Heavyweight boxing

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Boxing

      Jermaine Franklin one of three in talks to fight Anthony Joshua with American ‘on board’ and ‘waiting for confirmation’

      by

      JERMAINE FRANKLIN is one of three names in talks to fight Anthony Joshua – and ready and waiting to accept a deal. AJ is in line to return on April 1 back at the O2 Arena for the first time in seven years.
      Anthony Joshua is set to return on April 1Credit: AFP
      Dillian Whyte beat Jermaine Franklin in NovemberCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
      And following two defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, 36, in the space of 11 months, Joshua, 33, is primed for a confidence-building comeback bout.
      Franklin, 29, is alongside Aussie southpaw Demsey McKean, 32, and veteran Gerald Washington, 40, in consideration to fight AJ.
      His promoter Dmitriy Salita agreed a deal for the American to face Dillian Whyte, 34, in November, which ended in a disputed decision loss.
      Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn held talks with Salita just days ago and although no official paperwork has been exchanged, Franklin is raring to go.
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      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.
      “Jermaine’s side is on board as soon as Joshua gives that green light.”
      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)
      Joshua was ringside to watch Whyte escape with a majority-decision verdict over Franklin.
      It has set the pair up for a summer rematch, which would come eight years after AJ’s epic KO win.
      But Whyte is set for a tune-up bout also while Joshua welcomes himself back to the ring.
      Following the controversy with Franklin’s first trip to London, Salita feels his man is deserving of a shot at AJ.
      He said: “I believe that from all the names I saw recently and they are Demsey Mckean, Gerald Washington and Jermaine.
      “Jermaine by far deserves the opportunity but he is not the mandatory, just a people’s challenger from this bunch.  
      “There is nothing Jermaine can do to force the fight. We are grateful for the opportunity if it in fact materialises.”
      Franklin still feels there is unfinished business with Whyte and wants a rematch.
      Read More on The Sun
      But he also has his eyes on Tyson Fury, 34, and Oleksandr Usyk, 36, who are set to unify all for belts this year.
      Salita said: “From our point of view Jermaine’s plan is to beat Joshua, fight Whyte in a rematch and then fight the winner of Fury versus Usyk.”
      Dillian Whyte, promoter Eddie Hearn and Jermaine FranklinCredit: Getty More

    • 200 Shares179 Views

      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk announcement ‘imminent’ says Brit star’s promoter ahead of blockbuster undisputed bout

      by

      FRANK WARREN has revealed that an announcement for the blockbuster bout between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk is ‘imminent’.The two title holders are set to face off this year after clearing the path with Fury defeating Derek Chisora and Usyk seeing off Anthony Joshua in a rematch.
      Tyson Fury’s fight against Oleksandr Usyk is set to be announcedCredit: Reuters
      Usyk beat Anthony Joshua las yearCredit: PA
      The undisputed fight between the two is one of the most heavily anticipated clashes among boxing fans this year.
      Fury’s promoter, Warren, has said that there are a “couple of things” to sort out to seal a deal for the fight.
      He told Seconds Out Youtube channel: “Both sides want the fight and are up for the fight.
      “We are in a like mind.
      READ MORE ON BOXING
      “I don’t think we’re far off from announcing it.
      “It’s basically just a couple of things behind the scenes we’re just trying to get sorted.
      “I won’t go into it as I don’t want to compromise the situation.
      “News is pretty imminent now.”
      Most read in Boxing
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      The bout between the Fury and Usyk was expected to be in March, but Warren confirmed that it has had to be pushed back.
      When asked if the new date for the bout would be in April, Warren replied: “Yeah, I mean, we have to get it on as soon as possible for obvious reasons.”
      As the fight deal nears completion, history will be made, as all four heavyweight belts have never been on the line in the same fight.
      Fury’s American promoter, Bob Arum, has confirmed that Fury and Usyk have agreed to the title showdown, and that an unidentified Middle Eastern country will host the bout.
      But if a venue in the Middle Eastern cannot be found, then Wembley Stadium would be on the table to play host. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury clash with Oleksandr Usyk terms agreed with only venue to be finalised ahead of huge unification showdown

      by

      TYSON FURY and Oleksandr Usyk have agreed terms over a blockbuster heavyweight unification title fight with only the venue to be finalised. The two title holders are set to collide later this year after clearing the path with Fury beating Derek Chisora and Usyk seeing off Anthony Joshua in a rematch.
      Arum (right) says Fury (left) and Usyk have agreed to the fightCredit: Getty
      A Middle Eastern country will host the heavyweight showdownCredit: Getty
      Usyk was ringside for Fury’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium clash with Chisora and even came face-to-face with his rival.
      And with the fight deal nearing completion, history is set to be made, with all four heavyweight belts having never been on the line in the same fight.
      Fury’s American promoter, Bob Arum, has confirmed that Fury and Usyk have agreed to the title showdown, and that an unidentified Middle Eastern country will host the bout.
      But if a venue in the Middle Eastern cannot be found, then Wembley Stadium would be on the table to play host.
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      Top Rank CEO Arum told Sky Sports: “I’m very optimistic the fight is going to happen.
      “Both fighters have agreed to do the fight, the question is the site and we’re talking to the Middle East because allegedly they’re going to come up with the biggest purse ever in boxing history.
      “And if they do, that’s where the fight is going to go because money is money.
      “If they don’t, both fighters will agree to do the fight this spring at Wembley… but the fight will happen in my opinion, certainly within the first four months of the year.
      Most read in Boxing
      “Fighters want to do the best for themselves because a fighter’s career, no matter how great he is, is limited and they want to make as much money as possible.
      “So that’s the only issue – where will the fight be held?
      “I would believe in the next week that will be determined and then we’ll have an official announcement of the date and site for the fight – but that fight is happening.” More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua next opponent to be announced next week as Eddie Hearn finalises contracts for April 1 comeback

      by

      ANTHONY JOSHUA’S next opponent will be announced next week.And promoter Eddie Hearn admits he is close to finalising the contracts for AJ’s April 1 comeback.
      Eddie Hearn is finalising contracts for Anthony Joshua’s next fightCredit: PA
      Jermaine Franklin is being tipped to fight AJ after losing to Dillian WhyteCredit: Getty
      The 33-year-old Brit has not fought since August’s rematch defeat to Oleksandr Usyk, who also beat him in September 2021.
      Joshua’s last victory came over two years ago when he took down Kubrat Pulev.
      And Hearn is keen to secure a big-name opponent who can put AJ back on track to fight the likes of Tyson Fury.
      There had been talk of a brutal battle against Filip Hrgovic, but he has been ordered to face Andy Ruiz Jr in an IBF eliminator.
      READ MORE ON BOXING
      Meanwhile, Hearn has also effectively ruled out Otto Wallin and Demsey McKean after revealing AJ does not want to take on another southpaw.
      That could leave Jermaine Franklin as the man to fight Joshua on April Fool’s Day, with the American looking to avenge November’s London defeat to Dillian Whyte.
      But fans won’t have to wait too long to find out, as Hearn is currently finalising contracts with a plan to confirm the bout next week.
      He told Boxing Social: “[Franklin] is definitely in the mix. Demsey McKean is still in the mix.
      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)
      “The link-up with a new trainer means a southpaw fighter, even though AJ just boxed one of them twice, is not ideal.
      “When you look at the future for Anthony Joshua, the future revolves around Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder and Dillian Whyte.
      “They’re three orthodox fighters. It is likely that he will face an orthodox fighter next.
      “I think Jermaine Franklin is a great fighter. People say ‘it’s definitely Franklin’. Nothing is signed and agreed with.
      “But Franklin is coming off a fight where it was very close with Whyte. Some people felt he won that fight.” More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Boxing

      Canelo Alvarez opens talks to return against Brit John Ryder with boxing superstar in line for massive UK debut fight

      by

      CANELO ALVAREZ has opened talks to face Britain’s John Ryder – and could be in line for a massive UK boxing debut.The Mexican wants to avenge his light-heavyweight loss to Dmitry Bivol next September but will return in a May fight beforehand.
      Canelo Alvarez has opened talks to face Britain’s John RyderCredit: Getty
      John Ryder is mandatory challenger for Canelo Alvarez’s WBO titleCredit: Getty
      And after beating Gennady Golovkin, 40, last September in their trilogy bout, Canelo, 32, retained his undisputed super-middleweight crown.
      And Ryder, 34, became the WBO mandatory challenger after beating Zach Parker, 28, in November.
      It puts him in line for a shot at Canelo and promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed negotiations are underway.
      He told DAZN: “I’ve been speaking to Eddie Reynoso and the team over the last couple of days; we’re negotiating that fight at the moment.
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      “Obviously, Canelo’s got options, it doesn’t have to be John Ryder, but he is the mandatory.
      “We’re trying to agree on a deal with Canelo Alvarez, and we’re trying to agree to a deal with John Ryder as well.
      “We’d like to see that fight internationally, something a little bit different for Saul, and hopefully we can conclude a deal for that in the coming weeks.”
      Venues in Europe, America and the Middle East are all options for Canelo, which could pave the way for a UK debut.
      Most read in Boxing
      Hearn said: “UK, Middle East, even the US, Mexico.
      “Saul can fight anywhere, but it’s always been a plan of mine to take him around the world, and I’d love to be a part of it.”
      Canelo was beaten by WBA light-heavyweight champion Bivol, 32, in May 2022 but the pair are lined up to rematch later this year.
      Dmitry Bivol beat Canelo Alvarez in May 2022Credit: Getty More

    • 288 Shares179 Views

      in Boxing

      Tommy Fury’s dad says Jake Paul fight is ’99 per cent’ done and promises to shake YouTuber’s hand if he beats his son

      by

      JOHN FURY said his son Tommy’s fight with Jake Paul is 99 per cent done – and promised to shake the YouTube star’s hand if he wins. The celebrity boxing rivals are set to announce the latest rescheduling of their grudge match, slated for February 25 in Saudi Arabia
      John Fury said his son Tommy’s fight with Jake Paul is 99 per cent doneCredit: Stephen Dunkley/Queensberry Promotions
      Jake Paul in his Puerto Rico gymCredit: @jakepaul
      And Fury’s dad and coach John confirmed the final touches are being put together before an official announcement is made.
      He told The Metro, via FreeBets.com: “We are 99 and three-quarters per cent there and for my money, it is on.

      “We are ready, he is ready we are just waiting now to get the final confirmation and I think they will announce it very soon.”
      This now acts the third time the pair will attempt to settle their score in the ring.
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      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.
      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.
      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)
      Saudi boxing boss Prince Khaled added to further speculation as he posted a video with the tune, “signed, sealed, delivered.”
      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.
      He even clashed with John, who ripped off his top and called to fight the American BARE-KNUCKLE.
      But the former journeyman boxer vowed to congratulate Paul if he was to beat his son.
      If Jake Paul can beat Tommy, I will be the first one to pat him on the back and give him the height of respect. Up close and personal.John Fury
      John said: “After the fight, whoever wins, it will be a handshaking job, a pat on the back well done.
      “Deep down, that is what the Furys are about, especially John Fury, the best man wins and gets his hand shook.
      “If Jake Paul can beat Tommy, I will be the first one to pat him on the back and give him the height of respect. Up close and personal.”
      Despite the offer of respect, John can only see one winner in the fight.
      He said: “The best man will win. I don’t think Jake Paul has got a chance. I really don’t.
      “Looking at his past performances and who he is has been boxing, Tommy is a far cry. Another level. But fair credit to him for stepping up to the plate.
      Read More on The Sun
      “We are not in the ring yet, things can happen and until both men have faced each other it is not a foregone conclusion but we want it.
      “If this fight doesn’t take place, it won’t be because of us. I’m doing my best to keep the lid on everything to keep it so we can perform and so far, so good.”
      Tommy Fury and Jake Paul are set to fight on February 25Credit: BT Sport More

    • 225 Shares119 Views

      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn opens door to ‘fascinating’ fight with Francis Ngannou after MMA star’s UFC exit

      by

      EDDIE HEARN has opened the door to a “fascinating” fight between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou. Ngannou is free to make a switch to boxing after walking out on the UFC while champion after failing to agree a new contract.
      Eddie Hearn opened the door to a ‘fascinating’ fight between Anthony Joshua and Francis NgannouCredit: PA
      Francis Ngannou has left the UFCCredit: Getty
      The Cameroonian called out Joshua, 33, and Tyson Fury, 34, with the prospect talked up by promoter Hearn.
      He told DAZN: “I think AJ is all about the biggest fights and the biggest challenges.
      “I think AJ has got his mind on becoming a three-time world champion, but a fight against Francis Ngnannou is fascinating.”
      Ngannou, 36, has been stripped of the UFC heavyweight title and confirmed he is eyeing a move into boxing.
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      He said on The MMA Hour: “I still want to achieve something in boxing and I want to stay in MMA as well.
      “I discovered MMA first in my life and I feel like I have some mileage to give in my sport.
      “In a perfect world, I go out there get some boxing match then get some MMA, depending on the challenges that are out there.
      “If they are out there, I want to fight the top guys in boxing. I don’t know, I think Fury has retired and come back.
      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)
      “I don’t know where Fury is right now, but now it is time. Before, we could not do anything concrete beyond the social media stuff.
      “Whatever it is, if it is with Tyson Fury, I will take it. I have no problem doing boxing with 4oz gloves, we will figure it out.
      “Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua would be my first ideal opponent.”
      Francis Ngannou pictured with UFC president Dana WhiteCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury brutally mocked by Oleksandr Usyk with savage training picture as talks continue over unification fight

      by

      OLEKSANDR USYK mocked Tyson Fury in his latest Instagram story.The Ukrainian’s camp are locked in talks with the Gypsy King over a blockbuster unification bout.
      Oleksandr Usyk took to Instagram to mock Tyson FuryCredit: INSTAGRAM / @usykaa
      Usyk and Fury are on a collision courseCredit: Getty
      History is set to be made, with all four heavyweight belts having never been on the line in the same fight.
      As negotiations rumble on behind the scenes, a petty war of words has already broken out between the two fighters.
      Usyk, 36, has been referring to Fury as “belly” – recently asking: “Where are you?”
      Fury quickly responded, saying: “Usyk, calling out the Gypsy King with your pathetic little callouts, dosser.
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      “Rabbit, I’m coming for you rabbit. You’re getting it rabbit. And I’ll tell you what else, I’m going to bust you up real bad you little middleweight.
      “I’m going to slap you into a big pile of tattoos, sucker.”
      In his latest taunt, Usyk shared a picture of himself swinging an AXE at a tree stump.
      The WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight champ labelled the stump with Fury’s twitter handle.
      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 added: “The rabbit is coming for you. Belly.”
      The fight is expected to take place in Saudi Arabia, with the Middle Eastern country set to offer a huge sum to host.
      But it could still be moved to London if the Saudis don’t stump up the asking price.
      Fury’s US promoter Bob Arum told BoxingScene: “Everybody agreed that if [Saudi Arabia’s] offer comes through and it’s real, that’s how we’ll go.
      “If not, we’ll do the fight at Wembley.”
      Usyk and Fury stared each other down in December at Tottenham Hotspur stadium.
      “The Cat” had been watching on as Fury eased past Derek Chisora in their trilogy bout.
      The belts are set to be unified later this yearCredit: Reuters More