Boxing

Don't count on Tito Ortiz and Anderson Silva grabbin' a beer after their upcoming boxing match ... 'cause the UFC legend says he's lost ALL RESPECT for Spider after contentious contract negotiations.

46-year-old Ortiz broke down the beef when TMZ Sports talked to him at RVCA Training Centre in Costa Mesa, CA ... explaining how Silva demanded the fight go down at 195 pounds -- 10 pounds under the weight he last fought.

"He wants me down to 195. He's fought at 205 over 6 times in his career and he wants me down to 195. So, it shows that he's afraid of my power."

That's an issue 'cause it means Ortiz has to cut extra weight and deplete his body before the fight -- and frankly, that ticks Tito off.

"I lost respect for the guy man. He's one of the best in the world in mixed martial arts, but I have no respect to him."

The 2 legends are fighting September 11 on Triller ... a card that also includes Oscar de la Hoya and Vitor Belfort.

Silva is coming off a big time win in the ring over former boxing champ Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. ... a fight that shocked many experts.

But, don't count on the impressive performance scaring Ortiz ... he's veryyyy confident he's gonna whoop Silva's ass.

"Am I the toughest fighter? I'm way tougher than him, 100%. Am I gonna make it vicious? Am I gonna make it just a blood fight? Yes. I hope he's ready for a dogfight. That's what it's gonna be. It's gonna be a dogfight."

"I ain't in here for an exhibition. I'm not here for pitter patter, you know, do a dance. I'm here to fight. I'm a fighter."

We also talked to Tito's boxing coach, Jason Parillo -- one of the best trainers in the sport -- who told us the key to beating Silva.

Vicente Luque is surging in the rankings ... and now the rising UFC star is going big name hunting -- calling out none other than Nate Diaz.

TMZ Sports talked to 29-year-old Luque -- fresh off his 1st round submission dub over top 5 fighter, Michael Chiesa -- and we asked, who's next!?!

"I do want to wait and see what's gonna happen with [Usman-Covington], with the title fight. Maybe I can get in there, maybe I can jump the line and fight for the title," Vicente says.

But, #4 ranked Luque knows that's likely a long shot ... so he's got some names in mind in the event he doesn't fight for the strap.

"Leon Edwards could be a guy, you know, a rematch against him could be something that would interest me. Also, a super fight against a guy like Nate Diaz, which I've called out a couple of times. That also would be a fight that would interest me."

Vicente lost to Leon via unanimous decision back in 2017 ... but has been on a tear of late -- coming off wins over Chiesa (submission), Tyron Woodley (submission), Randy Brown (KO), Niko Price (TKO).

Of course, Diaz just fought Edwards himself -- losing via unanimous decision -- but not before almost KO'ing Leon in the last round of the June fight.

There's another option ... serve as the backup fighter in case of injury or illness for Usman vs. Covington -- a fight that doesn't yet have a date.

"I think that would be something interesting. Even if I'm not, you know, officially a backup, I do plan to stay ready. And, possibly, you know if something, I hope nothing happens, but if something happens, I can step in there and save the day."

Bottom line ... Vicente Luques' a problem in the welterweight division.

A fight between Aaron Carter and Lenny Dykstra is NOT gonna happen ... so says the singer himself, who tells TMZ Sports the ex-baseball star is too old and fragile to step in the ring with him.

As we previously reported, the former All-Star slugger called out the pop star earlier this week ... saying, "I'm gonna f***** take this mother f***** apart piece by piece, okay?"

But, Dykstra's not gonna get that shot ... 'cause AC says he has too big of a heart to fight a 58-year-old man.

"You’re a baseball player, you’re older, thank you, but no thank you, because I don’t want to hurt you permanently or badly," Carter tells us.

But, someone who ISN'T old and fragile?? Soulja Boy ... and AC is extending an official challenge to the rapper to an epic celebrity boxing match!!!

"Honestly, I would call out somebody, I would probably call out Soulja Boy, but I would rip him apart," he said.

"Here’s the thing -- he just won’t respond. Because a lot of these guys in the industry, that do the same thing I do, they almost like to pretend I don’t exist."

"And, that’s because my record sells, and my numbers, and my concerts, and 26 years of longevity scares them, it threatens them."

Remember, Carter lasted nearly 2 rounds against Lamar Odom earlier this year ... before the ex-NBA star KO'd the singer.

AC isn't holding his breath on getting his dream opponent, though ... he thinks Soulja would be too scared to agree to the bout.

"It would be embarrassing for him because he would do a lot of talk, and say a lot of s***, and then he would be rocked apart. Because I’m a solid 165 pound man and I’m 6 foot even."

Muhammad Ali's grandson, Nico Ali Walsh, is making his pro boxing debut Saturday ... a fight that never would've happened if Muhammad didn't stop his grandson from quitting the sport years ago, Nico tells TMZ Sports.

We talked to the 21-year-old, 0-0 fighter -- who's taking on 4-1 Jordan Weeks Saturday night in Oklahoma on ESPN+ -- and asked him about following in the footsteps of the most famous and beloved fighter of all-time.

"Everyone wants to compare me to my grandfather, I really appreciate it. I wish I looked like my grandfather, but nobody will look like him. I will not look like and nobody will ever look like him," Nico tells us.

Ali Walsh -- who was born in 2000 (19 years after Muhammad retired) -- says he almost quit the sport back in the day ... but Ali wouldn't let him.

"I would definitely not be boxing if I didn’t get [Muhammad's] blessing, so to speak. I asked him if I should be boxing, and you know, because at the time I wanted to quit boxing."

"It was getting a little tough, I was like 14. But, he didn’t let me quit. He kept pushing me to continue, continue, continue. And, I kept wanting him to tell me to quit, so I could. But, he didn’t let me."

FYI, Nico's mom is Rasheda Ali Walsh, Muhammad's daughter. The Ali Walsh family is (no surprise) athletically gifted. Nico's older brother, Biaggio, was one of the top high school football players in Nevada. He is currently on the UCLA football team.

Almost 61 years ago, a crowd of just over 6,000 fans showed up to an arena in Louisville to watch Ali, an unknown fighter at the time, make his pro debut.

He became arguably the most influential athlete of all-time.

Jake Paul is off the hook with the feds for roaming an Arizona mall as it was being looted by George Floyd protestors -- we're told he will NOT be prosecuted.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona tells TMZ ... prosecutors will not be pursuing federal charges against Jake for his conduct in the Scottsdale shopping center days after Floyd's murder.

As we reported, video shows Jake inside the mall while it was being looted back on May 30, 2020 ... and he was busted for trespass and charged with a criminal misdemeanor. The City Attorney didn’t pursue the case, but kicked it up to the feds, who launched an investigation.

As part of that investigation, federal agents later raided Jake's home in Calabasas and the famous Graffiti Mansion in Las Vegas. We know weapons were confiscated from both homes, but it remains unclear how, or if, they were connected to the Scottsdale incident.

In any event, the feds now say they didn't find enough evidence to charge him for anything.

Jake Paul is rolling out the royal red carpet for his fight against Tyron Woodley ... telling TMZ Sports he wants LeBron James front and center for the big night!!

Of course, Paul is slated to duke it out with Woodley on Aug. 29 in Cleveland ... just a stone's throw from where the YouTube superstar (Westlake) and NBA champ (Akron) grew up.

Jake says it's truly a special night for the city and the state ... so he wants the biggest local names to make an appearance and cheer him on.

"I think it’s just really cool that this is sort of an Ohio affair," Paul tells us, "and, not a lot of boxing matches take place in Ohio, let alone Cleveland."

With that being said, Jake is hoping to see the ex-Cavalier come through for his event ... giving a personal invite to the King.

"LeBron, pull up baby!!!" Paul said.

"When I was 12, came and saw your games. I paid good money for some front row seats. I was yelling at you from the crowds."

"And so, I think it’s only right that you pull up and yell, "Jake! Jake! But look, LeBron, this one’s for the city man, pull up!"

JP's also inviting Ohioans who killed it in the Tokyo Olympics -- from Zach Apple to Katie Nageotte (who he just invited on Monday) and more.

"Katie taking gold, Duke Regan boxing coming up a silver. Oshae Jones with the bronze. We got swimmers Zach Apple, Hunter Armstrong both getting gold in swimming."

"Like, the Ohioans were crushing it. So, I was like come on down to the fight and it’s perfect timing. It’s right after the Olympics. They get to chill out, and maybe grab a beer!"

Errol Spence Jr. is OUT of his fight against Manny Pacquiao -- the welterweight champ was forced to withdraw from the huge event due to a nasty eye injury.

Of course, the 31-year-old was set to face off with the 42-year-old star on August 21 at T-Mobile Arena in Vegas ... a fight that's been hyped up for months.

But, fans will have to wait to see Spence and Pacquiao duke it out in the ring ... with WBA welterweight champ Yordenis Ugas -- who was already on the card as a co-feature -- stepping in as a replacement.

Spence found out he had a torn retina during a pre-fight medical exam with the Nevada State Athletic Commission ... and flew home to Dallas for surgery.

"I’m very disappointed that I won’t be able to fight Manny Pacquiao on August 21," Spence said Tuesday. "I was excited about the fight and the event."

"Unfortunately, the doctors found a tear in my left eye and said I needed to get surgery on it ASAP and that there was no way I could fight with my eye in that condition. I’d like to apologize to everyone," he continued.

"You know I’ll be back as soon back soon. We’ve come back from worse," he said.

Manny sent his well wishes ... saying, "First and foremost, I ask everyone to join me in praying for a full and complete recovery for Errol Spence Jr."

"Thank God his physical examination discovered his eye condition before he suffered any further damage.  I have agreed to fight Yordenis Ugas on August 21 for the WBA welterweight super championship.  The proper way and the only way to win a world title is inside the ring."

Spence is expected to make a full recovery ... get well soon!!

"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.