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    Francis Ngannou practices bizarre punch he used against Tyson Fury in open workout ahead of Anthony Joshua clash

    FRANCIS NGANNOU delighted fans with the “Superman” punch that shows he wants to be kryptonite to a second British heavyweight legend.The UFC icon turned into Super Fran in an open workout as he practiced the flying blow he unveiled when shocking Tyson Fury last October.Francis Ngannou repeats the superhero move shown vs Tyson FuryCredit: GettyFight-lovers might wonder if Ngannou is pondering the same vs AJCredit: GettyAnthony Joshua trained in more typical style ahead of Friday’s boutCredit: GettyNgannou controversially lost that bout on points – but if Friday’s bout with Anthony Joshua maps out the same way, AJ might not be so lucky with the verdict.The Cameroon-born superstar, 37, was again in Saudi Arabia as he repeated the right-leg-back, right-fist-forward swing during his session with trainer Dewey Cooper.Six months earlier the superhero move surprised the world of boxing in the final round of his first-ever pro boxing fight against the out-of-sorts Gypsy King.And this time it had fans wondering if Joshua might face the same in another Riyadh blockbuster.READ MORE TOP STORIESAll-time great Mike Tyson, who trained Ngannou for the Fury bout, revealed the Superman punch was his idea.But it couldn’t help the MMA legend to a Hollywood ending as the unbeaten Mancunian beat him on a contentious split decision.One judge gave it 95-94 to Ngannou but the other two  but the other two scored the absorbing contest 95-94 and 96-93 in Fury’s favour.The former UFC heavyweight king will take on AJ a day before the usual scheduling for a weekend because the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is on Saturday in Jeddah.Most read in BoxingANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUTThe undercard includes Joe Joyce’s two-time conqueror Zhilei Zhang clashing with Joseph Parker – Deontay Wilder’s impressive vanquisher three months ago.But the main draw is Fury vs Ngannou.The Sun’s Wally Downes Jr tells Francis Ngannou his ‘legs are looking skinny’ and he’ll ‘give him some tips’ after media workoutThe outsider has famously power-packed thighs that might help propel him up, up and away to a Superman punch.But he joked withSunsport that his “legs are too skinny” and “needs weights”.he’ll certainly be the bee’s knees in a second major sport if he KOs AJ!Trainer Dewey Cooper puts Ngannou through a testing routine in publicCredit: Getty More

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    Fans forced to check Francis Ngannou’s X account is real after he responds to Kim Kardashian’s ‘miss you’ post

    FANS were left shocked by Francis Ngannou’s strange response to a Kim Kardashian tweet.The MMA champion-turned-boxer is preparing for a fight with Anthony Joshua on Friday.Francis Ngannou had fans questioning whether his account is realCredit: GettyKim Kardashian set pulses racing with a glamorous selfieCredit: X/KimKardashianIt is just his second professional fight after coming close to beating Tyson Fury in October.And while preparations are underway, Ngannou has clearly been enjoying some down time on social media.But he caught fans off guard by responding to a racy Kim Kardashian post on X.The influencer posed in a low-cut top and pouted for the camera, sharing the snap alongside the caption: “Miss you.”Ngannou, 37, reacted by sharing a photo of comedian Druski pointing at himself, as if to ask: “Me?”Fans could not believe the interaction, with some questioning whether it was actually Ngannou’s real account.One said: “Wait, is that his real account lol?”Another added: “What are you doing? 😭😂”Most read in BoxingANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third wrote: “Ayo focus on your fight.”And another commented: “EXCLUSIVE: Eddie Hearn ‘NERVOUS’ for Anthony Joshua’s clash with Francis Ngannou as ex-UFC champ could end Brit’s title hopes forever More

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    Anthony Joshua warns about dangers of boxing after tragic death of Japanese star Kazuki Anaguchi at just 23

    ANTHONY JOSHUA has opened up about the dangers of boxing, reflecting on the tragic death of young bantamweight Kazuki Anaguchi.Joshua, 34, is set to face UFC icon Francis Ngannou on Friday.Anthony Joshua has opened up about the dangers of boxingCredit: GettyAJ is set to fight Francis Ngannou on FridayCredit: GettyThe British heavyweight will be looking to continue his impressive run of form following wins against Otto Wallin, Robert Helenius and Jermaine Franklin.But he is not taking his position for granted.AJ exclusively told SunSport: “Still in it to win it. I enjoy it. I enjoy this sport a lot, not just for what all this stuff is but for the lifestyle it brings me, the mentality it’s shaped for me. “If I weren’t boxing I’d be quarter of the man I am, it’s made me really astute, intelligent, built my character, strong minded, strong-willed, it’s really helped me.READ MORE IN BOXING “So yeah, I will continue to do it for as long as possible because it’s a massive part of my identity, not boxing but for what it brings to me.”Despite his success at the highest level, Joshua still remains mindful of the risks that come with boxing.He continued: “It doesn’t take a lot out of me, it don’t, I promise you. “That guy died the other day, the Japanese boxer (Anaguchi). Somewhere in Asia, he died. It can happen, it can happen to the best of us.Most read in BoxingANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUT “Health is important in this sport but that’s why you’ve got to train hard, that’s why you’ve got to train smart. “We spar a lot, that’s why you’ve got to be good, if you’re not good enough you shouldn’t do it because it’s so detrimental to your health.”EXCLUSIVE: Eddie Hearn ‘NERVOUS’ for Anthony Joshua’s clash with Francis Ngannou as ex-UFC champ could end Brit’s title hopes foreverAnaguchi passed away at the beginning of February at the age of 23, just over one month after suffering a brain injury.The Japanese bantamweight suffered a subdural hematoma during his fight against Seiya Tsutsumi on December 26 and was immediately rushed to hospital.He underwent emergency surgery but was unable to recover from his injuries.Ben Davison, AJ’s new trainer, has urged the Brit to respect Ngannou in the ring despite his lack of boxing experience.He told Sky Sports: “Treat him with the respect. Let’s not lose the sight of it. He had a split-decision loss to Tyson (Fury). Straightaway that puts him up among people that have really struggled with Tyson.”He showed composure, he showed patience, which are all things which become a threat when you can punch like that.”I think it’s easier to deal with a puncher when they’re a little bit reckless, a bit gung ho. They’re the novicey side of his game that we thought we would see – a lack of patience, a lack of composure. But those are things that he’s shown. So we’re treating him like a world-class heavyweight.”Ngannou suffered a controversial points defeat to Tyson Fury in October despite knocking the Gypsy King down.Kazuki Anaguchi tragically died last month after suffering a brain injury during a fightCredit: Rex More

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    Inside Anthony Joshua’s unlikely bromance with Tyson Fury’s dad John that Gypsy King hates

    ANTHONY JOSHUA has seemingly struck the unlikeliest of bromances with John Fury – the dad of his Brit rival Tyson.It seemed unfathomable that the pair would get on a few years ago given John and Tyson’s past public criticisms of the former two-time unified heavyweight champion.Anthony Joshua met John Fury for the first time in person last weekendCredit: GETTYThe pair had a warm embrace and waxed lyrical about one anotherCredit: GETTYFury has been nothing but pleasant about AJ in recent yearsCredit: GETTYThe dad of Tyson Fury even claimed AJ is the “finest man” in boxingCredit: GETTYJohn, however, has had a change of tune in recent years – publicly championing AJ and his bid to rise back to the summit of the heavyweight division.So their super-friendly interaction in Saudi Arabia ahead of Joshua’s showdown with Francis Ngannou on Friday night came as no surprise.The pair ran into each other at the fighter hotel and embraced before having a brief chit-chat, in which John was blown away by the size of the Watford warrior.After shaking hands, John – whose son Roman features on the undercard – told the assembled crowd: “He’s probably the finest man in boxing isn’t he?”READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd as AJ started shadowboxing, he said: “Get up there my boy.”After hearing John admit he was thrilled to finally meet him and seconds before another handshake, Joshua responded: “A pleasure to meet you as well, sir.”Joshua bumped into John a few moments later and revealed he’d love to have a sit down with his rival’s old man.The pair then admitted they’ve always “liked” one another before John claimed he could see AJ becoming a three-time world champion.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUTWhile the interaction between AJ and John was heartwarming to most boxing fans, it could very well have riled up WBC heavyweight king Tyson.Tyson revealed in December 2022 that he was far from pleased with his dad being pally with his potential future opponent.Anthony Joshua says deaths in boxing make him train even harderHe told iFL TV: “He keeps blowing my dad off like, ‘Oh, I think John Fury’s a legend, he’s a top bloke.'”Whatever you’ve got going on with him, I don’t like it, sever ties with the old p. Man’s a p***y, s***house.”All of a sudden he’s my dad’s best friend, ‘Oh, I want to go out for a drink with John Fury.”I was like what the f***! Why doesn’t he want to go for a drink with me? “Because I would punch him in the mouth.”But John refused to bow down to The Gypsy King’s demands, saying: “I’d be privileged to go out for a drink with AJ.”I’m my own man, I say what I want to say. This is a sport, we’re in a boxing game, AJ is a nice kid.”John was full of nothing but praise for AJ after their Riyadh rendezvous, saying: “I’ve always liked Anthony Joshua.Tyson Fury isn’t too fond of his dad being pally with Anthony JoshuaCredit: AP”I’ve never said anything wrong about him. He is a great fighter, [an] Olympic gold medallist. “He’s done a lot for boxing, let’s not forget that.“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.”John foresees AJ winning his lucrative desert dust-up with Ngannou, so long as he doesn’t get embroiled in a brawl with the former UFC champ.Anthony Joshua throws down with ex-UFC champ Francis Ngannou on Friday nightCredit: GETTYHe told Sky Sports: “If he mixes it with a big puncher, Ngannou’s a unit, he’s had Tyson on the floor.”Tyson said he can really bang, probably the hardest he’s been in with including Deontay Wilder.”He’s got to be careful, but AJ has got the skillset, he’s got the power of himself.”And who knows, he has this effect on fighters, doesn’t he?READ MORE SUN STORIES”They just melt in front of him… don’t rule [out] and AJ knockout either.”But it’s gonna be AJ on points I think.”John Fury is tipping Anthony Joshua to score a points victory over Francis NgannouCredit: GETTY More

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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