After receiving a call from former interim heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane, Jon Jones may have finally found a comeback opponent. The former light-heavyweight champion hasn't fought since a contentious win over Dominick Reyes in February 2020, when he announced his intention to move up a category. Unfortunately, the bulking-up process, a financial conflict with the UFC, and a definite lack of viable opponents have all kept him out of action since. Jones is set to make his UFC 285 debut on March 4 in Las Vegas, and has been heavily linked to a battle with UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou - but an alternate opponent has stepped forward. Gane tweeted on Thursday evening: “Where you at Jon Jones? I’m free this March, Vegas.” After impressing over his 12-fight MMA career, the French UFC star would undoubtedly be a respectable opponent for Jones. Gane's only setback was a razor-thin decision loss to Ngannou last January, but he has since rebounded by knocking out top contender Tai Tuivasa. 'Bon Gamin's' rejection of Jones comes amid ongoing speculation regarding Ngannou's future in the UFC, as his contract legally terminated when they fought in 2022. A 'Championship Clause' in the pact tying 'The Predator' to MMA's flagship promotion lasts one year or three fights, whichever comes first. Ngannou has been out injured since, but he has recently accelerated his recuperation, raising hopes that he will be able to meet Jones in March. More recently, he's fueled rumors that he would depart the UFC by posting seemingly benign family photos, only one of whom is wearing apparel with the insignia of UFC rival, PFL, who recently signed Jake Paul. Eric Nicksick, Ngannou's head coach, has provided a favorable update on a potential battle between his fighter and Jones; he's just not sure if they'll meet in March.

Mike Tyson heaped praise on Gervonta Davis in an interview as he prepares to fight Ryan Garcia. The former world heavyweight champion believes the American fighter has the makings of a boxing legend. "Tank is a great fighter. He'll be a legend too if he keeps fighting," Tyson said of Davis, speaking to TMZ. "He's probably the best fighter out there right now." Some equate the two fighters, while others believe they have nothing in common in the ring. Gervonta Davis is now seeking to set a date for his title defense against Ryan Garcia in 2023. For that match-up, Tyson has stated unequivocally that his favorite is Gervonta, an opinion also shared by Eddie Hearn earlier this week. "I give Ryan Garcia a chance in this fight, no question," Hearn told DAZN Boxing Show. "But if you ask me who wins, I say Tank Davis. "I worry about Ryan. He's overcome his mental health battle, but we know he's emotionally a little fragile. "So, in that sense, in a close fight, I always give the advantage to the person who I know psychologically is in a better position. And that's Gervonta Davis." Who do you think wins the mega fight between Ryan Garcia and Tank Davis?

There are many rumors linking Deontay Wilder and Andy Ruiz in the ring in 2023, but the bout has yet to be inked. Malik Scott, Wilder's trainer, stated that the Mexican had issues when fighting a disciplined boxer. "A disciplined Deontay would suffer nothing against Andy Ruiz," said Malik Scott in an interview with Casinos EnLigne. "I've been going through my notes and I see that Andy suffers against disciplined boxers. The only hope he has for the fight is if you give him a chance, but if we follow a definite plan, he's easy to shut down." "Andy will come for Deontay and since he's going to have to get close because Wilder is taller, we're going to make him pay like never before," Scott commented. "That's not to say Andy Ruiz is a bad fighter, but a Wilder with a definite game plan and that power we all know can give us a spectacular knockout." Both boxers are coming off victories over their opponents; Ruiz won a unanimous decision over Cuban Luis Ortiz, while Wilder knocked out Helenius in the first round. The World Boxing Council has ordered this bout, but the promoters have not reached a deal; the winner is expected to face Tyson Fury, the WBC champion.

KSI and Joe Fournier face off for the first time ahead off what could be their next fight, after KSI calmly and cooly dispatched of his opponent, Faze Temper, in the first round. Having previously been confirmed to be the back up fighter for KSI, as opposed to his eventual opponent, it wouldn't be a hard fight to make considering a deal has been made previously and it is clear the fans are desperate to see the British YouTube sensation up the level of opponent after having yet another fight without being tested. Moments after his knockout over Temper, KSI took to the mic to call out two names for his next fight, Joe Fournier himself, and Jake Paul's former opponent Tyrone Woodley. Both fights would undoubtedly be a step up for KSI, but the former is what the fans what to see next and that has been made clear online. Online reactions have surfaced from KSI's potential future opponent and rival, Jake Paul, who in a video posted by his brother, appeared to be a little shook and later took to twitter to say this: While the level of opponent may not have been the best, clear improvements from KSI has been made as demonstrated in his win, showcasing superb foot movement, great shot selection and his ability to turn the lights off a fighter, making that eventual showdown with Jake Paul all that more exciting. But before then, fans will be hoping the fight materializes with Fournier, who will without doubt be his toughest test yet to date. Whether that fight is made next remains to be seen, but one thing is not in doubt, influencer boxing is here to stay.

According to his father and trainer Isaac Cruz Sr., Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz would consider jumping up from lightweight to super lightweight if there was a direct world title opportunity against WBC world champion Regis Prograis. “If there is a world title fight, that would be an option," Cruz Sr answered to Izquierdazo, when questioned if his son was willing to move up to 140 and fight Prograis. “But only if there is a real-world title fight. We wouldn’t be interested in moving up, except if there is a world title opportunity 140, we would take it”. Prograis, who recently won the world title by knocking out Jose Zepeda, can make a voluntary defense. “We would not discard that possibility (of fighting Prograis)," Cruz Sr said. “If it is for his world title we would take it now that he has the option to pick an opponent. That would be perfect, we would only move up to 140 in that scenario." Jose Ramirez withdrew from a required match against Progress after the suggested purse split was 65/35 in the champion's advantage. Although Cruz Sr. made it plain that there were no continuing discussions or negotiations, he also stated that Ramirez should receive a larger share of the winnings from a bout with his son. “We need them to put money on the table, to pay what is fair," Cruz Sr said. “We won’t take the fight only for the world title opportunity, (we need the money) to be acceptable. “It should be 60/40. And to be honest, I could say that even 45% for Pitbull, because at this moment he is a box office draw, and will fill any arena where he fights. The desire for people to see Pitbull fight is already strong and he sells tickets. If there is an opportunity, why not talk about it?”

Chuck Liddell is looking to get a match with YouTuber turned boxer Jake Paul. Due to his knockouts and tattoos, Liddell used to be the most famous and terrifying fighter in the entire world. Chuck Liddell's post-retirement life has been complicated; at one point, "The Iceman" attempted a comeback but lost against Tito Ortiz by knockout. Since then, he has toyed with the possibility of engaging in additional fights, even calling out possible MMA competitor and YouTube boxer turned Jake Paul during a recent interview with InsideFighting. He made it plain that he would agree to a mixed martial arts bout if Paul requested one, but he is highly doubtful that the younger Paul brother would accept. “Everybody wants to fight me in MMA now. Come on, he doesn’t want to fight me in MMA. He doesn’t want to fight me at all,” Liddell said. “I’m retired man, I’m 53. But again, he’s got no chance.” Chuck Liddell stated that he would agree to a contract and accept payment for Jake Paul, but he added that the likelihood of that happening is remote since he knows Paul is more interested in fights with Nate Diaz. Are you interested in watching Chuck Liddell fight Jake Paul? Comment and let us know.

It is rumoured that a lightweight championship match between Vasyl Lomachenko and Devin Haney will soon be announced. In a spectacular 2022 bout in Australia, unbeaten American boxer Haney defeated George Kambosos twice. In their first encounter, Haney unification all four major lightweight belts, and he then successfully defended his title. However, the former champion declined the championship shot in order to join the Ukrainian military. Lomachenko eventually went back to training late last year after staying in his native Ukraine to fight throughout the Russian invasion. Loma fought Jamaine Ortiz in his comeback match in October. In the end, Lomachenko won by unanimous decision, and he stated that he would like to fight Haney for the lightweight championship next. Inside Boxing Live's Dan Canobbio was the first to announce that the two were in talks to square off on May 20. Haney vs. Lomachenko will take place, according to Top Rank promoter Bob Arum. He acknowledged that there is still some uncertainty around the match. Arum specifically said that the match's location and venue aren't decided yet. "That fight is essentially made. We're looking for the site and the date and that'll be announced shortly," Arum told Sky Sports. "I had lunch with Bill Haney, Devin's father and Devin joined us and they are ready to fight." He added: “the date is pretty well set, May 20th. Now, the issue is where it’s gonna be... Will it be in Las Vegas? Quite possibly. Or will it be in the Middle East”

Tony Bellew, a former cruiserweight world champion, has warned Francis Ngannou about moving from UFC to boxing. Ngannou, who held the UFC heavyweight title, vacated the belt after failing to reach a new agreement with UFC. Ngannou is now a free agent and the belt will be up for grabs when Ciryl Gane and Jon Jones fight on March 4 at UFC 285. Last year, Ngannou talked about the possibility of fighting WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in a boxing match. He was present at Fury's knockout win over Dillian Whyte in April 2022 at Wembley Stadium in London. After the event, Fury and Ngannou discussed the possibility of a cross-sport match, similar to Mayweather vs McGregor in 2017. “I don’t really care about what [it] would be. I just think it’ll be a fight against Tyson Fury. It can be in a phone booth or wherever [but] that fight will happen, or (even) in the rooftop – that fight will happen. Obviously, he will not compete in MMA. That’s not something that could happen. He would get killed," Ngannou said. Francis Ngannou has expressed in various interviews that he has aspirations to compete in the sport of boxing for a significant match. However, Tony Bellew would prefer if Ngannou continues to compete in MMA and avoids stepping into a boxing ring. “Terrible shame! He will not survive in a boxing ring against anyone of any note. He’s the best MMA heavyweight in the world right now and he needs to stay within his discipline,” Bellew stated. Ngannou has been out since his emphatic victory over Gane a year ago. He's been rehabbing from MCL and ACL injuries.

Francis Ngannou has stoked speculation that he would leave the UFC to join Jake Paul in the Professional Fighters League (PFL). The Professional Fighters League [PFL], a rival organisation to Dana White's UFC, has signed "The Problem Child," as he revealed last week. Since successfully defending his title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270, Ngannou has been involved in a contract dispute with the company. 'The Predator' alleges that the UFC has impeded his career and has demanded that he be allowed to fight in boxing while still under contract with the UFC. According to MMA reporter Ariel Helwani, Ngannou's UFC heavyweight title will be removed, and the promotion already has a plan in place for the division's future. According to recent reports from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the UFC has decided to part ways with Francis Ngannou and has scheduled a fight between Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane, the two-time light heavyweight champion. At UFC 285, Gane, the previous interim heavyweight champion of the UFC, also issued a challenge to Jones. The 36-year-old Cameroonian knockout artist posted several pictures of his family with the remark, "Starting the best year ever!!!," which has increased rumours that he would quit the UFC. All of the women seen in the photographs with Ngannou are dressed traditionally African, with the exception of one who, oddly, is sporting a PFL t-shirt. The fact that Ngannou is wearing the shirt, according to many fans, indicates that he is likely to join Paul in signing with the PFL, which will almost surely offer him a larger PPV income split than the UFC.

In a very intriguing matchup, social media star BDave geared up to fight a mystery fighter on the Misfits x DAZN 004 card in a fight where his opponent was kept a secret from the world, to be revealed on the ring walk itself in a weird turn of events. The atmosphere was electric in the sellout crowd in London, England, showing the boxing world that influencer boxing is here to stay and that it is thriving. Deji, younger brother of KSI, was interviewed before the fight, claiming he knew who the mystery fighter was but would not reveal who it was. American social media start BDave was first to make the walk, coming out in cool confidence, dancing along to Sweet Caroline to the British crowd that ate it up in classic boxing tradition for shows held on this side of the pond. In WWE fashion the lights went dark and the undertaker theme beckoned out before switching out to a mariachi band, the mystery fighter made his walk. The arena and viewers eyes locked as the mystery fighter was revealed to be none other than former KSI opponent and Mexican Luis Alcaraz Pineda. Pineda had the crowd, the love the fans gave him was crazy, truly electric. Round one Scheduled for 3x3, the bell rang for the first round. Pineda utilised his jab well coming out, BDave looking for explosives in his punches. Pineda landed well, rocking his opponent and sending him on the back foot. He continued to land well, working off the jab well and landing great combinations that hurt his opponent. Questions of whether the referee would be forced to put an end to the fight as Pineda stormed forward once again, landing massive bombs and sending his opponent to the corner but BDave held on, seeing the end of the round. Pineda was unfortunate to not be given the stoppage, landing huge combinations throughout, rocking his opponent. Round Two BDave showed his heart, coming out and controlling the first 30 seconds, Pineda seemingly gassed as the fight opened up. Not much shown from both fighters as the pace slowed down dramatically, both fighters taking their time and working their jab. As the round came to a close, Pineda landed a heavy straight right that connected well on his opponent. Before ending the round by dropping his opponent right at the death. Round Three After winning both rounds which included a 10-8, Pineda come out on his jab and utilising the clinch. BDave come out looking for the knockout, targeting the body to slow his opponent down, seemingly to a good effect as Pineda was gasping for air, potentially throwing his mouth piece to stop the fight for a break. The rest did Pineda a world of good who came back with a strong combination, with the arena on his side. The crowd erupted with an explosion final 10 seconds from Pineda, who was awarded a rightful UD victory in his return to the ring as the mystery fighter. The future looks interesting and bright for Pineda, who avenged his previous defeat and showcased his undeniable skill and won the British crowd. In his post fight interview, the crowd made their love for him clear, something he precipitated, before letting the crowd know he is ready to fight whoever they give him.

On January 14 at the OVO Arena in Wembley, London, social media star KSI will return to the boxing ring versus gaming streamer FaZe Temperrr. He discussed his possible rivals, notably former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley, before the fight. During a talk with TMZ Sports, the YouTuber downplayed his desire to face Woodley in combat. It is possible that KSI, a British YouTuber, and boxer, does not find a fight against Tyron Woodley, a retired American mixed martial artist, and former UFC Welterweight Champion, to be "exciting" for a variety of reasons. Some possible explanations could include a lack of personal rivalry or bad blood between the two, a perceived lack of challenge or difficulty in defeating Woodley, or simply a lack of interest in the matchup from a competitive or financial standpoint. It's also possible that KSI is focused on other potential opponents or simply does not want to fight in general. It's important to note that KSI, as a YouTuber and social media personality, may have a different perspective on the sport of boxing and what constitutes an "exciting" fight. For him, the excitement may come from the spectacle and the attention that a fight can bring, rather than the challenge of facing a highly skilled opponent. Additionally, as a relatively new boxer, KSI may not yet have the experience or skill to take on a seasoned veteran like Woodley and may prefer to focus on building his career and reputation in the sport before taking on a more formidable opponent. But KSI drew notice to the former UFC champion's downfall and cited his dismal professional boxing performance. "Woodley doesn't excite me, if I'm being honest. It's, you know, he's lost two fights. He hasn't won a fight in how many years. It's kinda, you know, he's kinda been done. It's not super exciting but if people want it, if people want to see how I do compared to Jake [Paul], yeah I'll do it. And you know, I'll just destroy him in quicker time." Furthermore, it’s also possible that KSI may not believe that a fight against Woodley would generate enough interest among fans and bring enough financial gain to justify the time and effort that would be required to prepare for the fight. It could also be that KSI has other plans like a fight against other boxers or even a rematch with Logan Paul. In any case, it's ultimately up to KSI to decide who he wants to fight and what he finds "exciting." Without a direct statement from KSI, it's hard to say exactly why he feels this way.

Headlining an explosive Misfits x DAZN 004 which involved his two previous opponents avenging their losses in electrifying fights, KSI geared up for his 6th fight when he took on Faze Temper. Originally set to fight MMA fighter Dillon Danis, before the American pulled out the fight on 10 days notice, causing Temper to step up to fight the British celebrity sensation in what lined up to be an interesting clash, with this being KSI’s first southpaw in a fight where he surrenders a heavy height and reach advantage. Faze Temper entered the ring with a record of 2-1, coming of the back of a flash KO victory over Overtflow in the first round, his only defeat coming to Slim on the first Misfits x DAZN card. KSI come into this fight with a record of 4-0-1, with promises to end the fight in explosive style and head closer to the super showdown with Jake Paul. Both men spoke a lot of confidence leading up to the fight, while respecting one another and their friendship out side of the ring, with KSI saying he will knock his opponent out, pick him up and shake his hand. KSI’s confidence he carries with him, comes from a long history of hard work and constant wins as he enters this fight as the wide favourite over Temper, but an outsiders call has been made heard over the past few days of fight build up, don’t underestimate the 6ft 4 Brazilian. Temper is a rangy, technical southpaw fighter who has demonstrated his skill and technique in the past, as well as his power with his first victory being a unanimous decision victory over King Kenny, an event laced in controversy as it was originally given to Kenny and he has demonstrated his power in his first round knockout over Overtflow. The sold out London crowd was electric for the main event of card packed full with electric and explosions. In an event that had everything from shutout decision victories, to upset early knockouts. The British crowd was treated to a great night of boxing as they geared up for the main event. Round One Bell rang stop mark the start of the first of a scheduled 6 rounds, the crowd electric as they backed their countryman in KSI. The pace was set by KSI, running the centre of the ring, popping his jab, before they lock up after a KSI combination. KSI erratic as he jumps in, his energy high and his pace intense as he hunts his opponent down who opts to lock in the clinch repeatedly. Temper controls the range well, making KSI miss, while landing a few of his own, before locking into the clinch. KSI then lands a thunderous left hand and landing with the right, dropping Temperr and ending the fight! Temper to his credit, tried to get back to his feet but it was too little too late as the referee calls the fight away. It is all over, Jake Paul must be watching as KSI jumps to the corner, celebrating his win, possibly setting up for a mega showdown, late this year.