Connect with us

Interviews

“Itauma is more tough for Usyk than Dubois,” says the former world champion

Published

on

McKean halted McKean inside a round in Riyadh Photo Credit: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions

George Groves believes that Moses Itauma will be a tougher fight for Oleksandr Usyk than the rematch with Daniel Dubois. Photo: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions
George Groves believes that Moses Itauma will be a tougher fight for Oleksandr Usyk than the rematch with Daniel Dubois. Photo: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions

George Groves believes that Moses Itauma will be a tougher fight for Oleksandr Usyk than the rematch with Daniel Dubois.

Itauma made a cruel statement about Usyk’s second straight victory over Tyson Fury on Saturday: destroying Demsey McKean during Riyad’s round, with Dubois watching her from ringside.

Dubois, who was stopped by Usyk in nine rounds last August, stormed into the Ukrainian’s post-fight interview, demanding a rematch.

But former super middleweight world champion Groves believes rising teenage star Itauma, who turns 20 at the end of this month, will be his most tough task.

“I don’t see anyone beating him,” the 36-year-old said on his podcast George Groves Boxing Club.

McKean stopped McKean in the Riyad round. Photo: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions
McKean stopped McKean in the Riyad round. Photo: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions

“If you said to me: make a list of people who could challenge Oleksandr Usyk, you would answer: ‘Exactly, Daniel Dubois.’

“I think Moses Itauma is a tougher fight than Daniel Dubois is for Usyk.

“I really mean it.

“Who wants this fight?

“No one wants this fight.”

Kent is already sixth in the WBO rankings, behind Usyk, who holds the belt and the WBC and WBO crowns, and Dubois will defend his IBF belt in a fight against Joseph Parker on February 22.

The 19-year-old has said he wants to break Mike Tyson’s record and become the youngest ever world heavyweight champion, but Groves suspects securing fights for him could be tough.

On Saturday, Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury in Riyad for the second time. Photo: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions
On Saturday, Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury in Riyad for the second time. Photo: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions

“We are now getting to the point where we need to put him in the company of real gatekeepers,” he added.

– Is that Dillian Whyte?

“Is that Joe Joyce?

“None of these guys want to try Itauma.

“They have to pay them like it’s a gigantic title fight because they’re not hiding from anything.”

Usyk said he would have no problem fighting Dubois again if he prevails over Parker, and the fight would give him a chance to make more history by becoming the first-ever two-time undisputed heavyweight champion.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Interviews

Diego Pacco versus Steven Nelson

Published

on

Nelson was tough and durable Photo Credit: Melina Pizano/Matchroom

On Saturday in Las Vegas Diego Paczeco beat Steven Nelson on points. Photo: Melina Pizano/Matchroom
On Saturday in Las Vegas Diego Paczeco beat Steven Nelson on points. Photo: Melina Pizano/Matchroom

Diego Paczeco defended the titles of WBC USA and WBO International in super medium weight against the invincible Steven Nelson in Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, scoring clear points on Saturday.

Pachaco (23-0, 18 KO) was last seen in August, beating Macej Sulecki with arrows in the body in six rounds, while Nelson (20-1, 16 KO) also dropped out in the same month, defeating Marcos Vazquez Rodriguez in five rounds in Los Angeles.

Pakco began carefully because he devoted time to looking at the rival, who was already successful at the beginning, leaving forward and releasing his hands.

In the fourth round, Nelson took the cut with a brisk right hand of Pacharo and it seemed that this tilted the scales in favor of the 23-year-old.

Nelson had vision problems, which allowed Pasteco to make a few eye -catching counterattacks and combinations, especially in the seventh round, after which he slowly began to unscrew the screw as he struggled.

Nelson was hard and durable. Photo: Melina Pizano/Matchroom
Nelson was difficult and sturdy. Photo: Melina Pizano/Matchroom

The player from Omah was stunned in the tenth round, but he showed courage and heart to continue shooting and gave his best to the last gong, where the result seemed inevitable.

Pakco defended the titles with three identical results 117-111 and was close to winning the title of world champion.

A player from Los Angeles is the number one claimant in the WBO organization to the United Master of Super Medium. Canelo Alvareza.

Pakco was close to winning the virgin title of the world champion. Photo: Melina Pizano/Matchroom
Pakco was close to winning the virgin title of the world champion. Photo: Melina Pizano/Matchroom
Cruz dominates over Salcido

Andy Cruz, a former amateur star, for the third time defended the title of IBF International in lightweight after a point victory over the Salcido Gamez Omar (20-2).

Cruz (5-0, 2 KO) dominated and won two results 98-92, and the third 99-91.

Cruz remained undefeated thanks to the dominant victory over Salcido. Photo: Melina Pizano/Matchroom
Cruz remained undefeated thanks to the dominant victory over Salcido. Photo: Melina Pizano/Matchroom
Mercado stops Pedraza

In the superior weight of the super delicate Ernesto Mercado (17-0, 16 KO) he made progress in his class and won the fourth round in front of the faded former world champion Jose Pedraza.

The accumulation of blows meant that Pedraza (29-7-1, 14 KO) landed on board and was unable to recover his legs sufficiently, and judge Robert Hoyle waved his hand to fight.

Rubalcava-Mercado kept a draw

The only player in the eighth round weighed 140 pounds, and Leonardo Rubalcava (9-0-1, 3 KO) and Israel Mercado fought for a majority draw.

Mercado (11-1-2, 7 KO) lost in the first round, and in the seventh round he was taken away from the punch from below, but two results 75-75 provided an impasse.

The third judge scored 76-74 in favor of Mercado.

Rubalcava and Mercado fought for a draw. Photo: Melina Pizano/Matchroom
Rubalcava and Mercado fought for a draw. Photo: Melina Pizano/Matchroom
Other Undercard card

In six rounds, Harley Mederos (8-0, 7 KO) won in the third round by knockout against Arturo de Isla (5-3-1, 4 KO) in lightweight, and Nishant Dev (1-0, 1 KO) Alton Wiggins (1-1-1) in the first round in super welterweight.

In the only four rounds of the struggle Zaquin Moses (2-0, 1 KO) forced Mario Garcia (3-1, 3 KO) to withdraw after the round of the clash in the super featherweight.

Continue Reading

Interviews

David Benavidez criticizes ‘fucking p***y’ Canelo Alvarez

Published

on

Canelo and Crawford are closing in on a deal for a September showdown in Las Vegas Photo Credit: Amanda Westcott/Mark Robinson/Matchroom

This week, Benavidez attacked Canelo. Photo: Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions/Ed Mulholland/Matchroom
This week, Benavidez attacked Canelo. Photo: Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions/Ed Mulholland/Matchroom

David Benavidez has reignited the war of words between himself and longtime rival Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.

Although a fight has not yet taken place between the two, Benavidez and Canelo have launched numerous verbal attacks on each other, mainly when the former fought in the super middleweight division.

After “The Mexican Monster” moved up to delicate heavyweight, things went tranquil between the pair for a while – but that has now changed.

Many in the sport believe that Alvarez is shying away from fighting his younger, bigger opponent, even though it is arguably the most financially lucrative fight for him.

And when Benavidez showed up The hustle and bustle of Miami this week he went on an X-rated tirade against the four-weight world champion.

Canelo and Crawford are nearing an agreement for a September fight in Las Vegas. Photo: Amanda Westcott/Mark Robinson/Matchroom
Canelo and Crawford are nearing an agreement for a September fight in Las Vegas. Photo: Amanda Westcott/Mark Robinson/Matchroom

“Honestly, I think Canelo is f*ckin’ f–king! This is just my opinion.

If we ever fight, this man will make well over $100 million.

“He says I have nothing to offer, that I’m a nobody and I need more experience.

“But if you’re going to make $100 million fighting someone who has no experience and all the crap they’re saying about me, why don’t you come in and get the large bucks?

“I’m not afraid of anyone!” I accept challenges. So Canelo and his fans say I bring nothing to the table – everyone is afraid, just like he is afraid.

“If he wants to prove that I’m not shit, come and prove it to everyone. It’s that plain.”

Benavidez puts his interim WBC light heavyweight title on the line against Morrell Photo: Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions
Benavidez puts his interim WBC delicate heavyweight title on the line against Morrell Photo: Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions

Unfortunately for Benavidez, it looks like the Alvarez fight will never happen as the Guadalajara fighter enters the twilight of his career.

Unified super middleweight champion “Canelo” has not boxed since his September win over Edgar Berlanga, although reports suggest he has agreed terms for a thrilling fight with pound-for-pound star Terence Crawford in September.

As for Benavidez, he will face the toughest test of his career on February 1, when he will lose his job faces the outstanding Cuban amateur David Morrell Jr for the “regular” and interim WBA delicate heavyweight world titles.

Continue Reading

Interviews

Daniel Dubois sends a message to Tyson Fury after his retirement

Published

on

Tyson Fury has announced his retirement from boxing aged 36 Photo Credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank

Daniel Dubois believes that Tyson Fury will return. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing/Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions
Daniel Dubois believes that Tyson Fury will return. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing/Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions

Daniel Dubois believes that Tyson Fury will return to the ring and claims that a fight between them may happen.

Fury ended hopes of All-British fights against the likes of Dubois and long-time rival Anthony Joshua after retiring last Monday, less than a month after his second successive defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.

However, “Dynamite” believes that his compatriot will return in a similar mood as when he retired in April 2022, only to return seven months later.

If the “Gypsy King” ends his final retirement, Dubois insists the fight with Joshua must happen, which has opened the door for him to face the winner.

“I think he will definitely come back,” said the 27-year-old talkSPORT.

Tyson Fury announced that he is retiring from boxing at the age of 36. Photo: Mikey Williams/Top Rank
Tyson Fury announced that he is retiring from boxing at the age of 36. Photo: Mikey Williams/Top Rank

“He’s always done that throughout his career, mind games and all that.

“So I think he will come back. He plays various characters. He will definitely come back.

“Get them in the ring [Joshua and Fury].

“I want to see them fight now.

“I punched Joshua so he had to fight Fury.

“I want to see what’s left between these two.

“And then maybe I’ll fight the winner.”

Dubois will face Parker on February 22 in Riyad. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
Dubois will face Parker on February 22 in Riyad. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

The Londoner knocked out “AJ” five rounds in September at Wembley Stadium and on February 22 in Riyad, he will defend the IBF world heavyweight title against Joseph Parker.

Dubois stormed the ring after Usyk’s rematch victory over Fury, calling for a rematch from their August 2023 clash.

The Londoner’s argument for wanting a rematch is based on a controversial low blow in the fifth round of the fight against the Ukrainian, which he believed was a legal shot.

“Usyk, I want to take revenge,” he said.

“Good job tonight.

Dubois attacked Usyk's post-fight interview, calling for a rematch. Photo: TNT Sports
Dubois attacked Usyk’s post-fight interview, calling for a rematch. Photo: TNT Sports

“I want revenge for the last robbery.

“Let’s sort this out. Let’s go.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

OUR NEWSLETTER

Subscribe Us To Receive Our Latest News Directly In Your Inbox!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Trending