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      Eddie Hearn reveals fighters ‘in the mix’ to face Anthony Joshua next as April return set to be announced next week

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      EDDIE HEARN has revealed the fighters that are “in the mix” to face Anthony Joshua next with his April return set to be confirmed next week.The two-time heavyweight champion is aiming to bounce back after two crushing defeats to Oleksandr Usyk
      Eddie Hearn has revealed how is in the mix to fight Anthony Joshua nextCredit: PA
      Hearn confirmed this week that the boxing star has chosen a new man to train him for his return.
      And he also revealed that the Brit will be heading America for his fight camp.
      April is the month that AJ is set to pull on the gloves again – although his opponent is yet to be confirmed.
      Jermaine Franklin is one of three names in talks to fight Joshua – and the American is ready and waiting to accept a deal.
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      Franklin, 29, is alongside Aussie southpaw Demsey McKean, 32, and veteran Gerald Washington, 40, are all believed to be in consideration.
      His promoter Dmitriy Salita agreed a deal for the American to face Dillian Whyte, 34, in November, which ended in a disputed decision loss.
      Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn held talks with Salita just days ago and although no official paperwork has been exchanged, Franklin is raring to go.
      However, now Hearn has thrown two other names into the mix.
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      When asked by Boxing Social if Franklin was the frontrunner to take on Joshua, Hearn replied: “Not necessarily.
      “Otto Wallin is in the mix. Again, the southpaw situation is a problem.
      “There are loads of people that put their name forward for that fight. Probably half of the 15 in the world.”
      Hearn added: “Filip Hrgovic is another guy. It’s a tough fight for AJ.
      “That’s a great fight, but I think you’re more likely to see AJ against Filip Hrgovic for the IBF world title after the Usyk vs Fury fight probably.
      “I think it will be [for the vacant IBF belt] by the time it comes around, but again that’s a good fight, a dangerous fight. Any of those guys are a good fight for AJ to come back to.”
      Southpaw Wallin, 32, has only one loss on his professional record, and that came to WBC champion Fury back in 2019 in a bloodbath.
      Croatian Hrgovic, 30, narrowly beat Zhang Zhilei on the undercard of Joshua’s rematch defeat to Usyk in August to extend his unbeaten run to 15-0. More

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      Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith EXACT ring walk time confirmed – what start time are pair in ring tonight?

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      CHRIS EUBANK JR faces his next match-up in the ring this weekend as he takes on Liam Smith.The 33-year-old was last in action in February 2022, beating Liam Williams via lopsided unanimous decision.
      Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith both weighed in at 159lbsCredit: Reuters
      But now he takes on Smith, who twice beat Williams himself earlier on in his career.
      Eubank Jr and Smith have shared a feisty build-up to their fight so far and are sure to deliver on the night.
      The undercard is stacked with action as well as Joseph Parker returns in an action clash against Jack Massey.
      The event is taking place at the AO Arena in Manchester and will cost £19.95 to watch on Sky Sports Box Office.
      What time are the ring-walks?
      Eubank Jr and Smith will make their walk to the ring at around 10.15pm UK time.
      The co-main event of the evening is Richard Riakporhe vs Krysztof Glowacki and that should get underway from around 9pm.
      The event will get going from 7pm on Sky Sports Box Office.
      You can live stream the event from the Sky Sports Box Office app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      Most read in Boxing
      Eubank Jr vs Smith full card

      Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Liam Smith
      Richard Riakporhe vs. Krzysztof Głowacki
      Joseph Parker vs. Jack Massey
      Ekow Essuman vs. Chris Kongo
      Frazer Clarke vs. Kevin Espindola
      Matty Harris vs. Jiri Surmaj
      Scott Forrest vs. Amine Boucetta More

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      Jermaine Franklin one of three in talks to fight Anthony Joshua with American ‘on board’ and ‘waiting for confirmation’

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      JERMAINE FRANKLIN is one of three names in talks to fight Anthony Joshua – and ready and waiting to accept a deal. AJ is in line to return on April 1 back at the O2 Arena for the first time in seven years.
      Anthony Joshua is set to return on April 1Credit: AFP
      Dillian Whyte beat Jermaine Franklin in NovemberCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
      And following two defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, 36, in the space of 11 months, Joshua, 33, is primed for a confidence-building comeback bout.
      Franklin, 29, is alongside Aussie southpaw Demsey McKean, 32, and veteran Gerald Washington, 40, in consideration to fight AJ.
      His promoter Dmitriy Salita agreed a deal for the American to face Dillian Whyte, 34, in November, which ended in a disputed decision loss.
      Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn held talks with Salita just days ago and although no official paperwork has been exchanged, Franklin is raring to go.
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      Salita told SunSport: “I think that Jermaine is one of the frontrunners.
      “Joshua is an amazing heavyweight. But at this point the question is how much does Joshua want to test himself and risk?  
      “Jermaine is waiting for confirmation and the fight announcement press conference.
      “Jermaine’s side is on board as soon as Joshua gives that green light.”
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      Joshua was ringside to watch Whyte escape with a majority-decision verdict over Franklin.
      It has set the pair up for a summer rematch, which would come eight years after AJ’s epic KO win.
      But Whyte is set for a tune-up bout also while Joshua welcomes himself back to the ring.
      Following the controversy with Franklin’s first trip to London, Salita feels his man is deserving of a shot at AJ.
      He said: “I believe that from all the names I saw recently and they are Demsey Mckean, Gerald Washington and Jermaine.
      “Jermaine by far deserves the opportunity but he is not the mandatory, just a people’s challenger from this bunch.  
      “There is nothing Jermaine can do to force the fight. We are grateful for the opportunity if it in fact materialises.”
      Franklin still feels there is unfinished business with Whyte and wants a rematch.
      Read More on The Sun
      But he also has his eyes on Tyson Fury, 34, and Oleksandr Usyk, 36, who are set to unify all for belts this year.
      Salita said: “From our point of view Jermaine’s plan is to beat Joshua, fight Whyte in a rematch and then fight the winner of Fury versus Usyk.”
      Dillian Whyte, promoter Eddie Hearn and Jermaine FranklinCredit: Getty More

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      Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk announcement ‘imminent’ says Brit star’s promoter ahead of blockbuster undisputed bout

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      FRANK WARREN has revealed that an announcement for the blockbuster bout between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk is ‘imminent’.The two title holders are set to face off this year after clearing the path with Fury defeating Derek Chisora and Usyk seeing off Anthony Joshua in a rematch.
      Tyson Fury’s fight against Oleksandr Usyk is set to be announcedCredit: Reuters
      Usyk beat Anthony Joshua las yearCredit: PA
      The undisputed fight between the two is one of the most heavily anticipated clashes among boxing fans this year.
      Fury’s promoter, Warren, has said that there are a “couple of things” to sort out to seal a deal for the fight.
      He told Seconds Out Youtube channel: “Both sides want the fight and are up for the fight.
      “We are in a like mind.
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      “I don’t think we’re far off from announcing it.
      “It’s basically just a couple of things behind the scenes we’re just trying to get sorted.
      “I won’t go into it as I don’t want to compromise the situation.
      “News is pretty imminent now.”
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      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      The bout between the Fury and Usyk was expected to be in March, but Warren confirmed that it has had to be pushed back.
      When asked if the new date for the bout would be in April, Warren replied: “Yeah, I mean, we have to get it on as soon as possible for obvious reasons.”
      As the fight deal nears completion, history will be made, as all four heavyweight belts have never been on the line in the same fight.
      Fury’s American promoter, Bob Arum, has confirmed that Fury and Usyk have agreed to the title showdown, and that an unidentified Middle Eastern country will host the bout.
      But if a venue in the Middle Eastern cannot be found, then Wembley Stadium would be on the table to play host. More

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      Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith live stream and TV guide – how to watch massive middleweight clash

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      CHRIS EUBANK JR is back in the ring this weekend as he takes on Liam Smith in a massive middleweight fight.The Brighton man and his Liverpudlian opponent have been trading barbs all week in the lead up to their fight.
      Eubank Jr vs Smith will take place in Manchester this weekendCredit: PA
      The two men are looking to get into contention for world honours later this year – so both will be after a big win.
      Elsewhere on the card, heavyweight Joseph Parker returns to action against Brit Jack Massey.
      And Chris Kongo takes on Ekow Essuman in a huge welterweight fight for the British and Commonwealth titles.
      Richard Riakphore, Matty Harris and Frazer Clarke all return to the ring as well.
      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
      Eubank Jr’s big clash against Smith will be shown live on Sky Sports Box office.
      The PPV will cost £19.95 to watch.
      You can live stream the action from the Sky Sports Box Office app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      The event is set to get underway from 7pm UK time, with Eubank Jr and Smith expected in the ring around 10.30pm.
      Most read in Boxing
      Eubank Jr vs Smith prediction
      Liam Smith is the smaller man but the more technically gifted. If he can cope with Eubank’s early aggression, he should be able to dominate.
      Since linking up with multi-weight legend Roy Jones Jr, Eubank has seemed caught in two contrasting styles.
      RJJ insists his star student now has two ways to win; to slug out a victory or to box and move.
      But doubters will worry about teaching an old dog new tricks. More

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      Chris Eubank Jr wears Man Utd shirt to Liam Smith weigh-in and tips scales in rainbow armband after homophobia row

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      CHRIS EUBANK JR takes Pride in being one of British boxing’s most hated men – but insists none of his antics are an act.The 33-year-old Brighton man was dragged into a war of words with Liam Smith ahead of Saturday’s middleweight showdown, accusing Liverpool’s 34-year-old former world champion of being unfaithful to his wife.
      Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith were involved in a heated press conference on ThursdayCredit: Reuters
      Former light-middleweight champ Smith made some homophobically-charged comments towards Eubank JrCredit: GETTY
      Eubank Jr donned a rainbow armband along with a Manchester United kit during Friday’s weigh-insCredit: REUTERS
      Next Gen proudly sported the armbandCredit: REUTERS
      Smith had taken shots at Eubank Jr for allegedly having his hairline boosted by a tattoo and cast aspersions over his sexuality and friendship with Brazilian footballer Neymar.
      The ugly insults and suggestions are being investigated by the British Boxing Board of Control, who could hit both fighters with fines for bringing the sport into disrepute.
      But Eubank Jr kept up the goading by wearing a Manchester United shirt to Friday’s weigh-in – earning loud boos from the Smith’s Liverpool fans – and a rainbow armband in support of the LGBTQ community.
      Like his British ring legend father, Chris Sr, Eubank likes to leap over the ropes, pose for the cameras and antagonise opponents.

      But he insists he is being true to himself and fans are free to love or loathe him.
      “There are people out there who genuinely hate me,” he told SunSport. “And I don’t know why.
      “But it’s not an act, people would be able to see through an act like that.
      “Over the years, some of the people who have ruled against me have switched over and supported me.
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      “I have noticed a change over the last few years and yes, that does make me feel good.
      “Would I prefer to be the good guy in these fights? Would I prefer not to get booed into arenas? Sure. Yes.
      “Any normal human being would prefer people to be nice. But boxing isn’t nice, the world isn’t nice.
      “You have to deal with a lot of stuff and I understand that and accepted it a long time ago.
      “I accepted a long time ago that I will never be the good guy for some people.
      “I am interested to see my reception in Manchester. I was going to get booed into the fight with Conor Benn.
      “I wonder if I will get booed into the fight with Liam Smith.
      “I have not changed, I am the same guy. We will find out on the night.”
      Eubank Jr was scheduled to fight Benn, the son of Nigel and his father’s most iconic rival, in an October catchweight clash.
      But the 26-year-old had failed two drugs tests – which he is still disputing with VADA and the WBC – and the build-up and the BBBofC cancelled the showdown at the 11th hour.
      Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith had to be separated by securityCredit: REUTERS
      Win or lose against Smith, that grudge war is now even more intriguing – such is the grubby nature of boxing – but poker-loving Eubank Jr insists he now holds all the aces and he will not be folding to any demands.
      He added: “When I was cutting all that weight, it felt like I was going to die. It is a horrible and disgusting feeling.
      “I was frustrated the fight didn’t happen but now I recognise that there are a lot of positives that come out of the fight not happening.
      “The profile of the fight is now twice as big and there is twice as much money to be made.
      “It was a sold-out O2 show and now it will be in a stadium.
      “Everyone loves a scandal – so the fight is bigger.
      “And he has lost all of his privileges, the ball is in my court, he failed two tests so he cannot be coming back with any demands. Everything is on my terms now.
      “If I had beaten him in October his fans would have stayed his fans.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Now I have taken a lot of his fans away, without even beating him.
      “I was going to get booed into that arena but if I fight him tomorrow, it will be the opposite. So I am a glass-half-full type of guy.” More

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      Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith: UK start time, live stream, TV channel, PPV price, undercard for all-British bout

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      CHRIS EUBANK JR versus Liam Smith was an intriguing trade fight for the purists, before they got into a grubby slanging match TOMORROW.The Sky Sports pay-per-view spilled into the news pages on Thursday when 34-year-old Smith took a dig at Eubank Jr’s surgically enhanced hairline and then asked bizarre and uncomfortable questions about his sexuality.
      Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith at the fight weigh-inCredit: PA
      The 33-year-old son of British ring legend Chris Sr did not take the lurid accusations lying down, and told the packed Manchester press conference that he believes Smith cheats on his wife.
      It was unedifying in even the most degenerate of sporting spheres, where we operate and usually thrive off controversy.
      But these two fighters are worth more than that. They have both shown integrity and courage, even in defeats, and are both from proud fighting families.
      All three of Liam’s brothers, like him, have won British titles and Callum is also a former world champion, as Liam is at super-welter.
      Eubank Jr fancies his chances but he knows – win or lose – that the bitter Conor Benn grudge match is just around the corner.
      A Smith victory will most likely spark a rematch clause – unless Kell Brook can be coaxed out of retirement for a Sheffield vs Liverpool clash of the veterans.
      Once the bell goes, once people stop asking silly questions of two brave gladiators already riled by a punishing weight cut to 11st 7lbs, the action should be thrilling.
      Smith insists he can hurt Eubank Jr to the body. The Brighton man claims he has never ever been floored in his life.
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      Eubank Jr sees Smith as a silver-haired stepping stone to Gennady Golovkin or Benn in the summer.
      Smith reckons Eubank Jr is overrated because of his father’s name and an easy night’s work.
      Both men have proven chins, clever corners and elite engines. It looks destined for the full 12 rounds and a decision from the three British Boxing Board of Control judges.
      Let’s hope the scoring is far less controversial than the build-up antics.
      When is Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith?
      Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith will take place on Saturday, January 21 – TOMORROW.
      The main event is expected to start at around 10pm UK time.
      The AO Arena in Manchester plays host.
      Eubank Jr’s fight against Conor Benn was scupperedCredit: PA
      What TV channel and live stream is Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith on?
      Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Box Office.
      The event will cost £19.95 and the show expected to start from 6pm.
      Who is fighting on the Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith undercard?
      Ekow Essuman vs Chris Kongo is a trade fight for real British boxing fans.
      Ekow ‘The Engine’ is 18-0 but the understated Nottingham man flies under the radar.
      Kongo was undone by tricky southpaw Michael McKinson back in 2021 but has bounced back with two wins and is now 14-1.
      Frazer Clarke needs better opposition than the 7-6 bodybag he is going to batter, it’s poor matchmaking and he deserves better, as do paying fans.
      Say a prayer for Manchester cruiserweight Jack Massey too, who is making his heavyweight debut against former WBO heavyweight champ Joseph Parker.
      The 30-3 Kiwi has genuine knockout power at 18st and is taking on a beanpole whose 20-1 record has been attained at around 14st 4lbs.
      And Olympian Frazer Clarke is also on the bill.

      Main event: Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith (middleweight)
      Richard Riakporhe vs Krzysztof Glowacki (cruiserweight)
      Joseph Parker vs Jack Massey (heavyweight)
      Chris Kongo vs Ekow Essuman

      Eubank Jr vs Smith prediction
      Liam Smith is the smaller man but the more technically gifted. If he can cope with Eubank’s early aggression, he should be able to dominate.
      Since linking up with multi-weight legend Roy Jones Jr, Eubank has seemed caught in two contrasting styles.
      Read More on The Sun
      RJJ insists his star student now has two ways to win; to slug out a victory or to box and move.
      But doubters will worry about teaching an old dog new tricks. More

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      Floyd Mayweather’s Brit opponent pulls out of 02 fight just HOURS after announcement and reveals he is ‘heartbroken’

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      LIAM HARRISON has denied that will be taking on Floyd Mayweather.It was announced this morning that the boxing legend would be making his British debut with an exhibition showdown against Harrison on February 25 at The O2.
      Floyd Mayweather was claimed to be making his UK debutCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Mayweather shared this poster on his Instagram accountCredit: Instagram / @floydmayweather
      Money, who will turn 46 the day before the bout was scheduled to take place, seemingly confirmed the news on Instagram by sharing the official poster for the event.
      He captioned it with: “#London February 25th, It’s official. My first exhibition fight in the UK will be at the O2 Arena 🇬🇧 Tickets go on sale next week. Stay Tuned!!”
      But Harrison, who is contracted to MMA promotion ONE, rubbished the announcement just hours later.
      He wrote on social media: “Many of you will have seen the announcement this morning about my fight with Floyd Mayweather.
      READ MORE ON BOXING
      “Devastatingly, my knee just won’t allow it. Discussions about the fight started a few days ago with the Mayweather team and I honestly thought I would be ok in a boxing fight, even needing surgery on my knee.
      “I upped my training as soon as discussions started and had some hard sparring and pads but almost immediately my knee had ballooned up and I can’t walk.
      “Hitting pads is fine but the movement and agility needed to spar and especially fight just isn’t possible.
      “My surgeon is in agreement that this won’t be possible and I am absolutely heartbroken. This fight and everything that would have come with it would have changed my life.
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      “Furthermore, no contract for this has been received or signed. I’m exclusively contracted to ONE and I had approached them for permission and sign off.
      “Without receipt of the contract and ONE’s review and approval of this, nothing was confirmed.
      “Floyd is the greatest boxer of all time and I would have wanted to put in a good account of myself. Not just for me but for the whole muaythai community…
      “I’m seriously flattered to have been even approached for this fight and I really think I could have done well in it.
      I really hope when I’m recovered we can make this fight happenLiam Harrison
      “But, as things stand, I’m going to have to stick to my surgery next week.
      “I really hope when I’m recovered we can make this fight happen.”
      Harrison is a decorated Muay Thai fighter from Leeds.
      “The Hitman” has a career record of 90-25-2 (50 KO) in his sport. 
      Mayweather’s last professional contest came back in 2017 when he moved to 50-0 with a comfortable victory over UFC star Conor McGregor.
      But since hanging up the gloves as a pro, he has kept himself busy by raking in millions through exhibition contests.
      He has faced Don Moore in Abu Dhabi, Mikuru Asakura in Japan, and Logan Paul in the US.
      Then in November, he beat KSI’s brother Deji in Dubai.
      The American recently hinted that the UK would be the next stop on his exhibition tour by saying: “In February we’re looking forward to coming here and putting on an exhibition for the fans in the UK, because I never had a chance to come over here and fight when I was actively boxing as a professional. 
      “So hopefully in February I’ll come over and do an exhibition if it’s possible.”
      That came after he previously dropped another hint back in October after he beat MMA veteran Asakura.
      He said: “We don’t know [where the rest of my bouts will take place] but of course, if the price is right then I am on my way [to the UK].
      “It’s always a few million a minute. From this exhibition [against Asakura] alone I will [be] making somewhere upwards of 15-20million dollars.
      “That’s just from this exhibition. So, it’s cool. Nine minutes, 20 million, not bad.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Although Mayweather never competed in the UK as a pro, he did beat legendary British boxer Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas in 2007.
      His other biggest wins came against the likes of Oscar De La Hoya, Juan Manuel Marquez, Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto, Canelo Alvarez, Marcos Maidana and Manny Pacquiao.
      Floyd Mayweather, pictured against Mikuru Asakura, is raking it in from his exhibitionsCredit: Reuters More