Heavyweight boxing

ERROL SPENCE JR has issued a statement after undergoing surgery on the detached retina that scuppered his big-money fight with Manny Pacquiao.The IBF welterweight champion suffered the potentially career-ending injury in preparation for his August 21 showdown with Pacquiao.
Errol Spence Jr was forced to pull out of his bout with Manny Pacquiao with a detached retina
The Truth underwent emergency surgery on WednesdayCredit: Instagram @errolspencejr
Spence Jr’s injury was discovered by the Nevada State Athletic Commission on Monday during a pre-fight examination.
The 31-year-old went under the knife on Wednesday and provided an immediate update for his legion of fans after getting out of the operating room.
Alongside a picture of himself with a bandage on his right eye, The Truth wrote on Instagram: “Emergency surgery went great thanks to everyone for their well wishes & prayers. I’ll be back in no time.
“I look at it as, it could always be worse & being able to see my kids grow is the most important thing to me even tho I was telling the doctor let me fight this fight & I’ll get surgery right after doc wasn’t haven’t it.”
“Stil rocking the same colours my next fight so the merch will remain the same cause my fit was [fire emoji] lol.
“#BigFISh #StrapSeason & I know for a fact TEXAS was coming to take Vegas over for the weekend.”

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Pacquiao – who will now face Yordenis Ugas a week on Saturday – was quick to wish Spence Jr a speedy recovery.
He said: “I want to say that I’m praying for Errol to make a fast recovery from his injury.
“Health is always the priority and the most important thing.”
Despite the late change in opponent, the Filipino is looking forward to his clash with the Cuban.
He said: “I did my best in training and in preparation for this fight.
“So I wanted to make sure my hard work was not wasted.
Emergency surgery went great thanks to everyone for their well wishes & prayersErrol Spence jr
“Ugás was ready to fight and challenge me so it’s a great thing that I can show off my hard work in the gym when we face each other on fight night.
‘”I’m not disappointed at all in what happened because my hard work will not be wasted.
“Ugas stepped up and is bringing his WBA championship into the fight, which I’m excited to fight for.”
The 42-year-old added: “Ugás is a champion because they gave him my belt.
“Now, we have to settle it inside the ring.
“I cannot take him lightly because he’s the kind of fighter who will take advantage of that.”
Errol Spence Jr OUT of Manny Pacquiao super-fight with eye injury and set for surgery as Yordenis Ugas replaces American More

DAVID HAYE will make a spectacular return to the ring next month at the ripe old age of 40.The former WBA heavyweight champion will face Billionaire Joe Fournier on the undercard of Oscar De La Hoya’s clash with MMA legend Vitor Belfort.
How David Haye and Joe Fournier stack up ahead of their clash
David Haye will be returning to the ring at the ripe old age of 40Credit: Getty Images – Getty
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The pals’ showdown – which came together after a boozy night out in Mykonos – will take place in Los Angeles.
And SunSport is on hand to give you an in-depth breakdown of the bout.
Age
Father Time is on Fournier’s side as he’s two years younger than the Hayemaker.
Additionally, the entrepreneur started his boxing career six years ago and has considerably less miles on the clock than the battle-weathered Haye.
Physical

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Haye will have the benefit of height and reach advantages when he steps in the ring with his pal.
The Hayemaker, who retired from professional boxing in June 2018, stands at six feet three inches and possesses a 76-inch reach.
Fournier, meanwhile, is a solid six foot and boats a 73-inch reach.
Haye will likely be the heavier man having weighed a solid 15 stone and seven ounces for his final fight against Tony Bellew.
Fournier tipped the scales at 13 stone and three ounces for his clash with reggaeton star Reykon in April.
Experience
It’s night and day when it comes to comparing the experience the pair have had inside the ring.
This is not a comeback, this is about teaching Joe Fournier there are levels to the boxing gameDavid Haye on his clash with Joe Fournier
The hard-hitting Haye has had over three times as many fights as Fournier, taking to the ring 32 times as a professional.
The Hammersmith hitman was victorious in 28 of his outings, losing only four times.
Fournier has made the walk to the squared circle ten times, winning nine of his professionally sanctioned bouts.
What they’ve said
Haye said: “This is not a comeback, this is about teaching Joe Fournier there are levels to the boxing game.
“One must stay in their lane or risk getting flattened. There are certain things in life you can’t buy – Joe ‘The Billionaire’ Fournier needs to learn that.
“I was the heavyweight champion of the world just 10 years ago. I’m only 40. Joe is delusional. Champions are born not bought.”
Fournier said: “I will shock the world and knockout David Haye.

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“Unquestionably one of the hardest challenges of my life, but this is the perfect fight at the perfect time for me.
“Haye is riddled with injuries, 10 years past his prime. I was a late starter to this pro boxing game – now I’m coming into my fighting prime.
“I’m healthy, motivated and ready to prove a point to Haye that on September 11, I will be victorious.”

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DAVID HAYE has revealed his return to the ring against Joe Fournier came about after a boozy night out in Mykonos.The former WBA heavyweight champion will throw down with The Billionaire on the undercard of Vitor Belfort’s bout with Oscar De La Hoya next month.
David Haye will return to the ring on September 11Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
The Hayemaker will face entrepreneur Joe FournierCredit: Getty
Haye and Fournier’s September 11 clash surprised many as the duo, 40 and 38 respectively, are good pals.
But the contest came together after their macho bravado came to the fore during a recent night out on holiday.
The Hayemaker said: “This whole fight between us, came into existence when at dinner with a group in Mykonos we were asked who would win in a fight between us.
“I laughed, but out of respect for Joe’s ego suggested it would be close, maybe a draw – whilst winking to Joe.
“Joe’s straight-faced response was very different, he was deadly serious stating he would win in a fight today – I assumed it was just the tequila talking.
“And that’s exactly where it started. A boozy night in Mykonos, two alpha males peacocking with a crowd of girls.

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“Fast forward two weeks, I remain happily retired from boxing, with no intentions to make a traditional comeback to challenge the monsters of the division but am fit and ready to prove my point against my overconfident billionaire buddy.
“I would’ve been more than happy to prove this point behind closed doors, I suggested a 4-round spar in my Hayemaker Gym in London, which would have been more than enough to shut him up.
“But for Fournier, the ‘Ric Flair’ of the boxing world, this would have done nothing for his ‘legacy’.
“Joe asked what it would cost to get me through the ropes one last time for an official fight, on a real stage.
“I told him it would have to be a package rivalling my last PPV blockbusters. A few calls with the lawyers, and here we are.”
Haye hasn’t fought since his fifth-round TKO loss to Tony Bellew in May 2018.
A boozy night in Mykonos, two alpha males peacocking with a crowd of girls.David Haye on his how his clash with Joe Fournier came to fruition
Fournier, meanwhile, was last in action on the undercard of Jake Paul’s clash with Ben Askren, stopping reggaeton star Reykon in the second round of their six-rounder.
Haye insists the bout is not the beginning of an assault on the heavyweight division, saying: “This is not a comeback, this is about teaching Joe Fournier there are levels to the boxing game.
“One must stay in their lane or risk getting flattened. There are certain things in life you can’t buy – Joe ‘The Billionaire’ Fournier needs to learn that.
“I was the heavyweight champion of the world just 10 years ago. I’m only 40. Joe is delusional. Champions are born not bought.”
Fournier is a huge underdog going into his bout with the Hammersmith hitman but is confident of pulling off a major upset.
He said: “I will shock the world and knockout David Haye.
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“Unquestionably one of the hardest challenges of my life, but this is the perfect fight at the perfect time for me.
“Haye is riddled with injuries, 10 years past his prime. I was a late starter to this pro boxing game – now I’m coming into my fighting prime.
“I’m healthy, motivated and ready to prove a point to Haye that on September 11, I will be victorious.”
David Haye ‘to come out of boxing retirement aged 40 for comeback fight against Joe Fournier’ on Oscar De La Hoya’s undercard More

DEONTAY WILDER has ‘never been this hungry before’ as he prepares for his trilogy bout with Tyson Fury, his trainer Malik Scott said. Fury was due to defend the WBC heavyweight title against Wilder on July 24, until he tested positive for coronavirus.
Deontay Wilder pictured with new head coach Malik ScottCredit: Ryan Hafey/ Premier Boxing Champions
Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder rematch on October 9Credit: Rex
It pushed the fight back until October 9, giving the American, 35, even longer to train with new head coach Scott, the man he knocked out in 2014.
Wilder has revenge on his mind having been beaten by the Gypsy King in February 2020, with his hatred only growing towards his rival.
Asked on Instagram why he is so confident Wilder beats Fury, Scott, 40, replied: “Well for one because I’m training him now.
“For two I’ve never seen him this hungry before, I’ve never seen him this receptive for the craft.
“And I’ve never seen him want to dismantle another man so bad.”
I’ve never seen him this hungry before, I’ve never seen him this receptive for the craft. Deontay Wilder’s head coach Malik Scott
Fury, 32, drew with Wilder in 2018 but won the rematch two years later, which included a contracted trilogy.
But as the coronavirus pandemic postponed the fight, the Gypsy King tried to walk away from the obligation, believing the stipulation expired.
He then agreed to fight Anthony Joshua, 31, in Saudi Arabia in August, all while Wilder took his right to an immediate rematch to arbitration.
And after he won at the 11th hour, Fury’s historic undisputed title decider was scrapped as he was ordered to instead fight his heavyweight foe.
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How Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder stack up ahead of the trilogy fightCredit: SUNSPORT

With continuous delays, Wilder is finally set to get his date with destiny, and Scott insisted he is NOT concerned about overtraining.
He said: “Not at all. My only concern is that we are in this scenario with an admitted headcase.
“My only concern is is Fury NOT showing up.”
Tyson Fury’s cousin Andy Lee warns Deontay Wilder trilogy is a ‘very dangerous fight’ More

CANELO ALVAREZ is still hard at work in the gym – despite the collapse of his eagerly-anticipated showdown with Caleb Plant.The pound-for-pound king was on course to throw down with the American in a big-money super-middleweight title unification bout next month.
Canelo Alvarez showed off his blistering speed and power in a recent workout with coach Eddy ReynosoCredit: INSTAGRAM@CANELO
The Mexcian mauler prepares to unload nasty body shotsCredit: INSTAGRAM@CANELO
But negotiations over the showdown collapsed late last month, much to the disappointment of boxing fans around the world.
The collapse of the bout, however, hasn’t stopped Canelo from working hard in the gym with coach Eddy Reynoso.
The Mexican shared a video of himself going through offensive and defensive drills with his countryman to his Instagram page.
Canelo showed blistering hand speed as he cracked the pads and blocked his coach’s returning shots.
The 31-year-old’s shuddering power was also on display as he mixed in vicious power left hooks with his fast straight punches.
After finishing off the drill with a nasty hook, Reynoso told Canelo, ‘Eso bien’, which means ‘that’s good’ in English.

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Boxing fans were blown away by the unified 168lb champ’s speed and ferocity, with one saying: “Frightening.”
Another said: “Trains like a man who doesn’t know how much $ he has in the bank, crazy, relentless hunger.”
And another: ‘There’s a reason he’s the goat, drilling the basics almost religiously.”
One remarked: “Monster at work.’
Canelo – real name Saul Alvarez – was due to face Plant in Las Vegas on September 18.
The undefeated Plant has blamed the collapse of the mouthwatering bout on the Mexican mauler, telling ESPN: “Canelo was offered the highest guarantee of his career.
I question whether legacy or money is their real motiveCaleb Plant on the collapse of his showdown with Canelo
“He was set to make $40 million plus Mexican TV rights and his Hennessy Sponsorship.
“No problem, let’s fight. We gave it to him, then they wanted upside of gate and PPV revenue; no problem, let’s rumble.
“It was always agreed that it was a [title] unification; no rematch for either fighter.
“Towards the end of negotiations they asked for a rematch when they lose, no problem, you can have the rematch as well, I just wanna fight.
“I question whether legacy or money is their real motive.”
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Eddie Hearn says Canelo Alvarez might go to light-heavyweight for Artur Beterbiev More

TYSON FURY has raised over £30,000 for a UK children’s charity following the birth of his sixth child, Athena.Fury and wife Paris welcomed baby Athena into the world last Sunday and asked for prayers as their newborn was placed in the intensive care unit.
Tyson and Paris Fury welcomed their sixth child into the world last weekendCredit: Rex
Athena Fury was born last Sunday but is currently in the intensive care unit
Baby Athena was in a ‘stable’ condition on Monday but was sadly readmitted to the ICU on Tuesday.
In light of his daughter’s condition, Fury set up a GoFundMe page in her name to raise money for the Alder Hey Family House Trust in Liverpool.
And so far, The Gypsy King has managed to raise a whopping £32,114.
The WBC heavyweight champion of the world took to Twitter on Monday to thank all those who have contributed to the fund.
He tweeted: “When the power of social media is utilised for good it’s beautiful to witness.
“We’ve raised over £27k in 5 hours @RMHCUK. Thank you all.

“Please continue to support this cause, raise awareness for an independent charity that depends on donations.”
In addition to the GoFundMe page, Fury will auction off two signed WBC belts to raise more funds for the Trust.
Fury announced Athena’s birth on Twitter last Sunday, saying: “Please can everyone pray for my baby girl who was born this morning.
“Athena Fury was born 8/8/21. Thanks. God is great. Massive thanks for all the messages and support.
“The baby is in a stable position and doing well. Hopefully, she comes out of ICU today.
“Please keep baby Athena in your prayers. Paris is doing great. God bless.”
Please continue to support this cause, raise awareness for an independent charity that depends on donationsTyson Fury on Twitter
Fury, 32, is set to return to the ring on October 9 for a Las Vegas trilogy fight with Deontay Wilder.
And his cousin Andy Lee has warned him the bout could be a potential banana skin.
The former WBO middleweight champion said of the bout: “I think it’s a very dangerous fight.
“I think Wilder’s body will be fresh, so it’s a very dangerous fight.”
He added: “He’s got a lot to prove. He’s going to be very motivated for this fight.”
Tyson Fury’s wife Paris gives update on newborn baby in intensive care More

TYSON FURY has been warned his trilogy bout with Deontay Wilder is a ‘very dangerous fight’.The reigning WBC champ, 32, will renew his rivalry with the hard-hitting American on October 9 at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.
Tyson Fury will renew his rivalry with Deontay Wilder on October 9Credit: AFP
And The Gypsy King’s cousin Andy Lee has told him to expect a ‘motivated’ Bronze BomberCredit: Instagram @GypsyKing101
Wilder has drafted in a new head coach in a bid to avenge the seventh-round TKO loss he suffered to the Brit last February.
And Fury’s cousin Andy Lee reckons the ‘motivated’ Bronze Bomber could potentially be a banana skin in the road to undisputed glory.
The former WBO middleweight champion said of the bout: “I think it’s a very dangerous fight.
“I think Wilder’s body will be fresh, so it’s a very dangerous fight.
Lee reckons Wilder be champing at the bit to prove the first loss of his professional career was a fluke.
He added: “He’s got a lot to prove. He’s going to be very motivated for this fight.”

The third instalment of Fury vs Wilder was rescheduled for October after an outbreak of Covid-19 ravaged the Gypsy King’s training camp.
Lee was part of the group but doesn’t expect his cousin to be adversely affected by his bout of the virus.
He said: “I recently had COVID when I was in America. I was with Tyson and we both got it and the fight got cancelled due to it.
“I had about three or four days of being really tired.
“But I didn’t lose my smell or taste, I had no temperature but it’s a serious, serious thing and you don’t want it.
“Especially as a sportsperson, it would make you have to pull out of a fight. Tyson had the same kind of thing as me, and I feel fine.”
Fan favourite Fury is brimming with confidence ahead of his third clash with Wilder and has vowed to run through the Olympian like an ’18-wheeler.’
I think it’s a very dangerous fightAndy Lee on Tyson Fury’s trilogy fight wih Deontay Wilder
He said: “I gave my game plan away the first time because he wasn’t good enough to do anything about it.
“And I’ll do the same thing this time because he’s not good enough to do anything about it.
“Deontay Wilder is a one-trick pony. He’s got one-punch power, we all know that – great.
“But what I’m going to do to Deontay Wilder this time is I’m going to run him over as if I’m an 18-wheeler and he’s a human being.
“I guarantee he does not go past where he did before [the seventh round].
“Because before, I only had five or six weeks practicing what I’m going to do to him.
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“This time, I’ve had 18 months of practicing what I’m going to do to him.
“So I anticipate it’s going to be like an 18-wheeler running over somebody, and that’s what you’re gonna see.
“I’m building my weight up, trying to get up to 300lbs for this fight. Because I’m looking for a big knockout straight away.”
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Deontay Wilder shows off explosive power and accuracy in training as he prepares for Tyson Fury trilogy fight More

ANTHONY JOSHUA is taking serious precautions not to catch coronavirus ahead of his world title fight against Oleksandr Usyk.The Brit will lay his WBA, WBO and IBF belts on the line to take on the unbeaten Ukrainian on September 24.
Anthony Joshua is taking no risks against coronavirus as he prepares for Oleksandr Usyk
And having seen what happened to his heavyweight rival Tyson Fury, who contracted Covid-19 and had and had to postpone his trilogy against Wilder, Joshua is taking no risks.
His promoter Eddie Hearn told the DAZN Boxing Show: “You got to take precautions. AJ, if you go up to his camp, it’s super, super high level.
“And the precautions they take, very high high-end – Usyk I believe the same.”
Fury was scheduled to fight Wilder on July 24, but a Covid outbreak in camp saw that pushed back to October 4.
It left the Gypsy King’s US promoter Bob Arum seething, describing it as a ‘a complete f*** up’.
Joshua, meanwhile, will not carry out any public engagements before the fight and will isolate himself from the general public.
And the Watford brawler has been warned not to ‘sit off’ and allow Usyk time and space in their Tottenham tussle.
Usyk’s footwork and ability to glide in and out of range will be Joshua’s two biggest problems on fight night, which the recently-retired Luke Campbell reckons AJ can offset by putting the slick southpaw on the backfoot.
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He told The Mirror: “I think it is a great fight, Usyk is an unbelievable talent.
“His technique and boxing IQ is certainly up there with the best, but is he a heavyweight?
“I don’t think he is quite a heavyweight to be honest, this is where Joshua has the advantage.
“Joshua has got quick hands, and is a big strong heavyweight so if he imposes his strengths I think he will win the fight.
“If he sits off it could be Usyk’s night, and I can’t see Usyk wanting to get involved in a big strong heavyweight like Joshua. So his tactics will mostly be to make him miss, move around.
“Joshua has to put it on him.”
Victory over Usyk will see Joshua, 32, do his part to preserve a blockbuster undisputed heavyweight title fight with Fury, which was due to take place in Saudi Arabia this summer.
Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn is confident Usyk is taking the same precautions as JoshuaCredit: Instagram @UsykaDREAM TEAM 2021/22PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON

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Anthony Joshua shows off immense power as Brit star DESTROYS medicine ball while training for Oleksandr Usyk fight More