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    ‘It killed me’ – Anthony Joshua vows to ‘redeem’ himself against Usyk after having his pride ‘hurt’ by lopsided defeat

    ANTHONY JOSHUA admits his lopsided defeat to Oleksandr Usyk ‘hurt’ his pride as he had no excuses to fall back on.The Watford warrior lost the unified heavyweight titles after being turned over by the undefeated Ukrainian in their Tottenham tussle last September.
    Anthony Joshua suffered a lopsided points defeat to Oleksandr Usyk last SeptemberCredit: MARC ASPLAND
    The undefeated Usyk ripped the unified heavyweight titles from AJ’s clutchesCredit: GETTY
    And the devastating defeat ‘hurt’ Joshua’s prideCredit: REUTERS
    But unlike his spectacular stoppage loss to Andy Ruiz Jr two-and-half years ago, defeat to slick southpaw Usyk has been a hard pill to swallow for AJ.
    The 32-year-old told Sky Sports: “I belong on the big stage.
    “I belong as a champion, I belong among the names of this current generation. You will see why.
    “If I didn’t fight the best, I may not have lost. People have high expectations of me and I have high expectations of myself.
    “That is why I feel like when I lost the first time I didn’t make any excuses.
    “But I had my reason and I always felt cool because I took my loss because I knew I would get it back so I just brushed that one away.
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Boxing.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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    “But this one hurt because I was at 100%, no problems, everything was cool and I just lost to the better man on the night.”
    Defeat to the former undisputed cruiserweight king has lit a fire under Joshua, who has vowed to rise to the top again after mentally picking himself off the canvas.
    He said: “It gave me motivation to pull myself out of that position where mentally it killed me.
    “I have fought my way back and I will redeem myself.”
    Joshua will have a new-look coaching team in place for his spring rematch with Usyk, although it’s currently unknown if he’s parted ways with long-time trainer Rob McCracken.
    During an appearance at Expo 2020 in Dubai, Joshua said: “I’m a loyal character. I believe loyalty’s important.
    “I’ve been based in Sheffield and had a good chat with my coach and I wanna try some new things, I wanna try a new environment.
    “Maybe I can do a training camp in Dubai, maybe I can do a training camp in Africa, in America – just a new environment to get inspired again and to take the heavyweight division by storm.”
    Anthony Joshua has vowed to redeem himself in his rematch with Oleksandr UsykCredit: MARC ASPLAND
    “New environment, work with some good coaches and just go to war. It’s a warrior mindset.”
    SunSport understands Joshua’s potentially do-or-die rematch with Uysk is currently slated for late March or early April.
    An official announcement is expected to be made in the coming weeks.
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    Tyson Fury sends message to knife attack victim fighting for life in hospital as teenager charged

    TYSON FURY has sent a message of support to a victim of a knife attack.Craig North, from Tilbury, is currently in a critical condition in hospital and Fury sent him well wishes and told him to keep fighting.
    Tyson Fury urged Craig North to ‘keep fighting’Credit: Getty
    Craig is fighting for his life in hospital after being stabbed on January 2
    As reported by Thurrock Nub News, Fury said: “Craig it’s Tyson Fury here. Keep fighting Craig you’ll get through this. All the best.”
    Craig was attacked on Sunday, January 2 and is reportedly fighting for his life – Fury has been one of many to wish him well.
    Meanwhile, a 19-year-old from Tilbury has been charged in connection with the attack.
    Detective Inspector Julie Gowen told the news-site: “There will continue to be a policing presence in the area in the coming days and I would urge anyone with any information on this incident to come forward and speak to us if you have not already done so.
    “You can speak to officers as they patrol, you can report information to us or indeed anonymously to Crimestoppers.
    “I understand incidents such as this will naturally concern the community, but we continue to believe there is no wider threat to the public.”
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    Fury often sends messages of support to people in need – such as 6-year-old West Ham fan Isla Canton who is fighting cancer.
    The Gypsy King even sent nemesis Deontay Wilder a happy birthday message recently.
    Fury, 33, said: “This is Tyson Fury, AKA The Gypsy King. This is a very special happy birthday message to my old mate, Deontay ‘The Bronze Bomber’ Wilder.
    “Have a fantastic day, Wilder. Thank you for the great fights we’ve had and the trilogy, and you’re a great, great fighter, an awesome fighter.
    “I hope you have a fantastic day with you and your family. I hope God blesses you abundantly.
    “All the best, lots of love from your old pal, The Gypsy King. All the best, God bless, Wilder.” More

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    ‘Go to war’ – Anthony Joshua will ‘work with some good coaches’ in a ‘new environment’ before Oleksandr Usyk rematch

    ANTHONY JOSHUA confirmed he will ‘work with some good coaches’ in a ‘new environment’ before his WAR with Oleksandr Usyk. Joshua was left questioning his training team after defeat over 12 rounds to Usyk in September.
    Trainer Rob McCracken and Anthony JoshuaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Anthony Joshua pictured out in DubaiCredit: Getty
    Following the loss, AJ spent time in America visiting several gyms and coaches, ahead of his contracted rematch with the Ukrainian this year.
    Joshua has appeared to suggest he will switch up his training squad or base, having first consulted Rob McCracken.
    He said in a Dubai interview: “I’m a loyal character. I believe loyalty’s important.
    “I’ve been based in Sheffield and had a good chat with my coach and I wanna try some new things, I wanna try a new environment.
    “Maybe I can do a training camp in Dubai, maybe I can do a training camp in Africa, in America – just a new environment to get inspired again and to take the heavyweight division by storm.”
    Joshua continued: “That’s what 2022 holds for me – revamping, reorganising, new environment and staying at the top.
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    “New environment, work with some good coaches and just go to war. It’s a warrior mindset.”
    Joshua is yet to reveal whether head coach McCracken will be replaced, or work alongside another cornerman.
    He has guided AJ to gold in the 2012 London Olympics and two unified heavyweight titles in the professional ranks.
    And after Joshua, 32, was stunned by Andy Ruiz Jr, also 32, in June 2019, he remained loyal to McCracken.
    He did add Angel Fernandez and Joby Clayton to his team six months later, winning on points.
    New environment, work with some good coaches and just go to war. It’s a warrior mindset.Anthony Joshua
    But AJ admitted defeat to Usyk, 34, this time around was different – but is motivated to exact revenge for a second time.
    Joshua told Sky Sports: “When I lost the first time, I never made no excuses, but I had my reasons and I knew I would get it back.
    “But this one hurt because I was 100 per cent, no problems, everything was cool.
    “I went in there and I just lost to the better man that night and it hurt.
    “But it gave me motivation to pull myself out of that position where mentally it killed me. And I fought my way back and I’ll redeem myself.”
    Anthony Joshua was beaten by Oleksandr Usyk in SeptemberCredit: Rex More

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    Fans left stunned as top boxer Kash Farooq forced to retire aged just 26 due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’

    BANTAMWEIGHT boxer Kash Farooq has shocked fans by suddenly retiring from the sport at just 26-years-old. He hangs up his gloves due to ‘unforeseen circumstances,’ after 17 professional bouts, which included 16 wins and time as British bantamweight champion and WBC international champion.
    Farooq has been forced to hang up his gloves due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’Credit: Reuters
    The Pakistani-born Scottish pro was last in action in August 2021, scoring a points victory over Luis Gerardo Castillo at Matchroom’s ‘Fight Camp’ series.
    He was also set to face fellow Scotsman Lee McGregor in an eagerly anticipated rematch at some point this year following their controversial first meeting in 2019.
    But a statement released today by home of Scottish boxing St Andrew’s Sporting Club read: “It will come as a shock but due to unforeseen circumstances, we regret to announce that Kash Farooq is hanging up his gloves and retiring from professional boxing.”
    Farooq had also been part of Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing promotion company since 2019.
    And a spokesperson for the company added: “Our well wishes are with Kash Farooq who has unfortunately had to retire due to unforeseen circumstances.
    “No doubt was destined for World honours. A brilliant fighter and top man.”
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    Farooq will stay in the sport, but will take up the role of ‘Head of Talent’ for the St Andrew’s Sporting Club.
    The club’s statement continued: “Kash Farooq has always been an integral part of the ‘St Andrew’s Sporting Club’ and that will continue, as we are delighted to announce he will be joining our background team as our ‘Head of Talent’.
    “He has an invaluable wealth of skill and experience he is ready to pass on to our stable. Although ‘The Untouchable Kash Farooq’ retires from being a boxer, we are excited to begin this new chapter together.
    “We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the British Boxing Board of Control and their support on the matter.
    “Their procedures offer as a safeguard offering protection and prevention to potential harm, with the health and safety of the boxers being paramount at all times.”
    Farooq’s only defeat of his career came at the hands of Scottish rival McGregor.
    McGregor and Farooq fought in 2019, and had been gearing up to face each other again this yearCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun
    And the pair had been gearing up for a hotly anticipated all-Scottish rematch this year.
    The thrilling first bout ended in a hotly debated split decision victory for McGregor, and the 25-year-old has also reacted to the news of Farooq’s sudden retirement.
    McGregor emotionally wrote on Facebook: “I’m absolutely devastated to hear the news that @kashfarooq1 has had to retire from boxing.
    “We both helped each other so much from sparring as amateurs to being involved in one of the best fights Scotland has ever seen between 2 Scottish fighters.
    “We were on the verge of changing our life’s forever ahead of what was a hugely anticipated rematch and it’s heart breaking that we won’t get that special night we were all looking forward to.
    “My thoughts go out to @kashfarooq1 and his family and if there’s anything I can do to help in future I’ll be there in a heart beat.
    “It was an honour to share the ring with you champ I wish you nothing but the best.” More

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    Tommy Fury checking with his team ‘every single day’ to reschedule Jake Paul fight but warns he won’t wait forever

    TOMMY FURY is checking with his team ‘every single day’ to reschedule a fight with Jake Paul – but will not wait forever. The celebrity rivals were due to put bragging rights and unbeaten records on the line in a December 18 grudge match.
    Tommy Fury is checking with his team ‘every single day’ to reschedule a fight with Jake PaulCredit: Getty
    Jake Paul is 5-0 as a boxerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    But Fury was forced to pull out with a broken rib and bacterial chest infection.
    He is still hoping to settle the score in the ring, but will not hold his breath, believing his career is headed towards bigger and better things.
    Fury said: on the MMA Hour: “Make no mistake, that’s the fight I want next, and I’ll always be checking in with my team every single day to see where we’re up to with that.
    “But there comes a time where I have my own career. My goal still isn’t changed. My goal is to be a champion in this sport.
    “And believe it or not, fighting Jake Paul, it doesn’t give me that at all. Fighting Jake Paul will never make me a champion in boxing.
    “So Jake Paul, yes, it’s a great fight. It’s a big fight. But it doesn’t really make me achieve my dreams.
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    “So at the end of the day, I’ll wait for a certain amount of time, I’ll try my best to get this fight back on track.
    “You talk to everybody, this is the fight that I want. But at the end of the day, my career goes on.”
    Following Fury’s withdrawal, Tyron Woodley filled in as a replacement, four months after losing to Paul on points.
    But ex-UFC champion Woodley, 39, was brutally knocked out in round six of their rematch.
    It added to prior KO’s over YouTuber ‘AnEsonGib’, ex-NBA player Nate Robinson, 37, and retired UFC welterweight Ben Askren, 37.
    Make no mistake, that’s the fight I want next, and I’ll always be checking in with my team every single day to see where we’re up to with that. Tommy Fury on Jake Paul
    With Fury’s cancelation, it means Paul is still yet to fight an opponent with prior professional boxing experience.
    He said: “The fact of the matter is there’s unfinished business here and this fight needs to take place, because how can he be serious about fighting if he’s never fought a boxer before?
    “How can he be serious about this? He keeps referring to the UFC.
    “If he wants to go and fight in the UFC, don’t put on a pair of boxing gloves again and go and fight in the UFC.
    “Don’t call yourself a boxer if you’ve never ever fought one.”
    Jake Paul brutally knocked out Tyron Woodley in their rematchCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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    Derek Chisora told he will ‘struggle’ to get Deontay Wilder fight and has offer to face Tyson Fury’s cousin Hughie

    DEREK CHISORA will ‘struggle’ to get a fight with Deontay Wilder – and instead has an offer to face Tyson Fury’s cousin Hughie. Chisora was recently dropped three times in a 12-round thriller against Joseph Parker, who he lost to on points in May.
    Derek Chisora was told he will ‘struggle’ to get a fight with Deontay WilderCredit: Getty
    Deontay Wilder during his trilogy fight loss to Tyson FuryCredit: Reuters
    It leaves the British fan-favourite, 37, without a win in his last three fights, but still as popular as ever.
    Eddie Hearn teased Chisora as the perfect opponent for Wilder’s return, after the American, 36, was beaten by Fury, 33, in October.
    But Boxxer promoter Ben Shalom urged the veteran heavyweight to forget about the ex-WBC champion, and focus on current contender Hughie.
    Shalom told Sky Sports: “He will struggle to get the Deontay Wilder fight that has been spoken about.
    “Even Dillian Whyte struggled to get the Wilder fight. Hughie is the fight that makes sense for Chisora.
    “If Chisora wins, it proves that he is still an elite British heavyweight. Chisora lost to Parker. Hughie arguably beat Parker when he was just 23 years old.
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    “If Chisora wants to bounce back with a bang? If he is still serious? Chisora is very good and only loses to the elite guys so, for Hughie, it is a good fight.
    “The fans want to see this – they love Derek and they want to see Hughie tested.
    “We have reached out again to Derek. We want the fight, Hughie wants it, Peter Fury wants it.”
    Hughie, 27, most recently beat Romanian Christian Hammer, 34, after five rounds in October.
    Meanwhile, Chisora refused retirement in a recent social media post after losing to Parker, 29, and revealed he will plot a comeback in the summer.
    Hughie Fury’s team have sent an offer to fight Derek ChisoraCredit: Getty More

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    Tyson Fury calls on Dana White to set up boxing match against ‘beast’ Francis Ngannou with UFC GLOVES as feud hots up

    TYSON FURY has teased a crossover fight against UFC champion Francis Ngannou – but with a twist. The WBC heavyweight boxing champion shared a poster of himself and Ngannou, tagging UFC president Dana White in the post.
    Tyson Fury teased a crossover fight against UFC champion Francis Ngannou

    He captioned it: “Who would like to see me fight this beast boxing rules @ufc gloves?”
    It comes following a feud between Fury and UFC heavyweight Ngannou, who has talked up a boxing switch before.
    The Cameroonian, 35, defends his title against former training partner Ciryl Gane, 31, on January 22.
    It is the last fight on his UFC contract and Ngannou has threatened to walk out on the promotion amid a pay row.
    And more recently, he discussed wanting a stipulation on his next UFC deal which would allow him to box at the same time.
    Ngannou told TMZ: “It’s always been down the line. This is something I’m not taking my eyes off of.
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Boxing.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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    “It’s gonna happen, either way. Even if, when the UFC and I finalise a deal, the boxing part has to be into it because I can’t see myself retire without boxing.
    “Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder. I would like to test myself to that level. It’s not the same sport, although I’m the champion, I’m in the top in this division.”
    UFC stars are prohibited from fighting outside the promotion, unless given a special exemption.
    Conor McGregor, 33, was given so in 2017 for his lucrative boxing loss to American legend Floyd Mayweather, 44.
    But no fighter has since been given such treatment, which has led to Ngannou pondering a UFC exit.
    Fury once promised to ‘roast’ Ngannou in a fight, and called him ‘easy work’.
    Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder. I would like to test myself to that level.Francis Ngannou
    But the Gypsy King has ruled out ever making a full-time switch to MMA, instead proposing a striking bout in the cage, with the smaller 4oz gloves.
    He told talkSPORT in June: “I’ve got no real interest in grappling up and down on the floor and all that sort of stuff.
    “I’m a stand-up fighting man, I don’t wrestle up and down and grab each other’s arms and sit on each other and all that.
    “I’ve no interest in all that stuff – I like to stand up and fight so would I ever compete as an MMA fighter? Hell no!
    “Would I compete with small gloves on in a cage in a fight? Yes. But no gripping and grappling.
    “The noble art of standing up and what men have been doing for centuries. I don’t see any noble science in wrestling up and down the floor.”
    UFC heavyweight champion Francis NgannouCredit: Getty
    Darren Till with Tyson Fury, who is wearing UFC glovesCredit: Refer to Caption More

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    Anthony Joshua warned Oleksandr Usyk has ‘got his number’ and will need to be ‘lucky’ to win rematch, David Price says

    DAVID PRICE has warned Anthony Joshua that Oleksandr Usyk has ‘got his number’ and the Brit will need to be ‘really lucky’ to win the rematch. AJ was dethroned of the WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles following a 12-round masterclass from Usyk in September.
    Anthony Joshua was beaten by Oleksandr Usyk in SeptemberCredit: Getty
    Joshua, 32, has since invoked his right to an immediate rematch and could get his shot at revenge by April.
    But his former sparring partner Price – who is now retired – reckons AJ will need some fortune to win back his unified belts.
    He told talkSPORT: “I just think Usyk has got his number.
    “Every fighter has an opponent where that style of fighting and that man in particular, where you’re just going to have be really lucky to win the fight.
    “You can be lucky, but luck also creates itself with mistakes that are made by the opponent and I do not think Usyk is someone that will make the mistake where he will put himself in a position to be knocked out by an Anthony Joshua punch.
    “I think he is too switched on, I think he is too sharp, he’s so clever and it’s like he is a step ahead all the time – it’s like he is thinking two, three steps ahead all the time.
    “I don’t think Anthony Joshua can deal with that.”
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    Joshua’s contracted rematch means Tyson Fury, 33, was unable to unify the belts with Usyk, 34, in an undisputed title decider.
    And Price, 38, claimed only former amateur rival Fury and Olympic silver medalist Joe Joyce, 36, are capable of figuring out the Oleksandr Usyk puzzle.
    He said: “The only man I can see beating Uysk – some people might laugh at this – is obviously Tyson Fury because he has got an unconventional way of finding a way to win.
    “It’s not textbook boxing which a well-schooled fighter can read, he’s unique in his fighting style, and the other person who has a similar way of fighting and you’ve got to have a great engine in Joe Joyce.
    “I think big Joe Joyce can cause Usyk problems with his size, his strength, his fitness and how unconventional he fights, even throwing.
    “Out of Uysk and Fury, you’ve got two men who don’t know how to lose since they were amateurs.
    “But I think Fury just finds a way to win every time and I will have to stick with him.”
    Retired heavyweight David PriceCredit: PA:Press Association More