Heavyweight boxing

ANTHONY JOSHUA showed he can be a speed machine both in and out of the ring as he ripped round a mud-track on a dirtbike.The British superstar uploaded footage of himself tearing up the circuit during a little down time ahead of his fight with Oleksandr Usyk.
Anthony Joshua took a little down time away from the ring with a dirtbike sessionCredit: Instagram @anthonyjoshua
The boxing sensation showed off his skills on two wheels in footage posted onlineCredit: Instagram @anthonyjoshua
The Brit was covered in mud after his rideCredit: Instagram @anthonyjoshua
And the heavyweight champ looked like he was having the time of his lifeCredit: Instagram @anthonyjoshua
Joshua, 31, captioned the post: “Dirty shred.” And the clip had ‘All the Love’ by The Lox playing underneath.
The video showed Joshua kick-starting a machine before zooming out of frame.
On-board cameras then provided shots of the heavyweight champ skidding round mud-covered corners.
A laughing Joshua was clean as a whistle dressed in his black protective gear before the session.
But he gradually got muddier and muddier as he whipped round the track.
With mud flying everywhere, at one stage Joshua took a tumble.
He fell to his left as the bike skidded from under him but he was quickly back on his feet.
Joshua looked like he was having the time of his life and the post got more than 46,000 likes
‘NEVER AVOIDED A CHALLENGE’
The golden boy of British boxing is fighting Usyk at Tottenham’s stadium on September 25.
With boxing still reeling from AJ vs Tyson Fury collapsing, the WBA, IBF and WBO king has managed to lift the spirits with a mandatory defence against the Ukraine icon.
Joshua won Olympic super-heavyweight gold at London 2012 the day after Usyk, now 34, won the same medal in the heavyweight division.
Usyk went on to rule the 14st 4lbs cruiserweight division as undisputed champion and has now enjoyed two warm-up fights in the blue-riband ranks.
Now the WBO has ordered 24-1 AJ to face the undefeated southpaw.
And recent footage of Usyk in training showed Joshua is not the only speed demon after his dirtbike antics.
Speaking ahead of the fight, Joshua said: “We are two Olympic gold medallists who have fought our way to the top and never avoided challenges. 
“The stadium is exceptional, the atmosphere will be electric.
COMPETITION: SPOT THE BALL TO WIN A CAR AND CASH
At one point the 31-year-old took a tumbleCredit: Instagram @anthonyjoshua
But he was back in the saddle in no timeCredit: Instagram @anthonyjoshua

“I’m honoured to be the first person to fight in such an awe inspiring venue. 
“The stage is set and I am ready to handle business.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn believes those fans attending Spurs’ ground will NOT need a vaccine passport.
Watch Oleksandr Usyk hit the speed bag as ex-cruiserweight king prepares for Anthony Joshua showdown More

MEAN, green speed machine Oleksandr Usyk posted an awesome training clip to remind Anthony Joshua his career will go downhill fast if the Ukrainian takes his heavyweight crowns.Former cruiserweight king Usyk showed perfect rhythm on the speed bag – another example of what could be his biggest weapon at Tottenham Hotspur stadium on September 25.
Oleksandr Usyk was happy to parade both his speed bag skills and a controversial pair of shorts as he prepares to face Anthony JoshuaCredit: Instagram @usykaa
Ukraine superstar Oleksandr Usyk, 34, should provide a colourful test for JoshuaCredit: Instagram @usykaa
The 34-year-old, whose gum protector, hand wrappings and belt were all green, will look to his mobility to shock AJ in front of a sell-out 60,000 crowd.
Fight fans need a boost following the collapse, for now, of Joshua’s unifying title fight with fellow Brit Tyson Fury.
And Joshua, 31, is determined not to let slippery customer Usyk provde another unwelcome jolt.
He said: “We are two Olympic gold medallists who have fought our way to the top and never avoided challenges. 
“The stadium is exceptional, the atmosphere will be electric.
“I’m honoured to be the first person to fight in such an awe inspiring venue. 
“The stage is set and I am ready to handle business.”
And promoter Eddie Hearn believes those fans attending Spurs’ ground will NOT need a vaccine passport.

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Matchroom Boxing chief Hearn told iFL TV: “I don’t believe that will be the case.
“But I know that, obviously from the freedom day, we now have approval for September 4th for 20,000 at Headingley (for Warrinton vs Lara) and full capacity at Tottenham Hotspur on September 25.
“So we should crack on, we should fill up the stadiums and start bringing big-time boxing events back to the UK because it’s much-needed.”
COMPETITION: SPOT THE BALL TO WIN A CAR AND CASH
Watch Anthony Joshua tear up a dirt bike track as British sensation enjoys down time before Oleksadr Usyk bout More

EDDIE HALL revealed he has suffered a DETACHED BICEP – ruling him out of the fight against rival Hafthor Bjornsson.The Strongman turned boxer explained how he caused the detachment by throwing a “lazy left hook” while in training on Monday.
Eddie Hall is out of his fight with rival Hafthor Bjornsson after detaching his bicep in training on Monday
The Strongman underwent a successful operation to reattach the bicep on Thursday
Hall posted a video of the incident and could be seen punching the ground in frustration knowing what he had done.
But he seemed upbeat in his message to fans despite the bad news.
That is perhaps due to the fact he had a successful operation on his bicep on Thursday, with surgeons able to reattach the bicep – and Hall can already move the muscle.
He said on Instagram: “Little bit of bad news. On Monday I threw a bit of a lazy left hook in training and detached my bicep.
“Good news is I had the surgery on Thursday, it was a complete success. The bicep’s reattached I’m able move it already, even after two days.
“Bad news is the fight is going to have to be delayed, it won’t be going ahead on September 18.
“I’m doing everything I can to recover as quickly as I can and I’m looking forward to getting back to training. I’m most looking forward to ripping Thor’s face off.”
Hall, 33, also expressed his sadness at the development and expressed his empathy towards his fans, who were eager to see him in the ring.
The Brit was due to face his strongman rival in September 18 in Florida, in a fight dubbed ‘The Heaviest Boxing Match in History’.
COMPETITION: SPOT THE BALL TO WIN A CAR AND CASH
Hall also apologised to his fans but promised to come back as quickly as possibleDream Team 2021/22PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON!

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Opponent Thor also expressed his disappointment in a statement.
It reads: “Super disappointed but this is not in my hands.
“Next up is finding a new opponent so I can fight in September. I’m taking this extremely serious and I’ll be even more prepared. When Eddie is ready, I’ll be waiting.”
Hall was crowned the World’s Strongest Man in 2017, with Bjornsson – who won the title in 2018 – accusing him of cheating.
Last year, Bjornsson broke Hall’s deadlift world record of 500 kg (1,100 lb) by deadlifting 501 kg (1,105 lb).
Eddie Hall vs Hafthor Bjornssonis delayed after The Beast detached his bicep in training More

EDDIE HALL’S fight against Hafthor Bjornsson is OFF.Strongman legend Hall has confirmed he has suffered a DETACHED BICEP with Bjornsson now looking for a new opponent.
Hafthor Bjornsson is looking for a new opponent after his fight against Eddie Hall was postponedCredit: Instagram @thorbjornsson
Strongman legend Hall has revealed he has suffered a DETACHED BICEPCredit: Instagram @eddiehallwsm
Brit Hall, 33, was due to face his strongman rival in September 18 in Florida, in a fight dubbed ‘The Heaviest Boxing Match in History’.
Hall shed a staggering 6st for the bout. But he has had to pull out.
Hall wrote on Instagram: “I’m so devastated to say I detached my bicep on Monday but Iv already got it reattached on Thursday AWAKE and recovery is going well.
“Unfortunately this means the fight between me and Thor will be rescheduled but the fight night is still going ahead – Sept 18th – and all PPV’s will carry over and inc the rescheduled fight night also.”
A statement from MTK read: “Eddie Hall has suffered a serious injury during training, meaning his planned September showdown against strongman rival Thor Bjornsson has been put on temporary hold.
“But the rest of the card will go ahead as planned.
“Thor could also remain on the card against an opponent to be announced, with work currently ongoing behind the scenes to try and make this possible.
“CoreSports has also confirmed that anyone who purchased the PPV will see their purchase not only remain valid for when Hall vs. Thor is rescheduled, but they will also receive the original September 18 event for free.
“Fans who have purchased tickets for the event will soon be emailed by their point of purchase, where they are given the option to keep their tickets or apply for a refund.
“More information on the event in September, along with a new date for the showdown between Hall and Thor will be announced in due course.”
‘I’ll BE WAITING’
In a statement on Instagram, Bjornsson, 32, said: “Super disappointed but this is not in my hands.
“Next up is finding a new opponent so I can fight in September. I’m taking this extremely serious and I’ll be even more prepared. When Eddie is ready, I’ll be waiting.”
Hall was crowned the World’s Strongest Man in 2017, with Bjornsson – who won the title a year later – accusing The Beast of cheating.
Last year, Bjornsson broke Hall’s deadlift world record of 500 kg (1,100 lb) by deadlifting 501 kg (1,105 lb).
COMPETITION: SPOT THE BALL TO WIN A CAR AND CASH

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Hall weighed as heavy as 197kg (30st) in 2017 when he was at the peak of his strongman career.
But earlier this year, he posted a side-by-side picture which revealed he was down to 161kg (25st).
And he most recently confirmed he is down to 158kg, now at a lowest of 24st 8lb.
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Joe Joyce vs Carlos Takam – Round by round More

JOE JOYCE donned a bizarre X-men style ring-walk outfit before producing a superhuman finish to stop Carlos Takam in the sixth round.The 35-year-old was supposed to look like X-men character ‘Juggernaut’ in line with his nickname but fans were not convinced by the red helmet and body-suit.
Joe Joyce beat Carlos Takam after entering the ring in this bizarre outfitCredit: PA
The referee stopped the fight in the sixth round but Takam was fumingCredit: Reuters
Joyce successfully defended his belts and called for a fight with Oleksandr Usyk or Anthony Joshua nextCredit: Reuters
However, that was soon forgotten as he kept his hopes of an Anthony Joshua world title showdown alive with a terrifying display of pain tolerance.
The Putney ace was made the WBO mandatory challenger for a shot at AJ at the start of fight week, as long as he came through tough old veteran Takam on Saturday night.
But the 2016 Olympic silver winner almost blew his brilliant opportunity by taking a shellacking from the 40-year-old veteran.
Takam took AJ 10 rounds in 2017 – on just 10 day’s notice – and showed the same teak toughness and heavy hands before a shock right hand at the start of the sixth ended his chance at a huge upset.
Joyce started the fight by peppering Takan’s bearded face with the same piston-like jab that battered Daniel Dubois into submission in November.
But, just as the Englishman relaxed his neck muscles with a few rolls of his head, Takam looped up a couple of right hooks that warned him to stay more alert.
Joyce is famous for having one of the toughest chins in world boxing and infamous for using it as a form of defence.
In the second he absorbed half a dozen shots from both of Takam’s fists that would have collapsed an ox.

But still he marched forward trying to club the warrior squatting down five inches shorter below him and hurling up heavy artillery.
Takam’s peekaboo style was taking his head down inline with Joyce’s waist and the Brit banger was failing to generate any power on his downward punches.
The visitor, however, was smashing the beads of sweat from Joyce’s new braided locks as the London fans started to fear for their man and his freakishly strong face.
Warhorse Takam started to look ragged by the start of the fourth and a right hook to the ribs made him gasp for air.
But the relentless challenger for Joyce’s Commonwealth strap kept launching haymakers and connecting with Joyce’s shaken skull.
The fifth thankfully slipped by without Joyce swallowing another howitzer and Takam looked to be flagging after a violent start.
And Joyce sparked Takam senseless with the very first punch of the right hand and kept up a barrage until he was stopped on his feet.
COMPETITION: SPOT THE BALL TO WIN A CAR AND CASH
Joyce was far from convincing in the early roundsCredit: Reuters
Takam landed some solid shots but could not maintain his early paceCredit: Reuters
Reaction to Joyce’s outfit online was not overly supportiveCredit: Reuters

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Fans on Twitter were not overly convinced by Joyce’s ring-walk outfit.
AFC Glen wrote: “My god, Joe Joyce looks like a giant red penis.”
Lordie tweeted: “Boxing is slowly turning into a joke, how can Joe Joyce come out like this.”
And TalkSport 2 presenter Paul Coyte uploaded a picture of himself with a Halloween pumpkin on his head and quipped: “Me with the Joe Joyce look.”
Boxing is slowly turning into a joke, how can Joe Joyce come out like this & Takam come out to John Cenas theme music pic.twitter.com/svvmxYIl4P— Lordie aka Lordington (@Lordie__) July 24, 2021

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JOE JOYCE claims his wild uni days have helped him become British boxing’s best mature student.The 35-year-old Juggernaut did not pick up a pair of boxing gloves until he was 22, long after he had enjoyed a debauched freshers’ week at Middlesex University.
Joe Joyce graduated in fine art at Middlesex University before stepping into boxingCredit: Queensberry Boxing
The fine art graduate and talented painter hinted he was a bit of a ‘p*** artist’ during his carefree days on campus.
But with all that recklessness and snakebite out of his system, the heavyweight is now close to a world title shot.
Ahead of tonight’s Wembley Arena clash with Carlos Takam, 12-0 ace Joyce laughed: “If you have been boxing since you were a kid, then you get to 16 where girls and parties come about, you feel like you’ve had enough of it. So many throw it in at 16 because the distractions come in.
“I got all my distractions out of the way early, I got freshers’ week and all those shenanigans out of my system.
“At uni I had two sets of kickboxing gloves, so me and two friends used to spar at the halls of residence just for fun.
“That was long before I took up boxing properly and we were probably a bit drunk!
“But by the time I was 22, I knew who I was and what I wanted to do and this route has really worked for me.”
The misconception is that Joyce is a bit dull but engage him on topics that inspire him, like art or gaming, and the 6ft 6ins Londoner brightens up the room.
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Boxing and the miserable business and politics behind it bores him. And he even glazes over when reminded he is one win away from being the WBO’s mandatory challenger for a shot at Anthony Joshua.
When asked who he fancies after facing dangerous 40-year-old French powerhouse Takam — should he need to keep busy before a crack at AJ — he teased: “I don’t know, I have to rely on my team. I don’t really know much about boxing.”
Not bad for an A* student.
Tweet @WallyDownes_Jr
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Joyce takes on veteran Carlos Takam at Wembley Arena tonightCredit: Queensberry Boxing
Joyce vs Takam – FREE – UK start time, live stream, TV channel and ring walk time More

TYSON FURY revealed he will ban his family from his next training camp to avoid a second coronavirus scare. The WBC champion has been left devastated after his return to the ring on July 24 was cancelled after he tested positive for Covid-19.
Tommy Fury with older brother TysonCredit: Social Media – Refer to Source
Paris Fury with husband TysonCredit: Instagram
It has seen his trilogy bout with Deontay Wilder, 35, pushed back to October 9, meaning it will be 19 months since they rematched in February 2020.
Fury, 32, believes he caught the virus from his sparring partners in Las Vegas and will now crack down on those coming in and out of his camp.
But it means his brothers, including Tommy, 22, and wife Paris will have to wait to see him due to the Gypsy King’s strict new measures.
He told the Daily Mail: “There were only ten of us on the team this time.
“But when we go back into camp for a month in England and another month here I will cut us to just four full time.
“Me, my head trainer SugarHill Steward, his assistant Andy Lee and my old pal Tim who organises my life.
“We will strictly control the access for sparring partners and increase testing. No masseur. No fitness coach. No dietician.
“Even my two brothers will have to wait to join me until fight week here in Vegas. I’ve suffered enough frustration on this roller-coaster.
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How Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder stack up ahead of the trilogy fightCredit: SUNSPORT

“I don’t need more, any more than I would have risked anyone else’s health by coming early out of quarantine.”
Fury has endured a frustrating period since he beat Wilder to claim the WBC title.
They were contracted to a third bout, having also drawn in 2018, but amid the pandemic it was continuously postponed.
Fury even tried to walk away from the rematch, believing their stipulation expired, to instead fight Anthony Joshua, 31, for the undisputed crown.
But after Wilder took his case to arbitration, he was awarded the verdict and in turn set up the trilogy bout.
Now, with the fight backdated further, Fury’s wait to face long-time rival AJ has also been further extended.
He said: “I couldn’t have been more ready for next Saturday. After that I’d have been just as ready to knock out Anthony Joshua in December.”
‘I’M THE LAST PERSON TO BLAME’
Conspiracies have emerged on Fury’s withdrawal, ranging from Eddie Hearn suggesting a lack of ticket sales to Wilder’s partner saying Fury was ‘buying time’.
But Fury hit back: “I’m the last person to blame.
“I don’t have a large entourage, unlike most world champions with all their ass-licking hangers on.
“Since coming back into full time camp I hadn’t been anywhere other than my new house here and the Top Rank gym. Nor had my team. 
“The only people whose movements I couldn’t completely control were my sparring partners, who change.
“They came in and out of the bubble and everyone knows this town is full of Covid. I suspect we caught it from one of them.”
Deontay Wilder was beaten by Tyson Fury in 2020Credit: Reuters
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