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      I sparred Tyson Fury before he got dropped by Ngannou, he slacked in the gym and only did four rounds at a time

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      TYSON FURY got embarrassed by Francis Ngannou because he was slacking in the gym, according to one of his sparring partners.The Gypsy King eked out a controversial split decision victory over the former UFC heavyweight champion in their Riyadh rumble last October.
      Tyson Fury locked horns with former UFC champ Francis Ngannou in a boxing match last OctoberCredit: AP
      The Gypsy King was dropped by the boxing novice but eked out a split-decision winCredit: AFP
      Fury’s sparring partner Martin Bakole has revealed he was slacking in the gym when it came to sparsCredit: INSTAGRAM@MARTIN_BAKOLE
      Fury was cut and DROPPED by the boxing novice in the third round of the crossover clash, which will live long in the memory of boxing fans.
      And according to Martin Bakole, the WBC king’s lack of adequate preparation from a sparring perspective almost resulted in him suffering his first professional loss.
      He told iFL TV: “I’ve never seen Tyson training like that. He was doing four rounds, six rounds in the gym for sparring.
      “Maybe he’s watching this and knows he wasn’t 100 per cent focused.
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      “That’s not the Tyson Fury I know when were preparing for [Wladimir] Klitschko, [Derek] Chisora and Dillian Whyte.
      “This was different.”
      Fury, 35, is seemingly leaving no stone unturned for his undisputed heavyweight title fight with former pound-for-pound king Oleksandr Usyk next month.
      Bakole knows a thing or two about Usyk having sparred undefeated Ukrainian on multiple occasions.
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      And he reckons the former cruiserweight king could cause a huge upset if Fury doesn’t mind his Ps and Qs.
      He said: “This is a hard question. Very hard question. 50/50.
      “On points, I can see Usyk. And a knockout, it may be a surprise, but the Gypsy King.
      “Because he has to fix his mistakes, you know, people judge him against Ngannou.
      “Imagine if he stops Usyk, they will say that the Ngannou fight was a little bit of a mistake, he didn’t take it serious.
      “It’s so hard because I know Usyk is world-class. Top-class movement. But the Gypsy King … I’ll go draw for me.”
      Fury is anticipating a tough night at the office against slick southpaw but insists: “There’s only one winner, and I am destined to become the undisputed champion.
      “More than that, I am destined to cement my legacy as the No. 1 fighter in this era.
      “To do that I have to beat this little man and that’s it, simple as.
      “Easier said than done I understand, he’s a tricky man, good boxer, slick.
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      “But I have seen many people like him before and when they fight the big men they struggle.
      “He’s going to struggle on February 17 and he’s going to lose, I will break him for sure.” More

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      Anthony Joshua receives chilling warning from Francis Ngannou who claims Brit ‘doesn’t have a chin’ ahead of Saudi clash

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      FRANCIS NGANNOU has vowed to give Anthony Joshua’s chin a good test in their shock showdown.The former UFC heavyweight champion will throw down with the golden boy of British boxing in a lucrative March melee in Saudi Arabia.
      Anthony Joshua will be back in action in Saudi Arabia in MarchCredit: MATCHROOM BOXING
      AJ will face former UFC heavyweight champion Francis NgannouCredit: GETTY
      Ngannou has vowed to hand AJ his second professional stoppage lossCredit: PA
      Ngannou, 37, bagged the Riyadh rumble with AJ on the back of a stunning display against Tyson Fury last October, in which he dropped the Gypsy King.
      And The Predator is confident the left hook that floored the WBC heavyweight king will put AJ out for the count.
      During an appearance on The MMA Hour, the Cameroonian clubber said: “If AJ takes the punch that Fury took, I don’t guarantee that he’s standing up.
      “I’ve heard that he doesn’t have a chin. I’m going to find out.”
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      Long-time AJ promoter Eddie Hearn was critical of Ngannou’s boxing skills prior to his shock display against Fury, who eked out a split decision victory over the MMA man mountain.
      The Matchroom Boxing chief has somewhat changed his opinion, although he believes Ngannou will be “easy work” for Watford warrior AJ.
      Ngannou, however, plans to give both men a rude awakening with another shock display in Riyadh.
      He said of Hearn’s comments: “Eddie is a promoter, that’s a routine for him.
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      “He says the same thing all the time, just not about Francis Ngannou but somebody else.
      “That’s just what he does. The date is set.
      “It’s two months from now, and if any of them think they’re going to have easy money, that’s too bad for them.”
      Ngannou is so confident of getting the better of AJ that he’s already mentally drawing up plans to rematch the Nigerian-born Brit in Africa.
      He said: “At the end of the day, it’s great stuff for both of us.
      “He could be my brother and I’d still fight him because it elevates us both, it elevates the sport, it elevates the continent.
      “It’s not about a fight.
      “You are not fighting somebody because you hate him, you fight him because it’s a challenge and the fight always elevates both fighters.
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      “Eddie Hearn said a lot of s***, but one thing he said that makes sense is maybe a potential rematch in Africa with Joshua.
      “I think that sounds cool. We will call that Black Excellence.” More

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      Anthony Joshua loses in bizarre tug-of-war against a LIGER as Brit boxing hero enjoys trip to zoo with football legend

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA might want to avoid the re-match claws – after losing a tug of war with a LIGER.The boxer even posed with an “I lost” sign as he reassured the rare hybrid of a lion and tiger that it was the king of the rumble.
      Anthony Joshua strained seriously but still came a distant second in his one-one-one with the liger at the exclusive zooCredit: The Mega Agency
      The extremely-rare hybrid proved it was the best of the beastCredit: The Mega Agency
      The boxer did the zoological equivalent of throwing in the towelCredit: The Mega Agency
      Joshua joined the cub for some up-close feeding timeCredit: The Mega Agency
      Ex-footballer Alessandro Del Piero, who won 91 Italy caps, was with his family when he too challenged the liger in another mismatchCredit: The Mega Agency
      There’s nothing for AJ to feel grizzly about as he warmed up for what could be a spectacular year in the ring with a touching bear encounterCredit: The Mega Agency
      AJ was visiting a Dubai zoo, along with Italian football legend Alessandro Del Piero, when he took on his unlikeliest opponent ever.
      The Brit, who won all three comeback fights in 2023, must soon start preparing for a bout with UFC icon Francis Ngannou, probably in March.
      Many believe that’s a strange route to proving he is the top cat of boxing – but it’s nothing compared to his latest method of relaxing.
      The ex-world heavyweight champion grinned but gritted his teeth as he pulled on a rope – with a huge liger at the other end.
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      There are thought to be fewer than 100 of the animals in existence, reportedly all in captivity.
      It’s the offspring of a male lion and female tiger, making it the largest cat in the world.
      And when this specimen got its teeth into one end of the rope, it was too strong for the weight and straining hands of Joshua at the other end.
      Needless to say, ex-Juventus striker Del Pierro went the same way as AJ when he followed suit in his own tug of war with the liger.
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      All in all, it was no surprise when Joshua looked more confident elsewhere at the Fame Park zoo, especially when he bottle-fed a baby lion.
      The 34-year-old – a guest of Dr Saif Belhas, the billionaire owner of the invitation-only venue – was also pictured hand-feeding a bear, holding a sloth and draped with a massive python.
      But he’ll hope setting up a clash with the winner of February’s bout between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury proves less slippery.
      Joshua could only smile as he succumbed to defeat vs the ligerCredit: The Mega Agency
      Away from the liger, AJ found it less stressful with other animals at the zoo, including some slightly large but nevertheless still big catsCredit: The Mega Agency
      Joshua also posed with a python, having snaked back into contention at the top of heavyweight boxing with three straight winsCredit: The Mega Agency
      Azzurri icon Del Piero, known for his super-fast finishing, was happy to be snapped with a sloth, known for its super-slow lifestyleCredit: The Mega Agency More

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      Tyson Fury fired HUGE warning ahead of Usyk fight by his own dad and told what he has to do to become undisputed king

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      TYSON FURY has been warned to adjust his style against Oleksandr Usyk by his father John.The Gypsy King is set to face Usyk in an undisputed clash on February 17 to crown the heavyweight king.
      John Fury has warned Tyson to adapt his style against Oleksandr UsykCredit: Alamy
      Usyk is unbeaten in 21 professional boutsCredit: PA
      But John Fury fears his son could be beaten for the first time in his career if he employs the same tactics which saw him defeat Deontay Wilder, Dillian Whyte and Francis Ngannou.
      He told Boxing Social: “He needs a different style altogether with Usyk, he’s totally different.
      “If you go back to, many years ago, you can watch it on the internet, it’s Gerry Cooney-Michael Spinks and Michael Spinks is a blown-up light-heavyweight weighing just over 14 stone at the time.
      “Gerry Cooney is 6ft 7in, 18st, look what happened. These are speed-men, you just can’t have that straight-up, going forward, looking to land a bomb on these kinds of fighters because guess what? They can see it coming and they will avoid it.
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      “Usyk is very good, he is a good mover, he’s got a brain, he’s got good footwork and the style for Deontay Wilder and Francis Ngannou isn’t going to cut it for a man like Usyk.”
      Fury has deployed different styles throughout his career depending on his opponent.
      In his first meeting with Wilder he set out a defensive stance and looked to counter the powerful American, before a switch to trainer SugarHill Steward saw him dominate the Bronze Bomber in their next two bouts.
      Fury, 35, also became world champion for the first time by feinting and jabbing his way to a unanimous decision victory over Wladimir Klitschko.
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      Fury has been warned about complacency by fellow heavyweight Zhilei Zhang after he laboured to a points win over former UFC champion Francis Ngannou last time out.
      While Anthony Joshua, who has twice faced Usyk and lost, believes the Ukrainian’s ring craft and experience will prove too much for Fury to deal with. More

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      Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk: UK start time, TV channel, live stream and full details as new fight date CONFIRMED

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      TYSON FURY and Oleksandr Usyk are finally set to clash in a massive undisputed fight next month. The two heavyweight titans were due to fight on December 23rd, but it was put on ice after the Gypsy King’s clash with Francis Ngannou in late October.
      Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk have confirmed a new date for their huge undisputed heavyweight fightCredit: EPA

      Fury is the holder of the WBC title and overcame the former UFC champion in controversial circumstances in Saudi Arabia.
      The Gypsy King was dropped in the third round before labouring to a points win on the night.
      Usyk is coming off wins over Fury’s compatriots in, Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua.
      The fight is one of the biggest that can be made in the sport and will be the first time that all four titles are on the line.
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      Usyk, who holds the WBA, WBO and IBF straps, has a record of 21-0, while Fury, also undefeated, sits at 33-1-0
      When is Fury vs Usyk going to take place?

      Fury’s clash with Usyk will take place on Saturday, February 17 2024.
      The bout will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at the Kingdom Arena.
      Expect ring-walks to get going from around 10.30pm UK time.

      What TV channel will it be on?
      Fury vs Usyk will likely be shown live on TNT Sports Box Office in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the TNT Sports Box Office app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
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      What has been said?
      The pair were separated after their heated face-off to promote their colossal undisputed heavyweight fight in February.
      Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk face off ahead of their huge undisputed heavyweight bout in Saudi ArabiaCredit: EPA
      Despite Usyk standing his grown, Fury insists he saw fear in the unified heavyweight champion’s eyes.
      The undefeated WBC king said: “I think he’s scared to death. He’s rattled.
      “His balls are twitching now, boys. His a***hole is flapping.”
      Former pound-for-pound king Usyk believes Fury’s shenanigans were borne out of fear.
      He said: “The man behaves like that when he’s afraid and he doesn’t feel comfort.
      “He’s not sure about anything.”
      Usyk later added: “For me, this is a big opportunity [becoming] undisputed. For my family, my country.
      “[And] my people, who now defend my country.”
      Usyk will become only the second male fighter in boxing history to become an undisputed champion in two weight classes should he overcome Fury in their showdown.
      But the former cruiserweight king insisted: “There is no destiny.
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      “God gives me this opportunity and I’m using the opportunity.
      “Thanks God for everything.” More

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      Eddie Hearn brutally slammed for ‘complete 180’ after Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou fight announcement

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      CARL FROCH has hit out at Eddie Hearn after Anthony Joshua’s fight against Francis Ngannou was announced.AJ defeated Otto Wallin in his previous outing last month in the hope of setting up a clash with Deontay Wilder.
      Carl Froch has slammed Eddie Hearn for changing his mind on Francis NgannouCredit: PA:Press Association
      AJ and Hearn planned to fight Deontay Wilder only for him to lose his last clashCredit: Getty
      But the Bronze Bomber suffered a shock defeat to Joseph Parker on the same night and it scuppered plans for a blockbuster bout.
      Hearn had to rethink and he has since finalised a deal to see AJ fight Ngannou.
      Back in October, he put his MMA career on hold to face Tyson Fury.
      Ngannou surprisingly knocked the Gypsy King to the canvas and was unfortunate not to win on points.
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      Prior to the clash, Hearn mocked it as “a total mismatch’ and a “cash grab”.
      Those words have led to former world champion Froch claiming that the promoter is a hypocrite.
      Froch said on his YouTube channel: “So Hearn has done a complete 180 on his original comments saying it’s a cash grab.
      “Well, this is a cash grab, let’s be honest. It’s not a world title fight.
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      “There’s a mixed response – some people want to see the fight, it’s decent enough but it’s not proper heavyweight boxing.”
      Reports have predicted that Ngannou could pocket £15.7m from the clash and the Brit even more.
      Though Froch admits he is intrigued by the bout despite thinking AJ should be focusing on titles, saying: “My initial thoughts are it’s not a bad fight.
      “It’s a fight that Joshua could potentially struggle with.
      “We saw Ngannou against Fury and Fury struggled. Was that because Ngannou is really good or Fury didn’t quite turn up? I think the latter… but Ngannou was tidy.
      “It’s a fight I’m looking forward to if I’m totally honest. It’s a fight I could get excited about.
      “I’m just not sure that it should be happening, because AJ wants to become a three-time heavyweight champion. But where’s the title?”
      The official date of Joshua vs Ngannou is yet to be announced but March 8 in Saudi Arabia has been hinted at.
      Francis Ngannou controversially lost to Tyson Fury in OctoberCredit: Getty More

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      Francis Ngannou hints at Tyson Fury rematch date as he reveals contract clause before money-spinning exhibition

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      FRANCIS NGANNOU has confirmed he will have a rematch with Tyson Fury after controvresially losing to the Gypsy King in October.But first, the Cameroonian fighter will head back in the ring for a lucrative Saudi showdown with Anthony Joshua in March.
      Francis Ngannou has revealed a rematch will happen with Tyson Fury in OctoberCredit: Reuters
      Ngannou will first be back in action against Anthony Joshua in MarchCredit: Getty
      In October last year Ngannou shocked the world on is boxing debut with a virtuoso display against WBC heavyweight champ Tyson Fury, dropping him in the third round of their “Battle of the Baddest”.
      Despite the former UFC heavyweight champion controversially losing on points to the Gypsy King – he is ready to get back in the ring to do it all again.
      In an interview with the MMA Hour the Predator confirmed the contract clause between him and Fury meant a rematch would not happen right away, but within 12 months of the first bout.

      He said: “The rematch has never been right away.
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      “I think there’s even a slight chance that the ‘right away’ is the Usyk rematch.
      “Because I think their term is even closer, our rematch term was in one year. Within one year. Which is still gonna be in October this year.”
      But before Fury, Ngannou will take on AJ in a money-spinning clash where Forbes predict after pay-per-view and additional bonuses, the Cameroonian will take home at least $20m (£15.7m).
      SunSport understands the Riyadh rumble has been earmarked for March 9 – the date initially reserved for Joshua’s now dead-in-the-water clash with Deontay Wilder.
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      Meanwhile, Fury will bid to become the undisputed ruler of the heavyweight division in Saudi Arabia next month in a long-overdue showdown with former pound-for-pound king Oleksandr Usyk.
      Ngannou continued: “It’s going to happen. I mean there’s Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, even then we spoke about it.
      “There’s Fury and Usyk going on, so the Joshua fight was like an opportunity.
      “I was waiting for Fury, but this was the opportunity that I was happy to take, I asked for.
      “And at the end of the day, this won’t take anything away from the Fury rematch.”
      Ngannou is also signed with the Professional Fighters League so fans could expect him to return to MMA in between his fights with AJ and Fury.
      He hasn’t been in the octagon since his win over Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 in January 2022. More

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      Eddie Hearn won’t let me fight Anthony Joshua – he thinks I’m too much of a risk, claims Zhilei Zhang

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      ZHILEI ZHANG claims Anthony Joshua is being protected from a fight against him.Joshua, 34, secured a third successive win in Saudi Arabia in December with an impressive fifth-round stoppage of Swede Otto Wallin.
      Anthony Joshua is set to face Francis Ngannou in MarchCredit: Reuters
      Zhilei Zhang believes promoter Eddie Hearn is protecting Joshua from the Chinese heavyweightCredit: Getty
      On the same night, a huge clash with Deontay Wilder disappeared as the American was beaten by Joseph Parker.
      Now Joshua is set to take on former UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou on March 9 following the MMA star’s controversial loss to Tyson Fury on his pro debut.
      And Zhang, 40, who is coming off back-to-back victories over Joe Joyce, is not surprised Joshua’s team have opted for an Ngannou fight.
      Speaking to Boxing News, he said: “I can’t say I’m disappointed, it’s a matter of personal choice, Joshua has his personal choice.
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      “If you look at Ngannou, he’s come into the sport and has a record of 0 and 1. He’s the cash cow.
      “If I fought Ngannou I would make a ton of money. What is boxing, is it a business or a competitive sport? That’s the question.”
      Zhang, who was previously signed with Joshua’s representation Eddie Hearn, then cited the promoter as the reason for an AJ fight not materialising.
      He added: “Actually I never thought this fight would be made. If Joshua believes he only has 40 per cent chance he can beat me, it won’t happen.
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      Hearn has promoted Joshua since his professional debut in 2013Credit: Rex
      Ngannou has landed another blockbuster heavyweight clashCredit: Reuters
      “I don’t even think it’s a 60-40 in his head. Eddie Hearn will not let him fight me. It’s too much of a risk.
      “When I signed with Matchroom a couple of years ago, that was one of the conversations we had.
      “My team flew to London to talk about it but it’s been years and it never materialised. They know how to avoid all the risks.
      “That’s how he [Hearn] does his work as a promoter, he builds up whatever he wants to build up.
      “I believe they successfully avoided all the risks but I don’t know if this fight will ever happen in the future, they will just keep using my name to build up whatever they want to build up.”
      Zhang boasts a professional record of 26 wins, one draw and one defeat.
      His only loss came in controversial fashion against Filip Hrgovic in 2022.
      He is being linked with a fight against Wilder on the undercard of Joshua vs Ngannou. More