Latest news with #MainEvents
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Claressa Shields vs. Laila Ali: Expert predictions on who would win
Claressa Shields vs. Laila Ali. The fight isn't even official. In fact, it may never materialize. But that didn't keep five experts from responding when asked who would win the fight between the 30-year-old Shields and the 47-year-old Ali. Both would climb into the ring with unblemished records. Shields is 17-0 with three knockouts and Ali was 24-0 with 21 knockouts when she retired in 2007. "Honestly, a fight with me and Laila Ali would be one of the biggest fights in women's boxing,'' Shields told USA TODAY Sports last month. 'I think we should do it for the culture. We should do it for the boxing culture. We should do it for so many to prove who is the best.'' Laila Ali vs Claressa Shields predictions Was knocked out by Ali in the fourth round of their fight in 2003. Elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2020. A biopic on Martin, starring Sydney Sweeney, is scheduled to be screened in September at the Toronto International Film Festival. 'Laila's going to be too big, too strong, too smart,'' Martin said. 'She's going to use her jab to set her right hand up and push Claressa back. And Shields can't fight going backwards. 'I think that since Layla's been probably relaxing and resting (during retirement), her body's recovered from any damage that she had during her career. I think she'll come back strong. She's still under 50 and Laila's not going to come back unless she's 100% confident and ready to come back. And if she's 100% ready and confident, she wins.'' A boxing promoter who is the CEO of Main Events. Elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2019. 'Laila did a lot for women's boxing,'' Duva said. 'She's an icon. But in her prime, in my opinion, she simply wasn't as good as Shields is now. So now she's 47 and hasn't fought in 18 years. 'Her advantage is taller than Shields, and that's about it. Tall isn't much of an advantage if your opponent knows how to neutralize it. And Shields does. Add in Laila's age and inactivity. The fight is great marketing. And I hope both women make lots of money. But it is based purely on wishful thinking and is not remotely competitive.'' A retired boxer who won world titles in four divisions between 2005 and 2007. Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in June. 'Their styles are very different,'' Sanders said. 'I mean, Claressa's a brawler and Laila is more of a boxer. I do want (Shields) to finesse more because I feel like Laila has those straighter punches that could get into Clarissa's wider haymakers and coming in with aggression. 'But one punch, I've seen these girls take one punch from Claressa. They're like, 'Oh, she is a beast. She is strong. She's a fricking Clydesdale.' 'But if Laila can finesse her and get her flustered and off her game, then she's got those straight punches. So if Claressa can prepare for that and her team knows that, then it'll be wonderful.'' In 2012, became the first woman coach on the U.S. Olympic boxing team and worked with Shields. She also trained retired champion boxers Andre Ward and Jermain Taylor. She noted the age difference between Shields and Ali. 'Carissa has power, she has speed,'' Thornton-Peak said. 'She comes at you hard and fast, and if you are not used to having those kind of punches come at you, you are going to easily be overwhelmed by it. 'I think in order to beat her, you got to be able to match that output that she has of throwing punches, and you also need to have some of the power she has. 'I think (Shields') chances are very good because so far I have not seen anybody who could really match that output she has and throwing those fast flurry punches, that pressure. I haven't seen anybody really be able to handle that.'' Laila Ali's ex-husband. Was involved in training and promoting Ali between 1999 and 2005. A retired boxer who was 25-9-2 before he retired in 2010. 'The facts are the facts,'' he said. 'Laila Ali is a completely seasoned animal when it comes to fighting. Laila does not play. She hits really hard for real. Claressa has three knockouts. Laila, out of her 24 fights only allowed three people not to get knocked out. Laila hits for real, and Clarissa doesn't. 'Laila Ali is way, way more skilled than Claressa. She comes from the science of boxing. And what did her dad use? The jab. Claressa don't have no jab, and Clarissa got to try to come inside. Laila going to hit her with the jab all day long. Laila has fast hands, and Claressa don't have no power. The only thing that Claressa has is her youth going forward with Layla. 'But if Layla's going to fight her, Layla's going to be ready for her.''
Time of India
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Tommy Brooks Dies at 71: Iconic Boxing Trainer to Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield Passes Away
Images via Boxing World and Ring Magazine: Mike Tyson, Tommy Brooks and Evander Holyfield Imagine earning the rare distinction of training not one, but two of the most fearsome heavyweight champions in boxing history. That was the legacy of the late, great Tommy Brooks, who trained Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield in his iconic career. In a heartbreaking update for the boxing world, Brooks has passed away at the age of 71 after a battle with cancer. The news of his death was confirmed by Hall of Fame promoter Lou DiBella. Tommy Brooks: The Mastermind Behind Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield's Glory DiBella mourned Brooks' passing and wrote on X, 'Too young. Great boxing man and even better person, he was just a solid dude. Shared many memorable nights with Tommy and his wife, Donna Duva, during the glory days of Main Events. My love and prayers to Donna and all their fam. This is now a real tough stretch of losing real boxing people. It's getting to me." For those unfamiliar with his legacy, Brooks played a pivotal role in some of boxing's most iconic moments. He guided Evander Holyfield to become the undisputed cruiserweight title holder in the 80s and was in his corner when 'The Real Deal' shocked the world by defeating Mike Tyson in their legendary bouts in 1996 and 1997. In a twist of fate, Brooks later went on to train Tyson himself, guiding him through a six-fight unbeaten streak—a rare highlight in the twilight of Iron Mike's career. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cargo Ship Meets Pirates - Watch What the Captain Does Next! Tips and Tricks Undo He was also in Tyson's corner for the blockbuster 2002 clash against Lennox Lewis. Tommy Brooks' Legacy Extended Far Beyond Tyson and Holyfield Brooks' resume didn't stop there. He trained former WBO heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko, as well as top contenders like Larry Donald and Michael Grant , earning a reputation as one of the sharpest minds in the sport. Quiet and humble by nature, Brooks never chased the spotlight. But in any serious boxing gym from the 1980s through the early 2000s, his name carried serious weight. He earned that respect not just as a trainer, but as a former fighter himself. Brooks' journey began in the amateur ranks, where he captured the 1975 National AAU Middleweight title, defeating both Tom Sullivan and a young Michael Spinks. After a successful run in the U.S. Air Force, where he became a military boxing champion, he turned professional and retired in 1979 with a solid 7-3 record. Also read: Claressa Shields Shows Love for Papoose After Undisputed Title Defense as Baby Plans for 2026 Unfold Even after stepping away from elite corners in the 2010s, Brooks remained a mentor. He quietly shaped the next generation of fighters and coaches, sharing lessons passed down from his own legendary mentors, Eddie Futch and Archie Moore. It is indeed a humongous loss for the boxing world, especially after the death of another legend George Foreman, earlier this year. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
New York Post
30-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Tommy Brooks, trainer to Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield, dead at 71
Legendary boxing coach Tommy Brooks, who trained Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield, died after a battle with cancer. News of the 71-year-old's death was reported by Hall of Fame boxing promoted Lou DiBella on Tuesday night. 'Got more bad news a little while ago,' DiBella wrote on X. 'It was just confirmed by his family that esteemed boxing trainer Tommy Brooks died tonight, after having fought a very aggressive cancer. Too young. Advertisement 3 Tommy Brooks and Mike Tyson together after victory over Francois Botha. Gary Hershorn 3 Brooks and Holyfield after he won both the IBF and WBF belts. REUTERS 'Great boxing man and even better person, he was just a solid dude. Shared many memorable nights with Tommy and his wife, Donna Duva, during the glory days of Main Events. My love and prayers to Donna and all their fam' Advertisement Brooks began his time in the sport as an amateur boxer, winning a national title in the U.S. He turned pro, winning his first seven fights, but after losing his next three, decided to retire and focus on coaching. The first star he coached was Holyfield, whom he guided to becoming the undisputed champion in the cruiserweight division in the 1980s and heavyweight champion in the 1990s. 3 Evander Holyfield recieves instructions from trainer Tommy Brooks during his fight against Chris Byrd during their IBF Heavyweight championship bout on December 14, 2002 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Getty Images Advertisement He helped Holyfield beat Tyson twice, leading to 'Iron Mike' turning to Brooks as his trainer, a partnership that lasted until 2002. Brooks went on to work with Ukrainian heavyweights Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko, who held multiple titles among them during their decorated international careers.
The Irish Sun
30-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Tommy Brooks dead at 71: Boxing trainer who coached Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield passes away after cancer fight
LEGENDARY boxing trainer Tommy Brooks has died aged 71 after a fight with cancer. Brooks was a national amateur champion in America before turning professional in 1977. Advertisement 1 Tommy Brooks and Mike Tyson pictured in 1999 Credit: Reuters He only had a brief boxing career, winning his first seven bouts before losing three on the spin to retire and focus on training fighters. Brooks shot to recognition as a coach first with Evander Holyfield. But after Mike Tyson was twice beaten by Holyfield, who also turned to Brooks during his comeback trail. And Brooks coached Tyson up until his 2002 loss to Lennox Lewis - parting way afterwards. Advertisement READ MORE IN BOXING Brooks also coached Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko as well as 2008 British Olympic bronze medalist David Price. Hall of Fame promoter Lou DiBella paid tribute, posting: "Got more bad news a little while ago. "It was just confirmed by his family that esteemed boxing trainer Tommy Brooks died tonight, after having fought a very aggressive cancer. "Too young. Great boxing man and even better person, he was just a solid dude. Advertisement Most read in Boxing "Shared many memorable nights with Tommy and his wife, Donna Duva, during the glory days of Main Events. "My love and prayers to Donna and all their fam."
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The Motor City Stirs the Pot! Webb / Kitchen Win, Detroit Supercross Recap & Results
The following is a press release from Feld Motor Sports: Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing's Cooper Webb grabbed the win in a thrilling Detroit Supercross at Ford Field. Webb's first win of the season put the two-time champion into a point tie for the title just six races into the 17-round Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship. The Detroit Supercross delivered thrilling and unpredictable racing to a packed stadium at Ford Field. Both the 450SX and 250SX Class Main Events came down to the final laps with multiple late-race lead changes. Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki's Ken Roczen jumped into the lead on the first lap and led the field for most of the 20-minute plus one lap Main Event. He defended several attacks by Webb throughout the race but gave up the top spot in the final minutes. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing's Chase Sexton got stuck in the starting gate then crashed on the opening lap, but from there he put in blistering laps and passed his way up to a third-place finish. Sexton retains the red plate but now stands in a point tie with Cooper Webb in both the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the SMX World Championship™. In round two of the Eastern Divisional 250SX Class, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki's Levi Kitchen nabbed the win after a late-race re-start tightened up the field. First place 450SX Class 'I really liked where I was by lap three, when I got around Aaron [Plessinger] and was with Kenny. I knew he was riding well today so it was going to be a good pace, and we had some good laps… He felt the pressure and rode well all through the Main Event. I was trying hard, and he picked up on some of my lines. It was a tough Main Event… I've been in that position before and it felt great. I'm stoked to get that first win, get the red plate. It just felt awesome.' – Cooper Webb, when asked at what point he felt he had the win. Second place 450SX Class 'It was a really fun race… I kept my cool the whole time even though he was revving behind me. I didn't let anything faze me. I know the stigma of when we go to battle and him getting me toward the end, but I just tried to do what I could; it's honest work… I'm happy with a podium, I really am, even though we only got two points closer [to the points lead], I'm doing whatever I can out there and we're executing our plans that we have coming into the [racing].' – Ken Roczen Third place 450SX Class 'I was dead last, and I was like, 'Well, time to send it!' I felt like I rode really well; probably the best ride of the season, but it's obviously not the result we wanted. But I made the most of a bad situation… I was smashing the whoops and that's more like it for me. I'm looking forward to keeping this season going; that ride was fun.' – Chase Sexton (#4 in photo above) The 250SX Class created excitement of its own when a red flag came out late in the race. Levi Kitchen, running seven seconds behind the leader in second place, used incredible sprint speed to take over the lead just two laps before the checkered flag came out. Prior to the re-start, last weekend's winner, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing's Max Anstie, grabbed the lead early and pulled out a comfortable gap. After several side-by-side racing moments with Kitchen in the final laps, Anstie eventually settled for second. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing's RJ Hampshire fought into third place, even recovering from a fall. Hampshire tried to capitalize on the staggered-start re-start but wasn't able to better his spot. Note: The AMA's re-start procedure after a red flag was updated prior to the 2024 season. The rule states that if the leader has completed at least three laps, and if there is any time remaining on the race clock, the riders line up in a staggered-position on the start straight. A green flag re-starts the race, and the remaining race duration will be, at minimum, three laps. First place 250SX Class 'Max rode so good in the beginning of that event… then the red flag came out and I was like, 'It's time to reset and I can capitalize on this.' I took a few deep breaths and just treated it like I was doing a two-lap sprint at Sandbox [Training Facility]. I sent it, made a pretty aggressive pass, and was able to get that [triple jump] out of the turn and got a little gap. We'll take that. I had to bounce back after last weekend… [After the re-start] I knew it was [going to be] green flag, white flag, checkers, so I tried to plan to get a pass and get some room, and that's what I did.' – Levi Kitchen Second place 250SX Class 'That red flag threw a bit of a spanner into the plan there. I was in a tough spot, because I knew Levi was fast, and the track was quite open. There were a lot of places to send it down the inside, and I would have done the same thing… I had it in the bag. I was literally cruising around the last two laps, and then the red flag [came out]. It is what it is. Big picture: I'm solid, I feel really good, I'm fast, I'm comfy where I'm at so, yeah, what a bummer.' – Max Anstie Third place 250SX Class 'We needed a podium so bad after last weekend. There was no one that pulled a worse card than me last weekend [getting the bike stuck on a track marker]… We came up with a pretty good setting for that Main Event and that's the best I felt all day. We'll take it. If you noticed, on the re-start I was hanging back a little bit. I didn't want to throw it away for no reason.' – RJ Hampshire
