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      Fans are just realising Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou will have different rules after UFC legend’s request

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA’S fight with Francis Ngannou is set to have a different set of rules.The rule change for the heavyweight bout comes at the request of the former UFC champion.Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou meet in the ring on Friday nightCredit: AFPNgannou will make his second appearance in the boxing ring against Joshua on Friday night.The pair are set to clash at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.However, the fight will not take place over 12 rounds as is usually the case for professional bouts.Instead, AJ and Ngannou will do battle over ten three-minute rounds, with the number of rounds reduced at the Predator’s request.READ MORE IN BOXINGThe mixed martial arts icon’s boxing debut against Tyson Fury was also contested over ten rounds.He knocked down the Gypsy King back in October but was ultimately beaten via split decision.His forthcoming fight with Joshua will be a standard boxing match at heavyweight outside of the number of rounds.Ngannou clarified his decision to make the request after being asked by the two-time unified world champion.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSpeaking ahead of the fight, the 37-year-old explained: “They told me 12 and I said ‘No, cut it out.’”I’m not taking a Mike Tyson fight as a reference like ‘Oh, I’m a pro boxer now’.Reliving Fury v Ngannou and how UFC fighters are moving over to boxing for better pay”No, I’m building it up. I just came into it, they asked for ten rounds or 12 rounds, and I said ten.”Ngannou amassed a 17-3 professional record in MMA before his transition to boxing, including 12 knockout victories.He had hinted at wanting a mixed rules event for his clash with Joshua after the fight was confirmed.Back in December, Ngannou said: “Anything that he wants. Ring or octagon.ANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUT”The good thing is I’m the one that can go everywhere comfortably. My comfort zone will be the octagon, but I’m going to the ring and putting them in a bad spot in the ring.”I have my territory [in MMA] where they cannot mess with me. If they come, they will need something like some favour, like, ‘I’ll give you this, we’ll take kicks out.’”I have to give him something, but when we step in the ring, they don’t give me anything, and I still get them in trouble.” More

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      Anthony Joshua ranks greatest heavyweights ever including Mike Tyson but snubs Tyson Fury from top tier

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA has ranked the all-time heavyweight greats in a ‘GOAT’ tier list – but snubbed Tyson Fury from the top spot.The British mogul is competing to return to the top of the division and will face Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia on Friday night.Anthony Joshua has ranked the all-time heavyweight greats in a ‘GOAT’ tier listCredit: GettyJoshua snubbed Tyson Fury for a spot in the top tierCredit: PAMike Tyson was one heavyweight icon to be crowned the ‘GOAT’ titleCredit: APThe former two-time world champion will be hoping to fight the winner of Tyson Fury’s contest with Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed title later in 2024.And in the running to his upcoming clash against ex-UFC star Ngannous Joshua was asked to rank the greatest heavyweights of all-time in a tier list with Queensberry Promotions.There were four tiers for Joshua to choose from which were “GOAT” followed by “Champion”, “World Level” and “Mid Level”.But AJ denied himself and Tyson Fury the top spot and put Mike Tyson in the “GOAT” tier.READ MORE IN BOXINGJoining the boxing icon is legend Muhammad Ali alongside Frank Bruno, Evander Holyfield, Wladimir Klitschko, Lennox Lewis and Rocky Marciano.Surprisingly he put Derek Chisora in the top tier, despite the Brit having not won a world title during his professional career.Then next to himself and the Gypsy King in the “Champion” tier were current rivals Joseph Parker, Oleksandr Usyk and Dentay Wilder two of whom he has fought.Fury could see himself creeping into the “GOAT” tier if he becomes the undisputed champion against Usyk on May 18.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis would mark the first time a heavyweight has held all world title belts since Lewis in 1999.While AJ placed upcoming opponent Ngannou in the “World Level” ranking where he was joined by Daniel Dubois, David Haye and Dillian Whyte.Anthony Joshua v Francis Ngannou Knockout Chaos fight preview with Sun Sport panel Ngannou who has already hung his gloves up once professionally was controversially placed above “Mid Level” boxers Zhilei Zhang, Joe Joyce, Filip Hrgovic and Fabio Wardley.Joshua has defeated both Joyce and Zhang in their amateur careers which justifies why the Brit ranked them at the bottom. More

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      Anthony Joshua reveals touching reason why he still lives with his mum aged 34 as he gears up for Francis Ngannou fight

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA has revealed the touching reason why he still lives at home with his mother at the age of 34.The British mogul opened up about his life outside the boxing ring and his close relationship with his mum ahead of the boxer’s blockbuster clash against Francis Ngannou on Friday. Anthony Joshua has revealed the heartwarming reason he has not moved out yetCredit: GettyJoshua still lives with his mum Yeta in North LondonThe two-time former unified world heavyweight champion AJ will take on the ex-UFC champ Ngannou in Riyadh for what’s another big coup for Saudi dealmaker Turki Al-Sheikh.But when Joshua is not busy jetsetting across the world on training camps the boxing icon is at home in North London where he lives with his mum, Yeta.In an interview with Good Morning Britain on Monday the boxer did not mind sharing to hosts Susanna Reid and Richard Madeley why he has not moved out yet.He said: “I realise that when I started training I train away from home a lot.READ MORE IN BOXING”So if I’m away from home let’s say I’m away from home 10 months of the year. Then when I get back I’ve got to do commercial work.”I realise that if I was to move out I would never see my mum or any of my family. Being at home when I get back. “Throughout the year I’m away in different parts of the world… But my base, my home, is with my mum so I can see her when I’m back. So I can still wake up and spend time with her when I can.”Reid praised Joshua for his heartwarming reason and said he was “so lovely.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSShe said: “That is so lovely! That is the tender heart… of someone who is about to go into a ring and try and knock someone out.”While Madeley grilled AJ over whether his mum watches his fights and the boxer revealed it’s “tough” for her to see.How Saudi Arabia are making the dream fights happen on such short noticeJoshua added: “I do ask her, she sometimes doesn’t show up. She prays a lot. Sometimes she stays behind prays. “It’s tough for her of course but she enjoys the fruits of the labour.” More

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      Tyson Fury REFUSES to pick Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou winner as champ fumes at doubles standards ahead of fight

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      TYSON FURY could care less about Anthony Joshua’s crossover clash with Francis Ngannou – despite the winner being lined up as his next opponent.Former two-time unified heavyweight champion Joshua will throw down with the MMA man mountain in a multi-million-pound showdown on Friday night.Anthony Joshua throws down with ex-UFC champ Francis Ngannou on Friday nightCredit: AFPThe winner of the fight will be in line to face either Tyson Fury or Oleksandr UsykCredit: ALAMYGypsy King Fury could care less about who wins the Saudi showdownCredit: GETTYSaudi boxing kingpin Turki Alalshikh hopes to pit the winner of the Riyadh rumble against the victor of Fury’s undisputed title fight with Oleksandr Usyk in May.But The Gypsy King – who welcomed Ngannou to the boxing world last October – won’t be paying close attention to the desert dust-up.He told The Stomping Ground: “I don’t know [how that fight goes] and I don’t care, to be honest.”Whatever happens, happens. The best man will win on the night. READ MORE IN BOXING”They’re heavyweight giants, aren’t they?”So any man can win.”Despite not having a horse in the race, Fury admits the fight will likely be an entertaining one.He said: “I think it’s a great fight, you know. It’s a good fight.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUT”When I was fighting Ngannou, it was a mismatch and a bulls**t fight, but it is what it is.”Styles make fights and that’s what it is.”Reliving Fury v Ngannou and how UFC fighters are moving over to boxing for better payFury welcomed former UFC champion Ngannou to the ring last October in a much-maligned Saudi showdown.The WBC king was cut and dropped by the boxing novice in the third round of their Riyadh rumble, which he won by the skin of his teeth.Fury, 35, was due to have faced Usyk for all the heavyweight marbles last month after nearly two years of build-up.But the historic showdown ended up being postponed a week before the fight as Fury suffered a massive cut above his right eye in sparring.The pair will now vie to become the first undisputed ruler of the heavyweight division in nearly 25 years on May 18.Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will fight for all the heavyweight marbles on May 18Credit: EPA More

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      Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou undercard: Who else is fighting on huge Saudi crossover bill?

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      IT’S finally fight week as Anthony Joshua squares up against Francis Ngannou in a thrilling crossover boxing match – but the undercard is also mouthwatering.AJ seems as if he is getting back to his best after a tough couple of years in the ring.AJ suffered back-to-back defeats against UsykCredit: GettyAJ has won three fights in a rowCredit: ReutersThe British mogul lost two consecutive fights to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022, before beating Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius and Otto Wallin all in 2023.However, Ngannou is expected to be a much more difficult test for Joshua as the former MMA icon knocked down Tyson Fury during his very first competitive boxing match.But in the build-up to that headline fight, there are some huge bouts scheduled on the undercard.And SunSport can reveal who will be on the Saudi bill below.Read more on Anthony JoshuaWho is on the Joshua vs Ngannou undercard?The super Saudi card is set to have an all-British lightweight clash which sees Mark Chamberlain (14-0) face Gavin Gwyne (17-2-1).Queensbury star Nick Ball will go up against Mexican Rey Vargas for the world featherweight title.But a huge bout that boxing fans are really looking forward to seeing is Chinese champion Zhilei Zhang put his WBO interim Heavyweight title on the line against Joseph Parker.Here is the full card:Most read in Boxing
      MAIN EVENT: Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou
      Zhilei Zhang vs Joseph Parker
      Nick Ball vs Rey Vargas – (WBC featherweight title)
      Israil Madrimov vs Magomed Kurbanov – (WBA super-welterweight title)
      Mark Chamberlain vs Gavin Gwynne (European lightweight championship)
      Andrii Novytskyi vs Juan Torres
      Justis Huni vs Kevin Lerena
      Ziyad Almaayouf vs Christian Lopes Flores
      Roman Fury vs Martin Svarc
      Jack McGann vs Louis Greene
      How can I watch the undercard?The undercard 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.And 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.Sky Sports Box Office have set their price for the fight at £19.95 for Sky customers in the UK. Why are the fights on a Friday?Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou plus the undercard bouts will be underway on a Friday night, not the usual Saturday.This is because of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix taking place that weekend at 5pm GMT on Saturday, March 9 over in Jeddah. More

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      Tyson Fury slams ‘bulls***’ Francis Ngannou fight claim and tells ex-UFC champ ‘get on your knees and kiss my feet’

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      TYSON FURY has hit out at critics of his showdown with Francis Ngannou ahead of Anthony Joshua’s tussle with the MMA star.The Gypsy King locked horns with the former UFC heavyweight champion in a controversial crossover clash in Saudi Arabia last October.Tyson Fury was widely criticised for fighting former UFC champ Francis NgannouCredit: REUTERSAnthony Joshua will face the MMA superstar in Saudi Arabia on Friday nightCredit: REUTERSFury doesn’t believe AJ is getting the same stick for fighting Ngannou as he didCredit: REUTERSFury, 35, was maligned for his money grab with the boxing novice as it further delayed his long-overdue undisputed title fight with Oleksandr Usyk.And the WBC champion believes his detractors aren’t giving Joshua the same treatment.The Wythenshawe warriortold The Stomping Ground: “I think it’s a great fight, you know. It’s a good fight.”When I was fighting Ngannou, it was a mismatch and a bulls**t fight, but it is what it is.READ MORE IN BOXING”Styles make fights and that’s what it is.”Ngannou banked a career-high purse for his ‘Battle of the Baddest’ with Fury and is expected to take home a similar payday for his Riyadh rumble with AJ.And Fury insists the MMA man mountain should be kissing his feet for helping him secure the biggest purses of his combat sports career.He said: “I’m not sure what people expected of the man before [our fight].Most read in Boxing”I know it was supposed to be like a 1000/ 1 shot, and he was useless and he couldn’t fight and all of that.”But he proved everyone wrong, so fantastic for him.Francis Ngannou’s story from refugee to fighting Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua”I put him on the map, made him a multi-millionaire, and now I’m making him even more money.”So he needs to thank me.”He needs to get on his knees and kiss my feet, doesn’t he, for what I’ve done for him.”Fury eked out a split-decision victory in his desert dust-up with Ngannou, who put him on his backside in a memorable third round.But he plans to get his own back in a rematch, which he revealed last month to be part of his five-fight plan.Tyson Fury claims Francis Ngannou should be kissing his feet for helping him land huge paydaysCredit: AFP More

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      Why is Ben Davison training Anthony Joshua for Francis Ngannou fight?

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA will take on UFC legend Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia on Friday night.AJ goes in to the fight on the back off a huge win over Otto Wallin in December. Anthony Joshua beat Otto Wallin last time outCredit: GETTYANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUTThe British heavyweight is aiming to win his fourth fight on the spin as he continues to rebuild his career following back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.Meanwhile, Francis Ngannou has only just begun his journey in boxing after the former UFC champion made his debut in the sport against Tyson Fury last year.The Cameroonian powerhouse dropped the undefeated Gypsy King in the third round before going on to lose via split decision in controversial fashion.Ngannou will be out to cause a huge upset on Friday night as he seeks his first professional win in boxing.READ MORE IN BOXINGWhy is Ben Davison training Anthony Joshua for Francis Ngannou fight?Tyson Fury’s former trainer Ben Davison trained Anthony Joshua for his last fight against Otto Wallin in December 2023.Before AJ’s clash with the Swede, he was trained under American Derrick James in Texas for wins against Jermain Franklin and Robert Helenius.For Joshua’s upcoming bout with Francis Ngannou, the heavyweight confirmed he will be sticking with Davison in his corner.AJ said at the press conference for the fight in January: “I believed that [training with] Derrick was like a process. He’s got an actual style of training, and I had to adapt to his style, it was a process. Most read in Boxing”And I’d just changed trainers; I’d been to Rob [McCracken], I’d been with Angel [Fernandez], [Robert] Garcia, now Derrick. I said to the boys: ‘I don’t wanna move again, I wanna make my bed and lie in it.’”But the thing is, when I was back in the UK, I was in Finchley hitting the heavy bag on my own. They were like: ‘Why don’t you go and speak to Ben?’ He’s good, he’s given us some tips and me some tips, leading up to the fight that was supposed to be with Dillian [Whyte]. ‘Why don’t you just go and see him?’ I was like: ‘Na, na, na, na, I don’t wanna change, I’m pretty set on going to America.’ But I went and saw Ben, had a really good session.””The reason I was able to gel with Ben is because he doesn’t try to change your style. “He kind of looks at your attributes and adds to what you’re good at. I went to a stage where I was trying to change my style: a bit of back-foot boxing, box behind the jab, stick and move, not be explosive, control the pace, and stuff like that. “But Ben was like: ‘That’s not your body type! You’re a f***ing big unit, you’re explosive, go and knock f***ing people out. Basically, work to your body type. So, we got along in that sense. He gets it.”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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      Boxer Ryan Garcia posts bizarre vid claiming he’s DEAD with ‘throat slit’ as ex Andrea Celina urges fans ‘pray for him’

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      BOXER Ryan Garcia has sparked concern among his fans after a bizarre video claiming he is dead was posted on his social media.The disturbing six-second clip was shared on the star’s Instagram and X account and it momentarily shows the figure of a man inside a house.Ryan Garcia is gearing up for a spring showdown with Devin HaneyCredit: GETTYThe 25-year-old has sparked serious concerns after his recent social media postsCredit: GETTYThe strange video was posted on X and InstagramGarcia’s ex-wife Andrea Celina is among those concerned about the boxerCredit: INSTAGRAM@DREACELINAThe clip is accompanied by the alarming caption: ”We got him boys. RYAN GARCIA RIP B***H. 666.”Video is exactly 666 in time. WE TOLD YOU WE WERE COMING.” followed by a series of random letters.It is unclear whether the social media posts were shared by the boxer or someone else.The boxing star’s ex-wife has expressed her fears following the worrying social media post.READ MORE IN BOXINGAndrea Celina has been in contact with the 25-year-old since the harrowing post but said she is still concerned about the father of her two children and urged his fans to pray for him.She wrote on her Instagram story: “‘If all my followers who are believers can you please pray for Ryan.”‘We are not together and I’ve been in contact with him and he may seem fine but he is not.”I know in my heart he is being heavily oppressed.Most read in Boxing”This is not a troll, I’m genuinely concerned and so is all his family members.”We are not part of any of this and want him to get better but this IS REAL. Pray for him.”However, Garcia’s dad, Henry, was quick to respond insisting his son is “trolling” his followers.Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia agree deal for mega-fight in SEVENTH bout between rivals as date and location is revealedHe wrote: “Yes Ryan is ok, he’s just trolling the wrong way.Henry, however, claimed all is not what it seems behind the scenes, adding: “There’s more to it. Trust.”Regardless the bizarre clip sparked concern about the boxer’s well-being with some fans claiming he’s been hacked and others believe he is unwell.MMA fighter Dillon Danis commented on the Instagram post: “I’ll pay for you to get help man feel bad for you.”Another fan said: “Please tell me Ryan is ok…”And one wrote: “Come on Ryan… We need to know your are ok. Ive been jumping on line all day for updates. “From literally the very moment this was posted.. Just something from someone. please.””Hope you’re okay Ryan,” someone else wrote.It comes after the former interim WBC lightweight champion celebrated the birth of his third child – his second with Celina – in January 2024.He gushed over the the arrival of his son on social media, just HOURS before announcing his separation from Celina.In a now-deleted post, he wrote: ” As I step into a new chapter in my life, it’s with a heavy heart to share that Drea and I have decided to divorce.”While this decision marks the end of our marriage, it’s important to emphasize that our relationship as co-parents remains our top priority.’He went on: ‘Throughout our years together, Drea has been an incredible partner and an even more extraordinary mother to our two children.”I’m deeply grateful for the years we shared and for her unwavering commitment to our family.”As we move forward, my focus remains on the health and wellbeing of our two beautiful kids. They are and will always be my first priority.”I’m fully committed to working with Drea to make sure our children’s needs and best interests always guide our path forward.”I believe our mutual devotion to our children is rock solid, and I trust that together we will provide them with the love, support and stability that they need.”READ MORE SUN STORIESGarcia is now dating Australian model Mikaela Testa, who he recently revealed he plans to train for a Misfits boxing match.SunSport have reached out to Garcia’s promoters – Golden Boy Promotions – for comment.If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.Celina took to Instagram to claim her ex-husband is not wellCredit: INSTAGRAM@DREACELINARyan Garcia’s social media activity has left boxing fans concerned about his well-beingCredit: gettyRyan Garcia’s father, Henry, has claimed his son is just “trolling” with his social media anticsCredit: THE US SUN More