Heavyweight boxing

ANTHONY JOSHUA could fight for a world title against Filip Hrgovic.That’s if Oleksandr Usyk vacates his IBF belt to chase a fight with Tyson Fury.
Anthony Joshua could fight for the IBF title if Oleksandr Usyk vacates itCredit: Getty
AJ could take on Filip Hrgovic to win the belt for a third timeCredit: Getty
Joshua held the IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO titles twice before losing them to Usyk last year.
AJ then failed to reclaim the belts in his August rematch against the Ukrainian.
And he is now on the hunt for a new opponent after failing to secure a money-spinning showdown against fellow Brit Fury.
But there could be some good news for AJ’s title ambitions.
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That’s because Usyk is now hoping to land a mega-fight against Fury for the WBA, WBC and WBO belts, according to TalkSport.
And in order to do so, Usyk would have to give up his IBF crown.
If that happens, IBF chiefs would then order Hrgovic to fight Andy Ruiz for the vacant title.
However, there’s another twist in the tale, as Ruiz is seeking to fight WBC hopeful Wilder instead.
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And if that fight is made, then Joshua would finally get the call-up to take on Hrgovic for the IBF crown.
Meanwhile, Ruiz claims AJ wants a THIRD fight against the Mexican.
Ruiz said: “I’m trying to get those titles back.
“I just spoke to Anthony Joshua, he told me he wants to make something happen, he wants to make the trilogy – that’d be pretty cool!
“I just brought it up, but that’s how things happen and fights get made, so we’ll see.” More

HARLEY BENN’S fight with Faizan Anwar on Floyd Mayweather’s undercard has been AXED with just hours before the first bell. The pair were due to fight for a WBC Middle Eastern title belt at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.
Harley Benn’s fight with Faizan Anwar on Floyd Mayweather’s undercard has been axed
But just a matter of hours beforehand, the fight was scrapped live on air.
Global Titans revealed an altercation at the fighter hotel forced the bout to be canceled.
A statement read: “Faizan Anwar pulled out just hours before his scheduled fight with Harley Benn, without notice or prior warning.
“Despite multiple attempts to find a suitable replacement at short notice for Harley, Global Titans were sadly unable to do so due to those available being too heavy in weight.
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“Harley has been paid his full purse and will be fighting on a future Global Titans card early next year.”
It is the latest blow in the show, after Tommy Fury’s fight with Paul Bamba, 33, was also cancelled.
Bamba was left fuming after he scaled within the 175lb light-heavyweight limit, while Fury came in at 181.4lb.
The American, 33, who conceded half a STONE, wanted to be paid compensation.
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But despite two days of negotiations, no settlement was reached despite the best efforts of Fury’s dad John.
Fury has also confirmed he WILL still fight – facing Rolly Lambert in an exhibition – and denied failing to make weight.
He said online: “I just want to come on here and clear a few things up.
“One contract was given to Paul Bamba, and one contract was given to myself.
“The weight in my contract, I made yesterday so as far as I’m concerned, I’ve done my job. I made weight.
“Paul Bamba does not want to fight, he never did. I’m here in Dubai, I’ve got a new opponent and I’m ready to go.”
Rolly Lambert will fight Tommy Fury More

AN undisputed heavyweight title fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk is set for more delay with the Ukrainian ordered to face a new mandatory challenger.The WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO champ, 35, defended his belts against Anthony Joshua in August.
Usyk holds the IBF, IBO, WBA and WBO titlesCredit: PA
The IBF have ordered Hrgovic as Usyk’s next mandatory challenger for the beltCredit: Getty
Hearn has backed Fury to beat UsykCredit: Getty
But he has gone over a year as champion without entertaining any mandatory challengers.
However, Matchroom chief Eddie Hearn, who works alongside Usyk’s promoter Alexander Krassyuk to televise the Ukrainian’s fights, has confirmed the IBF have ordered Filip Hrgovic as Usyk’s next mandatory challenger for the belt.
Hearn tweeted: “Just received written order from IBF for Champion @usykaa to face mandatory challenger @Filip_Hrgovic NEXT..let’s go! @SauerlandBros.”
A fan quipped “Have a day off Ed” in which Hearn responded: “You know that’s not my style.”
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WBC top dog Fury had hoped to face either Usyk or Anthony Joshua.
However, neither mega fight materialised and the Gypsy King will instead take on Derek Chisora in a December 3 trilogy.
Hearn, however, is backing Fury to beat Usyk should the pair eventually meet.
Hearn said to IntuBoxing: “I got criticism on that because I said I don’t think it’s a great fight… but I think it’s a compelling fight.
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“You’ve got two very awkward, tricky customers.
“For a hardcore boxing fan I think it would be fascinating, but they wouldn’t just start knocking lumps out of each other.”
Hearn continued: “I probably give the edge to Tyson Fury because of his size.
“I just feel like I’ve always overlooked him in fights, like [Wladimir] Klitschko, [Deontay] Wilder, so I should give him the respect that he deserves. But I do think Usyk is very tough to beat.” More

MATCHROOM boxing chief Eddie Hearn has tipped WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury to beat IBF, IBO, WBA and WBO title holder Oleksandr Usyk in an undisputed clash.Usyk picked up back-to-back wins over Anthony Joshua while Fury beat Dillian Whyte in his last outing.
Hearn has backed Fury to beat UsykCredit: Getty
Usyk holds the IBF, IBO, WBA and WBO titlesCredit: PA
Hearn says Fury’s size gives him the advantage over the UkrainianCredit: Getty
Fury had hopes of fighting Usyk or Joshua before the end of the year but has had to settle for Derek Chisora instead.
But should Fury eventually meet Usyk, possibly in 2023, Matchroom chief and AJ promoter Hearn is backing the Brit to take the win.
Hearn said to IntuBoxing: “I got criticism on that because I said I don’t think it’s a great fight… but I think it’s a compelling fight.
“You’ve got two very awkward, tricky customers.
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“For a hardcore boxing fan I think it would be fascinating, but they wouldn’t just start knocking lumps out of each other.”
Hearn continued: “I probably give the edge to Tyson Fury because of his size.
“I just feel like I’ve always overlooked him in fights, like [Wladimir] Klitschko, [Deontay] Wilder, so I should give him the respect that he deserves. But I do think Usyk is very tough to beat.”
Should Fury get past Chisora on December 3, he will have to face Deontay Wilder for a fourth time or Andy Ruiz Jr.
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The WBC have today confirmed Wilder vs Andy Ruiz Jr as a final eliminator for Fury’s title.
Fury will then be ordered to face the winner.

Fury vs Chisora 3: Date, live stream and TV info for huge heavyweight bout More