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      Anthony Joshua to rematch Daniel Dubois in Saudi Arabia after Wembley loss and makes decision on trainer Ben Davison

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA and Daniel Dubois are heading for a Riyadh rematch following their Wembley war. Dubois sent AJ to the canvas FOUR times on his way to a stunning fifth-round knockout victory. Anthony Joshua is set to rematch Daniel Dubois in Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyTalk soon turned to what will be next for Joshua, with a rematch on offer but Tyson Fury also fighting Oleksandr Usyk on December 21. But his promoter Eddie Hearn revealed AJ is leaning towards a second crack at Dubois and the IBF belt – with a decision now imminent. Hearn told FightHub: “If it was up to AJ, straight rematch. “But he will take the advice of me and 258 [Management] and Ben Davison and everybody and then he will make the decision. READ MORE IN BOXING”But it will be a decision that probably comes in the next couple of weeks.” Usyk, 37, beat Fury, 36, in May to become the first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion in history. But he vacated the IBF belt to proceed with the winter rematch as Dubois, 27, was elevated from interim champ. Joshua, 34, can consider waiting for Fury to fight Usyk to challenge his British rival but he runs the risk of sitting on the sidelines. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd Hearn revealed Saudi Arabia’s boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh is on board for AJ to rematch Dubois. But with rerun eyed for February, it would fall under Riyadh Season meaning the rivalry looks likely to head to the Middle East. Tyson Fury willing to wait until he’s 50-YEARS-OLD to fight Anthony Joshua and says rival ‘knows he’s getting it’Hearn said: “I think it would be part of Riyadh Season in Riyadh. Riyadh Season runs from October to end of February, early March. “So anything within that period takes place in Riyadh. So yeah, it would be part of Riyadh Season if it were to happen.” In the aftermath of Joshua’s loss his coaching team led by head trainer Davison came under fire. But Hearn talked down any threat of Davison being sacked as a result.He said: “He’s happy. He has to make the changes himself. There was a clear plan of what to do but he didn’t do it. “And you have to give credit to Daniel Dubois. I don’t think it should just be, ‘Oh, AJ didn’t box well.’ Dubois did really well and hats off to him. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But he’s happy with his training camp, he was in great condition, he was sparring really well. “So, in my opinion there won’t be any changes. He’s got to put it right and he can do it himself.” Ben Davison came under criticism for Joshua’s lossCredit: Getty More

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      Tyson Fury willing to wait until he’s 50-YEARS-OLD to fight Anthony Joshua and says rival ‘knows he’s getting it’

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      TYSON FURY is willing to wait until he is 50-YEARS-OLD to fight Anthony Joshua. The pair of British superstars have spent years agonisingly circling each other without yet sharing the ring. Tyson Fury is willing to wait until he is 50 to fight Anthony JoshuaCredit: GettyJoshua was lined up to fight Fury next yearCredit: ReutersThey looked on course to do so next year with a double header – from Saudi Arabia to London – being put together behind the scenes. But AJ looks to have blown it after suffering a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium. Fury meanwhile rematches Oleksandr Usyk on December 21 following his undisputed title loss in May.But the Gypsy King, 36, warned Joshua there is no way out of their Battle of Britain – which will commence sooner or later. READ MORE IN BOXINGHe said ahead of the console release of boxing video game Undisputed: “Joshua, he knows he’s getting it. “Even if we’re 50 years old he’s got to fight me. There’s no escaping it, he cannot escape me.”Even if we are 50, we’re still going to sell out Wembley. That is a fact, and anybody they can all get it.”Usyk, 37, became the first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion in history when he took Fury’s WBC belt and unbeaten record. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut to proceed with their rematch, he was forced to vacate the IBF title which Dubois, 27, inherited after being elevated from interim champ. And he sensationally KOd Joshua, 34, in his first defence to further shelve Fury’s plan to face AJ.Joshua has since held talks with promoter Eddie Hearn and Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh. And a rematch with Dubois – eyed for February – is already in the works. Daniel Dubois knocked out Joshua at WembleyCredit: GETTY More

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      Barry Hearn reveals real reason son Eddie made ‘huge’ decision to take Matchroom boxing away from Sky after 30 years

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      PROMOTER Barry Hearn has opened up on Matchroom’s dramatic split from Sky Sports. The company signed with DAZN in June 2021, ending a three-decade boxing partnership with the broadcasting giants.Promoters Eddie Hearn and Barry Hearn moved Matchroom Boxing to DAZN in 2021Credit: GettyThe pair recently claimed Matchroom is worth £1billionCredit: GettyHearn’s son Eddie was instrumental in negotiating the five-year, £100 million deal.The lucrative contract cemented the relationship between Matchroom and DAZN, which already held exclusive rights to show the promoter’s fights in the rest of the world. Two-time heavyweight champ Anthony Joshua was exempt from the deal as he already had a contract signed with Sky. On his podcast The Barry Hearn Show, the 76-year-old dived into the financial thinking behind the move.READ MORE ON BOXINGHearn said: “We’re all influenced by money.”The only danger as promoters, especially like us, is we tell the truth. “If someone wants something, and they are prepared to pay…”We left Sky after 30 years of boxing. Why? We had a great relationship with them.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”But a new player [DAZN] came in and gave us the chance to take the sport to the levels we believe it is capable of.”Hearn added that DAZN “paid several times more than their incumbent broadcaster.”Boxing legend spotted in Hyde Park as Eddie Hearn runs with hundreds of people before Anthony Joshua vs Daniel DuboisHe continued: “It was Sky who made the decision not to compete.”And I don’t say it was the wrong decision, it was their decision.”But in my world, my job is to expand my sports and the commercialisation of those sports.”So that I do well, the company does well, and my sportsmen and women earn rewards that used to be off the scale.”How AJ punched his way to the topANTHONY JOSHUA punched his way to the top of the world before being knocked off his perch.Earlier this year, Hearn revealed business was booming following the move.He told an episode of Piers Morgan Uncensored: “The business is worth over a billion.”Hearn Snr. launched Matchroom back in 1982, with snooker at its heart.He recently sent a warning to Sheffield City Council over the future of the iconic Crucible Theatre.The Crucible has hosted the Snooker World Championship since 1977.But Hearn is keen for a “new venue” to be built, allowing him to sell 3,000 tickets a session.Speaking on his podcast, he said: “I have to live in the real world.”It’s why I don’t do pay-per-view shows or Anthony Joshua fights at York Hall, Bethnal Green.”I think York Hall is the greatest fight atmosphere venue in the world, it’s just not fit for purpose.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And the Crucible is not fit for purpose.”I want to stay in Sheffield, and I’ve told the Sheffield City Council numerous occasions over the last few years. They have three more years. I will move.” More

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      Terence Crawford in U-turn over Conor McGregor clash with boxer ‘tempted’ after UFC star reveals HUGE fight purse

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      TERENCE CRAWFORD has admitted he is tempted by Conor McGregor’s two-fight deal – after seeing the money that is on offer. McGregor revealed a package was on the table for a never-before-seen doubler header in boxing and MMA with Crawford.Terence Crawford admitted he is tempted by Conor McGregor’s two-fight dealCredit: APMcGregor revealed the shock talksCredit: GettyBut the former undisputed world boxing champion initially said no amount of money could convince him to get kicked or elbowed. That was until McGregor posted online: “Big respect to @tbudcrawford! “$100million dollars a fight, 1 mma, 1 boxing. $200million dollars!”To which Crawford responded: “Tempted.” READ MORE IN BOXINGMcGregor put his UFC career on hold in 2017 to face ring great Floyd Mayweather in a crossover clash worth huge sums.Crawford wrestled in his youth but went on to become one of the greatest boxers of his era.McGregor said during a Duelbits livestream: “Crawford is very slick, he also has a wrestling background pedigree.”You know they’re always talking to me about bouts. I’ve already boxed a boxer, and the best boxer in MMA is me.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”You know what I mean? I generate the most. We were talking back and forth about a two-fight deal.”In Crawford’s last fight he beat Israil Madrimov to win the WBA super-welterweight world title.Conor McGregor reveals talks worth ‘hundreds of millions’ for two-fight boxing and MMA deal with unbeaten champIt was also his first with Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh’s Riyadh Season – who recently partnered with the UFC.And McGregor, 36, was the first to reveal that Crawford, 37, was approached for the two-fight deal – before declining.He said: “I get on the phone and say ‘Crawford, they’re here talking about you and me. Two-fight deal, MMA first, boxing second.”I know you have an extensive wrestling background, and balls the size of a Bengal tiger.”They’re asking for a fight, it’ll be hundreds of millions on the line. ‘What’s up?’, I said.”And then he goes, ‘I don’t fancy taking a kick off Conor McGregor’, that’s what he said. You have to respect that.”McGregor has been out of action since July 2021 when he broke his leg before being ruled out of his return bout in June.The Irishman was forced to pull out of facing Michael Chandler due to a toe injury.Chandler, 38, has since signed to rematch Charles Oliveira, 34, on November 16 to leave McGregor’s next fight in doubt.Crawford meanwhile is a four-division champion and considered one of the best boxers on the planet.He is currently eyeing a super-fight against Mexican icon Canelo Alvarez, 34, despite rumours of pondering retirement.And he joked a switch to MMA to fight McGregor is not something he takes lightly. Crawford said to Bernie the Boxer: “I told Conor, ‘Hell no’.”They called me and they offered me the fight and me and Conor got on the phone and started trying to figure something out.”And I told him, ‘Man I ain’t getting into no octagon with you so you can be kicking me and elbow me and s***’.”He started laughing and s*** and he said ‘Man, I respect it. You respect my sport just like I respect your sport and you understand that if you get in an octagon you’re going to be at a disadvantage.READ MORE SUN STORIES”‘Just like if I get into the boxing ring with you, I’m going to be at a disadvantage’. But he was like, ‘We will make a s*** ton of money’. “I said, ‘Yeah, sometimes it ain’t about the money, I can make money but you ain’t about to be kicking me, dude’. Kicks and elbows man that s*** ain’t no joke.” More

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      Adam Azim ready to put friendship aside for Ohara Davies fight… and plans to celebrate win with his pet GOAT Tootsie

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      ADAM AZIM is putting friendships aside to fight Ohara Davies – and plans to celebrate victory with his pet GOAT Tootsie. Azim faces Davies in an all-British super-lightweight clash on October 19 at the Copper Box Arena. Adam Azim facing off with Ohara DaviesCredit: Boxxer Azim and Davies are good friends outside the ringIt comes after his fight with Chris Eubank Jr’s cousin Harlem collapsed.So Azim was forced to look elsewhere and landed on 25-3 Davies – who he goes way back with. He told SunSport: “We have got respect for each other. “We’re friends and we’ve known each other for years, but obviously this is business nothing personal.READ MORE IN BOXING”So I’ve got full respect for him, and on the fight night we’ve got respect there and also we’re gonna have respect after that.”So it’s sad that we have to fight each other, but it’s the boxing world. We’ve got other fighters, like Joshua Buatsi versus Dan Azeez. They were initially friends, and obviously they’re still friends afterwards. So I still respect him absolutely.”CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA lot has changed since Azim’s last fight, a fifth-round knockout against Enock Poulsen in February. Most read in BoxingHe starred in the BBC documentary series Stable, following trainer Shane McGuigan’s gym of fighters. I’m an unbeaten boxer looking to become the GOAT – and I’ve already bought an actual goat and called him TootsieAnd the unbeaten boxer also became the pet owner of a goat he named Tootsie – but is yet to spend time with him. Azim, 22, said: “He’s good. He’s at the farm. I’ve obviously had no time to go see him yet.”Maybe I need to bring him out to the press conference. You never know. So that would be good, not a bad idea, to be honest.”The European champion is looking to cap off the biggest win of his career by celebrating it with pet Tootsie his baby sister. He said: “I’ve got a baby sitter at home, so I’m always training hard and when I go home, I see my baby sister.”It gives me that boost because she makes me laugh. She’s such a cute baby as well.”So obviously that’s like me going to see my goat as well, which I don’t have time for.”But after my fight, I definitely will go see him as I’ve just left him at the farm! I’ve not go see him.”Azim is the European super-lightweight championCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunHe has a pet goat named Tootsie More

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      Jake Paul fires dig at Mike Tyson, 58, for demanding boxing rule change ahead of controversial Netflix fight

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      JAKE PAUL has fired a dig at Mike Tyson for demanding the rules be changed ahead of their controversial fight. YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul faces heavyweight boxing icon Tyson on November 15 in a bout widely slammed over the 30-year age gap. Jake Paul fired a dig at Mike Tyson for demanding the rules be changed for their fightCredit: RexThe fight is set to be professionally sanctioned with records going on the line – but with modified rules. Paul claimed Tyson requested shorter two minutes rounds – opposed to the usual three – with bigger 14oz gloves also to be worn. He told the Daily Mail: “It’s interesting, I’m just, I’m just basing s*** off of facts.”He’s like, ‘Watch your shape, watch your shape’. I’m like, ‘Alright, but you watch it’.READ MORE IN BOXING”It could be to his advantage. I think it’s also smart that he’s doing that. I’m fighting on all of his rules and what he wanted.”He wanted it to be a pro fight. He wanted eight, two-minute rounds. So I’m giving him everything he wants.”I’m going to his playground, and I’m going to beat his ass. I mean, it’s just being alert and knowing what to do in that situation.”Tyson, 58, was forced to pull out of the initial July 20 date after suffering an ulcer flare up in his stomach. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe has since been deemed medically fit to continue training and is required to undergo additional brain and hearts tests ahead of his fight. Paul, 27, has ten wins and only one loss in the boxing ring, losing a 2023 split-decision to Tommy Fury, 25. Mike Tyson sends chilling warning that Jake Paul ‘has to go’ as he claims ‘I started his career, now I’ll finish him’ Tyson meanwhile returns for his first pro fight since 2005 despite facing Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition bout in 2020. His comeback also marks Netflix’s first move into live boxing while the Dallas Cowboy’s 80,000-seat stadium plays host. Paul was forced to defend the fight and said: “Mike does what Mike wants to do, and he’s the one that you know wanted to make this a pro fight. “He’s still wanting to do it, and he believes he can beat my ass truly behind the scenes. ‘To him, age is just a number, and he does look athletic, he does look strong, and he does look good on the mitts so we’ll see how it translates to the ring.” More

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      British boxing icon John Conteh was the David Beckham of his era but celebrity lifestyle led to his downfall

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      YOU didn’t have to be Angelo Dundee to realise you were watching an immense talent when John Conteh won the middleweight gold medal at the 1970 Commonwealth Games.But I had no idea as I saw him brilliantly outbox a Tanzanian in the final in Edinburgh that the 19-year-old kid from Kirkby was about to evolve in a few years into JC Superstar.John Conteh was the David Beckham of his eraCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdBecause of his outstanding ability, knockout-handsome film star looks and cheeky Merseyside charisma, it was no surprise he was made financial offers to turn pro he couldn’t refuse.Four years later he was ready to challenge Argentine Jorge Ahumada for his WBC world light-heavyweight title, at Wembley’s Empire Pool.Conteh delivered a superb points victory — it was the peak performance of his life. Everything was on display, his considerable skills, speed of thought and movement, brutal punching, plus heart and desire to bring the title to Britain.READ MORE IN BOXINGIt was only Ahumada’s teak-tough chin that got him through the 15 rounds.To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the most momentous moment of Conteh’s nine-year career, he is being honoured with a star-studded tribute lunch organised by the London Ex- Boxers Association at Holborn’s Connaught Rooms on October 20.When LEBA secretary Ray Caulfield announced the event in June, there were those who wondered if it would attract a large enough crowd.But when the £125 tickets went on sale, within a matter of days all 400 had been snapped up. And Conteh, at 73, was involved in yet another sell-out.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFrank Bruno, Michael Watson and David Haye will pay homage to one of our all-time great fighters, along with celebrities from football and showbiz.In the 1970s John was one of this country’s most famous sporting personalities — the David Beckham of his era.Sky Sports forced to apologise after boxer swears in live TV interviewImmediately after he had beaten Ahumada, it was the start of a celebrity lifestyle that eventually led to his downfall.Conteh’s marketability saw his face staring out from the front covers of magazines and advertising hoardings.He was a guest on Parkinson and every other TV chat show and made appearances at functions nationwide.As you went down the escalators of every London underground station there were pictures of a near-naked John modelling men’s underwear.He was also a regular at Tramp, then Mayfair’s most fashionable nightclub.Unfortunately, excessive drinking led to him becoming an alcoholic — which is why sadly he only realised 50 per cent of his potential.Arguably, John’s greatest winning fight was overcoming his drink disease.He never hid away from his problems and hasn’t touched alcohol for nearly 40 years, which must be an inspiration to fellow sufferers.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhat I love about my favourite Scouser is that he always has time for young and old who want selfies or simply to have a chat.Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are the present-day darlings of boxing fans — it would be interesting to know if they will still be sought after in 50 years.John Conteh during “Rocky Balboa” London Premiere in 2007Credit: Getty More

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      Awkward moment Sky Sports host tells boxing champ ‘broadcasting rules are different here.. you can’t do that’ on live TV

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      THIS is the awkward moment a Sky Sports presenter told a world champ on live TV that “the rules are different here… you can’t do that.”The broadcaster was caught off-guard on Thursday ahead of a major event later this month.Jai Opetaia had an awkward moment live on Sky SportsThe cruiserweight champ is fighting Jack Massey later this monthCredit: GettyWith football the talk of the town, Sky Sports instead fixed its attention on a boxing fight in Saudi Arabia.The main event has Dimitri Bivol taking on Artur Beterbiev.But one thrilling undercard clash will see British ace Jack Massey attempt to win the IBF and Ring cruiserweight titles off Jai Opetaia.And the Aussie champ hit Sky Sports screens today to explain his thoughts and mindset behind the upcoming blockbuster.READ MORE IN BOXINGOpetaia has won all 25 of his pro fights, with his latest coming against Mairis Briedis in May.Massey is set to be his toughest opponent yet, having previously been the IBO cruiserweight champ.But while explaining his training process and fight tactics, Opetaia put his foot in it by swearing on live TV.This resulted in a mild ticking-off from the Sky Sports host, who also apologised to viewers watching the talk.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOpetatia first said: “I used to think that mindset, once I win a world title it’s going to fix all my problems.“But unfortunately I’ve had a few run-ins with some dirty promoters and things haven’t always worked to plan.Jack Massey works out as he prepares for his fight against Jai Opetaia The main event sees Artur Beterbiev take on Dimitry BivolCredit: Getty“I won a world title and the next day I woke up the same. You can’t eat f*****g gold belts.”The presenter quickly interjected, saying: “The broadcasting rules are slightly different here, you can’t swear. Apologies.”But Opetaia continued: “It means something to me, I get pumped up. We’ve made a lot of pain and sacrifice for this stuff.“The belts are just bonuses now, I used to chase them but winning these fights is all I think about.”Opetaia vs Massey is sure to be a mouth-watering encounter later this month.The Aussie previously said: “We want to be the undisputed cruiserweight champion”We want to collect the belts and then we want to move up and collect more belts either the bridgerweight or the heavyweight.”A three-division world champion sounds good. I am the best cruiserweight in the world.”It’s easy to say that stuff. I’ve just got to keep proving it. I’ve got to prove it again on the 12th and prove it my next fight and keep collecting these belts.”While Massey added: “I quite like [being the underdog]. I’ve always been that underdog guy, from my amateur days. I’ve had to borrow boots, shorts and fight kit.”I know I’ve got a very tough night ahead of me, he’s the top guy in the cruiserweight division, but I believe I can get in there, beat him, give it my all and leave everything in there.”Other fights on the same bill include Chris Eubank Jr vs Kamil Szeremeta, Fabio Wardley vs Frazer Clarke and Ben Whittaker vs Liam Cameron.But all eyes will be fixed on the main event of Beterbiev vs Bivol.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe two superstars are competing for the BF, WBC, WBO and WBA light heavyweight titles.And it is sure to be one of the year’s top fights. More