Boxing

IT’S far too fanciful to believe that when Martin Luther King said “we must accept finite disappointment — but never lose infinite hope” he had boxing fans in mind.Lovers of the noble art are constantly irritated beyond measure, because they so rarely get the opportunity to see the best fighting the best.
Colin Hart reckons boxing fans deserve to see Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury in 2023Credit: Getty
A year ago, this column chose six fights British punters would like to have watched in 2022.
They were Tyson Fury v Anthony Joshua, Terry Crawford v Errol Spence, Anthony Yarde v Joshua Buatsi, Josh Taylor v Gervonta Davis, Mairis Briedis v Lawrence Okolie, as well as Gennady Golovkin v Chris Eubank Jr.
All potential box-office hits. But I did warn that — because of the cynicism and greed of the world governing bodies and the intransigence of rival TV companies — few, if any, would happen.
Surprise, surprise none of them did.
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So it’s pointless for me to suggest future match-ups because, despite the new year about to dawn, the situation in 2023 isn’t going to change.
But at least promoters Bob Arum and Frank Warren assured us we can now look forward to a world heavyweight unification battle between Fury and Oleksandr Usyk in the spring.
Warren said: “It looks like March and we hope to get the deal done in the next few weeks.
“They both want it to happen and there won’t be broadcast problems.
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“We will still need to decide on a venue.”
Wembley Stadium has been mentioned — and it would certainly draw another 94,000 crowd — but if the Saudis badly want to stage it, then it will be another desert dust-up.
There is no doubt the heavyweights will dominate again next year — and there are so  many mesmerising and mouthwatering possibilities open to the big boys.
Imagine Deontay Wilder against Joshua, a Joe Joyce-Danny Dubois return, Joshua-Joyce, Wilder-Dubois, Dubois-Joshua, or Joyce-Wilder.
And if Fury should beat Usyk he could defend against British rivals, Joshua, Joyce and Dubois. Well, we can dream, can’t we?
At least boxing gets off to a cracking start next month when Russian-born Canadian Artur Beterbiev defends his WBC, IBF and WBO light-heavyweight titles against Anthony Yarde at Wembley Arena on January 28.
Beterbiev, who turns 38 a week before they clash, is a scary, ferocious puncher with a remarkable record — having won all of his 18 pro fights by knockout.
It’s not surprising he is a massive 1-7 favourite to keep his belts. And if Yarde does find a way to win, it’s doubtful  there will be a bigger upset in the next 12 months.
At least the Ilford man now has James Cook, the former British and European super- middleweight champion, giving him sound advice.
Cook told me: “Nobody in the  division  is fitter than Yarde.”
Yarde runs eight miles on London’s roads twice a week, starting at 3am, when the air is at its purist and there is no traffic.
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It takes him an impressive 1hr 15min.
But, as the immortal Joe Louis memorably said before defending against Billy Conn: “He can run,  but he can’t hide!” More

TYSON FURY has claimed he will have Oleksandr Usyk running “like a little b****” when the pair face off. The Gypsy King is set to face off with Usyk in the heavyweight boxing division’s first ever four-belt unification bout.
Tyson Fury has claimed he will win the four-belt unificationCredit: Getty
He has given a run down of how the fight will go against Oleksandr UsykCredit: AFP
But Fury believes he has the advantage and has already given his prediction of how the fight will go.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Fury said: “I’m going to try my heart out to do this Usyk fight for the undisputed championship.
“It’s a fight that he wants so he says. And I want, we all put it all on the line again and we’ll see who wins.
“I don’t think he’s big enough and strong enough to stand up to the punches, and he’s a natural lighter man.
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“When we were both younger, as amateurs, Usyk was a middleweight at the same time I was super heavyweight and weighed 110 kilos.
“It’s a challenge, but he’ll be running away like a little b—- all night. And I will hunt him down and when I get hold of him he’ll be crushed.”
The fight between the pair has been backed to sell out a record-breaking 95,000 seats if it is held in the UK by former cruiserweight champion Johnny Nelson.
He said: “The timing is perfect. It has to be the first quarter. The potential date has been set. There’s no reason why they shouldn’t fight each other next.
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“I think it’s the perfect match-up for two unorthodox fighters, and it’s going to split opinion.
“If the fight happens, it’ll exceed the 95,000 sellout with Fury and (Dillian) Whyte if they did it here in the UK. So, I think that fight will be big.”
Fury’s championship defence against Whyte in April saw him draw a crowd of 94,000 to Wembley.
The fight will see Fury put his WBC belt up against Fury’s WBA, IBF, and WBO belts which he won – and defended – from Anthony Joshua. More

TYSON FURY is NOT interested in receiving a knighthood… but does have his eye on a slightly different title.The WBC heavyweight champion, 34, defended his strap on two occasions in 2022 – against Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora.
Tyson Fury knocked out Dillian Whyte at Wembley Stadium in AprilCredit: Getty
King Charles could knight Fury like many other sportspeople have beenCredit: Getty
It takes his professional record to 33 wins, one draw and no defeats.
In the wake of his 10th round stoppage of Chisora earlier this month, former England striker Wayne Rooney called for Fury to be knighted.
But The Gypsy King has no interest in the honour and would hilariously rather King Charles name him the “Emperor of the North of England”.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Fury was asked about the possibility of being knighted, to which he replied: “A few sportspeople have it.
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“Sir Mo Farah, Sir Steve Redgrave, Sir Lewis Hamilton, Sir Andy Murray.
“Well if all them people have had it, then I’d like something that no one else has had, especially a sportsperson.
“I’m a normal man but a limited edition, so I’d like something different.
“Maybe King Charles could make me the Emperor of the North of England.”
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Fury is expected to face Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed crown in the first four months of 2023.
Promoter Bob Arum recently confirmed the pair had agreed not to take any interim bouts, with Fury’s team expecting Usyk’s WBA mandatory – Daniel Dubois – to be delayed in order to get the undisputed fight on.
And while many believe Usyk will be one of Fury’s toughest tasks to date, he is unequivocal in the belief that he will destroy the Ukrainian, 35.
The Brit added: “It’s a challenge, but he’ll be running away like a little b**** all night.
“And I will hunt him down and when I get hold of him he’ll be crushed.” More

TYSON FURY has been backed to sell out a record-breaking 95,000 seats if he was to fight Oleksandr Usyk in the UK. The unbeaten champions are in talks for the heavyweight division’s first four-belt unification.
Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury are in talks to fightCredit: Getty
Former cruiserweight champion Johnny NelsonCredit: Action Images – Reuters
And the Middle East is the frontrunner to host with a hefty fee to bring the pair over being tabled.
But former cruiserweight champion Johnny Nelson believes the occasion is worthy of a stadium sellout in the UK – with Wembley Stadium the biggest venue in the country.
Nelson, 55, told Sky Sports News: “The timing is perfect. It has to be the first quarter.
“The potential date has been set. There’s no reason why they shouldn’t fight each other next.
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“He has an amazing reputation. Tyson Fury has defied all the odds and is continuing to do so.
“I think it’s the perfect match-up for two unorthodox fighters, and it’s going to split opinion.
“If the fight happens, it’ll exceed the 95,000 sellout with Fury and [Dillian] Whyte if they did it here in the UK. So, I think that fight will be big.”
Fury, 34, packed out 94,000 at Wembley in April when he knocked out Whyte, 34, in what was the biggest crowd in British boxing history.
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And in December he brought 60,000 over to Tottenham’s stadium for his ten-round beating of Derek Chisora, 38.
Usyk, 35, was ringside and faced off against Fury and the two are ready to put all four titles on the line by March of next year.
The Ukrainian is coming off consecutive victories over Anthony Joshua, 33, were he won and retained the WBA, IBF and WBO belts.

Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk facing off at TottenhamCredit: JAMIE MCPHILIMEY More

OTTO WALLIN versus Anthony Joshua is the “perfect fight” for both stars, says the Swede’s promoter.Wallin, 32, left Tyson Fury needing 47 stitches in their 2019 bloodbath in a bout that raised his profile despite suffering a defeat on points.
Eddie Hearn is currently searching for Anthony Joshua’s next opponentCredit: PA
Otto Wallin’s promoter is adamant his man is the ideal opponent for AJCredit: Getty
Since then the heavyweight has racked up four straight victories in between a cancelled bout with Dillian Whyte.
Rydell Booker was his last victim in May as he recorded a unanimous decision victory.
Wallin would love a rematch with Fury, who is now the WBC champion, but the Gypsy King is instead closing in on a unification bout with Oleksandr Usyk.
That has led to claims that talks are underway with Eddie Hearn over a potential showdown with fellow Brit boxer AJ.
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Joshua, 33, is expected to return in March after suffering back-to-back setbacks against Usyk and Hearn is in the process of matching him with an opponent.
Now Wallin’s promoter, Dmitry Salita, has explained why he feels a showdown between his man, who has been defeated once in 26 bouts, and the former two-time world champ would be ideal for all concerned.
Speaking to VegasInsider, he said: “Both Otto and Joshua want to fight Tyson Fury.
“Otto gave Tyson the hardest fight of his career landing more punches against him than Klitchko and Wilder 1 put together.
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“Joshua wants to warrant a fight with Tyson after losing to Usyk.
“I believe that Otto vs Joshua is the perfect fight for both. 
“Eddie is attaching Joshua to lots of big names, we’ll see how serious Joshua is based on the opponent he selects next.”
Salita insists that AJ is still a “special fighter” but is adamant it would be his man with his arm raised in victory after a potential clash.
He added: “It’s (AJ vs Otto) a very interesting fight.
“Joshua is obviously one of the elite guys in the division. Does he still have what is necessary to compete at an elite level?
“Otto wants to be heavyweight champ and showed he is world class in his fight vs Tyson and subsequent quality wins after that.
“I pick my guy Otto to win by UD. Otto is smart, focused, has a very good chin and is still very fresh. He did not have too many fights where he took punishment.
“His only loss is a controversial one to one of the greatest heavyweights of our generation.
“Joshua was a unified heavyweight champ, Olympic Gold Medalist. He is definitely a special fighter.

“Based on the last several performances it looks like he may be losing a step in some things.
“I did see some technical improvement with Garcia which was made in a short amount of time. We will see if he is still legitimate based on the level and performance on his next opponent.”
The Swede left Tyson Fury needing 47 stitches in their 2019 bloodbathCredit: Getty More

ICONIC boxing promoter Bob Arum has worked with some of the hardest-hitting fighters of all time – but one stands out among them all. Arum has been in the business stretching over seven decades, dating back to the 1960s.
Mike Tyson pictured fighting Evander Holyfield in 1996Credit: AP:Associated Press
Derek Chisora was stopped in ten rounds of his trilogy fight with Tyson FuryCredit: Jamie McPhilimey
It has seen him work with some of the best the sport has ever seen, including Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.
And Arum has somewhat of a specialty in heavyweight boxing, doing business with Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, George Foreman and current champion Tyson Fury.
But it is the frightening undisputed bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue – nicknamed The Monster – whose punch packs the most power.
And Arum claimed only 19 stone Fury, 34, can handle Inoue’s power due to their 11 STONE weight difference.
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He told GiveMeSport: “The only guy who might be able to handle Inoue is Tyson Fury because he’s a little too big for him.
“But this Inoue, I mean he’s scary. He is like a loaded rifle. I get such a kick out of this guy.
“You really begin to feel sorry for his opponent halfway through his fights.”
Inoue, 29, is a three-weight champion, rated among many as one of the best in the world, with 21 knockouts in his 24 consecutive wins.
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He recently stopped Britain’s Paul Butler, 34, to reign as undisputed champion with all four belts in the 8st division.
Arum added: “I’ve never seen anybody with the concussive power, pound-for-pound, that Inoue has.
“I mean, never, particularly at that weight. He sets the guy up and boom he knocks them out the guy can’t move. He is really something special.”
Naoya Inoue knocked out Paul ButlerCredit: Getty
Tyson Fury pictured with promoter Bob ArumCredit: Getty More

EDDIE HEARN has revealed talks over a showdown between Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder are ongoing.The long-awaited grudge match is closer than it’s been since the duo held all the heavyweight marbles four years ago.
Anthony Joshua was on course to face Deontay Wilder in 2018Credit: GETTY
But the pair’s long-awaited showdown is seemingly closer than everCredit: GETTY
Promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed talks over the grudge match are still ongoingCredit: MATCHROOM BOXING
Hearn reached out to Wilder’s representatives ahead of Joshua’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk in August to gauge their interest in setting up the fight and is still in contact with them over the lucrative bout.
The Matchroom Boxing chief told iFL TV: “The communication lines are good now, between me and Shelly Finkel [Wilder’s manager].
“We’ve had a lot of talks, a lot of chats [but] until the training team is confirmed for AJ, we really won’t make any opponent selection because we want the input of a trainer.
“We’ve got three or four guys that we are talking to and ready to try and make a move for.
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“But at the end of the day, we’ve got to make sure that the training team are comfortable with that.”
Former long-reigning WBC champion Wilder was recently ordered to face ex-unified king Andy Ruiz Jr in a final eliminator by the Mexican sanctioning boy,
And Hearn expects The Bronze Bomber to fight the trimmed-down Ruiz next.
He continued: “I’m guessing that is what he is going to do next.
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“At the same time, we’d like Dillian Whyte to fight Deontay Wilder in the interim or AJ in the summer.
“We will have to see but it looks like Wilder will fight Ruiz and AJ will fight at the end of March/April and Dillian Whyte may fight as well.
“And I think they’re all going to come together in the summer.”
Joshua, 33, is confident he’ll share the ring with Wilder before it’s all said and done, telling GQ: “Let’s look to the future.
Anthony Joshua is set to return to the ring in MarchCredit: GETTY
“It will definitely happen.
“We’re in the same division, we’re in the same era, that means the fight has to happen.
“2023 is looming, it’s a big year for boxing, and that fight will definitely happen.”
AJ hasn’t set foot in the ring since his second successive defeat to Usyk but is planning to return in late March. More