The Miami police department said on social media that it had arrested the 31-year-old on Wednesday in a joint operation between local and federal forces.

According to the complaint by Courtney Rossel, Davis went to the striptease club where she worked on October 27, forced her to go outside and dragged her to the carpark where he grabbed her by the neck, pushed her and hit her on the back of the head.

Lightweight Davis was supposed to face YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami in November but the fight was called off following the accusations made against him.

Paul instead fought in December against former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, who knocked him out in six rounds.

Nicknamed “Tank” because of his power, Davis has held world titles at super featherweight, lightweight and super lightweight.

He is unbeaten with 30 victories, including 28 by knockout, and one draw in his career.

It is not the first time that Davis has been accused of assault or domestic violence.

Last July, he was arrested on battery and domestic violence charges after allegedly assaulting his ex-partner and mother of his two children a month earlier.

However, the charges were dropped after the woman declined to prosecute him.

In a country that adores its boxers like heroes of modern age, the sport has long been a reflection of the Filipinos’ unmatched fortitude in the most challenging times we have been through.

Bruised and battered, from natural disasters, foreign invasions, and political turmoil, the Philippines stood ground through the highs and lows, and has emphatically proven, from our ancestors to the present age, that we could always beat the 10 count.

The sport introduced more than a century ago by American soldiers, boxing followed a path similar to that of Daily Bulletin, now the Manila Bulletin.

Both have stood the test of time.

Starting from scratch

Boxing grew into one of the country’s best sources of medals on the international stage, consistently landing on the podium highlighted by the 10 medals — four silvers and six bronzes — we have so far won in the Olympics.

It took nine editions of the Summer Games before the Philippines earned its first medal courtesy of José Villanueva’s bronze in the men’s bantamweight class of the Los Angeles Games in 1932.

With Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP), which founded in 1977, leading the program, the Filipino pugs displayed brilliance from the past years which was highlighted by Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio’s silver medals in the Covid-delayed Tokyo Games in 2021.

On the same Japanese soil, Eumir Marcial added a bronze to make it a three-medal haul, marking the most successful stint of Filipino boxers in Olympic history which was capped off by Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo’s gold in women’s 55kg weightlifting event that ended the country’s 97-year gold medal drought.

Their success gave the Philippines the momentum it needed, following it up with two bronze medals from Petecio and Olympic debutant Aira Villegas in the 2024 edition held in Paris.

In a span of two editions of the Summer Games, those achievements already leveled the feat from the pioneers in Villanueva, Anthony Villanueva (1964 Tokyo), Leopoldo Serrantes (1988 Seoul), and siblings Roel (1992 Barcelona) and Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco (1996 Atlanta).

Though there has been superb improvement, the boxers are hoping to shine even more by capturing the elusive gold, which for Marcial, was an ultimate dream after falling short in his last two Olympic appearances.

“I will never stop chasing that dream,” said Marcial, who recently bagged his fifth straight gold medal at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. “It is my ultimate goal of winning the gold for the Philippines.”

The Philippine Sports Commission, headed by chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, is also consistent with its job and recently partnered with the province of Bukidnon to establish a regional training hub for boxers in Malaybalay.

Overflowing potential

The extraordinary eight-division world title feat of Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao is an achievement too hard to reach for a boxer even in this age.

And his success was never meant to be replicated, but rather serve as an inspiration for hidden gems across the country that has produced legends in the sport like Pancho Villa, Ceferino Garcia, Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, and Nonito Donaire Jr.

The next force in the ring? The country has plenty, with fighters steadily making waves, like Weljon Mindoro, Mark Magsayo, Melvin Jerusalem, Pedro Taduran, Kenneth Llover, and Carl Jammes Martin, who could all become the poster boys of Philippine boxing.

More than glory, boxing is a life-changing sport

Like in life, boxing rewards those brave enough to take bold risks, even when success is uncertain.

Despite its deadly nature, many aspiring athletes step into the ring with the hope that boxing can one day change their lives, particularly in terms of financial stability.

One of the greatest epitomes is the story of Pacquiao, who once struggled to look for his daily meals as he worked several odd jobs including being a construction worker and a street vendor, while often sleeping in boxing gyms.

Pacquiao’s journey sparked a movement of dreamers, fueling the hopes of thousands of prodigies who aim for a better life, because more than glory, boxing is a way out of hardships.

Filipino boxing great Nonito Donaire Jr. continues to push his limits when he seeks another shot at making history by becoming the oldest bantamweight champion.

At 43 years old, the veteran pug is fighting in another title eliminator fight, this time against Japanese Riku Masuda in Yokohama, Japan on March 15.

Donaire is now fighting his third bout in nine months following a lengthy hiatus and a victory would interestingly earn him another shot at World Boxing Association (WBA) king Seiya Tsutsumi.

Donaire and Tsutsumi figured in a bloody duel just last December with the defending champion narrowly escaping with the victory against the latter.

“Eyes forward. I’ve been back in the gym since December 24 — no announcements, no shortcuts, just work,” said Donaire in an Instagram post.

“Grateful beyond measure for the opportunity. This is what discipline prepares you for. Respect to everyone who helped make today professional and sharp — from the lighting to the sound to the cameras,” he added.

Donaire retained his No.1 spot in the WBA bantamweight ranking following the valiant fight, paving the way to the duel against the No. 4 ranked Masuda.

The Filipino pug, no doubt, is the more seasoned fighter, evident with his 42-9 record with 28 knockouts though the Japanese boxer posts a dangerous threat despite his 9-1 record with eight knockouts.

The bout serves as part of the undercard for the main event — World Boxing Organization (WBO) flyweight championship between Anthony Olascuaga and Jukiya Iimura.

Manny Pacquiao may have fallen short for a winning return to the ring but his majority draw decision against reigning champion Mario Barrios proved to be enough to earn him another honor.

The World Boxing Council feted Pacquiao with the 2025 Comeback of the Year award after reviving his professional career from a four-year inactivity and then forcing the much-younger Barrios to a draw in their welterweight championship last July.

“The Filipino legend proved that he is still world class. Pacquiao returned to the ring showing flashes of the speed and power that made him a global icon, inspiring millions with his discipline despite the passage of time,” the WBC said.

At 46 years old, Pacquiao made his return to the ring, aiming to reset his own record of being the oldest welterweight champion — a feat he achieved when he defeated Keith Thurman at 40-years-old back in 2019.

The Filipino boxing great did look close to achieving that again against Barrios, who many believed fought too cautiously against Pacquiao.

A late rally from Barrios, however, proved to be enough to hack out a majority draw decision with two judges scoring the bout 114-114 and one in his favor, 115-113.

Pacquiao’s camp, even after the loss, assured that the Filipino will remain active, even announcing back in October a supposed January 24 fight in Las Vegas.

The plan, however, was scrapped as the talks of a possible fight between Pacquiao and World Boxing Association (WBA) title holder Rolly Romero also bogged down largely due to the latter’s mandatory defense against Shakhram Giyasov.

Adeniyi was charged at Sagamu Magistrates’ Court with counts of dangerous driving causing death, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care or attention causing bodily harm and damage to property and driving without a valid national driver’s license.

He pleaded not guilty to all four charges and was released on bail of 5,000,000 Naira ($3,480) ahead of his Jan. 20 trial date.

Joshua was briefly hospitalized after the incident before he was released on Wednesday. Personal trainer Latif Ayodele and strength coach Sini Ghami were the two members of Joshua’s party who were killed.

A preliminary investigation indicated that Joshua’s car, which was being driven by Adeniyi, was “over-speeding” when a tire burst, leading to loss of control of the SUV, which crashed into a stationary vehicle.

The incident occurred while Joshua was on vacation after his sixth-round knockout victory over Jake Paul on Netflix on Dec. 19.

Supported by Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso and B-Steel, the event aims to spotlight aspiring boxers in Zamboanga while giving Mindoro a chance to redeem himself after his disappointing debut at last December’s Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.

“We believe na ‘yong event na ito ay makakapagbigay ng boost sa mga young boxers natin and sana, mas lumaki pa ‘to para mas marami pa tayong maabot na kabataaan,” said Marcial, a two-time Olympic medalist.

“Itong laban nya ngayon [Mindoro], bahagi rin ng pag-comfort ko kay Weljon, na-low morale dahil sa nangyari sa SEA Games, and sana tumaas ulit ‘yong kumpiyansa nya sa laban na ‘to,” he added.

Mindoro, the IBA Asian middleweight champion with a 15-0-1 record, will take on a foreign opponent in a non-title bout, with the rival to be announced in the coming days.

“I’m ready sa labang ‘to, talagang pinaghandaan ko ‘yong magiging fight ko, lalo pa first time kong lalaban sa Zamboanga,” said Mindoro.

“Yung debut ko SEA Games, hindi naman sya nakaapekto sa mindset ko bagkos mas lalo pang nag-inspire sakin na pagbutihan pa,” he added.

The 25-year-old SEAG bronze medalist will compete professionally for the first time on his home soil alongside Albert Francisco (14-1-1), who is defending his Philippine Flyweight belt.

The Marcial-led slugfest will feature 10 bouts, including a possible fight of Marcial’s fellow Olympic pug Carlo Paalam, in the slugfest which also stages amateur fights.

Though he transitioned to being a promoter, Marcial stressed that he is open to enter the ring under his promotion in the future pro bouts.

“Abangan nyo po ‘tong event sa Zamboanga na magbibigay ng inspirasyon lalo na sa mga kabataan,” said Marcial, who has also a successful run in the pro ranks where he holds the WBC International middleweight strap with a pristine 7-0-0 tally.

“Magandang bagay na mayroon tayong mga gantong events para ‘yong mga kabataan malayo sa ilegal droga, mas better na mas ma-involve sila sa sports,” added Mayor Olaso. “Kasi dati palang may mga sports event na kami do’n, maganda lang na ituloy-tuloy natin with Eumir, para ma-inspire ‘yong mga bata.”

Muhammad Ali once joked that he should be a postage stamp because “that’s the only way I’ll ever get licked.”

Now, the three-time heavyweight champion’s quip is becoming reality.

Widely regarded as the most famous and influential boxer of all time, and a cultural force who fused athletic brilliance with political conviction and showmanship, Ali is being honored for the first time with a commemorative U.S. postage stamp.

“As sort of the guardian of his legacy, I’m thrilled. I’m excited. I’m ecstatic,” Lonnie Ali, the champ’s wife of nearly 30 years, told The Associated Press. “Because people, every time they look at that stamp, they will remember him. And he will be in the forefront of their consciousness. And, for me, that’s a thrill.”

A fighter in the ring and compassionate in life

Muhammad Ali died in 2016 at the age of 74 after living with Parkinson’s disease for more than three decades. During his lifetime and posthumously, the man known as The Greatest has received numerous awards, including an Olympic gold medal in 1960, the United Nations Messenger of Peace award in 1998 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005.

Having his face on a stamp, Lonnie Ali said, has a particular significance because it’s a chance to highlight his mission of spreading compassion and his ability to connect with people.

“He did it one person at a time,” she said. “And that’s such a lovely way to connect with people, to send them a letter and to use this stamp to reinforce the messaging in that life of connection.”

Stamp to be publicly unveiled

A first-day-of-issue ceremony for the Muhammad Ali Forever Stamp is planned for Thursday in Louisville, Kentucky, the birthplace of the famed boxer and home to the Muhammad Ali Center, which showcases his life and legacy. That’s when people can buy Muhammad Ali Forever Stamps featuring a black-and-white Associated Press photo from 1974 of Ali in his famous boxing pose.

Each sheet of 20 stamps also features a photo of Ali posing in a pinstripe suit, a recognition of his work as an activist and humanitarian. Twenty-two million stamps have been printed. Once they sell out, they won’t be reprinted, U.S. Postal Service officials said. The stamps are expected to generate a lot of interest from collectors and noncollectors.

Because they’re Forever Stamps, the First-Class Mail postage will always remain valid, which Lonnie Ali calls an “ultimate” tribute.

“This is going to be a Forever Stamp from the post office,” she said. “It’s just one of those things that will be part of his legacy, and it will be one of the shining stars of his legacy, getting this stamp.”

Creating a historic stamp

Lisa Bobb-Semple, the USPS director of stamp services, said the idea for a Muhammad Ali stamp first came about shortly after his death almost a decade ago. But the process of developing a stamp is a long one. The USPS requires people who appear on stamps to be dead for at least three years, with the exception of presidents.

As the USPS was working behind the scenes on a stamp, a friend of Ali helped to launch the #GetTheChampAStamp campaign, which sparked public interest in the idea.

“We are really excited that the stars were able to align that allowed us to bring the stamp to fruition,” said Bobb-Semple, who initially had to keep the planned Ali stamp secret until it was official. “It’s one that we’ve always wanted to bring to the market.”

Members of the Citizen Stamps Advisory Committee, appointed by the postmaster general, are responsible for selecting who and what appears on stamps. Each quarter, they meet with Bobb-Semple and her team to review suggestions submitted by the public. There are usually about 20 to 25 commemorative stamp issues each year.

Once a stamp idea is selected, Bobb-Semple and her team work with one of several art directors to design the postage. It then goes through a lengthy final approval process, including a rigorous review by the USPS legal staff, before it can be issued to the public.

Antonio Alcalá, art director and designer of the Muhammad Ali stamp, said hundreds of images were reviewed before the final choices were narrowed to a few. Finally, the AP image, taken by an unnamed photographer, was chosen. It shows Ali in his prime, posing with boxing gloves and looking straight into the camera.

Alcalá said there’s a story behind every USPS stamp.

“Postage stamps are miniature works of art designed to reflect the American experience, highlight heroes, history, milestones, achievements and natural wonders of America,” he said. “The Muhammad Ali stamps are a great example of that.”

A candid figure on war, civil rights and religion

Beyond the boxing ring, Ali was outspoken about his beliefs when many Black Americans were still fighting to be heard. Born Cassius Clay Jr., Ali changed his name after converting to Islam in the 1960s and spoke openly about race, religion and war. In 1967, he refused to be inducted into the U.S. Army, citing his religious beliefs and opposition to the Vietnam War.

That stance cost Ali his heavyweight championship title and barred him from boxing for more than three years. Convicted of draft evasion, he was sentenced to five years in prison but remained free while appealing the case. The conviction was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1971, further cementing his prominence as a worldwide figure.

Later in life, Ali emerged as a global humanitarian and used his fame to promote peace, religious understanding and charitable causes, even as Parkinson’s disease limited his speech and movement.

Ali’s message during a time of strife

The commemorative postage stamp comes at a time of political division in the U.S. and the world. Lonnie Ali said if her husband were alive today, he’d probably “block a lot of this out” and continue to be a compassionate person who connects with people every day.

That approach, she said, is especially important now.

“We have to mobilize Muhammad’s life and sort of engage in the same kinds of acts of kindness and compassion that he did every day,” she said.

Joshua suffered minor injuries in the December 29 crash and after being discharged from hospital he returned to England before attending the funerals of Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami last Sunday.

“Thank you for all the love and care you have shown my brothers,” Joshua posted on Instagram.

“I didn’t even realise how special they are. I’ll just be walking with them and cracking jokes with them, not even knowing God kept me in the presence of great men.

“100 percent it’s tough for me, but I know it’s even tougher for their parents. I have a strong mind, and I believe God knows their hearts. May God have mercy on my brothers.”

Ayodele, the personal trainer of the former two-time unified heavyweight champion, and Ghami, Joshua’s long-time strength and conditioning coach, both died at the scene of the crash on December 29.

Nigerian police charged the driver of the vehicle, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, with “dangerous driving causing death”.

The accident took place on a busy highway linking Lagos and Ibadan in southwest Nigeria when the Lexus SUV in which they were travelling rammed into a stationary truck.

Joshua, 36, who has family roots in Nigeria, was on holiday in the country following his win over Youtuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami on December 19.

Joshua posted a picture on his Instagram account of him sitting on a couch with his mother and three other women, one of whom is holding a photo on her lap. Joshua wrote “My Brothers Keeper” on the caption along with two hearts.

British media reported on Saturday that Joshua had returned to Britain ahead of the funerals of Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, which were reportedly held on Sunday.

They died after the vehicle they were traveling in along with Joshua struck a stationary truck on a major road near Lagos on Monday.

Joshua sustained minor injuries and the two-time heavyweight champion was released from a hospital on Wednesday after being deemed fit to recover at home.

Ghami was Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach while Ayodele was a trainer. Just hours before the crash, Joshua and Ayodele posted clips on social media of the pair playing table tennis together.

The driver of the car, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, was charged on Friday with dangerous and reckless driving, with the court case adjourned to Jan. 20 for trial.

Joshua has family roots in Nigeria and he briefly attended boarding school there as a child. He also holds Nigerian nationality.

On Sunday, former heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury announced that he is coming out of retirement amid speculation of a long-awaited fight with Joshua, who has yet to comment about his future in boxing.

Joshua was travelling on Monday with friends Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele on a busy highway linking Lagos and Ibadan in the southwest of the country when their SUV rammed into a stationary truck. He suffered minor injuries, according to the Nigerian police.

Preliminary investigations showed the vehicle was moving at excessive speed and had burst a tyre before the crash, said the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) in Ogun state, where the accident occurred.

“Anthony Joshua was discharged from hospital late this afternoon”, spokesmen for Lagos and Ogun state governments said in a joint statement late Wednesday night.

“Though heavy hearted and full of emotion over the loss of his two close friends, he was deemed clinically fit to recuperate at home,” Lagos state’s spokesman Gbenga Omotoso and his Ogun counterpart Kayode Akinmade said.

Both state governments have been overseeing the two-time heavyweight boxing world champion’s treatment since the crash on Monday.

After leaving the hospital, Joshua and his mother paid their respects at the funeral home where the bodies of his friends were “being prepared for repatriation”, the statement said.

Nigerian police said the two victims died at the scene.

Mangled wreckage

Ghami was Joshua’s longtime strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele was his personal trainer, according to British media.

A Nigerian newspaper, The Guardian, cited a senior police officer who said the driver of the car had also been discharged from hospital and was being questioned by police.

The newspaper added that the driver “could be prosecuted for reckless driving”, but gave no further details.

Joshua, 36, was admitted at Lagos’s Lagoon Hospital, the joint-statement said, contradicting earlier information by a TRACE official who gave the name of a different hospital.

The boxer, a British national whose family hails from southwest Nigeria, is known to visit the area when he is in the country.

Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling economic capital, throngs with visitors from across the country and diaspora each December.

Photos released by the police showed the mangled wreckage of a black sports utility vehicle.

In December, Joshua knocked out YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a Netflix-backed bout in Miami.

The former Olympic champion Joshua has since been linked with a fight against compatriot and fellow former world champion Tyson Fury.

Joshua’s last fight before the match with Paul was a fifth round knockout loss to fellow Briton Daniel Dubois in September 2024.