Heavyweight boxing

ANTHONY JOSHUA’s team have been slammed for letting him have a “breakdown” after his loss to Oleksandr Usyk.A dejected Joshua, 33, went on an impassionated rant after his second successive points defeat to the pound-for-pound king last August.
Anthony Joshua went on a fiery rant after his second loss to Oleksandr UsykCredit: GETTY
The former two-time heavyweight champ exploded with rage after the verdictCredit: GETTY
British boxing legend Ricky Hatton has slammed AJ’s team for not protecting him from himselfCredit: Rex
The Watford warrior took the belts from the undefeated Ukrainian and threw them on the floor before delivering an out-of-character and expletive-laden post-fight speech.
None of Joshua’s team on the night tried to intervene, which British boxing legend Ricky Hatton believes was a failure on their part.
The Hitman told Mega Casino: “I was a little bit disappointed with his last team because when he got beat by Usyk.
“Poor Anthony, he looked like he was having a bit of a breakdown in the ring.
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“You know what I mean? He got the belts and he threw them out the ring.
“And he was going to the opposite corner to congratulate them and giving a fist bump and he was a little bit aggressive.
“And I thought to myself, somebody needs to get a grip of him maybe, he doesn’t look like he’s handling this really well.
“And then he got the microphone.
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“And I was watching it in Tenerife with my mates, and I was practically screaming at the TV saying, ‘Somebody get the mic off him.’
“Get the mic off him and put your arm around him and say, ‘Come on, AJ, son, come on, come on, let’s get back to the changing room.
“‘Let’s regroup, mate.’You know what I mean? But they didn’t.”
Hatton believes some of the blame for Joshua’s post-fight antics lies at the feet of his coaching team on the night – which consisted of the recently-departed Robert Garcia and long-time trainer Angel Fernandez.
He said: “Your job as a coach is not just to do what those 12 three-minute rounds and when the final bell goes, that’s it your job’s done.
“No, your job is to look after your fighter until he leaves the venue.
“People don’t realise how much pressure you’re on at that high, bigger stage of a high-profile of a fight.
“So, he’s obviously not taken it well, which sometimes we don’t.
“And I just think his team has just stood there and just let him carry on and carry on, carry on.
“Of course, I wish I could have jumped in the TV myself. “
Former two-time unified heavyweight champ Joshua is set to return to the ring in April, although an opponent has not yet been finalised.
And promoter Eddie Hearn admits a third straight defeat could bring the curtain down on the Olympian’s glittering career.
The Matchroom Boxing chief told iFL TV: “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.’
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“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.”
Anthony Joshua is set to return to the ring in AprilCredit: Getty More

ANTHONY JOSHUA has been urged to gamble his career in a fight with Deontay Wilder.The former two-time heavyweight champion is on the fringes of world title contention following a second successive defeat by Oleksandr Usyk last August.
Anthony Joshua’s first fight of his career rebuild is set to take place in AprilCredit: GETTY
A clash with Deontay Wilder could be on the cards for AJ after his April returnCredit: GETTY
British legend Ricky Hatton has urged AJ to take on The Bronze BomberCredit: REX
AJ’s career rebuild will kick off against a top-15 heavyweight in April, with a domestic dust-up with Dillian Whyte expected to take place in the summer.
But British boxing legend Ricky Hatton reckons he should roll the dice with a high-risk, high-reward fight against former WBC king Wilder sooner rather than later.
The Hitman told Mega Casino: “I’d have a little bit of a rebuilding fight to get his confidence, and no one should complain about it.
“He’s lost his last two fights against Usyk, which is no shame whatsoever.
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“Another factor is how hard he took the defeat where we grabbed the mic, and he took the belts out the ring and everything like that.
“So, obviously it affected him hard. So, don’t chuck him in at the deep end again.
“Give him someone a bit of a token, you know what I mean?
“And then go in for the Wilder fight.”
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Bronze Bomber Wilder returned to the win column in October with a brutal stoppage of Robert Helenius – his first outing since back-to-back stoppage defeats by Tyson Fury.
And the American knockout artist’s coach Malik Scott wants the rivals – who were on course to throw down in 2018 – to settle their feud once and for all.
He told iFL TV: “You have Deontay and Andy Ruiz mandated for the WBC, but then you have people raving for Anthony Joshua and Deontay to fight, and that actual fight is bigger than the WBC mandation.
“We’ll just see.
“I want Deontay to fight AJ – I think that’s the biggest fight in the history of the heavyweight division.
“I want to see them in the ring with each other, because I don’t believe it will go more than three rounds.”

Defeat in his comeback fight will put the final nail in the coffin of Joshua’s glittering career.
Promoter Eddie Hearn 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.
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“I’m excited. I’m really excited.
“This is the most excited I’ve been in Joshua’s journey so far.” More

MIKE TYSON has revealed his pick for the next fighter to become a “legend” of boxing.The likes of the undefeated Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk – who will duke it out for the undisputed heavyweight title in March – are poised to become historic icons of the sport.
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are both on the cusp of becoming boxing iconsCredit: Reuters
Former undisputed bantamweight king Naoya Inoue is also on the vergeCredit: AFP
Former undisputed bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue is also en route to becoming an all-time great.
But former Hall of Famer Tyson reckons hard-hitting lightweight Gervonta Davis is the most likely fighter to leave the sport with legendary status.
During an interview with TMZ, Iron Mike said of the Baltimore bruiser: “Tank is a great fighter.
“He’ll be a legend too if he keeps fighting.
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“He’s probably the best fighter out there right now.”
Davis, 28, was in action earlier this month against Dominican destroyer Hector Luis Garica.
Tank retained his WBA (regular) lightweight title with an eighth-round stoppage of Garcia – who claimed he couldn’t “see” after the bout.
Davis is now on course to throw down with fellow 135lb star Ryan Garcia, although Team Garcia claim they have yet to receive a bout agreement.
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Golden Boy Promotions chief Oscar De La Hoya tweeted: “I have no contract.
“Deadline for me is Monday or I’m moving on.”
The controversial Davis – who was embroiled in a second claim of domestic violence ahead of his return – plans to jump straight back into training camp to prepare for Garcia.
He said: “God willing, I’m ready for the fight.
“It’s scheduled for April and I’m here. On my end, I’m ready.
“I’ll take a week off and I’ll be back in the gym for sure.”
Boxing hero Mike Tyson reckons Gervonta Davis is on his way to becoming a “legend”Credit: GETTY More

DEMSEY MCKEAN is adamant he’s a “better” boxer than old sparring partner Anthony Joshua.The Australian man mountain is in the running to welcome Joshua back to the ring in April, although an agreement has yet to be finalised.
Demsey McKean is in the running to face Anthony Joshua in AprilCredit: GETTY
McKean is a former sparring partner of the ex-world championCredit: INSTAGRAM@DEMSEY.MCKEAN
The Aussie believes he has the beating of the BritCredit: INSTAGRAM@DEMSEY.MCKEAN
McKean, 32, has first-hand knowledge of the problems AJ presents having been part of two of the Brit’s training camps and firmly believes the former champ’s skill set pales in comparison to his.
The southpaw told Boxing Scene: “I know for a fact I’m a better boxer than AJ.
“I’m a lot more mobile, a lot slicker. I’m a lot harder to hit so I know I can definitely outbox him.”
He added: “I’ve got the full package. I’m a super fit heavyweight, I always come in very well-conditioned.
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“I’m a tricky southpaw and quite fast for a heavyweight and I’ve got good feet as well.
“Obviously, I haven’t fought the competition that these top-level guys have but I’ve been waiting for my time to shine.”
Joshua, 33, fell out of world title contention in August following a second consecutive points defeat to pound-for-pound king Oleksandr Usyk.
But McKean is adamant the fallen Brit is still among the elite of the division.
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He said: “He’s definitely top five, maybe even top three.”
Former two-time unified heavyweight champ is set to return to action at London’s O2 Arena on April 1.
And promoter Eddie Hearn admits his next outing is a must-win if he’s to have any hope of getting back in the title mix.
The Matchroom Boxing chief told iFL TV: “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

ANTHONY JOSHUA has had the gauntlet laid down to him by Deontay Wilder’s team.A blockbuster showdown between the two heavy hitters is closer than it’s been since they held all the heavyweight marbles.
Anthony Joshua is set to return to the ring in April following back-to-back losses to Oleksandr UsykCredit: GETTY
A clash with ex-WBC heavyweight champ is potentially on the cards for AJCredit: GETTY
Since that time Joshua has suffered back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.
Meanwhile Wilder lost his belt in a trilogy with Tyson Fury but returned to the win column with a brutal first-round KO last October.
Now coach Malik Scott wants him to settle the score with Joshua – sooner rather than later.
He told iFL TV: “You have Deontay and Andy Ruiz mandated for the WBC, but then you have people raving for Anthony Joshua and Deontay to fight, and that actual fight is bigger than the WBC mandation.
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“We’ll just see.
“I want Deontay to fight AJ – I think that’s the biggest fight in the history of the heavyweight division.
“I want to see them in the ring with each other, because I don’t believe it will go more than three rounds.”
Former WBC heavyweight champ Wilder was mooted as a potential opponent for Joshua’s comeback fight in April.
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But AJ’s team have turned their attention elsewhere, much to the annoyance of Scott.
He told Best Sports Betting Canada: “At one time it looked like we’re getting ready to get a Deontay-AJ fight made.
“Then you hear AJ and his team want to do other things.
“It seems like he’s ducking all my heavyweights. You have got to fight one of my heavyweights, man, we’re waiting on you over here.
“You’re ducking Deontay Wilder, Gerald Washington is ready to fight right now, in top condition, mentally and spiritually and physically.”
Joshua, 33, is on the fringes of world title contention following his split decision loss to Usyk last August.
And promoter Eddie Hearn admits a third loss on the bounce could be curtains for his career.
The Matchroom Boxing chief told iFL TV: “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.
Read More on The Sun
“I’m excited. I’m really excited.
“This is the most excited I’ve been in Joshua’s journey so far.”
Coach Malik Scott wants to see the Bronze Bomber throw down with AJ this yearCredit: EPA
Eddie Hearn admits Anthony Joshua’s career is on the line in his next outingCredit: PA More

ANTHONY JOSHUA is in line to fight Jermaine Franklin after turning to the American for his boxing return. AJ has lost twice on the spin to Oleksandr Usyk, most recently in their Saudi Arabia rematch in August.
Anthony Joshua is in line to fight Jermaine Franklin in his boxing returnCredit: Getty
Dillian Whyte beat Jermaine Franklin in a disputed decisionCredit: Getty
And after failed talks for a shock WBC title fight against Tyson Fury, 34, in December, Joshua, 33, took some time out the ring.
Now, promoter Eddie Hearn revealed a comeback date is set for April 1 at the O2 Arena, with opponents still being evaluated.
SunSport understands attention has switched to Franklin, 29, who AJ watched from ringside lose to Dillian Whyte, 34, in November.
The majority-decision was disputed with many feeling the Michigan man was unfortunate to walk away beaten.
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It has set up a summer stadium rematch between Joshua and Whyte, who he beat in 2015.
Although both are set for separate bouts in the meantime, with Joshua’s coming in the first month on April, at the O2 for the first time in seven years.
Southpaws Otto Wallin, 32, and Demsey McKean, 32, were also in consideration but Franklin, who cuts a similar frame to Whyte, looks ready to get the nod.
The Daily Star were first to report talks between Joshua and Franklin.
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AJ has recently returned Stateside in search for a new trainer, having split with Robert Garcia after defeat to Usyk, 35.
And Derrick James, coach to Errol Spence Jr, 32, and Jermell Charlo, 32, is believed to be the choice.
James was nominated for trainer of the year, having led Charlo to undisputed gold at light-middleweight and three unified welterweight titles with Spence.
Joshua would spend his entire training camp in Dallas, before returning from Texas for his fight back in the capital.
Errol Spence Jr with his coach Derrick JamesCredit: Ryan Hafey / Premier Boxing Champions More