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    ‘Even though I hate him’ – Anthony Joshua has already picked a side for Tyson Fury’s fight over Dillian Whyte

    ANTHONY JOSHUA has revealed he wants Dillian Whyte to beat Tyson Fury even though he ‘hates him’. After weeks of speculation, Fury and Whyte’s fight is officially confirmed for April 23 at Wembley Stadium.
    Joshua (R) will be supporting Whyte (L) against FuryCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Fury and Whyte face off for the WBC heavyweight title on April 23Credit: PA
    And one man sure to be keeping a close eye on developments is former unified heavyweight world champion Joshua.
    Speaking ahead of Lawrence Okolie’s cruiserweight showdown against Michal Cieslak at the O2 Arena on Sunday night, Joshua revealed who has his backing in the Fury vs Whyte battle of Britain.
    AJ also hinted he is keen to come to blows with Whyte again after the pair first fought as pro’s back in 2015.
    He told iFL TV: “It’s a good opponent [for Fury], it’s a good [title] defence against Dillian Whyte.
    “Dillian Whyte needs to come in, look at what Tyson Fury does and reacts to, and do the complete opposite. Maybe work the body, and be conditioned to go the distance. 
    “But I hope Dillian trains hard [and] doesn’t underestimate Tyson. Because it’s his first shot for Dillian, I think he’ll be hungry, do you know what I mean?
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Boxing.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    “This ain’t like his tenth time fighting for a title, you can have a little hiccup along the way. This is his first time fighting for the title.
    “I’m rooting for Dillian, even though I hate him, and I want to smash him one of these days.
    “Go on Dillian, I’m with you all the way.”
    AJ and the ‘Brixton Bodysnatcher’ met in the ring for the British title over six years ago, with Joshua winning via a seventh-round TKO.
    Plans were also in place for Joshua and Fury to fight in a mouthwatering undisputed clash last year, before a court of arbitration ordered the latter into a trilogy battle with Deontay Wilder.

    Joshua is currently gearing up for a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, but Russia’s invasion of Usyk’s home country, Ukraine, may cause uncertainties regarding that bout.
    When asked whether he was concerned for Usyk, AJ seemingly referenced Usyk and his countrymen, and former heavyweights, Vitaly and Wladimir Klitschko.
    AJ said: “I’ve learnt [that] sport and politics go hand in hand, and they’re powerful voices, and it’s good that they’re speaking up.
    “They’re not pushing for war, they’re saying ‘let’s find peace’. 
    “So good luck to them, and that’s it really, before I go on and say something wrong.” More

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    Josh Taylor’s controversial win over Jack Catterall to be investigated by British Boxing Board of Control this week

    THE British Boxing Board of Control will launch an investigation into the scoring of Josh Taylor’s controversial title defence against Jack Catterall next week.The Scot retained his light-welterweight titles in Glasgow on Saturday night via a controversial spilt-decision victory over the Chorley clubber.
    Josh Taylor controversially retained his light-welterweight titles on Saturday nightCredit: REUTERS
    Many thought Chorely clubber Jack Catterall did enough to have his hand raisedCredit: GETTY
    The BBOBC will investigate the scoring of Taylor’s controversial title defenceCredit: REUTERS
    The scorecards turned in by experienced judges Ian John Lewis and Victor Laughlin caused outrage in the boxing community, so much so BBOBC will ask the pair to explain their scoring of the bout.
    BBOBC General Secretary Robert Smith told the Daily Telegraph: “We will be looking into it.
    “There were some very close rounds, it was a very close, very scrappy fight, and I have asked for reports from the judges which we will be studying this week.
    “Our judges are honest people, and scored it as they saw it. I was there, and I thought Catterall pipped it.”
    A heartbroken Catterall turned in a stellar performance on enemy territory and many thought he’d done enough to end Taylor’s reign as undisputed 140lb king.
    The 28-year-old wrote on Instagram: “You know what hurts the most, it wasn’t for me, I done all of this for my family my team, my town and country.
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    “My baby girl and misses, our future. Today I should of been waking up with all of the belts. 15 months out the ring, they all wrote me off.
    “F**k me in every way possible for over two years, finally got the fight.
    “Sacrificed everything to fight one of the top p4p ranked fighters, gave him a lesson. For what. Boxing shame on you.”
    Prestonpans pounder Taylor looked a shell of the fighter who became undisputed champ against Jose Ramirez last September but insists he did more than enough to retain his titles.
    He said: “I thought I’d done enough – 100 per cent. I started slow as I tried to get my timing.
    “I caught him with the bigger shots. “He tried to spoil, he leaned in a lot and there was a clash of heads.
    Josh Taylor insists he did more than enough to retain his titlesCredit: KENNY RAMSAY
    “I’m not going to lie, he caught me with a couple of good shots.
    “It wasn’t my best performance. I put a hell of a lot of pressure on myself this week with the homecoming and my first fight here in three years.
    “I just put too much pressure on myself to put on a good show but it didn’t matter in the end. I got the result. It was close.
    “I allowed him a bit of success by loading up but I landed the more meaningful shots.
    “He put up a good fight but he knows he didn’t win the fight. I took over in the second half.”
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    Russia banned from hosting ANY boxing fights sanctioned by four leading organisations after invasion of Ukraine

    RUSSIA will not be allowed to host boxing contests sanctioned by the WBC, WBA, WBO or the IBF.The four leading boxing organisations have called for peace and an end to the conflict in Ukraine.
    Former boxers Vitali Klitschko (left) and brother Wladimir have called on the world to support UkraineCredit: Getty
    A statement released by the WBC reads: “The four boxing governing organisations in the world join together to express their position with regards to the tragic war which is taking place as Russia has invaded Ukraine.
    “Just as the world calls for cease of fire, our organizations have decided to not sanction any boxing championships in Russia.
    “Just as this war has put a stop to boxing in Ukraine, our organisations will not sanction fights in Russia until further assessment of the situation.
    “May God bless everyone and bring peace to our world.”
    Former heavyweight world champions Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko are heavily involved in defending Ukraine, with Vitali the mayor of Kyiv.
    The pair called on the world to support Ukraine against Russian invasion with Vitali to take up arms and fight in the army.
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    Wladimir also put out a defiant message to Vladimir Putin on Twitter stating “Ukraine’s will to exist is infinite”.
    Other sports have also taken action against Russia with Formula One cancelling the scheduled Grand Prix in Sochi.
    Uefa have also moved the Champions League final from Saint Petersburg to Paris.
    The Polish FA have refused to play Russia in next month’s World Cup play-off with Sweden and Czech Republic joining them in their stance.
    FIFA is under pressure to ban Russia from playing in the 2022 World Cup play-offs altogether and has been accused of pandering to the country. More

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    Who is Josh Taylor’s gorgeous fiancée Danielle Murphy and when will they get married?

    Josh Taylor will defend his undisputed super-lightweight title against Jack Catterall on Saturday night.One of his biggest supporters is gorgeous wife-to-be Danielle Murphy, who will be hoping her man can overcome Catterall to stay undefeated.
    Josh Taylor with stunning wife-to-be Danielle Murphy on Instagram.Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    Who is Danielle Murphy?
    The couple have been together a long time, but while Taylor is consistently uploading his life to social media, Danielle generally keeps her life pretty private.
    She is reportedly a professional hairdresser, and is evidently very fashionable, but her fans seem not to know much about her personal life.
    The blonde beauty is 28 years-old, and also seems to have fallen in love with boxing, as she was spotted on Instagram sparring in the ring.
    The happy couple.Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    Do they have any children together?
    They currently do not have any children aged just 28 and 30 respectively, but it could be on the horizon after they are married.
    When are they getting married?
    The couple finally exchanged rings in December 2020, after being together for 11 years, and announced the engagement on Instagram.
    Taylor proposed to Danielle on a yacht, and was accompanied by his trainer Ben Davison and sparring partner Lee McGregor.
    They are set to be married on June 18th, 2022 in Dumfries and Galloway. It is thought to be a small ceremony with family and friends involved.
    Taylor celebrates his engagement to the gorgeous Danielle.
    Who is Josh Taylor fighting?
    Taylor will defend his undisputed super-lightweight title against Jack Catterall, who will prove a tough test for the Scot.
    The fight takes place on Saturday, February 26, in Glasgow.
    Taylor is fighting Jack Catterall on Saturday in Glasgow.Credit: Getty
    During the weigh in, Catterall grabbed Taylor by the neck, building even more tension before the big event. Taylor responded to this saying: “Tomorrow he will be flat on his back.”
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    Oleksandr Usyk’s training preparations hit rocks ahead of Anthony Joshua fight as he is unable to return to Ukraine camp

    OLEKSANDR USYK’S preparations for his rematch with Anthony Joshua have been thrown into disarray after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.The WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight champion had been in England this week as talks continue with AJ over a fight date and location for their upcoming bout.
    Oleksandr Usyk will defend his WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight titles against Anthony Joshua later this yearCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    Joshua was outpointed by Usyk at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in SeptemberCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    It’s believed the dust-up is likely to rake place in late May or June with Tottenham among the frontrunners to host the event.
    In a blow for Usyk, the Daily Mail have claimed that he will not be returning to his regular training base just outside of Kiev.
    That is due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine after Vladimir Putin declared war on their neighbouring country.
    Usyk’s promoter Alex Krassyuk has told the Mail that he has ‘no idea’ what The Cat will do for his preparations.
    And he suggested to them that coming back to Ukraine to train will be ‘impossible’.
    Usyk could now relocate to Oxnard, California, where he and training partner Vasyl Lomachenko have had camps in the past.
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    The former undisputed cruiserweight champion is back in Ukraine where he has pleaded for ‘no war’ with Russia.
    Posting a video on Instagram captioned ‘NO WAR’, Usyk wrote: “Some wrote to me that I ran away.
    “I didn’t, I was at work but I’m back, I’m home.
    “Friends, we have to unite because it’s a hard time right now and I’m really emotional and worry about my country, and our people.
    “Friends, we have to stop this war, all of us together.”
    Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has insisted that the conflict between Ukraine and Russia will have no impact on Joshua’s rematch with Usyk.
    The tale of the tape ahead of Usyk’s rematch against Joshua More

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    Deontay Wilder told to fight Anthony Joshua by Mike Tyson and not retire as legend says he would ‘love’ to see it

    MIKE TYSON wants to see Deontay Wilder take on Anthony Joshua before he hangs up his gloves.Wilder, 36, revealed in December he is considering retirement after losing to Tyson Fury for the second time in October.
    Deontay Wilder is considering retiring from boxingCredit: PA
    But Mike Tyson thinks he should fight Anthony JoshuaCredit: Reuters
    Joseph Parker (left) and Derek Chisora want to fight WilderCredit: PA
    But Tyson feels he still has something to give and should get back in the ring, despite losing his world champion status two years ago.
    Tyson told Club Shay Shay: “I think Deontay Wilder should fight some other guys.
    “He’ll do good, I just don’t want him to get discouraged.
    “He should be very happy and be ready to fight somebody else right away.
    “I would love to see that fight (with Joshua), yes.
    “They’re gonna be winging. There ain’t gonna be much style, they’re gonna be winging.”
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    Wilder was frequently linked to a Joshua fight when the pair were both world champions, but a deal could never be reached.
    And if a fight happened now, heavyweight rival Fury reckons Wilder would knock out AJ inside three rounds.
    But the American could instead fight another Matchroom boxer – Derek Chisora, who is keen to face Wilder.
    Joseph Parker is also eyeing a bout with the Bronze Bomber – the Kiwi is determined to beat an American on US soil.
    So Wilder is not short of options and could even get a shot at becoming world champion again if he fights Joshua, though the Brit must first win his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk. More

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    Tyson Fury vs Dillian Whyte tickets: How can I buy tickets for heavyweight title fight?

    TYSON FURY will defend his title in front of a packed Wembley Stadium on April 23 against Dillian Whyte. The fight has been months in the making, with negotiations going back and forth over the past few weeks to finalise contracts.
    Tyson Fury will defend his WBC title against Dillian Whyte on Feb 23Credit: PA
    Dillian Whyte was last in action against Alexander Povetkin in 2021Credit: PA
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    But finally, fans will get to see the all-British duel they’ve been craving, after Fury’s proposed bout with Anthony Joshua fell through last summer.
    Fury and Whyte will clash for the former’s WBC title and Ring Magazine belt, with the Gypsy King’s lineal status also on the line.
    Fury last faced Deontay Wilder in a huge trilogy match-up four months ago, winning via 11th-round knockout.
    Whyte stopped Alexander Povetkin in four rounds last March in a fight that took place in Gibraltar while the UK was in lockdown.
    How can I get tickets to Fury vs Whyte?
    Fury vs Whyte tickets will be available for fans to purchase on Wedneday, March 2 from 12pm UK time.
    Fans have been encouraged to sign up to ticket alert emails on Frank Warren’s Queensberry website.
    Ticketmaster willl be the exclusive ticket providers for the event.
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    “Tyson Fury coming home to fight under the arch at Wembley Stadium is a fitting reward for the No.1 heavyweight in the world following his exploits across the Atlantic in his epic trilogy against Deontay Wilder,” said Warren.
    While co-promoter Bob Arum said: “Tyson Fury conquered America, and it is only fitting that he defends the heavyweight championship in a packed Wembley Stadium.
    “Dillian Whyte has called for this fight for years, and while he is a deserving challenger, no heavyweight can match the Gypsy King.”
    There has yet to be any announcement on pricing for Fury vs Whyte. More

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    What was Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko’s record as a boxer and who is his brother Wladimir?

    VITALI KLITSCHKO’S days as a boxer are over, but he now plays a huge important role as Ukraine’s capital Kyiv’s mayor. Back in his heyday, however, Klitschko and his brother Wladimir ruled the roost atop of the heavyweight division.
    Vitali Klitschko will fight for Ukraine against Russia’s invasionCredit: AP
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    But Vitali is now looking at fighting a much different battle, as he confirmed earlier this week he was prepared to fight for his country against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
    “I don’t have another choice, I have to do that. I’ll be fighting,” the 50-year-old told ITV’s Good Morning Britain.
    “I believe in Ukraine, I believe in my country and I believe in my people.
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    “The Ukrainian people are strong. And it will remain true to itself in this terrible ordeal. A people longing for sovereignty and peace. A people who consider the Russian people their brothers.
    “It knows that they basically do not want this war. The Ukrainian people have chosen democracy.
    “But democracy is a fragile regime. Democracy cannot defend itself; it needs the will of the citizens, the commitment of everyone. Basically, there is no democracy without democrats.”
    What was Vitali Klitschko’s record as a boxer?
    Vitali had storied boxing career and was one of the most fearsome heavyweights of his era.
    Klitschko had huge heavyweight title fights with Lennox Lewis, Derek Chisora, Shannon Briggs, Chris Byrd and Corrie Sanders.
    The 50-year-old made his debut in 1996, winning in two rounds against Tony Bradham in Germany, before ending his career in 2012 with a win over Manuel Charr.
    Klitschko won his first world title in 1999 against Herbie Hide in London, picking up the WBO strap.
    But it was the WBC title which Klitschko carried for most of his career, winning it from Sanders in 2004 and defending it 11 times thereafter.
    He did lose in his biggest ever fight to Brit legend Lewis in 2003, however, as he was stopped in the sixth round of their clash.
    Overall, Klitschko ended his boxing career with a formidable record of 45-2 and with 41 knockouts.
    Vitali and Wladimir are two of boxing’s most accomplished brothersCredit: AP:Associated Press
    Who is his brother Wladimir?
    Wladimir Klitschko was also a boxer, and a more successful one than his older brother at that.
    Wlad won OIympoic gold at the 1996 Atlanta Games before going on to become a two-time heavyweight world champion.
    He also had huge fights with Brit stars Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, losing both towards the back end of his career.
    Klitschko also joined the Ukrainian army earlier this week and has pledged to fight against the Russian invasion. More