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    Amir Khan fight with Kell Brook hits rocks again as Brit pair can’t agree weight and Eddie Hearn pulls out

    AMIR KHAN’S all-British dust-up against Kell Brook looks to be in doubt once more as the pair cannot agree on the weight they would fight at.The two former world champions have been skirting around one another for the best part of a decade.
    Khan is keen to have the fight with Brook at the welterweight limitCredit: Getty
    Brook has wanted to fight Khan for several yearsCredit: The Sun
    But they have failed to ever agree terms as egos have got in the way of a British super-fight.
    Now Khan-Brook is not as big as it once would have been, but the British duo are still in talks to make it happen.
    However, Khan has now revealed the latest stumbling block in the negotiations as they bicker over weight limits.
    Khan said: “Kell said he would fight at 147lbs. I agreed. Now Kell wants 149lbs. Then he wants 149.5lbs. Is he even serious about wanting the fight?”
    Khan, an Olympic silver medallist at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, holds a professional record of 34 wins and five defeats.
    The 34-year-old has not fought since July 2019 and not held a world title since he lost his super-lightweight unification to Danny Garcia in 2012.

    Brook was promoted by Hearn for many years but parted ways in recent timesCredit: The Sun
    Khan’s most recent world title challenge came in a sixth round defeat to Terence Crawford two-and-a-half years ago.
    Meanwhile, Brook has a pro record of 39 victories and three defeats, with his last fight coming back in November 2020 when he was also stopped by Crawford.
    The 35-year-old also lost to Gennady Golovkin at middleweight and to Errol Spence Jr at welterweight.
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    As a result, some feel the time and interest surrounding a fight between Khan and Brook has passed.
    Brook’s former promoter Eddie Hearn, who now works with streaming platform DAZN, told iFL TV: “This fight is a busted flush… neither of them want it anymore, especially Kell.
    “If they can get the money and get you to pay for it, I’m sure people will. But we’re out of that fight.” More

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    Oleksandr Usyk’s space-age kit helped him get the edge over Anthony Joshua to produce out-of-this world performance

    OLEKSANDR USYK’S spooky space-age kit helped him get the edge over Anthony Joshua and produce an out-of-this world performance, according to its makers.Before the 31-year-old Watford ace worried his fans with a bizarrely relaxed ring walk last Saturday, Usyk, 34, arrived like a laser-focused astronaut with a futuristic helmet helping him ignore the 60,000 AJ fans who booed his Ukraine national anthem and entrance.
    Oleksandr Usyk’s spooky space-age kit
    Oleksandr Usyk walking out at Tottenham’s stadium
    And JAXET, the Ukraine-designers behind the state-of-the-art apparel, have explained to SunSport how their unique fashion-technology blend might have helped their martian-like marvel get the edge.
    The brand’s boss and long-time Usyk friend Artur Mkhitaryan told SunSport: “The first time Oleksandr tried the jacket on, he said he felt as if he was wearing armour, strong yet incredibly comfortable.
    “That’s why we think he felt like a superhero ready for the fight. The lens itself is mirror-coated but does not impair one’s vision.
    “Exactly as we planned, it is meant to draw the line between the inner universe of the person and outer world.
    “So whenever it’s necessary, the lens can help you get a grip and concentrate.
    “We don’t want to comment on Anthony’s entrance, he’s an amazing sportsman and we believe that focus and concentration can come in different forms.
    “But we do hope that for Oleksandr JAXET worked as an additional boost and support to his confidence, especially considering that he was well prepared and put a big effort in getting ready for the fight.”

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    Making high-profile boxing kit is not the easy-earner it once used to be, thanks to heavyweight diva Deontay Wilder.
    The Bronze Bomber blamed the February 2020 battering he suffered at the heavy hands of Tyson Fury on the extravagant and apparently 2st 8lbs costume LA designers Cosmo and Donato generously made for him.
    The twig-legged KO artist said the battery-operated outfit drained all his energy before his Sin City surrender, so JAXET did plenty of research to make sure they gave Usyk the perfect leg up, head to toe.
    “We knew about the (Wilder) story, but we also knew that the unity of style, security and comfort is in the DNA of our brand,” Mkhitaryansaid.
    “So we listened carefully to Oleksandr’s feelings in JAXET and discussed in detail any adjustments needed to make it work best for him.
    “With that in mind, we’ve also created the shorts and shoes upon his request.
    “And we’re extremely proud that he entrusted us with the production of such an essential part of his outfit that bears critical importance due to its functional role.”
    The first time Oleksandr tried the jacket on, he said he felt as if he was wearing armour, strong yet incredibly comfortable. That’s why we think he felt like a superhero ready for the fight.Artur Mkhitaryan, JAXET founder
    Eccentric Usyk landed in London with a shaved head and new moustache, in honour of his Cossack warrior ancestors, and turned up to Thursday’s press conference as Joaquin Phoenix’s terrifying version of Batman villain Joker.
    But social media went most crazy when he made his march through the Tottenham stadium looking like Neil Armstrong and quickly started making giant leaps toward becoming the WBA, IBF and WBO champion.
    And the reflective headgear proved to be a masterstroke as it seemed to help Usyk concentrate on the gameplan that Team AJ seemed to be severely lacking as the 12 rounds slipped away from the Brits’ grasp
    “The lens is our patented invention,” Mkhitaryan added. “It is smartly integrated into the hood so that it’s invisible when pulled up.
    “It protects from UV and the negative environmental impact.
    “All jackets from JAXET include such a lens, and it was fully aligned with Oleksandr`s vision on his Tottenham entrance. Oleksandr has fully trusted us in the development process.
    “We presented the jacket to him during our first meeting and further adjusted it to Oleksandr’s walk to the fight, bearing in mind the specifics of the event.”
    OL BE BACK
    The JAXET phone has been red-hot since their star model wowed on the London canvas.
    But the brand remains eager to rearm Usyk with another suit of armour that will help him do the double of AJ.
    Mkhitaryan revealed: “We have a long-term innovation pipeline and we’re now negotiating new partnerships with other celebrities and influencers.
    “We do receive a lot of inquiries from celebrities and sportsmen now after Oleksandr’s entrance.
    “If Joshua’s up for a rematch, we’d definitely love to think of one more perfect JAXET outfit for Oleksandr’s big fight.”

    UNIFIED HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION OLEKSANDR USYK IS A PROUD JAXET AMBASSADOR

    Anthony Joshua in his defeat to Oleksandr UsykCredit: Getty More

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    Tyson Fury’s promoter brutally dismisses Dillian Whyte’s chances vs Otto Wallin after he is made mandatory challenger

    TYSON FURY’S promoter Bob Arum does not believe Dillian Whyte will beat Otto Wallin to set up a fight with the WBC heavyweight champion.Providing Fury beats Wilder this weekend and Whyte, 33, comes through Swede Wallin on October 30, the two Brits will be ordered to face one another for the WBC title.
    Whyte has been waiting years for his shot at the WBC titleCredit: Dave Thompson Matchroom Boxing
    Arum does not believe Whyte will beat Wallin and set up a fight with his man FuryCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The only way Fury would be able to evade Whyte in that scenario is if he could make an undisputed clash with Oleksandr Usyk.
    However, Usyk is contracted to a rematch with Anthony Joshua, meaning a clash with Fury is almost certainly off the table.
    This leaves Fury and Whyte on a collision course providing they can both come through their respective opponents.
    But Arum believes Whyte will lose to Wallin and suffer the same fate as last year when he was the WBC mandatory challenger, only to go on and lose to Alexander Povetkin.
    Speaking to iFL TV, Arum said: “Last time he [Whyte] was mandatory, he fought Povetkin and got knocked on his ass.
    “I look for Wallin to clearly beat Whyte, so I’m not even taking it into consideration.”

    Wallin lost a unanimous decision to Fury in 2019Credit: AP:Associated Press
    Whyte has lost two fights in his professional career, to Povetkin in 2020 and Anthony Joshua in 2015.
    The Body Snatcher avenged his loss to Povetkin with a fourth round knockout earlier this year, but is yet to get his own back on AJ.
    He has exchanged words with Fury for some time and last month told SunSport he believes the two-time world heavyweight champion to be a ‘conman’.
    Whyte said: “For God’s sake, don’t get carried away listening to a single thing that conman [Fury] says. His best attribute as a boxer is just getting the public to believe any of his bull****.
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    “I am the easiest boxer in the world to make a fight with. You call me or my people, offer us the venue, date and purse and we say yes or no. But Fury and his team talk rubbish.
    “They have no interest in ever fighting me, he has been mandated to fight me twice and ducked out of it — the same as he did with the Wladimir Klitschko rematch he swerved.
    “No one wants to see this third Wilder fight. British fans can’t fly over there, it’s going to be on at 5am, so he’s using my name to try to mug fans off again into buying into his b*******. More

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    If Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder is as good as other famous heavyweight trilogies like Ali vs Frazier – £24.95 is a SNIP

    TYSON FURY is expected to start where he left off and batter Deontay Wilder to another humiliating defeat even if America’s Bronze Bomber enters the ring stark naked tomorrow.Wilder was stopped in the seventh round after his trainer Mark Breland  threw in the towel –  a merciful gesture that got him the sack – when they last met 20 months ago as the American lost his WBC world heavyweight title but also his unbeaten record and his credibility.
    Muhammad Ali came out on top against Joe Frazier in the most famous boxing trilogy of all, avenging a points loss with two winsCredit: Getty
    Tyson Fury is strong favourite to make it two victories over Deontay Wilder, following a draw in their first meetingCredit: Reuters
    His ludicrous excuse that his crushing defeat was because he tired himself out before climbing through the ropes under the 40lb weight of his bizarre Star Wars ring-walk costume belongs in the dog ate my homework category. 
    The simple truth is Fury exposed Wilder for what he was – an unskilled crude banger who was an easy target to hit.
    Tyson was on fire and still fuming at being robbed of victory when their first clash was dubiously ruled as a draw 14 months before.
    At last after two frustrating postponements they come face-to-face in what could turn out to be a thrilling and Titanic Trilogy in Las Vegas’s T-Mobile Arena.
    If it’s as good as the two most famous heavyweight trilogies between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier and Evander Holyfield and Riddick Bowe,  fans who pay £24.95 to see it on TV near breakfast time on Sunday morning won’t be able to claim they didn’t get value for money.
    It’s certainly going to be fascinating to see if the Gypsy King can just as emphatically demolish Wilder as he did before.
    If he does, that could see the end of Deontay’s career.

    But hanging in the air is the thought that perhaps Wilder under new trainer Malik Scott – his one time sparring partner – has managed to iron-out many of his boxing imperfections so he can gain sweet revenge.
    Remarkably Fury and Anthony Joshua between them dominated the heavyweight division for six years.
    That’s until Joshua’s abject failure against Oleksandr Usyk when he waived goodbye to the WBA, IBF and WBO belts which may have killed off the £200 million fight with Fury at Wembley Stadium forever.
    Though it was a fortnight ago I still can’t get over Joshua’s tame capitulation – making the brilliant master craftsman Usyk look even better than he is.
    AJ seemed to have completely lost his fighting spirit and like my local petrol pumps his tactical ideas were running on empty.
    The way Joshua was laughing and joking and fist-pumping with his fans as he strode to his downfall made me think he was more suited to star at the London Palladium than Madison Square Garden.
    Fury enjoys a bit of fun in the build-up to his fights but when it comes to working hours he’s all serious business.
    He knows any complacency or a single slip in concentration and his crown could be packed in Wilder’s luggage on its way back to Alabama.
    Evander Holyfield and Riddick Bowe produced another great trilogyCredit: AFP – Getty
    Deontay may not have learned much more in recent months in how to execute some of the fine points of the Noble Art but he still carries dynamite in his right fist.
    Scott, who was stopped in six rounds by Derek Chisora, at Wembley eight years ago, said proudly: “One thing no one can ever change about Deontay is the God-given power.”
    We have to presume that Wilder will be far more canny on this occasion and not allow Fury the freedom of his exposed chin. 
    After what happened in February last year Fury – an 4/11 favourite – will have the psychological edge and I won’t be surprised if he produces a repeat performance and finishes Wilder off even quicker.
    Two weeks ago I pointed out Usyk as the challenger was an unusually short-priced 9/4, which could only mean there was a lot of smart money on his back. Wilder also happens to be quoted at 9/4.
    Is that an omen?  If it is, there likely to be a very short British queue to buy tickets for the Usyk-Wilder unification showdown.

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    Tyson Fury jokingly staggers around and pretends to fall into bin after being asked if he is ready to face Deontay Wilder More

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    John Fury banned from watching son Tyson fight Deontay Wilder at ringside but dad not bitter after accepting Visa denial

    JOHN FURY wants no pity for being banned from the US ringside for son Tyson’s fight with Deontay Wilder on Saturday.The 55-year-old giant served four of an 11-year sentence for gouging out the eye of a rival in 2010 – costing him crucial years at his son’s side.
    John Fury holds no bitterness over not being able to see son Tyson fight Deontay WilderCredit: Sportsfile – Getty
    The proud Traveller is now a free and very popular man, landing a high-profile BT Sport punditry role and being a smash-hit on YouTube.
    When 33-year-old Tyson demolished Wilder in February 2020, his first action backstage was a call to his dad to celebrate and get his approval.
    And the pair will be kept apart again this weekend, with ex-fighter John no longer bitter about the visa ban
    He said: “It’s my own doing, it was my own choice, I could have walked away and instead I chose to break the rules. I am paying for that and I will keep paying for it but that is up to me.
    “I preach to all of my sons how to behave and I did not practice it on that day. I let my temper and pride get in the way of who I am and made the biggest mistake.
    “But I am still alive, I have great people around me and I can watch it on TV. So who am I to complain and give it the big’un about not being ringside?

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    “My son knows what to do, he doesn’t need me, I have brought him up to  be the man he is and I can just sit back and enjoy it.”
    Big John has not seen his son fight in the flesh since beating Francesco Pianeta in Belfast in 2018.
    But if he settles the Wilder trilogy on Saturday, he could face Dillian Whyte, Anthony Joshua or Derek Chisora next, back in the UK.
    But John will not let himself get carried away with the idea of watching his boy dance under local lights.
    Big John is confident Tyson can take care of business in America without himCredit: Rex
    He said: “If is the smallest word in the dictionary but it is also the biggest. If Tyson fights Dillian Whyte back in England next then yes I will be there but I will be nervous and jittery.
    “It will be all brand new again, it will be like being let out of prison all over again, like a child with a new toy. But Tyson is doing amazing things over in America and has proven he doesn’t really need his dad. I could be the jinx.”
    When Tyson accepted the first Wilder fight back in 2018 – just two tune-up fights into a comeback from three years out abusing his body with booze, food and drugs – his dad was fuming.
    Despite unwavering belief in the premature baby he named after American heavyweight legend Iron Mike Tyson, he was worried the task was too tall, even for the 6ft 9in ace.
    How Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder stack up ahead of the trilogy fight
    And, when granddaughter Athena was born premature at the start of August, John threatened to pull his son out of the third installment, placing parental duty over money and contracts and now he explains those tough calls.
    He said: “My feelings before this fight and that first fight are different, before the first fight I was just angry because I felt he was listening to the wrong people.
    “I believe Tyson has learned so much in the last three years, he is no longer thinking everyone is his friend, the penny has dropped. I make it very clear to Tyson that everyone who is employed by him is only there for the money.
    “He cannot start laying his heart on the line for these people because they come and go, the only people there until the end are your blood kin.
    “I was angry back then because they went against me but I can now admit that I was wrong because the first fight had to happen to bring us here.

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    “The world saw the greatest comeback in sport that night. Tyson only had about 50 per cent of his power for that first fight and he still went over there and won – and got robbed for a draw.
    “He proved me wrong and I told him so, he did the impossible in that fight but that is what champions do.”
    BT Sport Box Office will show Fury v Wilder: The Trilogy exclusively live in the UK on Saturday 9th October. For more info go to www.bt.com/sportboxoffice
    CLICK HERE FOR LIVE UPDATES ON FURY VS WILDER 3
    Tyson Fury jokingly staggers around and pretends to fall into bin after being asked if he is ready to face Deontay Wilder More

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    Meet the sexy ring girls for Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder, including model who loves burlesque in the bedroom

    TYSON FURY defends his WBC heavyweight title against Deontay Wilder this weekend as the pair do battle for a third time.The Gypsy King will look to beat his American rival for a second time in 20 months as they return to Las Vegas for another dust-up.
    Model Tianna Tuamoheloa will be one of the ring girls in Vegas
    Stephanie Ann Cook will also be working at the Fury-Wilder trilogy fight
    Cook and Tuamoheloa are already in Vegas working on the fight week eventsCredit: Reuters
    But along with the epic fight which promises to take place, a fight in Vegas also brings with it a certain glamour that you don’t get anywhere else.
    That can be seen in many different ways, none more so than in the two ring girls who will be working the fight.
    Stephanie Ann Cook
    Cook has been modelling for almost 15 yearsCredit: Instagram / @stephanncook
    The pair have worked together before on other Top Rank eventsCredit: Getty
    Stephanie Ann Cook is a model from Rockford, Illinois that currently resides in Vegas.
    She first entered modelling in 2007 and has since gone on to work on a number of combat sports events.
    She became a ring girl for MMA shows around 2009 and then went on to be used frequently to promote Bob Arum’s Top Rank boxing events.
    When asked who her favourite boxer was in 2012, she told Pro Boxing Fans: “Of course I love the legend, Muhammad Ali. He was so inspirational and still brings motivation to my life, that he is a favourite. So my favourite fight is Ali vs Foreman.”

    Cook has worked in MMA as well as boxingCredit: Instagram / @stephanncook
    Cook (centre) is now an established ring girl in boxingCredit: Getty
    When asked to sum herself up, she added: “I’m a very friendly, optimistic, big hearted dreamer! I’ll do my best to keep growing and living life to the fullest.”
    Tianna Tuamoheloa
    Tiana Tuamoheloa is also one of the models working on Fury-Wilder III this weekend in Las Vegas.
    The Samoan thoroughly enjoys travelling and being a part of ESPN’s boxing shows, but very few get as big as this weekend.
    And in an interview back in 2018, Tuamoheloa opened up when asked some very personal questions.
    When quizzed by Maxim if she has any sex fantasies, she said: “I love performing, so why not have a private, burlesque type of performance for my man? I’d think that’s something I think we’d both enjoy.”
    She was also asked how a man catches her attention, to which she responded: “With swag. I enjoy looking at a man who knows how to pair an outfit together and takes risks with his style. I love a man with a confident demeanor.”
    Tuamoheloa has made a name for herself as a ring girlCredit: Instagram / @tiannatuamoheloa
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    How Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder stack up ahead of the trilogy fight
    Cook and Tuamoheloa will be in the ring in the moments before Fury-Wilder III this weekend.
    They will also be a part of the team of ring girls who tell the crowd what round is coming up with their various cards.
    The fight is set to get underway around 5am BST on Sunday morning following a number of undercard bouts.
    Tuamoheloa has been present throughout fight weekCredit: Instagram / @tiannatuamoheloa
    She will be working one of the biggest fights of the year in Vegas on Saturday nightCredit: Instagram / @tiannatuamoheloa More

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    Frank Bruno reveals hardest punchers he faced in boxing career but explains why legend Mike Tyson is NOT in top three

    FRANK BRUNO fought some of the hardest hitters in heavyweight history – and three stand out the most. The British boxing legend left the nation on its feet in 1995 when he won the heavyweight title in his fourth attempt.
    Frank Bruno in his 1983 fight with Jumbo CummingsCredit: PA
    But before that heroic night at Wembley Stadium, Bruno boxed some of the best of all time and took some heavy whacks on the way.
    Revealing the most powerful punchers he ever faced, Bruno said: “I’ve got to go for Jumbo Cummings, Bonecrusher Smith and Tim Witherspoon. 
    “All of them had different punches, all had different ways, when they hit you it hurt.”
    Bruno beats Cummings in 1983 but had to overcome a massive right hand in round one which left him barley able to make it to the corner.
    It was then a year later American Smith beat the Brit favourite in the tenth and final round of their fight.
    Former world champion Witherspoon successfully defended his WBA belt against Bruno in 1986, winning in round 11.

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    Bruno also had two classics with Mike Tyson, in 1989 and then 1996 – his last fight – as well as a Battle of Britain with Lennox Lewis in 1993.
    The two heavyweight legends may not have made his list of top three hitters, but still packed a different kind of punch.
    Speaking at the launch of Wow Hydrate’s new store in Oxford Street, Bruno said: “Tyson’s quick and he’s powerful, he hits like a whip, but it’s a different variety. 
    “Tim Witherspoon, he wore you down, Bonecrusher Smith, he was a different cup of tea.
    “Lennox Lewis was a different cup of tea, everyone’s got their style and how they can punch, different skills.” 
    NINTCHDBPICT000000835754Credit: News UK Ltd
    Frank Bruno was beaten by Lennox Lewis in 1993Credit: Getty
    Frank Bruno in 1989 in his first fight with Mike TysonCredit: Getty More

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    Tyson Fury jokingly stagger around and pretend to fall into bin after being asked if he is ready to face Deontay Wilder

    TYSON Fury shows no sign on pre-fight nerves ahead of his clash with Deontay Wilder in Las Vegas on Saturday night. The hype is building but The Gypsy King appears to be relaxed as ever just days before the bout.
    Fury pretending to fall over a bin after claiming to be feeling ‘absolutely s****’
    Fury recently claimed he would have ‘nutted the c***’ had he gone head-to-head with Deontay Wilder in their final press conference.
    Fury and Wilder went at each other in an explosive press conference on Wednesday nightCredit: AP
    In a video posted to MTK Global’s Twitter account, Fury was seen out and about in Vegas and was asked ‘how he was feeling’ as the countdown to the fight continues.
    And in typical Fury fashion, he responded: “Terrible, absolutely s****.
    “I’m just going to walk I think, can’t be bothered.”
    He’s then seen stumbling with his head down, before staggering around and pretending to fall into a bin.
    And fans on Twitter were absolutely loving it, with one replying to the video: “What a guy”.
    Others simply responded with multiple laughing emojis as Fury fans lapped up the pre-fight mind games from The Gypsy King.

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    The first fight between Fury and Wilder ended in a controversial draw in 2018, before Fury won the rematch in February 2020 via a seventh-round TKO.
    And Fury vs Wilder 3 goes ahead this weekend after an arbitration judge ordered Fury to fight Wilder again instead of an all-British bout against Anthony Joshua.
    The T-Mobile Arena awaits on Saturday night, with 20,000 fans expected to pack out the venue on Las Vegas’ famous strip.
    And the WBC and Ring Magazine Heavyweight titles are on the line on as the pair face off once again in another battle for the ages.
    And Fury was stunned to discover his next opponent could be Dillian Whyte if he emerges victorious this weekend.
    How Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder stack up ahead of the trilogy fight
    The WBC have ordered the winner of Fury vs Wilder to face the interim titleholder if they can’t finalise an undisputed fight with Oleksandr Usyk within 30 days.
    But Usyk is already contractually obliged to give Joshua a rematch.
    Whyte is the current holder of the WBC interim belt, and but puts it on the line next month as he faces Otto Wallin.
    Tyson Fury says Deontay Wilder is a loser and is being trained by a loser More