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      Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 weigh in LIVE REACTION: Usyk SAME weight as last time, AJ 4lbs more – latest

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA and Oleksandr Usyk faced off TODAY in an intriguing weigh-in ahead of their huge rematch.Joshua weighed in 17st 6st..and Usyk was pretty much the same as last time on 15st 11lbs.
      There had been talk Usyk was going to bulk up but he’s around the same as last time while AJ is 4lbs more.
      Stick with us here on SunSport as we bring you the latest reaction from the weigh-in and preview the huge main event this weekend.

      Get Anthony Joshua to beat Oleksandr Usyk at HUGE 70/1 with BetVictor special offer
      Weigh-in wrapped
      So that’s that, the weigh ins are done which means that the only thing we have left now is the fight itself!
      Can AJ get his revenge and become a three-time champ?
      Or will Usyk cement himself further as one of the greatest of all time?
      We can’t wait! See you tomorrow for SunSport’s live coverage of the fight over here.
      Fight night timings
      Those crucial ring walk times for tomorrow night.
      And we’re now just HOURS away.

      Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 (10.54pm) – World heavyweight championship WBA ‘super’, IBF, IBO and WBO – 12 rounds
      Filip Hrgovic vs Zhilei Zhang (9.52pm) – IBF heavyweight final eliminator – 12 rounds
      Callum Smith vs Mathieu Bauderlique (8.50pm) – WBC light-heavyweight final eliminator – 12 rounds
      Badou Jack vs Richard Rivera (7.18pm) – cruiserweight – 10 rounds
      Ziyad Almaayouf vs Jose Alatorre (6.48pm) – super-lightweight – 4 rounds
      Ramla Ali vs Crystal Garcia Nova (6.10pm) – super-bantamweight – 8 rounds
      Andrew Tabiti vs James Wilson (5.24pm) – heavyweight – 8 rounds
      Ben Whittaker vs Peter Nosic (4.46pm) – light-heavyweight – 6 rounds
      Daniel Lapin vs Josef Jurko (4.03pm) – heavyweight – 8 rounds
      Bader Alsamreen vs Faud Tarverdi (3.30pm) – super lightweight – 6 rounds
      Rashed Belhassa aka Money Kicks vs Traycho Georgiev (3pm) – welterweight – 4 rounds

      AJ speaks
      Joshua spoke after the final face off before tomorrow night’s huge, huge fight.
      The challenger said: “It was just a face-off and I always say they mean nothing, they don’t win fights.
      “All of this stuff doesn’t matter, weight, face-offs, fight, nothing else matters to me but the fight.
      “I am 100 per cent ready to 12 rounds anything less than that is a bonus.”
      Credit: Reuters
      Weight is over
      Joshua has packed on 4lbs in his effort to bully and KO Oleksandr Usyk tonight.
      The 32-year-old Watford ace was 240lbs – 17st 2lbs – for his September loss to the 35-year-old Ukraine king in September.
      And he stripped his top off – but left on his trousers and pants – to make 244lbs on Friday afternoon in Jeddah, before staring down his 13lbs lighter foe.

      Usyk’s weight
      So Oleksandr Usyk didn’t put on the pounds after all…
      Great bit of gamesmanship there from the champ.
      He’s pretty much the same weight as the first fight.
      Credit: Getty
      Usyk weighs in
      100.5kgs for Oleksandr Usyk!
      That’s 15st 11lbs for Usyk. Only very slightly more than his 15st 8lbs from last time.
      Going for speed…
      Joshua weighs in
      110.9kgs for Anthony Joshua!
      That’s 17st 6lbs for AJ. Only 4lbs more than last time.
      Usyk makes his walk
      And flanked by his world titles Oleksandr Usyk is walking out now.
      Here we go!
      Here comes AJ
      Anthony Joshua is walking out first as the challenger!
      AJ showing a poker face.
      Usyk out next.
      Heavyweight prelude
      And before the main event tomorrow night there’s a heavyweight IBF title eliminator between Croatian star Filip Hrgovic and China’s Zhilei Zhang.
      And this means it is Joshua vs Usyk up NEXT!

      Callum Smith in title eliminator
      Brit former world champ Callum Smith (left) is in a final IBF light-heavyweight eliminator tomorrow night against Mathieu Bauderlique.

      Lapin it up
      Oleksandr Usyk isn’t the only Ukrainian star on the bill tomorrow night.
      Unbeaten heavyweight Daniel Lapin continues his fledgling career against Jozef Jurko.

      Money Kicking off
      YouTuber Money Kicks aka Rashed Belhassa opens up the show tomorrow night against Traycho Georgiev.

      Ben Whittaker tips the scales
      Britain’s Olympic silver medalist Ben Whittaker is here!
      Whittaker has his second pro fight on the bill, and is represented by Joshua’s management company too, with AJ specifically making sure he was on the show.

      Full fight timings for tomorrow night
      Those all-important fight times for tomorrow night.
      Roll on 10.54pm…

      Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 (10.54pm) – World heavyweight championship WBA ‘super’, IBF, IBO and WBO – 12 rounds
      Filip Hrgovic vs Zhilei Zhang (9.52pm) – IBF heavyweight final eliminator – 12 rounds
      Callum Smith vs Mathieu Bauderlique (8.50pm) – WBC light-heavyweight final eliminator – 12 rounds
      Badou Jack vs Richard Rivera (7.18pm) – cruiserweight – 10 rounds
      Ziyad Almaayouf vs Jose Alatorre (6.48pm) – super-lightweight – 4 rounds
      Ramla Ali vs Crystal Garcia Nova (6.10pm) – super-bantamweight – 8 rounds
      Andrew Tabiti vs James Wilson (5.24pm) – heavyweight – 8 rounds
      Ben Whittaker vs Peter Nosic (4.46pm) – light-heavyweight – 6 rounds
      Daniel Lapin vs Josef Jurko (4.03pm) – heavyweight – 8 rounds
      Bader Alsamreen vs Faud Tarverdi (3.30pm) – super lightweight – 6 rounds
      Rashed Belhassa aka Money Kicks vs Traycho Georgiev (3pm) – welterweight – 4 rounds

      Eddie Hearn in the house
      The Matchroom promoter is here. And away we go with the undercard bouts.
      Weigh ins starting from now.

      Not long to go!
      Just over 30 mins and the fighters will be tipping the scales.
      Wil Usyk really be coming in a STONE heavier?
      Not long to go until we find out…
      Holyfield previews the big one
      Boxing legend Evander Holyfield has spelled out what Antony Joshua needs to do to defeat Oleksandr Usyk.
      Holyfield told Sky Sports: “He [Joshua] has to fight like a big guy.
      “He can’t sit there and play tag with this guy. He’s got to hit him with big shots.
      “It’s like having a little brother, when you try to grab him if you don’t keep up he moves too much, you have got to grab him and put all that weight on him.”
      Credit: PA
      Last time out
      Usyk tipped the scales at 15st 8lbs for their first fight one year ago.
      But this time he could be nearly a whole stone heavier with the Ukrainian ace looking to have bulked up considerably.
      AJ was 17st 2lbs last time, and has been looking even trimmer in recent pictures.

      Deontay WIlder predicts
      Wilder, who makes his big return to the ring on October 15, has made his prediction for tomorrow night.
      Wilder, 36, told FightHype: “I’m going with Usyk in this fight. I’ve said that after that fight and I’m sticking with my word on this one.
      “Usyk just looks more confident than ever now and when you look at Joshua he just looks like a different man.”

      Joshua’s new trainer on Usyk
      Anthony Joshua’s new trainer is the first to admit his man’s preparation has been far from perfect.
      No-nonsense Robert Garcia replaced Team GB mastermind Robert McCracken for AJ’s must-win world heavyweight title rematch against Oleksandr Usyk tomorrow night.
      Garcia said: “The whole boxing world knows he can’t outbox Usyk. So we have to put smart pressure on him.
      “Usyk is a very talented fighter, his combinations, he has a great jab, a great straight-right hand, right hands to the body, stuff like that.
      “Instead of training to box, we have to train for a fight going forward. But we are also not going in to become a brawler, we have to do it smart.”
      Credit: PA
      Can I listen to Usyk vs AJ 2 on radio?
      talkSPORT have the exclusive rights for the big fight and you can listen to it all for FREE.
      The station’s Fight Night team will be made up of be presenters Adam Catterall and Gareth A Davies, commentator Andy Clarke, sports broadcaster Ade Oladipo and former bantamweight boxer Spencer Oliver.
      How to watch Usyk vs Joshua 2?
      Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK, and DAZN in the rest of the world.
      The event starts at 6pm on Sky Sports Box Office (Sky channel 491/ HD 492), and costs £26.95 to purchase.
      To watch it online, book through the Sky Sports Box Office app and website.
      If you don’t have a Box Office account, you’ll still be able to sign up and buy the fight.
      DAZN will be showing the fight in 190+ countries outside of the UK
      Usyk vs Joshua fight purse
      Joshua and Usyk completed the biggest ever site deal, with Saudi Arabia agreeing to pay £65m to stage the fight.
      This time around, with Usyk going in as the champ there is a straight 50/50 split – so it is at least £32.5m each BEFORE PPV buys.
      Joshua on Fury fight
      Anthony Joshua has joked he will lure heavyweight rival Tyson Fury back into boxing should he beat Oleksandr Usyk in their rematch.
      The Gypsy King called time on his glistening career in April after brutally knocking out Dillian Whyte at Wembley to retain his WBC title.
      Speaking on a media call ahead of his rematch to face Usyk, Joshua was asked whether he can bring Fury out of retirement should he beat the unbeaten Ukrainian.`
      To which a laughing AJ said: “Yeah I can bring him out of retirement, 100 per cent.
      “I think he’ll bring himself out of retirement, you hear what I’m saying? I think he’ll bring himself out of retirement, s***…”
      Load more entries… More

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      AJ tells Fury: Take on Chisora in £2m fight or wait to face me after Usyk

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA has told Tyson Fury to put up his £2million offer to fight Derek Chisora, or shut up about another comeback.AJ’s 258 management team are now helping guide 38-year-old Del Boy’s Indian Summer career.
      Tyson Fury celebrates after KO’ing Dillian Whyte at Wembley in AprilCredit: Getty
      Tyson Fury has beaten fellow Brit Derek Chisora twice, the last win coming in 2014Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      And Fury, 34, has been chasing them for a trilogy fight with the fans’ favourite veteran he has already beaten twice.
      Not many fans are interested in the clash, with supposedly retired Fury the self-appointed No1 heavyweight in the world.
      But the Gypsy King has still been clogging up his social media channels with taunts over a possible deal with the Finchley slugger.
      And 32-year-old AJ, who is a long-time friend of Chisora, says old enemy Fury needs to stop having fun at their expense and show them some funds.
      Read more in Boxing
      “All the negotiations are all being aired online,” Joshua said ahead of his Oleksadnr Usyk rematch.
      “£2m is a lot of money but it is alright saying it, we need to see it.”

      The Ring Magazine belt will be up in the air –  alongside the WBA, IBF and WBO straps, when the Ukraine mastermind and Watford hulk clash in Jeddah – after Fury relinquished the celebrated gong.
      The undefeated 6ft 9in Morecambe genius still holds the WBC’s version of the heavyweight world title.
      But he has been set a deadline to confirm his future plans before he loses that one and well and AJ can chase down the vacant version of the one belt he has never owned.
      Most read in Boxing
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      He said: “He has a week after Saturday  and then you will find out if he is really retired.
      “He has said he is retired but you will know officially on the 26th or 27th.” More

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      Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk undercard FULL: Who is fighting on big Saudi bill and what time does each bout start?

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      OLEKSANDR USYK and Anthony Joshua’s stunning heavyweight rematch is here TOMORROW NIGHT.But before the mouth-watering main event in Saudi Arabia there’s a stacked undercard – which includes an historic fight.
      All eyes will be on Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua’s rematch
      And there are TWO world title eliminators are on the bill that are unlikely to disappoint.
      Man mountain Filip Hrgovic will take on China’s Zhang Zhilei in the IBF heavyweight division’s final eliminator.
      With both men unbeaten, something will have to give on August 20.
      Croatian Hrgovic and Zhang were initially set to fight on May 7 on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez’s defeat to Dmitry Bivol.
      Read more on Joshua vs Usyk
      After Hrgovic pulled out for personal reasons, Zhang instead made light work of America’s Scott Alexander.
      The second eliminator will see Brit former world super-middleweight champ Callum Smith take on Frenchman Mathieu Bauderlique.
      While Ramla Ali will take on Crystal Garcia Nova in what is set to be an historic bout.
      Ramla Ali will be making history
      Filip Hrgovic is in a IBF heavyweight title eliminator
      Ali vs Nova will be the first ever professional women’s boxing match to take place in Saudi Arabia.
      On the magnitude of the occasion, Ali told ESPN: “It’s such a monumental thing to happen in Saudi.
      “Me and my opponent, we’re essentially making history together so it’s not just me. It’s someone else as well, we’re both going to be the first females to be in Saudi.”
      Get Anthony Joshua at 40/1 OR Oleksandr Usyk at 25/1 to win with William Hill
      When is Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk?
      Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk takes place on Saturday, August 20.
      The fight is expected to start at 11pm UK time – this is 1am in Saudi Arabia.
      The Jeddah Super Dome – with a capacity of 40,000 – plays host.
      Who is fighting on the Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk undercard?
      The undercard is set to start from 3pm UK time. Times in brackets are the estimated start time of each fight.

      Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 (10.54pm) – World heavyweight championship WBA ‘super’, IBF, IBO and WBO – 12 rounds
      Filip Hrgovic vs Zhilei Zhang (9.52pm) – IBF heavyweight final eliminator – 12 rounds
      Callum Smith vs Mathieu Bauderlique (8.50pm) – WBC light-heavyweight final eliminator – 12 rounds
      Badou Jack vs Richard Rivera (7.18pm) – cruiserweight – 10 rounds
      Ziyad Almaayouf vs Jose Alatorre (6.48pm) – super-lightweight – 4 rounds
      Ramla Ali vs Crystal Garcia Nova (6.10pm) – super-bantamweight – 8 rounds
      Andrew Tabiti vs James Wilson (5.24pm) – heavyweight – 8 rounds
      Ben Whittaker vs Peter Nosic (4.46pm) – light-heavyweight – 6 rounds
      Daniel Lapin vs Josef Jurko (4.03pm) – heavyweight – 8 rounds
      Bader Alsamreen vs Faud Tarverdi (3.30pm) – super lightweight – 6 rounds
      Rashed Belhassa aka Money Kicks vs Traycho Georgiev (3pm) – welterweight – 4 rounds

      🥊AJ vs Usyk 2 confirmed fight time, TV and live stream info for Saturday’s blockbuster
      What TV channel and live stream is Joshua vs Usyk on?

      Most read in Sport More

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      Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 weigh in LIVE: Stream FREE, start time, TV channel as heavyweights face off

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA and Oleksandr Usyk are facing off TODAY when the pair weigh in before their massive heavyweight title rematch.Last time out there was over a STONE between them – with AJ weighing 17st 2lbs to Usyk’s 15st 8lbs.
      Though this time defending champ Usyk is expected to weigh considerably more, with Ukrainian hero looking to have bulked up for the sequel.
      Stick with us here on SunSport as we bring you the latest updates from the weigh in and preview the huge main event this weekend.

      Get Anthony Joshua to beat Oleksandr Usyk at HUGE 70/1 with BetVictor special offer
      Deontay WIlder predicts
      Wilder, who makes his big return to the ring on October 15, has made his prediction for tomorrow night.
      Wilder, 36, told FightHype: “I’m going with Usyk in this fight. I’ve said that after that fight and I’m sticking with my word on this one.
      “Usyk just looks more confident than ever now and when you look at Joshua he just looks like a different man.”

      Joshua’s new trainer on Usyk
      Anthony Joshua’s new trainer is the first to admit his man’s preparation has been far from perfect.
      No-nonsense Robert Garcia replaced Team GB mastermind Robert McCracken for AJ’s must-win world heavyweight title rematch against Oleksandr Usyk tomorrow night.
      Garcia said: “The whole boxing world knows he can’t outbox Usyk. So we have to put smart pressure on him.
      “Usyk is a very talented fighter, his combinations, he has a great jab, a great straight-right hand, right hands to the body, stuff like that.
      “Instead of training to box, we have to train for a fight going forward. But we are also not going in to become a brawler, we have to do it smart.”
      Credit: PA
      Can I listen to Usyk vs AJ 2 on radio?
      talkSPORT have the exclusive rights for the big fight and you can listen to it all for FREE.
      The station’s Fight Night team will be made up of be presenters Adam Catterall and Gareth A Davies, commentator Andy Clarke, sports broadcaster Ade Oladipo and former bantamweight boxer Spencer Oliver.
      How to watch Usyk vs Joshua 2?
      Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK, and DAZN in the rest of the world.
      The event starts at 6pm on Sky Sports Box Office (Sky channel 491/ HD 492), and costs £26.95 to purchase.
      To watch it online, book through the Sky Sports Box Office app and website.
      If you don’t have a Box Office account, you’ll still be able to sign up and buy the fight.
      DAZN will be showing the fight in 190+ countries outside of the UK
      Usyk vs Joshua fight purse
      Joshua and Usyk completed the biggest ever site deal, with Saudi Arabia agreeing to pay £65m to stage the fight.
      This time around, with Usyk going in as the champ there is a straight 50/50 split – so it is at least £32.5m each BEFORE PPV buys.
      Joshua on Fury fight
      Anthony Joshua has joked he will lure heavyweight rival Tyson Fury back into boxing should he beat Oleksandr Usyk in their rematch.
      The Gypsy King called time on his glistening career in April after brutally knocking out Dillian Whyte at Wembley to retain his WBC title.
      Speaking on a media call ahead of his rematch to face Usyk, Joshua was asked whether he can bring Fury out of retirement should he beat the unbeaten Ukrainian.`
      To which a laughing AJ said: “Yeah I can bring him out of retirement, 100 per cent.
      “I think he’ll bring himself out of retirement, you hear what I’m saying? I think he’ll bring himself out of retirement, s***…”
      Joshua taking pay cut
      AJ is banking a basic £33.2million for tomorrow’s Saudi-funded showdown with Oleksandr Usyk — a pay cut of £13m!
      The Watford man trousered £46m when he regained his world heavyweight titles from Andy Ruiz Jr in Riyadh three years ago.
      But now AJ, beaten by Usyk 11 months ago, has been forced to take a lesser amount as he tries to get the WBA, IBF and WBO belts back from the Ukrainian warrior.
      Usyk will bag the same £33.2m pay packet as the challenger when the pair clash in Jeddah.
      And the victor is in line for a bonus based on the pay-per-view buys on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN around the world.

      Full fight night timings for tomorrow
      Get the popcorn ready, here’s all the fight times for you to plan ahead for tomorrow night.

      Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 (10.54pm) – World heavyweight championship WBA ‘super’, IBF, IBO and WBO – 12 rounds
      Filip Hrgovic vs Zhilei Zhang (9.52pm) – IBF heavyweight final eliminator – 12 rounds
      Callum Smith vs Mathieu Bauderlique (8.50pm) – WBC light-heavyweight final eliminator – 12 rounds
      Badou Jack vs Richard Rivera (7.18pm) – cruiserweight – 10 rounds
      Ziyad Almaayouf vs Jose Alatorre (6.48pm) – super-lightweight – 4 rounds
      Ramla Ali vs Crystal Garcia Nova (6.10pm) – super-bantamweight – 8 rounds
      Andrew Tabiti vs James Wilson (5.24pm) – heavyweight – 8 rounds
      Ben Whittaker vs Peter Nosic (4.46pm) – light-heavyweight – 6 rounds
      Daniel Lapin vs Josef Jurko (4.03pm) – heavyweight – 8 rounds
      Bader Alsamreen vs Faud Tarverdi (3.30pm) – super lightweight – 6 rounds
      Rashed Belhassa aka Money Kicks vs Traycho Georgiev (3pm) – welterweight – 4 rounds

      Tale of the tape
      How the fighters compare ahead of tomorrow night’s big one.
      Joshua, 32, was bettered over 12 rounds but has since changed trainers and vowed to come in with an all-new style.
      Whereas Usyk, 35, appears to have bulked up in preparation for the rematch on Saturday in Saudi Arabia.

      Weigh to go!
      Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk weigh in TODAY for their HUGE, huge rematch tomorrow night in Saudi Arabi.
      Last time out, in September 2021, there was over a STONE of difference between the pair with AJ weighing in at 17st 2bs to Usyk’s 15st 8lbs.
      But this time Usyk could weigh over 16st, with the Ukrainian hero looking to have bulked up considerably.
      According to trainer Dave Coldwell, who coached Tony Bellew against the heavyweight champion, this is the wrong approach to take.
      Coldwell said: “From an Usyk point of view, I get that he is going to be more aggressive and look to land bigger shots but with his mobility and speed being his two greatest assets they will take a hit.
      “It’s going to slow him down, if you’re losing speed, you’re giving more options to be hit and not only that I believe that AJ really needs to focus on going to Usyk’s body to take away his legs.”
      Load more entries… More

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      Five potential next opponents for Anthony Joshua after Usyk rematch with Tyson Fury favourite but Wilder fight possible

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA has insisted his boxing career will go on after rematching Oleksandr Usyk – win or lose. AJ was beaten last September but gets a second crack at the Ukrainian on Saturday in Saudi Arabia.
      Oleksander Usyk and Anthony Joshua ahead of their Saudi Arabia rematchCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
      Some have urged Joshua to walk away if he loses again to the pound-for-pound star.
      But the man himself is having none of it, meaning huge fights lay await for AJ regardless of the result.
      Here, SunSport runs down some of the options for Joshua ahead of his massive rematch with Usyk.
      TYSON FURY
      If Joshua, 32, beats Usyk, 35, and regains the WBA, IBF and WBO belts in the process, there is only one fight that makes sense.
      It would surely convince Fury back to boxing to put his WBC title on the line for a first ever four-belt heavyweight unification.
      Although defeat leaves the Battle of Britain further away then ever, but not over completely.
      It would likely mean AJ rebuilding with some steady wins, but over time the super-fight could be revived with so much money to be made.
      Tyson Fury remains linked with a comeback to fight the undisputed crownCredit: AFP
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      DEONTAY WILDER
      The Bronze Bomber has now confirmed he will return on October 15 against Robert Helenius, 38, his first fight since losing to Fury last October.
      His manager Shelly Finkel has already told SunSport a fight with AJ is “enormous” whether the Brit beats Usyk or not.
      In an ideal world, Wilder, 36, and Joshua would both get back to winning ways setting up the grudge fight everyone wanted in 2019.
      But even if AJ slips to another loss, returning against Wilder remains a blockbuster.
      Deontay Wilder has now confirmed his return to boxingCredit: Reuters
      Most read in Boxing
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      ANDY RUIZ JR
      The last time Joshua was in Saudi, he was avenging defeat against Ruiz, following his upset loss in June 2019.
      A trilogy has remained shelved and could prove an option after Joshua rematches Usyk.
      If he loses, completing a trilogy with Ruiz, 32, is still a fan-friendly fight.
      But if he wins, and the top names are unavailable, the history and clash of styles with the Mexican-American makes it a perfect alternative.
      Andy Ruiz Jr and Anthony Joshua are yet to complete their trilogyCredit: PA
      DILLIAN WHYTE
      No matter where AJ or Whyte, 34, are in their careers, a rematch will always appease fans.
      Joshua won the initial bout in 2015 following defeat in the amateurs six years earlier and Whyte is in need of a big fight after being knocked out by Fury in April.
      If AJ wins back the belts, it could set up a huge title rematch between the Brit rivals.
      But if he loses, it makes the clash even more interesting, as both would not be able to afford another defeat.
      Anthony Joshua beat Dillian Whyte in 2015Credit: Action Images – Reuters
      JOE JOYCE
      Joyce, 36, is currently the WBO mandatory challenger, meaning he is in line to fight the winner between AJ and Usyk.
      He also faces Joseph Parker, 30, on September 24 which could strengthen his position in the division.
      If Joshua beats Usyk, he might have no choice but to fight Joyce.
      But if he loses, the bout is among the biggest to be made for AJ, due to their history as former sparring-partner turned rivals.
      Joe Joyce fights Joseph Parker on September 24Credit: Rex More

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      Tyson Fury’s WILL come out of retirement to fight Anthony Joshua or Oleksandr Usyk in undisputed bout, says Bob Arum

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      TYSON FURY will perform another retirement U-turn after Anthony Joshua’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.The Gypsy King, 34, shelved plans for a shock comeback fight with Derek Chisora last week just TWO DAYS after announcing his return.
      Tyson Fury shelved plans to return to the ring last weekCredit: Getty
      Fury’s shadow looms over Anthony Joshua’s rematch with Oleksandr UsykCredit: Getty
      Promoter Bob Arum insists The Gypsy King will come out of retirement to face the winner of Usyk vs Joshua 2Credit: GETTY
      But promoter Bob Arum insists the Wythenshawe warrior will lace up his gloves for a blockbuster undisputed title fight with the winner of Saturday night’s Saudi showdown.
      The 89-year-old told Sky Sports: “Absolutely – it’s really the only fight that makes sense for Tyson Fury.
      “I’ve discussed this with my co-promoter of Fury, Frank Warren, and once this fight is over we’re going to put together a total unification match between the winner and Tyson Fury.
      “Now, if Usyk wins the fight, which I expect, that will be quite easy to do because we’re very close to the Usyk people as they’re the same people who manage Vasyl Lomachenko who fights for us.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      “If Joshua wins, Eddie Hearn is his promoter. We’ve talked many times with Hearn about various matches and I’m sure we’ll be able to come together on this one.”
      Arum admits Fury continues to change his mind about returning to the ring on a daily basis.
      The veteran promoter said: “I’ve talked with him [Fury] and every day is different, but he’s a fighter and if the right fight is there then Fury will be up for that fight.
      “The right fight is the unification fight against the winner of Usyk and Joshua and I think – based on my conversations with Fury – he’ll be up for that challenge.
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      Most read in MMA
      “How much longer he will go after that, god only knows and I’m not sure, but I’m confident at least that he’ll answer the bell for that major fight.”
      A Joshua win in Saudi will set up a long-awaited Battle of Britain with WBC heavyweight king Fury, although Arum doesn’t foresee AJ getting the better of slick southpaw Usyk.
      He said: “I like Usyk in the fight, I think that he’s a much better boxer. Joshua can beat him if he presses the action, but Usyk has a pretty good punch .
      “I don’t know if Joshua can prevail if he just trades punches with Usyk. We’ll have to see, but that’s Joshua’s only chance in my opinion.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I like Usyk pretty big in this fight, but it’s heavyweight boxing and anything can happen.
      “It’s a very interesting fight and it should be a very good fight but, all things being equal, I like the Ukrainian boy to win the fight and retain his title.”
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      Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 weigh in: What time does it start and how do I watch it for FREE?

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA and Oleksandr Usyk finally face off this weekend in their huge rematch in Saudi Arabia.But before fight night, the pair will tip the scales with defending champion Usyk looking to have bulked up considerably from the first fight.
      Anthony Joshua is gearing up for the big rematch
      Last time out, in September 2021, there was over a STONE of difference between the pair with AJ weighing in at 17st 2bs to Usyk’s 15st 8lbs.
      But this time Usyk could weigh over 16st.
      According to trainer Dave Coldwell, who coached Tony Bellew against the heavyweight champion, this is the wrong approach to take.
      Coldwell said: “From an Usyk point of view, I get that he is going to be more aggressive and look to land bigger shots but with his mobility and speed being his two greatest assets they will take a hit.
      Read on AJ vs Usyk
      “It’s going to slow him down, if you’re losing speed, you’re giving more options to be hit and not only that I believe that AJ really needs to focus on going to Usyk’s body to take away his legs.”

      🥊 AJ vs Usyk 2 date, live stream and TV channel for blockbuster rematch
      When is the Joshua vs Usyk 2 weigh in?
      The weigh in for Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 takes place a day before the fight, on Friday August 19.
      The weigh in will start from 1pm BST. This is 3pm over in Saudi Arabia.
      Get Anthony Joshua at 40/1 OR Oleksandr Usyk at 25/1 to win with William Hill
      What live stream and TV channel is the weigh in on?
      You can watch the weigh in for FREE on Sky Sports Boxing YouTube.
      When is Joshua vs Usyk 2?
      Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 is on Saturday night.
      The fight has been confirmed to start at 10.54pm approx.
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      Deontay Wilder backs Oleksandr Usyk to beat Anthony Joshua AGAIN and says Brit rival ‘looks broken’ ahead of rematch

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      DEONTAY WILDER said Anthony Joshua “looks broken” and backed Oleksandr Usyk to win their rematch. Joshua gets a second crack at the Ukrainian boxing mastermind on Saturday in Saudi Arabia, following defeat last September.
      Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua ahead of their Saudi rematch
      Deontay Wilder backed Oleksandr Usyk to beat Anthony JoshuaCredit: Reuters
      But without the unified belts around AJ’s waist, ex-champion Wilder notices the British star is lacking the same aura.
      And he backed Usyk, 35, to hand Joshua, 32, another crushing loss.
      Wilder, 36, told FightHype: “I’m going with Usyk in this fight. I’ve said that after that fight and I’m sticking with my word on this one.
      “Usyk just looks more confident than ever now and when you look at Joshua he just looks like a different man.
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      “He looks more broken or something, maybe it’s him getting used to not having the titles and now the tables have turned.
      “Because sometimes you have something for so long and the tables turn, you’ve got a chance to get used to that when you were used to something else.”
      Wilder has confirmed his own return to boxing, facing ex-sparring partner Robert Helenius, 38, on October 15 in New York.
      It is his first bout since losing to Tyson Fury, 34, in their Las Vegas trilogy bout classic in October 2021.
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      Fury remains retired despite calls to return for a fight against the winner between AJ and Usyk.
      And even Wilder has tipped a title unification to follow after Saturday’s Saudi rematch.
      He said: “I’m going with Usyk like I picked before and I’m sticking with that.
      “Once that happens, I think there’s a lot of things in the future like a unification bout.”
      Tyson Fury has been linked with returning to fight for the undisputed titleCredit: AFP More