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      Ben Askren tipped by UFC new boy Michael Chandler to cause shock upset in boxing match with YouTuber Jake Paul

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      UFC new-boy Michael Chandler has warned fight fans not to write off Ben Askren’s chances in his showdown with Jake Paul.
      The former UFC welterweight contender, who retired from MMA in November 2019, will face the YouTuber in a boxing match on April 17.

      Former UFC welterweight Ben Askren will box Jake Paul on April 17Credit: Getty

      Jake Paul, who is 2-0 as a professional boxer, goes into his bout with Ben Askren as the favouriteCredit: Jake Paul

      Askren’s chances of beating Paul – who is 2-0 as a professional boxer – have been written off by many due to his less-than-stellar striking game.
      But Chandler – who wrestled with Askren at the University of Missouri – believes the former Bellator and ONE Championship welterweight champion is more than capable of causing an upset.
      During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Chandler said: “Let’s be honest, Ben isn’t the most talented striker.
      “If you are Jake Paul you chose the right mixed martial artist to step inside the boxing ring.

      “But, I’m telling you right now, don’t overlook my man Ben. Number one, I hope he is getting paid a grip.
      “Number two, I’m tuning in, I might even be there boxing ringside because that will be a fun one. I think it is awesome.
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      “Truthfully, I would never hate on anybody for making a living and doing what they are doing.

      “The Paul brothers, fighting [Floyd] Mayweather and the basketball player and KSI.
      “It is not a real sport necessarily but it is fun to watch. It is good for the sport, it is entertainment and you will see it more and more.”
      Chandler is happy to see his old uni mate getting a big payday, adding: “I love it man, I wasn’t sure it was going to happen.
      “I just love every good thing that happens to Ben Askren. Say what you want about him.

      Michael Chandler has warned fight fans not to overlook Ben AskrenCredit: Getty

      “A lot of people don’t know him as I know him, he’s like a big brother to me, he’s a guy I would consider one of my best friends and teammates for life. I’m excited about it.”
      Askren is eyeing a seventh-round TKO victory over the younger Paul brother, who insists the MMA veteran won’t lay a glove on him.
      He told ESPN: “Go Google Ben Askren’s striking. Hahaha. It’s not going to go that long, it’s not going to go that long.
      “I don’t even think he’ll hit me. I haven’t been hit one time in the face in my past two fights.
      “So I haven’t even been punched as pro boxer one time. Nate Robinson landed one body shot in a clinch.
      “I don’t think Ben Askren will even hit me. That’s my prediction.”

      Jake Paul makes Ben Askren fight prediction and claims ex-UFC star ‘won’t even hit me’ More

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      Tyson Fury clash with Anthony Joshua set to be OUTSIDE UK as Frank Warren reveals contracts near over two-fight dear

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      TYSON FURY’s eagerly-anticipated heavyweight title unification fight with Anthony Joshua is unlikely to be held in the UK.
      Negotiations over the long-awaited Battle of Britain resumed after Joshua’s ninth-round KO victory over Kubrat Pulev in December.

      Frank Warren doesn’t believe Tyson Fury’s long-awaited clash with Anthony Joshua will take place in the UKCredit: PA

      Tyson Fury is on a collision course with unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua

      Talks over a two-fight deal have progressed well and both parties are confident an agreement will soon be finalised.
      But Fury’s co-promoter Frank Warren isn’t confident of the biggest fight in the history of British boxing taking place in the UK.
      The Queensbury Promotions chief told ESPN: “There are a few venues but nothing concrete at the moment.
      “I very much doubt it will be in the UK because of COVID, and it will be a two-fight contract.”

      Warren’s doubts over the fight happening in the UK are also shared by Fury’s other co-promoter, Bob Arum.
      The 89-year-old told talkSPORT: “The appropriate place would’ve been the United Kingdom.
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      “But with the restrictions and uncertainty, we’re looking for a site someplace else – be it the Middle East or Asia.

      “And I’m sure that once we get this document signed, we’ll jointly be able to select the site and get it announced.”
      Legal action from former WBC heavyweight king Deontay Wilder – who Fury dethroned last February – could potentially derail the blockbuster fight.
      The American, 32, is adamant he’s still contractually entitled to a trilogy fight with the Brit.
      Fury and his representatives, however, are adamant The Bronze Bomber’s rematch clause expired last October.

      And Warren is confident Wilder’s pursuit of a third fight won’t scupper plans for Fury and Joshua to finally share the ring this year.
      He said: “We will see it this year, we are at a stage where we are not far off getting it done and announcing it.
      “There’s a will to make it work. No contracts have been exchanged, we are looking at getting a draft.”
      Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, recently revealed he’s sent a draft contract to Team Fury telling The Daily Mail: “The contract reflects the positive nature of the discussions we have had so far around this fight.
      “We now await their comments before we all move on to agreeing a location.
      “We hope to have something signed within the next two weeks.”

      Eddie Hearn talks about the Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury contract More

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      Canelo’s opponent Avni Yildirim calls Conor McGregor ‘arrogant and ignorant’ for thinking he could beat Manny Pacquiao 

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      AVNI YILDIRIM has called Conor McGregor ‘arrogant and ignorant’ for believing he could beat Manny Pacquiao.
      McGregor revealed before his UFC return against Dustin Poirier that he was in talks to fight Pacquiao.

      Avni Yildirim with Canelo AlvarezCredit: Instagram @avniyildirim

      Conor McGregor after defeat to Dustin Poirier Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      But after the Irishman was stopped in the octagon for the first time, his return to the boxing ring was all-but KO’d.
      Turk Yildirim – who faces Canelo Alvarez on February 27 – is happy to see the two rivalling superstars left alone in their own sport.
      He told SunSport: “Should basketball teams start playing football? Would you watch a baseball team playing hockey?
      “It‘s two different sports. If somebody wants to turn from one sport to the other that‘s fine. But it‘s surely not easy to do.

      “We are professionals at what we do. We have done it for years – training, fighting – to get to the level where we are.
      “To believe that you can just enter a sport and beat somebody who has done it his whole life is arrogant and ignorant to say the least.”
      McGregor, 32, made his boxing debut in 2017, losing to Floyd Mayweather, 43, in ten rounds.
      But he fancied another lucrative payday and crack at boxing royalty as he pursued Filipino icon Pacquiao, 42.

      Conor McGregor knocked out against Dustin Poirier Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Yildirim, 29, was not convinced, however, and urged McGregor to instead focus his efforts in the UFC, giving him no hope of upsetting PacMan.
      He said: “I think McGregor has been a big star at UFC but I don‘t see him as a boxer.
      “He clearly lost to Mayweather and I don‘t understand why he should have the desire to lose to Pacquiao.
      “If they want to fight, let them fight. No problem. Would I watch it? I don‘t think so.”
      As McGregor builds a rivalry with boxing’s legends of the past, Yildirim is going after the sport’s current kingpin.
      He challenges super-middleweight and pound-for-pound superstar Canelo for the WBC, WBA and Ring Magazine belts in Florida.
      Yildirim is the Mexican’s mandatory challenger and comes into the fight with a 21-2 record.
      Canelo, 30, will defend his throne having beaten Callum Smith in December, but right after was given 90 days to defend his WBC title.

      Canelo faces Avni Yildirim on February 27 Credit: Instagram / @avniyildrim

      Canelo and Avni Yildirim are former sparring partners
      Having agreed terms with Yildirim, Alvarez does so with future unification bouts already on his mind.
      So much so that he penned a two-fight deal with promoter Eddie Hearn, with the view of facing WBO champ Billy Joe Saunders later this year.
      Despite the four-weight champion planning ahead, Yildirim refuses to feel overlooked – but warned that Canelo is in the dark about what he is getting himself into.
      He said: “I don‘t care what Canelo says, thinks or plans. I focus on myself and what I need to do to show my best possible performance.
      “I can only speak for myself and tell you that I am not thinking past Canelo. First things first.
      “Yes, it was a long journey. But I am not looking back, I am focusing on what‘s ahead of me.
      “I am looking forward to the fight and I will make sure that I will be in the best possible shape.
      “I don‘t want to compare myself to anybody else. But as far as I know Canelo has never faced a true Turkish warrior.”

      Canelo Alvarez looks sharp on heavy bag as he prepares for ring return against Avni Yıldırım More

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      Conor McGregor vs Floyd Mayweather 2 on course to take place on luxury cruise ship in Saudi Arabia due to coronavirus

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      FLOYD MAYWEATHER vs Conor McGregor II is on course for Saudi Arabia – on a mega-money cruise ship.
      SunSport revealed last week that the 43-year-old Money Man and the Irish MMA icon were in talks about a possible rematch.

      Conor McGregor might get that rematch against Floyd Mayweather after allCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      McGregor, 32, had plenty of irons in the fire before the weekend but his shock second-round KO loss to Dustin Poirier on Saturday’s UFC show in Abu Dhabi wrecked his plans for a boxing bout with Manny Pacquiao.
      And Mayweather wasted no time before steaming in and insulting The Notorious, in the perfect way to kick-off the hype around their potential second blockbuster.
      Before the ice pack on McGregor’s battered right leg had even melted, the 50-0 boxing legend called him ‘Conman Artist McLoser’ and panned his bid to face eight-weight icon Pacquiao, who Mayweather beat in 2015.
      Money Man said: “Just know, that bum will never be me or be on my level.

      “I’m just built different, my mindset is on another planet, my skills are second to none, I’m a natural born winner and yes I talk a lot of trash, but every time I back it up.
      “Connor cannot even win in his own sport, but talking about coming back to boxing to fight Pacquiao.

      McGregor was batetred by Dustin Poirier – but might still get a mega-money rematch against MayweatherCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      McGregor is a big fan of the high life on the seasCredit: Instagram @thenotoriousmma

      “Nobody wants to see that, it’s like my leftovers eating leftovers.”

      The first MayMac fight in 2017 almost sold out the 16,000 seater T-Mobile arena in Las Vegas, raking in around £50million in VIP ticket sales.
      But with the pandemic flooring the idea of packed arenas or stadiums, the idea of a luxury liner with only a few super-rich fans buying mega-money tickets has been floated.
      McGregor sailed into Yas Island for the weekend’s bout on a 300ft yacht and a huge secluded bubble would minimise Covid-19 risks, while adding a James-Bond level of intrigue.
      Anthony Joshua promoter Eddie Hearn revealed last year that he had been pitched the idea of a boat hosting AJ’s December win over Kubrat Pulev, that eventually happened at Wembley Arena.
      So there is definitely a floating boxing ring somewhere that is being offered to the world’s biggest matchmakers.
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      McGregor is considering his next move after a shattering UFC lossCredit: USA TODAY Sports
      Undefeated icon Mayweather stopped McGregor on his professional boxing debut bout in August 2017, 16 months after SunSport broke the story of the cross-sport showdown.
      Mayweather went 50-0 with the tenth-round Las Vegas stoppage of the Dubliner, making around £250million once all the pay-per-views sales were totted up.
      And the five-weight champ boosted that windfall at the bookies by carrying the novice in the early rounds backing himself to get the win late.
      McGregor, the former apprentice plumber who went from claiming €188 dole cheques to making the UFC a $4bn empire, cleared around £100m from the clash.
      Despite repeatedly breaking box-office and PPV records across dozens of fights, rumours of cash trouble follows strip-club boss Mayweather around.

      And the chance to make another outrageous paycheck by meeting McGregor inside a roped ring under Queensberry rules will be easy money for the pound-for-pound genius.
      McGregor’s MMA reputation has taken a shellacking with two losses from his last three fights, Khabib Nurmagomedov brutally submitting him and Dustin Poirier beating him at his own striking game most recently.
      But the two master salesmen could still put aside their advancing years and dented reputations to make obscene money during a crippling recession.
      The original was a PPV smash with 4.4m buys in the US and around 875,000 in the UK despite the twilight start time.
      And with so few entertainment options to rival a possible event, it could end up being another bumper earner.
      McGregor insists he will win a bonafide boxing world title before his career comes to a close.
      And, although Mayweather currently holds no title and the sanctioning bodies do not allow title challenges instantly after a loss, the money on offer could be enough to bend any of the fight game’s flimsy rules and regulations.

      Mayweather went over to Japan in 2019 to batter a kickboxerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Veteran superstar Mayweather remains a ruthless gun for hire and he travelled to Japan in December 2018 to batter a top kick boxer to tears on New Years Eve.
      Unlike in his drawn-out professional fight with McGregor, Pretty Boy Floyd used the exhibition bout to embarrass Tenshin Nasukawa with three knockdowns inside the opening round, with his corner throwing the towel before he had hurled a single punch.
      The bizarre spectacle was the latest in Mayweather’s long-list of get-richer-quicker schemes with his life-timing earnings piling up over one billion dollars.
      But, despite his outrageous social media boast posts and piles of cash, rivals like McGregor and rapper 50 Cent claim the bet-loving party boy keeps starring in bizarre bouts to stave off bookies and the taxman.
      In December it was confirmed that the same man who has beaten Pacquiao, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, Oscar De La Hoya, Arturo Gatti, Canelo Alvarez and Jose Luis Castillo, would fight 25-year-old YouTube prankster Logan Paul in February this year.
      Paul lost his first and only fight in November 2019 when fellow internet celebrity KSI outpointed him in a clumsy Los Angeles event.
      But mastermind Mayweather has spotted the 22m subscribers and 6bn views Paul has so far generated and booked himself in for a tasteless earner of a bout.

      Dana White questions Conor McGregor’s hunger and says it’s tough to be savage with 300ft yacht More

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      Jake Paul open to fighting brother Logan in huge boxing match and insists ‘I’m hands down better’

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      JAKE PAUL is open to fighting his big brother Logan and insisted: ‘I’m hands down better’.
      The YouTube pair have each embarked on professional fighting careers, with Jake 2-0, and Logan 0-1.

      Jake Paul, left, pictured with big brother Logan

      And they have spoken about the possibility of setting up an unprecedented mega-fight against each other.
      After Jake’s last win, when he knocked out ex-NBA star Nate Robinson, he included Logan as a potential next opponent.
      Instead, he will face former UFC welterweight Ben Askren on April 17, but has not ruled out one day boxing his brother.
      Jake, 24, told ESPN: “I think so, but at the end of the day also he’s my brother, I just think it’s a conversation we’d have to have.

      “If the timing of it ever does make sense then maybe, but also it could never happen.”
      Asked who is the better fighter between the Paul brothers, Jake said: “Me, hands down.
      “I say that based off my record. As we know, I’m 3-0 with three KOs. He’s 0-1-1, so it’s hard to really argue with that.
      “People think because he’s older, he’s better, you know he has a podcast he’s always constantly talking about how he’s better so people are brainwashed by that.

      How Logan Paul and little brother Jake compare

      “But, he knows it deep down.
      “He’s said it and he’s kind of like taking steps back and sort of reversed that thought about me being the better fighter but he’s said it before.
      “And, I’m just more active, he hasn’t fought in 18 months, I’ve fought twice literally in the past year, fighting again.
      “So, I’m just staying active and training more than him.”
      The two both boxed for the first time in August 2018 in a pair of exhibition bouts.

      Jake Paul insists he is a better boxer than Logan Credit: Instagram @jakepaul

      Jake Paul pictured with Logan after his pro debut Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Logan, 25, drew with internet rival KSI, 27, whose brother Deji lost to Jake.
      KSI and Logan then turned pro for their rematch a year later, which the Brit won by split-decision.
      Jake would later beat ‘AnEsonGib’ in his debut in January before adding Robinson, 36, to his record with a viral KO in November.
      Logan is set to face boxing legend Floyd Mayweather in his next fight, but the exhibition spectacle has been postponed, having been set for February.
      Meanwhile Aksren, who retired from the UFC in 2019, will become Jake’s third professional opponent.

      Jake Paul makes Ben Askren fight prediction and claims ex-UFC star ‘won’t even hit me’ More

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      Jake Paul explains sick taunts at Conor McGregor’s pregnant fiancee and tells UFC star to win more to earn $50m bout

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      JAKE PAUL has revealed he verbally attacked Conor McGregor’s pregnant fiancee, Dee Devlin, because he wanted to ‘piss off’ the UFC superstar.
      The YouTuber made derogatory comments about The Notorious’ long-term partner late last year in an X-rated call-out video.

      Jake Paul has no remorse for his comments about Conor McGregor’s fiancee, Dee DevlinCredit: Reuters

      Jake Paul insists his comments about Dee Devlin were not over the liveCredit: ESPN

      Paul, 23, has no remorse for his actions, insisting insulting the mother of McGregor’s two children – who is pregnant with their third child – is not off-limits.
      He told ESPN: “I wanted to piss him off. You know? I wanted to make a lot of noise, and I wanted it to become personal right away because I truly believe I can beat Conor McGregor.
      “And people don’t want to watch a fight where everyone’s going in there being like, ‘Hey, buddy, good luck tomorrow!’
      “That’s not the type of fighter I am. If we’re going to go into a fight, no like, I’m going to destroy you, and anyone you’re affiliated with is a part of the wrath and can be attacked.”

      Paul insists his comments were fair game when considering McGregor’s previous taunts about the wife of his bitter rival Khabib Nurmagomedov, who he tweeted a picture of and called a ‘towel’.
      He added: “McGregor’s done it. McGregor has attacked Khabib’s wife, Khabib’s religion, thrown chairs at people.
      “Like, this is the fight business. If people are gonna get offended, then get the f**k over and choose a different sport. Go do gymnastics.”
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      Paul’s attempts to land a blockbuster fight with McGregor were unsuccessful and he’s had to make do with a showdown against former UFC welterweight Ben Asken, whom he’ll face on April 17.
      The ex-Disney star – who is 2-0 as a professional boxer – is brimming with confidence, so much so he doesn’t expect the former Bellator and ONE Championship champion to land a glove on him.
      After hearing the Olympic wrestler’s prediction for their clash, Paul told ESPN: “Go Google Ben Askren’s striking. Hahaha.

      “It’s not going to go that long, it’s not going to go that long.
      “I don’t even think he’ll hit me. I haven’t been hit one time in the face in my past two fights.
      “So I haven’t even been punched as pro boxer one time. Nate Robinson landed one body shot in a clinch.
      “I don’t think Ben Askren will even hit me. That’s my prediction.”

      Jake Paul makes Ben Askren fight prediction and claims ex-UFC star ‘won’t even hit me’ More

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      Mike Tyson admits he ‘crossed the line’ & was ‘really dark’ in pre-fight press conferences because he was ‘insecure’

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      MIKE TYSON has revealed his ‘insecurities’ led to him ‘crossing the line’ and entering a ‘really dark’ place during his pre-fight press conferences.
      Iron Mike earned the nickname of the ‘Baddest Man on the Planet’ – with that reputation also being down to his behaviour before fights as well as in them.

      Mike Tyson has revealed all about his pre-fight ‘insecurities’Credit: AFP

      The boxing legend admits his mindset was ‘really dark’ and he ‘crossed the line’ before a fightCredit: EPA

      And the 54-year-old, who returned to the ring in November with a draw in an exhibition clash with Roy Jones Jr last year, insisted everything is real until after the final bell.
      Speaking on his ‘HotBoxin with Mike Tyson’ podcast, the American said: “I was always crossing the line.
      “I remember one time Larry Holmes put his hand out and I didn’t shake his hand.
      “I was that kind of guy, I was really dark, because I was insecure.”

      The incident with Holmes was not the only time Tyson would go into the zone pre-fight.
      He and Lennox Lewis were kept apart to avoid any physical altercation in 2002.
      But the former heavyweight champion ignored that and confronted the Brit before a brawl ensued, and later he also got into an altercation with a reporter.
      Reflecting on his actions, Tyson said: “I’m a heavy dude sometimes.”

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      After a number of controversies away from the ring, the veteran is back in unbelievable shape.
      Tyson has opened up in the past on his drinking and drug habits while he fought as one of the most popular boxers on the planet.
      And his prime athletic years were lost to addiction and a three-year prison term, started in 1992, for a rape he still fiercely denies.
      He even took cocaine and cannabis moments before walking out to fight Lou Savarese in 2000, which he won in just 38 seconds.
      His substance abuse then carried on after retiring from the sport in 2005.
      But, Tyson revealed to Schaub he stopped drinking and taking cocaine prior to the success of his Hotboxin podcast, launched in early 2019.
      The former two-time champion still smokes marijuana and has his own cannabis empire with businessman Rob Hickman.
      Tyson revealed before his comeback fight that his wife inspired him to start training again in order to lose weight.
      And after putting in the work, it inspired him to lace up the gloves again having previously been approached for a return.

      Iron Mike and Lennox Lewis got into a brawl at their press conference ahead of their 2002 clashCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Watch Mike Tyson’s podcast descend into chaos as Gervonta Davis tells him he would ‘kill’ Garcia and accepts fight More

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      Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury fight takes leap forward as Eddie Hearn sends £200m fight contract to Frank Warren and Arum

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA vs Tyson Fury is one step closer to being announced after Eddie Hearn sent the £200million contract to Frank Warren and Bob Arum.
      Boxing fans around the world have been clamouring for the fight for much of the last 12 months, particularly since Fury’s demolition of Deontay Wilder last February.

      Eddie Hearn sent the £200m draft contract to Frank Warren and Bob ArumCredit: Mark Robinson Ltd

      The Gypsy King is set to meet AJ in JuneCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And Matchroom promoter Hearn has fight fans salivating after he sent a draft agreement to Fury’s team.
      The Gypsy King’s UK promoter Warren and his US counterpart Arum will look over the documents and respond with any requested amendments in the coming days.
      And a final agreement could be reached within two weeks, according to Hearn.
      Joshua’s Essex based promoter also confirmed the fight will take place in June.

      But a location is yet to be agreed with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, the USA, Australia and Singapore all being mooted.
      Hearn told the Mail: “The first draft of the contract has now gone out to Bob Arum, which is obviously a good thing.
      “The contract reflects the positive nature of the discussions we have had so far around this fight.
      “We now await their comments before we all move on to agreeing a location. We hope to have something signed within the next two weeks.”

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      Hopeful projections see the fighters receiving a staggering £100m each after all necessary costs are paid thanks to site fees and pay-per-view cash.
      The first fight will be split 50/50 with the rematch being 60/40 in favour of the winner.
      On Monday, the Gypsy King’s US co-promoter Arum, 89, explained to talkSPORT: “I talked to Eddie yesterday.
      “Eddie, with the Joshua people, will have the first draft of the contract to us on Tuesday.
      “And then I will circulate it to Frank [Warren], to Tyson and to the various lawyers.
      ‘IT IS A NO-BRAINER’
      “We’ll then get back to Eddie with our comments and I really believe that this is pretty much a no-brainer because everybody are professionals and want this to happen.
      “So I think shortly we’ll be able to tie this up and then jointly select the site.” 
      Hopes were raised that the ‘Battle of Britain’ unification bout would take place on home soil.
      But given the current uncertainty over crowds in the UK due to coronavirus, those plans have been scuppered.
      Arum continued: “The appropriate place would’ve been the United Kingdom.
      “But with the restrictions and uncertainty, we’re looking for a site someplace else – be it the Middle East or Asia.
      “And I’m sure that once we get this document signed, we’ll jointly be able to select the site and get it announced.”

      Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury fight location CONFIRMED with both boxing stars to earn around £73million, Bob Arum says More