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    Anthony Joshua reveals FOUR opponents for next fight… but Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk left off

    ANTHONY JOSHUA has FOUR opponents in mind for his next fight – but none are Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk. Joshua is riding high off a second-round knockout of ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia. Anthony Joshua celebrates knocking out Francis NgannouCredit: ReutersNext up in the heavyweight division is Fury’s undisputed showdown with Usyk on May 18. But the pair are contracted to an immediate rematch, likely ruling them out for a whole year.So AJ will not sit out and wait with his eyes already set on a summer return.He told iFL TV: “Whether it will be in the UK, who knows? But maybe June, June/July.”READ MORE IN BOXINGAfter Fury’s first fight with Usyk, the winner could face being stripped of the IBF title due to their rematch clause.It would leave No1 contender Joshua, 34, in line to challenge for the belt against interim champion Filip Hrgovic, 31.Probed on the potential bout, AJ said: “Let’s go!”Joshua had initially signed to face Deontay Wilder, 38, until the American was stunned in defeat to Joseph Parker.Most read in BoxingCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL And Parker, 32, followed that up with a win over Zhilei Zhang, 40, on AJ’s undercard.So the three heavyweight names are all options Joshua is considering for his next fight alongside Hrgovic. He said: “Wilder, Zhang, Parker. All of them.”Deontay Wilder is still on AJ’s wishlist of opponentsCredit: GettyJoshua blasts ‘f*** Tyson Fury’ after overhearing rival’s commentary on DAZN for Francis Ngannou More

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    ‘Looks like he is in trouble’, say fans as Mike Tyson, 57, releases training footage for Jake Paul fight

    MIKE TYSON has given the first glimpse into his training to fight Jake Paul – but it’s left fans in fear. The heavyweight boxing icon is set to face the YouTuber-turned boxer on July 20 in Texas. Mike Tyson revealed the first glimpse into his training to fight Jake PaulCredit: https://twitter.com/MikeTysonMike Tyson training ahead of Jake Paul bout, https://twitter.com/MikeTysonCredit: https://twitter.com/MikeTysonTyson will be 58 by the time the bout comes around, sparking outrage when the shock fight was announced. Now Iron Mike has released his first bit of training footage since signing on the dotted line. Tyson posted a clip onto his Snapchat page, hitting a heavy bag in what appears to be a photoshoot. But fans were left unconvinced as one said: “I hate to say this but it looks like he is in trouble.”READ MORE IN BOXINGAnother added: “Looks and moves every bit of 57.”One slammed: “Still beautiful to watch at 58. But why fight Jake Paul?”But another argued: “Paul is going to sleep.”Tyson, 57, retired in 2005 but returned in 2020 for an exhibition bout against Roy Jones Jr, which ended in an eight-round draw.Most read in BoxingCredit: The SunCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Meanwhile Paul, 27, is now 9-1 as a boxer with his only defeat coming last year to Tommy Fury, 24. The fight has come under heavy criticism with the likes of UFC president Dana White and Conor McGregor among those bemused.Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson confirmed with ‘biggest fight of the 21st century’ to be shown live on Netflix White said: “He [Tyson] gets mad when I do this but Mike’s 60. What do you guys think about it? Who gives a s**t what I think? It’s not my fight. “I love Mike Tyson, personally as a friend and he’s one of my favourite athletes of all time and let’s see what he can go in there and put together in training camp and come in. “I don’t like to see guys fighting – a 31-year age difference, you guys know what I think of that stuff.”McGregor added: “Oh jeez. It’s a bit strange, you know. The interest is low. I don’t know. I don’t understand it. I wish well for Mike.”Jake Paul and Mike Tyson will fight despite the 30-year age gap More

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    UFC icon Nate Diaz calls out Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder but fans remind him he lost to Jake Paul

    NATE DIAZ called out heavyweight boxing’s finest – before being reminded of his defeat to Jake Paul. Diaz last year put his MMA career on hold to cross over to the ring to face YouTuber-turned boxer Paul. Nate Diaz lost his boxing debut to Jake PaulCredit: GettyAnd he was beaten over ten rounds, even getting floored in the process. But the humbling loss hasn’t deterred Diaz after he took to social media to call out the heavyweight division’s top stars. He posted: “Anthony Joshua Deontay wilder Tyson fury. I’ll whoop all your asses Just so u know.” But fans were quick to hit back as one replied: “Love ya Nate… but you lost to Jake Paul…”READ MORE IN BOXINGAnother said: “You lost to Jake Paul.”One quipped: “You couldn’t beat Jake Paul.”Diaz, 38, walked out on the UFC after his last fight in Tony Ferguson, 40, in September 2022. But he did so with his trilogy series with Conor McGregor, 35, yet to be completed as they sit tied at one apiece after two bouts. Most read in BoxingCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL McGregor called to return on June 29 against Michael Chandler, 37, before settling the score with Diaz in September. He posted on Instagram: “I wish for this on Mexican Independence Day in the sphere. Chandler June. Diaz September. I have let this be known.”Conor McGregor ‘doing everything but fighting’ says fans as MMA legend enjoys boozy night out to watch UFC 299But UFC president Dana White brutally responded:  “Yeah, I’m not doing that fight.” More

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    Besar Nimani dead at 38: Former boxing champion killed in street shooting as police launch investigation

    FORMER boxing champion Besar Nimani has died aged 38 after reportedly being shot while leaving a restaurant.Police have launched an investigation after he was killed in an open street in Bielefeld, Germany, on Saturday night.Former boxing champion Besar Nimani was shot dead in a street in GermanyCredit: GettyNimani won 26 of his 27 matches and once held the IBF European Super Welterweight titleCredit: GettyNimani was an Albanian fighter from Kosovo who moved to Germany in 1997.He won 26 of his 27 professional bouts in the ring from 2011 to 2019.And Nimani also once held the IBF European Super Welterweight title, as well as two German belts.He was reportedly leaving a restaurant on Saturday when he was killed, with Bild claiming up to 10 gun shots were heard.READ MORE IN BOXINGPolice are yet to make any arrests but a major investigation and manhunt is currently underway.A statement from Bielefeld police read: “According to the current findings, the man from Bielefeld was in the area near ‘Obernstrasse’ near ‘Klasingstrasse’ around 18:00. “One or more perpetrators approached and shot the victim. The man from Bielefeld, who was a Kosovar citizen, died at the scene due to the great wounds he received. “A major police operation is currently underway in the Bielefeld city area. The search for the author or authors follows. Most read in Boxing”The investigations by the commission for the investigation of the ‘Ober’ murders are led by chief detective Alexander Scholz.”Nimani’s brother Berati announced the boxer’s death on social media.A post read: “My brother Besar Nimani was killed today in an ambush in Bielefeld, Germany. “May God join us in heaven with him. I will forever be proud of you, I love you.”Euronews claims Nimani was previously injured in a shooting in 2013. More

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    I’m a former boxing world champion, now I’m making my own way as an actor starring alongside Hollywood legend

    KALI REIS is the boxing world champion now making her way as an actor starring alongside a Hollywood legend.The American has a 19–7–1 in the ring and held titles in the middleweight and light-welterweight divisions. Kali Reis is the boxing champ now making her way as an actor starring alongside Jodie FosterReis is a two-weight world championCredit: AP:Associated PressThe American has a 19–7–1 in the ringCredit: GettyBut in 2021 – the same year she had her last bout – Reis starred in a movie thriller called Catch the Fair One. The film follows the story of a Native American ex-boxer and addict who infiltrates a sex-trafficking ring in search of her missing sister. Reis then followed up that role by starring alongside Oscar winner Jodie Foster in the latest series of hit HBO show True Detective.In an interview with The Sunday Times, she said: “Acting is meant to be people like Jodie Foster. READ MORE IN BOXING“I’m this half-breed from Rhode Island. I had a lot of doubts about walking into a very vulnerable, judgy career.”Reis was first spotted by film director Josef Kubota Wladyka, who noticed the boxer using her platform to raise awareness about missing and murdered indigenous women.She said: “He caught me at a weird time. My younger brother had just passed away from brain cancer. “[Wladyka] wanted to implement what I’d been through in the script. I didn’t mind because it helped me connect to the character. Most read in Boxing”I didn’t want to romanticise the sexualisation of these victims. I like raw, authentic, ugly truth. “It’s a dark story, so it was natural to me, but I’d never acted before and didn’t know where to start.”Francis Ngannou walks out to Drake song ahead of fighting Anthony Joshua Reis began boxing at 14 after turning to selling drugs and battling alcoholism before even her teenage years. She revealed: “It found me at the perfect time. “I had to be present, so it put the voices in my head on chill mode, and I liked to fight. “I attest it to the tribe I’m from. We’re strong people, matriarchal people.”Reis won her first world title in 2016 and became a two-division champ four years later. But now she is focusing on acting and won the praise of her legendary co-star. Foster said: “The second I saw Kali, I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. That’s just a gift that you’re either born with or not.”READ MORE SUN STORIESTrue Detective series four was released on January 14 and concluded on February 18. A fifth season has since been confirmed. Co-stars Jodie Foster and Reis attend True Detective: Night Country premiereCredit: Getty More

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    Anthony Joshua back in training just TWO DAYS after brutal Francis Ngannou KO after revealing plans for next fight

    ANTHONY JOSHUA is already back in training just TWO DAYS after brutally knocking out Francis Ngannou. AJ dropped the MMA superstar three times in two rounds with the final right hand closing the show in dramatic fashion. Anthony Joshua is already back in training just two day after knocking out Francis NgannouJoshua wants a quick return to the ringCredit: ReutersNow Tyson Fury is set to unify all four belts for the first time in heavyweight history with Oleksandr Usyk on May 18. But the pair are contracted to an immediate rematch, likely ruling them out for a whole year.So AJ will not sit out and wait with his eyes already set on a summer return.He told iFL TV: “Whether it will be in the UK, who knows? But maybe June, June/July.” READ MORE IN BOXINGAfter Fury’s first fight with Usyk, the winner could face being stripped of the IBF title due to their rematch clause. It would leave No1 contender Joshua in line to challenge for the belt against interim champion Filip Hrgovic. Probed on the potential bout, AJ, 34, said: “Let’s go!”Joshua had initially signed to face Deontay Wilder, 38, until the American was stunned in defeat to Joseph Parker. Most read in BoxingAnd Parker, 32, followed that up with a win over Zhilei Zhang, 40, on AJ’s undercard. So the three heavyweight names are all options Joshua is considering for his next fight. He said: “Wilder, Zhang, Parker. All of them.” ‘I know I’m gonna see him one day’ – Anthony Joshua calls out reporter in press conference after KO of Francis Ngannou More

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    Tyson Fury’s my best friend but I’d fight him for world title in a heartbeat – it would change both of our lives forever

    JOSEPH PARKER is ready to put friendship aside for a life-changing fight with Tyson Fury. The heavyweight pair have formed a bromance over the past few years and have been inseparable in training camps. Joseph Parker defeated Zhilei ZhangThey have even spent Christmas and New Year’s with each other and it was Fury who introduced cousin Andy Lee to train Parker. The New Zealander has won his last five bouts and is now in line for the WBO belt he formerly held and now owned by Oleksandr Usyk. So if Usyk is beaten by Fury in their May 18 undisputed clash Parker could be on the verge of civil war. But he insisted if the price is right, friendship could be forgotten for 12 rounds or less. READ MORE IN BOXINGParker told iFL TV: “When Tyson wins the fight with Usyk, and I’m in the position to fight for the WBO world title, if it’s going to make a massive change for my life and my family, we’ll do it. “I reckon he’ll be like, ‘Okay, let’s do it.’ So, he can look after both of us for the rest of our lives“I want to be world champion, and I want to fight the best, and I believe Tyson is the best. “If it’s Tyson, we’ll have a quick word and see where we end up. We’ll see.”Most read in BoxingParker, 32, is already contracted to a rematch with Zhilei Zhang, 40, after beating the Chinese star on points. But it did earn him the interim WBO belt and the right to challenge whoever is in possession of the gold. Joseph Parker celebrates his points victory over Zhilei ZhangThat could be Fury, 35, by the time he unifies all four belts with Usyk, 37, in Riyadh. But Parker said: “Without Tyson, I wouldn’t have been with Andy Lee. I wouldn’t have been with George Lockhart. “I wouldn’t have had the team that I have. I’m very grateful to cross paths with him and become a close brother. “He’s done well for me, and all I can say is thanks to him. It’s great to be back, and there’s more to come.”Parker celebrating with pal Tyson FuryCredit: GETTY More

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    Joe Joyce ready to fight into his 40s in pursuit of heavyweight world title… taking inspiration from George Foreman

    JOE JOYCE is taking inspiration from golden oldie George Foreman in his pursuit of the heavyweight world title.Heading into last year, Joyce was unbeaten and on the brink of a shot at the gold. Joe Joyce is taking inspiration from golden oldie George Foreman in his comebackCredit: GettyForeman’s is the oldest heavyweight champ ever at 46Credit: GettyBut with big dogs Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk either tied up or failing in negotiations to fight, Joyce took a risky keep-busy fight.He did so against Chinese star Zhilei Zhang and was stunned in defeat after six rounds when his right eye was completely swollen shut. The rematch though ended in even more brutal fashion as Joyce was knocked out in the third. But Joyce has refused retirement and now returns next Saturday in Birmingham against Kash Ali. READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd he looks at Foreman – who became the oldest heavyweight champ ever at 46 – as the reason to continue his career.Joyce, 38, told SunSport: “It’s all in the past now, you’ve seen what for instance Joseph Parker did, I beat him but he came back and beat Deontay Wilder.“It shows that he’s young and he’s been in the sport a long time, heavyweight champion, so it just shows it’s not it, it’s not over.“Even like George Foreman came back when he was what? 46. There’s still plenty of time.”Most read in BoxingParker – knocked out by Joyce in 2022 – added Zhang to his run of wins after outpointing Wilder in December. And Joyce will be hoping for a similar resurgence and maybe even a rematch as he looks to cash in on the mega-money bouts in Saudi. ‘I know I’m gonna see him one day’ – Anthony Joshua calls out reporter in press conference after KO of Francis Ngannou He said: “There’s other fighters, other rematches to make. I think I’ve fought all of them other than Fury, that would be a great fight to get on my record before I retire.“There’s other names as well. It’s an exciting time to be a heavyweight, especially after the introduction of Saudi fights and His Excellency putting on these spectacular fights.”Joyce would have seven years left to better Foreman’s world title record – but he made sure to remind that he is still in his 30s.He joked: “It’s funny, you can say, ‘I’m going to retire when I’m this age.’ “But when you get to that age you’re like, ‘Oh, I think I’ll have a few more fights.’“It’s always possible. Like with Foreman, he came back at 45 and won the heavyweight title. “So I’ve still got a few more years. I’ve still got a few more years till I’m 40!READ MORE SUN STORIES“I still feel fit and hungry to get back in the mix. I would still like to win a world title before I retire and earn enough money to retire on.”Asked whether he could break Foreman’s record, Joyce replied: “I don’t know about 46! Let me get to 40 first and see where I’m at.” Joyce suffered this eye injury in his first loss to Zhilei ZhangCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunJoyce was knocked out in the rematchCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More