Tag: Boxing

Hafthor Bjornsson Calls Out Tyson Fury During Training: ‘Are You Afraid? Show Yourself’

Hafthor Bjornsson Calls Out Tyson Fury During Training: ‘Are You Afraid? Show Yourself’

Hafthor Bjornsson continues to prepare for his next opponent and calls out Tyson Fury.
Hafthor Bjornsson has made his debut in the ring and continues to train at a high level. After taking down fellow former strongman Eddie Hall, Bjornsson is ready to take the talent level up a notch. The former World’s Strongest Man has been calling out Tyson Fury in recent weeks and did it once again on social media.
This is not the first time that the two have commented on the idea of a possible fight. At the end of June, both Fury and Bjornsson posted stories on Instagram teasing the idea of a fight. Fury retired from competitive boxing after his most recent victory over Dillan Whyte. For Bjornsson, his last time in the ring was a unanimous decision over Hall.
Fury and Bjornsson have great respect for one another and that showed during their one in-person meeting. If the two stepped in the ring together, there would be many eyes on the event.

Hafthor Bjornsson Calls Out Tyson Fury
Hafthor Bjornsson has lost a significant amount of weight since making the transition from strongman to boxer. He was one of the best in the world lifting weights and still holds the deadlift world record. Now, Bjornsson has put together a shredded physique thanks to the new diet plan and training regimen.
Along with his coach Billy Nelson, Bjornsson had just put in a huge workout to better his skills. He then took to Instagram to make a statement to Tyson Fury.
“Hey guys I hope you’re having a great, great day. I just finished my second session of the day, had a good session with my coach Billy Nelson. But hey, I have a question for one guy. Tyson Fury, where the F**k are you? I thought you said you’d come to Iceland. Are you afraid? Show yourself.”
To this point, there are no plans for a fight between Fury and Bjornsson but the idea is in the universe. Fury might have retired from boxing but he did not close the door on ideas like this that could draw a large audience and payday for both sides.
Hafthor Bjornsson brings incredible size and strength but Fury is a different animal. He is a champion with incredible footwork and instincts. Could Bjornsson actually last in the ring? It would be interesting to see how the fight would play out.
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Tommy Fury Cancels Fight, Jake Paul Responds With Offer To Move Match To UK: ‘You Are A Scared Little Boy’

Tommy Fury Cancels Fight, Jake Paul Responds With Offer To Move Match To UK: ‘You Are A Scared Little Boy’

Jake Paul and Tommy Fury will not fight in August. Will the fight ever take place?
A boxing match between Tommy Fury and Jake Paul has been in the works since December. The first meeting was called off because Fury sustained an injury. Now, Fury has been forced to cancel once again due to travel issues.
Fury, who is the half-brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, posted a statement on Twitter claiming that he will be unable to make it into the U.S. prior to the fight. Paul did not waste time commenting on the post offering a fight in the U.K. but the payday will be far less than the original amount.

pic.twitter.com/OTOmulKfrW
— Tommy Fury (@tommytntfury) July 7, 2022
“I’m gutted and disappointed in regards to the issues I have faced with entry into the USA. This is something that myself or my team could have never anticipated happening. This situation has been left with my lawyers as being denied entry to a country is obviously a very serious issue and it needs to subsequently be resolved.
I am confident this fight will happen when this issue gets resolved and we come to a solution. I want to clarify that I will fight in a neutral country that both parties can enter. This can be any time, any place, any where.”
Jake Paul will now take on Hasim Rahman Jr. on August 6 as the son of former heavyweight boxing champion steps in for Fury.

Jake Paul Responds, Offers $500k For Fight
Jake Paul has not been shy about offering up massive paydays for fighters interested in stepping in the ring. The former YouTuber has successfully made the transition into the ring but has received criticism for not taking on a real fighter. Paul has victories over YouTuber AnEsonGib, former NBA player Nate Robinson, Ben Askren, and Tyron Woodley.
At this point, Paul has attempted to fight Fury on two separate occasions and is unhappy that it has not happened yet. Paul immediately responded to Fury on Twitter.
“I’m confident you are a scared little boy who doesn’t want to fight or understand business. I will pay you $500k to fight me in the UK. I will do it shortly after August 6. You accept?”
The original agreement for this fight was upwards of $2 million for the fight at Madison Square Garden. After being offered a price that is significantly less, Fury responded to Paul and did not accept.
“I wouldn’t get out of bed to fight you for $500k. Let me know when you’re ready to have a serious conversation.”
It is unknown when or if Jake Paul and Tommy Fury will ever step in the ring together but maybe the third time is the charm. Paul will still be in action on August 6 at the Garden.
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Iranian Hulk vs. Kazakh Titan Boxing Match Announced: All You Need To Know

Iranian Hulk vs. Kazakh Titan Boxing Match Announced: All You Need To Know

Iranian Hulk will make his debut in the ring against Kazakh Titan.
It has been two months since the fight between Iranian Hulk and Martyn Ford fell through. Now, Sajad Gharibi will make his debut in the ring against Djumanov Almat Bakhytovich later this month.
Iranian Hulk and Bakhytovich, known as Kazakh Titan, have been going back and forth on social media in recent weeks. Now, the two will be able to step in the ring on July 31 at the P7 Arena in the Media One Hotel in Dubai.
Gharibi was originally slated to settle his differences with Ford in the ring before it was called off. There was concern coming from Ford’s camp about Iranian Hulk’s mental health following an interview that surfaced showing Gharibi emotionally discussing his family. They were allegedly disappointed following a stare down between the two men.
Iranian Hulk has been back in the gym training for a fight and will now prepare for another personal bout with Kazakh Titan.

Iranian Hulk vs. Kazakh Titan Background
Iranian Hulk has been unable to get in the ring to this point but has had plenty of chances. Prior to signing his deal to take on Ford, Gharibi was initially going to make his debut in 2020 with Bare Knuckle FC. 
At 6-foot-2, weighing over 175kg, Iranian Hulk has built a massive following on social media because of his unique physique. During his prep, Gharibi has shown off some insane methods to build strength in the different ways. This has allowed him to lose over 30 pounds, adding both a bit of speed and agility. 
Like Iranian Hulk, Kazakh Titan is also a bodybuilder who has made his mark as an influencer. He is a champion in his home country, along with making many appearances on television. 
Kazakh Titan may stand just 5-foot-7 but he weighs 115kg and is incredibly strong. He is able to bench press 150kg while deadlifting almost three times his bodyweight. Despite not competing in the ring, Kazakh Titan claims that he is an MMA master and has been waiting to make his debut. He has been calling out Iranian Hulk for quite some time now and the two seem prepared to do battle.
When a fight is made personal like this one, there is always some extra motivation for each side. The fact that each fighter will be making his debut is another element that can make this a must-see event.
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Hafthor Bjornsson Responds To Tyson Fury Regarding Potential Fight: ‘I’m 100% Up For A War’

Hafthor Bjornsson Responds To Tyson Fury Regarding Potential Fight: ‘I’m 100% Up For A War’

Hafthor Bjornsson and Tyson Fury has teased a potential fight in the future.
Hafthor Bjornsson has had his eyes on a future opponent for months now. He defeated Eddie Hall in the much-anticipated matchup between the two strongmen. While a rematch is possible, there is a chance that Bjornsson will find an opponent elsewhere. Martyn Ford has been mentioned but could Tyson Fury be priority?
Bjornsson and Fury met back in December prior to a speaking event that the Gypsy King was putting on. There seems to be a solid relationship between the two and this could make a potential fight possible. In an Instagram story, Fury called out Bjornsson.
“I wonder if @thorbjornsson could take a crashing right hand to that big jaw?
What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable option? Maybe we’ll find out.”
Hafthor Bjornsson did not waste time in responding to Tyson Fury. Thor also posted an Instagram story outside of his gym with his fists up ready for a fight.
“There’s only one way to find out. Let’s make these talk.
I’m 100% up for a war. Let’s do this.”

Could Hafthor Bjornsson vs. Tyson Fury Happen?
The size of the two competitors might be similar but it is clear that the fight history clearly favors one side.
Both Tyson Fury and Hafthor Bjornsson stand at 6-foot-9 while the strongman is about 35 pounds heavier. This is to be expected from a former strongman. Fury has not lost a boxing match in his career and has taken down the likes of Wladimir Klitschko, Dillian Whyte, and Deontay Wilder. Fury retired after knocking out Whyte but has not closed the door on promotional fights.
Bjornsson has made the transition from strongman to boxer and has done it in a big way. He has lost weight and created a shredded physique that can last in the ring. Bjornsson has just two matches under his belt, knocking out Devon Larratt before defeating Hall.
This seemed to be an unrealistic bout just a few weeks ago but the fact that both men have acknowledged the idea is telling. While Tyson Fury is retired, he has kept the door open about fights like this. Hafthor Bjornsson is not going to back down from an opponent and this could be an extremely hyped boxing match if an agreement comes in the future.
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Artur Beterbiev vs Joe Smith Jr. Will Be an Epic War

Artur Beterbiev vs Joe Smith Jr. Will Be an Epic War

Artur Beterbiev vs Joe Smith Jr. will produce a knockout.
The battle between IBF and WBC light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev and WBO champion Joe Smith Jr. is sure to be quite the spectacle. Both men have a hungry go forward pressure still which usually results in them crushing their opposition. Now they are on a collision course for each other and the resulting meeting is likely to produce a knockout.
The boxing match between Artur Beterbiev and Joe Smith Jr. is must-see TV. Both men wish to impose their will, but both will apply different methods of arriving to their destination.
Artur Beterbiev
The Russian-Canadian powerhouse is truly a force to be reckoned with in the light heavyweight division. The IBF and WBC champion, Artur Beterbiev secured his position by force. Of his 17 victories the undefeated Beterbiev has stopped 16 of his opponents. It’s safe to say he’s a knockout artist.

Artur Beterbiev has an explosive leaping shuffle jab which is sure to give Smith Jr. problems. He explodes into the punch much like a karate fighter, finishing with a powerful right hand to follow up. Beterbiev is also a great counter puncher in the pocket. Should Smith Jr. be lazy with his jab, Beterbiev will counter with a slip and follow offense that could crush his opponent. Beterbiev is also ferocious at close range and should look to get into the pocket early and often.
Joe Smith Jr.
What’s interesting about this match up is how similar both fighters are. The biggest difference between the two could be that Joe Smith Jr. has nearly twice the fight experience as Beterbiev. Smith Jr. demolishes many of his opponents by knockout and recently won his WBO light heavyweight belt just a couple fights back. Now he’s hoping to collect two more belts as he faces off against Beterbiev.

Like his opponent, Joe Smith Jr. relies on his jab and forward pressure to set up his power punches. In particular Smith Jr. likes to throw the overhand after his lead hand set up. He should perhaps aim to switch levels on Beterbiev to keep him guessing. A jab to the head, then body followed by the overhand could be a successful approach for Smith Jr. He’ll have to be cautious while in the pocket as well as Beterbiev’s shorter reach can prove deadly in exchanges at both close and mid range.
Fight Results
Tune in tomorrow to get the full results to what will likely be a crazy fight.
TBA
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News and Editorial Writer at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.

WATCH: Stunned Boxer Begins Swinging At Non-Existent Opponent During African Boxing Event

WATCH: Stunned Boxer Begins Swinging At Non-Existent Opponent During African Boxing Event

Simiso Buthelezi began throwing punches at the air after his opponent fell out of the ring.
A strange scene unfolded on Sunday during a boxing event in Africa. Simiso Buthelezi was prepared to defend his title against Siphesihle Mntungwa at the Greyville Convention Centre in Durban, South Africa. It took a turn in the 10th round when the champ began throwing punches at a non-existent opponent.
Buthelezi seemed to lose his sense of where he was in the 10th round once his opponent fell out of the ring. Mntungwa was struck and fell through the ropes before quickly scampering back in. The referee restarted the match but Buthelezi did not go after his opponent. Instead, the undefeated fighter turned the other way and began throwing punches in the corner at nothing.
The referee was forced to stop the fight and Mntungwa was awarded the victory. Tim Boxeo shared the video on his Twitter account.
“Very scary in South Africa please for Simiso Buthelezi (4-1). At 2:43 of the 10th & final round, Siphesihle Mntungwa (7-1-2) falls through the ropes but then Buthelezi appears to lose his understanding of the present situation. Mntungwa takes the WBF African lightweight title.”

Very scary in South Africa please ?? for Simiso Buthelezi (4-1). At 2:43 of the 10th & final round, Siphesihle Mntungwa (7-1-2) falls through the ropes but then Buthelezi appears to lose his understanding of the present situation. Mntungwa takes the WBF African lightweight title pic.twitter.com/YhfCI623LB
— Tim Boxeo (@TimBoxeo) June 5, 2022
An update was posted in a threat under the tweet explaining the current condition of Buthelezi.
“Sources share that Simiso Buthelezi is currently in stable condition in South Africa and in the next few days more will be learned as to what could have potentially caused a very scary and odd response in the ring.”
This is a scary scene for boxing because of the potential head or brain injury that Buthelezi might have suffered. There will be more answers given in the coming days as the situation gets sorted out. At this point, it is unknown if the one-time undefeated fighter will be in any condition to step back in the ring.
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Gervonta Davis vs Rolando Romero Promises to Produce a Devastating Knockout

Gervonta Davis vs Rolando Romero Promises to Produce a Devastating Knockout

Who will come out on top in the Gervonta Davis versus Rolando Romero match?
Gervonta Davis versus Rolando Romero is a clash that boxing fans have been clamoring to see. Romero has done an excellent job to build up this fight. He has trash talked his way all the way to the bank with this one and it makes for a compelling storyline: can he actually back it all up. While he doesn’t possess the same kind of experience as Davis, what Romero does have is an unorthodox style and the power to make things difficult for his rival. The reigning WBA lightweight champion, Gervonta “Tank” Davis has allowed his work to speak for itself inside the ring. No brash talk, no antics, just sheer explosive power that has rendered 24 of his 26 opponents unconscious.
The Analysis
Rolando Romero
As far as his boxing acumen, Rolando Romero does not possess the prettiest technique. What he does bring to the table, though, is sheer power. Romero’s most dangerous technique is definitely his left hook. In many of his matchups, his left hook is the deciding factor in the bout. If he’s able to land cleanly with his left hook, he marries it with his right hand, a devastating combination of blows.
With that said, he also finds himself out of position many times. Romero’s footwork leaves much to be desired. With less experienced opposition able to out position him in the middle of a 50-50 exchange in the pocket, it’s clear that Romero will have some difficulties dealing with Davis should he decide to trade. At the same time, trading with Davis could be Romero’s best chance at victory. If he’s going to be able to defeat Davis, he’ll have to rely on that awkward style and powerful left-hand hook. He more than likely won’t be able to catch Davis out in space, so a trade in the pocket could potentially benefit Romero if he catches Davis off guard.

Gervonta Davis
When most people bring up Gervonta Davis, they often talk about his power. He definitely has blistering power and speed to go along with it, but what makes him most dangerous is his ability to adapt on the fly. If Davis isn’t able to knockout his opponent, which he’s been able to 24 out of 26 times, he’ll instead decide to use his ring generalship. Davis will move around the squared circle and dictate the pace with a strong jab, picking his shots as needed.
What also cannot be understated is Gervonta Davis’ ability to counter. Davis was able to catch Leo Santa Cruz off guard as he walked him down into the corner and unleashed a hellacious counter left-hand uppercut that shut off the lights out. “Tank” has ability to read his opponents offense and then counter off of their small openings makes him a very dangerous opponent for Romero. Davis has superior footwork and will likely cut off the ring as much as possible and counter before taking the opportunity to counter one of Romero’s awkward lead hooks.

No matter how you slice it one thing is certain, this is not going to the judges. Both men are known for their knockout ability, and it’s unlikely that this will go the distance. This is a take no prisoners fight, so keep your eyes open and don’t blink when watching this one.
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News and Editorial Writer at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.

Canelo Alvarez Targeting Trilogy Fight With Gennady Golovkin in September

Canelo Alvarez Targeting Trilogy Fight With Gennady Golovkin in September

Canelo Alvarez vs Gennady Golovkin 3 incoming?
It appears that we could see the trilogy fight between Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin in September. According to boxing promoter Eddie Hearn Canelo is considering battling his long time rival before a rematch with Dmitry Bivol.
Canelo Alvarez was recently upset by Dmitry Bivol and a contest that took place over Cinco de Mayo weekend. The match would be the second time that Canelo tasted defeat, the first being to Floyd Mayweather. Now it appears that the Mexican boxing star will settle the score with two-time opponent Gennady Golovkin who many argue deserved to get the nod over Canelo in their bouts.
Eddie Hearn recently shared a statement on what he believes Canelo’s next move will be.

“If he fights GGG, he’ll rematch Bivol straight after,” Hearn said. “I think a GGG fight is much bigger now than it was pre-Bivol because everyone just thought (Alvarez) was unbeatable. It’s a great fight. I’d love to do one more.”  

But why now of all times? Let’s investigate.

Why Golovkin Over Bivol?
Choosing Gennady Golovkin as his next dance partner isn’t merely happenstance. At this point in his career Canelo Alvarez is choosing his opponents wisely. Golovkin while still a massive threat is a bit passed his prime. He’s forty years old and while he isn’t shopworn, he isn’t quite the unstoppable beast that he once was. Facing an aging fighter that you’ve beat once already is certainly a strong option for Canelo especially coming off a loss.
Compare that to the idea of an immediate rematch with Dmitry Bivol. The WBA light heavyweight champion proved to be too big, too slick, and too active for Canelo Alvarez to overcome. Bivol is young and in his prime. He’s the bigger man and already has a win over Canelo, that last bit giving him a psychological edge. He’s a much more dangerous fight for Canelo at this stage to have an immediate rematch. Instead Canelo should go back to the drawing board and take some time before leaping into another contest with Bivol so soon.
Dollars and Sense
Another point to mull over is the fact that a Canelo Alvarez vs Gennady Golovkin trilogy fight will make more money. While Dmitry Bivol has seen his star rise after defeating Canelo, he’s not a bigger name than Golovkin. “GGG” has more brand recognition and more casual fans than Bivol at this point. That means a third meeting between Canelo and Golovkin is likely to generate more ticket sales and pay-per-view purchases. That means big money for everyone involved.
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News and Editorial Writer at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.

After Losing to Dmitry Bivol, Where Does Canelo Alvarez Go From Here?

After Losing to Dmitry Bivol, Where Does Canelo Alvarez Go From Here?

What’s next for Canelo Alvarez after losing to Dmitry Bivol?
After taking a tough loss against Dmitry Bivol, where does Canelo Alvarez go from here? Well he does have a number of options seeing as how he’s the pound for pound king. That said it appears that Canelo will be seeing a very familiar opponent in his next bout.
To many the answer to the title’s question is fairly obvious: a rematch with Dmitry Bivol. The Mexican star appears keen to utilize the rematch clause and with good reason. While he may have lost the bout it was still a pretty competitive and close fight. You have to consider that Canelo Alvarez is a man who has defied the odds time and time again to achieve accomplishments very few can replicate.
With all that in mind Dmitry Bivol is likely to be even more difficult to beat the second time around than the first. It’s not like Bivol had to gut out a decision. In reality the WBA light heavyweight champion was able to figure out Canelo’s tactics pretty thoroughly and was able to offer some beautiful displays of counter punching. Bivol will be a tough customer for Canelo Alvarez in the rematch.
So barring a quick knockout in their second dance, how should Canelo Alvarez approach the rematch?
What Worked

When Canelo Alvarez chose to target the body of Dmitry Bivol he was able to find success. He also had success battering Bivol’s left arm. That said, Canelo needed to close distance behind his jab a bit more and make a concerted effort to continue the body work.
What Didn’t Work
If Canelo Alvarez hoped to intimidate Dmitry Bivol with his power, that plan crashed and burned miserably. Canelo loaded up on his shots which often times left him open and exposed. The times he was successful Canelo was able to set up his shots and land flush by utilizing misdirection and feints. The times Canelo didn’t set things up, he was set up by a solid Bivol counter.

New Approach
When you consider that he was the smaller fighter who likes to pressure forward, Canelo Alvarez should look to unleash even more body strikes the second go around. His high guard can be proficient but can also be an Achilles heel. Dmitry Bivol was able to keep Canelo’s hands occupied with a sustained jab at distance and make the Mexican boxing star pay when he tried to close distance. Abandoning the high guard completely is I’ll advised, but he should certainly look to utilize different guards in the rematch.
Canelo must also use his jab much more in the second fight. His jab was very sporadic in this bout and as such he had no means of control distance or setting up offense. When he mixed his jab with lead hook body shots he was pretty successful. It should definitely be apart of the blue print for the rematch.
Did you watch Canelo Alvarez versus Dmitry Bivol?
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News and Editorial Writer at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.

Floyd Mayweather To Take On Don Moore In Exhibition Fight On Saturday

Floyd Mayweather To Take On Don Moore In Exhibition Fight On Saturday

Floyd Mayweather will take on his former sparring partner this weekend in Dubai.
Floyd Mayweather is not done with exhibition fights. He will step into the ring once again to take on his former sparring partner Don Moore in an exhibition bout on Saturday. The match will take place at the Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
This will be Mayweather’s third exhibition fight following his retirement. The 45-year-old took to Instagram to share the details of the event. The fight can be purchased on FITE for $29.99. LIVEnow will also produce the fight for $14.99. Anderson Silva will also compete in an exhibition fight with Bruno Machado prior to the main event.

“Dubai, come see me Saturday May 14th at The Burj Al Arab. If you cannot, tune in to LIVENOW.com”

Floyd Mayweather last competed on a consistent basis back in 2015 when he defeated both Manny Pacquiao and Andre Berto. These victories raised Mayweather’s career record to 49-0. In 2017, Mayweather returned for one final official fight against Conor McGregor. This bout earned both fighters a massive payday and a TKO victory was Mayweather’s 50th of his career.
Following his retirement, Mayweather took on kickboxer Teshin Nasukawa in 2018. This was another TKO victory. In 2021, Mayweather stepped in the ring with Logan Paul in Miami. This fight went the distance but was not score officially. A winner was not declared in the end.

Don Moore is Mayweather’s former sparring partner. He competed in boxing from 1999-2016. His final fight came against DeShaun Williams, which was a knockout victory. He finished his career with a record of 18-0-1 with 12 victories via knockout.

Floyd Mayweather vs. Don Moore Details

When: Saturday, May 14
Where: Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Time: 2 P.M. ET, Main Event: 5 P.M. ET
How To Watch: FITE.tv and LIVEnow

Fight Card

Floyd Mayweather vs. Don Moore (Exhibition)
Anderson Silva vs. Bruno Machado (Exhibition)
Badou Jack vs. Hany Atiyo
WBC Super Featherweight Title Match – Delfine Persoon vs. Elhem Mekhaled

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