The British heavyweight was fighting for the first time since surviving the December car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of his close friends Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.

He was sensationally rocked by a huge uppercut from underdog Prenga in the opening round, and then hit the canvas again later in the round.

At that point he looked on the verge of one of the biggest shock defeats in heavyweight history, with the long-awaited Tyson Fury fight hanging by a thread.

But Joshua produced one of the greatest escapes of his career, and now that fight is on.

He unleashed his right hand in the second round, with the final shot sending Albanian Prenga crashing down and forcing the referee to halt the contest.

“It’s more than punch power. That was spirit, that was Latz, that was Sina, that was the families. It hurts to even talk about it. It has been tough,” Joshua, 36, said.

He choked up and stepped away from the microphone, before adding: “It’s my brothers. I don’t want to talk about it.”

There had been speculation fellow Briton Fury might make a appearance despite insisting he would not attend.

But the master of mind games stayed true to his word, with Fury nowhere to be seen barely 24 hours on from his own warm-up win over Mariusz Wach in Thailand.

“I respect everything he has done and everything that he has achieved, but as a fighting person, we’re here now. I hope the fans will be in for a lovely treat,” Joshua said about the prospect of fighting Fury.

Contracts have been signed, but the venue and date for a fight more than a decade in the making are still unknown.

This chaotic night, however, belonged to Joshua in a victory forged through adversity during the most difficult months of his life.

Down but not out for AJ on emotional return

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Joshua survived two knockdowns to record the 27th stoppage of his career

Given the circumstances, this was never going to be a straightforward return for Joshua. Few, however, could have predicted the drama that unfolded inside six minutes.

Joshua carried the names of Ghami and Ayodele on his chest and walked to the ring alongside his entire team in a quiet show of unity. The canvas carried their names too, alongside the words ‘My Brother’s Keeper’.

His comeback could scarcely have begun in any worse fashion. Just 20 seconds in, a right uppercut from Prenga sent Joshua crashing to the canvas and stunned the arena.

Joshua smiled as he climbed to his feet. Prenga, who arrived with 20 knockouts from his 20 victories but little profile even with boxing’s hardcore followers, sensed an opportunity.

Promoter Eddie Hearn barked instructions from ringside, while Joshua stablemate Oleksandr Usyk watched on with a look of concern.

A left uppercut later in the round dumped Joshua on the canvas again. He was still unsteady at the start of the second round and appeared to be there for the taking, but Prenga surprisingly began to box off the back foot and let the Watford fighter off the hook.

Joshua capitalised and using his years of experience – and perhaps the emotion – he drew Prenga on to a jab before uncorking a crushing right hand. More rights followed as Prenga collapsed to the canvas and the referee had seen enough.

This was 35-year-old Prenga’s second loss in his career.

It was Joshua’s first test against a recognised professional opponent since Daniel Dubois stopped him in September 2024.

His only fight since had come

against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in December, 10 days before the fatal crash that left him injured.

Joshua passed the Prenga test, but not in the manner anyone expected. It was not the destructive, free-flowing champion who once swept opponents aside.

‘Tonight wasn’t about Tyson Fury’

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Joshua made his pro debut in 2013 after winning gold at the London 2012 Olympics

After defeating 46-year-old Wach in Pattaya, the question of whether Fury would show up to watch Joshua became a subplot of fight night.

A Fury lookalike briefly fooled reporters when he stepped out of a taxi, while Fury’s manager Spencer Brown insisted the ‘Gypsy King’ would be “there in spirit”.

The fight between two of the most recognisable names in British boxing is understood to have been agreed for November.

Neither man is at the peak of his powers, but while the commercial appeal remains strong, Joshua’s struggles are likely to leave Fury a clear favourite.

The bout is expected to stream on Netflix. British fans are hoping for a homecoming event, but it is understood Saudi organisers and broadcasters favour a venue in the United States to cater for American audiences.

“We’ve signed the contract. Everything is done,” Hearn said.

“But tonight wasn’t about Tyson Fury. It was about the strength Anthony Joshua has shown just to be here.

“No-one knows what he’s been through over the last seven months. When he went down in the first round, I thought he’d come back too soon.”

Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele died when the vehicle they were travelling in, alongside heavyweight boxer Joshua and another passenger, collided with a stationary truck on a major road near Lagos, Nigeria, on 29 December 2025.

Joshua, who sustained minor injuries, is set to return to the ring against heavyweight Kristian Prenga on Saturday for his first contest since knocking out American YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul 10 days before the crash.

The 36-year-old told BBC Sport: “It’s tough, every time I think about it, it hurts.

“Even talking about it now… pictures… it hurts, but I keep my mind occupied, you know.

“If I stop, you let it sink in, and I’m not ready for it to sink in yet.”

Ghami was Joshua’s full-time sport and exercise rehabilitation coach and worked with him for more than 10 years.

Hours before the crash, Joshua posted a video on Instagram of him playing table tennis with his long-time friend Ayodele, a personal trainer.

Prenga will be Joshua’s first competitive fight since his knockout loss to IBF world champion Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September 2024.

The former world champion admitted to feeling a “little bit nervous” before his return.

“It’s competition at the highest level,” he added.

“I want to perform for my team, I want to make them proud and make myself proud.

“It’s a balance of nerves, but I understand what my job is. [I have] a lot of understanding and clarity on what I have to do.”

Fury on the mind but Joshua not overlooking Prenga

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua exchanged words after Fury’s win in April

A long-awaited fight between Joshua and fellow Briton Tyson Fury is expected to take place later in the year – if both men win their respective encounters.

Former heavyweight champion Fury faces Poland’s Mariusz Wach in Pattaya, Thailand on Friday, with the 46-year-old expected to be Fury’s final opponent before the ‘Battle of Britain’ bout against Joshua.

Fury’s bout with Wach takes place the night before Joshua is scheduled to take on Albania’s Prenga, with the latter taking place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The gap between the two bouts could enable Fury to attend his rival’s event.

Joshua declined Fury’s invite to face off in the ring after the latter’s victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov in April, but the Olympic gold medallist admits a face-off might not be far off.

Joshua said: “I’m not overlooking Prenga. This is a big deal for me in this fight. God willing, everything works out.

“If it’s not Saturday night where we face off, it will be within the next four to six weeks.

“It’s a big mark to leave on the sport. If I win on Saturday and I could win later in the year, it’s massive.

“The stars are aligned, and I have to make sure that I’m on course. It’s out there for me to go and do.

“It’s going to be challenging, but I can be the coward or the hero, and I have to decide what I want to be.”

Joshua will make his comeback with a bout against Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga in Riyadh on 25 July before facing his British rival.

Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, posted on social media: “Signed, sealed and delivered! AJ vs Fury is on!”

He described it as “the biggest piece of business we’ve ever done but more importantly the one we’ve always wanted”.

“Biggest year of AJ’s career coming up, the comeback is on,” the promoter wrote.

Hearn, who did not confirm the date or location for the bout, has previously told Sky Sports that November was the date they were targeting.

Hopes will be high for another British stadium fight, with the contest being shown on Netflix.

Ring Magazine said the fight was a “done deal” and would take place in “Q4, 2026” in a social media post on Monday.

Joshua, 36, and Fury, 37, are two of the biggest names in British boxing and, after a decade of circling each other amid aborted attempts to agree a showdown while still in their prime, they will collide in a contest Fury has called “The Battle of Britain”.

Fury first became a heavyweight world champion when he upset Wladimir Klitschko in 2015.

Joshua turned professional after winning Olympic gold at London 2012 and rocketed through the professional ranks, but by the time he picked up his first world title belt in 2016, Fury had stepped away from the sport.

Later, after Fury returned to the ring and became WBC world champion, the pair were close to agreeing to fight for the undisputed world heavyweight championship as Joshua held the unified IBF, WBO and WBA championships.

That proposed contest fell through, and Fury fought Deontay Wilder for a third time, while Joshua lost to Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk, who later beat Fury.

Fury, who retired again at the start of last year, returned to the sport with victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov in London earlier this month.

Joshua has been waiting for the all-clear to resume full training after being injured in a road accident in Nigeria in which two of his close friends and members of his team lost their lives.

The two-time world champion had been on holiday following his knockout victory over US YouTuber turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami on 19 December.

He is now in camp working with his former rival Usyk, who has backed AJ to beat Fury, Sky Sports said.

Following Fury’s dominant victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it briefly felt like the moment had finally arrived when they might share common ground.

The Gypsy King leaned over the ropes and beckoned Joshua towards him. The rivalry suddenly felt alive again.

Joshua was not playing along with any mind games, though. Fury urged him to venture into the ring; Joshua stayed put. Another example of a subtle power struggle which has defined their history.

Joshua was not going to be hurried, but it seemed as though Team Fury – and the Saudi organisers – expected a different script. Before and immediately after the fight, Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority chairman Turki Alalshikh, a major power-broker in modern boxing, was speaking as if the fight announcement was imminent.

Netflix, the broadcasters of Saturday night’s comeback show, even announced the all-British fight on social media for autumn in the UK, which Fury’s promoter Frank Warren quickly shot down.

Backstage, Fury cut a weary figure and took aim at Joshua with his words.

“He didn’t want the smoke,” Fury said. “He came ringside to make the fight. If it was me, I’d have jumped in the ring. Ten years in the making and still there’s uncertainty if it’s going to happen next.”

For more than a decade, Fury-Joshua has never got past the hype. In another industry, a project left in development this long might be considered obsolete.

Now, Team Fury say they have signed the contract, and Joshua hasn’t. The blame game will continue.

There is a danger this will be yet another missed opportunity. The perfect moment belonged to 2019, or perhaps 2021. Now the question is simply – will the sport allow this entire generation to close without ever seeing them share a ring?

Fury v Joshua fascination refuses to fade

Fury and Joshua remain hugely important to the sport. If Joshua is the beating heart of boxing in the UK, Fury is the blood that surges through the veins.

He said he has a three-fight deal for this year but insisted there is only one fight he wants.

“If it isn’t AJ next, I’m not interested in boxing again. It’s either him or I’m gone,” Fury said.

Their rivalry has been a big factor in the heavyweight landscape for years without ever delivering the fight that British boxing craves.

Both men are past their peak, yet the fascination refuses to fade, partly because there are few genuine alternatives.

Moses Itauma is one of the most exciting young heavyweights in years, while welterweight Conor Benn continues to command headlines wherever he goes. Yet neither man commands the spotlight of Fury or Joshua.

Put Joshua and Fury almost anywhere – their strongholds of Watford or Morecambe, or Wembley Stadium – and it would still outdraw most fights on the planet.

“Let’s fight. What’s the hold-up?” Fury said.

Should Joshua take another fight first?

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Anthony Joshua has won 29 fights – including December’s stoppage victory over Jake Paul – with four defeats

There is a case for Joshua taking an interim fight. Fury returned from his fifth retirement with what was effectively a warm-up against Makhmudov, while Joshua has only fought YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in the past 18 months.

That means Joshua could enter a Fury fight having spent long spells away from elite-level opposition, whereas Fury showed that he can still navigate 12 rounds against a dangerous, if limited, puncher.

More importantly, Joshua has also had a traumatic few months outside the ring. A car accident in December, which tragically claimed the lives of two close friends, altered the emotional context around him entirely.

“I was in a serious incident maybe four months ago,” Joshua reminded viewers as pressure mounted on him to agree to Fury’s demands.

A lower-stakes contest could allow Joshua to rediscover rhythm without the suffocating spotlight that comes with a Fury build-up.

Fury is sympathetic to Joshua’s situation. He referenced his mental health struggles and how each fighter will have their own reality to deal with.

“We’ve all had problems – that’s life,” Fury said. “Taking interim fights, you can get chinned by anyone.”

Fury is not wrong about one thing – the wait can’t go on for much longer. The sport has already lived through the cautionary tale of Floyd Mayweather v Manny Pacquiao, which shattered records when it finally happened but fell flat.

The Netflix age: Was Fury missed?

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Tyson Fury extended his record to 35 wins, two defeats and one draw

Even during his brief hiatus, Fury remained the ghost at every heavyweight feast.

Promoters, broadcasters and rivals all spoke as though he remained in the room.

In north London on Saturday, he was back to his familiarly unpredictable self.

There was an emotional tribute to the late Ricky Hatton, plus moments where Fury appeared to admire his own work mid-fight, and then the other side of his persona – the man who goes on the offensive verbally.

In many ways, boxing missed him and the timing of Fury’s return has been deliberate.

Hours after his win, season two of At Home with the Furys lands on Netflix. By tying boxing to a platform of that scale, the sport has regained a level of mainstream exposure it has not enjoyed since the terrestrial boom of the 1990s.

The streaming platform – with its 325 million global subscribers – will release viewing figures soon, but the Makhmudov match-up could prove to have been one of the most-watched boxing fights in years in the UK.

There would be even greater clamour for Fury v Joshua.

Possible venues are already being discussed. Croke Park, with its 80,000-plus capacity, has emerged as a leading contender.

It would be an unusual setting for the biggest fight in British boxing history – a Dublin stage for an English rivalry.

But wherever it takes place, the location now feels almost secondary. The perfect moment may have passed, yet the fascination refuses to disappear.

Mayweather was slated to end his nearly decadelong retirement against Pacquiao on Sept. 19 at The Sphere in a rematch of their 2015 blockbuster fight. However, during a meet and greet at the MCM store inside Caesar’s Palace on Saturday, Mayweather cast some doubt on the pending fight, telling Vegas Sports Today that it would actually be an exhibition and that it might not take place at The Sphere.

“As of right now, we don’t know exactly where the fight is going to be at,” Mayweather said. “We don’t know the location of the fight. The Sphere is one of the places that they talked about. So we don’t know if it’s a hundred percent going to be there. And this is not actually a fight. It’s an exhibition.”

Mayweather’s remarks contradicted Netflix’s announcement of the rematch in February as well as a news release from Mayweather that stated he would resume his boxing career and had signed a multifight partnership with CSI Sports/Fight Sports.

Pacquiao’s team previously told ESPN that he would only face Mayweather in a sanctioned pro fight. Pacquiao ended his retirement last summer, when he fought Mario Barrios to a majority draw.

Mayweather, 49, told Vegas Sports Today that he is still planning to compete in an exhibition fight with Mike Tyson, which was announced last year but has no official date or location. There also is no word on how the fight will be broadcast.

Adding to the confusion is that Mayweather has announced another exhibition with Greek kickboxer Mike Zambidis for June in Athens, Greece, that also doesn’t have an exact date, venue or broadcast home attached.

Still, it seemed that coming out of retirement for a rematch with Pacquiao was a sure thing. Now it seems the future of Mayweather’s boxing career is as uncertain as ever.

“It’s an exhibition, so we’re both winners,” Mayweather said, doubling down on his rematch with Pacquiao not being a pro fight. “I mean, we just want to go out there and entertain the people and put on a good show.”

Spurs said they have “mutually agreed” with the Croat to part ways with “immediate effect”.

The decision comes a week after a damaging 3-0 home defeat by fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest on 22 March – a result that left Spurs 17th in the table and only one point above the relegation places with seven games remaining.

Tottenham have suffered five defeats in seven matches in all competitions since Tudor succeeded the sacked Thomas Frank on 14 February, on a deal until the end of the season.

Spurs said: “An update on a new head coach will be provided in due course.”

They confirmed goalkeeping coach Tomislav Rogic and physical coach Riccardo Ragnacci have also departed.

Tudor, 47, did not undertake post-match media duties after the defeat by Forest because of the death of his father.

“We thank Igor, Tomislav and Riccardo for their efforts during the past six weeks, in which they worked tirelessly,” said Spurs in a statement.

“We also acknowledge the bereavement that Igor has recently suffered and send our support to him and his family at this difficult time.”

Tudor lost each of his first four matches as Spurs boss. The opening defeat by north London rivals Arsenal was followed by losses against Fulham and Crystal Palace in the league before a calamitous 5-2 Champions League last 16 first-leg defeat away to Atletico Madrid.

He celebrated his first point after Richarlison scored a 90th-minute equaliser at Liverpool, and then watched his side win their second leg against Atletico – although they failed to overturn their three-goal deficit.

However, the woeful defeat by Forest heightened Spurs’ fears of suffering their first relegation from the top flight since 1977 and proved to be the final game of his brief spell.

The single point which Spurs have collected since Tudor’s appointment is the fewest of any side in the Premier League during that time.

But they have been bottom of the form table since mid-December.

They are without a victory in 13 league matches since a 1-0 triumph over Crystal Palace on 28 December – 88 days ago – while their last win in any competition was over Eintracht Frankfurt on 28 January.

Among their issues this season has been an extensive list of long-term injuries to key players, including the likes of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski.

Tottenham will resume their league campaign after the international break with a trip to 11th-placed Sunderland on 12 April.

They then face Brighton (home), Wolves (away), Aston Villa (away), Leeds (home), Chelsea (away) and Everton (home) as they seek to secure their Premier League status.

Two-time undisputed heavyweight champion Usyk, who holds the WBA, WBC and IBF belts, has not fought since stopping Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July.

In a bout organisers have dubbed the ‘Glory in Giza’, 36-year-old Dutch heavyweight Verhoeven will be boxing for the first time since 2014 when he faces Usyk on 23 May.

“I truly respect people who reach the very top in their sport,” said Usyk, who is unbeaten across his 24 professional bouts.

“Rico is one of them – a powerful athlete and a great champion.

“Being a champion isn’t just about belts. It’s about years of hard work, discipline and belief.

“I respect his journey – he’s truly the King of Kickboxing. But this is boxing – a different game, with its own rules and its own kings.

“A big night is coming.”

‘Undisputed versus undisputed’

Verhoeven had 76 fights and 66 wins in his kickboxing career before announcing his departure from the sport in November.

“I spent 12 years as the undisputed heavyweight kickboxing champion and accomplished everything I set out to accomplish. But staying at the top for that long didn’t take away the hunger, it strengthened it,” said Verhoeven.

“I wasn’t looking for comfort, so I started looking for the highest challenge available in another world.

“Usyk is undisputed in boxing. That’s the kind of challenge that motivates me. Undisputed versus undisputed. The best facing the best.”

The colourful event brought together key stakeholders in Ghana’s sporting fraternity, including the Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), a representative from the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), and members of the federation’s executive board. The ceremony was chaired by Nana Amponsah Adu-Gyamfi, Kyidomhene of Assin Achiase in the Assin South District.

Addressing the gathering, NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah called for increased support for amateur boxing and grassroots sports development across the country. He urged stakeholders to unite in efforts to revive and strengthen the sport.

“We need to unite and work hard. I love the logo — it is fashionable and distinct. With this, we can attract more people to love boxing. We are looking forward to producing more boxing champions,” he stated.

In his keynote address, GBF President Dauda Fuseni described the unveiling as a historic milestone in Ghanaian boxing and symbolic of a broader reform agenda under his leadership.

Fuseni, who was elected President of the Federation after serving four years as First Vice President, is widely regarded within the boxing fraternity as a seasoned matchmaker, manager and promoter with over two decades of experience. His election was seen by many as a strong vote of confidence in his vision to reposition Ghana boxing.

Beyond the national front, his influence has also extended to the continental stage. Shortly after assuming office, he was appointed a board member of the African Boxing Union and named President of African Boxing Zone 2, overseeing boxing activities across 16 West African countries.

Speaking at the unveiling, Fuseni stressed that the new logo represents more than a visual rebrand.

“A logo is more than just a symbol. It represents identity, vision, values and direction. It tells the story of who we are, where we have come from and where we are going,” he said.

He noted that Ghana has long been recognised as a formidable boxing nation, producing exceptional talents and memorable moments on both continental and global stages. However, he emphasised that as the sport evolves, the federation’s image must reflect a modern, dynamic and forward-looking organisation.

According to him, the new emblem symbolises renewal, strength, unity and excellence, underscoring the federation’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, youth development and international competitiveness.

“This new logo embodies the fighting spirit of the Ghanaian boxer — disciplined, resilient and fearless. It is not merely a cosmetic change but a signal of a new chapter,” he stressed.

Fuseni added that the rebranding aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen grassroots development, improve governance structures, attract strategic partnerships and adequately prepare athletes for major international competitions.

“We believe this new identity will inspire our athletes, energise our stakeholders and strengthen our brand both locally and internationally. It aligns with our broader vision of repositioning Ghanaian boxing to reclaim its rightful place among the world’s elite boxing nations,” he added.

The event was climaxed with energetic kpanlogo performances by the Ghana Boxing Supporters Union (GHABSU), adding cultural flair to the ceremony.

Joshua’s personal trainer, Latif Ayodele, and strength coach, Sina Ghami, died on 29 December after their vehicle collided with a stationary lorry near Lagos, Nigeria.

The former world heavyweight champion, 36, was treated in hospital for his injuries.

Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, who was driving Joshua when their car crashed, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and driving without a valid driver’s licence.

The 46-year-oldappeared at Sagamu Magistrates Court in Ogun state near Lagos on Wednesday, when the case was adjourned until 13 March.

Prosecutors told the court they needed further time to prepare evidence.

Joshua was discharged from hospital two days after the Lexus SUV crashed on the busy Lagos-Ibadan expressway, in south-west Nigeria. Ghami and Ayodele were both pronounced dead at the scene.

Kayode, who was making his second appearance at court, is yet to enter a plea.

Pacquiao, 47, and Mayweather, 48, will fight at the Sphere in Las Vegas on Saturday, 19 September, with the bout live on Netflix.

Former world champion Mayweather announced he would come out of retirement for a fourth time last week.

It will be the Americans’ first professional bout since beating mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor with a 10th-round technical knockout in 2017.

Filipino Pacquiao retired from the sport to focus on his political career in 2021 but returned to the ring last July to fight WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, who retained his title after a draw.

Mayweather and Pacquiao first met in 2015, in what was billed as the ‘Fight of the Century’ and remains the richest in boxing history.

It was Mayweather who emerged victorious, beating Pacquiao via a wide unanimous decision in Las Vegas.

It is not yet known over how many rounds or at what weight class the rematch will be contested.

Pacquiao, winner of 12 world titles across eight weight classes, said: “Floyd and I gave the world what remains the biggest fight in boxing history.

“The fans have waited long enough. They deserve this rematch.

“I want Floyd to live with the one loss on his professional record and always remember who gave it to him.”

Mayweather, who turns 49 on Tuesday, said: “I already fought and beat Manny once. This time will be the same result.”

Mayweather has won all 50 of his professional fights, with 27 coming by knockout.

He has had a string of exhibition bouts since retiring in 2017 and is scheduled to face Mike Tyson this year.

That is set to be former undisputed world heavyweight champion Tyson’s first fight since the American ended his 19-year retirement in November in a controversial defeat by YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.

Announcing the end of his retirement on Saturday, Mayweather said: “From my upcoming Mike Tyson event to my next professional fight afterwards: no one will generate a bigger gate, have a larger global broadcast audience and generate more money with each event than my events.”

Pacquiao, who has 62 wins from his 73 bouts, said in October that the pair were close to agreeing a rematch – but added it was dependent on he and Mayweather being able to “understand each other”.

Their previous meeting in 2015 generated a record 4.6 million pay-per-view buys and a record live gate of $72m at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Full details regarding the undercard and ticket availability will be announced in the coming weeks.

In 2017, the 48-year-old former boxing champion retired from professional prize fighting undefeated at 50-0.

Mayweather’s first official bout against a to-be-named opponent is set for this summer as part of an exclusive agreement with CSI Sports/Fight Sports, according to a release sent out Friday afternoon. The same group is also promoting his exhibition match against the 59-year-old Tyson.

“I still have what it takes to set more records in the sport of boxing — from my upcoming Mike Tyson event to my next professional fight afterwards — no one will generate a bigger gate, have a larger global broadcast audience and generate more money with each event — then (sic) my events. And I plan to keep doing it with my global media partner, CSI Sports/Fight Sports,” Mayweather said in a statement included in the release.

A 15-time world champion across five weight classes, Mayweather (50-0, 27 KOs) is regarded as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in the sport’s history. His last professional fight came in March 2017, when he beat Conor McGregor via a technical knockout.

Mayweather has fought in eight exhibition matches since, the last one coming against John Gotti III — the grandson of infamous mob boss John Gotti — in Mexico City in August 2024. He also faced social media influencer Logan Paul in 2021.

This latest news comes just a few weeks after Mayweather filed a lawsuit against Showtime Networks and the former president of Showtime Sports, accusing the company of helping facilitate a fraud scheme that deprived him of roughly $340 million in earnings.

The exhibition match vs. Tyson was announced in early September, although a date and venue have yet to be revealed months later. The release announcing Mayweather’s return to the pro ranks referenced a “Spring 2026” exhibition vs. Tyson.

Khelif, who won women’s welterweight gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has since faced scrutiny over her gender eligibility.

In 2023, she and Taiwanese fighter Lin Yu-ting were disqualified from the World Championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA) for allegedly failing gender eligibility tests.

However, Khelif was cleared to compete in Paris by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which stripped the IBA of its recognition in June 2023.

Khelif spoke to CNN on Wednesday, saying she had “nothing to hide” and would comply with testing requirements if conducted by the IOC.

“Of course, I would accept doing anything I’m required to do to participate in competitions,” she said.

“They should protect women, but they need to pay attention that while protecting women, they shouldn’t hurt other women.”

Khelif, 26, has always fought in women’s categories. “I’m not transgender. I’m a woman,” she told CNN. “I want to live my life. Please do not exploit me in your political agendas.”

US President Donald Trump last year referred to Khelif as a “male boxer” after he had signed an executive order that prevents transgender women from competing in female categories of sports.

A new body, World Boxing, was granted provisional recognition as the sport’s international governing federation by the IOC in February 2025.

It has introduced mandatory genetic tests for athletes to “determine their sex at birth and their eligibility to compete”.

When announcing the change, it cited Khelif – and later apologised for that.

Khelif lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) over World Boxing’s introduction of mandatory tests in August.

A hearing on that case is still pending.

The former world heavyweight champion, 36, sustained minor injuries in the incident in Nigeria on 29 December which killed Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.

Joshua, along with Ghami and Ayodele, were passengers in the vehicle when it collided with a stationary truck on a major road near Lagos.

Ghami and Ayodele were both pronounced dead at the scene, while Joshua was pictured being helped from the wreckage.

In a six-minute video posted on his social media channels, the British heavyweight acknowledged supporters worldwide “who were showing so much love, support through that tragic, traumatic time”.

He added: “One day my time will come and I’m not scared either at all.

“It’s actually comforting knowing I got two brothers on the other side.

“I’ve lost people before, but I don’t think I’ve lost people like that. My left and my right.”

The two friends were also part of Joshua’s team, with Ghami his strength and conditioning coach and Ayodele his personal trainer.

Joshua said the trio formed a close bond and were living together, adding: “We became business partners. We became hustlers. We became lieutenants. We became generals. We became everything.”

Last week, Adeniyi Kayode, 46, the chauffeur who was driving the Lexus SUV, appeared in court in Nigeria and has been charged with four offences, including causing death by dangerous driving.

Joshua continued: “Not only did their parents, their uncles, their cousins, their friends and myself lose two great men, we lost people that we dearly care about and have been major players in all of our lives.

“It’s tough. It’s really tough.”

Joshua added he will help Ghami and Ayodele’s families “achieve their goals” and “fulfill their dreams”.

“I’m sure their parents 100% are proud of them [because] I am.”

Earlier this month, Joshua returned to the gym, posting a video on Snapchat of him hitting the pads and working out, with the message “mental strength therapy”.

While Joshua has not said whether he will fight again, promoter Eddie Hearn believes he will return to boxing “when the time is right”.

Headlined by an Interim Lightweight Championship clash between Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje and Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett, plus a blockbuster Women’s Bantamweight title fight pitting reigning champion Kayla Harrison against a returning legend, Amanda Nunes, this card blends star power with high stakes. 

Gaethje vs. Pimblett: A Divisional Crossroads

With undisputed lightweight champion Ilia Topuria stepping away from competition early in 2026 to address personal matters – saying he “wants to focus on my children and resolve this situation” — the UFC opted for an interim title bout to keep the division moving. 

Gaethje, one of the most consistently action-packed fighters in UFC history, views this as a final shot at gold. He’s openly relishing the challenge, admitting he thrives on the pressure of big fights as he eyes Topuria’s return later in the year. Pimblett, undefeated inside the UFC at 7-0, arrives with brash confidence that resonates with fans — even guaranteeing a finish, insisting “someone’s getting finished… One hundred percent, that’s not going to judges.” 

This matchup represents not just a belt, but narrative contrast: Gaethje’s seasoned violence and championship experience versus Pimblett’s youth, flair and relentless self-belief. The winner almost certainly becomes the next challenger for Topuria, setting up a tantalizing unification down the line.

Harrison vs. Nunes: Legacy on the Line

In the co-main event, Kayla Harrison makes her first title defense since dethroning Julianna Peña in June 2025. A two-time Olympic judo gold medalist and unbeaten in the UFC, Harrison has methodically built a dominant reign at 135 lbs.

Standing across the Octagon is Amanda Nunes — arguably the greatest female fighter in MMA history. A former two-division champion, Nunes retired in June 2023 but chose UFC 324 for her comeback. Her return adds colossal intrigue: can the “Lioness” reclaim the title she once held, or will Harrison solidify her own GOAT-level legacy? 

The narrative practically writes itself. Harrison has openly declared her ambitions to be remembered as the greatest, while Nunes seeks to cap her storied career with yet another historic chapter.

The Bigger Picture

UFC 324 isn’t just another card — it’s the first numbered event under a new broadcast partnership, the kickoff of 2026’s fight calendar, and a crossroads for two divisions. With contrasting styles, generational matchups, and legacy implications on both top-line fights, this Vegas fight night promises fireworks that reverberate long after the final horn.

UFC 324 – Main card

– Main event: Interim Lightweight Championship: Justin Gaethje v Paddy Pimblett

– Co-main: Women’s Bantamweight Championship: Kayla Harrison v Amandu Nunes

– Bantamweight: Sean O’Malley v Song Yadong

– Heavyweight: Waldo Cortes Acosta v Derrick Lewis

– Featherweight: Arnold Allen v Jean Silva

UFC 324 – Broadcast details

Sunday 25 January

02:00: Prelims – LIVE on SuperSport Action, SuperSport Action Africa and SuperSport Maximo 1

04:00: Main card – LIVE on SuperSport Action, SuperSport Action Africa and SuperSport Maximo 1

Adeniyi Kayode, 46, was previously charged with four crimes, including death by dangerous driving.

Joshua’s personal trainer, Latif Ayodele, and strength coach, Sina Ghami, died on 29 December after their vehicle collided with a stationary lorry near Lagos. Joshua was treated in hospital for his injuries.

Kayode arrived at Sagamu Magistrates Court in Ogun state on Tuesday, but the case was adjourned until the 25 February after the prosecutor was granted more time to gain legal advice.

Kayode faced the court wearing a black hoodie, black shoes and a pair of black trousers. He did not speak during the hearing.

He was previously released from custody after being granted bail of 5m naira ($3,500; £2,600).

Joshua, a former heavyweight champion, was discharged from hospital two days after the Lexus SUV crashed on the busy Lagos-Ibadan expressway, in south-west Nigeria.

Ghami and Ayodele were both pronounced dead at the scene, while 36-year-old Joshua was pictured being helped from the wreckage.

Following the crash, the boxer posted a tribute to Ghami and Ayodele on Instagram, writing: “I didn’t even realise how special they are.

“I’ll just be walking with them and cracking jokes with them, not even knowing God kept me in the presence of great men.

“100% it’s tough for me, but I know it’s even tougher for their parents.”

Social Media: The former heavyweight champion was a passenger in the crash, which killed his team members Latif Ayodele (left) and Sina Ghami (right)

Joshua, who was born in Watford, has family roots in Sagamu – a town in Ogun state, near the crash site.

He was on his way to visit relatives for New Year celebrations in the town at the time of the crash, a family member told the BBC.

Kayode has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and driving without a valid driver’s licence.

Joshua’s close friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, died last month in the crash. Joshua was also in the car and required hospital treatment for minor injuries before returning to the UK.

The incident came little more than a week after Joshua had beaten Jake Paul in Miami, and it remains to be seen whether the 36-year-old will want to continue his professional career.

Usyk beat Joshua in heavyweight title fights in 2021 and 2022, but the pair appear to have developed a strong mutual respect, which saw the Brit train with the Ukrainian’s camp earlier this year.

“I’ve already spoken with him,” Usyk said in an interview with Ready To Fight. “I heard a desire to continue in his voice – for the friends he lost and for the chance to live that the Lord gave him.

“Once I spoke with the mother of my fallen comrade, and she told me: ‘Oleksandr, he would be very proud that you are continuing your work; he will watch you from heaven.’

“And he, I think, does that. And not just him, but all my loved ones who passed away defending our country. They are my guardian angels who help me in the ring.”

Usyk explains desire for Wilder bout

Image: Oleksandr Usyk is pursuing a 2026 fight against former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder

Three of Usyk’s 24 professional fights have taken place on US soil, but the Ukrainian still harbours ambitions of returning to America to compete again.

As for his next opponent, after victories over Fury and Joshua, Usyk now has his sights set on Deontay Wilder as he looks to complete a full set of wins over the era’s leading heavyweights.

“First of all, it’s the USA – I want to box in America,” he added. “Secondly, Wilder has been at the top for the last 10 years.

“This is about sporting interest. In the “big three,” there were Joshua, Fury, and Wilder. I beat Joshua twice, I beat Fury twice, and one unbeaten one remains – Wilder.”

The former world heavyweight champion, 36, sustained minor injuries in the incident in Nigeria on 29 December.

Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele died when their vehicle, in which Joshua was also a passenger, collided with a stationary truck on a major road near Lagos.

Nineteen days after the crash, Joshua has posted a video on Snapchat showing him hitting pads and working out, with the message “mental strength therapy” at the bottom of one clip.

He beat Jake Paul in Miami on 19 December, 10 days before the crash occurred while he was on holiday in Nigeria.

Last week he posted a tribute to his strength and conditioning coach Ghami and trainer Ayodele on Instagram.

“I didn’t even realise how special they are,” he wrote. “I’ll just be walking with them and cracking jokes with them, not even knowing God kept me in the presence of great men.

“100% it’s tough for me, but I know it’s even tougher for their parents.”

Image source: Anthony Joshua

Promoter Eddie Hearn believes that Joshua will return to boxing “when the time is right”.

On Wednesday, Hearn told Sky Sports: “He will need his time physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually before he makes a decision on his future.

“I do think he will want to return to boxing, but that will be his decision when the time is right.

“It is certainly not a conversation I’ll be having with him any time soon.

“The only conversation is ‘are you OK?’ and sometimes we find people will give that facade of being OK, but what happened to him is not normal and heartbreaking for all involved.

“When the time is right, I believe he will make his decision and you will hear it from him.

“That is the only voice you should listen to in that respect and we’ll give him his time to make that decision and heal.”

Ghami and Ayodele died when the vehicle they were in, alongside heavyweight boxer Joshua and another passenger, collided with a stationary truck on a major road near Lagos.

Joshua sustained minor injuries in the crash before flying home to United Kingdom and attending the funeral at a mosque in London on Sunday.

”Thank you for all the love and care you have shown my brothers,” Joshua posted on Instagram on Thursday, external.

“I didn’t even realise how special they are. I’ll just be walking with them and cracking jokes with them, not even knowing God kept me in the presence of great men.

“100% it’s tough for me, but I know it’s even tougher for their parents. I have a strong mind, and I believe God knows their hearts. May God have mercy on my brothers.”

Ghami was Joshua’s full-time sport and exercise rehabilitation coach and worked with him for more than 10 years.

Hours before the crash, Joshua posted a video on Instagram of him playing table tennis with his long-time friend Ayodele, a personal trainer.

On Sunday, Joshua posted two pictures on Instagram, one showing him sitting alongside his mother and family members of the victims including the mothers of Ghami and Ayodele, and one with him holding a photograph of Ghami.

Driver Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, was charged at Sagamu Magistrates’ Court on Friday. Police sources told the BBC the charges included causing death by dangerous driving.

The defendant was granted bail of 5m naira (£2,578) and remanded pending his bail conditions being met. The case has been adjourned until 20 January.

Joshua, who was born in Watford, has family roots in Sagamu – a town in Ogun state, near the crash site.

The 2012 Olympic champion was on his way to visit relatives for new year celebrations in the town at the time of the collision, a family member told the BBC.

The boxer had been spending time in Nigeria after his recent victory over American YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on 19 December.

On Thursday, UFC fighter Kamaru Usman apologised after footage of his private video call with Joshua in hospital circulated online, saying he “takes full responsibility” for posting the clip on YouTube without properly checking the full video.

The British boxer, 36, was a passenger in a Lexus SUV that collided with a stationary truck on a major expressway near Lagos.

His close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele died in the crash. Their funerals took place at a London mosque on Sunday.

The former two-time heavyweight champion was taken to hospital and discharged on Wednesday before returning to the UK this weekend.

On Sunday morning he posted two pictures on Instagram, one showing him sitting alongside his mother and family members of the victims including the mothers of Ghami and Ayodele, with one holding a photograph of Ghami.

The post has the caption: “My Brothers Keeper.”

Driver Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, was charged at Sagamu Magistrates’ Court on Friday. Police sources told the BBC the charges included causing death by dangerous driving.

The defendant was granted bail of 5m naira (£2,578) and remanded pending his bail conditions being met. The case has been adjourned until 20 January.

Joshua, who was born in Watford, has family roots in Sagamu – a town in Ogun state, near the crash site.

The 2012 Olympic champion was on his way to visit relatives for new year celebrations in the town at the time of the collision, a family member told the BBC.

The boxer had been spending time in Nigeria after his recent victory over American YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on 19 December.

The 36-year-old was a passenger in a Lexus SUV that collided with a stationary truck on a major expressway near Lagos on Monday.

Joshua’s close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele died in the crash. Their funerals will take place at a London mosque on Sunday.

Joshua was taken to hospital and was discharged on Wednesday.

Driver Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, was charged at Sagamu Magistrates’ Court on Friday. Police sources told the BBC the charges included causing death by dangerous driving.

The defendant was granted bail of 5m naira (£2,578) and remanded pending his bail conditions being met. The case has been adjourned until 20 January.

Joshua, who was born in Watford, has family roots in Sagamu – a town in Ogun state, near the crash site.

The 2012 Olympic champion was on his way to visit relatives for New Year celebrations in the town at the time of the collision, a family member told the BBC.

The boxer had been spending time in Nigeria after his recent victory over American YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on 19 December.

Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, was charged at the Sagamu Magistrates’ Court on Friday. Police sources told the BBC the charges included causing death by dangerous driving.

Joshua’s personal trainer, Latif Ayodele, and strength coach, Sina Ghami, died on Monday after the vehicle they were travelling in crashed into a stationary truck on a highway in Ogun state, near Lagos.

The former heavyweight champion was taken to hospital with injuries after the crash and was discharged on Wednesday.

Prosecutors brought four charges against Mr Kayode – causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and driving without a valid driver’s licence, a police source told the BBC.

The defendant was granted bail in the sum of 5,000,000 Naira (£2,578) and was remanded pending his bail conditions being met.

The case has been adjourned until 20 January.

Joshua, 36, was a passenger in a Lexus SUV that collided with a parked truck on the busy Lagos-Ibadan expressway, in south-west Nigeria, on Monday.

Mr Ghami and Mr Ayodele were both pronounced dead at the scene, while Joshua was pictured being helped from the wreckage.

Federal Road Safety Corps: Nigeria’s road safety authority shared this image of the crash site on Monday

Ogun and Lagos state officials said in a statement that the British boxer was “heavy hearted” over the deaths of the two men, who were both his close friends.

After being discharged from hospital, Joshua visited the funeral home where their bodies were “being prepared for repatriation”, the statement added.

Just hours before the crash, Joshua posted a video to Instagram of him playing table tennis with Mr Ayodele.

On Wednesday, Eddie Hearn, who has been Joshua’s promoter for more than a decade, paid tribute to the team members.

“Rest in peace Latz and Sina,” Hearn posted on Instagram.

“Your energy and loyalty among so many other great qualities will be deeply missed. Praying for strength and guidance for all their family, friends and of course AJ during this very difficult time.”

Joshua, who was born in Watford, has family roots in Sagamu – a town in Ogun state, near the crash site.

He was on his way to visit relatives for New Year celebrations in the town at the time of the crash, a family member told the BBC.

The boxer had been spending time in Nigeria after his recent victory over American YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on 19 December.

Paul posted on X after the crash: “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”

The former world champion was deemed fit to recuperate at home, the Ogun and Lagos states said in a joint statement, describing him as “heavy hearted” over the loss of his friends.

The 36-year-old was a passenger in a Lexus SUV that collided with a stationary truck on a major expressway in Ogun State, near Lagos, on Monday.

The two men who died were Joshua’s close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele.

After leaving the hospital on Wednesday, the Briton visited the funeral home where the bodies of his friends were “being prepared for repatriation”, the joint statement added.

Earlier, Eddie Hearn, who has promoted Joshua since he turned professional after winning gold at the 2012 Olympics, paid tribute to Joshua’s close friends and team members.

“Rest in peace Latz and Sina,” Hearn posted on Instagram.

“Your energy and loyalty among so many other great qualities will be deeply missed. Praying for strength and guidance for all their family, friends and of course AJ during this very difficult time.”

Ghami was Joshua’s full-time sport and exercise rehabilitation coach and worked with him for more than 10 years.

Speaking to the BBC on Wednesday, Ogun State police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi said “investigations are still ongoing” and described the process as “still discreet”.

The Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) in Ogun state, where the accident occurred, has said preliminary investigations showed the vehicle had burst a tyre before crashing into the truck.

Joshua, who was born in Watford to Nigerian parents, was on holiday in Nigeria after his win over Jake Paul in Miami on 19 December.

Earlier, Tony Bellew, the retired cruiserweight world champion, posted on X: “Thoughts and prayers to the families of these men. Tragic losses in horrific circumstances!

“I hope he (Joshua) is able to process this with time because there is no pain in life worse than grief.”

Two-time undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and British former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury also posted Instagram stories to offer condolences.

Eyewitnesses report that the incident occurred along a busy highway of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway around 11 am on Monday.

The vehicle carrying Joshua, a Lexus Jeep with the number plate KRD 850 HN, reportedly collided with a stationary truck under circumstances that are still being investigated.

Our reporter, who reached out to PUNCH Online, who was also part of the rescue mission, said Joshua sustained minor injuries, saying that two people died on the spot.

Adeniyi Orojo, who stated that the accident happened just before the Danco Filling Station in Makun, before the Sagamu Interchange inward the Ibadan axis of the road.

He stated that two people died on the spot.

“It was a two-vehicle convoy: a Lexus SUV and a Pajero SUV. Joshua was seated behind the driver, with another person beside him. There was also a passenger sitting beside the driver, making four occupants in the Lexus that crashed. His security detail was in the vehicle behind them before the crash.

“Other eyewitnesses and I began the rescue and flagged down oncoming vehicles to assist. A few minutes after the crash, officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps arrived. The passenger beside the driver and Joshua died on the spot,” he said.

Fans have flooded social media with messages of concern, while local authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash.

Two dead in the Anthony Joshua crash in Ogun | Adeniyi Orojo

Efforts to reach the TRACE Commandant, Akinbiyi Babatunde, on further updates about the crash were futile as calls placed to his line did not go through.

More updates on Joshua’s condition are expected shortly.

The University of Ghana Stadium was transformed into a cauldron of emotion as the “Legacy Rise” bill reached its fever pitch.

Seated ringside as the Special Guest of Honour was H.E. John Dramani Mahama, whose presence added a layer of national prestige to the historic evening.

The President watched intently as the undercard, organised by his son Sharaf Mahama (CEO of Legacy Rise), delivered a finale that no one in the 10,000-seat arena predicted.

Freezy Macbones, the UK-based boxer, entered the ring as the heavy favourite. However, the 36-year-old appeared burdened by the months of psychological warfare and mind games deployed by his younger rival.

From the opening bell, the 25-year-old Tetteh showed zero deference to Macbones’ reputation.

• Rounds 1-2: Tetteh was sharp and aggressive, using superior hand speed to catch Macbones off guard.
• Rounds 3-6: Experience began to tell. Macbones found his rhythm, punishing Tetteh with snapping jabs and body work that seemed to signal a late-round takeover.
• Round 7: Fatigue set in for the challenger, who relied heavily on clinching to survive exchanges.

The fight’s climax in the eighth and final round took a dark, surreal turn.

Amid a frantic exchange, Tetteh suddenly recoiled and collapsed to the canvas, claiming Macbones had bitten his shoulder in a fit of frustration.

The referee, acting swiftly, deducted points from Macbones for unsportsmanlike conduct. This penalty proved to be the costly decision that swung the narrative.

When the final bell rang, the tension was palpable. With President Mahama and the stadium crowd waiting in hushed silence, the ring announcer delivered the verdict: a unanimous decision for Jonathan Tetteh.

• Jonathan Tetteh: Remains unbeaten (11-0, 11 KOs).
• Freezy Macbones: Suffers his first career defeat (11-1).

While Tetteh celebrated his ascent to the continental throne, Macbones was left to contemplate a moment of frustration that may have cost him the title.

Joshua cut an increasingly frustrated figure as Paul refused to engage by dancing around the ring for long spells, before the two-time world champion finally imposed himself by knocking down the YouTuber-turned-boxer twice in the fifth round.

Paul was down again in the sixth before Joshua landed a powerful and clean right hand that brought a surreal night to an abrupt conclusion at Miami’s Kaseya Center.

The American did not beat the count and there was palpable relief inside the arena when he was able to rise to his feet and leave the ring without assistance.

“It wasn’t the best performance,” Joshua, 36, said.

“The end goal was to pin Jake Paul down and hurt him. It took a bit longer than expected, but the right hand finally found the destination.”

It was the result the boxing world had overwhelmingly predicted, and the controversial bout raises questions about the safety risks created by such a vast gulf in experience, size and power.

Joshua claimed the 29th victory of his professional career in 33 outings and can now turn his attention to a legitimate challenge – notably the long-mooted showdown with Tyson Fury next year.

“Come and fight one of the ‘realest’ fighters out there, step into there with me next if you’re a really bad boy,” Joshua told his rival.

Paul, meanwhile, failed to deliver on his promise to pull off the greatest upset in sporting history.

The 28-year-old did manage to land a handful of shots, however, and the fact the contest stretched into the sixth round was an unflattering reflection on Joshua.

Frustrated Joshua finally lands big

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Paul landed six punches through the first three rounds

Joshua walked to the ring first and received a mixed reception inside the 20,000-seat arena. His expression was stern, reflecting his insistence all week that he would treat the contest seriously.

Paul’s ringwalk raised eyebrows as he was flanked by rapper 6ix9ine, a controversial figure with a history of criminal convictions and prison time.

When the opening bell rang, Paul circled on the back foot and boos soon followed.

Joshua stalked him, swinging heavy lefts and rights that cut only air, with each miss drawing gasps from the crowd. Paul responded by sticking out his tongue, playing to the theatre.

Every passing minute felt like a small victory for Paul, who just 13 months earlier fought 58-year-old Mike Tyson.

He did land a looping overhand right in the fourth, but it barely registered with Joshua.

The event was broadcast live to more than 300 million Netflix subscribers.

Golf superstar Rory McIlroy, fresh from his Sports Personality of the Year win, sat ringside alongside rappers Rick Ross and Timbaland.

The fifth round delivered what many had expected far earlier. A right hook brushed Paul’s shoulder and sent him to the canvas.

Moments later, a combination dropped him again. He rose heavily and was breathing hard as he attempted to mask the damage with bravado.

Another heavy right in the sixth sent Paul sprawling once more, prompting calls from sections of the crowd for the referee to step in.

Those who remembered Joshua’s brutal one-punch knockout of former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou earlier last year sensed a familiar ending approaching.

It was not quite as savage, but the straight right – the punch Joshua had been waiting for all night – finally landed flush.

AJ eyes Fury, Paul targets cruiserweight title

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Joshua now has wins over former UFC champion Francis Ngannou and YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul

This was not a contest designed to rigorously test Joshua’s boxing ability. It was entertainment, engineered to generate attention and revenue.

“I don’t care about the legacy. All the legacy is there to just last for 50 years, then it’s done. This is what I do, I’ll do it until can’t any more,” Joshua said.

Joshua leaves Miami with his share of a reported purse of £210m.

His focus is now expected to shift to another warm-up opponent in February before a potential showdown with Fury later in 2026.

Paul, meanwhile, admitted he “got beat up” but insisted he will come back and target a cruiserweight world title.

“I think my jaw is broken. That was good, I’ll come back and get a world championship belt at some point,” he said.

Like him or loathe him, Paul draws audiences, headlines and debate in a way few boxers can.

The fact he convinced sections of the public that this fight might be competitive speaks volumes about his power as a promoter – even if as a boxer, he was found out.

Scheduled for December 20, the event is expected to be one of the biggest boxing spectacles in recent years.

Speaking on Adom TV’s Fire for Fire, Mahama said the stadium’s larger capacity was a major factor in the decision.

“The Legon Sports Stadium can accommodate around 17,000 spectators, compared to 5,000 at the Bukom Boxing Arena,” he noted.

He expressed excitement for the event, assuring fans that all fighters on the card are prepared to deliver memorable performances.

The card will feature some of Ghana’s top boxers, including Freezy Macbones and 2023 African Games bronze medalist Theophilus Allotey.

Internationally, former British champions Craig Richards and Dan Azeez will clash in a highly anticipated light-heavyweight bout.

Legacy Rise Sports previously drew international attention when British boxing stars Anthony Joshua and Amir Khan attended their event at the Bukom Boxing Arena last year, setting the stage for another high-profile showdown.

In September, it was announced that Tyson and Mayweather would fight in spring 2026, though no location or date was announced.

And while those details are still not official, Tyson addressed the matter while speaking at a live event last week, An Experience With Mike Tyson.

“Floyd Mayweather, can you believe that?” said the former world heavyweight champion, 59. “It’s gonna be in March, and it’s gonna be in Africa.

“This is gonna be incredible, it’s gonna break all the records. It’s gonna be one of the biggest events of this year’s sport.”

Mayweather last fought in November 2024, facing YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in an eight-round professional contest and losing on points. That bout marked Tyson’s first outing since an exhibition against fellow boxing icon Roy Jones Jr in 2020, and it was his pro fight since 2005.

Meanwhile, Mayweather retired in 2017 with a perfect record of 50-0, after stopping former UFC champion Conor McGregor in the latter’s boxing debut. Since then, however, the 48-year-old has competed in numerous exhibition fights.

While Mayweather vs Tyson was announced as an exhibition fight, no date, location or rules were revealed, and it even seemed that a rematch between Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao could thwart the all-American bout.

“Right now, it’s in negotiations,” Pacquiao said in October, discussing a rematch with Mayweather, who outpointed the Filipino in 2015 in the highest-grossing boxing match ever.

“It depends on whether we can understand each other,” continued Pacquiao, 46. “My people and his people [are] directly coordinating.

“I’m sure the world of boxing will be excited if the rematch will happen soon. He has his own decision, so I cannot prevent him from fighting Mike Tyson.

“[We are] almost agreeing with each other, but there are a few details we are still negotiating. Probably it will happen in Las Vegas.

“There’s also a negotiation with [former world champion Vasyl] Lomachenko for an exhibition. But the Mayweather thing that we are negotiating right now is a real fight.”

Pacquiao returned to professional boxing this summer, challenging Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title. Pacquiao fought the 30-year-old to a draw.

Set for Saturday, 20th December 2025 at the Legon Stadium, the event promises to be more than just a fight night. It will be a grand celebration of sport, culture, and entertainment on a scale Ghana has rarely experienced.

The announcement has been met with excitement across the country, and organisers say the energy around the event is only growing.

Proudly co-promoted by Legacy Rise Sports, Matchroom Boxing, and Anthony Joshua’s renowned 258 Boxing, the spectacle is expected to unite boxing enthusiasts, industry partners, and fans from across Africa and beyond. 

The fight night will bring together seasoned international competitors, rising African stars, and an atmosphere that showcases the vibrant sporting and cultural spirit Ghana is known for.

Guests attending The Showdown will be treated to a full championship undercard featuring some of the most promising talents in the sport.

The evening will also come alive with electrifying live performances and curated hospitality experiences designed to elevate the occasion into a premium entertainment affair. 

Every moment at Legon Stadium will reflect the prestige and excitement of an event positioned to rank among the continent’s standout sporting highlights of the year.

Organisers are encouraging the public, partners, and supporters to secure their seats early, as anticipation continues to mount and tickets are expected to move fast. 

With elite boxing, music, entertainment, and the energy of Accra coming together under one roof, 20th December is shaping up to be a night that fans will remember long after the final bell.

Tickets for The Showdown are on sale on http://tickets.legacyriseglobal.com/

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman claims Crawford did not pay the mandatory fees to the sanctioning body for two consecutive fights, including his Sept. 13 win against Canelo Alvarez.

“The WBC sent multiple communications to Champion Crawford, his manager, and his legal counsel,” the WBC said in a statement. “Very unfortunately, the WBC did not receive an acknowledgment of receipt nor any response to any of those communications. The WBC had no choice but to act.”

According to Sulaiman, Crawford owes $300,000 for the fight with Canelo on top of the fees for his August 2024 win against Israil Madrimov.

“It is with deep regret, deep sadness, that with all the efforts, support and steps the WBC took in good faith (for Crawford),” Sulaiman said, per CBS Sports. “… The WBC was instrumental in making that fight, the (championship) ring we made (for him) … just to receive a slap in the face is sad.

“It’s very complicated to withdraw a title from a champion — it hurts deeply.””

The 38-year-old Crawford (42-0, 31 KOs) still holds the WBA, IBF and WBO titles following his unanimous decision against Alvarez.

Crawford’s vacant WBC title will now be on the line when Hamzah Sheeraz (22-1, 18 KOs) takes on Christian Mbilli (29-0-1, 24 KOs).

The decision follows the successful rollout of enhanced medical and safety protocols by the Ghana Boxing Interim Management Committee (IMC), as well as the introduction of stronger governance systems.

In a statement, the NSA commended the IMC, athletes, and industry stakeholders for their cooperation and patience throughout the sport’s normalisation period.

The Authority stressed that the comprehensive reforms were crucial in safeguarding Ghana’s proud boxing legacy.

Among the key measures now in place are newly published medical and safety manuals, the establishment of an interim medical commission, a centralised health database, and an approved insurance framework designed to prioritise athlete welfare and uphold institutional standards.

The NSA reaffirmed its commitment to working with all partners to build a safer, more professional, and sustainable boxing ecosystem, while urging both local and international promoters to organise bouts in Ghana under the revamped regulations.

“Right now we have a lot of negotiations about my next fight; there’s a possible rematch with Floyd Mayweather,” Pacquiao told a news conference on Wednesday.

“There’s a lot of ongoing negotiations right now, so it’s hard to plan what fight I’m going to post. I’m waiting for the final negotiation.”

A world champion in eight divisions from flyweight to super welterweight, Pacquiao was enshrined in the International Boxing Hall of Fame in June. A month later, he emerged from retirement and fell just short of regaining a title at the age of 46, with Mario Barrios retaining the WBC welterweight championship after a majority draw.

Pacquiao initially retired in 2021 with a record of 62-8-2 with 39 KOs, fighting in some of the biggest blockbusters of the 2000s. He said he always sought the toughest opponents so he could continue testing himself.

He served as a senator in the Philippines from 2016 to 2022 and lost a bid to become the country’s president in 2022.

Pacquiao lost to Mayweather in 2015 in a bout that had been billed as the “fight of century,” but he later disclosed that he had been hampered by a shoulder injury.

“I’d love to have another fight, a rematch with Floyd Mayweather,” Pacquiao said. “So I hope that in the negotiations, we can understand each other and we can negotiate well.”

Mayweather, 48, could be in for a busy 2026.

CSI Sports last month announced an exhibition between the unbeaten Mayweather and Mike Tyson next year. No date or site was provided in the announcement.

In the meantime, Pacquiao will be focusing on the next generation.

His son, Jimuel, 24, will make his pro debut against American Brendan Lally on Nov. 29 in California.

“I’m excited, but I’m worried about my son,” Manny Pacquiao said. “He started late … but that is his passion, so I will support him. I’m praying for him for a safe fight.”

Matchroom CEO Frank Smith held exploratory talks in Ghana’s capital, Accra, in August and now Eddie Hearn has told The Ring that a deal has been agreed for their first show there.

Although it is not part of that initial agreement, Hearn also added that the show, five days before Christmas, will act as a crucial ‘precursor’ to a potential Anthony Joshua fight in the same city during February. Even though he has suggested that Joshua could box again this year, Hearn insisted it would not be on this card.

“We’re doing a show in Ghana on December 20th,” Hearn said. “Obviously this will not be an AJ show but it’s still going to be a good show.

“The idea is that this is probably a precursor for an AJ show out there but it’s not part of our initial deal. We can just get the lay of the land with this one.

“Frank [Smith] went out there for a site visit and was impressed by what he saw. This deal is with the same people.”

The confirmation from Hearn comes less than a month after all boxing activities in Ghana were suspended following the death of super-middleweight Ernest Akushey following his fight with Jacob Dickson at the Bukom Boxing Arena, Accra.

It was the second tragic death of a professional fighter in Ghana in the space of six months following on from that of Nigerian Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, who collapsed during a fight with Jon Mbanugu in Accra in March. He was rushed to hospital but later died.

In response to the two fatalities, Ghana’s National Sports Authority suspended boxing in the country in an attempt to ‘protect lives, uphold the integrity of the sport and ensure its future,” a statement read.

There is no specific end date for the suspension, which is expected to last until new safety measures are agreed upon and implemented but Hearn is under the impression that their show on December 20 will not be affected. Sources close to the situation have indicated to The Ring that the suspension will lift in time for this event.

“We are working on what fighters will feature on the card at the moment,” Heard added.

“There will be some with Ghanaian backgrounds and then some of our own fighters as well. Then we are looking to go back there with AJ in February.”

It is understood that former world light-heavyweight title challenger Craig Richards (19-4, 12 KOs) is one of the Matchroom boxers in the running to feature on the card. The 35-year-old, who was beaten in his challenge for Dmitry Bivol’s WBA title in 2021, has not boxed since he stopped Padraig McCrory in March. But now he could return in the main event of what will be an historic event for Matchroom.

Their founder Barry Hearn has promoted on the continent before, most notably Chris Eubank’s October 1994 fight with Dan Schommer at Superbowl, Sun City in South Africa but they have never held an event in the west. Ghana could join a long list of countries in which Matchroom have promoted boxing which currently includes, among others, Mexico, Japan, Abu Dhabi and Italy.

Nigeria has recently emerged as a potential location for big time boxing, with Amir Khan and Dr Ezekiel Adamu joining forces to stage the cruiserweight contest between Brandon Glanton and Marcus Browne on October 1.

They are set to return to the Nigerian capital of Lagos on December 18, two days before Matchroom’s planned Ghana show. During an interview with The Ring earlier this year, Adamu revealed that he had hoped to tempt Joshua, who is of Nigerian descent, into a fight in Lagos during 2026.

However, should Matchroom, who have promoted Joshua for the entirety of his professional career, successfully navigate their Ghana debut on December 20, it is likely that the two-time world heavyweight champion’s first outing in Africa will take place in Accra.

Delivering his speech, Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams, Minister for Sports and Recreation, emphasized the critical need for reform amid recent setbacks that have tarnished the sport’s reputation.

“Ghana Boxing has experienced a concerning decline, with performances waning and unprofessional conduct threatening the safety and dignity of our athletes,” he stated.

The tragic death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju during a bout at Bukom Boxing Arena earlier this year served as a stark reminder of the urgent need for intervention.

Acknowledging the sport’s storied history with legends like Professor Azuma Nelson, Ike Quartey, Joshua Clottey, and Joseph Agbeko, among others, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring Ghana’s international standing in boxing.

“This effort is about safeguarding the future of our sport and ensuring it remains a source of national pride,” he declared.

The IMC, tasked with overseeing all professional boxing activities, will spearhead critical reforms, including the implementation of comprehensive medical protocols, the establishment of a Medical Commission, and enhanced doping controls in partnership with the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA).

These measures aim to prioritize athlete safety, uphold integrity, and restore public confidence.

Hon. Adams also called for transparency and democratic governance within the industry, emphasizing the importance of conducting fair elections for the new executive board of the Professional Boxing Association of Ghana.

The committee will facilitate the transition from amateur to professional boxing, restructure the association, and attract investment to foster sports tourism and boost Ghana’s competitiveness.

“Your responsibilities are clear and vital,” the Minister told the assembled committee members, stakeholders, and the media. “I trust you to work efficiently, transparently, and impartially to stabilize and elevate Ghana Boxing.”

He concluded with a rallying call for collective effort: “The future of Ghana Boxing depends on us all. Let us work together to restore pride, safety, and excellence to our beloved sport.”

The inauguration marks a significant step toward transforming Ghana Boxing into a safer, more professional, and internationally respected sport.

As the committee embarks on this crucial journey, the nation watches eagerly, hopeful for a new chapter of glory and integrity in Ghanaian boxing.

The ceremony is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at the Ministry’s conference room.

Ahead of the official unveiling, Sports Minister Kofi Adams held a preliminary meeting with some members of the IMC, including boxing legend Azumah Nelson.

The engagement, led by National Sports Authority (NSA) Director General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, served as a prelude to the formal inauguration.

The creation of the IMC stems from the tragic death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, who collapsed during a bout at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra on March 29, 2025. In response, the Ministry commissioned an independent inquiry chaired by Rtd. Amarkai Amarteifio to investigate the incident and assess the wider challenges confronting professional boxing in Ghana.

The investigative committee later submitted a comprehensive 100-page report with recommendations aimed at strengthening safety protocols, improving discipline, and restoring integrity in the sport.

Addressing members of the IMC, Minister Adams commended them for accepting the mandate and emphasized the urgency of reforms.

“This normalisation process is not about personalities; it is about the future of our sport. We are determined to restore boxing to a state of professionalism, safety and international respect.”

He outlined priority areas for the committee, including the establishment of a Medical Commission, improved health records for boxers, enhanced medical protocols, and stricter doping controls in partnership with the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA).

The Minister urged the IMC to act swiftly, transparently, and impartially, with the expectation that organized boxing activity will resume before the end of the year.

The Ministry has also issued a formal white paper on the investigative report, which the IMC will be required to implement under ministerial supervision.

In a letter dated 25th September 2025, and signed by its Director General, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, the NSA said the decision was taken in consultation with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, following the expiration of the board’s mandate and recent developments in the sport.

The dissolution comes in the aftermath of the death of a Ghanaian boxer, Ernest Akushey, the second time a boxer died after being sanctioned by the boxing governing body to fight which has renewed discussions on medical safety and regulatory standards in the sport.

The letter, addressed to the Acting President of the GBA, stated:

“The National Sports Authority (NSA), in consultation with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, acknowledges with appreciation the service and contributions of the current Board of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) to the development of the sport.”

Mr Ankrah stated that the mandate given to them had expired.

“As you are aware, your tenure officially ended a few months ago and was extended by the Director-General of the NSA for an additional thirty (30) days, which elapsed in August 2025. In line with ongoing reforms and in the aftermath of recent developments, the Authority has resolved to conclude the mandate of the current Board.”

The Authority disclosed plans to immediately establish a nine-member Interim Management Committee (IMC) to oversee the affairs of Ghanaian boxing.

This move, according to the NSA, forms part of broader reforms aimed at safeguarding athletes, strengthening medical and technical standards, and restoring public confidence in the sport.

“Accordingly, a nine-member Interim Management Committee (IMC) will be announced immediately to oversee the affairs of Ghanaian boxing.

“This transition is part of a broader reform programme designed to safeguard athletes, strengthen medical and technical standards, and restore confidence in the sport.

“On behalf of the NSA and the Ministry, we thank you for your dedication and service during your tenure and look forward to your continued support for the growth and future of Ghanaian boxing,” the letter concluded.

Akushey passed away days after his fight with Jacob Dickson at the Bukom Boxing Arena, prompting urgent consultations between the NSA and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.

In a statement issued on Thursday, September 25, 2025, the NSA said the suspension underscores its commitment, alongside the Ministry, to prioritising the health, safety, and welfare of athletes.

The authority described the move as part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening medical protocols, technical standards, and regulatory oversight in Ghanaian boxing.

The NSA noted that preparations were already underway with stakeholders in the boxing community to implement the recommendations of the Ministerial Committee on Boxing.

These include a five-year safety and development roadmap, anchored by the creation of a nine-member Interim Management Committee (IMC) to oversee the sport.

Stakeholders, including promoters, coaches, athletes, officials, and supporters, have been urged to comply with the suspension.

The NSA acknowledged the immediate challenges the decision may pose but stressed that it is a necessary step to protect lives and secure the future of boxing in Ghana.

The reforms align with recommendations made following the death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju.

The NSA concluded by assuring the boxing fraternity that it remains committed, alongside the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, to returning the sport under safer, more professional, and internationally aligned standards.

ALSO READ:

• Boxer Ernest ‘Bahubali’ Akushey dies 11 days after bout with Jacob Dickson

• Enough of fixing matches; stop building boxers the wrong way – Joseph Agbeko

NSA statement below:

Akushey, popularly known in boxing circles as Bahubali, passed away on Tuesday, September 23, after sustaining severe injuries during his bout with Jacob Dickson at the Bukom Boxing Arena on September 12. He was admitted to LEKMA Hospital in Accra, where he later succumbed to internal bleeding.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show on Wednesday, September 24, Mr. Ampofo Ankrah said the suspension will remain in place until investigations into the circumstances surrounding Akushey’s death are completed.

“All boxing activities are hence suspended pending investigation into the death of Ernest Akushey,” he stated.

He further revealed that preliminary information suggested the late boxer may have fought more bouts in the past two years than regulations allow.

“The deceased boxer Ernest Akushey is said to have fought in multiple bouts over the past 12-24 months, which shouldn’t have happened,” he added.

Akushey, who competed in the super middleweight and light heavyweight divisions, ended his professional career with eight fights, recording six victories.

Hearn, who heads Matchroom Boxing, described the anticipated showdown as the fight fans around the world most want to see before both British fighters exit their peak years.

“I think he’s going to have one fight in January or February, and we are looking to do that in Ghana,” Hearn said in an interview on Link Up TV, excerpts of which were featured in the Netflix boxing documentary The Greatest Showmen.

“I think it will be unbelievable for him [Anthony Joshua] to fight in Africa. It will be amazing, and then we want Fury,” he added.

Joshua has strengthened ties with Ghana, visiting the country earlier this year to attend a boxing event organized by former British world champion Amir Khan at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra.

While talks of a Fury–Joshua super fight have dragged on for years without fruition, Hearn’s latest comments suggest Ghana could emerge as a surprise venue for one of the most anticipated bouts in modern boxing.

The 29-year-old was stopped in the eighth round of the September 13 super middleweight contest and was later admitted to the LEKMA Hospital, where he was treated for internal bleeding. Despite days of medical care, he passed away 12 days later.

Akushey ended his professional career with eight fights, recording six victories. He competed across the super middleweight and light heavyweight divisions, earning a reputation for his fearless style and crowd-pleasing showmanship.

His ring name, ‘Bahubali’, inspired by the legendary movie character, reflected his fighting spirit and resilience.

His passing has reignited debate over safety standards in Ghanaian boxing, with fresh calls for stricter medical checks and improved post-fight care for athletes.

]]> https://www.adomonline.com/tyson-and-mayweather-to-fight-in-exhibition-match/ Sat, 06 Sep 2025 08:29:48 +0000 https://www.adomonline.com/?p=2575580 Former world champions Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather are set to compete in an exhibition bout next year.

The event will be put on by CSI Sports/Fight Sports but details regarding the date, location, broadcasters and rules are yet to be announced.

Tyson, 59, is a former undisputed heavyweight champion while Mayweather, 48, retired undefeated after 50 fights, winning multiple titles across a number of weight classes.

“This fight is something neither the world nor I ever thought would or could happen. However, boxing has entered a new era of the unpredictable and this fight is as unpredictable as it gets,” said Tyson.

Tyson is competing for the first time since ending his 19-year retirement in November in a controversial defeat by Jake Paul.

He spent the entirety of his career, which yielded 50 wins from 59 fights, at heavyweight while the latter stages of Mayweather’s career were at welterweight.

Mayweather, who has won titles across five weight classes, has competed in a number of exhibition bouts since retiring in 2017 with his last outing coming against John Gotti III last August.

Formal winners are not usually declared in exhibitions and the results do not count towards either fighter’s career record.

“You already know that if I am going to do something, it’s going to be big and it’s going to be legendary,” said Mayweather.

“I’m the best in the business of boxing. This exhibition will give the fans what they want.”

Olympic silver at 17. Unified world title in his 20s. Unforgettable nights with Marcos Maidana, Zab Judah and Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.

And then, years later, reality TV infamy with his own BBC documentary – not forgetting his role in I’m a Celebrity’s “strawberry-gate”.

Now the former champion has swapped fight nights and jungle antics for a new adventure.

On Wednesday, Khan will bring top-tier professional boxing to Nigeria for the first time on the country’s Independence Day, when the streets of Lagos will be alive with parades, music and national pride.

“You can imagine all the hype. Everyone will have a day off and will want to come,” Khan tells BBC Sport from his home in Dubai.

The event, called Chaos in the Ring, is being promoted by Khan’s AK Promotions in partnership with African-based Balmoral Group Promotions.

It follows his debut card in Ghana earlier this year, but Khan believes Lagos will be even bigger.

“I’m still new to the game but I want to learn quick and move quick,” he says. “Why Africa? I think it’s an untouched market.”

A cruiserweight encounter between Brandon Glanton and Marcus Browne headlines, while British light-heavyweight Dan Azeez will tick off a “bucket list fight” by boxing on Nigerian soil.

Taking fighters back to their roots is a key theme of Khan’s promotion.

Earlier this year, Londoner Ohara Davies boxed in Ghana, where his parents are from.

It is something Khan himself never had the chance to do. The son of Pakistani parents who emigrated to the UK, he has always spoken with pride about his heritage and the bond it gave him with fans in South Asia.

“If I had the opportunity to fight in Pakistan, that would have been amazing,” he says.

‘I made promoters millions, will they do the same for me?’

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Khan worked with many of the top promoters in his career, including Frank Warren (pictured) and Eddie Hearn

Khan admits moving into promotion has been a learning curve.

He expected tough negotiations but soon realised the scale of the challenge with fighters demanding inflated purses, games of bluff and brinkmanship.

“It’s like a game of chess,” he says. Yet his own career gives him perspective and hope.

Khan headlined shows from Las Vegas to Madison Square Garden, fought under every major promoter and became one of a handful of British boxers to truly cross into the mainstream.

He hopes that experience – knowing both the glamour and the grind – will help him build shows fighters can trust.

“I’m not expecting to make anything in the next couple of years as a promoter. I’m happy to roll the dice because I want to learn the trade as I go,” he says.

For now, his plan is to grow the sport in Africa and the Middle East, before breaking back into the UK market when the timing is right.

He also dreams of staging fights in Saudi Arabia as part of the lucrative Riyadh Season.

But to do that, he knows he needs support.

Khan is calling on broadcasters, co-promoters and former allies to show him the same loyalty he once gave them.

“I made them millions, let’s see if they do the same for me now,” he adds.

Mayweather and Pacquiao still on Khan’s mind

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Khan held talks with Manny Pacquioa about a fight in 2015, but it never materialised

Officially, Khan retired in 2022 after defeat by long-time rival Kell Brook.

But there are two names that could tempt him back.

“The only fight I’d come back for is a Manny Pacquiao or a Floyd Mayweather fight,” he says.

“I think it’s possible, especially Pacquiao, but it’s hard to say. I know he’s back in the gym and fighting again.

“If it happens, it happens. I’d love to take it.”

In truth, a comeback seems unlikely. Khan spent years chasing both Pacquiao and Mayweather – particularly the American – but those super fights never materialised.

Still, he carved out a career all of his own.

From teenage prodigy in Bolton to world champion, Khan spent two decades in the spotlight.

Now the challenge is different.

As a promoter, he wants to create nights that inspire and prove he can build a legacy outside the ring that’s every bit as bold as the one he left inside it.

Prepare yourself for a great football weekend as the Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A deliver a feast of football action.

Whether you’re in it for the drama, the rivalries, or the rise of African talent, this weekend has it all. With SuperSport’s unmatched coverage – from expert analysis to immersive camera angles – every match becomes a front-row experience.

Shigetoshi Kotari, 28, collapsed shortly after completing a 12-round draw against Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation junior lightweight champion Yamato Hata on Aug. 2.

He underwent emergency brain surgery for a subdural hematoma — a condition where blood collects between the brain and skull – but died on Friday.

“Rest in peace, Shigetoshi Kotari,” the World Boxing Organization wrote on social media. “The boxing world mourns the tragic passing of Japanese fighter Shigetoshi Kotari, who succumbed to injuries sustained during his August 2nd title fight.

“A warrior in the ring. A fighter in spirit. Gone too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, team, and the entire Japanese boxing community.”

On Saturday, fellow 28-year-old Hiromasa Urakawa died after suffering the same injury during a knockout loss to Yoji Saito. He had undergone a craniotomy in an attempt to save his life.

“This heartbreaking news comes just days after the passing of Shigetoshi Kotari, who died from injuries suffered in his fight on the same card,” the WBO said in another social media post on Saturday. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and the Japanese boxing community during this incredibly difficult time.”

In response, the Japanese Boxing Commission has announced all OPBF title bouts will now be reduced from 12 rounds to 10.

Earlier this year, Irish boxer John Cooney died a week after being taken into intensive care following his Celtic super-featherweight title defeat to Nathan Howells in Belfast.

Shigetoshi Kotari, 28, collapsed shortly after completing a 12-round draw against Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation junior lightweight champion Yamato Hata on Aug. 2.

He underwent emergency brain surgery for a subdural hematoma — a condition where blood collects between the brain and skull – but died on Friday.

“Rest in peace, Shigetoshi Kotari,” the World Boxing Organization wrote on social media. “The boxing world mourns the tragic passing of Japanese fighter Shigetoshi Kotari, who succumbed to injuries sustained during his August 2nd title fight.

“A warrior in the ring. A fighter in spirit. Gone too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, team, and the entire Japanese boxing community.”

On Saturday, fellow 28-year-old Hiromasa Urakawa died after suffering the same injury during a knockout loss to Yoji Saito. He had undergone a craniotomy in an attempt to save his life.

“This heartbreaking news comes just days after the passing of Shigetoshi Kotari, who died from injuries suffered in his fight on the same card,” the WBO said in another social media post on Saturday. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and the Japanese boxing community during this incredibly difficult time.”

In response, the Japanese Boxing Commission has announced all OPBF title bouts will now be reduced from 12 rounds to 10.

Earlier this year, Irish boxer John Cooney died a week after being taken into intensive care following his Celtic super-featherweight title defeat to Nathan Howells in Belfast.

Source: CNN

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Eubank beat Benn by unanimous decision in a thrilling middleweight contest at the same venue in April.

Despite no title being on the line, the bout between the bitter foes – which took place 35 years after their fathers, Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn, first fought – garnered huge attention.

And after Eubank was named the winner 116-112 on all three judges’ scorecards, a rematch was wanted by fans and touted by promoters.

A second bout had been agreed for 20 September, however, it fell through amid concerns Eubank would not be ready.

Now organisers Ring Magazine, which is owned by Turki Alalshikh, have announced the rematch will take place on 15 November.

Eddie Hearn, Benn’s promoter and chairman of Matchroom Boxing, also shared the same date via Instagram.

Eubank and his camp have not yet commented on the announcement.

The Ukrainian is now an undefeated, three-time undisputed world champion.

Usyk shook up his rival champion in the fifth round and dropped the Briton to his knees with a lead right hook at the end of a fierce exchange.

Dubois rose from the first knockdown. But Usyk found a finish of ruthless beauty, lining up a left hook that toppled the bigger man over on his back.

Image: Daniel Dubois falls to the canvas after being knocked down by Oleksandr Usyk at Wembley

The Londoner was stunned. He lay listless on the canvas, propped on one elbow but unable to beat the count.

With the fight waved off, Usyk crumpled to his knees, overwhelmed with emotion.

It marked a historic feat for the great Ukrainian.

Undisputed first at cruiserweight, Usyk, a London 2012 Olympic gold medallist, became the first undisputed heavyweight champion in a quarter of a century, and the first of the four belt era, when he first beat Tyson Fury last year.

The 38-year-old never lost the IBF championship in the ring, but could not make a mandatory defence of that when he went into an immediate rematch with Fury.

That saw Usyk vacate the IBF belt ahead of his second points victory over Fury and Dubois, previously the Interim titlist, elevated to full champion.

The Londoner had lost his first fight to Usyk in 2023 but would insist later that a beltline blow shouldn’t have been ruled low. Usyk had visited the canvas after that strike from Dubois, using his allotted time to recover from the infringement. Uysk rose and put Dubois down in the ninth round of that first fight where he was counted out.

Dubois and his team though were adamant afterwards that he’d hurt Usyk legitimately and could do so again. The 27-year-old took even more confidence from his last fight too, when he brutally knocked out Anthony Joshua in just five rounds last year, also at Wembley Stadium.

It was a performance that announced Dubois as a world-level threat and potentially the most dangerous puncher in the sport. He came into this rematch at the peak of his powers and with a new sense of self-belief.

Dubois did start positively in the first round, edging on to the front foot and holding the centre of the ring. But Usyk masterfully feinted with his southpaw jab, raising the lead right up, darting it down and he started to connect.

In the closing seconds of the first round, Usyk opened up with a brace of hooks.

Dubois held his lead left low and loose, looking to bring it in as Usyk peppered him with punches.

The Briton launched a right down on his opponent, but Usyk at once planted a solid backhand on his chin, landing with force.

In the third round Dubois struck with a flush right hand to the chin. But Usyk could still counter expertly with vicious lefts.

Dubois kept pressure on Usyk, booming rights flying into Usyk’s guard, though a shot also strayed on to the beltline too. The Ukrainian jabbed to the head, to set up a left cross to the body. A neat left hook whipped round the Londoner’s guard too.

In the fifth round, Usyk triggered Dubois’ downfall. He stepped in with a one-two combination. Dubois tried to blast punches back at him. But Usyk had seen the vulnerabilities and didn’t hesitate to apply the perfect, final flourishes.

They fired their punches into each other, but Usyk’s were the accurate shots, shaking up Dubois, dropping him twice and leaving no questions about their rivalry, and no dispute about his own greatness.

“38 is a young guy, remember. 38 is only the start,” Usyk said in triumph. “This is for the people, it’s for our world’s people.

“This is enough. Next? I don’t know. I want to rest.

“I want to go back home to my wife, my family.”

‘I gave everything I had’

“I have to commend him, I gave everything I had,” Dubois said afterwards. “There we some things I could have sharpened up on, but I’ll be back.

“I was in a fight, I was trying to pick it round by round, but it is what it is, I’ll be back.”

The announcement was contained in a press release circulated on Wednesday night by the GBA’s Communications Director, Mohammed Amin Lamptey, via WhatsApp.

“I deeply regret to inform fellow Ghanaians that I am resigning as the president of Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) due to personal reasons,” Mr. Neequaye disclosed in the statement.

He described the decision as “difficult to make,” but indicated that it was “the best course of action for me and some executive board members with integrity and dignity at this crucial time.”

His resignation will take effect on Friday, June 27, 2025, after an official press conference scheduled for 10:00 am at the GBA Secretariat, where he will formally announce his exit from the role.

Reflecting on his tenure, Mr. Neequaye expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as president of the GBA, stating, “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities that I have been given as the GBA president. I actually value the insights that I have learned, and I expect them to help me in my future endeavours.”

He clarified that the decision followed “careful considerations of my career goals and personal aspirations.”

Mr. Neequaye also acknowledged the difficult moments faced during his administration, especially when he and some of his board members encountered public criticism.

“Let me seize the opportunity to thank the media landscape for the support you offered me and my board members, especially those of us who suffered character assassination during these difficult times,” he stated.

The GBA President emphasised that the role was entirely voluntary and came without financial benefit.

“I want to thank fellow compatriots wherever you are for being supportive of my professional growth in an office that doesn’t pay salary or allowance but just a sacrificial work to serve others and one’s country,” he wrote.

The press release extended an invitation to media outlets to attend Friday’s press conference “to equip yourself with firsthand information.”

The donation was presented by a GBA delegation when they repatriated the boxer’s remains to Nigeria for burial.

Speaking to Sporty FM, Mrs. Olanrewaju revealed that tensions within her late husband’s family have led to her being sidelined regarding the funds.

“The family members of my husband are fighting over the $3,000 donated by the entourage from Ghana. The money is yet to be given to me,” she said.

She also lamented being excluded from key funeral rites and denied access to her husband’s body and her children during the burial.

“Immediately we received my husband’s body, his family did not allow me to perform my rites. They did not give me and the children access,” she added.

Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju tragically passed away in Ghana after collapsing during a bout against Ghanaian boxer John Mbanugu at the Bukom Boxing Arena.

An autopsy later confirmed that he died of cardiac arrest.

He has since been buried in Nigeria following the return of his remains by the GBA.

]]> https://www.adomonline.com/pacers-beat-thunder-to-force-nba-game-seven-decider/ Fri, 20 Jun 2025 06:02:54 +0000 https://www.adomonline.com/?p=2546598 The NBA Finals will be decided by a winner-takes-all game seven for the first time in nine years after the Indiana Pacers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 108-91 in game six to level the series.

A fine attacking display from the Pacers, which included 20 points for Obi Toppin off the bench, stopped the Thunder from claiming the Championship in Indianapolis.

Star player Tyrese Haliburton, who missed game five with a calf injury, passed a late fitness test before tip-off and managed 14 points, five assists and two steals in 22 minutes of play.

“We just wanted to protect our court,” Haliburton said.

“We didn’t want to see those guys celebrate a championship on our home floor. Backs against the wall, we just responded.

“So many different guys chipped in. It was a whole team effort. I’m really proud of this group.”

The victory means the NBA finals will go to game seven for the first time since 2016, when the Cleveland Cavaliers won their first Championship with a 4-3 series win against the Golden State Warriors.

The Thunder will host game seven on Monday (01:00 BST) but will need a much improved performance to win their first Championship since 1979.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the newly-crowned Most Valuable Player, top scored for the Thunder with 21 points but his side paid the price for missing their first eight shots of the game, which gave the Pacers an early eight-point lead.

“Credit Indiana,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “They earned the win. They outplayed us for most of the 48 minutes. They went out there and attacked the game.”

Monday’s game will mark the 20th time the NBA Finals have gone to game seven, with the home side in the decider triumphing 15 times.

Results

Game one: Thunder 110-111 Pacers (Indiana lead 1-0)

Game two: Thunder 123-107 Pacers (Series tied 1-1)

Game three: Pacers 116-103 Thunder (Indiana lead 2-1)

Game four: Pacers 104-111 Thunder (Series tied 2-2)

Game five: Thunder 120-109 Pacers (Oklahoma Cit lead 3-2)

Game six: Pacers 108-91 Thunder (Series tied 3-3)

Game seven: Thunder v Pacers (Monday, 23 June 01:00 BST)

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, the GBA’s Director of Communications, Mohammed Amin Lamptey, hinted that the correspondence highlighted regulatory concerns and called for swift action from both the Minister of Youth and Sports and the National Sports Authority (NSA) to tighten oversight on boxing promotions in the country.

The Battle of the Beasts event drew significant attention, showcasing headline bouts such as Jacob “The Beast” Dickson facing Andrew Tabiti for the WBO Africa Bridgerweight title, and Daniel Selassie Gorsh taking on Theo Allotey in the African Bantamweight division.

Adding to the spectacle were international boxing icons Anthony Joshua and Amir Khan, whose presence helped elevate the event’s profile on the global stage.

In light of the BBBoC’s concerns, the GBA is expected to work closely with the Sports Ministry and the NSA to address any regulatory gaps and ensure future boxing events adhere to international standards.