Terence Crawford Named WBC Welterweight Champion in Recess, Adrien Broner vs. Blair Cobbs on June 7th, Usyk vs. Fury 2 Set for Dec. 21st, Ryan Garcia's B-Sample Tests Positive for Ostarine Again!

The WBC has announced that Terence Crawford is champion in recess, which has cleared the way for more challengers at welterweight. WBC CEO Mauricio Sulaiman made the announcement yesterday after much anticipation.

The belt holders at 147 lbs have been waiting eagerly to unify or be elevated, which is very similar to the situation that has befallen title holders at 168 lbs. After Crawford made his move to super-welterweight known, former WBA Welterweight Regular World Champion Eimantas Stanionis waited his turn to fight.

Once he landed on an Amazon-PBC card, he faced Gabriel Maestre in an exciting 12-round contest to decide who would carry the belt forward and be elevated. Upon Stanionis' victory, his WBA Regular World Championship was elevated to full WBA World Championship status, eliminating the need for a secondary title in the division.

The same could not be said of Mario Barrios, who has held the WBC Interim Welterweight World Championship since defeating Cuban standout Yourdenis Ugas back in 2023. After moving up a weight class from super-lightweight, Barrios challenged for this title, and has yet to be elevated.

Fighting on the same card as Stanionis, Barrios defended his WBC Interim Welterweight World Championship against Fabian Andres Maidana, the younger brother of Marcos Maidana. While he did defeat Maidana by unanimous decision, Crawford's hesitance to vacate left Barrios in quite a predicament.

Holding on to belts carries a hefty sanctioning fee, and waiting in line can be expensive for a fighter. Regardless of the cost, Barrios has bided his time, and now with Sulaiman's announcement that Crawford is champion in recess, he can be elevated to full WBC Welterweight World Champion status.

The IBF Welterweight World Championship was stripped from Crawford, which automatically moved Jarron “Boots” Ennis from IBF Interim Welterweight World Champion status to full IBF Welterweight World Champion status, freeing him to defend his world title against Cody Crowley next month.

Opposite Ennis is Conyers, Georgia's very own Brian Norman Jr. Norman Jr. knocked out Giovani Santillan for the WBO Welterweight Interim World Championship two weekends ago in impressive fashion. However, he will have to wait some time before the WBO and its board make the decision to strip Terence Crawford or make him champion in recess.

Despite the fact that he will be waiting in line, Norman Jr.'s prospects at unifying his title are great. With “Boots” and Stanionis holding belts across the street, there are big opportunities to be shared amongst himself and his contemporaries. What really matters is whether or not Bob Arum will let Norman explore his options on another platform.

As mentioned in last week's edition of DQ w/ Damani, Top Rank is very well known for keeping their title fights in-house. This is a financially wise choice, as it decreases the chances of another platform's fighter taking the belt back to their promotion. However, this does harm the chances of cross-promotional efforts, and seeing the best fight the best. Regardless of what Bob Arum and Top Rank choose to do, Norman Jr.'s next title defenses or unifications will be exciting to watch. The welterweight division is shaping up nicely and will be heating up very soon.

[Usyk vs. Fury 2 Confirmed for December 21st in Saudi Arabia!]

The next fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury has officially been booked for December 21st. Turki Alalsheikh took to social media platforms to inform the world that the rematch is live.

This fight was spectacular and resulted in the first Undisputed Heavyweight World Champion being crowned. It had been well-publicized in the lead-up to the fight that the Fury-Usyk contract included a rematch clause. Fury's promoter Frank Warren had a few words to share with Sky Sports and ESPN on the matter. "I spoke to Fury after the fight and obviously when he got back just to make sure he's okay,” Warren began. “He was very disappointed but very philosophical.”

Despite the loss, Fury is in good spirits and hopes to put on a better performance than his last time out against Usyk. In the world-shattering matchup, Fury went viral for being rocked to the core several times in the 8th and 9th rounds by the Ukrainian’s left hand. Fury appeared to be in control of the fight in the early rounds of the fight, using his height and reach to keep Usyk on the outside.

Fury's outboxing was spectacular to watch, but it eventually fell short once Usyk caught the rhythm of his lengthy strikes. With precise head movement and footwork, Usyk was able to make a stunning breakthrough, capping off a thrilling ninth round. Usyk was very close to becoming the first man to stop 'The Gypsy King', who received a standing count from the referee after sliding across the ropes.

Usyk ended up winning the later rounds of the fight, which earned him praise from professionals and pundits alike. This makes the rematch more enticing, both men will have to reshape their strategies to deliver a more exciting fight than the first.

The character of this fight is filled with the pride of both men, and the struggles faced by each man's community. Usyk fights for creed and country, while Fury battles to create a better future for his ethnic group. Heavyweight supremacy is on the line in this war between giants on December 21st.

[Ryan Garcia Fails Second VADA Test for Ostarine, Haney's Record to Return to 31-0?]

The world of boxing was rocked by the revelation that Ryan Garcia tested positive for ostarine, a performance-enhancing drug (PED), following his highly anticipated bout against Devin Haney on April 20th. Garcia tested positive for ostarine on April 19th, April 20th, and April 21st. After this news was released, Garcia petitioned to have his B-sample tested to clear his name. According to VADA's testing procedure, two urine samples are collected during each test, one being the A-sample, and the other the B-sample.

The A-sample is tested in multiple VADA-accredited labs, while the B-sample is stored in a locked refrigerator in the event a fighter calls for his B-sample to be tested after a positive result is announced. This unexpected development not only casts a shadow over Garcia's career but also has significant implications for the sport, particularly regarding the potential overturning of the fight result by the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC).

Ryan Garcia, known for his lightning-fast hands and impressive knockout power, has built a substantial following both in and out of the ring. His positive test for ostarine, a substance banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the New York State Athletic Commission, and the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA), threatens to tarnish his reputation and undermine his achievements. Ostarine, a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM), is known for its muscle-building properties and its use to enhance athletic performance, which contravenes the principles of fair play in sports.

The immediate consequences for Garcia could be severe. He is likely to face a suspension, which would halt his career momentum and lead to financial penalties. Endorsement deals and sponsorships, which are vital for a boxer’s income and marketability, may also be jeopardized as companies distance themselves from the controversy. Moreover, Garcia's credibility and integrity are at stake, and rebuilding trust with fans, promoters, and fellow athletes will be a long and arduous process.

The positive PED test has also raised questions about the legitimacy of Garcia's victory over Devin Haney. Haney, who entered the fight as a highly regarded and undefeated champion, has a strong case for contesting the result. If the NYSAC determines that Garcia's use of ostarine provided him with an unfair advantage, the commission could overturn the fight result, changing Garcia's win to a no-contest. This decision would have far-reaching implications, affecting the rankings, title standings, and future matchups in the lightweight division.

For Haney, an overturning of the result would be a form of vindication, preserving his unbeaten record and solidifying his standing as one of the top fighters in the division. It would also underscore the importance of maintaining a level playing field in boxing and reinforce the message that PED use will not be tolerated.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against doping in sports. Boxing, like many other sports, relies on the integrity and fairness of competition. PED scandals not only damage the reputation of individual athletes but also erode public trust in the sport as a whole. Ensuring rigorous drug testing and strict enforcement of anti-doping regulations is crucial for preserving the sport’s integrity.

The Garcia case highlights the need for transparency and accountability in handling doping cases. Prompt and thorough investigations by regulatory bodies, clear communication with the public, and appropriate penalties for violations are essential steps to deter athletes from using banned substances. Furthermore, it is imperative to educate athletes about the risks and consequences of PED use, promoting a culture of clean competition.

[Adrien Broner's Return Against Blair Cobbs: A Fight to Rekindle the Flame]

Adrien Broner, once hailed as one of boxing’s most electrifying talents, is set to make his highly anticipated return to the ring with Don King Promotions against Blair Cobbs on June 7th, 2024. Broner, a former world champion in four weight classes, including the WBO Super-Featherweight, WBC Lightweight, WBA Welterweight, and WBA Super-Lightweight World Championships, seeks to re-establish himself in a crowded welterweight division. This fight not only marks Broner’s return but also represents a crucial opportunity for both fighters to make significant statements in their careers.

In today's media day workouts, Cobbs appeared during Broner's training session in front of the cameras with an "AB" puppet. This was meant to serve as a distraction to Broner, but it backfired severely. Instead of getting an angry reaction from Broner, Broner roasted his tactics. He eagerly asked for Cobbs to join him in the ring and train with him. "Keep going, keep going Blair," Broner started. "What you really don't know is that I'm fighting one of my fans. You've been a fan of me. I'm gonna stay here." While Broner shadowboxed and completed padwork in the ring uninterrupted, Cobbs made several attempts to catch Broner off his game. All of it was unsuccessful. Broner has been training in camp with Calvin Ford, who is currently preparing Gervonta "Tank" Davis for a WBA Lightweight World Championship defense against Frank "The Ghost" Martin.

Adrien Broner’s career has been a rollercoaster of triumphs and tribulations. Known for his brash personality and undeniable skill, Broner quickly rose through the ranks, capturing multiple world titles across different weight divisions. His blend of speed, power, and technical prowess made him a formidable opponent in the ring. However, his career has also been marred by legal issues, inconsistent performances, and long periods of inactivity.

Currently ranked 30th in the welterweight division, Broner’s return is fueled by a desire to reclaim his former glory. At 34 years old, the window for Broner to make a significant impact in the sport is narrowing, making his bout against Cobbs a pivotal moment. This fight is not just about securing a victory; it is about proving that he still belongs among the elite fighters in the division.

Blair Cobbs, though unranked, presents a unique challenge for Broner. Known for his flamboyant personality and aggressive fighting style, Cobbs has been steadily building his reputation in the welterweight division. His unanimous decision victory over Maurice Hooker in his last fight showcased his resilience and ability to compete against seasoned opponents.

Cobbs’ unorthodox style and relentless pressure could pose problems for Broner, who has struggled against high-output fighters in the past. For Cobbs, this fight represents an opportunity to catapult himself into the rankings and gain recognition by defeating a former world champion. The underdog status may work in Cobbs’ favor, allowing him to fight with nothing to lose and everything to gain.

The stakes for Broner are incredibly high. A victory would not only improve his ranking but also reinvigorate his career and open doors for more significant fights in the future. It would signal to the boxing world that Broner still possesses the skills and determination to compete at the highest level. Conversely, a loss could further tarnish his legacy and raise questions about his future in the sport.

For Cobbs, a win over Broner would be a career-defining moment. It would validate his hard work and perseverance, potentially earning him a spot in the rankings and more lucrative fight opportunities. Defeating a fighter of Broner’s caliber would elevate Cobbs’ status and credibility within the boxing community.

Adrien Broner’s return to the ring against Blair Cobbs is a fight that carries immense significance for both fighters. For Broner, it is a chance to reignite his career and remind the boxing world of his talent and tenacity. For Cobbs, it is an opportunity to break through the ranks and achieve a landmark victory. As both fighters prepare for June 7th, the boxing community eagerly anticipates a clash that could shape the future trajectories of their careers.