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    Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk LIVE REACTION: Rematch LATEST, AJ suffers eye socket injury, Usyk home – latest

    ANTHONY JOSHUA is reeling after defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in their heavyweight title showdown. Usyk boxed beautifully at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, winning 117-112, 116-112, 115-113 on the judges scorecards to take AJ’s WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight titles.
    The Ukrainian sensation finished the fight putting AJ under enormous pressure and had the Briton rocked on the final bell.
    AJ suffered a suspected damaged eye socket in the brutal defeat, though he was not taken to hospital.
    And now the Olympic gold medallists will look forward to a massive money-spinning rematch.
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    Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
    JOSH K.O
    Anthony Joshua’s only chance of beating Oleksandr Usyk in their rematch is if he knocks him out, Frank Warren claims.
    Joshua was given a boxing masterclass by Usyk and risks the same thing happening the next time they face each other.
    The only way there will be a different outcome is if Joshua can put the Ukrainian on his bum.
    When asked about Joshua’s chances, Warren said: “No, not unless he can land a bomb on him.
    “He can’t outbox him. It’s impossible for him to outbox him. So what is he going to have to do? He’s [Joshua] going to have to stop him.”
    OUT OF THIS WORLD
    Oleksandr Usyk has offered Elon Musk the space-inspired ring walk helmet he wore before beating Anthony Joshua as a gift.
    Usyk made his entrance wearing a custom-made jacket and space helmet and then delivered a performance that was from another planet.
    After blowing AJ away with a 12 round clinic, the Ukrainian called on billionaire Musk, 50 – whose firm SpaceX launched the first all-civilian space flight earlier this month – to collect the boxing attire.
    Usyk tweeted: “I’ve got a very special gift for a person who inspires me a lot!
    “@elonmusk , your customized JAXET is waiting for you – a gear equipped with the latest technologies and an exclusive art piece from the new reality.
    “Let’s express our respect to the superhero of the new world together and invite Elon to pick up his gift by sharing hashtag #ELONgetyourJAXETfromUSYK @elonmusk.”

    ‘NOT TYSON’
    Critics reckon Anthony Joshua had the wrong mentality going into his loss against Oleksandr Usyk.
    The Brit lost his heavyweight titles to the Ukrainian and some believe it’s because Joshua underestimated his opponent.
    Boxing journalist Gareth Davies claims Joshua was too relaxed coming into the fight.
    Joshua was showing love to fans and parents as he entered the ring, which something that you’d never see Mike Tyson or Lennox Lewis doing, Davies thinks.
    He said: “He was fist-bumping people into the ring, kissing mothers, you never saw Mike Tyson or Lennox Lewis do that on their way.
    “It was a heavyweight title defence.
    “He wasn’t in the right frame of mind, he underestimated the guy in my view and a lot of us that know boxing said that if Oleksandr Usyk is still standing after the tenth round, he will have done something wrong in the fight.”

    FIGHT FURY
    Tyson Fury watched in horror as he watched his mega-bucks fight against Anthony Joshua go down the pan.
    Fury was glued to the screen during Anthony Joshua’s defeat at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk, putting their proposed £200million fight in doubt.
    The only way Joshua can get his fight with Fury back on track is if he wins his rematch with Usyk.
    Speaking on Fury’s reaction to Joshua’s loss, his promoter Frank Warren revealed: “I spoke to Tyson during the fight and we were both of the same opinion.
    “All Tyson could see was a massive big fight going down the drain, which is what happened.”
    BELL RING
    Boxing fans have claimed that Anthony Joshua could’ve been knocked out by Oleksandr Usyk if the last round wasn’t ended early.
    Footage of the final round appears to show the bell ring five seconds early.
    Which fans reckon was done to save Joshua from being sent to the canvas by the Ukrainian who went on to win on points.
    In response to the alleged early bell ring, one fan wrote on Twitter: “They knew Joshua was getting tagged up.”
    Another said: “Robbed Usyk of the KO. That was a stoppage.”
    And even UFC commentator Joe Rogan questioned whether the bell was rung before it should’ve been.
    He said: “Did they really ring the bell for the last round early?”
    RUIZ PRAISE
    Andy Ruiz Jr has praised Oleksandr Usyk for his victory over Anthony Joshua on the weekend.
    The Ukrainian became the second person to hand Joshua a defeat in his career so far.
    The Brit’s first loss came at the hands of Ruiz Jr in 2019, although Joshua won the next time the pair were face to face.
    Speaking after the match, Ruiz Jr said: “Congratulations to Oleksandr Usyk. He did his thing. Congratulations brother.”
    CHISORA SUPPORT
    Derek Chisora was full of praise for Anthony Joshua following his loss to Oleksandr Usyk.
    Despite losing on points, Chisora, who is signed to Joshua’s management company 258, reckons his fellow Brit put on a great display.
    And next time the pair meet, Joshua will be better prepared as they can’t cry over spilt milk.
    Chisora said: “Fight was great, what I will say and I thought AJ was moving his jab very amazingly and the points was unbelievable.
    “The last round was a bit tricky for him, we don’t cry over spilt milk mate. We just have to knuckle down and regroup to go back again.”
    OUR SAB-IOUR
    Oleksandr Usyk was given a hero’s welcome by fans when he arrived back in Ukraine after beating Anthony Joshua.
    When the new heavyweight champion stepped off the plane in his home country, supporters were on hand to greet him with yellow and blue sticks which they’ve labelled ‘lightsabers.’
    The blue stick holders stood on one side and the yellow ones on the other, creating a tunnel for Usyk to walk through.
    And in a much more subtle token, he was also handed a bouquet of flowers by fans in the same colours.

    USYK MUST BE CRAZY
    Oleksandr Usyk and Eddie Hearn are at odds about where Anthony Joshua’s rematch against the Ukrainian should take place.
    Usyk, who beat Joshua in his own backyard on Saturday to become heavyweight champion wants their second duel to happen in his homeland.
    However, Hearn is adamant that the rematch takes place in the UK as it makes more financial sense for the fighters.
    Speaking to iFL TV, the Matchroom boss said: “We will work together to maximise (the income), Ukraine is very unlikely.
    “I think it will be international or the UK, I would think it would be in the UK.”
    JOSH IT ALL WRONG
    Anthony Joshua has implied that he used the wrong tactics in his loss to Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday.
    Joshua admitted he should’ve gone into the fight against the Ukrainian with a different game plan after the brawl.
    But upon reflection, the former heavyweight champion claims he will prepare differently for their rematch which will be phenomenal.
    Speaking to iFL TV, the Brit said: “I let a few people down, obviously people that support me.
    “There’s other people that probably thought I should have gone in with a different gameplan.
    “There’s certain things I know I can improve on for sure and there’s certain things that he can probably improve on, that’s why I feel like the next fight will be phenomenal.”
    OVER AND OUT
    Tyson Fury’s promoter Frank Warren has no doubt who would’ve won if it was his fighter stepping into the ring against Anthony Joshua last night and Oleksandr Usyk.
    In fact, Warren believes the fight wouldn’t have lasted more than four rounds.
    “Tyson Fury would have destroyed him inside three or four rounds,” Warren told the MailOnline.
    “Tyson has great footwork, a great chin and his hands are as fast as Usyk’s and he is bigger – he would have destroyed Joshua.”
    HERE EU GO
    Chris Eubank Jr is in line for a domestic blockbuster in December with Billy Joe Saunders and Liam Willaims among the targets, JACK FIGG reports.
    But a super-fight with Gennady Golovkin, 39, is parked until the summer, with the Kazakh due to fight Japan’s Ryota Murata, 35, in a unification.
    Middleweight Eubank Jr returns to the ring on Saturday and will do so as the new face of Sky Sports Boxing in a tune-up bout against Sven Elbir.
    And promoter Kalle Sauerland promised a massive pay-per-view worthy fight will follow before the year’s out, should any slip ups be avoided.
    Sauerland told SunSport: “Golovkin I can categorically rule out, Golovkin right now is obligated to fight Murata.
    “That is an ongoing one, something we said we would re-visit when he’s had that fight. That’s going to be a big summer one for next year.
    “We’re looking at domestic fights, Liam Williams is on that list, Billy Joe is on that list.”
    Credit: Getty
    ‘HAVE A F****** GO’
    Whyte went on to say on AJ: “It’s good he is using more athleticism and boxing responsibly but being a big strong guy is what has worked for him, got him an Olympic gold medal and world titles so he just needs to have a f****** go.
    “He was not hungry enough because when the chips are down and sh!t is against you, you have to have a go. And he did not want to have a go.
    “He never tried to finish him off when he hurt him, it was madness.”
    ‘F****** WEIRDO’
    Dillian Whyte has labelled Anthony Joshua a ‘f****** weirdo’ for not being more aggressive during his unanimous defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.
    The Body snatcher told iFL TV: “I was surprised with how the fight went because I thought Joshua would get it done inside seven rounds because he would enforce his size and bulk on Usyk but he was very reserved and tentative, it was weird.
    “Usyk was a lot more aggressive because Joshua allowed him to be, whenever Joshua stung him he stood in front of him and let his hands go and Joshua let him do it.
    “Joshua was hurting him but backing up so it has baffled me a bit, it was a bizarre performance. Joshua is a strange guy, he’s a proper f****** weirdo, he should have been putting the heat on him.
    “After eight rounds he should have felt like he was down on the cards and started really having a go, he’s the unified heavyweight champion of the world.
    “He needs to throw his hands. Joshua’s mentality has to change, lately he is in a safety-first mode, he is fighting weird.”
    ‘SEE YOU SOON’
    After defeating Anthony Joshua via unanimous decision on Saturday night, the Ukrainian returned AJ his belts after a dominant victory.
    And after posing for photographs with his new WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight titles, Usyk returned them to AJ.
    The new champion is awarded fresh set of belts, meaning former champ AJ is able to keep his old ones.
    Then after handing Joshua his belts back, Usyk said: “See you soon,” with the pair set to do battle again in a rematch next year.
    Oleksandr Usyk RETURNS belts to Anthony Joshua as Brit warns ‘see you soon’ in changing room after shock defeat
    CHAMPIONSHIP ROUNDS
    Anthony Joshua lost all of the final four rounds of the fight on all three judges’ scorecards last night.
    But until then the scores were level on two scorecards at four rounds apiece, with Brit judge Howard Foster scoring the fight five rounds to three in favour of AJ.
    And Hearn has said: “I was just looking at the scorecards then, he was winning the fight through eight rounds.
    “Then he lost every round; nine, ten, eleven, twelve – on every scorecard. That was what swung the scorecards, but they are the championship rounds.
    “That’s where Usyk came strong, that’s what he did where he did wear down his opponent – probably mentally as well.
    “He won those key championship rounds.”
    Credit: Instagram / @eddiehearn
    HERO’S WELCOME
    Oleksandr Usyk was given a hero’s welcome as he arrived back home in Ukraine – where he will now settle down with his family.
    Usyk, 34, was mobbed by fans and reporters as he stopped to give autographs as well as pose for pictures.
    Despite the fanfare, the only thing on Usyk’s mind was getting home to his wife Yekaterina and three children, Kyrylo, Mykhailo and Yelizaveta.
    He said: “I just want to live. I want to take my kids to school, I want to plant trees, water the apple trees and see my wife more often.
    “I spent three months in training camp, I wish I could spend more time with my wife. I just want to live — I really don’t care what the critics say. There will always be people criticising. I know what I am doing.
    “If I am running I don’t stop until I stop. If I’m swimming I’m not stopping until I nearly drown. I am working very hard so I really don’t care what people say or think about me.”
    Credit: Alamy
    NOT THE TOUGHEST
    Anthony Joshua insists Oleksandr Usyk wasn’t the toughest opponent of his career – despite having his heavyweight titles ripped away from him.
    AJ was outboxed from the outset but is adamant slick southpaw Usyk wasn’t the hardest test of his amateur and professional careers.
    When asked if he thought Ukrainian was the hardest fight of his career, Joshua replied: “No, no way.
    “Because it wasn’t too much physical. But I lost anyway. So it wasn’t the toughest.”
    STAT ATTACK
    Punch stats from last night’s bout show Usyk was in control throughout the 12 rounds despite British judge Howard Foster scoring AJ ahead after eight rounds.
    But it was Usyk who landed more punches, bigger punches, and it was the Ukrainian who was more efficient with his shots.
    He could have floored AJ in the 12th with a barrage of shots, landing a total of 29 punches in the final round – the most the Brit has ever faced in a single round.
    Despite the reach disadvantage, Usyk was more effective with his jab, landing 52 out of the 309 he threw – or 17 per cent.
    Joshua landed the same number but had over a hundred more attempts than his opponent with 427.
    But AJ threw less power punches – 214 compared to Usyk’s 220 – and landed just 71 to the Ukrainian’s 96.
    ELSEWHERE IN BOXING
    Anderson Silva wants to fight Floyd Mayweather and ‘break all pay-per-view records’, his coach said.
    The Brazilian was last year released from the UFC and decided to instead continue his career in the ring, beating ex-boxing champion Julio Cesar Chavez and fellow MMA legend Tito Ortiz.
    But now the UFC middleweight icon wants to jump to the top of the sport and challenge one of boxing’s best ever, 50-0 Mayweather.
    Silva’s trainer Luiz Dorea told AG Fight: “I think the one fight that should happen was between Floyd Mayweather and Anderson Silva.
    “One of the greatest boxing athletes against one of the greatest MMA in the world.
    “Floyd faced Logan Paul, who doesn’t have that much experience in boxing, in an exhibition match. I think I could have a deal.
    “These fights against YouTubers can happen too, because Anderson wants something that motivates him. We will have good news soon.”

    BISPING SPEAKS
    UFC legend Michael Bisping has had his say after Anthony Joshua’s defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.
    In a unanimous decision in favour of Usyk Brit judge Howard Foster scored the fight 115-113 – the closest out of the three scorecards.
    And unlike the other two judges he scored the first two rounds in favour of AJ, which Bisping did not take well.
    “He should be held accountable for this,” he retorted.
    “Explain why he scored it that way to his peers. [If there is] no understandable reason then he should never judge again.”
    FURY REACTION
    Tyson Fury’s promoter Frank Warren has revealed how The Gypsy King reacted to Anthony Joshua’s defeat to Oleksadr Usyk on Saturday night.
    “He [Joshua] just wasn’t doing what you’d think a bigger guy would do,” Warren said on talkSPORT Fight Night.
    “I spoke to Tyson during the fight and we were both of the same opinion.
    “All Tyson could see was a massive big fight going down the drain, which is what happened.”
    ‘FIRED UP’
    Chris Eubank Jr is determined to come out on top of his middleweight bout against Sven Elbir on Saturday after seeing his ‘good friend’ Anthony Joshua lose.
    He told Sky Sports: “I’m fired up.
    “Obviously Anthony Joshua is a friend of mine. I’m a little deflated that he lost, but it’s part of the game. We’ve all been there.
    “If anything, this makes me want to fight even harder. I know the feelings he’s going through now.
    “The first thing you want to do is get back in the ring and win. We’re going to put on a hell of a show.”
    PICKING KIEV
    Oleksandr Usyk wants his lucrative rematch with Anthony Joshua to take place in front of a packed crowd at Ukraine’s 70,000 seater Olympic Stadium.
    Joshua, 31, is set to exercise the rematch clause placed in his contract to face the Ukrainian, who is hoping to make his first title defence on home soil.
    The 34-year-old said: “I would love to have the rematch at Olympiyskiy Stadium in Kiev.”
    Promoter Eddie Hearn, however, believes the second instalment of Usyk vs Joshua will likely take place in UK again.
    The Matchroom Boxing chief said: “We will work together to maximise (the income), Ukraine is very unlikely.
    “I think it will be international or the UK, I would think it would be in the UK.”
    Credit: GETTY
    NOT HIS TOUGHEST FIGHT
    Oleksandr Usyk reckons his 12-round heavyweight world title win over Anthony Joshua was not even his hardest fight.
    The eccentric said: “The plan was just to walk in, see, start, so we went in, saw and started.
    “In the 12th my corner said ‘speed up’ so I did and then they said ‘and the new’.
    “I tried to speed up and punched him a couple of times but I was losing my rhythm and my corner told me to slow down and throw my jab more because if I did not keep throwing my jab I would lose my rhythm.
    “This is the biggest fight in my career but it was not my hardest. I think that is in my future.”
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    Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder 3: Date, UK start time, live stream, TV channel, undercard for heavyweight trilogy fight

    TYSON FURY and Deontay Wilder are ready to go to war for a THIRD time with a long-awaited rematch.The Gypsy King’s showdown with the Bronze Bomber, which was supposed to take place on July 24, was postponed because Fury, as well as other camp members, tested positive for Covid-19.
    Tyson Fury stopped Deontay Wilder in brutal fashion back in early 2020Credit: Getty
    Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder will complete their trilogy
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    Fury demolished Wilder inside seven rounds to inflict the first defeat of the American’s career back in February 2020.
    Neither man has fought since then, and both have been busy in longer training camps.
    The winner is likely to fight Oleksandr Usyk, who beat Anthony Joshua by unanimous decision in their heavyweight clash on Saturday night.
    Any match-up between Joshua and Fury now seems remote after AJ’s defeat, but Eddie Hearn promises the pair will go for a re-match.
    When is Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder 3?

    Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder 3 was originally slated to take place on July 24, but it will now take place on October 9.
    Expect the main event of Fury vs Wilder 3 at around 4am BST.
    The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas plays host and Nevada is eight hours behind the UK, so the fight will begin about 8pm local time.

    What TV channel and live stream is Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder 3 on?

    How the fighters compare

    Who is on the undercard?
    The event, cross-promoted by Top Rank and Premier Boxing Champions, will see a host of heavy-hitters featuring on the undercard.
    That includes the battle of unbeaten heavyweights in Cuba’s Frank Sanchez meeting Nigeria’s Efe Ajagba.
    Sanchez, a training partner of Canelo Alvarez who is promoted by Top Rank, will put his 18-0 record against PBC’s Ajagba, who stands 15-0.
    Robert Helenius will also rematch Adam Kownacki on the bill.
    Polish prospect Kownacki, 32, was defeated for the first time and stunned by veteran Helenius, 37, in March 2020.
    American star Jared Anderson will return, with an opponent yet to be confirmed.
    Anderson, 21, is 9-0 and was credited as a huge part in Fury’s win against Wilder last year.
    He provided the Gypsy King with expert sparring Stateside, winning the praise of the WBC champion.

    What have they said?
    Fury, after Wilder’s silence during their press conference: “It shows how weak of a mental person he is.

    “It shows how much the beating from the last fight has taken an emotional and physical effect on his life.
    “I was worried about Deontay Wilder for quite a while after the defeat I gave him.
    “Obviously he’s doing his little thing with his earphones on and he doesn’t want to answer any questions, that’s up to him. I’m here to promote a fight and talk to the press – what I always do.” More

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    Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk LIVE REACTION: Hearn discusses REMATCH, AJ suffers eye socket injury – latest

    ANTHONY JOSHUA is reeling after defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in their heavyweight title showdown. Usyk boxed beautifully at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, winning 117-112, 116-112, 115-113 on the judges scorecards to take AJ’s WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight titles.
    The Ukrainian sensation finished the fight putting AJ under enormous pressure and had the Briton rocked on the final bell.
    AJ suffered a suspected damaged eye socket in the brutal defeat, though he was not taken to hospital.
    And now the Olympic gold medallists could be on course for a massive money-spinning rematch.
    JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
    Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
    JOSH IT ALL WRONG
    Anthony Joshua has implied that he used the wrong tactics in his loss to Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday.
    Joshua admitted he should’ve gone into the fight against the Ukrainian with a different game plan after the brawl.
    But upon reflection, the former heavyweight champion claims he will prepare differently for their rematch which will be phenomenal.
    Speaking to iFL TV, the Brit said: “I let a few people down, obviously people that support me.
    “There’s other people that probably thought I should have gone in with a different gameplan.
    “There’s certain things I know I can improve on for sure and there’s certain things that he can probably improve on, that’s why I feel like the next fight will be phenomenal.”
    OVER AND OUT
    Tyson Fury’s promoter Frank Warren has no doubt who would’ve won if it was his fighter stepping into the ring against Anthony Joshua last night and Oleksandr Usyk.
    In fact, Warren believes the fight wouldn’t have lasted more than four rounds.
    “Tyson Fury would have destroyed him inside three or four rounds,” Warren told the MailOnline.
    “Tyson has great footwork, a great chin and his hands are as fast as Usyk’s and he is bigger – he would have destroyed Joshua.”
    HERE EU GO
    Chris Eubank Jr is in line for a domestic blockbuster in December with Billy Joe Saunders and Liam Willaims among the targets, JACK FIGG reports.
    But a super-fight with Gennady Golovkin, 39, is parked until the summer, with the Kazakh due to fight Japan’s Ryota Murata, 35, in a unification.
    Middleweight Eubank Jr returns to the ring on Saturday and will do so as the new face of Sky Sports Boxing in a tune-up bout against Sven Elbir.
    And promoter Kalle Sauerland promised a massive pay-per-view worthy fight will follow before the year’s out, should any slip ups be avoided.
    Sauerland told SunSport: “Golovkin I can categorically rule out, Golovkin right now is obligated to fight Murata.
    “That is an ongoing one, something we said we would re-visit when he’s had that fight. That’s going to be a big summer one for next year.
    “We’re looking at domestic fights, Liam Williams is on that list, Billy Joe is on that list.”
    Credit: Getty
    ‘HAVE A F****** GO’
    Whyte went on to say on AJ: “It’s good he is using more athleticism and boxing responsibly but being a big strong guy is what has worked for him, got him an Olympic gold medal and world titles so he just needs to have a f****** go.
    “He was not hungry enough because when the chips are down and sh!t is against you, you have to have a go. And he did not want to have a go.
    “He never tried to finish him off when he hurt him, it was madness.”
    ‘F****** WEIRDO’
    Dillian Whyte has labelled Anthony Joshua a ‘f****** weirdo’ for not being more aggressive during his unanimous defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.
    The Body snatcher told iFL TV: “I was surprised with how the fight went because I thought Joshua would get it done inside seven rounds because he would enforce his size and bulk on Usyk but he was very reserved and tentative, it was weird.
    “Usyk was a lot more aggressive because Joshua allowed him to be, whenever Joshua stung him he stood in front of him and let his hands go and Joshua let him do it.
    “Joshua was hurting him but backing up so it has baffled me a bit, it was a bizarre performance. Joshua is a strange guy, he’s a proper f****** weirdo, he should have been putting the heat on him.
    “After eight rounds he should have felt like he was down on the cards and started really having a go, he’s the unified heavyweight champion of the world.
    “He needs to throw his hands. Joshua’s mentality has to change, lately he is in a safety-first mode, he is fighting weird.”
    ‘SEE YOU SOON’
    After defeating Anthony Joshua via unanimous decision on Saturday night, the Ukrainian returned AJ his belts after a dominant victory.
    And after posing for photographs with his new WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight titles, Usyk returned them to AJ.
    The new champion is awarded fresh set of belts, meaning former champ AJ is able to keep his old ones.
    Then after handing Joshua his belts back, Usyk said: “See you soon,” with the pair set to do battle again in a rematch next year.
    Oleksandr Usyk RETURNS belts to Anthony Joshua as Brit warns ‘see you soon’ in changing room after shock defeat
    CHAMPIONSHIP ROUNDS
    Anthony Joshua lost all of the final four rounds of the fight on all three judges’ scorecards last night.
    But until then the scores were level on two scorecards at four rounds apiece, with Brit judge Howard Foster scoring the fight five rounds to three in favour of AJ.
    And Hearn has said: “I was just looking at the scorecards then, he was winning the fight through eight rounds.
    “Then he lost every round; nine, ten, eleven, twelve – on every scorecard. That was what swung the scorecards, but they are the championship rounds.
    “That’s where Usyk came strong, that’s what he did where he did wear down his opponent – probably mentally as well.
    “He won those key championship rounds.”
    Credit: Instagram / @eddiehearn
    HERO’S WELCOME
    Oleksandr Usyk was given a hero’s welcome as he arrived back home in Ukraine – where he will now settle down with his family.
    Usyk, 34, was mobbed by fans and reporters as he stopped to give autographs as well as pose for pictures.
    Despite the fanfare, the only thing on Usyk’s mind was getting home to his wife Yekaterina and three children, Kyrylo, Mykhailo and Yelizaveta.
    He said: “I just want to live. I want to take my kids to school, I want to plant trees, water the apple trees and see my wife more often.
    “I spent three months in training camp, I wish I could spend more time with my wife. I just want to live — I really don’t care what the critics say. There will always be people criticising. I know what I am doing.
    “If I am running I don’t stop until I stop. If I’m swimming I’m not stopping until I nearly drown. I am working very hard so I really don’t care what people say or think about me.”
    Credit: Alamy
    NOT THE TOUGHEST
    Anthony Joshua insists Oleksandr Usyk wasn’t the toughest opponent of his career – despite having his heavyweight titles ripped away from him.
    AJ was outboxed from the outset but is adamant slick southpaw Usyk wasn’t the hardest test of his amateur and professional careers.
    When asked if he thought Ukrainian was the hardest fight of his career, Joshua replied: “No, no way.
    “Because it wasn’t too much physical. But I lost anyway. So it wasn’t the toughest.”
    STAT ATTACK
    Punch stats from last night’s bout show Usyk was in control throughout the 12 rounds despite British judge Howard Foster scoring AJ ahead after eight rounds.
    But it was Usyk who landed more punches, bigger punches, and it was the Ukrainian who was more efficient with his shots.
    He could have floored AJ in the 12th with a barrage of shots, landing a total of 29 punches in the final round – the most the Brit has ever faced in a single round.
    Despite the reach disadvantage, Usyk was more effective with his jab, landing 52 out of the 309 he threw – or 17 per cent.
    Joshua landed the same number but had over a hundred more attempts than his opponent with 427.
    But AJ threw less power punches – 214 compared to Usyk’s 220 – and landed just 71 to the Ukrainian’s 96.
    ELSEWHERE IN BOXING
    Anderson Silva wants to fight Floyd Mayweather and ‘break all pay-per-view records’, his coach said.
    The Brazilian was last year released from the UFC and decided to instead continue his career in the ring, beating ex-boxing champion Julio Cesar Chavez and fellow MMA legend Tito Ortiz.
    But now the UFC middleweight icon wants to jump to the top of the sport and challenge one of boxing’s best ever, 50-0 Mayweather.
    Silva’s trainer Luiz Dorea told AG Fight: “I think the one fight that should happen was between Floyd Mayweather and Anderson Silva.
    “One of the greatest boxing athletes against one of the greatest MMA in the world.
    “Floyd faced Logan Paul, who doesn’t have that much experience in boxing, in an exhibition match. I think I could have a deal.
    “These fights against YouTubers can happen too, because Anderson wants something that motivates him. We will have good news soon.”

    BISPING SPEAKS
    UFC legend Michael Bisping has had his say after Anthony Joshua’s defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.
    In a unanimous decision in favour of Usyk Brit judge Howard Foster scored the fight 115-113 – the closest out of the three scorecards.
    And unlike the other two judges he scored the first two rounds in favour of AJ, which Bisping did not take well.
    “He should be held accountable for this,” he retorted.
    “Explain why he scored it that way to his peers. [If there is] no understandable reason then he should never judge again.”
    FURY REACTION
    Tyson Fury’s promoter Frank Warren has revealed how The Gypsy King reacted to Anthony Joshua’s defeat to Oleksadr Usyk on Saturday night.
    “He [Joshua] just wasn’t doing what you’d think a bigger guy would do,” Warren said on talkSPORT Fight Night.
    “I spoke to Tyson during the fight and we were both of the same opinion.
    “All Tyson could see was a massive big fight going down the drain, which is what happened.”
    ‘FIRED UP’
    Chris Eubank Jr is determined to come out on top of his middleweight bout against Sven Elbir on Saturday after seeing his ‘good friend’ Anthony Joshua lose.
    He told Sky Sports: “I’m fired up.
    “Obviously Anthony Joshua is a friend of mine. I’m a little deflated that he lost, but it’s part of the game. We’ve all been there.
    “If anything, this makes me want to fight even harder. I know the feelings he’s going through now.
    “The first thing you want to do is get back in the ring and win. We’re going to put on a hell of a show.”
    PICKING KIEV
    Oleksandr Usyk wants his lucrative rematch with Anthony Joshua to take place in front of a packed crowd at Ukraine’s 70,000 seater Olympic Stadium.
    Joshua, 31, is set to exercise the rematch clause placed in his contract to face the Ukrainian, who is hoping to make his first title defence on home soil.
    The 34-year-old said: “I would love to have the rematch at Olympiyskiy Stadium in Kiev.”
    Promoter Eddie Hearn, however, believes the second instalment of Usyk vs Joshua will likely take place in UK again.
    The Matchroom Boxing chief said: “We will work together to maximise (the income), Ukraine is very unlikely.
    “I think it will be international or the UK, I would think it would be in the UK.”
    Credit: GETTY
    NOT HIS TOUGHEST FIGHT
    Oleksandr Usyk reckons his 12-round heavyweight world title win over Anthony Joshua was not even his hardest fight.
    The eccentric said: “The plan was just to walk in, see, start, so we went in, saw and started.
    “In the 12th my corner said ‘speed up’ so I did and then they said ‘and the new’.
    “I tried to speed up and punched him a couple of times but I was losing my rhythm and my corner told me to slow down and throw my jab more because if I did not keep throwing my jab I would lose my rhythm.
    “This is the biggest fight in my career but it was not my hardest. I think that is in my future.”
    ELSEWHERE IN BOXING
    Logan Paul has claimed he would’ve knocked out Floyd Mayweather if their showdown was a 12-rounder.
    The YouTuber turned boxer locked horns with the five-weight world champion in an exhibition match in Miami in June – going the full eight rounds with the Money Man.
    But Paul, 26, believes he would’ve had handed Mayweather his first stoppage loss if they shared the ring for a few more rounds.
    The elder Paul brother told the True Geordie, he said: “My conditioning is f***ing good, bro.
    “If the fight went 10 or 12 rounds, I think I would knock him out. I say that in full conviction.”
    RIGHT RESULT
    But AJ’s trainer Rob McCracken has insisted Joshua has got what it takes to overcome Oleksandr Usyk in the rematch.
    “There is no drawing board to go back to, you’ve got to apply pressure with your jab and your right hand and you’ve got to keep him off balance,” McCracken said.
    “And you’ve got to put shots together when you get there.
    “Usyk is a good boxer and Anthony is still learning on the job and if he applies himself he will get the right result in the rematch.”
    TALL ORDER
    British boxing great Carl Froch has revealed Anthony Joshua needs a serious change of tactics if he has any hope of winning his belts back in a rematch against Oleksandr Usyk.
    He said: “What a fighter Usyk is, I have to say I don’t fancy AJ in the rematch, he has to seriously change his tactics and his game plan and get rough early.
    “Apparently he has said he wants the rematch straight away but I think he needs to sleep on it and look over at what he did wrong and what he can improve on.”
    “I didn’t think AJ would lose like that, I never saw it coming that way because the ending was a bit of a beating.
    “I am sure Joshua can come again but it depends how much he wants it because he has achieved so much and done so well.
    “I do think Anthony Joshua can win the rematch, he does have the physicality, but he needs different tactics and game plan, he needs to implement his size and stature a lot more and a lot earlier.”
    FINISH HIM
    Oleksander Usyk revealed his reasons for not knocking out Anthony Joshua.
    The Ukrainian landed some hefty punches, but didn’t want to upset his own rhythm, even when he had AJ on the back foot by going in for the kill.
    In the end, Usyk won the fight by unanimous decision.
    And that was a tactical move on his part.
    “I had no objective to knock him out because my trainer, in my corner, pushed me not to do that,” Usyk revealed.
    “In the beginning I hit him hard and tried to knock him out. But then my trainer said: ‘Just stop, and do your job’.”
    SOUND AS A POUND
    Eddie Hearn believes Oleksandr Usyk is behind only Canelo Alvarez in boxing’s pound-for-pound list.
    Hearn watched as Usyk outsmarted his boxer Anthony Joshua to become the new unified heavyweight champion.
    The Ukrainian became only the third man, behind Evander Holyfield and David Haye, to win titles at cruiserweight and heavyweight.
    Usyk, 34, previously reigned as undisputed before he moved up and added further to his credentials.
    Asked where he ranks in the mythical list, Hearn said: “Two, after Canelo.
    “I mean, when he was at cruiserweight, everyone called him a top five pound-for-pound.
    “But then when he went to heavyweight, he went off everyone’s radar. After that win, he has to be on everyone’s top pound-for-pound.”
    BORN IN THE UKRAINE
    Oleksandr Usyk’s moment of glory was celebrated by his fellow Ukrainian, Andrey Yarmolenko.
    The West Ham striker paid a visit to the boxer’s dressing after the fight to congratulate him.
    And the pair happily posed for the snap below to commemorate the night.

    ‘LEARN FROM THIS’
    Lennox Lewis criticised Anthony Joshua for being ‘so tentative’ in his loss to Oleksandr Usyk but said: ‘Learn from this and improve’.
    AJ decided against using his brute force and imposing frame and opted to try and outbox slick southpaw Usyk.
    But it proved the wrong tactic as Joshua was comfortably bettered over the 12 round distance, surrendering his heavyweight titles.
    British legend Lewis – who has been embroiled in a feud with AJ in the past – vented frustration at his fellow Olympic gold medalist.
    He tweeted: “Gotta give it up to @usykaa on a great tactical performance tonight.
    “For @anthonyjoshua it’s not the end of the road, but u (sic) can’t be so tentative or wait till the 8th round to turn it on.
    “Learn from this and improve.”
    ‘HE’LL BE BACK;
    Jake Paul backed Anthony Joshua to ‘rise again as great champions do’ but was left stunned by Oleksandr Usyk’s win.
    Paul, 24, recorded his reaction as Joshua, 31, barely survived the final round before going on to surrender his belts on points.
    Despite his shock, the social media sensation, who is unbeaten in four fights, was full of encouragement for former champion AJ.
    He tweeted: “@usykaa showed us a beautiful boxing performance… hats off…
    “@anthonyjoshua has been here before and he will rise again as great champions do.
    “Damn I’m shook I wanted Joshua to win.”
    LET’S GET PHYSICAL
    David Haye says Anthony Joshua can beat Oleksandr Usyk in a rematch, if he makes use of his ‘physical attributes’.
    Haye reckons AJ could turn the tables next time if he changes tactics – and adopts a more ruthless approach opposed to the sweet science.
    He told iFL TV: “Anthony Joshua has a chance to reclaim his titles, it’s going to be a mega, mega match. A fight that I believe AJ can win.
    “Looking at this fight you would say no, but he has what it takes. But he needs to change a lot of fundamental things in his game.
    “Just rewatch the fight with Dereck Chisora. Chisora brought a gameplan to the table.
    “He doesn’t have the physical attributes of Anthony Joshua but was able to win significantly more of the rounds in a very, very close fight.
    ‘So if Anthony Joshua uses his physical attributes in the fight – it’s no good looking at them in the mirror, they’ve got to be implemented in the fight.
    “If they can be forced on Usyk, he can reclaim the titles.
    “But if he tries to have a boxing match, or does anything remotely close to what he was doing on Saturday night, it will be the same again.”
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    Oleksandr Usyk wants Anthony Joshua rematch at 70,000-seater Olympic Stadium in KIEV but Eddie Hearn hints at UK fight

    OLEKSANDR USYK wants his lucrative rematch with Anthony Joshua to take place in front of a packed crowd at Ukraine’s 70,000 seater Olympic Stadium.The former undisputed cruiserweight champion put on a boxing masterclass against AJ last Saturday to claim the unified heavyweight titles.
    Oleksandr Usyk claimed the unified heavyweight titles last weekendCredit: GETTY
    The Ukrainian put on a masterful performance against Anthony JoshuaCredit: GETTY
    And the 34-year-old wants his first title defence to take place at the Olympic Stadium in KievCredit: GETTY
    Joshua, 31, is set to exercise the rematch clause placed in his contract to face the Ukrainian, who is hoping to make his first title defence on home soil.
    The 34-year-old said: “I would love to have the rematch at Olympiyskiy Stadium in Kiev.”
    Promoter Eddie Hearn, however, believes the second instalment of Usyk vs Joshua will likely take place in UK again.
    The Matchroom Boxing chief said: “We will work together to maximise (the income), Ukraine is very unlikely.
    “I think it will be international or the UK, I would think it would be in the UK.”
    Hearn then told IFL TV: “We’ll sit down with Alex [Krassyuk] and Egis [Klimas] and we’ll work out where the fight is going to make sense, generate the most money, create the most interest. All kinds of things.

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    “AJ don’t care where it is. He’d much rather do it in London, but we’ll have to see.
    “Usyk’s the champ, this is his night. Great guy, great team, they deserve it.”
    Despite being outclassed by Usyk, Joshua is hellbent on settling the score with his fellow London 2012 Olympian.
    After the fight, a dejected AJ said: “What went wrong?
    “I just took a loss, I could not see from the 9th round, my eye was shut but it was a good experience.

    “In adversity, you have to learn to control yourself, it was the first time it had happened to me, I was only looking out of one eye.
    “I want it 100 per cent it was a good 12 rounder and it will help me get better.”
    And Hearn believes the former two-time unified heavyweight champ has to grasp the opportunity to reclaim the belts with both hands.

    He said: “If he does not take the immediate rematch he might never get a chance to fight for them again.
    “I don’t see another option, he will not want a 10 rounder at the O2 and he should be commended for that.
    “That’s what he does, he wants to be remembered as that kind of fighter.”

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    Upcoming boxing fights 2021: Fixture schedule – Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder 3, Canelo Alvarez next fight DATE

    BOXING is set for a brilliant few months of ring action with some of the biggest names in the sport in action – including Canelo Alvarez, Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder lacing up their gloves.Check out SunSport’s extensive boxing schedule for 2021 below…
    Full boxing schedule 2021
    📺 Sky Sports (UK) 📺
    🗓 October 2, 🇬🇧 London, England

    Chris Eubank Jr vs Sven Elbir (10 rounds – middleweight)
    David Avanesyan vs Liam Taylor – 12 rounds – welterweight)
    Richard Riakpohre vs Krzysztof Twardowski (12 rounds – cruiserweight)

     📺 DAZN (UK & US) 📺
    🗓 October 9, 🇬🇧 Liverpool, England

    Liam Smith vs Anthony Fowler (12 rounds – super-welterweight)
    Ted Cheeseman vs Troy Williamson (12 rounds – super-welterweight)
    Kieron Conway vs James Metcalf (10 rounds super-welterweight)
    Shannon Courtenay vs Jamie Mitchell (10 rounds – bantamweight, WBA title)
    Luke Willis vs Rylan Charlton (8 rounds – lightweight)
    Solomon Dacres vs Kamil Sokolowski (6 rounds – heavyweight)
    Peter McGrail vs TBA (4 rounds – bantamweight)

     📺 BT Sport (UK) 📺
    🗓 October 9, 🇬🇧 Birmingham, England

    Brad Foster vs Jason Cunningham (12 rounds – super-bantamweight)
    Callum Johnson vs TBA (10 rounds – light heavyweight)
    Ekow Essuman vs Danny Ball (12 rounds – welterweight)

    📺 ESPN/Fox PPV (US) 📺
    🗓October 9, 🇺🇸 Las Vegas, Nevada

    Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder III (12 rounds – heavyweight, WBC, The Ring titles)
    Efe Ajagba vs Frank Sanchez (10 rounds – heavyweight)
    Robert Helenius vs Adam Kownacki (12 rounds – heavyweight)
    Jared Anderson vs Vladimir Treshkin (8 rounds – heavyweight)

    📺 Fite TV PPV (UK) – Triller Fight Club PPV (US) 📺
    🗓 October 16, 🇺🇸 New York, U.S.

    Teofimo Lopez vs. George Kambosos Jr (12 rounds – lightweight, IBF/WBO/WBA titles)

     📺 Sky Sports (UK) 📺
    🗓October 16, 🇬🇧 Newcastle, England

    Savannah Marshall vs Lolita Muzeya (12 rounds middleweight, WBO title)
    Hughie Fury vs Christian Hammer (10 rounds – heavyweight)

    📺 Sky Sports (UK) – ESPN (US) 📺
    🗓 October 23, 🇺🇸 Atlanta, Georgia

    Jamel Herring vs Shakur Stevenson (12 – super-featherweight, WBO title)

     📺 DAZN (UK & US) 📺
    🗓October 30, 🇬🇧 London, England

    Dillian Whyte vs Otto Wallin (12 rounds – heavyweight)
    Chantelle Cameron vs Mary McGree (10 rounds – super-lightweight, WBC title)

    📺 Fox PPV (US) 📺
    🗓November 6 🇺🇸 Las Vegas, Nevada

    Canelo Alvarez vs Caleb Plant (12 rounds -super middleweight, WBC/WBO/WBA/IBF titles)

    📺 Sky Sports (UK) – ESPN (US) 📺
    🗓November 20 🇺🇸 Las Vegas, Nevada

    Terence Crawford vs Shawn Porter (12 rounds – welterweight, WBO title)

    📺 Showtime (US) 📺
    🗓 November 27, 🇺🇸 Las Vegas, Nevada

    Stephen Fulton Jr. vs Brandon Figueroa (12 rounds – super-bantamweight, WBO, WBA, WBC titles)

    📺 Sky Sports (UK) – ESPN (US) 📺
    🗓 December 18 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Glasgow, Scotland

    Josh Taylor vs Jack Catterall (12 rounds – super-lightweight, IBF/WBC/WBO/WBA titles)

     📺 DAZN (UK & US) 📺
    🗓 December 18 🇬🇧 Manchester, England

    Derek Chisora vs Joseph Parker (12 rounds – heavyweight)

    Results
    🗓 September 25, 🇬🇧 London, England

    Oleksandr Usyk def. Anthony Joshua UD12 (12 rounds, – heavyweight, WBA, WBO, IBF titles)
    Lawrence Okolie def. Milan Prasovic TKO3 (12 rounds – cruiserweight, WBO title)
    Callum Smith def. Lenin Castillo KO2 (10 rounds – light-heavyweight)
    Campbell Hatton def. Sonni Martinez UD6 (6 rounds – super-featherweight)
    Florian Marku def. Maxim Prodan SD10 (10 rounds – welterweight)
    Christopher Ousley def. Khasan Baysangurov UD10 (10 rounds – middleweight)

    Credit: Getty
    🗓 September 11, 🇺🇸 Las Vegas, Nevada

    Vitor Belfort def. Evander Holyfield KO1 (exhibition – 8 rounds)
    Anderson Silva def. Tito Ortiz KO1 (8 rounds – cruiserweight)
    David Haye def. Joe Fournier UD8 (8 rounds – heavyweight)

    🗓 September 4, 🇬🇧 Leeds, England

    Mauricio Lara DREW/w Josh Warrington RD2 – CUT (12 rounds – featherweight)
    Katie Taylor def. Jennifer Han UD10 (10 rounds – women’s lightweight, WBC/WBO/IBF/WBA title)
    Conor Benn def. Adrian Granados UD10 (12 rounds – welterweight)
    Maxi Hughes def. Jovanni Straffon UD12 (12 rounds – lightweight)
    Ebanie Bridges def. Mailys Gangloff UD8 (8 rounds – super-bantamweight)

    🗓 August 29, 🇺🇸 Cleveland, Ohio

    Jake Paul def. Tyron Woodley SD8 (8 rounds – cruiserweight)
    Daniel Dubois def. Cusumano TKO1 (10 rounds – heavyweight)
    Tommy Fury def. Anthony Taylor UD4 (4 rounds – light-heavyweight)
    Amanda Serrano def. Yamileth Mercado UD10 (10 rounds – featherweight, WBC, WBO titles)
    Charles Conwell def. Mark DeLuca TKO3 (10 rounds – super-welterweight)
    Montana Love def. Ivan Baranchyk TKO8 (10 rounds – junior welterweight)

    🗓 August 21, 🇺🇸 Las Vegas, Nevada

    Yordenis Ugas def. Manny Pacquiao Jr (12 rounds – welterweight, WBA title)
    Robert Guerrero def. Victor Ortiz UD10 (10 rounds – welterweight)
    Mark Magsayo def. Julio Ceja KO10 (10 rounds – featherweight)

    🗓 August 14, 🇺🇸 Frisco, Texas

    Vergil Ortiz Jr. def. Egidijus Kavaliauskas TKO8 (12 rounds – welterweight)

    🗓 August 14, 🇺🇸 Carson, California

    John Riel Casimero def. Guillermo Rigondeaux SD12 (12 rounds – bantamweight, WBO title)

    🗓 August 14, 🇬🇧 Essex, England

    Joshua Buatsi def. Richard Bolotniks TKO11 (12 rounds – light heavyweight)
    Joe Cordina def. Joshuah Hernandex KO1 (10 rounds – super-featherweight)
    Kash Farooq def. Luis Gerardo Castillo UD10 (10 rounds – bantamweight)
    Hopey Price def. Claudio Grande UD6 (8 rounds – super-bantamweight)
    Raymond Ford def. Reece Bellotti TKO3 (8 rounds – featherweight)
    Michael McKinson def. Przemyslaw Runowski UD10 (10 rounds – welterweight)

    🗓 August 7, 🇬🇧 Essex, England

    Kid Galahad def. Jazza Dickens TKO11 (12 rounds – featherweight, IBF title)
    Fabio Wardley def. Nick Webb TKO1 (10 rounds – heavyweight)
    Alen Babic def. Mark Bennett RTD5 (8 rounds – heavyweight)

    Credit: Getty Images – Getty
    🗓 July 31, 🇬🇧 Essex, England

    Leigh Wood def. Xu Can TKO12 (12 rounds – featherweight)
    Chris Billam-Smith def. Tommy McCarthy SD12 (12 rounds – cruiserweight)
    Jack Cullen def. Avni Yildrim UD10 (10 rounds – super-middleweight)
    Anthony Fowler def. Rico Mueller TKO8 (10 rounds – super-welterweight)

    🗓 July 24, 🇬🇧 London, England

    Joe Joyce def. Carlos Takam TKO6 (12 rounds – heavyweight)
    Hamzah Sheeraz def. Ezequiel Gurria TKO5 (10 rounds – super-welterweight)

    🗓 July 17, 🇺🇸 Brooklyn, New York

    Jermell Charlo DREW w/ Brian Castano SDD12 (12 rounds, super-welterweight, WBA, WBC, WBO, IBF, Ring Magazine titles)

    🗓 July 9, 🇺🇸 Los Angeles, California

    Gilberto Ramirez def. Sullivan Barrera TKO4 (12 rounds – light-heavyweight)
    Joseph Diaz Jr. def. Javier Fortuna UD12 (12 rounds – lightweight)

    🗓 June 26, 🇺🇸 Atlanta, Georgia

    Gervonta Davis def. Mario Barrios TKO10 (12 rounds – super-lightweight)
    Erickson Lubin def. Jeison Rosario TKO6 (12 rounds – super-welterweight) More

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    Logan Paul claims he would have KO’d Floyd Mayweather if exhibition was 12 rounds and says legend was ‘breathing heavy’

    LOGAN PAUL has claimed he would’ve knocked out Floyd Mayweather if their showdown was a 12-rounder.The YouTuber turned boxer locked horns with the five-weight world champion in an exhibition match in Miami in June – going the full eight rounds with the Money Man.
    Logan Paul locked horns with Floyd Mayweather in an exhibition bout in JuneCredit: REX
    The YouTuber turned boxer went the distance with the boxing legendCredit: GETTY
    But he reckons he would’ve KO’d the Money man if their clash was longer than eight roundsCredit: GETTY
    But Paul, 26, believes he would’ve had handed Mayweather his first stoppage loss if they shared the ring for a few more rounds.
    The elder Paul brother told the True Geordie, he said: “My conditioning is f***ing good, bro.
    “If the fight went 10 or 12 rounds, I think I would knock him out. I say that in full conviction.”
    The Maverick believes Mayweather was fatigued at the end of the final round.
    He continued: “I saw him breathing heavy for the first time that eighth round and it was because I had been leaning on him.
    “I’m 30 pounds heavier. Like no matter how you cut it, me leaning on a guy that size is gonna get him tired no matter how good he is.

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    “I was coming alive too. That’s what we trained for, we sparred for 12 rounds. I’m probably throwing 120 punches by the 12th round.
    “My conditioning is good, I had a little ‘uhh’ in the fourth round then second wind came in.”
    Paul is eager to return to the squared circle, saying last month: “I have to.
    “This is the coolest thing on the planet. You think about the Roman Colosseum, when you watch the gladiators fight to the death.
    “Look around. My brother filled this arena up in Cleveland, Ohio, his home city. It’s the coolest thing anyone could ever ask for.

    “I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: Fighters, bro, modern-day gladiators. There is no more dangerous athlete.
    “When the fighter walks in the room, everyone feels it. He’s got a presence. And it’s cool, I love it.
    “I love the sport, I love entertaining. And honestly, I’m f***ing good, bro.”

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    Watch Eddie Hearn square up to fan after being called ‘p***y’ following Anthony Joshua’s shock defeat to Oleksandr Usyk

    EDDIE HEARN squared up to a fan who called him a ‘p***y’ after Anthony Joshua’s loss to Oleksandr Usyk.The Matchroom promoter was making his way back to the dressing rooms at Tottenham’s stadium when the altercation occurred.
    Eddie Hearn confronted a fan who yelled abuse at him after Anthony Joshua’s defeat to Oleksandr Usyk
    The Matchroom promoter was called a ‘p***y’ by someone in the crowd
    Footage has emerged of a cowardly fan yelling at the 42-year-old before he turned around and confronted the yob.
    Tensions were obviously running high after Joshua had been well beaten by the Ukrainian on Saturday night.
    And Hearn reacted to the man who was heard yelling abuse.
    Footage has surfaced online of Hearn walking behind Joshua on their way back into the bowels of the stadium.
    And a man can be heard shouting: “Oi Eddie, you p***y!”
    Essex-based Hearn quickly span around with an angry look on his face and approached the perpetrator.

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    And he said: “What did you say? What did you say?
    “Yeah, you s*** yourself now.”
    The clip appears to show Hearn calling the man a ‘p***y’ in return but it is not totally clear.
    Hearn turned and made his way back to the changing rooms after the incident and men behind the camera could be heard laughing.
    Having had a chance to calm down a little, Hearn later spoke at the post-fight press conference and warned AJ to trigger his Usyk rematch clause immediately.
    Hearn said the Londoner may never get the chance to win his belts back again if he does not.

    🥊 Joshua vs Usyk LIVE: Follow all the post-fight reaction

    He said: “Ultimately if he doesn’t accept the rematch clause, he will not get a chance to win his world championships back… possibly ever the way this game works.”
    Hearn also revealed the judges’ scorecards which showed Joshua leading before a nasty eye injury in the ninth round sparked a meltdown.
    Fellow heavyweight Dillian Whyte also accused AJ of being ‘gun-shy, negative and lacking ambition’.

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    Anthony Joshua couldn’t demand £200 to fight Tyson Fury after ‘killing’ superfight with Usyk loss, says Frank Warren

    ANTHONY JOSHUA ‘killed’ his £200million undisputed Tyson Fury showdown with the one-sided schooling from Oleksandr Usyk.The 31-year-old Watford ace lost his WBA, IBF and WBO titles and any chance of a 50-50 split of a Saudi and PPV fortune, after suffering a unanimous points decision loss.
    Anthony Joshua was outpointed and outworked by Oleksandr UsykCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Promoter Frank Warren says Joshua has blown his chance of a mega payday to fight his man Tyson Fury
    And the WBC Gypsy King’s promoter Frank Warren says, if they somehow ever get the fight on, his predicted £100m split will be utterly decimated.
    BT Sport’s hall of fame promoter told SunSport: “He killed it, he’s absolutely killed the biggest fight in British boxing history.
    “We were lining up a £200million fight, with a 50-50 split but on the back of that performance, Joshua would do well to demand £200.
    “I’ve spoken to Tyson and he is gutted because he wanted to give this huge fight to the fans that have followed him.
    “But Joshua now has such a huge rebuilding job that there is a genuine danger that people will not be interested, especially if he gets beaten again in this rematch that I don’t think he has much of a chance in.
    “All the talk and hype around Joshua seems to be unravelling, his record is looking weaker all the time.

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    “Even his best victories have come against aging fighters in close fights where he has been wobbled or dropped.
    “Fury totally outboxed Wladimir Klitschko long before AJ got to him.
    “And then he completely battered Deontay Wilder – the planet’s most dangerous fighter – who Joshua avoided for 18 months, before Tyson leaped in and schooled him in two different ways and fights.”
    Joshua immediately said he would trigger a rematch clause after he was schooled by the Ukrainian at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

    🥊 Joshua vs Usyk LIVE: Follow all the post-fight reaction

    The Watford man must work out how and when he steps back into ring with Usyk again.
    Joshua will need to heal up – with potential damage to his eye socket.
    But his promoter Eddie Hearn suggests his man is determined to try and wrestle back the WBA, WBO and IBF belts.

    Tyson Fury is next in action on October 9 against Deontay Wilder
    Usyk is now the king alongside Tyson Fury in the heavyweight division
    Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk round by round More