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    Fabio Wardley vs Justis Huni LIVE RESULT: Wardley LOSING before detonating SENSATIONAL KNOCKOUT win out of nowhere

    FABIO WARDLEY secured a truly SENSATIONAL KO win in front of a packed Portman Road!Fighting in front of his home fans in Ipswich, Wardley was way down on the judges’ scorecards before an absolutely PERFECT punch floored Justis Huni.The Australian was putting on the performance of his career as they meet at the home of Ipswich Town for the vacant interim WBA title.But in the 10th round, Wardley stole a victory with a sensational one-punch knockout to secure an incredible win.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow all the action with our live blog below…What next for Wardley?The Ipswich star is now the mandatory for the WBA belt, which is held by Oleksandr Usyk.The Ukrainian fights Daniel Dubois in their unification rematch next, of course, and after that anything could happen.It’s not clear if Usyk will even continue fighting after that, win or lose.The WBO mandatory – Joseph Parker – will get any first crack at Usyk, or Dubois.But Wardley is now right in line.We wouldn’t expect any rushed announcements, but Wardley’s crack would appear to be approaching at speed.Copy linkCopiedOnly one that mattersCompuBox stats show that Justis Huni threw and landed almost double the amount of power punches to Fabio Wardley.The home fighter worked behind the jab, throwing more of those.Most had Huni ahead on rounds, but despite all that good work, it came down to one stunning punch from Wardley to decide this fight.Copy linkCopied’I’m grateful’Justis Huni was extremely humble in defeat and, after being a late call up for the fight, the opportunity.The Australian, who had a five-week camp after Jarrell Miller withdrew, said: ” “That’s my curse. I even said before this fight it only takes one second to switch off, it happened tonight. “I’m grateful to Fabio and his team and to Ipswich to be able to perform in front of you. “Get behind him, he’s going to do great things.”He’s just an awesome fighter. He never gave up and he got the win, he deserves it. “Thank you Ipswich for the opportunity to perform here, I’m grateful.”Copy linkCopiedNo JustisJustis Huni won’t believe what hit him.He was looking excellent in and totally in control in what was a career-best performance.The Australian looked to have marked himself as a contender at the very top of the division.But one mistake cost him dearly and he was unable to get out from a peach of a punch that landed flush on his nose.It’s not clear where he goes from here, but we would expect the Matchroom fighter to get plenty of opportunities for big fights in the near future.Copy linkCopiedMore from WarrenDuring his in-ring interview, the Hall of Fame promoter also said: “Eat your heart out Deontay Wilder, that was a Deontay Wilder moment. “He’s got a big heart, he’s a powerful man and again, he stopped another one. “I’ve got to take my hat off to Justis Huni, they both boxed very well. “Ipswich, you did him proud and he did Ipswich proud too.”This is such a fabulous place to put a fight on. “I’m sorry about the rain, but everyone stayed and both men put on a great fight.”Copy linkCopied’He’s walked into one’Former world champion Carl Frampton told DAZN: “I didn’t see it coming, “Fair play to Fabio for pulling that out the bag.”It adds to the mystique around him and his story. Coming from zero amateur background, white collar, to finish like that.”He got completely outboxed but he still had the dynamite to finish it off.”I thought it was so easy for Huni, I thought Wardley was feeling sorry for himself.”But when you carry that power you have a chance.”It was getting easier and easier and he’s made a mistake and walked into one.”Copy linkCopied’Got the job done’Wardley, battered and bruised inside the ring, said: “I am so thankful to everyone here, you got me through that, I could not have done it without you.”I have never claimed to be Usyk, with all the skills, but I know how to bite down on the gumshield and find a way to win.”I should have performed better but I pulled something special out of the bag.”He pulled out so many tricks and I didn’t expect him to bank so many rounds.”But I screwed my head back on and got the job done.”Copy linkCopiedWhat a momentThis is the moment Fabio Wardley detonated an absolutely PERFECT KO punch to beat Justis Huni: Copy linkCopiedTitle shot next?Promoter Frank Warren was asked if Wardley could face the winner of Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois next.Warren said: “That fight will settle the heavyweight division.”Let’s let the dust settle after that.”The first mandatory is the WBO, then it’s down the line – but [Wardley’s] there.”He did that through sheer grit, sheer heart.”Copy linkCopiedWhat a win!Wow! That was absolutely sensational from Fabio Wardley!He was down on lots of scorecards before detonating that shot, truly incredible stuff from the heavyweight.Justis Huni did not know what had hit him.Copy linkCopiedWardley vs Huni – round 10Huni leapt in with a right hand, Wardley slipped and fired his own one in and that was all she wrote. Sensational comeback from Wardley who once again find the homerun shot from seemingly nowhere. Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedWardley vs Huni – round 10 DOWN GOES HUNI! Big right hand and it’s all over!I said he needed a hail mary – that’s exactly what he produced. Right hand straight down the pipe floored Huni and turned the fight on its head remarkably. Copy linkCopiedWardley vs Huni – round 9Big combination from Huni – forcing Wardley to cover up. Big right hand forces Wardley’s knees to dip – Huni is in total control here. Wardley needs a hail mary to get him out of trouble. Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedWardley vs Huni – round 8Warldey needs to try and turn things around with Huni backing him up and landing big shots. Huni far too quick and cute for Wardley here. Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedWardley vs Huni – round 7Double right hand forces Wardley back – it’s not looking good for Ipswich’s hometown hero. Constant pressure appears to have Wardley looking hurt and in a spot of bother. Couple of right hands again has Wardley looking in trouble and in desperate need to turn things around. Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedWardley vs Huni – round 6Jab from Huni snaps Wardley’s head back. Two big right hands land on the button for Huni – he could be running away with it here. Another right hand over the top land for Huni and Wardley is looking out of ideas half way through here. Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedWardley vs Huni – round 5Counter right lands for Huni – but Wardley responds with an uppercut-hook combo. Left hook lands for Huni and Wardley responds with his own but he looks to be struggling with the pace a bit. Copy linkCopiedWardley vs Huni – round 4Right hand over the top lands for Huni but Wardley fires back – great action here. Another right hand snaps Wardley’s head back and the Aussie is coming on strong here. Wardley switches off for a second and Huni lets a combination go – having it his own way this round. Copy linkCopiedWardley vs Huni – round 3 Huni backs Wardley to the ropes and lands a right over the top. Big left hook lands for Wardley who is again back into the ropes. Big combination shake Huni and on come Wardley landing right hands at will – the travelling Aussie is under the cosh. Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedWardley vs Huni – round 2Smart left hook lands for Huni – forces Wardley to tie up. Wardley stabs to the body and Huni fires back over the top – not much to split them. Wardley yet to let the right hand go just yet – he looks to be trying to time and walk Huni onto one. Copy linkCopiedWardley vs Huni – round 1 Wardley goes looking for the big right hand early. Big left to the body from Huni followed by a right hand – good boxing from the Aussie. Sharp jabs from Wardley but Huni is light on his feet and elusive – close opener. Copy linkCopiedHere we go! Both have been introduced and we are now ready for the main event. Can Huni spring a late-notice upset or will he be the latest on Wardley’s highlight reel? Copy linkCopiedWalking the walk Both men have made their way to the ring and we’re moments away now. Portman Road has filled out nicely despite the glum weather – with Wardley ready to put on a lightening performance. Copy linkCopiedFab news Fabio Wardley revealed he is facing his girlfriend’s wrath with their first baby due NEXT WEEK. He said: “This is a slightly tense topic. My missus wasn’t the happiest with this fight date.“She is due a week later but it is Portman Road. It’s not just any fight, it’s the one at Portman Road. She said, ‘Yeah I know but…’“They say the chances are that the first one comes late but who knows.”Whatever will be will be at this stage. I’m just focusing on my job at this point and that is winning the fight.“It’s a mad 2025 and really just a mad June but I can’t wait. I’m ready for fatherhood. My best mate’s not long had his, a beautiful little girl as well.”So being able to watch her grow and knowing that’s coming for me has made me a big softie to be honest.”It’s going to be something special and I’m really looking forward to it.”Copy linkCopiedO’Leary vs DillonJudges score the bout 116-112, 115-113, and 117-112 with O’Leary awarded the unanimous decision. Slightly closer on some scorecards but O’Leary rightly crowned the champion after 12 good rounds. Fabio Wardley up next in the main event! Copy linkCopied More

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    Callum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco LIVE RESULT: Simpson DROPPED TWICE but earns BRILLIANT win in fight of the year contender

    CALLUM SIMPSON won a fight of the year contender after coming back from being DROPPED TWICE by Ivan Zucco!The proud Barnsley native put on a show in front of a packed Oakwell stadium, fighting back from a deep hole to secure a signature win.Simpson was down with the second punch of the fight and then again in the third, but eventually overcome dogged Italian Zucco to secure a dramatic 10th round TKO win.The win, which saw Simpson pile on the pressure late to secure a superb finish, saw him win the vacant European super-middleweight title.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…First step of domination planCallum Simpson knows exactly what he wants from his career over the next twelve months.After securing the European belt, he wants to be challenging for the world title by the end of next year.Simpson felt he needed a fight like that, against an undefeated boxer, taking him through ten gruelling rounds.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedHe’s one of our own, he’s one of our ownThe crowd in the Oakwell Stadium sung loud and proud to motivate their man in the ring.He was facing a true warrior, who was never going to give up.With the crowd behind him, finally, Simpson broke Zucco and sent him to the canvas three times in one round.Levels.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedBarnsley’s finest has his saySpeaking with Sky Sports after the fight, the new European super-middleweight champion spoke:Honestly, I haven’t got words, I’m speechless. I knew Zucco would be tough. I wanna be world champion by next year. I got caught with a great straight backhand but I got back up fine. I got dropped again but it is all about not letting it phase me. There are no easy fights, not once did I give up, I just knew I had to push for everybody. I’ve got that Yorkshire grit, I was never gonna give up.Callum SimpsonEnglandCopy linkCopiedAll well at OakwellThis fight was all about doing it in front of his home fans for Callum Simpson.To win in the fashion he did and to become the new super-middleweight champion, will be something he does not forget for a lifetime.This is what Simpson no doubt had been dreaming of all week and now he is wearing the belt and living that dream.Copy linkCopiedSimpson does it at homeWhat a tenth round that was for Callum Simpson.Despite dominating the fight, he struggled to get through the Italian and put him down.That was until we were ten rounds in, where he dropped him on three occasions.The first time was a brilliant uppercut which Zucco really felt.He got back to his feet and made the count before being trapped in the corner again, allowing Simpson to repeat the feat.Finally as Simpson was landing combination after combination, he dropped the Italian again and this time his corner said that was it.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedCallum Simpson wins by TKOCopy linkCopiedCallum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco (Round 9)Both boxers are looking like they have cuts to the face.Simpson is in control of this round, like much of the fight, but he is struggling to make a dent in Zucco.The Italian really needs to do more if he is still thinking he can get a win here.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedCallum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco (Round 8)Zucco ends up on the canvas but it is not deemed a knockdown.Great round for Simpson as he gets some telling punches to the head in on his opponent.You wonder if Zucco is flagging a little now.Copy linkCopiedCallum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco (Round 7)A good round for Zucco, who lands some good combinations.That said, Simpson continues to try and boss the round aside from these few moments of pressure.Zucco is looking the more battle-worn of the two fighters.Copy linkCopiedCallum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco (Round 6)Zucco looks to come forward a lot more in this round.He is firing off big overhand lefts, looking to hurt Simpson.Simpson has done well to ride out the pressure and needs to see what his opponent has left in the tank now.This has been a gruelling fight for the challenger and we are only at the halfway point.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedCallum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco (Round 5)Simpson is doing well commanding the ring and boxing Zucco up against the ropes time after time.However, even in that position, Zucco offloads body shots and uppercuts to try and catch him again.If it weren’t for the two knockdowns, Simpson would be bossing the judges’ card.Copy linkCopiedCallum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco (Round 4)Simpson has a big height and reach advantage and starts to use it more in the round.He dominates the round and seems to have Zucco in trouble on a couple of occasions.The one thing he has not been able to do is completely capitalise on those moments and put him down.Copy linkCopiedCallum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco (Round 3)Neither fighter is holding back in this fight.Simpson was dominating the round with jabs but always want to come inside to try and unload uppercuts.As he looks to do just that, Zucco catches him with a punch and sends him to the canvas again.Despite boxing so well, those two knockdowns mean that Zucco has probably won two of the first three rounds.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedCallum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco (Round 2)Simpson lands a superb left-uppercut that rocks the head of Zucco backwards.As his guard seems to be down more and more, Simpson is taking advantage, landing head shots.Zucco seems to be taken by surprise by the punching power of his opponent.Copy linkCopiedCallum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco (Round 1)What a start to this fight.After only eight seconds, Zucco catches Simpson and sits him down on the canvas.It doesn’t seem to have hurt him, despite the standing eight count.Both fighters are letting their hands go and Simpson catches his opponent and has him rocked.Copy linkCopiedCallum Simpson vs Ivan ZuccoThe crowd is going wild for Callum Simpson.Ivan Zucco will be need to try and silence them early on.After all, he has an unbeaten record to protect this evening.Copy linkCopiedCallum Simpson vs Ivan ZuccoNow it is time for the main event of the evening.Zucco makes his way into the ring amidst the boos from the crowd.This is the moment they have been waiting for, Simpson making his way into his spiritual home to put on a display for them.Copy linkCopiedHome-grown favourite for victoryIn front of his adoring Barnsley fans, the bookies cannot see an outcome other than a Callum Simpson win tonight.Callum Simpson – 1/7Draw – 16/1Ivan Zucco – 5/1All odds brought to you by Betway.Copy linkCopiedNew champ has his saySpeaking with Sky Sports, the American who upset the odds gives his opinions:Yeh, this was an amazing experience. I’d like to thank the UK for making me feel at home. I’d like to box for you again. Mark Jeffers is a dog and I had to bring my game tonight. New Orleans stand up, I love you.Sean HemphillAmericaCopy linkCopiedMark Jeffers vs Sean Hemphill Jeffers just didn’t have another gear to find this evening.It all became too predictable from him.As a result, Hemphill was able to start to control the fight and get the win, and belt, he had been dreaming of.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedSean Hemphill wins by split decisionCopy linkCopiedMark Jeffers vs Sean Hemphill (Round 10)Both boxers are starting to tire in this final round.Hemphill really starts to let his hands go as the fight heads into the final sixty seconds.The American has definitely landed the most punches in this final round.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedMark Jeffers vs Sean Hemphill (Round 9)Jeffers talked a big game before the fight thhat he was in the mood for a knockout tonight.It has failed to deliver, in a few rounds he looked like he was making some inroads but since then Hemphill has come back.As we head into the final round, this one is still impossible to call.Copy linkCopiedMark Jeffers vs Sean Hemphill (Round 8)Both fighters continue to let their hands go.The pundits have this one all level on the card currently.Jeffers is allowing Hemphill to get into his groove and start to look more in control of the fight.Copy linkCopiedMark Jeffers vs Sean Hemphill (Round 7)Jeffers continues to try and turn the screw.He looks to offload some uppercuts, one of which seems to cut the lip of Hemphill.There is no doubting that Jeffers has far more power behind his punches, whereas Hemphill seems to just be putting them out there.Copy linkCopied More

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    Olympic bronze medallist Lewis Richardson wins pro debut… and can now enjoy his postponed birthday curry

    LEWIS RICHARDSON secured a debut windaloo weekend.The Colchester lad turned 28 on Wednesday but could not celebrate with his professional boxing bow slated for last night in Ipswich.Lewis Richardson beat Dmitri Protkunas in his pro debutCredit: GettyInstead the southpaw booked a local curry restaurant for 15 loved ones and just had to deliver the goods in the ring.And the 2024 Olympic bronze winner did the job, beating tough Estonian Dmitri Protkunas 60-54 on points.The Brit ace had a loud crowd make the 29-minute drive over from his doorstep.And they cheered his slick southpaw work, rapid fists and the willingness to drop his hands to his waist, in an effort to get the cautious journeyman to engage.READ MORE IN BOXINGThe Essex ace used to sell Pukka Pies at the Portman Road stadium a decade ago, while doing his school exams.And he returned to his old stomping ground for six one-sided rounds where he showed plenty of his amateur skill and future potential.Richardson had to bin his birthday plans to make the middleweight limit for this weekend.The spicy celebrations have been pushed back but the silky southpaw plans to put in a curry order worthy of a Gavin and Stacey special, to make up for the diet.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLIVE – FOLLOW ALL THE ACTION FROM FABIO WARDLEY VS JUSTIS HUNI AS IT HAPPENS AT PORTMAN ROAD“The birthday is postponed for four days,” he revealed to us. “The party is pushed back to Sunday.“I have a curry house booked in Colchester for 15 of us and my mouth is watering just talking to you about it now.“I can’t even think about my order now.”But I can say for sure that I will sound like Smithy with the number of bhunas and naans and rice types I am going to order.”Richardson celebrates debut victoryCredit: Reuters More

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    Boxer Sam Gilley walks to the ring with an UMBRELLA as rain pours down at Fabio Wardley’s Portman Road fight

    BOXER Sam Gilley had to walk to the ring with an UMBRELLA as rain poured down in Ipswich. Heavyweight star Fabio Wardley – an Ipswich super-fan – headlines at his beloved Portman Road against Aussie Justis Huni. Sam Gilley had to walk to the ring with an umbrella as rain poured down in IpswichCredit: XWhen Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren booked the 30,000-seater – he would have expected summer sunshine. But even the veteran matchmaker, who has seen it all in the sport, would have been surprised to see grey clouds in Suffolk. And things soon got worse as the heavens opened up. The ring itself is thankfully covered but the walk to the ropes were not – so Gilley was taking no risks. READ MORE IN boxing He covered his boots with plastic bags and had security cover him with a brolly on his way to fight Gideon Onyenani.Gilley was due to face Louis Greene – but the Commonwealth champion pulled out amid a contract dispute. They previously fought in a 2023 classic – with Gilley winning on points. And after their rematch – scheduled for the vacant British super-welterweight title – collapsed Onyenani stepped in on late notice. Most read in BoxingLIVE – FOLLOW ALL THE ACTION FROM FABIO WARDLEY VS JUSTIS HUNI AS IT HAPPENS AT PORTMAN ROADCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd unfortunately for Gilley – despite covering up with the umbrella – he slipped up by drawing with Onyenani.Referee Kieran McCann scored the bout 76-76. Gideon Onyenani and Sam Gilley fought to a drawCredit: GettyFabio Wardley prepares for dream Portman Road homecoming fight More

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    Moses Itauma to fight Dillian Whyte on August 16 in Saudi Arabia as Brit sensation take huge step towards title shot

    THE Moses Itauma steam train is on course to collide with Dillian Whyte on August 16.The 20-year-old heavyweight sensation has been struggling to find incremental step-up opponents, after demolishing his last two victims inside three combined rounds.The Moses Itauma steam train is on course to collide with Dillian Whyte on August 16Credit: PAWhyte will fight Itauma on August 16 in RiyadhCredit: PABut the 37-year-old Brixton Body Snatcher has leapt up to the challenge and will face the hottest prospect in world boxing in the scorching Saudi desert on August 16.The clash would come just three months after the Slovakia-born Kent wonderkid battered poor Mike Balogun inside two rounds on May 24 and barked: “I don’t have to worry about doing rounds, but my team wants to see me in a 10-rounder.“And then I want in with the big dogs.”Whyte was scheduled to have a tune-up fight in Ipswich but withdrew as soon as the big-money fight was placed on his table.READ MORE IN boxing The heavyweight – knocked out in his WBC title fight by Tyson Fury – has not boxed in England since November 2022.He was supposed to have a rematch with Anthony Joshua in August 2023 but that O2 sell-out was scrapped when Whyte failed a doping test.Whyte has boxed in Gibraltar and Ireland since that big-money clash was binned, landing underwhelming wins.Itauma meanwhile was also slated to have another litmus test on the July 19 Wembley showdown between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Saudi boxing kingpin Turki Al Sheikh is a man on a mission to make the biggest and best bouts that he fancies.And all the best-laid plans and blueprints go up in smoke when he dreams up a fantasy fight and stumps up the Riyals to stage it.Britain’s next Tyson Fury set for world title & Taylor urged to fight on | Split Decision More

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    Deontay Wilder emerges as shock contender for Anthony Joshua’s return fight as Dillian Whyte rematch is ruled out

    DEONTAY WILDER has emerged as a shock contender to fight Anthony Joshua in a bid to settle their storied score. The two spent years in dragged out failed negotiations – leaving an undisputed blockbuster to fall by the wayside. Dentay Wilder has emerged as a shock contender to fight Anthony JoshuaCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunNow they are coming off defeats with Wilder stunned by Joseph Parker in December 2023 and then knocked out last June by Zhilei Zhang. Both times it cost the American a revived clash with Joshua – who is yet to return since being KO’d by Daniel Dubois in September.Wilder, 39, faces Tyrrell Herndon in Kansas on June 27 and Frank Smith – CEO of Matchroom Boxing who promote AJ – says a fight with Joshua is possible. He told Boxing News: “Do you know what fight I love? If he comes through his warm-up, Deontay Wilder. READ MORE IN boxing “This sport is about narrative. It’s about buying into fights that people have interest in and that’s a fight that everyone would still have interest in. “Regardless of whether it didn’t happen five years ago, people still want to see it now. So hopefully he can come through his fight.” Dillian Whyte was mentioned as another potential option for Joshua – who won their bout in 2015 by stoppage. They were due to rematch in 2023 but it was cancelled after Whyte, 37, returned an “adverse finding” in his drug testing. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe has since boxed in Gibraltar and Ireland after blaming the failed drug test on a contaminated supplement. Whyte was due to return on Fabio Wardley’s undercard in Ipswich but he pulled out to focus on a summer showdown with Lawrence Okolie and Moses Itauma linked. ‘We never know’ – Tyson Fury refuses to rule out comeback as Anthony Joshua nears new ‘amazing’ fight dealAnd Smith – alongside Whyte’s promoter – ruled out a fight with AJ as a result by telling iFL TV: “No Joshua.” Joshua, 35, recently underwent surgery on an elbow injury that has kept him sidelined since defeat to Dubois, 27. And with Tyson Fury, 36, still retired off the back of two losses to Oleksandr Usyk, 38, AJ has been left to look elsewhere for an opponent. Smith added: “There’s so many options out there. It just also depends on what he wants to do, if he wants to go for the world title again. “What does he want to chase? Tyson Fury is a name that obviously we’ve spoken about a million times but it gets boring after a while saying the same thing. “So let’s get him back in the gym, get him fit, get him active, get him ready and then we’ll go from there.” Joshua rematching Dillian Whyte has been ruled outCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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    ‘We never know’ – Tyson Fury’s manager refuses to rule out comeback as Anthony Joshua nears new ‘amazing’ fight deal

    TYSON FURY’S manager has refused to rule out a comeback with Anthony Joshua nearing a bumper new fight deal.Fury announced his shock retirement in January – a month after losing to Oleksandr Usyk for the second time in 2024. Spencer Brown is the manager of Tyson FuryAnthony Joshua is set for a new multi-fight dealCredit: GettyIt has dashed any chance of a huge Battle of Britain bout against AJ – who was knocked out by Daniel Dubois in September. Joshua has since had elbow surgery amid talks with Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh over a new multiple fight deal. And Spencer Brown – Fury’s manager and associate of Alalshikh told Boxing News: “First of all, I think they’ve got to sign the deal first. “That’s the most important part. What they’re very good at, the Saudi Arabians, is a course. A road, and they want to know what road it is. READ MORE IN boxing “And if they can get the road in the right place, then they’ll sign whatever deal you want as long as you’re happy and they’re happy with it. But they think forward“So, it’s a great move for Anthony Joshua, isn’t it? A three-fight deal. Amazing. Amazing. Tyson’s retired. Like I say, we never know though, do we? “But he’s very busy at the moment. He’s actually in the best place I’ve ever seen him. He’s 12lbs above his fighting weight as well. “He looks really well. He’s happy. He’s got his kids with him constantly. Will he fight again? He’s the Gypsy King, who knows?”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSJoshua, 35, snubbed the chance to rematch Dubois, 27, after his brutal KO loss at Wembley. And now Dubois rematches Usyk, 38, on July 19 two years after his stoppage loss to the Ukrainian. Tyson Fury pushes his son around in a shopping trolley as he struggles to keep up with boxerAJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn is still holding out that Fury will return to fight Joshua. But the Gypsy King warned in May: “I hear a lot of talk about the Gypsy King returning to boxing and I ask this question: for what?“What would I return for? More belts? I’ve won 22 of them. I’ve been rumped, that’s it, fair play to them, they got their use out of me.“But I’m happy, I am happy, content with what I have achieved and accomplished. I’ve been around the world and back again.”And this is what retirement looks like for the Gypsy King, not too shabby.”Fury insists he is happily retiredCredit: Getty More

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    Frank Warren leads tributes as iconic boxing trainer James Cook dies just months after tragic cancer diagnosis aged 66

    FRANK WARREN has led the tributes to boxing trainer and former champion James Cook who has passed away at 66.Cook – who won the British and European super-middleweight titles during his career – was diagnosed with bladder cancer this year. Ex-boxing champion James Cook has passed away aged 66Credit: Rex FeaturesMBE Cook passed away after a short cancer battleCredit: Rex FeaturesAnd after a short battle, he has sadly passed away as boxing mourned the respected coach and former fighter. Promoter Warren posted: “Incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of James Cook MBE. “A true gentleman of our sport who achieved incredible things inside and outside of the ring. “The work he has done for youths in East London will live on forever and he will be hugely missed. READ MORE IN boxing “Our condolences to his family and loved ones for their sad loss RIP.”Eddie Hearn added: “Rest in peace a wonderful man and one of the most selfless you could ever find.” Cook turned professional in 1982 after a successful amateur career and fought British greats in Michael Watson and Herol Graham.He won the British and European titles in the space of a year and retired after losing to Cornelius Carr in 1994. Most read in BoxingCook later became a coach and was awarded an MBE in 2007 for services to youth justice in Hackney.At Buckingham Palace he received the honour directly from Queen Elizabeth II. In later years, Cook joined Anthony Yarde’s camp before the light-heavyweight’s rematch win over Lyndon Arthur in 2021. Anthony Yarde with trainer CookCredit: queensberry promotions More