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      Tyson Fury clash with Anthony Joshua to be signed ‘within next two weeks’ but fight venue not decided, reveals Bob Arum

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      TYSON FURY’s eagerly-anticipated heavyweight title unification fight with Anthony Joshua will be finalised ‘within the next two weeks’, according to his co-promoter Bob Arum.
      Talks over the long-awaited Battle of Britain resumed last December after Joshua’s brutal ninth-round KO of Kubrat Pulev.

      Bob Arum is confident Tyson Fury will fight Anthony Joshua nextCredit: Getty

      Anthony Joshua knocked out Kubrat Pulev last DecemberCredit: AFP

      Negotiations are understood to have progressed smoothly, so much so Arum expects the deal to be done within the next fortnight.
      The veteran promoter told Sky Sports: “I don’t want to make a deadline, but I just can report that everything so far has been going splendidly and we hope to have a signed document within the next couple of weeks.
      “That might not provide for a site, because we can have a document that the fighters would have signed and then have a mutual agreement clause of the site.
      “We’re all on the same page, as far as I can see.”

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      Despite the prospect of Deontay Wilder’s legal action delaying the biggest fight in British boxing history, Arum is almost certain Joshua vs Fury will take place this year.
      The 89-year-old added: “I’m 95 per cent confident the fight happens, and I’m 100 per cent confident that my guy wins, and wins by knockout.”
      Former WBC king Wilder – who Fury dethroned last February – began legal action late last year to land a trilogy fight with The Gypsy King.

      The American and his representatives believe he’s contractually entitled to a third fight with the former unified heavyweight champion.
      Team Fury, however, are adamant his rematch clause expired last October.

      Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn isn’t concerned about Wilder’s attempts to derail the fight and shares Arum’s optimism about a deal being imminent.
      The Matchroom Boxing chief said: “I don’t want to say too much, other than we’re going well.
      “We’re now papering the fight, in terms of the contracts, a period of the fight, and looking out now in the next stages to go to the different various sites that have made offers and discuss the fight and the date with them.
      “All I want to tell you really is we’re on track and I don’t see anything derailing it.
      “We’re talking to Saudi Arabia, we’re talking to Qatar, we’re talking to Dubai, we’re talking to Singapore, we’re talking to China, we’re talking to America.”

      Anthony Joshua shows off devastating punch power in training ahead of massive Tyson Fury fight More

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      UFC star Conor McGregor given green light to fight for world title in BOXING if he can beat one ranked WBC contender

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      CONOR McGREGOR would be given the green light to fight for a world title in BOXING as long as he defeats a ranked WBC contender.
      McGregor made his lucrative ring debut in 2017, losing to Floyd Mayweather in ten rounds

      Conor McGregor during his boxing debut with Floyd Mayweather Credit: Rex Features

      Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor pictured in 2017 next to the WBC’s ‘Money’ belt Credit: AP:Associated Press

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      The WBC helped sanction the crossover spectacle, even putting up a ‘Money’ belt for the occasion.
      But with McGregor last year revealing that he envisions winning a title for real in boxing, he has been handed hope of achieving his audacious goal.
      All the Irishman has to do is claim a victory over a contender rated in the top 15 by the WBC, as the sanctioning body will take into account his prior accolades in the UFC.

      WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman told SunSport: “I would say, he needs to face and defeat a ranked fighter, then he would be eligible to be ranked and to compete for a title.
      “Because, we have plenty of examples of Muay Thai fighters, who turn professional in international boxing, and they are eligible to fight for the title.
      “We also have amateur superstars like Vasiliy Lomachenko, they come into professional boxing and fight for the title and it’s proven it works.”
      Masterful Ukrainian Lomachenko – who left the amateurs with a 396-1 record – won the WBO belt in only his second pro bout.

      And the WBC have a long history of Thai Boxing champions switching over to the sweet science with great success, like Samart Payakaroon who reigned in both sports.

      Conor McGregor revealed he wants to win a world title in boxing

      Conor McGregor sparring ahead of his UFC return

      With McGregor’s history as the UFC’s top attraction, as well as 19 knockouts in his 22 wins, the southpaw would be equally entitled to a shot at the famous green and gold WBC belt.
      Sulaiman said: “If he is to start boxing and proves with victories in boxing then he should certainly be given the opportunity to fight for a world title.
      “We, in the WBC, consider the amateur career as one of the criteria for rankings.
      “And, for example Muay Thai, in Thailand, we consider that career also when they enter into boxing.
      “So, Conor has a mixed martial arts resume, so if he comes into boxing and wins a fight against a ranked fighter, he would be eligible to be ranked.
      “This is not a rookie entering the sport, he has a long history of combat sports, so it’s a different scenario of what it used to be in the past.”
      McGregor, 32, won early rounds against Mayweather, 43, before tiring as the 50-0 icon took over down the stretch.

      Conor McGregor was beaten in ten rounds by Floyd Mayweather Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman with Floyd Mayweather Credit: Reuters
      Despite defeat, it has not stopped him from calling for a rematch, and even entering talks to face Manny Pacquiao, 42, in the future.
      For now, though, McGregor is focussing on his octagon return, as he rematches Dustin Poirier, 31, on January 23.
      But Sulaiman believes the former two-weight UFC champion has the tools necessary to reach the pinnacle of boxing – but has to prove it against a worthy contender first.
      He said: “What we saw with Mayweather was of course different with the times, the rounds, it is not the same to fight five rounds to then go 12 rounds.
      “But he has ability, he has power, he has status as a fighter.
      “But, to compete and become a world champion in the WBC, he would need to fight in boxing and by merit be ranked. Then, he would be in the position to challenge.
      “I don’t know what weight category he would be, but definitely he would need to get a decisive win against a quality opponent to be considered to be ranked.”

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      Dana White cools talk of Conor McGregor boxing after UFC 257 rematch with Dustin Poirier amid Manny Pacquiao talk

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      UFC president Dana White wants Conor McGregor to forget about a return to the boxing ring this year.
      The former two-division UFC champion has ambitions of returning to the squared circle, which he entered in August 2017 for a blockbuster showdown with Floyd Mayweather.

      UFC president Dana White isn’t keen on Conor McGregor returning to the boxing ringCredit: Getty

      Conor McGregor entered the boxing world in August 2017 to face Floyd MayweatherCredit: Getty – Contributor

      McGregor, 32, teased a mega-money fight with Manny Pacquiao last September.
      But White would prefer the Irishman to focus on returning to the top of the MMA mountain, telling ESPN: “I would love to see him focused on what he can do here at the UFC.
      “Whether it’s take another shot at that title against Khabib [Nurmagomedov] or fight for the title against somebody else if Khabib retires and defend that title.”
      White has no problem with McGregor boxing again, he’d just prefer him to do so in the latter stages of his career.

      He added: “A boxing match with any of these guys, that stuff’s always going to be there.
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      “You are the absolute best in the world right now in MMA and the timing is right now. Not getting any younger.
      “I’d love to see him go for it here over the next year. If he wants to fight one of these boxing guys, do that next year. That fight’s always going to be there.”

      Should McGregor return to the ring and get a win over a top-15 opponent, he could find himself in line for a world title shot.
      WBC chief Mauricio Sulaiman told SunSport: “I would say, he needs to face and defeat a ranked fighter, then he would be eligible to be ranked and to compete for a title.
      “Because, we have plenty of examples of Muay Thai fighters, who turn professional in international boxing, and they are eligible to fight for the title.

      How McGregor and Pacquiao stack up ahead of their proposed fight
      “We also have amateur superstars like Vasyl Lomachenko, they come into professional boxing and fight for the title and it’s proven it works.
      “Conor has a mixed martial arts resume, so if he comes into boxing and wins a fight against a ranked fighter, he would be eligible to be ranked.
      “This is not a rookie entering the sport; he has a long history of combat sports, so it’s a different scenario of what it used to be in the past.”
      McGregor, 22-4, is currently gearing up for his UFC 257 rematch with Dustin Poirier, whom he’ll face a week on Saturday.
      But the winner of the lightweight showdown won’t be crowned the new ruler of the division, despite the recent retirement of champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.

      White said: “If Khabib does retire, then whoever the highest-ranked guy is at the time will end up facing Conor if Conor beats Poirier and would end up fighting for the title, I’m sure.”
      McGregor knocked out Poirier in just under two minutes six years ago at UFC 178 in Las Vegas.
      The Irishman is planning to have a shorter night at the office in his second meeting with The Diamond, saying: “I will knock Dustin out inside 60 seconds.”
      The Notorious believes Poirier has made improvements since their first encounter but insists he’s still not on his level.
      He said: “I love Dustin, I think he’s a good fighter. He’s even a great fighter, you know? But great is still levels below me.”

      McGregor vs Poirier 2 – Watch LIVE, channel info and start time More

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      Jake Paul calls out Conor McGregor protege Dylan Moran after Irish star said he’d put Paul brothers ‘to sleep’

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      JAKE PAUL has hit back at Conor McGregor’s sparring partner Dylan Moran after the boxer vowed to KO the YouTuber.
      The Irish welterweight recently vowed to teach Paul and his older brother, Logan, ‘some manners’ if they show up to Abu Dhabi for McGregor’s UFC 257 rematch with Dustin Poirier.

      Dylan Moran is currently in Abu Dhabi helping Conor McGregor prepare for hIs UFC 257 showdown with Dustin PoirierCredit: INSTAGRAM@DYLANMORANN

      Dylan Moran has found himself on the receiving end of trolling from Jake PaulCredit: INSTAGRAM@DYLANMORANN

      Jake Paul has been campaigning heavily for a boxing match with Conor McGregorCredit: INSTAGRAM

      It didn’t take long for Paul to get wind of Moran’s threat, which he responded to his Instagram story.
      He said: “Conor’s taking easy fights. But he’s been sparring in Ireland!”
      “He’s been boxing, going against some phenomenal, exciting Irish talent,” adds Paul, dripping with sarcasm.
      “This kid must be really good, because Conor’s a ‘good boxer’ right? And then we looked this kid up!

      “Ladies and gentlemen, presenting to you: the big, bad, exciting Irish talent – Dylan Moran, the kid that Conor McGregor is sparring against. Take a look!”
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      Paul’s story then cut to footage of Moran being dropped three times in his 2019 loss to Dennis Okoth.
      The final image was of Moran on the canvas, a snap which included the accompanying caption: “This is who Conor is calling a phenomenal boxer.”

      Paul’s trolling of Moran is his latest attempt to get under the skin of The Notorious, who he’s desperate to fight.
      The 23-year-old has been campaigning relentlessly for a bout with the Dubliner since his stunning KO of Nate Robinson last November, going as far as to direct message the former two-division UFC champion on Instagram.

      In an expletive-laden Instagram video, Paul said to Mystic Mac: “What the f** is up you Irish c**t? Good morning Conor McGregor.
      “I know you’re probably beating up old dudes in a bar right now or maybe you’re j**ing off as you’re sick of f***ing your wife, I mean, she’s a four [out of ten], Conor you could do a lot better, but happy Monday!
      “My team sent you a $50 million offer this morning, $50 million cash, proof of funds, the biggest fight offer you’ve ever been offered.
      “But you’re scared to fight me Conor. You duck me as you’re scared to fight a YouTuber.

      “You’re 0-1 as a boxer, I’m 2-0 as a boxer. I just came off the eighth biggest pay-per-view event in history.
      “But you want to fight Dustin Poirier, who has less followers on Instagram than my f***ing dog, that’s a fact.
      “And Dana White, you’re a f***ing p***y, you ugly f***ing bald bitch.
      “You said there’s zero per cent chance of this fight happening but there’s zero percent of you getting some p****.
      “Conor, you’re scared, Dana, you’re scared. Sign the f***ng contract you idiots. Irish b***h, f**k these guys.”

      Jake Paul mocks Conor McGregor, Dana White and Michael Bisping in latest foul-mouthed social media clip More

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      Manny Pacquiao confirms plans to take on Conor McGregor next aged 42 as he ‘wants experience of facing an MMA fighter’

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      MANNY PACQUIAO has opened talks for a mouthwatering showdown with UFC legend Conor McGregor.
      The Irishman and the Filipino superstar have been locked in negotiations to scrap in a blockbuster bout for months.

      Manny Pacquiao has opened talks to fight Conor McGregorCredit: AFP or licensors

      McGregor, 32, makes his return to the Octagon against Dustin Poirier on January 23 after over a year out of action.
      But work has been going on behind the scenes for the Notorious to step into the boxing ring for the second time in his career to take on 42-year-old Pacquiao.
      Last year the former eight-division world champ signed with McGregor’s management fuelling rumours of a fight.
      And Pacquiao has confirmed the talks, claiming he’d rather fight the Crumlin superstar over Errol Spence.

      Reported by Business Mirror, he said: “He is too slow (Spence). Spence is slower than Thurman.
      “They [Spence/McGregor] are my options, but right now I want to experience fighting an MMA [fighter].”
      Manager Audi Attar, who represents both men, is confident the superstars will be in the ring with each other this year.
      Attar told Dubai Eye 103.8 Sport: “I definitely believe it’s inevitable for 2021.

      Conor McGregor could step into the boxing ring for a second timeCredit: Twitter / @TheNotoriousMMA

      “Both fighters want it, that’s the key.
      “You can’t make something happen or orchestrate it or choreograph it – which is the buzzword of this interview – you can’t fake that.
      “If one side wants it and the other doesn’t, it’s not going to happen. But when both fighters want that fight to happen, why wouldn’t it happen?
      “If the fans want to see it – that almost guarantees that it’s going to happen, right? As there’s enough interest to develop something there.”

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      Alexander Povetkin starts training camp for Dillian Whyte rematch after coronavirus battle, with fight planned in weeks

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      ALEXANDER POVETKIN has started his camp for the Dillian Whyte rematch after recovering from Covid-19.
      The Russian veteran knocked the Brixton fans’ favourite spark out on August 22, in a stunning upset after Whyte had dropped him twice and seemed to be coasting.

      Povetkin is back in training ahead of a rematch with WhyteCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Povetkin vs Whyte was a close contest last AugustCredit: Mark Robinson Ltd

      The Body Snatcher demanded an instant rematch and was due his revenge mission on November 23.
      But Povetkin caught coronavirus and was briefly hospitalised, flooring that 2020 rerun.
      The 41-year-old has now recovered and jetted out to Soviet outpost Gelendzhik on Tuesday to begin his brutal training camp.
      Whyte, 32, has kept up his training with his camp in Portugal and was getting frustrated with Team Povetkin delaying the bout.

      The Jamaica-born ace even opened up talks over moving on to fight Cuban bogeyman Luis Ortiz but Povetkin swiftly signed up for the rematch.
      The clash will be one of the first Eddie Hearn arranges after British boxing’s return on February 13.
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      Povetkin fought back to knock out Whyte last summerCredit: Mark Robinson Photography Ltd
      IBF featherweight Josh Warringron will hopefully headline the comeback show against China’s Can Xu for the WBA and Ring Magazine belts.

      And then Whyte and Povetkin will follow soon after, with the Brit banger aiming to get his WBC mandatory position back with a win over the former world and Olympic champ.
      Whyte wants to finish his thrilling career with five high-profile clashes to complete an unquestionable record. 
      After Povetkin he is targeting Ortiz, Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

      He said: “It might take me more than five fights but, if I can fight those guys, then I have fought everyone there is to fight. 
      “I’ve had tried to fight Wilder, Povetkin and Ortiz loads of times and they’ve turned me down, now they’re not in good positions, hopefully it’s different.
      “Because if they lose then they get well paid and if they win then they are back in the title frame.”

      Alexander Povetkin is a veteran of 39 fights, including this loss to Anthony JoshuaCredit: Reuters

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      Jake Paul calls out Conor McGregor protege Dylan Moran after Irish starlet said he’d put Paul brothers ‘to sleep’

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      JAKE PAUL has hit back at Conor McGregor’s sparring Dylan Moran after the boxer vowed to KO the YouTuber.
      The Irish welterweight recently vowed to teach Paul and his older brother, Logan, ‘some manners’ if they show up to Abu Dhabi for McGregor’s UFC 257 rematch with Dustin Poirier.

      Dylan Moran is currently in Abu Dhabi helping Conor McGregor prepare for hIs UFC 257 showdown with Dustin PoirierCredit: INSTAGRAM@DYLANMORANN

      Dylan Moran has found himself on the receiving end of trolling from Jake PaulCredit: INSTAGRAM@DYLANMORANN

      Jake Paul has been campaigning heavily for a boxing match with Conor McGregorCredit: INSTAGRAM

      It didn’t take long for Paul to get wind of Moran’s threat, which he responded to his Instagram story.
      He said: “Conor’s taking easy fights. But he’s been sparring in Ireland!”
      “He’s been boxing, going against some phenomenal, exciting Irish talent,” adds Paul, dripping with sarcasm.
      “This kid must be really good, because Conor’s a ‘good boxer’ right? And then we looked this kid up!

      “Ladies and gentlemen, presenting to you: the big, bad, exciting Irish talent – Dylan Moran, the kid that Conor McGregor is sparring against. Take a look!”
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      Paul’s story then cut to footage of Moran being dropped three times in his 2019 loss to Dennis Okoth.
      The final image was of Moran on the canvas, a snap which included the accompanying caption: “This is who Conor is calling a phenomenal boxer.”

      Paul’s trolling of Moran is his latest attempt to get under the skin of The Notorious, who he’s desperate to fight.
      The 23-year-old has been campaigning relentlessly for a bout with the Dubliner since his stunning KO of Nate Robinson last November, going as far as to direct message the former two-division UFC champion on Instagram.

      In an expletive-laden Instagram video, Paul said to Mystic Mac: “What the f** is up you Irish c**t? Good morning Conor McGregor.
      “I know you’re probably beating up old dudes in a bar right now or maybe you’re j**ing off as you’re sick of f***ing your wife, I mean, she’s a four [out of ten], Conor you could do a lot better, but happy Monday!
      “My team sent you a $50 million offer this morning, $50 million cash, proof of funds, the biggest fight offer you’ve ever been offered.
      “But you’re scared to fight me Conor. You duck me as you’re scared to fight a YouTuber.

      “You’re 0-1 as a boxer, I’m 2-0 as a boxer. I just came off the eighth biggest pay-per-view event in history.
      “But you want to fight Dustin Poirier, who has less followers on Instagram than my f***ing dog, that’s a fact.
      “And Dana White, you’re a f***ing p***y, you ugly f***ing bald bitch.
      “You said there’s zero per cent chance of this fight happening but there’s zero percent of you getting some p****.
      “Conor, you’re scared, Dana, you’re scared. Sign the f***ng contract you idiots. Irish b***h, f**k these guys.”

      Jake Paul mocks Conor McGregor, Dana White and Michael Bisping in latest foul-mouthed social media clip More

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      Anthony Joshua fight with Tyson Fury could hit buffers as Usyk refuses to give ‘consent’ on passing up mandatory clash

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA’S undisputed title clash against Tyson Fury has a major obstacle to overcome in the form of Oleksandr Usyk.
      And it could lead to Joshua vacating the WBO heavyweight belt in order to get the Fury deal done.

      Oleksandr Usyk is the WBO’s mandatory challenger for Anthony Joshua’s beltCredit: Mark Robinson

      Usyk is the WBO’s mandatory challenger, and according to his promoter the Ukrainian has ‘not given his consent’ for the two Brits to fight for all the belts.
      This is despite SunSport recently reporting that Usyk himself said he would consider stepping aside to allow the ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’.
      And Usyk fighting next in a non-title bout has ‘never been under discussion’, according to Alexander Krassyuk.
      The promoter told Sky Sports: “According to now the deadline is more for Fury and AJ not for Usyk.

      “There were talks about an interim title or the AJ vs Fury winner relinquishing the WBO title the next day [after they fight].
      “But as for today Usyk is the WBO mandatory and never gave his consent for the [Joshua vs Fury] bout to happen without him.
      “Usyk is in good conditions now, he successfully recovered from his last fight and looks forward to fight challenge the title this spring.
      “A non-title fight has never been under discussion and I really hope it will never be.”

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      Tyson Fury has predicted an easy night’s work against JoshuaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Joshua holds all the heavyweight belts except the WBC versionCredit: PA:Press Association

      In only his second fight at heavyweight after being crowned undisputed cruiser champ, Usyk outpointed Brit bruiser Derek Chisora on October 31.
      But he is now out of contract with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom stable ‘unless he is delivered the Joshua fight’.
      But AJ seems to be focusing on one man and one man only – Fury.
      The WBA, IBF and WBO king uploaded a picture on Snapchat, which revealed him dissecting the Gypsy King’s win over Wilder.

      That night last February earned Fury the WBC belt, the only crown missing for Joshua’s collection.
      With the two agreeing a 50/50 split, they are on the verge of fighting for all four of the heavyweight marbles for the first time in history.
      But, Wilder, 35, still believes he is contracted to a trilogy bout with Fury, and has launched a legal case to salvage his shot at revenge.

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