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In a clash for the ages, Oleksandr Usyk became the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years after narrowly defeating Tyson Fury by split decision in a thrilling 12-round bout. The fight, held at a packed venue, was nothing short of an epic battle between two of boxing’s most formidable heavyweights. As the smaller fighter in the ring, Usyk faced a daunting challenge dealing with Fury’s size and power throughout the night. However, he came closest to finishing the fight in a spectacular ninth round. With Fury on the defensive, Usyk unleashed a massive combination, ending with a huge right hand that staggered Fury. As Fury wobbled, Usyk pressed forward with another fierce combination, including a staggering left hook, nearly prompting referee Mark Nelson to stop the fight. Instead, Nelson stepped in to give Fury a standing 10 count, allowing him to survive the round as the bell rang seconds later. Despite being visibly shaken, Fury recovered between rounds and came back strong, giving Usyk all he could handle in the final three rounds. The judges scored the fight 115-112 and 114-113 for Usyk, with the third judge scoring it 114-113 for Fury. This split decision was enough to crown Usyk as the new undisputed heavyweight champion, maintaining his undefeated record. “Thank you so much for my team,” Usyk said, emotion evident on his face. “It’s a great time, it’s a great day.” Fury, while gracious in defeat, felt he had done enough to win. “I believe I won that fight,” Fury stated. “I believe he won a few of the rounds but I believe I won the majority of them. We both put on a good fight, the best we could do. His country’s at war so people are siding with the country at war. Make no mistake, I won that fight, in my opinion. I’ll be back. I’ve got a rematch clause. We’ll run it back October.” The fight’s outcome hinged on several pivotal moments, particularly Usyk’s near finish in the ninth round. Usyk’s relentless activity and forward pressure troubled Fury early, with Fury finding his rhythm only by the third round. Fury’s best round came in the sixth, where he landed several hard shots, forcing Usyk to backpedal and play defense. However, Usyk’s resurgence in the ninth round nearly ended the contest. Fury’s resilience and the referee’s decision to allow him to continue showcased Fury’s toughness, despite being on the brink of a knockout. As the fight continued, both fighters exchanged powerful blows, with Fury’s straight right catching Usyk off guard multiple times. The final rounds were a testament to both fighters’ determination, making it a close contest until the end. Given the immediate rematch clause, fans can anticipate a highly anticipated sequel later this year. For now, Usyk celebrates his historic victory as the undisputed heavyweight champion, while Fury faces the challenge of avenging the first loss of his illustrious career.

Adrien Broner, known for his flair and controversy, has stirred the pot again by comparing his upcoming opponent Blair Cobbs to Bill Haney, the outspoken father of boxer Devin Haney. Broner (35-4-1, 24 KOs) is set to face Cobbs (16-1-1, 10 KOs) on June 7 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida. At a recent press conference, Broner drew a parallel between Cobbs' pre-fight antics and Bill Haney's provocative style in viral debates and interviews. “I am about to f*** buddy up,” Broner boldly declared. “I look at him, and no disrespect when I say this, I look at him like Bill Haney if he was a boxer. This would be him, this would be Bill Haney if he was a boxer, no disrespect to Bill Haney.” Cobbs, known for his theatrical approach that blends pro wrestling showmanship with boxing, brought a puppet resembling Broner to the press conference—a stunt that did not amuse the former four-division titleholder. Cobbs' taunts and recent doubts about Broner’s status for the fight, as highlighted in a press release, have evidently struck a nerve. “Ain’t none of that shit going to work in the ring,” Broner retorted. “You doing all this clown shit, and ain’t none of it going to work in the ring.” Broner, now training with Calvin Ford and Kenny Ellis, the trainers of Gervonta "Tank" Davis, further distinguished himself from Cobbs by invoking Pennywise, the clown from Stephen King's novel It. “Some people say I am a clown, but I am a different kind of clown. That is a clown in the circus,” he said, emphasizing his point. The 34-year-old fighters are poised to settle their differences in the ring, with Broner confident that Cobbs' theatrics will fall flat once the bell rings. The bout promises to be an intense showdown, with both fighters eager to prove their mettle.

Costello van Steenis showcased his grappling prowess with a rare and impressive submission victory at Bellator Champions Series: Paris. The Dutch middleweight added his name to the elite list of fighters who have successfully executed a Von Flue choke in a major promotion. Van Steenis (15-3) secured the win by putting Gregory Babene (23-12) to sleep at 2:16 of Round 2, marking a memorable moment at Accor Arena. The bout started with both fighters engaging in a strategic stand-up battle, but it was Van Steenis who took control when the fight hit the mat. Known for his training with former Bellator middleweight champion Gegard Mousasi, Van Steenis displayed his ground game expertise. As Babene attempted to secure a guillotine choke, Van Steenis transitioned to side control and locked in the Von Flue choke. The crowd watched in anticipation as Babene struggled to escape, ultimately succumbing to the choke and going unconscious. This victory was a significant bounce-back for the 31-year-old Van Steenis, who had faced mixed results in his recent outings, going 3-2 in his last five fights. His previous bout ended in a unanimous decision defeat to Douglas Lima in May 2023. The win over Babene re-establishes Van Steenis as a formidable contender in the Bellator middleweight division. For Gregory Babene, the loss marked his first defeat in Bellator. The 40-year-old veteran had an impressive 5-0 record in the promotion, with all victories coming by way of finish. Despite the setback, Babene’s track record in Bellator remains commendable, and fans can expect him to come back stronger. Van Steenis’s performance not only thrilled the fans but also reminded everyone of his dangerous submission skills. As he looks forward to future bouts, Van Steenis aims to climb the middleweight rankings and potentially secure a title shot.

Asael Adjoudj delivered a stunning knockout that left fans in awe during the Bellator Champions Series: Paris prelims opener on Friday. Competing at the Accor Arena, Adjoudj (8-1) faced Bruno Fontes (6-1) and ended the fight spectacularly. The action kicked off intensely, with both fighters exchanging heavy blows. However, it was Adjoudj who seized the moment in Round 2. At 1:11 into the round, Adjoudj landed a slick right hook that floored Fontes. The impact sent Fontes into a backward somersault, a visual that electrified the crowd. Adjoudj followed up with a series of punches, prompting the referee to step in and call off the fight. With this victory, Asael Adjoudj improves his record to 6-1 under the Bellator banner, extending his winning streak to six fights. This win not only showcased Adjoudj’s knockout power but also solidified his status as a rising star in the promotion. Bruno Fontes, making his Bellator debut, suffered his first professional loss. Despite the setback, Fontes showed promise in the early exchanges and is expected to bounce back stronger in future bouts. Bellator Paris continues to deliver memorable moments, and Asael Adjoudj’s knockout will be talked about for a long time. As he eyes future contenders, the Bellator featherweight division better be on high alert.

Patchy Mix narrowly avoided disaster to defend his Bellator bantamweight title with a split decision victory over Russian rival Magomed Magomedov on Friday at Accor Arena in the main event of Bellator Paris. Two judges scored the contest 48-47 for Mix, while the lone dissenter had it 49-46 for Magomedov. “I think he just came prepared and this is two high-level guys, so I guess it was a high-level contested fight, for sure,” a relieved Mix said afterward. Mix (20-1) previously choked Magomedov (20-4) unconscious with a second-round guillotine choke in their first meeting at the Bellator bantamweight grand prix semifinal in December 2022. However, Friday’s rematch was significantly more competitive, showcasing the skill and determination of both fighters. Magomedov hurt Mix early in the opening round with a pair of hard punches that set the tone for the back-and-forth battle that followed. Mix then seized back momentum in the second and third rounds when he jumped onto two more tight guillotine chokes and nearly repeated history. The third-round attempt, in particular, was the closest anyone came to finding a finish, but Magomedov escaped and continued to pepper the champ with strikes from distance. The championship rounds followed a similar theme. Mix worked his jab and hunted for a series of unsuccessful takedowns along the fence, while Magomedov mixed his attack from range. Magomedov ultimately out-landed Mix by a tally of 86-79 in total strikes, but Mix’s work rate was enough to give him the nod in two judges’ eyes, securing his first successful defense of the Bellator bantamweight belt. Afterward, Mix called out one-time Bellator title challenger Leandro Higo for his next title defense. "I'm ready for the next challenge," Mix declared. "Leandro Higo, let's make this happen. I want to prove I'm the best bantamweight in Bellator." Fans can expect another high-stakes showdown as Mix aims to continue his reign atop the Bellator bantamweight division. With his relentless fighting style and determination, Mix has solidified his place as a formidable champion.

A highly anticipated showdown between Cedric Doumbe and Anthony Pettis seems to be on the horizon for Bellator. Earlier today, Doumbe made a triumphant return in the co-main event of Bellator Champions Series 2, held in his native France. The former two-time Glory Kickboxing champion faced off against Jaleel Willis, a former LFA titleholder. The lead-up to their catchweight bout was marked by intense trash talk, but Doumbe silenced his opponent in under a round with a spectacular knockout. Just months after suffering the first loss of his career, Doumbe's first-round victory electrified the crowd at the Accor Arena in Paris. Among those in attendance was former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis. Known as 'Showtime,' Pettis hasn't fought since securing a unanimous decision victory over Benson Henderson in Karate Combat last December. Pettis has long expressed interest in facing Doumbe. After Doumbe's impressive knockout, Pettis entered the cage and, in an interview with Chael Sonnen, accepted a future bout with the Frenchman, stipulating that the fight take place in France. “I love it, bro. I want to fight him here in Paris. Pete let’s set it up here, I want it here,” Pettis announced. Doumbe responded with excitement: “Come on. Fighting me in another country? That’s murder, that’s insane. But fighting me in Paris? This guy is crazy.” Despite Pettis' eagerness for a fight later this year, there is a potential conflict. Doumbe is already scheduled to be part of the undercard for the Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira event this summer in Saudi Arabia. Although the date for this card has not been confirmed, it is also expected to feature Cris Cyborg vs. Larissa Pacheco in the co-main event.

Turki Alalshikh has expressed interest in facilitating a proposed fight between WBA lightweight titleholder Gervonta Davis (29-0, 27 KOs) and undisputed junior featherweight champion Naoya Inoue (27-0, 24 KOs), contingent on certain conditions being met. One significant hurdle is the weight difference between the two fighters. Davis competes at 135 pounds, while Inoue fights at 122 pounds. A catchweight agreement would likely be necessary if Inoue is unwilling to jump to the lightweight limit. Despite the ongoing speculation, Davis is scheduled to face Frank Martin on June 15 in Las Vegas. A victory in this bout is essential for any future fight negotiations with Inoue to proceed. In an interview on "The MMA Hour," Alalshikh expressed confidence in his ability to make the Davis-Inoue fight a reality through the platform provided by Riyadh Season. “Gervonta Davis, if he gets smart, versus Naoya Inoue,” Alalshikh told Ariel Helwani. “These are dream fights I like. If [Inoue and Davis] reach the right weight and give us the right proposal, we can deliver it.” However, Alalshikh, the chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, stipulated a crucial condition: Inoue must agree to fight internationally and not just in Japan. Despite misconceptions in the West, Inoue has become a significant financial draw, recently attracting a capacity crowd at the Tokyo Dome for his bout against Luis Nery. Historically, lower-weight divisions have been less lucrative, but Inoue’s rising status has brought greater financial rewards. He has successfully lured notable fighters like Stephen Fulton, Luis Nery, Marlon Tapales, and Nonito Donaire to Japan for high-profile fights. “But there are important things – Inoue is a great fighter,” said Alalshikh. “Don’t keep him fighting only inside Japan. Let the world see it. “Make [Inoue] come to us, make him do fights in Saudi Arabia, in America, in London; we are ready to talk about it. He’s a great fighter. It would be a shame if he quits after some years and 99 percent of his fights are in Japan.” Alalshikh's involvement could pave the way for a blockbuster bout, provided both fighters and their teams can agree on the terms, bringing global attention to this potential clash of champions.

Yodphupa Wimanair vs. Soner "Golden Boy" Sen: Wimanair Dominates for Majority Decision Win In a bantamweight Muay Thai showdown, Yodphupa Wimanair faced off against Soner "Golden Boy" Sen in a highly anticipated matchup. Wimanair, determined to break a three-match losing streak, showcased his skills with crisp punches and body kicks, dominating the fight from the start. Despite Sen's efforts, including effective kicks from the outside, Wimanair's confidence grew as the fight progressed. A knockdown in the second round solidified Wimanair's victory, earning him a majority decision win and improving his record to an impressive 65-12. Sanpet Sor Salacheep vs. Nuengubon Wankhongohm MBK: Sanpet Scores Impressive Second-Round KO In the evening's 130-pound catchweight Muay Thai co-main event, Sanpet Sor Salacheep faced off against Nuengubon Wankhongohm MBK. Despite facing a taller opponent, Sanpet fought aggressively, working on the inside and landing a flurry of strikes that led to a second-round KO victory. The win marked Sanpet's first finish in ONE Championship and improved his record to 87-30-7 overall. Chatpichit SorSorToipadriew vs. Sagaengarm Jitmuangnon: Chatpichit Secures Victory in Frenetic Battle A 113-pound catchweight Muay Thai war unfolded between Chatpichit SorSorToipadriew and Sagaengarm Jitmuangnon. Sagaengarm came out as the aggressor, swarming his foe with heavy punches in round one. However, Chatpichit stayed calm, countering with hard punches and elbows, including a knockdown with a fading left hook. The fight continued in this manner, with both fighters exchanging venomous strikes. In the final frame, Chatpichit secured a unanimous decision win with a perfectly timed right elbow that earned him a second knockdown, pushing his record to 58-15-5. Pansak Wor Wantawee vs. Pornsanae Sor Phumipat: Pansak Impresses with Three-Round Scrap Victory Pansak Wor Wantawee faced off against Pornsanae Sor Phumipat in their 127-pound catchweight Muay Thai bout. Pansak controlled the fight with a blend of punches, elbows, and kicks, keeping the pressure on his opponent throughout the match. Despite Pornsanae's resilience, Pansak's relentless attacks earned him the victory by unanimous decision, marking his first win in ONE Championship and bringing his record to 43-13.

The highly anticipated showdown between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk has left even seasoned bookmakers scratching their heads, indicating just how evenly matched this fight is. Odds Overview Across Major Sportsbooks Analyzing the odds from various top U.S. online sportsbooks shows a close contest: FanDuel: Usyk is a slight favorite at -114 (bet $114 to win $100) over Fury, who stands at -108. DraftKings: Fury takes the favorite spot with -120, while Usyk is at +100. ESPN Bet: Fury is narrowly favored at -115, with Usyk at -105. bet365: It’s a dead heat with both fighters at -110. These minor variations highlight that neither fighter is a clear underdog, a rarity in bouts of this magnitude. Even major fights like Terence Crawford vs. Errol Spence eventually saw one fighter emerge as a slight underdog. Betting Dynamics and Prop Bets Given the tight odds, betting on the moneyline for either fighter is only advisable if you’re confident in the outcome. This differs from other fights where underdog odds can offer value based on probability. Examples from Past Bets: Betting on Sebastian Fundora to defeat Tim Tszyu, for instance, didn’t require a belief in Fundora's victory. With odds at +550, even a small chance of winning made it a worthwhile bet. Not so with Fury vs. Usyk, where certainty is key. Intriguing Prop Bets The close odds have led sportsbooks to offer a wide array of prop bets to attract bettors: Both Fighters Knocked Down: A popular longshot, this bet is priced at +1000 (10-to-1). Despite its unlikelihood, Fury's history of being knocked down and Usyk’s potential vulnerability make it an interesting wager. Four or More Knockdowns: FanDuel offers both fighters to be knocked down two or more times at +4500, while the same outcome in total knockdowns is +5000, providing more value. Other Knockdown Scenarios: Both fighters knocked down in the first six rounds at +9500. Five or more knockdowns total at +16000. Fury knocked down but wins the fight at +1100. Both fighters knocked down and Fury winning on points at +3100. Fury knocked down in Round 1 but wins at +17000. Early Knockdown Bets: Either fighter to score a knockdown in the first round at +5000, with the same odds for the second round.

Before Superlek Kiatmoo9 challenges Jonathan Haggerty for the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title, he is taking on a significant side quest. The reigning ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion will clash with Kongthoranee Sor Sommai under Muay Thai rules at ONE Friday Fights 68. The event airs live in Asian primetime from the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on June 28. Superlek is widely regarded as one of the top pound-for-pound strikers in the world today. The Thai superstar is currently riding high on a nine-fight winning streak that dates back to 2021. His stellar run includes triumphs over marquee names such as Danial Williams, Rodtang Jitmuangnon, and Takeru Segawa. Moreover, Superlek has authored four highlight-reel knockouts across both Muay Thai and kickboxing during this stretch. Despite his success, Superlek is never one to settle into complacency. His assignment at ONE Friday Fights 68 takes place just three months before stepping up in weight to face Haggerty at ONE 168: Denver on September 6. This upcoming bout against compatriot Kongthoranee Sor Sommai is far from a mere tune-up fight. Kongthoranee has firmly established himself as one of Thailand’s top talents, making waves under the ONE Friday Fights banner since his debut in February 2023. The 28-year-old left a lasting impression in his maiden appearance, knocking out Gingsanglek Tor Laksong in the second round. Since then, his all-action approach led him to build an 8-1 win-loss slate. His most recent triumph came this past April when he earned a lucrative six-figure contract with ONE Championship after a memorable win against Jaosuyai Mor Krungthepthonburi. Reflecting on his decision to accept the fight, Superlek said, “It’s not just about the titles or the wins. It’s about constantly testing myself against the best. Kongthoranee is a formidable opponent, and this fight will only sharpen my skills as I prepare for Haggerty.” Kongthoranee is determined to seize this opportunity. He aims to take Superlek’s #1 spot in the flyweight Muay Thai rankings, which could mark the most significant win of his career. “Fighting Superlek is a dream come true. He’s a legend, but I believe in my skills and my training. This is my chance to show the world what I’m capable of,” Kongthoranee stated. As the countdown to June 28 continues, fans eagerly anticipate a clash of titans at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium. Superlek’s journey to maintain his dominance while preparing for his upcoming title challenge against Haggerty adds an intriguing narrative to this high-stakes bout.

Edson Barboza is set to reclaim his position in the main event spotlight. The seasoned featherweight contender successfully made weight on Friday morning ahead of UFC Vegas 92, marking his fourth time headlining a UFC event. Barboza tipped the scales at 145.5 pounds, while his opponent, Lerone Murphy, weighed in at 146 pounds, officially confirming their bout. This event is particularly significant for Murphy, as it marks his debut in a UFC main event. The British standout was the first to step onto the scale, signaling his readiness for this pivotal moment in his career. The weigh-in results were largely smooth, with all 24 fighters competing on Saturday successfully making weight. The only moment of concern involved UFC newcomer Oumar Sy, who initially weighed in at 207.5 pounds, 1.5 pounds over the light heavyweight limit for his fight with Tuco Tokkos, who came in at 205.5 pounds. Sy was granted a second attempt and successfully made 206 pounds after stripping down and weighing in behind a box cover. The main card for UFC Vegas 92 features a lineup of exciting matchups: Edson Barboza (145.5) vs. Lerone Murphy (146): Barboza, a veteran with a reputation for thrilling fights, looks to leverage his experience against Murphy, an up-and-coming talent eager to make a statement in his first main event. Khaos Williams (170) vs. Carlston Harris (169.5): This welterweight bout promises fireworks as both fighters are known for their explosive power and finishing abilities. Themba Gorimbo (170.5) vs. Ramiz Brahimaj (170.5): A compelling clash at welterweight, with both fighters looking to climb the ranks with a decisive victory. Adrian Yanez (136) vs. Vinicius Salvador (136): This bantamweight contest features Yanez, a fighter renowned for his striking, against Salvador, who aims to make a mark in the division. Luana Pinheiro (116) vs. Angela Hill (115.5): A women’s strawweight showdown, Pinheiro faces the veteran Hill in what promises to be a tactical battle. With all fighters on point, UFC Vegas 92 is set to deliver an action-packed night of fights. Fans can expect high-level competition and potential highlights as these athletes look to make their mark in the Octagon.

Denys Berinchyk is set to make Saturday a significant day for Ukraine as he prepares for a crucial fight. Oleksandr Usyk will kick off the day by facing Tyson Fury for the undisputed heavyweight title in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, Berinchyk (18-0, 9 KOs) will take on Emanuel Navarrete (38-1-1, 31 KOs) for the vacant WBO lightweight title in a main event fight broadcast on ESPN. Berinchyk, a 2012 Olympic silver medalist, is making his United States debut and fighting for a world title for the first time in his nine-year professional career. Navarrete, a former three-division titlist, will be making his debut in the lightweight category. The last time Berinchyk fought was in August, as part of the co-main event for Usyk’s knockout win against Daniel Dubois. In that fight, Berinchyk secured a unanimous decision victory over Anthony Yigit in a hard-fought contest. Confident in his abilities, Berinchyk believes another clean sweep is possible. "All of the Ukrainian people believe in me and Oleksandr, and we feel this. It's a very special moment for us," he told. Despite being the underdog with odds at +400, Berinchyk is optimistic about his chances against Navarrete, who is favored at -600. Navarrete's recent performance, a majority draw against Robson Conceicao in November, has given Berinchyk confidence. Navarrete dropped Conceicao twice but struggled with a left-hand injury, allowing Conceicao to outland him 213 to 116. "This is my weight class, and I’ve been boxing at 135 pounds my entire career," Berinchyk said. "I will be smarter than Navarrete and show him different styles." Balancing his life as both a boxer and a defender of his country, Berinchyk, like Usyk and several other Ukrainian boxers, has been involved in territorial defenses, frequently traveling to the front lines during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine over the last two years. He often dons military fatigues during his ring walks. A win against Navarrete could elevate Berinchyk's career, placing him in a glamour division that includes titleholders like Gervonta Davis (WBA), Shakur Stevenson (WBC), and Vasiliy Lomachenko (IBF). Berinchyk has expressed his readiness to fight his former Ukrainian amateur teammate Lomachenko, who recently secured a dominant stoppage win against George Kambosos Jr. Lomachenko’s stance on the war has complicated his reputation among fellow Ukrainians, and Berinchyk seeks the honor of defeating him in the ring. Berinchyk mentioned that he has not spoken to Lomachenko for nearly four years and chose not to elaborate further on their relationship. "It's big money – nice," Berinchyk said about the prospect of fighting Lomachenko. "And this money can be donated to the Ukrainian army. But first, we must do our work on May 18."