Heavyweight boxing

TYSON FURY and Oleksandr Usyk WILL “without a doubt” fight next year in a historic undisputed title decider. Never in the heavyweight division have all four world titles been contested for.
Tyson Fury is lined up with a fight against Oleksandr Usyk next yearCredit: Reuters
Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury are set for an undisputed title boutCredit: Getty
But that is set to change in 2023 as Top Rank president Todd DuBoef voiced confidence in Fury, 34, and Usyk, 35, fighting for the marbles.
He told Sky Sports: “I think that’s without a doubt. That’s everybody’s objective.
“I think both fighters want it, the fans want it and it’s the crowning moment for the heavyweight champion.”
Fury wanted to fight Usyk next after the Ukrainian beat Anthony Joshua, 32, on points for the second time.
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But the boxing hero ruled himself out until next year having returned to his war-torn home for the first time after a period training away.
So Fury made the shock decision to call out AJ and talks for the pair to fight in Cardiff on December 3 followed.
However, a deal could not be agreed and Derek Chisora, 38, is now the unlikely alternative to challenge for the WBC title.
That is despite twice losing to Fury in one-sided fashion, in 2011 and 2014, although DuBoef said no opponent has officially been agreed.
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He said: “There’s nothing to report. As I’ve said over and over again, we wish it was AJ.
“All I can tell you is he’s set on fighting before the end of the year. That’s been the direction we’ve gotten from him.
“I’ll check in on his social media and see what he posts next!”
Anthony Joshua is coming off two losses to Oleksandr UsykCredit: Getty More

DEONTAY WILDER has weighed in almost two stone lighter for tomorrow’s fight with Robert Helenius than a year ago against Tyson Fury.The Bronze Bomber, 36, steps back into the ring for the first time since his trilogy bout with the Gypsy King.
Deontay Wilder has shredded the extra weight for his boxing returnCredit: Getty
That night, he weighed in at a career-high 17st – or 238lb – as he unsuccessfully tried to wrestle back the WBC world heavyweight title.
But Wilder, who takes on Helenius in New York, makes his comeback as a slimmed-down fighter.
The Alabama boxer tipped the scales today at 15st4lb 8oz – 214.5lb – a far more natural weight for the heavy-hitter.
As usual for Wilder, he will be significantly lighter than his opponent with Helenius carrying 18st 1lb.
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Speaking during his training camp, the 42-2-1 man said: “We gained a lot of weight the last fight. I felt a little sluggish, a little heavy
“And, you know, I was interested in seeing my body frame in a certain weight as well.
“But at this moment in time, I go back to what I’m used to and what’s comfortable to me and what’s comfortable with my body frame.
“And that’s gonna be around maybe 220lbs or maybe under.”

🥊Wilder vs Helenius: Ring walk time, TV channel, live stream and undercard info for huge return
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Should Wilder win his first fight since November 2019, he would be back in contention among the top heavyweights in the world.
And he is already eyeing up a blockbuster bout with Ukrainian hero Oleksandr Usyk – pipping rival Fury to the unification showdown.
Usyk is understood to have made clear he is open to a fight with Wilder.
Wilder, who also wants to box Anthony Joshua, said: “I asked my guys if Usyk is a man of his word and they confirmed that he is.
“So I am going to hold him to his word and we will see. Hopefully, he is a man of his word. 
“In this division, you’re only one win from a title shot.”
Robert Helenius came in almost three stone heavier than his opponentCredit: Getty
He wore another of his famous masks paired with matching gogglesCredit: AFP More

MIKAELA MAYER kicked out at Alycia Baumgardner as the pair were forced apart by security again ahead of their grudge fight. The women’s boxing stars settle the score in the ring on Saturday night at the O2 Arena.
Mikaela Mayer kicked out at Alycia BaumgardnerCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun

So more than the unified WBC, IBF and WBO belts will be on the line with pride and bragging rights at stake.
The American duo provide chief support to Claressa Shields, 27, and Savannah Marshall, 31, who fight for the undisputed middleweight crown.
The two rivals have feuded throughout the year and have just one more day to go before getting their hands on each other.
Although the fight threatened to start early as tempers flared at the weigh in, as Mayer threw a kick Baumgardner’s way.
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It was the second time in the space of 24 hours that the champions needed to be restrained by security, building even more anticipation.
Mayer, 32, told Sky Sports: “She started pushing me back, I didn’t have any arms because I have three belts, so I had use my leg.”
The 2016 Olympian is the current WBO, IBF and Ring Magazine champ, unbeaten in 17 fights.
Whereas Baumgardner, 28, is 12-1 and shot to fame last year after knocking out Britain’s Terri Harper, 25, to win the WBC belt.
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She added: “Listen, I belong here.
“I’m made for this moment, I’m ready to unify the division come Saturday night against Mikaela Mayer.
“She’s in there with a dog, she knows that, she feels that, she’s threatened and I’m here to take over and dethrone her.”
Mikaela Mayer and Alycia Baumgardner ahead of their title unificationCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

TSYON FURY shocked his dad John after the heavyweight boxer barged in on his early morning workout – without any clothes on.The Gypsy King is back in the gym himself as he prepares for his return to the ring in December against Derek Chisora.
John Fury was going through his paces in his early morning walk out before a surprise appearance from his sonCredit: https://twitter.com/Tyson_Fury
Tyson Fury is preparing for a fight with Derek Chisora in DecemberCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
John, a former professional boxer himself, had been working up a sweat with a 5.30am workout.
But he was in for a surprise when his naked son appeared as he was getting into his ab crunches.
Fury uploaded the hilarious exchange on Twitter, leaving fans in hysterics.
Walking into the room, the 34-year-old said: “What are you doing at half past five in the morning, dad?”
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He adds: “I wondered who was downstairs.”
The two briefly bicker before John, refusing to break out of his rhythm, snaps at his son: “Put your f****** clothes on, a*******. Put some clothes on, man.”
Fury can be heard giggling in the background in response.
In response to the video, one fan wrote: “Gotta love Big John! Hahaha.”
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Another joked: “Let me guess… he’s your next opponent…”
Promoter Frank Warren confirmed that Fury will take on Chisora on December 3.
The heavyweight will be looking to defend his WBC title against Del Boy – having beaten his fellow Brit twice before – after plans for a bout with Anthony Joshua fell apart.
He confirmed earlier this week he is back in the gym and dropping the pounds as he prepares for the fight.
Meanwhile, speculation continues to grow about another major heavyweight clash between Deontay Wilder and AJ in Africa. More

TYSON FURY has been given a three-fight plan by his promoter Frank Warren, which includes the undisputed title and Joe Joyce. Fury is set to return on December 3 and is currently in talks to face Derek Chisora in an unlikely trilogy bout.
Tyson Fury alongside promoter Frank WarrenCredit: Reuters
Joe Joyce is lined up to fight Tyson Fury next yearCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
It comes after unified champion Oleksandr Usyk, 35, ruled himself out of a unification until next year.
Warren hopes for Fury, 34, to fight Usyk after his return bout, with a title defence against Joyce, 37, following.
He told The Express: “I spoke to Tyson yesterday and he was talking about Joyce next year, having this fight with Chisora, hopefully unifying the titles and then fighting Joe Joyce so that’s his next year for him, isn’t it?
“That’s what Tyson was talking about, so we’ll see where we go with it.
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“Whatever he chooses to do, I’ll support it, I look at my relationship with him as a little bit special and I only want the best for him.”
Fury was in talks to defend his belt against Anthony Joshua, 32, who is coming off consecutive losses to Usyk.
But he is no longer seen as in the running to face Fury – at least in the next 12 months.
Promoters failed to agree terms, leading to Chisora, 38, being a shock alternative.
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The heavyweight veteran was twice beaten by Fury, in 2011 and 2014, but in 2020 he pushed Usyk to a split-decision.
And with Warren hoping for a first four-belt heavyweight unification next year, Chisora is seen as the ideal warm up.
He said: “If you look down the BoxRec ratings Chisora is the highest available challenger.
“They’ve had a few words over the last few months and I think Fury makes a very valid point, Chisora did give Usyk a very tough fight so it will be a good yardstick.”
Derek Chisora has been beaten by Tyson Fury twiceCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

TYSON FURY has called to fight for the only heavyweight belt missing from his collection… against the 9-12 title holder. Fury currently owns the WBC crown and has formerly held the WBA, IBF and WBO straps earlier in his career.
Tyson Fury wants to fight for the Central Area titleCredit: Getty
David Adeleye beat Chris Healey at WembleyCredit: Jamie McPhilimey
Coupled with domestic and international honours, the Gypsy King has almost done it all in the ring.
But the Central Area title is the only missing piece from his collection and it is currently held by respected journeyman Chris Healey, 34.
Fury, 34, said: “I’ve won every single belt in boxing, apart from one belt and that belt is the Central Area heavyweight championship of Britain.
“So, I’m calling out whoever is the Central Area heavyweight champion, I’m calling you out. That’s my belt, I want it, I haven’t got it.
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“It’s the only belt I haven’t won and I want it, so I’m coming for whoever you are, come on.”
Healey is a recognisable face among the British boxing circuit, having fought top prospects.
He has shared the ring with Fabio Wardley, 27, and David Adeleye, 25, on Fury’s undercard in April at Wembley.
Later that night, Fury knocked out Dillian Whyte, 34, and announced his retirement from boxing.
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Although it was short lived as he prepares to return on December 3 while currently in talks with Derek Chisora, 38.
Fury had wanted to face Oleksandr Usyk, 35, in a unification after the Ukrainian boxing hero beat Anthony Joshua, 32, for the second time.
But Usyk is ruled out until next year having returned to his war-torn home for the first time following a period training away.
That caused Joshua to receive a shock deal to fight Fury, but terms could not be agreed.
Fury then turned his attention to Chisora, who he convincingly beat in 2011 and 2014, with promoter Frank Warren confirming talks are ongoing.
Derek Chisora and Tyson Fury are in talks for a trilogy fightCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More