by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 12, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International, Nigeria, Other Sports
Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has announced his willingness to face unbeaten fighter Shavkat Rakhmonov on December 7, 2024, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Usman’s offer comes in response to current champion Belal Muhammad’s withdrawal due to a foot infection, leaving UFC officials in search of a replacement opponent. Discussions are reportedly ongoing regarding a potential interim title bout.
On his “Pound 4 Pound” podcast with Henry Cejudo, Usman expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “If the UFC reaches out, I’ll be ready to discuss it. I welcome these kinds of opportunities.” Known for stepping in on short notice, Usman previously defended his title against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 251 with just six days’ notice and more recently faced Khamzat Chimaev on short notice at UFC 294, albeit in a losing effort.
With a professional record of 20 wins and four losses, the Nigerian-born former champ has hit a tough stretch, enduring three consecutive losses, including two against Leon Edwards and the recent decision loss to Chimaev in October 2023. Taking on Rakhmonov could offer Usman a path to end his streak and reignite his chances for a future title shot in the welterweight division. While Rakhmonov is reportedly interested in facing Usman, the UFC has yet to finalize plans or contact Usman’s team.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 12, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International, Nigeria
Anthony Joshua has crossed the $200 million mark in career earnings, solidifying his place among the highest earners in boxing and surpassing rivals Tyson Fury and Gervonta Davis.
In 2024 alone, the former two-time heavyweight champion brought in $75 million from fights, placing him just behind Canelo Alvarez, who narrowly topped Joshua in overall earnings with an extra $2 million from endorsements.
Tyson Fury, aged 36, earned $50 million this year, bringing his career total to $150 million—well behind Joshua’s impressive financial record. Meanwhile, Gervonta Davis, at 30, has earned $50 million since turning pro, with recent bouts against Ryan Garcia and Frank Martin contributing nearly $20 million to his earnings. Garcia has also become a top pay-per-view attraction, amassing over $40 million to date.
Joshua’s financial success took off notably with his 2019 Saudi Arabia rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr., which netted him $65 million. His high-profile matches with Oleksandr Usyk added over $40 million in total, while his blockbuster fight against Francis Ngannou last year contributed another $50 million. Joshua also received $12 million each for bouts with Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius, with similar payouts from six marquee events at Wembley and the Principality Stadium.
Currently recovering from injuries after his recent defeat to Daniel Dubois, Joshua, 35, is considering a showdown with Fury, pending the result of Usyk vs. Fury 2. With one remaining fight on his lucrative Riyadh Season contract, officials anticipate His Excellency Turki Alalshikh may offer an attractive deal for this potential all-British clash.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, recently announced that the boxer won’t return to the ring until at least May 2024, ruling out an immediate rematch with IBF heavyweight champion Dubois.
“We have one last chapter in this career, and it has to be perfect,” Hearn shared with Boxing News. “When he comes back in May or June, he needs to be physically and mentally 100 percent ready.”
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 12, 2024 | Boxing, International, Other Sports
Ghanaian kickboxer Gerald Dah, weighing 70 kg, faced a challenging match over the weekend in Selangor, Malaysia, where he was narrowly defeated by Malaysia’s Super-Am Pro Ammarul Shafiq. Despite thorough preparation, Dah admitted that his strategy didn’t come through in the final stages, prompting him to reevaluate his technical approach.
In a post-fight interview, Dah expressed disappointment over the loss but remained optimistic, saying, “In sports, it’s either a win, loss, or draw. We’ll go back to training and aim for better performance next time.”
As one of Ghana’s top Muay Thai ambassadors in Asia, Dah continues to represent his country prominently across Malaysia, China, and other Eastern regions.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 12, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, Other Sports
Ghanaian amateur boxing star Joseph Commey, 21, is set to make his professional debut in a championship fight, echoing the path of elite fighters like Vasyl Lomachenko and Andy Cruz. On November 24, Commey will compete at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra for the Universal Boxing Organization™ (UBO) Africa Lightweight title, facing seasoned compatriot Richman Ashelley (11-4, 10 KOs) in a bout broadcast worldwide on DAZN.
Commey, nicknamed “The Jaguar,” secured a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, won gold at the All Africa Games this past March, and advanced to the third round of the Olympic qualifiers in Bangkok. With many experts considering his style more fitting for professional boxing, Commey also triumphed in a semi-pro IBA bout in Ethiopia in August. Now, he faces a formidable test in the power-punching Ashelley.
The “Ghana For Peace Fight Night,” organized by Box Office Sports and BROWNED WORLDWIDE, will feature three additional UBO title fights: Prince Patel vs. Maxwell Awuku (UBO World Welterweight), Tony Bange vs. Eliasu Sulley (UBO World Super Middleweight), and Sampson Segbedzi vs. Isaac Commey (UBO Africa Welterweight title defense).
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 11, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International, Nigeria, Other Sports
British boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will not return to the ring until at least May next year, officially postponing any potential rematch with IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois.
Joshua suffered a fifth-round knockout at the hands of Dubois in September, following four knockdowns at Wembley. Originally, a rematch was planned for February 22, but Hearn revealed that injuries sustained during and after the fight mean Joshua won’t be ready by then.
“We had a very awkward conversation,” Hearn told Boxing News. “Joshua wanted to fight in February, but it was determined he couldn’t be physically prepared in time. Although there’s no major injury, he has some minor wear-and-tear that needs proper recovery.”
Hearn explained that Joshua, 35, remains eager for a rematch but emphasized that the team wants to ensure he’s fully prepared. “If he loses again, it may be time to seriously consider his future. So, we’re prioritizing his complete physical and mental readiness for when he returns in May or June.”
There’s also speculation around a future fight between Joshua and Tyson Fury, who is set to face Oleksandr Usyk on December 21.
