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Oleksandr Usyk could fight for new heavyweight title in ‘last dance’ before retirement

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Oleksandr Usyk could pursue an unexpected prize ahead of competing in ‘his last dance.’

The Ukrainian relinquished his WBC, IBF and WBA titles in June, whilst also revealing that, after having become a three-time, two-division undisputed king, he is now just one ‘last dance’ away from retirement.

This announcement came roughly a month after his subpar performance against former kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven, who gave a tremendous effort but was eventually stopped in round 11 of their heavyweight clash.

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But while many suspected that a Verhoeven rematch was on the cards, it would appear that Usyk is more likely to face Deontay Wilder, a fellow veteran and former WBC champion.

‘The Bronze Bomber’ comes off a split decision victory over Derek Chisora, who he floored twice during their chaotic battle in April.

Perhaps more interesting than the opponent, though, is the fact that Team Usyk has engaged in serious talks with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing.

Speaking with Parimatch Casino, Usyk’s advisor Sergey Lapin confirmed that the 39-year-old could even fight for the promotional outfit’s inaugural heavyweight belt.

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“Usyk vs Wilder is definitely one of the loudest and most realistic options right now, and we have had conversations with Zuffa. But there is no agreement yet, and the final structure and numbers still need to make sense.

“From Zuffa’s side, Oleksandr would obviously bring immediate legitimacy to their heavyweight title and the whole boxing project. From our side, it has to be much bigger than simply helping establish a new belt. It needs to be the right opponent, the right platform and the right financial package for Oleksandr’s final chapter.”

Lapin added that first refusal to stage Usyk’s swansong will be given to Turki Alalshikh, who happens to be closely aligned with Zuffa.

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Oscar De La Hoya names the next great Mexican American superstar: “He’s the one”

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Oscar De La Hoya claims to have unearthed boxing’s next Mexican-American superstar, who he believes has one key advantage over Ryan Garcia.

During his own fighting career, De La Hoya was undoubtedly the most popular boxer of Hispanic descent, consistently generating monstrous pay-per-view and ticket sales.

And now, as a promoter, the Golden Boy boss is confident that his rising star will snatch the mantle from Canelo Alvarez and endear himself to a mammoth Mexican-American audience.

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As things stand, the two flagship names of such heritage appear to be Garcia and David Benavidez, while Canelo remains the ultimate face of Mexican boxing.

Crucially, though, Alvarez did not fight on this year’s Cinco de Mayo weekend, which was instead occupied by Benavidez’s sixth-round stoppage of Gilberto Ramirez.

Garcia, meanwhile, will face Conor Benn on September 12, with Canelo’s clash against WBC super-middleweight champion Christian Mbilli having been pushed back from Mexican Independence Day weekend to October 31.

But while Garcia could, in theory, become boxing’s leading Mexican-American star, De La Hoya has suggested that the WBC welterweight champion’s lack of Spanish represents a slight disadvantage.

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Instead, the Hall of Famer has told Ariel Helwani that 17-year-old prospect Dylan Capetillo has all the ingredients to be ‘the one’.

“[Garcia can be the next Mexican-American star] if he wants to. It’s all about performances inside the ring; it’s all about winning world titles; it’s all about who you fight.

“And you obviously have to make the effort and speak [Spanish] – you have to care. Can he be ‘the one’? Absolutely. But I truly feel ‘the one’ is [Capetillo].”

Capetillo has won both of his fights to date, one of them coming by knockout, and he will have his third outing when he features on the undercard of William Zepeda vs Lamont Roach this weekend.

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$60,500,000 Bills star recruits Stefon Diggs to Buffalo for reunion as All-Pro WR looks for new home

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Training camp is underway and Stefon Diggs remains a free agent. The former All-Pro wide receiver is searching for a new home ahead of Year 12.

Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Dion Dawkins took to Instagram to recruit Diggs. Here’s a look at the duo’s interaction:

Dawkins has been trying to recruit his former teammate for some time. In June, the veteran tackle revealed that he wouldn’t mind a reunion with the wideout.

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According to Yahoo Sports, Dawkins uploaded a post himself. Diggs replied. Dawkins answered back with a message that said: “It’s time.”

Dion Dawkins has spent his entire professional football career with the Buffalo Bills. The five-time Pro Bowler signed a three-year, $60.5 million contract extension ahead of the 2024 season.

Dawkins featured in 15 regular season games and two postseason showdowns in 2025. He earned his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl nod for his efforts.

Stefon Diggs endured mixed fortunes since leaving the Buffalo Bills

Stefon Diggs spent four impressive seasons with the Buffalo Bills. The shifty wide receiver was Josh Allen’s primary target during that spell, earning numerous Pro Bowl nods and leading the Bills to perennial deep postseason runs.

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The Bills traded Diggs and draft consideration to the Houston Texans after the 2023 season. Diggs was poised to help C.J. Stroud and the Texans in their quest for a Super Bowl ring.

Diggs started the 2024 season in decent form, amassing a stat line of 47 receptions, 496 receiving yards, and three touchdowns in eight games. However, his season ended in disaster as he suffered an ACL injury in Week 8 against the Indianapolis Colts. He missed the rest of the campaign and wasn’t re-signed by DeMeco Ryan’s team.

The New England Patriots signed Diggs to a three-year, $63.5 million contract in the lead-up to the 2025 season. Diggs amassed a stat line of 85 receptions, 1,013 yards, and four touchdowns in 17 regular-season games as the Patriots reached Super Bowl LX, where they lost to the Seattle Seahawks. The perennial Pro Bowler was released in March.

Stefon Diggs is now searching for a landing spot ahead of Year 12. The Buffalo Bills, Washington Commanders, Baltimore Ravens and Indianapolis Colts are among rumored suitors for his route-running skills.

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