Heavyweight Schedule for 2018

[The Hammer]

Wladimir Klitschko-Bryant Jennings gaining steam

Unified heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko is closing in on a deal to defend his titles against U.S. heavyweight prospect Bryant Jennings, multiple sources told SI.com. The targeted date is May 4.
Finalizing Klitschko-Jennings will depend on the involvement of HBO or Showtime. Klitschko (59-3) is counting on Jennings (16-0), a fast-rising prospect who blossomed into a well-known contender fighting regularly on NBC Sports Network last year, to draw the interest of one of the two top premium networks. If HBO or Showtime are interested -- a source says HBO is -- Jennings will be the opponent. If not, Klitschko will turn to Italian heavyweight Francesco Pianeta, in a broadcast that will likely be shown in the U.S. on Epix and EpixHD.com.

The date is notable because it is when pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather has announced he plans to return to the ring. However, there is a growing sense in the industry that Mayweather, who has yet to name an opponent, won't be ready to fight in May. One scenario is that one of the premium networks buys Klitschko-Jennings and makes a split site doubleheader with Saul Alvarez, who is also expected to return on May 4. In interviews, Alvarez says his opponent will be undefeated titleholder Austin Trout.

[The Hammer]

Wladimir Klitschko says Price vs. Thompson is a 50-50 fight:




Bryant Jennings says Wladimir Klitschko is a great boxer and he's ready to fight him now:




Alexander Povetkin's manager says they want the fight with Wladimir Klitschko, but there has to be more money:




Tomasz Adamek says he was certainly not scared of Pulev, he chose another direction for financial reasons:




Boris Grinberg says he will keep Magomed Abdusalamov active this year.

[The Hammer]

Denis Boytsov's attorney talks about the situation with Universum (use google translate):




David Price says the heavyweight division is not in bad shape, and when the Klitschkos retire it will be very competitive again. He says the Klitschkos are too much better than the rest:

[BostonGuy]

I think one of the reasons why Wlad has such trouble selecting opponents is: he's kind of impatient. What I mean by this is, why can't Wlad keep his fight date against a TBA for a month or so?

He should wait to see the outcome of Thompson-Price and if Price is willing then select him as an opponent.

[Gojira]

I think one of the reasons why Wlad has such trouble selecting opponents is: he's kind of impatient. What I mean by this is, why can't Wlad keep his fight date against a TBA for a month or so?

He should wait to see the outcome of Thompson-Price and if Price is willing then select him as an opponent.

There's no chance of Price fighting Wladamir at this stage of his career. He said he wants two more fights after Thompson before he fights for a title.

[The Hammer]

An Australian promoter is trying to make Solomon Haumono vs. Samuel Peter, and James Toney vs. Kali Meehan or Shane Cameron.

[The Hammer]

from s.com

Unbeaten Japanese heavyweight Rio Hidaka (10-0, 8 KOs), 216.75, defeated New Zealander Clarence Tilman (11-11-2, 6 KOs), 274, by a nearly lopsided decision (79-74 twice and 79-73) over eight hard-fought rounds on Sunday in Sanda, Japan.

Hidaka controlled the contest with his constant pressure and solid overhand rights, but the much taller and heavier Tilman occasionally landed a vicious punch to the face at a time. Hidaka, too anxious to finish his foe, looked too tense and stiff to throw punches smoothly, but he was an aggressor all the way. The 6’4” Tilman withstood the shorter Japanese ****er’s shots and attempted to land his wicked right cross. Hidaka, who had always asked for more bouts, has been already booked in Osaka this coming May. He stays busy, which may be good for him.

Promoter: Green Tsuda Promotions.

[The Hammer]

Evander Holyfield tells the media he's retiring:




Evander meets with Mike Tyson in Chicago:




great photo here:

[The Hammer]

Very good Amir Mansour interview here (use google translate).

[Xoo]

This is an excellent thread. Thanks for the updates Freedom!