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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.
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      “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.”
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      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

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      Tyson Fury clash with Oleksandr Usyk terms agreed with only venue to be finalised ahead of huge unification showdown

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      TYSON FURY and Oleksandr Usyk have agreed terms over a blockbuster heavyweight unification title fight with only the venue to be finalised. The two title holders are set to collide later this year after clearing the path with Fury beating Derek Chisora and Usyk seeing off Anthony Joshua in a rematch.
      Arum (right) says Fury (left) and Usyk have agreed to the fightCredit: Getty
      A Middle Eastern country will host the heavyweight showdownCredit: Getty
      Usyk was ringside for Fury’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium clash with Chisora and even came face-to-face with his rival.
      And with the fight deal nearing completion, history is set to be made, with all four heavyweight belts having 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.
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      Top Rank CEO Arum told Sky Sports: “I’m very optimistic the fight is going to happen.
      “Both fighters have agreed to do the fight, the question is the site and we’re talking to the Middle East because allegedly they’re going to come up with the biggest purse ever in boxing history.
      “And if they do, that’s where the fight is going to go because money is money.
      “If they don’t, both fighters will agree to do the fight this spring at Wembley… but the fight will happen in my opinion, certainly within the first four months of the year.
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      “Fighters want to do the best for themselves because a fighter’s career, no matter how great he is, is limited and they want to make as much money as possible.
      “So that’s the only issue – where will the fight be held?
      “I would believe in the next week that will be determined and then we’ll have an official announcement of the date and site for the fight – but that fight is happening.” More

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      Anthony Joshua next opponent to be announced next week as Eddie Hearn finalises contracts for April 1 comeback

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA’S next opponent will be announced next week.And promoter Eddie Hearn admits he is close to finalising the contracts for AJ’s April 1 comeback.
      Eddie Hearn is finalising contracts for Anthony Joshua’s next fightCredit: PA
      Jermaine Franklin is being tipped to fight AJ after losing to Dillian WhyteCredit: Getty
      The 33-year-old Brit has not fought since August’s rematch defeat to Oleksandr Usyk, who also beat him in September 2021.
      Joshua’s last victory came over two years ago when he took down Kubrat Pulev.
      And Hearn is keen to secure a big-name opponent who can put AJ back on track to fight the likes of Tyson Fury.
      There had been talk of a brutal battle against Filip Hrgovic, but he has been ordered to face Andy Ruiz Jr in an IBF eliminator.
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      Meanwhile, Hearn has also effectively ruled out Otto Wallin and Demsey McKean after revealing AJ does not want to take on another southpaw.
      That could leave Jermaine Franklin as the man to fight Joshua on April Fool’s Day, with the American looking to avenge November’s London defeat to Dillian Whyte.
      But fans won’t have to wait too long to find out, as Hearn is currently finalising contracts with a plan to confirm the bout next week.
      He told Boxing Social: “[Franklin] is definitely in the mix. Demsey McKean is still in the mix.
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      “The link-up with a new trainer means a southpaw fighter, even though AJ just boxed one of them twice, is not ideal.
      “When you look at the future for Anthony Joshua, the future revolves around Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder and Dillian Whyte.
      “They’re three orthodox fighters. It is likely that he will face an orthodox fighter next.
      “I think Jermaine Franklin is a great fighter. People say ‘it’s definitely Franklin’. Nothing is signed and agreed with.
      “But Franklin is coming off a fight where it was very close with Whyte. Some people felt he won that fight.” More

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      Canelo Alvarez opens talks to return against Brit John Ryder with boxing superstar in line for massive UK debut fight

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      CANELO ALVAREZ has opened talks to face Britain’s John Ryder – and could be in line for a massive UK boxing debut.The Mexican wants to avenge his light-heavyweight loss to Dmitry Bivol next September but will return in a May fight beforehand.
      Canelo Alvarez has opened talks to face Britain’s John RyderCredit: Getty
      John Ryder is mandatory challenger for Canelo Alvarez’s WBO titleCredit: Getty
      And after beating Gennady Golovkin, 40, last September in their trilogy bout, Canelo, 32, retained his undisputed super-middleweight crown.
      And Ryder, 34, became the WBO mandatory challenger after beating Zach Parker, 28, in November.
      It puts him in line for a shot at Canelo and promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed negotiations are underway.
      He told DAZN: “I’ve been speaking to Eddie Reynoso and the team over the last couple of days; we’re negotiating that fight at the moment.
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      “Obviously, Canelo’s got options, it doesn’t have to be John Ryder, but he is the mandatory.
      “We’re trying to agree on a deal with Canelo Alvarez, and we’re trying to agree to a deal with John Ryder as well.
      “We’d like to see that fight internationally, something a little bit different for Saul, and hopefully we can conclude a deal for that in the coming weeks.”
      Venues in Europe, America and the Middle East are all options for Canelo, which could pave the way for a UK debut.
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      Hearn said: “UK, Middle East, even the US, Mexico.
      “Saul can fight anywhere, but it’s always been a plan of mine to take him around the world, and I’d love to be a part of it.”
      Canelo was beaten by WBA light-heavyweight champion Bivol, 32, in May 2022 but the pair are lined up to rematch later this year.
      Dmitry Bivol beat Canelo Alvarez in May 2022Credit: Getty More

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      Tommy Fury’s dad says Jake Paul fight is ’99 per cent’ done and promises to shake YouTuber’s hand if he beats his son

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      JOHN FURY said his son Tommy’s fight with Jake Paul is 99 per cent done – and promised to shake the YouTube star’s hand if he wins. The celebrity boxing rivals are set to announce the latest rescheduling of their grudge match, slated for February 25 in Saudi Arabia
      John Fury said his son Tommy’s fight with Jake Paul is 99 per cent doneCredit: Stephen Dunkley/Queensberry Promotions
      Jake Paul in his Puerto Rico gymCredit: @jakepaul
      And Fury’s dad and coach John confirmed the final touches are being put together before an official announcement is made.
      He told The Metro, via FreeBets.com: “We are 99 and three-quarters per cent there and for my money, it is on.

      “We are ready, he is ready we are just waiting now to get the final confirmation and I think they will announce it very soon.”
      This now acts the third time the pair will attempt to settle their score in the ring.
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      Fury, 23, was forced to pull out in December 2021 due to a rib injury and then last August amid a US visa issue.
      The travel woe still persists today, which left the UK and Middle East as frontrunners to host the bitter bout.
      Paul, 26, even offered to travel to Manchester on February 18 and fight Fury on enemy territory.
      But a more lucrative deal in Saudi Arabia a week later was proposed and looks to have won the race.
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      Saudi boxing boss Prince Khaled added to further speculation as he posted a video with the tune, “signed, sealed, delivered.”
      Fury last boxed in Dubai in November in a last-minute exhibition against Rolly Lambert, 33.
      And Paul was a special guest commentator and slammed the six-round bout from ringside.
      He even clashed with John, who ripped off his top and called to fight the American BARE-KNUCKLE.
      But the former journeyman boxer vowed to congratulate Paul if he was to beat his son.
      If Jake Paul can beat Tommy, I will be the first one to pat him on the back and give him the height of respect. Up close and personal.John Fury
      John said: “After the fight, whoever wins, it will be a handshaking job, a pat on the back well done.
      “Deep down, that is what the Furys are about, especially John Fury, the best man wins and gets his hand shook.
      “If Jake Paul can beat Tommy, I will be the first one to pat him on the back and give him the height of respect. Up close and personal.”
      Despite the offer of respect, John can only see one winner in the fight.
      He said: “The best man will win. I don’t think Jake Paul has got a chance. I really don’t.
      “Looking at his past performances and who he is has been boxing, Tommy is a far cry. Another level. But fair credit to him for stepping up to the plate.
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      “We are not in the ring yet, things can happen and until both men have faced each other it is not a foregone conclusion but we want it.
      “If this fight doesn’t take place, it won’t be because of us. I’m doing my best to keep the lid on everything to keep it so we can perform and so far, so good.”
      Tommy Fury and Jake Paul are set to fight on February 25Credit: BT Sport More

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      Anthony Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn opens door to ‘fascinating’ fight with Francis Ngannou after MMA star’s UFC exit

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      EDDIE HEARN has opened the door to a “fascinating” fight between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou. Ngannou is free to make a switch to boxing after walking out on the UFC while champion after failing to agree a new contract.
      Eddie Hearn opened the door to a ‘fascinating’ fight between Anthony Joshua and Francis NgannouCredit: PA
      Francis Ngannou has left the UFCCredit: Getty
      The Cameroonian called out Joshua, 33, and Tyson Fury, 34, with the prospect talked up by promoter Hearn.
      He told DAZN: “I think AJ is all about the biggest fights and the biggest challenges.
      “I think AJ has got his mind on becoming a three-time world champion, but a fight against Francis Ngnannou is fascinating.”
      Ngannou, 36, has been stripped of the UFC heavyweight title and confirmed he is eyeing a move into boxing.
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      He said on The MMA Hour: “I still want to achieve something in boxing and I want to stay in MMA as well.
      “I discovered MMA first in my life and I feel like I have some mileage to give in my sport.
      “In a perfect world, I go out there get some boxing match then get some MMA, depending on the challenges that are out there.
      “If they are out there, I want to fight the top guys in boxing. I don’t know, I think Fury has retired and come back.
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      “I don’t know where Fury is right now, but now it is time. Before, we could not do anything concrete beyond the social media stuff.
      “Whatever it is, if it is with Tyson Fury, I will take it. I have no problem doing boxing with 4oz gloves, we will figure it out.
      “Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua would be my first ideal opponent.”
      Francis Ngannou pictured with UFC president Dana WhiteCredit: Getty More

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      Kell Brook, 36, ready to make return and ‘desperate’ to fight Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith winner and will be ringside

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      KELL BROOK will be ringside to watch Chris Eubank Jr’s fight with Liam Smith – because he is “desperate” for the winner. Brook walked away on top after stopping long-time rival Amir Khan in six rounds last February.
      Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith ahead of their fightCredit: Getty
      Kell Brook will be ringside to watch Chris Eubank Jr’s fight with Liam SmithCredit: Getty
      But the former IBF welterweight world champion has struggled to avoid the temptation of a comeback.
      Brook’s intrigue will bring him to Manchester on Saturday, the scene of the crime for his retirement fight.
      Promoter Ben Shalom told Sky Sports: “Kell will be there on Saturday.
      “He’s desperate for the winner of that fight. He wanted the Eubank fight after the Khan fight.
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      “He feels he wants the winner of this fight whether that’s Liam Smith or whether that’s Eubank Jr.
      “There is a rematch clause, so if Liam does win Eubank will have the option with that one.
      “But there’ll be massive fights for whoever the winner is. Huge nights and Kell Brook definitely wants to be one of them.”
      Brook, 36, held talks to fight Eubank after stopping rival Khan, 36, but it led to nothing.
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      Eubank, 33, instead moved on to a mega-fight with Conor Benn, 26, but it was dramatically scrapped just days before.
      A failed drug test from Benn saw the bout scrapped with the welterweight now fighting to clear his name.
      Meanwhile, it left Eubank to turn his attention to former sparring partner Smith, 34, and neither can afford a loss.
      Shalom said: “Both of them want to fight again in the summer. “This a springboard to massive fights in 2023.
      “But this is the one they’re both focused on. Were Chris to lose this, it really will be difficult to come back from and Liam the same.”
      Chris Eubank Jr, promoter Ben Shalom and Liam SmithCredit: Getty More

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      Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith predictions: World of boxing give tips ahead of huge middleweight clash

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      CHRIS EUBANK JR and Liam Smith meet in a middleweight clash that is dividing the boxing public. The pair of former sparring partners-turned bitter enemies put bragging rights on the line in Manchester on the Saturday.
      Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith ahead of their fightCredit: Getty
      Eubank, 33, is the odds-on favourite but insiders have warned not to rule out ex-world champion Smith, 34.
      Here, SunSport runs down opinions from inside the boxing world ahead of the weekend’s Sky Box Office bout.
      Liam Williams
      Perhaps the man to listen to most is Williams, 30, having shared the ring with BOTH men.
      The Welshman lost twice to Smith in 2017 and was dropped four times in a points defeat to Eubank last year.
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      But Williams predicted: “I think Smith is going to win.
      “I think it’s going to be a great fight nevertheless but I think it’s a Smith points win for me.”
      Prediction: Smith
      Liam Williams was beaten by Chris Eubank JrCredit: PA
      George Groves
      Retired Groves is another with great insight having spent years sparring Eubank before winning in 2018 while also losing to Smith’s brother Callum.
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      Groves, 34, told Sky Sports: “I’ve got a Eubank win. If he loses it’s his own fault.”
      He added: “If he punches with spite and volume, he might even stop Liam Smith, who has been stopped before by Canelo Alvarez who is obviously a pound-for-pound fighter.
      “But he can be hurt, he can be hurt to the body. If Eubank targets the body I think he might stop him.”
      Prediction: Eubank
      Chris Eubank Jr was beaten by George Groves in 2018Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Carl Froch
      Froch, 45, shared sparring rounds with Eubank like his old rival-turned friend Groves.
      And the two former foes are reuniting on the night of the fight, with Froch keeping his cards close to his chest until then.
      He said: “It’s one I’m really looking forward to.
      “I’m going to wait until I work the show with my old mate George Groves before I work out who I’m predicting to win.”
      Prediction: Sitting on the fence
      Chris Eubank Jr and Carl Froch are ex-sparring partners
      Kell Brook
      Brook, 36, retired after beating Amir Khan, also 36, last February but will be ringside awaiting the winner.
      And he said: “I think it’s a good fight. It’s one I’ll definitely be watching. He’s not my cup of tea, Chris Eubank, I think we all know that.
      “I want Liam Smith to win. I believe he will win. I’m basing that on he’s underestimated Liam Smith.
      “You know he can punch, Eubank. He’s got a great engine. He’s not the best boxer in the world. It is a good fight.”
      Prediction: Smith
      Kell Brook wants the winner between Chris Eubank Jr and Liam SmithCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Amir Khan
      Khan and Brook do not agree on much, but they are both backing Smith to win.
      He said: “I’ve done some training with Liam Smith, always a hard worker, trains very hard. He was my training partner when I was fighting Canelo.
      “He’s a tough fighter, especially when he puts that attack on you, he’s got great pressure, throws some great shots and hits quite hard.
      “I’ve got Liam winning that fight. Even though a lot of people are going to favour the younger fighter in Chris Eubank Jr, I just feel experience in this case will take hold.”
      Prediction: Smith
      Amir Khan pictured with Chris Eubank Jr
      Josh Taylor
      Taylor, 32, is now training with Smith in Joe McNally’s Liverpool gym and unsurprisingly has backed his stable-mate.
      He told iFL TV: “It’s a close fight. I see Liam winning, I think Liam on points.
      “Just a much better boxing brain, much better experience, the more well-rounded fighter, much better.
      “But on the other hand you’ve got Eubank, he’s quick, he’s quite powerful and he’s got a good chin. But his boxing ability lets him down.”
      Prediction: Smith
      Josh Taylor has backed Liam Smith to bear Chris Eubank JrCredit: Alamy
      KSI
      YouTuber-turned crossover boxing has trained with Eubank before.
      And he has backed to his old mate to get the job donce once again.
      He said to Wasserman Boxing: “Yeah I think Chris is going to win.”
      “I think he’s just a different animal. I think he’s hungry. He’s just that suave guy who gets that win every time.”
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      Prediction: Eubank
      YouTube star KSI pictured with Chris Eubank Jr More