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    ‘Everything was different’ – Anthony Joshua’s sparring partner reveals much-changed training camp for Usyk rematch

    ANTHONY JOSHUA’s sparring partner Marko Milun is confident the Brit can beat Oleksandr Usyk following an intense training camp.Joshua, 32, lost the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles last September to Usyk on home soil at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
    Joshua’s sparring partner is confident the Brit will beat UsykCredit: PA
    The pair meet in Saudi on SaturdayCredit: Reuters
    Usyk beat Joshua last September at the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumCredit: PA
    The pair will now meet in a highly anticipated rematch on Saturday in Saudi Arabia.
    Joshua has made a number of chancgs in the build-up to the rematch, axing mentor Rob McCracken for Robert Garcia.
    There have also been significant changes in Joshua’s training camp -changes Joshua’s sparring partner Milun, 25, says will carry him to victory.
    Speaking to BoyleSports Boxing Odds, Milun said: “AJ is technically perfect, he just needs good tactics. Good tactics will win the fight.
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    “AJ is the best technical boxer. Everything he does is perfect; jabs, hooks, uppercuts – AJ looks perfect, If they set him good tactics he will win, easy.
    “This time the whole camp is different. It’s not the same. We spar maybe 15 rounds, me and AJ, very good rounds and it was explosive. I enjoyed it.
    “Not like last time – everything was different, how he treated us, it was different. Coaches are different, his training is different, from the small things to the big things.
    “He is hungry now, he wants to win badly. Last time we didn’t speak so much because we were separated, he was in his hotel.
    Joshua is being put through his paces ahead of the fight
    The Brit looks in good shape ahead of his bid to re-climb the heavyweight mountain
    Joshua is sparring 15 rounds
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    “Now we eat together, we train together, we are at the pool together, recovering in the sauna.
    “We have become closer than last time – he’s a very good guy. He’s relaxed – it’s big pressure, everyone thinks it’s big pressure, but I think he will handle the pressure.
    “He’s a two time world champion and Olympic champion. For him the pressure is normal.
    “Everybody speaks out against him – but who cares. I think he will show in the fight a better AJ.”
    Milun says Joshua needs to “bully” Usyk as he won’t be able to outbox the Ukrainian.
    He continued: “I told AJ you need to bully Usyk, you can’t box him. Everybody knows that.
    “Maybe Usyk will expect that – he looks heavier this time. But not heavier than AJ.
    “I don’t know how he will start and finish the fight because he trained to attack and he trained defence, he trained everything – in sparring he is better than last time.
    “He only lost by four rounds last time. It’s not too much.
    “If he catches him in those 12 rounds with a little bit of pressure he can knock out Usyk.”
    Milun has also talked up the good nature of Joshua and his team.
    Joshua paid for his sparring partner to fly home to Croatia after his family were involved in a car accident earlier this week.
    Milun revealed: “They (Joshua and his team) helped me on Monday.
    “My family had a car accident and they booked my flight immediately for three hours back to Croatia.
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    “They are very friendly and they helped me with everything. I missed the last sparring because of the accident.
    “I thank all the AJ team for their help. Now my family is OK, my sisters need an operation, but they are not in danger and that’s the most important thing.”

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    Watch hench Anthony Joshua’s gruelling wrist exercise as he shows off incredible physique in training for Usyk fight

    ANTHONY JOSHUA looks more than ready to get one over on Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night – at least his wrists definitely do anyway.The 32-year-old Brit is bidding to become a three-time world heavyweight champion when he takes on the undefeated Ukrainian in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.
    Joshua showed off a difficult wrist exercise while training for Usyk
    The brutal hand movement did not seem to phase a ripped Joshua
    The Brit looks in tremendous shape ahead of his world title bout on Saturday
    He finished the clip by tensing and showing off his impressive condition
    He is looking to avenge the defeat Usyk inflicted on him in September last year when the former undisputed cruiserweight champion claimed a unanimous decision win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
    Joshua looks in supreme condition ahead of their second bout and showcased a gruelling wrist exercise on social media as he put the final touches on his preparations for the fight.
    A pumped up Joshua captioned the short clip: “Out my hands and leave in God’s 🤲🏾.”
    And he finished the wrist movement by leaning back on his knees and scarily posing with his muscles tensed.
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    Reacting to the video, one social media user said: “Hard work, dedication and sticking to the plan.
    “Hit and don’t get hit. Long range power boxing. Go for a TKO, spare nobody, left hand always up, jab and cover your face. Dig deep his ribs and tummy.
    “Usyk is not comfortable with your monster punches. All the best AJ. Let’s go champ!”
    Another added: “AJ let them hands go and your win this fight. Last few fights it looks like you have been holding back. Make it a war big lad and you win this bro 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏆.”
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    And a third said: “Looking to strengthen them wrists. Man’s definitely going for the hard-hitting knockout.
    “It’s the only strategy that will work in my opinion.”
    Joshua has suffered two defeats in his professional career – against Andy Ruiz Jr in June 2019 and then against Usyk last year.
    But AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn is confident his man will not be beaten for a third time this weekend.
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    He said: “I think this fight will be over in six rounds. I think it’s going to be a war.
    “I don’t think Usyk wants to be walked down by AJ, to box off the back foot against an aggressive Anthony Joshua.
    “I expect him [Usyk] to be aggressive, and I think he’s going to get knocked out.” More

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    Mike Tyson, 56, pictured in wheelchair holding walking stick as fearsome boxing legend is pushed through Miami airport

    MIKE TYSON has been spotted in a wheelchair while holding his walking stick at Miami airport.The former world heavyweight champion, 56, looked to be in a frail condition as he made his way through the terminal.
    Tyson was pictured sitting in a wheelchair at Miami airportCredit: TheImageDirect.com
    He also had a walking stick on his lap as he made his way through the terminalCredit: TheImageDirect.com
    Tyson recently claimed he feels as if he is going to die soonCredit: TheImageDirect.com
    But Tyson still took the time to pose for photos with fans at the airport.
    According to The Mail, he has been suffering with a “sciatica flare-up”, something he has combated in the past.
    It comes just weeks after he was seen arriving at a New York hotel with a walking stick.
    Tyson’s health has been the subject of much concern in recent months.
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    The fears came about after he claimed on his Hotboxin’ podcast that he believes he is going to die “real soon”.
    He said: “We’re all gonna die one day of course. Then, when I look in the mirror, I see those little spots on my face.
    “I say, ‘Wow. That means my expiration date is coming close, really soon.'”
    Meanwhile, Tyson recently gave his verdict on who would win in a battle of Britain clash between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
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    AJ is preparing to try and avenge his loss to Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.
    If he does emerge victorious, fans will be clambering for a fight between Brits Joshua and Fury – despite The Gypsy King claiming he is retired.
    And Tyson feels Fury would have too much for AJ if the two were to meet.
    He told Fight Hype TV: “You know I love Joshua but I think Tyson’s too elusive and he’s [Joshua] not gonna hit him.
    “Listen we’re keeping it honest right, I like Joshua a lot right, maybe he punches harder than [Deontay] Wilder – but he doesn’t punch faster than Wilder.
    “If he doesn’t punch faster than a Wilder he’s not going to f***ing touch this guy and that’s just what I see.
    “He [Joshua] punches hard but he doesn’t punch fast, if Tyson Fury can get away from Wilder’s fast punches – Joshua might be in trouble.”
    Meanwhile, Tyson is currently in a row with streaming service Hulu, who are allegedly making a series about his life without his consent or any form of compensation.
    He took to social media to slam the programme and thank Dana White for refusing to be involved.
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    He said: “Hulu tried to desperately pay my brother Dana White millions without offering me a dollar to promote their slave master take over story about my life.
    “He turned it down because he honours friendship and treating people with dignity.
    “I’ll never forget what he did for me just like I’ll never forget what Hulu stole from me.” More

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    Oleksandr Usyk haircut: What is an oseledets and what does it symbolise in Ukraine?

    OLEKSANDR USYK is looking to retain his heavyweight belts as he takes on Anthony Joshua in a huge rematch in Saudi Arabia.But the formerly shaven-headed Ukrainian has a new look as he aims to bring a much needed boost to his country following the Russian invasion.
    Oleksandr Usyk turned up to his pre-fight press conference with Anthony Joshua sporting a traditional Ukrainian Cossack haircutCredit: Alamy
    Attending pre-fight press conferences, Usyk sported a single lock of hair on his otherwise fully-shaved head, a style known as an osedelets.
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    What does Oleksandr Usyk’s haircut symbolise?
    The osedelets is the traditional haircut of the Cossacks, a warrior people from South and East Ukraine and parts of Russia.
    In Russia, it is often referred to as a khokhol and used as a derogatory term for Ukrainians.
    Despite being shaven-headed when he beat Anthony Joshua in 2021, Usyk has fought on many previous occasions with an osedelets.
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    Usyk also had the osedelets during the London 2012 Olympic GamesCredit: AFP – Getty
    This includes the day he won the heavyweight gold medal at the London 2012 Olympics, one day before Joshua would become super-heavyweight Olympic champion.
    Then, he said: “You should know that Cossack oseledets haircut and hopak on the ring are not simply part of image for me, they are a tribute to our history and culture.”
    The hopak is a traditional Cossack dance which Usyk also performed after beating Joshua at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
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    Where did the osedelets originate?
    Halfshaven haircuts are believed to have been adopted by the Vikings from the Slavic people they conquered when they captured Kyiv in the 10th Century and created Kievan Rus, the state which would become both today’s Ukraine and Russia.
    They enjoyed such popularity among Viking peoples that William the Conqueror is seen with a similar hairstyle in the Bayeux Tapestry depicting the victory of the Normans at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
    Usyk talking to the media in the build-up to the fight in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty
    The osedelets in its current form was adopted by Ukrainian Cossacks in the 16th Century, who would leave a long central strip which was often braided or tied in a topknot, on top of a shaven head.
    It was repopularised in the early 20th Century among Ukrainian nationalists before being suppressed during Stalin’s rule.
    It would then make another comeback with Ukraine’s independence in the 1990s.
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    Anthony Joshua pays for sparring partner to take emergency flight to Croatia after family are involved in car accident

    ANTHONY JOSHUA paid for his sparring partner to fly home to Croatia after his family were involved in a car accident earlier this week.Marko Milun, 25, has been an integral part of AJ’s camp as he prepares to rematch Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night.
    Marko Milun has been in camp with Anthony JoshuaCredit: Instagram @milunmarko
    He wasn’t part of the final sparring sessions, however, after rushing home to be with his family.
    Speaking to BoyleSports, Milun revealed: “They (Joshua and his team) helped me on Monday.
    “My family had a car accident and they booked my flight immediately for three hours back to Croatia.
    “They are very friendly and they helped me with everything. I missed the last sparring because of the accident.
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    “I thank all the AJ team for their help. Now my family is OK, my sisters need an operation, but they are not in danger and that’s the most important thing.”
    Milun is confident that his pal Joshua can win back his belts this weekend, explaining how this training camp has been far better than the one ahead of the first fight last year.
    He said: “This time the whole camp is different. It’s not the same.
    “We spar maybe 15 rounds, me and AJ, very good rounds and it was explosive. I enjoyed it.
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    “Not like last time – everything was different; how he treated us, it was different.
    “Coaches are different, his training is different, from the small things to the big things. He is hungry now, he wants to win badly.
    “Last time we didn’t speak so much because we were separated, he was in his hotel.
    “Now we eat together, we train together, we are at the pool together, recovering in the sauna. We have become closer than last time – he’s a very good guy.
    He’s a two time world champion and Olympic champion. For him the pressure is normalMarko Milun
    “He’s relaxed – it’s big pressure, everyone thinks it’s big pressure, but I think he will handle the pressure.
    “He’s a two time world champion and Olympic champion. For him the pressure is normal.
    “Everybody speaks out against him – but who cares. I think he will show in the fight a better AJ.”
    On the game plan that Joshua, 32, will have to deploy to win, Milun said: “I told AJ you need to bully Usyk, you can’t box him. Everybody knows that.
    “Maybe Usyk will expect that – he looks heavier this time. But not heavier than AJ.
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    “I don’t know how he will start and finish the fight because he trained to attack and he trained defence, he trained everything – in sparring he is better than last time.
    “He only lost by four rounds last time. It’s not too much. If he catches him in those 12 rounds with a little bit of pressure he can knock out Usyk.”
    AJ is ready for this Saturday’s showdownCredit: PA More

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    Anthony Joshua claims Mike Tyson was ‘sent from heaven’ and cannot compare himself to ‘unique specimen’

    ANTHONY JOSHUA claimed “unique specimen” Mike Tyson was a gift to boxing “sent from heaven”. Joshua has revealed in the past that Tyson is his all-time favourite heavyweight.
    Anthony Joshua ahead of his rematch with Oleksandr UsykCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
    Mike Tyson pictured in his prime in 1986Credit: Getty – Contributor
    And some have urged AJ to take inspiration from Iron Mike’s spiteful style into his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday.
    But Joshua admitted – just like with Floyd Mayweather – there will never be another Tyson.
    He said: “Look at football, Floyd Mayweather is the Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo of boxing.
    “Not everyone can be like Mike Tyson. Mike Tyson was sent from heaven to grace us with his boxing talent.
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    “Mike is a unique specimen. I can learn from him, but I cannot ever be anything like Mike Tyson.
    “He was a separate case in my opinion. I know it will be a much tougher fight this time.
    “In my heart, I definitely want to throw punches to hurt him, but I’m not Mike Tyson.
    “I’m the taller man, with the longer reach, so I’m going to use those elements.”

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    Joshua, 32, rematches Usyk, 35, in Saudi Arabia following his points loss to the Ukrainian in September.
    And Tyson, 56, spoke out on Instagram Live to give his verdict on the unified title fight.
    He said: “It’s gonna be hard to beat Usyk because he’s fast and he outpunched Joshua with his jab.
    “It’s gonna be hard to beat Usyk because he’s fast and he outpunched Joshua with his jab.
    “Joshua has to learn to deal with his jab. That’s the only thing he couldn’t handle, he couldn’t handle his jab and his movement.
    “He’s too fast for Joshua. Joshua has to put a lot of pressure on him and keep it on him all night.
    “He’s a powerful puncher, but he’s not as accurate – you’ve gotta be accurate against a guy like that.
    “Because he moves so much, the jab is educated and he just outsmarts the guy.”
    Anthony Joshua was beaten by Oleksandr Usyk last SeptemberCredit: GETTY More

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    Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk: Boxing world including Tyson Fury and Mike Tyson predicts who will win grudge rematch

    ANTHONY JOSHUA comes into his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk as an underdog – both amongst his peers and the bookies. It is not a position AJ has ever been in before in his career and he has it all to do in his Saudi Arabia rematch on Saturday.
    Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia ahead of his rematch with Oleksandr UsykCredit: Reuters
    Oleksandr Usyk beat Anthony Joshua last SeptemberCredit: PA
    Following a fairly one-sided defeat over 12 rounds in September, oddsmakers have Usyk as a 1/2 favourite to win.
    It has helped shape the views of those inside the boxing business as SunSport runs down predictions from fighters.

    Tyson Fury
    Fury is linked with returning to fight the winner but in a blow to British fans, he is picking against AJ.
    He told Gareth A Davies: after the rematch was announced: “In heavyweight boxing, it only takes one punch.
    “It wasn’t a complete landslide last time, Usyk had a lot of marks on his face, he was cut up. He’s not hard to hit, Usyk, he’s right there in front of you.
    “So Joshua can obviously land a big punch, but I just think that Usyk’s too cute for him. Too smart, too quick, and a southpaw.”
    Prediction: Usyk
    Tyson Fury picks Oleksandr Usyk to beat Anthony JoshuaCredit: Jamie McPhilimey
    John Fury
    Fury’s dad has gone the other way and has a funny feeling Joshua can avenge the loss.
    John said on talkSPORT: “Don’t be surprised if AJ pulls it off.
    “I’ve got a sneaky feeling again that AJ’s going to do it and he has this remarkable way of bouncing back doesn’t he.”
    Prediction: Joshua
    Tyson Fury’s father John believes Anthony Joshua can beat Oleksandr UsykCredit: Rex
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    Mike Tyson
    The youngest heavyweight champion of all time did not give a straight prediction as to who will win, but knows AJ is in for a tough night.
    He said on Instagram Live: “It’s gonna be hard to beat him
    “It’s gonna be hard to beat Usyk because he’s fast and he outpunched Joshua with his jab.
    “Joshua has to learn to deal with his jab.”
    Prediction: Sitting on the fence
    Mike Tyson weighed in on Anthony Joshua’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk
    Deontay Wilder
    Fellow former world champ was a lot more outspoken when giving his verdict on the fight.
    Wilder told EsNEWS: “I’m going with Usyk, man.
    ‘I’m going with Usyk. A lot of people are. But you know what I mean, it’s boxing at the end of the day, so the world will see.
    “But my pick is Usyk.”
    Prediction: Usyk
    Deontay Wilder backed Oleksandr Usyk to beat Anthony Joshua again
    Andy Ruiz Jr
    The last time AJ was in a must-win rematch he bettered Andy Ruiz Jr over 12 rounds in Saudi – but the Mexican-American can’t split him and Usyk.
    He told Fight Hub TV: “It only takes one punch to change the fight. So, it’s all up to the one that’s more hungry.
    “Anthony Joshua goes down and he comes back up or he loses, and then he fights again to win.
    “Usyk is a hard guy too. You know, his style. He throws combinations.”
    Prediction: Sitting on the fence
    Andy Ruiz Jr lost his rematch with Anthony JoshuaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Joe Joyce
    Joyce is a former sparring partner of Joshua’s and lost to Usyk in the amateurs, so he knows both men well.
    He told talkSPORT: “Usyk’s already beaten Joshua. So it’s the same thing again and he also has the confidence from beating him the first time.
    “So, it’s down to Joshua now to step his game up and try and get back those titles. I still think Usyk’s got what it takes to bash him up again.
    “But, Joshua has a punchers chance, a heavy punch, but if he can’t land those big shots then it’s Usyk again.”
    Prediction: Usyk
    Oleksandr Usyk beat Joe Joyce in the amateursCredit: Getty Images
    Amir Khan
    Khan linked up with Usyk in Dubai and watched him in action, but still the 2004 Olympic silver medalist is backing his countryman.
    He told talkSPORT: “We all want AJ to win the fight obviously him being British, we want to bring them heavyweight titles back to Britain.
    “I think he wins this fight, he beats Usyk, but it will be a difficult task.
    “He then goes on and maybe does an undisputed clash with Tyson Fury, which will be a massive fight in the UK.”
    Prediction: Joshua
    Oleksandr Usyk pictured with Amir Khan in Dubai
    Kell Brook
    Khan was beaten by Brook in their February grudge match and it appears they are still not on the same page.
    Brook said to Safe Betting Sites UK: “To be honest with you, I see Usyk beating him again.
    “Unless Anthony Joshua comes out and he puts it on him from round one and uses his size and strength. 
    “The only way, in my opinion, that Anthony Joshua can win is to use his strength and his power and put it on him in that way.”
    Prediction: Usyk
    Amir Khan was beaten by Kell Brook in their grudge matchCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    KSI
    The YouTube boxing star is friends with Joshua, having both grown up in Watford, but the relationship doesn’t cloud his judgment.
    KSI told DAZN: “Who do I think is going to win? I hate to say it, but I think Usyk. I’m sorry, bro, but I think Usyk is just too skillful.
    “He’s had too many amateur fights, his experience is just too much, and his ability to adapt during a fight is just too good.
    “Especially when he was fighting Chisora.”
    KSI has backed Oleksandr Usyk to beat his friend Anthony JoshuaCredit: SHUTTERSTOC More

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    ‘That’s enough on that’ – Anthony Joshua breaks silence on Tyson Fury retirement ahead of Oleksandr Usyk rematch

    ANTHONY JOSHUA has spoken out for the first time since Tyson Fury confirmed his retirement. Fury has teased a comeback to challenge the winner of Saturday night’s rematch between AJ and Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia.
    Anthony Joshua has spoken out after Tyson Fury confirmed his retirementCredit: Reuters
    Tyson Fury confirmed his retirement on his 34th birthdayCredit: Getty
    But on his 34th birthday, the unbeaten WBC champion said he was walking away for good.
    That is despite his promoters Bob Arum and Frank Warren hoping Fury would return to face either Joshua, 32, or Usyk, 35.
    A win for AJ would regain the WBA, IBF and WBO belts while putting him back on top in the division.
    But Joshua insisted he has to beat long-time rival Fury as well to be considered the No1 heavyweight in the world.
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    He told Sky Sports: “Unless he’s 100 per cent retired, you’ve got to beat Fury as well.
    “This isn’t about Fury, with all due respect. That’s just my view on that.
    “As it stands you’re just a winner, you’re a winner at the end of the day. There’s always another challenge out there.
    “Until you retire you’re always going to be challenged to prove you’re the best in the world.

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    “The minute you say you’re the best is the minute you should pack up. That’s enough on that Tyson Fury situation.”
    Fury first announced his retirement after knocking out Dillian Whyte, 34, at Wembley in April.
    But returning to fight for the heavyweight undisputed title – the first ever in the four-belt era – remained on the cards.
    For Joshua, he can only afford to focus on his rematch with Usyk, following defeat last September.
    And after almost one year out, he returns ready for redemption.
    Joshua said: “The time drags on. Normally you get straight back in there.
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    “Inactivity isn’t good for anyone but the pros are for all the changes that I’ve made personally, training camp, training location, having to form a new team, make them work together as well which is important in a training environment and that needed time.
    ‘That needed time so straight after the fight, obviously I focused on recovery but I got straight to business and what you’ll see on Saturday is what we’ve been working on for the last, I would say, 10 months.”
    Anthony Joshua was beaten by Oleksandr Usyk in SeptemberCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More