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

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      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.
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      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.
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      “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

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

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      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.
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      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.
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      “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

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

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      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.
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      “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.
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      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

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      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

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      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.
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      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.
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      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.
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      “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

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

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      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.
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      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.
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      “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

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

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      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.
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      “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.
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      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

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      Otto Wallin calls out Dillian Whyte to rearrange fight after 2021 cancelation and says winner should face Anthony Joshua

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      OTTO WALLIN wants to finally settle his score against Dillian Whyte – with the winner getting a shot at Anthony Joshua. The pair were set to fight in October 2021 with the victor challenging for Tyson Fury’s title.
      Otto Wallin wants to fight Dillian Whyte and earn a shot at Anthony JoshuaCredit: Getty
      Whyte faces off with Joshua at ringside after beating Jermaine Franklin last yearCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
      But Whyte pulled out with a shoulder injury and refused to reschedule, instead waiting out to face Fury in a losing effort last April.
      Now with Whyte in need of an opponent to kickstart the new year, Wallin thinks the time is right to finish their business.
      He told SunSport: “I would love to fight Dillian.
      “I’m not impressed with him and I’m still upset with him from the last time we were going to fight. 
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      “I was ready for that fight, I was going to beat him and earn another shot at fighting Tyson Fury again only for him to pull out from an injury he never really proved. 
      “I would love to fight him and teach him a really good lesson in there.” 
      Whyte, 34, returned in November and narrowly beat Jermaine Franklin in a disputed decision.
      Joshua, 33, was ringside fuelling speculation of a rematch between the two old rivals.
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      But AJ is set for a comeback bout on his own in April, leaving Whyte with time to fill.
      And Wallin, 32, proposes he be the man to do so, with the winner earning a fight with Joshua later down the line.
      He said: “I think it definitely makes sense and the winner would fight Joshua. 
      “I’d beat Dillian, so that would throw off their plan to fight Joshua of course, but I’d love that and I think that would be great.
      “I would love to fight Dillian, I’m still not a big fan of him.” 
      Joshua is coming off consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, the most recent in Saudi Arabia in August.
      I would love to fight him and teach him a really good lesson in there.Otto Wallin on Dillian Whyte
      He has taken time out of the ring since but is primed to return on April 1 at the O2 Arena.
      Wallin was one of the names considered for AJ’s return, having previously boxed in the amateurs and later sparring each other.
      But Franklin – off the back of his controversial loss to Whyte – looks to be the frontrunner to get the fight.
      And Wallin reckons he is considered too much of a risk for Joshua, having left Fury needing over 40 stitches after their 2019 bout.
      He said: “In all honesty it might make sense for Joshua to come back against an orthodox fighter, somebody that’s not a huge threat to him. 
      “I would love to fight Joshua and I think I could give him a really good fight and beat him. 
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      “But I think that’s a couple reasons why he wouldn’t want to fight me right now.
      “I’m a southpaw, I’m a good fighter and I gave Fury a really good fight. I think I’m more than what Joshua needs right now.”
      Tyson Fury was left with 47 stitches against Otto Wallin More

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      Tyson Fury hugs wife Paris at airport as he returns from family holiday in Tenerife to prepare for Oleksandr Usyk fight

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      TYSON FURY has returned from a family holiday in Tenerife as he prepares to ramp up his training for the blockbuster bout with Oleksandr Usyk.The Gypsy King, 34, has been enjoying some downtime in early 2023 as he jetted off to the Spanish island for some relaxation.
      Tyson Fury hugging wife Paris in the airportCredit: SWNS
      The pair have been together since they were teenagersCredit: SWNS
      Tyson and Paris have six children with one anotherCredit: SWNS
      Fury has returned to England and will now train for the Oleksandr Usyk fightCredit: SWNS
      Fury and Paris with their six childrenCredit: Instagram
      Fury, wife Paris and their six children, flew out for a two-week vacation at the start of January.
      But they are now back in the UK and the world heavyweight champion was snapped hugging Paris as they waited to collect their suitcases.
      Paris has six kids with Tyson – Venezuela, 13, Prince John James, nine, Prince Tyson II, four, Valencia, three, Prince Adonis Amaziah, two, and baby Athena.
      Athena was rushed straight to the ICU after her birth in August 2021.
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      The worried parents were by their daughter’s side around the clock as she was treated in intensive care.
      And to their delight, she was eventually discharged and able to return home.
      Fury’s eight-person family will now return to Morecambe as the boxer begins his latest training camp.
      He ended 2023 with a one-sided beatdown of Derek Chisora to defend his WBC title for a third time.
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      Now he is on a collision course with undefeated Ukrainian Usyk, 36, for the undisputed heavyweight crown.
      Fury’s promoter Frank Warren revealed earlier this week that the clash between the two unbeaten fighters is set to take place in early April.
      During an appearance on talkSPORT, he said: “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.”
      Negotiations are understood to be at an advanced stage, with a site deal one of the few matters to be resolved.
      Warren said: “We’re very far down the road, but there are a couple of things we’ve got to work on.
      “We’re trying to get to a point where we can announce it fairly soon and we all think it’s going to happen.”
      Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, right, came face to face last monthCredit: Reuters More