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WATCH: Reba McEntire Surprises Kansas Teacher With $10,000 Donation & Free Concert Tickets

One of Reba McEntire’s biggest fans just received the surprise of a lifetime! Katie Banks-Todd, a passionate drama teacher from El Dorado, Kansas, was honored during one of her recent shifts at school. Unbeknownst to her, she was the winner…

Katie Banks-Todd, Reba McEntire; Photo Courtesy of One Country/YouTube

One of Reba McEntire’s biggest fans just received the surprise of a lifetime! Katie Banks-Todd, a passionate drama teacher from El Dorado, Kansas, was honored during one of her recent shifts at school. Unbeknownst to her, she was the winner of a prize. And she received that prize from the three-time GRAMMY winner, McEntire herself.

McEntire teamed up with One Country to give Banks-Todd a check worth $10,000 to go toward her school’s music/arts program. Banks-Todd was also given a bonus gift – concert tickets to McEntire’s show at Intrust Bank Arena. The giveaway was all part of One Country’s Ultimate Christmas Giveaway, which pays it forward to a deserving teacher that makes a difference by supporting music and arts education in rural communities.

A video posted on the charitable giveaway company’s website shows the sweet moment when Banks-Todd gets pulled away from her drama classroom to receive the heartwarming surprise.

Reba McEntire Surprises Teacher With $10,000 Donation To Her School’s Music/Arts Program

In this clip, as shown above, kids can be seen inside the El Dorado High School commons, waiting for Banks-Todd to arrive. But as with her, they’re unaware of what’s about to happen.

“People are confused. Super excited. Everybody’s wondering what’s going on,” EHS Principal Erin Nichols tells the person filming the video.

Once Banks-Todd arrives in the commons, her students give her an enormous round of cheers. McEntire, then, appears on a giant screen to tell Banks-Todd why she had been pulled away from her classroom.

“Hey Katie, this is Reba McEntire. I heard about the amazing work you’re doing to support children in the arts in your hometown. Way to go!” McEntire says in the clip. “I just love hearing about people like you. In fact, our friends at One Country love you so much. They wrote you a check for $10,000 to support your local music/arts program. I’d also like to invite you to my show tomorrow night. So you can have a night off to relax and have fun with us.”

Reba McEntire; Photo Courtesy of One Country/YouTube

Katie Banks-Todd Graciously Thanked Her Students

After hearing from McEntire, Banks-Todd’s reaction is priceless. Her jaw drops at the news, and she can’t help but try to hold back her tears.

“I love you guys! I love Reba!” she says when she’s handed the microphone. “Oh my gosh! This is so fancy! Wow. That’s incredible. I’m shaking. I don’t know what to say except thank you, very, very, very much.”

Indeed, Banks-Todd is a deserving candidate for the gift. Banks-Todd returned to her hometown following a successful career on Broadway. Part of her dream has been to support children in music and the arts through her extensive educational knowledge and prior experience. She currently teaches at multiple formal learning institutions, including El Dorado High School and El Dorado Middle School.

“The kids love her. Parents love her. She’s like a singing whisperer. She can make anyone a singer. You can come into her with no talent whatsoever. But, if you just have the drive to learn, she can teach you,” Lori Christy, the bookkeeper at El Dorado High School, emotionally shared with Banks-Todd. “To watch your kid fall in love with something because of one person is pretty awesome as a parent. No one deserves this more than that woman. She’s the best. But anyone who meets her would know that. So, love you, Katie.”

Reba McEntire; Photo Courtesy of Elisabeth Garcia

“She’s always just upbeat, and even when you can tell she’s a little bit frustrated and tired, she always just finds a way to bring happiness and joy into the room,” one of Banks-Todd’s students adds. “The whole room lights up whenever she walks in.”

Footage in the clip also features Banks-Todd having the time of her life at McEntire’s show.

Gina Carano addressed Henry Cavill’s passion for his work and implied why he was the best Superman.

Gina Carano’s Short-Lived Romance With Henry Cavill

Securing a place in Henry Cavill’s rather short dating list, The Mandalorian alum Gina Carano enjoyed a fulfilling romance with the actor. Beginning to date in the fall of 2012, as per US Weekly, the duo made headlines after sources revealed their romance to the outlet. According to reports, as things were getting serious between Cavill and Carano, insiders opened up about their romance.

Gina Carano in a still from Disney’s The Mandalorian

However, soon within two years of dating, Henry Cavill and Gina Carano seemingly split. Breaking off their relationship in 2014, the duo had an amicable split. Ever since then, Cavill and Carano have dated other stars, but have been in contact with each other. Thereafter, the actress has often spoken fondly of her romance with the DC actor, during several interviews.

Gina Carano Offers Her Compliment to Ex-Boyfriend Henry Cavill

According to a recent interview the PDB podcast, Gina Carano is seen offering sweet compliments to her ex-boyfriend Henry Cavill. Opening up about her short-lived romance and amicable split, the actress is heard talking about the best aspects of Cavill. Addressing his hard-working nature and passion for stagecraft, Carano even spoke about Cavill as Superman.

“How was he by the way? You talking about Henry Cavill, right? Personality wise he gives me the vibe of a very cool cat.” podcast host Patrick Bet-David noted.

“He is wonderful. He’s a professional. He’s just passionate, I’d say… you know I think he’s just so passionate like you know in Batman vs Superman, you’ve got well Zack Snyder who’s amazing. He’s a super Batman fan, right? So Ben Affleck’s got the writer. And so Henry is over here, we gotta get some — we wanna make sure that we don’t forget about Superman. And so he was such a wonderful Superman. And he loved that more than anything.” Carano shared.

Henry Cavill as Superman in a still from Batman vs Superman

Speaking about Henry Cavill’s passion for work and how much effort he put into his character as Superman, Gina Carano spoke words that touched fans. Just like the actress noted during the podcast, Cavill indeed put his all into his role and turned Superman immortal in fans’ hearts.

Henry Cavill Was the Best Superman DC Could Ever Have

Despite Henry Cavill turning Superman into an immortal superhero for DC fans, and gradually becoming synonymous with the role, he was eventually replaced when James Gunn took over DC studios. When the co-CEO first broke the news that Cavill would not appear as Kal-El in the upcoming Superman reboot, fans were crushed. A firestorm of criticism began against Gunn, as fans considered the decision ridiculous.

Lamenting over the news of Henry Cavill’s replacement as Superman, fans almost began boycotting DC. Well, the reaction was certainly not overdramatic, for we all believe that Cavill served as the perfect Superman, during his tenure. Given the actor’s dedication, as noted by Gina Carano during the podcast, no one can replace Cavill as Kal-El. For David Corenswet, who is set to appear next, it’s going to be a rather difficult task to fill in his predecessor’s big shoes.

Henry Cavill as Superman in Man of Steel

Henry Cavill not only looked like the comic-book version of Superman but he was also built like him. The actor’s physical appearance was truly phenomenal and very similar to what die-hard comic-book fans have imagined. Meanwhile, his prolific acting skills, personality, and determination are something that made him stand out as Superman. Whether pulling off the duality of Superman and Clark Kent or giving the character heart, there’s no doubt that Cavill was perfect as the DC character.

James Bond 007 is one name that evokes a lot of excitement. Over the years, we heard many speculations about who would be the next Bond.

There were 25 films about the British spy, and the last one was in 2021. Ever since Daniel Craig left the role, the slot had been empty. And now, we have news that a Marvel actor we all know is the next James Bond.

No shortage of great actors

Henry Cavill was in the running even before Daniel Craig got signed on. Cavill was also excited to get the part. In 2020, he said, “I would love to play Bond, it would be very, very exciting.” Likewise, Tom Hardy, Chris Evans, and a young Damson Idris also lined their hopes up to feature in the esteemed spy thriller.

For a long time, tabloids wrote about how Idris Elba would be great for the part, and that he could make the first black James Bond. But Elba, aged 51, thought that if he took up the offer, he would have to continue until 66 if he did at least 4-5 films. “I might now be “too old” to take on the role,” he said.

Next James Bond Aaron Taylor-Johnson Kraven the Hunter MCU

What did past Bond actors say?

Pierce Brosnan, who had a successful run in the Bond films, portraying the titular character, had some opinions. When he spoke to BBC, he said that fellow Irishman Cillian Murphy was his pick for 007. The Oscar-winning “Oppenheimer” actor would be “magnificent” in his view.

But after Craig, no one was suitable to fill the big shoes of James Bond. Per experts, the new Bond“is not just a red-carpet suit and a timepiece endorsement arm.” He must have qualities like “ Be a movie star, an ambassador for the series and cinema, British, and the face of a billion-dollar endorsements.”

And now, they have found such a person – none other than Marvel actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

British James Bond will wear the iconic tuxedo

British actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who played Pietro Maximoff, aka, Quicksilver in the 2015 film “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” He is also shooting for the upcoming MCU spinoff film “Kraven the Hunter.” Apparently, he received a formal offer from the makers to play the 007 spy in the 26th Bond film after 2021’s “No Time to Die.”

For many days, they have been denying the rumours. Taylor-Johnson said, “It is charming and wonderful that people see me in that role.” But he didn’t confirm nor deny it until now.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe actor also appeared in Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet.” 33-year-old Aaron Taylor-Johnson is also famous for his roles in “Kick-Ass” and “Bullet Train.” He won a Golden Globe for “Nocturnal Animals.”

Reba McEntire is a woman of many talents. She can sing, she can dance, she can act and she can do something to a bull that very few (if any) country women would ever dream of doing. But that’s just one of the many facts about the country superstar that may surprise you.

Although she’s a country music icon now, McEntire’s career got off to a rocky start. Her first single, “I Don’t Want to Be a One Night Stand,” arrived in 1978, but it was a bust. Her next four singles also failed to make an impression, but slowly, things began to change. In 1979, she scored a Top 20 hit, and a year later, she cracked the Top 10. Finally, in 1982, “Can’t Even Get the Blues” hit No. 1, and the most famous redhead in country music history hasn’t looked back.

Fans who’ve followed her for more than 40 years might know most of these 10 things about McEntire, but there is bound to be a surprise or two. The less committed fan will see this iconic singer differently by the end of this list.

10 Surprising Things You Never Knew About Reba McEntire:

1. She’s pals with former President George H. W. Bush.

Tommaso Boddi, Getty Images

1. She’s pals with former President George H. W. Bush.

In 2006, McEntire told Entertainment Weekly that she and the former president keep in touch via email. “Matter of fact, I was in New York one time during the World Series watching the game, and I saw President Bush and Barbara sittin’ behind home plate. I get on my Treo, and I e-mail him, ‘Hey, I see you on TV. Have a hot dog for me.’ I see him elbowing Barbara, and pointin’ down to his Treo. Then he’s just workin’ on it. Pretty soon I get a message back from him: ‘Wait ’til so-and-so gets up to bat, and I’ll wave at ya.’”

2. ‘Reba’ was almost called ‘Sally’.

Kevin Winter, Getty Images

2. ‘Reba’ was almost called ‘Sally’.

True story! McEntire’s hit WB television show Reba almost had a different name. Actually, it almost had a completely different lead! McEntire tells country radio DJ Bobby Bones that the show was actually meant to star iconic actor Sally Field (hence the show’s name). When Field turned the project down, McEntire stepped in, but producers wanted to keep the show’s (and her character’s) name the same; in fact, they even taped two versions of the pilot episode, one with her character’s name as Sally and one with her name as Reba.

It gets even wilder, though: During “upfronts” — when a network promotes its lineup — McEntire says the show was called Deep in the Heart, because it’s set in the Houston, Texas, area. It wasn’t until the very last minute that the show’s title was changed to Reba — and, really, thank goodness it was!

3. Wynonna Judd was the first choice for her “Does He Love You” duet partner.

Kevin Winter, Getty Images

3. Wynonna Judd was the first choice for her “Does He Love You” duet partner.

McEntire’s 1993 duet with Linda Davis was originally intended to be with another country legend. She once told Country Weekly that her label was pushing for Wynonna Judd to share vocals on “Does He Love You,” a song that produced a somewhat controversial and definitely dramatic music video. McEntire wanted Davis (mother to Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum), so she suggested that Davis record it as a fill-in. “But she just knocked it out of the ballpark,” McEntire says — so they kept her.

4. She passed on a No. 1 hit for George Strait.

David Becker, Getty Images for SiriusXM

4. She passed on a No. 1 hit for George Strait.

George Strait’s No. 1 hit from 1984 could have gone to McEntire, but the singer says she passed on “Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind” because it made a reference to beer. The song ended up as the title track on Strait’s fourth album, and McEntire notched her own No. 1 hit that year with “How Blue.”

5. In her spare time, she enjoys photography.

Jason Kempin, Getty Images for ACM

5. In her spare time, she enjoys photography.

Yeah, McEntire somehow has spare time. She tells  the Boot that she loves to “piddle” with her camera (“I love when people send me pictures that I don’t have,” she adds). Other things she enjoys doing her spare time: trap and skeet shooting, and going on vacations.

6. There are three singing McEntires.

Amy Sussman, Getty Images

6. There are three singing McEntires.

Reba isn’t the only McEntire with a country hit. Her brother Pake scored a Top 5 hit with “Savin’ My Love for You” in 1986, and her sister Susie is a gospel singer. When they were young, the family band was quite a local sensation; they played rodeos throughout the Midwest until Reba went off to college. All three were accustomed to life on the road by that point, so when she set off on her own, she often knew how to handle a map better than her bus driver.

7. Faith Hill auditioned for her band, but …

David J. Phillip, Getty Images

7. Faith Hill auditioned for her band, but …

She didn’t get the job. Hill was looking to be a backup singer, but McEntire says she didn’t think the future star was right for the gig. It ended up being a life-saving rejection: Paula Kay Evans was the singer who got the job, and she was one of McEntire’s eight band and crew members killed in a plane crash near San Diego, Calif., in March of 1991. Hill says she doesn’t think fate had anything to do with it: “I wasn’t a great background singer, and I didn’t get the part,” she tells Larry King.

8. She “tended” to the bulls.

Ethan Miller, Getty Images

8. She “tended” to the bulls.

In her 1995 autobiography, McEntire talks about her early days with the bulls: It was her job to help castrate them, and afterward, she and her two sisters would carry a bucket of testicles to the house and clean them.

“We called them mountain oysters,” she writes (quote via Country Weekly). “Then we’d take them in to Mama, and she’d slice them thin, roll them in flour and fry them in hot grease in a huge cast-iron skillet. I was literally raised on mountain oysters.”

Is it any wonder the singer became a superstar in a industry dominated by men?

9. After that plane crash, she turned to Waylon Jennings.

Isaac Brekken, Getty Images for ACM

9. After that plane crash, she turned to Waylon Jennings.

You see, Jennings had given up his seat on the plane that crashed on Feb. 3, 1959, killing Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper and others, so he was one of very few people who could relate to McEntire’s anguish. In her autobiography, she tells how he encouraged her not to feel guilty: “It wasn’t meant for you to be on that plane or you would have been. So don’t blame yourself, and don’t feel guilty,” she says Jennings told her.

10. She wanted to be a teacher.

Ethan Miller, Getty Images

10. She wanted to be a teacher.

McEntire’s mom was a schoolteacher, and the future star majored in elementary education at Southeastern Oklahoma State University while minoring in music. Raise your hand if you wish this country legend was the one teaching you the “three Rs” all those years ago … We imagine she’d be the Mary Poppins of the classroom!

Read More: 10 Surprising Things You Never Knew About Reba McEntire | https://tasteofcountry.com/reba-mcentire-things/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

Reba McEntire is one of the undisputed queens of country music, but did you know that the soulful superstar once also scored a hit in the dance charts?

The year was 1995, and McEntire released an album of cover songs titled Starting Over that featured her versions of songs by Patti LaBelle, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and more.

Her rendition of Lee Greenwood’s “Ring on Her Finger, Time on Her Hands” reached No. 9 on Billboard‘s Hot Country Singles chart, and Trisha Yearwood and Martina McBride joined Reba for a very special recording of LaBelle’s “On My Own.” But perhaps the most interesting thing about the album was Reba’s cover of the Supremes classic “You Keep Me Hangin’ On,” which was treated to a remix by Love to Infinity.

That remix was released to dance clubs across the U.S., reaching No. 2 on Billboard‘s Hot Dance Club Play chart for two weeks in 1996. The video for the song features McEntire in full dance-pop regalia, with thigh-high boots, Dynasty-esque shoulder pads, a headset microphone and hair so huge that the Supremes could have been hiding in it, waiting to jump out and sing background vocals. A troop of dancers completed the ensemble for a video that is truly a one-of-a-kind among McEntire’s repertoire.

As it happens, McEntire doesn’t recall the clip. “I didn’t see the video!” she tells Taste of Country. “‘Keep Me Hangin’ On’? I’m gonna look it up.”

“You Keep Me Hangin’ On” remains Reba’s only dance hit to date.

See Reba McEntire Through the Years:

Shelby’s Birth

Instagram: @reba

Shelby’s Birth

“Look what God gave us 25 years ago!!! Happy birthday Shelby!! @shelbyblackstock #bestdayever #thankyouGod #thankyounarvel #momclub”

The McEntires

Instagram: @reba

The McEntires

“25 years ago tonight, my water broke. @shelbyblackstock started making his way into the world. Mama, Daddy with me and Shelby.”

Pregnant Reba

Instagram: @reba

Pregnant Reba

“Seems like yesterday! This was December 3, 1989. Pregnant with Shelby. Alice and Mama were with me in Florida at my concert. #Shelby #one’sontheway #flashbackfriday @shelbyblackstock”

Reba’s Payphone

Instagram: @reba

Reba’s Payphone

“And yes that’s how we used to do it when we were out on tour! #goodoledays #payphones #tbt #throwbackthursday”

George Strait: The Original Photobomber

Instagram: @reba

George Strait: The Original Photobomber

“Here is another well-known photo bomber 🙂 @GeorgeStrait A few years back:) #georgestrait #Reba #rebanashicon”

Reba the 5th Grader

Instagram: @reba

Reba the 5th Grader

“Eat your heart out!!!!! 5th grade??? #i’mtoosexyformyhair”

Cowgirl Reba

Instagram: @reba

Cowgirl Reba

“Oh man! I forgot yesterday was Thursday!!!I missed #throwbackthursday So here you go! #tbt we will make this throwback Friday :-)”

Vintage Video Shoot

Instagram: @reba

Vintage Video Shoot

“#tbt @bruceboxleitner @jonsmall on the set of Cathy’s Clown video shoot. :)) #throwbackthursday #bighair #yaywesterns”

Her First Performance!

Instagram: @reba

Her First Performance!

“1st time to sing behind a microphone. 1st grade. #tbt #throwbackthursday”

Reba, the Pink Cowgirl

Instagram: @reba

Reba, the Pink Cowgirl

“#throwbackthursday I don’t think I’ll be wearing this outfit at Caesars June 2015 when I hook up with Brooks and Dunn for our residency 🙂 #tbt #gonnabefun”

How Well Do You Really Know Reba? 

Welcome to Reba’s Place

Reba McEntire is the latest country superstar getting into the hospitality game, and her Atoka, Oklahoma restaurant feels welcoming indeed

Choctaw Nation

Until the last year or so, Reba McEntire never had any intention of opening a restaurant. The fire-haired country music superstar, actress, author, and lifestyle mogul has plenty on her plate — she’s starring in a movie this year, going out on tour, and writing a new book — and didn’t think getting into the hospitality industry was worth the trouble. But now, it’s 11 a.m. on a Monday, and I’m one of many out-of-town folks who’ve crowded into the foyer at Reba’s Place, McEntire’s new restaurant in Atoka, Oklahoma, just a short drive away from the Chockie cattle ranch where she grew up.

“Reba’s Place wasn’t my idea, to say the least,” McEntire told Eater. “The city council came to me and asked if I would like to do a restaurant in Atoka, and I said no. Restaurants are tough. It’s hard to get one off the ground, and it’s hard to make a living.” But after seeing the enthusiasm from Atoka officials, who insisted that Reba’s Place could bring tourism dollars and jobs to the sleepy town of 3,188 located off Highway 69, McEntire decided to say yes. The result: a three-story restaurant that opened January 26, complete with a stage for live music, an upstairs lounge stocked with books from her mother’s library, and a shop slinging Reba’s Place T-shirts, among other merch. The menu is pure Southern comfort, laden with deep-fried pickles and locally raised beef, including a staggering tomahawk steak big enough to feed six people. “It’s the best steak I’ve ever had,” McEntire says.

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McEntire’s business partner in the project is the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, which operates a number of businesses in the state, including restaurants and casinos. The Nation collaborated with McEntire on the menu and design, and holds weekly meetings with the star to keep Reba’s Place running smoothly.

The renovation of a 100-year-old Masonic lodge into a restaurant was, in McEntire’s words, interesting. The building was in bad shape, a total gut job filled with bird poop, with some structural issues on the third floor that created a dramatic scene where McEntire had to be evacuated out of a second-floor window after a flight of stairs she was about to walk down completely collapsed. “It was pretty scary,” she says. “I wanted to get to go down one of those big inflatable slides, but the fire department just brought the ladder. After that happened, you better believe I said that those were going to be the best, most well-made stairs in the whole United States after we got through with this place.”

The menu itself is mostly Southern standards, many of which have a personal connection to McEntire. There’s her Mama’s pimento cheese sandwich, soft bread slathered thick with the South’s favorite cheesy spread and a layer of Miracle Whip, and Mama’s favorite cocktail — Seagram’s gin with 7-Up. “My contribution to the menu was the pinto beans, fried potatoes, and cornbread. I love beans, I grew up on beans,” McEntire says. A rancher’s daughter, McEntire ensured that the menu had a solid selection of steaks. And of course, there’s the Red Head ‘Rita, an homage to the boss lady herself that’s spiked with Ancho Reyes liqueur. I ordered one: When in Atoka, do as Reba tells you.

The “Fancy” steak dinner.Amy McCarthy/Eater

McEntire won’t oversee the day-to-day at Reba’s Place; she plans to pop in regularly to keep tabs on the restaurant. But she’s a woman who fundamentally understands the notion of hospitality, even as a first-time restaurateur. According to McEntire, a baker shows up at 4 a.m. daily to prepare the offerings in the restaurant’s complimentary bread basket, which is stuffed with tiny loaves of banana bread, green chile cornbread, and apple-ginger muffins. The restaurant sources the beef for its burgers and steaks from nearby cattle ranches operated by the Choctaw Nation. Everything is cozy, not pretentious or exclusionary; inside, the 250-seat space somehow feels intimate.

The past few years have seen no shortage of country music stars opening up their own restaurants. Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Kid Rock, and Justin Timberlake all own establishments in Nashville, and more are on the way. But what separates Reba’s Place from those sprawling, soulless bars packed with drunk tourists is its quiet setting in Atoka’s downtown. The space feels appropriately Reba, with cowhide rugs and rhinestone-smattered costumes from her many tours and starring role in Broadway’s Annie Get Your Gun. “We’ve got pictures up in there that I hadn’t seen in years. We’ve got the ‘Fancy’ dresses,” she says, referring to her seminal 1991 cover of the Bobbie Gentry song. “I’m a pack rat. I keep everything — memorabilia, costumes, you name it. We’ve got my outfit from Tremors that we’ll be putting in there soon. Just like the menu, we’ll change out the memorabilia so that when people come back to see us, they’ll see new things.”

Even though Reba herself recommends the tomahawk, I didn’t have six people to split it with or 150 bucks to spend on a hunk of meat. But I couldn’t resist the delightfully punny “Fancy” steak dinner: a plate of Choctaw Ranch filet medallions served with super-smoky mushroom ragout and a few grilled shrimp. It did, in fact, look fancy, and was artfully garnished with a little stack of grilled onions and a sprig of rosemary. It might not have been riding on the cutting edge of modern cuisine, but it was a damn good steak, and that’s really all it needed to be.

If the restaurant is successful in the way that other celebrity-branded establishments have been, including Oklahoma spots like Ree Drummond’s Pioneer Woman Mercantile and Blake Shelton’s Ole Red, Reba’s Place could be economically transformative for Atoka. After it opened in 2017 in the similarly sized Pawhuska, Oklahoma, Pioneer Woman Mercantile created more than 175 new jobs for locals, the town’s sales tax revenue doubled, and more than 20 new businesses opened. Atoka’s local officials are not shy about comparing Reba to Ree, aspiring to a similar tourism boom: A recent news report cited the potential for $37 million a year in economic impact. City officials note that unlike Pawhuska, Atoka sits just 126 miles away from Dallas, and right off a major thoroughfare: “8 million vehicles” pass through the town annually, Carol Ervin of the Atoka City Industrial Development Authority told Tulsa World. “We just need a reason for them to stop. Reba’s Place will provide that reason.”

After my lunch, I of course hit the merch shop, then spent a little time walking around Atoka’s downtown, popping into some boutiques selling T-shirts — at least a few of which were styled like campaign tees, emblazoned with “Dolly/Reba 2024.” The city center doesn’t exactly have the feel of a tourist destination, at least not yet, and that’s a good thing. Two months in, Reba’s Place seems like somewhere to go to feel a little bit closer to a country superstar, or to simply enjoy a plate of chicken fried steak and pinto beans, and come out equally happy. As I pulled out of town to make the two-hour drive back to Dallas, I had only one regret: that I hadn’t had the good sense to order the strawberry shortcake. It’s Reba’s favorite dessert, and now more than ever before, I trust the discerning tastes of the Queen of Country without hesitation.

All major fights, dates, results and how to stream. Including Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder, Oleksandr Usyk, KSI and Jake Paul.

The 2024 boxing calendar promises us all an exciting array of fights and encounters that you cannot miss. From Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, to Jake Paul and KSI – there is something for everyone at all weight classes, to satisfy your spectating needs. Never miss the action as titles and pride are put on the line in the ring.

What are the upcoming fights in 2024?

Who is fighting in 2024 and where to watch live on a streaming platform or TV. We already have some incredible fights to look forward to in 2024 including the postponed fight billed as the “Ring of Fire“, Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk. In addition, Jake Paul has announced he will fight none other than boxing legend Mike Tyson on July 20th. The fight is scheduled to be broadcast on Netflix. Anthony Joshua vs Ngannou ended with a brutal KO with many commentators proclaiming the rebirth of AJ and the rejuvenation of the Heavyweight division.

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This page is updated after every fight, so be sure to come back each week to pen in all of the biggest fights of the week in your calendars.

March 23rd, 2024

Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom

Venue: Sheffield, UK

Fight
Weight
Stream

Dalton Smith vs Jose Zepeda
Super-Lightweight
UK – DAZN / US – DAZN

Sandy Ryan vs Terri Harper (WBO Welterweight World Title)
Welterweight
UK – DAZN / US – DAZN

March 29th, 2024

Bob Arum’s Top Rank

Venue: Arizona, USA

Fight
Weight
Stream

Oscar Valdez vs Liam Wilson
Super-Featherweight
UK – Not Confirmed / US – ESPN+

March 30th, 2024

Al Haymon’s PBC

Venue: Las Vegas, USA

Fight
Weight
Stream

Tim Tszyu vs Keith Thurman
155lbs Catchweight
UK – Not Confirmed / US – Amazon Prime Video

Rolly Romero vs Isaac Cruz (WBA Super-Lightweight World Title)
Super-Lightweight
UK – Not Confirmed / US – Amazon Prime Video

March 31st, 2024

Ben Shalom’s BOXXER

Venue: London, UK

Fight
Weight
Stream

Fabio Wardley vs Frazer Clarke (British & Commonwealth Heavyweight Titles)
Heavyweight
UK – Sky Sports / US – Peacock

Viddal Riley vs Mikael Lawal (English Cruiserweight Title)
Cruiserweight
UK – Sky Sports / US – Peacock

Ben Whittaker vs Opponent TBC
Light-Heavyweight
UK – Sky Sports / US – Peacock

Florian Marku vs Chris Kongo
Welterweight
UK – Sky Sports / US – Peacock

April 6th, 2024

Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom

Venue: Manchester, UK

Fight
Weight
Stream

Richardson Hitchins vs Gustavo Daniel Lemos
Super-Lightweight
UK – DAZN / US – DAZN

April 13th, 2024

Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom

Venue: Manchester, UK

Fight
Weight
Stream

Jordan Gill vs Zelfa Barrett
Super-Featherweight
UK – DAZN / US – DAZN

April 20th, 2024

Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy

Venue: Las Vegas, USA

Fight
Weight
Stream

Devin Haney vs Ryan Garcia (WBC Super-Lightweight World Title)
Super-Lightweigh
UK – DAZN / US – DAZN PPV

Promoter TBC

Venue: Bangkok, Thailand

Fight
Weight
Stream

Manny Pacquiao vs Buakaw Banchamek (Exhibition)
N/A
UK – Not Confirmed / US – Not Confirmed

May 4th, 2024

Al Haymon’s PBC

Venue: Las Vegas, USA

Fight
Weight
Stream

Canelo Alvarez vs Jaime Munguia (WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO Super-Middleweight World Titles)
Super-Middleweight
UK – Not Confirmed / US – Amazon Prime PPV and DAZN PPV

May 6th, 2024

Akihiko Honda’s Teiken

Venue: Tokyo Dome, Japan

Fight
Weight
Stream

Naoya Inoue vs Luis Nery (WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO Super-Bantamweight World Titles)
Super-Bantamweight
UK – Sky Sports / US – ESPN+

May 11th, 2024

Ben Shalom’s BOXXER

Venue: Cardiff, Wales

Fight
Weight
Stream

Jessica McCaskill vs Lauren Price (WBA Welterweight World Title)
Welterweight
UK – Sky Sports / US – Peacock

Bob Arum’s Top Rank

Venue: Australia

Fight
Weight
Stream

Vasyl Lomachenko vs George Kambosos (IBF Lightweight World Title)
Lightweight
UK – Not Confirmed / US – ESPN+

May 18th, 2024

Turki Alalshikh’s Riyadh Season

Venue: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk isn’t dead in the water just yet

Fight
Weight
Stream

Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk (WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO Heavyweight World Titles)
Heavyweight
UK – Sky Sports PPV, TNT, DAZN / US – DAZN PPV

RELATED

Tyson Fury v Oleksandr Usyk: New fight date, how to watch on TV/live stream, undercard, odds

Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are set to do battle in a historic heavyweight battle for the undisputed titles

May 25th, 2024

Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom

Venue: Leeds, UK

Fight
Weight
Stream

Josh Taylor vs Jack Catterall 2
Super-Lightweight
UK – DAZN / US – DAZN

June 1st, 2024

Fanmio

Venue: California, USA

Fight
Weight
Stream

Nate Diaz vs Jorge Masvidal
Light-Heavyweight
UK – Fanmio PPV / US – Fanmio PPV

July 20th, 2024

Jake Paul’s MVP

Venue: Texas, USA

Fight
Weight
Stream

Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson
Heavyweight
UK – Netflix / US – Netflix

RELATED

Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul Fight Rules Explained

Tyson and Paul meet on July 20th in Dallas.

2024 Results

January 6th, 2024Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy

Venue: Las Vegas, USA

Fight
Weight
Stream

Vergil Ortiz TKO1 Fredrick Lawson
Super-Welterweight
UK – DAZN / US – DAZN

Ohara Davies TKO1 Ismael Barroso (WBA ‘Interim’ Super-Lightweight Belt)
Super-Lightweight
UK – DAZN / US – DAZN

January 13th, 2024Bob Arum’s Top Rank

Venue: Quebec City, Canada

Fight
Weight
Stream

Artur Beterbiev TKO7 Callum Smith (WBC, IBF and WBO Light-Heavyweight World Titles)
Light-Heavyweight
UK – Sky Sports / US – ESPN

January 20th, 2024Ben Shalom’s BOXXER

Venue: Liverpool, UK

Fight
Weight
Stream

Natasha Jonas SD Mikaela Mayer (IBF Welterweight World Title)
Welterweight
UK – Sky Sports / US – Peacock

January 23rd, 2024Akihiko Honda’s Teiken

Venue: Japan

Fight
Weight
Stream

Kenshiro Teraji MD Carlos Canizales (WBA & WBC Light-Flyweight World Titles)
Light-Flyweight
UK – Not Confirmed / US – Not Confirmed

January 27th, 2024Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy

Venue: Arizona, USA

Fight
Weight
Stream

Jaime Munguia TKO9 John Ryder
Super-Middleweight
UK – DAZN / US – DAZN

February 3rd, 2024Ben Shalom’s BOXXER

Venue: London, UK

Fight
Weight
Stream

Joshua Buatsi UD Dan Azeez (European and British Light-Heavyweight Title)
Light-Heavyweight
UK – Sky Sports / US – Peacock

Adam Azim TKO5 Enock Poulsen (European Super-Lightweight Title)
Super-Lightweight
UK – Sky Sports / US – Peacock

Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom

Venue: Las Vegas, USA

Fight
Weight
Stream

Conor Benn UD Peter Dobson
Welterweight
UK – DAZN/ US – DAZN

February 8th, 2024Bob Arum’s Top Rank

Venue: Las Vegas, USA

Fight
Weight
Stream

Teofimo Lopez UD Jamaine Ortiz (WBO Super-Lightweight World Title)
Super-Lightweight
UK – Sky Sports / US – ESPN

Keyshawn Davis TKO6 Jose Pedraza
Lightweight
UK – Sky Sports / US – ESPN

February 10th, 2024Frank Warren’s Queensberry

Venue: London, UK

Fight
Weight
Stream

Hamzah Sheeraz TKO1 Liam Williams
Middleweight
UK – TNT Sports / US – Not confirmed

February 16th, 2024Bob Arum’s Top Rank

Venue: New York, USA

Fight
Weight
Stream

O’Shaquie Foster SD Abraham Nova (WBC Super-Featherweight World Title)
Super-Featherweight
UK – Not Confirmed / US – ESPN

February 24th, 2024Akihiko Honda’s Teiken

Venue: Tokyo, Japan

Fight
Weight
Stream

Junto Nakatani TKO6 Alexandro Santiago (WBC Bantamweight World Title)
Bantamweight
UK – Not Confirmed / US – Not Confirmed

Takuma Inoue KO9 Jerwin Ancajas (WBA Bantamweight World Title)
Bantamweight
UK – Not Confirmed / US – Not Confirmed

Kosei Tanaka UD Christian Bacasegua (WBO Super-Flyweight World Title)
Super-Flyweight
UK – Not Confirmed / US – Not Confirmed

Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom

Venue: Florida, USA

Fight
Weight
Stream

Edgar Berlanga KO6 Padraig McCrory
Super-Middleweight
UK – DAZN / US – DAZN

March 2nd, 2024Jake Paul’s MVP

Venue: Puerto Rico

Fight
Weight
Stream

Jake Paul TKO1 Ryan Bourland
Cruiserweight
UK – DAZN / US – DAZN

Bob Arum’s Top Rank

Venue: New York, USA

Fight
Weight
Stream

Raymond Ford TKO12 Otabek Kholmatov (WBA Featherweight World Title)
Featherweightt
UK – Sky Sports / US – ESPN+

Luis Alberto Lopez TKO8 Reiya Abe (IBF Featherweight World Title)
Featherweight
UK – Sky Sports / US – ESPN+

March 8th, 2024Turki Alalshikh’s Riyadh Season

Venue: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Fight
Weight
Stream

Anthony Joshua KO2 Francis Ngannou
Heavyweight
UK – DAZN, SKY PPV / US – DAZN PPV

Joseph Parker MD Zhilei Zhang (WBO ‘Interim’ Heavyweight Belt)
Heavyweight
UK – DAZN, SKY PPV / US – DAZN PPV

Rey Vargas SD (Draw) Nick Ball (WBC Featherweight World Title)
Featherweight
UK – DAZN, SKY PPV / US – DAZN PPV

Israil Madrimov TKO5 Magomed Kurbanov (WBA Super-Welterweight World Title)
Super-Welterweight
UK – DAZN, SKY PPV / US – DAZN PPV

March 16th, 2024Frank Warren’s Queensberry

Venue: Birmingham, UK

Fight
Weight
Stream

Nathan Heaney SD (Draw) Brad Pauls (British Middleweight Title)
Middleweight
UK – TNT Sports / US – Not Confirmed

Joe Joyce TKO10 Kash Ali
Heavyweight
UK – TNT Sports / US – Not Confirmed

Liam Davies TKO2 Erik Robles Ayala
Super-Bantamweight
UK – TNT Sports / US – Not Confirmed

Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy

Venue: Las Vegas, USA

Fight
Weight
Stream

William Zepeda TKO4 Maxi Hughes
Lightweight
UK – DAZN / US – DAZN

Tyson and Paul meet on July 20th in Dallas.

HIGHLIGHTS

 No headgear will be used in the bout between Tyson and Paul, contrary to previous speculation.
 ‘Iron Mike’ will fight for the first time since facing Roy Jones Junior in a November 2020 exhibition clash.
 It is still unknown whether the bout will take place under professional rules.

The boxing world was caught off guard last week by the shock announcement of the July 20th bout between heavyweight legend Mike Tyson and social media superstar Jake Paul. While a venue and a broadcaster were confirmed for the clash in an initial press release, the actual rules for the fight remained a mystery. However, renowned combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani has now shed some light on the situation.

The 57-year-old Tyson last stepped into the ring back in November 2020, when he fought fellow boxing icon Roy Jones Junior in an exhibition bout. The undercard of that fight saw Paul make only his second appearance as a professional boxer as he made quick work of former NBA player Nate Robinson – and the YouTube sensation has only seen his star power rocket since. All of the 27-year-old’s fights since have been officially sanctioned pro outings.

Everything We Know so Far About the Rules For Mike Tyson v Jake Paul

Use of Headgear Rumoured

Given that there will be an age difference of some three decades between the two men come fight night, there has been plenty of debate over whether it is safe for ‘Iron Mike’ to be competing. Names such as Eddie Hearn, Conor McGregor, Dana White and Frank Warren have all spoken up to express their concern for the youngest heavyweight champion in the history of the sport.

Perhaps with those worries in mind, there had been speculation that the Tyson vs Paul fight would take place under exhibition rules with both men wearing protective headgear. Former world title challenger Derek Chisora even declared that he knew “for a fact that they [Tyson and Paul] are using 18-ounce gloves and headgear” for their clash at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, which will be streamed exclusively on Netflix.

According to a recent update from Helwani, though, this will not be the case. Speaking on The MMA Hour, the veteran reporter explained both fighters are pushing for a professional bout and that headgear will not be in use.

“They’re still working on a few important details. Is it pro or exhibition? They want pro but that’s up to the Texas Commission. I’m told heavyweight rounds, they’re working on that as well. I’m told there is absolutely no headgear involved.

“This is going to look like a typical boxing match but is it an exhibition like Tyson’s last fight against Roy Jones in 2020, or is it just a normal pro heavyweight fight with no strings attached.”

Video: Ariel Helwani on Rules For Tyson v Jake Paul

Professional Bout Preferred

‘Iron Mike’s’ most recent contest [with Jones Junior] took place over eight two-minute rounds – with the pair wearing 12-ounce gloves, but no headgear. It appears that a similar arrangement is being sought for his clash with Paul.

Though many have voiced their reservations about the fight, Tyson has already begun his preparations for the July date – and looked in fearsome form as he pounded away on the heavy bag in training during a brief clip posted to his social media. He may be considered a substantial underdog in the bout, but the 58-fight veteran shows no lack of confidence as he attempts to roll back the years this summer.

UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier isn’t happy with Mike Tyson’s boxing return against Jake Paul.

Earlier this month, ‘Iron Mike’ and ‘The Problem Child’ announced plans to compete in a boxing match this summer. The two stars will compete in a Netflix-produced event, in what will likely be Mike Tyson’s first real boxing match since 2005. However, depending on what the Texas State Athletic Commission says, the bout with Jake Paul may go down as an exhibition.

Still, fan opinion on the fight announcement has largely been mixed. Many online immediately blasted Jake Paul for accepting the bout offer, given Mike Tyson’s age. The boxing legend is currently 57 years old and has been seen walking with a cane in the last few years on occasion.  It’s that age gap that frustrates Daniel Cormier.

On his ‘Good Guy, Bad Guy Podcast‘ alongside Chael Sonnen, Daniel Cormier reacted to Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson. There, the UFC Hall of Famer largely slammed ‘The Problem Child’ for making the fight. As ‘DC’ notes during the discussion, he’s not a young man by any means. Yet, Tyson is nearly two decades older than him.

With that in mind, Daniel Cormier didn’t hold back on the boxing match. In the eyes of the retired fighter, Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson “absolutely sucks”.

RELATED: WATCH | MIKE TYSON ABSOLUTELY RIPS THE PADS IN FIRST TRAINING SESSION FOR JAKE PAUL FIGHT

Former UFC champion Daniel Cormier reacts to Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing match

“You know Chael, it absolutely sucks.” Daniel Cormier stated on his ‘Good Guy, Bad Guy Podcast’ alongside Chael Sonnen, reacting to the announcement of Jake Paul’s boxing match with Mike Tyson. “It absolutely sucks because while I love ‘Iron Mike’, while I want Mike to make as much money as he possibly can, [these] videos right here are three to four years old [of Tyson training]. Mike is a different person now. I saw Mike walk into the UFC last year with a walking stick, I mean, I don’t know how they pull this off.”

He continued, “Now, will they let Mike just hit him? If they let Mike just go all out on this dude, and Mike just tries to get him out of there in a few minutes, maybe it works? But I don’t know that they risk it with Mike trying to go at Jake Paul in that way. I think it absolutely sucks.”

“I think Mike Tyson’s fighting days are over. He will be 58 years old by the time he steps into the ring with Jake Paul.” Daniel Cormier concluded. “To me, it absolutely sucks.”

Do you agree with UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier? Will you watch Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson? Who do you have winning in that heavyweight boxing match?

Logan Paul doesn’t hate the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing match, but he couldn’t face the legend himself.

Earlier this month, ‘The Problem Child’ signed a deal to return to the ring against ‘Iron Mike’ in July. The fight will be held at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, and be streamed on Netflix. According to reporting from Ariel Helwani, Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson is even being targeted as a professional bout, not an exhibition.

Speaking on his Impaulsive podcast, Logan Paul talked up his brother’s boxing announcement. In the episode, ‘The Maverick’ discussed the fight with Mike Tyson, while also revealing that he was also approached about fighting the legend. Granted, the WWE wrestler stated that when he was approached, it wasn’t for as much money, and wasn’t going to be on Netflix.

With that in mind, he doesn’t blame his brother for accepting the deal to fight Mike Tyson in a boxing match. That being said, Logan Paul didn’t feel like he could accept the bout due to the boxer’s age. As of now, Tyson is 57 years old, and there will be a 31-year age gap between himself and Jake Paul on fight day.

Due to that age gap, Logan Paul wasn’t a big fan of accepting the fight and didn’t. However, the wrestler has no doubt that he could defeat the legend in his advanced age. Granted, Paul added that he obviously wouldn’t defeat Mike Tyson in his prime.

RELATED: SEAN O’MALLEY MOVES ON FROM RYAN GARCIA, CALLS OUT FLOYD MAYWEATHER: “GOING STRAIGHT TO THE BIG DOG”

Image via: @netflix on Instagram

Logan Paul reveals that he turned down a boxing match with Mike Tyson

“For both Mike and Jake, the bag, at what point, I don’t know if you can say no.” Logan Paul stated on his podcast reacting to news of a Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing match. “I said no to fighting Mike Tyson, I was offered it. Yeah, I was offered it. But not on Netflix, and not for a big ass bag. It was just a ‘Oh this could be a real fight’ [conversation].”

He continued, “I’ve been asked before, ‘Do you think you can beat Mike Tyson?’ and my answer is, and will be, yes. Yes [I can beat him now, not in his prime] I think he’s just too old bro. That’s crazy, he’s senile.”

For what it’s worth if Mike Tyson were to fight a Paul brother, he chose the right one. ‘The Problem Child’ currently holds a 9-1 professional record, and has defeated names such as Anderson Silva and Nate Diaz. Meanwhile, ‘The Maverick’ is 1-1 as a pro, previously losing to KSI but defeating Dillon Danis last October.

What do you make of these comments from Logan Paul? Will you watch Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson going down on July 20th?