Boxing

The coronavirus pandemic put paid to many best-laid plans for 2020, though Canelo was still able to squeeze in one outing before the end, putting on another emphatic demonstration of his skills against Callum Smith last December. 

Smith was deemed the best around at the 168-pound limit. He had won the World Boxing Super Series - his coronation coming after a stoppage triumph over George Groves - and was 27-0, while had a considerable height and reach advantage over the Mexican for their in-ring meeting at the Alamodome in San Antonio. 

However, the British boxer simply became the latest opponent to find out just how good Alvarez truly is. A lopsided triumph on the scorecards secured the WBA and WBC belts, as well as enhancing an already impressive CV. 

He is far from done just yet, either. A unification clash with WBO holder Billy Joe Saunders is seemingly lined up for May, while a third episode in the long-running saga with Gennadiy Golovkin could yet happen before the end of 2021 - though don't hold your breath on that one. 

First, though, he must make sure he deals with Yildirim. The Turkish fighter is the mandatory challenger with the WBC and is a hurdle that should not be overlooked, even if the two defeats in his career raise questions over whether he may be out of his depth at the home of the Miami Dolphins. 

To Canelo's credit, he has never been a fighter to look too far beyond the next man put in front of him. The target is clear: clean up in the division and become the undisputed champion. 

"It's important for me and Eddy [Reynoso, his trainer] because very few people have achieved becoming undisputed champions," he said in the build-up. "That's a short-term goal for us. To win all the titles at 168 pounds. 

"Obviously, no Mexican has ever done it. So that's our short-term goal, to keep making history. And that's what we want. Eddy and I have always wanted the best. And we want to keep making history." 

RECENT HISTORY 

Canelo dispelled any potential concerns against his decision to face a bigger man in Smith at the super-middleweight limit, though the latter was hampered in their bout by an arm injury.

Still, Smith was suitably impressed by what he faced that night, telling Sky Sports a month after his first loss: "I don't think anyone beats him. He may only lose if he keeps going up in weight but he's put a stop to that. His defence is just too good."

Yildirim was actually beaten last time out, his attempt to win the vacant WBC belt cut short in February 2019 following a clash of heads in the seventh round that left Anthony Dirrell with a nasty cut. The action was eventually stopped in the 10th, Dirrell named the winner via split decision. 

His other loss came in October 2017, when he was stopped inside three rounds by Chris Eubank Jr in Stuttgart.


TALE OF THE TAPE 

SAUL ALVAREZ
Age: 30
Height: 5ft 8ins (173cm) 
Weight: 167.6 lbs
Reach: 70.5ins  
Professional record: 54-1-2 (36 KOs) 

AVNI YILDIRIM
Age: 29
Height: 5ft 11.5ins (182cm) 
Weight: 167.6 lbs
Reach: 70ins  
Professional record: 21-2 (12 KOs) 

Saul '@Canelo' Alvarez is in elite Mexican company  pic.twitter.com/t6mgshtBsg

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) February 26, 2021 THE UNDERCARD 

Matchroom's Miami offering includes a further glimpse at Zhang Zhilei, the unbeaten heavyweight prospect last seen knocking out Devin Vargas. Jerry Forrest is his opponent this time - the American southpaw has suffered four defeats, though went the distance last time out before losing on points to world-title challenger Carlos Takam.

There are two undefeated super-middleweights on duty before the main event, Diego Pacheco and Alexis Espino taking on Rodolfo Gomez Jr and Ashton Sykes respectively. 

Look out for Keyshawn Davis too, as he prepares to make his professional debut. After the COVID-19 crisis forced a delay to Tokyo 2020, he opted not to wait for a chance at Olympic gold in Japan this year and instead is stepping into the paid ranks.

WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY... 

Canelo expects a typically aggressive approach from his opponent: "I always want to be perfect, I always want to do things right inside the ring and this isn't any exception. I always try to be patient, but it depends on what Yildirim tries to do – he's going to try and rip my head off. So it's going to depends on what's going to do."

The subject of fervent support in his homeland, Yildirim said he was ready for the toughest assignment in boxing: "I'm feeling good, I'm ready for tomorrow. It's showtime, baby. I've waited a long time for the first, it's my time."

Promoter Eddie Hearn on the headline act: "I've been around the sport for 34 years and I do feel like a fan boy around Canelo Alvarez because he's the best fighter I've ever seen up close."

In the video, Saunders – a two-weight world champion who boasts an unblemished 29-0 professional record – demonstrated to his followers how to hit a woman "on the chin" if she was "giving you mouth" during the UK's coronavirus lockdown back in March.

The 30-year-old told talkSPORT he did not condone domestic abuse in a subsequent apology.

"I said it as a bit of a joke at first. I wasn't obviously thinking," he said.

"It was a silly mistake but I didn’t mean to cause any harm to anyone and I certainly wouldn't promote domestic violence."

However, the BBBofC suspended Saunders' license as it launched an investigation into the matter.

Those proceedings concluded on Wednesday, with the Beijing Olympian found guilty of misconduct.

His fine will be donated to charitable causes.

A BBBofC statement read: "Billy Joe Saunders appeared before stewards of the board on Wednesday, July  22, 2020 due to recent comments made on Social Media.

"Following consideration of Mr. Saunders' explanation, the stewards found Mr Saunders guilty of misconduct and have fined him £15,000 to be donated to charities.

"The suspension of his boxer's licence has been lifted."

Saunders had been slated to face pound-for-pound superstar Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in May before the COVID-19 shutdown laid waste to the boxing schedule.

He recently ruled himself out of the running to take on the Mexican four-weight ruler in September, meaning domestic rival and the WBA 168-pound champion Callum Smith is now viewed as a frontrunner for the money-spinning Alvarez assignment.

The pair had been due to meet in the ring in Las Vegas on May 2, but the coronavirus pandemic put paid to those plans.

Saunders (29-0) has withdrawn from discussions over meeting four-weight champion Canelo (53-1-2) on September 12 – the weekend of Mexico's Independence Day – due to an inability to train effectively during the COVID-19 crisis.

"I'm not ready [in] September. You can say to me, 'Billy Joe, a billion pounds, but you're not ready and you're going to get beat.' I would say keep it. Let me get ready, let me win and I will fight for free," Saunders told The Athletic.

"I'm nobody's stepping stone. I'm not another belt for Canelo. They want to try mind games; that don't work with me, I play the biggest mind games in British boxing.

"Would I like [Canelo's] business? I would love it. Do I need his business? No, I don't.

"I was going to be spot on [for May 2]. I was probably a couple weeks ahead of schedule, but it is what it is."

Of the situation he was in during lockdown, he added: "Every gym was closed, and my grandparents are very elderly, I live next door to them. There were a few [health] scares. 75 per cent of my time [was dedicated] to her, I couldn't leave the place, I had my kids every other day."

Saunders was reportedly set to earn $8million for the title fight with Canelo in May and was not impressed by the figures being suggested for a behind-closed-doors bout in September.

"If they think they're going to cut my money and cut me short, that's not going to happen," Saunders said.

"Considering he's getting $35million, they come to me for a pay cut in September? They want to get short notice and a pay cut. Why not him take a pay cut?"

A return in October to shake off any potential ring rust is planned before Saunders takes on a more high-profile opponent in December.

The 30-year-old would relish a chance to take on middleweight king Demetrius Andrade (29-0), who he missed out on a fight with in 2018 due to a failed drugs test.

"That's the fight I would want, I would love the fight. There's unfinished business with me and him," said Saunders.

"I think he's a non-top fighter. When it's gone his way he looks good, when not his way he can't get going. When I fight him, we both have skills. It'll be my heart versus his heart."

Saunders demonstrated boxing techniques on a punching bag in a video posted on social media and was seen explaining what to do if "your old woman is giving you mouth" and how to "hit her on the chin".

Promoter Eddie Hearn said he was "appalled" by the WBO world super-middle champion's "idiotic" actions.

The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) on Monday suspended the 30-year-old Brit, who will face a hearing.

A statement from  BBBofC general secretary Robert W. Smith said: "The British Boxing Board of Control having considered comments made by Billy Joe Saunders on social media have suspended his boxer's licence pending a hearing under the Board’s misconduct regulation, at a time and venue to be confirmed as soon as possible."

Saunders issued an apology on Twitter and insisted he does not condone domestic violence after receiving a backlash online.

Hearn told talkSPORT on Monday: "I haven't spoken to him. I spoke to his management team last night. I was appalled really.

"It was so idiotic, it was so frustrating because I know Billy well. He's a really good kid, with a really good heart. 

"He does a lot for the community, he does a lot for charity, but every now and again he does the most stupid things. 

"The world has changed and realised about all kinds of different things, about how you need to treat people.

"It's always with Billy. He spent the weekend down at the NHS, delivering food packages, and meeting people. It's one step forward, four steps back with Billy Joe Saunders and it is frustrating.

"He's got this mentality where it's me against the world. Sometimes you can have a conversation with him and say, 'Bill, what are you doing?' And sometimes that can make it worse. I leave him alone now and when I talk to him, I will be telling him, 'You're a prat, what are you doing?'.

"I can only tell you he does have a good heart, he didn't mean anything in the video, but you just can't do it, especially when you're in his position. It's unacceptable for Joe Bloggs down the street to do it. It's much more unacceptable for a world champion boxer to be doing it.

"Thinking you're having a laugh, or not having a laugh, young people are watching that video. People who are in abusive relationships are watching that video. You cannot do it, it's unacceptable."

Saunders has been awaiting a decision as to whether he or fellow Briton Callum Smith would fight Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez next, although a third bout between the Mexican great and his rival Gennadiy Golovkin has since reportedly moved closer to being finalised.

The all-British showdown went the distance at an empty Wembley Arena, Saunders recording a landslide points triumph as he extended his unbeaten record to 30-0. 

Murray was game throughout but was unable to pin down the elusive champion, who was denied what appeared to be a knockdown in the fourth round when the referee ruled a push.

Saunders' only problem was a warning in the eighth for a low blow, producing the classier work throughout to get a unanimous decision – two judges scored it 120-109 in his favour, with the other card reading 118-110.

Still, the winner was not too impressed with his own performance even after a prolonged absence from the ring, in part due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

"I've been out over the year now, and this was like boxing in a cemetery," he told Sky Sports. "I like to perform for the crowd, get up for it.

"I tried to set a rhythm, but he's a cunning old fox. He just knew how to tie you up well. I guess I'm still getting luckier, every fight I get. 

"Let's see if I can make a big fight, get up for it and put a shift in."

Saunders was close to signing for a fight with Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez earlier this year – promoter Eddie Hearn revealed the COVID-19 situation scuppered the deal at the last minute – but the Mexican remains a target for 2021, provided he gets past Callum Smith on December 19.

"Everyone wants Canelo – I hope Smith beats him, I hope as a fellow Brit he does it. But, if not, that's a fight I want in the new year," the 31-year-old said.

"Let's get the big names out there – obviously Canelo and Smith are fighting, and there's [Demetrius] Andrade. I need a big fight to get up for it."

Murray, meanwhile, admitted retirement was likely at 38 after a fifth failed attempt at winning a world title, albeit he did add: "Never say never".

The judges scored the fight 95-95, 99-92 and 97-93 as the 32-year-old fighter recovered from a slow start to win out after a fast-paced encounter.

A 13th professional win for Marshall means she is now a two-weight champion.

“I just want to thank everyone who came out and bought a ticket,” she told Sky Sports. “As if you didn’t buy tickets I wouldn’t be in this position.

“She (Crews-Dezurn) is a tough, tough woman. I thought she came on stronger, some of the rounds were close but I felt landed the better shots.”

On the undercard, Natasha Jonas beat Kandi Wyatt to win the IBF welterweight title after the referee halted the bout in the eighth round.

Canadian fighter Wyatt offered little in response against Jones, who is also now a two-weight world champion and has won 14 of her 17 professional fights.

She is also the reigning WBC, WBO and IBF light-middleweight champion.

Promoters Top Rank dispensed with the usual face-to-face photographs following some highly charged comments between the pair in the media in the lead-up to this weekend’s fight at Madison Square Garden.

A statement before the media event read: “Instead of a traditional face-off, a layer of security will separate the combatants. Additional security has been hired due to the intense pre-fight rhetoric between the two combatants.”

After a question-and-answer session with the event host, a burly police officer entered the stage flanked by security guards either side and put his arms on Taylor several times to prevent the Scot approaching American Lopez.

The 25-year-old challenger stated last month that he liked the thought of being able to kill in the ring and get away with it, which prompted Taylor to warn “let’s see who ends up in the back of an ambulance” if he tried to do so during their WBO super-lightweight title fight.

When asked at Thursday’s media conference whether his comments relayed genuine hostility, Lopez said: “It is what it is, I speak my truth, that’s how I feel. Everything I speak out I am just trying to make into existence.”

When asked the same question, Taylor, who unified the division before vacating several titles, said: “It is a little bit genuine. I say what I mean as well. There is a bit of genuine dislike there.

“He has been disrespectful. A lot of words he has said, I am going to make him pay for on Saturday. I can’t wait to get in there and get tore in amongst him.”

Ring magazine belt-holder Taylor later branded Lopez, a former lightweight world champion, a “clown” after quoting Mike Tyson and called on him to produce his own saying.

Lopez, wearing a white suit with no shirt, responded: “Aim for death because that’s where life begins. Everyone is scared of death, I don’t know why, we all going to die, but at least if I die I will die for something that means something, that is going to last forever. It’s what greats are all about. Something that you don’t really know.”

Taylor, wearing a Scotland football top, was quickly manhandled by the police officer and joined on stage by six security guards when he moved towards his opponent to speak to him during the photoshoot.

The fight is due to start about 4am UK time in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Stevenson collected a silver medal in the bantamweight division at the 2016 Olympic Games and has made a seamless transition to the professional ranks.

A unanimous decision victory over Joet Gonzalez last time out secured the WBO featherweight title in just his 13th fight.

In Tuesday's behind-closed-doors event at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Stevenson faces Felix Caraballo at super-featherweight – and multi-division dominance is very much part of the future, according to Arum.

"We certainly believe that Shakur has the ability and the personality to be the next big superstar in boxing," he told Stats Perform News.

"He is dedicated to the sport of boxing, he's extraordinarily talented, he resonates with the public. He has this big smile and I really believe the sky is the limit for Shakur.

Stevenson served as the main sparring partner for Vasyl Lomachenko before the Ukrainian master's 2017 victory over Guillermo Rigondeaux.

A meeting underneath the lights would certainly whet the appetite of boxing fans and Lomachenko could step back down to his more natural 130-pound division after his planned meeting with fellow lightweight world champion Teofimo Lopez later this year.

However, even though both men box under Arum's Top Rank banner, the promoter believes Stevenson's youth and capacity to move through the weight classes might mean he and Lomachenko do not cross paths.

"I have no idea when or if that fight can take place. I know that Shakur, when he started with us he was a kid," he said.

"Now, as a man, he is growing bigger and that happens. These fighters grow out of their weight category because they start at a relatively young age.

"Stevenson's fighting at 130 but who knows if next year he hasn't passed 130 and is already fighting at 135 and 140.

"Take one step at a time, let's get this show on the road – everybody look at Shakur Stevenson."

Arum estimates providing such a grand stage for Stevenson in these unusual times could set him back up to $30,000.

All fighters and their teams are being hosted by Top Rank at the MGM Grand, with the casino's convention centre serving as a bubble where all participants eat three times a day.

Extensive COVID-19 testing has been carried out – Stevenson's fellow 2016 US Olympian Mikaela Mayer was pulled out of her fight on the card after returning a positive result over the weekend - and will continue after Monday's weigh-in.

Despite the short-term losses, Arum feels the step into the unknown is necessary to get a sport from which he has earned a living for more than half a century back on its feet.

"What's been totally unique is we waded into a field that we had no experience in," he explained.

"Nobody in boxing had experience with COVID testing, going into a bubble, making sure that the participants are protected.

"Also we had to work on the protocols with the Nevada commission and their medical staff. These are areas that we had no expertise in.

"But Todd duBoef and Brad Jacobs [president and chief operating officer of Top Rank respectively] learned on the fly and we're able to hopefully do these events for the next couple of months, without spectators and doing them safely for everybody involved."

The first major boxing event in North America after an enforced three-month break was staged behind closed doors in Las Vegas and unbeaten American star Stevenson dominated from the outset on Tuesday.

Stevenson outclassed Caraballo before sending his Puerto Rican opponent to the canvas in the sixth round of the 10-round non-title main event at MGM Grand.

A silver medallist at the 2016 Olympic Games, Stevenson stepped up to super-featherweight and the 22-year-old produced a brutal display against Caraballo.

Stevenson knocked Caraballo to one knee in the opening round and it was a sign of things to come without fans in attendance in Nevada.

After opening up Caraballo's defences with a right hand in the sixth, Stevenson landed a left hand directly to the body, leaving the former on his knees as referee Tony Weeks called an end to proceedings.

Stevenson, who improved to 14-0 with eight knockouts, said post-fight: "I came here to get him out of there. My mind set was focused on getting him out of there.

"I hit him with everything I could early, I wobbled him a bunch of times, and I started realising the head shots weren't going to do it, so I went to the body.

"It's a different atmosphere. Losing the weight was different, training was different, I couldn't be around nobody. And the fighting with no crowd is different. I hit him with mean shots and there's no oohs and aahs."

Amid comparisons to legendary unbeaten American boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. (50-0), Stevenson added: "We're two different fighters, we've got different styles.

"I've stolen stuff from his game, but I've also stolen stuff from Pernell Whitaker, Terence Crawford, Andre Ward. I've stolen stuff from a lot of guys! It's not just Floyd that I try to put in my game. It's a huge compliment, but I'm still my own fighter."

Seven other enthralling bouts are slated to take place on the night, but all eyes will be on the first female fight of the series which has been a boost for the sport of boxing on the island. Six professional boxers and 10 amateur boxers will take their enthusiasm and determination to the ring to secure needed wins to advance their careers. This fight features at least three boxers from the neighbouring GC Foster Boxing Gym.

Stephen Jones, President of the Jamaica Boxing Board, has high praises for the series which is sanctioned by his organization.

“From a boxing board perspective, we knew that the Wray & Nephew Fight Night series would create a platform capable of elevating the sport to levels never before seen in the Caribbean. What we didn’t realize is how quickly the impact would be felt since its inception. Female boxing has been the fastest-growing discipline in sport since it was first introduced to the Olympics in 2016, so it’s imperative that we place just as much emphasis on the opportunities provided for our females as we do our males, so having a female bout on the upcoming card will not only entertain but will certainly inspire other females to come on board to make a name for themselves and ultimately their country,” Jones shared.

A 21-year-old student of GC Foster College, Moore is set to compete against Shanika Gordon from the Jamaica Defense Force, and by all indications, the fight is expected to bring tremendous excitement as the both women will get a chance to showcase their talent while trading punches in front of what is expected to be a jam-packed venue.

Moore has been boxing for nine years and was introduced to the sport at a summer boxing camp at the Olympic Gardens Community Centre.

The first-year Massage student has since garnered a record of five wins and two losses in her seven bouts to date, and the featherweight novice is grateful that the Wray & Nephew boxing series is giving her the platform to showcase her talent.

“I think this is a great opportunity not only for us female boxers as we get a chance to show that there are not only male boxers but there are female boxers who are thriving in the sport,” said Moore.

According to Moore, who will be in her second fight since late last year, the opportunity provided by the Jamaica Boxing Board and title sponsors Wray and Nephew who embodies the statement ‘FI WI culture’ has truly been a masterstroke.
“Internationally, there are just three of us that box and I feel that more females should be getting into the sport. This kind of initiative spearheaded by Wray and Nephew cannot come at a better time because as females it is hard to get fights in Jamaica.”

Pavel Smith, Marketing Manager Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum is proud the series will host its first female bout. “The sport of boxing, like Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum a “Fi wi Culture”. The Fight Night series was developed to elevate Jamaican boxing talent and skill. We heartily welcome this first female exhibition as the series expands into parishes across the island.”

Moore, who trains at the Suga Knock Out Gym in Olympic Gardens, says she has benefitted tremendously from getting into the sport on a personal level.

“Since I have been boxing, I have grown more confident and I have started to communicate with others better. I was a shy person, but the sport of boxing has helped me to be more confident and I have gotten better,” Moore noted.

She says she will be ramping up her training in the coming week in preparation for the bout and she hopes to one day take her skills to the highest level.

“I see myself becoming a professional in a few years and one of my other goals is to represent Jamaica at the Olympics. For that to happen, I will need more experience and exposure and I must say a big thank you to Wray and Nephew for giving us the avenue on our journey and ultimate goal,” Moore shared.

Unified middleweight champion and two-time Olympic gold medallist Shields, one of the biggest names in women's boxing, made her MMA debut in 2021 after signing with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), where she has a 1-1 record.

British boxer Marshall, Shields' long-term rival who beat the American as an amateur in 2012 before losing by unanimous decision when they met last year, signed with the PFL last week.

Marshall then declared her intention to face Shields in her new discipline, saying: "It doesn't look like a rematch in the ring is coming off, so I've had to chase her into another sport."

There has been no love lost between the fighters in the past, with Shields calling Marshall "delusional" and "disrespectful" after the Brit called for a rematch earlier this year.

While Shields initially had misgivings over Marshall's MMA switch, she believes the move will benefit the sport and even claims to have offered her rival tips to aid her transition. 

"Any time I fight Savannah Marshall is a good time for me," Shields told Stats Perform. "Whether it's in boxing for the rematch or in MMA. I mean, if she wanted to go the track and race, I am down for it!

"The satisfaction of beating her makes me very happy. I have a love-hate relationship with Savannah. I love that she's a competitor. I love that we had our experiences together. 

"She keeps mentioning the amateur loss, but it was, what, 11 years ago? Other than that, I think it was very clever and very inspiring for her to come and sign with the PFL. 

"When I heard about it, [I thought], 'man, she is just obsessed with me'. But [then] I asked her, 'why are you here?' 

"She was like, 'I want to fight you in a cage, and I want to be bigger in boxing too. I want to build my brand'. 

"Hearing her say those things… It's like, now you're on the same mental that I'm on, because I've been doing this and I've been saying this.

"We both agree that women's boxing is big but it's not as big as women's MMA and we get paid more in MMA, [with] equal TV time, equal fight time, equal promotion. 

"There's just way more eyes on us and we can get the bang for our buck. So, the fact that she came over here, I thought it was a good move. 

"We can still do our fight in boxing for the rematch, and we can still fight in the cage. When we're done, they're going to writing like documentaries and stuff about our beef! 

"But I don't have beef with her right now. I will save that for when she's my opponent again. Right now, I just wish her well. I even gave her some tips. Boxing and MMA, they are like apples and oranges. I just gave her a few tips on what I think she should do."

Asked about the development of women's sport in recent years, Shields hailed the progress already made but called for more female representation across sport's governing bodies.  

"Well women's sports right now are being viewed more than ever in today's time," She added. "I think we need the CEOs, the CFOs, the people in charge to just be equal and whatever you want to do, do it for the women. It's not that hard. 

"But people saying, 'the women need to do this or do that'… We're already doing everything that we're doing. It is the same as the men. 

"It's really about the people in charge making those financial decisions with their budgets and just being fair. We are working our way up there. 

"I'm a fan of the Olympics because I went and I just liked to see how women are represented on track and field, represented in boxing, represented in MMA, represented in soccer. 

"We are putting in our time, and Coco Gauff just won the [Cincinnati Open] trophy in tennis. Women's sports right now are really on an up and up and it's going to get better."

Usyk, the WBA, IBF and WBO champion, will take on mandatory challenger Dubois in Wroclaw, Poland, on Saturday after negotiations for a showdown against WBC belt holder Tyson Fury broke down earlier this year.

Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder were also at an impasse when they held the major world titles, with Lennox Lewis the last recognised undisputed champion in the division nearly a quarter of a century ago.

Competing interests have often got in the way, but Haye pointed out Dubois and Fury are both represented by Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions and argued a fight between the duo should be simpler to make.

Haye told the PA news agency: “It feels like we’ve had three or four opportunities where the fighters with the belts could have come together and done a deal. For whatever reason, it hasn’t materialised.

“We’re in a position where if Dubois wins on Saturday night, one promotional entity holds the champions of all of the belts – there would never be an easier time, politically, to make the undisputed fight.

“If Usyk wins, is Tyson Fury ever going to fight Usyk? I don’t know. For one reason or another, it doesn’t seem like it’s gelling. If it hasn’t happened by now, is it going to happen? Probably not.

“We want to know who’s number one. If Dubois wins then that makes it possible and the fight fans finally, after all of these years, will have one champion with all of the belts.”

Haye recognises Dubois has a mountainous challenge ahead of him, with Usyk a prohibitive favourite to retain his world titles and extend his unblemished professional record to 21 wins from as many bouts.

Usyk’s dazzling footwork and blurring hand speed from a southpaw stance has led to many suggesting the heavy-handed Dubois has just a puncher’s chance despite having height and weight advantages.

However, Haye feels Dubois (19-1, 18KOs) has nothing to lose and that his learning curves in a loss to Joe Joyce in 2020 and having to get up off the canvas three times before stopping the lightly-regarded Kevin Lerena last December are hugely beneficial for the Londoner’s chances heading into this weekend.

Haye, who alongside Usyk and Evander Holyfield are the only fighters to have won world cruiserweight and heavyweight titles, added: “I like the fact there’s no pressure on Dubois whatsoever.

“He’s got everything to gain. Nobody is expecting him to be able to cause an upset here. He has the firepower, all he needs is one punch, one clean shot.

“He had a very interesting fight against Kevin Lerena where he was put down early from a southpaw who was a former cruiserweight.

“He understands that he’s bigger and stronger but he can be hurt, that was the best thing for him because it gives him the reality of what he’s putting himself in (when he takes on Usyk).

“It looks from the outside like a mission impossible but I’m liking what I’m hearing from him – he’s talking about making it rough and uncomfortable for Usyk and that’s exactly what he needs to do.

“He may get dropped or hurt or some facial damage but he’s going to need to work through that to get to the promised land if he wants an opportunity to seriously gatecrash the heavyweight division.”

:: Watch Usyk v Dubois exclusively live on TNT Sports Box Office on Saturday 26 August. Learn more at www.tntsports.co.uk/boxoffice

Parker's boxing revival is on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the former world heavyweight champion has showed he has plenty of strings to his bow during lockdown.

The New Zealander attempted to lift the gloom by starring in uplifting videos while in quarantine, first showing off his moves in a recreation of the 'Dancing Prime Minister' scene from the film Love Actually.

Parker then strutted his stuff while lip-syncing to The Foundations' smash hit Build Me up Buttercup, also demonstrating his prowess with a guitar and on the piano.

WBC champion Fury, five-time Indycar Series champion Scott Dixon and legendary ring announcer Michael Buffer were among the other high-profile stars to feature in that video from the comfort of their own homes.

Parker is not ruling out providing the instrumentals if Fury breaks into another post-fight sing-song and could make being so light on his feet pay when he hangs up his gloves.

He told Stats Perform: "Maybe for one of his [Fury] fights I could play an instrument and he could sing after the fight, that might be a bit of fun.

"I love to dance, I play music around the house and dance and sing. Just as with boxing, you have to have good rhythm when you are dancing. Maybe after my boxing career I can do something with dancing, who knows."

Parker said there could be more feel-good footage to come as he tries to put smiles on faces during such difficult times.

He added: "I work with Kerry Russell, who does the videography and editing, he has some great ideas. 

"At the start of isolation, it was something new and strange and a lot of people were down about what was happening. We wanted to put smiles on faces and give people something to laugh at.

"The goal was to make people smile, we achieved that and it also makes us smile, it makes us happy that people are able to brighten up their day.

"At the moment we are not working on anything. Once we get ideas into our heads, we'll give it a go.

"People are expecting big things now with the videos, funny or feel good. At the moment nothing, but hopefully something comes into mind soon. I

"In times like this, I feel if we post something it should be quality over quantity. Something that uplifts, or something to brighten your day and take your mind away from what is happening."

The rivals have a deal in place to face each other twice in 2021, though a venue and date had yet to be agreed for the first meeting.

However, having said recently he planned to present "three or four" options to both teams, Matchroom promoter Hearn confirmed on Thursday that a site has been approved and negotiations are "in a great place", having sat down with Fury while the pair have been in Las Vegas.

Joshua holds the IBF, WBA and WBO titles, while the unbeaten Fury is the WBC champion after dethroning Deontay Wilder last year.

"I don't want to talk too much about it because I think people are bored of me talking," Hearn said in an interview with Behind The Gloves.

"All I will tell you – which I haven't said to anyone yet – is that both sides have approved the site offer they want to go with. Now we are just finalising the site deal and we are in a great place.

"I saw Tyson yesterday. We had five or 10 minutes together – and it was good.

"I don't represent Tyson, so I don't know what is in his mind. What he basically cemented in my mind is that this is the only fight he wants. I know that is the same with AJ.

"We've got the offer, we all approve and we are moving forward now. We're good. I'm not going to go into where it is going to be held, but it has been agreed by both sides over the option we will take. You will get the date very soon, plus the official announcement."

Hearn also made clear that the original plan still remains in place, meaning a bout midway through 2021 will be followed by a rematch before the end of the year.

"There is no option for this fight to go at the back end of the year," Hearn said.

"That's been the hardest thing about securing the site deal ... in this world we live in today, most people would like to kick it to November or December. That's not available. It was never available.

"What was available was a summer fight for the undisputed heavyweight championship. That is what you’re going to get.

"Both guys want two fights this year – one will be in the summer, one will be in December. That's the plan."

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said last week that the English capital is ready to host the lucrative fight, despite the restrictions in the country amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Fury's most recent three bouts have all been staged in Las Vegas while Joshua reclaimed his titles from Andy Ruiz Jr in a rematch held in Saudi Arabia in December 2019.

The 2012 Olympic gold medal winner fought once in 2020, with Joshua beating Kubrat Pulev at Wembley Arena in front of a restricted number of fans.

Former world champion Smith stopped Eubank Jr. in the fourth round at Manchester Arena, although the bout was clouded by comments made by the pair in a press conference two days before the fight.

Smith, who apologised after, aimed a seemingly homophobic jibe at his opponent, asking Eubank Jr.: "Nobody in this room has ever seen you with a woman. Do you have something you want to tell us?"

Eubank Jr. responded by taunting Liverpool-born Smith about his social class and private life, with the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) subsequently opening an investigation.

British boxing's governing body called both fighters to a hearing and announced on Monday the pair had been sanctioned.

A widely reported BBBofC statement read: "The stewards of the British Boxing Board of Control considered comments made by Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr. at the press conference dated January 19 2023 at their meeting on Wednesday, April 12 2023.

"Mr Smith did not appear nor was legally represented. Mr Eubank Jr. did not appear but was legally represented.

"Following full consideration of all facts placed before the stewards, the stewards found that the misconduct charge was proven for both boxers.

"Mr Smith and Mr Eubank Jr. were both fined, payment to be made within twenty-eight days."

Smith and Eubank Jr. are set for another bout after the latter activated his rematch clause, with suggestions that clash could take place at Liverpool's home stadium Anfield.

Smith previously admitted he had "crossed the line" after being heavily criticised for asking Eubank Jr.: "Nobody in this room has ever seen you with a woman. Do you have something you want to tell us?"

Eubank Jr. responded by taunting Smith about his social class, with both boxers widely condemned and remaining under an ongoing investigation by the British Boxing Board of Control.

Those comments were made in the press conference leading up to the fight, which was won by former world champion Smith, who explained he still regrets his homophobic taunts.

He told Sky Sports on Thursday: "The stuff that got said at the press conference should never have been said, in any form of life, never mind at a boxing press conference.

"I'm facing the backlash of it still to this day, and there will be people I'll never win back over.

"I fully regret how that press conference went and what got said should never have been said, and again I apologise to anyone I offended."

Eubank Jr., who was subsequently stopped in the fourth round by Smith at Manchester Arena, wore a rainbow armband throughout the weigh-in as a response to those jibes. 

Smith acknowledged he may never be able to convince people otherwise, though he insists his homophobic comments were out of character.

"Of course, I can understand people who looked into it, I can understand them thinking I was trying to make fun of it, but I fully wasn't and that was not my intention," Smith added.

"I get that there'll be people who will never accept my apology and I'll never get back on side now, and that's something I've got to live with going forward."

When pressed on how he would explain his remorse to an offended person, Smith said: "I do apologise and I fully understand why you're hurt by it.

"I'm not homophobic, I'm not a homophobic man, I'm a family man from a good family and I apologise for what got said."

Smith and Eubank Jr. are set for another bout after the latter activated his rematch clause, with suggestions that clash could take place at Liverpool's home stadium Anfield.

Smith postponed his honeymoon in order to face Vlasov in the championship bout at Osage Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

It proved to be a wise decision as the judges scored the fight 114-114, 115-113 and 115-112 in favour of American Smith (27-3).

Smith was forced to dig deep against Russian opponent Vlasov (45-4), landing 68 of his career-high 174 power punches over the final two rounds.

In the 11th round, Smith thought he had registered a knockdown, but the referee saw it differently, ruling he had hit Vlasov behind the head.

"It's a great feeling," Smith said as he looks ahead to an overdue honeymoon with his wife after the encounter was originally scheduled for February 13 before Vlasov tested positive for coronavirus.

"It was definitely a close, tough, tough fight. Vlasov is a great fighter and he really put on a great show tonight and toughed it out.

"In that [11th] round I hurt him, I believe he stuck his head down and I should have gotten the knockdown.

"I believe I would have gotten the stoppage.... I landed the bigger, harder shots, but he landed a lot of punches, too. It was a great fight."

Smith added: "I want the other belts. I want the big fights out there. I believe I'm going to start unifying the belts."

New Yorker Spence was seriously injured in October 2019 when he crashed his Ferrari in Dallas, less than two weeks after adding the WBC welterweight title to his IBF belt by beating Shawn Porter.

The unbeaten Spence (26-0) is now heading back into his boxing career with a major test against former world champion Garcia (36-2).

There could be few tougher fights for him to take on, with Spence deciding against choosing an easier return to action because he knew fighting Garcia would get his competitive juices flowing.

"Nobody forced me to fight Danny Garcia," Spence, 30, said in a news conference.

"I could have taken the tune-up, but I wanted somebody dangerous that was going to keep me focused and keep me in the gym and training hard.

"I had to make sure I was going to be 100 per cent on point. If I'd have taken a tune-up fight or somebody that I was supposed to beat, I feel like 100 per cent wouldn't have all the way been there.

"Of course, I'd have wanted the victory, but fighting someone with a great name like Danny Garcia and a great fighter like Danny Garcia has pushed me to another level and pushed me to a level that I'm supposed to be at."

Garcia, 32, has held world champion belts at welterweight and light welterweight, and the Philadelphia-raised fighter fancies the challenge in Arlington this weekend.

Garcia told Fox Sports: "It's a very great opportunity. There's no feeling in the world like winning, and winning a world title is the best feeling in the world.

"You can't take that for granted. I took that for granted a few times and it got the best of me.

"In this world you learn from your mistakes and you become a better person and become a better man, and that's why I'm here today."

 Light middleweight Kyghan Mortley, middleweight Arthur Langellier and super heavyweight Leran Regis were accompanied by National Head Boxing Coach, Conrad Fredericks.

The trio, from the Vigie Boxing Gym, are the most senior and experienced boxers and are set to compete at the Games to be held in Birmingham, England, from July 28 – August 8.

Prior to their departure, the boxers and coach received a courtesy call at the gym by Minister for Youth Development and Sport, the Honourable Kenson Casimir, Resident British Commissioner Lesley M. Saunderson, Joyce Huxley, Chef de Mission for the 2022 Birmingham Games and Irwin Jean, Vice-President of the St. Lucia Boxing Association (SLBA).

Minister Casimir commended the boxers for their determination as they were able to continue their training through the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. He also congratulated them for making the team to the Commonwealth Games, imploring them to make the most of the opportunity.

“I’m very proud of their level of preparation and where they are right now and, of course, Saint Lucia will be proud that they will give a good account of themselves,” the minister said.

“It really speaks volumes of their character and their love for country, so I just want to encourage them to do their best.”

The minister also praised the efforts of the St. Lucia Boxing Association in preparing the boxers for the Games, noting that not enough credit is given to administrators.

“We must really remedy it as a nation, not just as a Ministry. I think we need to continue to commend and encourage those who volunteer their time and energies. So hats off to the St. Lucia Boxing Association for getting them prepared,” he said.

Meanwhile, President of the St Lucia Boxing Association David Christopher said the boxers have been making good progress with their training in England.

“I think this is the best preparation any boxing team in the history of Saint Lucia has ever gotten,” Christopher said.

“They’re presently training at two gyms in England, including the Repton Gym, where they’re getting their required amount of sparring and strength and conditioning with a special coach. They’re getting pad work, working on their shape and balance, and nutrition.”

The boxers will leave their training camp on July 23 for Birmingham prior to the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games.

Christopher thanked the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, National Lotteries Authority, and St. Lucia Olympic Committee (SLOC) Inc. for supporting the boxers’ training camp.

The Filipino superstar tackles Cuban defector Yordenis Ugas in Las Vegas in a title bout on Saturday night, gently teasing it might be his last fight.

That seems unlikely, given the 42-year-old expressed such an obvious hunger for more success in the pre-fight news conference.

But Pacquiao might have to think seriously about his future should Ugas spring a huge surprise after being called into the main event at late notice.

Pacquiao was meant to face Errol Spence Jr, but the American withdrew from the bout with a torn retina in his left eye.

Spence's stand-in Ugas was promoted to be recognised as the WBA's champion when Pacquiao was controversially stripped of his title in January, relegated to champion-in-recess status due to inactivity.

Now raring to go, two years since he last fought, with COVID-19 pandemic factors largely the cause of his absence, Pacquiao said he "felt bad" about Spence's setback.

"But it's a good thing that Ugas wanted to challenge me in the ring, and a good thing we can settle the dispute about the WBA belt. It will be good for us to talk in the ring, settle down in the ring on Saturday," Pacquiao told a news conference.

"I feel young. I'm just happy doing this. Boxing is my passion and I'm enjoying doing the training camp and excited to undergo the sacrifices and discipline especially to prepare for a fight like this.

"The coaching staff were trying to stop me, because I wanted to do more but they told me I might get over-trained."

Speaking at Friday's weigh-in, Pacquiao added: "I don't want to be taking this fight lightly. I don't want to be over-confident for this fight, but I want to make sure that tomorrow night we get a victory. I will do my best. I will give my best for my fans and of course the honour of my country."

Ugas, who won a bronze medal for Cuba at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, majorly troubled Shawn Porter in a WBC title fight in March 2019, and he wants to show there is merit in him owning the WBA belt.

Pacquiao feels disenchanted by the WBA's decision, saying it was "not good" that he had been stripped of that title out of the ring.

"Let's see if he will get the belt on Saturday. Both of us are champions," Pacquiao said this week. "It might be my last fight or there's more, one at a time. That's my answer to the question of whether it's my last fight."

Ahead of the tussle as the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Ugas said: "This has been a long road for me. It's a short-notice fight but I'm thankful for this opportunity and I'm ready.

"I have come to prepare for 12 hard rounds. If this is the final fight that the legend Manny Pacquiao has, [I want to show] that he fought against a guy who brought his best and who is a world-class fighter."

RECENT HISTORY

Pacquiao has had a busy time of it, but not so much in the boxing ring. The coronavirus crisis has kept him occupied in his day job as a senator in the Philippines, where some expect him to make a bid to become president next year, a move that would surely end his boxing career. Pacquiao has made allegations of corruption in government, which have been denied, as he pulls no punches in his second career.

'PacMan' last fought against Keith Thurman at the MGM Grand in July 2019, where Ugas won on the undercard. Ugas has since had a seventh-round stoppage win over Mike Dallas Jr and a split-decision victory against Abel Ramos.

TALE OF THE TAPE

MANNY PACQUIAO

Age: 42
Height: 5ft 5.5ins (166cm) 
Weight: 146 lbs
Reach: 67 ins
Professional record: 62-7-2 (39 KOs) 
Major career titles: Eight-division world champion

YORDENIS UGAS

Age: 35
Height: 5ft 9ins (175cm) 
Weight: 147 lbs
Reach: 69 ins
Professional record: 26-4 (12 KOs) 
Major career titles: Holder of WBA 'super' welterweight belt