15 years ago today in Memphis, a must-see heavyweight collision took place, and going in nobody really knew what to expect. What we did see when a still-in-his-prime Lennox Lewis met former champ Mike Tyson was the utter annihilation of a once great fighter; in many ways a spectacle that was equally as sad to see as Rocky Marciano’s retirement of the one great Joe Louis.
James Slater
Lucas Browne wants grudge-fight with Dillian Whyte; “I would love nothing more than to hurt him”
Australia’s Lucas Browne returned to winning ways a few days away, quietly despatching journeyman Matthew Greer in his homeland. The return fight saw Browne, 25-0(22) box for the first time since his heroic March 2016 win over Ruslan Chagaev, and the subsequent failed drugs tests.
Browne, who twice tested positive for illegal stimulants after the WBA title fight win, has always insisted he is innocent of any deliberate wrongdoing. Now back, his suspension lifted, the exciting slugger is targeting one man in particular: British contender Dillian Whyte; the man Browne has had a long-running Twitter argument with.
Golovkin already thinking about what next after Canelo fight; still wants “all the middleweight belts”
It’s arguably the biggest fight of the year, and after the smoke has cleared from the world middleweight title showdown between champ Gennady Golovkin and Saul Canelo Alvarez, the winner will be entitled to not only pound-for-pound bragging rights, but also a nice break from what could well be a tough, tough fight.
At age 35, GGG could even look at closing out the remainder of his career having finally won his defining fight. But Golovkin, who may or may not have shown signs of decline due to age in his fight with Danny Jacobs, is already looking at his next move after September 16. As fans know, Canelo can exercise a rematch clause for an immediate return should he lose for just the second time in his pro career in September, but GGG has no such luxury.
Alexander Povetkin slated to return against Andriy Rudenko on July 1st
Reports say Russia’s Alexander Povetkin will return to action on July 1st. The former WBA heavyweight champion who has suffered his share of out of the ring issues – testing positive for illegal stimulants; which ruined his big fight with Deontay Wilder, set for last summer – will face Ukrainian Andriy Rudenko, 31-2(19) on a big card in Moscow.
Chris Eubank Junior says he will stop Arthur Abraham: “I can’t let him see the last round”
Arthur Abraham and Chris Eubank Junior came face to face today, at a press conference to officially announce their July 15 fight. The two will meet at Wembley Arena and the fight will go out on ITV Box-Office.
Abraham, aided by a translator, didn’t have too much to say other than he expects a good fight. Eubank Jr. was also respectful of his opponent, but he did fire a few shots. Eubank, who will be defending his IBO super-middleweight belt against Abraham, said the 37 year-old former champion is “one dimensional,” and upon being asked if he will attempt to make a statement by stopping Abraham (who has been stopped just once in a long career), Eubank said he “will do it, not attempt it.”
Srisaket Sor Rungvisai-Roman Gonzalez rematch slated for September 9
In what is great news for fight fans, it looks extremely likely super-flyweight champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai will meet Roman Gonzalez, the man he dethroned in a big upset in March, in a return bout this September 9. According to Tom Loeffler, who spoke with RingTV.com, the venue is still to be confirmed but Sep 9 is the likely date.
Tyson rates Tyson, wants to see Fury fight Joshua
Mike Tyson’s many fans know the former heavyweight ruler is a knowledgable boxing historian, so when Tyson rates a fighter he knows what he’s talking about. And the soon to be 51 year old rates Tyson Fury very highly.
“Iron Mike” was speaking on BBC Radio recently, talking quite a bit about new heavyweight star Anthony Joshua. Tyson, who knows first hand about all the potential pitfalls awaiting any star athlete, warned how Joshua “must focus on fighting only,” and “not get the big head.” If Joshua can do this, Tyson said, then he can reign for a long time.
Joshua-Klitschko II “is happening” says Hearn
Promoter Eddie Hearn says he feels a return fight between Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko will happen, next. Speaking today with Sky Sports News, Hearn said that as far as he is concerned the rematch “is happening unless we are told otherwise by Bernd Boente and Wladimir Klitschko.”
Fans are eager to see a return fight between the two giants, as fight one was so great. Klitschko, who put on a fine performance despite losing the thrilling fight, is expected to speak with manager Boente this week. Right now, Hearn is looking at potential venues for the sequel.
Golovkin says Canelo was “terrible” in Chavez Jr. fight; “Why couldn’t he knock him out!”
Middleweight king Gennady Golovkin wasn’t at all impressed with his upcoming rival, Canelo Alvarez, in the Mexican’s disappointing fight with Julio Cesar Chavez Junior. As fans know, Canelo pitched a shutout over an extremely reluctant Chavez, but Triple-G, in speaking with TMZ Sports, was still critical over Canelo’s inability to get the stoppage.
“He looks terrible. It was very interesting for me – why couldn’t he stop him, knock him out? He must [get the KO],” GGG said. “Please, if he has so much energy (having opted to stand between rounds) then show me in the next round! That was fake, him trying to show big muscles for the women (laughs).”
Spence Jr vs. Thurman: “The Truth” says he can knock Thurman out
It’s the biggest and best welterweight fight that can take place today, and it would be one of the biggest in the division’s history for quite some time: a three belt unification showdown between unbeaten champions/stars Errol Spence Junior and Keith Thurman.
Spence, the new IBF champ, instantly called out Thurman, the unified WBA/WBC champ, after he had stopped a battered Kell Brook in Sheffield. So we know the talented southpaw wants it; but does Thurman? Thurman is currently injured and is unlikely to fight again until the end of the year, maybe in November or December. We may, then, have to wait until next year for this, an absolutely mouth-watering fight. It will be worth waiting for.