But the experiment has also placed Adrien Broner under scrutiny, with erratic behavior and reported disputes over finances attracting considerable attention. The latest development suggests Broner allegedly received threats. As footage of the incident, which showed the former champion approaching security to address the matter, went viral, several fans took to social media to share their thoughts.

“Adrien Broner received death threats on stream and had to show his security ,” read the caption of a post shared by a user on X.

The minute-long clip shows Broner walking with a phone and approaching an associate, who, after looking at the screen, said, “I told you, bro! Man, you think this is a game.” Soon afterward, DeenTheGreat joined them and advised Broner to show the mobile screen to security.

“A random person just f***ng sent me this. This is crazy. What do they say? It’s crazy,” Broner told a person who appeared to be in charge of security. That individual, however, did not seem overly concerned about the issue, saying, “Don’t worry about none of that.” His response appeared to reassure Broner.

Adrien Broner received death threats on stream and had to show his security pic.twitter.com/MTzMoO8QrV

— clip (@clippedszn) June 22, 2026

To provide some context, it remains unclear who was threatening Broner. The precise words, or for that matter, what the message was about, remain unknown. Given that Broner has gained attention through his live streaming activities, earning him his own Kick badge for monetization, it is possible the threats, if genuine, stemmed from a disagreement with someone he encountered along the way.

Still, the entire situation unfolded within a matter of minutes and appeared too speculative to assess with certainty.

Yet the uncertainty surrounding the incident did little to stop fans from forming opinions about what happened.

Fans weigh in after Adrien Broner raises alarm over livestream threats

“Why would anyone be mad at him? They should feel sad for him. He looks completely miserable all the time. I assume that’s why he’s drinking as much as he does,” one wrote. Those comments likely stem from Broner’s recent struggles, which have been compounded by a stalled boxing career.

Following his loss to Manny Pacquiao in 2019, Broner’s career has been marked by absences that resulted in extended periods of inactivity. In a highly volatile profession like professional boxing, that can be particularly damaging because it often means a complete halt in purse earnings unless a fighter is financially disciplined enough to save for a rainy day or establish another source of income.

In Broner’s case, none appears to have happened. As he himself has confirmed, he had faced a string of financial challenges, including a significant payout for child care. Alongside his reported personal challenges, including sobriety-related issues, those difficulties became a major talking point and painted a bleak picture of the former champion.

Some dismissed the threats altogether, arguing that text message threats are not something to take seriously. “Why (are) they scared of random numbers sending text? If someone in Florida wanted (you) hurt, they ain’t gonna tell you; (you’re going to) feel it, stupid ahh ni**a,” one wrote.

Others focused less on the threats themselves and more on Broner’s surroundings. Mocking how the first person he approached appeared to be sleeping on a pool table, they wrote, “Man sleeping on a pillow barefoot on a pool table… WTF is going on in that house?”

For another section of fans, Broner’s past became part of the conversation. His checkered history, which saw him face a string of legal cases, also came to the fore. “AB cheats people so much I do get scared for his safety sometimes,” a user wrote.

Some comments were openly mocking. “Don’t be scared now; fight like a man ,” another fan wrote. To say the former champion was scared may be a stretch. Training since he was six, Broner has been through countless amateur and professional battles to be intimidated by a one-on-one confrontation. Yet, competing inside the ring is entirely different from dealing with a real-world threat, which should generally be taken seriously.

A few, however, expressed genuine concern about Broner’s situation. “Hope he’s ok,” one wrote. While the Ohio native may not have stepped into the ring recently, he continues to draw support and respect from a section of fans who appreciate his career and his achievements.

One can only hope the situation resolved itself soon for Broner. The attention follows a period during which the former champion has remained in the spotlight for reasons extending well beyond boxing, including a recent exchange in which he even called out Floyd Mayweather.

Next month, he turns 37. While Broner has spoken about his dreams of becoming a five-division champion, those ambitions appear bleak under the current circumstances. Yet that should not be the reason for him to face disruptions while trying to earn a living, put his finances back on course, and take care of himself and his family.

The post Adrien Broner Runs to Security After Receiving Death Threats, Fans Mock and Express Concern appeared first on EssentiallySports.

Latest reports indicate Gervonta Davis could mark his return with a major change in his corner. Instead of long-time trainer Calvin Ford, he may work with David Benavidez’s father and trainer, Jose Benavidez Sr. The developments come days after the WBA ordered Davis and number-ranked contender Floyd Schofield to settle negotiations for a title fight, adding another layer to the uncertainty surrounding Tank’s immediate future.

“BREAKING Sources have told @FightsATW that Jose Benavidez Sr. will be training Gervonta “Tank” Davis for his upcoming fight in the fall. This comes after weeks of working together to see if it was the right fit,” Fight Around the World’s Abraham Gonzalez reported.

The likely reason behind the move, BoxingScene explained, revolves around both promotional and logistical considerations. To begin with, both Tank Davis and David Benavidez are currently promoted by Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions (PBC). The timing of the reported switch is also noteworthy.

While David Benavidez has been on an outstanding run, recently stopping Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez to become a three-division champion, Davis’s momentum has stalled since his controversial draw over Lamont Roach Jr. The Baltimorean has not fought since then, with much of the attention surrounding him focused on his legal troubles rather than his next move in the ring.

BREAKING Sources have told @FightsATW that Jose Benavidez Sr. will be training Gervonta "Tank" Davis for his upcoming fight in the fall. This comes after weeks of working together to see if it was the right fit. #Tank #GervontaDavis https://t.co/ypRCEUKKLe

— Abraham Gonzalez (@abeG718) June 22, 2026

That backdrop may explain why his team appears willing to consider a fresh start under a new trainer. For his part, Benavidez Sr.’s reputation has continued to grow. While he trains his champion son in Miami, he also appears to have opened a new state-of-the-art facility in Seattle. Reports further suggest he may be interested in acquiring the famed Central Boxing Gym in Phoenix, Albuquerque. The facility remains well known in boxing circles because of its association with Mike Tyson, who once trained there.

Viewed from that perspective, the idea may be to move Tank Davis away from Baltimore, where he has spent his entire professional career, training under the watchful eyes of Calvin Ford and Kenny Ellis, allowing him to prepare in a different environment with fewer distractions in either Seattle or Phenix.

To set the record straight, such a move would not be entirely unprecedented. For his last fight, against Roach Jr., Tank worked with Barry Hunter as his primary trainer. However, as the fight unfolded at the Barclays Center, Ford, Ellis, and others were still visible in Tank’s corner.

Historically, there have been several examples of elite fighters parting ways with long-time trainers in search of a new perspective. Gennady Golovkin’s separation from Abel Sanchez in 2019 remains one such example. Much earlier, Lennox Lewis left Pepe Correa and joined the legendary Emanuel Steward following his knockout loss to Oliver McCall.

Could a fresh start be on the horizon for Gervonta Davis?

Taken together, these developments suggest there may be a significant moment unfolding within Tank’s camp. Whether it stems from his recent inactivity, his legal situation, or future fight plans remains difficult to pinpoint, but there appears to be a sense of urgency surrounding the decisions being made.

The broader picture also helps explain how Tank’s situation has evolved over the past few months. In March, reports indicated that discussions were underway for a second bout with Isaac Cruz at 140 pounds. Cruz famously took Tanks the full distance in their meeting five years ago. However, the proposed rematch drew mixed reactions because many observes believed Roach Jr. deserved a rematch following their closely contested draw.

Later, the WBA instructed Davis to fulfill a long-overdue mandatory title defense against top contender Floyd Schofield. The sanctioning body gave both sides a deadline to reach terms before resorting to purse bids. However, progress toward finalizing the matchup reportedly stalled, with Schofield’s side suggesting that Davis’s ongoing legal matters might have complicated negotiations and left the situation uncertain.

Against that backdrop came the latest message from Devin Haney.

“I think Gervonta grew some balls… his team reached out! We might just end up fighting! ,” the welterweight champion wrote on social media.

Haney, a three-division champion himself, currently holds the WBO title at 147 pounds. If what he said is true – that Tank’s team had indeed reached out – the situation raises a number of questions. Does that mean Tank would move up two weight classes? Or would the two meet at a catchweight?

Either scenario strengthens the argument for why Tank may be seeking a different setup ahead of his return.

Yet a potential Haney fight carries its own complications. While the two share a rivalry dating back to their days as lightweight champions, it remains uncertain whether that matchup will materialize at this stage.

Most of the obstacles lie at Haney’s side. The WBO has ordered him to face the mandatory challenger Keyshawn Davis. Failing to do so could result in him being striped of the title.

As a result, a Haney-Tank showdown could ultimately become a non-title affair, which, at this point of their careers, may not be an especially attractive option. Neither side would likely have much incentive to pursue under those circumstances.

The post Gervonta Davis Ditches Long-Time Trainer for David Benavidez’s Father Ahead of Boxing Return appeared first on EssentiallySports.

Yet for all the positive developments, it appears Jermall Charlo‘s troubled past continues to catch up. With just a month remaining for his fight against Koen Mazoudier, scheduled for July 25, reports have emerged that the former two-division champion has allegedly been booked in connection with a toll violation dating back several years.

“Jermall Charlo allegedly was booked today in Harris County for a warrant on alleged toll road violations from 2016,” read the tweet from boxing content provider BOXING n BBQ.

“These details can be found by looking up public records that provided the case number during the booking, which matches the case number from 2016,” it further added.

The available records, however, provide limited details regarding the circumstances behind the allegation. However, as the post suggested, court records show that the former champion was charged with the offense of “Operate Motor Vehicle On Toll Road When Prohibited” for an incident dated June 10, 2017.

Jermall Charlo allegedly was booked today in Harris County for a warrant on alleged toll road violations from 2016. pic.twitter.com/7YqStN7BMr

— BOXING n BBQ (@BOXINGnBBQ) June 21, 2026

Context matters here. A search across Harris County JP courts appears to reveal three cases, all pertaining to 2017, listed under Jermall Charlo’s name. The case status for all three, including the one pertaining to the toll violation, shows as “disposed,” meaning the court resolved and closed the matter. It does not indicate whether the person involved, in this case Jermall Charlo, admitted wrongdoing, was penalized, had the case dismissed, or obtained another outcome.

Another post pushed back against claims linking Charlo to an alcohol-related driving offense and argued that the information being circulated online could be inaccurate. The matter does not involve a recent detention or impaired-driving allegation.

Instead, the issue appears to be tied to a collection of older traffic-related matters that are now drawing renewed attention. To support that argument, the post included screenshots from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office that show a booking dated June 21 against Charlo for “OPR_MOTOR VEH ON TOLL RD WHEN PROHI.”

Notably, the fact that the original booking is recorded at Justice of the Peace (JP) courts also provides additional context. The JP courts are basically lower-level local courts that typically overseas traffic-related violations and other minor legal violations.

Viewed through that lens, the issue does not appear likely to create any obstacle to Charlo’s upcoming appearance on the PBC-Amazon card.

Jermall Charlo: A chance to rewrite the narrative

Three years ago, the former world champion, whose career has gained notoriety more for his frequent absences and outside-the-ring issues than for his unbeaten record and title reign, returned to boxing after two years away and faced David Benavidez’s brother, Jose Benavidez Jr.

But the unanimous win only triggered another long break that lasted till May 31, when he faced LaManna on the Caleb Plant-Jose Resendiz card at the Michelin Ultra Arena in Paradise, Nevada.

During that absence, Charlo saw his WBC title being stripped after he was reportedly arrested on May 6 of 2024, and charged with three misdemeanors, including one related to driving while intoxicated (DWI). Those setbacks further complicated what had already become an uneven stretch in his career.

After navigating those difficult times, Charlo finally regained momentum with a sixth-round knockout of LaManna after moving up a weight class. The win boosted his standing, earning him the 4th and 6th positions in the WBA and WBC super middleweight rankings, respectively.

After a period that saw Charlo calling out several notable names, including Terence Crawford, Jaron “Boots” Ennis, light middleweight champion Sebastian Fundora, and even Tim Tszyu, reports finally emerged that he may secure a spot on the card of Errol Spence Jr., who is set to make a comeback of his own after the disastrous campaign against Crawford three years ago.

The Louisiana native turned 36 last month. At this stage of his career, he knows that opportunities at the highest level are becoming limited and could further become even scarcer as the years pass. So he has to maximize the opportunities currently available to him. A win over unranked Koen Mazoudier could be a major step in that direction.

With the 168-pound division currently facing a significant reshuffle, Charlo still stands a chance, provided he stays consistent and on track. If things fall into place, he could land his long-stated dream matchup against Canelo Alvarez and avenge twin brother Jermell Charlo’s loss three years ago.

The post Jermall Charlo Allegedly Booked for Past Toll Road Violations Ahead of Boxing Return appeared first on EssentiallySports.

After many years of delay, the blockbuster showdown between the two former heavyweight champions, viewed by many as the biggest fight in British boxing history, has finally been put in motion. However, even before it is set to unfold, the matchup has become a major talking point for an array of reasons, including discussions surrounding the potential venue and the promotional struggle between the stakeholders. The incessant bickering and online attention have clearly exasperated Alalshikh, who recently spoke about brokering peace between the opposing sides involved with the matchup.

“Till now I have not decided yet where the fight will take place and will work with me. Some ppl are making up stories about it,” the Riyadh Season chief wrote. “If you want to know the facts, take it from me or the ring. If you want to waste your time, listen to others… I think you have tried me all past years, and you know that whatever I say, I do .”

Alalshikh’s frustration stems from the rumors suggesting the Tyson Fury-AJ fight could potentially take place at a venue in Las Vegas. The cryptic comments made by Dana White, who recently suggested that he would be in charge of the showdown – not Hearn, who promotes Anthony Joshua, or Frank Warren, who handles Fury – only intensified the speculation.

“Have they announced where that fight is? No. I know where it is. Call Eddie right now and ask him if he knows where the fight is. Call Eddie and ask him who negotiated the contract for the fight. It wasn’t him,” he said after the Zuffa Boxing 7: Billam-Smith vs. Rozicki at Bournemouth.

Till now I have not decided yet where the fight will take place and will work with me some ppl are making up a stories about it .. if you want to know the facts take it from me or the ring. If you want to waste your time listen to others .. I think you have tried me all past…

— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) June 21, 2026

The comments only intensified speculations that Fury vs. AJ could unfold at a venue in the United States rather than the United Kingdom. Against that backdrop, BoxingScene highlighted that a few names, such as the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and later the legendary MGM Grand in Las Vegas, had also emerged.

Eddie Hearn’s remarks on the issue added another layer of uncertainty. Speaking with BoxingScene, the Matchroom head suggested that adverse weather conditions in the U.K. by year-end (when the fight is supposed to take place), characterized by the onset of autumn and winter storm seasons, could potentially trigger a change in venue, with the United States being the best available option.

Hearn also pointed out how AJ vs. Fury taking place in the US may require a few changes in the contract. While he acknowledged there is a lot of talk and guesswork about where the fight could happen, he argued no decision has been publicly announced yet. He also pointed out that the existing agreement currently favors holding the event in Britain over elsewhere.

While Hearn focused on the logistical and contractual side of the debate, the venue discussion has also drawn fierce backlash from a section of experts and fans.

Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua: A potential venue choice sparks outrage

Slamming the idea of the showdown taking place in the U.S. instead of the U.K., Chris Mannix placed the blame on Joshua and Fury. He suggested that financial incentives could be driving discussions about holding the bout outside Britain. He felt the two heavyweight stars had enough influence to shape key discussions surrounding the event.

However, Manny argued that choosing a foreign location despite their long-standing support at home would be difficult to justify. Supporters in the U.K. would bear the biggest burden if the contest were staged overseas. Setting aside the emotional impact, many would face major expenses to attend in person, while others would have to adjust to an inconvenient broadcast schedule.

Ultimately, these obstacles would create an unnecessary disadvantage for the audience most closely connected to both AJ and Fury. Holding the showdown outside Britain would not only be unfair but also disrespectful to their loyal followers.

In that context, there are, however, a few examples in which two Britons fought outside their home country, such as the 1997 title defense where Lennox Lewis faced Henry Akinwande at Caesars Tahoe, Stateline, Nevada.

Recent examples also include instances where Turki Alalshikh and Riyadh Season have been involved in staging major fights in the U.K. The September 2024 title fight between AJ and Daniel Dubois, as well as last year’s undisputed clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Dubois, both staged at Wembley, point in that direction.

With Alalshikh now making it clear that the final say regarding the venue for AJ vs. Fury would come either from him or The Ring, attention can now turn to the development immediately ahead.

They include Joshua’s upcoming comeback against Kristian Prenga, considered by many, including Hearn, to be a stepping stone or “warm-up” for the Fury fight. Meanwhile, Fury, who is already through with a fight, the April 11 clash against Arslanbek Makhmudov, also seeks an opponent for his own “warm-up.”

For now, both heavyweights must remain focused on the immediate tasks ahead. It’s with much difficulty that their matchup has finally moved from discussion to reality. Any slip at this stage could prove detrimental to the fight, which, at this stage of their careers, may be hard to salvage.

The post “Waste Your Time Listen to Others”: Turki Alalshikh Addresses Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua in Vegas Rumors appeared first on EssentiallySports.

Yet, while McGregor’s return remains one of the UFC’s biggest storylines, another involving heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall continues to demand attention. The move to put on events that rival, if not surpass, the one that unfolded at the White House South has also put White in a position where he is forced to confront some uncomfortable questions, including one regarding Aspinall. The heavyweight champion’s potential return has emerged as a major puzzle that continues to draw a wave of speculation. When asked about the subject at the post-fight press conference for Fight Night: Kape vs. Horiguchi 2 at APEX, White offered a very unusual response.

“I’m not going to talk about that stuff,” he stated. “You know, I’ll tell you something that’s funny though. So AJ just signed with CAA for sponsorship and all that kind of stuff. Doesn’t Eddie Hearn have a f—king Isn’t that what he does? Aspinall signs with Eddie Hearn, which is insane. AJ, who’s been with him forever and they’re probably best friends, signs with CAA to get.”

At first glance, it is difficult to understand why Dana White refused to discuss Aspinall and instead shifted the conversation toward Anthony Joshua‘s recent commercial representation deal with CAA Sports and his simmering rivalry with Matchroom head Eddie Hearn. Part of the answer may lie in the circumstances surrounding Aspinall’s delayed return and the difficulty surrounding his next title defense.

Reports had indicated that White planned for Aspinall to defend his heavyweight title from Alex Pereira. However, Aspinall, who has not fought since the title defense last October, as he was left dealing with eye injuries, was not cleared, and the opportunity instead went to Ciryl Gane, who defeated Pereira to become an interim champion once again.

In the lead-up to the White House event, White had expressed enthusiasm, saying Aspinall had a “100%” chance of winning the contest against Pereira had he participated.

That is what makes White’s latest comments, in which he categorically refused to discuss Aspinall, somewhat surprising.

However, a different picture begins to emerge when those remarks are weighed against comments recently made by Eddie Hearn.

Hearn, who has a business relationship with Aspinall through his Matchroom Talent Agency, suggested that he would discourage the heavyweight champion from facing the winner of the Pereira-Gane fight.

“I’m not going to let Tom Aspinall fight for the kind of money that’s in his contract,” Hearn said at a recent media appearance. “To be involved in a fight against Pereira or Gane for literally 1/50th of the revenue of that show, f**k that. I won’t let him do it. It’s time those UFC fighters stop being mugs and start to understand that these people are taking advantage of them. They deserve better. My advice to Tom Aspinall will be, ‘Don’t you dare take that fight for the money that’s in your contract.'”

Hearn’s remarks, therefore, offer clues as to why White declined to answer the reporter’s question directly.

As promoters draw battle lines, Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane seek to settle the score

At the same time, the public positions of White and Hearn do not necessarily appear to reflect the wishes of the fighters involved.

What makes the situation even more interesting is that, despite the opposing viewpoints surrounding them, Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane appear to be moving toward a rematch.

After calling out Aspinall from the cage, Gane described a second meeting with the English heavyweight as “unfinished business” during the UFC White House post-fight press conference. He also made it clear that he wants the rematch “as soon as possible, like, like I like to say, in Paris, for example, is a good idea, but I know let the staff of the UFC work on it.”

For his part, Tom Aspinall responded in kind while casting doubts on Gane allegedly making “illegal” moves in the fight with Pereira. “Paris in September, right? I’ll do that. Yeah, I’ll do that. Let me know. I don’t mind. I’ll go to Paris. Let me know,” he said on his YouTube channel while reviewing the White House co-main event.

Taken together, those comments suggest that the fighters may be far more aligned on a rematch that some of the outside discussion would indicate.

Dana White also left the door open following the events. Speaking alongside Gane and other fighters at the post-fight press conference, he acknowledged that he could try putting Aspinall and Gane together for a “numbered event.”

While White’s latest remarks may have complicated the picture surrounding Aspinall’s comeback, it is worth noting that the UFC has a Fight Night event scheduled for Paris on September 5.

So it remains to be seen whether Aspinall vs. Gane could ultimately land on that card or on a separate event, one that White suggested could be built around their rivalry as the UFC calendar moves deeper into the second half of the career.

The post Dana White Refuses Tom Aspinall Question as He Mocks Rival Over Anthony Joshua’s Career Move appeared first on EssentiallySports.

With the UFC event now in history, the figures that surfaced recently have triggered numerous comparisons. Taking those numbers into consideration, Nakisa Bidarian, Jake Paul’s close associate and MVP’s co-founder, shared an intriguing detail which was limited to just one event, the MVPW 03, headlined by Stephanie Han and Holly Holm’s title fight on May 30. Yet it revealed how the five-year-old promotion has evolved into a major force when it comes to changing combat fans’ perceptions.

“MVPW-03 US stats…,” Bidarian’s X post read. “ Over 3 million viewers watched at least 1 minute (compared to UFC Freedom 250’s 17M viewers for 1 minute). 559K average viewership (went head to head with game 7 of NBA conference finals) 962K peak viewership 97% of Top Rank’s 2025 ESPN linear average. Outdrew multiple 2025 Top Rank ESPN telecasts, including Navarrete-Suarez (370K) and Zayas-Garcia (557K). Male 18-34 was the strongest demo. Women’s boxing #MVPW.”

To put it simply, Bidarian’s post appeared aimed at demonstrating the commercial strength of MVP’s women’s boxing product. With the boxing ecosystem, beyond highlighting overall reach and average viewership, he compared the event’s audience to established Top Rank broadcasts and pointed to its performance, especially among younger male viewers. In essence, women’s boxing can attract mainstream viewers and compete with more established boxing stakeholders.

His earlier post sets the context for the latest message. While acknowledging UFC’s status as MMA’s dominant brand and the unique advantages enjoyed by its White House event, Bidarian maintained that MVP’s audience figures should be viewed within its proper context. The viewership statistics therefore highlighted not only the reach of the promotion’s latest event but also its competitiveness with established boxing broadcasts. The larger point was MVP’s boxing product is capable of attracting mainstream audiences.

MVPW-03 US stats…

Over 3 million viewers watched at least 1 minute (comp to UFC Freedom 250’s 17M viewers for 1 minute)

559K average viewership (went head to head with game 7 of NBA conference finals)

962K peak viewership

97% of Top Rank's 2025 ESPN linear… pic.twitter.com/wxQwC4xrGM

— Nakisa Bidarian (@nakisa_bidarian) June 20, 2026

Outside of those viewership figures, the MVPW 03 also proved a major success in hard ticket sales and in setting a new gate record for the venue, El Paso County Coliseum, for a combat sports event.

Bidarian’s comments follow reports that indicate how UFC Freedom 250 fared among viewers.

Data from Nielsen and Adobe Analytics, which Paramount said formed the basis of its viewership figures, showed that the UFC Freedom 250 drew a massive audience across North and Latin America. In line with Bidarian’s tweet, the event attracted roughly 17 million viewers who watched at least part of the broadcast, even if only briefly. On average, however, about 8.2 million people were tuned in at any given time across the two regions.

The United States accounted for the bulk of that audience, with an average of 7 million viewers. The strong performance made the card the most-watched live event released exclusively on Paramount+.

In comparison, the MVP’s MMA1 event that unfolded at Inglewood, California’s Intuit Dome on Netflix on May 16 drew an average audience of 9.3 million viewers in the United States and 12.4 million worldwide. Interest particularly surged as the event progressed towards the headliner between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, with global viewership climbing to nearly 17 million at its highest point.

Jake Paul and Ronda Rousey take aim at UFC over audience figures

Beyond the broadcast itself, the card generated significant online engagement, with reports suggesting that it produced more than 410 million impressions on MVP’s social media channels. Last but not least, the main event, which ended in just 17 seconds when Rousey submitted Carano, also achieved a notable milestone by recording the largest U.S. audience for an MMA event since 2011.

The statistics were not the only talking point to emerge from the comparison. Several figures associated with MVP also weighed in publicly.

Footage on social media featuring Jake Paul garnered considerable traction. Set to Drake’s Burning Bridges, Paul could be seen pointing at a post that showed the viewership comparison between the MVP MMA event and the White card. The accompanying caption taunted, “1st event vs. 329th event. Where y’all at, UFC?”

As more reports surrounding the viewership details surfaced, Ronda Rousey, whose fractious relationship with the UFC is now well documented, also weighed in. Reacting to Complex’s tweet about the viewership, the Olympic medalist and former UFC champion lodged a sharp tease at the promotion’s Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell, saying, “Lmao! Kiss my a** Hunter Campbell .”

Against that backdrop, Bidarian appeared to be reinforcing a point MVP has stressed for years – that it is the leading force in women’s boxing. While many traditional stakeholders in the sport offered little more than lip service to the issue, MVP has invested heavily in advancing women’s boxing and now women’s participation in mixed martial arts.

Viewing women’s combat sports as only secondary to men’s participation may now prove risky, as MVP has shown. They can be equal commercial attractions.

The post MVPW-03 Beats Multiple ESPN Telecast as Jake Paul’s Business Partner Reveals Viewership Numbers appeared first on EssentiallySports.

Yet, despite the time separating them and the engagements in between, talks about the epic showdown have already started taking center stage. One that has drawn particular attention is the fast-emerging rumor that, instead of fighting in England, the two former heavyweight champions could end up squaring off on American soil. While the talks remain unconfirmed, the idea has already come under heavy criticism for seemingly contradicting what many view as the central appeal of the matchup – the biggest fight in British boxing history.

“It’s not complicated. It’s money,” speaking about the fight, Chris Mannix told Sergio Mora on the DAZN podcast. “But this is the biggest slap in the face to British boxing fans that you can possibly make. And I’m pointing the finger straight at Tyson Fury, and I’m pointing the finger at Anthony Joshua because they are the figures with the power here. If it happens, it is so unbelievably greedy on the part of Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, guys that have made tens of millions of dollars, hundreds of millions of dollars backed by the support of the British boxing fan.”

“And now you’re telling them that if they want to watch you, they’ve either got to pay $5,000 to fly halfway around the world to get to Las Vegas, spend money on hotels in Las Vegas, or spend more money on tickets in Las Vegas, or if you don’t want to travel there, you’ve got to get your ass up at 4:00 in the morning to watch our fight. It’s early morning Sunday over in the UK to watch our fight. Bonkers and absolutely insulting to British fans.”

A fight at Las Vegas could potentially generate higher-priced VIP and hospitality packages alongside larger corporate sponsorship opportunities. It may appeal to wealthy international travelers and also attract more involvement from U.S. broadcasters and commercial partners. If the rumors ultimately prove true, those incentives may help explain why Fury and Joshua would consider Las Vegas, even as Mannix argued that doing so would come at the expense of their British fanbase.

Yet that may be more of an assumption than an established fact. Many of Fury’s and AJ’s blockbuster showdowns in England were highly lucrative events that fetched them multi-million dollar payouts. Those revenues are difficult to separate from the massive crowds and attention that AJ’s and Fury’s appearance at a British venue would likely attract.

A fight between Tyson Fury and AJ would likely sell out if it were to take place at a venue such as Wembley, with its 90k-plus capacity, or Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Both fighters have spent years cultivating a fanbase that cannot be compared to the following they might enjoy outside England, let alone in the United States.

Numbers matter here. Out of his 38 professional bouts, Fury has had only six fights take place on American soil. In Anthony Joshua‘s case, that number is even much lower, with just two (out of 33): the 2019 title defense against Andy Ruiz Jr. taking place at New York’s Madison Square Garden and the more recent Netflix event against Jake Paul in Miami.

At the same time, it’s worth noting that British fans have, in the past, traveled with much fanfare to the United States for major fights. One notable example is how fans traveled to see Ricky Hatton’s famous fights against Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, both of which took place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, a venue that has emerged as one of the options for AJ vs. Fury.

A closer look also reveals that there have been instances in the past when two British boxers fought in the United States. The most prominent example is Lennox Lewis’s 1997 title defense against fellow Londoner Henry Akinwande at Caesars Tahoe, Stateline, Nevada.

Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua: A superfight facing rough seas

Still, the venue discussion does not exist in isolation. The rumors have emerged alongside a broader power struggle that has already developed around the fight itself. A major promotional dispute has taken shape, with Dana White on one side and Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn, who promote Fury and AJ, respectively, on the other.

The tension, sparked by White’s recent claims that he will be leading the promotional side of the AJ-Fury fight, has snowballed into a major controversy that ultimately saw Turki Alalshikh step in and attempt to broker a peace between the two opposing sides.

As the Saudi power broker tries to navigate another delicate negotiation, the venue discussion has already been addressed by one of the stakeholders, Eddie Hearn. Addressing rumors that mentioned venues ranging from SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles to the MGM Grand, Hearn initially told BoxingScene that, because of potentially unfavorable weather conditions in the UK by year-end, when the fight is expected to take place, the United States could be a viable alternative.

But later, he suggested that for the fight to take place in the U.S., certain contractual terms would need to be revised. “There has been some murmuring of the fight taking place in the US,” he told BoxingScene. “The contract specifically states that the fight must take place in the UK. Right now there is no official confirmation.”

It’s still months before fans receive any official confirmation regarding the AJ-Fury fight. So it may be too early to speculate too heavily on such matters.

The post Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua Accused of Cheating UK Fans as Vegas Fight Reports Go Viral appeared first on EssentiallySports.

Speaking about trying to unite the fragmented powers in boxing, the Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia told reporters about the effects of his illness. Although he didn’t go into detail about what he has been going through, several past reports appear to provide a clear picture.

Does Turki Alalshikh have a brain tumor? 

“I want to do it before losing my memory,” Alalshikh said during the Ring Magazine interview. “I’m afraid in 2028 or 2029 I’ll forget my name.”

Although Alalshikh didn’t reveal the details about his illness, rumors had been circulating on X since 2016. Those rumors were confirmed when The Athletic shared a detailed report about Alalshikh in April 2025. According to the outlet, Alalshikh was diagnosed with several forms of cancer in 2015 and beyond. Among them was a tumor located in his brain, close to his pituitary gland. 

Turki Alalshikh is hoping to broker peace amid the ongoing disputes between promoters in boxing pic.twitter.com/nbmnBti1H9

— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) June 19, 2026

While struggling with health problems, he became the chairman of the General Sports Authority (GSA) on September 6, 2017. But even then, his illness kept him busy with treatment in New York throughout 2018 and 2019. As this was happening, Alalshikh also took over the role of chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) in 2018. Some good news finally came in 2020. 

A January 2020 report from Lovin Riyadh confirmed that Alalshikh had undergone a successful surgery in 2020 in the United States to remove a tumor. Shedding further light on his illness, Alalshikh spoke to Kuwaiti podcaster Ammar Taqi in January 2024, where he revealed that one of his operations had gone wrong, and it left him with a wound that bled for 50 days and months of inflammation. 

But overall, it had appeared that he had gotten a second life, but his recent comments suggest he is still struggling with some illness. According to The Brain Tumour Charity, a brain tumor can cause memory loss because of the tumor itself or because of the treatment. While the exact cause of the memory loss Alalshikh is talking about is unknown, it’s this illness that pushed him to invest in boxing.

Alalshikh’s health issues had something to do with Saudi Arabia’s enormous interest in boxing

From 2022, as the Chairman of the Saudi Arabia General Entertainment Authority, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh has taken a keen interest in boxing. Think about it: Saudi Arabia, though Alalshikh poured in millions upon millions into the sport, putting together some of the biggest fights in recent history. 

Alalshikh’s goal was simple: return the sport, which many view as a niche sport, to its golden era. It showed not only his ambition but also his genuine love for the sport. And this accelerated push might have something to do with his worsening illness. In a 2024 interview with DAZN’s Ade Oladipo, he indicated that his health issues were one of the reasons behind putting together so many great fights.

“I like to work,” Alalshikh said. “I like it for my country and for the trust of my king [King Salman], God bless him, and the trust of the crown prince [Mohammed bin Salman] for me. And I even have a personal situation and reason. I have a lot of health [issues] in the last five years, maybe. And this has [made] me want to do everything and to see it in my life.”

Although boxing is still not where he wanted it to be, Alalshikh hasn’t stopped investing in the sport. Besides staging boxing events, he has also backed Zuffa Boxing’s entry into the sport, with UFC CEO Dana White at its helm. Alalshikh might be hoping White can replicate UFC’s success in boxing as well, returning the sport to its golden days. 

The only drawback is, at least for Turki Alalshikh, as he claimed, his health issues might not let him watch the sport he loves achieve its lost status. 

The post Is Turki Alalshikh Losing His Memory? All We Know About His Illness and Brain Tumor appeared first on EssentiallySports.

After months of online shadowboxing, the back-and-forth finally spilled into the open over the heated subject of who is going to promote the Anthony Joshua–Tyson Fury fight tentatively set for the end of this year. Lest the much-discussed matchup become uncertain, the escalating situation forced Saudi power broker Turki Alalshikh to intervene and mediate between the opposing sides even as reports indicate he might be dealing with a serious illness.

“I’ll do my best to do a meeting soon between my brothers Dana White, Nick Khan, Frank Warren, Eddie Hearn, and my partners and friends at DAZN to make peace and revolution for boxing,” Alalshikh’s statement, shared by Ring Magazine, read.

“I hope I succeed & boxing fans see white smoke rise from the chimney. I want to do it before losing my memory. I’m afraid in 2028 or 2029 I’ll forget my name. I want to do it before losing my memory. I’m afraid in 2028 or 2029 I’ll forget my name.”

The latter part of the statement quickly drew attention. Outside of his own cryptic message, which only hinted at potential memory issues, there have been reports suggesting that the Riyadh Season chief has been dealing with serious medical problems.

Turki Alalshikh is hoping to broker peace amid the ongoing disputes between promoters in boxing pic.twitter.com/nbmnBti1H9

— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) June 19, 2026

“In recent years, Al-Sheikh has suffered serious health issues. He was diagnosed with several forms of cancer from 2015 onwards, the most serious of these being a tumor located in his brain, close to his pituitary gland. He spent much of 2018 and 2019 in New York for treatment,” an excerpt from the New York Times (via The Athletic, dated April 25, 2025) read.

“Speaking to Kuwaiti podcaster Ammar Taqi, Al-Sheikh said that one operation resulted in a medical error, leaving him with a wound which bled for 50 days, before months of inflammation,” it added.

Alalshikh has also previously spoken about how his health struggles have influenced his ambitions for boxing. “I have a lot of health (issues) in the last five years, maybe. And this has (made) me want to do everything and to see it in my life,” he said in a Q & A session.

Viewed through that lens, his latest attempt to bring together some of boxing’s most influential figures may carry an added source of urgency. But before any peace can be achieved, Alalshikh will first have to bring the opposing sides to the table and sort out the differences that have dominated boxing headlines over the last couple of weeks.

Why Turki Alalshikh is trying to bring boxing’s rivals together

The dispute primarily centers around who is going to handle the blockbuster showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

While things were already fractious between Dana White and Hearn after the former started poaching the English promoter’s fighters for his newly launched boxing promotion, Zuffa, tension reached another level after White recently claimed that he would be one leading the Fury-AJ fight. Given the ties Zuffa enjoys with Alalshikh and their past involvement in setting the stage for the Canelo Alvarez-Terence Crawford fight, that looked like a logical move to some observers.

Yet, unlike the Canelo-Crawford showdown, where the two entered the bout without any promotional disputes, the AJ-Fury situation presents a different situation. Both Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn have strongly rejected the idea of Dana White promoting the AJ-Fury fight. While AJ has been a long-time Matchroom star, Fury’s association with Warren’s Queensberry also stretches back years.

That backdrop has made Fury’s recent appearance at the UFC Freedom 250 event on the White House South Lawn all the more notable, sparking a fresh wave of speculation about where things may ultimately be headed.

Given his working relationships with both Warren and Hearn, Turki Alalshikh may have felt it was time to use his influence to bring all of them together and work out a solution.

It would not be the first time he had attempted such a move. Three years ago, he brought the two English promotional rivals, who reportedly had not spoken to each other for nearly 15 years, together and staged the Day of Reckoning card that unfolded in December, 2023, at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena.

More significantly, Alalshikh, who loves boxing and has been instrumental in setting some of the biggest showdowns in recent history, may want White, Warren, and Hearn to settle their differences and move the sport in the same direction rather than leave it fragmented.

With several boxing fans already worried that the White-Warren-Hearn feud could lead to the collapse of a fight they have wanted to see for years and which, if it falls through now, may never return, Alalshikh’s efforts appear to be a positive step that has been applauded by many on social media.

But there is another takeaway. One where, considering his partnership ties with one party, White, the move could ultimately leave the other side, Warren and Hearn, feeling pressured into accepting an arrangement they may not have otherwise accepted.

Still, it’s too early to say. The next few days should provide a clearer picture of where boxing’s latest power struggle is headed and whether a resolution can be reached without jeopardizing the AJ-Fury fight.

The post Turki Alalshikh to Broker Peace Between Dana White, Boxing Promoters Before Illness Takes Away His Memory appeared first on EssentiallySports.

“Floyd Mayweather was sued Thursday as promoter CSI seeks repayment of $4.65 million in advances paid to the boxer for a two-fight deal to face Mike Tyson and Manny Pacquiao, according to a complaint obtained by The Ring’s
(Mike Coppinger),” the Ring Magazine’s X post read.

“CSI is seeking an injunction to block Mayweather’s exhibition scheduled to take place in Greece on June 27th against Mike Zambidis.”

The lawsuit centers on a disagreement over who controls Floyd Mayweather‘s upcoming boxing plans. Nine years after he retired from professional boxing, the former champion announced his return this February. The development came after reports of an exhibition match against Mike Tyson gained considerable traction. CSI Sports claims it signed contracts giving it exclusive rights to produce the Tyson exhibition and the subsequent rematch with Manny Pacquiao scheduled to take place in September.

According to CSI, the Tyson event was supposed to happen first, followed by another major fight. However, the promotion alleges Mayweather began making separate deals with other businesses while still under contract. One of those arrangements reportedly involved the Pacquiao fight linked to Netflix, while another involved the June 27 exhibition against Mike Zambidis in Greece.

Floyd Mayweather was sued Thursday as promoter CSI seeks repayment of $4.65 million in advances paid to the boxer for a two-fight deal to face Mike Tyson and Manny Pacquiao, according to a complaint obtained by The Ring’s @MikeCoppinger.

CSI is seeking an injunction to block… pic.twitter.com/Z0E5GyCdo9

— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) June 19, 2026

CSI said they tried to work through some of those issues but found the Zambidis event problematic because it allegedly violates the exclusive provisions of its contracts. CSI argues that even though the Tyson fight was postponed due to the former heavyweight injuring his hand, the agreement still gave time for the bout to be rescheduled before Mayweather could participate in another event.

As a result, it has now asked a federal court to block the Greece exhibition while also seeking to recover the millions they say they invested in the planned events.

If the court grants CSI’s request for an injunction, the Mayweather-Zambidis exhibition would likely be postponed or canceled because the stakeholders generally will not proceed with an event that is subject to a court order. Such a ruling may not mean CSI has won the lawsuit. But it would indicate that the judge believes its contractual claims deserve protection while the case is litigated.

It could also strengthen CSI’s leverage on negotiations and could complicate Mayweather’s plans for other fights, including the proposed Tyson exhibition and the Pacquiao rematch. Broadcasters, sponsors, and business partners may also become more reluctant to work on future events until the legal dispute is resolved.

Floyd Mayweather’s toughest fight may now be taking place outside the ring

The effects, meanwhile, may already be emerging. Veteran boxing journalist Dana Rafael wrote that DAZN may have potentially removed the Mayweather-Zambidis exhibition from its schedule after being informed of CSI’s claims and wanting to avoid getting dragged into a legal dispute. Rafael also reported that Ticketmaster was no longer handling ticket sales for the event after receiving similar notice from CSI.

“A few things I’ve learned in reading the CSI suit (34 pages) vs. Floyd and speaking to those involved—Netflix is out of the Floyd-Manny rematch. They want the fight in September, but Floyd’s contract with CSI is clear: the Tyson fight must come first, and that is contemplated for September. Floyd’s people also sent CSI a termination letter claiming their deal is void even though he has received more than $4.5M in advances,” the veteran journalist added.

Rafael’s comments are particularly significant because one of the biggest aspects of the proposed Mayweather-Pacquiao II was Netflix’s involvement. Having the world’s biggest OTT streaming services showcase the fight added considerable weight to a matchup that has not really gained momentum among fans, particularly after Mayweather claimed it would be an exhibition and not a professional boxing match.

Against that backdrop, it’s worth recalling comments from Manny Pacquiao, who, when the controversy peaked, fired back by saying Mayweather had already signed a deal and accepted an advance.

The contractual dispute, however, is only one of several legal issues currently surrounding Mayweather. Notably, the development comes within days of reports emerging that the unbeaten former world champion has been hit with felony charges carrying potentially serious consequences.

Reports recently indicated prosecutors had brought two felony counts – theft and drawing or passing a check with intent to defraud – against the former world champion. If found guilty, Mayweather could face a prison sentence alongside a string of financial penalties.

The legal challenge follows the $7.3 million tax lien filed by the IRS and another $105k lawsuit filed by a private jet service for unpaid services.

While no communication or statement appears to have come from Team Mayweather, the latest development is likely to add further scrutiny to his comeback plans.

The post Floyd Mayweather Sued for $4.65M Over Mike Tyson, Manny Pacquiao Fight Deals Amid Felony Charges appeared first on EssentiallySports.