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Be careful what you wish for: Oleksandr Usyk and the unfortunate rematches

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2 months ago

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There are some things in life that a person will only try once and then swear they will never try again: having a baby, getting married, running a marathon, drugs, shoplifting, skydiving, a fistfight, a suicide attempt, love.

There are things in life that you try and then decide to try again: having a baby, getting married, running a marathon, mind-altering drugs, shoplifting, skydiving, a fistfight, a suicide attempt, love.

In boxing, you would think that spending time in the company of Oleksandr Usyk would be considered a one-night stand. However, because the Ukrainian is such an enigma, and people tend to think they can fix things or other people, there is a constant feeling that someone at some point will be able to solve that enigma and defeat the huge left-hander. As a result, both because of that belief and Usyk’s current status in the heavyweight division, the line to fight him is growing. Few in the lineup seem prepared, at the moment, to beat Usyk, but that won’t stop them from believing, nor will it be enough to stop them from lining up and waiting their turn.

On Saturday, Wembley Stadium had a novel contender in the round. This man, like one or two others, has shared the ring with Usyk before, so he knows exactly what it takes to beat him and how far he falls tiny of that requirement. That man is, of course, Briton Daniel Dubois, who stopped Anthony Joshua in impressive fashion with a tiny right hook in front of 96,000 fans at the weekend. While merciless, the performance spoke volumes about Dubois’ recent progress and heralded his arrival as one of the best heavyweights in the world. It also built on previous wins over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic and showed the pace of his development since losing to Usyk in nine rounds last August.

That night, in the Usyk fight, he was sent to school, like many of Usyk’s opponents, and didn’t find “success” – if you can call it that – until the fifth round, when a low blow left Usyk writhing on the canvas for several minutes. That blow, of course, had no bearing on the fight, nor did it ruin Usyk’s lesson, but now, 13 months later, it is being used as evidence that these two men, Usyk and Dubois, should meet again. Relying on knockout victories over Miller, Hrgovic and now Joshua, clearly isn’t enough to make a rematch with Usyk worthwhile. But where there’s controversy in boxing, there’s a case, and Dubois and his team certainly believe they have one.

Fair enough, they believed they were right at the time and made quite a splash about the incident; both during the fight and especially after it, when Dubois lost. Whether feeble or not, the controversial nature of that moment in the fifth round allowed those involved to take the narrative and twist it however they wanted. For Dubois and his team, that meant presenting a different picture than what we witnessed in Poland in August. That meant exaggerating the success Dubois had in the fight, both before and after that flashpoint, and asking the question, “If, as we believe, that wasn’t a low blow, did Daniel Dubois essentially knock out Oleksandr Usyk in the fifth round?”

Without a doubt, if the blow was low, that’s true and a fair interpretation of things. Usyk, after all, was on the canvas for a lot longer than 10 seconds and seemed to be in more physical pain from that Dubois punch than he ever had before. He was hurt by it, there’s no doubt about it, but that still doesn’t mean the punch was justified, nor does it mean that the controversy over the low blow should be enough to bring two fighters who have yet to prove themselves equals together for a second fight.

The last time this happened in Usyk’s career, we were left with a similar feeling and the same question: why? Back then, Anthony Joshua was chasing Usyk for a rematch, a contracted one, and there was probably more of an argument for it then, simply because Joshua was the champion that Usyk had dethroned and because in the process he had at least managed to last 12 rounds. It didn’t matter that he won very few of those 12 rounds. Joshua wanted the rematch and felt he would do better the second time around.

As it turned out, that was both true and ultimately irrelevant. It’s true that Joshua fared marginally better in the pair’s rematch, even hurting Usyk in the ninth round, but there was a persistent sense throughout that Usyk was always in control, both of the pace of the fight and the opponent in front of him. In the end, it was just more of the same. Usyk was given a chance to assert his superiority, while Joshua returned to the place of trauma and went through it all again, this time exacerbating his insecurities and self-destructive beliefs. So it was no surprise when Joshua took the microphone after all that and expressed too much of himself to a global audience. In many ways, he had been exposed twice in one night: first by Usyk, and then by his own demons.

The next British heavyweight to try again with Usyk will be Tyson Fury on December 21. He outperformed Joshua and Dubois when he boxed Usyk in May, but like Joshua and Dubois, he still couldn’t figure out the former cruiserweight champion. Down in the ninth round, Fury pulled off a huge victory, reaching the final bell, the sound of which would have been not only a relief but a reminder that a rematch was on the table. Had that not sounded and Fury been stopped in the ninth, any demands for a sequel would have been greatly and rightly reduced.

As it is, because Fury had a decent period early on and because he is a man with some physical advantages, the Usyk rematch is significant and will be engaging when it comes. It is clearly more intriguing than Usyk vs. Joshua II and the same can be said for the Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois rematch, despite Dubois’ progress. The truth is that Usyk vs. Fury II is still a clash of the two best heavyweights in the world and nothing we have seen from the others since their first meeting has changed that.

Even Dubois, as good as he looked on Saturday, isn’t quite there yet. In fact, given his age (27) and recent form, it would almost be a shame if he was brought back to that level so quickly when he’s been developing so well. “I want to have my rematch (against Usyk),” Dubois said after beating Joshua, “and right the wrong.”

Meanwhile, Usyk’s promoter Alexander Krassyuk told Sky Sports: “You never know, but why not? Some people had questions about the (first) fight. There was one moment in the fight that left some doubts about the low blow. Why not if Dubois is still ready? Double no-debate, triple no-debate? Oh come on, that makes history.”

The exile of Oleksandr Usyk after three huge wins is evidence of Daniel Dubois’ ambition and willingness to test himself, and he deserves nothing but applause for that. But it could also be argued that the very thing that makes the heavyweights believe they’re the ones to dethrone Usyk – his age: 37 – should be precisely what Dubois and his team should be looking at as a reason to wait. After all, with Dubois 10 years younger than Usyk and currently in great shape, there’s every chance Dubois could pick up the mantle in the next year or two, without risking what Anthony Joshua experienced with Usyk in Saudi Arabia. That is, at a time when his self-belief has never been greater, perhaps the last thing Daniel Dubois needs is to be brought back into line and reminded once again of the flaws he’s managed to hide with concealer in recent fights. Perhaps true success in boxing is a byproduct of timing; that is, skipping the bad fights and taking the right ones. This is the typical ethos of most boxers on their way up, when avoidance is often the name of the game, and that only changes, this approach, when the huge money finds its way to the table and the boxer is surrounded by men ready and willing to share it. Then the boxer hears only what he wants to hear and what his team feels that hear. Then even a punch below the belt can become a knockout blow. Then even defeat can become a victory.

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Boxing

George Kambosos moves up to 140, adds Eddie Hearn to team

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14 hours ago

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November 23, 2024

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George Kambosos beats Teofimo

Former unified lightweight champion George Kambosos approached promoter Eddie Hearn asking for more massive fights.

Kambosos has signed a co-promotional deal with Eddie Hearn, under which the Greek-Australian slugger will continue his association with DiBella Entertainment Inc. and his own company, Ferocious Promotions.

The 21-3 star will move up to the super lightweight division of Matchroom Boxing’s lively division. He aims to become a two-weight world champion in early 2025, and as part of the deal, a title fight is promised as long as he continues to win.

Since his stunning victory over Teofimo Lopez, Kambosos has never shied away from competing against the best. Those three losses on his resume came to Devin Haney [twice] and Vasily Lomachenko, all at home and all for world titles.

The 31-year-old is now set to face compatriot Liam Paro after defending his IBF title against Richardson Hitchins in December in Puerto Rico.

“I am thrilled to be working with Matchroom Boxing. I am excited to have signed a three-way promotional cooperation agreement with my long-time promoter DiBella Entertainment Inc. and Ferocious Promotions,” Kambosos said.

“I made great success and history when I moved up the Matchroom shows by winning my UK elimination fight against Lee Selby. The most noteworthy and unforgettable is my victory against Teofimo at Madison Square Garden in Up-to-date York to become the 135-pound world champion.

“I am officially announcing that I will be moving up to 140 pounds and signing with Matchroom will ensure my continued success and the legacy I want to leave in the sport of boxing.”

Hearn, who adds an experienced campaigner to his stable, added: “I am delighted to welcome George to the team. George’s victory over Teofimo tore up the script and showed that George was the man for the massive time. He has proven to be a huge attraction in Australia and one of the real driving forces behind the rapid growth of boxing Down Under.

“The 140-pound division is full of massive names and massive potential fights. Adding George to the mix only elevates the level, and a possible fight with Liam Paro is a truly appetizing prospect. If Liam manages to win in a great fight against Richardson on December 7th [the fight could be on].

Lou DiBella, who has worked with Kambosos for years, said: “I’m glad I was able to make a deal with my antique buddy Eddie to work with George Kambosos Jr. and Ferocious Promotions.

“Throughout his career, George has been a fighter who has never shied away from a challenge, and now he wants to test himself against top junior welterweights.

Matchroom works with top 140-pounders, including George’s compatriot Liam Paro, and, like DiBella Entertainment, is heavily invested in Australia.

“It’s a natural partnership,” added the Up-to-date Yorker.

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Boxing

Mike Tyson had absolutely no chance of knocking out Jake Paul

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2 days ago

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November 21, 2024

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Mike Tyson comeback black

One of the hottest topics surrounding Mike Tyson’s return at the age of 58 was the possibility of the boxing legend scoring a knockout of Jake Paul.

WBN has weighed in on this topic several times, questioning the validity of five-second training clips that revealed nothing about Tyson’s abilities at this overdue age. One of the most intriguing observations during the preparations was the opinion of UFC commentator Daniel Cormier.

Speaking on his show “Funky and the Champ,” Cormier reflected on Tyson’s social media videos and offered an informed opinion on the meaning of the clips.

“I understand that [he is in amazing shape at 58]and I understand what he is saying [he feels as though he can compete]– Cormier said. “And I agree that when he hits the pads with Rafael Cordeiro, it looks like there’s still something left in him.

“But then I watch Jake Paul fight Mike Perry. I saw Jake Paul get overwhelmed to the point where he started to feel uncomfortable. It looked like Mike Perry had a chance. But Jake has a reserve tank he can go to and benefit from because he’s 28 years ancient. Then he comes back and finally finishes Mike Perry.

“At the beginning of the fight, Mike Perry gets beaten up and dropped. He looks trained and unmatched. This worries me because what if it looks like a 58-year-old man fighting a 28-year-old man while Mike can’t employ the backup tank to stay and compete with this newborn kid? I think it’s a failure for Jake Paul because if you beat Mike Tyson, everyone will love him.

He added: “What if Mike knocks him out? It’s over. Everything is ready. This would be the backfire of all time. If he gets knocked out, nothing like that has ever happened in the history of the sport.”

Unfortunately for Tyson, this revenge backfired spectacularly, as the former heavyweight champion’s return was the only event that bombed. Tyson had nothing left twenty years after he had nothing left in his tank and no desire to box in his mind.

Paul parlayed this into a money-making scheme that would forever be a success for him and his company, but would be poorly received by the die-hard boxing fraternity.

Cormier’s words resonate, especially after what happened in the ring when Mike Tyson struggled to shift into first gear, warning former fighters thinking about returning after 50.

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Lauren Price looks to win Jonas vs Habazin with an undercard victory

Published

3 days ago

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November 21, 2024

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Lauren Price

Lauren Price MBE will defend her world title for the first time on Saturday, December 14 at the Exhibition Center in Liverpool, while the Welsh champion plans to stage an all-British unification clash with welterweight rival Natasha Jonas, which will headline the Collision Course that night.

Price defends her WBA welterweight title against undefeated Colombian challenger Bexcy Mateus on the same night as Jonas attempts to unify the IBF and WBC titles with Ivana Habazin as part of BOXXER’s ‘Collision Course’ fight night, which can be seen live and exclusively on Sky Sports in the UK UK and Ireland and Peacock in the US.

Price MBE (7-0, 1 KO) made history with an excellent performance, defeating former undisputed welterweight world ruler Jessica McCaskill in front of her fans in Cardiff in May.

Price, the first Welsh boxer to win Olympic gold, once again entered the record books by becoming the country’s first world champion in just her seventh professional fight. The 30-year-old from Ystrad Mynach, who has yet to lose a round as a professional, will now defend her world titles for the first time as she focuses on dominating the welterweight division.

Mateus (7-0, 6 KO), ranked No. 5 in the WBA rankings, is undefeated in the professional ranks and has won all but one of her seven fights by knockout. The 29-year-old from Bogota, fighting outside her native Colombia for the first time, will now have her first chance at global fame, with her goal to dethrone Price and take the top spot in the welterweight division.

Lauren Price said: “I’m excited to defend my belts and complete what has been an crucial year for me. I have full respect for Mateusz. I will prove that I am the best in the division and I will not let anything or anyone stand in my way of being undisputed.”

BOXXER Founder and CEO Ben Shalom said: “It’s a massive night for the women’s welterweight division with three world champions competing. Natasha Jonas returns to her hometown for a mandatory unification fight against Ivana Habazin, and Lauren Price defends her world titles against undefeated challenger Bexcy Mateus. The fight for the undisputed continues. If Natasha and Lauren win on December 14, it will set the stage for a massive “Battle Of Britain” world title unification fight next year.

There’s reason to celebrate as BOXXER delivers a Christmas cracker to end the year. In addition to the world championship fights between Natasha Jonas and Lauren Price, fight fans can expect a gala full of drama and entertainment.

Undefeated Irishman Stephen McKenna (15-0, 14 KO) will face English champion Lee Cutler (14-1, 7 KO) in an invigorating super welterweight fight for the silver WBC International title.

McKenna impressed fans in his three-round fight against Joe Laws last August at Oakwell Stadium in Barnsley. The two struck out in the first round, then McKenna began to apply the pressure, losing Laws three more times and maintaining his undefeated record after a third-round stoppage.

English cruiserweight champion Viddal Riley (11-0, 6 KO) returns to action from a rib injury that has kept him out of the ring since a career-best victory over Mikael Lawal in March. Riley will be looking to shake off the ring rust as he takes on high-profile opponents in the recent year.

Undefeated Chorley super middleweight Mark Jeffers (18-0, 5 KO) scored an explosive fifth-round knockout victory over Darren Johnston in May and will be looking to bring more drama to Liverpool’s Exhibition Center as he goes in search of his 19th professional win.

Mason Cartwright (20-4-1, 8 KO) from Cheshire, a former two-time British title challenger from Ellesmere Port, will be counting on local support as he returns to the title track.

After signing a promotional contract with BOXXER, local star Frankie Stringer (8-0, 1 KO) can achieve his third victory in 2024, when he returns in front of his fans in Liverpool. The 23-year-old lightweight fighter is a player of the notable city team Rotunda ABC, and his manager is former world champion Liam Smith.

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