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      Eight venues that could host Joshua vs Fury from Wembley to ‘wacky’ options like new Qatar stadium and Fight Island

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA’S Battle of Britain against Tyson Fury moved one step closer with AJ’s ninth round KO of Kubrat Pulev.
      And with the coronavirus vaccine also being rolled out across the country, the clash has a bigger chance of taking place in the UK.

      Anthony Joshua has fought all over the world – but fight fans will be hoping the Fury clash will be on home soil after he beat Kubrat Pulev

      Tyson Fury beat Deontay Wilder in the American’s back yard – can he bring AJ up to Manchester?Credit: Rex Features

      This could also mean fans are allowed back into stadiums with boxing and sport in general slowly getting back to ‘normal’.
      WBC king Fury announced at the start of lockdown that he had agreed two fights against WBA, WBO and IBF champ Joshua for 2021.
      And, with Joshua through his Pulev battle, Eddie Hearn has opened the door to fighting in a ‘wacky’ location.
      Here, SunSport checks out five potential venues that could be in the running to house the mouthwatering battle.

      Wembley Stadium
      Being the national stadium, Wembley is a firm favourite to hold such a monumental boxing clash.
      Joshua has already sold out the 90,000 capacity London venue when he beat Wladimir Klitschko in a thriller in 2017 to become unified champ.
      He went on to defend his titles against Alexander Povetkin there too in September 2018.
      It would be Fury’s first fight at Wembley – but he has won twice at the Arena next door.

      Wembley Stadium hosted AJ’s epic victory against Wladimir KlitschkoCredit: Reuters

      Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
      The futuristic North London venue deserves to hold an event of such magnitude.
      Eddie Hearn seems a fan, previously touting it for prospective giant boxing clashes including the initial plans for Joshua to face Pulev.
      Housing just over 62,000 and with travel links decent enough and set to be upgraded, the home of Spurs could be the favourite.

      A night under the lights at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could be magicalCredit: PA:Press Association
      Principality Stadium
      Promoter Hearn and Joshua were raving after the Welsh stadium hosted AJ’s victory against Joseph Parker in March 2018.
      There was even the chance of Joshua’s rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr happening there, until the millions of Saudi Arabia came knocking.
      With Fury from the north and Joshua the south, this would play the part of a neutral 74,000 capacity venue.

      Anthony Joshua loved fighting at the Principality Stadium when he beat Joseph ParkerCredit: Rex Features
      Old Trafford
      Fury has often spoke of his dreams to have a world title fight in his hometown of Morecambe.
      But that might be a little too much for the quaint seaside town.
      Sixty miles down the road is Manchester, and the 76,000-capacity home of his beloved football club, United.
      The Gyspy King has previously been paraded out on the hallowed turf at half-time of a Premier League game.

      Tyson Fury is a big Manchester United fan and would love a fight at Old TraffordCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Lusail Iconic Stadium
      Many expect the fight to be heading to the Middle East with a specially-constructed arena in Saudi Arabia hosting AJ’s win over Andy Ruiz Jr.
      With Hearn accepting that the fight may not take place in the UK, Qatar may emerge as a serious contender for the honour.
      The hosts of the 2022 World Cup have a whole host of new venues on the way, including the 80,000-seater Lusail Iconic Stadium that will host the final.
      Due to be completed in May, what better opening event than a heavyweight world unification fight?

      Could Qatar be one of the ‘wacky’ bidders Eddie Hearn has referred to?Credit: Handout – Getty

      Fight Island
      Dana White’s UFC spectacle was able to continue throughout the pandemic by setting up at Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi.
      The unique location may be an option if fans are still unable to attend this unification battle.
      And few could doubt the UAE’s ability to pull out the cash to land the fight.

      Fight Island hosted UFC during the pandemic and may be the best fan-less option for Fury vs AJCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Saudi Arabia
      Another proven destination for major sporting events in recent years has been Saudi Arabia.
      It took just weeks for Saudi authorities to construct a 15,000-seater venue to host Joshua’s rematch with Ruiz Jr in Riyadh.
      The three-sided gladiator-style arena boasted plenty of space for VIP guests and for fighters to prepare, so a fresh deal with Hearn is hardly difficult to imagine.

      Saudi Arabia built a stadium in mere weeks for Joshua’s last fight abroadCredit: https://www.instagram.com/eddiehearn/

      Las Vegas
      The traditional home of boxing world title fights.
      It would be foolish to rule out the MGM Grand or another top Vegas venue, including the Raiders’ new Allegiant Stadium.
      The NFL ground was initially selected for Fury’s trilogy match-up with Deontay Wilder.

      Las Vegas has another jewel in its crown with the completion of Allegiant StadiumCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Hollywood star Michael Jai White agrees to fight Mike Tyson for FREE and insists bout ‘can happen next week’

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      HOLLYWOOD star Michael Jai White portrayed Mike Tyson in the 1995 HBO movie about the boxer… and now he wants to fight him.
      The 53-year-old actor – who took up the starring role for the biopic ‘Tyson’ – has even suggested he would beat the Baddest Man on the Planet.

      Michael Jai White (middle) is confident he would beat Mike Tyson in a boxing matchCredit: Alamy

      Known for his role as Gambol in The Dark Knight, Al Simmons in Spawn and Jax Briggs in Mortal Kombat: Legacy, the American has stated he is up for a new challenge.
      White boasts an impressive background in martial arts having first started Jujutsu at the age of seven, but he has revealed he is keen to try his hand inside the boxing ring.
      Speaking to VladTV, White was asked whether he would be willing to compete against Tyson, to which he said: “Of course.
      “To box Mike Tyson, I would love that. Are you kidding me? Why would I not do something like that.”

      When asked about what the outcome of the bout would be, he added: “Of course, I think I would win.
      “If [Tyson] he whooped my a**, I would [just] laugh at the whole scenario.”
      White then insisted he would be willing to pit his wits against the former world heavyweight champion for free.
      He also claimed that the exhibition contest could happen as early as next week.

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      Mike Tyson returned to the ring in November where he drew against Roy Jones JrCredit: USA TODAY Sports

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      He remarked: “Of course, I’ll do it for free. That’s my point man. It’s not about somebody else’s entertainment.
      “That’s why I don’t post this stuff [sparring sessions] with Jon Jones or me and a lot of fighters. I don’t post that stuff. This is something that can happen next week.”
      Tyson – who drew in his comeback fight against Jones in November – confirmed earlier this month that he will box again this year.
      And he has also teased a potential switch into MMA after footage emerged of him sparring inside the octagon.
      The 54-year-old has previously described UFC as ‘sexy’, but insisted the money in boxing is better.

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      Eddie Hearn casts doubt over Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury happening in UK but insists fight deal is ‘virtually there’

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      EDDIE HEARN admits Anthony Joshua’s blockbuster showdown with Tyson Fury could be held at a “wacky” location outside of the UK.
      The eagerly-anticipated heavyweight title unification fight is currently in the works, and both parties are confident a deal will soon be finalised.

      Eddie Hearn admits Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury could take place outside of the UKCredit: PA

      Anthony Joshua would like to face Tyson Fury at Wembley StadiumCredit: Getty

      Wembley Stadium is the preferred location for the fight, although Hearn admits the ongoing coronavirus pandemic – which has plunged the nation into a third lockdown – could lead to the bout being held in a “wacky” location.
      He told IFL TV: “There have been meetings taking place on where this fight is going to be held.
      ‘There’s various countries. I’ve visited a few of them in the last few weeks and days and I think we’re in a good position. There’s some wacky stuff.
      ‘There’s some stuff you’d expect and again, I know everyone wants it in the UK but at the moment they aren’t even allowing boxing so we’ve got a long way to go.”

      Although an agreement has yet to be finalised, Hearn believes the biggest fight in the history of British boxing is almost a done deal.
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      He added: “We’ve been drafting contracts, it’s not signed but the deal has been agreed for a long time, we’ve confirmed that in writing.
      “I feel like the fight is virtually there, to be honest with you. We’re in the final stages of everything that’s got to be worked out.”

      WBC king Fury continued his mind games with AJ this week by vowing to stop him inside two rounds.
      Hearn is loving the pre-fight build-up, saying: “I think it’s hotting up nicely. The mind games are starting.

      “AJ is working tirelessly away in London and I think Tyson has gone to Miami to train and I think AJ will be going somewhere to train soon as well.
      “I think everything is great. There’s been conversations every day for the last two weeks on that fight.
      “A lot of the travelling I’ve been doing lately has been looking at where that fight can be staged as well.
      “As we have done for a long time, we have an agreement on that fight. We have an agreement, which was agreed a long time ago. Nothing has changed.
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      “We are not looking to go back on that agreement, I don’t think Tyson Fury is looking to go back on that agreement.
      “We’re in the position now of drafting paperwork to try and move forwards with that fight so I think from a pandemic point of view it’s difficult because the world is changing every day. One minute something is opening, another something is closing.”
      Despite the prospect of Covid-19 delaying the long-awaited Battle of Britain, Hearn is confident the fight will take place this year.
      The Matchroom chief said: “That fight is planned for the end of May, early June and I don’t see anything getting in the way of it.”

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      Khabib was offered $100m to box Floyd Mayweather and Dana White was ‘on board’, reveals UFC fighter’s manager

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      KHABIB NURMAGOMEDOV was offered $100million to box Floyd Mayweather with Dana White ‘on board’, his manager revealed. Ali Abdelaziz – who has represented Khabib throughout his UFC career – opened up about the proposal as he challenged Mayweather to take the fight. Abdelaziz told TMZ Sports: “Listen, we got offered $100million to fight Floyd Mayweather. […] More

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      Canelo Alvarez, 30, says he could ‘do some serious damage’ to fierce rival Gennady Golovkin, 38, in a trilogy fight

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      CANELO ALVAREZ insists he could ‘do some serious damage’ to fierce rival Gennady Golovkin if they meet in a trilogy fight.
      The two men have twice shared the ring, in 2017 and 2018.

      Canelo Alvarez insists he would inflict ‘serious damage’ on Gennady Golovkin if they met for a third timeCredit: Getty

      The Mexican (54-1-2, 36 KOs) eventually claimed a win after a controversial draw in their first bout that he felt he should have won.
      Now Canelo, 30, insists he no longer looks at his 38-year-old rival in the same light after those meetings.
      And as fans clamour to see a third and final showdown between the pair, the four-weight world champ believes there would only be one brutal outcome should the Kazakhstani climb back into the ring with him.
      Canelo, who beat England’s Callum Smith via unanimous decision last month, told Ring Magazine: “I feel like I’m at my peak.

      “If it happens a third time, I feel so good that I could most likely knock him out and do some serious damage.”
      Golovkin (41-1-1, 36 KOs) handed mandatory challenger Kamil Szeremeta a beating of a lifetime to defend his IBF and IBO middleweight titles in December. 
      Rumours are now circulating that the two icons are already in discussions for a trilogy.
      And despite their first meeting ending in a draw, Canelo is adamant their rivalry has been one-sided.

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      He added: “I don’t have to prove anything to anyone.
      “I did my job already by beating him twice.”
      Canelo boasts a record of 54-1, with his only defeat coming against Floyd Mayweather in 2013.
      Eddie Hearn is already trying to plan Canelo’s next move following his impressive victory over Smith.
      The promoter is ‘discussing a two-fight deal’ for him to face Avni Yildirim and then Billy Joe Saunders.
      Canelo has 90 days to defend his WBC crown against mandatory challenger Yildirim.

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      Gervonta Davis accepts Ryan Garcia fight in now-deleted tweet as star vows to KO Floyd Mayweather protege in two rounds

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      GERVONTA DAVIS accepted Ryan Garcia’s callout and told his rival ‘shut up and get ready!’ Garcia went after Floyd Mayweather’s protege after he knocked out Brit Luke Campbell with a devastating body shot. He promised to win by KO in only two rounds and insisted Davis’ reputation is on the line. Garcia told TMZ Sports: […] More

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      Manny Pacquiao offers cash reward over rape and murder of air hostess who was close family friend of boxing legend

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      MANNY PACQUIAO has offered a cash reward to find those responsible for the rape and murder of an air hostess who was reportedly a close family friend.
      Christine Angelica Dacera was found dead in the bathtub of a posh hotel in the Philippines after a New Year’s Eve party.

      Manny Pacquiao has offered a cash reward to find those responsible for the rape and murder of an air hostessCredit: AFP or licensors

      Christine Angelica Dacera was found dead in a hotel bathtub after a New Year’s partyCredit: @xtinedacera/Newsflash

      Boxing legend Pacquiao, who is an elected Filipino senator, declared in an interview he is offering over £7,500 to find those responsible.
      And he also revealed that he had met Christine before as he knew her family personally.
      Pacquiao, 42, told radio station DZRH via The Inquirer: “I will give P500,000 to those who catch the suspects.”
      Dacera checked into the the four-star City Garden Hotel in the city of Makati, Manila, to celebrate the New Year with friends.

      The 23-year-old was with several colleagues at the party and one of them, Rommel Galida, woke up at around 10am and noticed her asleep in the bath.
      Mr Galida said he covered the Filipino stewardess with a blanket before going back to sleep.
      When he woke up several hours later, he found her unconscious and starting to turn blue.
      The Philippines Airlines stewardess was given CPR by fellow cabin crew members but she failed to respond.

      She was then rushed to Makati hospital by three friends and hotel staff but doctors declared the flight attendant dead on arrival.
      The hospital informed authorities of her death at 5pm on January 1, chief colonel Harold Depositar told local media outlet Pilipino Star Ngayon.
      Investigators are waiting for an autopsy but confirmed that the young woman’s body did have bruises and cuts including on her thighs and knees.
      Officers discovered that around ten people attended a private party in one of the rooms the group had rented, according to reports.
      One of the theories cops are reportedly investigating is that she might have been raped or gang-raped.
      The police are also waiting for the toxicology report to see if she had taken drugs or alcohol.
      It was determined that the secondary cause of death was an aneurysm
      The investigation remains ongoing.

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      Luke Campbell puts boxing retirement decision on hold as he has hands full of dirty nappies and school books

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      LUKE CAMPBELL will dive headfirst into school books and dirty nappies before deciding on his boxing future.
      The 33-year-old dad of three had his third world title tilt derailed in Texas on Saturday when US lightweight sensation Ryan Garcia stopped him with a stunning body shot.

      Luke Campbell was defeated by Ryan Garcia – but retirement talk will waitCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Olympic 2012 hero Campbell returned to Hull to help wife Lynsey feed and change baby Levi and tutor primary schoolboys Leo and Lincoln.
      And he will use the hectic lockdown weeks to decide whether he continues his quest to land an elite championship, or retires as a highly respected nearly man.
      Campbell said: “My dream is still to be a world champion but, right now, I need to try to enjoy some family time and look at everything in a few months.
      “I don’t want to make any rash decisions.

      “I was so excited to get home and see my boys. I don’t want to have boxing on my mind for a while.
      “I am going to take some breathing space and coming home to another lockdown, home schooling, now means boxing will not even be able to get back on my mind for a while.
      “The home schooling didn’t go down too well last time — my boys laughed when I told them what GCSEs I got.
      “But I love changing nappies and helping with bottles. Being a dad is everything to me, it’s the best job in the world.”

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      Outside of the ring, Campbell is a doting fatherCredit: https://www.instagram.com/luke11campbell/

      Campbell lost to three-weight world champ Jorge Linares in 2017 and to Ukrainian great Vasiliy Lomachenko in 2019.
      If wonderkid Garcia, 22, goes on to fulfil his frightening potential, Campbell could own one of the most star-studded CVs of his era — without a belt to crown it with.
      Retirement now would put him in a celebrated but heartbreaking club of Brit greats who never ruled the world, alongside the likes of Herol Graham, Colin Jones, Michael Watson and Alan Rudkin.
      And Campbell appears to be slowly edging toward accepting the idea.
      He said: “Even though I don’t have a world title, I think I’m an elite fighter.
      “I’d hate to have been a world champion that people thought was handed a belt and was a fraud. I think I’d hate that even more than the position I am in now.”

      Campbell as defeated by Vasiliy Lomachenko in 2019Credit: Reuters

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