WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has voiced his support for former rival Deontay Wilder, backing him to beat anyone in the heavyweight division except for Fury himself. Fury and Wilder have faced each other a total of three times, with Fury winning their last bout in 2021 via an eleventh round knockout. Despite his victories over Wilder, Fury acknowledges the former champion’s power and believes that his own size and weight were significant factors in his ability to withstand Wilder’s punches. “I think my sheer size and weight has a lot to do with him not being able to knock me out cold. He hits a guy 6ft 3ins and 225-pounds, they’re nailed to the canvas. But a guy 6ft 9ins and 277-pounds - size matters,” Fury told The Sun. Wilder has bounced back from his back-to-back losses to Fury and is still a formidable contender in the heavyweight division. He recently knocked out Robert Helenius in a single round and was ordered by the WBC to fight former unified champion Andy Ruiz in a final eliminator. Fury believes that Wilder’s power and skill make him a formidable opponent for any heavyweight, and would back him to beat anyone in the division except for Fury himself. “My most formidable opponent was Deontay Wilder. All three times it could’ve been curtains for me at any second. He knocked out every single person that he ever fought, apart from me. I’d back him to beat everybody in the division apart from myself,” Fury said. The heavyweight division is currently one of the most exciting and competitive in boxing, with several top contenders vying for a shot at the title. While Fury’s endorsement of Wilder is a significant statement, it remains to be seen whether Wilder will be able to prove himself against the other top fighters in the division. For now, however, Fury’s backing of Wilder is a testament to the former champion’s skill and power, and adds another layer of excitement to the ongoing competition in the heavyweight division.

Conor Benn is a talented welterweight boxer from Britain who has been absent from the ring for some time after failing two drug tests. The undefeated fighter was scheduled to take on Chris Eubank Jr. in a catchweight contest last year, but the fight was prohibited by the British Boxing Board of Control after it was revealed that he had traces of clomifene in his system. Benn has since voluntarily relinquished his Board of Control license and has been working to clear his name. Now, it seems that the 26-year-old is ready to lift the lid on the saga that has kept him out of the ring for so long. In an exclusive interview with Piers Morgan on the ‘Piers Morgan: Uncensored’ show on TalkTV, Benn will have the opportunity to tell his side of the story in more depth. The interview, which airs on Monday, March 6, 2023, promises to be raw, emotional, shocking and combative. Benn has already posted a series of statements on social media since the fight with Eubank Jr. was cancelled, as well as giving a newspaper interview. However, this upcoming interview with Morgan will be the first time that he speaks out in such detail about the failed drug tests and his absence from the ring. It’s clear that the situation has been difficult for Benn, who has had to deal with the disappointment of having a major fight cancelled and the stigma that comes with failing drug tests. However, by speaking out in this way, he may be able to provide some clarity and closure to his fans and the wider boxing community. While we can only speculate on what Benn will say in the interview, it’s likely that he will want to address the failed drug tests and offer an explanation for what happened. He may also want to talk about his plans for the future and how he intends to make a comeback in the sport. Whatever happens, this interview promises to be a significant moment in Benn’s career and could provide some much-needed answers for those who have been following his story. It’s clear that he has a lot to say and we can expect to hear some honest and emotional revelations from the young fighter.

Murat Gassiev, the former cruiserweight champion, continued his unbeaten start to life in the heavyweight division with a spectacular knockout victory over Mike Balogun. Gassiev, who was inactive for nearly four years since moving up to the heavyweight division, was able to dispatch Balogun in just two rounds. The win was the fourth inside-distance win for Gassiev at heavyweight, with all four of his heavyweight fights ending in a knockout. The fight took place in Armenia, where Balogun arrived with an undefeated record of 20-0 and 16 knockouts. Despite the impressive record, Balogun was unable to cope with Gassiev’s power and precision, and was put away with the only right hand that Gassiev landed. The Russian appeared to gesture to his right, beckoning Balogun to move away from the corner he was close to, and as the 39-year-old moved around, Gassiev fired his rear hand around Balogun’s guard. Balogun dropped heavily and was unable to continue after the referee administered his count. The win was a significant step for Gassiev, who had been inactive since his move to heavyweight. At 238lb, it was also his career heaviest, and nearly 40lbs heavier than he was when he lost a decision to Oleksandr Usyk for all the cruiserweight belts in July 2018. Gassiev, who stands at 6ft 3 1/2in, will need to prove himself against taller heavyweights in the division if he hopes to make a real impact. While Balogun was not one of the taller heavyweights, the southpaw appeared to be moving well in the first round, looking to set up his attacks behind a stiff jab. However, Gassiev’s power was too much for him in the end, and he was unable to withstand the Russian’s right hand. Despite his impressive victory, Gassiev is still some way off from the top 10 in the division. Attention will now turn to quickly putting together a credible run of victories to climb the ranks. Names such as Dereck Chisora have already been mentioned as potential opponents for Gassiev, and it will be interesting to see who he faces next. At just 29 years old, Gassiev still has time to craft an assault on the upper reaches of the heavyweight division. With his power and precision, he has the potential to make a real impact, but he will need to prove himself against sterner tests than Balogun. If he can continue to build on his unbeaten record, the heavyweight division could have a new contender on its hands.

Dricus du Plessis is a name that has been making waves in the mixed martial arts (MMA) world. The South African fighter, who holds an impressive record of 18 wins and just 2 losses, is set to compete in the upcoming UFC 285 event. However, there's one problem: he's been bumped down to the preliminary card. In a recent interview, du Plessis expressed his frustration with this decision, calling it "bulls**t". He argues that his record and recent performances should have earned him a spot on the main card, alongside some of the sport's biggest names. It's easy to see why du Plessis feels this way. After all, he's coming off a spectacular performance in his last fight, where he submitted Darren Till in the 3rd round. That win earned him a Fight of the Night bonus, and it seemed like he was on the fast track to bigger and better things in the UFC. Unfortunately, it seems like the promotion doesn't quite see it the same way. Despite his impressive record and recent knockout, du Plessis has been relegated to the preliminary card for UFC 285. While this might not seem like a big deal to casual fans, it can have a significant impact on a fighter's career. Being on the main card means more exposure, more attention from fans and media, and more opportunities to impress the UFC brass. It's where the biggest names in the sport compete, and it's where fighters can make a name for themselves. For du Plessis, being on the preliminary card means missing out on some of these opportunities. Du Plessis isn't one to give up easily. He's determined to make the most of his spot on the card, and he's planning on putting on a show for the fans. In his own words, he's going to go out there and do what I do best - put on a show and entertain the fans. “(He’s opening up the main card) as a wrestler,” Du Plessis told reporters on Nickal’s popularity at the UFC 285 media day on Wednesday. “But at the end of the day, maybe when I fight for the belt I can open up the card on the early prelims. I’ve been getting performance bonuses almost every fight, putting up amazing performances, and they boot me down to the undercard. But really, just give me the fight and I’ll win my fight. That’s what I’m here for.” It's this kind of attitude that makes du Plessis such an exciting fighter to watch. He's got the skills to compete at the highest level, and he's got the heart and determination to overcome any obstacle in his path. Whether he's on the main card or the preliminary card, he's always going to give it his all. As fans, we should all be excited to see what du Plessis can do at UFC 285. Whether he's knocking out his opponent in spectacular fashion or grinding out a hard-fought victory, there's no doubt that he's going to bring his A-game. And who knows? If he can pull off another impressive win, maybe the UFC will finally give him the respect and recognition he deserves.

Bellator, one of the world's leading MMA organizations, has announced the signing of former U.S. Olympic wrestler and four-time NCAA All-American Jordan Oliver. Oliver is now set to embark on a new journey in his athletic career as he transitions to MMA. Oliver is no stranger to success in the world of sports, having won two NCAA championships and four All-American honors during his time at Oklahoma State University. The former Olympian is widely regarded as one of the most talented wrestlers of his generation, and his signing with Bellator is sure to excite fans of the sport. After graduating from college, Oliver entered the freestyle circuit and competed relentlessly to earn a position on the American Olympic wrestling team. Before the 2016 Olympic games, Iowa wrestler Brent Metcalf defeated him. He then came back to try to make the 2020 team. Oliver completed the task with four consecutive victories at the U.S. Olympic team trials at 65 kg, but regrettably, the country didn't eventually qualify for the weight division at the Tokyo Olympics, preventing him from competing there. Oliver will therefore switch to mixed martial arts (MMA) in the featherweight division, where he's going to get off to a somewhat of a sluggish start, but he's going to do so at approximately the same moment as Daniel Cormier, another Oklahoma State icon who began fighting in MMA after making two Olympic teams. Oliver's signing is yet another sign of Bellator's commitment to bringing in top talent from the world of wrestling. The organization has a long history of signing former wrestlers and has had great success with athletes like Ben Askren, Ryan Bader, and current champion Patricio Pitbull. Fans of the sport will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on Jordan Oliver's MMA career as he makes the transition from wrestling to mixed martial arts. With his impressive pedigree and natural athleticism, he could very well become one of the sport's rising stars. As the MMA landscape continues to evolve and grow top wrestlers like Jordan Oliver will play an increasingly important role in the sport's future. Bellator's signing of Oliver is just one more step in that direction, and fans of the organization are sure to be excited to see what the future holds for this talented athlete.

The latest season of The Ultimate Fighter is now being filmed, where Chandler and McGregor are working as opposing coaches. This will lead to a bout between the two of them later this year. The Irishman will compete in his first match since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier UFC 264. “If I had to guess, Mike Chandler doesn’t wrestle,” Alvarez said on The MMA Hour. “If he stands with Conor, Conor’s going to knock him out. It’s a mismatch. Mike Chandler’s defense sucks. He doesn’t have good defense, boxing.” “He throws bombs, but Conor’s way too fast, way too quick to get hit with anything Mike Chandler is throwing. So I feel like, Mike should wrestle and wrestle quickly, and use that. And if he doesn’t, it’s going to be a bad night.” Alvarez has a relationship with both men. At UFC 205, he memorably lost his UFC lightweight belt to McGregor. In 2011 and 2013, he and Chandler split two fights for the lightweight championship of Bellator. A potential trilogy battle has long been on the wish lists of MMA fans, and the fights with Chandler are still among of Alvarez's greatest in his career. After leaving ONE Championship last year, it appeared like fans may finally get their desire, but Alvarez instead signed with BKFC, and he accuses Chandler of preventing the trilogy match from happening. The former UFC lightweight champion Alvarez continues his career as he faces Chad Mendes in the co-main event of BKFC 41 on April 21 in Broomfield, Colorado.

Remy Bonjasky and Badr Hari are two legendary kickboxers who have been involved in one of the most intense rivalries in the sport's history. The two fighters have faced each other three times, with each bout producing some of the most thrilling moments in kickboxing history. Remy Bonjasky is a Dutch kickboxer who has won numerous championships throughout his career. He was known for his powerful high kicks, excellent timing, and great reflexes. Badr Hari, on the other hand, is a Moroccan-Dutch kickboxer who was known for his aggressive fighting style, powerful punches, and devastating kicks. Their rivalry began in 2007 when they faced each other for the first time at the K-1 World Grand Prix quarterfinals in Seoul, South Korea. The fight was a closely contested battle, with both fighters showing off their skills in the ring. In the end, Bonjasky won the fight by a unanimous decision, much to the disappointment of Hari and his fans. Their second encounter was at the K-1 World Grand Prix final in Yokohama, Japan, in 2008. This time, Hari was determined to get revenge for his loss in their previous fight. The two fighters put on a spectacular show, exchanging punches and kicks with incredible speed and power. However, in the second round, Hari was disqualified after delivering an illegal blow to Bonjasky's head while he was down on the canvas. Their third and final fight took place in 2010 at the K-1 World Grand Prix in Amsterdam, Netherlands. This was the most highly anticipated fight of their rivalry, with both fighters looking to settle the score once and for all. The fight started with Bonjasky taking the lead, but Hari fought back hard in the later rounds. In the end, Bonjasky was declared the winner by a unanimous decision, bringing an end to their intense rivalry. The rivalry between Remy Bonjasky and Badr Hari was not just about two fighters trying to prove who was better. It was also about the clash of two different fighting styles, with Bonjasky relying on his technique and finesse, while Hari relied on his raw power and aggression. Their fights were not just about winning or losing, but about showcasing the beauty and brutality of kickboxing. Their rivalry has become the stuff of legend in the world of kickboxing, and fans still talk about their fights with great enthusiasm. Bonjasky and Hari may have retired from the sport, but their legacy lives on, and their rivalry will always be remembered as one of the greatest in the history of kickboxing. For more articles like this, follow our website fight.tv

Conor McGregor responded to Charles Oliveira's speculations for the Irishman's upcoming match versus Michael Chandler by clapping back at them. Conor McGregor fully understands well how to promote bouts and draw audiences. But Oliveira recently asserted that he would lose against Chandler. “I think he’s not going to win,” Oliveira said. “But [the title shot] could happen [with a win]. He’s a guy that sells a lot, the UFC likes him, he’s controversial and has immense power, so it could happen, but I don’t think he’s getting past Chandler.” Following his remarks, McGregor launched into one of his regular Twitter outbursts and blasted "do Bronx" out in a since-deleted tweet: In response, Oliveira said: In social media, "The Notorious" is renowned for posting his opinions and derogatory remarks before quickly removing them. Following his final appearance in the octagon in July 2021, McGregor is preparing to come back to the UFC. The most recent season of "The Ultimate Fighter" will be his first coaching gig. He will square off against his competitor coach Michael Chandler well after the season, maybe in the second half of the year, which is anticipated to be a welterweight contest. In addition, Chandler has lost his last four fights, including two stoppage defeats to Dustin Poirier and Oliveira. It, however, doesn't quite alter Oliveira's viewpoint. He continues to stand by the former Bellator champ. “I think Chandler is very explosive and is coming off a good run of fights,” Oliveira said. “Conor is out for a while. Michael Chandler has good punch, great wrestling, and is very explosive, so I bet on Chandler [to win].”

In the world of mixed martial arts, one name that has been on the lips of many fans and analysts is Jon Jones. He is considered one of the greatest fighters of all time, with a record that speaks for itself. Jones is set to take on Ciryl Gane in the highly anticipated UFC 285, which is scheduled to take place on March 25th. However, it seems that the UFC is taking no chances when it comes to this fight. Reports have emerged that Sergei Pavlovich will be the backup fighter for Jones vs. Gane. Pavlovich is a formidable fighter in his own right, with an impressive record of 17 wins and only 1 loss. He will be ready to step in if either Jones or Gane is unable to compete on the night of the fight. This move by the UFC shows the importance of having backup fighters in high-profile matches. Injuries can happen at any time, and it is crucial to have someone ready to step in at a moment's notice. This is not the first time the UFC has used backup fighters, and it certainly won't be the last. It is a smart move that ensures the show goes on even if something unexpected happens. Pavlovich, who has won five straight fights, has knockout victories over Marcelo Golm, Maurice Greee, Shamil Abdurakhimov, Derrick Lewis, and most recently, Tai Tuivasa in December 2022. The 30-year-old suffered his only defeat in November 2018 when Alistair Overeem submitted him through technical knockout. For the official weigh-ins on Friday morning, Pavlovich must meet the weight requirement for heavyweights, which is 265 pounds. He won't be qualified to take the place of Jones or Gane until after that. The addition of Pavlovich as the backup fighter adds an extra layer of excitement to an already highly anticipated fight. Fans will be curious to see how he performs if he is called upon to step into the octagon. It also raises the question of whether he might be in contention for a future title shot if he performs well. Regardless of what happens, UFC 285 is shaping up to be an unforgettable night for MMA fans. With two of the best fighters in the world set to face off, and a formidable backup fighter waiting in the wings, anything can happen. It is sure to be a night filled with excitement, drama, and the kind of action that only the UFC can provide.

David Benavidez and Caleb Plant have both erupted in public for a protracted period of time. But even though it seemed like their careers would continue to go in different paths, the two put their disagreements aside and locked themselves in a negotiation room. The two left those discussions with a signed contract in hand after back-and-forth negotiations over minor specifics. The two will indulge in a war on March 25 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Benavidez has made numerous intimidation attempts against Plant in their build-up. Despite his intimidating language, Plant (22-1, 13 KOs) sees his warnings as harmless. Despite the Mexican native's 26 ring appearances and 23 stoppage wins, Plant recalls a particular night when his next opponent seemed vulnerable. Back on September 9th, 2017, Benavidez was given his first crack at a super middleweight title against Ronald Gavril. While he would go on to pick up the victory, the fringe contender dropped Benavidez in the final frame. David's father and trainer Jose Benavidez Sr. feels that Plant is focusing a little too much on his son's comparatively poor performance. “People can say David was dropped by Gavril,” said Jose to FightHype.com. “Ok, what happened to Gavril after he fought David Benavidez? Every fighter if you look back, every fighter that fought David, they’re not the same. Their career, it’s over. And this is what we’re trying to do with Caleb Plant.” Plant, 30, is still of the opinion that David's defenses have a number of gaps in them. However, while the former IBF medal winner intends to draw attention to those claimed flaws, team Benavidez is prepared to play a different game on fight night. “After he fights David, he’s gonna be so beat that he’s not gonna be the same guy. If the knockout comes, I’ll be super happy but we’re not trying to do that. We’re trying to give him the beating of his life.”

Stephen Fulton and Naoya Inoue, two of the best boxers in the world, have agreed to a highly anticipated unification bout for the 122-pound title in Japan this spring. According to sources, the fight is being targeted for May, although an exact date has yet to be announced. Fans in the United States will be able to stream the bout on ESPN+ in the morning, as Inoue typically fights on Tuesdays in Japan. Fulton, who holds the WBC and WBO junior featherweight titles, is ESPN’s top-ranked fighter at 122 pounds. Meanwhile, Inoue, nicknamed “The Monster,” is ESPN’s second-ranked pound-for-pound fighter and is one of the biggest boxing stars in Japan. In his last fight, Inoue unified all four 118-pound titles with an 11th-round KO of Paul Butler to become the undisputed bantamweight champion. Inoue, 29, recently announced that he will relinquish his four bantamweight belts in order to move up to the 122-pound division. The upcoming fight against Fulton presents a chance for Inoue to make a statement and establish himself in his new weight class from the get-go. Fulton, on the other hand, is considered one of the best fighters in the sport, regardless of weight. A matchup between these two champions is undoubtedly one of the most highly anticipated bouts in boxing. Fulton, who has never fought outside of the United States, hails from Philadelphia and is promoted by PBC. Meanwhile, Inoue is co-promoted by Top Rank, and his Japanese promoter, Mr. Honda, has a significant influence over his career, especially when it comes to fights in Japan. Fulton has been vocal about his desire to fight Inoue, stating in a June interview with ESPN that he believed a matchup between them was “realistic” if Inoue moved up to 122 pounds. He also expressed his willingness to take on the biggest names in the sport, saying, “I don’t shy away from big fights.” Fulton’s last fight was a majority-decision victory over Brandon Figueroa in one of the most exciting fights of 2021. The WBC had ordered the rematch between the two for its interim featherweight title, but now that Fulton has turned his attention to Inoue, Figueroa is finalizing a deal to fight former featherweight titleholder Mark Magsayo on March 4. Inoue, with a record of 24-0 and 21 KOs, is known for his incredible speed and ability to use angles, punch variety, and ring IQ to defeat his opponents. In 2019, he was involved in ESPN’s Fight of the Year when he pushed through a broken nose and fractured orbital to outpoint Nonito Donaire. In the rematch in June 2021, he scored a second-round TKO victory over the future Hall of Famer. While Inoue has been dominant at every weight class he’s fought in so far, Fulton will undoubtedly be his toughest opponent to date. Fulton, a career-long 122-pounder, is known for his ability to box from both the inside and outside and throw upwards of 1,000 punches in his fights. “The real battle starts from here,” Inoue said in a recent statement, indicating that he knows the upcoming fight will be his most challenging yet. Fans around the world are eagerly anticipating this highly anticipated matchup between two of the best boxers in the world, and the outcome is sure to be thrilling.

Tommy Fury (9-0, 4 KOs), a rising light heavyweight prospect, is confident that he can stop Jake Paul in the second round of their fight. Last Sunday in Saudi Arabia, Fury defeated Paul by split decision after surviving a late knockdown. (6-1, 4 KOs). Paul received a score of 75–74, and Fury received two totals of 76–73. It had taken two years for them to meet finally. They were supposed to battle in 2021, but Fury pulled out due to an injury sustained during training camp. Then again, Fury was unable to proceed after being refused entry into the United States a year later. Paul has the option of using an immediate rematch clause while he considers his alternatives. And Fury is more than willing to engage in a second fight with his arch-rival. "The rematch is something that I'm definitely wanting because I believe in the rematch I will stop him. You know [in] the first fight I've never been eight rounds before so you're just a bit weary of what's in your tank and how the fight is going to go. But I've now been in the ring with him once, I know what to expect," Fury told Good Morning Britian. Tyson Fury, the WBC heavyweight champion, wishes to see Tommy Fury rematch Paul or take on Logan Paul, Logan's older brother. "He did a fantastic job. The world media, the world’s biggest stars, [all] came to see it. It was fantastic. I expected Tommy to knock him out, to be quite honestly quite comfortably, but Jake was better than I thought he’d be, so fair play to Jake Paul. [Tommy will] be headlining now forever. I’d like to see him fight a rematch with Jake Paul and fight Logan, his brother," Tyson Fury said.