Heavyweight boxing

Subterms

    More stories

    • 188 Shares189 Views

      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua all-but confirmed to fight Jermaine Franklin on April 1 with announcement next week

      by

      ANTHONY JOSHUA is all-but confirmed to make his boxing return against Jermaine Franklin – with an announcement to come next week.The two-time heavyweight champion is set to mark his first fight of the year on April 1 at the O2 Arena.
      Anthony Joshua is all-but confirmed to make his boxing return Jermaine FranklinCredit: PA
      Dillian Whyte beat Jermaine Franklin in NovemberCredit: PA
      Promoter Eddie Hearn revealed Franklin is nailed on to be his opponent, with official confirmation to follow.
      Hearn told iFL TV: “There will be an announcement next week. You are likely to see Franklin as that guy.
      “I think it’s a great fight for AJ to come back to. Contrary to the haters who say, ‘Joshua’s finished, Joshua’s done.’
      “Yet, ‘Joshua will knock out Franklin in a couple of rounds.’ And, ‘Franklin beat Dillian Whyte comfortably, but it’s a bad opponent choice for Joshua.’
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      “I think it’s a very difficult fight to come back to. There will be people questioning AJ’s confidence, he has a new trainer.
      “There’s a lot of pressure on him in that fight but I can’t wait to see him back at the O2.
      “I think he’s in a good place and I think he’ll put together a sensational performance and make a statement to the division.”
      Joshua, 33, is coming off the back of consecutive points losses to Oleksandr Usyk, 36, ahead of his comeback bout.
      Most read in Boxing
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
      And he has linked up with esteemed American trainer Derrick James in Texas ahead of his return.
      AJ watched from ringside in November as Whyte, 34, edged past Franklin, 29, in a disputed decision win.
      And Joshua is lined up for a summer stadium rematch against Whyte, the man he beat in 2015, should he get past Franklin.
      Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte are lined up with a summer rematchCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury reveals ‘risky’ alternative fight if Oleksandr Usyk talks collapse against ‘biggest puncher in combat sports’

      by

      TYSON FURY revealed he has a “risky” alternative fight in mind if talks with Oleksandr Usyk collapse. The WBC champion and Usyk have been negotiating the heavyweight division’s first four-belt undisputed decider since the new year.
      Tyson Fury pictured at Wembley ArenaCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      And despite April 29 in Saudi Arabia emerging as the new target date for the historic unification, Fury has back-up options.
      He named ex-UFC heavyweight Francs Ngannou – the “biggest puncher in combat sports” – as a wildcard replacement for Usyk.
      Fury told GiveMeSport: “If Usyk doesn’t happen like this month coming, then I’m going to say, ‘Right then, let’s move on and do Francis Ngannou’.
      “And I’m looking to get big Francis in a cage with 4oz gloves on and throw down with him swinging some big bombs.
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      “It’s risky because Francis at one point was considered the biggest puncher in combat sports.
      “So, with 4oz gloves on, all it takes is one punch and it’s all over.”
      Ngannou, 36, is a free agent after failing to extend his UFC contract and has interest from Deontay Wilder, 37, and Anthony Joshua, 33, also.
      Fury’s never-before-seen proposal of a hybrid rules bout, with 4oz gloves in the cage under boxing rules, would be a first.
      Most read in Boxing

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
      But according to ESPN, talks for his undisputed super-fight against Usyk, 36, are still progressing.
      The Ukrainian WBA, IBF and WBO belt holder is said to have agreed a financial package with Saudi Arabian hosts.
      Now Fury, 34, must do the same or the bout could land at Wembley stadium, where he knocked out Dillian Whyte, 34, in front of 94,000 last year.

      Francis Ngannou left the UFC after failing to agree a new dealCredit: GETTY
      Tyson Fury is still in talks to fight Oleksandr UsykCredit: REUTERS More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua in talks over shock Francis Ngannou fight as Eddie Hearn reveals ex-UFC champ wants switch to boxing

      by

      EDDIE HEARN revealed he has held talks with Francis Ngannou over the prospect of fighting Anthony Joshua. Ngannou is now the hottest prospect on the market after leaving the UFC, having failed to agree a contract extension.
      Anthony Joshua and promoter Eddie Hearn in 2019Credit: PA:Press Association
      Francis Ngannou is now the hottest prospect on the market after leaving the UFCCredit: Getty
      Joshua’s promoter Hearn wasted no time in reaching out to the heavyweight star, who was forced to vacate his UFC title.
      And the Matchroom Boxing chief is hoping AJ beats Tyson Fury, 34, to the crossover super-fight with Ngannou, 36.
      Hearn said on The MMA Hour: “We’ll see what happens. For me, we would love to be involved with his career.
      “The Anthony Joshua fight is probably among the biggest fights that can be made in any sport. Obviously the Tyson Fury fight is there for him as well.
      READ MORE IN boxing
      “I was pretty captivated by him. I’m not a massive MMA fan, but I still respect what he’s achieved there.
      “But I just found him to be an outstanding gentleman. We’ll see how it goes.”
      Hearn would rather Ngannou jump straight into a blockbuster fight with Joshua, 33, opposed to building his way up.
      He said: “I mean, I think he should fight Anthony Joshua. I don’t see — this is another conversation I had with Nate Diaz’s guys.
      Most read in Boxing
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
      “These guys have a mountain to climb in terms of the challenge of fighting an elite boxer, but to go through the process of having two or three fights — one fight you might look bad because you’re learning, so the value really is the unknown.
      “What happens when two titans from the world of fight sports collide?
      “The UFC heavyweight world champion Francis Ngannou and the two-time world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua.
      “The complete unknown. The unknown of how good is Francis Ngannou? We know he punches extremely hard, if he lands one on Anthony Joshua, is it the greatest upset of all time?
      “Or will AJ completely steamroll him and you’ll see Francis Ngannou get knocked out? That’s the attraction of that fight, the unknown.
      “So for me, if I’m representing Francis Ngannou, I want to make sure that this next move, I maximise every dollar that’s out there.
      “He’s done the hard work, he’s done the years of hustle. He’s done the work to get himself in a position that he can move forward with what he wants to do, take control of his career.
      “And now the freedom that he has to do that must be incredibly motivating and enjoyable for him.”
      Francis Ngannou with UFC president Dana White in 2022Credit: Getty More

    • 275 Shares119 Views

      in Boxing

      Tommy Fury warns Jake Paul that ‘his mouth can’t save him’ and tells Piers Morgan he will KO YouTuber within four rounds

      by

      TOMMY FURY reckons he’ll beat Jake Paul within four rounds and warned the social media personality that even his “mouth can’t save him”.The duo are finally set to come face to face in an eight-round fight in Saudi Arabia on February 26.
      Tommy Fury is set to fight Jake Paul on 26 FebruaryCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Fury has warned Paul that his mouth can’t save himCredit: Instagram @jakepaul
      Fury told Piers Morgan that the fight won’t go the distanceCredit: Getty
      Fury has twice pulled out previously, with a rib injury in December 2021 and then a US visa issue last August.
      But they’re finally set to meet in Riyadh later this month.
      And it’ll be Fury’s first fight since he beat Daniel Bocianski at Wembley last April to continue his perfect record in the sport, which stands at 8-0.
      Meanwhile, Paul, who’s a YouTuber-turned-boxer, is also unbeaten having won each of his six professional bouts.
      read more on boxing
      His latest clash saw him defeat Anderson Silva on points in the US back in October.
      But Fury is confident the American will suffer the first defeat of his career in the Middle East.
      And reckons the fight will last no longer than four rounds, which is one more than Paul recently predicted.
      Speaking to Piers Morgan on TalkTv, he said: “I know I’m going to knock him out.
      Most read in Boxing
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
      “This fight will not go any more than four rounds.
      “The stuff that I’m doing in the gym, the people that I’m handling in the gym. There’s no way this goes the distance.”
      With plenty of trash talk between the two over the last couple of years, Piers asked Fury what he thinks of the war of wards.
      He said: “It’s part of the parcel, you know, it’s what it is. It’s stuff that we have to do.
      “It’s called the entertainment business – that’s the game that we are in and me and Jake Paul are great dance partners, and I’ve enjoyed the build-up so far. 
      “It’s going to get a lot more heated and I can’t wait but the real work starts when we get inside them ropes and social media can’t save Jake Paul.
      “His mouth can’t save him – it comes down to fighting and I’m a lot better doing that than him.”
      Older brother Tyson has urged him to talk even more and believes he should do be looking to get under his skin at every possible opportunity.
      Tyson told BT Sport: “It’s a good fight and they’re good dance partners.
      “I think Tommy needs to do a bit more talking, actually.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Spice it up a little bit, get in his face a bit more, and ruffle his feathers.
      “Grab him by the blonde hair and nut him maybe, I dunno.” More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury v Oleksandr Usyk undisputed title fight ‘set for April 29 in Saudi Arabia’.. with Wembley back-up option

      by

      TYSON FURY’S undisputed title fight is being eyed for April 29, according to reports.The fighters’ representatives have been locked in talks for some time.
      Tyson Fury is aiming to unite the heavyweight divisionCredit: PA
      Oleksandr Usyk has finalised his deal to fight in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty
      The tale of the tape: Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk
      The super showdown has been pushed back a few weeks after originally being pencilled in for March.
      According to ESPN, April 29 is being targeted by both camps and an agreement could happen soon.
      The report also claims Usyk has closed his side of the deal for the fight to take place in Saudi Arabia.
      Fury must now do the same to secure the fight, which will see both boxers risk their undefeated records.
      It was claimed the fight could take place at Wembley, but that is now considered a back-up option.
      Fury admitted he will “go where the money is” and even said he was willing to fight in Derek Chisora’s back garden.
      He said: “I’m a prizefighter. I go where the money is.
      “If it’s in Saudi Arabia, if it’s in Hong Kong, or if it’s in Derek’s back garden.
      Most read in Boxing
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
      “I go for the money. That’s what I do. I go in, get my brains beat out of me for a few quid.
      “And it becomes obsessive, the old prize fighting game, and that’s why it’s difficult to walk away.” More

    • 288 Shares189 Views

      in Boxing

      ‘Grab him by the blonde hair and nut him’ – Tyson Fury urges brother Tommy to ‘ruffle some feathers’ for Jake Paul fight

      by

      TYSON FURY urged brother Tommy Fury to ruffle Jake Paul’s feathers heading into their fight – starting by headbutting the blonde boxer. Tyson was ringside at Wembley Arena on Saturday as the celebrity boxing rivals came face to face for the first time.
      Jake Paul fights Tommy Fury in Saudi Arabia later this monthCredit: Getty
      Tommy Fury pictured with Tyson who has warned he will disown his brother if he losesCredit: Social Media – Refer to Source
      It followed on from the announcement of their rescheduled grudge match on February 26 in Saudi Arabia.
      Tommy, 23, puts bragging rights, reputations and his unbeaten record on the line against Paul, 26, in Riyadh.
      And his heavyweight champion brother Tyson wants him to get the upper hand by any means necessary.
      He told BT Sport: “It’s a good fight and they’re good dance partners. I think Tommy needs to do a bit more talking, actually.
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      “Spice it up a little bit, get in his face a bit more, and ruffle his feathers. Grab him by the blonde hair and nut him maybe, I dunno.”
      Fury has twice pulled out of fighting Paul in the past, with a rib injury in December 2021 and then a US visa issue last August.

      The travel problem has forced them over to the Middle East, where Tyson warned Tommy can stay if he loses.
      But the pair have been training hard together for the fight and the Gypsy King predicted a win for his younger brother.
      Most read in Boxing
      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      He said: “I see Tommy getting him out of there in around about five or six rounds.
      “I don’t think it will go early, as he (Paul) can box a little bit, I’ve seen him boxing and he’s getting better every month.
      “Tommy should get to him and if he doesn’t I’d like to see a knockout either way, for sure.”
      Jake Paul and Tommy Fury ahead of their February 26 fightCredit: Getty More

    • 275 Shares109 Views

      in Boxing

      Jake Paul reveals exact punch he wants to KO Tommy Fury with and says rival will not be ‘prepared for the moment’

      by

      JAKE PAUL revealed the exact punch he wants to knock out Tommy Fury with and warned: “He’s just not going to be prepared for the moment.”The pair of celebrity boxing rivals have announced the latest rescheduling of their eight-round grudge match, on February 26 in Saudi Arabia
      Jake Paul and Tommy Fury ahead of their fightCredit: PA
      Paul comes into it off the back of wins over ex-MMA champions Ben Askren, 38, Tyron Woodley, 40, and Anderson Silva, 47.
      All three were either knocked out or floored by the YouTuber-turned 6-0 boxer’s right hand.
      But Paul, 26, wants to put down Fury, 23, with his left hook and warned the fight will not go past the half way mark.
      He told iFL TV: “Me and Tommy will be around three rounds max.
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      “He’s just not going to be prepared for the moment or what I’m bringing to the table.
      “I’m trying to knock him out with a hook actually, I want him to be the first person I knock out with my left hand so we’ve been working on that.”
      Fury has twice pulled out of fighting Paul in the past, with a rib injury in December 2021 and then a US visa issue last August.
      The travel woe still persists today and as a result has brought the duo over to the Saudi desert.
      Most read in Boxing
      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      And Fury has been told by his champion brother Tyson, 34, to stay in the Middle East and vacate their famous surname if he loses.
      With the pressure mounting on, Paul believes he will ruin the 2019 Love Islander’s love for boxing as he broke down how he feels their bout will go.
      He said: “I think the first round will be chill and then I’ll start to figure him out after 30-45 seconds.
      “Then the second round I’ll turn it up and it shouldn’t take much more than that.
      “Tommy should get a good wealth manager, I can recommend you a few.
      “Take the money and ride off into the sunset but this is going to set your life in the direction that you should have been on before and you’re going to hate this f***ing sport after February 26.”
      Jake Paul and Tommy Fury facing offCredit: Reuters More

    • 263 Shares119 Views

      in Boxing

      ‘You’re leaving on a stretcher!’ – John Fury sends chilling message to Jake Paul as son Tommy prepares for Saudi fight

      by

      JOHN FURY warned Jake Paul his son Tommy will leave him on a “stretcher” after their fight in Saudi Arabia. The two are in training following confirmation of the celebrity grudge match, on February 26 in Riyadh.
      John Fury warned Jake Paul his son Tommy will leave him on a ‘stretcher’Credit: Getty
      Jake Paul fights Tommy Fury in Saudi Arabia on February 26Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      They will put bragging rights, reputations and unbeaten records on the line, if they make it third time lucky and make it into the ring.
      It comes after Fury, 23, twice pulled out of facing Paul, 26, in the past, due to a rib injury in December 2021 and US visa issues last August.
      But he gets a third crack after the two renegotiated for a pay-per-view blockbuster in the desert.
      Fury has been warned by his champion brother Tyson, 34, and dad John to stay in Saudi and drop their fighting name if he loses.
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      But John has insisted his boy WILL make it to fight night… and leave Paul unable to stand on his own two feet.
      He said: “Jake, you think Tommy’s not going to show up. You’re going to be very disappointed and mistaken.
      “Because we’re one million per cent going to be there. We can’t wait to get this fight on with you, mate.
      “There’s no way in the world, in this entire world, that the fight ain’t going to happen, pal.
      Most read in Boxing
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
      “So if you’re dreaming in your own little boys brain, thinking we’re not going to show up and Tommy’s not going to fight you mate, well you’re going to be very wrong.
      “Be prepared to get taken out that ring on a stretcher my friend, because that’s what’s happening to you my friend.
      “You’ve no chance at all, I don’t give you any chance whatsoever, not a remote chance, not even a puncher’s chance.”
      Jake Paul and Tommy Fury facing offCredit: Getty More