Boxing

Marshall outduels Crews-Dezurn to become undisputed world champion, but Shields rematch? The same result

Savannah Marshall did exactly what she said she would, overcoming a gruelling 20-minute battle over ten rounds against Franchon Crews-Dezurn – snatching the American’s undisputed super-middleweight world titles – as former foe Claressa Shields watched ringside. On the basis of this showing though, it’s difficult to see anything besides a repeat result in a prospective rematch. Continue reading “Marshall outduels Crews-Dezurn to become undisputed world champion, but Shields rematch? The same result”

Boxing

Franchon Crews-Dezurn vs. Savannah Marshall: Must-win territory for both in Manchester headliner

As a pro rematch vs. undisputed middleweight world champion Claressa Shields potentially awaits the winner, current 168lb queen Franchon Crews-Dezurn ventures to enemy soil tonight looking to avenge a painful amateur defeat twelve years later against former titlist Savannah Marshall. Sound familiar?
Continue reading “Franchon Crews-Dezurn vs. Savannah Marshall: Must-win territory for both in Manchester headliner”

UFC

Whittaker surprised by Cannonier’s dominant win vs. Vettori – he shouldn’t be

Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker predicted Jared Cannonier would win last weekend’s main event matchup against Marvin Vettori, in a battle of two contenders he’s previously beaten. However, he spoke of his surprise at how things played out – something that has been brewing for a while as far as the Italian is concerned. Continue reading “Whittaker surprised by Cannonier’s dominant win vs. Vettori – he shouldn’t be”

Boxing

Shields retains undisputed titles with shutout UD hometown win over Cornejo

Short-notice challenger Maricela Cornejo gamely absorbed punishment aplenty over a bruising 20 minutes, but was firmly second best against Claressa Shields as the undisputed middleweight queen retained her titles at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena overnight. The 28-year-old expressed interest in an intriguing world title fight at 168lbs between two former opponents, taking place July 1. Continue reading “Shields retains undisputed titles with shutout UD hometown win over Cornejo”

Boxing

Claressa Shields insists she won’t take short-notice foe Maricela Cornejo lightly

Maricela Cornejo stepped into the breach after news of original title challenger Hanna Gabriels’ positive drugs test broke last Thursday. The 36-year-old (16-5, 6 KOs) may have three world title defeats to her name, but despite the situation is ‘excited for the world to see Mari 2.0’ tonight. How will she fare this time? 
Continue reading “Claressa Shields insists she won’t take short-notice foe Maricela Cornejo lightly”

UFC

UFC 287: Adesanya regains title with R2 KO in Pereira rematch, after Burns retires Masvidal

Israel Adesanya of Nigeria reacts after knocking out Alex Pereira of Brazil in the UFC middleweight championship fight during the UFC 287 event at...

With his back to the wall and in danger, Israel Adesanya produced a second-round KO win over long-time rival Alex Pereira to regain his UFC middleweight title, after Gilbert Burns beat Jorge Masvidal into submission over 15 minutes before the two-time welterweight title challenger retired in his hometown. Continue reading “UFC 287: Adesanya regains title with R2 KO in Pereira rematch, after Burns retires Masvidal”

UFC

UFC 287: It’s now or never for Israel Adesanya vs. arch-nemesis Alex Pereira

Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya face off for the press and the fans during a press conference for UFC 287, Pereira versus Adesanya 2, on April 6 at...

Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya knows pressure rests on his shoulders with fierce rival Alex Pereira up next, one final time tonight. The stark truth is a 0-3 record stares at him across two disciplines – regardless of the circumstances – so will he get the last laugh to reclaim gold overnight? Continue reading “UFC 287: It’s now or never for Israel Adesanya vs. arch-nemesis Alex Pereira”

Boxing

Watch closely: Elijah Garcia, father George hint at future Resendiz bout for teenage middleweight rising star

Elijah Garcia, 19, knocks out Amilcar Vidal in fourth round of middleweight bout

Hit too much for comfort early on, 19-year-old rising middleweight talent Elijah Garcia showed his power en route to a R4 stoppage win over Amical Vidal during an entertaining battle between two unbeaten prospects Saturday night. With world champion aspirations by the time he’s 21-22, he and father George have spotted a prospective opponent – one they shared a dressing room with.
Continue reading “Watch closely: Elijah Garcia, father George hint at future Resendiz bout for teenage middleweight rising star”

Boxing

Marshall discusses tactical gamble backfiring vs. Shields, open to Crews Dezurn matchup at 168lbs

Savannah Marshall looks on ahead of the IBF, WBA, WBC, WBO World Middleweight Title fight between Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall on the...

Now-former WBO middleweight champion Savannah Marshall remains adamant she’ll avenge her loss to undisputed titlist Claressa Shields with different tactics a second time around, but the 31-year-old expressed a readiness to challenge Franchon Crews Dezurn for the undisputed belts at 168lbs as the Hartlepool native’s stock has risen despite a first pro defeat last October. Continue reading “Marshall discusses tactical gamble backfiring vs. Shields, open to Crews Dezurn matchup at 168lbs”

Boxing

Rip up the script: Rewind to Liam Smith’s stunning R4 TKO win vs. Chris Eubank Jr, what’s next?

Liam Smith is carried by their coaching team as they celebrate after defeating Chris Eubank Jr during the Middleweight fight between Chris Eubank Jr...

He told everyone that would listen. Yet you had to see to believe: Liam Smith becoming the first man to drop, and stop Chris Eubank Jr with a rather emphatic fourth-round TKO win during their PPV main event on January 21. Talk immediately turned to the latter’s rematch clause, a potential illegal elbow, weight complications and much more besides earlier this month. Continue reading “Rip up the script: Rewind to Liam Smith’s stunning R4 TKO win vs. Chris Eubank Jr, what’s next?”

UFC

Leon Edwards: Khamzat Chimaev is not the untouchable monster UFC built him to be

Khamzat Chimaev speaks to the media following their UFC 279 win on September 9 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.

UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards believes unbeaten contender Khamzat Chimaev has been overvalued by the promotion, and in a recent interview with Michael Bisping, said as much as he prepares for his first title defence against former titlist Kamaru Usman in March.
Continue reading “Leon Edwards: Khamzat Chimaev is not the untouchable monster UFC built him to be”

Boxing

75 days on from history in London: What’s next after a compelling Shields-Marshall showdown?

Claressa Shields and trainers pose with the WBC Elizabethan Belt and IBF, WBA, WBC, WBO World Middleweight Title belts after victory in the IBF, WBA,...

Today marks 75 days since Claressa Shields became undisputed world middleweight champion for a second time on a historic night for women’s boxing, avenging her defeat as an amateur against Savannah Marshall – 10 years after their meeting when the pair were youngsters. Elsewhere, Alycia Baumgardner ruined Mikaela Mayer’s night, so what’s next for the quartet?
Continue reading “75 days on from history in London: What’s next after a compelling Shields-Marshall showdown?”