Just a few years ago, opening the door to the third fight between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk seemed unrealistic. Now it seems possible, even after two defeats and the friendship that has developed between the pair outside the ring.

That shift became more pronounced this week when promoter Eddie Hearn admitted Joshua would still “love” another chance to fight Usyk, despite losing twice to the Ukrainian southerner in 2021 and 2022. Historically, a heavyweight rivalry rarely continues after one fighter wins his first two fights cleanly. Boxing usually goes further. This situation seems to be heading in the opposite direction.

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Last updated: 17/05/2026 at 17:44

David Benavidez’s future may soon be decided after being called up for the fight he wants.

Earlier this month, Benavidez confirmed his status as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world when he successfully moved up to cruiserweight and stopped Gilberto Ramirez in six rounds win the WBA and WBO 200-pound titles.

Since that victory, a number of options have emerged for the “Mexican Monster,” including another cruiserweight clash with Jai Opetaia and even an ambitious move up to heavyweight to face unified champion Oleksandr Usyk.

The most likely scenario is a return to the 175-pound division, where he holds the WBC title, for an undisputed fight against WBA, WBO and IBF airy heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol, and Benavidez himself has stated that the Russian is number one on his hit list.

This fight can now become a reality, after the IBA fast revealed that Bivola’s coach Gennadi Mashyanov wants his player to face Benavidez to “shut his mouth.”

“My personal target right now is Benavidez – who, let’s say, talks a lot. We’ll see what he’s really capable of. I’d like him to stop talking. For that to happen, someone has to get in the ring with him and shut him up for good.”

Bivol returns to action tardy next week when he faces mandatory challenger Michael Eifert, and it appears that a victory in that match could now pave the way for an undisputed showdown with Benavidez.

Author: Sean Crose

With a record of 14-0, there was no doubt that former WBO lightweight champion Keyshawn Davis was a fighter to watch. Davis, however, was a man who had a tendency to get into trouble. Whether he appeared overweight during a fight, was caught with marijuana in his system, or was accused of fighting outside the ring, an air of irresponsibility hung over the man’s reputation. But on Saturday night in Virginia, Davis tried to repair his career by coming face to face with Nahir Albright, whom he had previously fought several years ago. The question was, could Davis fully assert himself and focus enough to become the fighter he probably should have been all along?

The fight was portrayed as a grudge match and there is no doubt that both men had a history of personal hostility. After all, this marijuana test occurred after Davis made his decision in the Albright case. The fight ended in a no-contest result, but there’s no doubt the damage was done. Then there was a backstage fight/intense argument that broke out between the two men after Albright beat up Davis’ older brother. To his credit, David admitted that he acted inappropriately in this situation.

At Friday’s weigh-in, Davis had some trouble making the weight, but was able to get on the scale correctly the second time. When Saturday night came, all that was left was to fight. If Davis could prove his worth with impressive results, it would certainly aid his career at this stage. Despite everything, he would still be an undefeated former world champion. On the other hand, failure would cause stern damage not only to Davis’s reputation, but also to his career prospects. It was a very essential fight. The home run in Norfolk, Virginia undoubtedly gave Davis the edge, but was it enough?

Unfortunately, the first half of the match was not electrifying. That being said, Davis looked good. He was faster than his man and controlled the pace of the fight. He also landed well. While Albright certainly had a chance to win, there was a stark difference in skill that was painfully obvious almost immediately after the opening buzzer. Whatever may be said about the first battle between these two men, the second battle – at least the first half of the second battle – belonged to Davis.

For reasons few will ever understand, Davis decided to literally pick Albright up about halfway through the 7th and throw him to the canvas. Suffice it to say that the player lost two points as a result. Fortunately, Albright was able to get up in not too bad shape. In the next round, he hit Davis at the finish… or maybe he dropped him, that’s a better word. Because his indiscretion wasn’t as brutal as Davis’s. With this in mind, Davis was able to land Albright demanding and effectively slow in the round.

Davis continued to dominate throughout the final quarter of the fight. He actually wounded his man around the 11th. The question wasn’t who would win, but could Albright survive until the final bell? Davis, on the other hand, looked almost relaxed in his wildness. He even started showing off towards the end of the round. Davis went all out in the final round, really trying to knock his fighter out. Thanks to him. Albright was able to stay standing until the final bell, but there was no doubt that he had to rise to the occasion.

Suffice it to say, no one was surprised when, courtesy of the judges, Davis received a unanimous decision. If Davis stays edged and focused, great things could be in store for him. There is even talk of a possible fight with Devin Haney… an essential event for every fighter. Also profitable.