Dave Portnoy Rules Out Mahomes vs. Rocker Showdown: It’s Officially Dead
In the world of celebrity boxing, not every fight makes it to the ring. Just ask Dave Portnoy. The Barstool Sports founder declared that the much-anticipated clash between former MLB stars Pat Mahomes Sr. and John Rocker is officially a no-go. Speaking with TMZ Sports, Portnoy confirmed that fans should not hold their breath for a revival of this highly publicized, but ultimately scrapped showdown.
A Fight that Never Was
Originally set to take place in April, excitement buzzed around the potential rivalry between Mahomes and Rocker. However, according to Portnoy, the fight never stood a chance. "It’s not happening, plain and simple," he stated firmly. The primary barrier? None other than Patrick Mahomes, the superstar quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, who stepped in to protect his father’s interests. Portnoy noted, “Patrick was like, ‘Why the hell is my dad fighting John Rocker in Rough N’ Rowdy?’” Clearly, the defending MVP wasn’t having it.
Family First
Patrick Mahomes’ protective instincts kicked in, pulling the plug on what could have been a thrilling spectacle for Rough N’ Rowdy fans. Portnoy, who has a history of promoting entertaining bouts, pointed to the Mahomes family’s strong disapproval as the primary reason for the cancellation. Both he and Rocker previously hinted that the "Mahomeses shut that down," emphasizing the family’s unified front against the bout.
Looking For New Rivals
Despite the loss of this expected showdown, Portnoy remains undeterred in his pursuit of drama. He still wants to deliver fights that showcase deep-seated rivalries, even suggesting the intriguing possibilities of other matchups. Portnoy pondered over what could have transpired if high-profile figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump had decided to settle their differences in the ring instead.
With no hesitation, Portnoy expressed eagerness to find two new adversaries to fuel the fire of Rough N’ Rowdy. “I need two people who absolutely despise each other,” he asserted, ready to bring fresh rivalries to life once the Mahomes vs. Rocker saga has officially run its course.
In an industry where anything can happen, one thing is for certain: the boxing world is always in need of compelling stories—let’s just hope the next one lands better than this infamous cancellation.

Covers viral stories, pop culture, and breaking celebrity news.
Bio: Jamie has a sharp eye for what’s buzzing online, tracking social media trends and entertainment headlines around the clock.