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      Eddie Hearn makes his prediction for Jake Paul fight against Tommy Fury with announcement IMMINENT

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      EDDIE HEARN has weighed in on Jake Paul’s imminent fight with Tommy Fury and revealed who he “frighteningly” makes a “big favourite.” The celebrity boxing rivals are set to announce the latest rescheduling of their grudge match, slated for February 25 in Saudi Arabia.
      Tommy Fury and Jake Paul are set to fight on February 25Credit: BT Sport
      Eddie Hearn at the OVO Arena Wembley in OctoberCredit: Sportsfile
      And despite their rocky relationship, Hearn has backed Paul to win, even though he is the more inexperienced fighter on paper.
      He told iFL TV: “I think it’s a good fight. Frighteningly, I make Jake quite a big favourite in the fight. But I think it’s a good fight.
      “If that was a – I can’t say if that was a boxing match because it is a boxing match – but that is like a sort-of 50/50 fight.
      “Talk about levels, a good fight for an undercard. It just so happens Jake Paul is a huge name and built a great profile.
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      “And Tommy Fury is a big name as well so they can do a main-event and make a load of money. And I think it’s quite an interesting fight.”
      The two are now trying to settle their score in the ring for the THIRD time.
      Fury, 23, was forced to pull out in December 2021 due to a rib injury and then last August amid a US visa issue.
      The travel woe still persists today, which left the UK and Middle East as frontrunners to host the bitter bout.
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      Paul, 26, even offered to travel to Manchester on February 18 and fight Fury in enemy territory.
      But a more lucrative deal in Saudi Arabia a week later was proposed and looks to have won the race.
      Fury last boxed in Dubai in November in a last-minute exhibition against Rolly Lambert, 33.
      And Paul was a special guest commentator and slammed the six-round bout from ringside.
      It came a month after the American beat UFC legend Anderson Silva, 46, over eight rounds.
      Silva became the third ex-MMA champion Paul has beaten, after Ben Askren, 38, and Tyron Woodley, 40.
      And with Fury facing largely only journeymen opposition – common for any prospect at the start – Hearn believes Paul is a greater threat.
      He said: “Jake Paul – and this is quite worrying – is levels above any fighter Tommy Fury’s ever boxed.
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      “But I’ve watched some of Tommy, he hasn’t looked very good recently. But can he fight? I dunno.
      “If he can fight and he’s actually a genuine prospect, he’ll beat Jake. If he’s not very good, he’ll get beat. But I like it. I quite like the fight.”
      Jake Paul and promoter Eddie Hearn in New York last yearCredit: Sportsfile More

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      Floyd Mayweather vs Aaron Chalmers tale of the tape: How boxing legend and Geordie Star icon compare ahead of fight

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      FLOYD MAYWEATHER has named Aaron Chalmers as the shock opponent for his next boxing exhibition. The American legend is set to make his UK fight debut on February 25 at the O2 Arena.

      It will be Mayweather’s sixth exhibition bout since officially retiring in 2017, after beating UFC star Conor McGregor, 34.
      For Chalmers, 35, it is only his second bout in the ring having switched codes from MMA last year.
      With British fans braced to welcome Mayweather across the pond, here SunSport breaks down the bout.
      Mayweather beat a who’s who in his 50-0 unbeaten career, defeating the likes of Oscar De La Hoya, Canelo Alvarez and Manny Pacquiao.
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      And he closed his glittering career with one last money grab in a crossover extravaganza against McGregor.
      But it proved not to be the last time fans would see Mayweather pick up quick and easy cash in the ring.
      He returned in 2018 to knock out featherweight kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa, 24, in the first round of their exhibition.
      In the years to follow, he faced YouTuber Logan Paul, 27, ex-sparring partner Don Moore and MMA fighter Mikuru Asakura, 30.
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      And his most recent cameo was in November, stopping social media sensation Deji, 25, brother to the famous KSI, 29.
      Mayweather first announced that he would fight in London against Muay Thai veteran Liam Harrison, 37.
      But Harrison was forced to deny he had signed just hours later and withdrew amid a series of injuries.
      So Chalmers got the shock replacement call and within a couple of days, a deal was agreed.
      The reality TV favourite shot to fame in MTV’s hit series Geordie Shore.
      But in 2017, he turned to professional MMA and went on to amass a 5-2 record with five stoppages.
      After seven bouts, Chalmers crossed over to boxing and last June made a successful debut over four rounds against Alexander Zeledon.
      Different face, different name, same results. Floyd Mayweather on fighting Aaron Chalmers
      But he faces possibly the greatest test in boxing history by agreeing to fight Mayweather, even if the icon turns 46 by the time of the bout.
      In terms of record, obviously the two do not compare.
      But physically, at 6ft, Chalmers has height and length over 5ft 8in Mayweather, who has a reach of 72 inches.
      He also takes a slight weight advantage over Mayweather, who weighed 11st dead for his exhibition with Deji.
      Chalmers was 11st 5lb for his boxing debut, although it is not clear what weight he can be next month.
      In terms of power, the Newcastle supporter had two KOs in the cage, compared to Mayweather’s 27 in the ring.
      It remains to be seen how the fight will play out, but Mayweather warned: “Different face, different name, same results.
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      “London we are still rocking and rolling on Feb. 25th at the O2 Arena. Tickets will be on sale soon. Stay tuned!!
      “This will be my first time showcasing my talent live on Feb. 25th. I want the whole UK at the O2 Arena.”
      Aaron Chalmers is 1-0 as a boxer
      Floyd Mayweather beat YouTuber Deji in his last exhibitionCredit: Lee Hamilton-Cooper More

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      Deontay Wilder broke down in tears over failed Anthony Joshua fight but is in talks to finally face Brit

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      DEONTAY WILDER was left in tears after talks to face Anthony Joshua broke down – but the door is still open to finally make the fight happen. The pair of heavyweight stars were in 2019 close to agreeing a deal for a historic four-belt heavyweight unification bout.
      Deontay Wilder was left in tears after talks to face Anthony Joshua broke downCredit: Getty
      Anthony Joshua could still fight Deontay Wilder in 2023Credit: Getty
      Wilder’s team say they matched AJ’s demand of a $50million purse, though promoter Eddie Hearn questioned the legitimacy of the offer.
      And when negotiations finally came to a heartbreaking collapse, a distraught Wilder sobbed as his dream-fight fell through.
      His manager Shelly Finkel told SunSport: “I was on the phone with Deontay when it came that they weren’t going to fight us.
      “He cried he was so upset. I bet you Joshua didn’t and if he did, it was from relief.
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      “Deontay was on the phone and he went, ‘Oh no, I gave him everything he wanted.’
      “Joshua said, ‘If I get $50milion I’ll fight.’ We offered him $50million for Las Vegas, he didn’t take it.
      “He didn’t want to fight us, and you know, that’s his prerogative. But he can’t tell the public that he doesn’t want to fight Deontay.”
      Wilder, 37, would go on to complete an epic trilogy of bouts with Tyson Fury, 34, losing the two rematches after they first drew in 2018.
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      Meanwhile Joshua, 33, lost the WBA, IBF and WBO belts to Andy Ruiz Jr, 33, in June 2019 but won the sequel six months later.
      He again suffered defeat to Oleksandr Usyk, 36, in September 2021 – although this time failing in his revenge mission a year later.
      With Fury and Usyk set for in an undisputed title decider next, it leaves Joshua and Wilder free to at last settle the score in the ring.
      And Finkel is happy to let AJ have up to two confidence-building comeback bouts – so long as they can lock in an agreement to fight at the end of 2023.
      He said: “We could make it for the summer, as long as neither fighter loses or is injured, the fight can happen. Period.
      “But somehow – and you can mark it down – Anthony Joshua will try wiggle into a fight in the summer with Dillian Whyte.
      “I’d even go as far to say, lock in now November or December for Deontay and Joshua.”

      Finkel and Hearn have suffered a fractured relationship over the years.
      But they came together over the phone in December to hold talks for a fight between their star clients.
      Finkel says Hearn proposed Whyte fight Wilder first, something they were not interested in.
      But suddenly, in an interview with GQ, Joshua claimed he will “definitely” fight Wilder this year.
      Finkel revealed: “Deontay calls me and says, ‘Did you read that?’ I said, ‘Yeah.’ He then says, ‘I don’t believe him.’ So right now, Deontay is right.”
      Joshua is in line to return on April 1 against Jermaine Franklin, 29, who in November lost a disputed decision to Whyte, 34.
      And Hearn has talked up a super-fight for AJ against either Wilder or Fury later in the year.
      He cried he was so upset. I bet you Joshua didn’t and if he did, it was from relief. Deontay Wilder’s manager on Anthony Joshua fight collapse
      But there are still fears from Wilder’s side on whether Joshua truly wants the bout or not.
      Finkel said: “They want to take an easy fight just to get back in the ring and I don’t blame them.
      “He then wants to fight Dillian Whyte and then they say they’ll either fight Fury or us.
      “I didn’t think so before as much, but I do think Joshua is concerned, I don’t want to say afraid, of fighting Deontay Wilder.
      “There’s no other explanation for his actions. And if he fights Fury, he’s not going to crush you like he would with a big punch from Deontay.”
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      Finkel, despite half a decade of failed talks with Joshua’s team, is refusing to give up hope in the heavyweight blockbuster.
      He said: “If they wanna take two fights, April and then June or July, with Dillian Whyte, as long as you win you can have Deontay after.”
      Anthony Joshua with Deontay Wilder’s manager Shelly Finkel in 2017Credit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Tyson Fury set to open talks with Saudis over deal to fight Oleksandr Usyk in Riyadh in unification world title bout

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      TYSON FURY is set to open talks with the Saudis to finalise his historic undisputed title fight with Oleksandr Usyk. The pair of unbeaten champions are negotiating the heavyweight division’s first four-belt unification bout.
      Tyson Fury is in talks to fight Oleksandr UsykCredit: Getty
      And due to the magnitude of the title fight, the Middle East are frontrunners to host with a mega fee to prise both men over to the desert.
      Fury’s US promoter Bob Arum says Usyk’s side have already agreed a financial package they are happy with.
      And now it could be over to the Gypsy King to do the same in order to get the genuine super-fight over the line.
      Arum told Gareth A Davies: “I think the fighters want to fight each other, the question is where and the question is under what terms.
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      “If the fight ends up in Saudi Arabia each fighter will make his deal with the Saudis.
      “Usyk’s people tell me that they have a deal that they’re satisfied with and now and if the Saudis are truly interested they’ll make a deal with us for Tyson Fury and we’re off to the races.
      “The fight would take place either before or after Ramadan but the fighters don’t need a long window to prepare if it’s after Ramadan because neither are Muslim.”
      It is claimed April 29 is a date being explored for the fight, which will likely land in Saudi Arabia or Wembley Stadium.
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      Hall of Famer Arum is in town this week as his fighter Artur Beterbiev, 38, defends his unified light-heavyweight titles against Anthony Yarde, 31.
      And he plans for further talks with Fury’s UK promotional team of Frank Warren and son George.
      Arum said: “I’m going over to London next week for the Artur Beterbiev – Anthony Yarde world title fight so I’ll be liaising in person with Frank and George and we’ll make whatever alternate arrangements we have to.”
      Oleksandr Usyk, Bob Arum and Tyson Fury in New York in 2021Credit: Getty More

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      Anthony Joshua agrees to fight American Jermaine Franklin at O2 on April 1 in huge make-or-break comeback fight

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA will return to the ring against American Jermaine Franklin at the O2 Arena on April 1.The two-time world heavyweight champion, 33, has not fought since losing to Oleksandr Usyk for a second time in Saudi Arabia five months ago.
      Anthony Joshua has not won since beating Kubrat Pulev in December 2020Credit: AFP
      Jermaine Franklin, right, lost a close decision to Dillian Whyte in NovemberCredit: Getty
      The defeat was AJ’s third as a professional following his knockout loss to Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019 and schooling by Usyk in 2021.
      The 2012 Olympic gold medallist was then linked with a December clash against long-time British rival Tyson Fury.

      But when talks broke down, it quickly became apparent Joshua would not return to the ring until 2023.
      Now The Mail are claiming the paperwork for an AJ-Franklin clash is set to be signed on Monday afternoon.
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      The financials for the fight have been agreed, with the deal expected to be finalised imminently.
      It will see Joshua return to the O2 Arena for the first time since he beat Dominic Breazeale in June 2016.
      And he will be looking to secure a first win in more than two years when he faces Franklin in a make-or-break heavyweight dust-up.
      Franklin, 29, saw his unbeaten pro record end with a majority decision defeat to Dillian Whyte back in November.
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      The Michigan-born boxer felt he did enough to win the fight – with one judge scoring it 115-115 – but the other two officials gave it 116-112 in Whyte’s favour,
      Despite the loss, Franklin’s promoter, Dmitry Salita, has insisted his man would beat Joshua.
      He said: “Joshua, coming off two losses, changing trainers, is vulnerable.
      ‘Let’s be honest. Jermaine realises it. He feels like he has his own future and path.
      “He’s ready to go out there and score the upset. Some feel like it could be an upset, and some don’t. But Jermaine’s going out there looking to score the win. 
      “After, he wants the rematch with Dillian Whyte, and then he wants to fight the winner of [Tyson] Fury vs. Usyk.”
      A loss for Joshua against Franklin could end his hopes of becoming a three-time heavyweight champion.
      It will be AJ’s first non-world title bout since 2015 when he knocked out Whyte to win the British crown. More

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      Anthony Joshua’s new coach tipped to get Brit to ‘apply the pressure’ again as he preps for do-or-die comeback fight

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA’S new coach has been tipped to get the former heavyweight champion “applying the pressure” again.The Brit has a huge year ahead of him as he looks to bounce back from consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.
      Anthony Joshua is set to return to action in AprilCredit: Reuters
      Joshua, 33, has not confirmed his new coach, but is believed to be working with Derrick James.
      Roy Jones Jr reckons that James is a brilliant appointment, and can get AJ back to his best.
      Jones, 54, told Pro Boxing Fans: “Great decision, great decision.
      “I told him before he did it that I thought it was a great decision, a great move.
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      “I said if you feel comfortable there, don’t keep going around looking. If you’re comfortable, stay where you’re comfortable.
      “[I told him], don’t come to me, it’ll just confuse you more. And now he’ll be like, ‘Should I go here or…?’ No — don’t do that. If you’re comfortable there, stay there, where you’re at.
      “And then a couple of days later he said OK.
      “He stayed with James, and that was perfect for him because I think James may be able to get him to apply the type of pressure that he needs to apply as a bigger man when he fights people like Usyk.”
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      Roy Jones Jr reckons that AJ has made a brilliant coaching appointmentCredit: Getty
      Joshua is expected to make his much-anticipated return to the ring in early April.
      As revealed by SunSport over the weekend, Jermaine Franklin is one of three names in the frame to be Joshua’s next opponent.
      Franklin’s team are in talks with AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn – while Demsey McKean and Gerald Washington are also in the frame.
      This will be the second time in a row that AJ has gone into a bout with a new team, having ditched Rob McCracken last year and worked with Robert Garcia ahead of his Usyk rematch.
      Joshua will fight at London’s O2 Arena on April 1 for the first time in seven years.
      Quizzed if AJ can be a champion again, Jones Jr said: “Of course he can. Of course he can.
      “He’s a very intelligent fighter, he’s a very talented fighter. Of course he can become world champion again.”
      ‘JOSHUA IS AN AMAZING HEAVYWEIGHT’
      Franklin’s promoter Dmitriy Salita told SunSport: “I think that Jermaine is one of the frontrunners.
      “Joshua is an amazing heavyweight. But at this point the question is how much does Joshua want to test himself and risk?
      “Jermaine is waiting for confirmation and the fight announcement press conference.
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      “Jermaine’s side is on board as soon as Joshua gives that green light.”
      Last time out in November, Franklin, 29, lost a controversial decision to Dillian Whyte at Wembley Arena.
      Jermaine Franklin was last in action against Dillian WhyteCredit: Getty More

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      Tyson Fury reveals imminent Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury announcement and plan to wear ‘blonde wig’ to train brother for bout

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      TYSON FURY has claimed his brother’s long-awaited fight with Jake Paul is finally on the verge of being confirmed.And the WBC heavyweight champion revealed he will train his younger sibling for the bout wearing a “blonde wig” to mimic his loud-mouthed YouTuber-turned boxer rival.
      Tyson Fury says Tommy Fury’s fight with Jake Paul is imminentCredit: YouTube @secondsout
      The WBC champ also has a special plan to train his younger brother TommyCredit: Getty
      The foes are set to announce the latest rescheduling of their grudge match, slated for February 25 in Saudi Arabia
      This is the third time the pair will attempt to settle their score in the ring.
      Fury, 23, was forced to pull out in December 2021 due to a rib injury and then last August amid a US visa issue.
      The travel woe still persists today, which left the UK and Middle East as frontrunners to host the bitter bout.
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      Paul, 26, even offered to travel to Manchester on February 18 and fight Fury on enemy territory.
      But a more lucrative deal in Saudi Arabia a week later was proposed and looks to have won the race.
      And now Fury, who is closing in on his own mega-fight with Oleksandr Usyk to unify the heavyweight titles, says it is also confirmed.
      The Gypsy King told Seconds Out: “Tommy and Jake Paul have got it going on. That’s an imminent announcement coming up for that as well.
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      “Yeah, we’re almost over the line with that, we should be announcing that quite soon. I’m not going to announce it because they’ve got to do it themselves.”
      And Fury also shed light on how he will prepare his brother for the showdown.
      He added: “Yeah I’m going to put a blonde wig on, and I’m going to chat absolute boll***s every day in the gym just to get him going.”
      Tommy Fury last boxed in Dubai in November in a last-minute exhibition against Rolly Lambert, 33 and has a pro record of 8-0 in the ring.
      Paul beat UFC legend Anderson Silva, 46, to mark the biggest win in his 6-0 career the month previous to that.
      He will wear a blonde wig in training to mimic Jake PaulCredit: Getty Images More

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      Anthony Joshua branded a ‘tosser’ by Tyson Fury as Gypsy King permanently closes door on Battle of Britain

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      TYSON FURY has closed the door on a Battle of Britain with “tosser” Anthony Joshua.The pair were on course for a shock domestic dust-up last December after Fury’s offering of a shock world title lifeline but the blockbuster showdown failed to come to fruition.
      Tyson Fury offered Anthony Joshua a shock world title lifeline before fighting Derek Chisora last yearCredit: Getty
      But a historic and blockbuster Battle of Britain failed to come to fruitionCredit: GETTY
      Gypsy King Fury has officially closed the door on the domestic dust-upCredit: PA
      British boxing fans are still hoping the grudge match will one happen, but Fury has well and truly moved on from the bout.
      He said: “I am not even interested in talking about that tosser, that fight is in the past.”
      Fury, 34, is gearing up for a historic undisputed heavyweight showdown with unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
      The mouthwatering clash was initially targeted for March 4 but is now expected to take place in April.
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      Co-promoter Frank Waren told talkSPORT this week: “We’re expecting a couple of offers this week, but none of them have come through and then Tyson has to make his decision.
      “I hope it’s going to happen at the end of March, early April, that’s where we’re looking at the moment.
      “So, fingers crossed we get it over the line for that date, but it will definitely, definitely happen.”
      He added: “We’re very far down the road. But there are a couple of things we’ve got to work on.
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      “We’re trying to get to a point where we can announce it fairly soon and we all think it’s going to happen.”
      Former two-time unified heavyweight king Joshua, meanwhile, is looking to rebuild his career following consecutive losses to pound-for-pound king Uysk.
      AJ is on course to return to the ring on April 1 in what promoter Eddie Hearn believes is a must-win fight.
      The Matchroom Boxing chief recently admitted: “You go into that fight in April and you know that defeat, it’s all over, really.
      “It would be a third back-to-back defeat and yet a great performance and a showroom knockout will get everyone saying, ‘We’re back, baby.’
      “That’s what I can’t wait for because I love it when our backs are against the wall.
      “I’m excited. I’m really excited.
      “This is the most excited I’ve been in Joshua’s journey so far.” More