waiting on? This bag bigger. THE F**K YOU FORGOT!”

Despite this, ‘Tank’ has also said:

“The plan is still the plan.”

Davis will have his sights set on righting the wrongs of the first fight and proving himself to still be the best lightweight on the planet, ahead of the likes of Shakur Stevenson.

The 30-year-old is also said to be considering a catchweight bout with Youtuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. although it remains to be seen whether this controversial match-up will happen before the end of 2025.

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Gervonta Davis Sums Up Terence Crawford vs Canelo Fight In Just 4 Words

Terence Crawford could defy the odds once again when he faces Canelo Alvarez later this year.

The 37-year-old from Omaha, Nebraska will bid to become an undisputed champion in a third weight class when he locks horns with the Mexican superstar on Saturday September 13 in Las Vegas.

Simpson’s surprising post fight plans with opponent! | ‘There’s no reason for animosity’

‘Bud’ has already conquered the super-lightweight and welterweight divisions, becoming the first fighter in boxing history to accomplish this feat within the ‘four belt era’.

He made the move up to 154lbs last August to become a four-division world champion, dethroning WBA super-welterweight champion Israil Madrimov, albeit in an underwhelming performance from the American.

One man who has shared his thoughts on the upcoming mega-fight is WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis, revealing to the media that he believes ‘Bud’ is only going ahead with the fight for financial gain.

“Crawford needs the money.

“I’m telling you … That’s why he says he don’t like me, cause I speak real s**t.”

The 30-year-old from Baltimore was then asked if he believes Crawford has what it takes to defeat Canelo, who will be the naturally bigger man on fight night.

“I ain’t trying to convince y’all that he can beat Canelo! He’s a good fighter, but… Bro, I would say smaller fighters are always better than bigger fighters cause they know how to move and things like that.”

Crawford will become the first male fighter in the history of boxing to become a three-weight undisputed champion should he prevail in September, but is faced with unquestionably the toughest test of his stellar career when he steps into the ring with the Mexican icon who has been a dominant force at 168lbs in recent years.

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Mexican Legend Marco Antonio Barrera Predicts Canelo vs Terence Crawford: “He Didn’t Look Good”

Mexican great Marco Antonio Barrera has shared his thoughts on the upcoming battle between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford.

It was confirmed last week that the pound-for-pound stars will lock horns on Saturday September 13 at an unconfirmed location in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Canelo will be defending his undisputed championship at 168lbs after he regained the crown on May 2 when he outpointed former IBF champion William Scull in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

‘Bud’ Crawford steps up two whole weight divisions to challenge the Mexican icon, having spent the majority of his glittering career campaigning at welterweight before he made his 154lb debut last August when he dethroned WBA champion Israil Madrimov.

In an interview with Boxing News, Barrera had his say on the significant weight discrepancy between Canelo and Crawford, which many feel will go massively against ‘Bud’ on fight night.

“I don’t know about the weight difference. We saw Crawford fight (Israil) Madrimov at 154 I believe. He did not look like he used to, so having to jump all those weight classes to fight Canelo. It’s going to be hard, but I’ll watch it. I’ll tune in.”

Barrera was then asked if he thinks Canelo will get a stoppage victory over Crawford, taking the size advantage into consideration.

“I don’t know if he’ll knock him out. We know Crawford has a good chin, but I do know that Canelo will most likely come out of this victorious.”

Victory for ‘Bud’ would see the 37-year-old from Omaha capture an undisputed championship in a third division, becoming the first fighter in boxing history to accomplish this feat.

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Derrick James Dissects Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford

Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford will headline a September 13 Riyadh Season card live on Netflix to its 300 million subscribers. The entire event will take place in Las Vegas, with Allegiant Stadium – the likely landing spot for this super-fight. Derrick James has spoken to Fight Hub TV about the undisputed super middleweight showdown, revealing the key to victory.

Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford Set for September 13

Derrick James Breaks Down Canelo vs Crawford

Despite the announcement of the fight, some details remained unconfirmed, but Turki Alalshikh has since confirmed Netflix as the broadcaster of the event. At the same time, Alalshikh also confirmed Dana White’s involvement in this mega-fight.

Many in the boxing world have had their say on who will win Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford and respected trainer Derrick James has had now had his say when speaking to Fight Hub TV: “The thing about Crawford is he believes he’s on it. Like he believes he’s the one. So that’s the difference between him and any other fighters. The Canelo fight cuz Canelo people fight the idea of Canelo Alvarez opposed to fighting individual. The thought of him is what puts fear in their heart.

“But he doesn’t care about that cuz he now he’s Crawford. So it’s a totally different thing. So if he can implement his strategy and ride it out to the end of the fight, he’s going to be successful. But, if Canelo can do what he needs to do andhis timing has to be on point.”

“He’s not as fast as Crawford is. It’s all about timing.”

Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford

Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford is steeped in legacy. Should Crawford win, he will become only the second boxer in the four-belt era to become undisputed in three weight classes. This unique feat was first achieved by the GWOAT, Claressa Shields, who defeated Danielle Perkins to obtain the vacant IBF and WBO heavyweight titles.

This undisputed bout is full of intrigue, and both have pressures to deal with. Crawford is moving up in weight and will be eager to prove his greatness, while Canelo will need to improve on his recent dire showing against William Scull.

Stay with Big Fight Weekend for the build-up, fight night and all the post-fight fallout.

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Terence Crawford’s trainer responds to rumours of no rehydration clause

Terence Crawford’s trainer responds to rumours of no rehydration clause for Canelo Alvarez clash

Terence Crawford and Brian ‘Bomac’ McIntyre have been a very successful boxing duo since the Omaha fighter’s debut.

Bomac has trained ‘Bud’ since he first began boxing and has guided him to undisputed status in two weight divisions.

Now the 2023 Trainer of the Year has to devise a game plan to defeat super middleweight king Canelo Alvarez.

However, the added challenge for the 37-year-old fighter is the jump up in boxing weight classes.

His last fight was contested at 154 pounds in September, so with a year layoff he will have to add 14 pounds.

Bomac responds to no rehydration for Crawford vs Canelo

But weight is not an issue for the American, as he has reportedly asked for no rehydration restrictions.

Speaking to Boxing Social, Bomac responded to the rumours ahead of the Las Vegas clash.

He said: “Let’s go man, that’s what Crawford wants, he wants to show the world that he is the best.

“Why put stipulations in there if you know you can be the best? Let’s go test ourselves.”

If he can pull off this win without the clause in place, it will surpass his signature Errol Spence victory.

What is a rehydration clause and how does it affect fighters?

Fights, especially in recent years, have been dominated by talk of rehydration clauses.

The clause itself restricts the amount of weight a fighter can put on after a weigh-in and before fight night.

There are complications to a boxer’s performance and health if one is in place.

Not being able to rehydrate normally means a fighter’s durability, stamina, and ability to take a punch is significantly reduced.

Most recently, Conor Benn’s fight with Chris Eubank Jr brought the conversation to the forefront.

Eubank Jr was not allowed to come in at more than 170 pounds on fight night – he was also fined for missing the initial 160 target by 0.05 lbs.

His father Chris Eubank Sr lambasted the decision telling his son that ‘it ain’t no joke’ to fight at that disadvantage.

Fortunately for Jr, he was able to prevail in a tooth-and-nail encounter against Benn but these restrictions can very easily go wrong in other contests.