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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><feed xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xml:lang="en"> <title>Bad Left Hook - All Posts</title> <subtitle>Global Boxing News and Commentary</subtitle> <icon>https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47131/backingthepack-fave.png</icon> <updated>2024-05-16T19:54:09-04:00</updated> <id>http://www.badlefthook.com/rss/current/</id> <link type="text/html" href="https://www.badlefthook.com/" rel="alternate"/> <entry> <published>2024-05-16T19:54:09-04:00</published> <updated>2024-05-16T19:54:09-04:00</updated> <title>WBA adds, then removes rehydration clause from Tank vs Martin</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="Gervonta Davis v Ryan Garcia - Fight Night" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mEdl4m3hneokOLEXA3ImZFOqJK4=/0x617:3459x2923/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73352638/1484288206.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>The WBA are reportedly looking to institute fight day weight checks going forward</p> <p id="gRUhSr">While the eyes of the boxing public remained firmly fixed on Saturday’s undisputed showdown between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, something extremely bizarre developed elsewhere, starting with <a href="https://twitter.com/wsbremy/status/1791202455520215331?s=46">Frank Martin’s claim yesterday</a> that the WBA had instituted a rehydration clause for his June 15th lightweight title fight against Gervonta Davis.</p><p id="DdjA31">Davis (29-0, 27 KO) <a href="https://twitter.com/Gervontaa/status/1791005281528541471">took to Twitter to deny any involvement</a>, while Errol Spence Jr <a href="https://twitter.com/ErrolSpenceJr/status/1790944382562021465">claimed</a> it was a new WBA rule and Dan Rafael claimed that while the WBA was planning to institute fight day weight checks, that wouldn’t be in effect for Davis vs Martin (18-0, 12 KO). WBA chief Gilberto Mendoza then <a href="https://twitter.com/SIChrisMannix/status/1791220933102837994">told Chris Mannix</a> that there would be a “12-pound rehydration limit” based on “recent events.” Mendoza did not elaborate on what those events may be and The Ring’s Jake Donovan claimed to have heard from “more than two dozen fighters/teams who have WBA sanctioned fights coming up” without a single one reporting a rehydration clause.</p><p id="I0vorU">Featherweight champion Raymond Ford, who meets Nick Ball on June 1st, <a href="https://twitter.com/raysavage856/status/1790956571398189442">said “Hell no” when asked if he had a rehydration clause and vowed to enter the ring at 160 pounds</a>.</p><p id="2mWmZ7">Finally, Donovan <a href="https://twitter.com/JakeNDaBox/status/1791205291175841982">chimed back in</a> to report that there <em>had </em>been a rehydration clause, <a href="https://twitter.com/JakeNDaBox/status/1791250414723068318">but the WBA “agreed to table it.”</a> As far as I can tell, that’s the end of it for now; Davis and Martin should be able to pump themselves back up to their hearts’ content.</p><p id="PhP2hv">I’ve said it before, but stuff like this is why the WBA’s brand of incompetence and corruption is better than the WBC’s. At least theirs tends to be the fun kind of sh*tshow.</p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.badlefthook.com/2024/5/16/24158625/wba-adds-removes-rehydration-clause-gervonta-davis-vs-frank-martin-boxing-news-2024"/> <id>https://www.badlefthook.com/2024/5/16/24158625/wba-adds-removes-rehydration-clause-gervonta-davis-vs-frank-martin-boxing-news-2024</id> <author> <name>Patrick Stumberg</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2024-05-16T19:30:00-04:00</published> <updated>2024-05-16T19:30:00-04:00</updated> <title>PREDICTIONS: Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk and more!</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uUYkQHJ0ktQk8OecuM82ijMXFUQ=/0x0:5869x3913/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73352591/2153278285.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Who wins Fury vs Usyk on Saturday? | Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>Who wins Fury vs Usyk on Saturday?</p> <p id="LZzZyY">Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk finally square off for the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world on Saturday in Riyadh.</p><p id="P6mJpf">Two unbeaten champions, the men who have fought their way to this spot, and our first undisputed heavyweight champion to be crowned in a quarter-century, the first in the four-belt era.</p><p id="E2MUlR">So who wins boxing’s most highly-anticipated fight on the current schedule?</p><h5 id="vNzrb9"><a href="https://dksb.sng.link/As9kz/60sb?_dl=https%3A%2F%2Fsportsbook.draftkings.com%2Fgate[%E2%80%A6]pscn%3DBOX&amp;pcid=164089&amp;pscn=BOX&amp;pcrn=Content&amp;psn=Vox&amp;pcrid=BOX"><em><strong>Bet on Fury vs Usyk and more boxing with DraftKings Sportsbook!</strong></em></a></h5><h3 id="IzJOm6">Scott Christ (20-2)</h3><p id="vau3ZU">I still think Fury is a nightmare matchup for Usyk, but nightmares have degrees, too. Some can shake you up pretty good, and others are just a little unpleasant but you get up, go to the bathroom, and your day goes on, having forgotten about it by the time you’re making your breakfast.</p><p id="CPx8cm">Fury won’t be easy for Usyk, but the same is true in reverse. Usyk’s clever, smart, and has had a lot of time to fully prepare for even the best Tyson Fury that is possible at age 36, with years of wear and tear, probably more outside the ring than in it. An on-point Fury is still a very good fighter at worst, but he’s never been a flawless one or anything, even in his biggest wins, and none of his biggest wins have come against anyone who fights remotely like Oleksandr Usyk, with the skills and ability Usyk brings to the matchup.</p><p id="ghqg90">If Usyk is prepared to be busy and can get Fury chasing it, Tyson is the type who can be baited into mistakes. It’s not like Deontay Wilder or the clubbing Francis Ngannou are the only guys to ever put him down or hurt him or land clean.</p><p id="OdRXRr">On the other side, Usyk will have to be just about perfect. But I think this is the sort of fight where he can be, if ever he can be. Anthony Joshua ain’t Fury, but he won twice over 24 rounds without making the critical mistake against AJ. I’m shading it to Usyk, in part because I really think he’ll win on this particular date in this matchup, and in part because I’m itching to roll the dice on one. <strong>Usyk SD-12</strong></p><h3 id="NNlC17">Wil Esco (18-4)</h3><p id="eJ1EUy">There was a time when I was completely certain that Fury was just too big a man for Usyk to handle, given that Fury is quite the capable operator himself. If anything, my conviction on that front has softened greatly because of all the delays in making this fight happen, which I believe mostly suits Usyk. Part of me now wonders if Fury might’ve given Usyk too much time to physically acclimate himself to heavyweight to where a win over him is no longer a sure thing.</p><p id="rDxAYE">If I’m being honest I just don’t think there’s any real way to dislike Usyk as a person and a fighter, so I would naturally prefer to see him take a win this weekend over Fury. But Fury seems to have taken his preparation for this fight seriously judging by his current condition and because there’s no likelihood of Usyk stopping Fury, the only real question is whether he can outpoint him over 12. Fury is taller, longer, and moves well on his feet so I still believe gives Usyk an unfavorable style matchup, and I suspect Fury will be able to take a decision in a fight that probably won’t be aesthetically pleasing. <strong>Fury SD-12</strong></p><h3 id="beEQeA">John Hansen (17-5)</h3><p id="lEOgn3">If nothing else, the <em>Venit, Serravi, Pecuniam</em> era of Saudi Arabian sports has done wonders for taking matchups out of the online argument stage and turning them into reality. But, ironically, Saudi Arabia spending a smaller fortune to put on Fury vs Francis Ngannou created an even bigger hypothetical: What if <em>this </em>fight had happened in December? </p><p id="1KYLum">Fury vs Usyk could and should have happened just 56 days after Ngannou, and don’t forget that it was Fury himself threatening a lawsuit if Usyk didn’t make that date. Instead, Fury changed his tune after the Ngannou fight featured not The Greatest Heavyweight of All Time, but a vaguely man-shaped lump of poorly mixed tapioca pudding, fighting with all the passion and intensity of a broken down twin mattress left for trash in an alley. </p><p id="9CN0Fd">Even an embarrassed and motivated Tyson Fury probably couldn’t have done enough in eight weeks to carve the heavy breathing butter sculpture of October 2023 into proper fighting shape. And any echo of that Fury would have been food for a man with the skills and discipline of Usyk. But, seven months is a lot of time to prepare! And the Fury we’ll see on Saturday will no doubt be the best and sharpest version possible. </p><p id="YFkhwR">If there’s anyone with the skills and savvy to beat a dialed-in Fury, Usyk is the likeliest candidate. But, size is a major factor, and the cruiserweight legend is giving up 5 inches of height, 7 inches of reach, and 50 pounds of weight. Against a fully focused Fury, who feels no shame smothering and stinking out a fight if it gives him the surest path to victory? It’s likely too much to overcome. Especially if the referee lets Fury grab and flop on his foe, which pretty much every other official has allowed up to now. </p><p id="LJNWqu">The best version of this fight is a tightly refereed affair that forces two masters of movement and craft to give us a pure boxing match for the ages, and anyone could win that one. The likeliest version, though, is one where Tyson Fury is free to indulge in his darkest and dullest arts, using his size advantages to suffocate both Usyk and the fight for 12 miserable rounds. <strong>Fury UD-12</strong></p><h3 id="3FVD4M">Patrick Stumberg (19-3)</h3><p id="5l7EaD">Man, I just feel like it’s Usyk’s time. Fury’s weak performance against Francis Ngannou, the sheer amount of damage he’s accumulated over the years, his struggles with lesser technicians than Usyk, the steady deterioration of his footwork; maybe I’m letting my unkind view of him as a person color my assessment of his fighting skills, but I really think this is the end of the line.</p><p id="ESPJzh">The way I see it, Fury’s best chance lies in referee Mark Nelson giving him the sort of holding leeway that Richardson Hitchins got against Gustavo Lemos. There are other ways to impose your size and strength than just leaning on someone, of course, but I don’t think Usyk gets enough credit for the way he handled another tank of a man in Anthony Joshua. Assuming he doesn’t get illegally bear-hugged into oblivion, I don’t see Usyk wilting in the face of Fury’s physicality, which is bad news for “The Gypsy King” considering Usyk’s edges in speed, movement, and durability.</p><p id="tRTBpi">I’m sure Fury has worked his arse off to get in the best shape possible. Between a career of abuse and Usyk’s impeccable skills, though, it’s not enough. Usyk drops him at least once en route to a close but clear decision win. <strong>Usyk UD-12</strong></p><aside id="KBeNB9"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Grading the Fury vs Usyk PPV undercard","url":"https://www.badlefthook.com/2024/5/12/24154813/fury-vs-usyk-ppv-undercard-grading-fights-featuring-opetaia-briedis-2-more-boxing-news-2024"},{"title":"Fury vs Usyk odds have Tyson as narrow favorite in undisputed clash","url":"https://www.badlefthook.com/2024/5/16/24158492/fury-vs-usyk-odds-have-tyson-narrow-favorite-undisputed-clash-boxing-news-2024"}]}'></div></aside><h3 id="FxpU8r">Quick Picks!</h3><h4 id="aav38e">Emanuel Navarrete vs Denys Berinchyk</h4><ul><li id="iOaQkF"><strong>Scott: </strong>Navarrete MD-12</li><li id="sJpawD"><strong>Wil: </strong>Navarrete UD-12</li><li id="4AP5MA"><strong>John: </strong>Navarrete TKO-10</li><li id="Y0NLVq"><strong>Patrick: </strong>Navarrete SD-12</li></ul><h4 id="7YknPI">Jai Opetaia vs Mairis Briedis 2</h4><ul><li id="y9P00q"><strong>Scott: </strong>Opetaia TKO-11</li><li id="TzzKBE"><strong>Wil: </strong>Opetaia UD-12</li><li id="bPwivd"><strong>John: </strong>Opetaia UD-12</li><li id="yqMNXc"><strong>Patrick: </strong>Opetaia UD-12</li></ul><h4 id="lTSY97">Frank Sanchez vs Agit Kabayel</h4><ul><li id="sHYtga"><strong>Scott: </strong>Sanchez UD-12</li><li id="Fvjn73"><strong>Wil: </strong>Sanchez UD-12</li><li id="DZJ45O"><strong>John: </strong>Sanchez UD-12</li><li id="EAoU2Y"><strong>Patrick: </strong>Sanchez UD-12</li></ul><p id="VYjbaU"></p><p id="w9pCmZ"></p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.badlefthook.com/2024/5/16/24158614/fury-vs-usyk-prediction-who-walks-winner-undisputed-champion-experts-pick-fight-boxing-news-2024"/> <id>https://www.badlefthook.com/2024/5/16/24158614/fury-vs-usyk-prediction-who-walks-winner-undisputed-champion-experts-pick-fight-boxing-news-2024</id> <author> <name>Scott Christ</name> <name>Wil Esco</name> <name>John Hansen</name> <name>Patrick Stumberg</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2024-05-16T18:21:13-04:00</published> <updated>2024-05-16T18:21:13-04:00</updated> <title>‘Rabbit is good animal’: Oleksandr Usyk unaffected by taunts of Tyson Fury</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="Tyson Fury has been trying to get an edge on Oleksandr Usyk with his mind games, but Usyk says that won’t work." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lBZugeq4dykH8a74Z-CVL86RGho=/0x0:3135x2090/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73352512/2153278676.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Tyson Fury has been trying to get an edge on Oleksandr Usyk with his mind games, but Usyk says that won’t work. | Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>Oleksandr Usyk meets Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia with all four major world titles on the line. </p> <p id="Mxhm6I">Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk looks to grab the last Infinity Stone to go undisputed against Tyson Fury this Saturday in Saudi Arabia, and today spoke to media members on a number of subjects surrounding the fight. Check out some excerpts of what Usyk had to say below.</p><h3 id="Qrza0I">Usyk on how much weight he puts into Fury’s performance against Ngannou</h3><p id="1P91sw">“For me it doesn’t matter because Tyson will be different with me.”</p><h3 id="YuhFp7">On what he thinks Fury does best in the ring and is most concerned about</h3><p id="vnI9xb">“[Chuckles]. Nothing. Speak. Talk to speak.”</p><h3 id="UYRdqY">On if how Fury’s taunts of calling him a rabbit and a middleweight have affected him</h3><p id="80AIjL">“Listen, it’s true. I am not a heavyweight but maybe Tyson think different. Rabbit is good animal. For me, it doesn’t matter. It’s not work for me.”</p><h3 id="Hsf3hh">On if he expect Fury to be a harder fight than Anthony Joshua</h3><p id="jy0GQm">“I don’t think about now. Tyson, I don’t know. Maybe easy, maybe not. We’ll see. Listen, it’s different guy. Anthony Joshua is Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury is different guy. We’ll see Saturday.”</p><h3 id="0oxdnz">On weighing 221 lbs in his last three fight and what he expects to weigh for this fight</h3><p id="MWOru6">“My weight will be the same. Maybe a little, little more.”</p><h3 id="zp5Tgd">On if he would consider himself the greatest Ukrainian boxer ever with a win over Fury</h3><p id="qGjrpW">“No, I will just be second time undisputed world champion.”</p><h3 id="RCkH8T">On what his favorite win over the course of his career</h3><p id="tbKnbk">“I’m now don’t have. My biggest win is yet to come. It will happen when my soul is delivered to paradise.”</p><h3 id="0t9Gto">On how much longer he’ll continue his career</h3><p id="P3YOVF">“Maybe for two, three years.”</p><h3 id="jbZZi2">On what motivates him to continue fighting</h3><p id="f2DFoQ">“My motivation, it’s my discipline. Because my children watch me, both...a lot of children watch me, what I do, my behavior. My motivation, it’s my family, it’s my fans. I really appreciate support from my fans and Ukrainian soliders. This is my motivation — people and my discipline.”</p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.badlefthook.com/2024/5/16/24158579/oleksandr-usyk-unaffected-by-taunts-of-tyson-fury-boxing-news-2024"/> <id>https://www.badlefthook.com/2024/5/16/24158579/oleksandr-usyk-unaffected-by-taunts-of-tyson-fury-boxing-news-2024</id> <author> <name>Wil Esco</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2024-05-16T16:44:44-04:00</published> <updated>2024-05-16T16:44:44-04:00</updated> <title>‘Let’s make history’: Usyk primed for undisputed showdown with Fury</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will contend for all four major heavyweight titles this weekend." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xo8yRusn1JM6I9Px25kk0b1k1NY=/0x0:3120x2080/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73352343/2153281070.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will contend for all four major heavyweight titles this weekend. | Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury discuss Saturday’s fight during their final press conference. </p> <p id="GgY4Wv">During today’s final press conference before Saturday’s heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, both fighters appeared on stage with their respective teams to discuss the momentous occasion. Here’s some excerpts directly from the fighters themselves.</p><p id="4wD6eb">“I’m happy to be here,” Usyk said. “I’m excited, I’m grateful for his excellency, Mr. Turki and who (made) this fight happen. Let’s make history.”</p><p id="FVyxa5">Fury would soon after be asked about how he’s feeling heading into the fight.</p><p id="CK6tcr">“I’m going to make this short and simple. I want to thank God for the victory that I’ve received already and I want to thank everybody involved for putting this massive event on. I want to thank Usyk for turning up and challenging me, and that’s about it.”</p><p id="4dBHuf">Later during the ceremonial face off portion of the press event, Fury refused to face or even look at Usyk for the duration, instead opting to pose for the crowd in a bit of pre-fight mind games. Doubt it’ll make any difference in the ring, but we’ll see the two men square off in just a couple days time. </p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.badlefthook.com/2024/5/16/24158513/oleksandr-usyk-primed-for-undisputed-showdown-with-tyson-fury-boxing-news-2024"/> <id>https://www.badlefthook.com/2024/5/16/24158513/oleksandr-usyk-primed-for-undisputed-showdown-with-tyson-fury-boxing-news-2024</id> <author> <name>Wil Esco</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2024-05-16T16:16:55-04:00</published> <updated>2024-05-16T16:16:55-04:00</updated> <title>Fury vs Usyk odds have Tyson as narrow favorite in undisputed clash</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xqtzK05eKC9rMOLkxJDInxmZmEI=/0x0:5726x3817/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73352297/2153281174.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Tyson Fury is a slight favorite against Oleksandr Usyk | Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>Tyson Fury is just a slight favorite against Oleksandr Usyk.</p> <p id="owTvXp">The story of the odds has been just as fascinating as the fighters when it comes to Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk. These two have been the number uno and numero dos(ser) of the division for close to three years now and with that ordering chopping and changing in many’s eyes, the odds on each fighter winning has followed suit.</p><p id="lz0LN7">Even as short a time ago as December last year you could get Oleksandr Usyk as a 11/5 (+220) underdog with the needle moving to see him as a 20/23 (-115) favourite just six weeks later. Now, the Ukrainian sits balanced at Evens (+100), with Fury coming in as the slight 4/5 (-125) favourite in Riyadh.</p><p id="bGDUM2">So, if the fight result is a coin toss, then prop markets can surely wield some value, and where better to start than some up and down action. Tyson Fury has been knocked down seven times in his career despite never losing a fight, and with the “Gypsy King” entering the latter stages of his career his reflexes and ability to move over the 36 minute distance are surely suffering. 11/2 (+550) is the price for Fury to be knocked down and win the fight (something he has done on four separate occasions) and if you fancy both to tough the canvas then 10/1 (+1000) is a fairly lofty offering. </p><h5 id="OrAHCM"><a href="https://dksb.sng.link/As9kz/60sb?_dl=https%3A%2F%2Fsportsbook.draftkings.com%2Fgate[%E2%80%A6]pscn%3DBOX&amp;pcid=164089&amp;pscn=BOX&amp;pcrn=Content&amp;psn=Vox&amp;pcrid=BOX"><em>Bet on Fury vs Usyk and more boxing with DraftKings Sportsbook!</em></a></h5><p id="IoiSNU">Fury is certainly on the decline but how steep is it? His 2020 routing of Deontay Wilder in their second fight seems a long time ago now, with a couple of dud performances against Derek Chisora and Francis Ngannou all we have seen of him since early 2022. But Usyk himself isn’t completely void of ring rust. The difference is the toll that Fury’s weight issues have had on his body throughout his career, compared to Usyk who has grown gradually into the heavyweight division and now looks good for it.</p><p id="lLeC1i">Fury’s awkward, spidery style is a nightmare for any heavyweight with his 34-0-1 (24) record proving that assessment, but if there is a man to crack that code then it’s the agile, well-schooled Usyk. If Usyk is able to get on the inside of Fury then those short, sharp combinations and uppercuts could well begin to chop down the tree and question the equilibrium of a man that is known to tumble. This being said, Usyk to win this by stoppage is the value pick of the four outcomes at a meaty 5/1 (+500). </p><p id="64nZ2w">We know Fury can be hurt and we know Fury can be cut and, above all, we know what a talent Oleksandr Usyk is. Usyk will arguably be the best fighter that Fury has entered the ring with, and with a career littered in drama it’s hard to imagine this fight just ticking by with none.</p><p id="D8MVo3">The co-main event in Saudi features a man that could possibly be the next to climb into the heavyweight conversation: Jai Opetaia. Almost two years on from taking the IBF cruiserweight title from Mairis Briedis, the duo are set to dance again with Briedis being out of action since. At the start of 2025, Briedis will turn 40 and it’s hard to see the Latvian getting revenge over who could well be the current fighter with the highest ceiling.</p><p id="fn3k0r">Opetaia is 1/7 (-700) to win the fight which is pretty unbackable, but it lengthens well to 8/11 (-138) if you fancy Briedis to be stopped for the first time in his career. It wasn’t that long ago that Briedis was running around after Jake Paul dressed as Mario and singing him birthday songs, so I think we can be forgiven for assuming his whole heart might not be 100% the fight game – what better than a Saudi payday to send you off into retirement? Briedis to win back his title is 9/2 (+450) and is hard to justify backing with any conviction. </p><p id="xPwftE">Further down the bill we’ve got the return of Sergey Kovalev as an 11/10 (+110) underdog against Robin Sirwan Safar, and like myself, the bookies have thrown a few darts to the wall here in an attempt to see what sticks. Kovalev is a shadow of his dominant best and crucially has had one fight since November 2019. Safar is a 4/6 (-150) favourite but without any big-fight experience it’s impossible to gauge his true level. Saying that, a fit and healthy cruiserweight in the top 15 of an organisation’s rankings should probably have the capability to put Kovalev away at the 200-pound limit.</p><p id="xJUC9r">Safar to win via stoppage in this 10-rounder is 6/4 (+150) and probably the best pick with a small uneducated stake. </p><p id="SbWEWU">Elsewhere, Frank Sanchez and Agit Kabayel put their 24-0 records on the line in order to throw their hats into the heavyweight title scene post Fury-Usyk. Sanchez is the 4/9 (-225) favourite here but I can’t see this fight catching fire, so a stake on the fight going the distance at 4/7 (-175) looks the most sensible if needs must. It just feels like that ugly heavyweight fight that you see on undercards that goes on and on and on with nothing of note really happening. </p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.badlefthook.com/2024/5/16/24158492/fury-vs-usyk-odds-have-tyson-narrow-favorite-undisputed-clash-boxing-news-2024"/> <id>https://www.badlefthook.com/2024/5/16/24158492/fury-vs-usyk-odds-have-tyson-narrow-favorite-undisputed-clash-boxing-news-2024</id> <author> <name>Lewis Watson</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2024-05-15T17:06:32-04:00</published> <updated>2024-05-15T17:06:32-04:00</updated> <title>‘No harm intended’: John Fury reacts to headbutt at press event </title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="John Fury says his recent attack on Usyk’s team member is just normal business." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DG6wctbTXFlTyERhFmjfIgbKNqg=/0x1:5423x3616/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73349898/2058542523.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>John Fury says his recent attack on Usyk’s team member is just normal business. | Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>John Fury says he’s was only promoting the sport of boxing by headbutting unsuspecting member of Oleksandr Usyk’s team. </p> <p id="2nAtTD">John Fury sure knows how to stir up some controversy, and this week has been no different when <a href="https://www.badlefthook.com/2024/5/13/24155325/john-fury-headbutts-team-usyk-member-busts-self-open-ahead-undisputed-clash-boxing-news-2024">the father of Tyson Fury headbutted a young member of Oleksandr Usyk’s team</a>. According to the elder Fury, that’s just all in a day’s work but he insists that he meant absolutely no harm. </p><h3 id="NffVxm">John Fury on how he’s feeling heading into his son’s unification match</h3><p id="swSCkW">“Saudi Arabia’s the greatest country in the world. Come here and witness the magic in sport and in every event in the world.”</p><h3 id="bvMCCy">On his prediction for the fight</h3><p id="msK2YT">“Tyson will knock him out before the final bell.”</p><h3 id="dSrUnZ">On his headbutting incident</h3><p id="WPtCEQ">“It’s the fight game. Testosterone...Things happen. This, to me, is a regular thing. You know, it’s happening every Friday and Saturday night where I live. It’s just the banter, isn’t it. You know, some people do get a few bumps and scrapes but no harm intended. It’s all to do with the sport of boxing.”</p><p id="vNVfUo">Tyson Fury will contend for the undisputed heavyweight crown when he takes on Usyk this weekend, but hopefully the antics won’t overshadow the actual product. </p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.badlefthook.com/2024/5/15/24157677/john-fury-reacts-to-his-headbutt-at-press-event-boxing-news-2024"/> <id>https://www.badlefthook.com/2024/5/15/24157677/john-fury-reacts-to-his-headbutt-at-press-event-boxing-news-2024</id> <author> <name>Wil Esco</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2024-05-15T13:29:27-04:00</published> <updated>2024-05-15T13:29:27-04:00</updated> <title>Nakatani to face mandatory challenger Astrolabio on July 20</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hGifp4PtXtRpVrdbxr_E1-w4HUU=/0x159:1200x959/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73349335/GNmar3qaYAAlg9q.0.jpg" /> </figure> <p>Vincent Astrolabio knocked out Nawaphon Kaikanha in a WBC final eliminator last July</p> <p id="brRhue">Viva Promotions <a href="https://twitter.com/VIVAPROMOTIONS1/status/1790632408284606798">announced today</a> that WBC bantamweight champion Junto Nakatani will meet mandatory challenger Vincent Astrolabio on July 20th at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena.</p><p id="ellP2c">Nakatani (27-0, 20 KO) conquered his third weight class this past February by <a href="https://www.badlefthook.com/2024/2/24/24081878/junto-nakatani-kosei-tanaka-win-world-titles-takuma-inoue-retains-ko-highlights-boxing-news-2024">torching the tough-as-nails Alexandro Santiago</a>, cementing his place as a pound-for-pound fixture at just 26 years of age. Japan’s bantamweight quadrumvirate of Nakatani, Takuma Inoue, Yoshiki Takei, and Ryosuke Nishida makes for some tantalizing unification matches, but first he’ll have to do his duty as champion.</p><p id="bgY3IS">Astrolabio (19-4, 14 KO), seemingly fried after a 2-3 slump, instantly turned his career around with a 2022 upset of Guillermo Rigondeaux. He then parlayed that victory into a Showtime feature against Nikolai Potapov and <a href="https://www.badlefthook.com/2022/12/17/23514818/astrolabio-vs-potapov-full-fight-video-highlights-results-promise-pacquiao-knockout-boxing-news-2022">made the most of it by stopping Potapov in six</a>, setting up a vacant WBO title shot against Jason Moloney.</p><p id="qKJjis"><a href="https://www.badlefthook.com/2023/5/13/23722841/moloney-vs-astrolabio-full-fight-video-highlights-results-jason-wins-world-title-boxing-news-2023">Though he struggled with Moloney’s boxing skills en route to a majority decision loss</a>, the WBC threw him into another eliminator, where he smashed Nawaphon Kaikanha in hostile territory.</p><p id="LnHVkA">Astrolabio looks outclassed here, but he does pack a wallop and Nakatani isn’t afraid to mix it up. We’ll keep you posted as the card comes together.</p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.badlefthook.com/2024/5/15/24157423/junto-nakatani-face-mandatory-challenger-vincent-astrolabio-july-20-boxing-news-2024"/> <id>https://www.badlefthook.com/2024/5/15/24157423/junto-nakatani-face-mandatory-challenger-vincent-astrolabio-july-20-boxing-news-2024</id> <author> <name>Patrick Stumberg</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2024-05-15T09:52:56-04:00</published> <updated>2024-05-15T09:52:56-04:00</updated> <title>Paul vs Tyson undercard: Julio Cesar Chavez Jr return, Sylve vs Schofield</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="Julio Cesar Chavez Jr" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XzHOvxiyMnPBwBitqFAcjqsuxOw=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73348648/1324469596.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Julio Cesar Chavez Jr will return to the ring in July | Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>Julio Cesar Chavez Jr will return to the ring on July 20, along with an excellent prospect vs prospect matchup.</p> <p id="Silg6x">Julio Cesar Chavez Jr will return to the ring on July 20, featuring on the Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson Netflix undercard in Texas.</p><p id="f8Dsvi">Chavez will face MMA veteran Darren Till, a former UFC title challenger.</p><p id="3Z7WE9">The 38-year-old Chavez (53-6-1, 34 KO) will be fighting for the first time since a Dec. 2021 win over David Zegarra in Culiacan, and really he’s been near-irrelevant in the sport following his loss to Canelo Alvarez seven years ago, way back in 2017.</p><p id="QunmL8">Since the lifeless loss to Canelo, Chavez has gone 3-3, notably with a loss to Daniel Jacobs where he quit after five rounds and started a minor fan riot in Phoenix, all after promoter Eddie Hearn went above-and-beyond to put on a fight that meant nothing and isn’t remembered otherwise nearly five years later. He also lost to unknown Mario Cazares in 2020, and to aged MMA veteran Anderson Silva in 2021.</p><p id="Not4ee">In short, Chavez has looked lousy in the ring for many years now, but he is a name that may draw Mexican boxing fans, arguably the sport’s most reliable demographic from a broadcaster perspective, and could indeed lead to a bump in subscriptions for the show.</p><p id="rmUzUw">The 31-year-old Till will be making his boxing debut. The Liverpool native is 18-5 in MMA between 2013 and 2022, his last fight coming in Dec. 2022, a loss to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 282, his third straight defeat and fifth in six fights.</p><p id="GxuC7E">Chavez vs Till will be a six-round fight, either at cruiserweight or some catchweight between light heavyweight and cruiserweight.</p><p id="ba8hLa">More intriguing for a serious boxing fan is a fantastic prospect showdown between lightweights Ashton “H2O” Sylve and Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield, which is set for 10 rounds and features a pair of actual professional boxers.</p><p id="Wuk73q">The 20-year-old Sylve (11-0, 9 KO) is MVP’s most legitimate young prospect, a genuine talent who feels he’s ready to step up. He had his first 10-round fight on Feb. 2 in Orlando, beating Estivan Falcao by wide decision.</p><p id="aVI2ag">The 21-year-old Schofield (17-0, 12 KO) has been with Golden Boy, and his last five bouts have all been set for a 10-round distance, though just one of them actually went the distance. He last fought on Mar. 16, beating Esteuri Suero by disqualification in Las Vegas.</p><p id="PcRCT3">It’s a huge opportunity for both young fighters, in front of what should be a big audience, and it’s excellent, daring matchmaking, the type we don’t see too much with fighters at that level, or any level really.</p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.badlefthook.com/2024/5/15/24157242/jake-paul-vs-mike-tyson-undercard-julio-cesar-chavez-jr-return-sylve-vs-schofield-boxing-news-2024"/> <id>https://www.badlefthook.com/2024/5/15/24157242/jake-paul-vs-mike-tyson-undercard-julio-cesar-chavez-jr-return-sylve-vs-schofield-boxing-news-2024</id> <author> <name>Scott Christ</name> </author> </entry></feed> 
