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      Oleksandr Usyk and Joe Joyce hold talks over fight for WBO ‘interim’ world title… freeing up Joshua to face Fury

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      OLEKSANDR USYK is reportedly in talks to fight Joe Joyce with the WBO ‘interim’ title on the line.
      That would mean Anthony Joshua is free for the mouthwatering Battle of Britain undisputed heavyweight clash against Tyson Fury.

      Oleksandr Usyk could fight Joe Joyce next for the WBO ‘interim’ titleCredit: ©Mark Robinson Ltd

      Joe Joyce battered Daniel Dubois into submission last time outCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Usyk appeared determined in his focus to take up his mandatory shot at the WBO champ Joshua – which proved a spanner in the works for AJ versus Fury.
      But the Ukrainian has recently admitted the two Brits fighting for all the belts is a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’.
      And the blow of having to wait again may be softened with what on paper looks like a super-scrap against Joyce.
      The Juggernaut is coming off the back of a stunning KO upset win against Daniel Dubois and is firmly in world title contention.

      And his promoter Warren is hoping to make the Usyk fight with the winner waiting for Fury or Joshua.
      Warren told iFL TV: “We’re working on, at the moment, Usyk and Joe Joyce.
      “I think the WBO will order that as an interim-title fight so we’re working hard to make that happen.
      “The situation is that the WBO have said they’d like to do that fight as an eliminator. We have no objection to that and I don’t think Usyk has.

      Tyson Fury battered Deontay Wilder last year – now he wants Anthony JoshuaCredit: PA

      Joshua could sign a two-fight deal to face FuryCredit: PA:Press Association

      “There’s been some preliminary talks and we’ll see where we go from there.
      “I hope [the fight will get made]. It’s a good fight and I think whoever wins it, based on his last performance, Joe’s looking really good.
      “If he comes through it, it puts the winner in a tremendous position.
      “The eventual winner of the two fights between Tyson and AJ will have to defend against Joyce or Usyk, or vacate the belt.”
      Talks are continuing to get the Joshua versus Fury deal done, with Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn in confident mood.

      Speaking to talkSPORT the 41-year-old said: “All I can tell you is things are looking nice.
      “We’ve got a lot on our plate, but we’re working on the contracts now, working on the finer details with Bob Arum.
      “I’m very confident you’re gonna see this fight this summer.
      “I think both guys are all-in on this fight.
      “The devil is always in the detail but both guys committed to make this fight.
      “Hopefully early February we can give you a date and a venue as to where that fight will take place.”

      Joe Joyce throws his hands up in celebration after Dubois is forced to quit due to his swollen eye More

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      Mike Tyson reveals he was almost deported from UK for visiting Reggie Kray’s family after writing to gangster in prison

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      MIKE TYSON claimed he was almost deported for from the UK for visiting Reggie Kray’s family.
      And the boxing legend revealed he wrote to the notorious gangster while he was in prison.

      Mike Tyson revealed he visited Reggie Kray’s family – and almost got deported
      [embedded content]

      London-born twins Ronnie and Reggie Kray were sentenced to life in prison after being involved in murder and armed robbery.
      Ronnie died of a heart attack in 1995 but Reggie was still alive when Tyson – who was given six years in jail for rape in 1992 but was released in 1995 – travelled to the UK to face Julius Francis in Manchester.
      Speaking on his Hotboxin’ podcast with Piers Morgan, Iron Mike revealed: “I used to write to Reggie Kray while I was in prison.”
      Morgan responded: “And he wrote back to you?”

      And Tyson explained: “He wrote to me first. He just told me about his life and I told him what I was doing here and how I feel about being here and what I’m going to do when I get out.
      “When I came out of prison I was fighting somebody, I think it was Julius Francis, and I went to visit his family and talked kindly about him.
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      “They almost sent me out of the country back to America.”

      Good Morning Britain host Morgan then recalled his own experience of the Kray twins.
      He said: “I had some dealings with him. They were tough guys. He was very well behaved in prison. They both were.

      Ronnie and Reggie Kray were notorious East London gangstersCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Mike Tyson was in the UK to fight Julius Francis in ManchesterCredit: AFP – Getty

      “Ronnie, his brother, was in Broadmoor which is more of a psychiatric prison. He was slightly madder.
      “Reg was in a conventional prison, Parkhurst and then Maidstone. They were fascinating parts of English folklore. They were folk heroes to many people.”
      Tyson knocked Francis down five times in a dominant second-round win.

      The American was one of the most feared boxers in the world in his prime after bursting on to the scene.
      He became world champion in 1986 before going on to clean up the heavyweight division.
      His prison sentence came during the prime years of his career, but he came back to win the world title again.
      Iron Mike retired in 2005 – but last year came back to draw with Roy Jones Jr, 52, in an exhibition bout.

      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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      Deontay Wilder in line for payout from Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury fight purse as battle over trilogy clash rages on

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      DEONTAY WILDER could be in line for a payout if his trilogy with Tyson Fury officially collapses.
      Wilder was dethroned of the WBC belt last February by Fury, but the pair already had a third bout contracted.

      Deontay Wilder could be in line for a payout if his trilogy with Tyson Fury collapsesCredit: Reuters

      Anthony Joshua is in talks to fight Tyson Fury

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      However, the Gypsy King and his team are adamant the immediate rematch clause expired in October and as a result want to instead face Anthony Joshua.
      Wilder, 35, responded by launching a mediation to salvage his crack at redemption, but talks are now progressing between AJ, 31, and Fury, 32.
      According to World Boxing News, if the former champion is unsuccessful in salvaging a trilogy, he will instead be in line for step aside money.

      Joshua and Fury are already facing the possibility of paying off Oleksandr Usyk, who is the WBO mandatory challenger.
      It would allow the belt to be on the line in the fight, instead of being vacated, while Usyk, 33, remains compensated.
      And it is claimed even if Wilder is denied a shot at redemption, he will have to be paid to surrender his right to challenge for the WBC belt.
      His co-manager Shelly Finkel acknowledged they need to have a back up plan if their bid to secure a trilogy with Fury falters.

      And Charles Martin is reportedly an opponent being considered to welcome Wilder back into the ring.

      Finkel revealed a mediator had informed Wilder that Fury was refusing to fight him.
      Now, they plan to take the case to arbitration – which will be filed in the next two weeks in a last-ditch effort.
      Finkel told Sports Illustrated: “We’re going to go for everything we can.
      “I’m a realist with what I am up against. We have an agreement. Even if we didn’t have an agreement, we gave Fury two shots.
      “He has made more money than he has ever seen. Deontay was very kind to him while he was going through his mental problems.
      “Forget everything else, morally he should give him his shot.”

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

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      Deontay Wilder in talks to fight Charles Martin – who Anthony Joshua destroyed in two rounds – if Fury trilogy falters

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      DEONTAY WILDER is in talks to fight Charles Martin in case his trilogy with Tyson Fury falters.
      Wilder was dethroned of the WBC belt last February by Fury, but the pair already had a third bout contracted.

      Deontay Wilder is in talks to fight Charles MartinCredit: EPA

      Anthony Joshua knocked out Charles Martin in two rounds in 2016 Credit: Rex Features

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      However, the Gypsy King and his team are adamant the immediate rematch clause expired in October and as a result want to instead face Anthony Joshua.
      Wilder, 35, responded by launching a mediation to salvage his crack at redemption, but talks are now progressing between AJ, 31, and Fury, 32.
      The legal dispute appears yet to be resolved, but Sports Illustrated report former IBF champion Martin, 34, is being lined up as an alternative for the Bronze Bomber.

      And his co-manager Shelly Finkel acknowledged Wilder has to have a back up plan if he is unsuccessful in securing a trilogy with Fury.
      Finkel said: “If we can’t get the Fury fight, Deontay needs to be active.
      “If it’s the worst case scenario, we are going to be prepared to get him back in the ring.” 
      Martin held the title for only four months, winning it only after Vyacheslav Glazkov suffered a knee injury in their fight.

      The American lost the belt in his first defence, as he rolled over for Joshua in two rounds, in what was AJ’s coronation night.

      But Martin is still ranked No2 in the IBF rankings, and having won his last three, emerges as a contender to welcome Wilder back to the ring.
      Finkel revealed a mediator had informed Wilder that Fury was refusing to fight him.
      Now, they plan to take the case to arbitration – which will be filed in the next two weeks.
      Finkel said: “We’re going to go for everything we can.
      “I’m a realist with what I am up against. We have an agreement. Even if we didn’t have an agreement, we gave Fury two shots.
      “He has made more money than he has ever seen. Deontay was very kind to him while he was going through his mental problems.
      “Forget everything else, morally he should give him his shot.”

      Bob Arum says Tyson Fury will never fight Wilder again after glove tampering claims More

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      Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury could be shown on Sky Sports, BT Sport, ESPN AND DAZN PPV, reveals Eddie Hearn

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA and Tyson Fury’s mega-fight could be shown on Sky Sports, BT Sport, ESPN AND DAZN on pay-per-view, Eddie Hearn said.
      Heavyweight kings Joshua and Fury are still in negotiations for a Battle of Britain which could total £200million.

      Promoter Eddie Hearn pictured with Anthony Joshua Credit: Mark Robinson Ltd

      Tyson Fury is still in talks with Anthony Joshua Credit: Richard Pelham

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      But a major sticking point is both their respected UK and US broadcasters, who will need to come together.
      AJ, 31, has an exclusive deal with Sky and DAZN while Fury, 32, fights on BT and ESPN.
      But promoter Hearn is confident the four platforms can strike a deal which would see the rights shared.

      He said: “I don’t think it will be difficult. There’s a solution for everybody.
      “The two broadcast issues are DAZN and ESPN in America – AJ has a matching rights deal with DAZN and Fury has an exclusive deal with ESPN.
      “When you flip that in the UK, AJ has an exclusive deal with Sky and Fury has matching rights with BT.
      “Is there a deal where all four of those parties can carry broadcast of the fight? Yeah, I believe there is.

      “I can’t speak on behalf of Sky, but I’m not sure they would have an issue with saying to the public, ‘You can watch on Sky or BT.”

      HBO and Showtime partnered up in 2002 to allow Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis to meet.
      But it was 13 years till there was another duel broadcast, when the same two American networks worked together for Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquaio to finally fight.
      More recently, ESPN and FOX cross-promoted as Fury dethroned Deontay Wilder, 35, of the WBC crown.
      And it has set a precedents to follow as the boxing world demands an undisputed title decider between the Gypsy King and Joshua.
      But, DAZN is traditionally streaming service with a monthly payment, unlike the one-off PPV price.
      It would make sharing rights more difficult, however, the subscription-based platform did launch a box office option for Canelo Alvarez’s last fight.
      DAZN linked up with cable TV charging a PPV price of $69.99 for Canelo’s win over Callum Smith, which also included a four months subscription.
      If the same can be done for Joshua and Fury alongside ESPN in the US, it overcomes another hurdle.

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

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      Frank Warren hospitalised for eight days after coronavirus fight and had to call ambulance out to be given oxygen

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      TYSON FURY’s co-promoter Frank Warren has revealed that he spent the last eight days in hospital while battling Covid-19.
      The boxing legend, 68, contracted the virus late last year but has now provided a more optimistic update and appears to be in the clear.

      Frank Warren has revealed he was hospitalised for eight days during his Covid fightCredit: PA:Press Association

      Warren told Seconds Out: “How am I doing? I was in hospital for eight days with Covid, other than that, I’m alright.
      “I tested positive just before Christmas, didn’t feel too good.
      “My wife wanted to call an ambulance and I didn’t want to go into hospital, so they gave me a bit of oxygen and they went.
      “The next day I was really dreadful, she called the ambulance and I went to hospital.

      “I was stuck in hospital with a load of other really poor people, much worse than I was with it. That’s where I was.
      “I spent a bit of time in there suffering, trying to get my breath and that was it. I come home last week.”
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      Discussing the treatment he received from NHS staff, Warren added: “They were marvellous, magnificent. They look after you.

      “They’re unbelievable selfless people and you can’t underestimate how much they contribute in a dangerous environment.
      “They’re in there with people who test positive, who are suffering.
      “The wards were all full, there’s no room. It’s just horrible and I was lucky.”
      Warren returned to work this week and will now be focused on putting together his fight schedule for 2021.
      Top of the list will be the mega-fight between Fury and Anthony Joshua to unify the heavyweight division.
      His first fight of the year has already been announced with Carl Frampton set to challenge Jamel Herring for the WBO super-featherweight title on February 27.

      Frank Warren says that Tyson Fury clash with Anthony Joshua to be 50-50 purse split More

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      Josh Warrington fears fans will switch to Babestation instead of watching rematch with mandatory challenger Kid Galahad

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      JOSH WARRINGTON cannot get up for a Kid Galahad rematch and reckons turned-off fans will switch channels for more X-rated material.
      Leeds’ IBF featherweight world champ held off a challenge from the Sheffield ace in June 2019, with a controversial split decision.

      Josh Warrington fears fans will be turned-off by a rematch with Kid GalahadCredit: Reuters

      And, despite the dull original disappointing fans, the sanctioning body has already reinstalled Galahad as mandatory challenger.
      Once Warrington comes through a February 13 tune-up against Mauricio Lara, he will have to face his old foe or drop the red and gold 9st belt.
      And the all-action 30-year-old dreads the idea of another limp contest leaving excited fans looking for alternative late-night stimulation.
      The 30-0 champ said: “You can’t be telling me the fans want to be seeing that again, it was an absolute snooze fest. 

      “I want fans to be on the edge of their sofa, spilling the takeaway, hearts pounding, saying ‘that was a right fight, save that on the planner, don’t delete that, I want to watch that one again’.
      “I don’t want them to be turning it off and watching Babestation after round six because it’s an absolutely dog s***e of a fight, you want to be watching entertaining fights”.
      Warrington craves a unification with a rival champion or a money shot at a marquee man in or around his weight class.
      A bout with WBA champ Can Xu has been repeatedly planned and postponed and the Leeds Warrior has spent enough time and money on the phantom fight to leave him reaching for the tissues.

      “The camp has been going forever, I’ve had to help people out during this camp because, without fights happening, other people have jobs on the side but when they’re putting their hard earned time in the gym, I have to subsidise that. 
      “Diet and nutrition too, a McDonald’s diet is a lot cheaper than eating healthy with free-range chickens.
      “Sparring partners, I’ve had them come from all over the country. They’re on £20, £30, £40 a round and when you get in there and doing 10 rounds plus travel expenses on top of that. It soon adds up and it is all tailored on that opponent. 
      “It won’t go to waste but it is frustrating. I’m smiling on the outside but I’m crying inside.”
      Warrington got to the top the hard way and he has no interest in coasting.
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      Celebrated long-time champions Leo Santa Cruz and Gary Russell Jr are top of his hit list and he dreads the idea of retiring without having tested all of his potential.
      “I don’t want to get to the end of my career and think ‘what if?'” he said.
      “That’s where sportspeople struggle mentally.
      “I’m not saying I can beat these guys, I believe I can beat them but it’s not written.
      “If I get knocked out by Gary Russell Jr’s lightning left hook then so be it but at least I can sleep at night knowing I tried to be the best.
      “But going over old ground against the Kid, I don’t want to but if I’m forced into that position then another snooze fest is coming. 
      “But I’ll win again and then he’ll cry for another rematch and blah, blah, blah. It just goes on!”

      Josh Warrington shows off his strength as he power punches in boxing workout More

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      Floyd Mayweather’s legacy would NOT be tarnished if Logan Paul shocks world with win, says his old sparring partner

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      FLOYD MAYWEATHER’S legacy would NOT be tarnished if he suffered a shock loss against Logan Paul.
      That’s the view of Money’s old sparring partner.

      Floyd Mayweather pictured with former sparring partner Dmitriy Salita

      YouTuber turned boxer Logan Paul Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Despite the farcical skill and experience disparity, Mayweather will face the YouTuber in a ‘special exhibition fight’ in February.
      He made more than £300million for beating UFC star Conor McGregor in 2017, and another £7m for wiping out featherweight kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa in 2018.
      And Mayweather’s latest money making scheme has been backed by Dmitriy Salita, who used to train with the 50-0 legend before now promoting.
      Salita argues the American legend has earned the right to take part in whatever pay-per-view extravaganza he pleases to, just like legends of the past have.

      And even an unthinkable defeat would not harm his historical reputation.
      Salita told Marc Gatford via the MyBettingSites.co.uk : “If he loses to Logan Paul, it won’t impede his legacy.
      “This is nothing new, Muhammad Ali fought a wrestler in Japan over 40 years ago. The sports world in general is changing.
      “These types of matches don’t take away from the sport of boxing. Let’s say he loses to Logan Paul, I don’t think that will impede his legacy.

      “This to me is acceptable and exciting and I’m really interested. Logan has a platform to crossover boxing into places it hasn’t been before.
      “It’s kind of like Mayweather-Mcgregor, a little different because Paul isn’t a combat guy, but it’s a similar out of the box concept.”
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      Paul, 25, has boxed as a pro just once before, losing to internet rival KSI, 27, by split-decision after having two points deducted.
      But he will come into his own mission impossible armed with a FOUR STONE and six inch height advantage over Mayweather, 43.
      Salita believes the physical advantage helps level the playing field in a fight which is more spectacle than competition.

      Floyd Mayweather pictured training ahead of his return Credit: @100kthedon

      Logan Paul sparring ahead of the fight
      He said: “Floyd is one of the greatest fighters of all time and this is a victory tour. Floyd deserves to do whatever he wants to do.
      “This is entertainment, this is fun, I don’t think anyone is going to get hurt.
      “It’s an exciting way for sports fans and Youtube fans to get a taste of boxing and pull in more people to the sport.
      “The great thing about Floyd having trained with him for several years: Floyd always stays in shape and Paul seems like an athletic guy.
      “There’s a significant weight difference, so it’s not a boxing match, it’s an exciting event.”

      Logan Paul says he’d fight Floyd Mayweather for free as ‘eight-figure sum’ mooted for fight purse More