Boxing

"I'm gonna f***** take this mother f***** apart piece by piece, okay?"

That's 58-year-old, former MLB star Lenny Dykstra promising to beat the ever-living hell out of 33-year-old Aaron Carter ... in a Celebrity Boxing match this fall.

😲😲😲😲😲

Here's the deal ... Carter inked a deal to fight October 2 in Miami -- but doesn't yet have an opponent. He even made a video, looking for a dance partner.

Welp, seems he might've found one in the 3x All-Star aka "Nails" ... who responded with a video message for AC.

"Lenny Dykstra here, nails. Guess what? I'm going back in the ring October 2nd in Miami with Aaron Carter. I'm gonna f****** take this mother f****** apart piece by piece, okay? October 2nd. In Miami. Don't miss it. Me and Aaron Carter. Mono e mono. Let's get it on, nails back in action."

We're told Celeb Boxing is trying currently trying to lock Dykstra in ... which would make the fight official.

Of course, Carter fought Lamar Odom in June ... and was knocked out in the 2nd round.

Can't knock Carter too much ... Lamar had a foot height advantage. Dykstra is much closer to Aaron's size.

Boxing fans still hoping to see Manny Pacquiao and Errol Spence square off in the ring ... don't give up hope just yet, 'cause the legendary pugilist tells us he's down to scrap with the 31-year-old once he's healed up.

Of course, 42-year-old Pacquiao and Spence -- the IBF and WBC welterweight champ -- were scheduled to box August 21 in Las Vegas ... but doctors discovered Errol had a torn retina -- a serious eye injury -- during pre-fight medical evaluations.

But, the fight isn't dead just yet.

TMZ Sports spoke to PacMan just minutes after the fight was canceled ... and we asked the 8-division world champ if he'd re-book the bout in the future.

"I have no problem [fighting Spence]. As long as he’s still physically fit, then okay," Pacquiao says.

Errol's out, but Manny -- coming off wins over Keith Thurman and Adrien Broner -- is still fighting later this month ... taking on the WBA Super Welterweight champion, Yordenis Ugas.

Ugas isn't regarded as a top pound-for-pound fighter like Spence, but MP says he isn't overlooking the 2008 Olympic bronze medal winner.

Jake Paul was so amazed by all the U.S. women in the 2020 Olympics, he's personally inviting one to his Tyron Woodley fight -- pole vaulter and fellow Ohioan Katie Nageotte!!!

Paul took a second to show love for all the U.S women who competed at the Tokyo Games on Twitter Monday ... congratulating the American ladies on their "amazing stats."

"U.S. women won 66 medals, comprising a record 58.4% of the American total ... that’s insane!!," the YouTube superstar said.

Of the 66 medals, 23 were gold ... one belonging to Nageotte.

The 30-year-old won it all in the pole vault after clearing a 4.90 meter on her second attempt ... making her the third woman in U.S. Olympics to win the gold in the event.

Nageotte also happens to be from Northeast Ohio -- just like Paul -- and he's inviting her to come watch him box in the ring against Woodley in The Land.

"Katie if you are reading this I hope you will come to my fight in Cleveland as my guest on August 29th!"

Nageotte noticed the invite and retweeted the post ... so maybe we'll see her front and center rocking the gold at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

BTW -- Nageotte channeled her inner LeBron James after her big moment ... saying, "Cleveland, this is for you!!!"

How's boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya prepping for his big comeback fight with Vitor Belfort?! By taking out his smokin' hot new GF, sports reporter Holly Sonders!!

TMZ Sports spotted the new couple couple at celeb hotspot Nobu in Malibu Friday night ... as they left dinner.

We're told De La Hoya and Sonders met at a boxing event HS was working in June ... where she interviewed the former 6-weight class world champion.

The sparks obviously were flying ... and we're told they've been inseparable ever since.

In fact, the new couple recently took a trip to Pebble Beach golf course where they hit the links together.

Last year, Sonders was in a relationship with high-stakes gambler, "Vegas Dave" ... before the couple ultimately split.

Of course, Oscar is returning to the ring after spending 13 years in retirement (his last fight was a loss to Manny Pacquiao in 2008) ... boxing Belfort, the 44-year-old MMA legend.

FYI, Belfort is one of the greatest MMA fighters ever ... with wins over Dan Henderson, Michael Bisping and Luke Rockhold.

We asked ODLH about the upcoming scrap ... and he told us he's training his ass off.

"Healthy, not drinking, no nothing, I’m just with my beautiful woman, Holly. And I’m gonna f****** knock that mother f***** out. You want to f****** see a real fight? I’m gonna knock that mother f***** out."

Fight goes down September 11.

✅ Big fight
✅ Hot GF 🔥🔥🔥

Robert Easter Jr. -- a former boxing champ -- is now a wanted man in Ohio for allegedly punching a woman and knocking her out cold.

According to reports, the ex-IBF lightweight titleholder is being sought by authorities in Toledo after a warrant was issued for his arrest this past weekend -- this after a woman went to police and alleged he'd slugged her in the side of the face with a closed fist.

The alleged attack happened very early Saturday morning -- the woman claims to have been rendered unconscious, and cops say they saw a busted lip and chipped tooth ... enough evidence for them, it seems, to have called for Easter's arrest on a simple assault charge.

It doesn't appear he's in custody quite yet -- and no other details have emerged about the alleged altercation.

Jake Paul vs. Manny Pacquiao is a fight you will NOT see ... 'cause the Filipino legend tells us he's laser-focused on bolstering his legacy -- and a fight with the YouTube star doesn't help.

... but he didn't slam the door on Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather II.

TMZ Sports talked to the 42-year-old boxing great while he was training at Wild Card Boxing in Los Angeles ... and we asked Manny if he had any interest in boxing Jake.

"No, I will not. I will not. I want to fight the best to add on to my legacy."

Of course, 24-year-old Paul -- who's fighting ex-UFC champ Tyron Woodley later this month -- previously told us he had his sights set on ... the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world, CANELO ALVAREZ.

But, Pacquiao ain't interested ... but Jake shouldn't take it as a shot at his skills in the squared circle.

"I’m not underestimating Paul, but he’s, he doesn’t have a lot of experience of boxing. So, in that point, he’s already, disadvantage for him to fight in boxing."

FYI, Manny -- who's coming off wins against stars Adrien Broner and Keith Thurman -- has a huge fight against 31-year-old boxing champ Errol Spence on August 21 ... and clearly isn't slowing down despite his advanced age for a fighter.

We asked Pacquiao if he wanted a rematch with Floyd Mayweather ... so he could avenge his 2015 loss against Money.

Manny says he's down to do it (even though Mayweather's retired) ... adding Floyd is invited to the Spence fight.

Boxer Adrien Broner had to be restrained while furiously trying to get to a group of people ... after a night of clubbing in his hometown of Cincinnati -- and the whole incident was caught on cell phone camera.

TMZ Sports acquired video taken outside the Copa Lounge in Cinci on Friday, July 23. The 32-year-old former 4-weight class world champ is clearly agitated, and has to be held back.

At one point, the video shows 34-4-1 Broner squaring up to another man. He never throws a punch or makes contact with anyone.

We're told peace was ultimately restored ... cops were not involved, and no one was arrested.

AB -- for all his talent in the squared circle (and he's got a lot) -- has had a bunch of run-ins with the law outside it ... from DUI's to alleged assaults and robberies.

As for fighting inside the ring, Broner earned a unanimous decision victory against Jovanie Santiago in February. It was AB's first fight since losing to the legendary Manny Pacquiao ... a more than 2-year layoff.

Lamar Odom is stepping back in the boxing ring, but this time he ain't scrapping with a childhood pop star ... L.O. is fighting former heavyweight champ, Riddick Bowe!!

Celebrity Boxing founder Damon Feldman tells TMZ Sports they've inked a deal pitting the 6'10", 41-year-old former NBA All-Star against the retired 53-year-old pugilist.

The fight is set to go down October 2 on Fite.TV ... from the James L. Knight arena in Miami.

The legendary, 43-1-1 former undisputed heavyweight champ -- who once beat Evander Holyfield -- hasn't fought in over a decade ... winning his last pro bout in 2008.

As for Odom, he isn't new to the ring ... he knocked out Aaron Carter in the 2nd round of their fight in June 2021.

Carter looked overmatched against the 2x NBA champ ... who previously told us he used boxing to stay in tip-top shape during the height of his hoops days.

Also boxing on the card ... former 2-weight class world champ Paulie Malignaggi is fighting social media star Corey B.

Paulie and Corey got into it at Lamar's last fight ... nearly coming to blows. This time around ... there won't be anyone to break the mean up.

Austin McBroom admits Bryce Hall was NOT paid for their "YouTubers vs. TikTokers" fight, but the social media star claims it ain't his fault ... 'cause another company is holding the money hostage!!

TMZ Sports recently ran into McBroom -- who KO'd Hall in the 3rd round of their June 12 fight -- in L.A. ... and the man behind the event made it clear neither he nor his company, Social Gloves, are to blame for the delayed paychecks.

"Fighters have not gotten paid yet, including myself, but that is because Live X Live," Austin said.

McBroom later explained it like this ... "Everyone thinks that Social Gloves just did everything. No, Social Gloves partnered with Live X Live who live streamed it and collected everybody’s money. Right? So, the reason why the fighters haven’t gotten paid yet is because Live X Live has been holding on to all the funds."

However, in a lawsuit recently filed by Live X Live in L.A., the company tells a very different story.

According to the suit, LXL claims McBroom refused to promote the event ... insisting his popularity alone would translate into millions buying the fight for $49.99.

Not even close, per Live X Live ... who says they ultimately sold only 136,000 PPV's for the fight -- significantly less than they say Austin expected.

There's more, Live X Live says McBroom badmouthed their company after the event ... resulting in a 20% loss in their stock price -- "causing nearly $100 million in damages."

Money Live X Live wants back ASAP ... hence the lawsuit.

But, McBroom isn't giving in without a fight. He says he has also filed a lawsuit (we haven't seen that one) ... against, you guessed it, Live X Live.

Canelo Alvarez is widely considered the greatest pound-for-pound boxer on the planet ... and Jake Paul thinks he can beat him in a boxing match -- saying he's "very confident" he'd come out on top!!

Remember, the YouTuber-turned-fighter previously told TMZ Sports he was eyeing a future bout with the Mexican superstar ... in an attempt to becoming "the most disruptive boxer in the history of the sport."

But, Paul doesn't just think he'll enter the ring with the guy -- Jake's now saying he thinks he can WIN.

"I'm very confident," Jake told Maxim. "He's a killer at 168 pounds, but people forget that I naturally walk around at about 205, so there's a big weight difference. There's a big height advantage."

Paul -- who's set to fight Tyron Woodley in Cleveland next month -- adds he's not impressed with Alvarez's recent opponents ... saying, "They've all been easy guys who just sort of fall on their ass."

There's a bit of history between the guys -- Canelo told us back in December 2020 the Paul bros were disrespectful to the sport, so there's already a good storyline to go with it.

JP says he understands the opportunity won't come without hard work -- he says he'll keep fighting tougher opponents and working on his craft every day -- but is confident Alvarez will eventually take the bait.

"At the end of the day, this is a business," he said. "If Canelo sees that, he's going to want to get in on the business."

Tyron Woodley should be VERY concerned about his upcoming fight against Jake Paul ... so says Gilbert Burns, who tells TMZ Sports he thinks Paul has a shot to destroy the MMA star.

The bout is set to go down in Cleveland at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Aug. 29 -- and it will be Paul's 4th boxing match -- and Woodley's first.

And, according to Burns, don't be surprised if the YouTuber is the one who walks away from the ring victorious.

"Jake Paul is really proving himself as a hard worker, a great boxer, heavy-handed," Burns said. "He's very big ... I don't see an easy fight for Tyron Woodley."

Burns knows a thing or two about that ... remember, the Brazilian MMA fighter beat Woodley pretty good in a UFC match back in May 2020 -- winning by unanimous decision.

Woodley went on to lose his next two fights after that ... and it's all got Burns really wondering if the fighter can pull out the win over Paul.

"I see the pressure's on Tyron Woodley," Burns says. "He has to win that fight. Otherwise, it's going to be a horrible way to recover from."

As for if Burns has any tips for Paul, Gilbert says the key to beating Woodley is pressure and the counter punch.

"The one thing that I learned for Tyron Woodley, he's very afraid to get tired," Burns says. "I think Jake's go-to stay calm, put pressure on him, watch out for that right hand, but at the same time when the overhand right comes, it opens a lot of things."

Burns continued, "I got to watch this one close, but I'm not that confident that Tyron Woodley's gonna pull that one-off."

Gervonta "Tank" Davis is a proud Baltimore native -- and the star boxer loves his city so much, he just got it tatted all across his upper back!!!

Of course, the Maryland city is where Davis started down his road to stardom ... learning to box there at just 7 years old.

And now, the 26-year-old champ is deciding to give a major salute back to his hometown ... hitting up his go-to guy, celeb tat artist Josh Levario, for some awesome B-more ink.

The tat came out HUGE ... with the word "BALTIMORE" spanning from Davis' left shoulder all the way to his right.

The piece also came out impressive as hell -- considering Levario (who also did Tank's movie icon tattoo) tells us it only took 3 hours to get done.

Gervonta has already been honored in the past by the city of Baltimore, with Mayor Jack Young once presenting him a key to the city.

Perhaps the new tat persuades Young to give him even more?!?

Tyron Woodley says his tattoo bet with Jake Paul is straight-up "childish" -- but he tells TMZ Sports he took it 'cause he says he knows he's going to KO the YouTuber!

Paul and Woodley made the deal earlier this month ... agreeing that whoever loses on Aug. 29 will have to tattoo the winner's name somewhere on their body.

The bet is wild ... if Jake wins, Tyron has to get "I Love Jake Paul." If Tyron wins, Jake has to get "I Love Tyron Woodley."

The former UFC champ tells us the agreement was stupid ... explaining Paul only did it 'cause it's "his way of downplaying and bringing me into his world".

"It’s kind of childish," Woodley says. "But, last time he tried [to bet me] to make it seem like I wasn’t confident."

So, Woodley says he shook hands with Paul on it this time ... telling us he just knows he's not going to lose.

"I’m just not finna just let you act like you run the show," Woodley tells us ... adding, "Yeah, I bet because I’m confident I’m going to win. I have no plan on getting an 'I Love Jake Paul' tattoo."

As for a prediction for fight night ... Woodley wouldn't give a round, but says the outcome is inevitable.

Frank Varey -- a boxing prodigy who had won multiple national titles -- died on Thursday at just 16 years old ... and the news devastated Tyson Fury, who called the fighter a "future world champ."

Varey was out swimming with friends in the River Dee in the UK on Thursday when he went missing ... and law enforcement says after hours of searching, they found his body in the water.

It's believed the young pugilist accidentally drowned.

The tragedy absolutely rocked the boxing world ... with Fury writing on his social media page, "RIP Frank. Was a future world champ."

Fury added, "may God be with your family."

Olympic gold medalist boxer Luke Campbell also sent his condolences, saying on Twitter, "RIP Frank Varey. Rest well champ, thoughts with all your friends and family."

While just a teenager, Varey had wildly impressed in his matches ... and in 2019, he fought for England in the European Junior Championships.

"England Boxing has been devastated to hear the news of Frank’s death, with our coaches, in particular, having got to know him very well during his boxing development," England Boxing CEO Gethin Jenkins said.

"He was a very talented boxer, multiple National Champion and a member of our England set-up and Talent Pathway, proudly representing his country in the 2019 Euros. Although young, he had clearly demonstrated much promise."

Jenkins continued, "He was also a very popular character with his fellow boxers and those who coached him, bringing a sense of fun to everything he did. He will leave a huge gap in people’s lives."

Deontay Wilder's fiancée, Telli Swift, is calling Tyson Fury's COVID diagnosis straight up BS ... telling TMZ Sports the boxer's tryna buy time -- 'cause he ain't ready to go toe-to-toe with her man, the Bronze Bomber!

The Fury-Wilder trilogy fight was set for July 24 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas -- after Wilder actually went to court to compel Fury to take the 3rd fight.

But, the bout was postponed ... due to Fury recently testing positive for COVID-19.

We spoke with Swift at an event for her non-profit, Boxing WAGS Association, in El Segundo ... and we asked for her and Deontay's take on Fury's illness -- and Telli didn't hold back."

"You've trained so hard, blood, sweat, and tears and then for someone to have COVID and Deontay’s fight with torn biceps, broken fingers, burns on his arms, and he still fought," Swift says.

"So, I just feel like with COVID and you have sixteen days until the fight, he should still be able to fight and make it happen."

In fact, Swift thinks the 32-year-old heavyweight champ is tryna use COVID as a way to dodge Wilder ... saying it's just an excuse to give him some time.

"I don’t think that he’s ready. I think he’s buying time, and I just feel like he feels Deontay is at the best looking-wise."

Of course, Wilder and Fury fought to a draw in 2018 ... and Deontay lost the 2nd fight in 2020 via TKO.

Swift added, "Personally, I don’t believe anything that he says. So, I don’t believe anything that he says, and that’s that."

And, you can forget about Wilder boxing anyone else during the wait, Swift -- who got engaged to Wilder in 2018 -- tells us he's only focused on Fury.

"Deontay’s mind ... he eats, sleeps, lives Tyson Fury. So, he’s ready for Tyson!"

Boxing fans are going to have to wait 3 more months to see Tyson Fury fight Deontay Wilder again ... the tilt has now officially been moved to October in the wake of a big COVID outbreak in Fury's camp.

The announcement came out Thursday ... with officials saying the fight has now been postponed from July 24 to Oct. 9 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

"I wanted nothing more than to smash the 'Big Dosser' on July 24, but I guess the beating will have to wait," said Fury, who, along with several members of his team, tested positive for COVID earlier this month.

"Make no mistake, I will be back and better than ever. We will fight Oct. 9, and I will knock him spark out!"

The two boxers fought to a draw in their first matchup in December 2018 ... but Fury handled Wilder soundly in their second matchup in February 2020.

You'll recall, Tyson was set to move on from Wilder and face Anthony Joshua this summer ... but Wilder won a big decision in court to make sure this fight happened before that one.

Wilder's manager, Shelly Finkel, said the Bronze Bomber is fine waiting a few more weeks to get another shot at Tyson ... explaining, "This is what we went to arbitration for."