Boxing

OLEKSANDR USYK has blasted Tyson Fury and claimed he is asking for £500m for an undisputed clash. The Ukrainian beat Anthony Joshua for a second time in August to retain his WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO and The Ring heavyweight titles.
Tyson Fury is current holder of the WBC belt – the only one Usyk is missing from his collectionCredit: Getty
Oleksandr Usyk has had a busy year with two bouts against Anthony Joshua either side of fighting on the frontline in UkraineCredit: Getty
It leaves a tantalising clash with The Gypsy King on the cards for 2023.
Fury had looked set to take on Joshua in December in what pundits were claiming would have been the biggest clash in British boxing history if it could have been pulled off.
But the 34-year-old dramatically pulled the plug earlier this week after AJ’s team missed the deadline to sign the contract – but some remain hopeful.
Usyk now said a fight with Fury could be on – but admits his surprise at the Brit’s demands.
READ MORE ON BOXING
Usyk told Parimatch: “I don’t know anything about what Tyson Fury is doing or thinking. We’re in negotiations talking about a match and we’re doing our best to make this bout happen. Of course, I really want to have this fight next year.
“But if Tyson Fury is not interested in a match next year, then it’s not possible to fight against him. I’m not interested in fighting any other boxer, so let’s wait.
“He’s talking about 500 million pounds for the fight. He’s a lunatic, but in a good sense I mean. I’d also want 500 million, but it’s something crazy.”
Usyk also mentioned again that any fight this year was off the cards as he recovers from injury and looks to spend more time with his family.

Most read in Boxing

FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
The 35-year-old would also NOT rule out a trilogy fight with Joshua in the future.
He said: “If Fury doesn’t agree I think we could try to have another fight. We already had a match in London and in Saudi Arabia as well, so the next one could be at the Olympic Stadium in Kyiv.”
Another potential Usyk opponent emerged over the weekend after Joe Joyce knocked out Joseph Parker.
The result has left The Juggernaut in a position to set up a fight with the biggest names in the division.
Meanwhile, Fury has announced he will be fighting Manuel Charr in December following the breakdown in plans to fight Joshua. More

TYSON FURY’S younger brother Roman will become the ninth member of the family to box professionally when he debuts next month.The 25-year-old will climb into the ring at VIP Boxing’s event at Doncaster Racecourse on October 8 for a four-round bout against an as yet unconfirmed opponent.
Tyson Fury’s younger brother will make his pro boxing debut on October 8Credit: Instagram / @romanfuryy
Roman (centre) shed six-stone after training with the Gypsy King (right) in lockdownCredit: Instagram / @romanfuryy
He has no amateur experience and says that he has “only messed around on the pads” – but that is not stopping him from trying to add more championships to the family collection.
Roman, who lives in Morecambe and trains alongside WBC heavyweight title holder Tyson and fellow brother Tommy, told VIP Boxing: “I don’t want to rush things. I don’t want to box on big bills just because I carry the ‘Fury’ name.
“You can’t run before you can walk and the VIP Boxing shows are ideal for me to learn my ringcraft and build.
“I could have had amateur fights, but I am around professional boxers and learning that side of things.
READ MORE BOXING
“Amateur fights would have been a nice experience, but I would rather go into the pro ranks and learn. These shows will improve me.”
And Tyson previously said: “He’s an aspiring cruiserweight champion of the future.”
Roman previously had a scholarship to become a rugby league player but got into boxing after his weight ballooned to 19 stone. 
He shifted six stone after starting training with Tyson and Tommy during lockdown and is now ready to go under the microscope by following the family tradition in the ring.
Most read in Boxing

FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
Roman added: “Being criticised is in my thoughts, but that comes with my name. People look at Tyson and assume we’re all as good as him.
“I have not had any amateur experience so I am doing it cleverly. No matter what I do people are going to criticise so I have to get on with it and do my own thing.
“It’s not like I have never put a pair of gloves on. I have always done the basics of boxing from a young boy.
“I have been around boxing my whole life and I don’t consider myself a complete novice who has just put the gloves on.
“I want to go for titles. I am looking for British titles and like any boxer have ambitions to win World titles.
“I would even love Central and English titles. I would be privileged to win them because that is very, very good. Not many boxers even win Area titles.”
The Furys have a rich history in professional boxing.
Tyson is the WBC world heavyweight champion and is still unbeaten in his professional career.
Younger brother Tommy is also yet to be beaten.
Cousins Hughie Fury and Nathan Gorman are also boxers.
Dad John also has experience inside the squared circle, competing in 13 fights and winning eight of those.
His uncle Peter Fury also enjoyed a foray into the ring while Hosea Burton and Andy Lee, who are also cousins with Tyson, are boxers too.
Roman will fight at VIP Boxing’s event at Doncaster RacecourseCredit: Instagram / @romanfuryy More

JOE JOYCE has opened the door to a bumper all-British showdown with Anthony Joshua.The Juggernaut is now the leading contender to face unified WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Joe Joyce is eyeing several big-money fights after knocking out Joseph ParkerCredit: Getty
Anthony Joshua is one man he wants to face in an all-British showdownCredit: Instagram / @anthonyjoshua
The 37-year-old delivered an hellacious left hook to knock out Joseph Parker on Saturday in the 11th round to secure the interim title from the WBO.
Joshua had been in talks with WBC champ Tyson Fury over a December scrap, but the Gypsy King says that is now off after his rival failed to meet his Monday deadline to sign the contract.
Fury is now set to defend against German Mahmoud Charr, while Usyk is taking time off and is not expected to return to the ring until next year.
Joyce is expecting Usyk to be his next opponent, but he also has his eyes on several other big bouts, including a clash with his old sparring partner AJ.
READ MORE BOXING
He told Sky Sports: “Why not? That’s a massive fight, massive stadium fight on British soil or maybe in Saudi – I don’t know, that’s how it seems to be going these days as money talks.
“It’s a business and it’s entertainment.
“[Dillian Whyte] would be a great fight. It could be a slug-fest. There’s many ways I could fight him.
“I’ve always wanted to be in this position and now I’m here. I still don’t feel like I’m quite there where I want to be. I think I’ve still got a few more levels and more gears to go through.
Most read in Sport

FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
“I’m just excited that I’m finally getting the recognition that I deserve.”
Joyce, who is now 15-0, added: “I just want to be secure as world champion, heavyweight champion and then can go either for more belts or be in bigger fights.
“They [Fury and Joshua] just need to hurry up and just get it on.
“Enough of them, I’ll fight whoever, I’ll fight anyone in the top five and I’m ready and I’m willing to take the toughest test.” More

ANTHONY JOSHUA has been offered a third crack at Oleksandr Usyk once the city of Kyiv and AJ’s confidence are rebuilt.The 32-year-old Watford hero has lost back-to-back 12-rounders to the 35-year-old Ukraine ace.
Oleksandr Usyk opened the door to a trilogy fight with Anthony JoshuaCredit: Getty
It could be staged at the Olympic Stadium in Kyiv once the city recovers from the warCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Even though the August showdown in Jeddah ended awkwardly – with the Brit icon slinging a couple of Usyk’s belts on the floor and snatching the mic for a rambling speech – they parted on fine terms.
And Usyk is now far more annoyed with WBC champ Tyson Fury for dodging their undisputed showdown.
Usyk is even worried that AJ’s team – no longer spearheaded by Team GB mentor Rob McCracken who was axed after the original September 2021 Tottenham defeat – are too busy hanging on to work on a serious fight back.
The WBA, IBF and WBO boss said: “If Fury doesn’t agree to fight me I think me and Joshua could try to have another fight.
READ MORE ON BOXING
“We already had a match in London and in Saudi Arabia as well.
“So the next one could be at the Olympic Stadium in Kyiv.
“He has powerful potential for his development, but he just needs to get rid of people who prevent him from progressing.
“These extra people around him who want to give the best piece of advice, who all want to share his success, he just doesn’t need them.
Most read in Boxing
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
“He has to think about his team.
“But above all he is such a great guy and I wish him good luck.”
The end of the second fight ended in strange fashion with AJ’s rambling speechCredit: Getty
Usyk holds the WBA, IBF and WBO world heavyweight beltsCredit: Getty More

MIKE TYSON was all smiles as he enjoyed a night out on the town in New York City.The former boxer, 56, has suffered with health issues in recent months but looked fighting fit as he went out for dinner in the Big Apple.
Mike Tyson was in a great mood as he enjoyed an evening in New York CityCredit: BackGrid
The former fighter was joined by a female friendCredit: BackGrid
Tyson looked to have recovered from a flare up of sciatica which had him wheelchair-boundCredit: BackGrid
Tyson ate at SONA in the Flatiron DistrictCredit: BackGrid
Tyson had to use a wheelchair while at an airport last monthCredit: TheImageDirect.com
Tyson was accompanied by a female friend as he walked into luxury Indian restaurant SONA in the Flatiron District.
The restaurant offers private dining and boasts an art gallery as well as a menu that includes crab caviar and mouthwatering lamb chops at an eyewatering £56.
So it was little surprise Tyson beamed from ear to ear as he walked into the establishment wearing a blue leather jacket.
Iron Mike also wore a blue striped T-shirt, jeans and white trainers, while his friend wore a black crop top and matching trousers with a long black and white cardigan.
READ MORE IN BOXING
Tyson was also able to walk without assistance from a stick, which he has used in recent weeks to support himself.
The former heavyweight world champion revealed he is suffering from sciatica and a flare-up of the condition causes pain that prevents him from walking unaided.
Tyson also had to use a wheelchair as he made his way through an airport terminal last month.
In a recent interview Tyson explained the health problem and the issues it causes.
Most read in Boxing
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
He said: “I have sciatica every now and then, it flares up. When it flares up, I can’t even talk! Thank God it’s the only health problem I have. I’m splendid now.
“Everybody in my house is truly blessed and we’re all very grateful for whatever we have.”
Sciatica is a condition that causes nerve irritation and seems to be affecting Tyson’s back.
Tyson retired from boxing in 2005 due to a back issue, while he also struggled with a knee injury late in his career.
Despite the issue Tyson returned to the ring in 2020 to fight Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition bout. More