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      Anthony Joshua CONFIRMS he will make WWE ‘dream’ move come true once boxing career is over to emulate hero Muhammad Ali

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA has revealed his plans to switch to WWE when he retires from boxing.
      The heavyweight world champion, 31, wants to follow in the footsteps of Muhammad Ali.

      Anthony Joshua has announced his plans to retire within five yearsCredit: Rex Features

      Ali made his name in boxing long before he appeared at WrestleMania I in 1985.
      He rocked up as a referee for the main event tag-team match in New York City.
      And British star AJ plans to do follow a similar route when he hangs up his gloves.
      He has been asked whether he’d prefer to try UFC or WWE at a later stage in his career.

      During the Alternative Sport interview, he said: “I am going to do WWE because that’s what Muhammad Ali did.”
      A long list of boxing stars have switched to WWE including Floyd Mayweather and Tyson Fury.
      WBC champion Fury secured a win on his wrestling debut in Saudi Arabia in 2019.
      The Gypsy King – who is close to agreeing a fight with AJ – KO’d Braun Strowman with a huge punch at Crown Jewel.

      Josh Warrington betting offer: Get price boost on Warrington to 6/1

      WWE boss Vince McMahon would welcome Anthony Joshua with open armsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Joshua, 31, has already announced his plans to retire from boxing within the next five years.
      He boasts a record of 24-1 ahead of his proposed showdown with rival Fury.
      Speaking last month, he told Sky Sports: “This isn’t the start of my career. I’m coming towards the end of my career.
      “I’m not someone who lives in the moment and thinks that everything is just like for now.
      “I’m always planning ahead so I’m coming towards the end of my career.”

      Tyson Fury showed off his skills in the wrestling ring last yearCredit: Reuters

      Boxer Ivan Dychko could be the perfect sparring partner for Anthony Joshua More

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      ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson ‘would have destroyed anybody’ before he ‘got abused’ by boxing business, claims Tyson Fury’s dad John

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      MIKE TYSON ‘would have destroyed anybody’ before he ‘got abused’ by the boxing business, claims Tyson Fury’s dad John.
      John – who once called out the American legend – was asked who would have won between Tyson and Vitali Klitschko.

      Mike Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion aged 20 Credit: Reuters

      John Fury pictured with his son and current champion Tyson Credit: Sportsfile – Getty

      And he was left in no doubt a prime Iron Mike not only would have beaten Klitschko, but anyone else in his way.
      John told Boxing Social: “A young Mike Tyson beats them all.
      “He was like a bull of lightning. The young Tyson, not the older Tyson when he got abused. A young Mike Tyson of the late ’80s.
      “Mike Tyson would have destroyed anybody.”

      Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion of all time in 1986, aged 20, as he knocked out Trevor Berbick in round two.
      But the years following would see the prize fighter lose focus out of the ring and he later admitted to drinking and partying constantly.
      He was shocked by James ‘Buster’ Douglas in 1990, a year after he divorced his wife Robin Givens and was forced to pay out an £8million settlement.
      In 1992 Tyson was jailed for a rape conviction and spent three years behind bars, but won the title again in 1996.

      He still had troubles with promoter Don King, who Tyson accused of stealing £80m from him after his prison release.
      Iron Mike retired in 2005 after two dismal defeats and while heavily in debt.
      But after turning his life around in retirement, he attempted a comeback and fought Roy Jones Jr, 51, in an eight-round exhibition bout.
      Tyson, 54, returned to the ring on November 28 and showed how a cleaner lifestyle has saved the planet’s former baddest man, even if the fight ended in a draw.
      Before the fight, he revealed: “When I quit boxing after my last fight I was just happy it was over. I was a totally different person back then.
      “I was only fighting for money, I was on drugs. But now I have the desire and will to do this.
      “That guy back then was a ghost of me. I feel great now and I want the world to see that.”

      Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr hit out at fight rounds being just two-minutes long and blast ‘it cheats the fans’ More

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      Anthony Joshua called out by old Olympic rival Zhilei Zhang to Chinese superfight at the huge 100,000-seater Bird’s Nest

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      CHINESE giant Zhilei Zhang has called out Anthony Joshua for a blockbuster bout in his home country.
      Zhang, 37, believes a scrap with Britain’s heavyweight king would sell-out Beijing’s 100,000-seater Bird’s Nest Stadium.

      Zhilei Zhang has ambitions to take on AJ after Jerry ForestCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The 6ft 6inch Southpaw takes on American Jerry Forest in Florida on February 27 looking to extend his record to 23-0.
      But he has ambitions to come between AJ and Tyson Fury, with the duo deep in negotiations to finalise the Battle of Britain.
      Zhang wants revenge on Joshua after suffering defeat in their amateur days in the quarter-finals at the 2012 Olympics in London.
      Reported by FightMag, Zhang said: “I would love to fight AJ in China because of our amateur backgrounds.

      “The venue is there, the Bird’s Nest holds 100,000, so we have it all.
      “Beijing and Shanghai are the biggest cities, very economically developed and boxing in China is growing.
      “The sports fans there like boxing, they like AJ, so if we can make it happen it would be huge for boxing.”
      But Zhang will have to bide his time with Joshua and Fury likely to fight twice this year.

      Josh Warrington betting offer: Get price boost on Warrington to 6/1

      Anthony Joshua and Zhang have history as amateur boxersCredit: PA:Press Association

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      The first of them – worth around £200million – is likely to take place in June.
      Both parties are nearing the point now where everything can be signed, but there are still three key details which need to be agreed.
      They include who will ringwalk first, who gets their name first on the billboard and the location of the fight.

      Tyson Fury strips down and dives into sea in Morecambe on bitter 3C day as he trains for Anthony Joshua fight More

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      Jake Paul opens up over ‘curse’ of being Disney kid and how Ben Askren taunts motivate him to knock out UFC star

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      JAKE PAUL has opened up on the Disney ‘curse’ – and revealed he is using Ben Askren’s taunts as motivation to knock out the retired UFC fighter.
      The internet personality-turned professional boxer was a hit with kids on the Disney Channel series Bizaardvark, playing Dirk Mann from 2015 to 2017.

      Jake Paul starred on the Disney Channel show BizaardvarkCredit: Alamy

      Jake Paul is currently 2-0 as a boxerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But fast forward four years and Paul is now a 2-0 fighter with 20MILLION subscribers on his popular YouTube channel.
      His prior career as a small screen star has not been forgotten by ex-UFC welterweight Askren, who mocked Paul for being a ‘Disney kid’.
      But now the 36-year-old, who hung up his gloves in 2019, has been warned his words could come back to haunt him come fight night on April 17.
      Paul, 24, told SunSport: “You know, I think he’s doing a good job of promoting the fight and talking smack.

      “You know, I’m embracing the fact that I’m a Disney teen actor.
      “I’m completely embracing that I actually made a side by side comparison of my stats and his stats as as a fighter.
      “You know, he’s a two time NCAA champion Olympic wrestler. He’s defeated MMA legends he has a better record than Conor McGregor.
      “And me on the other hand, I put Disney actor YouTuber virgin, the list goes on.

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      “But this is why it’s embarrassing for him is because he’s going to get beat up by a kid who was on Disney Channel.
      “So you know, he can keep on promoting that I’m a Disney actor, but when I knock him out that just gonna make him look even more stupid.”
      Paul turned pro in 2020, stopping social media rival ‘AnEsonGib’ in one round.
      He then enhanced his knockout record last November, as he left ex-NBA player Nate Robinson, 36, flattened, turning him into a meme in the process.
      Paul started his boxing journey in 2018, having only wrestled in high-school, as he and his brother fought in separate exhibitions in England.
      Eldest of the Pauls Logan, 25, drew to KSI, 27, whose brother ‘Deji’ lost to Jake.
      Up until then the Pauls were known only for their antics online and brief stint on Disney Channel.

      Jake Paul beat rival ‘AnEsonGib’ in one roundCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Nate Robinson was KO’d by Jake PaulCredit: AP:Associated Press
      But since leaving TV, both have enjoyed superstardom on YouTube and an ever-growing presence in the boxing business.
      In doing so, they avoided the Disney ‘curse’ which has seen other stars suffer mental health breakdowns, eating disorders and suicide attempts.
      Paul said: “You know, I think it’s because there’s a lot of pressure and difficulty that comes with childhood fame.
      “And growing up with your life under a microscope.
      “So when you become famous at an early age, everyone’s gonna want you to fail, they’re gonna want to see you mess up, they’re gonna want to scrutinise you for everything.
      “And so I think Disney kids become a product of that. And it’s almost like, people are wanting them to mess up. So they then mess up.
      “And they’re working all the time. Like when I was on set, it was a lot of work. And so I think imbalances in life aren’t good.
      “And so if you’re working all the time as a kid, all of a sudden, when that stops, maybe you want to party, maybe you want to have fun, and maybe that sort of leads down the wrong path.

      Jake Paul pictured next to older brother LoganCredit: Instagram @jakepaul

      Both the Paul brothers have transitioned into boxing
      “You know, for me, I was lucky to be above that, in many ways. And I was a little bit older when I came into the Disney’s ecosystem.
      “But that’s sort of what I see from being in there. And yeah, I think like growing up under a microscope isn’t easy.”
      Asked does Disney offer therapy for kid stars, Paul responded: “I think the support system around those is really strong.
      “And a lot of kids parents are super involved in the day to day process. They have the teachers and people on set to always help them.
      “So I definitely see a strong support system in it and a lot of ways Disney even would ask me to step in and be a big brother to these kids.
      “So in many ways i was their big brother, or they looked up to me. So I think there was a good support system and everyone there was just super loving.”
      Paul and Disney ‘mutually agreed’ to end their partnership but it was later speculated the American’s behaviour while making viral videos led to the axe.

      Jake Paul starred on Disney Channel from 2015-2017Credit: Alamy

      Jake Paul ‘mutually agreed’ to leave Disney ChannelCredit: Alamy
      But he still insists he had a part in the decision to walk away and believes people are quick to suggest he was fired in order to fit his wild child narrative.
      Paul explained: “I think it was a long time coming. You know, a lot of the media paint any picture of you that they want.
      “The split between Disney and I, in fact, was mutual, it was like sort of this thing that was coming.
      “But at the time, everyone was like, ‘Oh, you got fired by Disney, you got fired by Disney’. So I kind of just ran with it.
      “Because there wasn’t really like, I wasn’t able to tell the truth about it. Or people just didn’t want to hear the truth.
      “They just wanted to be like Jake Paul got fired by Disney.
      “But it was sort of this, too, you know, a brand and Disney and Jake Paul, kind of two brands growing apart.
      “And so it sort of made sense. And ultimately, both parties are happier after that split.”

      Jake Paul hits the pads in training for April 17 boxing return More

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      Jake Paul opens up over ‘curse’ of being Disney kid and how Ben Askren taunts motivate him to knock out ex-UFC star

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      JAKE PAUL has opened up on the Disney ‘curse’ – and revealed he is using Ben Askren’s taunts as motivation to knock out the retired UFC fighter.
      The internet personality-turned professional boxer was a hit with kids on the Disney Channel series Bizaardvark, playing Dirk Mann from 2015 to 2017.

      Jake Paul starred on the Disney Channel show BizaardvarkCredit: Alamy

      Jake Paul is currently 2-0 as a boxerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But fast forward four years and Paul is now a 2-0 fighter with 20MILLION subscribers on his popular YouTube channel.
      His prior career as a small screen star has not been forgotten by ex-UFC welterweight Askren, who mocked Paul for being a ‘Disney kid’.
      But now the 36-year-old, who hung up his gloves in 2019, has been warned his words could come back to haunt him come fight night on April 17.
      Paul, 24, told SunSport: “You know, I think he’s doing a good job of promoting the fight and talking smack.

      “You know, I’m embracing the fact that I’m a Disney teen actor.
      “I’m completely embracing that I actually made a side by side comparison of my stats and his stats as as a fighter.
      “You know, he’s a two time NCAA champion Olympic wrestler. He’s defeated MMA legends he has a better record than Conor McGregor.
      “And me on the other hand, I put Disney actor YouTuber virgin, the list goes on.

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      “But this is why it’s embarrassing for him is because he’s going to get beat up by a kid who was on Disney Channel.
      “So you know, he can keep on promoting that I’m a Disney actor, but when I knock him out that just gonna make him look even more stupid.”
      Paul turned pro in 2020, stopping social media rival ‘AnEsonGib’ in one round.
      He then enhanced his knockout record last November, as he left ex-NBA player Nate Robinson, 36, flattened, turning him into a meme in the process.
      Paul started his boxing journey in 2018, having only wrestled in high-school, as he and his brother fought in separate exhibitions in England.
      Eldest of the Pauls Logan, 25, drew to KSI, 27, whose brother ‘Deji’ lost to Jake.
      Up until then the Pauls were known only for their antics online and brief stint on Disney Channel.

      Jake Paul beat rival ‘AnEsonGib’ in one roundCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Nate Robinson was KO’d by Jake PaulCredit: AP:Associated Press
      But since leaving TV, both have enjoyed superstardom on YouTube and an ever-growing presence in the boxing business.
      In doing so, they avoided the Disney ‘curse’ which has seen other stars suffer mental health breakdowns, eating disorders and suicide attempts.
      Paul said: “You know, I think it’s because there’s a lot of pressure and difficulty that comes with childhood fame.
      “And growing up with your life under a microscope.
      “So when you become famous at an early age, everyone’s gonna want you to fail, they’re gonna want to see you mess up, they’re gonna want to scrutinise you for everything.
      “And so I think Disney kids become a product of that. And it’s almost like, people are wanting them to mess up. So they then mess up.
      “And they’re working all the time. Like when I was on set, it was a lot of work. And so I think imbalances in life aren’t good.
      “And so if you’re working all the time as a kid, all of a sudden, when that stops, maybe you want to party, maybe you want to have fun, and maybe that sort of leads down the wrong path.

      Jake Paul pictured next to older brother LoganCredit: Instagram @jakepaul

      Both the Paul brothers have transitioned into boxing
      “You know, for me, I was lucky to be above that, in many ways. And I was a little bit older when I came into the Disney’s ecosystem.
      “But that’s sort of what I see from being in there. And yeah, I think like growing up under a microscope isn’t easy.”
      Asked does Disney offer therapy for kid stars, Paul responded: “I think the support system around those is really strong.
      “And a lot of kids parents are super involved in the day to day process. They have the teachers and people on set to always help them.
      “So I definitely see a strong support system in it and a lot of ways Disney even would ask me to step in and be a big brother to these kids.
      “So in many ways i was their big brother, or they looked up to me. So I think there was a good support system and everyone there was just super loving.”
      Paul and Disney ‘mutually agreed’ to end their partnership but it was later speculated the American’s behaviour while making viral videos led to the axe.

      Jake Paul starred on Disney Channel from 2015-2017Credit: Alamy

      Jake Paul ‘mutually agreed’ to leave Disney ChannelCredit: Alamy
      But he still insists he had a part in the decision to walk away and believes people are quick to suggest he was fired in order to fit his wild child narrative.
      Paul explained: “I think it was a long time coming. You know, a lot of the media paint any picture of you that they want.
      “The split between Disney and I, in fact, was mutual, it was like sort of this thing that was coming.
      “But at the time, everyone was like, ‘Oh, you got fired by Disney, you got fired by Disney’. So I kind of just ran with it.
      “Because there wasn’t really like, I wasn’t able to tell the truth about it. Or people just didn’t want to hear the truth.
      “They just wanted to be like Jake Paul got fired by Disney.
      “But it was sort of this, too, you know, a brand and Disney and Jake Paul, kind of two brands growing apart.
      “And so it sort of made sense. And ultimately, both parties are happier after that split.”

      Jake Paul hits the pads in training for April 17 boxing return More

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      Daniel Dubois sacking trainer Martin Bowers for Mark Tibbs is among boxing’s most notorious betrayals

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      AS an act of treachery, Daniel Dubois unceremoniously sacking Martin Bowers ranks high among boxing’s most notorious betrayals.
      Four years ago, Bowers agreed to train red-raw 19-year-old novice Dubois and try to turn him into a world heavyweight title contender.

      Heavyweight Daniel Dubois dumped Martin Bowers after his first loss, a shock humbling against fellow Brit Joe Joyce

      Daniel Dubois’ new trainer Mark Tibbs said he has yet to meet the boxerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Dangerous Dan, after just 13 fights, was not only British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion but had been catapulted into a top-ten world ranking and recognised on both sides of the Atlantic as the division’s hottest young prospect.
      But four months ago Dubois suffered his first disastrous defeat against Joe Joyce. 
      With his left eye completely closed and his eye socket fractured, Dubois took the knee and was counted out in the tenth round.
      Dubois and Bowers had an amicable meeting last week to lay plans for his comeback in the summer.

      A few days later, to Bowers’ astonishment, he was told he had been dumped and Mark Tibbs would train Daniel instead.
      Obviously Dubois and his Svengali-like father David blame Bowers for what happened in the Joyce fight despite leading on two of the judges’ scorecards when he quit.
      Daniel gave the usual lame reason boxers do when they  decide to switch camps as he explained: “I really need a fresh start and I need to do what is best for me really.”
      When I spoke to him, Bowers  may well have been seething and feeling extremely hurt inside.

      He said: “I was surprised when they told me — it was the last thing I expected.
      “But I wish Daniel every future success. Along with my brother Tony we still manage him and we will do our utmost to get him the most money possible and the best fights.”
      Tibbs, who is training Billy Joe Saunders in Tenerife for his hoped-for unification world super-middleweight title fight with Canelo Alvarez in the spring, told me he has never even met Daniel.
      When I spoke to Mark this week, he said: “I’m sure we will get on well because it’s vital there is mutual trust.
      “After what happened to Daniel in the Joyce fight and the criticism he received over taking the knee we may have to work on psychological problems.

      “I don’t think he’ll be ready to make his comeback until June or July.”
      For Dubois to leave a top-class trainer like Bowers after just one defeat suggests to me he is implying he was in no way to blame.
      He had better hope Albert Einstein was right when he said ‘The measure of intelligence is the ability to change’.

      Dillian Whyte blasts ‘coward’ Daniel Dubois for ‘quitting’ as he stops fighting in shock defeat to Joe Joyce More

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      Jake Paul reveals famous celeb girls keep sliding into his DMs.. but won’t say who as ‘some of them have boyfriends’

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      JAKE PAUL revealed famous celebrity girls keep sliding into his DMs – but will not say who as ‘some of them have boyfriends’.
      The YouTuber-turned professional boxer is currently single, having recently broken up with Instagram influencer Julia Rose.

      Jake Paul revealed famous celebrity girls keep sliding into his DMsCredit: Instagram @jakepaul

      YouTuber-turned professional boxer is currently singleCredit: Instagram @jakepaul

      Jake Paul turned professional boxer in 2020Credit: Instagram @jakepaul

      And he has since been receiving a lot of attention from the ladies – some of whom are apparently recognisable names.
      But Paul is not in the business of exposing his admirers, instead wanting to focus on his fighting career.
      He told The Sun: “Yeah, I mean, there’s a lot of girls in the DMs you know, and it’s cool. A lot of famous girls.
      “You know, it’s not always this like thing where we have to be boyfriend and girlfriend.

      “But yeah, there’s definitely been a lot of, you know, I’m always talking to a bunch of different girls and friends with a bunch of different people.
      ‘So like I said, I’m just focused on myself and focused on boxing this year. You know, I don’t want to expose anyone.
      “Some of these girls have boyfriends, so I don’t even know if they’re supposed to be DM-ing me. It is what it is.”
      Paul, 24, has been a heartthrob ever since he burst onto the scene with his older brother Logan, 25, on social media app Vine.

      The ex-Disney Channel actor has been with fellow internet personalties Alissa Violet, Erika Costell, Tana Mongeau and more recently Rose.
      And while Paul portrays a playboy persona online to enhance his rap and boxing career, he revealed his secretly softer side while in love and in a relationship.
      He said: “I’m definitely a sim. Like anything in my life, if I’m doing something I want to be the best at it.
      “So if I’m if I’m dating a girl, I want to be the best boyfriend for her. I want to make her feel loved.
      “I want to make a first date special. I want to take her on dates.
      “You know, I’ve gone above and beyond to make the best possible dates or write them a poem. I’ve made a song before for one of my girlfriends.

      Jake Paul with former partner Tana MongeauCredit: @tanamongeau

      Jake Paul pictured with ex-girlfriend Julia RoseCredit: Instagram @jakepaul

      Tana Mongeau pictured with Julia Rose
      “So yeah, I’m definitely a sim but I kind of grew up a mama’s boy. So that side of me comes out when I’m in a relationship.
      “And yeah, I’m a different person. When I’m in love. It’s actually really weird. My friends are like, Who is this guy? What’s going on here?”
      Paul launched his pro boxing career in January 2020, knocking out YouTube rival ‘AnEsonGib’ in one round.
      The American last November then enhanced his record after leaving ex-NBA star Nate Robinson, 36, out cold and into a viral meme.
      His third bout is set for April 17 against 36-year-old retired UFC welterweight Ben Askren.

      Nate Diaz reveals he leapt to UFC rival Conor McGregor’s defence with X-rated blast at Jake Paul More

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      Watch Tyson Fury strip down and dive into sea in Morecambe on bitter 3C day as he trains for Anthony Joshua fight

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      TYSON FURY stepped up his preparations for his fight with Anthony Joshua by heading for a freezing cold February swim.
      The Gypsy King did not fear the icy temperatures as he braved the waters of Morecambe Bay for a quick recovery session.

      Tyson Fury braved the freezing waters of Morecambe Bay during a recovery sessionCredit: Twitter @Tyson_Fury

      The Gypsy King ignored the icy temperatures for a quick dipCredit: Twitter @Tyson_Fury

      Fury is currently in training for his showdown with Anthony JoshuaCredit: Twitter @Tyson_Fury

      With the temperature at a glacial 3C, the 32-year-old wore nothing but red shorts as he ran along the beach and into the sea.
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      Speaking to the camera in his latest Instagram post, he said: “Right, I’m about to get into this cold sea in February.
      “This is how we do it. Recovery in aid, let’s go!”

      As Fury takes the plunge he can be heard shouting out loud while wife Paris tells him to start swimming.
      After powering his way back to shore, the heavyweight star is greeted with a high-five before towelling off.
      One fan commented: “Mad guy!”
      Another said: “Bonkers! But the soon to be unified, undisputed world champion! Legend! Absolute legend!”

      A third added: “Good to see the man enjoying himself, he looks happy with his life and that’s the best thing after what he’s gone through!”

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      SunSport revealed earlier this week that Fury’s heavyweight showdown against Joshua is set to be finalised within days.
      The two British heavyweights have been on a collision course since AJ knocked out Kubrat Pulev in the ninth round at the end of last year.
      The Middle East appears to be the frontrunner to host the fight, with the coronavirus pandemic making it near-impossible to put the event on in the UK due to the inability to sell out a full stadium.

      Eddie Hearn says Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury ‘close’ to official announcement More