Boxing

ANTHONY JOSHUA has whittled down the search for his next opponent to ONE man and is “100 per cent focused” on the fight.AJ is set to return in September at Wembley and recently revealed negotiations are almost wrapped up. Anthony Joshua is closing in on his next fightCredit: SplashAnd Daniel Dubois is the leading name to welcome Joshua back to a British ring after three wins on the road in Riyadh. Promoter Eddie Hearn revealed Dubois is the frontrunner to be unveiled as AJ’s next opponent at a press conference on June 26. Hearn told iFL TV: “We’re focussed on fighting Daniel Dubois for the world title at Wembley but it is not all agreed. “There’s still work to be done but 100 per cent, myself, His Excellency, George Warren, Spencer Brown, we’re all working together to make it happen.”READ MORE IN BOXINGHearn is hoping the all-English showdown will be for the IBF title. Dubois recently stunned Filip Hrgovic to win the IBF interim title – granting him the next shot at Oleksandr Usyk’s full version.But with Oleksandr Usyk due to rematch Tyson Fury – following his historic win in May – he is not able to face No1 contender Dubois.So there was hope the IBF would strip the Ukrainian undisputed champion to allow AJ and Dubois to challenge for the vacant strap.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut the IBF told Sky Sports there has been NO request to sanction the all-Brit bout for the belt.Usyk, 37, became the heavyweight division’s first four-belt undisputed champ following victory over Fury, 35.Daniel Dubois put me on my a**e and I thought ‘this kid is something else’, says Brit star in warning to Anthony JoshuaAnd now the two are set to rematch back in Saudi on December 21.Deontay Wilder was in the mix to fight AJ but twice fluffed his lines following defeats to Joseph Parker, 32, and Zhilei Zhang, 41.So after Dubois’ win over Hrgovic, 32, he leads the line to fight Joshua with Wilder, 38, facing retirement. Daniel Dubois is the leading name to fight Joshua nextCredit: Getty More

TYSON FURY has been brutally trolled by Oleksandr Uysk’s camp after he claimed he lost the fight between the two because it was “too easy”.The Gyspy King tasted the first defeat of his career as the judges awarded the Ukranian the win by a split decision on May 18.Oleksandr Usyk beat Tyson Fury in MayCredit: PAFury claimed the fight was ‘too easy’Credit: YouTube / FUROCITY By Tyson FuryAlexander Krassyuk has trolled Fury as a response to his commentsCredit: GettySince the fight, Fury has come out and suggested that he lost the fight because it was “too easy”.The Morecambe boxer insisted that it became a problem for him as he was “messing around” in the ring,Uysk’s promoter Alex Krassyuk has now trolled Fury in his reponse to his comment.Krassyuk suggested another example that Fury had believed would be an easy one in his bout against Francis Ngannou.READ MORE IN SPORTHe said: “Second easiest fight after Ngannou.”Fury, 35, faced the UFC heavyweight champion in a crossover fight back in October last year.Billed as Battle of the Baddest, Fury came out on top but was far from convincing.Fury was even knocked down in the third round by Ngannou but survived in order to win the fight by a controversial split decision.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFury is still convinvced that he should have won the fight against Usyk.He explained: “I have watched the fight back lots of times and still have the same answer, I thought I did enough and won the fight. Tyson Fury says ‘I’m still good looking’ as he laughs off boozy night out in pub that saw him fall on his face “Usyk knows he didn’t beat me.”It was close enough, one judge had me winning by a round and one judge had him winning by a round.”And then the final one made the decision.”I have to get him out of there because I won’t get a decision, which is unfortunate because it’s hard enough to win a fight, let alone winning it when you have to knock someone out.”But I am confident and looking forward to the challenge.”Fury will fight Usyk against in the rematch which has been scheduled for December 21.He has also laughed off concerns over his boozy session in Morecambe which saw him tumbling out of a pub.He said: “I have just been taking life very simply.”I got p***ed-up about two weeks ago and fell over on my face, didn’t do any damage though, as you can see I’m still good looking!”Apart from that I have lots of messages and phone calls from people asking me if I am OK.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I just had a drunken night out and suddenly everyone thinks you’re going to jump in front of a train.”Maybe, because of my past history, people are concerned.”Inside the Gypsy King’s royal court More

GEORGE GROVES has reunited with former foe James DeGale after a chance encounter in London.The pair famously fought in 2011, with Groves outpointing his rival at the 02 Arena – taking his unbeaten record in the process.James DeGale and George Groves reunited in LondonCredit: Instagram / @stgeorgegrovesThe pair had a bitter feud in the early 2010sCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThey fought at London’s 02 Arena in 2011Credit: Action Images – ReutersSaint George later went on to twice fight Carl Froch, losing both times, with the hotly-anticipated rematch taking place at a packed Wembley Stadium.Groves, now 36, became super-middlweight champion in 2017, holding the title for a year before going on to retire following his defeat to Callum Smith.DeGale, meanwhile, shot to fame by winning gold at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.He went on to become a two-time IBF super-middleweight champion – retiring in 2019 after a defeat to Chris Eubank Jr.READ MORE BOXING NEWSAfter bumping into DeGale, Groves took a picture with his former foe.Posting the snap of the grinning pair to Instagram, Saint George wrote: “Look who I bumped into today on the King’s Road.”The debate still remains.. who had the better career? or shall we just debate it on the podcast?”DeGale, 38, commented with the eyes emoji.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe pair’s 2011 meeting took place amid significant bad blood.Having previously trained at the same club, the pair fell out dramatically.Tyson Fury says ‘I’m still good looking’ as he laughs off boozy night out in pub that saw him fall on his face DeGale taunted his former pal at the time, telling Sky Sports: “I’m ready for it, I’m just waiting for the call from my promoter. I’m ready to knock Ugly Kid out.”Fans want it, so it’s only right for him to get knocked out. Let’s get it on. I’m just waiting for the call. I just want them to sign the contract. Let’s do this Ugly Boy. I’m coming for you – you’re next.”Since hanging up his gloves, Groves has gone on to start a podcast, entitled George Groves’ Boxing Club.While he has also provided punditry for Sky Sports.DeGale, meanwhile, is a far less frequent figure on boxing’s talking head circuit.He seldom appears as a pundit, and rarely offers his opinions on today’s stars.Seeing the pair having buried the hatchet, many fans were thrilled on social media.One wrote: “Never in my life did I think you two would be in a picture like this. Fair play.”While a second commented: “Beautiful.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA third gushed: “Both done us proud.”And another added: “What a rivalry.”Groves had his hand raised after a 12-round warCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

TYSON FURY has laughed off concerns over his boozy session and tumble.The 35-year-old got over his May 18 undisputed defeat to Ukraine genius Oleksandr Usyk with a good swig at his local Nowhere bar in Morecambe.Tyson Fury fell to the floor after stumbling out of a pub in MorecambeCredit: SuppliedThe Gypsy King bounced back with a cheeky commentCredit: YouTube / FUROCITY By Tyson FuryAnd, when it was time to leave, the former WBC heavyweight champ lost his balance and hit the deck – much like in the ninth round in Saudi against Ukraine’s 37-year-old superstar.Fans well aware of his past battles with addiction and mental health problems were quick to share their worries on social media.But the 6ft 9in Gypsy King has assured his people that he suffered from nothing more than a brief and hard-earned hangover.“I have just been taking life very simply,” he told his Furocity drinks brand about his recovery.READ MORE ON TYSON FURY“I got p***ed-up about two weeks ago and fell over on my face, didn’t do any damage though, as you can see I’m still good looking!“Apart from that I have lots of messages and phone calls from people asking me if I am OK.“I just had a drunken night out and suddenly everyone thinks you’re going to jump in front of a train.“Maybe, because of my past history, people are concerned.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDespite having earned around £300million from his boxing career alone – without the Netflix shows, book deals and property portfolio too add – Fury prefers a very working-class life away from the glitz and glamour of heavyweight world title boxing.And his rest and recovery time – before returning to camp for the December 21 rematch – has been a prime example of his humble roots still holding him in good stead.Tyson Fury says ‘I’m still good looking’ as he laughs off boozy night out in pub that saw him fall on his face Fury said: “I’ve just been chilling out, really.“I have probably been training five times a week.“I went caravanning with the kids, three days in one place and three days in another.“I have just been spending time with my dad, my brothers, my wife and my kids.”I thought it was my time but it was not God’s plan for me to win, otherwise I would have got the decision.”But it hasn’t affected me in any way, I lost a split decision.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I would have been doing the same s***, anyway, undisputed champion or not.”I would still be picking up dog s***, dropping the kids to school, running and having the odd beer until I fall over, I don’t really do much else.”Fury was beaten on points in their Saudi dust-upCredit: AFPYou’re Not Alone

EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: More