Heavyweight boxing

CANELO ALVAREZ’s super-middleweight title fight with Billy Joe Saunders will also be for the WBC Mestizo belt, the governing body has revealed.The pair’s eagerly-anticipated 168lb unification fight will take place at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on May 8.
Canelo Alvarez will defend his super-middleweight title against Billy Joe Saunders on May 8Credit: EPA
Canelo Alvarez and Billy Joe Saunders will also vie for the WBC Mestizo beltCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
And the WBC have opted to create a special ‘Mestizo’ belt for the Texas tussle.
WBC chief Mauricio Sulaiman said: “Our great champion Saul Canelo Alvarez continues his plan to unify the super middleweight division by facing the WBO champion, British boxer Billy Joe Saunders, on May 8 at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium.
“During this fight, it’s going to be where the World Boxing Council will give the world another piece of art, the beautiful Mestizo belt, made by the State of Mexico.
“As you may know, the WBC commemorates the two great Mexican dates (Cinco De Mayo in May and Mexican Independence Day in September), as the most important fights of the year are held on these dates and magnificent (title) pieces from various cultures have been created (for these fights).
“First it was the Huichol, then Chiapas, then the Mayan culture , and last year it was dedicated to the State of Mexico with the Mazahua and Otomi belts.
“As there were no fights in 2020 due to the pandemic, we agreed to dignify this entity in 2021, and very soon we will present the Mestizo (title).”
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How the two stars shape-up head-to-headCredit: The Sun
The undefeated Saunders goes into his clash with four-weight champ Canelo as a huge underdog, although many have tipped the Brit to give his Mexican counterpart some serious trouble.
Canelo’s head coach, Eddy Reynoso, isn’t expecting an easy night at the office, saying of the WBO champ: “He is a good boxer.
“He is a tough and left-handed fighter, but we will be ready for him. I am very motivated to get a great victory.”
Welwyn warrior Saunders, 31, is confident of shocking the world and handing the hard-hitting Canelo his second professional loss.
He told talkSPORT: “I’m the seventh Brit he’s faced, he’s dealt with six of them very comfortably.
“The Brits like dancing and moving and thinking they’ve gotta run away, but I will be there for him to hit.
“I will be in range for him to hit. I’ll be setting traps, the same as he’ll be setting traps.
“I don’t think running a million miles an hour is gonna do me any justice…
Billy Joe Saunders is confident of getting the better of Canelo AlvarezCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
Canelo Alvarez’s lone defeat is his 2013 loss to Floyd MayweatherCredit: Getty

“He’s not got the best engine in the world, Canelo.
“He’s very good at what he does, extremely good at what he does, but there’s faults there.
“We’ve seen people try to run away and box him, we’ve seen people try to use the brawn, but we’ve only seen one man use his brain and that was Floyd Mayweather.
“Brain over brawn here. Brain wins this, technical thinking wins this.”
Is Billy Joe Saunders Britain’s best hope to defeat Canelo Alvarez? More

ANTHONY JOSHUA has admitted boxing saved him from the streets as he launched a new initiative to raise money for independent gyms across the UK.The WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight champion of the world has partnered with banking app Revolut to launch a glow-in-the-dark debit card.
Anthony Joshua has launched a new debit card that will raise money for boxing gyms
And for each card ordered, that costs £4.99, Revolut will donate £1 to support boxing clubs in England and Scotland.
The company has already promised to invest a minimum of £50,000 in grassroots boxing.
Joshua, who has agreed a mouthwatering two-fight deal against WBC king Tyson Fury, is delighted to have teamed up to raise much-needed funds.
He said: “Without my local gym I would not be where I am today.
“Across the UK, there are kids and adults alike using these gyms to improve their physical and mental health, and keep themselves off the streets.
“I am really pleased my Revolut card will make a real difference.”
Facilities such as gyms and leisure centres were not included in the UK Government’s Sport Winter Survival Package that was announced late last year.
And sports charity ukactive has estimated that 400 facilities have closed their doors permanently since the beginning of the pandemic and another 2,400 gyms are at risk. 

Anthony Joshua is in training to face Tyson Fury this yearCredit: Instagram

Alan Chang, senior vice president at Revolut, said: “These facilities provide vital services to their communities and play a critical role in the mental and physical health of their members.
“From day one, Revolut has always been community-driven, so we’re incredibly proud to partner with Anthony Joshua to help raise vital funds for independent gyms across the country.”
Joshua’s work has been praised by the chairman of England Boxing, Gethin Jenkins, who described it as a ‘great initiative’.
He added: “With clubs not being allowed to fully operate for over a year the impact on physical, mental health and financially has been significant and this innovation will help those clubs in most need.
“We thank Revolut and AJ for their support.”
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AJ has officially started training for his undisputed heavyweight title fight with Fury.
The first instalment of the long-awaited Battle of Britain is pencilled in for the summer, with a July date the most likely at this moment in time.
Joshua, 31, has been soaking up the sun in Miami and Mexico ahead of the multi-million-pound fight.
But according to the unified heavyweight champ’s promoter Eddie Hearn, AJ’s preparations for the biggest fight of his career are now underway.
AJ will lay all his belts on the line in an undisputed clash against Tyson FuryCredit: Instagram
The Matchroom Boxing chief said: “We can’t wait.
“AJ has started his training camp and Fury has been training very hard. They all want the fight.
“They are going to be presented with a few proposals on where to do the fight and everyone has to agree on where to do it.
“There is no other fight out there that comes close for either guy. July is the date.
Fury is looking good as he plots boxing dominationCredit: Instagram / @gypsykingofficialmerchandise
Eddie Hearn says that Wembley back on as venue for Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury fight More

FORMER heavyweight world champion Andy Ruiz Jr has opened up about his epic body transformation ahead of his return to the ring on May 1.The 31-year-old fights Chris Arreola in what will be his first bout since losing his WBA, WBO and IBF titles in his rematch against Anthony Joshua in December 2019.
Andy Ruiz Jr is looking in great shape ahead of his comeback bout against Chris ArreolaCredit: Instagram
Ruiz Jr put on weight in his rematch against Anthony Joshua where he lost his world titlesCredit: Marc Aspland- The Times
Ruiz Jr weighed in over a stone heavier for his second fight against AJ as he ballooned to over 20 stone.
That was to be his last bout with Manny Robles in his corner, as he linked up with Saul Alvarez’s trainer Eddy Reynoso last year.
And he is looking in great shape, with the Mexican-American already shedding over three stone for his comeback dust-up against Arreola.
Speaking during a virtual press conference, the Destroyer revealed he is taking competing more seriously now as he looks to become a two-time world champion.
He told Fight Hub TV: “Losing from my last fight against Anthony Joshua, it was devastating, because I did not do the things that I was supposed to do.
“I look back right now and I’m like ‘Damn, if I would’ve stayed dedicated, if I would’ve stayed disciplined and do the right things that I was supposed to do…’
“And that was the most important fight of my life… but now it’s totally different. Now I got my mind right, I got a great trainer, so we’re just ready for May 1.”
Before adding: “I’ve always been overweight and now that I’ve been dropping weight normally and in the right way by eating right, not just wearing the sauna suit, starving yourself.
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Ruiz Jr has declared he has lost over three stone for his fight against Arreola on May 1Credit: Instagram @andy_destroyer13

Ruiz Jr is one of a number of boxers looking to become world heavyweight champion

“Because that’s what I used to do back in the day. But now that we’re eating the right things, we’re working on the right things, I feel amazing.
“I can do better stuff that I couldn’t do before because of my big gut, I had chi-chis, I had t**s that wouldn’t let me throw the right punches and all that.
“But now I’m more motivated, I’m more dedicated in this sport and sky’s the limit.”
Ruiz Jr recently had his say on Joshua’s eagerly-anticipated undisputed title fight against Tyson Fury, where he backed the Gypsy King to win.
Andy Ruiz Jr looks rapid on pads and lean after revealing he’s lost 40LBS More

FORMER heavyweight world champion Andy Ruiz Jr has opened up about his epic body transformation ahead of his return to the ring on May 1.The 31-year-old fights Chris Arreola in what will be his first bout since losing his WBA, WBO and IBF titles in his rematch against Anthony Joshua in December 2019.
Andy Ruiz Jr is looking in great shape ahead of his comeback bout against Chris ArreolaCredit: Instagram
Ruiz Jr put on weight in his rematch against Anthony Joshua where he lost his world titlesCredit: Marc Aspland- The Times
Ruiz Jr weighed in over a stone heavier for his second fight against AJ as he ballooned to over 20 stone.
That was to be his last bout with Manny Robles in his corner, as he linked up with Saul Alvarez’s trainer Eddy Reynoso last year.
And he is looking in great shape, with the Mexican-American already shedding over three stone for his comeback dust-up against Arreola.
Speaking during a virtual press conference, the Destroyer revealed he is taking competing more seriously now as he looks to become a two-time world champion.
He told Fight Hub TV: “Losing from my last fight against Anthony Joshua, it was devastating, because I did not do the things that I was supposed to do.
“I look back right now and I’m like ‘Damn, if I would’ve stayed dedicated, if I would’ve stayed disciplined and do the right things that I was supposed to do…’
“And that was the most important fight of my life… but now it’s totally different. Now I got my mind right, I got a great trainer, so we’re just ready for May 1.”
Before adding: “I’ve always been overweight and now that I’ve been dropping weight normally and in the right way by eating right, not just wearing the sauna suit, starving yourself.
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Ruiz Jr has declared he has lost over three stone for his fight against Arreola on May 1Credit: Instagram @andy_destroyer13

Ruiz Jr is one of a number of boxers looking to become world heavyweight champion

“Because that’s what I used to do back in the day. But now that we’re eating the right things, we’re working on the right things, I feel amazing.
“I can do better stuff that I couldn’t do before because of my big gut, I had chi-chis, I had t**s that wouldn’t let me throw the right punches and all that.
“But now I’m more motivated, I’m more dedicated in this sport and sky’s the limit.”
Ruiz Jr recently had his say on Joshua’s eagerly-anticipated undisputed title fight against Tyson Fury, where he backed the Gypsy King to win.
Andy Ruiz Jr looks rapid on pads and lean after revealing he’s lost 40LBS More

DILLIAN WHYTE has branded Tyson Fury a ‘coward’ and accused The Gypsy King of ducking him.Fury, who is currently gearing up for a blockbuster showdown with Anthony Joshua, once again declared himself the king of the heavyweights over the week.
One these nuts in ya mouth u run away from fighting me twice #coward— Dillian Whyte (@DillianWhyte) April 4, 2021

The WBC champion proclaimed himself to be the baddest man on the planet by tweeting a mock poster of himself and his divisional rivals as Roman gladiators.
He wrote: “There has only ever been 1. @Tyson_Fury @BronzeBomber @DillianWhyte @anthonyjoshua @usykaa.”
It didn’t take long for Whyte to get wind of Fury’s post, which he responded to in blistering fashion.
He said: “One these nuts in ya mouth u run away from fighting me twice #coward.”
Whyte is no stranger to firing shots at Fury, who he’s claimed to have ‘bashed’ and ‘dropped’ multiple times in sparring.
But he’s unlikely to get his hands on him any time soon as the former unified heavyweight champion has inked a two-fight deal to face Joshua.

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Dilian Whyte was once served as a sparring partner for Tyson FuryCredit: Instagram
Dillian Whyte claims to have ‘bashed’ Tyson Fury in sparringCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
The Brixton Bodysnatcher’s sights are currently set on a grudge match with former WBC king Deontay Wilder.
Whyte, 32, called out The Bronze Bomber last weekend with a mock-up poster of the pair.
The accompanying caption read: “I want to punish @bronzebomber the Coward is full of fear.
“Come see me fraud clown.”
Wilder, who hasn’t fought since being dethroned by Fury last February, recently revealed he’s open to trading leather with Whyte.

He said: “Dillian Whyte is an easy style for me, trust me.
“It’s an easy fight, trust me. His style is easy, he got a wild, wild style. People think I’m wild? C’mon.
“He wants to call out the best fighters, but he don’t want to fight the best fighters.
“Dillian Whyte, get your s*** together, man.
“That’s all you gotta do, go fight the right fights and stop running away from the fight.”
Matchroom Boxing chief Eddie Hearn is eager to make the grudge match happen.
He said: “We need to see Deontay Wilder back in the ring. The HW division is a better one with him in it.
“Dillian Whyte can be matched with anyone. But Wilder-Whyte is a thrilling barnburner.”
Dillian Whyte admits he would love to smash Deontay Wilder’s face in More

ANTHONY JOSHUA has officially started training for his undisputed heavyweight title fight with Tyson Fury.The first instalment of the long-awaited Battle of Britain is pencilled in for the summer, with a July date the most likely at this moment in time.
Anthony Joshua has officially begun training for his showdown with Tyson FuryCredit: Instagram
AJ recently paid a visit to David Beckham during his trip to Miami
But the unified heavyweight champion of the world is now back in the gym ahead of his clash with The Gypsy King.Credit: Instagram
Joshua, 31, has been soaking up the sun in Miami and Mexico ahead of the multi-million-pound fight.
But according to the unified heavyweight champ’s promoter Eddie Hearn, AJ’s preparations for the biggest fight of his career are now underway.
The Matchroom Boxing chief said: “We can’t wait.
“AJ has started his training camp and Fury has been training very hard. They all want the fight.
“They are going to be presented with a few proposals on where to do the fight and everyone has to agree on where to do it.
“There is no other fight out there that comes close for either guy. July is the date.
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“Really I think end of next week it will be done.
“Talks have progressed extremely well and we’re closing in on securing the venue and there will be an announcement in due course.
“We’re at the stage where it’s probably best not to say much more than that.”
Joshua vs Fury may be on course for July, but The Gypsy King’s dad – John – has demanded Hearn book the fight for June.
In a recording posted on social media he said: “This is a video to Eddie Hearn and all his supporters of AJ.

“We’re not bothered about Anthony Joshua one iota. And here’s what you can do – if he wants to fight in June, get it ready for June, Eddie.
“We’ll take him as a warm-up fight, him. We value Anthony Joshua that much we’ll take him as a warm-up fight in June.
“So get your arse in gear, getting everything [that] needs doing done and we’ll take him in June.
“We’ll have the first fight with him.

“Because Tyson is fighting twice this year, but we’d like AJ to be the first on the butcher’s block.
“So get your arse in gear, mate. Wave your magic wand and let’s get this fight started.
“Because nobody is bothered about you or AJ in any way, shape or form.
“AJ, up first, chopping block, June. And if you can’t put up, shut up. Do that.”
Eddie Hearn says that Wembley back on as venue for Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury fight More