More stories

  • in

    Oleksandr Usyk ‘looking like a cyborg’ ahead of Anthony Joshua rematch, says unified heavyweight champion’s promoter

    OLEKSANDR USYK is stronger than ever and looks like a “cyborg” according to his promoter Alex Krassyuk.The Ukrainian, 35, spent time out of the ring this year after signing up to join the Ukraine war effort after the Russian invasion.
    Oleksander Usyk is stronger than ever according to his promoter Alex KrassyukCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
    Krassyuk compared his fighter to a cyborgCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
    Usyk is flying the flag for UkraineCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
    Some have predicted Anthony Joshua to lose to Usyk againCredit: Reuters
    But Krassyuk is confident the “hell” Usyk has been through has made him more determined and stronger than ever as he prepares for the rematch with Anthony Joshua.
    Krassyuk told Sky Sports: “We watch his recently posted videos and realise that he looks like a cyborg.
    “He went through hell within the last three months. And it did not kill him but made him even stronger. I’ve never seen him more determined than now.
    “Not too many champs in the world can share experience going through the war and making it to the ring to defend the heavyweight crown. It was an exclusively complicated assignment. But he seems to have passed it properly.”
    READ MORE ON BOXING
    Usyk also has extra motivation to defend his WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO heavyweight world title belts as he is flying the flag for Ukraine.
    Krassyuk revealed the fighter has the blessing of the Ukraine people to take on AJ as the bout is a chance to show off the best of what the country has to offer.
    The promoter added: “He made his decision to take the rematch in these circumstances after he’d received massive support from the Ukrainian military.
    “He was in touch with high-ranking officers, he visited hospitals with injured combatants, he spoke with fans and in each and every conversation he heard words of support and blessings to take the rematch.
    Most read in Boxing
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS

    “People want him to fight. People want him to win. They all want the Ukrainian flag to be risen and the Ukrainian anthem to be heard throughout the planet.
    “The whole world has to know that Ukraine is the country of free, transparent, strong, spiritual and developed people. Not too many men are able to deliver these messages. Usyk is and he does that through sports.
    “Let history judge how special he is.”
    Boxing legend Mike Tyson believes Usyk’s speed and jab will cause Joshua problems in Saudia Arabia, and tips the 19-0 star to beat the Brit unless AJ can land a knock-out.
    Tyson Fury also expects Usyk to win again as he is “too good a boxer” for Joshua, who does not possess the ability to pressure Usyk for 12 rounds according to the Gypsy King. More

  • in

    Joe Joyce pushing to make Joseph Parker fight for WBC heavyweight title after Tyson Fury confirms retirement

    JOE JOYCE’S team are pushing to make his fight with Joseph Parker for the WBC title after Tyson Fury’s latest retirement announcement. Fury initially hung up his gloves after knocking out Dillian Whyte at Wembley in April.
    Joe Joyce, promoter Frank Warren and Joseph ParkerCredit: Rex
    Tyson Fury could lose his WBC belt after retiringCredit: Getty
    But four months later he spoke out to claim he was returning to fight Derek Chisora, 38, in an unlikely trilogy following his 2011 and 2014 wins.
    Then only two days after, on his 34th birthday, Fury doubled down on his retirement and vacated his Ring Magazine belt.
    He is yet to do the same with his WBC title and has been given until August 26 to inform them of his decision in writing.
    But SunSport understands Joyce’s team are already pushing to make his heavyweight bout with Parker, 30, for the vacant belt.
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    The pair headline in Manchester on September 24 and do so both highly ranked in the WBC.
    Joyce, 36, is No2 while Parker is just a place behind him with only ex-champ Deontay Wilder, 36, ahead of the two.
    But given Fury’s deadline, Joyce’s request might be knocked back or a shot at the “interim” belt could be offered.
    In theory, that gives the title holder a guaranteed shot at the full title, like was the case with Whyte, 34.
    Most read in Boxing
    JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
    Fury’s promoters are still hoping the Gypsy King will be tempted back for a historic, first ever four-belt heavyweight unification.
    But firstly, Oleksandr Usyk, 35, must rematch Anthony Joshua, 32, in Saudi Arabia on Saturday following his win in September.
    Joyce is the WBO mandatory challenger for the winner, but amid hopes of a unification, he faces a wait for his shot.
    Joe Joyce is ranked highly with the WBC and WBOCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Who is Anthony Joshua’s new head trainer Robert Garcia?

    ANTHONY JOSHUA takes on Oleksandr Usyk in a make-or-break rematch in Saudi Arabia.And he will have a new name in his corner for the crucial fight, esteemed trainer Robert Garcia.
    Anthony Joshua has handed the coachings reigns to ex-world champ Robert GarciaCredit: PA
    Who is Robert Garcia?
    Robert Garcia is Joshua’s new head trainer, with AJ splitting from long-time coach Rob McCracken following his loss to Usyk in their first fight last September.
    Garcia has guided 14 different men to world titles throughout his legendary career as a trainer, but none above middleweight.
    Fighters he’s trained include former four-division champ and brother Mikey Garcia, Marcos Maidana, Jose Ramirez, Bam Rodriguez, Abner Mares, Nonito Donaire, Brandon Rios and Antonio Margarito.
    Read more AJ vs Usyk
    The Mexican was also a fighter himself, and won the IBF super-featherweight world title in 1998
    McCracken had led Joshua to Olympic gold at London 2012, his first world title in 2016, and the regaining of his belts in 2019.
    But the tactics Joshua used in the defeat to Usyk were widely panned, so the Watford man went out in search of a new voice in the corner.

    🥊 AJ vs Usyk 2 date, live stream and TV channel for blockbuster rematch
    What has Anthony Joshua said about Garcia?
    AJ, 32, visited the likes of Virgil Hunter, Eddy Reynoso and Ronnie Shields but it was Garcia that impressed him the most.
    Many people believe that Garcia, who has a track record of producing aggressive and powerful fighters, is the perfect choice for the two-time heavyweight world champion.
    Rob McCraken has been replaced by Robert Garcia
    Joshua said: “Texas, Fresno, LA, I saw a lot of coaches everywhere before choosing my new trainer – and there were coaches that I didn’t get to see – but he was the standout. Robert Garcia is a bad boy coach.
    Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk free bets and sign up offers for HUGE Saudi rematch
    “When I first turned pro, I did my first few training camps in Eddie’s [Hearn] back garden. That’s where we first started.
    “Then, I moved to Tony Sims’ gym, for probably the first two or three fights, and then after that, I was allowed to train in Sheffield.
    “I’ve been a pro for nine years, so for about seven or eight years I’ve been in Sheffield and this is my first time training out of there, but for 11 years, I trained with Rob [McCracken].”
    Most read in Sport More

  • in

    Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk tale of the tape: Where the fight will be won and lost ahead of huge rematch

    ANTHONY JOSHUA has the chance to avenge his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk and become a three-time heavyweight champion. But double defeat to the Ukrainian, who won last September, leaves AJ’s stock at an all-time low.

    🥊 AJ vs Usyk 2 date, live stream and TV channel for blockbuster rematch
    Joshua, 32, was bettered over 12 rounds but has since changed trainers and vowed to come in with an all-new style.
    Whereas Usyk, 35, appears to have bulked up in preparation for the rematch on Saturday in Saudi Arabia.
    Here, SunSport runs down how the two compare and where the fight will be won and lost.
    Speed
    AJ is renowned for his hand speed, especially when he puts shots together in combinations.
    But Usyk has the slicker feet and moves like a man much smaller in size.
    Speed is a key factor for both men and could shape how the bout develops.
    Anthony Joshua was beaten by Oleksandr Usyk on pointsCredit: PA
    READ MORE IN BOXING

    Power
    Joshua is the harder puncher on paper, but it was Usyk who did the greater damage last year.
    AJ opted to try and outbox the southpaw at range but in the rematch he must throw in numbers and try to hit and hurt.
    Usyk was only a punch or two away from stopping Joshua last time and if he senses the Londoner tiring, he should put the pressure on.
    Anthony Joshua was almost stopped by Oleksandr UsykCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Most read in Boxing
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Experience
    There isn’t too much to separate the two in experience, Joshua has had 26 fights compared to Usyk’s 19.
    But the two-weight world champ had 350 amateur bouts, meanwhile AJ only started boxing aged 18.
    Although he has had 11 world titles bout, compared to Usyk’s eight, and has had a rematch before in the pro ranks, whereas his rival hasn’t.
    Oleksandr Usyk had 350 amateur fightsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Record
    Usyk is unbeaten in his 19 bouts, stretching across two divisions having reigning as undisputed at cruiserweight.
    Joshua has been in world title fights since 2015 and is the more experienced heavyweight boxer.
    But Usyk’s extensive amateur career, where he faced all sizes and styles, has proven pivotal in his success as a pro.
    Anthony Joshua is a two-time heavyweight championCredit: Getty
    Physique
    AJ is notably the bigger man, weighing 17st 2lb while Usyk came in at 15st 11lb.
    But Usyk appears much heavier this time around and Amir Khan claimed he weighs TWO STONE more after they linked up in Dubai.
    Joshua must use his size to better affect this fight, doubling up his jab and hammering away to both head and body.
    Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk weighing inCredit: AP More

  • in

    ‘Sent to you from Heaven’ – Stunning Tyson Fury ring girl sends fans wild as she poses in skimpy lingerie

    TYSON FURY ring girl Charlotte Elise Fox has sent fans wild with her latest Instagram post.The stunning Insta model was ringside for the Gypsy King’s win over Dillian Whyte in April.
    Charlotte Elise Fox posed in her latest bikini shoot
    Charlotte was a ring girl for Tyson Fury’s win over Dillian Whyte
    Stunning Charlotte has gained plenty of fansCredit: INSTAGRAM @charlotteelisefox
    Charlotte delighted fans at Wembley Stadium, gathering quite the social media following.
    The 26-year-old beauty has amassed 233,000 Instagram followers.
    Last week she posted a picture of herself in stunning lingerie by Lounge Underwear.
    She captioned her snap: “Sent to you from Heaven🫶🏼”
    Read More Boxing Stories
    The post received plenty of attention, with fellow model and pal Leonie McSorley replying: “Yes you were 😍”
    Another follower commented: “Stunner.”
    And a further fan gushed: “Gorgeous.”
    A fourth commenter wrote: “Looking absolutely fabulous 🔥”
    Most read in Boxing
    JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
    While a fifth added: “❤️Very Beautiful Woman❤️”
    Fans will be hoping to see Charlotte ringside for another Fury fight before too long.
    The Gypsy King reiterated his retirement last week, but continues to be linked with a bout against the victor of Anthony Joshua’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.
    Charlotte has over 200,000 Insta followersCredit: INSTAGRAM @charlotteelisefox
    Fans love seeing the 26-year-old’s postsCredit: INSTAGRAM @charlotteelisefox
    Charlotte regularly poses in lingerieCredit: INSTAGRAM @charlotteelisefox
    The model is a fans’ favouriteCredit: INSTAGRAM @charlotteelisefox More

  • in

    Meet the stunning Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship ring girls ahead of Paige VanZant vs Charisa Sigala in London

    BARE KNUCKLE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP comes to London with some huge headlines acts. Bellator star Michael Venom Page main-events against ex-UFC contender Mike Perry.
    Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship comes to London and so do their ring card girlsCredit: @kaitlynbertrandd
    Harley Cameron, Kaitlyn Bertrand and Amber FieldsCredit: @kaitlynbertrandd
    Paige VanZant makes her BKFC return in London
    And Paige VanZant makes her BKFC return against Charisa Sigala.
    But fans will not have their eyes just on the action, as BKFC’s ring girls look to steal the show.
    Here, SunSport introduces you to some of their crowd pleasers.
    Amber Fields
    Amber is a model from America, who has a love for cowboy hats.
    She has an OnlyFans account which offers subscribers “tons of unseen, uncensored content.”
    Amber won Miss IBMS Orlando pageant and the Miss Winghouse pageant in 2017.
    Amber Fields is one of BKFC’s lead ring card girlsCredit: @missamberfields
    The brunette also has her own OnlyFans accountCredit: @missamberfields
    Amber won Miss IBMS Orlando pageant in 2017Credit: @missamberfields
    The American is a self-professed cowgirl hat loverCredit: @missamberfields
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    Kaitlyn Bertrand
    Kaitlyn describes herself as a realtor from Florida, who has Italian and Scottish roots.
    She also has an OnlyFans account herself and featured on the Fitness Gurls Magazine cover in May.
    Not only does Kaitlyn work for BKFC, but she has done shows for ProBox TV, founded by ex-champs Roy Jones Jr, Antonio Tarver and Paulie Malignaggi.
    Kaitlyn Bertrand is a realtor from FloridaCredit: @kaitlynbertrandd
    Kaitlyn also runs her own OnlyFans accountCredit: @kaitlynbertrandd
    The American is a fitness cover girl modelCredit: @kaitlynbertrandd
    Most read in Boxing
    Luana Moa
    Luana, from Florida, is a model and actress as well as ring card girl.
    The American this year joined the BKFC roster but also works alongside Kaitlyn for ProBox TV.
    Moa won Miss HIN Atlanta 2022 to add to her glamour achievements.
    Luana Moa is a model and actress as well as ring card girl
    Luana this year joined the BKFC roster
    She also works alongside Kaitlyn for ProBox TV
    Harley Cameron
    Harley is a singer, actress and model from Florida.
    As well as working for BKFC, Harley recently signed with professional wrestling promotion AEW.
    Her partner Xyon Quinn – real name Daniel Sean Vidot – is an ex-professional rugby league footballer currently signed to WWE.
    Harley Cameron is a singer, actress and model from FloridaCredit: @danni_ellexo
    Harley recently signed with professional wrestling promotion AEW.Credit: @danni_ellexo
    She is with WWE star Xyon QuinnCredit: @danni_ellexo
    Isabelle Flores
    Isabelle describes herself as “Irish and Venezuelan” but she resides in Florida.
    She is also a Monster Energy girl as well as working for BKFC.
    Away from modelling, Isabelle owns a mobile bar service called Tipsy Gypsy, which is 70s themed.
    Isabelle Flores is from Florida and works for BKFCCredit: @belllsflores
    Isabelle is also a Monster Energy girl as well as working for BKFC.Credit: @belllsflores
    She also owns a mobile bar service called Tipsy Gypsy,Credit: @belllsflores More

  • in

    Michael Venom Page open to Jake Paul fight but first vows to leave ex-UFC star Mike Perry a ‘mess’ in bare-knuckle debut

    MICHAEL VENOM PAGE has refused to rule out fighting Jake Paul – but first vows to leave Mike Perry a “mess” in their bare-knuckle bout. The Bellator welterweight swaps the cage for the ring after signing with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
    Michael Venom Page fights Mike Perry in bare-knuckleCredit: Jamie McPhillimy / BKFC
    And he faces the unpredictable Perry at Wembley Arena on Saturday night, expecting to leave the ex-UFC contender unrecognisable.
    Page told SunSport: “He’s a great person to promote a show with. 
    “He’s really funny outside, big character, he makes a lot of noise and it kind of hypes you up, he makes you want to go in there and fight.
    “It’s kind of a perfect partner to come over here, great name and great for my first fight. 
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    “I expect the fight to go the way I want it to go. I’m a lot more technical, a lot more precise, landing shots. 
    “He’s going to be a bit of a mess by the end of it, but I’m going to go in there and do what I do best, put on a show and come out the victor.” 
    Page, 35, recently challenged for the interim Bellator welterweight title in May but was controversially beaten by Logan Storley, 29.
    The MMA promotion had nothing to offer MVP until November, meaning the Londoner looked elsewhere for opportunities.
    Most read in Boxing
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Having already had two wins in the traditional boxing ring, Page sought to find another gloved bout.
    But when his former promoter, ex-world champion David Haye, brought an offer from BKFC to him, a deal was quickly wrapped up.
    Page revealed: “I’ve worked with David before, we’re actually very good friends so it was an easy conversation to have. 
    “Then the end result was, I had to present it to Bellator and they had to be happy with it or otherwise it wouldn’t work. 
    “From there, I had to go to the right people at Bellator but they were happy with it, especially with the timing, it worked out anyway. 
    He’s going to be a bit of a mess by the end of it, but I’m going to go in there and do what I do best, put on a show and come out the victor.Michael Venom Page on fighting Mike Perry
    “So they OK’d it and that was it. Now we’re here.” 
    Page has his eyes on the Bellator crown but is open to making a return to boxing.
    Several stars of MMA have made the same switch, including UFC legend Anderson Silva, 47.
    Ben Askren, 38, and Tyron Woodley, 40, also did the same to fight YouTuber-turned prizefighter Paul, 25.
    Both were beaten and the likes of Jorge Masvidal, 37, and Nate Diaz, 37, have since been called out by the 5-0 social media sensation.
    Read More on The Sun
    Page will not get drawn into challenging the American himself – but would not turn down the chance to fight him.
    He said: “I don’t care to call for a fight like that, but if it falls on my lap, the same way this has kind of fallen upon me, then yeah, why not? 
    “It’s punching someone in the face for a lot of money.”
    Jake Paul is unbeaten in his 5-0 boxing careerCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

  • in

    Tyson Fury given deadline to confirm his retirement by the WBC or else heavyweight champ will be STRIPPED of title belt

    TYSON FURY has been set a deadline by the WBC to confirm his retirement or else be stripped of his championship belt. Fury first announced he was walking away from boxing in April after knocking out Dillian Whyte at Wembley.
    WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman, left, next to Tyson FuryCredit: Jamie McPhilimey
    But he remains linked with a fight against either Anthony Joshua or Oleksandr Usyk, who rematch in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
    Fury, 34, even claimed he was coming back to face Derek Chisora, 38, in an unlikely trilogy bout, despite his prior wins in 2011 and 2014.
    Although just two days later, Fury spoke out to say he was retiring for good and even vacated his Ring Magazine belt after doing so.
    He is yet to do the same with his WBC title but has until August 26 to notify the governing body of his decision.
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman told Izquierdazo: “We had a conversation with his promoter and we gave him ten days, until 26th (August), so they can send us a written confirmation of his final decision.
    “With that, we can proceed to address the situation with the belt. We will wait until August 26th.
    “That is our deadline to have a formal confirmation of their final decision.
    “We have no rush. He has been a big hero inside the ring and out of it.”
    Most read in Boxing
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS

    Sulaiman added: “If he confirms his retirement, we will have a big celebration for Tyson Fury.
    “He decided to say goodbye to boxing, despite being in the peak of his career.
    “He has a beautiful family, he is enjoying life, and he still has a lot to give inside the ring and out of it.”
    Joshua, 32, rematches Usyk, 35, on Saturday in Saudi Arabia following his loss last September.
    Both Fury’s promoters Bob Arum and Frank Warren have said their man will await the winner before returning.
    And Warren recently told talkSPORT: “At the end of the day, if that’s what he wants to do, that’s his right to do it.
    “You know, he was actually looking forward to fighting last week, he was actually talking about fighting but that’s how he feels at the moment.
    “If that’s how he feels, that’s how it is, we’ve all got to support what he’s doing.

    🥊 AJ vs Usyk 2 date, live stream and TV channel for blockbuster rematch
    “I spoke to him a few times last week and he told me he’s weighing exactly what he was weighing for his last fight against Dillian Whyte – that’s how hard he’s training.”
    Ahead of AJ’s rematch with Usyk, Warren added: “Whoever wins that fight, everyone will want to see him fight Tyson.
    “If Tyson wants to do it, he will. If he doesn’t, he won’t.”
    Oleksander Usyk and Anthony Joshua ahead of their Saudi Arabia rematchCredit: Mark Robinson More