So many intense matchups came to a lifeline in 2021, and boxing saw an exceptional year of glory. From iconic heavyweight trilogies to undisputed title fights, the calendar had it all. The press conferences were similarly interesting, as the sport revived in full form after a hectic delay in 2020 for the pandemic outbreak.
The lightweight division was on a stellar activity, with the heavyweight division equally putting on the best fights. Hence, there was no deficit in entertainment. As the similar energy passed into the media events, it was difficult to handle a few banters at the pressers.
We are on the last days of 2021 and the upcoming year can be more interesting with umpteen fantasy fights slowly being materialized. Here’s a look back at the most intense press conference moments that fueled up the fights even better this year.
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Canelo Alvarez vs Caleb Plant- ‘M*** F***’ didn’t sit well.
The undisputed 168 lbs title fight was delayed after both sides struggled to come to terms. But it happened, and they felt the heat all over. Undefeated back then, Caleb Plant was unfazed by his opponent’s mighty resume. Meanwhile, Alvarez was also confident about his ability.
As both men came across face to face in a media event, things got worse. Plant cussed Alvarez and the Mexican champion pushed him back. ‘Sweet Hands’ responded by coming over and slapping the P4P king. But ended up suffering another punch. After Canelo Alvarez knocked Plant in the fight, it was all respect between both men. But the intense presser is still fresh in people’s minds.
Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder 3–Ice Cold Stare down
The potential All-English undisputed fight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua was in the works. But Deontay Wilder slide in and demanded his deserving trilogy fight against Tyson Fury for the WBC world title. He received legal support and bagged the fight. It was reported to happen on July 24 before Team Fury tested positive for Covid and postponed the bout to November.
The heavyweight stars came face to face six months ago. After intense trash talking in the first two fights, the particular event was unique. Wilder didn’t speak a word in the presser, and his trainer Malik Scott took charge of the entire speech. But ‘The Bronze Bomber’ didn’t fail to catch an eye-to-eye with Fury.
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Both men landed a lengthy stare down. None of them backed off, and it was an ice-cold moment in the modern-day boxing stories.
Teofimo Lopez vs George Kambosos Jr.- The Triller Boxing drama was different
Before Lopez and Kambosos Jr. fought each other under the Matchroom banner, they were scheduled to collide for the Triller. Fresh from his win over Lomachenko, Teofimo Lopez was confident about beating his Australian rival, which didn’t turn out to be true.
Well, Lopez didn’t agree to the decision that cost him his maiden pro loss. It looked bad on his side, especially after making bold claims in the media conferences. He couldn’t intimidate ‘Ferocious’ and both sides almost got physical. While things remained in control. It was quite a sight for the fans.
Jake Paul vs Tyron Woodley- ‘No one messes with Momma Woodley’
The first fight between Jake Paul and Tyron Woodley was intense from the beginning. 5X UFC champion Woodley bagged his biggest payday by locking horns against ‘The Problem Child’. However, there wasn’t much love between the two. Paul’s teammate J’Leon Love even dared to feud with Woodley’s sister, which didn’t sit well for them.
While Jake Paul and Tyron Woodley traded words on the stage, it seemed Woodley’s sister and Love got into an altercation. Woodley’s sister later accused Love of insulting her mother. It was a massive turmoil, which prevailed even backstage.
Tyron Woodley also came across J’Leon Love and warned him. Well, Deborah Woodley, Tyron Woodley’s mother, didn’t seem to break much sweat. Even after her son lost, she was in good spirits. And Momma Woodley grabbed the spotlight yet again.
Logan Paul vs Floyd Mayweather- ‘Gotcha Hat’
The bizarre exhibition matchup happened in June, which seemed to be an enormous achievement for Logan Paul. ‘The Maverick’ survived against Mayweather and with no judges o board, the bout ended in a draw. Meanwhile, the matchup became interesting since its build-up. Logan Paul’s brother, Jake Paul, dared to bully Floyd Mayweather and also paid the price for it.
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While Logan Paul and Floyd Mayweather faced off in a presser, Jake Paul was constantly going after ‘TBE’. After pulling strings of Mayweather’s shoes, Jake Paul tried snatching his hat in the media event.
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However, guards caught him and Floyd Mayweather offered his violent side against ‘The Problem Child’. Although Paul could leave the arena safely, the incident spun several headlines for and against him.