Boxing

EDDIE HEARN praised Anthony Joshua’s “incredible” comeback and has tipped his fighter to knock out Tyson Fury.The pair could fight before the end of the year, according to promoter Hearn.Eddie Hearn praised Anthony Joshua’s ‘incredible’ comebackCredit: Piers Morgan UncensoredHe backed his fighter to knock out Tyson FuryCredit: GettyFury could fight Joshua before the end of the yearCredit: GettyBefore that Joshua could face the winner of Filip Hrgovic and Daniel Dubois as AJ continues his comeback after losing back-to-back fights against Oleksandr Usyk.He has now won four fights in a row with his last an explosive knockout victory against Francis Ngannou.Piers Morgan suggested that win has seen Joshua’s stock rise, claiming he has gone from being unable to sell a bus ticket to being capable of creating a £100million fight.Hearn agreed and told Morgan on Piers Morgan Uncensored: “It is the fight that made him, once again, the hottest commodity in boxing. And we are very fickle as a sports community of ‘he’s finished’. READ MORE IN BOXING“And to be fair, the one incredible thing about AJ, when he lost to Oleksandr Usyk in the second fight and he broke down in the press conference in tears, I felt he was a long, long way back.“I felt, not done, but I felt like his best days may be behind him. And this is the one and most important thing, in life – sport, business, whatever it is, consistency. “If you are consistent and you work as hard as you can, and you have ability. You are unbeatable. “And the one thing that he’s always done, throughout his whole career, and even since that moment with Oleksandr Usyk is stay consistent. Keep working, keep searching for the answers and if the ability is still there, you will get back.Most read in BoxingWill AJ vs Fury actually happen?SunSport boxing correspondent Wally Downes Jr answers the big questions around Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury finally facing each other…

Could we finally see Fury vs AJ this year?
Simply: Yes.
Before the Saudi takeover of boxing – spearheaded by Turki Alalshikh, would we have seen Fury vs Francis Ngannou, AJ vs Ngannou, Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker, Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn working together and shaking hands for photos?
Simply: No.
The rules, rankings, sanctioning bodies and broadcast and promotional disputes are all irrelevant when this much money is thrown at prize fighting.
How would it work?
It feels like the winner of Fury vs Usyk on May 18 will fight AJ as soon after as possible.
There is a rematch clause in the current deal for Britain’s WBC champ and Ukraine’s WBA, IBF and WBO king to meet and decide the first undisputed ruler for 25 years.
But it seems certain the belts will fragment afterwards – with a string of mandatory challengers due their crack at the four separate belts – so the clamour for AJ vs the winner might be bigger than the demand for a rerun for fewer belts.
Where would it happen?
It feels like every major fight is now going to happen in Saudi Arabia.
But don’t rule out a potential Fury vs Ngannou clash taking place at Wembley stadium.
It seems like the Saudis are keen to eventually host shows in the UK and that fight, at the home of football, would be some debut.
If Usyk topples the Gypsy King then the hype for him to face AJ for a third time will be far less intense.
Why this time?
It feels like we have twice come close to seeing the clash but there were simply too many hurdles and disputes in the way – similar to the way AJ vs Wilder still hasn’t happened.
But with Alalshikh now making Hearn’s Matchroom and Warren’s Queensberry play nice and letting Sky Sports, TNT and DAZN share the shows, there is far less to fight over in the boardroom and loads on to battle for in the ring.
And if Fury beats Usyk and rightfully demands a huge percentage of an overdue Joshua meeting, then the Saudi’s have the cash and the clout to hand him 99 per cent of the pie – to massage his ego and bank balance – and hand AJ as much extra dough as needed to keep everyone sweet.
Who wins?
If Fury sets up an AJ clash by beating Oleksandr Usyk – the mathematics and stats make it clear only a maniac would back Joshua to triumph in the all-English clash.
Usyk dominated AJ over two one-sided fights, on foreign soil.
The Watford man has enjoyed a spike in form and respect since linking up with new trainer Ben Davison but a 20st 6ft 9in Fury – who has just slayed the gap-toothed southpaw – would be almost invincible.
But in any major football derby or cup final the formbook is often aimed out of the window. And perhaps a rejuvenated hungry AJ could be too much for an undisputed and fulfilled Fury to handle.

BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“The comeback, mentally, the comeback has been incredible. To a point now, where I feel he is unbeatable in the ring.”Morgan then asked Hearn if he thought Joshua was capable of beating the Gypsy King, and he replied saying: “Every day. I have always thought he would beat Tyson Fury, but right now I have absolutely no doubt he knocks Fury out.”Anthony Joshua already back in training with coach Ben Davison for next fight More

JOHNNY NELSON has sensationally claimed Tyson Fury’s own family members are the “moles” in his training camp. Fury was due to face Oleksandr Usyk in a historic first four-belt unification bout on February 17 in Saudi Arabia. Johnny Nelson has spoken out about ‘moles’ in Tyson Fury’s campCredit: GettyFury now faces Oleksandr Usyk on May 18Credit: GettyBut before he was forced out two weeks prior due to suffering a cut in sparring, his training camp was marred in controversy. Former cruiserweight world champion-turned Sky Sports pundit Nelson even claimed Fury was getting “turned over” in sparring. So Fury’s team were convinced there was an insider in the camp feeding back information. Nelson has since spoken out amid allegations it is him and instead urged the Gypsy King to look closer to home. READ MORE IN BOXINGHe told talkSPORT: “Do you wanna know who the mole is? His dad and his brother – they are the mole. Because listen, I said nothing his dad hasn’t said. “I’ve said nothing his brother hasn’t said, okay I might have sprinkled a bit of seasoning on it, but what I’m saying is it’s on record – his dad was saying the camp’s this, that and the other.”It’s on record his brother’s said there’s too many back-slappers there.”Dad John did say his son’s training camp was a “circus” and brother Shane slammed the perfomance in October against Francis Ngannou.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFury, 35, only beat MMA superstar Ngannou, 37, on a controversial split-decision after being dropped by the ex-UFC champion. Now he prepares to instead face Usyk, 37, on the rescheduled date of May 18 back in Riyadh once more. Teenage heavyweight Moses Itauma has sparred both Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua And Nelson insisted both dad John and brother Shane are vital to keeping the maverick heavyweight grounded. He said: “Tyson’s not an idiot, but Tyson is the head of the snake – so they’ve all got to behave themselves because they want to stay on that payroll.”So they’re gonna tell him what they think [he wants to hear] to ingratiate themselves around him.”His brother and his dad – they’re his [real] people and they don’t like these people that are around, and they’re not happy.”But them people that are around are thinking, ‘I’m getting paid good, so I’m gonna tell you what you want.'”I don’t dislike Tyson Fury, I just call out his BS, I don’t dislike him.”Those people around him are saying, ‘Johnny Nelson this, Johnny Nelson that,’ I don’t dislike Tyson Fury because I think he’s the best heavyweight in the world.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But you’ve got people in your ear chatting foolishness just because that fits their agenda.”Listen to your dad, listen to your brother – they are the ones speaking the truth, they’re the moles.”Tyson Fury – All you need to knowTyson Fury is one of the most colourful personalities in sport, here is all you need to know:
Fury facing off with UsykCredit: Getty More

ANTHONY JOSHUA’S next opponent has been leaked by his old rival Derek Chisora.The former world champion has returned to form with four wins on the bounce – his latest an explosive knock-out of Francis Ngannou.Derek Chisora, right, revealed who Anthony Joshua’s next opponent will beCredit: GettyFilip Hrgovic has been considered as an opponent for Joshua in the pastCredit: GettyDaniel Dubois could jump to the front of the queue if he beats Hrgovic in JuneCredit: GettyHe has been tipped to fight the winner of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk – having lost to the Ukrainian twice previously.But with that fight not scheduled to take place until May 18, Joshua could fight a different opponent in the mean time.And according to fellow heavyweight Chisora, a fighter has already been lined up.Chisora told iFL TV: “He (Joshua) will fight the winner of Daniel Dubois and (Filip) Hrgovic at Wembley.”READ MORE IN BOXINGThat pair are set to clash on June 1, with the IBF likely set to order the winner to face Joshua in a world title fight as the belt will likely be vacant by then.Brit Dubois previously challenged for IBF world title when he fought Usyk, who also holds WBA (Super), WBO, and IBO belts.Joshua, 34, has been heavily tipped to face Hrgovic, who is unbeaten in 17 professional bouts.Hearn revealed he considered Hrgovic as an option before agreeing a deal to fight Ngannou.Most read in BoxingWill AJ vs Fury actually happen?SunSport boxing correspondent Wally Downes Jr answers the big questions around Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury finally facing each other…

Could we finally see Fury vs AJ this year?
Simply: Yes.
Before the Saudi takeover of boxing – spearheaded by Turki Alalshikh, would we have seen Fury vs Francis Ngannou, AJ vs Ngannou, Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker, Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn working together and shaking hands for photos?
Simply: No.
The rules, rankings, sanctioning bodies and broadcast and promotional disputes are all irrelevant when this much money is thrown at prize fighting.
How would it work?
It feels like the winner of Fury vs Usyk on May 18 will fight AJ as soon after as possible.
There is a rematch clause in the current deal for Britain’s WBC champ and Ukraine’s WBA, IBF and WBO king to meet and decide the first undisputed ruler for 25 years.
But it seems certain the belts will fragment afterwards – with a string of mandatory challengers due their crack at the four separate belts – so the clamour for AJ vs the winner might be bigger than the demand for a rerun for fewer belts.
Where would it happen?
It feels like every major fight is now going to happen in Saudi Arabia.
But don’t rule out a potential Fury vs Ngannou clash taking place at Wembley stadium.
It seems like the Saudis are keen to eventually host shows in the UK and that fight, at the home of football, would be some debut.
If Usyk topples the Gypsy King then the hype for him to face AJ for a third time will be far less intense.
Why this time?
It feels like we have twice come close to seeing the clash but there were simply too many hurdles and disputes in the way – similar to the way AJ vs Wilder still hasn’t happened.
But with Alalshikh now making Hearn’s Matchroom and Warren’s Queensberry play nice and letting Sky Sports, TNT and DAZN share the shows, there is far less to fight over in the boardroom and loads on to battle for in the ring.
And if Fury beats Usyk and rightfully demands a huge percentage of an overdue Joshua meeting, then the Saudi’s have the cash and the clout to hand him 99 per cent of the pie – to massage his ego and bank balance – and hand AJ as much extra dough as needed to keep everyone sweet.
Who wins?
If Fury sets up an AJ clash by beating Oleksandr Usyk – the mathematics and stats make it clear only a maniac would back Joshua to triumph in the all-English clash.
Usyk dominated AJ over two one-sided fights, on foreign soil.
The Watford man has enjoyed a spike in form and respect since linking up with new trainer Ben Davison but a 20st 6ft 9in Fury – who has just slayed the gap-toothed southpaw – would be almost invincible.
But in any major football derby or cup final the formbook is often aimed out of the window. And perhaps a rejuvenated hungry AJ could be too much for an undisputed and fulfilled Fury to handle.

BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd Joshua’s promoter remains hopeful of setting up a duel with Fury before the end of the year.He said: “Because the Darts Championship happens in December and January, I’m gonna say that Fury vs AJ happens this year.”So I’m gonna say Fury vs AJ [happens first].”I dropped Anthony Joshua in sparring – here’s my prediction for his fight against Francis Ngannou More

TYSON FURY will resume sparring for his historic showdown with Oleksandr Usyk this month.The pair were due to throw down for all the heavyweight marbles in February in the division’s first undisputed fight in nearly a quarter of a century.Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk were set to throw down on February 17Credit: REUTERSA horror cut in sparring for The Gypsy King postponed the postCredit: QUEENSBERRY PROMOTIONSFury suffered the gaping wound due to an accidental elbowThe Gypsy King’s cutman Jorge Capetillo says he’ll be back sparring in a couple of weeksBut Fury suffered a horror cut in sparring two weeks before his legacy-defining fight and the bout was pushed back until May 18.Team Fury initially expected the Gypsy King to be out of sparring action for several MONTHS, although his wound has healed better than first expected.Cutman Jorge Capetillo told Betway: “The fight is going to be in May so he should be going back to sparring in two or three weeks’ time.”But the good thing is, he has been active with fighting Francis Ngannou recently and for him to get the distance and timing again is going to be easy because he has remained in the gym.READ MORE IN BOXING”Activity is the key and it’s his advantage for the fight.”The accidental elbow from sparring partner Agron Smakici appeared to re-open the scar tissue left above Fury’s right eye from his 2019 clash with Otto Wallin.And Capetillo admits there is a good chance it could re-open in his Riyadh rumble with Usyk.He said: “There’s always a possibility that it could happen.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERTYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE UNDISPUTED HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT”But Tyson has to do what he is good at with his distance and reach, not trying to knock him out in one punch but setting him up with big punches by using faints, his footwork and IQ in the ring.”It is a matter of having good timing, reach and Tyson’s footwork being at his best for the fight.Tyson Fury sensationally accused by ex-world champ of STAGING elbow in sparring to force Oleksandr Usyk fight axe”For a heal, like 90 days but it’s been 60 days or more since the cut so I am sure with the right treatment, he should be ready for May 18.”And soon, he can start with some light sparring, nothing hard but to get the reach and distance right.”It is more important than power punches with reach and timing. He’ll probably be ready for sparring in the next couple of weeks.”Capetillo did wonders in the corner the night Wallin gave Fury the biggest laceration of his career and has given him a frank warning about his latest wound.He said: “Tyson has to treat the cut well before the fight and do sparring sessions with the right head guard.”And start with nothing crazy to make sure he doesn’t get hit hard so it doesn’t re-open.” More