Boxing

DEONTAY WILDER has spoken out ahead of arch rival Tyson Fury’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk. Fury was dethroned of the WBC title he won from Wilder in 2020 following a split-decision defeat to Usyk in Saudi Arabia. Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are set to rematchCredit: GettyThe beaten Gypsy King survived a brutal ninth-round onslaught after being held up by the ropes.And after the first loss of his professional career, Fury has invoked his right to an immediate rematch which is eyed for November or December. Wilder – who lost twice and drew with Fury as part of an epic trilogy – was probed on the fight and Usyk’s near-stoppage victory. He said: “I thought it was a great fight. I was on the fence of things, I didn’t know who was going to win.READ MORE IN BOXING”I always think it’s what dog brings what bite to the fight and Oleksandr’s bite was bigger than his.”I think he [Usyk] got robbed in the ninth round of a knockout for sure, gifts were given.”The rematch, who knows, it’s all about what person brings what dog to the fight.”Many times we have good days and we have bad days, you just never know.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFor all the love for resurgent AJ… these two are head, shoulders and fists ahead of everyone else
OLEKSANDR USYK is the deserved undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, writes Wally Downes Jr
A great biggun doesn’t always beat a great littleun, not when David has the weight of a besieged nation on his shoulders and is able to swing each compatriot into every punch.
Usyk did what Usyk does, he moved magnificently, he counter punched and he outworked his taller and heavier opponent.
He somehow manages to use every physical disadvantage to his favour.
But what the hell is Fury doing getting up in round nine?
Why is a father-of-eight with £300million in the bank, three best-selling books and a Netflix series going to the well like?
Britain is not fighting back Putin’s army, Morecambe is not occupied.
So when the 35-year-old’s senses are scrambled, when the canvas is calling him, when he is so desperate not to be felled he is willing to bounce around all the ropes like a drunk, when he eventually has to collapse into a corner, why doesn’t he just stay down?
He has earned the right to surrender as well as his millions.
The sheer courage and guts and bloody mindedness it takes to climb off that deck, with a broken nose and a crumbling ego is not comprehensible to us mortals.
Fury said he felt he won the fight but was too dignified to call robbery or corruption, no doubt his dad will taint that decency by the time you’ve read this.
The rematch will be superb.
Because for all the love we have for a resurgent Anthony Joshua – who was ringside for that iconic event – these two polar opposite men are head, shoulders, fists, hearts and brains ahead of everyone else.
There is the top two, then there is a void and then there is the rest.
Read Wally’s big fight verdict in full here…

“If I had to pick I would say Usyk but let’s see what happens.”Wilder, 38, returns in Saudi against Zhilei Zhang, 41, representing Eddie Hearn in the series of 5v5 bouts against Frank Warren’s pick. The American has not fought since his December points loss to Joseph Parker, 32, which saw a £100million deal with Anthony Joshua, 34, axed. And Wilder admitted it is a make-or-break bout that could even be the final of his boxing career. He said: “I like Zhang, I like his fighting style, I like his big head, it’s going to be a big target to hit, it’s an easy target to hit.”This is like a be all and end all opportunity for us, and when it’s like that you get the best of both fighters.”This could be the end of my career, this could be the end of his career, it’s going to be exciting on Saturday night to see what happens.”Deontay Wilder ahead of his boxing returnCredit: Getty More

TYSON FURY’S uncle has slammed the corner and the tactics in defeat to Oleksandr Usyk. For the first time, Fury brought his dad into training camp in an official capacity before the historic undisputed title decider.Tyson Fury’s uncle has slammed his corner and tactics following defeat to Oleksandr UsykCredit: ReutersPeter Fury with nephew Tyson in 2015Credit: ReutersJohn was also the third member of Fury’s crowded corner, joining head coach SugarHill Steward and assistant, ex-world champion Andy Lee.And damning footage in the aftermath of the fight revealed John barking orders by shouting over lead voice SugarHill.Fury has chopped and changed coaches over the years, going from uncle Peter to upstart Ben Davison and now SugarHill, nephew to the legendary Emanuel.And Peter – who led his nephew to an iconic upset over Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 – said SugarHill was drowned out in the corner.READ MORE IN BOXINGBut he also insisted Fury – beaten by split-decision – failed to use his TWO STONE weight advantage against the smaller Usyk. He told October Red: “There should only be one man in the corner, there shouldn’t be three or four. “Some are too emotional in the corner and some are giving the wrong advice. “I think the only one that spoke a little bit of sense in the last dying stretch of it was SugarHill, who said ‘put it on him’.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFor all the love for resurgent AJ… these two are head, shoulders and fists ahead of everyone else
OLEKSANDR USYK is the deserved undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, writes Wally Downes Jr
A great biggun doesn’t always beat a great littleun, not when David has the weight of a besieged nation on his shoulders and is able to swing each compatriot into every punch.
Usyk did what Usyk does, he moved magnificently, he counter punched and he outworked his taller and heavier opponent.
He somehow manages to use every physical disadvantage to his favour.
But what the hell is Fury doing getting up in round nine?
Why is a father-of-eight with £300million in the bank, three best-selling books and a Netflix series going to the well like?
Britain is not fighting back Putin’s army, Morecambe is not occupied.
So when the 35-year-old’s senses are scrambled, when the canvas is calling him, when he is so desperate not to be felled he is willing to bounce around all the ropes like a drunk, when he eventually has to collapse into a corner, why doesn’t he just stay down?
He has earned the right to surrender as well as his millions.
The sheer courage and guts and bloody mindedness it takes to climb off that deck, with a broken nose and a crumbling ego is not comprehensible to us mortals.
Fury said he felt he won the fight but was too dignified to call robbery or corruption, no doubt his dad will taint that decency by the time you’ve read this.
The rematch will be superb.
Because for all the love we have for a resurgent Anthony Joshua – who was ringside for that iconic event – these two polar opposite men are head, shoulders, fists, hearts and brains ahead of everyone else.
There is the top two, then there is a void and then there is the rest.
Read Wally’s big fight verdict in full here…

“When you go into fights, it doesn’t matter who it is, it could be a family member, but you’ve got to give precise clear information, and the thing I always say to the fighter is, ‘Are you listening, do you understand what I’ve just told you to do?’“There were too many people, but maybe Tyson wants that? I don’t know, it’s been years since dealing with me.EXCLUSIVE: John Fury left BLEEDING after crazy altercation with Oleksandr Usyk’s team ahead of Fury vs Usyk”I don’t know what the situation is but clearly for me the game plan was wrong and only one should be speaking. “How can you listen to all that? It’s going a bit panicky and it’s all over the place.“I’ve always said I can’t be bought in boxing. If someone is talking in the corner, I’d say shut your f***ing mouth now or get out the back. It’s happened before.“I’m not having anything go on in that corner. You’re the bucket man, you wash the gumshield out, you wipe his head down, do not speak. “That’s their instruction, and if they speak, when they get back to the dressing room, sacked on the spot. You’ve got to have a professional corner.”Former world champion Carl Froch was among those urging the dethroned Gypsy King to ditch his dad John for the proposed rematch.It comes after Fury, 35, invoked his right to an immediate rematch with Usyk, 37, which is being eyed for November or December back in Saudi.Usyk and Fury are headed towards a rematch this yearCredit: PA More

ANTHONY JOSHUA’s plans to fight for a world title this autumn could soon go up in smoke.The former two-time unified heavyweight champion was on course to compete for the IBF title at Wembley this September against the winner of this weekend’s Saudi showdown between Filip Hrgovic and Daniel Dubois.Anthony Joshua was in line to fight for the IBF heavyweight title this SeptemberCredit: GETTYThe winner of Filip Hrgovic vs Daniel Dubois was set to be AJ’s next opponentCredit: GETTYBut Oleksandr Usyk’s last-ditch attempt to stop the IBF from stripping him of the belt could scupper those plansCredit: REUTERSThat’s because the American sanctioning body was set to strip undisputed king of the heavyweights Oleksandr Usyk of the belt in order for mandatory challenger Hrgovic to finally vie for it.But Usyk – who defeated Brit Tyson Fury earlier this month – and his team have made a last-ditch effort to prevent the stripping, which could happen in a matter of days.The Ukrainian’s manager Egis Klimas told BoxingScene: “We’re waiting for a decision to be made.“I think it’s more important for Tyson Fury now, not for Oleksandr.READ MORE ON AJ“Oleksandr, of course, is a two-time unified [champion at cruiserweight and heavyweight] and if the next fight is just for the three belts.”I don’t think it’s going to be fair for either of the two guys. Either Tyson Fury or for Oleksandr.“But as far as importance, I think it’s more important for Team Fury to get this title.”Imagine if Fury wins – he’s not going to be undisputed, so he is losing the chance.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHow AJ punched his way to the topANTHONY JOSHUA punched his way to the top of the world before being knocked off his perch.
“The rematch, the clause, was so both guys had the chance to be undisputed.”I hope the IBF are going to make the right decision.”Anthony Joshua’s reaction to Fury vs Usyk caught on live TV as Hearn reveals how it impacts blockbuster British fightShould the IBF perform a U-turn and allow Usyk to keep the belt, the southpaw’s October rematch with Fury will be for all the heavyweight marbles.It will also put a nail into the coffin of Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh’s plans for AJ to face the winner of Hgrovic vs Dubois for the red strap.Alalshikh revealed those plans earlier this month, saying during an appearance on The MMA Hour: “We have Joshua’s fight in September, it all depends on the result of the Hrgovic fight [with Dubois].”Because now we have locked Wilder to Jared Anderson in the card in Los Angeles.”Joshua – who is riding high on a four-fight win streak – revealed last month that he’d be back in the ring in September.He told talkSPORT: “Whenever they tell me there’s a date, you know I’ll be ready 100 per cent.”It’s gonna be in London, Wembley Stadium.READ MORE SUN STORIES”This is what I’m being told. If that’s what they say, they normally back their word so let’s go with that.”Wembley, September 20 or 21.” More

JAKE PAUL has hit out at rumours his fight with Mike Tyson has been called off after his opponent’s latest health scare.The ‘baddest man on the planet’ required medical treatment on board a flight from Miami to LA after suffering an ulcer flare up.Jake Paul has rubbished claims his fight with Mike Tyson is offCredit: GettyTyson became ill on a flight because of an ulcer flare upCredit: GettyTyson became nauseous and dizzy in the latest health setback for the 57-year-old.He has suffered from sciatica for several years which has left him using a cane and even a wheelchair on occasion.But Paul rubbished claims his fight with Tyson is off after his opponent’s latest health problem just weeks ahead of their showdown in the ring.It comes after several boxing fan accounts on social media were reporting that the fight had been called off.READ MORE ON MIKE TYSONPaul hit back on X, tweeting: “You love to make s*** up before knowing the facts for clicks/likes. Nothing changed #PaulTyson”Tyson is 31 years older than Paul and UFC commentator Joe Rogan fears he could die after facing the YouTuber.Tyson, however, has tried to dispel fears for his safety with a series of clips of him ferociously hitting the pads.He also sent a chilling warning to his opponent, saying: “Once he’s in that ring, he has to fight like his life is depending on it. Because it will be.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTyson has also labelled Paul “fat” after he bulked up to heavyweight size, with Paul confessing he is now struggling to run.He said: “There is definitely slightly more power but I think the biggest thing is the inside fighting and clinches and not getting pushed around by some of these heavyweights.Mike Tyson looks ferocious on pads as boxing legend gears up for Jake Paul showdown “Definitely when I’m jogging I’m so much slower. I feel like a rhino or something, it’s definitely a lot harder to jog.”Everything has been good but it’s been a little transition moving to heavyweight.”I definitely needed to put on weight so that I’m able to compete with Mike Tyson and so that he’s not able to throw me around in the ring. We’ve been sparring heavyweights and eating more food.”Mike Tyson has called me fat but I believe fat will turn into muscle and come fight night I believe I will be able to move and dance around the ring like a true heavyweight.”Credit: The Sun More

MIKE TYSON suffered a medical emergency when flying from Miami to LA.The former boxer is believed to have become nauseous and dizzy on board the flight because of an ulcer flare up.Mike Tyson suffered a medical emergency on board a flightCredit: APParamedics rushed to the plane to provide medical assistance to Tyson while an announcement calling for a doctor was made in the plane, according to an eyewitness.A member of Tyson’s team provided an update revealing he was “doing great”.They told the New York Post: “He became nauseous and dizzy due to an ulcer flare up 30 minutes before landing.“He is appreciative to the medical staff that were there to help him.”READ MORE IN BOXINGAn eyewitness said: “He was in first class, but we were an exit row,’ the eyewitness added.”They asked us to stay on the plane and landed so paramedics could enter. [The stewardess] said something like, ‘He’s a really important passenger so we wanna make sure he’s OK.’ I knew it was him, but I just mouthed the words ‘Mike Tyson’ and she nodded her head yes.”Tyson, 57, is just weeks away from his blockbuster fight with Jake Paul.The former world champion has impressed with his speed and power during sparring but has also suffered with his health in recent years.Most read in BoxingCredit: The SunTyson suffers from sciatica which has left him unable to talk and walk in the past.He said of his condition: “I have sciatica every now and then, it flares up. When it flares up, I can’t even talk! Thank God it’s the only health problem I have. I’m splendid now.Mike Tyson looks ferocious on pads as boxing legend gears up for Jake Paul showdown “Everybody in my house is truly blessed and we’re all very grateful for whatever we have.”Sciatica is a condition that causes nerve irritation and has affected Tyson’s back previously, leaving him requiring a wheelchair on one occasion.What is sciatica?
Sciatica is a condition that causes nerve irritation.
It usually affects one side, starting from the lower back or bottom and spreading down one leg.
Symptoms of sciatica include shooting pain that starts in your lower back or bottom and runs down the back of your leg, often to your foot and toes.
Common treatments for sciatica include exercises and stretches. Other treatments like injections or surgery may help if it does not get better.
Sciatica can occur when something presses or rubs on the sciatic nerve. The most common cause is a slipped disc in your spine. More