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      Tyson Fury’s my best friend but I’d fight him for world title in a heartbeat – it would change both of our lives forever

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      JOSEPH PARKER is ready to put friendship aside for a life-changing fight with Tyson Fury. The heavyweight pair have formed a bromance over the past few years and have been inseparable in training camps. Joseph Parker defeated Zhilei ZhangThey have even spent Christmas and New Year’s with each other and it was Fury who introduced cousin Andy Lee to train Parker. The New Zealander has won his last five bouts and is now in line for the WBO belt he formerly held and now owned by Oleksandr Usyk. So if Usyk is beaten by Fury in their May 18 undisputed clash Parker could be on the verge of civil war. But he insisted if the price is right, friendship could be forgotten for 12 rounds or less. READ MORE IN BOXINGParker told iFL TV: “When Tyson wins the fight with Usyk, and I’m in the position to fight for the WBO world title, if it’s going to make a massive change for my life and my family, we’ll do it. “I reckon he’ll be like, ‘Okay, let’s do it.’ So, he can look after both of us for the rest of our lives“I want to be world champion, and I want to fight the best, and I believe Tyson is the best. “If it’s Tyson, we’ll have a quick word and see where we end up. We’ll see.”Most read in BoxingParker, 32, is already contracted to a rematch with Zhilei Zhang, 40, after beating the Chinese star on points. But it did earn him the interim WBO belt and the right to challenge whoever is in possession of the gold. Joseph Parker celebrates his points victory over Zhilei ZhangThat could be Fury, 35, by the time he unifies all four belts with Usyk, 37, in Riyadh. But Parker said: “Without Tyson, I wouldn’t have been with Andy Lee. I wouldn’t have been with George Lockhart. “I wouldn’t have had the team that I have. I’m very grateful to cross paths with him and become a close brother. “He’s done well for me, and all I can say is thanks to him. It’s great to be back, and there’s more to come.”Parker celebrating with pal Tyson FuryCredit: GETTY More

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      Joe Joyce ready to fight into his 40s in pursuit of heavyweight world title… taking inspiration from George Foreman

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      JOE JOYCE is taking inspiration from golden oldie George Foreman in his pursuit of the heavyweight world title.Heading into last year, Joyce was unbeaten and on the brink of a shot at the gold. Joe Joyce is taking inspiration from golden oldie George Foreman in his comebackCredit: GettyForeman’s is the oldest heavyweight champ ever at 46Credit: GettyBut with big dogs Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk either tied up or failing in negotiations to fight, Joyce took a risky keep-busy fight.He did so against Chinese star Zhilei Zhang and was stunned in defeat after six rounds when his right eye was completely swollen shut. The rematch though ended in even more brutal fashion as Joyce was knocked out in the third. But Joyce has refused retirement and now returns next Saturday in Birmingham against Kash Ali. READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd he looks at Foreman – who became the oldest heavyweight champ ever at 46 – as the reason to continue his career.Joyce, 38, told SunSport: “It’s all in the past now, you’ve seen what for instance Joseph Parker did, I beat him but he came back and beat Deontay Wilder.“It shows that he’s young and he’s been in the sport a long time, heavyweight champion, so it just shows it’s not it, it’s not over.“Even like George Foreman came back when he was what? 46. There’s still plenty of time.”Most read in BoxingParker – knocked out by Joyce in 2022 – added Zhang to his run of wins after outpointing Wilder in December. And Joyce will be hoping for a similar resurgence and maybe even a rematch as he looks to cash in on the mega-money bouts in Saudi. ‘I know I’m gonna see him one day’ – Anthony Joshua calls out reporter in press conference after KO of Francis Ngannou He said: “There’s other fighters, other rematches to make. I think I’ve fought all of them other than Fury, that would be a great fight to get on my record before I retire.“There’s other names as well. It’s an exciting time to be a heavyweight, especially after the introduction of Saudi fights and His Excellency putting on these spectacular fights.”Joyce would have seven years left to better Foreman’s world title record – but he made sure to remind that he is still in his 30s.He joked: “It’s funny, you can say, ‘I’m going to retire when I’m this age.’ “But when you get to that age you’re like, ‘Oh, I think I’ll have a few more fights.’“It’s always possible. Like with Foreman, he came back at 45 and won the heavyweight title. “So I’ve still got a few more years. I’ve still got a few more years till I’m 40!READ MORE SUN STORIES“I still feel fit and hungry to get back in the mix. I would still like to win a world title before I retire and earn enough money to retire on.”Asked whether he could break Foreman’s record, Joyce replied: “I don’t know about 46! Let me get to 40 first and see where I’m at.” Joyce suffered this eye injury in his first loss to Zhilei ZhangCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunJoyce was knocked out in the rematchCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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      Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson SLAMMED by Conor McGregor as UFC star reveals who he’s rooting for in ‘strange’ showdown

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      CONOR MCGREGOR has slammed Jake Paul’s booking of a fight with boxing legend Mike Tyson.The combat sports world was left stunned this week when it was announced that the YouTube sensation would throw down with the former undisputed heavyweight champion.Jake Pual will throw down with boxing legend Mike Tyson later this yearCredit: NETFLIXThe shock showdown takes place at the AT&T Stadium in TexasCredit: MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONSUFC legend Conor McGregor has slammed the bizarre boutCredit: GETTYThe July 20 bout – which will be broadcast on Netflix – was slammed by fight fans around the globe due to the 30-YEAR age difference between the pair.And McGregor, like many others, can’t for the life of him understand why the crossover clash has been booked.The UFC’s poster boy said of the shock showdown: “It’s a bit strange.”The interest is low – I don’t know. I don’t understand it.”READ MORE IN BOXINGMcGregor, 35, has been embroiled in a war of words with former Disney star Paul for the best part of three years.So it comes as no surprise that the Irishman is rooting for Iron Mike to win the Texas tussle.The Notorious continued: “I wish well for Mike.”Tyson, 57, hasn’t set foot inside the ring since his exhibition bout with fellow boxing great Roy Jones Jr in November 2020.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut he plans to derail Paul’s unlikely bid to win a world title in emphatic fashion.He said: “I’m very much looking forward to stepping into the ring with Jake Paul at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.”He’s grown significantly as a boxer over the years, so it will be a lot of fun to see what the will and ambition of a ‘kid’ can do with the experience and aptitude of a GOAT.”It’s a full circle moment that will be beyond thrilling to watch; as I started him on his boxing journey on the undercard of my fight with Roy Jones and now I plan to finish him.”Problem Child Paul said of the fight: “It’s crazy to think that in my second pro fight I went viral for knocking out Nate Robinson on Mike Tyson’s undercard.”Now, less than four years later, I’m stepping up to face Tyson myself to see if I have what it takes to beat one of boxing’s most notorious fighters and biggest icons.”Within just two and a half years of founding MVP, we’re about to produce the biggest fight in history.”A fight in the biggest NFL stadium in the US, broadcast live, on the biggest streaming platform in the world – a testament to all we’ve accomplished in such a short amount of time.” More

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      Francis Ngannou reveals he KNEW he’d lose to Anthony Joshua as ex-UFC champ woke up doubting himself morning of fight

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      FRANCIS NGANNOU woke up the morning of his showdown with Anthony Joshua with a sneaking suspicion he’d lose the fight.The former UFC heavyweight champion locked horns with AJ in a lucrative Saudi showdown early on Saturday morning.Francis Ngannou locked horns with Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia this weekendCredit: GETTYThe former UFC heavyweight champion suffered a brutal second-round KO loss to AJCredit: GettyNgannou admits he into the fight thinking that he’d loseCredit: GETTYNgannou, 37, shocked the world in his professional boxing debut last October with a stellar display against WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.But he was brutally brought back down to earth by AJ, who knocked him out in the second round of their Saudi showdownHe told SecondsOut: “I’m not going to take anything away from Anthony Joshua, he did a great job.”I think even if I was different, I think maybe things may have still been the same.READ MORE IN BOXING”But this wasn’t my day. I woke up this morning and felt like this wasn’t my day.”Despite suffering the first knockdowns and knockout of his 11-year-long combat sports career, Ngannou has no plans to walk away from boxing.When asked if he plans to return to the ring, the Cameroonian clubber said: “Absolutely.”Right now I feel like I have an obligation to continue because it owes me now.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I think boxing owes me now and I really intend to collect.”Former two-time unified heavyweight champ Joshua believes Ngannou still has a lot to offer in boxing.Francis Ngannou walks out to Drake song ahead of fighting Anthony Joshua In his post-fight interview, he said: “On the route to the championship you should always stay focused and I had to step away from the mission.”I thought it was just a gimmick for the broadcasters.”When I saw the fight with Tyson Fury I thought damn this guy can fight, I want a piece of that.”I wanted to welcome him and this does not take anything away from him, he can come again.“I am still learning and pushing, I don’t know if I am coming into my peak, if that was me down there you would be saying ‘Anthony Joshua should retire’.“In five years I will be finished fighting and sitting down and all this will be a distant memory.“I am going to go back and lock myself in my cage and they can let me out when they want me to fight. I just want to fight.”Francis Ngannou insists his boxing days aren’t overCredit: Getty More

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      ‘I know I’m gonna see him one day’ – Anthony Joshua calls out reporter in press conference after KO of Francis Ngannou

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA jokingly took aim at a mixed martial arts reporter after his knockout of Francis Ngannou.The former two-time unified heavyweight champion locked horns with the MMA man mountain in a lucrative crossover clash in Saudi Arabia early on Saturday morning.Anthony Joshua locked horns with former UFC champ Francis Ngannou in SaudiCredit: REUTERSAJ brutally knocked out the MMA man mountain in the second round of their Riyadh rumbleCredit: GETTYJoshua jokingly called out MMA reporter Mike Bohn in the post-fight press conferenceCredit: YOUTUBE@MATCHROOMBOXINGCanadian Bohn took the light-hearted ribbing wellCredit: X@MIKEBOHNAJ gave the former UFC heavyweight king a brutal reminder of the levels of the Sweet Science with a vicious second-round KO in their Riyadh rumble.The Watford warrior fielded questions from the assembled media in the post-fight press conference and was quick to recognise the voice of one of the reporters in attendance.Shortly MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn began asking him a question, AJ asked: “Did you interview Ngannou? “I recognise your voice. Was it like a one-on-one interview?READ MORE IN BOXING”Yeah, I recognise your voice. You thought he was going to beat me, innit?”I could tell by the question, I could tell by the questions you were asking.”After Eddie Hearn revealed to Joshua the outlet Bohn worked for, Joshua broke into laughter and said: “Is he MMA Junkie?”See what I’m saying? I know. His outlet is MMA Junkie, I can recognise that voice.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I was thinking, ‘Whoever this guy is, I know I’m gonna see him one day.’ I tell people, ‘I watch everything. I study everything.'”Veteran reporter Bohn took the playful ribbing well and reflected on it on X.AJ Celebrates huge knockout win over Francis NgannouThe Canadian wrote: “Anthony Joshua just called me out at the post-fight presser for being the MMA guy in the room.”He then added on Instagram: “Fair play.”Victory over Ngannou was Joshua’s third stoppage in his last four fights since back-to-back defeats to former pound-for-pound king Oleksandr Usyk.Immediately after having his hand raised, he said: “This is the thing with boxing, it only takes one shot in the heavyweight division.”You should always keep searching for better.”For me, I don’t know if I’m coming into my peak, I’m pushing day by day.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Who knows where it will take me. “Imagine in five years I won’t be fighting any more, this will all be said and done, so I’m trying to make the most of it.” More

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      Anthony Joshua arrives at Saudi Arabian GP as he is seen for first time since brutal win over Francis Ngannou

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA switched the boxing ring for the Formula One paddock after his win against Francis Ngannou. The 34-year-old secured a second round knockout win last night against the MMA superstar.Anthony Joshua strolled around the paddock after his win last nightCredit: GettyAJ was all smiles at the Jeddah Corniche CircuitCredit: GettyThe boxer had a chat with Man Utd icon Patrice EvraCredit: GettyJoshua had little time to sleep before heading to the Grand PrixCredit: SplashAJ put in a stunning performance as he put Ngannou on the deck twice before a powerful right-hand punch secured victory.Joshua has been unable to get much rest since the fight as he was spotted for the first time just hours later at tonight’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.He didn’t take to the ring until a local time of 3:30am but was at the F1 by 6:30pm.Joshua showed no signs of tiredness as he strutted around the paddock with his head held high while smiling for the cameras.READ MORE IN BOXINGHe dressed casually in a white top, black jacket and stylish sunglasses.On his arrival at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, he stopped for a chat with former Manchester United player Patrice Evra.It is the second time he has interacted with an ex-Red Devil this weekend after leaning out the ring to shake hands with their former manager Jose Mourinho after beating Ngannou.Joshua is a big F1 fan and has a share in the team Alpine.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe is also supposedly a huge supporter of fellow Brit Lewis Hamilton.But the boxer is likely to see another Max Verstappen win as the three-time world champ starts on pole.’I know I’m gonna see him one day’ – Anthony Joshua calls out reporter in press conference after KO of Francis Ngannou More

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      Five fights Anthony Joshua could take next including long-awaited grudge rematch as he awaits Tyson Fury showdown

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      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

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      Fans convinced Francis Ngannou ‘cursed’ himself with walkout before Anthony Joshua fight

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      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