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Two legend’s of the ring may collide in an exhibition match next month, as rumors of a fight between Floyd Mayweather and Julio Cesar Chavez begin to pick up.

In the modern era of boxing, fans have come accustomed to seeing strange matchups, usually involving social media influencers. But now, if Chavez’s words are anything to go by, the combat sport world will have something to get excited for.

According to boxing icon Julio Cesar Chavez, a fight between himself and Floyd Mayweather could be right around the corner. Chavez hinted at the bout on his Instagram page, claiming that the clash will unfold on September 16.

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A post shared by Julio Cesar Chavez Gonzalez (@jcchavez115)

Boxing fans rejoice at the thought of a Floyd Mayweather vs. Julio Cesar Chavez super-fight, but it’s likely too late for the affair to be competitive. 

Chavez is 15 years Mayweather’s elder, and at 62 years old, is unlikely to possess even close to the amount of talent he had during his mesmerizing heights back in the mid ’90s.

Despite retiring from professional boxing in 2005, the Mexican has ventured into the exhibition side of the sport. Chavez has competed as recent as 2021 and will be hoping to put on a show for the fans if the September 16 Mayweather event does go ahead.

Related: Floyd Mayweather bout explodes into chaos with gangster’s grandson

Who is Floyd Mayweather fighting next?

While Floyd Mayweather could potentially be facing the aforementioned Julio Cesar Chavez next month, he still has an upcoming opponent to worry about.

On Saturday, August 24, ‘Money’ Mayweather will run it back with John Gotti III. The pair originally met last year, though their fight was cut short due to an excessive amount of trash talking.

Things boiled over after the bout was stopped, with Gotti still attempting to attack his opponent. All eyes are glued to this weekend, with many expecting the heat between the pair to continue.

MMAWeekly.com | UFC and MMA News, Results, Rumors, and Videos

Mutual respect
| BJPenn.com

UFC

Du Plessis declared Whittaker is his favorite fighter, and laid out a laundry list of reasons why ‘Reaper’ deserves a middleweight title shot.

After defeating Israel Adesanya at UFC 305, Dricus Du Plessis is expected to face Sean Strickland for his next title defense. That’s the word from UFC execs on high, and Du Plessis has said he’s not in the business of choosing opponents. But if he were, he’d choose Robert Whittaker.

“Robert Whitaker is one of the biggest legends of the sport, in my opinion,” Du Plessis said in an interview with FOX Sports Australia. “That’s why he’s my favorite fighter. You know, that’s why I’ve always been such a big fan of Robert Whitaker before being in the UFC even. The man has an understanding for the game. He knows. He’s been in those wars.”

“I’m gonna say it: I believe that they’re doing Robert Whittaker a little bit dirty with what he’s done. The Strickland fight, obviously, more people want to see it. I want to fight the best guy. I want to fight the guy people want to see me fight. I want to fight the guy who is clearly the best next guy and … right now that’s Sean Strickland, apparently?”

Du Plessis laid down Whittaker’s accomplishments compared to Strickland.

“Robert Whittaker, especially if he wins over Khamzat [Chimaev], how do you not give the man [a title shot]?” the South African asked. “Strickland beat [Paulo] Costa in a very subpar fight. Whittaker beat Costa in an amazing fight. Then goes to fight Khamzat. Khamzat steps out. Whittaker fights a nobody, Alikserov, a great fighter, just risk, no reward. Does UFC, does everyone a favor, steps up, makes it look easy, shows everyone the level he is at. Then asks for Khamzat again!”

“And even with a win doesn’t get a shot?”

“I’ve said it many times, that’s the fight game,” Du Plessis concluded. “Right now more people want to see Strickland. And I’m in a position where I’m not refusing any fights. I’m going to fight the guy they put in front of me and I’m going to win the belt again.”

Robert Whittaker (hopefully) faces Khamzat Chimaev on October 26th in the co-main event of UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi, UAE. If he wins, he may want to consider staying ready given Sean Strickland’s tenuous ability to stay out of trouble and stay in foreign countries.

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submitted by /u/PrincePyotrBagration [link] [comments]

MMA: Mixed Martial Arts

Khalil Rountree Jr. won’t apologize for taking advantage of an opportunity.

UFC CEO Dana White recently announced that Rountree will challenge Alex Pereira for the light heavyweight title at UFC 307 in Salt Lake City. The matchup was highly unexpected as Rountree is still under suspension for accidentally ingesting a banned substance. Speaking with MMA Fighting this week, Rountree explained how this all came together.

“I got a call from Hunter [Campbell],” Rountree said. “I was having a bad day that day, dealing with some other stuff, and he was like, ‘Hey, I’ll make your day better, we’ve got this opportunity for you to fight Alex in October.’ It kind of came by surprise, but of course I’m going to accept. That’s the fight I’ve wanted, it’s the fight I’ve been calling for, and I’m excited, I’m happy, I’m grateful.”

Of course, not everyone is as happy as Rountree. Fans and a number of fighters criticized the matchup given Rountree’s suspension and the fact he’s only No. 8 in the UFC light heavyweight rankings. But Rountree isn’t concerned about the naysayers; he’s focused on the people who support him getting this chance.

“I understand that people are upset. Whatever. It’s not my problem, for one,” Rountree said. “It’s not my problem. It’s out of my control. They give me the call — OK, I take it. Let them deal with their own problems. Let them talk to the UFC. Whatever fans are not happy about this, I don’t know why. I couldn’t even call them true fans if you’re not happy about this matchup.

“But for everybody else, they’re absolutely right. It’s going to be exciting from start to finish, and I’m hyped.”

Despite some people’s misgivings, Rountree is currently on a five-fight winning streak, most recently finishing former title challenger Anthony Smith this past December. He also has a unique claim to having already beaten three former GLORY kickboxers in UFC. In that regard, Pereira is like the final boss of GLORY Kickboxing in MMA, a two-division champion who has transitioned seamlessly into UFC. When they meet in the octagon in October, Rountree believes he will add another to the list and make his dreams come true.

“This is what I’ve been working for,” Rountree said. “When I started MMA, everything, my life changed. It all happened kind of by accident, but I stayed strong, I stayed dedicated, and I’ve always had a belief that this was possible. Now I’m finally here and I’m living in this reality that was a dream, so what it means to me is everything. It’s that time I’ve always seen in my mind. Now it’s here.

“I’ve got a message for Alex, and that’s see you in October. Everybody else, nothing. Watch me in October.”

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Andre Berto says that Claressa Shields is not getting the credit she deserves for her highly impressive career in boxing. “GWOAT” Claressa Shields represented the USA in the Olympics and has since collected numerous titles across multiple weight classes.

Claressa Shields

The US-born Claressa Shields earned two Olympic Gold Medals as an amateur fighter. Since turning pro, Shields has remained unbeaten in her spotless 15-0 fight career. Along the way, she has earned WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, and The Ring titles across multiple weight classes. Additionally, she competes in MMA with the PFL. Most recently, “GWOAT” Claressa Shields captured the heavyweight title by way of knockout.

Former Olympian, world champion, and Hall of Fame boxer Andre Berto said that Shields is not getting the respect that she deserves. Speaking in an interview on All The Smoke, he said:

“Somebody like that has been that dominant for so long, two gold medals, multiple world titles, undefeated, just accolades after accolades. I believe that she continues to feel like she has to do more and more and more to continue to try to gain any type of real respect. If it’s boxing, if it’s MMA, if it’s doing rap videos, if it’s YouTube. But she’s trying to deliver you know, to a different type of hype because she feels like she needs to,. But she’s still not getting that type of love, notoriety, or sponsors.

“You got a woman that’s so dominant and has been collecting everything. What else does she need to do to get those real dollars? Those real fight dollars, those real endorsement dollars. Cause, like I said, I see her working overtime. Everybody’s been seeing her working overtime.”

Not only does Claressa Shields not get the respect she deserves, as someone with so many impressive accolades, but she is also actively disrespected, Berto explained. An Olympic medalist and multi-division world champion in boxing, people should be celebrating her as they are witnessing history.

Last year when I spoke to Shields, she broke down exactly where she keeps all of her impressive titles. Because it’s not easy to store so many gold belts and medals.

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Berto Continued:

“I know these platforms give people a voice that otherwise wouldn’t have one. And a lot of times people say whatever they want to say, but what is all that? The hate and vitriol that’s coming at Claressa Shields. Where is this coming from? My heart for her, man, is just to rest in her greatness. Resting on what she’s accomplished and finishing her career out strong. Get as many bags as she can. Maintain her integrity in the process and, try to leave this thing undefeated.

“I’m not standing for the blatant disrespect of this young lady from these grown men. It’s ridiculous.“

LowKickMMA.com

Absolutely killer photo too. I’d of posted it as well, loss or not lol. submitted by /u/RickDankoLives [link] [comments]

MMA: Mixed Martial Arts

UFC 305 took place at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia and was headlined by a middleweight title bout between champion Dricus du Plessis and former two-time titleholder Israel Adesanya.

The championship bout was du Plessis’ first title defense. He captured the championship in January by defeating Sean Strickland via split decision in the UFC 297 main event. Adesanya lost the belt to Strickland in his last outing last September.  

The two did touch gloves despite the intense buildup to the fight.  Adesanya inched forward switching stances.  Du Plessis landed first with a leg kick.  Adesanya answered with a jab.  Du Plessis rushed forward but Adesanya kept his guard high.  Adesanya delivered a hard leg kick.  Du Plessis rushed forward but Adesanya moved away.  Du Plessis landed a right hand.  Adesanya stepped in with a knee to the body.  Adesanya landed a leg kick.  Du Plessis switched stances.  Du Plessis went high with a kick that was blocked.  He changed levels and looked for a takedown.  Adesanya defended the attempt and circled away.  

Adesanya delivered a leg kick tot he body.  Du Plessis pressed forward and connected with a left hand.  Adesanya found the mark with a right hand.  Du Plessis responded with a leg kick.  Du Plessis connected with a right hand.  Adesanya shook his head as if it didn’t land clean.  Du Plessis looked for a left high kick.  Adesanya delivered a hard right hand to the body.  Du Plessis went high with a left kick that was blocked at the bell.  MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for du Plessis.

Adesanya opened the second round with a kick to the body.  Du Plessis pressed forward with back-kick to the body.  Adesanya targeted the body again with a kick.  Adesanya moved forward and du Plessis changed levels and took him down.  Adesanya tried to stand but Du Plessis took his back.  Du Plessis looked for a rear-naked choke.  Adesanya defends the attempt and scrambles to his feet.  

Adesanya landed an elbow on the inside.  Adesanya picked up the pace.  Du Plessis fired back and dove for a leg.  He briefly got Adesanya to the ground.  Du Plessis landed a couple of short hands and continued to work for a takedown.  Adesanya worked his way to his feet but du Plessis remained on him.  Du Plessis tripped Adesanya back to the canvas.  Du Plessis delivered left hands.  Adesanya nearly got free but du Plessis continued to look for a takedown.  MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for du Plessis.  

Adesanya continued to target the body of du Plessis in the third.  Adesanya landed a straight left hand.  Adesanya landed a hard right hand to the body.  Du Plessis responded with a right hand.  Adesanya fired off a head kick that was partially blocked.  Adesanya landed a leg kick and du Plessis rushed forward but missed with a combination.  Adesanya continued to land to the body.  Du Plessis connected with a right hand.  Adesanya landed a nasty elbow.  Du Plessis answered with a heavy left hand.  Du Plessis pressed forward with a combination.  He looked for a takedown but Adesanya defended it.  Adesanya connected with a right hand.  Adesanya tripped but got to his feet.  Du Plessis landed a left hand.  Adesanya reacted with an uppercut.  

Both men look exhausted.  They traded right hands.  Adesanya dug a combination to the body.  Du Plessis drove forward with a right hand.  MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for du Plessis.  

Adesanya inched forward behind his jab to start the fourth round.  Adesanya landed an uppercut.  Du Plessis immediately went for a takedown. Adesanya sprawled and made the champion stand back up.  Adesanya connected with a right hand followed by a kick to the body.  Adesanya connected with an uppercut.  Du Plessis looked to have slowed.  

Du Plessis landed a counter right hand after taking a jab.  Du Plessis delivered a kick to then body and began moving forward.  Adesanya met him with a combination.  Adesanya connected with a check hook.  Du Plessis landed a left hook that made Adesanya retreat.  Du Plessis rushed forward with a right hand that knocked Adesanya down.  Du Plessis pressed forward and landed another shot.  He took Adesanya’s back and locked on a rear-naked choke.  Adesanya tapped out.  The official time of the submission was 3:38 of Round 4.  

MMAWeekly.com | UFC and MMA News, Results, Rumors, and Videos

Absolutely killer photo too. I’d of posted it as well, loss or not lol. submitted by /u/RickDankoLives [link] [comments]

MMA: Mixed Martial Arts