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      Florian Marku has to be held back by security after trying to fight Prodan at Anthony Joshua undercard press conference

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      BOXER Florian Marku had to be held back by security after trying to fight opponent Maxim Prodan before shoving the welterweight during their face-off.The 28-year-old, who challenges for the IBF International title on Saturday, failed to contain his emotions during the Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk undercard press conference.
      Florian Marku had to be held back by security after he attempted to confront rival Maxim Prodan
      Marku then shoved welterweight rival Prodan during their face-off ahead of Saturday’s fightCredit: Rex
      The Albanian southpaw had to be escorted off the stage after he tried to confront his Romanian rival, 28, following a war of words.
      Speaking during the presser, Marku said: “He has never boxed someone like me in his life and I’m going to show that on Saturday.
      “I heard also in his interview that he said that Florian made a mistake. I’m going to show to everyone what level I am and I start this Saturday, and then you will see.
      “This is my beginning, this is my time. I’ve been waiting from a small kid for this moment.
      “I talk too much, but I beat much better, and you’re going to see that on Saturday.”
      Prodan then taunted the former MMA ace as he remarked: “I don’t talk too much like Florian, but we will see Saturday.

      BETTING SPECIAL – GET JOSHUA TO WIN IN ROUNDS 1-6 AT 60/1 OR ANYTIME AT 25/1
      “Marku, you are a nobody. You are coming from another sport. I will show you what is boxing on Saturday.”
      His comments infuriated Marku, as he stated: “I’m going to knock him out.
      “We can fight in here if you want? Let’s fight here. You piece of s***.
      “He is no-one. He has fought nobody. Come, we fight here.”
      He then leapt off the stage to confront Prodan, but security quickly intervened and ushered him away.
      And the drama wasn’t over there, as Marku then shoved then Prodan during their face-off, with security again having to drag him away.
      Eddie Hearn says Anthony Joshua is really excited for the Usyk fight More

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      Tottenham Stadium transformed for Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk with pitch covered up and ring starting to take shape

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      TOTTENHAM’S stadium has been transformed ahead of Anthony Joshua’s clash with Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night.The Brit goes head to head with the unbeaten Ukrainian in North London and the arena has undergone a major revamp ahead of the bout.
      Tottenham’s stadium has undergone a drastic transformation ahead of Anthony Joshua’s fight there on Saturday nightCredit: PA
      Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk will be the first boxing event the £1billion arena has hostedCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
      Cranes and machinery are getting the pitch area ready for fans and the ring in placeCredit: Rex
      The sponsorship boards have an electronic countdown timerCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
      AJ, 31, saw talks for his big fight with Tyson Fury collapse and now takes on No 1 contender Usyk instead.
      It is the first time boxing has been held at the £1BILLION arena.
      And Joshua’s Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn took excited fans on a tour.
      He went live on Instagram and gave his followers a glimpse into the stadium.
      The pitch was totally covered by artificial flooring where the ring will sit surrounded by fans.
      Cranes and machinery were moving around where the grass usually is getting metal frameworks in place.

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      The giant screens show adverts for the fight with the interactive sponsorship boards reading: “Two days to go.”
      Hearn also gave fans a look inside the swanky hospitality boxes before moving to the press conference area.
      More than 60,000 will be inside the stadium for the fight.
      The promoter previously stated his belief the fight will start bang on 10pm – in contrast to most AJ bouts which usually start closer to 11pm.
      He said: “AJ’s ringwalk will probably be around 10pm, that’s reasonably early.”And I believe the broadcast will start around 7pm. So that will be five fights and then Anthony Joshua.”
      Saturday’s bout will be just the third time Usyk has fought in the weight class after wiping out the cruiserweight division where he won all four belts in the World Boxing Super Series.

      🥊 Joshua vs Usyk: All the TV, stream and undercard info ahead of Saturday’s heavyweight bout
      His first fight up at heavyweight saw him weigh in at 15st 5lbs for Chazz Witherspoon, before he tipped the scales at 15st 7lbs for Derek Chisora.
      And Usyk has beefed up in his preparations to meet fellow London 2012 gold medallist AJ inside the ring.
      In contrast, Joshua appears to prioritising speed over size after he showed off a leaner physique on his Instagram account last week.

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      Eddie Hearn says Anthony Joshua is really excited for the Usyk fight More

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      Oleksandr Usyk dresses as The Joker for final Anthony Joshua press conference as he embraces role of villain

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      OLEKSANDR USYK dressed as Batman villain The Joker to give Anthony Joshua one final fright before the fight but the champ isn’t even scared of King Kong.The 34-year-old Ukraine southpaw had already shaved his head and grown a handlebar moustache after being inspired by 17th century Cossack warriors.
      Oleksandr Usyk aims to be the villain on Saturday nightCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      And he updated the look with a shockingly colourful suit and tie ensemble straight out of the Gotham gangster’s wardrobe.
      The 18-0 ace combined his gap-toothed grin with a bright orange suit, a yellow waistcoat, a green shirt and a polka dot tie.
      But 31-year-old AJ, in his trademark black tracksuit, did not bat an eyelid at the comic-inspired clobber.
      And he warned Usyk he was facing a student of the game who is laser focused on staying top of the class.
      He said: “You have to want to train, practice, improve and put the work in.
      “When I started it was fun because I was s**t when I started and I am still getting better.

      BETTING SPECIAL – GET JOSHUA TO WIN IN ROUNDS 1-6 AT 60/1 OR ANYTIME AT 25/1
      “I used to train and get better, beat the guys who used to beat me up. I have had fun in camp, it has been demanding but it has been fun.
      “I don’t fight good guys for respect, if you got me King Kong I would give it a go.
      “It’s just my job, we are going to work and it’s a blessing cos these are the best days of my life.”
      The 6ft 6in powerhouse reckons he has been like a young pup in the gym ahead of this dogfight.
      He said: “Like a dog or a baby I have been praised when I have done well and that makes me want to do more.

      🥊 Joshua vs Usyk: All the TV, stream and undercard info ahead of Saturday’s heavyweight bout
      “I practice and spar a lot so you are coming out to see me hit a live bodybag. One hundred per cent the last place I would want to be is facing myself.
      “I am not an easy touch for anyone. I am here for a reason, I would not have got here so quickly without it.”
      The colourful challenger kept his quotes far less exciting than his outfit, grinning: “I feel fine and look forward to the fight.
      “Every fighter makes history and me and Anthony will make another stat in history on Saturday night.
      “It will be something people remember forever. It will make history.”
      Eddie Hearn says Anthony Joshua is really excited for the Usyk fight More

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      Anthony Joshua predicts ‘obsessed’ Deontay Wilder will KO Tyson Fury in trilogy fight and regain WBC world title

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA expects Deontay Wilder to end Tyson Fury’s undefeated streak with a knockout win.Wilder and Fury are set to complete their intense trilogy on October 9 when they lock horns at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
      Deontay Wilder has been backed by Anthony Joshua to knock Tyson Fury outCredit: Getty
      Anthony Joshua wants to face the winner of Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder’s fightCredit: Alamy
      Their first bout ended in a controversial draw in 2018 before The Gypsy King’s dominant stoppage victory during their second fight two years later.
      The British superstar is the favourite to pick up another victory but Joshua expects an “obsessed” Bronze Bomber to knock his rival out and regain the WBC world heavyweight title.
      AJ said: “If I had to, I don’t know. I’m not too bothered.
      “Look, because you’ve asked the question, let’s go with Wilder because he seems obsessed like he really wants it.
      “He seems really focused on the task ahead, so, you know, a focused man is a dangerous man, and he’s focused.
      “Wilder might get the decision. Actually, no. It has to be a knockout. One of them will knock the other out.”
      BETTING SPECIAL – GET JOSHUA TO WIN IN ROUNDS 1-6 AT 60/1 OR ANYTIME AT 25/1

      Joshua, though, remains focused on his upcoming fight against Oleksandr Usyk this Saturday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
      The British bruiser will defend his WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO world heavyweight titles and admitted he would like to face the winner of Fury and Wilder’s encounter next.
      Joshua added: “If I win, I’ll fight either one of them. If Fury wins, I’ll fight Fury. But If Wilder wins, I’ll fight Wilder.
      “If Fury wins and doesn’t take the fight with me because on his hit list he said he wants to fight Dillian [Whyte] first or [Dereck] Chisora — then I’ll fight Wilder.”

      🥊 Joshua vs Usyk: All the TV, stream and undercard info ahead of Saturday’s heavyweight bout
      Tyson Fury reveals row with ‘bully’ Anthony Joshua over the phone More

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      Deontay Wilder to wear ‘something special’ for ring-walk vs Tyson Fury despite blaming £31k outfit for loss last year

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      IT MAY have cost him before but Deontay Wilder has vowed to wear ‘something special’ for the ring walk ahead of his trilogy fight with Tyson Fury.The Bronze Bomber took to the arena wearing an extravagant rhinestone-encrusted crown and body armour combo for the pair’s 2020 rematch.
      Some fans claimed Deontay Wilder looked like Sauron in his previous outfitCredit: The Sun
      The heavyweight is in training for his trilogy fight with Tyson Fury next monthCredit: Ryan Hafey/ Premier Boxing Champions
      He later blamed the £31,000 outfit for his seventh-round defeat, claiming it was too heavy and left him exhausted when he got to the ring.
      But speaking ahead of his third heavyweight bout with Fury next month, Wilder vowed to up the ante with his next appearance.
      He told reporters: “Since I became champion, it’s nobody come out with a better dress, better uniform than I.
      “And we’re gonna continue to continue with that. You know, and we’ll just have to see what I put on.
      “It’s gonna be something special.”
      Wilder has become famous for his elaborate outfits, which are the works of Los Angeles-based designers Cosmo + Donato.

      The costumes fetch up to £60k a go but Wilder’s previous efforts saw him mocked for looking like Sauron from Lord of the Rings.
      Wilder and Fury will meet for a third time on October 9th at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
      Fury’s WBC world title is on the line with the heavyweight division finely poised.
      Fellow Brit Anthony Joshua defends his clutch of belts against Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday with fans still longing for a blockbuster all-British bout to follow.

      Deontay Wilder takes break from Tyson Fury fight training as he zooms around on buggy just weeks before trilogy More

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      Tommy Fury gorges on huge 900-calorie breakfast to fuel Love Islander’s intense boxing workouts

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      TOMMY FURY has given fans a sneak peak into his training camp where he gorged on a huge 900-calorie breakfast.The 22-year-old posted a vlog on his new YouTube channel which showed the build-up to his fight against Anthony Taylor last month in Ohio.
      Tommy Fury was in brilliant shape for his fight against Anthony Taylor last monthCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Fury shared what he was eating for breakfast ahead of his gruelling workout sessionsCredit: YouTube
      Fury outpointed the American light-heavyweight on his US debut as he extended his perfect record to 7-0.
      And while stateside in August, Fury showed just what he has been tucking into for breakfast ahead of his gruelling training sessions.
      The big, healthy meal consisted of steak (360 calories), three poached eggs (213 cal), two slices of toast (150 cal), avocado (160 cal), mushrooms (10 cal) and asparagus (12 cal).
      That works to 905 calories – more than twice the recommended intake for adults to consume at breakfast.
      But the super-fit Fury, who weighed in at 12st 7lbs for his contest with Taylor, had no trouble in polishing the meal off.
      Concluding his vlog after his points victory, TNT said: “OK guys, so fight night is done, we got the victory, that is all that matters.

      BETTING SPECIAL – GET JOSHUA TO WIN IN ROUNDS 1-6 AT 60/1 OR ANYTIME AT 25/1
      “I’m my own worst critic, it wasn’t the best performance that I could have delivered, but we got the win and that’s what I came over here for.
      “The reception was incredible, I felt like I was walking out in my hometown Manchester, everything about last night was just surreal.
      “I’m a bit tired now as we did have kind of a late night, we ate a lot of pizza, we had a few drinks, we had a good night.

      “But listen, this week, this vlog, everything about this fight in particular, the build-up has been amazing.
      “My American debut was everything and more I ever thought it was going to be.”
      A fight against Jake Paul could be next, but Fury has rejected two offers from the Problem Child, the last of which was worth $1million.

      Tommy Fury gives fans a rare look at older brother Roman as he prepares for Vegas fight More

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      Boxing’s best-paid losers as Conor McGregor, Mike Tyson and Manny Pacquiao raked in millions despite defeats

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      BOXING’S best-paid losers have been revealed – with Conor McGregor top of the pile ahead of legendary trio Manny Pacquiao, Oscar De La Hoya and Mike Tyson. The Irish UFC fighter stepped into the boxing ring in 2017 to challenge the five-weight world champ Floyd Mayweather Jr.
      Conor McGregor picked up £22m despite losing to Floyd Mayweather in 2017
      He held his own in the early stages of the professional bout before the unbeaten American took his record to 50-0 with a TKO one minute into the tenth round.
      But for his 28 minutes inside the ropes, the 0-1 McGregor pocketed a tidy £22million – the biggest sum a boxer has received for losing a fight.
      According to 888sport figures, which are not adjusted for inflation, Pacquiao is second on the list, earning £19m from his 2012 defeat to Juan Manuel Marquez.
      And then comes a bittersweet hat-trick for De La Hoya.
      His biggest losing payday was in 2007 against Mayweather, banking £17m after the split decision went against him.
      The USA fighter also took home £15m for his 1999 loss against Felix Trinidad – £24.6m in today’s money, the most when inflation is considered – and £14m against Pacquiao in 2008.
      BETTING SPECIAL – GET JOSHUA TO WIN IN ROUNDS 1-6 AT 60/1 OR ANYTIME AT 25/1

      Tyson is sixth on the list at £13m after he was KO’d by Lennox Lewis in 2002 as the Brit retained his WBC, IBF, IBO, and The Ring heavyweight titles.
      Iron Mike inflicted a brutal first-round KO upon Michael Spinks in 1988 – 14 years earlier – which saw the loser bag £10m.
      Wladimir Klitschko’s dramatic 2017 defeat at Wembley to Anthony Joshua earned the Ukrainian £9m, slightly more than George Foreman got after losing to Evander Holyfield 26 years earlier.
      And completing the top ten, with the earliest fight on the list way back in 1987, is Marvin Hagler.
      He lost a controversial split-decision fight but did win a bumper packet of a tidy £8m then hung up his boxing gloves in retirement without another fight.
      Ricky Hatton’s 2009 loss to Pacquiao, Andy Ruiz Jr’s rematch with AJ in 2019 and this year’s defeat for Billy Joe Saunders at the hands of Canelo Alvarez are all within the top 20.
      Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao are both on the listCredit: Getty
      Anthony Joshua stopped Wladimir Klitschko in dramatic fashion in 2017Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Oleksandr Usyk hails Anthony Joshua as the ‘modern-day Mike Tyson’ More

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      Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk LIVE: Press conference LATEST, AJ shows off hulking physique at workout – updates

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      IT’S been a long wait – but Anthony Joshua is finally back in the ring on Saturday.Pumped-up AJ returns to a full house at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, taking on feared Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk in a potential classic in the capital.
      Usyk and his team have touched down in the UK and the countdown is well and truly on to Saturday’s showdown.

      Press conference: Thursday, September 23 @ 1pm
      Weigh in: Friday, September 24 @ 2.30pm
      Fight date: Saturday, September 25
      UK start time: Estimated to be around 10.30pm

      Follow ALL the latest build-up and updates with our live blog below…

      BETTING SPECIAL – GET JOSHUA TO WIN IN ROUNDS 1-6 AT 60/1 OR ANYTIME AT 25/1

      ONE HOUR WARNING
      Press conferences for Saturday’s undercard are set to get underway at 1pm.
      And then at 2pm there will be a press conference for the main event featuring Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk.
      The press conference is being held at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the same venue for Saturday’s fight.
      HEARN CONCLUSION
      And Hearn finished by telling talkSPORT: “Now, you hope that the size of those fighting him in the heavyweight division could be a difference.
      “I don’t think you can just rely on size here, I think you need to rely on your feet, on your speed, and of course your power.
      “That’s going to be key for AJ; putting dents in Usyk. I don’t want to see six or seven rounds down and the scorecards are tight or he is a couple behind and he is chasing the fight.
      “You don’t want to be chasing the fight against the likes of Oleksandr Usyk. He’s got to show him the power, but he has got to catch him first. It’s going to be a really tough one.”
      MORE FROM HEARN
      Hearn went on to tell talkSPORT: “Technically, I wouldn’t say he [Usyk] is superior, because I think AJ wants to show that he is the superior boxer in this fight.
      “But when you look at his achievements and what he did in the cruiserweight division to become undisputed, and look at the way that he did it, he went to Huck’s backyard to beat him in Germany.
      “He went to Gassiev’s backyard in Russia to beat him and his went to Breidis’ backyard in Latvia to beat him.
      “He also went to Manchester to bat Tony Bellew. Now he is coming to London to fight Anthony Joshua.
      “So you’ve got to respect this guy; he’s comfortable on his bike and that’s the key really. In the cruiserweight division, he was unbeatable.”
      HEARN NERVES
      Promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed he is nervous as AJ puts his WBA, WBO and IBF belts on the line against Oleksandr Usyk.
      He told talkSPORT: “There’s excitement, but there are also a huge amount of nerves just because of how good Usyk is.
      “The scary thing about Usyk is not necessarily the size or how violent he is, it’s his mind.
      “You know that he is going to be ready for Saturday night and it is just going to come down to who is good enough on the night, and that is the beauty of sport.
      “This is a brilliant, brilliant heavyweight fight; the atmosphere is going to be unbelievable, it is going to be an incredible spectacle, I’m nervous, I’m excited, two great competitors and it is just going to come down to who is the better man on the night.”
      ANYONE’S GAME
      IBF featherweight champion Kid Galahad is predicting a ’50/50 fight’ between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk.
      He said: “It’s a 50/50 fight. Usyk has done everything Joshua has done. He’s won a gold medal, he’s unified the division, he’s done everything. What’s he not done?
      “Usyk’s got some of the best footwork in the business. He’s not a huge puncher but Mohammed Ali wasn’t a huge puncher and still knocked people out.
      “The pressure he brings, it’s mental. AJ is switched on, He knows it’s not going to be an easy fight, but everyone else thinks it is.
      “It’s one of those fights where we just don’t really know how it’s going to go.
      “I think it could be a close call and AJ on points but I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s an upset, that’s how close this fight is going to be.”
      HEAR ME OUT
      Eddie Hearn has declared Oleksandr Usyk will ‘never be a fully-fledged heavyweight’ despite him packing on the pounds to face Anthony Joshua.
      He told talkSPORT: “I think that Usyk will never be a fully-fledged heavyweight – a real heavyweight in terms of size.
      “But what he will always have is a huge amount of skill.
      “It takes time for people to bed into heavyweight, so put it this way, it would’ve been a lot easier fight for AJ a year-and-a-half ago.
      “Now Usyk has fought a real heavyweight contender in Chisora, that will actually help him to start to understand what needs to be done.
      “But AJ’s a different kind of beast. A good big guy will always beat a good small guy, so we’ll see.”
      FINAL FACE-OFF
      Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk will face off for the final time today ahead of the pair’s heavyweight bout on Saturday.
      They will both be speaking at a live press conference looking ahead to the epic clash.
      That will be coming live from 1pm.
      IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
      Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk held a media work out on Tuesday ahead of Saturday’s bout.
      And the Ukrainian challenger played up the cameras by showing off his juggling skills.

      WEIGHT AND SEE
      Hafthor Bjornsson has backed Anthony Joshua to be ‘too big’ for Oleksandr Usyk – despite the challenger’s best efforts to beef up.
      The former world’s strongest man told SunSport: “Absolutely, I will be watching 100 per cent. I think Joshua will be a bit too big for Usyk.
      “Usyk is a great boxer, but there is a height difference and a weight difference. I think that Usyk is gaining some weight now.
      “So I don’t know how that will affect his performance, he won’t be used to being that heavy. We don’t know how he’ll react to that.
      “Whether it will make him a bit more stiff or what but my money is on Joshua. He’s more comfortable in that weight category.”
      MORE FROM HEARN
      What makes Saturday’s fight so dangerous for AJ is the fact that Usyk is an unknown quantity.
      He’s a cruiserweight world champion, but is yet to really be tested at heavyweight.
      And Hearn said: “Usyk has boxed Witherspoon and then Chisora. People are saying, ‘Has he got it, has he not?’ Maybe now he does! I hope he doesn’t but he might do.
      “It’s a great battle of minds as well. One thing that’s so scary about Usyk – is his mind and his ability to work out an opponent, and to out-think them.
      “AJ wants to show his skill in this fight, as well as his brutality. I just hope we see a little bit more of the brutality.”
      EDDIE’S ANALYSIS
      AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn has labelled Oleksandr Usyk as ‘maybe the No 1 heavyweight in the world’ ahead of Saturday’s bout, but claims Joshua was never and is never scared of the challenge.
      Hearn told Sky Sports: “He has to beat Oleksandr Usyk to keep the undisputed dream alive and he wasn’t prepared to swerve the challenge of Oleksandr Usyk, he’s not that kind of guy.
      “[Usyk is] definitely, a top-five heavyweight in the world. Maybe the No 1 heavyweight in the world – this is the scary thing.
      “You go back to great cruiserweights in the world that have gone up to heavyweight.
      “You talk about Evander Holyfield. It took him a couple of fights for people to recognise him as a true threat to the division.
      SATURDAY’S STAGE
      The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will be the venue for Saturday’s clash between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk.
      And speaking on the occasion when the fight was announced in July, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy said: “This is a huge occasion for Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – Anthony Joshua is an icon in the world of sport and to have him fight here in London N17, against a top opponent in Oleksandr Usyk, will be amazing for the area of Tottenham. 
      “This event will once again showcase the stadium’s ability to take the hosting of world-class sporting occasions to the next level – we cannot wait for September 25.”

      PARKER PREVIEWS
      Heavyweight boxer and past AJ opponent Joseph Parker is predicting a stoppage on Saturday night.
      He said: “I feel like Usyk is going to be a big threat. Just with his background, but he was the unified champion of the world and he hasn’t experienced a loss. 
      “Leading into this fight, he’s going to have the best preparation and do everything right. Both guys are going to do everything right. I just feel with Joshua’s size, reach and power, he might get the better of Usyk. 
      “A lot of people are calling it a 50/50 fight, and people won’t be surprised if Usyk wins the fight. I think there’s a stoppage, I just don’t know who. I’m leaning towards Joshua.”
      SHAWN SPEAKS
      Former IBF and WBC welterweight champion Shawn Porter believes Oleksandr Usyk has a ‘100% chance’ of being able to beat Anthony Joshua.
      Porter beat Usyk when the pair fought as amateurs, so the American knows just how good he is.
      And he said: “I’m not messing with Usyk. I’m happy to see him doing everything that he’s done to this point. There’s a 100% chance for him to win this fight.
      “I don’t know who is going to win this fight. I haven’t picked either-or.
      “I’m just going to sit back and let it happen more so than having an expectation and the expectation not being met or me more or less wanting one of the fighters.
      “I think it’s going to be a great one. If anything, if he [Usyk] wins that, people will say, ‘Once upon a time, Shawn Porter beat him.’ That’s about it, but those were old times.”
      WARREN’S WORDS
      Tyson Fury’s promoter, Frank Warren, has backed Oleksandr Usyk to beat Anthony Joshua – but only if the fight goes 12 rounds.
      “[Usyk] proved it at cruiserweight. He was fantastic, and he’s made his mark in that weight division.
      “He was a superb cruiserweight. He’s done everything you could ask for.
      “Anthony Joshua must be the favourite for the fight. He’s the bigger guy, much bigger, and he’s a big puncher.
      “Having said that, if [Joshua] doesn’t get rid of him, and if he’s still there after five or six rounds, then if it gets to the end of the fight…
      “If that goes 12 rounds, I would fancy Usyk to get the decision because to get there, he’s going to have to outbox him.”
      ‘HUGE STAR’
      Oleksandr Usyk hailed Anthony Joshua for being ‘a modern-day Mike Tyson’ ahead of their world heavyweight champion battle on Saturday.
      He told told Matchroom Boxing’s YouTube Channel: “He’s (Joshua) a really big huge star. Everybody knows him – all the world around knows him just like in the old days Tyson was, right now he is.
      “Even my kids were asking me today ‘did you already see Joshua? Have you seen him?’
      “I never thought ever in my life, the kid from a small town in Ukraine would ever fight in an arena with 65,000 people and broadcasting all around the world on the biggest TV networks.”
      LAST TEN
      Here’s a look at who the ‘Big Three’ of heavyweight boxing have faced in their last ten bouts.
      Should AJ and Tyson Fury come through clashes against Oleksandr Usyk and Deontay Wilder respectively, the pair are expected to face off in a hugely anticipated battle of the Brits.

      AJ UNDERCARD
      Here’s a reminder of who features on the undercard at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday before the main event gets underway.

      Lawrence Okolie vs Dilan Prasovic – For WBO cruiserweight title
      Callum Smith vs Lenin Castillo
      Campbell Hatton vs Izan Dura
      Florian Marku vs Maxim Prodan
      Christopher Ousley vs Khasan Baysangurov
      Daniel Lapin vs Pawel Martyniuk

      BEST TEST
      Anthony Joshua has called for people to ‘give credit’ where it’s due to Oleksandr Usyk.
      The Ukrainian is undefeated in 18 professional fights and to many, including AJ himself, is regarded as the toughest test the Brit has faced.
      Joshua said: “He’s good. Let’s give credit where credit is due.
      “In boxing, we do have big egos and we try to suppress people but let’s lift him up and say he is good.
      “He won the [2012 heavyweight gold medal at the] Olympics.
      “He won the world championship as an amateur. He’s done the undisputed thing. His accolades would say he’s one of the best I am fighting in my career.”
      GOOD MORNING BOXING FANS
      Tyson Fury will be cheering on Anthony Joshua when the three-title heavyweight champ takes on Oleksandr Usyk.
      A victory for Joshua is likely to pave the way for a £200million super clash between the Gypsy King and the Londoner.
      And SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr reports that Fury will be watching Joshua defend his three titles from his mansion in Las Vegas.
      Fury said: “Do I want him to win? Definitely. Because it doesn’t make much sense in me beating Usyk up.
      “I’d much prefer to beat Joshua up, it’s a bigger fight and people want to see it more.”
      Oleksandr Usyk says he never imagined he would ever get the chance to be part of a major heavyweight fight night.
      The Ukrainian, who will take on Joshua at Tottenham Stadium, told Matchroom Boxing’s YouTube channel: “I never thought ever in my life, the kid from a small town in Ukraine would ever fight in an arena with 65,000 people and broadcasting all around the world on the biggest TV networks.
      “He’s (Joshua) a really big huge star. Everybody knows him – all the world around knows him just like in the old days (Mike) Tyson was, right now he is.
      Meanwhile, Eddie Hearn reckons Joshua could put the ‘fear of Christ’ up Usyk when the pair meet.
      And Dillian Whyte has tipped the Briton to win the bout inside the first seven rounds.
      Whyte told 5 Live Boxing: “I think it’s a great fight, but in my personal opinion, I think Joshua will stop him in the first five, six, or seven rounds.”
      FURY’S A FAN
      Tyson Fury will be cheering on Anthony Joshua when steps into the ring with Oleksandr Usyk.
      A victory for Joshua is likely to pave the way for a £200million super clash between the Gypsy King and the Londoner.
      And SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr reports that Fury will be watching Joshua defend his three titles from his mansion in Las Vegas.
      Fury said: “Do I want him to win? Definitely. Because it doesn’t make much sense in me beating Usyk up.
      “I’d much prefer to beat Joshua up, it’s a bigger fight and people want to see it more.”
      FURY FIGHT
      Eddie Hearn says Anthony Joshua is eager to fight Tyson Fury and achieve his dream of becoming the undisputed heavyweight champ.
      Plans for a clash between the two were put on ice after an arbitrator ordered Fury to fight Deontay Wilder.
      Hearn told BBC Sports The Final Say: “I believe that Tyson Fury would fight Anthony Joshua. We know it’s the biggest financial fight in boxing.
      “I know for a fact AJ would fight Tyson Fury. I would be shocked if both won their upcoming fights and we didn’t see that fight.”

      DREAM FIGHT
      Oleksandr Usyk says he never imagined he would have the chance to be part of a major heavyweight fight night.
      The Ukrainian is set to step into the ring with Anthony Joshua at Tottenham Stadium in a bid to defeat the heavyweight champ.
      Usyk told Matchroom Boxing’s YouTube Channel: “Every night I go to bed, I pray and then I go to sleep.
      “I never thought ever in my life, the kid from a small town in Ukraine would ever fight in an arena with 65,000 people and broadcasting all around the world on the biggest TV networks.
      “He’s (Joshua) a really big huge star. Everybody knows him – all the world around knows him just like in the old days (Mike) Tyson was, right now he is.
      “Even my kids were asking me today ‘did you already see Joshua? Have you seen him?’
      FURY FEELING
      Tyson Fury says he has a ‘sneaky feeling’ Oleksandr Usyk could stun Anthony Joshua by defeating him.
      The Gypsy King was sharing his thoughts with Frank Warren’s Queensbury Promotions ahead of his own heavyweight clash with Deontay Wilder.
      Fury said: “What I’ve seen from Usyk in the last two fights hasn’t been a lot.
      “Then I had a little brainstorm and maybe he’s not showing us everything he can do, just playing around with the likes of Chisora and the other guy he fought (Chazz Witherspoon).
      “Maybe he didn’t try and win those fights properly. Maybe he was looking bad on purpose.”
      FRIGHT NIGHT
      Eddie Hearn reckons Anthony Joshua can put the ‘fear of Christ’ up Oleksandr Usyk when the rivals go toe-to-toe at Tottenham Stadium this weekend.
      And Hearn reckons Joshua should look to emulate Derek Chisora during the clash.
      Chisora piled pressure on the Ukrainian for 12 rounds at Wembley last year.
      Hearn told talkSPORT: “Chisora puts the fear of Christ up anyone and he put the fear of Christ up Usyk in the first three rounds.
      “He looked like he didn’t know what to do, but Joshua is not going to do that. Joshua is not just going to maraud forward and fight like Chisora did.
      “But he has to do bits of what Chisora did in my opinion, which is use that size and ultimately put the pressure on and be the bigger man in there.”
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