Heavyweight boxing

EDDIE HEARN held talks with Otto Wallin’s promoter over a fight for Anthony Joshua’s boxing return. AJ and Hearn are plotting their next steps after the two-time heavyweight champion took some time away from the ring.
Otto Wallin is being offered as an opponent to fight Anthony Joshua in 2023Credit: Getty
Anthony Joshua pictured with promoter Eddie HearnCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
A rematch with Dillian Whyte has been mentioned while a super-fight with Deontay Wilder remains on the cards.
Whyte, 34, recently edged past American Jermaine Franklin, 29, in a disputed majority decision win.
Franklin’s promoter Dmitriy Salita took a trip to the UK as a chance to pitch his other client, Wallin, as an alternate option for AJ.
Salita told SunSport: “I had discussions with Eddie about Otto for a significant amount of time and as late as last week.
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“From what I understand it’s really up to AJ. I believe he wants to place himself back in the heavyweight picture.
“Both Otto and AJ want a shot at Fury. By the numbers Otto landed more punches on Fury then anyone else ever.
“I believe the winner of that fight will have legitimate claim to challenge Fury probably after his fight with Oleksandr Usyk.”
Wallin, 32, left Fury, 34, needing 47 stitches in their 2019 bloodbath in a bout that raised his profile.
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Joshua, 33, is expected to return in March and Hearn is in the process of matching him with an opponent.
But after Whyte’s unconvincing win over Franklin, ex-world champion Salita wants to see the pair rematch.
And it would free up Swedish southpaw Wallin to welcome Joshua back to the ring.
Salita said: “Whyte is 1-2 and in reality 1-3 in his last four fights.  
Both Otto and AJ want a shot at Fury. By the numbers Otto landed more punches on Fury then anyone else ever. Dmitriy Salita
“A fight with Joshua would be something like Roy Jones vs Mike Tyson or Floyd Mayweather vs Conor McGregor, big names but not much behind it at this point.  
“Even if it’s not against Jermaine, Whyte needs an impressive showing against someone credible to show that he still got the skills to pay the bills at an elite heavyweight level. 
“Otto Wallin on the other hand gave Tyson Fury the hardest fight of his career, landing more punches then Wladimir Klitchko and Deontay Wilder 1 put together.  
“He had four wins after that including Dominic Breazeale and Travis Kauffman, both credible at time of his victory.  
“Otto is No3 in the WBO and is a bonafide top heavyweight in the world.  
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“There have been lots of big names thrown around with Joshua including Tyson and Wilder.  
“How serious that is will depend on who he fights next.”
Tyson Fury was left needing 47 stitches after his win over Otto Wallin More

ANTHONY JOSHUA has been offered red hot fights against either Joe Joyce or Daniel Dubois after Tyson Fury left him out in the cold. AJ is set to return in early 2023 following consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk and failed talks to face Fury in December.
Anthony Joshua has been offered red hot fights against either Joe Joyce and Daniel DuboisCredit: Getty
Joe Joyce beat Daniel Dubois in 2020Credit: The Sun
Now, his two heavyweight rivals are set to meet in a historic unification bout next year.
It leaves Joshua, 33, frozen out of the title picture but promoter Frank Warren is ready to offer him a pair of alternative fights.
Warren told iD Boxing: “We’ve got better fights to put on now.
“He had his opportunity and as I say we have bigger and better fights.”
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He added: “I have no problem making him against Joe Joyce or Daniel Dubois if he wants to make his way back into the top table.”
Joshua is linked with comeback fights against Dillian Whyte, 34, and Deontay Wilder, 37, as he prepares to overcome his latest setback.
It comes while Fury, 34, and Usyk, 35, enter talks for the heavyweight division’s first four-belt unification bout.
The two came face to face after the Gypsy King dominated Derek Chisora, 38, to win for the third time in their trilogy series.
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Afterwards, Fury said: “We’re hopefully gonna see the biggest year of my career. We’re gonna get the big fights that the fans really crave.
“First of all let’s talk about Usyk. I’m ready, I’m willing, to take on Usyk next – whether it’s gonna be in Saudi Arabia or back here in the UK. Both places will be fantastic.
“And let’s give the fans one champion, one name, one face. Usyk’s up to the challenge. He came over tonight, so fair play to him.”
Oleksandr Usyk facing off with Tyson FuryCredit: Getty More

ANTHONY JOSHUA has returned to America in search of new coaching team and linked up with trainer Virgil Hunter. After AJ was first beaten by Oleksandr Usyk in September 2021, he parted ways with long-time cornerman Robert Garcia.
Anthony Joshua shadow boxing in America
Amir Khan pictured with trainer Virgil Hunter in 2014Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Joshua then recruited American mastermind Robert Garcia to work alongside up and coming coach Angel Fernandez.
Usyk, 35, still went on to win the rematch in Saudi Arabia in August, leaving AJ to take some time away from the ring.
He is set to return in early 2023 and promoter Eddie Hearn revealed he is on the search for new additions to his camp.
The two-time champion, 33, uploaded a video on his SnapChat shadow boxing while in America.
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And according to talkSPORT’s Michael Benson, he also trained in Hunter’s California gym.
Hunter is most well known for his role in mentoring and coaching unbeaten legend Andre Ward.
But he also trained Amir Khan, now 35, and currently works with British light-heavyweight prospect Joshua Buatsi, 29, who is managed by AJ.
Joshua is still in talks for his return fight amid rumours of a rematch with Dillian Whyte, 34, who he knocked out in 2015.
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Hearn told iD Boxing: “He was willing to go straight into the Tyson Fury fight, he was willing to fight Dillian Whyte.
“But he’s also going to be listening to going to be listening to and taking the advice and input of potentially a new training team.
“And they will want time to work with Anthony Joshua.”
Anthony Joshua pictured with promoter Eddie HearnCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing More

ANTHONY JOSHUA is unlikely to face Deontay Wilder in a grudge match in the spring as he could soon be working with a new coaching team.A long-awaited showdown between the pair has been mooted following Wilder’s return to the win column in October.
Anthony Joshua could potentially face Deontay Wilder in MarchCredit: GETTY
The Bronze Bomber returned to the win column in brutal fashion in OctoberCredit: AFP
But Eddie Hearn has revealed the potential appointment of a new team could delay the fightCredit: PA
But with a potential change of coaching team seemingly imminent, promoter Eddie Hearn believes the spring will be too early for the pair to settle their differences.
He told iD Boxing: “I think it’s quite unlikely that you’re going to see that fight in March, in all honesty.
“But again, I know AJ would go straight into that fight.
“He was willing to go straight into the Tyson Fury fight, he was willing to fight Dillian Whyte.
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“But he’s also going to be listening to going to be listening to and taking the advice and input of potentially a new training team.
“And they will want time to work with Anthony Joshua.”
Joshua, 33, enlisted the help of Robert Garcia for his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk in August, although the renowned American was unable to guide him to victory in the Saudi showdown.
And Hearn believes the new man in charge will want a good chunk of time working with Joshua before he returns to the ring.
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He continued: “He brought a new trainer in and then ended up fighting Usyk again straight off the bat.
“So I think the trainer will always be more sensible than the fighter.”
Former four-weight world champ Roy Jones Jr recently claimed he’d be teaming up with Joshua, although his appointment to the team has yet to be confirmed.
Joshua is currently targeting a March return to the ring but is refusing to commit to a specific date for his next outing.
He told DAZN last month: “I don’t know [when I’ll be back].
“I was supposed to be in the ring this year, I’m going to be in the ring next year. I’ll be in the ring when I’m in the ring.
Anthony Joshua is likely to return to the ring in MarchCredit: GETTY
“I don’t want to make statements today and then I’ll get held to the cross.
“Do you know what I mean? When I’m ready, I’ll be back in the ring.” More

OLEKSANDR USYK was joined by two stunning ring girls as he scouted out Tyson Fury up close and personal. The WBA, IBF and WBO champion had a front row seat to watch Fury successfully defend his WBC title against Derek Chisora.
Oleksandr Usyk with ring card girl Kayleigh Debono, middle and Antonia Salt
Kayleigh also works for Monster Energy
Kayleigh posing in a black bikiniCredit: Instagram @missdebono
It’s now wonder Usyk had his picture taken with KayleighCredit: Instagram / @missdebono
The Gypsy King’s ten round domination sets up a historic unification bout with Usyk next year.
Ringside in London, the Ukrainian went face to face with Fury and cut a stern face as he looked into the eyes of his potential next opponent.
But it was not just Fury, 34, who Usyk, 35, had his game face on for, even striking a stone face with the ring card girls.
Kayleigh Debono, who also works for Monster Energy, snapped a selfie with the pound-for-pound star.
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Usyk hilariously had fans in stitches as he took a phone call while Fury called him out just a few yards in front of him.
The pair are all set for the heavyweight division’s first four-belt undisputed fight in 2023.
Fury said: “We’re hopefully gonna see the biggest year of my career, 2023, we’re gonna get the big fights that the fans really crave.
“First of all let’s talk about Usyk. I’m ready, I’m willing, to take on Usyk next – whether it’s gonna be in Saudi Arabia or back here in the UK.
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“Both places will be fantastic. And let’s give the fans one champion, one name, one face. Usyk’s up to the challenge.
“He came over tonight, so fair play to him. He’s not an easy boxer to figure out, he’s a slick, southpaw mover with very good skills, Olympic gold medallist.
“And he’s coming on some good form so I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”
Oleksandr Usyk facing off with Tyson FuryCredit: Getty More

TYSON FURY has called on his brother Tommy to fight Jake Paul next year – and even offered them a spot on his undercard. The pair of celebrity boxing rivals are in talks to reschedule their grudge match.
Tyson Fury has called on his brother Tommy to fight Jake Paul next yearCredit: Reuters
And Fury, in line for an undisputed super-fight against Oleksandr Usyk, reckons it’s about time the two finally settle their score.
He said: “I think they should fight, it’s a fight that the general, everyday, casual boxing person would like to see.
“And it’s the fight that Tommy wants and Jake wants. So yeah, I think that fight should happen in 2023.
“Maybe it could be on the undercard of me and Usyk, who knows.”
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Twice the duo have put pen to paper on a fight but both times Tommy has been forced to withdraw.
Last December he suffered a rib injury and in their rehashed date of August, the Brit was hit with US visa issues which are still to be sorted.
Paul, 25, in October beat UFC legend Anderson Silva, 47, the biggest win in his 6-0 career.
A month later he travelled to Dubai to watch Tommy, 23, box in a late-notice exhibition and the two camps agreed to fight in 2023.
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But Paul recently took to Twitter to accuse Fury of “ducking” him after sending out a “seven-figure” fight contract.
Although Fury hinted news could be on the way as he spoke to BT Sport after brother Tyson, 34, beat Derek Chisora, 38.
He said: “Im hopefully going to be out early next year, trying to finalise a few things. Stay tuned, basically.”
Jake Paul says he has sent Tommy Fury a fight contractCredit: Getty
Tommy Fury hinted fight news is loomingCredit: Getty More

TYSON FURY wants a FOURTH fight with Deontay Wilder and has his eyes on the 70,000-seat Allegiant Stadium as the host. The heavyweight rivals shared three thrilling fights with the first drawn and the two rematches won by Fury.
Tyson Fury wants a fourth fight with Deontay WilderCredit: Getty
He has since stopped Dillian Whyte, 34, and Derek Chisora, 38, to stay on course for a title unification against Oleksandr Usyk.
And after unifying the belts with Usyk, 35, Fury, 34, is up for a return to Sin City next year to face Wilder yet again.
He told ESPN: “Let me get through Usyk and I’ll be back to Las Vegas to do the Wilder 4. Come on.
“Maybe at the Allegiant Stadium, 70,000-80,000.”
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Fury has not boxed in America since his trilogy bout knockout over Wilder, 37, in October 2021.
He is also believed to be banned from travelling Stateside due to his connection with alleged Irish crime boss Daniel Kinahan.
Kinahan faced US sanctions in April and over 600 associates were prohibited from going to America.
In November, Fury’s younger brother Tommy confirmed the pair are still both unable to fly over having been denied a visa himself.
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He said on The MMA Hour: “Me and Tyson just can’t get into America at the minute and that’s the way it is.”
It means Wilder, who knocked out Robert Helenius in his comeback fight in October, could be made to take on Fury in the UK or Middle East if the two are to lock horns once more.
The Bronze Bomber has been ordered into a final eliminator bout against Andy Ruiz Jr, 33, with the winner in line to challenge for Fury’s belt.
Tyson Fury beat Derek Chisora in their trilogy fightCredit: Reuters More