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    Eddie Hearn forced to deny Billy Joe Saunders has ruptured his scrotum ahead of Canelo Alvarez fight after joke tweet

    EDDIE HEARN has been forced to deny Billy Joe Saunders has ‘ruptured his scrotum’ after the star’s wind-up ahead of his clash with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.The British star has finally secured the showdown with the Mexican great with the two set to collide on May 8.
    Billy Joe Saunders has been on the wind-up ahead of his fight with CaneloCredit: Reuters

    Canelo set up the unification fight with Saunders by destroying Avni Yildirim in three brutal rounds last month.
    Saunders, 31, decided to mark the official announcement by wearing an apron with a fake penis and testicles attached as he went live on Instagram.
    And he is continuing to joke and cause grief for his promoter Hearn with his fun antics on social media.
    He continued that over the weekend by tweeting: “Ruptured my scrotum.”
    The WBO super-middleweight champion seems to have caught some off-guard with his claim.
    And those who are not aware of his wind-up tactics appeared to be worried his date with destiny could be in jeopardy.
    Now Hearn has taken to Twitter himself to ease those fears.
    He wrote: “FFS. Getting calls from media asking if Billy Joe Saunders has really torn his scrotum.”

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    How the two stars shape-up head-to-headCredit: The Sun

    That seemingly confirms that the private parts of Saunders are still in perfect working order and he remains on track to go one-on-one with Canelo.
    During his infamous apron with a fake penis and testicles attached, Saunders said: “Alright people, I just wanted to say a big thank you to Canelo, I’m such a big fan.
    “I’ve been training a long time for this, I’ve been waiting a long, long time. It’s been frustrating waiting, but thank you sir for this opportunity.
    “I’m only just gonna come, pick my money up and go home, you know. It’s one of them. It’s gonna be good, it’s gonna be very good.
    “I just wanna thank everybody this morning watching this, I’m just proud to be alive.
    “I’m so happy to even be here taking part in this event.
    “To take part in this event, obviously I’m not gonna win, just gonna go there, just turn up looking at the numbers.”
    Canelo was not in the mood for jokes when he was quizzed about Saunders, saying: “He’s a very difficult fighter. We need to go for him.”
    “People talk, but I’m a mature fighter. I know how to control myself.”

    Billy Joe Saunders wears apron with fake penis in mocking video after Canelo Alvarez fight is confirmed More

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    KO king Artur Beterbiev reveals Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson were his ‘idols’ but jokes ‘I’m not as scary’ as Iron Mike

    ARTUR BETERBIEV grew up idolising heavyweight icons Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson – but he can never dream of being as scary as Iron Mike. Frighteningly powerful Beterbiev has been described as a modern-day Tyson by his trainer Marc Ramsay.
    Artur Beterbiev grew up idolising heavyweight icons Muhammad Ali and Mike TysonCredit: Rex
    Mike Tyson pictured in 1996Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    All 17 of the Russian’s unbeaten fights have ended in stoppages, making him the only current world champion with a 100 per cent KO ratio.
    But while Beterbiev strikes just as much fear into his opponents eyes as prime 1980s Tyson, he insists he is not so much cut from the same cloth.
    With a smile, he told SunSport through a translator: “Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali have always been my idols of boxing.
    “However, I didn’t adopt their characters, I didn’t adopt their styles. They have different boxing styles to me.
    “And I don’t think I’m as intimidating as Mike Tyson! Look at me, I’m not as scary as Mike Tyson was.”
    Beterbiev, 36, from Chechnya, was a standout amateur, representing Russia at European and World level.
    He also competed at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, but failed to medal and left the unpaid ranks with a 295-5 record.
    Some of the names he beat in the amateurs include Sergey Kovalev, 37, and Oleksandr Usyk, 34.
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    Having gained so much experience with the vest and head guards on, it came as no surprise that Beterbiev was fast-tracked in the pros.
    By his 12th fight he won the IBF belt in 2017 against German Enrico Kolling.
    He made two defences before unifying it with Oleksandr Gvozdyk’s WBC title in October 2019.
    They put on a thriller in Philadelphia and after three knockdowns in round ten, Gvozdyk conceded defeat.
    The Ukrainian then spent two nights in hospital due to the affects of Beterbiev’s power.
    Beterbiev, who returns on Saturday against Adam Deines, has another ready-made rival in countryman Dmitry Bivol, 30, the WBA champion.
    He has also seen rivals from the pros and amateurs move as high as heavyweight, such as Usyk.
    But Beterbiev has ruled out ever moving past cruiserweight, and only then it would have to be for an offer he could not refuse.
    Artur Beterbiev is the unified WBC and IBF champCredit: Getty – Contributor
    He said: “Maybe I would move up to one weight to cruiserweight, if I had some interesting fights.
    “But otherwise I wouldn’t change my weight category, I wouldn’t move up.
    “But for a great fight? Yes.”
    Beterbiev was due to make his return in January, but after testing positive for coronavirus after Christmas, the fight was instead backdated.
    Having already overcome a bout with Covid-19, the unified champ is primed and ready to go following his unwanted delay.
    Beterbiev said: “The most frustrating thing was the first cancelled fight as it happened just 14 days before the scheduled fight. 
    “Afterwards we started training again, and it wasn’t so frustrating as we couldn’t do anything about it. 
    “Look, I had to just take it as it is, as I can’t change things.” 
    Artur Beterbiev faces Adam Deines on his returnCredit: Kommersant Photo / Polaris
    Artur Beterbiev’s return was delayed as he tested positive for coronavirusCredit: Getty
    Beterbiev’s career-best win against Gvozdyk saw him enter the mythical pound-for-pound rankings.
    Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez sits atop of the boxing throne, currently campaigning at super-middleweight.
    He ventured up to Beterbiev’s home in 2019, as he KOd ageing veteran Sergey Kovalev to win the WBO belt.
    But Canelo, 30, later vacated the strap and admitted staying at light-heavyweight could be a step too far.
    Still, Beterbiev remains open to a super-fight with the four-division king and left it in Alvarez’s hands.
    He said: “Of course I’m interested, I’m in. 
    “Ask him, I cannot answer for him. But if you ask me, I’m in, you’d have to ask him if he’s in.” 
    Yildirim’s manager Ahmet Oner says that Canelo Alvarez would beat Anthony Joshua More

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    Lawrence Okolie sets sights on the film industry after cruiserweight world title bout with Krzysztof Glowacki

    LAWRENCE OKOLIE has a hell of a lot on his plate in 2021.’The Sauce’, as he’s eloquently known, released a book three weeks ago, a music single two weeks back, and will take part in a world title fight this weekend.
    Lawrence Okolie has been preparing for his world title bout since the middle of last yearCredit: The Sun
    But after his cruiserweight spectacle with Krzysztof Glowacki is over, Okolie wants to conquer the cinema scene.
    “Let’s do a movie as well! Why not? Throw that one in there as well,” he gleefully exclaims in an exclusive chat with SunSport.
    “I’m just in a space mentally and physically that I want to do whatever I can, because whenever boxing is done I’m going to be 35-40 years old, I won’t be able to punch as hard and fast and I won’t be able to make a rap video either.
    “And then the book… that was very emotional, there was a lot to reminisce about. The story I’ve got to this day, being an Olympian, being a champion, is a story that’s going to help a lot of people.”

    Okolie has already achieved more than he ever dreamed he could as a teenager. An obese one, with a lack of direction in his life, at that.
    Now stands an adonis-looking figure in the ring with British, Commonwealth and European boxing titles to his name.
    World honours are next. But with Okolie, from the outside looking in at least, it doesn’t always look like the 28-year-old lives the gym-rat lifestyle.
    Under trainer Shane McGuigan’s tutelage, however, he promises he does just that. And even with all the glitz, glamour and opulence that comes with his non-boxing activities, Okolie’s reluctant for any of that to muscle in on his ring exploits.
    “When you take that life too seriously they become quite conflicting, you’re up late, you’re at venues where there’s lots of alcohol, I don’t drink or smoke. I don’t want to be taken as a gimmick, I want to be respected,” he adds.
    But the topic circles back to acting, which, post-Glowacki, he has tunnel vision for.

    Okolie says: “Number one, after boxing, is acting… the one thing I can’t get the hang of is darts. I really struggle, I’ve tried my best and it’s just not working.
    “So if possible I want to get into a movie this year. As a world champion I hope that will open some more doors.
    “Like serious movies or maybe a TV series, as long as it doesn’t distract from boxing. I feel like if I’ve got two weeks off somewhere  let’s fill that up with other interests. Let’s go to the studio, let’s go to the film set, let’s just enjoy it.”
    And what does his trainer think?
    “Shane likes it, he tries not to say it too much, but he does,” Okolie says.
    Lawrence Okolie joined up with trainer Shane McGuigan in early 2019Credit: Reuters
    Something striking in Okolie’s approach to life is the lack of fear in everything he does.
    He walked out to one of his own tracks before his fight with Nikodem Jezewski on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s title defence with Kubrat Pulev last December.
    But that’s all it was, his own to listen to. That’s until ‘TKO’ was released as Okolie’s debut single on March 4. Another finger in another pie.

    He explains: “I’ve had that song for a year. It was made during the first lockdown. I’ve got friends that are always like ‘mate, just do it, you’re not scared are you?’ And I’m like ‘no of course I’m not scared!'”
    “I want belts, CDs, MP4s, music, films so when I’ve got a family, one day they can say ‘listen listen, you’re dad used to be really handsome!'”
    But for now, Glowacki stands in the way of the first item on that list. An experienced southpaw with just two losses on his 33-fight CV, the Polish fighter has been bested only by Mairis Briedis and cruiserweight great Oleksandr Usyk.
    Oleksandr Usyk is one of two men to beat Krzysztof GlowackiCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Okolie’s power at 14st 4lbs is something to behold, though. And he’s expecting an early night.
    “I might get Glowacki done in one round, who knows. I might go one better than Usyk or Breidis,” he says, straight-faced.
    “The reality is, it’s a world title fight, you’re going to have to fight someone good for it. He’s a tricky, awkward, powerful southpaw. I need to be on my A-game 100 percent. And I will be… I’ll get it done.”
    Lawrence Okolie has won the British, Commonwealth and European titlesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    So what started all of this? Because there were certainly no dreams or aspirations as a 16-year-old. But Okolie has an answer.
    “I wanted to get girls, man. I just wanted to get girls. That was it for me, I didn’t really have any major aspirations. I wanted girls but girls didn’t want me.
    “But then I changed stuff and now…yeah.” More

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    Floyd Mayweather says Logan Paul is more famous than ANY boxer bar himself and predicts $100m payday to fight YouTuber

    FLOYD MAYWEATHER reckons Logan Paul is more famous than ANY boxer bar himself and predicted a $100million payday for their exhibition fight. Mayweather is set to face the social media star in a pay-per-view spectacle this year.
    Floyd Mayweather said Logan Paul is more famous than any boxer bar himselfCredit: Instagram / @themoneyteam
    Floyd Mayweather predicted a $100million for his exhibition with Logan PaulCredit: Instagram / @itsvortiz
    In an interview with entrepreneur Rob Moore, the boxing legend was asked if he is fighting Paul, who is 0-1 as a professional.
    Mayweather, 44, responded: “Name another boxer, besides myself, that’s more famous than Logan Paul?”
    The 50-0 icon then explained he could make a guaranteed $35million (£25m) to fight any regular boxer.
    But an exhibition extravaganza will earn him $65m more, as he projected he will make $100m (£72m) against Paul.
    Mayweather said: “I prefer to still go out, entertain and have fun.
    “Just because I go out and entertain, have fun, doesn’t mean that I still want to fight 12 rounds.
    “I think we got a six round exhibition and I think it’s going to be very entertaining, and the people are going to love it.
    “We’ve got to look at 35 million for 12 rounds or 100 million for six rounds, big difference, big difference.

    “And I can’t really say what the numbers are going to be. How much money I’m going to make, or how much Logan Paul is going to make.
    “But we’re talking about projecting, we’ve always got to talk about what it’s projected to make.”
    FIGHT POSTPONED
    The five-weight world champion, 44, was due to fight Paul, 25, on February 20, but it was postponed with a new date yet to be announced.
    Mayweather later revealed he backdated the bout to ensure fans can attend, and names the Las Vegas Raiders’ 80,000-seater stadium as a potential venue.
    He has not fought since 2018, when he wiped out featherweight kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa in a similar exhibition.
    Mayweather retired professionally in 2017, after he beat UFC star Conor McGregor, 32, in ten rounds.
    Paul on the other hand has boxed twice, firstly in a white collar bout in Manchester against YouTube rival KSI, which ended a draw.
    In the rematch a year later after both fighters had turned pro, the American vlogger was beaten by split-decision after a two-point deduction cost him the result.
    Floyd Mayweather back in training ahead of fight against YouTuber Logan Paul More

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    Marvin Hagler’s wife Kay hits out at ‘nonsense’ claims boxing legend died as result of Covid vaccine

    MARVIN HAGLER’S wife Kay has hit out at claims her late husband died as a result of the Covid vaccine.
    Tommy Hearns, who was knocked out by Marvelous Marvin in 1985, claimed that Hagler had been ‘in the ICU fighting after-effects of vaccine’.

    Hagler’s grieving wife Kay has hit back at anti-vaxxers’ claimsCredit: AFP

    The remark prompted conspiracy theorists to use Hagler’s tragic passing aged 66 as a means to promote their unfounded claims that the vaccine is dangerous.
    And grieving Kay took to Facebook to set the record straight.
    She wrote: “I would like to speak with my heart to all of you. I apologise if my English is not written correctly but I hope everyone understands me in this difficult moment.
    “After 31 years the love of my life is gone and my life without him no longer makes sense, but I can feel him next to me even now and he’s telling me not to give up and be strong for him.

    “Thank you for your love, he loved people so much, he loved you all he was happy when he read your comments he was a special person the most beautiful person I had ever met in all my life.
    “I was the only person close to him until the last minute, and I am the only person that know how things went not even his family know all the details and I do NOT accept to read some stupid comment without knowing really what happen. For sure wasn’t the vaccine that caused his death .
    “My baby left in peace with his usually smile and now is not the time to talk nonsense.
    “Marvin hated funerals and therefore there will be no funerals or church celebrations he wants to be remembered with a happy smile but I would be happy if each of you can light a candle for him.

    Marvelous Marvin passed away aged 66Credit: AFP

    Hagler knocked out Tommy Hearns in 1985Credit: Getty

    “However there is something special that I will do because it was his wishes and you will be informed at the right time by me I just need time. Thank you all for your love, Kay G. Hagler.”
    The boxing world has been left in mourning by Hagler’s death.
    Fellow legend Mike Tyson led the tributes, writing: “Marvin Hagler was one of the best warriors in the sport. Condolences to his family. He will be missed.”
    And Sugar Ray Leonard – who famously beat Hagler in a hotly contested points decision 1987 – was another to post an emotional tribute to the American.
    Leonard, 64, wrote: “I was really in shock yesterday after hearing the news of Hagler, it hit me hard. We had just the utmost respect for each other!
    “Marvin Hagler had every ingredient that it takes to be a great champion. Marvin, you are definitely gone too soon, but you will forever live on as one of the greats!
    “Thoughts and prayers to the entire Hagler family.”
    Podcaster Joe Rogan also paid his respects to the sporting great, while fellow legend Oscar De La Hoya called him ‘One of the greatest to ever step in the ring!’.

    Marvin Hagler was one of the best warriors in the sport. Condolences to his family. He will be missed.
    — Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) March 14, 2021

    Boxing legend and former undisputed middleweight world champion Marvelous Marvin Hagler dead at 66 More

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    Tyson Fury’s team ‘not happy’ over Anthony Joshua fight announcement as Warren claims Hearn broke agreement

    TYSON FURY’S promoter Frank Warren has taken a swipe at Eddie Hearn after he let slip that the Gypsy King and Anthony Joshua have agreed a two-fight deal.
    The 41-year-old – who promotes WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight champion Joshua – revealed on Monday that the first undisputed title clash is set to take place this summer.

    Frank Warren has spoke of his frustration that Eddie Hearn let slip that Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua have agreed a two-fight dealCredit: Getty

    Hearn revealed that Fury and AJ’s first bout is expected to take place in the summerCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

    But his announcement that AJ will pit his wits against WBC king Fury has angered Warren, who insisted that both parties agreed to do a joint statement at the same time.
    Speaking on talkSPORT’s Breakfast show, Warren said: “Everybody signed an agreement that there would be no announcements unless they were joint announcements and that came out the blue yesterday.
    “We are all not happy but it is out there now – there is nothing we can do about that.
    “But there is a long way to go yet in as much we have to sort out venues. We have a couple venues we are looking at and that is where we are.

    “I believe it will happen when they get in the ring. We’ve still got a way to go.
    “But everybody is on the same page to make this work. We are all collectively working to get a venue sorted now.”
    It has been claimed that Fury and Joshua must agree within 30 days on where their domestic dust-up will take place, otherwise it may not materialise.
    And there are up to EIGHT potential locations battling it out to stage it, including London, Las Vegas, Singapore and Saudi Arabia.

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    Commenting on the scale of the fight, Warren added: “It is the biggest fight ever in British boxing, bar none.
    “Two guys who hold all versions of the world title between them, both Brits, and it don’t get no better than that.
    “It is massive. Nothing compares to it. I have been involved in some big fights over the years but they pale in comparison to how enormous this fight is.
    “And in world boxing, it is the same. When you speak to anybody, all they talk about is when the fight is going to be on.
    “Hopefully it is going to happen now and everyone’s wish is going to come true.”

    Anthony Joshua fight with Tyson Fury SIGNED as Eddie Hearn confirms two-fight deal worth £200m for later this year More

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    Anthony Joshua is like Mike Tyson and is ONLY man who can beat Tyson Fury despite being ‘worse boxer’, says Bellew

    ANTHONY JOSHUA has been backed as the biggest heavyweight star since Mike Tyson and the only man capable of beating Tyson Fury.
    Joshua, 31, and Fury, 32, have signed a two-fight deal to secure a historic undisputed title decider.

    Anthony Joshua has signed to fight Tyson Fury

    Tony Bellew says Anthony Joshua is the biggest heavyweight star since Mike Tyson

    It will promise, for the first time ever, that one heavyweight champion reigns as the WBC, WBC, IBF and WBO undisputed champion.
    Tony Bellew believes the Brit pair are bringing attention to the blue ribband division not seen since Iron Mike’s most destructive days.
    Retired Bellew, 38, told talkSPORT: “Anthony Joshua is I think on par with Canelo as the face of our sport.
    “There’s not a bigger name in the sport than Anthony Joshua right now. He’s crossed over boundaries, he’s now a face amongst the big sporting names.

    “This guy could draw in a 100,000 crowd. He’s phenomenal and Tyson Fury is the king of comebacks.
    “His story with the mental health issues – it’s just unbelievable that he came back. It’s fantastic what he’s done.
    “To put it purely into context, it’s all of the belts on the line. This is what the boxing world needs.
    “The most recognisable face in the history of sport has to be Muhammad Ali, that’s a boxer.

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    “These guys now have the opportunity to take boxing back to that magnitude, back to that level. Because it hasn’t been taken there since Mike Tyson.
    “Mike Tyson is the last polarising figure that really set the world alight with the marketing and everyone wanted a piece of him.
    “Anthony Joshua’s getting to that level of what Mike Tyson was, and Tyson Fury is slowly catching up behind him.
    “Make no mistake, these guys are mega stars. This is the biggest fight this country has ever seen and I’m so, so happy it’s happening.”
    Joshua stands as the unified champion, with only one loss to his name, a defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr in June 2019 that he avenged six months later.
    Fury is unbeaten in 31 fights, with a 2018 draw against Deontay Wilder, 35, the sole blemish on his record.

    Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are set for an undisputed title deciderCredit: Reuters
    But he dominated Wilder in the rematch last February, to dethrone the American of the WBC crown.
    Fury’s masterful boxing skills has Bellew – who twice fought at heavyweight with wins over David Haye – admitting he is the better technician than AJ.
    But he tipped Joshua to throw caution to the wind and find a way to win inside the first half of the fight – or else find himself staring defeat in the face.
    He said: “I believe he is the only guy who has the tools to beat Tyson Fury.
    “He’s the man who can get close enough, he’s the man who throws punches that are fast enough to land, he hits hard enough to drop him and hurt him.
    “Nobody else in the world has the skillset that Anthony Joshua has. Nobody is technically at the same level as Anthony Joshua.

    Tony Bellew has backed Anthony Joshua to beat Tyson FuryCredit: Getty – Contributor
    “I’m not saying he’s better than Tyson Fury – Tyson Fury is a better boxer than Anthony Joshua, but Anthony Joshua moves quicker than Tyson Fury.
    “Anthony Joshua’s explosive power is bigger than Tyson Fury’s, Anthony Joshua’s combination punching is quicker than Tyson Fury’s.
    “Tyson Fury is quicker with one punch, with the speed of the jab and the speed of the feet, but he is not faster with the combinations.
    “I do think it’s got to happen inside the first six rounds for Anthony Joshua If it doesn’t, I don’t think he beats him.
    “Tyson Fury is very, very hard to work out, but I still stand by Anthony Joshua.
    “I just think he will jump on him, he won’t care what’s coming back, and that’s the only way to beat Tyson Fury.”

    Anthony Joshua predicted he would fight Tyson Fury in 2021 in brilliant phone call between pair two years ago More

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    Floyd Mayweather confirms he will ‘work with Anthony Joshua real soon’ and breaks down ‘intriguing’ Tyson Fury fight

    FLOYD MAYWEATHER confirmed he will be ‘working with Anthony Joshua real soon’ as he broke down the ‘intriguing’ Tyson Fury fight.
    Mayweather has enjoyed a blossoming friendship with Joshua in recent years, even showing up ringside at the Brit’s last win in December.

    Floyd Mayweather confirmed he will be ‘working with Anthony Joshua real soon’Credit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

    Floyd Mayweather pictured with Tyson Fury

    And Fury has also been in the American boxing legend’s company, partying with him in Las Vegas.
    But Mayweather – who announced plans to move into coaching last year – revealed he regularly speaks to Joshua.
    And while it is not clear what capacity the pair will work alongside each other, it appears something is in the works.
    Mayweather, 44, told entrepreneur Rob Moore: “Anthony Joshua has a lot of experience, Tyson Fury as well has a lot of experience.

    “But I think with Anthony Joshua losing a fight, that helped him become stronger.
    “I look forward to working with Anthony Joshua real soon, we communicate all the time, we talk all the time.
    “I’ve met Tyson Fury on a few occasions, great guy, very interesting, after the fight I like to see him sing.
    “I haven’t seen him fight a lot of times, I’ve seen him fight probably only twice. I’ve only seen Tyson Fury fight twice, against Deontay Wilder.

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    “It’s a very intriguing match-up, you can never say what’s going to happen in the sport of boxing.
    “Both guys are great competitors. Like I say, me and Anthony Joshua talk on the regular, so I look forward to working with Anthony Joshua.”
    Joshua, 31, and Fury, 32, have signed a two-fight deal for their historic undisputed title decider.
    It will see, for the first time in heavyweight history, all four WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO titles on the line.
    But nothing will be official until a date and venue is finalised.

    Anthony Joshua predicted he would fight Tyson Fury in 2021 in brilliant phone call between pair two years ago More