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      Eubank Jr says fight with Muritov is a tribute to late brother Sebastian but admits it’ll be an emotional rollercoaster

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      CHRIS EUBANK JR has no idea how he will handle his first fight since the tragic death of his brother.The 32-year-old middleweight lost his beloved sibling and fellow fighter Sebastian, 29, in July, after he was struck down by a heart attack in Dubai.
      Chris Eubank Jr says his fight with Anatoli Muritov on Saturday will be a tribute to his late brother SebastianCredit: Instagram/chriseubankjr
      Eubank paid tribute to Sebastian at the weigh-in for his Saturday boutCredit: Reuters
      Saturday night’s fight with Anatoli Muritov will be a tribute.
      The Brighton brawler said: “I’ve never dealt with anything like this in my life. I don’t know how it will affect me in the ring, losing such a close family member. It’s been a rough ride.
      “I am dedicating this fight to my brother. I’ll have his name on my shorts and bring his son Raheem into the ring afterwards.
      “He was a great soul, we will continue to do everything in his name.”
      Eubank’s iconic name meant he never had it easy trying to follow in his father’s footsteps.
      But he feels that constant scrutiny he has faced since he turned pro in 2011 will somehow help with the mental demands of fighting on in his brother’s memory.

      He added: “I came to the conclusion that my brother would have wanted me to keep reaching for my goals and being the fighter that I am.
      “I don’t know if it will affect me but I feel good so I at least know it is just a mental thing.
      “But I think that everything I have done, all the harsh things that I have been through in my career, have prepared me for something like this.
      “I feel like I will be able to go out there and do what I need to do to win, because of what I have been through before.”
      Eubank, like Conor Benn and Campbell Hatton since him, has had to shoulder excessive expectation and shocking criticism from the hurt business.
      Comparisons with his father and OTT early praise put a target on his back but the 30-2 charge seems more serene than ever before.
      ‘I’M NOT TRYING TO PROVE ANYTHING’
      He added: “I feel like I have made my own legacy and will continue to do so with each fight.
      “I just need to be the best fighter I can be now, I am not trying to be anybody and I am not trying to prove anyone wrong – or right.
      “I am just trying to be the best man I can be in and outside of the ring and, as long as I am true to myself, the legacy I leave behind will be good, positive.
      “As long as I know I have tried my best to be the best fighter I can be, then I will be satisfied.”
      Meanwhile, Ebonie Jones swapped her HGV licence for a ­boxing one at just the wrong time — but is fuelled up for the fight.
      The 23-year-old Portsmouth flyweight learned to drive massive motors in the army and could earn a fortune delivering petrol.
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      But instead she will be at Wembley Arena tonight making her pro debut.
      She told SunSport: “I was in the Royal Engineers and for my trade I got my licence and was about to start my tank course when I decided to turn pro.
      “I haven’t had any calls from BP or Esso yet!”

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      Ben ‘The Bomb’ Shalom aims to use his Sky Sports warchest to bring explosive fights & boardroom peace to British boxing

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      BEN ‘THE BOMB’ SHALOM wants to use his Sky Sports warchest to bring explosive fights and boardroom peace to British boxing.The BOXXER promoter kicks off his new deal with the broadcasting giants on Saturday, with Chris Eubank Jr headlining from Wembley arena.
      Ben Shalom, third left, is just 27 but already mixing it with big names like Paulie Malignaggi, Anthony Crolla and Ricky HattonCredit: Rex
      Ben Shalom has suggested too much untapped talent is not being given a chanceCredit: Rex
      With UK fight fans still reeling from Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury getting cancelled and the Watford hero losing his world titles to Oleksandr Usyk, the fresh start offers some light relief.
      And 27-year-old Shalom, the youngest promoter licenced by the board for three years, wants to use his unlikely heritage to help drag the sport out of the dark ages.
      Starting, hopefully, by helping ease the long-running feud between Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren, which repeatedly hinders fights like the £200m biggest fight in British boxing history that is currently still smouldering in the wreckage.
      Shalom laughs off the nickname and tells SunSport: “My grandfather was a Syrian Jew and my mum is a staunch Irish Catholic, I remember going for my Holy Communion and everybody laughing as my name was read out.
      “Shalom is used as a greeting, but it means peace. We want to work with everyone and do the best with the sport. We want to work with different promoters, managers, boards and people from abroad.
      “We want to be facilitators of joining the sport up and making the biggest fights and not having a massive ego will help that.”

      Ben Shalom, pictured with ring legend Ricky Hatton, is determined to shake up the world of boxing promotionCredit: Rex
      Ego is a word that pops up often in Shalom’s understated company.
      If he is going to replace and rival Eddie Hearn – who left Sky in June after a brilliant decade to lead streaming service DAZN – and hall-of-fame fight mogul Frank Warren on BT Sport, Shalom is going to need charm in abundance and plenty of chat.
      But he thinks pride and self interest – that often get in the way of a contracted boxer competing on a rival show or broadcast – are terrible traits that need to be eased out of the sport.
      “I am a businessman and an entrepreneur,” he said. “I believe in doing good and trying to affect industries positively so it is just not within the business model for me to be chasing fame or ego.
      “I want to learn how the sport can evolve and improve.
      “Boxing at its best is the truest sport in the world but often the business doesn’t reflect how great the fighters are and how true the sport is, so we need to build that.
      “Sometimes the business, egos and promoters get in the way of the sport developing and that is really what we are trying to avoid.”
      There is a younger generation of executives working behind the scenes and Shalom hopes to work with them to revolutionize the sport.
      Frank Smith is Hearn’s right-hand-man, while Warren is supported by sons Francis and George.
      All are a generation or two younger than the UK’s most prominantion promoters and the hope among fight fans is they might heal the rifts and make the fights that we have been missing out on.
      Boxing needs to evolve with younger people coming in with a different view and way of doing things that are maybe less egotistical.Ben Shalom
      Shalom added: “Breaking into the sport has been difficult, there is a reason they have been dominant since the 1980s, so we have had to be smart about it.
      “If I had come in three years ago banging the drum and telling people: ‘I am the new Eddie Hearn’  then I would never have gotten to this position now.
      “Boxing needs to evolve with younger people coming in with a different view and way of doing things that are maybe less egotistical.
      “It’s extremely difficult when you are trying to push your way in between two very dominant guys.
      “I think it’s a major problem with the sport and it is one we are looking to break-up and have navigated well so far. We feel we can put the gas down now and really promote fighters and shows.”
      Shalom is totally respectful of his more established rivals but he cannot help but let his missionary mask slip with an anecdote about Hearn’s September show in Leeds that was streamed on the new service.
      “A couple of months ago I had a fan ask me when Katie Taylor is next fighting and it was four days out from her world titles defences in Leeds,” he said. “That is everything for boxing, it is already a niche sport and it needs to be on the biggest platforms to survive.

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      “And if Sky had not recommitted to boxing then I think the sport would have been left in a much darker place.”
      Hearn and his new broadcasters seemed very keen on the YouTube/celebrity boxing sideline when they broke into the hurt business but their interest seems to have waned.
      But Shalom and Sky are making moves into the big-money sphere, with a view of helping the old-school fighters and the new-age celebs share tips.
      “We want to build stars and superstars on the Sky platform,” he said.
      “We want to introduce boxers to audiences they are not used to and not just funnel it all down into one audience, we want these fighters to get maximum exposure so they can become role models.
      “We want to make sure we learn from the YouTubers and bring the best bits into the professional sport.
      “It has to be competitive, people have to respect the sport and the dangers and train properly.
      “If people take it seriously and it is done in the right environment then I am all for it.
      There is so much untapped talent and they need ways to shine, without being part of a clique or management company that has leverage over promoters.Ben Shalom
      “Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury would be a very good fight but Evander Holyfield a few weeks ago was completely wrong, the sport and the fighters have to be protected.”
      Eubank Jr should win his headline act comfortably on Saturday but fans should pay attention to undercard prospects like Germaine Brown, Mikael Lawal, Joe Pigford and Linus Udofia.
      All are talented, unbeaten and promising but they also lacked the instant ticket-buying fanbase or OTT personality that catches the attention of the casual fan promoters and broadcasters dine on.
      Shalom and Sky are giving them a chance but they will not prove their worth in the shaken-up market until they can match their stand-outs against stars from rival stables. 
      Shalom said: “Promoters can only look after a certain amount of fighters and, if you are not in the right gym or management company or you’re not friends with the right people, then you don’t get the opportunity.
      “Early on it is so important for a fighter to find someone to believe in them.
      “There is so much untapped talent coming through and they need ways to shine, without having to be part of a clique or management company that has leverage over promoters.
      “Promoters pick who goes on shows and and in what order so it’s unbelievable to be able to give opportunities to fighters who we feel really deserve it.”
      Andy Ruiz slams Anthony Joshua’s strategy for Oleksandr Usyk loss More

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      Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder undercard: Who is fighting on HUGE heavyweight bill in Las Vegas?

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      TYSON FURY and Deontay Wilder are finally doing battle for a THIRD time. And before the long-awaited main event there’s a STACKED undercard on show in Las Vegas.
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      Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder complete their trilogy
      The fight was set to take place on June 24, but because of a positive Covid test for Fury it has been pushed back until October.
      Who is fighting on the Fury vs Wilder 3 undercard?
      A card of heavyweight hitters is in store!
      The undercard action gets underway from midnight BST on the night of Saturday, October 9.
      Robert Helenius vs Adam Kownacki is the co-main event before the headline act of Fury vs Wilder.
      Finland’s Helenius inflicted Kownacki’s first defeat of his career in March 2020.
      Helenius, 33, is known on these shores for his controversial split decision win over Derek Chisora in December 2011. He has also defeated Michael Sprott but lost to Dillian Whyte.

      Robert Helenius vs Adam Kownacki
      Efe Ajagba vs Frank Sanchez
      Robeisy Ramirez vs Orlando Gonzalez Ruiz
      Edgar Berlanga vs Marcelo Estaban Coceres
      Jared Anderson vs Vladimir Tereshkin
      Julian Williams vs Vladimir Hernandez
      Viktor Vykhryst vs Mike Marshall

      Adam Kownacki and Robert Helenius rematch on the undercard
      When is Fury vs Wilder 3?
      Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder 3 takes place on Saturday, October 9 from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
      For those in the UK expect the fight ring walks at around 4am into the early hours of Sunday morning.

      What TV channel and live stream is Fury vs Wilder 3 on?
      Fury vs Wilder 3 will be broadcast on BT Sport Box Office for a price of £24.95.
      BT begin their coverage at midnight.
      In the US the card will be shown live on ESPN+.
      What have they said?
      Fury: “It’s nearly that time of the year again where I take over Las Vegas, and it becomes the home of ‘The Gypsy King,’.
      “And just remember that I plan to smash Deontay Wilder to bits….and I will.
      “I’m very excited. I’m looking forward to this fight. I’m very motivated, focused, and determined and I can’t wait for October 9. I wish it was this weekend.
      “I have to wait one more week until I get these big hands on Wilder for a third time.” More

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      Ebonie Jones recently swapped HGV licence for boxing one… but now hopes to profit from focusing her fuel on fighting

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      EBONIE JONES has swapped her HGV licence for a boxing one at just the wrong time – but can now focus all her fuel on fighting.The 23-year-old Portsmouth featherweight learned to drive massive motors in the army and could earn a fortune delivering petrol to dry garages over the weekend.
      Ebonie Jones could be earning a fortune driving HGVs amid the current petrol crisis
      But the Portsmouth featherweight is only focused on fuelling up for the ringCredit: Getty
      Jones is dwarfed by her debut opponent Vaida MasiokaiteCredit: Getty
      But the only pumping she wants to see on Saturday at Wembley Arena – on the undercard of Chris Eubank Jr’s show – are fists cheering on her pro debut against Lithuanian Vaida Masiokaite.
      She told SunSport: “I was in the Royal Engineers and for my trade I got my Cat C+E licence and was just about to start my tank course when I decided to leave and turn pro.
      “I haven’t had any calls from BP or Esso to help out with their deliveries yet.
      “I have heard that the money for it is good at the moment. But I don’t think John would give me the time off of training to be honest!
      “I have had no income since I left the army in July, when I signed off I didn’t know I would even have an offer to turn pro, I thought I might have to get a little part-time job on the side of training.
      “But now the risk has paid off and everything feels like perfect timing.”

      Jones was a stand-out amateur but walked away from the sport completely two years ago when she became disillusioned with trying to make the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
      The self-confessed slugger did not even enjoy watching the sport on TV.
      But, thanks to the rapidly rising success of women’s boxing, can now make her bow on Sky Sports instead of garage forecourts.
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      She added: “Professional boxing was never a serious career option for women before.
      “The only way to really make something of yourself or career was to go to the Olympics, which not everyone can do.
      “But now there are female world champions who are well known and well paid, it’s big.” 

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      Joe Joyce breaks silence after Rio 2016 corruption probe with Team GB star set to receive ‘deserved’ gold medal

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      JOE JOYCE has called for the International Olympic Committee to award him a gold medal following the news his 2016 super-heavyweight final was one of the manipulated matches at the Rio Games.A report from Professor Richard McLaren revealed this week that 11 matches at the Games – including Joyce’s clash with France’s Tony Yoka – was subject to a ‘system of manipulation’.
      Joe Joyce was pipped to Olympic gold at Rio 2016 by Tony Yoka
      The Juggernaut wants his silver to be upgraded to gold following the news of corruption
      Joyce’s clash with Yoka was one of 11 matches to be manipulated during the tournament
      Joe Joyce’s statement on the corruption at Rio 2016
      And mandatory WBO heavyweight title challenger Joyce wants justice to be served.
      The Juggernaut said in a statement: “It’s sad to see corruption in any sport but particular in boxing – the sport I love.
      “I firmly believe that I was the winner of the match with Tony Yoka and deserved the gold medal.
      “But on the day, I did not get that decision and at the time I accepted that.
      “I scanned the Mclaren report and have read that there was corruption in the AIBA and that corruption affected the result of my gold medal match with Tony Yoka.
      “If corruption has taken place, and it appears that it has, I trust AIBA and the IOC will ensure the integrity of the sport is upheld and award me the gold medal.

      “I will be considering the report in detail with my legal team and await the decision of AIBA and the IOC.
      “Corruption should never be allowed to succeed.”
      According to the McLaren report, judges ‘used signals’ to fix multiple bouts – including Michael Conlan’s controversial loss to Vladimir Nikitin.
      Former International Boxing Association president Wu Ching-kuo is alleged to have let ‘manipulation flourish’.
      New AIBA chief Umar Kremlev said in a statement: “Aiba hired Professor McLaren because we have nothing to hide.
      I trust AIBA and the IOC will ensure the integrity of the sport is upheld and award me the gold medal.Joe Joyce
      Michael Conlan’s controversial loss to Vladimir Nikitin was one of the 11 matches also manipulated
      “We will work to incorporate any helpful recommendations that are made. We will also take legal advice with regard to what action is possible against those found to have participated in any manipulation.
      “There should be no place in the Aiba family for anyone who has fixed a fight.”
      The IOC have yet to comment on the McLaren report.

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      Joe Joyce tests his reactions in the ring with a reaction ball More

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      Probellum and ex-Golden Boy CEO Schaefer out to change boxing landscape with cross-promotion and grassroots development

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      THE lack of cross-promotion in boxing over the years has been a major blight on the sport – but the days of promoters being reluctant to work with one another could soon come to an end.Fans of the sweet science know all too well the politics which have prevented big fights from happening and have led to them taking place far too late.
      The lack of cross-promotion in boxing in recent years has hurt the sportCredit: GETTY
      But the recently-launched Probellum promotion aims to make cross-promotion more regularCredit: PROBELLMUM
      Former Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer will spearhead the promotionCredit: GETTY
      The Fight of the Century between Floyd Mayweather and the recently-retired Manny Pacquiao springs to mind, as well as the elusive clash between welterweight kings Errol Spence Jr and Terence Crawford.
      But a new player in the boxing world – which features some familiar faces – aims to put that to an end and make sizeable change in the sport.
      The recently-launched Probellum promotion plans to revolutionise the sport with a unique blend of promotional and media content expertise.
      And they have wasted little time, establishing promotional connections in Australia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe – including a multi-year deal with Wasserman, which recently announced the acquisition of Team Sauerland.
      Fronting the promotion is former CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, Richard Schaefer, who told SunSport: “I’m basically going to be back in the saddle, as they say, and really do what I love and do what I do best.
      “And that is to build up fights, empower fighters and create mega-events.”

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      He added: “The strategic vision that was put together, it immediately fit, from a philosophical point of view, with what I stand for.”
      Schaefer’s frustration with the current boxing model, as well as his eagerness to break new ground in the everchanging world of global promotion, played a huge role in his decision to be the face of Probellum.
      He said: “The best fights don’t happen. And we want to work with everybody. And that really comes from Ali Shams Pour [Probellum’s founder].
      “We need to think outside of our little sandbox and really think about the playground as a whole.
      “And we need to be able to operate in that playground and not just in our sandbox. And we need to build bridges.
      “And these are not just words, because this really is the vision and the mission of this company – to build bridges and work with everybody.
      “If we have the great talent, a great fighter, we don’t need to always be our own promoter. We don’t need to have them on our own platforms.
      “We want to allow the fighter to fight where they can make the biggest fights and make the most money.
      Boxing has stayed behind [other sports]. So we are changing that business model totally.Richard Schaefer, Probellum president
      “And if that means entering into a co-promotion agreement, we will certainly do that.
      “We don’t want to be a roadblock to a fighter and we don’t want to be a roadblock to the sport of boxing.”
      The interests of the fighter, not that of the promotion, will be at the forefront of all of Probellum’s decision making.
      Schaefer said: “Boxing has stayed behind [other sports]. So we are changing that business model totally. This is a first in boxing.
      “It’s never happened in boxing where a promoter tells you, ‘You know what? If you are an all-star fighter, we’re willing to work with another promoter.’
      “‘We’re willing to work out a deal to co-promote you because we want a deal to empower you.’ That has never happened before.
      “Once you’re with a promoter, you’re within that universe. We don’t want to just have that one universe. We want to have a wide universe.”
      Probellum’s sole focus, however, isn’t just bringing boxing fans the fights they’re desperate to see.
      The kind of talent we’re going to sign globally, from around the world, I think is going to take a lot of people by surpriseRichard Schaefer
      Investing in the sport at grassroots level and ensuring young fighters across the globe have a platform to compete on is also one of the promotion’s main goals.
      Ex-Golden Boy bigwig Schaefer said: “We believe to build up local talent at the grassroots level is really part of the foundation of the sport of boxing.
      “If you can’t become a local star, how can you expect to become a national or international star. It’s impossible.
      ‘So the investment in the grassroots, and to a certain extent the amateurs as well, I think is absolutely instrumental.”
      That investment will in part come in the form of performance centres.
      Schaefer said: “Our goal is to have performance centres on all continents and really give these young athletes the opportunity to train and prepare with the right nutrition, the right training and the right strength and conditioning staff behind them.”
      Probellum are wasting no time in getting the ball rolling, staging a number of cross-promotional events in the UK later this month and in November.
      An excited Schaefer said: “We’re really going to be doing a lot of stuff in the UK and building other markets.
      Schaefer is hoping to change the entire landscape of the boxing worldCredit: GETTY
      “And you’re going to be seeing in the coming weeks and months a lot of announcements centred about additional co-promotion agreements, grassroots boxing, empowering fighters, network relationships.
      “And, most importantly, the kind of talent we’re going to sign to Probellum.
      “And the kind of talent we’re going to sign globally, from around the world, I think is going to take a lot of people by surprise.”

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      Eddie Hearn says Anthony Joshua still on a ‘bigger level’ than Tyson Fury More

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      Inside Tyson Fury’s modest £550k Morecambe house where he lives with Paris and growing family

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      TYSON FURY’S box office credentials have never been in doubt – after once having three huge TV’s delivered to his Morecambe home.The Gypsy King, 33, is a global superstar ahead of his trilogy bout with Deontay Wilder, but insists he will never forget his roots – and these are laid in the seaside town of Morecambe.
      Tyson Fury once had three £800 Samsung TVs delivered to his property
      Tyson Fury lives in his Morecambe house with wife Paris and their six childrenCredit: ITV
      This part of the house is a tribute to Tyson Fury’s glittering career so farCredit: ITV
      The WBC heavyweight champion of the world lives in a five-bed, four-bathroom home that is worth over £550,000, according to Zoopla.
      Fury had plenty of time to enjoy his home comforts during the coronavirus pandemic, before throwing himself into boot camp.
      He made the fading seaside town his permanent home in 2011, and has since become its most famous resident with crowds flocking to see him train on the beach.
      Speaking on a three-part ITV documentary last year, he said: “People say to me, ‘Why don’t you live in California or America?’ – why would I?
      “Why would I abandon my own country for a bit of money and some fame?
      “I love it. I would never leave Morecambe. It’s true beauty. If the weather was better, every house here would be a million quid.”
      Paris Fury is happy to take on some of the chores around the house if her husband is busy in trainingCredit: ITV
      Tyson Fury says he is not looking to move away from the seaside town of MorecambeCredit: ITV
      According to Zoopla, Fury’s home is valued at around £550,000Credit: ITV
      Tyson Fury has made the news for his actions inside, and outside the ring, in recent yearsCredit: ITV
      Before he amassed what is now thought to be around £100m following one of the great sporting comebacks, Fury lived in a caravan on his dad John’s land.
      But now he is the king of his own castle along with wife Paris and their children.
      Inside the family home are links to the profession he will go down in history for.
      Just next to a glass column holding the multitude of belts the heavyweight has won in his career is a framed picture of him after his win against Wladimir Klitschko on the wall.
      That victory was regarded as one of the finest successes for British boxing – but he might be beating his own claim when fighting again later this month.
      Alongside flash motors at the property is Tyson Fury’s pride and joy – his Gypsy wagonCredit: ITV
      The Gypsy King decides to take the wagon out for a spin in a funny clip from last year’s ITV documentaryCredit: ITV
      Tyson Fury has six children with wife Paris Credit: ITV
      The neighbourhood have embraced the Fury family much like he has embraced MorecambeThere won’t be any household rubbish lying around the house for too long – despite reaching the pinnacle of his profession, Fury is happy to roll his sleeves up and take out the rubbish.
      But there are definite luxuries he can enjoy too.
      Parked up are a Ferrari and Rolls Royce. But it is a mode of transport closely linked to his heritage that the 6ft 9ins powerhouse prefers to focus on.
      Fury also had three 75-inch £800 Samsung Smart TVs delivered to his plush pad earlier this year.
      Away from the ring, Fury has restored and customised a gypsy wagon that he proudly treks through the streets – after spending over four years renovating.

      Speaking about the four-wheeler, Fury said: “[It’s] real gold, gold leaf, all hand-painted.
      “The Gypsy code says you must travel towards the sun, so we keep the sun towards the back.”
      Quietly going about his life, Fury has participated in charity work for children’s hospitals, offered help and advice to aspiring boxers and supported local businesses.
      That’s why the boxer, a reformed character after his battle with depression, drug and alcohol abuse, is a real man of the people in these parts.
      Tyson Fury’s wife Paris excels in her role as his queen in the Morecambe family homeCredit: ITV
      This two-seater brown leather sofas would struggle to seat 6ft 9ins Tyson and his missusCredit: ITV
      Family life is hectic – but not as hectic as Fury’s career has beenCredit: ITV
      Mike Tyson’s ex-coach tips Anthony Joshua to have a blackout against Tyson Fury More

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      Andy Ruiz slams Anthony Joshua’s strategy for Oleksandr Usyk loss but backs ‘strong’ former opponent to bounce back

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      ANDY RUIZ JR admits he was surprised by Anthony Joshua’s strategy for his clash with Oleksandr Usyk.AJ suffered a unanimous decision defeat to the undefeated Ukrainian last weekend after being outboxed for 12 straight rounds.
      Oleksandr Usyk put on a masterful display against Anthony JoshuaCredit: REUTERS
      Victory over AJ saw Usyk become unified heavyweight champion of the worldCredit: GETTY
      Andy Ruiz Jr admits he was surprised by Joshua’s approach for the elusive UsykCredit: GETTY
      The Watford warrior stunned fight fans across the world with his decision to try and box the fleet-footed and elusive Usyk, including his old foe Ruiz.
      He told Fight Hype: “It surprised me because when I did an interview with ESPN, I thought Anthony was going to be the stronger man, and I thought he was going to box him around and use his abilities.
      “He [Joshua] just stayed there, he wasn’t moving around and doing the same thing with me in the second fight with me.
      “He ran around to make sure he didn’t get hit, and if he did, he would grab and move around. So he had a strategy. But for this fight [with Usyk], it didn’t go his way.
      “It’s crazy because I thought Anthony Joshua was going to beat Usyk. I’m pretty sure it’s going to be a 50-50 fight between [Tyson] Fury and [Deontay] Wilder.
      “That’s going to be a really exciting fight. I’m going to be there.”

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      Joshua’s head coach Rob McCracken has shouldered most of the blame for the defeat, which could very well have permanently scuppered a blockbuster showdown with Fury.
      But Ruiz believes the Team GB Boxing coach shouldn’t bear the entirety of the criticism.
      He added: “You can’t blame everybody. Every fighter has got to take responsibility for themselves.
      “It was probably the wrong strategy, and he [Joshua] probably underestimated him like I did with Chris Arreola.
      “But we both got caught, but thank God, I pursued and got the W. I think Anthony Joshua is still there and still strong.”
      He kind of felt scared and was holding back a little bit.Andy Ruiz Jr on Anthony Joshua’s loss to Oleksandr Usyk
      Ruiz – who scored a sensational upset victory over AJ in New York two years ago – believes his old rival was ‘scared’ by Usyk’s slick movement.
      The Destroyer said: “He kind of felt scared and was holding back a little bit.
      “Maybe it was the lefty of Usyk of his style and how he moves.
      “I thought they both could have done better, but congratulations to Usyk.
      “There are a lot more opportunities and a lot more we can switch up and have different opponents.”

      Joshua, 31, has activated his rematch clause and has vowed to learn from the mistakes he made against his fellow Olympian.
      He said: “I’ve watched the fight, analysed my preparations and identified my mistakes.
      “I’ve learnt my lesson. Don’t worry about me. My spirit is strong!”

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      Anthony Joshua tells Oleksandr Usyk ‘I know how to beat you’ minutes after loss More