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claressa Shields (16-0; 3 KOs) became the undisputed women’s heavyweight champion after defeating Danielle Perkins (5-1; 0) by unanimous decision (100-89, 99-90, 97-92) in her hometown of Flint, Michigan. Although the size difference was evident, the experience of the two-time Olympic champion and the age difference (29 to 42) was more decisive.

In any case, Shields, who proclaimed herself the ‘GWOAT’ (Greatest Woman of All Time), made history by becoming the first female boxer to be crowned undisputed champion in a third weight category. Since there are four belts, in men there are three fighters who have been in two divisions: Oleksandr Usyk, Naoya Inoue and Terence Crawford. Among the girls, Katie Taylor has ruled in two weights.

From the start, it was clear that Shields was going to take advantage of her speed. She is tough and was ready to get in and out quickly. The second round was really entertaining, as Perkins realized that her opponent was extremely effective, so in the final seconds she went all out despite the risks. In the third round there was again a lot of dynamite.

Claressa continued to dominate and even attack with the jab. In the seventh, adrenaline levels rose again. Although the result did not seem to be in danger if it went to the end, the contest remained interesting because Perkins threw punches with a lot of bad temper. However, Shields shone in the ninth and in the tenth she sent her opponent to the canvas just before the end. If there is one thing about women’s 10×2, it is that the fights are very intense.

According to the champion, she fought very depleted: “I think I’m going to have to have surgery on my left arm. I tore my labrum last week, so the fight almost didn’t happen. I didn’t want to disappoint my city, but I really couldn’t use my jab the way I wanted to,” she said.

Claressa Shields makes history and achieves what neither Usyk, Crawford nor Inoue have done

His triumph comes just as a biographical film about his early years in boxing, entitled ‘The Fire Inside’ has been released

Claressa continued to dominate and even attack with the jab. In the seventh, adrenaline levels rose again. Although the result did not seem to be in danger if it went to the end, the contest remained interesting because Perkins threw punches with a lot of bad temper. However, Shields shone in the ninth and in the tenth she sent her opponent to the canvas just before the end. If there is one thing about women’s 10×2, it is that the fights are very intense.

According to the champion, she fought very depleted: “I think I’m going to have to have surgery on my left arm. I tore my labrum last week, so the fight almost didn’t happen. I didn’t want to disappoint my city, but I really couldn’t use my jab the way I wanted to,” she said.

His triumph comes just as a biographical film about his early years in boxing, entitled ‘The Fire Inside’ has been released

Floyd Mayweather made quick work of many of his early opponents – but he knocked out one fighter faster than the rest.

Floyd Mayweather scored fastest KO of his career by flattening foe with dynamite right-hand at just 20-years-old
Floyd Mayweather Jr. throws a jab against Canelo Alvarez against the ropes in the eighth round during a 152-pound title fight, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Eric Jamison)

Before Mayweather became a dominant five-weight world champion who outsmarted his opponents with superior boxing IQ and defensive craft, he was a hard-hitting super featherweight prospect.

Mayweather is one of the greatest boxers to ever liveCredit: GETTY

After being robbed in the semi-finals of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics against Serafim Todorov, ‘Pretty Boy Floyd’ turned over as a professional in October of that year.

He hit the ground running in the paid ranks, stopping five of his first six opponents, including three inside the opening round.

Mayweather blasted out Jerry Cooper in 99 seconds and blitzed Kino Rodriguez in 104 seconds, while Bobby Giepert could only last 90 seconds with the fast-rising phenom.

But ‘TBE’ would get much closer to the minute mark in his seventh outing against Denver journeyman Tony Duran.

Duran entered the fight with an unremarkable 12-15-1 record, but was expected to give Mayweather rounds after going the distance with his uncle Jeff three months prior.

It seems that Floyd Mayweather will return to the ring this year. Since his retirement, he has participated in major exhibitions with opponents such as Logan Paul and John Gotti III. At 50 years of age, he still has the same desire to get into the ring, and his next target could be KSI, content creator and one of the founders of Prime.

Convincing Mayweather Jr does not seem to be such a complicated task, if the money is good, surely he and his team will give the go-ahead for the fight to take place during 2025.

The offer on the table for Floyd?

Jeff Mayweather, the boxer’s uncle, spoke in an interview with Fred Talks Fighting about when “Money” next exhibition will be:

“I have no idea. I mean, like I said, I don’t necessarily see that he can do it. We don’t really get a chance to talk much and so I don’t really know what’s going on with him,” were Jeff’s words.

After a couple of confessions, the hosts got the name of KSI, as a possible rival to Floyd’s uncle, there he gave some statements that will give something to talk about

“That’s a fight that could possibly happen,” he said

“Somebody’s gonna have to start making some noise for the exhibition to take place because I think the longer Floyd waits, I think he’ll just say I’m finally retired,” Jeff Mayweather insisted

KSI vs Mayweather: Big money fight

The rivalry between these two already has a history dating back to 2022Floyd faced Deji, KSI’s younger brother, where “Money” ran over the amateur fighter and something inside the content creator was left with a tremendous desire to avenge his brother.

On the other hand, Jeff, Floyd Mayweather’s uncle, in another interview with SunSport, does not see anyone from the social media guild beating his nephew:

“There is no YouTube fighter on the planet that can beat Floyd, I don’t care what weight they are. They’re not going to be Floyd. He’s a fighter, he still runs, every now and then he’s still in the gym. It’s been his life. It’s ingrained in him,” he told this outlet.

Floyd Mayweather’s last exhibition was against John Gotti lll in August last year, while KSI did not set foot in a boxing ring again after losing to Tommy Fury in October 2023

Today, it seems that both are far from fighting, however, a big purse could change their minds. More so on Floyd’s side, who could start the year negotiating with Saudi Arabia for an exhibition in Riyadh.

Floyd Mayweather barely put a foot wrong during his unblemished 50-0 professional career.

Floyd Mayweather names the one boxer who pushed him ‘to the limits’ in

Only a handful of fighters were able to ask questions of the self-proclaimed ‘Best Ever’ at the peak of his powers.

Mayweather retired in 2017 with an undefeated 50-0 recordCredit: GETTY

There was his nip-and-tuck affair with Oscar De La Hoya in 2007, a shaky moment against Shane Mosley in 2010 and, of course, Mayweather‘s inaugural encounter against Jose Luis Castillo in 2002, which many fans felt he lost.

But outside of those three fights, Mayweather remained in almost complete control throughout his stint in the paid ranks.

Other generational greats he shared the ring with were Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez.

However, none of them proved to be any match for Mayweather.

It is therefore a massive compliment to former welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr, who Mayweather sparred in 2013, that he was singled out as one of the best fighters the boxing icon had faced in the ring.

“Errol Spence, he’s a hell of a fighter,” Mayweather told Fight Hype.

“One thing about me, I’m always going to give it to you 100 per cent you know.

“And in training camp, when I was training for my fight with [Robert] Guerrero, Errol Spence gave me solid work.

“He’s a very young, tough competitor, so if I sit here and not give that young kid props, it’ll be bad.

“He’s a very young, tough competitor, so if I sit here and not give that young kid props, it’ll be bad.

“Even though after doing my time I’d been off a year, he took me to the limit, he made me work in the boxing gym, I like kids like that.”

Spence is set to return the ring after lengthy hiatus against FundoraCredit: Esther Lin/PBC

“The purpose was to request that he be allowed to fight Fundora for the [WBO] title and he presented his case with strong arguments.

“But there are some factors that are undisputed: he’s been inactive for two years, he’s coming off a brutal TKO loss to Terence Crawford and he has never fought at 154lbs nor been rated at 154lbs.

“So I have those facts that are undisputed… You may say ‘Errol Spence is one of the biggest names at 154lbs, it’s a great fight against Fundora’.

“But based on those facts and the other fighters that are waiting their turn at 154lbs, having fought at 154lbs plus their level activity, their suitable opposition, having won regional titles, having faced rated contenders.

“If I allow Spence to fight Fundora immediately for the title with those facts…

“Would that be a good precedent to set? It would open doors for other petitions, ‘Oh you did this in the past, why are you not giving the chance to another fighter?’

“And we’re not going to sanction that fight [Fundora vs Spence]. Fundora may fight Spence but it will be considered a WBO non-title fight…

“We’re going to allow him to proceed with that fight with the condition that if he loses, the title is vacated automatically and Crawford elevated to full champion status.”

“Even though after doing my time I’d been off a year, he took me to the limit, he made me work in the boxing gym, I like kids like that.”

 

Employees at Floyd Mayweather‘s Los Angeles gym have staged a protest at the facility after claiming they haven’t been paid by the boxing legend’s ‘Money Team’ company for weeks.

The furious staffers held up signs and shouted over a microphone outside the gym on Highland Avenue, which they allege is being closed down after the lack of payment left them unable to cover rent and bill costs.

One of the signs accused Mayweather’s company of ‘modern-day slavery’, while another simply read: ‘The $ Team has no $’.

‘We’re out here just letting everybody know that they have not been treating us right,’ said one of the employees.

 Floyd Mayweather's LA gym stage protest claiming they haven't been paid in weeks

‘Even if you work for a different company and you ain’t getting paid, you’re scared to show up and say something because you know how businesses do. They silence you and they fire you because everything’s “at will.”‘

The disgruntled fitness workers are also accusing the Mayweather Boxing + Fitness group of violating the California Labor Code, according to Citizen.

California Labor Code 210 imposes penalties on employers who fail to pay employees on time, which includes fines of $100 and $200 for first and second-time violations.

If employers fail to pay after 30 days, the law states that employees are entitled to a full day’s wages at their regular rate for each day they go without payment, as well as the ability to file a lawsuit against them.

DailyMail.com has reached out to Mayweather’s representatives for comment.

Mayweather, who pocketed an estimated $1.2billion throughout his iconic boxing career, also saw one of his gyms in in Elk Grove closed down in May after its landlord sued for a breach of contract over $30,000 in missed rent payments

While they are outraged at the treatment they have received, employees at the Los Angeles gym have no idea whether Floyd himself is in the loop about their financial complaints.

‘Who knows if he’s aware or not? We don’t,’ another worker said. ‘I was told that we can’t tell him. I can’t tell him that our studio’s closing, and he was here two weeks ago. We’ve been silenced.’

Floyd Mayweather is not bankrupt despite being reportedly being unable to pay staff working at a Los Angeles gym in his name their wages; so what is the problem for the gym, which has been accused of “modern-day slavery” in a protest?

Disgruntled employees staged a public demonstration outside of the gym at Highland Avenue after saying they haven’t been paid for weeks, leaving them unable to cover basic living expenses but scared to report the matter because of the risk of being sacked.

“We’re out here just letting everybody know that they have not been treating us right,” a protestor told The Daily Mail. “Even if you work for a different company and you ain’t getting paid, you’re scared to show up and say something.

“Because you know how businesses do. They silence you and they fire you because everything’s ‘at will.'”

The 47-year-old’s Mayweather of Boxing and Fitness group has even been accused of breaching California’s Labor Code.

But this is something denied by an insider, who insists it has nothing to do with the fighter himself – something backed up by the protestors too, who admitted they didn’t know if the ex-champion was aware.

“Allegations of non-payment of wages against @FloydMayweather are false,” Rick Glaser posted to X.com, formerly Twitter. “This Mayweather Gym in LA is a franchise that Floyd gets a franchise fee for.

“Floyd himself has nothing to do with the assets or liabilities of this. These reports are misleading, & defamatory.”

Floyd Mayweather is not bankrupt despite being reportedly being unable to pay staff working at a Los Angeles gym in his name their wages; so what is the problem for the gym, which has been accused of “modern-day slavery” in a protest?

Disgruntled employees staged a public demonstration outside of the gym at Highland Avenue after saying they haven’t been paid for weeks, leaving them unable to cover basic living expenses but scared to report the matter because of the risk of being sacked.

Floyd Mayweatehr gives expensive gift to son for Christmas

“We’re out here just letting everybody know that they have not been treating us right,” a protestor told The Daily Mail. “Even if you work for a different company and you ain’t getting paid, you’re scared to show up and say something.

“Because you know how businesses do. They silence you and they fire you because everything’s ‘at will.'”

The 47-year-old’s Mayweather of Boxing and Fitness group has even been accused of breaching California’s Labor Code.

But this is something denied by an insider, who insists it has nothing to do with the fighter himself – something backed up by the protestors too, who admitted they didn’t know if the ex-champion was aware.

“Allegations of non-payment of wages against @FloydMayweather are false,” Rick Glaser posted to X.com, formerly Twitter. “This Mayweather Gym in LA is a franchise that Floyd gets a franchise fee for.

“Floyd himself has nothing to do with the assets or liabilities of this. These reports are misleading, & defamatory.”

Mayweather not short on money

Floyd Mayweather dissociates himself from accusations of non-payment after the truth about one of his business dealings was revealed

Any claims that Mayweather is bankrupt can simply be laughed off by his recent spending habits after the man nicknamed Money dropped over $402 million dollars to buy 60 buildings in New York City back in October.

It’s the start of his retail estate career and he backed that up by investing an undeclared amount of cash in 601W Companies, who control 18 different assets worth over $10 billion dollars covering 10 million square-feet.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. is known for his undefeated boxing career, extravagant lifestyle, and larger-than-life personality.

With his 48th birthday just around the corner, the boxing icon has already started celebrating in signature Mayweather fashion – by showering himself with lavish gifts

Rather than waiting for friends and family to present him with tokens of appreciation, he has taken matters into his own hands by adding two luxurious Rolls-Royces to his already impressive collection.

As one of the wealthiest athletes in history, with an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion, Mayweather’s love for luxury is well-documented.

Whether it’s a high-end car collection valued at over $200 million, an elite portfolio of real estate investments, or a priceless selection of watches, he spares no expense in living life at the highest level.

This year’s birthday is no exception, as he proudly declared on Instagram: “I’m celebrating my birthday all month long, starting with these 2 Rolls Royces I gifted myself! Cause one Double R is not enough!”

A Birthday Celebration in True Mayweather Fashion

Floyd Mayweather and his luxury gifts worth millions of dollars: I'm celebrating my birthday all month!

In a video shared on social media, Mayweather showcased his latest acquisitions parked outside the Champion Motoring showroom. The short clip offered a glimpse into the ultra-luxurious interiors of both Rolls-Royces.

The first car featured deep blue upholstery with an elegant star-lit ceiling, creating an atmosphere of opulence. The second Rolls-Royce, designed with a bold yellow interior, stood out with its unique rear-seat arrangement and high-end dashboard features.

A voice in the background, presumably from the videographer, admired the craftsmanship, stating: “New additions to the fleet.”

The camera zoomed in on the mileage display and detailed features, capturing the essence of Mayweather’s extravagant taste. Given that a single Rolls-Royce can cost upwards of $500,000, these additions to his collection easily total over a million dollars.

This isn’t the first time Mayweather has indulged in extravagant car purchases. Last year, ahead of his rematch against John Gotti III, he shared a clip discussing his recent acquisitions, including a McLaren and two Rolls-Royces.

For a man who has amassed significant wealth through his boxing career and business ventures, spending on luxury automobiles is simply part of his daily routine.

Mayweather’s Collection of Cars and Watches

Floyd Mayweather and his luxury gifts worth millions of dollars: I'm celebrating my birthday all month!

While Mayweather‘s passion for exotic cars is well known, his obsession with high-end timepieces is just as remarkable. His watch collection, valued at an estimated $100 million, includes some of the rarest and most expensive pieces ever created.

Among them is the legendary $18 million “Billionaire Watch,” an opulent, diamond-encrusted masterpiece that serves as the crown jewel of his collection.

Adding to his growing collection, Mayweather recently purchased a Rolex Daytona “Eye of the Tiger” chronograph, a timepiece that carries a staggering price tag of $400,000.

The news was confirmed by Clockednloaded, a luxury watch channel, which highlighted the Rolex’s tiger-print diamond dial and pavé bracelet.

A video surfaced online, showing Mayweather at Benny the Jeweler’s store in New York, making the extravagant purchase.

Speaking to the camera, he announced, “The money man is back. I’m here in New York City with the one and only Benny the Jeweler. Benny, tell the people what you sold me today.”

The jeweler then proceeded to describe the watch’s stunning craftsmanship, cementing its place as one of Mayweather’s prized possessions.

Despite retiring from professional boxing, Mayweather remains a dominant figure in the sports and business worlds. His ventures in real estate, entertainment, and exhibition fights continue to generate wealth, allowing him to maintain his lavish lifestyle.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. is known for his undefeated boxing career, extravagant lifestyle, and larger-than-life personality.

With his 48th birthday just around the corner, the boxing icon has already started celebrating in signature Mayweather fashion – by showering himself with lavish gifts.

Rather than waiting for friends and family to present him with tokens of appreciation, he has taken matters into his own hands by adding two luxurious Rolls-Royces to his already impressive collection.

As one of the wealthiest athletes in history, with an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion, Mayweather’s love for luxury is well-documented.

Whether it’s a high-end car collection valued at over $200 million, an elite portfolio of real estate investments, or a priceless selection of watches, he spares no expense in living life at the highest level.

This year’s birthday is no exception, as he proudly declared on Instagram: “I’m celebrating my birthday all month long, starting with these 2 Rolls Royces I gifted myself! Cause one Double R is not enough!”

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

A Birthday Celebration in True Mayweather Fashion

In a video shared on social media, Mayweather showcased his latest acquisitions parked outside the Champion Motoring showroom. The short clip offered a glimpse into the ultra-luxurious interiors of both Rolls-Royces.

The first car featured deep blue upholstery with an elegant star-lit ceiling, creating an atmosphere of opulence. The second Rolls-Royce, designed with a bold yellow interior, stood out with its unique rear-seat arrangement and high-end dashboard features.

A voice in the background, presumably from the videographer, admired the craftsmanship, stating: “New additions to the fleet.”

The camera zoomed in on the mileage display and detailed features, capturing the essence of Mayweather’s extravagant taste. Given that a single Rolls-Royce can cost upwards of $500,000, these additions to his collection easily total over a million dollars.

This isn’t the first time Mayweather has indulged in extravagant car purchases. Last year, ahead of his rematch against John Gotti III, he shared a clip discussing his recent acquisitions, including a McLaren and two Rolls-Royces.

For a man who has amassed significant wealth through his boxing career and business ventures, spending on luxury automobiles is simply part of his daily routine.

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

Mayweather’s Collection of Cars and Watches

While Mayweather‘s passion for exotic cars is well known, his obsession with high-end timepieces is just as remarkable. His watch collection, valued at an estimated $100 million, includes some of the rarest and most expensive pieces ever created.

Among them is the legendary $18 million “Billionaire Watch,” an opulent, diamond-encrusted masterpiece that serves as the crown jewel of his collection.

Adding to his growing collection, Mayweather recently purchased a Rolex Daytona “Eye of the Tiger” chronograph, a timepiece that carries a staggering price tag of $400,000.

The news was confirmed by Clockednloaded, a luxury watch channel, which highlighted the Rolex’s tiger-print diamond dial and pavé bracelet.

A video surfaced online, showing Mayweather at Benny the Jeweler’s store in New York, making the extravagant purchase.

Speaking to the camera, he announced, “The money man is back. I’m here in New York City with the one and only Benny the Jeweler. Benny, tell the people what you sold me today.”

The jeweler then proceeded to describe the watch’s stunning craftsmanship, cementing its place as one of Mayweather’s prized possessions.

Despite retiring from professional boxing, Mayweather remains a dominant figure in the sports and business worlds. His ventures in real estate, entertainment, and exhibition fights continue to generate wealth, allowing him to maintain his lavish lifestyle.

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

Mayweather’s Expanding Empire

In addition to his impressive collection of cars and watches, Mayweather has made strategic investments in real estate, further diversifying his financial portfolio.

Recently, he made headlines for purchasing a significant stake in Miami’s iconic Versace Mansion, reportedly investing $150 million in the historic property.

This investment follows his involvement in a multi-billion-dollar real estate project, reinforcing his status as more than just a legendary athlete-he is now a full-fledged business mogul.

His real estate empire includes luxury homes, commercial properties, and high-profile acquisitions, making him one of the most financially successful athletes of all time

Floyd Mayweather is not bankrupt despite being reportedly being unable to pay staff working at a Los Angeles gym in his name their wages; so what is the problem for the gym, which has been accused of “modern-day slavery” in a protest?

Disgruntled employees staged a public demonstration outside of the gym at Highland Avenue after saying they haven’t been paid for weeks, leaving them unable to cover basic living expenses but scared to report the matter because of the risk of being sacked.

“We’re out here just letting everybody know that they have not been treating us right,” a protestor told The Daily Mail. “Even if you work for a different company and you ain’t getting paid, you’re scared to show up and say something.

“Because you know how businesses do. They silence you and they fire you because everything’s ‘at will.'”

The 47-year-old’s Mayweather of Boxing and Fitness group has even been accused of breaching California’s Labor Code.

But this is something denied by an insider, who insists it has nothing to do with the fighter himself – something backed up by the protestors too, who admitted they didn’t know if the ex-champion was aware.

“Allegations of non-payment of wages against @FloydMayweather are false,” Rick Glaser posted to X.com, formerly Twitter. “This Mayweather Gym in LA is a franchise that Floyd gets a franchise fee for.

“Floyd himself has nothing to do with the assets or liabilities of this. These reports are misleading, & defamatory.”

Mayweather not short on money

Floyd Mayweather dissociates himself from accusations of non-payment after the truth about one of his business dealings was revealed

Any claims that Mayweather is bankrupt can simply be laughed off by his recent spending habits after the man nicknamed Money dropped over $402 million dollars to buy 60 buildings in New York City back in October.

It’s the start of his retail estate career and he backed that up by investing an undeclared amount of cash in 601W Companies, who control 18 different assets worth over $10 billion dollars covering 10 million square-feet.

 

Anthony Joshua has been advised to steer clear of a huge showdown with Martin Bakole despite claims the deal is complete.

Anthony Joshua urged to turn down fight with ‘most avoided heavyweight’ despite done deal

Joshua is at a crossroads in his heavyweight career after being brutally knocked out by Daniel Dubois in September, and has yet to pencil in concrete details over a return fight.

Ben Shalom suggested Joshua vs Bakole is a done deal for the summerCredit: Getty

AJ was keen to face bitter rival Tyson Fury, but the fight appears now off the cards with the ‘Gypsy King’ having announced his retirement from the sport.

He then faced off with Bakole recently, who issued a video call-out on social media, with a huge showdown in Africa on the table.

Incredibly Bakole’s promoter Ben Shalom told talkSPORT recently that a deal was ‘done’, although it is unclear if Joshua has signed on the dotted line.

It would be a tough test for the former two-time champion, with Bakole considered the avoided boogeyman in the blue-riband division.

In the latest episode of talkBOXING, former boxing icon and now renowned promoter Barry McGuigan, insisted he wouldn’t go near Bakole in the current climate.

“If I was managing Anthony Joshua I wouldn’t go near Martin Bakole,” trainer McGuigan said.

“In my opinion there is only another four fights for Joshua. And in reality, he needs to fight for a title or against Tyson Fury.”

Spencer Oliver, former boxer and talkSPORT pundit interjected and insisted the fight with Bakole makes sense for both fighters.

McGuigan then continued: “But for Anthony Joshua, he has probably earned in the region of £200 million.

“So for him, why would he want that fight? I know Turki Alalshikh has taken away the issue of not enough money being in the pot

Joshua could be thrown into the deep end if he faces Bakole after losing to DuboisCredit: Getty
Anthony Joshua urged to turn down fight with ‘most avoided heavyweight’ despite done deal

“Those fights we have always wanted to see can happen, people used to use the issue of money, but now that has all been eliminated.

“There is absolutely every chance Bakole could be [a world champion in the next 12 months].

“If he gets a fight against any of those guys he can beat them, he is a nightmare of everybody.”

Joshua has always had a desire to fight in Africa, and Bakole plans to get his native Congo involved with the clash.

Bakole recently defeated Jared Anderson, a promising talent, in dominant fashion to cement his name as a rising challenger.

He will next face Efe Ajagba in May, in an IBF world title eliminator, which could position him closer to the world title mix.

Joshua named Bakole as one of many alternative options for a summer return

Should he face and beat Joshua, it could be the biggest scalp of his career and send his growing reputation to new unprecedented levels.

On Bakole, McGuigan added: “I think he’s a tremendous talent, the biggest threat in the heavyweight division.

“I think he’s kryptonite for Dubois, and ironically enough for Usyk if he gets in the position to fight for it.

“He’s a real problem, 6ft 6ins, he has fast hands, not a dynamite puncher but has a rock solid chin.

“He throws volume, he can take a shot. But if you hit somebody flat in chin and he takes it, then it’s so deflating.

 

Ben Shalom has revealed that a blockbuster clash between Martin Bakole and Anthony Joshua is ‘done’.

WHY Anthony Joshua set to fight ‘most avoided heavyweight’ in blockbuster showdown in Africa

Shalom was in attendance for Adam Azim’s victory over Sergey Lipinets on Saturday night at OVO Arena Wembley.

Shalom [right] watched his fighter Azim claim the vacant IBO super lightweight title

Azim recorded his best victory to date by blasting out the Russian inside nine rounds to claim the the vacant IBO super lightweight title.

During the event, Shalom spoke with talkSPORT boxing pundit Spencer Oliver to discuss the fight, but ended up revealing some tasty fight news for another one of his clients.

“The promoter of Martin Bakole that’s what I want to be known as,” he told Oliver.

“The number one heavyweight in the world.”

Shalom proceeded to confirm that Bakole vs Joshua was a ‘done’ deal after the former asserted that he would fight AJ in Africa in the summer.

“It’s done. I’m hearing he’s signed and we’re off to the Congo,” Shalom said.

Joshua and Bakole, 31, have been naturally thrust into a potential showdown ever since Tyson Fury announced in January that he was retiring from the sport.

Bakole, who boasts a record of 21-1 with 16 KOs, is considered by many to be the ‘most avoided’ heavyweight in the division.

However, the Congolese knockout artist has yet to receive his flowers on the world stage in a big-name bout.

This comes despite Bakole locking horns with some of the best in the gym, including Daniel Dubois and current champion Oleksandr Usyk, who he

Bakole and Joshua would be a mouthwatering fight

One fight Bakole has always had his eye on in the professional ranks is British star Joshua, 35, whom he sparred while ‘AJ’ trained in Sheffield.

When asked by Oliver if he can see Joshua getting back in the ring anytime soon Bakole was confident with his response.

“I think he’ll come [back], yeah. I think so,” he said. “There is a big fight waiting for him in Africa.

“Outside the ring I keep working hard because my fight against him in Africa is a big fight.

“I think it will happen in the Congo…we need to fight in the same stadium and I think it’s going to be in Congo.

“I think it will [happen in the summer] because they want us to fight in Africa.

The pair have already faced offCredit: Getty

“It’s close and I will get that.”

Oliver was gleaming with a smile as he said: “Right boys. You’ve heard it here. The fight is happening in Africa in the summer.

Anthony Joshua vs Martin Bakole.”

Bakole and Joshua came face-to-face recently and teased a showdown at The Ring Magazine awards in London, but they are currently on very different trajectories.

The Congolese star is set to return in a world title eliminator with Efe Ajagba in May as he looks to put his name in the mix.

While Joshua wanted to face Fury next, but the showdown is in jeopardy following the ‘Gypsy King’s’ retirement.

AJ hasn’t revealed a plan for his next outing in a planned comeback after being brutally stopped by Dubois in September.

But his promoter, Eddie Hearn, named Bakole on a list of alternative opponent options for his planned return.

Shalom was just 23-years-old when he launched a boxing promotional company from his flat in Cheetham Hill, Manchester.

WHY Anthony Joshua set to fight ‘most avoided heavyweight’ in blockbuster showdown in Africa

He is Britain’s youngest ever licensed boxing promoter.