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      Frank Bruno ‘very sad’ to see Mike Tyson’s plight and thinks under ‘bad-boy’ image was a ‘humble and very good’ person

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      IT IS 25 years on from the fight that ended Frank Bruno’s career — but he has now learned to love former foe Mike Tyson.
      Iron Mike — the Baddest Man on the Planet — halted the British hero’s six-month WBC heavyweight title reign by battering him into retirement in March 1996.

      Mike Tyson pictured during his 1989 win against Frank BrunoCredit: AFP – Getty

      Frank Bruno in his loss against Mike Tyson in the 1996 rematchCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      It was the second defeat inflicted on him by Tyson in Las Vegas, the first coming seven years earlier.
      But Bruno, 59, claims the pair are bound together by brotherly love after he flew to meet him in the USA for a new Sky documentary.
      Bruno told SunSport: “It was sad watching what happened to Mike after he retired — but I had my own situation going on for a lot of that time too.
      “Back then, people with mental health problems did not really come forward to talk about it.

      “So it was very sad with Mike. Because underneath the bad-boy image, the massive puncher, he is not a nasty guy — he is a very good and humble person.
      “It’s just a shame when you get in the ring with him that he turns into an animal!
      “If you think I have been through a hard time, you need to check out Mike and see what he has been through. But now he is happy.
      “I don’t feel any malice towards Mike, I feel far more like a brother to him.”

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      The sibling-like rivalry between the pair goes back 40 years, to when a 19-year-old Bruno was taken on a tour of US gyms — and sparred with a wayward teen dragged off the mean streets of Brooklyn to live and train in the Catskill mountains in New York.
      That early meeting with the quiet, lisping 15-year-old — who was being morphed into history’s youngest heavyweight champion (20) by trainer Cus D’Amato — meant Bruno, unlike most of Tyson’s victims, was never afraid of the human tornado.
      With his trademark booming laugh, Bruno added: “If someone pulled a gun on me and held it to my head, yes I would be scared.
      “If a crocodile walked up my garden path and into my bedroom, I would be s***ing myself.
      “But going in the ring with Mike Tyson was OK.”
      Until Bruno finally became a world champion in 1995 by beating American Oliver McCall at Wembley Stadium, plenty of fans wrote him off as a glass-jawed nearly man who had more catchphrases than title wins.

      Mike Tyson and Frank Bruno filmed a Sky documentary

      Frank Bruno has now learned to love former foe Mike Tyson
      He admits the doubters hurt him more than he let on — but he also knows his never-say-die style has secured his status as a national treasure.
      Bruno explained: “Sometimes you have to lose to really win.
      “I won it the hard way, nothing came on a plate.
      “Looking back now, it might have been nice to not have Mike Tyson right there waiting for me around every corner!
      “But I am still just thankful for getting that title finally — and for all the fans who supported me through those years.”
      Bruno v Tyson is available on Sky Documentaries and NOW TV from tomorrow at 9pm.

      Mike Tyson meets Frank Bruno in March 1987Credit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Tyson Fury adamant he’ll fight twice in 2021 even if it’s not Joshua after frustration over December cancellation

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      TYSON FURY is adamant he will fight twice in 2021 – with or without Anthony Joshua.
      And the WBC heavyweight champion opened up his frustration having seen a summer trilogy bout with Deontay Wilder and comeback in December cancelled.

      Tyson Fury is adamant he will fight twice in 2021, with or without Anthony JoshuaCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Fury, 32, told ESPN: “It was just a big mess-up. I should have boxed, because I’ve been so inactive. I’ve been out for over a year.
      “By the time I fight again, looking at maybe June if this Joshua fight happens, that will be a year and six months out of the ring, which is not ideal preparation for any super-fight.”
      Fury, 32, won the title in February 2020 but amid the coronavirus pandemic an immediate rematch never materialised.
      Wilder, 35, has since launched a legal dispute after it was argued the clause in his contract for a shot at revenge expired in October.

      Fury was then due to face a tune-up opponent in December but again it fell by the wayside, while AJ knocked out Kubrat Pulev, 39, the same month.
      The heavyweight champions are still in talks for a historic undisputed title decider this year.
      But to make up for time, Fury is demanding two fights in 2021 from his US promoters Top Rank – whether it be against Joshua or not.
      He said: “If that fight doesn’t happen this summer, it’s got to happen sooner or later.

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      “But Top Rank has to give me two fights this year. I will fight two times on ESPN. I don’t care who it is.
      “If it’s not Joshua, we’re looking to fight in April or early May, and the end of the year.
      “If it is Joshua, then June and the end of the year. Bang, bang. So, 2021 is looking bright.”
      For the first time in heavyweight history, all four WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO belts are due to be on the line.
      SunSport understands the deal is set to be announced at the start of March and a non-disclosure agreement is keeping negotiations top secret.
      Saudi Arabia, which hosted AJ’s December 2019 rematch win over Andy Ruiz Jr, is leading the race to hold the fight.
      America, Qatar, Dubai, Singapore and China have also all expressed their interest in hosting.

      Tyson Fury beat Deontay Wilder in FebruaryCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Kubrat Pulev was knocked out by Anthony JoshuaCredit: Dave Thompson/Route One Ltd
      But like many fans, even Fury is sweating on overcoming all the obstacles in order to deliver the biggest fight in British boxing history.
      He explained: “They’ve had a full year to try and make this fight happen.
      “Since the last Wilder fight, even before the Wilder fight, they were talking about a fight potentially between me and Joshua.
      “They’ve had a full year to make something happen, and it hasn’t happened as of yet.
      “It is what it is. We’re no further forward today than we were a year ago.
      “The way [the pandemic] is at the moment, I don’t think [negotiations] got much to do with the fighters.
      “It’s to do with the venue, date, place, site fees. It’s to do with everything but the fight itself.”

      Andy Ruiz Jr tips Anthony Joshua to lose blockbuster unification fight with Tyson Fury More

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      Canelo vs Yildirim: UK start time CONFIRMED, DAZN live stream, TV channel and undercard info

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      CANELO returns to the ring this weekend, just two months after battering Brit Callum Smith.
      But before a HUGE clash against Billy Joe Saunders this summer, the Mexican superstar must first defend his super-middleweight titles against Turk Avni Yildirim.

      Canelo and Yildirim do battle this weekend in Miami
      When is Canelo vs Yildirim?
      Canelo vs Avni Yildirim takes place on Saturday, February 27.
      The ring walk time is expected at around 4am UK time (11pm ET), though this depends on the length of the undercard fights.
      The Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida plays host. It is the home of the Miami Dolphins.
      What TV channel and live stream is Canelo vs Yildirim on?

      DAZN will be broadcasting the fight live in the UK.
      Subscribe for £1.99 per month for the DAZN app and watch on games consoles, smart TVs, phones or computers.
      DAZN’s coverage begins at midnight (7pm ET).

      The fight will take place at the home of the Miami Dolphins
      Who is fighting on the undercard?
      Saul Alvarez vs Avni Yildirim (WBA & WBC world super-middleweight titles)
      Julio Cesar Martinez vs McWilliams Arroyo (WBC world flyweight title)
      Zhilei Zhang vs Jerry Forrest (heavyweight)
      Diego Pacheco vs Rodolfo Gomez Jr (super-middleweight)
      Alexis Espino vs Ashton Sykes (super-middleweight)
      Marc Castro vs  Raul Corona (super-featherweight)
      Aaron Aponte vs Harry Gigliotti (super-lightweight)
      Keyshawn Davis vs Lester Brown (lightweight)
      What have they said?
      Canelo, on the prospect of a fight against WBO titlist Billy Joe Saunders and unifying the super-middleweight division: “It’s important for me and my trainer Eddy [Reynoso], because very few people have achieved becoming undisputed champions.

      “And that’s a short-term goal for us. To win all the titles at 168 pounds. Obviously, no Mexican has ever done it. So that’s our short-term goal, to keep making history. And that’s what we want. Eddy and I have always wanted the best. And we want to keep making history.” More

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      Aaron Chalmers confirms move into pro boxing after MMA retirement with Geordie Shore star eyeing WWE afterwards

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      AARON CHALMERS confirmed his move into professional boxing after retiring from MMA – with the Geordie Shore star eyeing WWE afterwards.
      Chalmers leaves the cage with a 5-2 record, having fought four times for Bellator.

      Aaron Chalmers is moving into pro boxing

      Aaron Chalmers retires with a 5-2 MMA recordCredit: Alamy Live News

      He announced via social media that he was no longer continuing his MMA journey and hinted at a new switch.
      Chalmers followed it up by confirming plans to move into WWE before retiring for good aged 40.
      He tweeted: “Couple of years in my new career which will be announced soon and then we move to @WWEUK@WWE and retired at 40.”
      Asked if he was moving into celebrity boxing, Chalmers replied: “Nope not celebrity.”

      Couple of years in my new career which will be announced soon and then we move to @WWEUK @WWE and retired at 40 🙏🏽
      — Aaron chalmers (@AaronCGShore) February 23, 2021

      The 33-year-old, who had two knockouts in MMA, is now training at esteemed boxing coach Adam Booth’s gym.
      Booth has trained ex-world champions David Haye, George Groves and Andy Lee, and currently has a stable of rising talent.
      That includes Josh Kelly, Michael Conlan, Harlem Eubank and Shannon Courtenay.
      And it was Sunderland’s Kelly and 2012 London Olympics bronze medalist Conlan who let the cat out the bag that Chalmers was turning over.

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      The pair called for their new gym-mate to fight YouTuber-turned boxer Jake Paul, who is 2-0 since debuting in 2020.
      Conlan, 29, said on Matchroom’s podcast: “Speaking about Aaron actually – we want Jake Paul. Aaron’s a celebrity, we want Jake Paul.
      “Aaron will f*** Jake Paul up. I will say it now, he will f*** Jake Paul up.
      “Jake Paul’s a b****. He’ll f*** him up. Simple as that.”
      Kelly, 26, added: “Jake Paul’s never a cruiserweight, either. He should be getting that weight off, getting down.
      “Aaron’s got what, nearly what three million followers on Instagram and Twitter? If that fight doesn’t sell what will?”
      Conlan then urged promoter Eddie Hearn to get in touch with them to set up the fight with 24-year-old Paul.

      Watch YouTuber Jake Paul training to fight ex-UFC star Ben Askren More

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      Tyson Fury has ‘brotherhood’ with Joseph Parker, who still keeps in touch with ex-opponent Anthony Joshua on Instagram

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      JOSEPH PARKER opened up on his ‘brotherhood’ with Tyson Fury – and also revealed he keeps in touch with ex-opponent Anthony Joshua on Instagram.
      Parker won the WBO heavyweight title in 2017 after beating Tyson’s cousin Hughie on points in Manchester.

      Joseph Parker pictured with Tyson Fury – with whom he shares a ‘brotherhood’

      Anthony Joshua pictured before his 2018 win against Joseph ParkerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Fury was ringside that night and later struck up a friendship with the New Zealander.
      Parker, 29, was beaten for the first time in 2018 by Joshua, but it has not stopped the pair from checking in on each other.
      He told talkSPORT: “When you share the ring with someone, there’s always gonna be respect.
      “We communicate here and there through Instagram – just, ‘Hey, how’s it going, how’s camp and hope all is well.’

      “But I have a closer relationship with Tyson Fury.
      “He’s always shown me love from the beginning when I came on the scene and he’s always shown me a lot of respect up until now.
      “So him and I talk a lot more than I do with AJ. I don’t know if you remember the years of Periscope on Twitter.
      “It was like the live [stream], he’ll go live and we’d show our support and text him.

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      “Ever since then we had a lot of respect for each other and we supported him.
      “When I fought his cousin Hughie Fury we were able to meet each other and start a great friendship, a great brotherhood.”
      Joshua, 31, and Fury, 32, are in talks for a historic undisputed title decider this year.
      For the first time ever, all four WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles are set to be at stake.
      And Parker has backed pal Fury to emerge with British bragging rights due to his unmatchable versatility and ability to mix up his styles.

      Tyson Fury pictured with Joseph Parker

      Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury are in talks to fightCredit: Mark Robinson Ltd
      He said: “I feel like a little biased, I feel like I give the edge towards Fury just because of the relationship we have.
      “But if I sort of step back and watch – if I wasn’t involved in boxing – I would still think Fury.
      “Just the weapons that he shows coming forward and being able to fight on the back foot.
      “But then again, you’ve got a great champion in Joshua.
      “So it’s a good fight and I think everybody’s excited to see it. Hopefully it’s locked in soon.”

      Andy Ruiz Jr tips Anthony Joshua to lose blockbuster unification fight with Tyson Fury More

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      Canelo Alvarez vs Golovkin trilogy blow as Mexican ‘solely focused’ on becoming undisputed super-middleweight champ

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      CANELO ALVAREZ is ‘solely focused’ on becoming undisputed super-middleweight champion in a blow to Gennady Golovkin.
      The rivals had a pair of thrillers at middleweight, with Canelo winning the rematch in 2018 after a controversial draw a year earlier.

      Canelo is ‘solely focused’ on becoming undisputed super-middleweight championCredit: USA TODAY Sports

      Since then, the Mexican has become a four-division champion, most recently winning unified titles at 168lb.
      He faces Avni Yildirim in a WBC mandatory defence on Saturday but already has his sights set on fellow champions Billy Joe Saunders and Caleb Plant.
      Eddie Hearn – who also promotes GGG – admitted Canelo will not stop until he adds the WBO and IBF titles to his collections.
      Hearn told DAZN: “I think Canelo has made it clear that he wants to become the undisputed champion at 168.

      “The Golovkin fight, of course, it’s there for me. It’s one of the best fights in boxing.
      “When I go back to Canelo being his own boss, he’s really focused, and when he sets his mind to something, he wants to make sure he achieves that.
      “It was very clear to me even before the Callum Smith fight, he wanted to make sure he won every belt in the 168-lb division.

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      “So he won’t be going back to 160, I don’t believe. So Gennadiy is a belt-holder at 160.
      “It would mean Gennady would need to come up to 168, which he would be willing to do.
      “I don’t think that fight by any means is out of the equation, but obviously, Gennady is in a position with his career where he wants those big fights as soon as possible.”
      Since debut to Canelo, 30, Golovkin, 38, remained at middleweight and later won the IBF belt Alvarez vacated.
      GGG defended it against Kamil Szeremeta in December and is now in talks to fight undefeated former light-middleweight champion Jaime Munguia.

      GGG beat Kamil Szeremeta in DecemberCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Canelo is set to fight Avni Yildirim in a WBC mandatory challengeCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Hearn said: “I think the one that stands out not just in terms of boxing but for DAZN is Golovkin vs Jaimie Munguia.
      “I think that’s a great fight for the division, I think it’s an all-action fight.
      “This is a big year for Gennady because he is approaching the back end of his career.
      “He’s an unbelievable fighter and an unbelievable person, and he wants to be involved in the big fights.
      “I think now with the global platform of DAZN, we need to be looking at all these stars.”

      Canelo Alvarez throws ferocious power shots in training ahead of Avni Yildirim fight and Saunders clash More

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      Forgotten heavyweight champ Mahmoud Charr calls out winner of Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury after three years out of ring

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      MAHMOUD CHARR has revealed he is gunning to fight the winner of Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury as he aims to return to the squared circle this year.
      The 36-year-old hasn’t stepped inside the ring since outpointing Alexander Ustinov in November 2017 to win the WBA ‘regular’ belt.

      Mahmoud Charr is desperate to step back inside the ring for the first time since November 2017Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Charr was ordered by the WBA to defend his strap against interim champion Trevor Bryan last month, but the fight failed to materialise.
      He has since been named as the Champion in Recess after failing to secure a visa in time to fight in the United States.
      But he will be able to secure an instant shot at his former title with the WBA stating that Bryan – who beat Bermane Stiverne for the belt in January – must fight him before May 30.
      And Charr is relishing a return to boxing, as he claimed that he has his eyes set on a future bout against either AJ or the Gypsy King.

      Speaking to SunSport about who he wants to compete against should he emerge victorious against Bryan, he declared: “Clearly, the winner of Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury.”
      Asked who he believes would win out of the British pair, he commented: “Willpower beats talent. But both have will AND talent.
      “I appreciate both of them very much. Both are absolute top boxers.
      “It’s going to be a close one. To be honest, I don’t want to commit myself.”

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      WBC king Tyson Fury could be a potential opponent for Charr in the futureCredit: Getty Images

      Anthony Joshua may have to defend his world titles against Charr down the lineCredit: Rex Features

      Charr also spoke of his frustration that his January bout to face Bryan never went ahead, as he hit out at the American’s promoter Don King.
      He said: “It was all very frustrating. Especially the fact of how it happened or didn’t happen.
      “But that’s the way it is and I’m looking forward. I’m still training hard to be prepared for all future opponents.
      “I am glad that the WBA decided that Bryan has until the end of May to fight me.
      “My team and I will do everything we can to make sure that the same story from January doesn’t happen again.
      “This time Don King will not get away with his shady games. And then the belt will be back where it belongs – with me!”
      Before adding: “I am in the shape of my life. Bryan will not have a chance.”

      Andy Ruiz Jr tips Anthony Joshua to lose blockbuster unification fight with Tyson Fury More

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      Anthony Joshua tells Tyson Fury to ‘come find the boss’ to seal world title bout in June and says he’ll fight anywhere

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA has told Tyson Fury he is in control of their summer showdown as British boxing’s head honcho.
      Watford’s WBA, IBF and WBO champ has his team working around the clock to arrange a Saudi Arabia clash with the WBC Gypsy King.

      Anthony Joshua has told Tyson Fury he is in control of their mega unification showdownCredit: PA:Press Association

      The Gypsy King is set to face AJ in June to determine the heavyweight division’s top dogCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      And the 31-year-old has told prank-loving Fury, 32, to clock in with him when he is really ready to confirm the undisputed decider.
      AJ told Sky News: “We’re working on a date for around June.
      “So if Tyson is serious, which I think he is, he’ll know where to come and find the boss.
      “I’m ready. I’m really looking forward to competition, all I want to do is fight, fight, fight.”

      Saudi Arabia, which hosted AJ’s December 2019 rematch win over Andy Ruiz Jr, is leading the race to hold the fight.
      But America, Qatar, Dubai, Singapore and China have all expressed their interest in hosting.
      With the coronavirus fall-out unlikely to let 90,000 fans back into Wembley stadium for a while, the UK has to hope to host the rematch of the planned two-fight rivalry.
      But Joshua, who bashed up Kubrat Pulev in his local Wembley Arena on December 12, says he will not get hung up on the venue.

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      He said: “Any option. Home turf, Middle East, my back garden, your back garden. I don’t mind where it is.
      “I’m just ready to fight. I want that belt. I want to compete with Fury so all options are open to me.”
      Joshua, who heads up his own 258 management team, is employing Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom promoters to get the biggest deal in British boxing history done.
      Fury has Frank Warren’s Queensberry firm working in tandem with Bob Arum’s Top Rank.
      SunSport understands the deal is set to be announced at the start of March and a non-disclosure agreement is keeping negotiations top secret.

      Fury is keeping quiet at his Morecambe base but AJ could not resist going on Twitter this week to suggest talks are going well.
      The London 2012 golden boy wrote: “Another positive meeting with @258mgt. They’ve informed me things are shaping up nicely. They will be sharing the update with Eddie and you’ll be hearing from me soon.”
      When pressed on his suggestive social media post, he said: “I try not to do too much teasing.
      “I had a catch-up with 258 Management, the great team I’ve been working with since I turned professional.
      “They have been working in negotiations. They updated my promotional team, they updated me.”

      Eddie Hearn says he discussed Tyson Fury’s recent weight gain with Anthony Joshua More