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      Tyson Fury’s promoter denies confirmation over Andy Ruiz Jr deal after ex-champ appears to reveal fight is ‘official’

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      FRANK WARREN has been forced to deny Andy Ruiz Jr’s claim that a fight with Tyson Fury is “official.” Fury is set to return in the summer after talks for a historic title unification with Oleksandr Usyk on April 29 collapsed.
      Tyson Fury with his promoter Frank WarrenCredit: PA
      Andy Ruiz Jr is in line to fight Tyson Fury nextCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      And after Joe Joyce was beaten by Zhilei Zhang in a shock upset, Ruiz emerged as the frontrunner to face the WBC champion.
      And the Mexican-American, 33, added fuel to the fire after re-sharing a mocked up fight poster of the two.
      It read: “Tyson Fury vs Andy Ruiz Jr is official! July 22nd.”
      And he accompanied it with an emoji of the UK flag.
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      But despite Ruiz’s tease, Hall of Fame promoter Warren told Boxing News that no deal is set in stone.
      The famed British matchmaker saw talks for the first ever four-belt undisputed decider break down amid a row over the split for a rematch.
      Now Usyk, 36, has been ordered into a WBA mandatory title defence against Daniel Dubois, 25, with talks ongoing.
      Joyce, 37, looked in line to fight Fury in a summer stadium bout until his shock loss to Zhang, 39, with a rematch expected to follow.
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      So it leaves Ruiz as a clear favourite to welcome the Gypsy King back with July 22 at Wembley Stadium the rumoured return date.
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      Fury, 34, himself announced that news was impending and talked up his “monstrous” next fight.
      He said: “Got some massive, massive news coming.
      “An imminent fight date, an absolutely monstrous fight. Keep tuned because the WBC world heavyweight king is back in action, coming very, very soon.”
      Tyson Fury teased ‘imminent’ fight newsCredit: instagram: @tysonfury More

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      Conor McGregor had to apologise for calling TV boss a ‘weasel’ in order to get Gervonta Davis tickets, claims old rival

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      CONOR McGREGOR had to apologise to TV boss Stephen Espinoza in order to get tickets to Gervonta Davis’ fight with Ryan Garcia. That is according to old rival Paulie Malignaggi, who famously feuded with the Irishman following their disputed sparring sessions.
      Conor McGregor at Gervonta Davis’ fight with Ryan GarciaCredit: Social Media Collect
      Floyd Mayweather, Showtime’s Stephen Espinoza and Conor McGregorCredit: USA Today Sports
      The spars came in the lead up to McGregor’s crossover boxing match with Mayweather in 2017, which he lost in ten rounds.
      And during the heated build up to the blockbuster bout, the UFC superstar called Showtime’s Espinoza a “weasel”.
      So when McGregor, 34, wanted entry into Davis’ super-fight with Garcia six years later, he allegedly had some grovelling to do.
      Malignaggi claimed on his YouTube channel: “This happened because I’ve got all the inside sources, Conor McGregor had to apologise to Stephen Espinoza in order to get tickets to the Gervonta Davis versus Ryan Garcia fight.
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      “Everybody knows that McGregor has had issues, his run ins with Espinoza in the past and they were enemies as well.
      “But Espinoza now controls the tickets, it’s a Showtime fight. He had to apologise and this p****y apologised just to get tickets to the fight.
      “Conor McGregor, Connie, how does Stephen Espinoza’s d taste? Can you let me know?
      “Because I told them to f*** off when they wanted me to apologise.”
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      Malignaggi, who retired in 2017, was sacked as an analyst for Showtime in 2020 over comments about race.
      McGregor watched as Davis, 28, stopped Garcia, 24, in round seven with a brutal body shot.
      He was later seen backstage and bumped into Mayweather Sr, where he revealed an interest in training with his ex-opponent’s dad.
      And McGregor also visited Garcia’s changing rooms after the American’s defeat and called to see a rematch with Davis.
      Ryan Garcia with Conor McGregor after defeat to Gervonta DavisCredit: Golden Boy More

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      KSI is ‘very serious’ about fighting Tommy Fury and vows to ‘DESTROY’ Love Island star… while aiming dig at Jake Paul

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      KSI has insisted he is “very serious” about fighting Tommy Fury and vowed to do what Jake Paul couldn’t. The YouTuber, musician and influencer boxing star returns on May 13 against millionaire businessman-turned 9-0 boxer Joe Fournier.
      KSI insisted he is ‘very serious’ about fighting Tommy FuryCredit: Darren Fletcher
      Tommy Fury beat Jake Paul on pointsCredit: Reuters
      And KSI, 29, had hoped to finally settle his bitter score with arch rival Paul, 26, at the end of the year.
      But the American suffered defeat in February to Fury, 23, losing a split-decision in Saudi Arabia.
      Paul elected to snub the rematch as well as a grudge match with KSI to return on August 5 against ex-UFC contender Nate Diaz, 37.
      So KSI is ready to move on and instead focus on Fury, having been left unimpressed with the bout in the Middle East.
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      He told Misfits: “I’m very serious, I feel like I can destroy him.
      “I saw what Jake Paul did to Tommy Fury and I was like, ‘Wow, Jake is trash.’ Put me in with Tommy Fury and I’ll show everyone the levels.

      “And I know people are writing me off, saying I’m s***, I’m trash, I’m nowhere near Tommy Fury’s level.
      “And I’m like, ‘Alright, let’s see then.’ Put me in the ring with him, and let’s see and I’ll make you a f****g believer. Simple.”
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      KSI’s boxing promoter Kalle Sauerland revealed he held talks in Morecambe with Fury’s dad John.
      And he is optimistic a deal can be reached for the celebrity pair to fight in another huge crossover event.
      But first KSI must get past Fournier, 40, a nightclub tycoon who in 2021 went the distance with David Haye in an exhibition.
      KSI returns against Joe Fournier on May 13Credit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Inside the abandoned ‘dome’ stadium dubbed ‘eighth wonder of the world’ that lies dormant but CAN’T be knocked down

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      THIS is the sad story of a stadium that has seen it all but now lies derelict.It was once dubbed the Eighth Wonder of the World and hosted greats from Muhammad Ali to Elvis Presley.
      The Astrodome hosting a Major League Baseball game in 1987Credit: Getty
      In 1966, Muhammad Ali knocked out Cleveland Williams at the venueCredit: AP:Associated Press
      The previous attempt to save the famous dome failed in 2019 after a judge’s decision on air conditioning.
      The Houston Astrodome was built in 1965 and was the world’s first multi-purpose domed sports arena.
      On that day, a sold out crowd of 47,879 watched a baseball game between the Astros and the New York Yankees, with President Lyndon Johnson and his wife in attendance.
      Muhammad Ali would fight at the venue a year later, knocking out Cleveland Williams in November 1966.
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      That would be the first of four fights he would have at the Astrodome.
      And in 1970, it would host Elvis Presley, with the dome the perfect structure for the type of show the King would perform.
      However, after a pre-season match was postponed in 1995 due to the dilapidated condition of the field, the Astros demanded a new stadium.
      This was provided in 2000 when Enron Field (now Minute Maid Park), was built in downtown Houston.
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      How the Astrodome looks from aboveCredit: Alamy
      Elvis Presley would perform at the Astrodome in 1970Credit: Getty
      Ali beat Buster Mathis by unanimous decision in 1971Credit: Getty
      And in 2002 the Astrodome was upstaged as a concert venue by the retractable-roofed Reliant Stadium (now NRG Stadium) which moved in next door.
      Three years later, it would earn fame for reasons off the field, as it led relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Katrina.
      Over 25,000 refugees from neighbouring New Orleans were housed at the dome until they could return home or alternative accommodation was found.
      But in 2008 it was cited for numerous code violations, with only maintenance workers and security guards allowed to enter the ground since.
      However, the city council will not allow the venue to be demolished on environmental grounds, due to concerns that the demolition could damage the highly populated development in the surrounding area.
      And in 2017 the Texas Historical Commission designated the stadium a State Antiquities Landmark, meaning nobody can alter the structure without the commission’s permission.
      A number of proposals have been made for the venue, from an Olympic Stadium to indoor park.
      However the one that got closest to getting off the ground was for it to be renovated and become an indoor parking garage, at a cost of $105m, or around £85m.
      But Commissioners Court Judge Lina Hidalgo quashed the plan, arguing that it wouldn’t have yielded a truly reusable building.
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      She also stated that the funds earmarked would not have been enough to provide sufficient air conditioning in a city where summer daytime temperatures average 33 degrees.
      As a result, a stadium that saw so many magical moments lies derelict, with no prospect of it being returned to use any time soon.
      In 2005, the Astrodome housed thousands of victims of Hurricane KatrinaCredit: AFP
      The Houston Astros moved to Minute Maid Park in 2000Credit: Reuters
      The Astrodome would later be upstaged by the NRG Stadium, which was built next door in 2002Credit: Getty More

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      Anthony Joshua CONFIRMS Deontay Wilder fight is ‘happening’ in December as Eddie Hearn closes on finalising grudge match

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA has revealed he and Deontay Wilder are “throwing it down in December”.The 33-year-old returned to winning ways with a points victory over Jermaine Franklin at the start of the month.
      Anthony Joshua seemingly confirmed he is set to take on Deontay Wilder in DecemberCredit: Getty
      The Bronze Bomber has not fought since beating Robert Helenius in October last yearCredit: Getty
      Joshua is now seemingly targeting a December showdown against Wilder, 37.
      His promoter Eddie Hearn flew to Saudi Arabia this week to hold talks over a potential super-fight for AJ.
      And Joshua appeared to confirm that a blockbuster meeting with the Bronze Bomber is on the cards for later this year.
      In a video reposted to YouTube by iFL TV from Instagram, Joshua was asked if he’s going to beat Wilder.
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      AJ responded: “That’s what’s happening, you know what’s going on.”
      When asked if the fight was going ahead in December, Joshua replied: “It’s public news we’re getting it down, throwing it down in December.”
      Meanwhile, the Bronze Bomber’s team have already given their green light for the fight.
      Wilder himself also said a meeting with AJ would be a “dream fight” for boxing fans.
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      He told iFL TV: “We got a lot of different options right now at this moment in time. Joshua, everybody.
      “I think a lot of people is going to get that dream fight everyone wants to see.”
      Matchroom chief Hearn recently rubbished suggestions that Wilder is the favourite to win the fight.
      Wilder has not boxed since knocking out Robert Helenius in the opening round of his October comeback bout last year. More

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      Tyson Fury warned he’ll be making the ‘biggest mistake’ of his career if he doesn’t fight Usyk as Ruiz Jr rumours swirl

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      TYSON FURY has been warned his legacy will be tarnished if he doesn’t share the ring with Oleksandr Usyk.The pair were on course to throw down for all the heavyweight marbles this spring before negotiations went south and Team Usyk pulled the plug on the historic bout after Fury’s constant demands.
      Tyson Fury’s historic clash with Oleksandr Usyk fell through last monthCredit: REUTERS
      Team Usyk pulled the plug on the bout after Fury’s constant chopping and changingCredit: GETTY
      Promoter Alexander Krassyuk has warned Fury his legacy will be tarnished if he doesn’t fight UsykCredit: INSTAGRAM@ALEX.KRASSYUK
      Fans, fighters and pundits alike lamented the collapse of the first undisputed heavyweight fight in nearly 25 years – which Usyk promoter Alexander Krassyuk insists is imperative for Fury’s legacy in the sport.
      The Ukrainian told BT Sport: “I would love to see it as a boxing fan.
      “As Usyk’s promoter, I would love to make it happen.
      “As just a normal Ukrainian I would love my compatriot to become the undisputed champion in the second weight division.
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      “From our side, it’s only plus, plus, plus.”
      Fury’s constant moving of the goalposts during the ill-fated negotiations didn’t come as a surprise to Team Usyk.
      Krassyuk said: “We know that Tyson Fury is a complex personality and it’s probably not a surprise for anyone.
      “And we can see it on his behaviour within the last probably seven or ten years.
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      “Yes, he is the champion. Yes, he has the right to do things that he wants to do.
      “But at the end of the day, he is a professional boxer, and his main assignment is to perform for the boxing fans.”
      Fury, 34, hasn’t entertained the prospect of fighting Usyk since their fight fell through.
      And Krassyuk reckons history won’t be kind to The Gyspy King if the fight doesn’t materialise.
      He said: “I think if this fight does not take place, that would be one of the biggest mistakes that Tyson Fury could ever make in [a] professional boxing career.”
      WBC heavyweight king Fury is currently eying a July return to the ring having reserved Wembley Stadium for two separate dates.
      Andy Ruiz Jr is in the running to face Tyson Fury in JulyCredit: EPA
      Former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr is understood to be in the running to face Fury in the July joust.
      And The Destroyer seemingly hinted the bout is a done deal by sharing a recent Instagram post which claimed the fight is “official” to his story.
      That came a few days after the 33-year-old sent a warning to Fury and the rest of the heavyweight division.
      He said: “We all risk our lives in there to f***ing feed our loved ones.
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      “Hell of a fight. Can’t wait, man, till I fight f***ing Wilder, Fury, everybody.
      “All the people at the top. I’m coming.” More

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      Anthony Joshua admits he’s no longer a ‘bruiser’ as he reveals reason for being gun shy in Jermaine Franklin fight

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA admits he no longer wades into the fire as he’s not the “bruiser” he once was.Before being dropped in his 2017 classic with Wladimir Klitschko, the former two-time heavyweight champion was a bloodhound of a finisher.
      Anthony Joshua returned to the win column earlier this month against Jermaine FranklinCredit: RICHARD PELHAM
      AJ has adopted a more cautious approach or his last three fightsCredit: RICHARD PELHAM
      Joshua admits he’s no longer the ‘bruiser’ he once wasCredit: RICHARD PELHAM
      But he’s adopted a more conservative approach as of late, opting to box on the outside and stay out of the kitchen for too long.
      And that change of tact – which was on show in his return to the win column against Jermaine Franklin -has come from the Watford warrior making the conscious decision to use brain over brawn.
      He told SkySports: “When you look at someone’s make-up, you have to look at what their attributes are.
      “I’m quite tall, I’ve got a long range but I’m not going to be a bruiser.
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      “If you look at my character, I’m not the most aggressive, outwardly type of person.
      “I’m not a fighter – I’m more of a boxer, there’s a thought process, there’s a method behind the madness.
      “I’ve always tried to develop my boxing IQ but over 12 rounds there are times where you have to fight and I want to become a box fighter.
      “It’s why that fight with Jermaine Franklin – I realised I was in with someone who’s a counter-puncher.
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      “You throw two, they try to hit you with three – so I changed my game plan, I stuck behind my jab, used my attributes and got the win.”
      Joshua, 33, insists his change in approach will benefit him in the long run and when the going gets tough.
      He continued: “I can build on that because there will be a day where just being a fighter may not work against a certain opponent.
      “The man who has a plan A, B and C in his locker because he can use his jab, he can move around, he knows how to defend.
      “I think he’ll have more of a chance to be victorious on a tough night.
      A showdown with Deontay Wider is in the works for AJCredit: GETTY
      “I’m glad I got those rounds in the bank and I can move forward on my quest to become a full and well-rounded fighter.”
      AJ was set to return to action in July but has since teased a December dust-up.
      And a long-overdue grudge match with former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder is in the works for AJ.
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      He recently told a fan: “That’s what’s happening [the Wilder Fight].
      “It’s public news, we’re getting it down, we’re throwing it down in December.” More

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      Muhammad Ali made me cry when I told him I would avenge him – I did it and it was my greatest moment in boxing

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      MIKE TYSON broke down in tears the day after seeing his hero Muhammad Ali take a pasting from Larry Holmes.The former undisputed heavyweight champion returned from a two-year layoff in 1980 at the age of 38 to challenge Holmes for the WBC and Ring Magazine titles.
      Larry Holmes put a beating on Muhammad Ali in The Greatest’s penultimate fightCredit: AP
      A young Mike Tyson was in attendance to see his hero get pummeled by HolmesCredit: Getty
      Iron Mike cried on the phone to Ali the following dayCredit: GETTY
      Father Time had well and truly caught up to The Greatest – who had been struggling with vocal stutters and hand tremours – who was beaten from pillar to post until trainer Angelo Dundee halted the fight in the tenth.
      A 14-year-old Tyson watched on in horror with trainer Cus D’Amato as Holmes battered his hero and was stunned into the silence
      Iron Mike told Boxing Arabia: “We went to see Muhammad Ali fight Larry Holmes on closed circuit. [Holmes] beat the s**t out of Ali.
      “We all went back home, 30 miles south, nobody said a word in the car for 30 miles.
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      “We got in the house, went to our beds, all went to sleep, nobody said nothing.
      “The next morning [Tyson’s trainer Cus D’Amato] is on the phone with Ali.
      “I’m hearing him say, ‘He’s a bum, Ali, why you let that bum beat on you?’”
      D’Amato eventually passed the phone on to Tyson – who vowed to avenge his fallen hero.
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      He said: “I was on the phone, I said [to Ali], ‘When I get big I’m gonna avenge you.
      “‘I’m gonna knock him out for you.’
      “Ali said, ‘Yeah I’m the greatest fighter ever and I took medicine.
      “And I got sick and I’m gonna come back and knock out Holmes.’
      Ali’s words, however, didn’t have the desired comforting effect on a teenage Tyson.
      Mike Tyson avenged Ali with a fourth-round KO of Larry HolmesCredit: GETTY
      He said: “I’m on the phone crying.
      “He thought he was making me happy but he was making me sad cause he ignored the fact of me saying I’m gonna avenge you.”
      Tyson got his opportunity to avenge Ali eight years later when he fought Holmes in Trump Plaza, Atlantic City in January 1988.
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      Ali was in attendance for the fight, and told Tyson seconds before the tussle: “Get him for me.”
      “Get him” Tyson did as he overwhelmed Holmes and stopped him in the fourth round to retain the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles. More