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      Four-man Saudi boxing tournament between Fury, Joshua, Wilder and Usyk in shock twist with even BETTER fights on cards

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      SAUDI ARABIA’s proposed four-man heavyweight tournament could be set for a major shake-up – and make it even BETTER.A mouthwatering tourney involving Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Oleksandr Usyk and Deontay Wilder is tentatively in the works for December.
      Saudi boxing chiefs are hoping to have Tyson Fury face Oleksandr Usyk in DecemverCredit: REUTERS
      They’re also want to book a grudge match between Anthony Joshua and Deontay WilderCredit: RICHARD PELHAM
      But The Bronze Bomber could soon be ordered to face P4P king UsykCredit: GETTY
      Brit Daniel Dubois is currently on course to face Usyk but there are doubts the fight will happenCredit: GETTY
      The current plan is to have Fury and Usyk square off in an undisputed showdown and Joshua and Wilder throw down in a long-overdue grudge match.
      But those plans could end up being scuppered by Brit Daniel Dubois.
      The WBA ordered Usyk to defend his title against Dubois in April but a deal has yet to come to fruition.
      But should the fight – which has gone to a purse bid – fail to materialise, the WBA will order Usyk to fight former WBC heavyweight champion Wilder.
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      Veteran boxing reporter Dan Rafael revealed the news, writing: “Should Dubois be unavailable to participate in the title bout with Usyk this summer, be it due to the knee or any other reason, WBA president Gilberto Mendoza told Fight Freaks Unite that Dubois would lose his position as mandatory challenger.
      “And that the organization would order Usyk to instead defend against former WBC titlist Deontay Wilder, who is ranked No.1 by the WBA.”
      The ordering of a Usyk vs Wilder fight would throw a spanner into the works of the Saudis’ winter plans.
      It could, however, result in them potentially pivoting to a mouthwatering Battle of Britain between Joshua and Fury.
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      Negotiations, however, are still ongoing for Fury and Usyk to crown the first undisputed heavyweight champion in nearly 25 years.
      Although they’ve once again ground to a halt.
      Pound-for-pound king Usyk told Vringe: “[We’re] at an impasse.
      “The fight will take place sooner or later. And everything will be decided in the ring.
      “The fight will take place sooner or later. And everything will be decided in the ring.
      “A big man who has very good abilities in boxing and in life, but this big man is very afraid of losing.”

      🥊 Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk – Date, live stream, TV channel and all you need to know about heavyweight bout
      Joshua vs Wilder, meanwhile, is still being worked on – although AJ promoter Eddie Hearn has since revealed he could take a warm-up fight against Dillian Whyte.
      The Matchroom Boxing chief said: “If they [the Saudis] can’t get [Tyson] Fury-Usyk over the line, they will still do AJ vs. Wilder.
      “You hit the numbers that we want, and then we work backward on that for the August fight that he [Joshua] will be having.
      “We all believe he needs that fight in August and more time with [trainer] Derrick James, more preparation for Deontay Wilder, and then that’s it.
      “Who we choose will be dependent on if we get that Wilder deal done.
      “I like the Dillian Whyte fight [for Joshua]. Whether he gets the Wilder fight done or not, I like that fight.
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      “I think it’s a fight that AJ will get up for.
      “I think it’s a fight that he can have some spite for, and it’s a fight that is dangerous.” More

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      Usyk describes each heavyweight rival in no more than two words – with huge taunt to Tyson Fury

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      OLEKSANDR USYK hasn’t minced his words when it comes to his heavyweight rivals.Despite being the unified heavyweight king, the undefeated Ukranian is still seen by many as the new kid on the block in the division.
      Oleksandr Usyk is the unified heavyweight champ but is still a newcomer to the divisionCredit: GETTY
      The Ukrainian was recently asked to describe his rivals in two words of lessCredit: REUTERS
      He didn’t mince his words when describing Tyson FuryCredit: Reuters
      As such, the slick southpaw – who was due to face Tyson Fury in April – is still asked for his opinions on his rivals.
      And in a recent interview with Vringe, the former undisputed cruiserweight king gave his thoughts on the rest of the heavyweights in two words or less.
      When asked to describe himself, he simply said: “Justice.”
      Unsurprisingly, he took aim at Fury by branding him the “Gyspy Queen.”
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      Usyk, 36, had kinder words for former foe Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder, referring to the Brit by his nickname of “AJ” and paying homage to the American’s power by saying “knockout”.
      The new fan favourite also had kind words for Andy Ruiz Jr, Filip Hrgovic and Zhilei Zhang, dubbing the former a “Mexican warrior”.
      Hrgovic was lauded as a “serious guy”, while Zhang was labelled “iron chin.”
      Usyk mocked former opponent Joe Joyce by branding him “slow”, although he was respectful of the Juggernaut’s fellow Brit Dillian Whyte – who he insisted is “dangerous”.
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      He wasn’t, however, so kind to former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker – dismissing him as “Fury’s friend.”
      Usyk’s eagerly-anticipated undisputed showdown with Fury fell through in March following his team’s decision to pull the plug after the Gypsy King continued to chop and change his demands.
      Negotiations, however, resumed last month – although they have once again ground to a halt.
      Usyk said: “[We’re] at an impasse.
      “The fight will take place sooner or later. And everything will be decided in the ring.

      🥊 Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk – Date, live stream, TV channel and all you need to know about heavyweight bout
      “A big man who has very good abilities in boxing and in life, but this big man is very afraid of losing.”
      Fury, however, is adamant the fight will eventually come to fruition.
      He said: “I don’t think anybody’s scared of anybody in a boxing match.
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      “The fight’s gotta happen, it’s gotta happen this year. I just think it’s an easy job.
      “I’ll hit him, he’ll hit the floor, then I’ll go out and get drunk in the town centre.” More

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      Tommy Fury says Idris Virgo is ‘another bum looking for a payday’ after brawl with fellow Love Island star at KSI fight

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      TOMMY FURY said Idris Virgo is “another bum looking for a payday” after their brawl at KSI’s fight. Fury was a ringside viewer at Wembley Arena to watch KSI face Joe Fournier, with his eyes on boxing the YouTube star next.
      Tommy Fury said Idris Virgo is ‘another bum looking for a payday’Credit: Leigh Dawney/Misfits Boxing
      Idris Virgo brawled with Tommy FuryCredit: Leigh Dawney/Misfits Boxing
      But he ended up in a scuffle with KSI’s training and sparring partner following a confrontation between the two.
      Virgo was filmed walking up to confront Fury, who stood up before a brawl between the two broke out.
      Security was forced to separate the pair after chaos ensued ringside.
      Asked by talkSPORT about the incident, Fury said:  “He’s just another bum looking for a payday, that’s all.
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      “They see me sat at ringside and want to try and elevate themselves and that’s that.”
      Virgo is 13-0 and fought on KSI’s undercard in January, beating Anthony Taylor, 33, but shot to fame on Love Island in 2018.
      And ever since Fury, 24, came out of the ITV series a year later, he has been called out by Virgo.
      But the brother of heavyweight champion Tyson was busy feuding with YouTuber-turned boxer Jake Paul, 26.
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      It culminated in a massive grudge match in Saudi Arabia, which Fury won by split-decision.
      So KSI – who saw his own bitter bout with Paul face the KO – has set his sights on Fury.
      His fight with Fournier, 40, ended in controversy following an accidental but illegal elbow knockout.
      The bout is now being appealed and although KSI expects his KO win to be overturned, he still wants to face Fury next.
      Tommy Fury facing off with KSICredit: Getty More

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      Daniel Dubois suffers huge blow in Oleksandr Usyk fight after splitting with coach Shane McGuigan amid major row

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      DANIEL DUBOIS has seen his chances of beating Oleksandr Usyk lengthen even further after he split from trainer Shane McGuigan.The WBA, whose heavyweight belt the Ukrainian holds along with the IBF and WBO straps, named Dubois as their mandatory challenger.
      Daniel Dubois has split from trainer Shane McGuiganCredit: Getty
      Oleksandr Usyk is mandated to fight Daniel DuboisCredit: Reuters
      The pair were expected to clash in London in July.
      But at a media day at McGuigan’s gym on Monday, the respected trainer responded “no comment” to every question about his star heavyweight.
      Confusingly, Daniel’s superstar sister Caroline is still training at the Leyton gym.
      SunSport understands a row between McGuigan and Stan Dubois, head of the fighting family, led to Daniel leaving around a month ago.
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      Dubois, 25, has been training with veteran Don Charles, who faced criticism for sending Derek Chisora out for ten rounds of punishment from Tyson Fury in December.
      Dubois, battered by Joe Joyce in 2020, has had three comeback wins.
      But he was dropped three times in the first round by Kevin Lerena, 31, in December.
      Although he turned the fight around to win by KO in round three to maintain his position as mandatory challenger for Usyk’s title.
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      No deal has been agreed by the two camps so the WBA have scheduled purse bids for May 25.
      McGuigan did confirm his split with Dubois and his successor Charles.
      He told Boxing News: “I was put in a very compromising position
      “I decided to continue my working relationship with Caroline at the expense of losing Daniel really. Which is a bit of a shame.
      McGuigan added: “I’m happy that he’s going with Don Charles because Don Charles is a friend of mine.
      “I can feel confident that he’s going to get looked after properly. I wish him all the best moving forward.”
      Daniel Dubois with former trainer Shane McGuiganCredit: Instagram / @shanemcguigan More

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      KSI sensationally agrees terms for Jake Paul grudge match live on air but says he could RETIRE after fighting Tommy Fury

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      KSI sensationally agreed terms for a grudge match with Jake Paul live on air – but teased that he could RETIRE after fighting Tommy Fury. The YouTube rivals looked on course to finally meet in the ring this year until Paul lost to Fury in February.
      Tommy Fury facing off with KSICredit: Leigh Dawney/Misfits Boxing
      Jake Paul is still yet to fight KSICredit: Getty
      And the American snubbed a rematch or talks with KSI, 29, to instead return on August 5 against ex-UFC star Nate Diaz, 38.
      So KSI has instead set his sights on Fury, 24, in a blow to his feud with Paul, 26, at last being settled.
      But the British social media sensation re-opened the door to the fight when joining The MMA Hour.
      KSI agreed to a 180lb weight and for the bout to be sanctioned by the British Boxing Board of Control.
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      The bitter enemies are also ready to make it a winner-take-all contest, with the loser forgetting their purse.
      Paul’s side will only share the revenue 50/50 if the bout takes place at 185lb with no rehydration clause.
      But they are open to the fight taking place at 180lb, with a limit to what he can weight the next day, so long as it is winner-take-all.
      And KSI said: “For me, I don’t mind. I’m happy, 180 let’s go.”
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      KSI is uncomfortable fighting Paul at 185lb, having weighed only 177lb for his last fight, against Joe Fournier.
      But he is willing to face him at 180lb with no rehydration clause in the contract, which would limit what either can weigh the next day.
      KSI’s fight with Fournier, 40, was marred in controversy after an accidental but illegal elbow ended the fight by knockout.
      The Professional Boxing Association – who sanctioned the fight – confirmed an appeal has been lodged and will conclude by Friday.
      KSI admitted he is expecting the result to be changed but insisted it will not stop his plans to fight Fury next.
      He said: “I’m at peace with a no-contest. I don’t really mind because, for me, I’m a fair guy. If it is a no-context, it’s a no-contest.
      “It is what it is. I don’t need a win. For me, the reason I came back was to knock out Jake Paul.
      “These are all just side quests to get to Jake Paul, but now I can indirectly destroy Jake Paul’s legacy by beating Tommy Fury.”
      Talks are now ongoing for KSI to fight Fury next and he joked he could hang up the gloves afterwards should it end in victory.
      Read More on The Sun

      He said: “If I want to really be evil, then yeah I could. I fully could go, ‘Haha, I’m out, I’m doing music again. I’m doing Sidemen. Peace.’
      “And then what? Then he (Paul) will always have this thing. But I dunno, there will always be a part of me where it’s like, you know what? I’d love to be the man that fully sleeps him.”
      KSI and Jake Paul clashing in the ring in 2020Credit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Jake Paul welcomes ‘baddest man in the planet’ Francis Ngannou to PFL after MMA star leaves UFC

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      JAKE PAUL welcomed the “baddest man in the planet” Francis Ngannou to the Professional Fighters League. Ngannou has signed for the MMA promotion after walking out of the UFC as heavyweight champion following a breakdown in contract talks.
      Jake Paul welcomed the ‘baddest man in the planet’ Francis Ngannou to the PFLCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Francis Ngannou has signed for the PFLCredit:
      @francis_ngannou

      Paul this year signed with the PFL to head up a “super-fight” series on pay-per-view, which also looks set to host his MMA debut.
      And the YouTuber-turned prizefighter was quick to welcome Ngannou as the newest addition to the PFL’s roster.
      He tweeted: “The baddest man in the planet has officially joined.”
      Paul, 26, followed it up by saying: “Francis, welcome to the PFL. Everybody, it is official.
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      “This is massive, massive, massive, massive news in MMA. We have some huge fights on the horizon.
      “Congratulations, Francis, you deserve this. The best heavyweight in the f*****g world to the PFL, and PFL Africa is going to be massive.
      “So excited. Let’s go.”
      PFL’s format consists of qualification and knockout stages, acting as MMA’s only seasonal league.
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      Points are earned according to the method of victory in the opening two bouts, with the top four in each weight progressing to the playoffs.
      From there it is win-or-go-home culminating in a semis and finals where a title belt and $1million prize cheque lays in wait.
      But the PFL have now launched a breakaway super-fight series, separate from their usual season, where Ngannou, 36, is set to debut in 2024.
      He said: “I am very excited for this game changing partnership with the Professional Fighters League to continue my MMA fighting career in the PFL’s PPV Super Fight Division.
      “I believe in the PFL’s “fighter first” culture and global vision including developing the sport in Africa.
      “With that, I am also proud to announce that I will serve as Chairman of PFL Africa which will be the leading MMA organisation on the continent providing great African fighters the opportunity to compete on a global platform.”
      It has also been revealed DAZN is a partner of PFL’s super-fight division and will distribute events on its PPV platform in Europe and internationally with ESPN to carry US rights.
      PFL CEO Peter Murray with Francis Ngannou More

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      KSI denies ‘ludicrous’ claim he knocked out Joe Fournier with deliberate elbow but says he expects win to be OVERTURNED

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      KSI denied the “ludicrous” claim that he deliberately knocked out Joe Fournier with an elbow – but expects the win to be overturned. Controversy struck last Saturday at Wembley Arena when Fournier was left out for the count by KSI.
      KSI knocked out Joe Fournier with an accidental elbowCredit: Leigh Dawney/Misfits Boxing
      Replays revealed the YouTube sensation landed an accidental but illegal elbow, which consequently caused the KO.
      Fournier, 40, accused KSI, 29, of cheating and demanded a disqualification or rematch be called.
      But KSI told MMA Fighting: “I just think that’s ludicrous. I’m winning the fight. I’m winning everything about the fight.
      “I literally rocked you with an overhand. Why would I want to elbow you, bro? It’s just so ludicrous. It literally makes no sense.
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      “And like I said, it makes sense if I was losing the fight and I’m desperate — OK, fine. But there was no desperation.
      “I was fit, two rounds in, I was comfortable, I hit him with several big shots, and he was shook.
      “He was shook and he was scrambling. He needed saving.”
      The Professional Boxing Association – who sanctioned the fight – confirmed an appeal has been lodged and will conclude by Friday.
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      KSI admitted he is expecting the result to be changed but insisted it will not stop his plans to fight Tommy Fury, 24, next.
      He said: “I’m at peace with a no-contest. I don’t really mind because, for me, I’m a fair guy. If it is a no-context, it’s a no-contest.
      “It is what it is. I don’t need a win. For me, the reason I came back was to knock out Jake Paul.
      “These are all just side quests to get to Jake Paul, but now I can indirectly destroy Jake Paul’s legacy by beating Tommy Fury.”
      KSI also revealed he has NO interest in a rematch with Fournier even if the win is scrubbed off.
      He said: “I was beating him and it was easy. It way easier than I thought it would be.
      “And I’m just like, what’s the point? Why not? And if anything, most people are like, ‘What’s the point?’
      “The public are like, ‘We don’t care. You beat him anyway, so fight Tommy Fury.’
      “People want to see me get tested. People are sick and tired of me just deleting people.
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      “They’re like, ‘Alright, cool. Let’s see how you do against Tommy Fury. If you delete him, then fine, you’re the GOAT, and then we’ll never say a bad word again.’
      “But right now it’s like, they want to see me get tested.”
      Tommy Fury facing off with KSICredit: Leigh Dawney/Misfits Boxing More

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      Anthony Joshua set for ‘dangerous’ rematch with rival in August in ‘risky’ tune-up for Deontay Wilder fight in December

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      EDDIE HEARN revealed Anthony Joshua could take a “risky” rematch to help him prepare to fight Deontay Wilder. Hearn has been locked in negotiations for Joshua to face Wilder in December in Saudi Arabia.
      Eddie Hearn with Anthony JoshuaCredit: Splash
      But the promoter remains open to AJ taking a summer bout in the interim to allow more time to gel with new coach Derrick James.
      So Dillian Whyte – who Joshua knocked out in 2015 – could be be in line for a rematch if his rival fancies rolling the dice.
      Hearn told  Samina For Sale: “We all believe he needs that fight in August and more time with Derrick James, more preparation for Deontay Wilder, and then that’s it.
      “Who we choose will be dependent on if we get that Wilder deal done. I like the Dillian Whyte fight.
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      “Whether he gets the Wilder fight done or not, I like that fight. I think it’s a fight that AJ will get up for.
      “I think it’s a fight that he can have some spite for, and it’s a fight that is dangerous.
      “There will be a lot on the line because if you sign a massive deal to fight Deontay Wilder in December and you’re fighting Dillian Whyte in August, it’s risky business.
      “I don’t feel like a fight against someone that he’s not fired up for or not motivated for or someone who is going to roll over is going to prepare him for that Wilder fight.
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      “That’s where we’re at, but we’re trying to work backward after getting the Wilder fight over the line first.”
      Boxing bosses in the Middle East want Tyson Fury, 34, to fight Oleksandr Usyk, 36, on the SAME NIGHT as Joshua against Wilder.
      But whether or not the heavyweight bonanza can be achieved or not, Hearn insisted AJ, 33, is still on course to face Wilder, 37.
      He said: “The situation is, Saudi Arabia would like to do Fury against Usyk, AJ against Wilder on the same night.
      “I went out there two weeks ago, they’re deadly serious, I’ve done two big fights with them before, I know they deliver.
      “As I understand it, they’ve been doing their own negotiations with Deontay Wilder, which has gone very well.
      “They’ve been talking to Usyk for a year, because he boxed AJ over there and they know the rough kind of numbers that we want based on what we received for the Andy Ruiz fight and Usyk fight in Saudi Arabia.
      “Fury is another story altogether, but not my business. But all I’m concerned about is doing the deal for AJ against Wilder, because if they can’t get Usyk and Fury over the line they will still do AJ against Wilder.
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      “This is what they want. They want this big quartet. AJ’s already told me ‘no problem’.
      “You hit the numbers that we want for the fight, that aren’t unreasonable and not hugely out of proportion in terms of what he received there last time, we’re in.”
      Dillian Whyte lost to Anthony Joshua in 2015Credit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTD
      Deontay Wilder is in talks to fight Anthony Joshua in December in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty More