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    Anthony Joshua’s new trainer wants THIRD Oleksandr Usyk fight and vows to ‘put that right’ for British superstar

    ANTHONY JOSHUA’S new trainer Ben Davison wants a THIRD fight with Oleksandr Usyk in a bid to “put that right”. AJ was twice beaten by Usyk on points and had separate cornermen in both bouts, firstly Rob McCracken and then Robert Garcia.
    Anthony Joshua was twice beaten by Oleksandr UsykCredit: Getty
    He would later link up with Derrick James but the American was not available for his most recent win over Otto Wallin in Saudi Arabia.
    Instead, Davison led the charge for the first time in Joshua’s career and oversaw the fifth round domination over Wallin.
    And the young coach – who shot to fame working with Tyson Fury – believes he can help AJ finally overcome the undefeated Usyk.
    Davison told Boxing News: “Being selfish, I’d really like to put that Usyk fight right for him.
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    “I don’t know if that’s even doable. But that’s something that I would love to help him do.
    “That’s something I said to him first when came down to the gym, that I’m really confident that we’d be able to help him put that right.”
    Joshua had beaten Jermaine Franklin on points and stopped Robert Helenius under the guidance of James.
    But the Texan was in camp with Ryan Garcia in Dallas by the time AJ was announced on seven weeks notice to fight Wallin.
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    So he decided to remain in the UK for his camp and switched camps to Davison’s gym in Harlow.
    Joshua’s next step remains uncertain after Deontay Wilder blew their super-fight worth £100million by losing to Joseph Parker.
    And even Davison is unable to say for certain whether he will continue working with AJ going forward.
    He said: “I don’t know. I can’t comment on that. It’s a pleasure to work with but we’ll see.”
    Ben Davison with Anthony JoshuaCredit: Getty More

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    Jake Paul in talks over next fight but fans call YouTuber ‘shameful’ for ‘cherry picking’ his opponent

    BOXING fans have accused Jake Paul of “cherry picking” his next boxing opponent after it was revealed who he was in talks to fight with next.YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul moved to an 8-1-0 record after beating Andre August in his last fight earlier this month.
    Jake Paul has been accused of ‘cherry picking’ his next opponentCredit: Getty
    But Paul weighed 50lbs heavier than his potential opponenet’s average weightCredit: Getty
    And Paul appears to have already lined up his next opponent in Neeraj Goyat.
    Boxing reporter Michael Benson shared a screenshot of the two fighters in conversation on Instagram.
    Goyat, 32, called out Paul on his Instagram page.
    Paul, 26, then responded by commenting: “Any time any place.”
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    Goyat has a record of 18-4-2 and normally weighs between 144lbs and 147lbs when fighting.
    Meanwhile, Paul weighed in at 199.4lbs when he knocked out August.
    Paul highlighted this weight difference during their exchange.
    He said: “Brother you too small. Walking around at 150 lbs? Maybe I tie one arm behind my back?”
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    To which Goyat replied: “The bigger they are the harder they fall. I’m ready to fight you at any weight.
    “My walking weight right now is 158 lbs (and) I don’t care about yours.
    “Your both hands and your brother’s both hand will be less to even touch me.”
    Paul’s promoter Most Valuable Promotions then revealed talks were now underway with a comment of their own.
    However, fans were not happy with the match up.
    One fan said: “So Jake has a 50lb advantage against this dude? He’ll probably run around saying he’s a future world champion after knocking him out.”
    A second said: “Joke Paul fighting lightweight at 135 is disrespectful.”
    A third said: “That’s so shameful.”
    Another said: “Making a mockery of the ‘sweet science’.”
    While a fifth added: “Jake Paul cherry picking his opponents again.”
    Paul’s only defeat was at the hands of Tommy Fury.
    Read more on The Sun
    In 2019, Goyat was once lined up to fight Brit Amir Khan.
    However, the fight did not happen after Goyat was injured in a car accident.
    Neeraj Goyat called out Paul for a fight on social mediaCredit: PA:Press Association
    Goyat was lined up to fight Amir Khan in 2019 before their fight was cancelledCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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    Cem Kilic dead at 29: Top boxer who fought on Tyson Fury undercard dies as tributes pour in

    BOXING star Cem Kilic has died aged 29.A host of tributes have poured in for the Turkish star, who had appeared on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s victory over Tom Schwarz back in June 2019.
    Boxing star Cem Kilic has died at the age of 29Credit: Instagram @kilicboxing
    He fought on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s win over Tom Schwarz in 2019Credit: Getty
    Eyup Gozgec, president of the Turkish Boxing Federation, announced on Friday: “We have learned the news of the death of one of our former national boxers.
    “We wish patience to the grieving relatives. Rest in peace.”
    Kilic’s former manager, Shane Shapiro, added: “Never thought I would be writing something like this right now.
    “I am in shock. RIP Cem Kilic, the first fighter that took a chance on me, someone who moved from Germany to Los Angeles, lived with me 7 years and was part of my family. Those who know, know.
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    “Me and Cem were always side by side… we had so many highs and lows, and didn’t always see eye to eye, but the memories we made together will never fade.
    “You will always be remembered… RIP ‘Champ’ Cem Kilic. We went to war together.”
    Kilic was born on June 6, 1994 in Neustadt, Germany but relocated to America at the age of 19 to train in LA.
    He made his pro debut in 2014 and he produced an eighth-round stoppage of Martez McGregor at that Fury vs Schwarz event.
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    However, he suffered his lone loss came in his next fight, which was an eighth-round stoppage to Terence Crawford’s stablemate Steven Nelson in January 2020.
    Kilic bounced back with three successive victories and ended his career with a 17-1 (11KOs) record.
    A host of tributes have poured in after the shock news of his death was announcedCredit: Instagram @kilicboxing More

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    Meet unknown Brit nicknamed ‘the GirthQuake’ who has just become a boxing world champion seven years after quitting UK

    FROM Hungary to Latvia, and Egypt to Tanzania, Prince Patel has had an unusual journey to “world champion” status.The Londoner, 30, left his homeland in a bid to further his boxing career after unceremoniously splitting with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions.
    Prince Patel, right, proudly holds his beltCredit: Instagram @princepatel1993
    Patel has a 28-1-2 pro recordCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Warren, 71, saw something in Patel back in 2015, even after the outspoken prospect had been dropped by Steve Goodwin.
    But his spell with Queensberry would be an underwhelming one, underlined by his poor draw with little-known Peruvian Juan Hinostroza.
    He fought once more in the UK after the Hinostroza set-back, beating Patrik Bartos at Harrow Leisure Centre before falling into British boxing obscurity.
    On the period that followed, he later told World Boxing News: “It was very difficult. I didn’t know many sports agents or managers to speak to.
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    “I just had to engage my brain and think of promoters and managers to contact.
    “It’s been very difficult. I don’t classify myself as a manager or a matchmaker or anything, but I’ve had to do that and help develop my career.”
    Patel has even come up with a rather crude nickname for himself – the ‘GirthQuake’ and uses the hashtag on much of his social media postings.
    In 2017 he headed to Hungary, beginning his rebuild with a series of victories against low level opposition.
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    More low-key wins in Poland, Latvia and the Czech Republic followed – Patel padding his unbeaten record.
    Eventually a first world title shot materialised, with Patel fighting Michell Banquez in Jeddah four years ago for IBO gold.
    He was soon back to the drawing board, however, after losing via unanimous decision.
    Patel responded by stringing together ten wins on the spin, even ending his UK exile by beating Goodluck Mrema in Tolworth along the way.
    When the IBO world bantamweight title became vacant earlier this year, Patel jumped at the opportunity to fight late replacement Aliu Bamidele Lasisi in Accra, Ghana.
    While the IBO belt has been much maligned, Patel didn’t care a jot as he earned the right to call himself world champ by beating Lasisi.
    After his win he proudly declared: “The first and only Indian Professional Boxing world champion. One in a Billion. Mission complete, over and out.”
    Patel has long courted a shot at fellow Brit Sunny Edwards, with the pair having beefed online.
    He said of Edwards: “He’s scared. He clearly doesn’t want to fight me for obvious reasons.”
    After Patel got into an altercation with heavyweight Frazer Clarke, Edwards clapped back on social media: “This what you get for running your mouth on the internet 🤣 Prince Patel getting gripped up.”
    While he has carved out a successful career abroad, Patel would surely love a big UK spot now that he has his IBO belt.
    Read more on The Sun
    Whether or not that opportunity comes, he is bound to quickly put his belt on the line – having fought four times this year.
    Now 29-1-2, who knows where boxing’s journeyman champion will pop up next.
    The London-born ace proudly represents IndiaCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Patel, 30, has fought four times this yearCredit: INSTAGRAM More

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    Inside boxing legend Manny Pacquiao’s amazing car collection including a £180k Ferrari and £130k Porsche Cayenne Turbo

    MANNY PACQUIAO has amassed a staggering £200million fortune thanks to his incredible career.PacMan, now 45, is a boxing legend – and the only eight-division world champion in the history of the sport.
    Manny Pacquaio boasts an amazing car collectionCredit: Getty
    The most expensive motor in Pacquiao’s car collection is a £180k Ferrari 458 Italia
    The Ferrari 458 Italia can reach 0-62 mph in just three secondsCredit: Alamy
    Alongside a life in the ring, Pacquiao became a politician and was Senator of the Philippines until 2022.
    But, alongside his charity work, he has not been afraid to flaunt his wealth.
    And he has splashed the cash on an amazing array of motors that would make him the envy of many.
    Ferrari 458 Italia, £180k
    The quickest of Pacquiao’s motors, the Ferrari 458 Italia can reach 0-62 mph in just three seconds.
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    Costing a whopping £180,000 – it’s a pricey supercar.
    But it’s definitely worth it in the style stakes because nothing looks as sleek as a Ferrari.
    It’s powered by a 4.5 litre V8 engine that produces 562 horse power.
    Footballers including Neymar, Mesut Ozil and Mario Balotelli have all been seen with a 458 Italia.
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    Porsche Cayenne Turbo, £130k
    Driving around Los Angeles when he was on at training camp, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo was an ideal ride.
    First of all, it provides ample space for the 5ft5in southpaw to relax in after a gruelling session in the gym.
    Second, it’s one of most luxurious SUV’s on the market – capable of hitting 0-62 mph in a very zippy 3.7 seconds.
    It’s got plenty of punch, just like it’s owner.
    The Porsche Cayenne Turbo is one of the most luxury SUV’s on the marketCheck out these amazing collections

    Mercedes Benz SL550, £80k
    This classically designed Merc is a staple among the rich and famous.
    It debuted in 2006, with the latter models boasting a 4.7-litre twin-turbo V-8 engine.
    The SL550 is surprisingly quick – capable of 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds.
    Inside it’s plush, with Mercedes Benz always providing lavish interiors.
    The Mercedes-Benz SL550 boasts lavish interiorsCredit: Reuters
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    Lincoln Navigator, £90k
    A classic American SUV, the Lincoln was long-associated with Hollywood A-lister Matthew McConaughey, who was an ambassador for the brand.
    Called a ‘Palace on wheels’, the Navigator is their most impressive model.
    Many joke it has an apartment size interior, and it is capable of seating eight passengers.
    However, be warned – it’s not a sporty drive and handles like a barge.
    The Lincoln Navigator has been described as an apartment on wheelsCredit: Getty
    Cadillac Escalade, £150k
    For Pacquiao, big is clearly best.
    Not content with owning a massive Lincoln Navigator, he also rules the road with a beautiful Escalade.
    In Los Angeles, where Pacquiao spent a lot of his time training at the Wildcard gym, they are often seen as limos for Hollywood’s elite.
    Measuring 17ft long and weighing 2.6 tonnes, the engine is a massive 6.2-litre, naturally aspirated V8.
    The Cadillac Escalade is often seen ferrying A-list celebs around LACredit: Cadillac
    Hummer H2, from £50k
    There was a time when you couldn’t move for Hummers in the US, especially among the sporting elite.
    However, the car manufacturer GM stopped making the Army-inspired SUVs in 2010.
    That’s now made the Hummer a collector’s item, which Pacquiao will be well aware of.
    Although he bought his bulletproof vehicle for protection for himself and his family in the Philippines.
    Pacquiao owns a bulletproof Hummer in his homelandCredit: Handout – Getty
    M2 Cyclone 1200cc Motorcycle, £4k
    Not content with four wheels, Pacquiao enjoyed riding two with this custom-made motorcycle.
    It was made by Harley Davidson’s sister operation, Buell.
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    Design-wise, it features imagery of Manny’s legendary bouts against Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton.
    It boast a 1200cc size, V-twin, four stroke, 5 gears engine and reaches a top speed of 135 mph.
    Pacquiao also has a M2 Cyclone 1200cc Motorcycle custom-designedCredit: motorcyclephilippines.com/forums/ More

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    Boxer Gervonta Davis follows Muhammad Ali by converting to Islam as undefeated champ reveals his new name

    BOXING superstar Gervonta Davis has changed his name after converting to Islam.The controversial WBA (regular) lightweight champion made the decision to convert to the religion a while back.
    Gervonta Davis has converted to IslamCredit: GETTY
    The boxing superstar has adopted the name Abdul WahidCredit: AP
    Boxing icon Muhammad Ali changed his name from Cassius Clay after converting to IslamCredit: GETTY
    Baltimore bruiser Davis completed his conversion to Islam at a Maryland mosque this past weekend.
    And in a similar move to boxing icon Muhammad Ali, who was known as Cassius Clay before adopting Islam in 1964, Davis has now changed his name to Abdul Wahid.
    After overseeing Davis’ Islamic testimony of faith, Imam Hassan Abdi told the Baltimore Banner: “The humility I get from him.
    “And I was surprised meeting him, because I knew who he was but I wasn’t familiar to what extent — he was a very down-to-earth person.
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    “The conversation was about being the best version of what we can be as human beings.”
    It’s not yet known if Davis has legally changed his name or whether he will fight under his new moniker.
    Brutal knockout artist Davis has been blighted by controversy during his professional career.
    But Abdi said of the southpaw: “At heart, he’s a good person, and I think he wants more. I think he wants more for himself, which is good.
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    Gervonta Davis hasn’t fought since his seventh-round stoppage of Ryan Garcia in AprilCredit: AP
    “Him investing in the area, buying a block and trying to improve it for the residents there, I think all of that may be also an influence to hear something different.
    “Islam, and I was telling him, religion makes us the best version of who we are, to be better human beings.
    “We believe in one God and we worship him alone, and that brings accountability and responsibility for ourselves, and also trying to help others. And I think it resonated with him.”
    Elaborating on Davis’ past indiscretions, Abdi: “We’re not perfect as human beings.
    “We all go through challenges in life. It’s about having hope and not despairing.
    “When we fall down — with him as a boxer, I told him, when you’re boxing, when a person goes down, you try your best to get back up.
    “That’s like life. I think that you’re never going to be perfect overnight and we may never reach completion, but it’s about trying to be better.
    “I see that he’s trying to be a better individual.” More

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    Deontay Wilder reveals Anthony Joshua conspiracy theory after blowing £100million fight series

    DEONTAY WILDER has claimed Anthony Joshua was all set to hang up his gloves had their two-fight series not gone up in smoke.The former two-time unified heavyweight champion continued his career rehab last weekend with a fifth-round stoppage of his old sparring partner Otto Wallin in Saudi Arabia.
    Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder were on course for a big-money two-fight series next yearCredit: REUTERS
    Wilder’s defeat to Joseph Parker, however, scuppered the £100million seriesCredit: GETTY
    Bronze Bomber Wilder has claimed AJ would have retired had he beaten ParkerCredit: REUTERS
    Joshua, 34, despatched the Swedish slugger with the knowledge that his blockbuster series with Wilder had gone up in smoke thanks to a shock Joseph Parker win.
    And Wilder has claimed he heard a “rumour” AJ would have ended his illustrious career had he added Parker’s name to his list of victims.
    He told 78SPORTSTV: “The rumour was he was talking about retiring if I won… March 9th, the fight still can go on.
    “But this is a perfect way for them to get out.”
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    Despite Joshua still being open to facing The Bronze Bomber, promoter Eddie Hearn insists the fight is dead in the water.
    And Wilder has a theory for why Hearn is touting other opponents for the Watford warrior.
    He said: “They really don’t want that fight. When I lost, did you see how happy he was coming out?
    “I broke out laughing, I said, ‘That n****’s happy as f**k.”
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    Deontay Wilder believes Anthony Joshua is running scared of himCredit: GETTY
    “I made him able to perform like that. He was like, ‘I ain’t gotta fight Wilder.’”
    A showdown with mandatory IBF title challenger Filip Hrgovic will likely be next for Joshua, who has been called out by the undefeated Croatian.
    He told iFL TV: “A lot of options. I know I’m the next in the line. Whoever it will be, I believe I will fight for the title.
    “I just want a title shot. I don’t care who it is.
    “I would like to fight Anthony Joshua. He’s one of the biggest names in the sport, and I feel I can beat him.” More

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    Anthony Joshua will have to beat Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk to warrant Eddie Hearn’s over-the-top praise

    FOLLOWING the Riyadh heavyweight hype and hoopla last weekend, there’s been time to reflect and put matters into some perspective.Eddie Hearn declared Anthony Joshua the world’s best at his weight after he forced ordinary Otto Wallin to retire with a broken nose at the end of five one-sided rounds.
    Anthony Joshua is the world’s best heavyweight, according to Eddie HearnCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
    Hearn made the claim after Joshua’s victory over Otto WallinCredit: Getty
    Promoter Hearn wasn’t alone in having a rush of blood to the head with his over-the-top reaction.
    Plenty of others claimed Britain’s former two-time world champion, after a couple of underwhelming displays this year, was now back to his best.
    Joshua’s best by far was when he put paid to Wladimir Klitschko in 11 rounds six years ago — but it’s highly unlikely he will ever reach that peak again.
    Against Wallin, AJ did what he was expected to do — overpower a mundane rival quickly and efficiently.
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    What was pleasing was to see Joshua still had a supply of aggression burning in his belly. He also managed to shake off the sluggishness that seemed to be afflicting him.
    There was a worry AJ could have slipped on the Wallin banana skin — at least he’s proved he will still be in the mix when it comes to world title match-ups next year.
    But before Hearn’s cheerleading can be taken seriously by fans, Joshua will have to beat Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk.
    Daniel Dubois also got rave reviews for beating 23-stone disgraced druggie Jarrell Miller — who was carrying more blubber than a humpback whale.
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    Yet having taken a knee and been counted out after being hit with a jab fighting Usyk four months ago, it will take more than that for Dubois to redeem himself in my eyes.
    The Fury-Usyk phoney war is at last coming to an end — the outbreak of hostilities is only seven weeks away.
    We’ve cried out for a unified world heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis ruled 24 years ago.
    But boxing cannot help shooting itself in the foot.
    Either Fury or Usyk will only hold that title for about five minutes.
    The IBF, in their wisdom, decided as Fury and Usyk have a return clause, they will declare their version of the title vacant in the interests of mandatory challenger, Croatian Filip Hrgovic.
    As Lennox used to say, it’s  another example of misguided boxing politricks — the governing bodies never seem to understand what is in the sport’s best interests. 
    But who will receive boxing’s Oscar as The Ring magazine’s 2023 Fighter of the Year?
    Tyson Fury is the only Brit to win The Ring magazine’s Fighter of the YearCredit: Getty
    In its 95-year history, Fury is the only Brit to be honoured — in 2015 and again five years later. 
    There are four outstanding unbeaten candidates — Japan’s Naoya Inoue and Americans Terence Crawford, Devin Haney and Gervonta Davis.
    Favourite must be Inoue, known as The Monster for devouring his opponents.
    Appropriately on Boxing Day, Inoue — in front of 15,000 of his adoring Tokyo fans — KO’d  Philipino Marlon Tapales.
    That unified the super-bantamweight division as he had already won the four bantamweight belts.
    Before, only Crawford ever unified two divisions.
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    Inoue, 30, was having his 21st world title fight.
    He is a world champ in four different weight classes and has KO’d 23 of his 26 opponents.
    Naoya Inoue is a two-weight unified world championCredit: Getty More