Ducking hell
The start of the new week brought some official updates in the ongoing Adam Azim and Dalton Smith saga. Azim made it official by giving up his European super-lightweight title, as his focus now shifts towards a bout with Harlem Eubank rather than his rival from Sheffield.
As soon as the news was confirmed, Eddie Hearn, the promoter of Smith and a strong advocate for the all-British fight, wasted no time expressing his disappointment. During an interview on Matchroom’s Youtube channel, Hearn didn’t hold back, stating, “There’s no way to sugarcoat it – Adam Azim has avoided facing Dalton Smith.”
He further stated, “There is no demand for Azim to face Eubank, but there is a strong demand for Azim to fight Smith. This could be a remarkable match for British boxing, and it’s disheartening. In essence, it’s clear now, you chose to avoid Dalton Smith.”
57-year-old Mike Tyson, who is currently in the midst of his training camp for his upcoming bout against Jake Paul, provided an additional update. In an interview with Fox News, he clarified, “Although this event is labeled as an exhibition, it’s important to note that the regulations we are adhering to in this fight are not typically associated with exhibition matches. This is an intense battle.”
You can interpret it as you wish, but I have no intention of arguing with him.
Nevertheless, he later emphasized, “Have patience. It won’t come as a shock when this fight takes place in September.” We continue to hold onto our optimism.
Returning fire
Thursday was a busy day in the boxing world. Ben Shalom, Azim’s promoter, responded to Eddie Hearn’s accusations on talkSPORT. Shalom stated that it was crucial to pick the right time for Azim’s fights. He mentioned the possibility of choosing between Smith or Eubank as opponents, with Smith being the tougher option. However, Shalom believed that it would be a wrong decision at this point in Azim’s career. He acknowledged the potential for victory but emphasized that waiting for three to four more fights would lead to higher earnings and a more significant bout.
Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, who was participating in a media session for his upcoming May 4 match against Jaime Munguia, also addressed inquiries about a non-existent fight. David Benavidez was once again a topic of discussion. Alvarez confidently stated, “Throughout my career, I have always faced opponents that people claim I avoid. I have worked hard to attain the position I am in now, which grants me the freedom to make my own choices.”
I won’t be able to satisfy them no matter what, so I’ll simply do as I please.”
Anthony Joshua, during his interview with Jonathan Ross, revealed that he plans to continue boxing for another two years and hinted at his upcoming fight in September.
Apology accepted
During an interview with the Seconds Out YouTube channel, Oleksandr Usyk, one of the two men who defeated Joshua, was brought up. Joshua recently expressed regret for his outburst after their second fight and shared that he had requested Wladimir Klitschko, a fellow Ukrainian like Usyk, to convey his apology.
Usyk responded, “Certainly, I accept the apology. I hold no ill will towards Joshua as I have great respect for him. I believe it was just a result of emotions, and I want to assure Anthony that there is no need for an apology from him.”
When asked if he had viewed any of Tyson Fury’s training footage for their May 18 fight, Usyk responded by stating that he avoids social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, as well as videos of Fury. He believes that these platforms are not beneficial for him and considers them a waste of time. Instead, he prefers to spend his time reading books and engaging with his family. Usyk’s sole focus is on his training camp and preparations for the upcoming fight. He disregards any opinions or speculations about his fighting style, as it does not affect his mindset and determination.
The Week has neither confirmed nor denied the rumors regarding Clarke’s potential matchup against Whittaker.
Fabio’s big day out
After the electrifying performance he delivered with Frazer Clarke at the O2 Arena last month, it is only fair that Fabio Wardley, the British heavyweight champion, allows himself to relax and enjoy some downtime (if he possesses any hair).
Being a true Suffolk lad, he would always put on his blue shirt and take the train to Norwich for one of the most intense rivalries in English football, the El Tractico, also known as the Old Farm, where Ipswich would face off against Norwich.
Fabio’s fight against Clarke shattered Sky’s viewership records, making him a highly noticeable figure. Consequently, every action of his on Saturday was captured by someone’s camera phone. This included footage of him on the train to Norwich, inside the Carrow Road concourse, shirtless, spinning his Ipswich shirt around his head. Later on, he was also recorded engaging in a heated argument with members of the home crowd in the away end.
In Vegas, the Fontainebleau, a newly established hotel on The Strip, hosted its inaugural boxing event where Richardson Hitchins emerged victorious by earning points at the main event. The promoter, Hearn, confidently declared it as the finest hotel in Vegas without any comparison. However, it seems like they haven’t experienced the accommodations at Travelodge yet.
James Chance/Getty Images captures the moment when Wardley and Clarke enter into a fierce conflict.
Spherical curtain
After her rematch win against Chantelle Cameron in November, Katie Taylor’s boxing journey has been relatively low-key. However, a recent report from Ireland indicates that the renowned women’s boxing superstar might create history by participating in the first main event boxing match at the Las Vegas Sphere. According to RTE, the much-anticipated rematch between Taylor and Amanda Serrano is allegedly scheduled to occur at this remarkable venue on the Strip in June.
There have been discussions about a potential third fight between Cameron and Taylor, possibly scheduled for May 25. However, it seems that Team Taylor has shifted their focus back to Serrano. The 37-year-old boxer from Bray emerged victorious with a split decision in their thrilling first bout, which took place at Madison Square Garden two years ago this month, drawing a crowd of nearly 20,000 spectators.
Another significant milestone for women’s boxing could be the potential occurrence of the fight at the Sphere. This state-of-the-art venue, primarily known for hosting renowned acts like U2 and Bruce Springsteen since its opening last year, has not yet featured any boxing events. However, a match between Taylor and Serrano would make for an ideal opening spectacle, even though it is impossible to hang a curtain on a sphere.
Tongue in cheek
After his recent appearance on the Jonathan Ross Show, Anthony Joshua created quite a buzz by sharing an exciting video on his Instagram account.
Once again, the familiar sight of the London 2012 Olympic gold medalist can be observed at the gym. However, this time, he is actively participating in MMA training, throwing kicks and elbows at the pads skillfully held by one of the coaches at Evolve Gym in Colindale, North London, which happens to be conveniently close to his residence.
Undoubtedly, Joshua will have shared the clip with a playful gesture, but the video created quite a buzz on social media regarding the possibility of a rematch with Francis Ngannou in the ring. However, I firmly believe we can discard that notion as highly unlikely.
This week, Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, officially announced that Joshua will make his return to the ring in the latter part of the summer. Despite the existence of a rematch clause, there remains a possibility that Joshua may face the victor of the Tyson Fury versus Oleksandr Usyk bout. Additionally, there is a potential opportunity for Joshua to compete against Filip Hrgovic for one of the four world title belts. It can be confidently stated that Joshua will not be engaging in any physical altercations in the near future.
Jordan Gill was interviewed by BOXING NEWS prior to his important fight against Zelfa Barrett scheduled for Saturday night.
The Chatteris man expressed his unique assessment of his training experience with Ben Davison this time, which came after his win against Mick Conlan in December. Gill stated that he anticipates improving by approximately 36 to 45 percent this time. He emphasized that he has diligently prepared and trained well, attributing his progress to the guidance of his new coaches. Compared to his limited preparation before fighting Michael Conlan, Gill believes that with more time, he will continue to enhance his skills and performance.
Due to my diligent training, I believe I will surpass my previous self from December. And once I emerge victorious in this fight, I anticipate further growth in subsequent fights, becoming an even better version of myself.
In addition, he was tasked with evaluating the difficulties presented by Barrett. Once again, Gill provided a concise response: “Yeah, he packs quite a punch. He’s a considerably larger individual compared to me and has established himself as a professional super-featherweight. I’m eagerly anticipating it. All the talk doesn’t really matter, does it? We’ll simply step into the ring and engage in a fight.”
