Latest news with #EddieHearn
The Independent
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Shakur Stevenson proves he's boxing's new Floyd Mayweather
Headed into the fight, there were many questions surrounding Stevenson's ability to handle a fighter with Zepeda's output – but the Newark native proved beyond any doubt that he can adapt to any style and win 'whatever it takes'. While it may seem early to make comparisons to a legend like Mayweather, the similarities are hard to ignore. Mayweather was heavily criticised towards the end of his career for his defensive boxing style. Shutting his opponents out made for less interesting fights for the spectators. Eddie Hearn openly spoke against Mayweather before his 2014 clash with Marcos Maidana for avoiding the big fights and taking on subpar opposition. Hearn said: 'When the big fights don't happen, the public loses faith. That is happening with Floyd Mayweather.' He continued: 'He is the king of the ring and the king of making money. But fight week seems particularly flat, and I'm hearing from my people in America that there is not the buzz or even much interest in his fight with Marcos Maidana.' This is something Stevenson has also been accused of – not being a fan-friendly fighter and winning his world titles against opposition who never really posed a threat. Long-serving commentator and Hall of Famer Jim Lampley said of Stevenson: 'So far Shakur Stevenson is choosing to win, and so far in choosing to win, he's getting less entertaining. But for both men, a time came when they had to prove to the world that they could stand and fight with the best. Stevenson vs Zepeda (2025) For Stevenson, Zepeda was the perfect opportunity to show his grit against a fighter whose power and volume punching made him a ferocious competitor who has more knockouts than Stevenson does fights. Stevenson showed incredible composure and counterpunching ability to tame the fire of Zepeda and dominate their exchanges, landing eye-catching counter shots and combinations. Just like we saw from Mayweather during his best years, Stevenson boxed from behind a Philly shell when he was forced to the ropes. He was not only effective on the back foot, however, the WBC champion surprised onlookers when he was happy to go toe-to-toe with the fierce Mexican puncher, absorbing or avoiding the best he had to throw and responding with precision and power. The only flaw in an otherwise commanding performance was a well-timed right hand from Zepeda that briefly unbalanced Stevenson, but the American did not waver and quickly returned to dominating the fight. Zepeda showed true spirit to continue his assault despite not landing any meaningful work for the majority of the fight. But the more he threw, the more obvious it became he was outmatched by the American, who could answer him from anywhere – on the inside, at range, on the backfoot or even off the ropes. After the fight Shakur sent a message to the world and said he is more than just a boxer, he is a fighter too. Stevenson said: 'Whatever it takes to get the job done. I got dog in me, I'm not no puppy, I'm not no poodle, I'm a tough guy.' He continued: 'He pushed me to another level.' Mayweather vs Cotto (2012) Mayweather had announced his retirement from boxing after brutally stopping Ricky Hatton in 2007, but came back to the ring in 2009 to fight Juan Manuel Marquez. He put together an impressive couple of victories over Marquez and Shane Mosley, followed by a controversial knockout of Victor Ortiz, which saw him under heavy fire from the boxing public. As well as the controversial ending to the fight, many thought Mayweather was boxing too negatively in his comeback and not providing fans with the entertainment they had paid for. Mayweather's moment of vindication came against Miguel Cotto in one of the toughest challenges of his career. Cotto was, similar to Zepeda, a hard-hitting machine with an unrelenting come-forward style that Mayweather had struggled with in the past against the likes of Oscar De La Hoya, Jose Luis Castillo and Carlos Hernandez. But on the night, Mayweather proved that the days of the destructive 'Pretty Boy Floyd' were not past him but had just morphed into and become a part of his new 'Money' Mayweather persona. Cotto barrelled forward at Mayweather, head low and unloading heavy barrages of hooks, which initially looked to trouble the American. But his signature Philly shell defence took the sting out of most of the punches Cotto was throwing. The five-weight world champion, although he could have, chose not to rely so heavily on his defensive brilliance to beat Cotto and instead took the fight to the Puerto Rican on the inside using the upper cut as an effective weapon. These tactics, as we also saw with Stevenson, created an insurmountable advantage for Mayweather. Cotto could not be effective on the inside and was simply getting picked off at range, which led to a wide unanimous decision for Mayweather against another Hall of Fame opponent. After the fight, Larry Merchant, who had been a critic of Mayweather, asked him how he felt after being in a war with Miguel Cotto after so many years of avoiding punishment. Mayweather said: 'When it's pay per view and the fans are paying and the fans are coming to see you. You want to give the fans excitement." Merchant interrupted and reminded Mayweather that we had not seen him in a fight this tough in some time. Mayweather responded: 'It's about giving the fans excitement. That comes with the territory. Sometimes we have to suck it up and fight hard.' The ability of Mayweather to muzzle an aggressive opponent with inch-perfect defence and lashing counter punches is something we hadn't seen replicated so masterfully until Stevenson. With victory over Zepeda. The boxing world has seen the true potential of Stevenson. He is a fighter who continues to evolve and rise to the challenges as they are thrown at him, just as we saw Mayweather do throughout his career. As a three-weight world champion at just 28 years old, the lightweight champion's achievements at such a young age are undeniable, but the Newark fighter's toughest challenges lie ahead of him.
BBC News
4 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Eubank Jr-Benn rematch 'dead'
A rematch between British rivals Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn is "dead", says promoter Eddie beat Benn in a unanimous points decision at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April.A second bout had been agreed for 20 September, however, it was revealed earlier this week the contest was unlikely to take who promotes Benn, told BBC Sport his fighter was now looking to move away from the rematch, with eyes instead on a world title shot."At the moment the fight between Eubank and Benn is dead," he revealed. "September 20th was the date, now I believe there is some kind of conversation about a November fight."Benn isn't interested in being messed around or waiting around. He would love and arguably prefer a shot at the world title. "If that presented itself, then we would definitely look at that option."Benn, 28, has also claimed to be looking at alternative options, with a move back down to welterweight on the cards. He told BBC Sport: "We signed a two-fight deal, we were ready to go. The date was announced straight after the first fight for September, done a lot of negotiations in terms of venues, dates. "They had all agreed September 20th, then Eubank came out and said he wasn't ready."Asked if Benn was prepared to wait until the end of the year, Hearn added: "So we have to give them a chance."We just appeal to Eubank, if you're not ready to go back to war with Benn and you'd rather sit at a poker table in Las Vegas, good luck to you. But let us move on.""We're ready to move on, drop down to 147 and get a world title," said first fight was organised by Ring Magazine, which is owned by Turki Alalshikh, and it was thought the rematch would also fall under the Riyadh Season on Saturday's broadcast before Oleksandr Usyk's win over Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium, Alalshikh said the Eubank-Benn bout could still happen and suggested January or February as potential alternative has not commented on the situation himself, and it is unclear when an official decision will be 35-year-old was fined £10,000 earlier this month by the British Boxing Board of Control over "misuse of social media" in the build-up to the first contest.
BBC News
4 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Usyk v Dubois 2: Eubank v Benn 'dead', could AJ fight Jake Paul? - Hearn Q&A
Update: Date: 21:28 BST Title: Heavyweight boxing's biggest shocks Content: Bobbie JacksonBBC Sport at Wembley Stadium The heavyweight division can be one of the most unpredictable with one punch enough to deliver victory. Buster Douglas' knockout out of previously undefeated Mike Tyson ranks high on the list of upset. And how about Andy Ruiz stepping in on one month's notice to beat 1-25 favourite Anthony Joshua in 2019? If Daniel Dubois beats Oleksandr Usyk tonight it will send shockwaves through the division and probably sits somewhere below those two examples, but still a big shock! Update: Date: 21:27 BST Title: Ask Eddie Anything Content: Hearn Fan Q&A Eddie HearnBoxing promoter and DAZN analyst Question: What is your favourite thing to do on a day off? "I've absolutely no idea what a day off is so I can't help you with that one." Update: Date: 21:26 BST Title: History beckoning? Content: Usyk v Dubois 2 Only 11 men have become undisputed in the four-belt era while only three have managed to do this across two weight divisions. Oleksandr Usyk alongside Terence Crawford and Naoya Inoue are these three men. But, Usyk is bidding for history as a two-time undisputed champion, twice at heavyweight and once at cruiserweight. Update: Date: 21:24 BST Title: Ask Eddie Anything Content: Hearn Fan Q&A Eddie HearnBoxing promoter and DAZN analyst Question: What is the latest on Eubank and Benn, the latest rumour is it could happen in November? "At the moment the fight between Eubank and Benn is dead. September 20th was the date, now I believe there is some conversation about a November fight. "Benn isn't interested in being messed around or waiting around, he would love and arguably prefer a shot at the world title. If that presented itself, then we would definitely look at that option. "We've signed for it, so we have to give them a chance. We just appeal to Eubank, if you're not ready to go back to war with Benn and you'd rather sit at a poker table in Las Vegas, good luck to you. But let us move on." Update: Date: 21:23 BST Title: Usyk invites Trump to Ukraine Content: Usyk v Dubois 2 Oleksandr Usyk, as always, has been flying the flag high for Ukraine this week. We spent time with him in his camp in Spain a few weeks ago and he spoke about his role as an advocate for peace in Ukraine. This video can not be played Update: Date: 21:21 BST Title: Speaking of Jake Paul... Content: Update: Date: 21:19 BST Title: How both fighters usually win Content: Usyk v Dubois 2 Daniel Dubois hits hard, very hard. 95% of his 22 wins have come by way of knockout and he'll pose a huge threat. Usyk, on the other hand, has gone the distance in 39% of his 23 victories and is much more experienced when it comes to going 12 rounds. I can feel a stoppage coming tonight though. Update: Date: 21:17 BST Title: Ask Eddie Anything Content: Hearn Fan Q&A Eddie HearnBoxing promoter and DAZN analyst Question: It seems that Anthony Joshua v Jake Paul is a serious possibility, what is your honest opinion on that match up? "We have never targeted Jake Paul, we have never even looked at it as a possibility. But we also understand the size of the fight commercially. "It's very likely that AJ will have a comeback fight before a potential Fury fight in 2026. If that's Jake Paul, and we got offered that fight, I can't see us turning that down. "Obviously we would get the opportunity to evaporate Jake Paul from the world of boxing which I think would make a lot of people happy." Update: Date: 21:15 BST Title: Do the weights mean anything? Content: Usyk v Dubois 2 So, let's attempt to crunch the numbers then. Oleksandr Usyk is only slightly heavier than his last fight against Tyson Fury - where he weighed 16st 2lb. As for Daniel Dubois, when these two first met in Poland in 2023, the Briton weighed 16st 9lb but was a career high weight of 17st 10lb when he stopped Anthony Joshua last time out. This video can not be played Update: Date: 21:14 BST Title: Dubois over a stone heavier than Usyk Content: Usyk v Dubois 2 Yesterday's weigh-in was relatively tame compared to some we've seen. Daniel Dubois hit the scales at 17st 6lb while Oleksandr Usyk came in at 16st 3lb. Can we take anything from that at all? Update: Date: 21:12 BST Title: Ask Eddie Anything Content: Hearn Fan Q&A Eddie HearnBoxing promoter and DAZN analyst Question: Is Fury v Joshua actually going to happen with Tyson Fury now calling out Usyk instead? "I think for AJ, the only two people he hasn't managed to fight are Wilder and Fury. We signed for the Wilder fight and we were 45 minutes away from announcing that, but he got beat by Joseph Parker. "AJ's career has been incredible, and so has Fury's. But I think perhaps one day they will kick themselves if they don't make that fight. "You never know what Fury is thinking. When everyone in the world wants to see AJ v Fury, he starts calling out Usyk. They are in similar positions where they have both lost twice to Usyk, the third fight isn't really commercially interesting to the money men or the fans. "I understand both guys would like a third crack at the cherry, but in terms of public desire AJ v Fury remains the biggest fight in boxing." Update: Date: 21:11 BST Title: Post Content: Okolie v Lerena Bobbie JacksonBBC Sport at Wembley Stadium It feels like the atmosphere just went up a notch as Lawrence Okolie walked out for the co-main event against Keven Lerena. The night is drawing in, the lights are on and the music was pumping. Okolie spoke this week about wanting to become a three-weight world champion. He's already held titles at cruiserweight and bridgerweight and has now set his sights on heavyweight gold. Update: Date: 21:10 BST Title: Ask Eddie Anything Content: Hearn Fan Q&A Eddie HearnBoxing promoter and DAZN analyst Question: With MVP being so involved in the women's division, do you expect the remaining female fighters to move over to MVP once Katie Taylor has retired? "I think sometimes people forget that the whole reason that women's boxing is where it is, is not just because of greats like Katie Taylor but because of Matchroom's investment when no one else was interested. "However, we have to look commercially and not every women's fight works, and certainly women's cards don't always perform commercially like a mixed card. "We have some incredible female fighters, obviously Katie Taylor is the pinnacle, but so many great champions outside of that and so many young fighters coming through, that we remain invested in women's boxing for sure." Update: Date: 21:09 BST Title: Dubois shouts in Usyk's face Content: Usyk v Dubois 2 Fight week has been rather quiet compared to others but I have to say I did enjoy Daniel Dubois shouting "AND THE NEW" in face of Oleksandr Usyk. Does Dubois not realise he is a world champion too?! Of course, Usyk didn't flinch. Update: Date: 21:06 BST Title: Post Content: Bobbie JacksonBBC Sport at Wembley Stadium In contrast to the cheers for Frank Bruno earlier, Jake Paul has just received a good 60,000 or so boos as he was shown entering the stadium. Paul has been in the news this week with Matchroom's Eddie Hearn confirming talks have taken place for the YouTuber-turned-boxer to face two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. Update: Date: 21:05 BST Title: Dubois has been here before Content: Usyk v Dubois 2 21 September 2024 is the day Daniel Dubois put the heavyweight division on notice. His brutal stoppage victory over Anthony Joshua was one that stunned the world of boxing. Oh and guess what? That was at Wembley Stadium too. Luckily for you, we've got the full fight below. This video can not be played Update: Date: 21:03 BST Title: Ask Eddie Anything Content: Hearn Fan Q&A Eddie HearnBoxing promoter and DAZN analyst Question: If Dubois beats Usyk tonight, has he had a better boxing career than Anthony Joshua? "If Dubois wins tonight, he would have done something that AJ hasn't done yet which is become undisputed champion. Dubois hasn't become unified champion tonight, but he can do the whole lot with one win which would be incredibly impressive. "I think AJ's longer term resume is more impressive, but certainly with wins over Joshua and Usyk, it would make Dubois' achievements quite incredible." Update: Date: 21:01 BST Title: Usyk v Fury 3? Content: Usyk v Dubois 2 Just on that, Ruth... Despite announcing his retirement in January, Tyson Fury might not be done just yet. The two-time heavyweight champion has hinted at a return to boxing and he wants an Oleksandr Usyk trilogy. "I spoke to him [Fury] over the weekend about boxing. He won't fight this year," Frank Warren told the 5 Live Boxing podcast. "He's got this Netflix second series coming but he's in the gym. He's in it for his wellbeing, physically and mentally. It keeps him in a good place." Who'd like to see that one again? Update: Date: 21:01 BST Title: Get Involved Content: #bbcboxing, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply) If Usyk wins tonight he should either offer Joseph Parker a shot at the title, or retire. Fury doesn't deserve a third chance. Ruth Monaghan, Renfrew Senior's Boxing Club Update: Date: 20:59 BST Title: The boxer who testified at Pistorius' trial Content: Okolie v Lerena Britain's Lawrence Okolie takes on South Africa's Kevin Lerena in the co-main event tonight. Lerena has a rather interesting story out of the ring and my colleague Kal Sajad interviewed the man who survived a helicopter crash and testified at Oscar Pistorius' trial. Read the full interview here.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Conor Benn gives ‘scared' Chris Eubank Jr strict timeline after rematch ‘falls apart'
Conor Benn has insisted that he is 'not waiting around' for a rematch with 'scared' Chris Eubank Jr after their planned bout seemingly fell apart. In April, Eubank Jr outpointed Benn in a thrilling contest at London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where their rematch is – or was – intended to take place in September. Follow our live coverage of Usyk vs Dubois 2 from Wembley Stadium However, it was suggested on Thursday by Benn and Eddie Hearn, his promoter, that plans had been shelved, with 'The Destroyer' stating that 'this rematch falling apart had nothing to do with me'. With further goals of world title glory in his sights, Benn has added that he will not stand around waiting for Eubank Jr to agree on a revised date. ''I'm not waiting,' he told Sky Sports. 'I'm not waiting around. I feel like my career has sort of been on hold to give the fans this fight, and I'm glad that the fight delivered, but now I've got to just tick the box off on my personal goals, which is winning a WBC world title. "It's either [moving back down to] 147lbs for me or the rematch. I'm ready to honour my side of the agreement, which was a two-fight deal [at middleweight] and it's safe to say he's scared. He almost lost. It could have gone either way. To a welterweight." There are claims that Eubank Jr is seeking a rematch with Benn in November, a date which Riyadh Season and Sela are considering, according to Ring Magazine. Benn's April defeat by Eubank Jr marked a unique extension of their fathers' rivalry in the 1990s, when Chris Sr beat Nigel Benn before the Britons fought to a draw in their rematch. Benn's sentiment on the situation echoes that of Hearn, who told talkSPORT on Thursday: 'Obviously, we have a two-fight deal with Chris Eubank Jr. His Excellency [Turki Alalshikh] has told Eubank that 20 September is the date. Chris Eubank Jr, left, defeated Conor Benn in April (Bradley Collyer/PA) (PA Wire) 'As I understand it, there has been a little bit of radio silence from Eubank. Part of me feels like he might not fight again. Obviously, that was a very taxing fight with Conor Benn. 'Hamzah Sheeraz is now in place to fight [Saul] 'Canelo' Alvarez if he comes through [Terence] Crawford, so Eubank is in limbo if he doesn't take the Conor Benn fight. 'Maybe physically, he doesn't want to go to war again. If he doesn't, the whole world wants to fight Conor Benn right now.' The Greenwich-born bruiser has even urged Eubank Jr, 35, to retire from the sport to prevent the rematch saga from being drawn out. "Take it, take it. Just take the win. Take the win. Your dad didn't want the rematch of my dad," he said. "Sail off into the sunset. You're done, and you move on, and I move on and secure my legacy of winning the world title.' If a rematch does not go ahead, Hearn has touted Shakur Stevenson as Benn's next opponent, who outpointed William Zependa on the undercard of Hamzah Sheeraz's title eliminator with Edgar Berlanga on Saturday - which Sheeraz emerged victorious in.
The Independent
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Conor Benn gives ‘scared' Chris Eubank Jr strict timeline after rematch ‘falls apart'
Conor Benn has insisted that he is 'not waiting around' for a rematch with 'scared' Chris Eubank Jr after their planned bout seemingly fell apart. In April, Eubank Jr outpointed Benn in a thrilling contest at London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where their rematch is – or was – intended to take place in September. However, it was suggested on Thursday by Benn and Eddie Hearn, his promoter, that plans had been shelved, with 'The Destroyer' stating that 'this rematch falling apart had nothing to do with me'. With further goals of world title glory in his sights, Benn has added that he will not stand around waiting for Eubank Jr to agree on a revised date. ''I'm not waiting,' he told Sky Sports. 'I'm not waiting around. I feel like my career has sort of been on hold to give the fans this fight, and I'm glad that the fight delivered, but now I've got to just tick the box off on my personal goals, which is winning a WBC world title. "It's either [moving back down to] 147lbs for me or the rematch. I'm ready to honour my side of the agreement, which was a two-fight deal [at middleweight] and it's safe to say he's scared. He almost lost. It could have gone either way. To a welterweight." There are claims that Eubank Jr is seeking a rematch with Benn in November, a date which Riyadh Season and Sela are considering, according to Ring Magazine. Benn's April defeat by Eubank Jr marked a unique extension of their fathers' rivalry in the 1990s, when Chris Sr beat Nigel Benn before the Britons fought to a draw in their rematch. Benn's sentiment on the situation echoes that of Hearn, who told talkSPORT on Thursday: 'Obviously, we have a two-fight deal with Chris Eubank Jr. His Excellency [ Turki Alalshikh ] has told Eubank that 20 September is the date. Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime. See Schedule ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. 'As I understand it, there has been a little bit of radio silence from Eubank. Part of me feels like he might not fight again. Obviously, that was a very taxing fight with Conor Benn. ' Hamzah Sheeraz is now in place to fight [Saul] 'Canelo' Alvarez if he comes through [Terence] Crawford, so Eubank is in limbo if he doesn't take the Conor Benn fight. 'Maybe physically, he doesn't want to go to war again. If he doesn't, the whole world wants to fight Conor Benn right now.' The Greenwich-born bruiser has even urged Eubank Jr, 35, to retire from the sport to prevent the rematch saga from being drawn out. "Take it, take it. Just take the win. Take the win. Your dad didn't want the rematch of my dad," he said. "Sail off into the sunset. You're done, and you move on, and I move on and secure my legacy of winning the world title.' If a rematch does not go ahead, Hearn has touted Shakur Stevenson as Benn's next opponent, who outpointed William Zependa on the undercard of Hamzah Sheeraz's title eliminator with Edgar Berlanga on Saturday - which Sheeraz emerged victorious in.
