Tag: boxing news

Blonde Bombshells Ebanie Bridges and Paige VanZant Ready to ‘Break the internet’ with Epic Collaboration

Ebanie Bridges and Paige VanZantFormer IBF bantamweight champion Ebanie Bridges believes a collaboration between herself and UFC fighter turned bare-knuckle brawler Paige VanZant…

Ebanie Bridges and Paige VanZant

Former IBF bantamweight champion Ebanie Bridges believes a collaboration between herself and UFC fighter turned bare-knuckle brawler Paige VanZant could break the internet.

Like VanZant, ‘The Blonde Bomber’ made a name for herself in the world of combat sports before seeing her star skyrocket through social media platforms and the popular subscription-based content site OnlyFans. Last month, Bridges surrendered her IBF title to Miyo Yoshida, but that hasn’t stopped her from seeking out new potential content partnerships. After proudly promoting Conor McGregor’s Forged Irish Stout on her torso during a recent weigh-in ceremony, Bridges is now teasing a team-up with one of the hottest names in the game, Paige VanZant.

In July, Bridges revealed that the pair were working to sort out a collaboration amid their busy schedules. “We were trying to organise it but she got really busy and I moved,” Bridges told her bustling fanbase on Instagram. “Hopefully we can get back on track because I would love to collab with Paige VanZant. That would be f*cking sexy.”

Ringing in the new year, the blonde bombshells once again teased a potential collaboration between them. After ’12 Gauge’ wowed fans with a series of stunning photos while wearing a pink maid’s outfit, Bridges heaped praise on her fellow fighter/model.

That prompted VanZant to ask her 3 million+ followers if they’d be interested in seeing her and the Australian boxer work together. She offered two options in a poll: ‘YES, I’ll die’ and ‘THAT WILL BREAK THE INTERNET’.

Bridges replied saying: “Needs to happen” – along with several suggestive eyes emojis.

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Needless to say, fans of the two photogenic fighters lost their minds over the mere mention of a collaboration.

Ebanie Bridges and Paige VanZant remain as popular as ever despite recent struggles in the ring

Since walking away from the UFC in 2020, Paige VanZant has been vocal about the financial freedom she has gained as a content creator. ’12 Gauge’ previously noted that she had made more money on Instagram than she had getting punched in the face for a living.

She echoed similar sentiments during an appearance on Barstool Sports’ OnlyStans podcast where she revealed that she had made more money in 24 hours on OnlyFans than she had throughout her entire combat sports career combined.

VanZant spent seven years competing under the UFC banner, going 5-4 before trading in her four-ounce gloves for a pair of hand wraps. Signing a lucrative deal with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship immediately following her UFC exit, ‘PVZ’ has failed to secure a win in her first two appearances with the promotion.

Meanwhile, Bridges held the IBF bantamweight title for nearly two years, claiming the crown with a big win over Maria Cecilia Roman in March 2022 before surrendering the strap in December.

Oscar De La Hoya Enjoys Seeing UFC fighters Score bigger paydays in Boxing: ‘All I can say or do is laugh’

Oscar De La HoyaLegendary pugilist Oscar De La Hoya seems happy to squash his beef with Dana White, but that doesn’t mean…

Oscar De La Hoya

Legendary pugilist Oscar De La Hoya seems happy to squash his beef with Dana White, but that doesn’t mean he’ll ever see eye-to-eye with the UFC CEO when it comes to MMA fighters crossing over into the world of boxing.

White played a key role in the cross-promotional clash between Irish megastar Conor McGregor and Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather in 2017. Since then, he has stayed steered clear of booking any more crossover bouts, even opting to let former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou walk away from the promotion rather than help him test out his skills inside the squared circle.

That allowed Ngannou to find a new home with the Professional Fighters League, a promotion that immediately allowed ‘The Predator’ to branch out by accepting a fight with WBC heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury last year. Ngannou ultimately lost the bout via split decision, but after going toe-to-toe with ‘The Gypsy King’ for 10 rounds, fans were eager to see him back in the boxing ring sooner rather than later.

On Wednesday, The MMA Hour host Ariel Helwani announced that Ngannou will return to Riyadh in 2024 for a showdown with former unified heavyweight titleholder Anthony Joshua.

After ending his own iconic career more than 15 years ago, Oscar De La Hoya has still been a big name in the sport, promoting fights under his Golden Boy Promotions banner. And while he has often been at odds with fellow fight promoter Dana White, De La Hoya seems content to bury the hatchet so long as the UFC CEO stays in his lane.

“I have no beef with him whatsoever,” De La Hoya told MMA Mania’s Alex Behunin on Friday. “He’s in the MMA world, I’m in boxing. Now if he’s going to come into boxing that’s a whole different story. Then you’re coming into my world. Then we’ll hopefully sit down and talk, but in the meantime, I have nothing to say about him. I literally have nothing to say about him.”

De La Hoya Calls BS on Dana White’s claim that Fighters Aren’t Making More Money in Boxing

Perhaps the biggest obstacle in De La Hoya and White’s relationship today is their vastly different views on crossover fights.

“The only thing I have to say about that is I think I heard Dana White say something about, ‘These MMA fighters are not making more money in boxing.’ All I can say or do is laugh,” he added. “Like are you kidding me? Why do you think MMA fighters are going into boxing and crossing over for the payday?

“That’s the bottom line. And to test their skill, which is admirable because a MMA fighter going into a ring with an elite fighter not only takes balls but you have to believe in yourself and your skill. And that’s admirable. When Dana White’s saying they’re not making more money it’s bullsh*t. They’re making tons of money inside of the ring in boxing. That’s the bottom line. That’s why you’re seeing Joshua with Ngannou. These guys are warriors.

“When Dana White’s saying they’re not making more money it’s bullsh*t. They’re making tons of money inside of the ring in boxing. That’s the bottom line. That’s why you’re seeing Joshua with Ngannou. These guys are warriors.”

Though Francis Ngannou’s fight purse for his scrap with Tyson Fury has not been disclosed, reports indicate that he earned upwards of $10 million. Recently, Ngannou’s longtime coach Eric Nicksick revealed that the payout he received was the biggest of his career. “When I saw my Wells Fargo account that morning, it literally brought me to tears,” Nicksick told MMA Junkie. “That’s a true story; Literally brought me to tears because he changed my life.”

Ex-UFC Champ Francis Ngannou Releases First Statement Following News of His Boxing Fight with Anthony Joshua

Francis NgannouFrancis Ngannou released his first statement following the announcement of his blockbuster return to the boxing ring. On Friday…

Francis Ngannou

Francis Ngannou released his first statement following the announcement of his blockbuster return to the boxing ring.

On Friday (January 5), renowned combat sports journalist and The MMA Hour host, Ariel Helwani, broke the news that Ngannou would make his sophomore appearance inside the squared circle this year against former unified heavyweight world champion, Anthony Joshua.

The news comes less than three months removed from Ngannou’s sensational pro boxing debut against Tyson Fury in Riyadh.

“Massive breaking news on this Friday evening in the world of combat sports,” Helwani said. “I have confirmed via Mr. Turki Alalshikh that it is a done deal. That it is going down. Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion is returning to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia just a few months removed from his incredible performance against Tyson Fury. After an unbelievable year where he leaves the UFC, signs with the PFL, and then he gets the big Tyson fight and shocks everyone.

“He is returning to action in a boxing match later on this year to go up against the former heavyweight champion. The man who had an incredible 2023 in his own right. The man who just won at Day of Reckoning on December 23 in Riyadh, the one and only Anthony Joshua. It is a done deal on both ends. Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou. 10-round fight later on this year in Riyadh.”

Francis Ngannou Ready to Make ‘Big Moves’ in 2024

Despite coming up short against ‘The Gypsy King’ via split decision, Ngannou’s critically acclaimed performance was strong enough to land him on the No. 10 spot of the WBC’s heavyweight top ten.

Taking to social media shortly after the news broke, Ngannou shared his excitement over what is to come writing: “Making big moves in the new year. 2024 is going to be [fire emoji].”

No official date has been announced, but Helwani added that a press conference will go down in London later this month where more details regarding the highly anticipated clash will be revealed.

Anthony Joshua is coming off his third-straight win of 2023, earning a dominant fifth-round knockout of Otto Wallin at the Day of Reckoning card in Saudi Arabia. Prior, he scored a unanimous decision victory over Jermaine Franklin followed by a seventh-round KO against Robert Helenius, both emanating from the O2 Arena.

Overall, Joshua is 27-3 in his boxing career with 24 of his wins coming by way of knockout.

Breaking – Francis Ngannou set to fight Anthony Joshua in ten round professional boxing match in March

Francis Ngannou set to fight Anthony Joshua in ten round professional boxing match in RiyadhFormer undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou is set for his sophomore outing in the squared circle later this…

Francis Ngannou set to fight Anthony Joshua in ten round professional boxing match in Riyadh

Former undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou is set for his sophomore outing in the squared circle later this year, taking on former world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua over the course of ten rounds in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on March 9.

As per an initial report from Ariel Helwani, per Royal Court Saudi advisor, Turki Al-Sheikh, former UFC heavyweight champion, Ngannou will return to the Middle East later this year for a professional boxing match against former world champion, Joshua – with an official press conference between the two slated for later in January.

Francis Ngannou set for Middle East clash with Anthony Joshua

“Breaking: Francis Ngannou vs. Anthony Joshua is a done deal, per @Turki_alalshikh. Ten-round boxing match in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.”

Sidelined since he made his professional boxing debut back in October in Riyadh, PFL (Professional Fighters League) signed heavyweight, Ngannou made his first venture to the squared circle in a ten round fight with WBC heavyweight kingpin, Tyson Fury, dropping a controversial split decision loss.

Heralded for his performance in his first-ever professional boxing outing, Cameroonian knockout ace, Ngannou landed a stunning knockdown on the Morecambe native, before dropping a dubious decision loss in Saudi Arabia.

As for Joshua, the former two-time heavyweight world champion is in the midst of an impressive three-fight winning run, compiled over the course of last year, most recently stopping Otto Wallin with a corner’s stoppage TKO win in Riyadh, as part of a ‘Day of Reckoning’ billed card for the country. 

Yet to make his promotional bow with the PFL, Ngannou’s most recent outing in mixed martial arts came in the form of a unanimous decision win over then-interim heavyweight champion, defending and unifying his title at UFC 270 back in January 2022 in Anaheim, California. The outing came as Ngannou’s last on his Octagon contract, which expired at the beginning of last year to boot. 

Who wins in a March 2024 boxing showdown: Francis Ngannou or Anthony Joshua?

Ex-Champion Francis Ngannou reflects on heated departure from the UFC: ‘This business can be nasty’

Francis Ngannou reflects on UFC exit this business can be nastyFormer undisputed heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou has reflected on his departure from the UFC last year once more, claiming…

Francis Ngannou reflects on UFC exit this business can be nasty

Former undisputed heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou has reflected on his departure from the UFC last year once more, claiming some of the practices in combat sports are “nasty” to say the least – as he gears up for a sophomore boxing walk later this annum.

Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion under the banner of the Dana White-led promotion, departed the UFC at the beginning of last year, following the completion of his contractual obligations with the organization the December prior.

Signing with the PFL (Professional Fighters League) in the immediate aftermath of exit from the UFC, Ngannou, who has yet to make a walk under the North American-based promotion’s banner.

Making a long-anticipated professional boxing debut in August of last year, Batié knockout artist, Ngannou shared the ring with unbeaten WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury, forcing the Morecambe native the distance in a close, split decision loss – as well as landing a stunning knockdown. 

Francis Ngannou reflects on exit from the UFC

And reflecting on his departure from the organization, Ngannou spoke on negotiations with the UFC, and the struggles of navigating a “nasty” business within combat sports.

“I had a lot of controversial opinions about my career decisions because most of those things was about my career this year,” Francis Ngannou said on his YouTube channel. “Then negotiations with different organizations that were interested. A lot of them were just trying to navigate the narrative and potentially get some promotion. We have a lot of different people – some two faces.”

“It’s part of the business and that’s something that I learned this year – how this business can be nasty. You have people who pretend to be something that they are not,” Francis Ngannou explained. “But it’s a good part of the learning process. Becoming a fighter and stepping into that position is something you are not educated about. Most fighters never get educated, and that’s why for the most part, fighters keep getting screwed.” 

Who do you want to see Francis Ngannou fight next?

Conor McGregor Slams Manny Pacquiao as Mayweather Rematch announcement fails to excite Fight Fans

Conor McGregor and Manny PacquiaoConor McGregor is always looking for a way to extend his rivalry with legendary pugilist Manny Pacquaio. ‘PacMan’ surprised…

Conor McGregor and Manny Pacquiao

Conor McGregor is always looking for a way to extend his rivalry with legendary pugilist Manny Pacquaio.

‘PacMan’ surprised fight fights on New Year’s Eve, revealing that a rematch with Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather was in the works for 2024. Pacquiao dropped the bombshell while making an appearance at RIZIN 45 inside the iconic Saitama Super Arena in Japan. The bout has not been officially announced, but if true, it will come nearly a decade removed from their ‘Fight of the Century’ scrap in 2015.

“I will see you here in Japan again, for a big fight,” the former eight-division world champion said before turning around and seemingly asking for permission to announce his opponent “Floyd Mayweather, I thought you wouldn’t want me to say that. I am excited for that. Thank you for always supporting RIZIN promotions” (h/t DailyMail).

Conor McGregor shared the clip on Instagram whilst taking a dig at Pacquiao, writing: “A lesson in how not to make an announcement.

Conor McGregor makes his own blockbuster announcement

Of course, the Irishman offered his own big New Year’s reveal, confirming that he would make his long-awaited return to the Octagon on June 28 to headline UFC 302 as part of the promotion’s annual International Fight Week in Las Vegas. McGregor is expected to square off with former Bellator MMA champion ‘Iron’ Michael Chandler in a 185-pound showdown.

Weeks before the announcement, McGregor vented his frustration over his lengthy layoff, suggesting that if the UFC didn’t lock down a date for his “greatest comeback in combat sports history,” he would pursue a fight with Pacquiao in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“Get me back in there,” he told talkSPORT. “The Mac has lots to offer and loads to deliver. They are talking Manny here in Saudi. The lads in the UFC aren’t really talking any. So, the lads here are talking Manny, the UFC aren’t talking any. Give me something. I’m supposed to be back in April. It was supposed to be December!

“Tell Manny to grow a set of balls and fight me at a higher weight class. Why not? It’s his sport. If he wants me to come down to a smaller weight, I should be able to use more of my weapons. I should be able to kick. I should be able to grapple. Shouldn’t that be fair? Say it to him. Is he a man or a mouse? Is Manny a man or a mouse?”