Boxing

ANTHONY JOSHUA is well and truly back in the heavyweight title picture.The Watford warrior continued his career resurgence early on Sunday morning with a ferocious finish of Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia.Anthony Joshua locked horns with Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia on Saturday morningCredit: REUTERSAJ brutally knocked out the former UFC heavyweight championCredit: GETTYAttention has now turned to who the former unified champ will face nextCredit: REUTERSJoshua, 34, knocked the former UFC heavyweight champion out cold in the second round with a hellacious overhand right moments after a beautiful knockdown that came courtesy of a right-hand left-hook combination.Attention has now turned to who AJ will face next following his demolition of Ngannou, with fans clamouring for him to fight Brit rival Tyson Fury.But The Gypsy King has the small matter of undisputed and unified title fights with former pound-for-pound king Oleksandr Usyk to think about before the long-overdue Battle of Britain can come to fruition.Former two-time unified champion Joshua could very well choose to sit and wait for the winner of the Fury vs Usyk series.READ MORE IN BOXINGBut given the fact he’s found his groove with four fights in 11 months, it’s likely he won’t want to sit and twiddle his thumbs on the sidelines.So with that in mind, SunSport thought it’d only be right to reveal the five fighters in contention to be his next opponent.Filip HrgovicCroatian clubber Filip Hrgovic is currently the mandatory challenger for the IBF heavyweight title in possession of Usyk.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUndefeated Croat clubber Filip Hrgovic is the mandatory challenger for the IBF heavyweight titleCredit: GETTYThe IBF are set to mandate the winner of Fury and Usyk’s May 18 melee to defend the belt against the Croat, although that fight won’t come to fruition as the pair are contractually obliged to have back-to-back bouts.Most read in BoxingThat means the winner of Fury vs Usyk is set to be STRIPPED of the title for Hrgovic to vie for it.Joshua blasts ‘f*** Tyson Fury’ after overhearing rival’s commentary on DAZN for Francis NgannouJoshua is ranked No3 in the IBF rankings, meaning the IBF will order Hrgovic to fight him for the brown belt should they decide to relieve either Fury or Usyk of the strap.Joseph ParkerFormer WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker has well and truly rebuilt himself following his crushing loss to Joe Joyce in September 2022.The Kiwi has rattled off five wins on the bounce, including one of former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder.His decision win over China’s Zhilei Zhang – in which he claimed the interim WBO title – has proved he’s not the spent force many thought he was nearly two years ago.So if AJ wants a good test to keep himself sharp, a rematch with Parker – who he beat six years ago – would make perfect sense.AJ could potentially be enticed to have a reamtch with the resurgent Joseph ParkerCredit: REUTERSDillian WhyteAJ was set to renew his rivalry with Dillian Whyte last August before the Brixton Body Snatcher tested positive for a banned substance for the third time in his career.Whyte – who maintained his innocence from the get-go – was recently cleared of any wrongdoing by the Texas Department of Licencing and RegulationProvided he wins his fight against Christian Hammer next weekend, and, more importantly, gets cleared by the British Boxing Board of Control to compete, he could potentially be in line for a third showdown with Joshua.A trilogy fight with Dillian Whyte could keep Anthony Joshua busy while he waits for Fury and Usyk to handle their businessCredit: REUTERSDaniel DuboisAnother domestic dust-up potentially in the offing for Joshua is one with Daniel Dubois.Triple D is set to fill the Brit heavyweight void when Joshua and Fury eventually call it a day – despite his ups and downs.The 26-year-old came up short in his first world title fight with Usyk last August but bounced back from that defeat with a sensational stoppage of Jarrell Miller a few months later.Dubois still has a long way to go to put himself back in the orbit of a world title but would be a more than satisfactory opponent for AJ to keep himself busy with.A domestic dust-up with Daniel Dubois could also be in the offingCredit: REUTERSDeontay WilderVicious knockout artist Wilder was supposed to have been the man standing opposite Joshua this weekend for the first of what would have been a two-fight series.But the former long-reigning WBC champ blew their £100million bouts with a stinker of a performance against Parker in Riyadh last December.READ MORE SUN STORIESFight fans around the world mourned the loss of one of the biggest grudge matches in the sport after Parker had his hand raised.But Joshua has refused to close the door on sharing the ring with the American – a statement which will be music to the ears of The Bronze Bomber.Anthony Joshua is still willing to face long-time rival Deontay WilderCredit: REUTERS More

FANS are convinced Francis Ngannou “cursed” himself with his walkout song to face Anthony Joshua.The Cameroonian legend, 37, got knocked out by a brutal AJ right hand in the second round of their heavyweight showdown in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.Francis Ngannou walked to the ring to the soundtrack of a Drake songCredit: GettyNgannou was knocked out in the second roundCredit: ReutersHe was floored twice before that, though, as the Brit dominated from the opening bell in an emphatic performance.However, some thought Ngannou was doomed to lose from the outset after hearing his choice of music.The ex-MMA champ headed from the dressing room to the ring to the background of Drake’s song God’s Plan. But fans berated Ngannou for his poor choice – due to the infamous ‘Drake curse’.READ MORE IN BOXINGOne said: “Why has Ngannou brought the Drake curse upon himself with this walkout song?”Another wrote: “Ngannou first problem is entering with a Drake song, seems he doesn’t know the Drake’s curse.”A third added: “Please who advised Ngannou to come in with Drake’s song? Didn’t they tell him?”A fourth replied: “Ngannou coming out to Drake, it’s game over for him.”Most read in BoxingCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL And a final user commented: “Walking out to a drake song is mistake No1 for Ngannou lol.”The ‘Drake curse’ relates to the Canadian rapper’s woeful ability to predict the outcome of sporting events. Fans spot Tyson Fury’s ‘terrified’ reaction immediately after Anthony Joshua’s explosive KO of Francis NgannouConor McGregor, Manchester City, Miami Heat, Serena Williams and PSG have all been victims after Drake placed large bets on them all to win – only for them to suffer defeats. And ahead of Joshua vs Ngannou, the Brit received a major boost when news of Drake’s stake emerged.He placed a whopping £500,000 wager on Ngannou – which would have pocketed him a cool £1.5million returns. And Drake’s nightmare streak continued within six minutes as Joshua sparked his opponent out in devastating fashion. The AJ win – following Tyson Fury’s struggles against the same man in October – means the Watford star has got his boxing career back on track and will be eyeing a heavyweight title fight against Fury should the WBC champ beat Oleksandr Usyk. Drake placed a £500,000 bet on Ngannou to winCredit: GettyJoshua produced a stunning hit to down the CameroonianCredit: Getty More

TYSON FURY was seemingly involved in a backstage barney in the aftermath of Anthony Joshua’s win over Francis Ngannou.The Gypsy King was ringside for his fellow Brit’s demolition job of his former opponent in Saudi Arabia early on Saturday morning.Tyson Fury was ringside for Anthony Joshua’s clash with Francis NgannouCredit: GETTYThe Gypsy King launched a blistering X-rated rant during backstage after the fightIt’s unclear who the WBC heavyweight king was shouting atFury, 35, was sat alongside wife Paris as AJ knocked the former UFC heavyweight champion out cold with a brutal overhand right in the second round of their Saudi showdown.And he was seemingly fired up as he made his way to leave the Kingdom Arena.The WBC heavyweight champion was filmed backstage bemoaning the fact someone he’d had an interaction with had disappeared.He said: “Has f***ed off, the useless c**t.”READ MORE IN BOXINGIt’s unknown who the furious Fury was talking about in the video, which has spread like wildfire on social media.Boxing fans were quick to comment, with one saying: “He’s rattled. He knows the jig is up.”Another said: “Fury feeling the pressure.”And another said: “Rattled when the cameras were off him.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnthony Joshua knocked out Francis Ngannou in the second round of their Saudi showdownCredit: GettyOne remarked: “He is FUMING.”Another chimed in: “Running around in a waistcoat with no shirt, a dyed beard calling people useless cunts is quite an image.”Paris Fury looks horrified as Francis Ngannou collapses to floor after he’s brutally knocked out by Anthony JoshuaJoshua, 34, did his part to get a Battle of Britain between himself and Fury back on track with his destruction of Ngannou.Fury must now register back-to-back wins over Oleksandr Usyk in their undisputed fights later this year to ensure the fight happens.He said: “I’m sure Oleksandr Usyk will have something to say something about that.”I had a s*** performance against Ngannou. AJ did absolutely fantastic and lit him up with a right hand.”If he fights me after I beat Usyk twice then it will be a different game.”Joshua, however, refused to be drawn on a historic domestic dust-up with his long-time rival, telling iFL TV: “F**k Tyson Fury.”Anthony Joshua didn’t hang around as he dominated Francis NgannouCredit: EPA More

FANS have praised Anthony Joshua after incredible pre-fight footage showed him practising the exact punch that beat Francis Ngannou.AJ wasted no time in the ring last night as he secured a knockout win over the MMA superstar.Anthony Joshua practised the punch that won the fight just before stepping into the ringCredit: DAZNAJ’s strong right-hand knocked out Francis NgannouCredit: GettyThe former heavyweight champion sent his rival to the canvas in the opening round before a powerful right-hand and left-hook combo in the second saw him hit the deck again.Ngannou found his feet but looked shaky as his lights were put out by Joshua with another right-overhand punch.The Cameroonian was caught off guard by the Brit’s fast start – but perhaps he should’ve been aware of his tactics.As Joshua warmed up for the bout, he was working on his right-hand punched that finished the fight.READ MORE IN BOXINGAJ and his team have been praised for their spot-on preparation. One fan said: “Team Joshua were practising the power right-hand extensively during the warm up, which is rare. Clearly elite fight planning. They knew in advance Ngannou’s stance restricts him from evading the right hand.”Another added: “They were truly ready and prepared.”A third commented: “Joshua has finally found the right team for him I think.”Most read in BoxingCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL The 2012 Olympics gold medallist’s performance impressed Tyson Fury amid fans saying he looked “terrified” ringside.Asked about fighting Joshua, Fury said: “I’m sure Oleksandr Usyk will have something to say something about that.AJ Celebrates huge knockout win over Francis Ngannou”I had a s*** performance against Ngannou. AJ did absolutely fantastic and lit him up with a right hand.“I’m still dismissive of him. AJ’s made to measure for me.”Just because he knocked out Ngannou – it’s not the same.”He couldn’t land any of those rights on Usyk, a way smaller and lighter man. “Styles make fights and his style is made for me.” More

ANTHONY JOSHUA blasted Tyson Fury in a blistering rant just hours after his obliteration of Francis Ngannou.The former two-time unified heavyweight champion knocked the MMA man mountain out cold in the second round of their crossover clash in Saudi Arabia early on Saturday morning.Anthony Joshua brutally knocked out Francis Ngannou in their Saudi showdownCredit: GETTYTyson Fury was ringside for his fellow Brit’s third KO win in a rowCredit: SKY SPORTSJoshua was in no mood to talk about his long-time rival after the stunning stoppageCredit: IFL TVAJ’s demolition of Ngannou has put him on course for a long overdue Battle of Britain with The Gypsy King, who was ringside for the Riyadh rumble.But he wasn’t in the mood for discussing a domestic dust-up with the WBC heavyweight champion due to his pre-fight putdowns of himself and Ngannou.The fired-up Watford warrior told iFL TV: “F**k Tyson Fury.”I don’t like trash-talking people, but I heard him say, ‘Oh, I’m here to do commentary about these two sausages.’READ MORE IN BOXING”Or something like that.”Bro, that guy that I fought and that he fought is an ex-UFC heavyweight champion [and has] a phenomenal story and someone who has changed their life around.”[He’s] just too disrespectful. So forget anything about him right now.”Before Joshua can think of sharing the ring with Fury, he must first wait for his Brit rival to have back-to-back undisputed heavyweight title fights with Oleksandr Usyk.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnthony Joshua walks away after flatlining Francis NgannouCredit: GETTYA fight between Joshua and Fury will arguably be the biggest in the history of British boxing, a fact promoter Eddie Hearn is well aware of.Speaking moments after Joshua’s third successive KO, the Matchroom Boxing chief said: “I’m so proud of him because there was a huge amount of pressure.AJ Celebrates huge knockout win over Francis Ngannou“If we won this fight then he would fight the winner of Fury vs Usyk.“You’re looking at the No1 heavyweight in the world.“Tyson Fury please beat Usyk because you will get the biggest fight in the history of the sport.“As a fighter, he’s an inspiration to young people.“What I said would happen, happened. He destroyed Francis Ngannou.“He’s a beast and I cannot wait for him to beat Tyson Fury.” More