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    Tyson Fury admits he’s fighting Usyk for the MONEY and that undisputed title means nothing to him ahead of Saudi clash

    TYSON FURY insists he’s only fighting Oleksandr Usyk for the money – not the opportunity to prove himself as the best heavyweight of his era.The Wythenshawe warrior faces the slick southpaw for all the heavyweight marbles in a historic Saudi showdown a fortnight on Saturday.
    Tyson Fury will finally throw down with Oleksandr Usyk later this monthCredit: GETTY
    The pair will fight for all the heavyweight marbles in a historic Saudi showdownCredit: EPA
    The Gyspy King cares more about his payday for the fight than becoming undisputed championCredit: REUTERS
    Fury, 35, will become the division’s first undisputed champion in over 25 years should he reclaim the WBA, WBO, IBF, IBO and Ring titles in the Riyadh rumble.
    But The Gypsy King cares more about the career-high payday he’ll bank for the desert dust-up than permanently writing his name into the history books.
    He told DAZN “This is no more important than any of the other fights I’ve had before. To me anyway.
    “To him, it might mean something much more special, I don’t know. I’ve never spoke to him about it.
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    “I’m just telling you the truth. The truth is, it’s exciting to me and attractive because of the amount of money I’m getting paid.
    “Not because of the belts that’s on the line.”
    Fury has won so many belts over the years that he’s become numb to having them wrapped around him.
    He said: “If you ever get time to come to Morecambe when you’re passing, nip into my front room, I’ll show you 26, 27 belts that don’t see the daylight.
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    TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE UNDISPUTED HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT
    “When you’re a young person and you haven’t won anything and you win a Central Area title, or an English title, or an Irish title, it’s everything to you. Wow.
    “But I’m 35-years-old with an army of children and have been to hell and back.
    “Why do I care about belts in a cupboard anymore?”
    Fury will join an elite group including the likes of boxing icons Rocky Marciano, Muhammad Ali and fellow Brit Lennox Lewis should he have his hand raised in the Kingdom clash.
    But he’s adamant becoming only the 26th man in 103 years to be the undisputed king of the heavyweights will be just another day at the office.
    The WBC heavyweight king said: “It’s like walking up Everest ten times.
    “[The] first time would’ve been fantastic, but when you’ve done it lots of times … does it really matter anymore?
    “This is professional boxing. If it wasn’t about making money, as much as you can… We’re prize fighters. We’re pugilists.
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    “We’re like high-paid escorts. You’ve got a very short window to earn as much money as possible.”
    It’s understood Fury was paid around £40million for his last fight against Francis Ngannou and will earn even more against Usyk.
    Tyson Fury could seemingly care less about the prospect of becoming undisputed heavyweight champCredit: Getty More

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    Manny Pacquiao officially OUT OF RETIREMENT and ready to face Conor McGregor in blockbuster Saudi showdown

    MANNY PACQUIAO is officially out of retirement – and he’s targeting a big-name opponent for his ring return.The former eight-weight world champion hung up his gloves in September 2021 a month after losing his WBA welterweight title fight with Yordenis Ugas.
    Manny Pacquiao retired from boxing a month after losing to Yordenis UgasCredit: GETTY
    Pacman returned to the ring in December 2022 for an exhibition against DK YooCredit: GETTY
    The former eight-weight champ is out of retirement, according to his managerCredit: GETTY
    Pacquiao, however, took part in an exhibition bout against South Korean DK Yoo in December 2022 and is set to face Muay Thai legend Buakaw in a second in April.
    The 45-year-old recently teased a rematch with long-time rival Floyd Mayweather, which his manager Sean Gibbons has added fuel to by claiming the pride of the Philippines is no longer a retired fighter.
    He told Boxing Scene: “Technically, he’s out of retirement.”
    Pacquiao, according to Gibbons, plans to stick around for one more year and is targeting some of the biggest names in the sport.
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    He continued: “He would love to fight Gervonta Davis, Ryan Garcia. He’s got about a year left.
    “He just wants to fight. Manny feels that he’s in tremendous shape.
    “He’s training for this exhibition but hopefully that will lead to something bigger and better.”
    A lucrative showdown with former UFC champion Conor McGregor has been on the cards for the best part of three years but has yet to materialise.
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    Pacman was on the receiving end of a callout from the MMA mogul last December, with The Notorious challenging him to a lucrative showdown in Saudi Arabia.
    And a crossover clash with the UFC’s poster boy is something Gibbons insists Pacquiao is more than up for.
    “I do [see a pro return for Pacquiao],” he said. “One of the fights that people talked about for a long time was Manny Pacquiao versus Conor McGregor.
    “That’s something that will be sensational in Saudi Arabia, let’s go. It will be a good place to do it. It’s really simple.
    “His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, [the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia], loves big events.
    “And he’s putting on the best events.
    “It’s a very intriguing and fun fight bringing two of the biggest names together in combat sports.”
    McGregor, 35, hasn’t fought since breaking his leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier in July 2021 but will be welcomed back to the octagon by Michael Chandler later this year.
    Manny Pacquiao is open to fighting UFC superstar Conor McGregor this yearCredit: GETTY
    Conor McGregor is set to face Michael Chandler in his UFC this yearCredit: UFC More

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    Oleksandr Usyk ‘mullering’ sparring partners and making them QUIT ahead of Tyson Fury fight, says ex-world champion

    OLEKSANDR USYK has been “mullering” sparring partners and making them QUIT, claims Johnny Nelson. Usyk has assembled a squad of giant heavyweight replicas of 6ft 9in Tyson Fury in his secret Spanish training camp.
    Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk ahead of their fightCredit: Getty
    But he has been smashing them so brutally that they are being sent on their way one by one – according to ex-cruiserweight champion Nelson.
    He told The Mirror: “I’m hearing in the Usyk camp he’s been mullering every one of his five sparring partners and they’ve had to take it down to six rounds and the guys are pulling out.
    “They are big guys, the sparring partners don’t see it going any other way. I want to see [Tyson] touch down in Saudi and know that it’s on.
    “After this weekend, that’s it. It’s fight week. I want the Brit to win, but I’m just telling you what I’m hearing.
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    “I was there when Fury beat [Wladimir] Klitschko. Tyson is officially the best fighter in the world and he’s got people gossiping and wound up.
    “If that [old] version of Fury still exists and he turns up, he beats Usyk. If he doesn’t, you’re going to see a passing of the torch.”
    The pair of unbeaten champions collide on February 17 in Saudi Arabia in what is the first ever four-belt heavyweight unification.
    Fury, 35, comes into the bout having been floored by ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou, 37, in October.
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    He escaped with a controversial split-decision win but dad John was among those to question his son’s preperations.
    And Nelson – who formerly held the WBO title – spoke out to say he heard whispers of Fury struggling in camp to fight Usyk.
    He said on talkSPORT: “I’m hearing rumours of what’s happening in camp – I’m hearing that he’s getting turned over in the gym.
    “So this thing about appetite when he’s in the gym, I mean, he got shown his a***.
    “I’m hearing these things and I’m thinking has he taken his eye off the ball, or has time caught up with him?”
    Former cruiserweight champion Johnny NelsonCredit: PA More

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    Tyson Fury poses topless as Gladiator as Paris shares incredible behind-the-scenes snaps from Oleksandr Usyk promo video

    PARIS FURY has shared behind-the-scenes photos of husband Tyson Fury as he prepared for the promo trailer for his fight with Oleksandr Usyk.The behind-the-scenes pics come after the amazing trailer dropped yesterday.
    Tyson and Paris dressed as characters from a WesternCredit: instagram
    Tyson also dressed up as a gladiator as part of the shootCredit: instagram
    Paris took fans behind the actionCredit: instagram
    Paris shared a selfie in her dressing roomCredit: instagram
    The video sees the two heavyweight champions face off in a fictional version of the Wild West.
    As the two stare each other down as part of a Mexican standoff, they transform into pirates, gladiators, samurai and anime characters throughout the advert.
    Paris Fury took to Instagram to share the behind-the-scenes snaps on her Instagram.
    She wrote: “Wow!!! The fight of the century just dropped its advert!! It’s amazing to watch.
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    “Had so much fun watching this be filmed, loved joining in the fun too.”
    Her snaps included her and Tyson dressed as a cowboy Western couple.
    Her story also featured a video of Tommy Fury dressed as a cowboy, with Paris saying he was too embarrassed to pose for a picture.
    She also shared photos of Fury dressed as a gladiator, with a huge tusk protruding from his shoulder.
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    Fury smouldered off setCredit: instagram
    The end result was impressiveCredit: Twitter
    The fight is billed as the Ring of FireCredit: Twitter
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    The WBC champion also wielded a spiked mace as he posed in front of a green screen.
    Posting another selfie on set which also included brother Shane, she wrote: “It was so fun from start to finish, seeing how green screens work, how hard filming is and how much goes into costumes.
    “But how amazing to watch Tyson take centre stage and with his family getting to join in the fun.”
    The Hollywood-esque trailer was narrated by Peaky Blinders star Paul Anderson.
    The bout will take place on February 17 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
    The fight will be broadcast on TNT Sports Box Office and DAZN PPV.
    Fury’s brothers, Shane and Tommy also joined in with the filming of the promoCredit: instagram More

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    Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk TV channels CONFIRMED in never-before-seen move with fans to be spoiled for choice

    TYSON FURY’S mega showdown with Olesksandr Usyk will be shown live on Sky Sports, TNT Sports and DAZN – in a landmark agreement. The heavyweight giants finally face off for their mouth-watering bust-up in Saudi Arabia on February 17.
    Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will face off on February 17Credit: Getty
    And fans will have a choice of broadcasters to watch the action from in the UK.
    The three major channels will be fighting over the viewing figures.
    It is the first time ever the three broadcasters have all shown the same boxing fight.
    Laura Woods will host TNT’s coverage of the undisputed heavyweight championship fight live in Riyadh.
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    She will be joined by pundits Carl Frampton, Richie Woodhall and Steve Bunce ringside.
    Sky are yet to confirm who will front their programme on the night, although it is expected to be Anna Woolhouse.
    And the fight – billed as the ‘Ring of Fire’ – will also be available on streaming platform DAZN.
    The DAZN website is offering fans the chance to purchase the pay-per-view programme for £24.99 plus a free month’s subscription.
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    However, Sky and TNT are yet to confirm how much they will charge.
    Fury vs Usyk will see an undisputed heavyweight champion crowned for the first time since Lennox Lewis in 1999.
    The pair both go into the bout unbeaten in professional boxing.
    Fury holds the WBC belt he ripped from Deontay Wilder in blistering fashion while Usyk has the WBO, WBA and IBF titles previously under Anthony Joshua’s possession.
    The epic fight trailer was released yesterday to build fans’ excitement with less than three weeks to go until the first bell.
    There will be two further world title fights on a thrilling night of boxing in the Middle East, too.
    Jai Opetaia goes up against Mairis Briedis for the IBF Cruiserweight title while Joe Cordina and Anthony Cacace’s fight has the IBF super-featherweight crown on the line.
    Anna Woolhouse is expected to front the programme on Sky Sports Box OfficeCredit: Getty
    Laura Woods will present the coverage on TNT SportsCredit: TNT via Twitter
    Carl Frampton will be alongside Woods once againCredit: TNT Box Office More

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    Carl Froch in war of words with John Fury as pair clash over ex-champ’s criticism of Tyson’s career

    CARL FROCH is at the centre in a war of words with John Fury after his criticism of son Tyson. Froch has been an outspoken figure in the boxing world since his 2014 retirement and recently questioned Fury’s CV in the ring.
    Carl Froch is at the centre in a war of words with John FuryCredit: AFP
    Tyson Fury with his dad JohnCredit: AP
    That outraged the Gypsy King’s father John, who branded the former world champion a “jealous has-been”.
    But Froch – nicknamed The Cobra throughout his super-middleweight career – was quick to bite back.
    He said on his YouTube channel: “He called me a has-been.
    “What’s all this “has-been” business? That’s from somebody that’s a never-been. Have you ever been, to call me a has-been?
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    “And does that mean every previous world champion, Hall of Famer, Ali, Frazier, Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard, them kind of people, are you saying they’re all has-beens?
    “It makes no sense, it’s ridiculous. It comes from a jealous place and you’ve mentioned jealousy in the rant on The Cobra, I’ve never been jealous.”
    “I’m happy for boxers to get paid to do what I consider to be the hardest sport in the world, so let’s just get that one cleared and out in the open.
    “So, John Fury, there’s no jealousy, I’ve never been a has-been, once a champion, always a champion.”
    Most read in BoxingFroch and Fury compared

    Froch
    Wins: 33
    Losses: 2
    Draws: 0
    KOs: 24
    World titles: 4
    Fury
    Wins: 34
    Losses: 0
    Draws: 1
    KOs: 24
    World titles: 4

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    Froch questioned Fury’s famous wins over Wladimir Klitschko and Deontay Wilder, which led John to accuse the retired 46-year-old of discrediting his son.
    So Froch responded: “I don’t need to discredit Tyson to make my CV or my career look better.
    “Tyson’s got four wins over world champions, I’ve got 11 wins over world champions….
    “You said I should be kissing his a***. ‘Kiss his f***ing a***.’ He said. Why am I going to kiss his a*** for.
    “And here lies the problem – is it because I’m not kissing his a*** you’re getting upset?
    “Anybody that has any kind of constructive criticism against your son, Tyson Fury, gets shut down and switched off and potentially banned.”
    Finally, Froch added: “You’re supposed to be thick-skinned, this big hard man, “a fighting man”, but you can’t take criticism.
    “For someone that’s so tough and hard you’re so thin-skinned. You need to toughen up.” More

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    Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou will be CALLED OFF as it’s a ‘mad move’ for AJ, John Fury sensationally claims

    ANTHONY JOSHUA’s crossover clash with Francis Ngnnou will get CALLED OFF in the next few weeks, John Fury has sensationally claimed.The former two-time unified heavyweight champion will throw down with the MMA man mountain in a lucrative Saudi showdown next month.
    Anthony Joshua is set to throw down with former UFC champ Francis Ngannou next monthCredit: REX
    The pair will fight in a lucrative Saudi showdown on March 8Credit: GETTY
    But Tyson Fury’s dad John doesn’t foresee the fight coming to fruition
    Combat sports fans are expecting chaos following Ngannou’s shock display against Tyson Fury last October, in which he dropped The Gypsy King.
    But Fury’s dad John doesn’t foresee the fight coming to fruition, telling GB News when asked about his son throwing down with AJ: “Well I think he’s gotta’ get past Francis Ngannou.
    “If that fight takes place because I’m not sure it will.”
    John believes Joshua is playing with fire facing Ngannou when a historic Battle of Britain with Tyson is once again within touching distance.
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    He said: “It’s a mad move. I know he’s getting well paid for it but there’s a bigger payday down the road with him and Tyson.
    “When Tyson beats Usyk in a minute, that will have been the biggest fight of the century.”
    Should the fight go ahead, John believes former UFC heavyweight champ Ngannou will give Joshua a real run for his money,
    He said of the Cameroonian: “Ngannou is capable of knocking any heavyweight out in the world today, he’s shown against Tyson that he’s a danger for anybody.
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    ANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUT
    “He surprised me about how well he could fight. He’s a tough guy, he’s a monster, he’s only got to connect and he’ll be right in AJ’s face.
    “And he brings a whole new level of boxing to AJ’s game, Ngannou.”
    Joshua, 34, knows full well what’s at stake in his Riyadh rumble with Ngannou and is refusing to underestimate him.
    He said: “If Tyson underestimated Ngannou, I sure won’t. Francis has lost the element of surprise with me.
    “We knew Francis had a reputation as the biggest puncher in the world but the surprise was how well he boxed.
    “He was exceptional on the inside and made life very complicated for Tyson.
    “So much so that I do belong to the opinion that he beat Fury.”
    Anthony Joshua is refusing to underestimate Francis Ngannou after seeing him drop Tyson FuryCredit: GETTY More

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    Michel Jazy dead at 87: Trailblazing athlete who set nine world records and won ‘race of the century’ passes away

    LEGENDARY French athlete Michel Jazy has passed away at the age of 87.The former world record holder was an iconic 1500-metre runner, winning the European title in 1962.
    Frenchman Michel Jazy, right, racing back in 1965Credit: AFP
    He has passed away at the age of 87Credit: AFP
    In total, he set nine world records across a sensational career – the last of which came in his final appearance as an athlete.
    He came devastatingly close to the Olympic title in Rome in 1960, finishing 0.65 seconds behind Australian Herb Elliott as he claimed the silver medal.
    Four years later, he then narrowly missed out on a medal in the 5,000m as he came home fourth in Tokyo.
    But in 1966 he did clinch the European title in the 5,000m in Budapest.
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    At the same event, he also earned silver in the 1500m.
    Jazy was born into a poor coal-mining family from Poland who had emigrated to France after the First World War.
    He left school at the age of just 14, before he became an apprentice in a printshop two years later.
    In 1953, he won the 1000m in the youth race at the French national championships, before he achieved the same feat in the 1500m in 1955.
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    In 1956, he joined the air force but continued to run alongside those duties – and even competed at the Olympic Games in Melbourne in the same year, finishing seventh.
    Towards the end of the 1950s, he left the air force and began working at a printing plant.
    Around this time, he also married Parisian secretary Irene Denis – who gave birth to their two daughters in the early 1960s.
    Jazy’s colleagues at the printing plant insisted he worked overtime to compensate for his athletics training.
    But L’Equipe newspaper editor Gaston Meyer then intervened and gave him a typographer job – which allowed him to train in the mornings.
    And he went on to establish himself as one of France’s greatest athletes by winning European and Olympic medals, before he retired in 1966. More