Heavyweight boxing

OLEKSANDR USYK’s unified heavyweight title defence against Daniel Dubois has been confirmed.Boxing’s pound-for-pound king was set to face Tyson Fury in an undisputed showdown in the spring.
Daniel Dubois is the mandatory challenge for Oleksandr Usyk’s WBA heavyweight titleCredit: GETTY
Triple D will get his crack at boxing’s pound-for-pound king on August 26Credit: AP
The pair’s title fight will take place in Wroclaw, PolandCredit: GETTY
But talks over the historic bout collapsed after very public and heated negotiations.
Team Usyk then turned their attention to the mandatory challenger for the WBA strap – Brit bruiser Dubois.
And the pair will throw down in a Polish punch-up in Wroclaw on August 26.
Former undisputed cruiserweight king Usyk announced his second defence of the unified thone on Instagram on Thursday.
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Along with the official fight poster, the undefeated Ukranian wrote: “See you 26 August.”
Boxing fans were quick to comment, with several expressing their frustration with the bout.
One said: “Heavyweight boxing is finished.”
Another said: “Another heavyweight match nobody cares about. Well done.”
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And another said: “Dubois gonna see 10 Uysk’s dancing around him!”
One remarked: “Dubois isn’t ready for Usyk he’s not on that level.”
Another chimed in: “Easy night for Usyk. He’s a different league than DD – no comparison.”
Usyk vs Dubois came to fruition after the WBA ordered the bout following the collapse of the former’s undisputed clash with Fury.
Dubois’ punch-up with Usyk will be his first full world title fight, in which promoter Frank Warren expects him to cause a major upset.
The Queensberry Promotions chief told SecondsOut: “I look at the fights [Usyk] had at heavyweight.
“Derek Chisora about 18 months, maybe two years ago springs to mind.
” For six, seven rounds Chisora gave him a lot of problems. He was there with him, there was nothing in it.
“They picked Chisora for a reason but look what Tyson [Fury] did with Chisora and look at that.
“His two fights with [Anthony Joshua], AJ weren’t at the races, he was on the back foot all the time. For me, AJ is not the fighter he was.
“I look at that, I look at [Daniel] and I just know that’s he powerful, he’s got a good jab, he’s faster than people think.
“If Usyk gets clipped and tastes some of that power it’s gunna be interesting to see how he reacts.
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“Usyk hasn’t had a performance that has been a jaw-dropping and dramatic performance.
“No disrespect, he’s done what he has to do, but I feel Daniel will be in the right place at the right time [to win.]”
Daniel Dubois goes into his first world title fight as a huge underdogCredit: GETTY More

ANTHONY JOSHUA has been warned his chin has been cracked and he can no longer “take a shot”.The Watford warrior has only been stopped once in his career but has shown a susceptibility to being hurt since his stunning upset defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr four years ago.
Anthony Joshua was stopped four years ago in a huge upset defeat to Andy Ruiz JrCredit: GETTY
AJ has boxed cautiously since being dethroned by Ruiz JrCredit: AFP or licensors
Barry McGuigan reckons Joshua has lost his killer instinct can no longer take a shotCredit: GETTY
AJ has boxed cautiously ever since that fateful night at Madison Square Garden, which Barry McGuigan believes but did a number on his willingness to stay in the fire.
During an appearance on William Hill’s Up Front with Simon Jordan, the former WBA featherweight champion said: “I really like Anthony Joshua and I don’t really know him personally.
“But his ability to take a shot has disappeared.
“He’s not willing to run into the lion’s den and get shots fired at him, shots that miss him by whiskers that could knock him unconscious.
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“I don’t know if he has the want to do that anymore.”
McGuigan reckons AJ’s reluctance to stay in the pocket will be his undoing against his fellow elite heavyweights.
The Irishman continued: “Once that happens, I don’t think he will beat any of the top guys.
“He’s still a great fighter, but I just don’t think he beats the top guys because of that.”
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Joshua, 33, is set to have his chin tested in an August rematch with long-time rival Dillian Whyte.
It’s understood the pair’s third showdown is on the brink of being announced after both teams finally reached a suitable agreement.

Should Joshua get past the Brixton banger, he’ll tee up a December dust-up with long-time rival Deontay Wilder.
And promoter Eddie Hearn recently revealed the duo’s long-overdue grudge match is on the verge of being finalised.

He told Boxing News: “Obviously with our meetings with Saudi on Friday, Thursday.
“We’re in a really great place we virtually have a deal agreed in principle subject to a few final discussions.
“We’re meeting them again on Monday.
“I think we’re in a good place but we want to fight on August 12th, and it’s important to his development and his momentum that he does and that’s still the plan.” More

ANTHONY JOSHUA reached out to old rival and friend Wladimir Klitschko for SWIMMING advice. Joshua is out in Dallas training for his next fight but the sweltering heat left him with horror blisters on his feet.
Anthony Joshua reached out to Wladimir Klitschko for swimming advice
Anthony Joshua in training for his next fight
So AJ swapped the track for the pool and sought the advice of heavyweight legend Klitschko, who implemented swimming in his training regime.
He said on his YouTube channel: “Spoke to Klitschko and he gave me some swimming ideas.
“It will be tough. His are gonna be tougher than mine, for sure.”
Joshua struck up a friendship after being invited into Klitschko’s training camp for sparring.
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Years later they would go onto share one of the most thrilling fights in heavyweight history, which AJ won in round 11.
Klitschko, now 47, retired after and remains a good friend and mentor to Joshua, 33.
AJ returned with victory in April, beating Jermaine Franklin, 29, on points following consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, 36.
And he is now in talks for his next TWO fights.
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Promoter Eddie Hearn has been at the forefront of negotiations for Joshua to face Deontay Wilder, 37, in Saudi Arabia.
But beforehand, AJ is set to return on August 12 at the O2 Arena against long-time British rival Dillian Whyte, 35.
Whyte – who beat Joshua in the amateurs but lost in the pros in 2015 – has returned a signed contract for the rematch.
And an announcement is set to follow to confirm the grudge bout.
AJ and Klitschko once shared the ringCredit: Getty
Anthony Joshua beat Dillian Whyte in 2015Credit: Reuters More

ANTHONY JOSHUA has given an unusual insight into his bedroom habits as part of his latest video.The heavyweight has been documenting his training camp ahead of his slated August 12 clash with Dillian Whyte on YouTube.
Anthony Joshua says he is a big fan of organisationCredit: YOUTUBE @AnthonyJoshua
He encouraged viewers to change their sheets at least once a weekCredit: YOUTUBE @AnthonyJoshua
The behind-the-scenes look offers an insight into what Joshua gets up to in his downtime – which includes his unusual washing habits.
Joshua says in the video: “I wash my bed sheets twice a week.”
He then points at the camera and says: “Leave your comments, how often do you wash your bed sheets?
“If you don’t wash them (that often) that’s alright no one’s judging you…

“But you should wash them at least once (a week)”
Joshua then went on to open up about how he is feeling more grounded ahead of his expected bout with Whyte.
He said: “This is the first time in a long time that I’m feeling settled.
“Where for the last two to three years I’ve moved coaches and it’s been difficult because every coach has their own philosophy.
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“So now I’m with Derrick James, it’s my second camp.
“The first (camp) was just nine weeks so we had to get down to business straight away but now it’s my second camp and I’m able to express myself more.”
Joshua will be hoping to overcome Whyte as he looks to build confidence ahead of a rumoured fight with Deontay Wilder in Suadi Arabia in December.
Whyte and Joshua fought as amateurs in 2009 with Whyte knocking Joshua down on his way to a points victory.
That started a feud which festered until the two fought as professionals in 2015.
Joshua won the bout after a seventh round technical knockout.
A well as a rematch with Whyte nearing agreement, Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn provided a positive update regarding Joshua and Wilder’s rumoured dust up in December.
He told Boxing News: “Obviously with our meetings with Saudi on Friday, Thursday,
“We’re in a really great place we virtually have a deal agreed in principle subject to a few final discussions.
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“We’re meeting them again on Monday.
“I think we’re in a good place but we want to fight on August 12th, and it’s important to his development and his momentum that he does and that’s still the plan.” More

TYSON FURY has reignited his war of words with Anthony Joshua after getting wind of his rival’s recent bizarre training session.Former two-time unified heavyweight champion Joshua is gearing up to take part in the second fight of his career rebuild on August 12.
Anthony Joshua recently took a break from the heavy bag to hit a mattressCredit: SNAPCHAT GHOST (@AJBOXING)
AJ drilled the mattress with several combinationsCredit: SNAPCHAT GHOST (@AJBOXING)
It didn’t take long for Tyson Fury to take the mickey out of JoshuaCredit: INSTAGRAM@TYSONFURY
Joshua, 33, has been hard at work in Texas under the watchful eye of new head trainer Derrick James ahead of his ring return.
The Watford warrior recently lightened the load on his fists by hitting a mattress with several combinations.
It didn’t take long for the clip to come to the attention of Fury, who didn’t hold back with his criticism.
He commented: “Proper sausage.”

Boxing fans were quick to respond to Fury’s taunt, with one saying: “Haha what a hilarious comment.”
Another said: “Tyson is funny AF.”
And another said: “Sausage.”
One remarked: “Get up Tyson.”
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Another chimed in: “These 2 better fight one day man!”
Dillian Whyte also weighed in, chiming in: “Is mind is gone.”
Joshua is on the brink of renewing his 14-year rivalry with Brixton banger Whyte, whom he first locked horns with as an amateur back in 2009.
Negotiations over a professional rematch between the pair have been ongoing for the last month.
And the fight moved a huge step closer to coming to fruition late last month when Team Joshua removed a rematch clause placed in the first contract sent to Whyte.
Joshua will look to use Whyte to further build his confidence ahead of a December dust-up with former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder.

And Promoter Eddie Hearn has claimed the deal for the long-time rivals to finally throw down is on the brink of being finalised.
He told Boxing News: “Obviously with our meetings with Saudi on Friday, Thursday.
“We’re in a really great place we virtually have a deal agreed in principle subject to a few final discussions.
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“We’re meeting them again on Monday.
“I think we’re in a good place but we want to fight on August 12th, and it’s important to his development and his momentum that he does and that’s still the plan.” More

ANTHONY JOSHUA is ready to launch a blistering attack on his rivals – starting with Dillian Whyte.The 33-year-old Watford hulk is in Dallas, Texas training with new coach Derrick James, as he prepares for an August 12 O2 bout.
Anthony Joshua is currently in the gruelling Texas training campCredit: instagram @anthonyjoshua
The star launched a blistering attack on his rivals, starting with Dillian WhyteCredit: instagram @anthonyjoshua
AJ’s brutal new training regime ripped off the skin on half of his footCredit: instagram @anthonyjoshua
The British boxing revealed a gruesome blister on his foot during the clipCredit: instagram @anthonyjoshua
Two-time rival Whyte, 35, has signed and returned the contract for the trilogy – with the score poised at 1-1 after brilliant slugfests in the amateurs and pros.
And the Brixton brawler will not be able to put a foot wrong after a clip showed AJ’s brutal new training regime ripped off the skin on half of his foot.
Growling expletives from his desert base, the London 2012 legend said: “I want to become three-time heavyweight champion of the world. I want to test myself.
“I have been through a lot and I want to see what I have left to give.
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“I am trying to find an environment that pushes me on to higher highs.
“Now let’s go. Who the f*** is next? I am ready to roll.”
Explaining the gruesome foot injury – that will heal before the latest Whyte war – he said: “You are on the ball of your foot a lot, moving around in the gym a lot.
“And the gym is close to 40 degrees and my body is not used to the heat so the skin just peeled off.”
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After back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk, Joshua had to leave his family behind – including seven-year-old son JJ, who he jokes can complain about the absence in later life in his Ferrari.
Decade-long mentor Rob McCracken lost his post, Robert Garcia lasted just one bout and a handful of assistant coaches came and went.
Now Joshua is under the instruction of the ruthless and respected American – who made superstars and champions out of Errol Spence and Jermell Charlo – and things are heating up after the April win over Jermaine Franklin kickstarted their partnership.
He said: “Going away from home is not what anyone wants but it has got to be done, this is what it takes. I am here for a purpose, that’s why I am in Dallas.
“It’s up early in the morning, ice bath, train, come back, eat and sleep, repeat.
“It’s the same as it is in London – to a degree – but just minus the one per cent distractions. And in sport – where it is based on margins – one per cent makes a big, big difference.
“This is the first time, in a long time, that I have been settled.
“In the last 2-3 years I have moved coaches and it has been difficult because every coach has their own philosophy. Now I am with Derrick James for my second camp.
Dillian Whyte is readying himself for an August showdown with Anthony JoshuaCredit: Getty
“In the first one I did nine weeks here, it wasn’t a lot of time so we had to get straight down to business. Now it’s my second camp and I feel like I can express myself more now.
“In the first he was saying ‘I don’t want you to do this, I don’t want you to do that, this is exactly what I want you to do’. 
“Our goal was just to win that fight and I did that and now we are building once again.”
Whyte is training with his American cornerman Buddy McGirt in Florida, so both giants will have to fly back to London for their potentially explosive press conference.
The Body Snatcher is not happy the bout – which promoter Eddie Hearn always promised would be a big-money stadium blockbuster – is happening at their local arena in the middle of the school holidays.
But he has accepted the offer – believed to be around £3million – because he believes he has the power in his brain and fists to beat Joshua in and outside of the ring.
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In the original deal there was a rematch clause inserted – if AJ were to lose – but Whyte successfully got that ripped up as he wants to push on with his career if he can avenge his 2015 loss.
Joshua has an overdue mega-money showdown with Deontay Wilder booked for Saudi Arabia in December so has to come through his oldest foe if he is to secure that. More

EDDIE HEARN says Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder “virtually have a deal agreed” to fight in Saudi Arabia. Reps from the Middle East flew into London last week to hold talks with Hearn for the blockbuster, eyed for December or January.
Anthony Joshua is in talks for his next two fightsCredit: Getty
Deontay Wilder could fight Anthony Joshua in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty
And negotiations are due to continue this week with a deal all-but closed between Joshua, 33, and Wilder, 37.
Hearn told Boxing News: “Obviously with our meetings with Saudi on Friday, Thursday, we’re in a really great place we virtually have a deal agreed in principle subject to a few final discussions.
“We’re meeting them again on Monday. I think we’re in a good place but we want to fight on August 12th, and it’s important to his development and his momentum that he does and that’s still the plan.”
Hearn has also been brokering AJ’s immediate return on the scheduled August 12 date.
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And Dillian Whyte – beaten by Joshua in 2015 – has signed a contract for the fight at the O2 Arena.
Hearn previously set a deadline of early this week for Whyte, 35, to agree terms, now paving the way for an imminent announcement.
He said: “We’ve been setting deadlines, extending deadlines, to get things done and we wanted to announce today.
“But it’s very likely Monday or Tuesday could be an announcement.”
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According to ESPN, the contract returned by Whyte “didn’t include pay-per-view considerations” for the fight.
So Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing are now awaiting that signed portion and already have an alternate opponent lined up.
But a spokesman for Whyte said: “Dillian returned the signed agreement on Sunday morning ET and that he is unaware of any other party being in the frame for the fight.
“He is looking forward to fighting Anthony Joshua for a second time on Aug. 12 at The O2.”
Dillian Whyte lost to Anthony Joshua in 2015Credit: AFP More