Boxing

OLEKSANDR USYK is the favourite against Tyson Fury, claims Evander Holyfield.The former world champion believes both fighters are capable of winning but believes Usyk has the upper hand.Evander Holyfield believes both fighters are capable of winningCredit: ReutersHolyfield, a former cruiserweight and heavyweight like Usyk, believes the Ukrainian can use his size to his advantage against 6ft9 Fury.He told the Daily Mail: “I think, if Tyson Fury can keep him out there, keep hitting him with the jab, he is going to win.”Usyk is going to try and get in, so Tyson needs to keep him out there and keep him out there for a long time.”But, if Usyk manages to get in, the fight could go in his favour. He is going to win because he throws more punches and he’s got the faster hands.READ MORE IN BOXING”Usyk actually has the advantage because he is the smaller guy, but he’s also got good punching power and he has quick hands. So, he’s really got more of an advantage, he’s really got more.”Usyk, 37, has adjusted well since moving up to heavyweight and has beaten big hitters like Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua, twice.Holyfield likes Usyk’s energy and claims his experience in dealing with tall opponents should suit him well against the Gyspy King.He added: “Usyk has a lot of energy. He likes working. He’s one of the those guys, you just look at him and you know he is trouble. Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”He has that look in his face that you know he is willing to go through anything.”He hasn’t been a really big guy his entire life, so he’s constantly been tested more than the taller guys. When you’re a big guy, people don’t mess with big people.”Tyson Fury transforming rundown car park into ‘Grand Designs’ luxury six-bedroom mansion More

THE man who calls himself “probably the only Englishman” to beat Tyson Fury is now feeling the heat in a whole new career after quitting the ring.The Gypsy King will attempt to unify the heavyweight division on Saturday night when he faces Oleksandr Usyk.David Price knows what it is like to beat Tyson FuryCredit: GettyThe Gypsy King faces Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia tomorrowCredit: ReutersPrice retired after a loss to Derek Chisora in 2019Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdFury is still undefeated as a professionalCredit: EPAPrice, in black, on his way to victory over Fury in 2006Fury has the WBC title around his waist, while Usyk possesses the WBA, WBO, IBF and Ring Magazine straps.Both fighters are putting their undefeated professional records on the line as well in the Middle East.However, one man who knows what it is like to defeat the Brit is star David Price.Fury was beaten four times out of his 31 amateur bouts, and one of those was to the Liverpudlian.READ MORE ON BOXINGThe bad blood with Price, 40, began just before the now retired star won the super-heavyweight bronze at the 2008 Olympic Games.Speaking in association with Grosvenor Sport, Price said: “He wrote a letter to Boxing News saying he was going to take my place in the Olympics and beat me and beat me again, this and that.“No one had ever really seen that as an amateur, a letter to the Boxing News, but that was typical of the background he’d come from. I had to deal with that.“I was like, ‘who’s this kid?’ He won a medal in the World Junior Championships as well at the time, which is not easy to do, so I knew he was capable of doing what he said.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPrice went on to beat him on points after going into the 2006 clash fired up after the barbs from the Gypsy King.He said: “Maybe that wasn’t his intentions, but I just remember getting in there and wanting to do a number on him and put him in his place.Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk Ring of Fire press conference“It was a good fight and I never ever thought he’d go on to do what he’s gone on to do. He used to talk and talk and I just never, ever thought he would walk what he was talking.“He proved me wrong, and good on him. I‘ll probably be the only Englishman to beat him, unless AJ fights him and manages to do a number on him.”Price retired after losing to Derek Chisora in 2019 with a record of 25 wins from 32 fights but he admits that he has one big regret from his career – not facing Fury as a pro.He said: “That was down to me losing, basically. I was one fight away from it happening. That was one regret, that I didn’t get a big fight.“My biggest fight was probably [Alexander] Povetkin or Chisora. I was involved in some of my own big fights, but I would like to have fought someone like Tyson Fury and at the time I was supposed to fight him.“Even to this day, I think I had a great chance of beating him at that time, but then once I lost, everything seems to fall off the rails a bit for me.”Despite still retaining a huge passion for boxing, he now loves life running his own heating business.He added: “I’ve run my own business doing insulation, heating and renewable energy stuff.It’s just back-to-back busy every single day apart from the weekend, but I love it.“I’m lucky that I’ve found something that I enjoy after sport. I know that a lot of sportsmen have that problem when they retire. It’s working out for me, touch wood.”Meanwhile,  Fury REFUSED to even look at rival Usyk in the pre-fight press conference.Thursday began by the Gypsy King pulling out of a live interview for ITV’S Good Morning Britain.And Usyk’s team continued the eventful build-up to the weekend blockbuster by reportedly filing a complaint that parts of the Riyadh ring canvas could be a trip hazard.Things then came to a head – or rather they didn’t – when the Gypsy King refused to look at, let alone do the traditional face-to-face posturing, with his Ukrainian opponent.But it was the WBC champion’s father John who had stolen the headlines after he shockingly HEADBUTTED Stanislav Stepchuk – a member of the Usyk team – on Monday.READ MORE SUN STORIESJohn, who was left with a bloodied forehead, was then screaming in the resulting melee: “We can’t be beat! We can’t be beat!”The 59-year-old then threatened to headbutt Tony Bellew after he predicted a Usyk win and then launched a bitter attack on “traitor” British fans who believe that his undefeated 6ft 9in boy will be beaten this weekend.Saudi Arabia is no place for Fury vs Usyk… the blockbuster undisputed fight will sound desertedBy Dave Kidd
IT is the single greatest individual sporting title on the planet — the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world.
It is the crown worn by Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Rocky Marciano and Jack Dempsey.
And it is an honour which has not been bestowed for a quarter of a century.
Yet when Tyson Fury steps into the ring to face Oleksandr Usyk for the ultimate accolade in prize-fighting, he will do so in the dead of an Arabian night, in front of a largely disinterested crowd, one with little atmosphere or sense of occasion.
What ought to have been The Greatest Show on Earth will feel like a ding-dong held in a vortex.
The Saudification of elite sport is reaching crisis point — from the civil war in golf, to the march of football’s filthy-rich Saudi Pro League, to the awarding of the 2034 World Cup.
But this event, at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena, in the early hours of Sunday morning local time, is a true crown jewel, allowing the Sheikhs to bask in its reflected glory, to marvel at their own wealth and power.
But this event, at Riyadh’s  Kingdom Arena, in the early hours of Sunday morning local time, is a true crown jewel, allowing the Sheikhs to bask in its reflected glory, to marvel at their own wealth and power.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr met Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami at the same venue earlier this year but that was an exhibition match, this is the real deal.
The tragedy for British boxing is that it currently holds the balance of power in the heavyweight  division — thanks to Fury, Anthony Joshua and several other decent contenders.
To read more from Dave Kidd, click here. More

TYSON FURY and Oleksandr Usyk face off in the first undisputed heavyweight title clash in over two decades this weekend.The mega match-up finally takes place more than 18 months in the making following Usyk’s rematch win over Anthony Joshua in August 2022.And after having the push the date back due to an injury to new, streamlined Fury in sparring ahead of the original February date, the pair will now do battle to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis at a packed Saudi Arabian venue.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereFree bets for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Fury from our partners
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Already have these accounts? Don’t worry, we’ve got loads more terrific deals with our partners!Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk: Best free bets, odds and preview for Saudi Arabia grudge matchTyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk previewIt’s arguably the most-anticipated boxing match-up of the 21st century.And the winner will be the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the world since 1999.Tyson Fury shocked the boxing world with his look ahead of the grudge duel, having lost a considerable amount of weight to get in the best shape of his career. Last time out, Fury only just overcame boxing debutant and former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, after being knocked down before going on to win on points.The Gypsy King puts his WBC title on the line, whilst Ukrainian superstar Oleksandr Usyk is defending his IBF, IBO, WBO and WBA (Super) belts.This will be the fourth Brit that Usyk has faced in succession, having already conquered Derek Chisora, Anthony Joshua (twice) and Daniel Dubois most recently.Usyk revealed he missed the birth of his daughter earlier this year to focus on training camp for the original Fury date and will be hoping the extra training will be put to good use.Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk latest odds
Tyson Fury to win at 5/6 with Ladbrokes – CLAIM HERE
Draw at 11/1 with Ladbrokes – CLAIM HERE
Oleksandr Usyk to win at 6/5 with Ladbrokes – CLAIM HERE
To win by KO or TKO or Disqualification
By Wally Downes Jr
Best bet
This fight goes the distance. Usyk was not a knockout puncher down the 14st 4lb cruiserweight division.
He cleaned out the entire roster with genius movement and accuracy and he will be much harder for Fury to hit that the likes of Deontay Wilder and Dillian Whyte were, in his most eye-catching early finishes.
Fury doesn’t have the best chin in the world – but his heart is unquestionable. If he can rise from THOSE Wilder knockdowns, it seems impossible he won’t cope with even Usyk’s most pinpoint punches.
Long shot
The draw, in the good old days you could always get 33-1 on the draw – but after Fury vs Wilder 1, it’s been hacked down.
However it looks a good bet and we already know the rematch is nailed on.
Bet builder

Over eight rounds
Usyk most punches
One or more knockdowns

When is Fury vs Usyk?
Fury vs Usyk will take place on Saturday, May 18.
The fight will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Expect main event ring-walks to get going from around 11pm BST, with the main card likely to start from 6pm BST.
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EDDIE HEARN admits that even his friends were convinced by an embarrassing photoshopped snap of him.The Matchroom promoter, 44, is currently in Saudi Arabia for tomorrow’s undisputed showdown between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.Eddie Hearn says even his pals were convinced by a photoshopping troll’s anticsCredit: EPAThis viral shot on X hilariously caught the attention of the Matchroom promoterCredit: XThe promoter is in Saudi Arabia for Tyson Fury’s clash with Oleksandr UsykCredit: EPAHis Australian star Jai Opetaia is fighting on the undercard of the undisputed clashCredit: EPAHearn has been involved closely in the build-up as his fighter Jai Opetaia faces Mairis Briedis on the undercard while his star man Anthony Joshua looks to potentially get a shot at becoming a three-time world champ.However, Hearn’s focus was hilariously taken away from the biggest fight for decades after something caught his eye on X.An account that dubbed itself “MrBoxingFacts” shared what appeared to be a screengrab of the Brit being interviewed on DAZN.However, a black liquid looked to be running down from the match-maker’s hair.READ MORE ON BOXINGThat led to the social media user captioning it with: “It was that hot in Saudi last night, even Eddie Hearn’s hair dye was running #FuryUsyk #JustForMen.”That post soon started going viral, and it even led to Hearn responding.Along with a see-no-evil monkey face and crying with laughter emoji, he replied: “Good work I’ve even had my mates asking if it’s real.”The shocked MrBoxingFacts was delighted to see Hearn’s interaction and he said: “Thanks for the follow Eddie, made my day.”Most read in SportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTo which Hearn replied: “Top skills fair play.”Hearn was in attendance yesterday to watch Fury REFUSE to even look at rival Usyk in the pre-fight press conference.Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk Ring of Fire press conferenceThursday began by the Gypsy King pulling out of a live interview for ITV’S Good Morning Britain.And Usyk’s team continued the eventful build-up to the weekend blockbuster by reportedly filing a complaint that parts of the Riyadh ring canvas could be a trip hazard.Things then came to a head – or rather they didn’t – when the Gypsy King refused to look at, let alone do the traditional face-to-face posturing, with his Ukrainian opponent.But it was the WBC champion’s father John who had stolen the headlines after he shockingly HEADBUTTED Stanislav Stepchuk – a member of the Usyk team – on Monday.John, who was left with a bloodied forehead, was then screaming in the resulting melee: “We can’t be beat! We can’t be beat!”The 59-year-old then threatened to headbutt Tony Bellew after he predicted a Usyk win and then launched a bitter attack on “traitor” British fans who believe that his undefeated 6ft 9in boy will be beaten this weekend.However, Hearn is not one of them as he believes that it will be Fury who has his hand raised.He told the Matchroom Boxing YouTube channel: “I’m backwards and forwards all the time — that’s why it is such a great fight.“Who doesn’t want to see Fury/Usyk? It’s such an intriguing fight.“One minute I see Usyk in training camp and I think, ‘he always finds a way’. And then you see Fury in much better shape…“I’ve gone against Fury so many times. I didn’t think he’d beat Wladimir Klitschko, I didn’t think he’d beat Deontay Wilder. But I’ve also gone against Usyk: I believed [Anthony Joshua] would beat him.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Right now, if Fury comes out like he did for [the second fight with] Wilder and he’s aggressive with smart pressure, I think he can stop him.“That’s what I’m going for right now. I hope Fury can do it, I really want him to win this fight.”Saudi Arabia is no place for Fury vs Usyk… the blockbuster undisputed fight will sound desertedBy Dave Kidd
IT is the single greatest individual sporting title on the planet — the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world.
It is the crown worn by Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Rocky Marciano and Jack Dempsey.
And it is an honour which has not been bestowed for a quarter of a century.
Yet when Tyson Fury steps into the ring to face Oleksandr Usyk for the ultimate accolade in prize-fighting, he will do so in the dead of an Arabian night, in front of a largely disinterested crowd, one with little atmosphere or sense of occasion.
What ought to have been The Greatest Show on Earth will feel like a ding-dong held in a vortex.
The Saudification of elite sport is reaching crisis point — from the civil war in golf, to the march of football’s filthy-rich Saudi Pro League, to the awarding of the 2034 World Cup.
But this event, at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena, in the early hours of Sunday morning local time, is a true crown jewel, allowing the Sheikhs to bask in its reflected glory, to marvel at their own wealth and power.
But this event, at Riyadh’s  Kingdom Arena, in the early hours of Sunday morning local time, is a true crown jewel, allowing the Sheikhs to bask in its reflected glory, to marvel at their own wealth and power.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr met Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami at the same venue earlier this year but that was an exhibition match, this is the real deal.
The tragedy for British boxing is that it currently holds the balance of power in the heavyweight  division — thanks to Fury, Anthony Joshua and several other decent contenders.
To read more from Dave Kidd, click here. More