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    Anthony Joshua predicts winner of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk and reveals who he wants to win blockbuster fight

    ANTHONY JOSHUA has picked Oleksandr Usyk to beat Tyson Fury… but hopes to be proven wrong.AJ, 34, is preparing to face former UFC heavyweight king Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia on Friday night.Anthony Joshua has made his prediction for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr UsykCredit: GettyFury and Usyk will face off for the undisputed title on May 18Credit: ReutersNgannou, 37, shocked the boxing world by pushing Fury all the way on his professional boxing debut in October, dropping The Gypsy King before narrowly losing a split decision.Now Joshua is tasked with beating the MMA star in a more comprehensive manner as he eyes the winner of Fury-Usyk on May 18.AJ has won his last three fights since suffering back-to-back defeats to Usyk in Britain and Saudi.And while he believes his former opponent will get the better of Fury, he hopes his compatriot can get the job done to set up a blockbuster all-British fight.READ MORE IN BOXINGSpeaking to iFL TV, he said: “I think Usyk will win.”When pressed on who he wants to have their hand raised, he added: “It’s a great question. Probably Fury, logically, because it’s a bigger fight.”Well, that’s if he fights me, he always says he doesn’t want to fight. But it’s a bigger fight for me down the line if he wins.”That’s the only reason I would say Fury, for my own benefit. Very selfish reasons.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFury and Usyk were originally slated to fight for all four heavyweight belts in February.But Fury sustained a cut above his right eye in sparring that has pushed the clash back by three months.John Fury reveals what stunned him about Anthony Joshua after meeting him for first time as stars arrive on red carpetMeanwhile, Joshua has landed in the Middle East ahead of his clash with Ngannou on Friday.And he bumped into Fury’s dad John on Monday as the pair embraced and exchanged a few words. More

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    How ‘freak’ athlete Francis Ngannou would have been a star in totally different sport… if he was born in America

    FRANCIS NGANNOU could have been a star in a totally different sport… had he been born in America. Ngannou’s remarkable story saw him leave Cameroon at the age of 26 to seek a better life in Europe. Francis Ngannou ahead of his fight with Anthony JoshuaCredit: GettyNgannou put the work in during training campCredit: @francisngannouStrength and conditioning coach Trippe Hale with NgannouCredit: @trippe_haleAnd after battling homelessness and border control, he made it to France after 14 horror months on foot. From Paris he became a prizefighting sensation, winning the UFC title after just eight years in the sport. But last year he put his MMA career on hold to cross over to boxing for a blockbuster bout with Tyson Fury. The mother of all upsets even looked on the cards when he floored Fury, 35, only to lose a controversial split-decision. READ MORE IN BOXINGNow he returns to the ring on Friday against Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia. Helping whip the 6ft 4in, 19st monster of a man into shape is strength and conditioning coach Trippe Hale. And Hale warned Joshua, 34, that Ngannou, 37, is just as frighteningly powerful as he looks. He told SunSport: “He is a big boy, he’s a freak. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“But with that it’s not always about making him bigger or stronger, it’s about making him more mobile, more stable, more in shape, a better conditioned athlete. “Everybody has all the tools and resources in the world for recovery but I feel like they take away from the condition side.Francis Ngannou turned down mega money from UFC before boxing switch“This is not the case with Francis, every single muscle he has are go muscles. “You have show muscles and go muscles, his might look like show muscles but they are go muscles. “Every single muscle in his arm, you will feel that when he punches you.” Ngannou linked up with Hale after he left the UFC and lost access to their Performance Institute and the coaches there. He joined boxing coaches Dewey Cooper and John M’Bumba as well as MMA head trainer Eric Nicksick in the camp. And after a test run against Fury, Hale said: “His confidence is way higher.“Last time he would wonder if he was in good enough shape, he would question things like that. He’d say, ‘Do you think I need another week? Do you think I need this?’“There’s been no questions about that. He understands he went the ten rounds with one of the best in the world.The pair have been working together for a yearCredit: @francisngannouHale is part of Ngannou’s boxing teamCredit: @francisngannouNgannou put his MMA career on hold for boxingCredit: @francisngannou“I think he knows inside what he needs to feel like and what he needs to accomplish, Dewey, John and Eric were a lot harder on him this camp in sparring. I think that’s played a big impact on his will.” Joshua’s coach Ben Davison is renowned for his analytical boxing brain and attention to detail. But Hale insisted anyone would be wasting their time banking on film study from his boxing debut against Fury. He said: “I mean it’s a big time growth from last camp, he’s a completely different boxer.“If people are watching film on the last fight, that’s a completely different person than you’re going to deal with in this fight. “And that’s what I’m excited about.” Hale has been in the coaching game for over 17 years and has worked with athletes from basketball to baseball. Ngannou returns to face AJ in only his second boxing boutCredit: @francisngannouThe ex-UFC champion has been described as a ‘freak’ athleteCredit: @francisngannouNgannou stands 6ft 4in tall and weighs over 19 stoneCredit: @francisngannouBut his bread and butter is American football and he knows and NFL talent when he sees one – and Ngannou has all the makings of one. Hale said: “If he was born in America, he would be playing in the NFL, no doubt about it. “He wouldn’t have a choice! Especially if I got a hold of him, he wouldn’t have a choice. But what position would Ngannou be if he traded the ring for the field? “He would definitely be a DN, defensive end,” Hale said. People don’t understand how fast he is the guy can run. “He can run so I could definitely see him being like a Myles Garrett, who was defensive player of the year this year. READ MORE SUN STORIES“He definitely has that body type, that size, that kind of speed. He would definitely be an NFL football player if he was born in America.” Joshua facing off with NgannouCredit: AFP More

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    Anthony Joshua’s incredible tattoo collection includes touching nod to African heritage and boxing Olympic gold medal

    ANTHONY JOSHUA has certainly left his mark on plenty of opponents in the ring over the years.But the former two-time unified WBO, IBF, and WBA heavyweight champion has also got plenty of his own thanks to his personal collection of tattoos.Anthony Joshua is one of the most iconic sports starts in the worldCredit: GettyThe Watford hero is a former heavyweight world championCredit: GettyAnd each inking reveals a deep and powerful message for the British boxing star. SunSport runs through AJ’s tats and explains the meaning behind them.GOLDEN MEMORYTaking pride of place at the bottom of his neck is the Team GB lion emblem.Joshua got it after representing his nation at the 2012 Olympics, when he won gold on home soil.read more on AJHe battled back to beat reigning champion Roberto Cammarelle of Italy in the super-heavyweight category, making up a three-point deficit in the final round.After his win, 6ft 6ins AJ told the BBC: “That medal represents my journey and the support from the team. “It’s much more than just a gold medal, it’s a life experience and I’m just proud to have it round my neck.”And the Team GB lion is a permanent reminder of that memorable gold medal.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJoshua won a gold medal at the London 2012 OlympicsCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdAJ marked the occasion by getting the Team GB lion emblem on the bottom of his neckCredit: PASEEKING WISDOMAJ constantly wants to keep improving – in and out of the ring.And therefore he holds the word “wisdom” close to his heart… and his shoulder.Inside Anthony Joshua’s amazing car collection Joshua has the six letters inked on his right shoulder to tell him each day there is an opportunity to learn from others.AJ said: “I always seek wisdom and knowledge, like the wise men from the Italian films and [1986 film] Wise Guys, all that stuff.”I’ve always sought it, so it had relevance and meaning to me.”Joshua says he ‘always seeks wisdom’ and can always find it on his right shoulderCredit: AFPAFRICAN HERITAGEBelow the “wisdom” tattoo is his outline of the continent of Africa.Africa has had a massive influence on Joshua’s life.His dear mum Yeta Odusanya comes from Nigeria, while his paternal great-grandfather is considered one of the greatest men of the town of Sagamu.As a result, AJ wanted to get the body artwork as a classy nod to his heritage – and opted for the map of the continent with Nigeria marked.Reflecting on the Africa tattoo, he said: “I learned more about my family’s history and I ended up getting an Africa tattoo underneath it. “It was a nice combination to have ‘Wisdom’ and your heritage tattooed underneath, so it went well.”AJ then added regarding his Team GB logo: “I’ve actually got that tattooed on me as well in the middle of my neck. “It’s shaped me in the sense that it’s been a blessing because I think I can talk to anyone – different backgrounds, cultures and religions because I’ve been exposed to so many different cultures. “I think that’s a blessing that’s shaped me really well.”The outline of Africa takes its place on his shoulder with Nigeria marked outCredit: RexBoth of the boxer’s parents have Nigerian rootsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/anthonyjoshua/FOREST FINGERLastly, in 2019, AJ got a tattoo on the middle finger of his left hand to cover up some calluses picked up throughout his boxing career.The fighter headed to the Southgate SG Tattoo shop in North London where owner Victor Tsyhanou designed and inked a lion’s head and a forest on the top of the finger.He even used one of the calluses as the moon in a genius way of using the battle scars for good. READ MORE SUN STORIESAJ said the finished product was “perfect” as he thanked the tattoo artist.The Southgate parlour said on Instagram: “It was an honour to tattoo the champ, Anthony Joshua. Thank you for trusting us.”Joshua wanted a tattoo on his middle finger to cover up his callusesCredit: Southgate SG TattooThe lion and forest make an intricate designCredit: Southgate SG TattooAJ described the tattoo as ‘perfect’Credit: Southgate SG Tattoo More

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    John Fury reveals what stunned him about Anthony Joshua after meeting him for first time as stars arrive on red carpet

    JOHN FURY has revealed what stunned him about Anthony Joshua after the pair met for the first time.Both men are now in Saudi Arabia ahead of AJ’s crossover boxing fight against UFC star Francis Ngannou on Saturday.John Fury has revealed what Anthony Joshua did to stun him when they metCredit: GettyFury was speaking on the red carpet ahead of AJ’s fight with Francis NgannouCredit: GettyJoshua is looking for a big win in Saudi Arabia on FridayCredit: GettyUFC legend Ngannou could prove to be a formidable opponentCredit: GettyThe ring icons shook hands as they linked up on Sunday, which was their first-ever public meeting.Fury and AJ were all smiles as they talked before sharing a warm embrace.And the encounter took fans by surprise, with Fury the father of fellow heavyweight Tyson – who has long been at odds with Joshua.The pair were tipped to finally fight each other in all-British clash in December.READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd after that battle fell through, there are still hopes that a new date can be agreed.But Fury Snr himself has no issues with AJ, having previously beefed with several of Tyson’s enemies – as well as opponents of fellow kid Tommy.The original Gypsy King was full of praise for Joshua after meeting him.And he was stunned to be shown so much respect by one of his son’s rivals.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFury said: “I’ve always liked Anthony Joshua. I’ve never said anything wrong about him.“He is a great fighter, Olympic gold medallist. He’s done a lot for boxing, let’s not forget that.The Sun’s Wally Downes Jr preview Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou fight weekANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUT“And he’s a good fighter, and he will be a world champion again.“But I couldn’t get over how big he was, the man is a unit.“He’s always been a nice guy, respectful man. He showed me respect.“He was lovely. And it was heartfelt. I’ve got nothing but admiration and respect for Anthony Joshua.“It was a great moment for me.”Fury’s son Roman will be fighting on the undercardCredit: GettyZhilei Zhang is going for the interim WBO heavyweight titleCredit: GettyHe will take on Tyson Fury’s training partner Joseph ParkerCredit: GettyRey Vargas defends his WBC featherweight titleCredit: GettyPromoter Eddie Hearn was all smiles on the red carpetCredit: GettyFury was speaking on the red carpet for a pre-event ahead of Friday’s huge fight between AJ and Ngannou.Both boxers were also present for the ‘Grand Arrivals’ showcase in Riyadh on Monday night.And a host of other fighters also arrived ahead of the stacked undercard, which features Fury’s son Roman.Zhilei Zhang was all smiles as he prepared to fight for the WBO “interim” heavyweight belt.His opponent Joseph Parker also looked confident on the red carpet.READ MORE SUN STORIESRey Vargas posed with the WBC Featherweight world title ahead of his clash with Nick Ball.And other fighters including Louise Greene, Justis Huni and Gavin Gwynne were present too, as well as promoter Eddie Hearn.Joshua vs Ngannou undercardAll the fights leading up to the big one on Friday…

    Zhilei Zhang vs Joseph Parker (WBO ‘Interim’ Heavyweight Belt)
    Rey Vargas vs Nick Ball (WBC Featherweight World Title)
    Israil Madrimov vs Magomed Kurbanov (WBA Super-Welterweight World Title)
    Mark Chamberlain vs Gavin Gwynne (Lightweight)
    Justis Huni vs Kevin Lerena (Heavyweight)
    Jack McGann vs Louis Greene (Super-Welterweight)
    Ziyad Almaayouf vs Christian Lopez Flores (Super-Lightweight)
    Roman Fury vs Martin Svarc (Cruiserweight)
    Andrii Novytskyi vs Juan Torres (Heavyweight) More

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    Jake Paul predicts Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou winner after MMA star’s fight with ‘old and lacklustre’ Tyson Fury

    JAKE PAUL aimed a dig at Tyson Fury when breaking down Anthony Joshua’s fight with Francis Ngannou. Ngannou meets AJ in a huge heavyweight showdown on Friday in Saudi Arabia. Anthony Joshua arriving in Riyadh ahead of his fight with Francis NgannouCredit: GettyNgannou faces AJ in only his second boxing boutCredit: GettyIt will be only his second professional boxing bout, having made his debut against Fury, 35, in October. And Ngannou, 37, almost did the impossible by flooring the Gypsy King and taking him to the judges’ scorecards. But the MMA superstar was on the end of a controversial split-decision loss that saw the mother of all upsets denied. Still the performance was enough to bring Joshua, 34, to the negotiation table and Ngannou has been afforded another huge boxing payday. READ MORE IN BOXINGBut YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul, 27, cannot help but side with AJ on this one. He told SunSport: “It’ll be interesting but I think it will be hard for Francis to beat a Joshua that has looked like his old self, whereas I think Ngannou had an old, lacklustre, not focussed Fury.”I want Francis to win, but I think it’s going to be tough for him.” Paul’s comments came as he made his own return to the ring in Puerto Rico. Most read in BoxingANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe knocked out 17-2 boxer Ryan Bourland in round one to improve his record to 9-1, with Fury’s brother Tommy, 24, the only man to have beaten him. Paul – who has claimed Tommy turned down eight-figure offers to rematch – instead set his sights on Canelo Alvarez after his latest KO. Anthony Joshua says deaths in boxing make him train even harderHe said: “I’m ready for the big leagues. I’m getting sharp, this is my life now and like I said, I’m on the road to world champion and hey Canelo, stop ducking.”I know you want it, I know you want it and I’m repping Puerto Rico, you’re repping Mexico so it’s Puerto Rico vs Mexico.”Jake Paul after knocking out Ryan Bourland in round oneCredit: Amanda Westcott/MVP More

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    Apollonia Llewellyn stuns in tiny black leather bra and knee-high boots as fans say ‘best picture I ever saw’

    APOLLONIA LLEWELLYN stunned in a tiny black leather bra and knee-high boots.And fans were left declaring it’s the “best picture I ever saw”.Apollonia Llewellyn stunned in a tiny black leather bra and knee-high bootsCredit: InstagramApollonia is one of the top boxing influencers around.She made her name with the Misfits as a ring girl.And Apollonia has also become a smash hit on social media.She boasts a whopping 580,000 followers on Instagram.READ MORE ON APOLLONIAThe blonde bombshell regularly posts saucy pictures to the platform.And she is constantly inundated with praise from her loyal army of supporters.But Apollonia’s latest snap appears to have been crowned her greatest-ever.Reclining in a chair, she held her hands above her head while wearing nothing but tiny black leather underwear and knee-high boots.Most read in BoxingThe outfit certainly left little to the imagination.And Apollonia captioned it: “Actin’ like a fan, I’ma change your life.”Boxing ring girl Apollonia Llewellyn’s breasts in tight black and white PVC jumpsuitThe picture certainly went down a treat with followers.One declared: “This is the best picture I ever saw.”Another said: “Stunning, the most beautiful in the world.”One noted: “Wow, looking sensational.”Another quoted legendary singer Prince by writing: “Could you be the most beautiful girl in the world? It’s plain to see. You’re the reason that God made a girl.”Inside Apollonia’s glamorous life as influencer, ring girl and model …Apollonia burst out of this tiny silver bikini as she drank her ‘morning juice’Credit: INSTAGRAMConor McGregor was among 8,000 fans who enjoyed this see-through lacy outfitCredit: INSTAGRAMThousands of Apollonia’s fans enjoyed the view on the ring girl’s holiday to New YorkCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia braved the snow in the Lake DistrictCredit: InstagramApollonia really enjoyed this bowl of pasta on her summer holiday to SantoriniCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia invited fans to ‘sit and stare’ at this picture, and thousands took her up on the invitationCredit: INSTAGRAMFans were worried Apollonia’s top had shrunk in the wash as she enjoyed this hearty breakfastCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia’s followers were in awe of the stunner’s new hairdo as she wowed in a tiny yellow bikiniCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia sent a cheeky message to her fans as she posed in this glamorous see-through numberCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia told fans ‘no caption needed’ as she squeezed into this skin-tight see-through playsuitCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia revealed he ‘idea of happiness’ is being ‘wind swept on the beach’ with this busty snapCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia left very little to the imagination as she ‘brightened fans’ Mondays’ in a skimpy wet T-shirtCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia shot to recognition as a member of the Misfits Boxing fight night teamShe has garnered her a huge social media presenceCredit: INSTAGRAM @apolloniallewellynApollonia has over 570,000 Instagram followersCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellynShe has turned down a staggering £100,000 to pose nude beforeCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellynThe model insisted she isn’t money-orientedCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellynApollonia shows off her jet setting lifestyle onlineCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellynShe also holidayed in New YorkCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellynApollonia is no stranger to a bikini pictureCredit: INSTAGRAM @apolloniallewellynShe has built a huge following on social mediaCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellynApollonia works as a model alongside her social fameCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellyn More

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    Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou rules: How many rounds and are knockouts allowed for huge crossover bout

    ANTHONY JOSHUA will return to the ring on Friday night as he takes on former UFC champion Francis Ngannou.The British heavyweight is looking to continue his winning form after his TKO victory over Otto Wallin in December.Anthony Joshua beat Otto Wallin in DecemberCredit: GETTYANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUTSince AJ’s back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, he has beaten Robert Helenius and Jermaine Franklin, as well as the Swedish southpaw just a few months ago.Joshua is on the comeback trail as he looks to revive his career – and promoter Eddie Hearn believes he could be one win away from fighting for the undisputed world title.UFC legend Francis Ngannou has only just begun his career in professional boxing.The Cameroonian powerhouse made his debut in the ring against the undefeated Tyson Fury back in October 2023.READ MORE IN BOXINGNgannou dropped the Gypsy King in the third round before going on to lose via split decision in controversial fashion.What are the rules for Anthony Joshua vs Francis NgannouAnthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou will be a standard professional boxing match.The bout will be ten three-minute rounds as opposed to the more conventional 12-round fights.Each fighter can win by way of knockout, decision or TKO.Most read in BoxingThe 10-point ‘must’ system will be used for every round, meaning the winner of a round scores 10 points, while the loser receives nine – unless they are knocked down or badly hurt, in which case they will get eight points, seven or less, depending on the severity of the damage.There will be no title on the line when Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou collide in the ring.When is Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou?
    Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou will take place on Friday, March 8.
    The big crossover clash will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
    The ring-walks are expected to get going from around 11pm GMT.
    What TV channel is Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou on and can it be live streamed?
    Joshua vs Ngannou will be shown live on DAZN PPV and Sky Sports Box Office.
    You can live stream all the action from the DAZN and Sky Sports Box Office websites as well as their apps, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
    The DAZN UK PPV price will be £19.99, which includes one month’s DAZN subscription.
    For existing DAZN subscribers, the PPV price will be £18.99.
    The Sky Sports Box Office price for the fight has been set at £19.95 for Sky customers in the UK.  More

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    ‘Looks in f***ing amazing shape’, say fans as Tyson Fury shares clip of himself back training & offers Usyk prediction

    TYSON FURY “looks in f***ing amazing shape” as he shared a clip of himself back training – and it came accompanied with a warning to Oleksandr Usyk.WBC champ Fury suffered a nasty gash above his right eye a month ago while sparring for his unification bout with his fellow heavyweight title holder.Tyson Fury is back in business preparing to face Oleksandr UsykCredit: InstagramThe Gypsy King shared footage of himself training on InstagramCredit: InstagramThat led to their February 17 bout going up in smoke as a result.Now Fury vs Usyk will now take place on Saturday 18 May and if there are any more pull-outs this time around, a £7.9million fee will be paid to the opposing fighter.The Gypsy King’s scuffle in sparring with heavyweight Agron Smakici caused the damage, leading to a cut below his eyebrow that required 11 stitches.That has led to many doubting whether Fury will have recovered in time for the showdown in two months time.READ MORE ON BOXINGHowever, the undefeated 35-year-old sent out a message to his doubters and rival Usyk today on Instagram.And it looked like he had not lost a step as he shared a clip of himself throwing punches back in the ring.That came accompanied with a caption that read: “Somebody tell @usykaa the Ace is back.”Fury then followed that up with a prediction as he wrote “#inside7” before finishing it off with the words “can’t wait”.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe footage soon caught the eye of social media users as thousands of messages from his 6.8 million followers arrived in the comments.One of his supporters wrote: “The best shape you ever had. Legend.”Anthony Joshua meets Tyson Fury’s dad John before Francis Ngannou bout“Big man’s in shape for this one,” said another.A third echoed those thoughts by writing: “Man looking in top shape.”A fellow fan declared: “Looking slim and very agile, GET UP!!”“Usyk is in trouble,” predicted a fellow fan while another called him a “dangerous man on a mission”.While a seventh said: “Looks in f***ing amazing shape.”Meanwhile, Fury said that the cut had completely healed now during an interview over the weekend.He said: “A cut takes about eight weeks to heal.“I had 15 weeks from cut to fight date so plenty of time. I’m not worried about the cut.“If the cut opens in the fight, f*** it. So what? I’ve had plenty of cuts before. It’s a fight.“I think I’ll take him out in seven rounds.”He added: “In the game, s**t happens. Worse things have happened at sea.“It won’t be the first and it won’t be the last time a fight has been cancelled with an injury. It is what it is.READ MORE SUN STORIES“At first I was a little bit p****d off because it didn’t look like it was going to happen and we didn’t have a date.“As soon as I got the date two days later it was fantastic. Everything’s good.”Fans were stunned by the WBC champ’s incredible shapeCredit: InstagramFury and Usyk will collide on Saturday 18 May in Saudi ArabiaCredit: EPA More