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      Five boxing fights for Francis Ngannou after heavyweight star leaves UFC and eyes switch to the ring

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      FRANCIS NGANNOU has paved the way for a move over to boxing after walking out on the UFC. Ngannou leaves while still the UFC heavyweight champion after failing to agree a new contract extension.
      Francis Ngannou has left the UFCCredit: Getty
      And the Cameroonian confirmed realising his long-standing dream of entering the boxing world is on the cards.
      He said on The MMA Hour: “I still want to achieve something in boxing and I want to stay in MMA as well.”
      So here, SunSport takes a look at five massive options awaiting Ngannou in the ring.
      Tyson Fury
      The obvious choice would be the No1 in the world, unbeaten WBC champ Fury, 34, who has called out Ngannou before.
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      They even faced off against each other in April 2022 at Wembley when the Gypsy King knocked out Dillian Whyte, 34.
      Fury’s US promoter Bob Arum has given the fight the green light before, making it an easy one to make on paper.
      Tyson Fury with Francis Ngannou at WembleyCredit: BT SPORTS
      Deontay Wilder
      Wilder, 37, is another option Ngannou has talked up in the past and it is a guaranteed blockbuster for fans.
      They are considered two of the biggest punchers in the world, making for an explosive prospect.
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      And Wilder even claimed Premier Boxing Champions boss Al Haymon had discussed the Ngannou fight with him behind the scenes.
      Anthony Joshua
      Joshua, 33, has also been named by Ngannou as a potential boxing opponent alongside Fury.
      He said: “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.”
      Anthony Joshua has been called out by Francis NgannouCredit: GETTY
      Dillian Whyte
      Whyte in the summer of 2020 recorded an unaired virtual face-off interview with Ngannou and claimed to have got the better of him.
      Promoter Eddie Hearn proposed a two-fight deal, with a bout in boxing and MMA, with ex-kickboxer Whyte having fought in the cage before.
      The Professional Fighters League have also just launched a pay-per-view super-fight division on DAZN, the same app Hearn works with.
      Dillian Whyte has exchanged words with Francis Ngannou beforeCredit: PA
      Derek Chisora
      Chisora, 38, has teased a move to MMA before and recently called Ngannou out.
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      He said: “I’m trying to fight Ngannou. I want to do it in the UFC and boxing.”
      Chisora was beaten by Fury in ten rounds in December but has ruled out retirement.
      Tyson Fury beat Derek Chisora in DecemberCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk More

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      Joe Joyce’s MUM sends warning to Tyson Fury and says unbeaten son is ‘coming to knock you off the throne’

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      JOE JOYCE’S mum has sent out a warning to Tyson Fury by saying: “He’s coming to knock you off the throne.” Joyce is the unbeaten mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk’s WBO belt.
      Joe Joyce celebrates victory over Joseph ParkerCredit: PA
      Joe Joyce’s mother Marvel Opara pictured in 2020Credit: Rex
      Tyson Fury is in talks to fight Oleksandr UsykCredit: Getty
      But Usyk, 36, is set to face Fury, 34, in the heavyweight division’s first four-belt undisputed title decider.
      It leaves Joyce, 37, primed to challenge the winner of the historic unification.
      Fury named his former sparring partner as a part of his three-fight plan in 2023.
      But Joyce’s mum Marvel has warned the Gypsy King to be careful what he wishes for.
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      She told The Mirror: “He’s going to juggernaut Fury.
      “He’s coming to knock you off the throne. The Juggernaut is coming to get you.”
      Marvel, who has been blind since childhood, has trained in martial arts and provides Joyce with his biggest motivation.
      He said: “I get my drive to succeed from her.
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      “I’ve always been inspired by her determination – she doesn’t let anything get in the way of what she wants to do.”
      Joyce won the WBO “interim” title in September by knocking out former champion Joseph Parker, 31, in 11 thrilling rounds.
      It means he would inherit the full title should it be vacated or at a minimum guarantees him a shot at the gold.
      And promoter Frank Warren has tipped a championship bout between Fury and Joyce to sell out Wembley’s 90,000-plus stadium.
      Warren said: “Fury v Joyce is a fight everyone wants to see.
      “It’ll sell out Wembley Stadium. With all things going to plan, I’d hope to see that fight this summer.”
      Joe Joyce and Tyson Fury have sparred each other before More

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      Anthony Joshua called out by Jarrell Miller as shamed heavyweight offers to take ‘short money’ to finally fight rival

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      JARREL MILLER is willing to take “short money” in order to finally fight Anthony Joshua. The American infamously blew the chance of challenging AJ for the heavyweight titles in 2019 after failing a series of doping tests.
      Anthony Joshua and Jarrell Miller pictured in 2019Credit: Getty
      And Miller was further disgraced after another drugs bust a year later and faced FOUR YEARS out of the ring.
      Now back in the boxing business as a villain, the unbeaten heavyweight is not giving up on his pursuit of AJ.
      Miller’s promoter Dmitriy Salita told The Express: “I received a phone call from Jarrell Miller last week, he said ‘Dmitriy I’ll take short money, tell Joshua I want to fight, and I’ll take short money.’
      “So, if Jarrell can work his way back up to that level, I believe it will be interesting to see him in those elite fights as well.”
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      Miller, 34, blamed his failed test before fighting Joshua, 33, on a tainted supplement and stem cell shots in his elbow.
      He then received a contract with Bob Arum’s Top Rank stable but again tested positive for a banned substance.
      This time the ex-kickboxer put it down to a SEX PILL and was handed a two-year suspension.
      Miller enrolled in VADA testing in December 2020 and has returned clean drug tests since, which saw his licence in Las Vegas reinstated.
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      The New Yorker won two comeback fights last year, on points against Ariel Esteban Bracamonte and a stoppage over Derek Cardenas.
      And although Eddie Hearn has voiced concern over working with Miller again, Salita is hoping the door can be opened.
      He said: “As it stands now, I don’t think Matchroom is too keen to work with Jarrell but if Jarrell stays clean, keeps getting tested, and keeps winning then things can change.”
      Jarrell Miller wants to fight Anthony JoshuaCredit: @bigbabymiller More

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      Tyson Fury will ‘STRUGGLE’ against Oleksandr Usyk if he fights a certain way, warns ex-coach Ben Davison

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      TYSON FURY has been warned by his ex-coach Ben Davison he will “STRUGGLE” against Oleksandr Usyk should he fight a certain way. The pair of unbeaten rivals are in talks for a historic undisputed title decider this year, which is set to be pushed back to April.
      Trainer Ben Davison with Tyson Fury in 2018Credit: Action Images – Reuters
      Oleksandr Usyk is in talks to fight FuryCredit: Instagram / @uskyaa
      Fury, 34, is the odds-on favourite to emerge as the heavyweight division’s first four-belt undisputed champion.
      But his old trainer Davison believes the longer the fight goes, the more it favours ex-cruiserweight king Usyk, 36.
      He told Queensberry’s YouTube channel: “Personally, I think he will struggle if he tries to play the long game with Usyk.
      “I think a massive strength of Tyson’s is his agility for a guy of that size, so when he’s against guys of that size it really shows out.
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      “However, against someone like Usyk those advantages will get taken away. Someone one-dimensional will struggle.
      “Tyson is very versatile, very good at locking up, stepping to someone, he’s able to do that.
      “He’s got a great engine, he’s got bundles of heart, extremely tough and does tuck up well. Good on the inside for a man of that size which is very rare.
      “Can cut the ring off, so me personally, I think that’s how the fight will go for a Tyson victory.
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      “I think he’ll struggle if he looks to play the long game with Usyk, in my opinion.”
      Davison helped bring Fury back from 28 STONE and a deep depression all the way to challenging for the world title again.
      But following a disputed 2018 draw with Deontay Wilder, Fury instead hired American Sugarhill Steward.
      With Steward, he has twice stopped Wilder, knocked out Dillian Whyte and halted Derek Chisora in ten rounds.
      Usyk, off the back of two wins over Anthony Joshua, watched Fury dispatch of Chisora at Tottenham and the pair faced off after.
      Talks for the two two unify their belts have been ongoing ever since and promoter Frank Warren provided an update.
      He said on talkSPORT: “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.”
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      Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk squaring up in DecemberCredit: REUTERS More

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      Anthony Joshua told to ‘give fans what they want’ by likely opponent as talks over crucial April showdown continue

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      JERMAINE FRANKLIN has urged Anthony Joshua to “give fans what they want” and sign on the dotted line.The American is the front-runner to be the man opposite the former two-time unified heavyweight champion in his crucial April comeback fight.
      Anthony Joshua is on course to return to the ring in AprilCredit: GETTY
      Several names are in the running to face AJ in his crunch return boutCredit: GETTY
      American Jermaine Franklin has publicly laid down the gauntlet to AJCredit: GETTY
      SunSport understands talks are progressing well but a deal has not yet been reached, which has prompted Franklin to take to social media to try get the fight over the line.
      Along with a twinned picture of himself and AJ, the 29-year-old tweeted: “I’m ready.
      “Time to give the fans what they want.
      “Two great boxers who want to put the fans’ interest first, USA vs UK.”
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      An official offer has yet to be tabled to Franklin, although that hasn’t dampened his excitement at potentially facing the golden boy of British boxing.
      Promoter Dmirty Salita told Sky Sports: “Yes, Jermaine is excited about the opportunity to once again show the British boxing fans that he is the best American heavyweight in the world.
      “As you saw in the [Dillian] Whyte fight, Jermaine is not intimidated by a big name even if it’s thousands of miles away from home.
      “His mindset is to be the heavyweight champion of the world. Beat Joshua, beat Whyte in the rematch and fight the winner of Fury vs Usyk.”
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      Franklin suffered a controversial points defeat to Brixton Body Snatcher Whyte last November.
      Joshua, meanwhile, endured a second successive decision defeat to pound-for-pound king Oleksandr Usyk last August.
      Defeat to the Ukrainian has put AJ on the periphery of the world title picture, so much so he can ill-afford another loss.
      Promoter Eddie Hearn 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

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      Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk moved back as Frank Warren reveals new fight date target for blockbuster undisputed bout

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      TYSON FURY’s historic showdown with Oleksandr Usyk is set to take place later than initially expected.Talks over a blockbuster undisputed clash between the undefeated heavyweights resumed after Fury’s lopsided beatdown of Derek Chisora last December.
      Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are on course for a blockbuster undisputed boutCredit: REUTERS
      The mega-fight was initially targeted for March 4Credit: GETTY
      But promoter Frank Warren has revealed the bout will likely happen in early AprilCredit: PA
      March 4 was the initial working date, but Fury co-promoter Frank Warren has revealed a delay in finalising the deal has paved the way for an “early April” dust-up instead.
      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.”
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      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.”
      Despite the delay, Warren insists Usyk and his team have been easy to work with.
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      He said: “They have no promotional ties, they are free agents, they have no TV contracts, so that side of it is very simple.
      The first undisputed heavyweight title fight in nearly 24 years is expected to land in the Middle East, although Warren has refused to rule out the prospect of it taking place at Wembley.
      He said: “Tyson’s the attraction.
      “In his last two fights, he’s had 160,000 people watching.
      “But we’re working it out and they’re sensible people and we’re sensible people.”
      Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk have been going back and forth on social mediaCredit: Reuters
      WBC king Fury has been on the receiving end of multiple call outs from slick southpaw Usyk of late, which he responded to on Tuesday.
      In a video on his social media channels, he said: “Tyson Fury here.
      “WBC heavyweight number one – get up world champion!
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      “Usyk, calling out the Gypsy King with your pathetic little callouts, dosser.
      “Rabbit. I’m coming for you, rabbit. You’re getting it, rabbit.” More

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      Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua called out by Francis Ngannou after UFC exit as heavyweight star eyes boxing switch

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      FRANCIS NGANNOU has called out Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua after leaving the UFC. The heavyweight has walked out as UFC champion after failing to agree a new contract with the MMA powerhouse.
      Francis Ngannou has called out Tyson Fury and Anthony JoshuaCredit: Getty
      Tyson Fury after beating Dillian Whyte in April 2022Credit: Reuters
      Anthony Joshua before his first fight with Oleksandr Usyk in September 2021Credit: Getty
      Now Ngannou, 36, is ready to realise his long-standing dream of making it as a professional boxer.
      And he is wasting no time in calling out two of sport’s best in Fury, 34, and Joshua, 33.
      Ngannou 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.
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      “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.
      “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.
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      “Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua would be my first ideal opponent.”
      Fury faced off against Ngannou in April after he knocked out Dillian Whyte, 34, at Wembley.
      But at the time, the Cameroonian was injured and still in talks to extend his UFC deal.
      The UFC prohibit their stars from fighting outside of the promotion, unless given special permission.
      Conor McGregor, 34, was given so in 2017 for his loss to American legend Floyd Mayweather, 45.
      But Ngannou was told he would not be allowed to replicate McGregor’s move, leaving him unwilling to be tied down to one promotion.
      He said: “In that contract, I’m not free. I’m not an independent contractor. I have no rights.
      “I hand over all the power to you guys. I’ve seen in the past how you guys can utilise your power against me, and I don’t want that.”
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      Francis Ngannou with UFC president Dana White in January 2022Credit: Getty More

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      Anthony Joshua was a ‘beast’ until he ‘started to box too much’ says unbeaten heavyweight Filip Hrgovic

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      FILIP HRGOVIC said Anthony Joshua was a “beast” until he “started to box too much”. AJ was beaten for the first time in June 2019, losing in round seven to Andy Ruiz Jr after four knockdowns.
      Filip Hrgovic said Anthony Joshua was a ‘beast’ until he ‘started to box too much’Credit: Getty
      Anthony Joshua is set for a boxing return in AprilCredit: Getty
      But he reformed his style to outbox Ruiz, 33, in their Saudi Arabia rematch six months later.
      Although the same tactics saw him twice lose to Oleksandr Usyk, 36, leaving Joshua, 33, in a must-win return fight this year.
      Unbeaten contender Hrgovic, 30, is one of the opponents linked with AJ and the Croatian had a brutal assessment of the Brit.
      He told Tru School Sports: “I’m careful not to learn too much and become something that I’m not, take away my advantages.
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      “I think that happened to Anthony Joshua. He was a beast.
      “He was a knockout artist and then he started to learn too much about boxing and he started to box too much, overthinking.” 
      Hrgovic narrowly beat Zhang Zhilei, 39, on the undercard of Joshua’s rematch defeat to Usyk in August.
      And he is one of the emerging candidates to welcome AJ back to the ring on his proposed April 1 comeback fight.
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      But as revealed by SunSport, American Jermaine Franklin, 29, is leading the race.
      Franklin was beaten by Dillian Whyte, 34, in November which was a disputed decision Joshua was ringside for.
      Southpaws Otto Wallin, 30, and Demsey McKean, 32, who are both ex-sparring partners of AJ’s, are also named in the list.
      Dillian Whyte beat Jermaine Franklin in a disputed decisionCredit: Getty More