Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and Kamaru Usman trade shots over potential crossover clash

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Kamaru Usman, the pound-for-pound No 1s in boxing and the UFC respectively, have continued to exchange barbs regarding a potential crossover bout.

Speculation the two could meet in a boxing clash has ramped up the past few months, with UFC welterweight belt-holder Usman declaring last month he would stop the undisputed super middleweight champion should a lucrative match-up materialise.

The possible encounter has again been in the news this week, after Usman’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, labelled Alvarez an “absolute chicken” for not wanting to face his client.

After Alvarez bit back on social media, Usman stepped in, tweeting late on Wednesday: “Let’s just all relax… before somebody gets hurt.”

That prompted a back-and-forward between the pair online, with Alvarez telling Usman he would have to bide his time, saying: “You calling me out right ? You want the pay day right ? So you know where, but sit down it's not your turn yet. I have a legacy to make.”

Early on Thursday, Usman responded: “Enough said… you don’t want that smoke in a real fight. I hear you! Good luck champ.”

Alvarez, meanwhile, has won 15 of his past 16 bouts – he drew his first fight with Gennady Golovkin, in late 2017 - since losing to Floyd Mayweather in 2013. The Mexican, 31, has returned to light heavyweight to take on undefeated WBA (Super) champion Dmitry Bivol at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas next week.

Alvarez and Usman are not the only boxing and MMA champions to be sizing each other up for a blockbuster crossover bout, with heavyweight champions Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou also keen to clash.

Fury retained his WBC heavyweight title with a stoppage win over Dillian Whyte on Saturday, and UFC champion Ngannou joined the British fighter in the ring after the bout.

Usman retains title at UFC 268

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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.

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Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.

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Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

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Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and Kamaru Usman trade shots over potential crossover clash

Both fighters reside currently at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings in their respective sports

Usman retains title at UFC 268

KINGDOM%20OF%20THE%20PLANET%20OF%20THE%20APES

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

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