Heavyweight boxing

OLEKSANDR USYK has revealed he asked his coach whether he should fight harder in his rematch against Anthony Joshua. The Ukrainian opened up on his experience during the fight, and claimed his inspiration to win was drawn from the Ukrainian frontline.
Oleksandr Usyk opened up on his experience during his fight against Anthony JoshuaCredit: Rex
Usyk punches Joshua during their rematch in Saudi Arabia last monthCredit: Getty
Usyk himself was present on the frontline to fight against Russia’s invasion of the country, and was pictured holding a machine gun, before he was told to leave to prepare for the rematch.
Following the fight, Usyk told Parimatch: “In the ninth round, I felt a lot of pressure.
“But I understood it was not as hard for me as for some guys on the frontline.
“After round nine, I said to my coach, ‘should I start?’ (to fight harder) and he said ‘go ahead.'”
READ MORE IN BOXING
Usyk won the rematch with Joshua via a controversial split decision.
However, despite Usyk’s victory, the fight was overshadowed by an emotional outburst from Joshua.
The British heavyweight threw two of the belts out of the ring and went on a tantrum where he addressed the crowd in an emotional speech.
He apologised for his actions the day after the fight.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
Usyk has been tipped to land a bumper deal to fight Tyson Fury and unify the heavyweight division.
He has also said he would be open to ANOTHER fight with Joshua to complete a trilogy.
But Usyk warned Joshua would need to ditch the “freeloaders” in his camp if he were to emerge victorious and “grow” as a person. More

CANELO ALVAREZ has been told to forget about fighting Oleksandr Usyk… and focus on Anthony Joshua instead. Before the Mexican lost to Dmitry Bivol in May, he opened the door to a sensational catchweight clash with Usyk.
Canelo Alvarez is open to fighting Oleksandr UsykCredit: Melina Pizano/Matchroom.
Anthony Joshua before his rematch loss to Oleksandr UsykCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
And despite the defeat and sizeable weight disadvantage, Canelo recently insisted he is still up for facing the heavyweight champion.
But Bivol has warned his counterpart against it and said he would be better off fighting AJ instead.
The Russian told iFL TV: “Canelo-Usyk? I think a better fight is Canelo [against] Joshua. It will be better, much more.”
Joshua, 32, weighed in at 17st 4lb before losing to Usyk, 35, in their rematch, having been beaten initially last September.
READ MORE in BOXING
Whereas Canelo, 32, last boxed at the 12st 7lb light-heavyweight limit in defeat to Bivol, 31.
But he goes back down to 12st to defend his undisputed super-middleweight crown against Gennady Golovkin, 40, on September 17.
That means he would be giving away over FIVE STONE if he was to face Joshua.
And even Usyk at 15st 11lb would have almost four stone over Canelo.
Most read in Boxing
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
But it will not him put off challenging his fellow pound-for-pound star.
Asked about fighting Usyk, Canelo said: “It’s difficult, but I don’t care. I like that kind of challenge.
“It’s gonna be difficult, I know, but I love boxing. I love being in that kind of situation.”
Anthony Joshua was twice beaten by Oleksandr UsykCredit: Getty More

ANTHONY JOSHUA and Dillian Whyte are in line to rematch in a stadium next year. The pair of heavyweight rivals are both facing rebuilding jobs having suffered recent defeats.
Anthony Joshua could rematch Dillian Whyte next yearCredit: Getty
Dillian Whyte lost to Tyson Fury in his last fightCredit: Reuters
Twice Joshua, 32, was bettered on points by Oleksandr Usyk, 35, most recently in Saudi Arabia.
Whereas Whyte, 34, is yet to return since a knockout loss to Tyson Fury, 34, in April when making his first world title challenge.
Separate comeback fights are expected to follow for the beaten duo before setting up a blockbuster rematch in the summer.
Promoter Eddie Hearn told The Metro: “For sure, it is a fight we all want.
READ MORE in BOXING
“The two biggest fights out there away from the world title fight are the Dillian Whyte fight which must happen.
“It is a huge stadium fight next summer. The other is the Deontay Wilder fight which is arguably the biggest fight in boxing – even bigger than Fury vs Usyk, in all honesty.
“Two big fights and whoever has the belts at the end of the summer, we will also be targeting.”
Wilder, 36, returns to the ring on October 15 against ex-sparring partner Robert Helenius, 38.
Most read in Boxing
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
It will be his first fight since losing to Fury in their October 2021 trilogy bout classic.
Both Hearn and Wilder’s manager Shelly Finkel have opened the door to a super-fight between the American and Joshua.
But opposing promotional and TV networks make negotiations harder, as was the case in the past, so talks with Whyte are easier.
Hearn admitted: “The Dillian Whyte fight is definitely easier to make than the Wilder fight.
“But they are, as always, going to be wanted to be paid as much money as possible.
“But I think it is quite easy for me to make that fight. AJ wants that fight, Dillian wants that fight and that’s a fight we will definitely see next summer.”
Joshua’s history with Whyte dates back to their amateur days in 2009, when he lost on points.
But AJ gained revenge in the professional ranks six years later with a brutal uppercut KO.
Anthony Joshua knocked out Dillian Whyte in 2015Credit: NEWS GROUP More

ANTHONY JOSHUA has vowed to “work harder” in an eye-catching pool picture following his rematch defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.The Brit, 32, failed to reclaim the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles from Ukrainian Usyk last month.
Joshua says he will ‘work harder’ with a comeback to heavyweight boxing in mindCredit: Instagram/@anthonyjoshua
Joshua lost his rematch with Usyk by split decisionCredit: Getty
Usyk is open to a trilogy fight with Joshua if he can’t seal a fight with FuryCredit: Getty
Usyk won by split decision and even picked up the Ring Magazine title, which was vacated by WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.
But much of the Ukrainian’s heroic performance was overshadowed by Joshua’s post-fight outburst.
It saw the British star take the microphone to produce a bizarre speech, all after chucking two of Usyk’s belt out of the ring.
And despite the setback, Joshua is determined to make a great comeback in boxing.
READ MORE ON BOXING
He posted a pool picture showing off his incredible figure on Instagram.
Joshua captioned the post: “Note to self: I got to work harder.”
Usyk is open to a trilogy fight with Joshua in what could be another chance for Joshua to re-climb the heavyweight mountain.
The 35-year-old pound-for-pound king Usyk urged “handsome” Joshua to “grow” by ditching the “freeloaders” in his camp.
Most read in Boxing
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
Usyk says the division’s first ever four-belt unification fight against Fury must wait until next year – but if it “Fury floats away” Joshua 3 is an option.
He said: “Fighting Tyson Fury in December is impossible. First, I have old injuries.
“Second, I just don’t want to box in December. I haven’t left the gym for half a year, I want to be with my children, my family.
“Boxing can wait a little. Next year I think it will happen.”
He added: “If Fury floats away, then maybe we will agree on a third fight with Joshua.” More

ANDY RUIZ JR has revealed his incredible body transformation ahead of the Destroyer’s heavyweight fight against Luis Ortiz.The 32-year-old makes his return to the ring in a clash with the Cuban on Sunday in California.
The Mexican-American looked ripped in his latest pre-fight video
Ruiz is down to an ‘ideal’ 19st weight for Sunday’s scrap with Ortiz
Ruiz looked incredibly different when he fought Anthony Joshua for a second timeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Ruiz Jr hasn’t fought since a points victory over Chris Arreola in May 2021, and has since left Canelo Alvarez’s trainer Eddy Reynoso.
And the ‘Destroyer’ has shared a pre-fight behind-the-scenes video on his Twitter account displaying a shocking transformation.
He can be seen flexing in the ad with a shredded torso and ripped upper body.
The Mexican-American was dropped in his win over Arreola, and there were concerns about his ideal fighting weight in the aftermath of the fight.
READ MORE TRANSFER NEWS
He was down to 18st 2lb for the Arreola fight but the snickers-loving heavyweight champion had previously ballooned weighing in at over 20 stone.
Ruiz is now back to 19st, where he revealed he was most comfortable, but he has packed on some muscle judging by the teaser footage.
His opponent Ortiz, 43, is widely-known for his two fights with Deontay Wilder, who won both fights by knockout.
But ‘King Kong’ gave Wilder an incredibly tough first fight, coming close to stopping the American, before winning every round in the rematch until a 7th-round stoppage.
Most read in Boxing
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
And since that fight, Ortiz has won both his bouts, one against Alexander Flores and the other against former world champion Charles Martin, who the 43-year-old stopped in six rounds.
As well as Ruiz Jr vs Ortiz, the card will also have a brilliant lightweight clash between Isaac Cruz against Eduardo Ramirez.
And top lightweight talent Jose Valenzuela is also in action in a tough bout against Jezreel Corrales.
For UK fans, coverage will start at 2am on Monday morning. More

TYSON FURY has called out Oleksandr Usyk to fight in December and goaded: “Find your b***s.” Usyk challenged Fury last month after beating Anthony Joshua for the second time in under a year.
Tyson Fury called out Oleksandr Usyk to fight in December
But the Ukrainian hero – who started his amateur career at middleweight – has ruled himself out until next year.
That sparked a furious reaction from Fury, who wants the first ever four-belt heavyweight unification before Christmas.
He said: “Usyk, middleweight; you say you want the WBC and it’s held by gypsies, it is held by gypsies, it’s held by the Gypsy King.
“And it’s held tightly, grasped tight and all rounds lead to a seven-foot behemoth that will destroy you, middleweight.
READ MORE IN BOXING
“Middleweight, you will get smashed to bits.
“You say you want to fight me after you beat the bodybuilder, called me out on television, now you’re being a little bitch, p**** boy, running, hiding, saying you’ve got injuries.
“You haven’t got injuries, you had a sparring contest. Get out and fight in December, you let your mouth go, now let’s back it up.
“See if you can back it up, middleweight. It doesn’t matter if it’s December or April or August next year, the outcome will be the same, I’ll obliterate you.
The tale of the tape: Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk
Most read in Boxing
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS

“I’m a seven-foot, 20 stone behemoth and I will destroy you, middleweight. Find your balls and come see me, bitch.”
Fury, 34, claimed he was retiring after knocking out Dillian Whyte, 34, in April unless he was paid £500MILLION to return.
And after again Usyk, 35, outpointed Joshua, 32, the Gypsy King accepted the pound-for-pound star’s challenge.
But he wanted a deal signed and sealed by September, despite his own team revealing February was the likely unification date.
Usyk returned to his war-torn home with a heroes welcome having spent months away from his loved ones while training.
And now, the 2012 Olympic gold medalist and unbeaten professional is ready for down time with family and friends.
Read More on The Sun
Usyk said: “Fighting Tyson Fury in December is impossible. First, I have old injuries.
“Second, I just don’t want to box in December. I haven’t left the gym for half a year, I want to be with my children, my family.
“Boxing can wait a little. Next year I think it will happen.”
Oleksandr Usyk speaking after arriving back home in UkraineCredit: Reuters More

OLEKSANDR USYK has urged “handsome” Anthony Joshua to “grow” by ditching the “freeloaders” in his camp – in time for a potential trilogy. Usyk beat AJ for the second time in the space of a year by emerging with a split-decision in Saudi Arabia.
Oleksandr Usyk speaking after returning to UkraineCredit: EPA
But much of the Ukrainian’s heroic performance was overshadowed by Joshua’s post-fight outburst.
It saw the British star take the microphone to produce a bizarre speech, all after chucking two of Usyk’s belt out of the ring.
But the unified world champion has spoken out to defend AJ, who also apologised for his actions a day after the heartbreaking loss.
Usyk said at a press conference: “I don’t hold a grudge against him. He was upset. I’d be upset if I lost twice.
READ MORE IN BOXING
“Joshua has potential to grow, he needs to get some people away from him because he has a lot of freeloaders.
“Joshua is a handsome man, well done.”
Joshua, 32, now faces a rebuilding job following the consecutive defeats to boxing’s pound-for-pound best.
Meanwhile Usyk, 35, is lined up with a historic heavyweight undisputed title decider with Tyson Fury, 34.
Most read in Boxing
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
Initially, Fury claimed he would only put up his WBC belt if he was guaranteed £500MILLION and a deal in place by September.
But Usyk has insisted the division’s first ever four-belt unification must wait until next year.
He said: “Fighting Tyson Fury in December is impossible. First, I have old injuries.
“Second, I just don’t want to box in December. I haven’t left the gym for half a year, I want to be with my children, my family.
“Boxing can wait a little. Next year I think it will happen.”
Usyk has already named an unlikely trilogy fight with Joshua as an alternative if the famously unpredictable Fury is ruled out.
He said: “If Fury floats away, then maybe we will agree on a third fight with Joshua.”
Anthony Joshua was twice beaten by Oleksandr UsykCredit: Getty More