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    Oleksandr Usyk VACATES his IBF belt as he paves way for Anthony Joshua’s world title fight at Wembley with Daniel Dubois

    OLEKSANDR USYK has officially VACATED the IBF heavyweight title.The undefeated Ukrainian has held the belt since his dethroning of Anthony Joshua in September 2021.Oleksandr Usyk has officially vacated the IBF heavyweight titleCredit: AFPThe undefeated Ukrainian ripped the belt from Anthony Joshua’s clutches in September 2021Credit: REUTERSUsyk announced his relinquishing of the belt on social mediaHe retained the prestigious red strap last month with his split-decision victory over Tyson Fury in their undisputed Saudi straightener.The IBF revealed plans to strip the winner of the Riyadh rumble of the belt prior to the historic desert dust-up.That’s because previous mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic had been waiting for his crack at the belt for the best part of two years.But a little over a month after his legacy-cementing win over Fury, Usyk has opted to relinquish the belt.READ MORE ON AJAnd his vacating of the title has paved the way for AJ and his fellow Brit Daniel Dubois to vie for it at Wembley this September.In a video on social media, Usyk said: “Anthony and Daniel, listen, I know the IBF title is important to you. “It’s my present to you on September 21.”His accompanying caption on X and Instagram caption read: “Hey @anthonyjoshua, @DynamiteDubois.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”The IBF Belt is my present for you for 21.09.2024″The world loves strong.Anthony Joshua leaves fans wincing as he shares video of bizarre ‘hot cupping’ treatment”Your friend, Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World, Oleksandr Usyk.”Former two-time unified heavyweight champion Joshua, 35, suffered back-to-back losses to former pound-for-pound king Usyk.But he’s got himself back into world title contention with four wins on the bounce, the most recent of which was a brutal second-round KO of former UFC champ Francis Ngannou.Dubois, meanwhile, punched his ticket to a second crack at heavyweight glory earlier this month with a shock stoppage of the previously undefeated Hrgovic.Triple D – who came up short in his first world title fight against Usyk last August – stopped the Croatian clubber in the eighth round of their Riyadh rumble.Oleksandr Usyk became undisputed heavyweight champion with a split-decision win over Tyson Fury last monthCredit: GETTYHis reign as the first undisputed heavyweight champ in nearly 25 years has lasted 38 daysCredit: APAnd he plans to do the same to Joshua, saying of their domestic clash: “It’s a dream.“Especially after having to come back from defeats and challenging for a world title.“I now have a chance to win the damn thing outright and that’s what I want.“I will demolish AJ, from here I can only get even better.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSunSport understands Joshua and Dubois are set to duke it out at Wembley on September 21.The domestic dust-up is expected to be announced on Wednesday afternoon. More

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    Anthony Joshua’s next fight to be announced THIS WEEK as Eddie Hearn reveals he may NOT face Brit Daniel Dubois

    ANTHONY JOHSUA’s eagerly-anticipated ring return will be announced this week.AJ hasn’t set foot inside the ring since his two-round demolition of former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in March.Anthony Joshua hasn’t fought since his brutal knockout of Francis Ngannou in MarchCredit: GETTYAJ is on course for a domestic dust-up with fellow Brit Daniel DuboisCredit: REUTERSPromoter Eddie Hearn has revealed AJ’s next fight will be announced in the coming daysCredit: REXA late September return is understood to be on the cards for the former two-time unified champion, who is on course for a domestic dust-up with Daniel Dubois.And promoter Eddie Hearn has suggested the identity of AJ’s next opponent will be revealed in the coming days.The Matchroom Boxing chief told SecondsOut: “Never rule anything out, but right now we’re focused on Daniel Dubois for the IBF world title.”The aim of Anthony Joshua is to fight for the world heavyweight title ASAP.READ MORE ON AJ”The only one of the names mentioned that could throw up that opportunity is Daniel Dubois with the IBF.”If the IBF title’s not on the line, then maybe Dubois is not as much of a focus.”We’re in final negotiations with His Excellency and the team at Selah.”Obviously talking to George Warren and Spencer Brown and we’re all working together on that card.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Very hopeful that everything will be in order to announce the entire card net Wednesday in London.”Dubois claimed the interim heavyweight title earlier this month with a shock eighth-round stoppage of the previously undefeated Filip Hrgovic.Anthony Joshua leaves fans wincing as he shares video of bizarre ‘hot cupping’ treatmentAnd ‘Triple D’ is confident of stopping AJ’s career resurgence in it’s tracks with a second upset win on the bounce.“It’s a dream,” he said about the mouthwatering all-London brawl.“Especially after having to come back from defeats and challenging for a world title.“I now have a chance to win the damn thing outright and that’s what I want.“I will demolish AJ, from here I can only get even better.” More

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    Watch heartbreaking moment Olympic champion falls over and denied place at Paris 2024 – but it’s good news for Team GB

    KEELY HODGKINSON has received a massive Paris Olympics boost – as her biggest rival will not be there.Three years ago in Tokyo, Athing Mu got the better of the Leigh runner and fellow teenager in the Olympic 800-meter final by just 0.67 seconds.American Track and Field star Athing Mu will miss the 2024 OlympicsCredit: REUTERSMu failed to qualify for Paris 2024 after falling in the first lap of the 800m final during the Track and Field Team TrialsCredit: REUTERSMu’s absence will be good news for Brit Keeley HodgkinsonCredit: SPLASHBut the American, 22, will not defend that crown, watching the race on TV instead after FALLING in the US Olympic trials.The Yanks have a cutthroat system for qualification and the middle-distance star did not secure her passage after being accidentally tripped over 200 metres in Eugene.Mu, who also beat Hodgkinson to world gold on the same track in 2022, choked back tears as her dream was cruelly dashed.She finished last in a nine-woman field she was expected to dominate, coming more than 22 seconds behind the winner Nia Akins.READ MORE ON PARIS 2024An appeal was lodged by her team but her only chance of getting a flight to France will be as part of the 4×400 metres relay squad.There was no gloating or celebrating from the Hodgkinson camp, who say they are “gutted” they cannot face the New Jersey athlete in individual combat.Coach Jenny Meadows – who will oversee Hodgkinson running the 400 metres this weekend at the UK Athletics Championships – said: “We plan the same way.“Keely wants to be at her best and have the skills no matter who she has to face. Most read in AthleticsEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSAthing Mu was overcome with emotionCredit: GETTY”No Olympic title will come easy.“You can only race who is there.Rhasidat Adeleke dedicates European Athletics Championship silver medal to her mother”Any Olympic champs will always be a stern test. But we wish Athing was there, of course.”Mu’s coach Bobby Kersee told AP: “I’ve coached it, I’ve preached it, I’ve watched it.“And here’s another indication that regardless of how good we are, we can leave some better athletes home than other countries have.”It’s part of our American way.” More

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    Tyson Fury shows off lean shape in gym as he trains for huge Oleksandr Usyk rematch

    TYSON FURY showcased his impressive shape in the gym as he continues to step up his training for the Oleksandr Usyk rematch.The Gypsy King, 35, suffered a split-decision defeat to the Ukrainian in Saudi Arabia last month.Tyson Fury was snapped back in the gym on TuesdayCredit: Instagram @kristianblacklockFury is looking to bounce back from defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in their rematchCredit: GettyTwo weeks ago, Fury was spotted being escorted out of a pub before he collapsed on the floor outside.But just days later he was back training and looking ahead to the announced date for his Usyk rematch – December 21.And he is maintaining that work in Lancaster as a photo emerged on Instagram on Tuesday of him in the gym at the Salt Ayre Leisure Centre.Strength and conditioning coach Kristian Blacklock shared the photo on his social media – which showed Fury grimacing while pulling weights.READ MORE ON TYSON FURYAlongside the image was the caption: ” Back to work with @tysonfury 💪.”Fury will be the underdog heading into the Usyk rematch after being outboxed for large parts of their first fight.He was also rocked, hurt and counted by the referee in round nine after the ropes kept him up following a barrage of punches from the former undisputed cruiserweight champion.Yet Fury recently claimed the main problem he had in the fight was that it was “too easy”.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFury, who led the fight after six rounds on a number of fans’ scorecards before Usyk came on strong down the stretch, told Furocity: “I thought I boxed his head right off him for most of the rounds.”He landed a good punch in round eight, that busted my nose. In round nine he had a 10-8 round, and I gave him round ten.Tyson Fury reveals ‘problem’ that saw him lose to Oleksandr Usyk in fight that was ‘a lot easier than I thought’ “Other than that I didn’t give him any other rounds, I gave him rounds eight, nine and ten.”But round nine is classed as two, so I gave him four rounds of the fight. It was actually a lot easier than I thought it would be, a lot easier.”People were saying he is a hard man to hit but I was lighting him up with three-and-four-punch combinations and laughing at him.”My problem in that fight was that it was probably too easy.”At times it was too easy, it was like I was in there with a local amateur boxer and I was enjoying it too much and messing around.”And for that I paid the ultimate price in round nine when I had too much fun and got clipped.”I was always told ‘never mix your work with having fun’ and I always gave my middle finger up to that – but now it has come back to bite me. I still enjoyed it, thought, it was all good.”Inside the Gypsy King’s royal courtTYSON FURY is one of the biggest characters in sport. More

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    Anthony Joshua in discussions to build a care home for retired ex-boxers as fans hail his ‘heart of gold’

    ANTHONY JOSHUA is in discussions to build a care home for retired ex-boxers.Dave Harris is Chairman of Ringside Charitable Trust, an organisation to support fighters in retirement. Anthony Joshua is in discussions to build a care home for retired ex-boxersCredit: RexAnd Harris revealed AJ – an ambassador for the trust – has reached out to collaborate with the charity to build a care home for ex-boxers. The news had fans hailing Joshua – worth an estimated £175million – for his heartwarming gesture. One said: “I have great admiration for Anthony Joshua the boxer, but AJ the person is incredible, heart of gold and I hope more people follow by his example.”Another added: “Class from AJ.”READ MORE IN BOXINGWomen’s boxing pioneer Jane Couch posted: “Brilliant news for this much needed cause.”One posted: “The most incredible news and really hope something can be worked out.”Joshua first revealed his intention on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs. He said: “They suffer by themselves, so we’ve been speaking about opening up a care home. Most read in BoxingHow AJ punched his way to the topANTHONY JOSHUA punched his way to the top of the world before being knocked off his perch.

    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“That would be part of my boxing legacy – that I gave something back to the sport that made me.”He added: “The one thing I would hope for is to keep my health intact. Anthony Joshua to fight Daniel Dubois as Wally Downes Jr gives rundown on all-British bout “Because it’s your health that is the most important thing you’re ­putting on the line.“We can notice it in fighters when their health is deteriorating, but we never actually talk about it among ourselves. All we focus on is winning.”Joshua has shown his kind side before, making a donation to England Boxing during the coronavirus pandemic to help amateur boxing. He also sent necessities to Nigeria during lockdown. Joshua, 34, is set to return to the ring in September with British rival Daniel Dubois, 26, the frontrunner to face him.Joshua has an estimated net worth of £175mCredit: GETTY More

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    Boxing legend Roy Jones Jr reveals death of son DeAndre by suicide in heartbreaking post

    ROY JONES JR has tragically revealed his son has died after taking his own life.The boxing legend, 55, took to social media with a heartwrenching post.Roy Jones Jr confirmed the tragic death of his son DeAndreCredit: GettyIn it, he described how thankful he was to be able to spend the final evening of DeAndre’s life together. And the former four-weight world champion has understandably asked for space to process the devastating loss.DeAndre was understood to be 30 at the time of his sad death. Jones Jr wrote: “Unfortunately, my son DeAndre took his life on Saturday.READ MORE ON BOXING”I’m so thankful that God allowed me to come Friday night to spend the last night of his life with me and the family.”I know a lot of people are going through tough times right now, but nothing is worth taking your own life.”God gives it and God should be the one to take it away.”Please respect our privacy while my family and I process this loss.Most read in Boxing”Thank you for the love and support.”DeAndre was one of three children born to Jones Jr and his wife Natlyn – after his brothers Roy III and twin DeShaun.’It felt like a mule had kicked me in the chest,’ reveals Mike Tyson’s last opponent in frightening warning to Jake PaulJones Jr shared this heartbreaking post on social mediaCredit: X @RealRoyJonesJrTheir legendary father rose to prominence in the boxing world in the 1990s – following his silver medal as an amateur at the 1988 Olympics.He was crowned middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight world champ, cementing his status as one of the greatest boxers ever to step into the ring. In 2003, Jones Jr became the first boxer to win both middleweight and heavyweight world titles for 106 years.He won a staggering 66 – including 47 by knockout – of his 76 fights.Jones Jr came out of retirement in 2020 for an exhibition bout with Mike Tyson which ended in a draw after eight rounds in Los Angeles.However, he lost his most recent dust-up to Anthony Pettis as recently as April 2023, three months after his 54th birthday. READ MORE SUN STORIESJust months later, he split from coaching British star Chris Eubank Jr after two years.Jones Jr released his first studio album – titled Round One: The Album – in 2002 and has also appeared in various films. Jones Jr is married to NatlynCredit: GettyThe American is widely considered one of the greatest boxers of all timeCredit: GettyYou’re Not Alone
    EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
    It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
    It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
    And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
    Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
    That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
    The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
    Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
    If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: More

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    Tyson and Paris Fury enjoy luxury getaway to Yorkshire after taking kids to Blackpool Pleasure Beach

    TYSON AND PARIS FURY enjoyed a luxury getaway together after taking their kids to Blackpool Pleasure Beach.The parents of seven headed for a special day out on the coast with the kids.Tyson and Paris Fury headed for a luxury getawayCredit: Instagram / @parisfury1The couple appeared to get some time away from their seven kidsCredit: Instagram / @parisfury1Paris looked glamorous in a designer summer dressCredit: Instagram / @parisfury1They shared selfies online to give fans a glimpse of their tripCredit: Instagram / @parisfury1As well as floating along the lazy river, Paris accompanied their adorable son on another ride – even though he virtually fell asleep. Tyson, 35, even managed to fold his 6ft 9ins frame into an orange submarine, posing for the camera through the window, after shooting hoops at the basketball stall. But after the excitement of Blackpool, the couple unwound by heading to Yorkshire on Sunday.Judging from the posts on Paris’ Instagram story, it appears the pair got the kids looked after so they could have some quality romantic time. READ MORE ON FURYSParis, 34, shared a selfie of them smiling together with sunglasses on in the car before adding a video of the luxury Grantley Hall patio bathed in glorious sunshine.They devoured a stunning roast dinner then enjoyed the stunning grounds of the prestigious five-star hotel and wellness resort near Ripon – where rooms start from £595 per night. Paris uploaded a video of her walking along a path as well as a lovely photo with Tyson on a bridge against the backdrop of a picturesque river and lawns.She looked glamorous in a £738 designer patterned green summer dress while the heavyweight boxer rocked a cream polo, white shorts and a cap.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSParis also shared another selfie as they enjoyed a coffee together, captioning it: “One love.”Plenty of fans chipped in with supportive comments.Tyson Fury stumbles drunk out of a pubOne said: “Check you lovebirds out – happy days, enjoy guys.”Another replied: “Beautiful couple.”And a third added: “Smiles all round and positive vibes, good on you both!”Fury is spending some time with his loved ones as he takes a break away from the gym and training camp following his first pro defeat.The Gypsy King was beaten on points by Oleksandr Usyk in their unification bout in Saudi Arabia last week. They are set for a rematch in December.But soon after the devastating loss, Fury let his hair down with a heavy night at a local pub in Morecambe.The giant was escorted out of the boozer before falling to the pavement.How rich are the Furys?
    Tyson and Paris Fury have an estimated combined net worth over £70 million.
    The bulk of this comes from Tyson’s heavyweight boxing paydays, most recently earning £80 million from his clash with Oleksandr Usyk.
    Experts believe he has a whopping £300 million sitting in the bank, which is also thanks to the Fury family’s Netflix show and five book deals.
    But mum-of-seven Paris proved she can take on the world after stepping down from Tyson’s company in August 2022 to focus on her own projects. 
    In just one year of flying solo, she raked in £180,000 from book and PR deals, and social media ads.
    The couple live with their seven children in a £1.7 million mansion in Morecambe, Lancashire.

    Addressing the incident, though, Fury laughed it off.He said: “I got p***ed-up about two weeks ago and fell over on my face, didn’t do any damage though, as you can see I’m still good looking!“Apart from that I have lots of messages and phone calls from people asking me if I am okay.“I just had a drunken night out and suddenly everyone thinks you’re going to jump in front of a train.“Maybe, because of my past history, people are concerned.”Fury added on his time off: “I’ve just been chilling out, really. I have probably been training five times a week.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I went caravanning with the kids, three days in one place and three days in another.“I have just been spending time with my dad, my brothers, my wife and my kids.”The family had fun at Blackpool Pleasure BeachCredit: Instagram / @parisfury1The boxer climbed into a submarine rideCredit: Instagram / @parisfury1Paris shared videos from the day out on her Instagram storyCredit: Instagram / @parisfury1Tyson rocked a polo and cap in a casual lookCredit: Instagram / @parisfury1Grantley Hall is a stunning five-star resort in YorkshireCredit: Instagram / @parisfury1The Ripon resort looked glorious in the sunshineCredit: Instagram / @parisfury1 More

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    Boxer slapped with four-year drugs ban… three months after his death at the age of 34

    UK ANTI-DOPING chiefs banned a boxer for four years despite him dying three months earlier.Mexican Moises Calleros sadly passed away, aged 34, of a suspected cardiac arrest in February.Boxer Moises Calleros sadly passed away aged 34Credit: GettyMoises Calleros was beaten by Galal Yafai in April 2023Credit: GettyCalleros had been beaten by Brit Galal Yafai in four rounds in April of 2023.The flyweight had one bout after losing to Yafai when he beat Gerardo Verde on December 16, 2023 in Mexico. And he was believed to have been preparing for another fight when he was sadly found dead in his home.Ten months after the loss to Yafai, it emerged Calleros had failed a United Kingdom Anti-Doping test from that fight.READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd, with UKAD seemingly unaware of his death, Calleros tested positive for cocaine and was slapped with a four-year suspension.In a statement, they wrote on X: “Anti-Doping Rule Violation!”Mexican Professional Boxer Moises Calleros has been banned for four years, following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the presence and Use of Prohibited substance, cocaine and its metabolite.”Fans were quick to point out Calleros’ sad passing, with UKAD quickly deleting their post.Most read in BoxingAnd in a new statement the organisation said: “UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) has today received information regarding the death of Mexican professional boxer Moises Calleros.”UKAD received this information shortly after publishing details of the outcome from a case concerning Mr Calleros in accordance with the UK Anti-Doping Rules.”Unfortunately, UKAD had no information regarding Mr Calleros’ sad passing at the time of publication and has now removed all details of this case from its channels.” I have 9-5 job by day but earn £15k a night in brutal bare-knuckle battlesCalleros boxed the majority of his career in Mexico baring two fights in Japan and the loss to Yafai in London.On March 2, the boxer’s Facebook account posted a tribute to his life as tributes poured in. He had a record of 37 wins, 11 losses and one draw, once challenging for the WBO interim minimum-weight title. More