Boxing
Lewis Crocker says that all the pressure is at Paddy Donovan before the Saturday Irish clash in Belfast
Published
2 years agoon
Although it is common to hear the boxers describe their completed training camp as “the best in history”, rarely these words are as credible as it was this afternoon, when they heard them through Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan at a press conference before fighting in the fight in Belfast on Saturday.
As expected, two welterweight are in the best possible form, but their confidence was revealed not only in their words. This appeared in their body speech, restraint and their professionalism. Unlike yesterday’s failure with the participation of Conor Benn and Chris Eubanka Jnr, it was an example of two fighters with complete faith in their ability and ambitions. Indeed, you can even say that they are conducting an example.
“I’m ready,” said Paddy Donovan, who spoke first. “I am in the best form of my life.
“Me and Andy [Lee, coach]We always bring a job. We never take shortcuts regardless of who I fight. I don’t know how Lewis’s camp went, but mine went absolutely brilliantly. We worked really, very tough. We are here and I’m ready. It is so uncomplicated. The conversation is ready and I’m ready to fight. “
As it turned out, Donovan, 14-0 (11), would not have to wait long to discover how the Crockra camp went.
“It was my best camp,” said Crocker, 20-0 (11). “My last three fights, in the last Spar for everyone I hurt my hand. This time I am physically good, mentally good, as edged as everything, and a great fit and super sturdy. At the moment I couldn’t be better. I said that I would be a challenging man to overcome at the last press conference and that I would be. “
While Crocker comes from Belfast, and therefore will receive most of the support at the SEZNA Arena on Saturday, Donovan comes from Limerick, the birthplace of his trainer Andy Lee. However, there are no scruples regarding the entrance to the Lion Cave.
“It doesn’t matter when I and Lewis are there – everything is noiseless,” said Donovan. “Give you to Lewis and this will be my main goal.
“We will do what we have always done since I became a professional with Andy in 2019. The goal was to be a world champion, regardless of opponents who presented it to me – let it be Lewis or anyone else. I have a job to do on Saturday and I am very, very focused on doing this. “
If Crocker has an advantage in terms of home support, it can be said that Donovan is one of them from which great things are expected – both in this fight and outside. For some, it is enough to come back Donovan to win, but for a crocker, weaker, such expectations only lead to additional pressure in his eyes.
“I always said Paddy is good,” said Crocker. “They say that he is another superstar and so on, and I am only a warrior at the British level, so I feel that all the pressure is on him. He should take me here in one or two rounds, if so. I am here to upset the party.
“I will be a challenging, tough man to overcome on Saturday, especially with this crowd behind me. I am very excited about Saturday and IBF [welterweight title] It’s right around the corner when I go. The world is at my feet. What a fight. “
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Boxing
Tim Tszyu Set for World Title Shot Against Boxings Oldest Champion After Victory Over Spence
Published
1 hour agoon
October 12, 2026
Tim Tszyu is reportedly set to enter a major title fight next month, bidding to become a two-division world champion at 160lbs.
The Australian has decided to remain at middleweight following his last outing, against Errol Spence Jr, which resulted in a unanimous decision victory on home soil.
While many had anticipated a more competitive affair in July, it ended up being largely one-sided, with Tszyu winning convincingly and sending his opponent into retirement.
In doing so, the 31-year-old claimed his most significant win since 2023, when he outpointed Brian Mendoza for the WBO super-welterweight title following back-to-back stoppages of Tony Harrison and Carlos Ocampo.
Tszyu would then suffer stoppage defeats to Bakhram Murtazaliev and Sebastian Fundora, but now looks to join the world title scene at 160lbs.
According to Fox Sportshe is expected to return in late November and face WBA champion Erislandy Lara, who has not fought since scoring two knockdowns and unanimously outpointing Johan Gonzalez last December.
Prior to that, the Cuban retained his middleweight title with a ninth-round stoppage of Danny Garcia and, at the age of 43, is currently the sport’s oldest reigning world champion.
At his best, Lara is a highly-skilled southpaw with deceptive power but, due to his age and lack of activity, is rarely mentioned as one of boxing’s leading pound-for-pound operators.
Tszyu could therefore dethrone the 40-fight veteran in Australia next month, with Jermell Charlo reportedly set to feature on the undercard after having not fought since his wide points defeat to Canelo Alvarez in 2023.
Boxing
Canelo Alvarez Confirms Decision on Mbilli Fight as Security Concerns Threaten Comeback Plans
Published
14 hours agoon
October 11, 2026
The highly anticipated October 31 showdown between Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and WBC super-middleweight champion Christian Mbilli has faced mounting speculation in recent weeks, with growing concerns that the entire card could be pulled – or at least moved – from Saudi Arabia.
The fight marks Canelo’s return to the ring following his loss to Terence Craford last September – just his third defeat of his career.
He has landed an immediate shot at one of his old belts against Mbilli, who was elevated from interim to full champion when Crawford retired.
Set to headline the Mexico vs The World card at The Venue in Riyadh, the bout has been overshadowed in recent weeks by escalating regional hostilities, including drone strikes near the Saudi capital by Houthi rebels. Today, King Khalid airport was struck again.
The U.S. Mission in Saudi Arabia issued a security alert on October 5. The advisory cautioned American citizens to remain vigilant, immediately sparking rumours across the boxing world that the event could be abruptly relocated to Las Vegas in November.
There has been silence on the issue from the promotion, and even an official undercard announcement last week.
Today, boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh posted online to confirm that Canelo still wants the event to go ahead.
“Canelo reached out and told me he’ll still fight in Riyadh this October, no matter what happens.
“He fears nothing. My country is home to the two Holy Mosques, land of peace, safety, rich civilization, deep history, and kind-hearted people.
“Thank you to everyone who checked in and showed support. Hard times reveal true friends.”
Whether or not this encourages fans remains to be seen, with an increasing number still calling for the fight to be moved.
The decision locks in what is arguably the most crucial fight of Canelo’s recent career. After undergoing elbow surgery early this year, it is a must-win for Alvarez, who has hopes of becoming undisputed once more before retiring.
Boxing
Wilfredo Gomez, Legendary Boxer, Dies at 69 Leaving Behind an Historic Legacy
Published
19 hours agoon
October 11, 2026
Wilfredo “Bazooka” Gomez, the Puerto Rican three-division world champion whose 17 successful super bantamweight title defenses all ended by knockout, died Saturday, October 10, at age 69.
His son, Wilfredo Gomez Jr., confirmed his death to Telemundo Puerto Rico, which reported that Gomez had spent approximately two weeks hospitalized with respiratory complications. He died around 9 p.m., with the family expected to release further details Sunday.
Gomez’s place in boxing history rests most firmly on his extraordinary run at 122 pounds. He finished his career with a 44-3-1 record and 42 knockouts, winning world titles at super bantamweight, featherweight and super featherweight. He entered the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1995.
Born in San Juan on October 29, 1956, Gomez represented Puerto Rico at the 1972 Munich Olympics and won amateur world championship gold in Havana in 1974. His professional championship career began in May 1977, when he recovered from an early knockdown to stop Dong Kyun Yum in the 12th round for the WBC super bantamweight title.
The nickname “Bazooka” suited his punching power, but Gomez brought more than heavy hands. His combinations, timing, and ability to create openings made him dangerous against opponents who could punch themselves.
Carlos Zarate discovered that in October 1978. The Mexican bantamweight champion entered their fight with 52 victories, no defeats, and 51 knockouts. Gomez stopped him in five rounds, producing one of the defining victories of his career and a memorable chapter in the Puerto Rico–Mexico rivalry.
His December 1982 fight with Lupe Pintor showed another side of his greatness. With his eyes swollen and his energy fading, Gomez had to keep fighting through a punishing contest in New Orleans. He stopped Pintor in the 14th round, completing his 17th successful defense at 122 pounds. That victory required endurance and courage alongside the power that had made him famous.
Moving through the divisions also brought defeats. Salvador Sanchez handed Gomez his first professional loss in 1981. Gomez nevertheless went on to win championships at 126 and 130 pounds, adding to a career already exceptional for his dominance at super bantamweight.
The knockout totals explain part of his legacy. The Zarate and Pintor fights explain the rest: Gomez could overwhelm an elite puncher or survive a brutal struggle long enough to finish it. Both remain essential viewing for anyone discovering the fighter behind the “Bazooka” name.

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