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Freddie Roach says one player would be the greatest player of all time if he had more discipline

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Freddie Roach says one fighter would be the greatest of all time if he had more discipline

Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach has seen it all in boxing, leading and witnessing greatness from the corner of the ring after his own 53-fight career.

Roach’s name is synonymous with Manny Pacquiao’s, and it’s no wonder – their work together has set records in a sport that is secure from any danger.

However, he managed to corner many other extraordinary talents, including Miguel Cotto, Bernard Hopkins, Oscar De La Hoya, Steve Collins and Amir Khan.

The 65-year-old considers James Toney the most naturally talented player he has coached, and in an interview with Ring Observerhe even went as far as to say that “Lights Out” has what it takes to be the best ever.

“He’s one of the best fighters in the world. He would just naturally go in there, figure out his opponent and take him apart. Great boxer.

“[If he had the discipline of Hopkins and Pacquiao] we would call him the greatest warrior today. He was a great warrior. However, if he put all his heart and skills into it, he would be the best.

Toney built his career on technique, timing and defensive control. After turning professional in 1988, he won the IBF middleweight title in 1991, defeating Michael Nunn at the end. This fight cemented his ability to adapt under pressure.

After five defenses of the belt, he moved to super middleweight, where he again became the IBF champion by defeating Iran Barkley. Toney’s rivalry with Mike McCallum, especially their first meeting, saw some of the most technically advanced boxing of the era.

In 1994, “Lights Out” suffered the first defeat of its campaign to the quick hands of Roy Jones Jr. However, he later won the world cruiserweight title before moving up to heavyweight and defeating John Ruiz for the WBA belt, but the decision was overturned after a failed drug test.

In 92 fights, Toney was never stopped, which is why he is known as one of the best defensive fighters of all time, characterized by, of course, exceptional durability. Roach and others highlighted the somewhat indifferent attitude that held Toney back, and fans will always wonder what more he could have achieved if that had actually been the case.

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Boxing

Victor Ortiz was knocked out by Floyd Mayweather, but names an opponent who was ‘much better’

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Victor Ortiz got knocked out by Floyd Mayweather but names the opponent who was ‘much better’

Floyd Mayweather’s last knockout victory over a legal opponent came in 2011 against Victor Ortiz, but despite the stoppage loss, the fighter known as “Vicious” claims he once fought a much better opponent.

It was a highly controversial moment when Mayweather knocked out Ortiz for the WBC welterweight title more than a decade ago, and the fourth round of their fight turned out to be full of drama.

Ortiz threw combinations on the ropes against Mayweather, but then got reckless and led with his head, prompting the referee to deduct a point.

With Ortiz paying no attention to the resumption of the fight, Mayweather fired a tough shot that knocked down and then knocked out his opponent, proving the elderly adage to always protect yourself.

Mayweather is undoubtedly the biggest name Ortiz has ever adopted, but while the boxing legend can be considered one of the best of all time, Ortiz told TalkSport that Andre Berto was better.

“He (Mayweather) is not the best opponent I’ve faced. Without a doubt, not. The best opponent I’ve faced was Andre Berto; he was much better. Andre Berto is a top-shelf pound-for-pound king. He knocked me down, I knocked him down, he got up, he knocked me down again.”

“This man showed everything: quality, heart, skill. Whatever, he’s got it. Someone like Floyd has what? Counter, running? That same year, I bought him some sprint shots at a press conference. My brother also bought him a box of tampons.

“But Andre Berto is special. I have the utmost respect for him. He has power in both hands; he is the total package. Someone with Floyd can’t compete with that.”

Ortiz defeated Berto to win the WBC welterweight title in a fight before facing Mayweather, which would be the first defeat of Berto’s professional career.

Berto’s final record was 32 wins and 6 losses, and during their meeting in September 2015, he suffered a one-sided defeat to Mayweather himself.

Mayweather competed just once again after the Berto fight, when he knocked out MMA fighter Conor McGregor in August 2017, although he is scheduled to return to fight former opponent Manny Pacquiao in September provided that the current problems can be solved.

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Jarrell Miller tries to break into Joshua’s plans

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Image: Jarrell Miller tries to force way into Joshua plans

Many fans on social media suspect that Miller is once again chasing Joshua just to secure a huge payday, which he threw away when failed drug tests canceled their 2019 fight.

Joshua wants a tune-up before he finally meets Tyson Fury. The plan is to shake off the rust and keep his record pristine before this huge event happens. This gap in the schedule gives other heavyweights a chance to make their voices heard, and Miller takes advantage of the moment.

Miller is still a controversial name, but he knows how to cause offense. Beating Pero would aid him prove that he still belongs in this conversation.

“Your whooping cough will come sooner or later. You can run, but you can’t hide,” Jarrell Miller said on Matchroom.

From a business perspective, Joshua’s team is focused on the Tyson Fury event. Facing an aggressive, volume hitter like Miller in a comeback fight would be risky. If Joshua wins, critics may view it as defeating a challenger who has spent years outside the elite mix. If he loses, Fury’s payout and his position will take damage.

Miller has built much of his reputation on noise and confrontation, but he’s still trying to fight his way into the majors. A victory over Pero won’t put him in a fight with Joshua right away, but it will keep him in the wider discussion.

Joshua’s team may still choose the safer and more controlled option of a return, especially if negotiations with Fury progress behind the scenes. Risking that payday against a hazardous or inconvenient opponent wouldn’t make much sense.

Still, Miller continues to cling to the story whenever Joshua’s name resurfaces in the headlines. Heavyweight boxing has a long memory, and some unfinished fights remain useful long after the first fall.

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Terence Crawford names one fight he would like to see against Gervonta Davis this year

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Terence Crawford names one fight he wants to see Gervonta Davis make happen this year

Terence Crawford has named an opponent he would “love to face” with Gervonta Davis in his expected return to the sport.

The former world champion hasn’t fought since March 2025, when many felt he was lucky to draw with Lamont Roach.

Nevertheless, “Tank” retained the WBA lightweight title and was scheduled to face Roach in an immediate rematch before negotiating an exhibition match with Jake Paul.

But instead of spending time with the YouTuber-turned-boxer, Davis was forced to deal with domestic violence allegations from his former partner, Courtney Rossel.

Since then The 31-year-old was recognized by the WBA as a “breaktime champion”.urged by No. 1 contender Floyd Schofield to book their fight or give him a free shot at the title.

Davis, however, has expressed greater interest in a rematch with Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz at 140 pounds, even though he passed the Mexican in 2021.

Meanwhile, Crawford has no desire to watch “Tank” fight Schofield or Cruz, but he would happily sit back and watch him clash with Shakur Stevenson.

I’m talking to Danielle Pirello“Bud” called the WBO super lightweight world champion the perfect opponent for Davis, believing their potential meeting would be one of the best fights that could be had.

“I’d like to see Shakur vs. ‘Tank’ Davis.”

Stevenson had previously called on Davis to sign a contract several times, perhaps making him increasingly doubtful whether the Baltimore player would ever sign.

Therefore, it is unrealistic to expect an immediate fight between “Tank” and Stevenson, especially after the latter’s dominant performance against Teofimo Lopez in January.

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