Boxing

Boxing superstar Errol Spence has officially announced he's returning to the ring -- just one year after he almost died in a horrific late-night Ferrari crash.

Spence (26-0) confirmed he will face Danny Garcia (36-2) on Dec. 5 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas -- marking an incredible comeback from a terrible accident.

As we previously reported, Spence was hospitalized after he lost control of his Ferrari during a late-night drive in the Dallas area in Oct. 2019.

Cops say Spence's car went over the center median and flipped at least 5 times. Spence, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the car and suffered serious injuries.

The accident was captured on surveillance video -- and man, it's a miracle Spence wasn't killed.

Some thought there was a very real chance Spence would never fight again. But, he's proving the doubters wrong -- announcing on social media Thursday, "I'm back!"

Spence -- the unified welterweight champ -- is widely regarded as one of the best fighters in the sport with victories over guys like Shawn Porter, Mikey Garcia and Kell Brook.

It's also a huge fight for Garcia -- who's trying to re-establish himself as one of the best in the world after high-profile losses to Keith Thurman and Shawn Porter.

Sergey Kovalev pled guilty Friday in a criminal case stemming from an alleged violent incident with a woman and dog in 2018 ... and the boxing star will now have to spend the next 3 years on probation, TMZ Sports has learned.

Kovalev was accused of punching a woman in Big Bear, Calif. back in June '18 ... after the alleged victim claimed she turned down his sexual advances.

The woman, Jamie Frontz, said the two had met at a boxing gym-opening party ... and began kissing at her rental cabin shortly after.

But, she says when she pulled away from the fighter after feeling like he was too aggressive ... he became violent.

Frontz says Kovalev kicked her dog ... and then later socked her in the face.

In an interview with TMZ Sports about the incident, Frontz claimed the punch caused a broken nose, a concussion and facial lacerations.

Kovalev was eventually arrested and hit with a felony assault charge ... and faced YEARS behind bars.

But, according to court docs, Kovalev cut a deal with prosecutors Friday ... and got the felony charge dropped.

In exchange, 37-year-old Sergey pled guilty to misdemeanor fighting/noise/offensive words ... and was sentenced to 3 years probation.

Kovalev was also ordered to serve a 2-day jail sentence ... but he received credit for time served and won't spend any more time behind bars.

Court docs also show Kovalev must attend/complete an anger management program, as well as pay $220 in court fees.

We've reached out to the boxer's attorney for comment ... but, so far, no word back yet.

Gervonta Davis vs. Leo Santa Cruz -- one of the biggest boxing matches of the year -- has officially been moved to October 31st ... and we're told it's all because they want fans in attendance.

The fight was originally set for Oct. 24 -- but we're told Gervonta's promoter Floyd Mayweather "wanted to ensure he would be able to fight in front of fans."

So, the fight was moved to the Alamodome in San Antonio -- where state guidelines allow the venue to hold 50% capacity.

The site can hold 32,000 people for boxing matches -- so promoters are expecting 16,000 fans (hooray math!).

It appears the fight will be the first major combat sports event with live fans in attendance since the COVID-19 pandemic began back in March.

The fight is expected to be awesome -- Davis is undefeated (23-0) and he's become one of the most explosive and exciting fighters in the sport. He's the current WBA lightweight champ.

Santa Cruz is the reigning WBA super featherweight champ -- and he's been in some wars (remember the Carl Frampton fights?!).

Imagine being at a restaurant ... and in walks Mike Tyson, Michael Jordan, Walter Payton, Richard Dent and Don King.

That's exactly what happened to a couple back in 1988, who commemorated the moment by getting all the legends to sign their menu ... and now it's up for auction!!!

Hindman Auctions tells TMZ Sports ... the power squad showed up at Lino’s Ristorante in Chicago to celebrate Dent's 28th birthday.

As it turns out, the night was pretty well documented in Tyson's ex-trainer Rory Holloway's memoir, who claims Tyson was LIVID with MJ at dinner over suspicions the Bulls legend had a fling with his then-separated wife Robin Givens.

The book claims Tyson was on the verge of fighting MJ ... but apparently cooler heads prevailed when it came to the restaurant manager asking the superstars to sign the menu for the couple in attendance.

Now, the couple is looking to part ways with the unique piece of history -- it's hitting the auction block via Hindman Auctions on Oct. 20 ... and we're told this thing could sell for thousands, if not 5 figures!!!

Floyd Mayweather says he's down for a rematch with Conor McGregor -- but only for a $300 MILLION paycheck.

He's also down to box Khabib Nurmagomedov -- but again, he wants $300 million.

But, if you're hoping to see Floyd take on a legit contender, don't hold your breath -- Mayweather says he's only taking easy fights from here on out.

TBE spelled it out on Shannon Sharpe's "Club Shay Shay" podcast -- where he explained why his longterm mental health is more important than a paycheck ... which is why he'll only take fights he knows he can easily win.

"Conor McGregor can't punch," Mayweather said ... "He can't punch."

Floyd says he remembers taking a shot from Conor during their 2017 fight and thinking to himself, "Man, this dude punch so soft. It's cool."

Mayweather says he looks at fighters like his uncle, Roger Mayweather, and Muhammad Ali as cautionary tales ... saying, "Your health is your wealth."

Floyd says he's still training and working out -- and isn't far from his fighting weight ... but it doesn't sound like he has anything lined up just yet.

Of course, he's been mulling fights with Conor and Khabib for years but nothing has materialized.

There's more ... Mayweather also explained why he should be considered the greatest boxer of all time -- ahead of legends like Muhammad Ali and Rocky Marciano.

"Is Ali the same fighter that got beat by a guy with 7 fights? Leon Spinks beat Muhammad Ali when he only had 7 fights," Mayweather said.

"If we really tell the truth, what's the heavyweight guy that Ali fought 3 times? Ken Norton really beat Ali all 3 times. Go back and look at the fights."

Mayweather says he loves Ali ... but he's "just telling the truth."

He also spoke about Muhammad Ali's activism outside the ring -- and claims he would have done the same thing if he were around in the '60s.

"Ali will always be a pioneer because of what he stood for in that era. And, I commend him for that."

Ali famously refused to be drafted to fight in the Vietnam war and was subsequently stripped of his boxing titles.

Conor McGregor is making some major changes in his life ... he shaved his beard!

The UFC superstar has been sporting his trademark facial hair for years -- the last time he fought without a beard was in 2012 in a Cage Warriors match against Dave Hill (Conor won that fight by rear-naked choke).

He grew out the beard for his next fight ... and rocked it in the cage every time since -- including for his 2017 boxing match with Floyd Mayweather.

So, why the new look? Maybe it's one of the "turn the page" things?

After all, Conor is going through a LOT at the moment -- from legal issues in Corsica (where he's accused of attempted sexual assault and indecent exposure) to his beef with the UFC and Dana White.

One thing's for sure ... McGregor is still in insane shape and fans across want to see him fight again ASAP.

Conor has teased a boxing match with Manny Pacquiao and a charity with Dustin Poirier, but it's unlikely either of those will take place without the UFC's blessing, since Conor is still under contract.

Mike Tyson says if he would've gone into mixed martial arts -- instead of boxing as a teenager -- he would've been a helluva MMA fighter ... as long as no one stepped on his feet!!

Yes, one of the most ferocious men the world has ever seen has a weakness ... and it's having his feet stomped.

TMZ Sports talked to 54-year-old "Iron Mike" -- a huge UFC fan -- about how he would've fared if he dedicated his life to a different combat sport.

"I could of done all that stuff," Tyson says.

"I could of done all that stuff but once someone stepped on my foot, I would of tapped out. My feet are my weak spot! You step on my feet, I'm gonna tap out!"

FYI, if you're not familiar with MMA rules ... stomping on your opponent's feet IS allowed.

Tyson -- who has recently worked with fighters like Francis Ngannou and Rashad Evans -- started boxing at an early age ... and became the youngest heavyweight champion of all-time at 20 years, 4 months when he beat Trevor Berbick in 1986.

UFC 1 didn't take place until late-1993 ... while Tyson was in prison.

Boxing star Jermall Charlo is an undefeated champion, but says if he wants to be remembered as an immortal fighter, he needs to fight and KNOCK OUT Canelo Alvarez.

The 30-year-old WBC middleweight champ (30-0, 22 KO's) is fighting Sergiy Derevyanchenko Saturday night on Showtime. Derevyanchenko -- a former amateur champ -- has only lost 2 pro bouts and gave Gennady Golovkin a tough fight.

Beating Sergiy would be a good win ... but Charlo tells TMZ Sports if he wants to be remembered as one of the greatest ever, he needs to go big game hunting.

Big ... as in the biggest star in the sport, 30-year-old Alvarez (53-1-2, 36 KO's).

"I just know [a Canelo fight is] always getting closer. One day I'm gonna get that call. That's all I can always dream for. Hope to fight the best. The best fight the best in the world."

Jermall says it's not enough to fight Canelo, or even just beat him ... he's gotta knock his ass out.

"I gotta fight him and once we fight, I knock him out and then everyone in the world will be able to cement my legacy as one of the best to ever do it."

Why is the KO necessary?

Charlo says Alvarez was already beaten by Floyd Mayweather back in the day, so he's gotta do what no other fighter has ... stop Canelo.

And, Jermall says he's ready ... it's just up to Canelo to accept the fight.

Conor McGregor says he's got his next fight on deck ... and it's not in the Octagon -- it's a boxing match against Manny Pacquiao!!!

So ... is this real, or is the dude blowing major smoke??

Here's the deal -- Conor went on a mini-rant on Twitter on Friday ... posting Instagram DMs with Dana White that seemingly show he was begging for a fight prior to his retirement in June.

"I was pushing hard for the season," Conor says. "Multiple opponents, multiple dates offered throughout. All to take place back to back."

He added ... "Then when covid hit and the talk was that I would have to wait for crowds again, I walked away from the situation. I was waiting long enough at that stage."

This all came to a head after Hall of Famer Diego Sanchez said he wanted his retirement fight to be against McGregor ... which Conor seemed to be down with back in February, according to the DMs.

Nothing was able to come to fruition ... and now Conor is telling his 8.2 million Twitter followers he'll be back in the fight game ... just not for UFC.

"Anyway all water under the bridge who gives a fook," Conor tweeted. "I’m boxing Manny Pacquiao next in the Middle East."

While the news is extremely exciting, it must be taken with the biggest grain of salt on the planet -- Conor has been known to use his platform to express his frustrations in the past.

It IS pretty interesting, however, that Conor recently posted footage of himself training in the ring ... so, coincidence??

White has also previously spoken on the possibility of setting up a Conor vs. Manny fight -- saying, "I don’t care about that s**t."

So ... there's that.

Story developing ...

A third man has been arrested in connection with the murder of Floyd Mayweather boxing prodigy Danny Gonzalez, TMZ Sports has confirmed.

Cops say 28-year-old Joseph Goldsmith turned himself in Monday and was arrested for 1st-degree murder.

He's now the third suspect officials have booked on murder charges stemming from the Sept. 7 incident.

As we previously reported, 22-year-old Gonzalez -- who signed with Mayweather's The Money Team in 2016 -- was killed on Labor Day in Moreno Valley, Calif.

Authorities say Gonzalez was shot along with two other victims ... and succumbed to his wounds shortly after they arrived on the scene.

Authorities booked 27-year-old Andre Richee and 32-year-old Lee Mooring earlier this month on first-degree murder charges ... and had been hunting for Goldsmith before he finally turned himself in this week.

All three men are now facing the death penalty if charged and convicted.

What's still unclear is motive surrounding the killing ... cops have not yet released why they believe Danny was targeted.

The Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr. fight just got a celeb host -- Mario Lopez.

We're told Lopez will be the emcee of the November 28 fight ... introducing the various fighters and tossing to musical acts throughout the evening.

In other words, it's not just a fight ... it's an event.

Sources tell us Lopez will be at the fight venue -- not hosting remotely -- and the production is already taking steps to make sure they adhere to COVID-19 regulations.

Lopez -- along with all of the fighters, trainers, production crew, etc. -- will most likely undergo rigorous testing leading up to the fight to ensure everyone is safe and healthy.

As for the musical acts, we're told producers are gunning for A-list talent and have superstars from the R&B and the hip-hop world lined up ... now it's just about finalizing the contracts.

The event is being put on by Triller -- which is looking to dethrone TikTok as the go-to place for music-driven social media -- so it's obvious why the entertainment portion of the night is so important to them.

As for Lopez, he's a hardcore combat sports fan whose been regularly training at Freddie Roach's Wild Card Boxing Gym in L.A. for years.

"I have the opportunity to combine my passions for boxing with hosting is truly a career milestone, and for it to be at such a legendary event, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I couldn't be more proud to be a part of it," Lopez said in a statement to TMZ Sports.

54-year-old Mike Tyson says he would fight 30-year-old, 6'6", 240 lb. heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, RIGHT NOW ... as long as the money went to charity!!

Some background ... Rafael Cordero, Mike's legendary trainer recently told us that Tyson -- who last fought in 2005 -- could hang with beasts like Joshua, Deontay Wilder, and Tyson Fury.

So, when "Iron Mike" joined the "TMZ Sports" TV show to talk about his HUGE Legends Only League fight with Roy Jones Jr. on November 28 ... we asked him if his next opponent might be a boxer in his prime.

Someone like ...  IBF, WBA, WBO, and IBO champion, Anthony Joshua?

"Listen, I'm very interested. If doing that means we can have a bigger charity exponent, well so be it, I'm down to do that, too."

Seriously??

"I would love to [fight Joshua]. That would be mind-blowing."

That's not all ... Mike also talks about voting for the first time this November in the presidential election, and what would've happened if he chose MMA, rather than boxing back in the day.

Full interview airs tonight on FS1 at 9pm PT / 12am ET on FS1!

YouTube superstar and boxer KSI says there's no way in hell Floyd Mayweather is gonna fight Logan Paul ... asking straight-up, "Why the f**k would Mayweather say 'yes' to this?"

As we previously reported, 43-year-old Mayweather has been approached with an offer to take on 25-year-old Paul in an exhibition match ... but a deal has NOT been made.

KSI -- who beat LP in a controversial rematch at Staples Center last November -- called BS on the fight ever coming to fruition on Tuesday ... saying, "This is cap, it's cap."

"It's not happening. Why the f**k would Mayweather say 'yes' to this? Why would he fight the loser of me and Logan?"

KSI goes on to point out he draws massive crowds everywhere he goes ... and would perform much better in the ring against a 50-0 legend.

"I'm the bigger draw when it comes to boxing, because I defeated the one who started it -- Joe Weller -- and defeated Logan Paul himself. So, why would Mayweather want to fight the second best, when he can just easily fight the best?"

As for Logan, he was super quiet with us last week about the possibility of fighting Floyd ... but he definitely seems down to make it happen.

54-year-old Mike Tyson is still an elite fighter who could give the greatest heavyweights in the world a serious run for their money -- so says Iron Mike's legendary trainer.

TMZ Sports talked to Rafael Cordero -- owner of SoCal's Kings MMA, regarded as one of the best combat sport coaches -- about Mike ... who's fighting Roy Jones Jr. in November.

Cordero -- who says Tyson is training 6 to 8 hours a day -- told us Mike is actually better than he was decades ago when he was heavyweight champ of the world ... so we asked, could he put up a fight against Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Deontay Wilder?

"I believe Mike can do it. If he put his mind, he wanna fight for the belt one day, why not? Who say it's impossible to do?" Rafael says.

"He's fighting every single day in the gym and I believe the best still to come. Why not? If one day he want to prove, he put his techniques to the test, why not [fight for] for the belt?"

FYI, 32-year-old, 6'9", 30-0-1 Fury, 30-year-old, 6'6", 24-1 Joshua, and 34-year-old, 6'7", 42-1-1 Wilder are considered the 3 top heavyweights in the world.

Roy Jones Jr., listen up ... here's some sage boxing advice from Rocky himself -- DON'T GET HIT BY MIKE TYSON!!!!

TMZ Sports got Sylvester Stallone leaving Fia in Santa Monica this week ... and when we asked about RJJ's chances in his November exhibition with Iron Mike -- Sly didn't love them.

In fact, Stallone seemed straight-up concerned for Roy!!!

"Well, let's put it this way," Stallone said. "What do you think is going to work? A 22 against a 45???"

Sly added, "Roy Jones is a great, great fighter, but it's just a matter of physics."

Stallone says his advice for Roy when it comes to hanging with Mike in the ring is simple ... "Keep moving!"

"You're talking about, I mean -- everyone knows it. Mike Tyson is a wrecking ball."

The fight is scheduled for Nov. 28 ... and, if you're listening to Sly, that means there's still plenty of time for Roy to not go through with this!!

Oscar De La Hoya's stunning 21-year-old daughter, Atiana, says she's out to make a name for herself outside of the boxing world ... telling TMZ Sports she's working to blaze her own trail as the next big model!!

Remember, looks run in the family -- Atiana's mom is former Miss USA Shanna Moakler ... and ODLH ain't too bad lookin' himself.

We spoke with Atiana about her own career ... and she says it's off to a hot start!!!

"It's going great!," ADLH tells us. "Kinda ready to branch out and start a whole new path, so we'll see where it goes. Got some exciting stuff I'm working on."

We asked if having a legendary boxer as her pops has any perks in the modeling industry ... and Atiana makes sure to point out she still has to be great in order to succeed.

"I always like to say it opens doors but it doesn't get you through them."

While she won't spill the beans on any of her current projects, one look at Atiana's Instagram shows she's already got huge brand deals with companies like Too Faced Cosmetics ... so she's off to a great start!!

Naturally ... we had to ask some questions about Oscar's big boxing comeback ... and Atiana is 100% confident her dad will open a can of Whoop Ass when he gets back in the ring.

"I think it's amazing! I'm so excited for him. Think it's gonna be great."

As for ODLH being 47 ... Atiana ain't worried one bit.

"Absolutely not! He's got this. I'm so confident in him. It's gonna be great!"