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Meditation and visualisation will play a big part in helping reigning IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois prepare for his showdown with Anthony Joshua

Daniel Dubois will be meditating over, and visualising how, he plans to defeat Anthony Joshua when they meet at Wembley Stadium on September 21.

The IBF world heavyweight champion takes on the former unified king of the division in a blockbuster clash, live on Sky Sports Box Office, where the winner will be line to face the victor of the Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury rematch later this year.

Dubois already has visions of standing across the ring from Wembley against Joshua and how he believes the contest will end and will be focusing hard in training camp to ensure that becomes a reality on fight night.

“When I’m in training camp, I sharpen up my mind,” Dubois told Sky Sports. “I play out the fight over and over, and just meditation and just visualising.

“I do a lot of that, and the sparring helps. The camp atmosphere all helps as well.

“This fight sells itself, based off me and AJ and what we both bring – and what I bring especially.

“We’ll see as it goes on, but I’m going to be in camp, locked in and focused. I’ll have tunnel vision about getting that victory.”

September 21 will not be the first time Dubois and Joshua have shared a ring, with the duo having sparred together when the former was part of the Great Britain amateur squad.

There have been rumours Joshua was knocked down by his future opponent in one session, although the former champion has denied that.

Dubois insists he has no memories of those sessions either and even if he did, is adamant they would be of no relevance as he has come on so much as a boxer since then.

“Those spars were seven years ago, and I can’t remember a thing about them, to be honest,” Dubois said.

BOXING

Francis Ngannou’s reality check against Jake Paul before fighting Mike Tyson

The Cameroon MMA star was a guest on JAke Paul’s podcast and he didn’t hesitate to call out ‘The Problem Child’

Problem Child’ Jake Paul must’ve forgotten that Mike Tyson was right there on Francis Ngannou’s corner when he fought Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. There is no way he will ever side with the YouTuber knowing that ike always had his back. In a sense, ‘Iron Mike’ felt a little like a trainer while he taught Francis a few of his own tricks. When he fought Fury, some of those tricks seemed to work as Ngannou humbled the British boxer despite losing the fight. Ngannou also happens to be the face of the Professional Fighters league (PFL), which is co-owned by Jake Paul. But that doesn’t matter for Francis, he will still speak his mind despite everything and he thinks there is only one clear winner here.

Francis Ngannou’s shocking Tyson v Paul prediction

During Jake Paul’s podcast, the host asked Francis if Mike could beat him. He said: “Yeah, I do [think he’ll beat your ass]. Listen, I have seen Tyson move around just to show me stuff. He was like, ‘This footwork moves like this,’ and I was like hold on, like, calm down (laughs). He’s still got it. Either way, I think Mike Tyson will beat you up. We’re talking about Mike, bro. Mike is something else. He’s a specimen. Mike will move from this side to this side without you knowing at exactly which moment. Everything [you have to watch out for]. Knowing Mike, I just believe that Mike will beat him. It’s not betting against him, it’s just what it is. If he would have been in another circumstance, I’d be like, ‘Okay, let’s go, Jake.’ But this I’m like, ‘Bro, let’s be real.'”

But Jake Paul’s friends from the podcast kept trying to bring up arguments in Jake Paul’s defense, who has been getting ready for a fight like this since he started this boxing journey. Plus, physically he is at the peak of his form. Mike yson is already pushing 60. Francis Ngannou probably thinks about the same argument a lot of people use to describe Mike Tyson. Despite his age, Mike Tyson is still a wild lion who is waiting to get out of his cage. If he smells blood, those who know boxing are perfectly aware that Jake Paul would be done for.

BOXING

Mayweather defends exhibition fights, says he’s ‘creating wealth and legacy’

Don’t expect Floyd Mayweather’s exhibition boxing matches to go away anytime soon.

Mayweather, one of the greatest boxers of his generation, retired from professional competition in 2017 but has since taken part in several exhibition bouts.

The fights have garnered some criticism for being glorified sparring matches – most recently, Oscar De La Hoya called Mayweather’s Aug. 24 bout against John Gotti III “embarrassing” and said that “nobody wants to remember” Mayweather “like this.”

But Mayweather, 47, defended himself Friday in an Instagram post, saying he can choose how he spends his time and that he’s making large amounts of income.

“Retirement isn’t about slowing down, it’s about living on your own terms,” Mayweather wrote. “I’ve worked hard to build a life where I can choose my adventures, and if those adventures still bring in multi-millions, even better. Success isn’t something you retire from, it’s something you refine.

“Exhibitions are my way of giving my fans, old and new, the opportunity to witness my greatness on any stage I choose. That’s what any successful businessman and boss would do.”

Mayweather has stepped into the ring eight times since his final pro appearance. His most notable exhibition match came against YouTube star Logan Paul in 2021.

In his last bout, Mayweather went the eight-round distance against former MMA fighter Gotti in Mexico City, showing off his boxing skills but not chasing a knockout. No winner was announced because it wasn’t an official contest but, in a moment that went viral, Mayweather yelled at the referee for a bad call in the second round, causing a new official to step in for the rest of the fight.

In his post, Mayweather urged his “naysayers” to stop complaining about his post-retirement endeavors.

“Bottom line, there’s too many of you busy pocket-watching while I’m busy still creating wealth and legacy,” he wrote.

BOXING

“You Don’t Bring No Money”: Comparing With Floyd Mayweather, Ryan Garcia Reveals Why

“You Don’t Bring No Money”: Comparing With Floyd Mayweather, Ryan Garcia Reveals Why Shakur Stevenson Seems to Be a Boring Fighter

Ryan Garcia went off on Shakur Stevenson and threw some hard facts at the fellow compatriot. The two boxers have been at each other’s throats and even tussled online for a potential fight, but never reached an agreement. But it seems ‘KingRy’ has clarified his intentions about how he perceives ‘Sugar’ and blasted for his activity more on social media than inside the zeal to throw a punch inside the boxing ring. So, what else was said in the crossfire?

Garcia, 26, appeared on the ‘Say Cheese’ podcast and talked about his fierce lightweight rival, Devin Haney, and Stevenson, 27. When told about the recent comment by Stevenson about other boxers dodging him, Garcia ripped him to shreds. The 24-1 record holder questioned his marketability and how he carried himself in the fights, which were not a treat to watch.

The WBC lightweight champion has carved out a reputation as a skilled technician, but he also doesn’t try to venture and fight aggressively and put on a show for the fans. As a result, according to Garcia, he didn’t bring any money to the table. Garcia said, “Everybody wants to see you, but you don’t bring no money to the table. So why would anybody want to see you? You’re not like that, bro. We watch all of your fights, and you run, and you run, and you run.”

The Victorville native then pointed out how Stevenson, at 22-0, almost lost to Edwin De Los Santos, where both fighters didn’t throw punches in double figures throughout the fight. Lastly, Garcia drew parallels with Floyd Mayweather. While ‘Money’ had honed his defensive skills, he had also mastered the art of throwing a punch and dictating the pace of the fight. It’s something that Stevenson failed at and made himself a one-dimensional fighter.

Garcia added, “Great can do offense and defense. You can’t just do defense. Mayweather didn’t just do defense. He did offense and defense. You only do defense, and somehow you still win. I don’t get it.”

Still bamboozled with how the Newark native could pull wins, Garcia also turned his attention to Haney, 25. He mocked his rival for his recent actions at the Orange County Fair and taunted that the boxing world hadn’t missed him.

Ryan Garcia ridicules Devin Haney

Interestingly, Haney is on a break currently, but attracting the eyeballs for the wrong reasons. The former lightweight interim champion slammed Haney, at 31-0, for getting into an altercation with a fan in the fair. Garcia declared, “So when he returns to boxing, he’ll say, ‘Boxing missed me for three months.’ Nobody even knew you were gone. If your daddy ain’t speaking, nobody [cares] about you.”

It remains to be seen whether Garcia and Haney will run it back or whether Garcia and Stevenson will put pen to a contract at a catchweight.

CELEB NEWS

Garbine Muguruza has controversial response picking between Rafa Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz

Former Spanish tennis star Garbine Muguruza did not hold back when asked who she prefers out of compatriots Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal.

Tennis legend Garbine Muguruza controversially chose Carlos Alcaraz over Rafael Nadal when asked which of her fellow Spaniards she preferred.

Muguruza, born in Venezuela to a Spanish father and a Venezuelan mother, won the WTA Finals in 2021 before hanging up her racket in April this year. The 30-year-old – who is the only player to beat both Williams sisters in a Grand Slam final – knows a thing or two about winning majors, triumphing at Roland Garros in 2016 and Wimbledon in 2017.

She is therefore the perfect person to comment on her compatriots, with ongoing debates in recent times over whether fans prefer the 22-time Grand Slam legend Nadal or boy wonder Alcaraz, who at 21 has already blitzed his way to four Grand Slams. In personality, Nadal is revered for his humility while Alcaraz has gained fans for his less filtered approach.

Muguruza perhaps surprisingly voiced her preference for the young talent over Nadal, believing Alcaraz’s style is more similar to that of herself. “There are moments when we think a lot about what we say, especially so that it doesn’t backfire,” Muguruza said in a recent interview with Esquire magazine.

“But I like to say what I think. Rafa is more reserved in that respect. I like Carlos, I see him more confident, younger, speaking more and saying what he thinks. And I believe people also appreciate that and not measuring your words so much.”

She went on to say about her own approach: “I don’t know why I’ve been labelled as rebellious and misunderstood. Maybe it’s because on the boys’ side it’s been very quiet thanks to Rafa.

“By showing a little more happiness or anger and not being so emotionless, I’ve been branded as a rebel, but I haven’t felt like that at all. I’m a very emotional person on court, you could see it on my face.”

CELEB NEWS

Simone Biles reveals her surprising feelings about sharing the stage with Tom Cruise

Biles and Cruise were part of the LA2028 portion of the 2024 Paris Closing Ceremony

Simone Biles, the record-breaking gymnast, recently shared an unexpected confession during her appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

After dominating the Paris Olympics with multiple gold medals, Biles admitted that her most nerve-wracking moment wasn’t during her performance-it was when she had to hand the Olympic flag to actor Tom Cruise at the closing ceremony.

Biles feared handing over the Olympic Flag to Tom Cruise

While discussing her experiences at the Games, Fallon asked Biles what had made her the most nervous.

Surprisingly, it wasn’t performing her signature Yurchenko double pike or her routines on the balance beam.

Instead, Biles revealed, “I was like, ‘Okay, I have to hand the flag off, don’t mess it up, don’t mess it up.’ I was terrified.”

The confession came as a surprise to many, considering Biles’ usual composure in high-stakes situations.

She humorously added, “I’m always tripping, falling down stairs… that’s what I was really worried about.”

Biles, now 27, also briefly touched on her potential participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, joking about how she feels “old” for the sport.

Nevertheless, she once again proved her prowess in Paris, bringing home three golds and a silver, cementing her status as the most decorated American gymnast of all time.

Upcoming plans for Biles & Cruise

In addition to her Olympic success, Biles is set to headline the Gold Over America Tour this fall, a 30-city gymnastics showcase featuring her teammates Jade Carey and Jordan Chiles, along with a star-studded lineup of other athletes.

Even with her packed schedule, Biles remains committed to supporting her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, as he gears up for the season with the Chicago Bears.

As for Tom Cruise, the Mission: Impossible star is reportedly looking beyond the Earth for his next stunt-literally.

Cruise has expressed a fascination with space exploration and UFOs, fueling his ambitions to film a stunt in space.

Despite their different worlds, both Biles and Cruise have continued to push boundaries in their respective fields-Biles through her athletic prowess and Cruise through his groundbreaking film endeavors.

BOXING

Boxing Updates: Tentative Timeline for Gervonta Davis, Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz vs. Rayo 2, and More Revealed

The boxing world is abuzz again, particularly around the lightweight and the light welterweight divisions. Though it remains unconfirmed, if it does turn out correct, then fans could be in for a great delight watching their icon, Gervonta Davis, step into the ring for the second time in the year. Something he hasn’t done since 2021. But the excitement isn’t limited to ‘Tank’ alone. After delivering one of the most sensational fights of the year, Isaac Cruz and Jose Valenzuela could be gearing up for a highly anticipated rematch, reigniting the rivalry they left unresolved early in August.

Fans have reason to rejoice, but they could approach the news with cautious optimism. Over a year after his emphatic win over Ryan Garcia, Gervonta Davis returned on June 15 to defend his title from Frank Martin. On the other hand, ‘Pitbull’ Cruz, who secured his first world title after dislodging Rolando Romero on the inaugural PBC-Amazon Prime card, had to forfeit the WBA belt to Jose Valenzuela four months later.

Excitement peaks with potential year-end showdowns

Fernando Barbosa shared a tweet with fans. It read that Gervonta Davis might fight again on November 2. However, the opponent is yet to be confirmed, it seems. Then there was news about the two newly crowned champions, the WBA super featherweight title holder Lamont Roach Jr. and the light welterweight champion Jose Valenzuela.

But the news update further added that Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz may also be lined up for a third fight this year. It might happen on the same date when ‘Tank’ Davis fights, i.e., November 2, or on PBC-Prime’s next fixture scheduled for December. So ESPN’s boxing analyst suggested there were chances of the much-needed rematch between Cruz and Valenzuela.

Lamont Roach Jr. became a champion last year after he defeated Hector Luis Garcia. He defended his title on June 28 with an eighth technical knockout victory over Feargal McCrory. ‘EL Rayo’ defeated Isaac Cruz commendably. However, the split decision victory left doubts, fueling demands for a rematch. Subsequently, reports of Cruz considering invoking his rematch clause also emerged.

BOXING

Rejecting Gervonta Davis Fight, Jose ‘El Rayo’ Valenzuela Eyes Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz Rematch But Has One Condition

Jose Valenzuela rose to the occasion and shocked the boxing world, as he battered, bruised, and outboxed Isaac Cruz. The American fighter bagged the WBA super lightweight gold as a result, and he is taking some time off before deciding on what he wants to do next. It seems the decision is out, and it might upset or cheer fans, depending on whom they support.

Valenzuela, 25, finds himself mentioned either as a logical rematch with Cruz, 26, or a stepping stone for Gervonta Davis if he finally decides to move to 140 and realize his long-muted move. However, the case is not a toss-up between the opponents. The champion wants to spend the rest of the year with family and mull over his choices, of which a rematch with ‘Pitbull’ makes more sense to him.

Fight Hook News turned to its X handle and reported that ‘El Rayo’ would not fight ‘Tank’ next and rather prefer to cherish some moments with his family. The handle also pointed out that Valenzuela, at 14-2, would return to the boxing ring in 2025 for a rematch with Cruz, at 26-3-1.

The post read, “WBA Junior Welterweight Champion Jose ‘EL Rayo’ Venezuela will Not be fighting Gervonta Tank Davis and will take off the rest of the year to spend time with family and return in 2025 for a Rematch with Pitbull. #pbcboxing #josevenezuela #elrayo #mexicanboxing #venezuelacruz2.”

While the Renton resident is away from the ring for the moment, his gritty display against Cruz remains the talk of the town. Leonard Ellerbe believed it was a long time coming, but gave full credit to Valenzuela.

No surprises for Leonard Ellerbe about Jose Valenzuela’s title win

In a conversation with Fight Hub TV, Ellerbe expressed that he watched the fight but didn’t score it. But Valenzuela had made it look easy by executing the game plan to the teeth. He said, “I didn’t really score, but he made it look easy. I fully expected Rolly to do that. But that didn’t happen. Great game plan. Just boxed the guy, turned him, made him miss, and scored.”

Interestingly, contrary to the recent report by Fight Hook News, the former Mayweather Promotions CEO didn’t shun a fight between Valenzuela and Davis. But a report by Fernando Barbosa disclosed that Davis was to return to the boxing ring on November 2. His opponent is not finalized yet. But it might be safe to say that Valenzuela might not be the one because of his family commitments.

BOXING

Gervonta Davis names best fighter he has ever faced but still thinks he was ‘a level above’

Gervonta Davis paused for a moment before picking the best opponent he has ever faced.

The Baltimore banger has barely put a foot wrong during his unblemished 30-0 career so choosing the boxer who gave him the toughest test is no easy task.

The consensus pick among fans would be Isaac Cruz, who pushed Davis all the way to the final bell in December 2021.

But after pondering the question for a few seconds, Davis chose Ryan Garcia.

Speaking in the immediate aftermath of his seventh-round stoppage victory over ‘King Ry’ last year, he said: “I’d say he’s the best fighter.

Definitely, we was going off each other energy in there.

“We was actually talking in there. You know what I mean? It was fun.

“It was fun while it lasted. You know what I mean? I enjoyed every moment of it.”

Davis’ pick may come as somewhat of a surprise considering the manner in which he dealt with his rival.

Garcia had his moments but he eventually succumbed to a sickening body shot knockout after falling behind on all three judges scorecards.

“I just felt like I was like a step, a level above him,” Davis added.

“You know what I mean? So, everything he was doing in the ring, I was already aware of everything.

“I was already aware a couple steps before he did it.

“So, I was mostly calm and just let him make his mistakes and I just, you know, yeah, I countered off his mistakes.”

After beating Garcia, Davis spent 44 days in prison for violating the terms of a sentence, which initially saw him avoid jail time.

In May last year, Davis was sentenced to 90 days of home detention, three years probation, and 200 hours of community service over his November 2020 hit-and-run car crash which injured four people.

‘Tank’ was later found guilty of violating the terms of his home detention by trying to serve the home detention order at the Four Seasons Hotel and a $3.4million penthouse, rather than trainer Calvin Ford’s house as the judge initially agreed.

As a result, he was ordered to serve the rest of his 90-day sentence in jail.

After his release, Davis returned to the ring against Frank Martin in June 2024 – a fight he won via eighth-round KO.

Consequently, Martin couldn’t be considered in Davis’ ‘toughest opponent’ debate, although he was far more complimentary about Garcia’s abilities than ‘The Ghost’s’.

Uncategorized

…the nightmare of every athlete’: Roger Federer breaks silence on Jannik Sinner doping controversy

By Admin September 4, 2024

Roger Federer has weighed in on the news that Jannik Sinner has been allowed to play in tournaments despite undergoing a trial for a doping offence.

Among the most prominent subtexts at the ongoing US Open is Italian world No.1 Jannik Sinner getting away without a ban despiting testing positive twice for the banned substance clostebol. A number of fellow and former players have questioned the decision to let him play in competitions during the time that he was undergoing a secret trial for the issue.

Roger Federer: 'Ik had het moeilijk gevonden' | Tennis | Telegraaf.nl — Tennis great Roger Federer has now weighed in on the issue, lamenting the negative impact news like these have on the sport. “It’s not something we want to see in our sport, these types of news, regardless if he did something or not, or any player did. It’s just noise that we don’t want,” Federer said on today.com.
“I understand it’s a tricky situation. It’s the nightmare of every athlete and team to have these allegations and these problems because we fill out these forms all day every day. And it lives with you. Every morning when you wake up, you think, ‘Is somebody at the door coming to test me?’ So it’s really difficult.”

**The inconsistency is the real issue, says Federer**

Among the most common criticism directed at the authorities over the situation is that Sinner was allowed to play in competitions despite being under trial. Sinner’s coach Darren Cahill highlighted the disparity in resources available to top-ranked players like Sinner compared to lower-ranked athletes, noting that Sinner’s team was able to afford expert legal representation and scientific analysis to support his case.

Federer, who won 20 Grand Slams in a glittering career, also addressed the concerns about the fairness of the process. “I understand the frustration of, ‘Has he been treated the same as others? And I think this is where it comes down to. I think we all trust pretty much that Jannik didn’t do anything, but the inconsistency potentially that he didn’t have to sit out while they weren’t 100 percent sure what was going on, I think that’s the question here that needs to be answered. But look, it is what it is, and we need to trust the process as well of anyone involved here,” he said.