Heavyweight boxing

TYSON FURY and Oleksandr Usyk could finally be set to clash following the Ukrainian’s second win over Anthony Joshua last night.Usyk showed off his class yet again to win in Saudi Arabia on a split decision.
Oleksandr Usyk says he wants to fight Tyson Fury after beating Anthony Joshua againCredit: PA
Fury is ready to come out of retirement and unify the heavyweight divisionCredit: AFP
Taking hold of the microphone following AJ’s bizarre outburst, Usyk declared the only boxer in the world he is willing to fight is Fury.
The Gypsy King was keeping close tabs on last night’s brilliant action.
And he responded by insisting he would happily knock out another Ukrainian, having already dethroned the legendary Wladimir Klitschko.
The world could now be set to finally witness two heavyweight champions fighting to unify the division.
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But how do Fury and Usyk stack up against each other?
For starts, Fury is 34 years old – one year younger than Usyk, who is known as The Cat.
Despite that, Fury has fought an incredible 33 professional fights to Usyk’s 20.
However, only the Ukrainian has a perfect record with 20 wins.
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The tale of the tape: Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk
Fury does have 32 victories, but like Usyk he is also unbeaten, with the only blemish on his record a controversial draw against Deontay Wilder.
As for knockouts, Fury is the KO king with 23 knockouts to Usyk’s 13.
The Morecambe man also has a huge height advantage, standing at 6ft 9in to Usyk’s 6ft 3in.
It means Fury has a reach advantage too, with his arms measuring in at 85in while Usyk has a 78in reach.
The two men do have different stances, with Fury an orthodox fighter and Usyk boxing as a southpaw.
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And a battle between the pair would surely be one for the ages.
Boxing fans will now wait with bated breath to see if Fury truly does come out of retirement following his win over Dillian Whyte. More

FANS all said the same thing as Anthony Joshua’s team told him he was BEATING Oleksandr Usyk. AJ, 32, succumbed to a split-decision defeat in their thrilling rematch in Saudi Arabia.
Fans questioned the role of Anthony Joshua’s corner during last night’s fightCredit: Getty
Usyk won via a split decision despite AJ being told he was in frontCredit: AFP
He went down 115-113, 113-115, 112-116 on the judges’ scorecards.
However, he was not helped by his corner telling him he was well in control of the fight.
New coach Robert Garcia and the rest of the team told AJ he was 3-0 up after three rounds – despite virtually everyone agreeing Usyk had taken at least one.
That could have meant AJ didn’t see the need to up the ante earlier to win on points – or go all out for a knockout.
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Incredibly, a similar thing happened in the first fight against Usyk.
His camp, led by Robert McCracken, also told AJ he was winning before losing on points.
And lots of fans watching from home last night could not believe the tactics in Jeddah.
One said: “Why did AJ’s corner tell him he’s up 3-0? That’s bad advice, even if he was.”
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Another wrote: “Poor tactics again from AJ. Tried to outbox a far superior boxer. Awful corner work yet again, too many voices and wrong information being given.”
A third added: “Is this a joke after the debacle AGAIN in the AJ corner? At one point saying he was 4 rounds up?”
Another user commented: “I think AJ’s team really failed him tonight. From not being honest with him in the corner about how things looked in the ring and allowing that outburst.”
And a final one replied: “Did AJ not get rid of his corner because they were telling him he was winning when he wasn’t then he’s gone and replaced them with another corner of yes men.”

Fans were also left stunned when the scorecards were revealed – with American Glenn Feldman somehow giving AJ the first three rounds and 5-1 up after six.
British judge Steve Gray did have AJ 2-1 up and 5-4 but the late surge from the Ukrainian ensured he sided with the champ.
After the result was announced, Joshua’s tempers boiled over as he threw two of the belts out of the ring then stormed off and confronted a fan.
However, he returned to talk to Usyk – asking him how he won – then grabbed the microphone and went off on a rambling speech, stealing the limelight from the champion.
And in his press conference, AJ broke down in tears as the emotion took over.
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He said: “Am I proud of myself? It’s really really hard for me to say I’m proud of myself.
“I don’t feel anything, I’m upset deep down in my heart.”
Joshua threw two of the belts out of the ring before storming offCredit: AP
It was the first time Robert Garcia had been in the Brit’s campCredit: Getty More

ANTHONY JOSHUA has been accused of “stealing” Oleksandr Usyk’s moment during his post-match tantrum by Carl Froch.Joshua lost to Usyk on Satuday in Saudi Arabia via split decision, which marked his second successive defeat to the Ukrainian star.
Anthony Joshua was accused of stealing Oleksandr Usyk’s moment when he grabbed the micCredit: Rex
Carl Froch wasn’t impressed with Anthony Joshua’s post-match anticsCredit: AFP
After the result was announced, AJ threw the 35-year-old’s belts out of the ring before appearing to storm off.
The British boxing star then decided to return to the squared circle to hijack the mic and deliver a bizarre speech to the live crowd.
Former boxing star Froch described Joshua’s decision to throw the belts as “disrespectful” and believes he stole Usyk’s thunder with his rant.
Froch said: “He stole Usyk’s moment. He didn’t say anything that would offend anybody too much. He stole Usyk’s moment.
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“He was emotionally built up. I didn’t like the belts being chucked. It was disrespectful.”
Joshua’s rant involved him comparing himself to the likes of Mike Tyson and Rocky Marciano.
But the Brit did praise Usyk after another phenomenal performance in Jeddah.
Joshua said: “If you knew my story you would understand the passion. I ain’t no amateur boxer from five-years-old that was an elite prospect from youth.
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“I was going to jail, I got bail and I started training my a*s off, I wanted to be able to fight. I’m stealing this Usyk I’m sorry, but it’s because of the passion we put into this.
“This guy to beat me tonight, maybe I could have done better, but it shows the level of hard work I put in so please give him a round of applause as our heavyweight champion of the world.
“I’m not a 12-round fighter, look at me, I’m a new breed of heavyweights, Mike Tyson, Sonny Liston, Jack Dempsey, ‘you don’t throw combinations like Rocky Marciano’, I’m 18 stone, I’m heavy, it’s hard work.
“This guy here is a phenomenal talent, we’re going to cheer for him three times.”
Joshua later broke into tears during his press conference as he explained his post-match tantrum came “from the heart” and occurred as a result of him being “mad” at himself. More

ANTHONY JOSHUA suffered his second successive loss to Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday in Saudi Arabia.Joshua lost via split decision and many are wondering what his future looks like after his latest heartbreak.
Anthony Joshua could be set for another major fight after his loss to Oleksandr UsykCredit: Rex
AJ still has a few fights left in his DAZN contract so he is still expected to return to the ring in the near future.
A long-awaited fight against Tyson Fury looks unlikely as he seems a lot more keen to come out of retirement to face Usyk.
But there is a number of other potential opponents he could face to try and raise his stock.
SunSport take you through FIVE potential opponents for Joshua after his loss from Usyk:
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Dillian Whyte
Joshua could bounce back with another fight with Dillian Whyte, which could also turn into a trilogy.
AJ defeated Whyte in 2015 at the O2 Arena in London via TKO and his fellow Brit could be keen for some revenge.
The Villain could also be looking to raise his stock after his knockout loss to Fury.
Dillian Whyte could be a potential opponent for Anthony JoshuaCredit: Jamie McPhilimey
Deontay Wilder
Speaking of fighters looking to bounce back after a loss to Fury…
Deontay Wilder just came out of a trilogy with that saw him lose twice against the undefeated Brit.
The Bronze Bomber and Joshua have teased a fight against each other various times in the past.
Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua have teased a match in the pastCredit: Ryan Hafey/ Premier Boxing Champions
Daniel Dubois
Daniel Dubois always poses as an attractive all-British showdown for Joshua in the near future.
However, Dubois is the WBA champion’s mandatory challenger and therefore a match against Usyk is likelier.
That is if an undisputed title fight against Fury cannot be booked.
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Joe Joyce
Joe Joyce is also a likely opponent as he is currently enjoying an impressive undefeated streak.
Joyce has won all of his 14 fights, which included victories over the likes of Carlos Takam and Dubois.
But the Londoner is now focused on next month’s bout against Joseph Parker in Manchester.
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Andy Ruiz Jr could have a trilogy fight against Anthony JoshuaCredit: AP
Andy Ruiz Jr
This is another potential trilogy bout as each fighter holds a victory over the other.
Andy Ruiz Jr shocked Joshua in 2019 when he beat him via TKO and claimed the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Joshua exacted revenge almost six months later in Saudi Arabia but the two fighters may still have unfinished business. More

ANTHONY JOSHUA struggled to comprehend his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk and asked his conqueror: “How did you beat me? You’re not strong.”Joshua, 32, put up a valiant effort in Saudi Arabia to push the Ukrainian heavyweight champ all the way to 12 thrilling rounds.
Anthony Joshua questioned how he was beaten by Oleksandr UsykCredit: PA
He delivered his bizarre monologue in an angry mannerCredit: Sky Sports Box Office
AJ grabbed the mic and went on a rambling speechCredit: EPA
There was plenty of respect between the pair despite the strange endingCredit: AP
But the Brit was edged out thanks to a split decision from the judges.
And after sensationally throwing two of the world title belts out of the ring and then storming off back towards his dressing room, AJ turned around and came back to talk to Usyk.
They shook hands before Joshua launched into a slightly bizarre monologue at a confused Usyk.
It is unclear from his demeanour if he was giving Usyk credit for another strong performance in the ring or was having a go at his rival.
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AJ said: “I don’t care about being strong, I have that skill.
“Being strong doesn’t win boxing. Skills win boxing.
“You’re not strong. How did you beat me? How? Because of skill.
“I had character and determination. Where’s the mic?”
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Then Joshua got hold of the microphone and went into his long passionate, albeit slightly cringe-worthy, speech inside the ring.
He was very respectful to Usyk throughout – especially with the war in Ukraine – and again hailed his quality in the ring.
But he also went off on a massive tangent about his own backstory and journey, with many feeling as though he stole Usyk’s limelight following the defence of his world titles.
Joshua, 32, said: “If you knew my story you would understand the passion.
“I ain’t no amateur boxer from five years old that was an elite prospect from youth.
“I was going to jail, I got bail and I started training my a*** off, I wanted to be able to fight.
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“I’m stealing this Usyk I’m sorry, but it’s because of the passion we put into this.
“This guy to beat me tonight, maybe I could have done better, but it shows the level of hard work I put in so please give him a round of applause as our heavyweight champion of the world.”
He then added: “I’m not a 12-round fighter, look at me.
“I’m a new breed of heavyweights, Mike Tyson, Sonny Liston, Jack Dempsey, ‘You don’t throw combinations like Rocky Marciano’, I’m 18 stone, I’m heavy, it’s hard work.
“This guy here is a phenomenal talent, we’re going to cheer for him three times.”
He then got the crowd to awkwardly cheer Usyk, who watched on baffled.
I’m upset deep down in my heartAnthony Joshua
AJ broke down in tears during his press conference and was comforted by promotor Eddie Hearn.
He said: “Am I proud of myself? It’s really really hard for me to say I’m proud of myself.
“I don’t feel anything, I’m upset deep down in my heart.”
Usyk, 35, wants to fight Tyson Fury next with all the heavyweight belts on the line.
When he finally got his hands on the mic after AJ, he said: “I’m sure that Tyson Fury is not retired yet.
“I’m sure, I’m convinced he wants to fight me.
“I want to fight him and if I’m not fighting Tyson Fury, I’m not fighting at all.”
FURY TO FIGHT
Fury accepted the challenge and looks as though he could come out of his very brief retirement to take on the WBA, WBO, IBF and The Ring holder.
The Gypsy King said on a now-deleted Instagram post: “I’ve just seen Joshua lose for the second time to Usyk – out of his depth.
“However, England has been relieved of its belts. Yet again, as usual.
“There is a remedy and a solution that I can suggest. If you want those belts back then send in the Gypsy barbarian of England. Come on!
“Send me in. I will relieve the Ukrainian dosser of his belts like I did the last Ukrainian dosser.
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“But its not gonna be cheap. If you want the best you’ve got to pay, it’s gonna be very expensive.
“So get your f***ing chequebook out and I will relieve that Ukrainian dosser.”
Usyk won thanks to a split decision on pointsCredit: AFP
Usyk wants to fight Tyson Fury with all the belts on the lineCredit: Reuters
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