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      Anthony Joshua set to fight Jermaine Franklin on April 1 in comeback bout after devastating Oleksandr Usyk defeat

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      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

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      Danny Williams – who knocked out Mike Tyson in shock win – to fight at O2 against heavyweight 17 YEARS younger than him

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      DANNY WILLIAMS – the man who famously knocked out Mike Tyson – is returning to the ring to fight a man 17 YEARS his junior at The O2.The 49-year-old debuted way back in 1995 and remained unbeaten until he suffered a points defeat to Julian Francis in his 16th bout.
      The 49-year-old Danny Williams will fight a man 17 years his junior in MarchCredit: Getty
      He famously knocked out Mike Tyson back in 2004Credit: Reuters
      He held both the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles but was KO’d by Vitali Klitschko in 2004 when he got his shot at the WBC belt.
      The Brixton-born star also made headlines for fighting with just one arm after dislocating his shoulder against Mark Potter in 2000 but still managing to win via KO.
      Williams announced in 2020 he had retired after losing to Sergey Kharitonov, with his opponent spotted pleading for the referee to stop the bout.
      But he hit the headlines again last March when footage of him losing to Djuar El Scheich surfaced as stars begged him to retire for his own safety.
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      But that was followed by a fourth-straight defeat, which came via knockout, Nelson Hysa in November.
      However, the man who KOed Iron Mike back in 2004 is pulling on the gloves again to fight Jon Dp Shaw, 32, at the O2 in Penninsual Square, London on Friday 24 March.
      Shaw, the owner and head of boxing at DP Boxing in Worcester, is the sparring partner for current British heavyweight champ Fabio Wardley, will battle the veteran in a five-round encounter.
      He told Worcester News:”I’m very confident. He’s a big name and he says he wants to win.
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      “I don’t get nervous. It’s a big occasion but the bigger the occasion the better I will be. It excites me.
      “As always – I ain’t here to take part… I’m here to TakeOver.
      “Danny has fought some of the greats and not only that – he has beaten them! 
      “I will fight any man put in front of me by the promoters. Regardless – I’ll come, fight and win.” More

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      Anthony Joshua accused of ‘ducking’ Deontay Wilder grudge match as he prepares for crucial April return

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA has been accused of “ducking” a grudge match against Deontay Wilder.AJ is aiming to bounce back after two crushing defeats to Oleksandr Usyk with a new trainer.
      Anthony Joshua has been accused of ‘ducking’ Deontay WilderCredit: Instagram / @anthonyjoshua
      The Bronze Bomber returned to the ring in stunning fashion in OctoberCredit: Getty
      Despite looking a lot more aggressive than in his first loss, Joshua opted to replace the renowned Robert Garcia after that bout.
      Hearn confirmed this week that the boxing star has chosen a new man to lead his training camp, which will begin in America next week.
      And he says that his fighter is heading Stateside as “he can’t breathe” in the UK.
      Both the trainer and Joshua’s opponent have yet to be confirmed, although it is widely-believed Gerard Washington will be the man he climbs into the ring with on April 1.
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      The 40-year-old heavyweight – who was knocked out by Wilder in 2017 – is on the joint-worst run of his career following back-to-back TKO losses to Charles Martin and Ali Eren Demirezen.
      But his trainer Malik Scott, who is also the head trainer of the Bronze Bomber, is adamant that the veteran is “ready” for AJ, although he insists that the Brit has dodged his top fighter.
      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.
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      “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.”
      Malik, who added that Wilder could be ready to face Andy Ruiz Jr in a WBC title eliminator as early as March, continued: “Gerald Washington is one of the leading names to possibly fight Anthony Joshua.
      “It’s not a rumour, it’s an actual fact that he’s one of the options. And it’s something Gerald is ready for.
      “I keep telling people, Gerald is a big, strong, heavy handed guy.
      “The physicalities are there, but what we’ve been working on is mental stamina. And fighting at the highest level, that’s more important than the physical.
      “Gerald is better than ever, he’s hungrier than ever, and I can’t wait for you guys to see him. And I can’t wait to see him under the lights myself.
      “I’m very optimistic the fight will get made, especially at this point with the move they’re trying to do for AJ, that’s what makes me optimistic about it because I know the mission they’re on with AJ. And that’s not the mission I’m on for Deontay and AJ.”
      Wilder returned to the ring after successive defeats to Tyson Fury by delivering a stunning first round knock out to Robert Helenius back in October. More

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      Tyson Fury’s ex-rival Otto Wallin wants Anthony Joshua fight as promoter reveals talks over comeback bout

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      TYSON FURY’s ex-rival Otto Wallin wants to be Anthony Joshua’s return fight to heavyweight boxing. Southpaw Wallin, 32, has only one loss on his professional record, and that came to WBC champion Fury back in 2019.
      Wallin lost to Fury but gave the Gypsy King a nasty cut above his right eyeCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Wallin would like to fight Joshua on his return fightCredit: AFP
      He has 24 wins, with four of those coming after his only defeat.
      Two-time former unified world heavyweight champion Joshua, 33, is eyeing a boxing comeback this year following his rematch loss to Oleksandr Usyk.
      Joshua first lost his belts to the Ukrainian in 2021, with Usyk winning by unanimous decision.
      Last summer’s rematch in Saudi Arabia was a closer contest, however, it still ended in defeat for the Brit.
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      Sky Sports were told that Australian heavyweight Demsey McKeanis in talks to fight Joshua.
      McKeanis, 32, is unbeaten but Wallin’s promoter Dmitry Salita maintains that Joshua must come back against a credible opponent.
      Salita told Sky Sports: “We will see how serious Joshua is about returning to an elite heavyweight level by the level of the opponent he selects.
      “He can beat the likes of McKean in an impressive fashion training by himself.
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      “So a fight with such an opponent will not prove anything as an elite boxer and will not be able to see actual improvements from a new trainer.
      “Joshua has been associated with lots of big names. Is it real? I don’t know. Not if he fights a no-name with a glossy record.”
      Salita continued: “Otto is willing and ready to come to the UK on April 1 to fight Anthony Joshua. That would be a massive fight!
      “Otto is interested in fighting Joshua and that is the fight that seems to make sense especially if Fury fights Usyk in March.
      “Otto believes he will beat Joshua and with that deserve the Fury rematch.
      “Even if it’s not Otto, the level of opponent will tell us where Joshua is at now.
      “Joshua is a very accomplished fighter and was one of the best heavyweights of this generation.
      “As a fan if he’s still got it, I would love to see him fight the big fights.” More

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      Gerrie Coetzee dead aged 67 – Former world heavyweight champion who clashed with Frank Bruno dies after illness

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      BOXING champion Gerrie Coetzee has died aged 67. The former world heavyweight champion clashed with the likes of Frank Bruno.
      South African heavyweight boxer Gerrie Coetzee squares up to Britain’s Frank BrunoCredit: Getty
      Coetzee was the first boxer from Africa to fight for, and win, a world heavyweight championshipCredit: Rex
      He also was the first boxer from Africa to fight for, and win, a world heavyweight championship, holding the title from 1983 to 1984.
      He competed from 1974 to 1986 and again in 1993 and 1997.
      And his knockout wins include fighting against Michael Dokes and former unified world heavyweight champion Leon Spinks.
      Coetzee fought against Britain’s Frank Bruno in 1986 and was knocked out.
      He had been battling cancer before his death was confirmed on Thursday night.
      Sports blogger Clinton van der Berg said: “A giant has fallen. The Boksburg Bomberhas succumbed to illness.
      “Almost exactly 40 years after his great triumph – winning the WBA heavyweight championship by 10th-round KO against Mike Dokes – Gerrie Coetzee has died aged 67.
      “One of my boyhood heroes. RIP.”
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      Another fan wrote: “One of my boyhood heroes has passed away. I always think of him when I hear the song – Eye of the Tiger. RIP Gerrie Coetzee.”
      South African rugby writer Brendan Nel wrote: “Gerrie Coetzee. A memory from my childhood. 3am get up to watch him box. World heavyweight champ gone. RIP.” More

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      Gervonta Davis is turning into a mini-monster hell-bent on taking Mike Tyson’s tag as boxing’s Baddest Man on the Planet

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      GERVONTA DAVIS is a tiny tearaway who is big trouble inside and outside the ring.He is rapidly turning into a mini-monster who seems hell-bent on taking over Mike Tyson’s role as boxing’s “Baddest Man on the Planet.”
      Gervonta Davis battered Hector Garcia earlier this monthCredit: AP
      Davis was arrested in Florida last month and charged with domestic violenceCredit: AP
      Though 2023 is not yet two weeks old Davis, who is just 5ft 5in tall, is already staking a claim to be a candidate to be named Fighter of the Year – that’s if he isn’t serving a long jail sentence.
      Eleven days before he defended his WBA regular world lightweight title last Saturday, Davis was arrested in Florida and, not for the first time, charged with domestic violence spending the night in a prison cell. 
      A distraught woman, said to be the mother of his daughter, had called police begging for help and screaming: “He’s going to kill me.”
      Davis, released on a bail bond and completely unfazed by the experience and the serious disruption to his preparation, battered Hector Garcia so severely he retired on his stool at the end of the eighth round in front of a 19,000 sell-out crowd at Washington DC’s Capital One Arena.
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      Floyd Mayweather Jr’s protege’s remarkable unbeaten record is now 28-0 with 26 KO’s.
      Davis is a ferocious punching pocket-battleship who fires explosive missiles with both hands.
      It was obvious he was an exceptional talent to those fortunate to see him destroy Liam Walsh in less than three rounds when he defended his world super-featherweight crown at East London’s Copper Box, six years ago.
      Since then, Davis has been arrested on numerous occasions for several offences including aggravated assault. 
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      He is due to appear at Baltimore Circuit Court, on February 16, where he will face 14 counts relating to a hit-and-run offence.
      It is alleged he smashed his Lamborghini SUV into another car putting the four occupants in hospital.
      If he should be found guilty on all 14 charges he could be sent to prison for seven years.
      Not that Davis believes he will be convicted – he has already agreed to meet the equally brilliant unbeaten Ray Garcia this spring – it is said to be in Las Vegas on April 15.
      Davis, 28, started boxing as a five-year-old and is a product of Baltimore’s most crime-ridden ghetto.
      He appears to be trying to emulate his mentor Mayweather – who has also had problems with law and order – with an ostentatious lifestyle.
      Davis with one of his fleet of luxury vehiclesCredit: Instagram / @gervontaa
      Davis car collection is part of his ostentatious lifestyleCredit: Instagram / @gervontaa
      Among Gervonta’s fleet of luxury vehicles – besides the Lamborghini – is a £280,000 Rolls Royce, a Ferrari, a Corvette Stingray, a USSV Rhino GX with inbuilt TV and a Range Rover.
      He is tattooed all over his body from the neck down – and he’s most proud of the gorilla face on his chest.
      And he never goes out without being adorned with millions of dollars-worth of diamond-encrusted necklaces, rings and designer watches. 
      Heavyweights Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder, Joe Joyce and Daniel Dubois, will once again be the dominate force in the next 12 months.
      But for purist fans the lightweight division will grab their attention – it’s loaded with outstanding exciting unbeaten talent.
      Davis is a ferocious punching pocket-battleship who fires explosive missiles with both hands
      Apart from Davis and Ray Garcia, the undisputed champion is Devin Haney, 29-0, 15 KO’s, and the superb southpaw craftsman Shakur Stevenson, 19-0, 9 KO’s.
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      If only they can be persuaded to fight each other they would rival the four Kings, Leonard, Hagler, Hearns and Duran who had nine fights between them and captivated millions in the 1980s.
      Fury and the rest of the large lumps will get most of the publicity but as a wise man said: “Small men can cut very large shadows.”
      Davis is heavily tattooed from the neck downCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Deontay Wilder’s ex-opponent Gerald Washington is ‘one of the leading names’ to fight Anthony Joshua in Brit’s return

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      GERALD WASHINGTON is primed and “ready” to welcome Anthony Joshua back to the ring.Former two-time heavyweight champ Joshua is set to begin his career rebuild in April following back-to-back defeats to pound-for-pound king Oleksandr Usyk.
      Anthony Joshua is looking to pick up the pieces after a second loss to Oleksandr UsykCredit: GETTY
      Former two-time heavyweight champ AJ is set to return to the ring in AprilCredit: Getty
      Ameican Gerald Washington is in the running to fight Joshua in AprilCredit: GETTY
      Several names are in the frame to face the Brit in a spring slug-fest, including 40-year-old former WBC heavyweight title challenger Washington.
      Deontay Wilder’s coach Malik Scott told Best Sports Betting Canada: “Gerald Washington is one of the leading names to possibly fight Anthony Joshua.
      “It’s not a rumour, it’s an actual fact that he’s one of the options. And it’s something Gerald is ready for.”
      Veteran heavyweight Washington – who fought Wilder in 2017 – is on the joint-worst run of his career following back-to-back TKO losses to Charles Martin and Ali Eren Demirezen.
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      But Scott believes The Black Rooster could potentially spring a major upset against AJ if he gets himself in the right frame of mind.
      He said: “I keep telling people, Gerald is a big, strong, heavy-handed guy.
      “The physicalities are there, but what we’ve been working on is mental stamina.
      “And fighting at the highest level, that’s more important than the physical.
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      “Gerald is better than ever, he’s hungrier than ever, and I can’t wait for you guys to see him.
      “And I can’t wait to see him under the lights myself.
      “I’m very optimistic the fight will get made, especially at this point with the move they’re trying to do for AJ.
      “That’s what makes me optimistic about it because I know the mission they’re on with AJ.
      “And that’s not the mission I’m on for Deontay and AJ.”
      Australia’s Demsey Mckean is also in contention to face Joshua later this year, although the ‘Machine’ recently dismissed suggestions he’s signed a bout agreement.
      Eddie Hearn admits Anthony Joshua’s career could be over if he loses againCredit: PA
      Defeat in his next outing would be curtains for Joshua’s faint world title hopes and could put the final nail into the coffin of his career.
      Promoter Eddie Hearn 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.
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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

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      ‘It’s all over really’ – Eddie Hearn admits Anthony Joshua’s career would be FINISHED if he loses April return fight

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      EDDIE HEARN has admitted that Anthony Joshua’s career will be over if he loses his next fight. The 33-year-old is set to step back in the ring on April 1 for a comeback bout at the O2 Arena.
      Anthony Joshua could hang up his gloves if he loses his fight on April 1, claims Eddie HearnCredit: PA
      He recently suffered back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, making it three losses in his last five after being beaten by Andy Ruiz Jr in the first of their two clashes.
      Joshua is now set for a tune-up fight as he looks to rediscover top form and confidence.
      However, the pressure is on because if AJ was to lose to a potential lesser-known opponent then his promoter believes his career is finished.
      Hearn said to iFL TV: “You go into that fight in April and you know that defeat, it’s all over, really.
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      “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.”
      The Watford-born heavyweight has been linked with facing his ex-sparring partner Demsey McKean in April.
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      The Aussie told Sky Sports: “We are one of the frontrunners for a possible opponent for Anthony Joshua.
      “I could be [the man to retire Joshua] and I am very confident I can do that.”
      With AJ and Hearn hopeful of victory, the Matchroom chief is already eyeing up future bouts for afterwards.
      Joshua wants a big fight in the summer and a rematch with Dillian Whyte is being discussed.
      Hearn also suggested that they would like to arrange a bout with Deontay Wilder, but the American’s thoughts are currently on a potential meeting with Ruiz Jr.
      The promoter also left the door open for a Battle of Britain fight against Tyson Fury.
      Hearn said: “We’re open to a Wilder fight, we’re open to a Fury fight, we’re open to every fight in the summer.
      “AJ knows he wants to be in the biggest fights possible and if a bigger fight rears it’s head, and there’s only two bigger fights in the division than Whyte, that’s Fury and Wilder.
      “And if they appear, somehow, we’re 100 per cent willing to look at those as well.” More