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    Anthony Joshua sits on huge throne at Dubai restaurant as he enjoys some time off after fight delay announcement

    ANTHONY JOSHUA posed on a giant throne at a Dubai restaurant as he enjoys some time off from boxing. AJ made his long-awaited return to the ring earlier this month as he outboxed Jermaine Franklin at the O2.
    Anthony Joshua’s throne was so huge that his feet did not even touch the groundCredit: https://www.instagram.com/anthonyjoshua/
    Joshua was enjoying his time at the Trove restaurant in DubaiCredit: https://www.instagram.com/anthonyjoshua/
    AJ has taken time out to see friends and familyCredit: https://www.instagram.com/anthonyjoshua/
    With the Brit heavyweight now set for months out the ring, he appears to be enjoying his downtime as enjoys time with friends and family.
    One picture from the Trove restaurant in Dubai shows Joshua sat upon a massive throne made of roses.
    Joshua wears a black T-shirt, black trousers and white trainers as he placed himself upon the eye-catching seat.
    The throne is so big that 6’6″ Joshua’s feet are not even touching the ground.
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    Another picture on the boxer’s Instagram shows him gathering with family to enjoy a meal.
    Four children are sat with Joshua as delicious-looking dishes are spread across the table.
    Joshua, wearing a white dressing gown, captions the snap: “Hip hop and a family feast.”
    AJ stunned fans by announcing earlier this week that his next fight will not be until December.
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    That is despite earlier indicating that he wanted to get straight back in the ring to build momentum after the victory over Franklin.
    Joshua admitted the situation was “not ideal”.
    Fans have been speculating over who the fighter’s next opponent might be.
    Promoter Eddie Hearn hinted that Dillian Whyte is most likely as he discussed AJ’s future.
    He told Chris Mannix: “I think that’s the frontrunner. I quite like the Otto Wallin fight, really, but he’s a southpaw.
    “So if a deal can be reached with Dillian Whyte, then I think that would be a smart fight for both.” More

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    Top 10 pound-for-pound boxers revealed by Ring Magazine with NO Tyson Fury and his rival ranking first

    TYSON FURY is NOT one of Ring Magazine’s top ten pound-for-pound boxers.The Gypsy King reigns supreme as WBC heavyweight champion, but is not considered by the prestigious mag as one of the top ten fighters on the planet.
    Oleksandr Usyk is Ring Magazine’s pound-for-pound number one
    And to make matters even worse for him, his fellow heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk is No1 on the list.
    Despite Usyk agreeing to Fury’s 70-30 contract demands, a bout between the duo, initially planned for April 29 at Wembley, failed to come to fruition.
    Fury IS Ring Magazine’s second best heavyweight boxer, ahead of the likes of Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua.
    Here, SunSport examines Ring Magazine’s latest top ten in full.
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    1. Oleksandr Usyk – Heavyweight
    Former undisputed cruiserweight champion now reigns supreme over the heavyweight division.
    Usyk, 36, overcame Anthony Joshua for a second time last August after previously fighting for Ukraine in the war with Russia.
    He is likely to return to action in the summer against WBA mandatory challenger Daniel Dubois.
    2. Naoya Inoue – Bantamweight
    Like Usyk, Naoya Inoue retains an incredible undefeated record as a professional boxer.
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    Within the last 12 months, the 24-0 Japanese superstar has twice defended his bantamweight belts.
    The 30-year-old defeated Nonito Donaire in June last year, before beating Englishman Paul Butler in Tokyo last December.
    Naoya Inoue defeated Paul Butler last DecemberCredit: Getty
    3. Terence Crawford – Welterweight
    Another undefeated star, 39-0 Crawford has dropped one spot from his runner-up berth in this list last year.
    The American has fought just once in the last 12 months, seeing off David Avanesyan last December.
    Crawford, 35, has been ordered to defend his WBO belt against Alexis Rocha later this year.
    Terence Crawford successfully defended his belts against David AvanesyanCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    4. Errol Spence – Welterweight
    Welterweight star Spence has not been in action in the last 12 months.
    He last fought in April last year, when he defeated Yordenis Ugas.
    Fans are holding on to hopes that they will one day see Spence in the ring with Terence Crawford in a blockbuster bout.
    Errol Spence lands a punch on Yordenis UgasCredit: AP
    5. Canelo Alvarez – Super-middleweight/light-heavyweight
    Having previously been No1 in this list, Canelo Alvarez is in fifth position this time around.
    The Mexican remains super-middleweight king, having defeated Gennady Golovkin last September, bouncing back from his light-heavyweight defeat to Dmitry Bivol.
    Canelo will be back in action on May 6 when he fights John Ryder.
    Canelo Alvarez reacts after beating GolovkinCredit: EPA
    6. Dmitry Bivol – Light-heavyweight
    Bivol, 32, is the only man since 2013 to have beaten Canelo Alvarez.
    The Russian, who boasts a 21-0 record, defeated Gilberto Ramirez last time out in November.
    He could fight Canelo again later this year, although his next opponent has not yet been confirmed.
    Dmitry Bivol defeated Gilberto Ramirez last time outCredit: EPA
    7. Vasyl Lomachenko – Lightweight
    Ukrainian ace Lomachenko has been in action once in the last 12 months.
    The 17-2 bruiser defeated Jamaine Ortiz at the Hulu Theatre in New York back in October.
    He will be back in action on May 20 against Devin Haney in Las Vegas.
    Vasyl Lomachenko lands on Richard CommeyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    8. Josh Taylor – Super-lightweight
    WBO super-lightweight champion Josh Taylor has not been in action since his controversial decision victory over Jack Catterall in February last year.
    Despite calls for a rematch, Taylor claimed after the fight that there was no need to run it back.
    The Scot will be back in action on June 10, when he faces Teofimo Lopez in New York.
    Josh Taylor will take on Teofimo Lopez in New York on June 10Credit: PA
    9. Jermell Charlo – Light middleweight
    Charlo, 32, remains the undisputed light middleweight champion.
    The Louisiana native has fought once over the past 12 months, when he beat Brian Castano.
    He had been due to defend his belts against Tim Tszyu back in January, only to have to pull out with a hand injury sustained while sparring.
    Jermell Charlo’s January bout was axed due to a hand injury sustained in sparringCredit: EPA
    10. Juan Estrada – Super-flyweight
    Mexican super-flyweight star Estrada enjoyed an active end to 2022.
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    After seeing off Argi Cortes in September, he took on Roman Gonzalez in a trilogy bout.
    Estrada had lost to him all the way back in 2012, before beating him in March 2021 – settling their rivalry by winning again via a decision on December 3 last year.
    Juan Estrada settled his trilogy with Roman GonzalezCredit: Reuters More

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    Ruiz Jr kicked out of his home after split with wife as she bins his diamonds and clothes and he moves on with new woman

    ANDY RUIZ JR has been kicked out of his home by wife Julie Lemus after their unceremonious split.Julie had been Ruiz Jr’s long-term girlfriend prior to their marriage, and she has been seen ringside at some of his biggest fights.
    Andy Ruiz Jr celebrated his victory over Anthony Joshua with ex-wife Julie in 2019Credit: Getty – Contributor
    Julie shared a video of herself binning Ruiz Jr’s thingsCredit: TIKTOK / @JULIELIELEMUSGARCIA
    Ruiz Jr’s ex recorded herself taking out bins filled with the boxer’s posssessionsCredit: TIKTOK / @JULIELIELEMUSGARCIA
    After it emerged that the Mexican is now dating social media star Mayeli Alonso Julie took to social media to trash her ex Andy.
    In a clip posted to TikTok, Julie revealed messages between herself and Ruiz Jr, in which she refused to forgive him.
    The video then showed her binning Ruiz Jr’s clothes and possessions – including diamonds.
    Despite the former heavyweight champion and Julie having reportedly been separated for some time, his new relationship with Mayeli is said to have enraged his ex.
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    According to El Comercio, Ruiz Jr and Mayeli were spotted walking hand in hand at Mexico City International Airport last month.
    After speculation surrounding their relationship mounted, Ruiz Jr released a statement to clarify matters.
    It read: “In recent days, an article regarding my personal life that was handled in a wrong and disrespectful way has been circulating through various Spanish-speaking media.
    “In this regard, and in order to have my public and the media duly informed, I clarify that at the time I decided to open my heart again, my previous romantic relationship had already ended.
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    Ruiz Jr has been linked with Mayeli AlonsoCredit: Getty
    Mayeli was previously married to American singer Lupillo Rivera between 2006 and 2019Credit: https://www.instagram.com/mayelialonsooficial/?hl=en
    “I want to live this new stage of my life that began recently peacefully. All human beings deserve a new opportunity to find happiness and that is exactly what I’m doing right now and I thank God for it.”
    Ruiz Jr, 33, also reiterated that he will ensure that he is there for his five children, irrespective of his relationship status.
    He wrote: “It should be noted in the same way, that I will seek the well-being of my children and always respect their mothers, thank you very much for the support and I ask you for respect in this time of life.”
    Julie subsequently took to social media and vowed to reveal the truth, writing: “Our statement will also come out in a few hours and with evidence as well. The lies end here.”
    Ruiz Jr discussed his wife while appearing on Mike Tyson’s podcast in 2019.
    When Iron Mike revealed that he used to sleep with his fans during the height of his fame, Ruiz Jr said: “My girl would f*** me up. She’ll break all my cars or something.”
    Mayeli Alonso, 38, was married to American singer Lupillo Rivera between 2006 and 2019.
    Last month, as per El Comercio, Mayeli took to social media to write: “I have never been with a married man, to clarify, never in my life. Whenever I talk to someone, it is the first thing I ask them.”
    Amid speculation surrounding his private life, Ruiz Jr is looking to hit the heights once again in his professional endeavours.
    Since losing his heavyweight belts to Anthony Joshua in 2019, Ruiz Jr has defeated Chris Arreola and Luis Ortiz.
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    He has recently been chasing a title eliminator against Tyson Fury’s former rival Deontay Wilder.
    But he could even face the Gypsy King himself in the UK this summer.
    Ruiz Jr is chasing a big fight for this summerCredit: EPA
    Mayeli addressed rumours surrounding her dating lifeCredit: https://www.instagram.com/mayelialonsooficial/?hl=en More

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    I’m Anthony Joshua’s rival and saw Chinese pals attacked over Covid but nobody dared target me due to my mammoth size

    ZHILEI ZHANG saw Chinese compatriots getting attacked in New York during the Covid-19 pandemic but was too big for the cowards to target.The Beijing 2008 Olympic silver winner trains as a pro in New Jersey and has adopted the US as a second home.
    Zhilei Zhang opened up on how he saw Chinese compatriots being attacked in New YorkCredit: PA
    But when coronavirus gripped the world – and ex-president Donald Trump made a series of allegations against China – 39-year-old Zhang felt like the enemy in the Land of Opportunity.
    Thankfully life is almost back to normal and Zhang was welcomed to London last week to take on Putney’s 37-year-old Juggernaut Joe Joyce at the Copper Box on Saturday.
    Recalling the torrid time his innocent fellow expats faced, the softly spoken giant told SunSport: “We saw people getting pushed on the subway in New York City.
    “I would probably never become a target in the street, because of my size, but I do have Chinese friends and business owners in New York who have been targeted.
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    “These people have suffered, not just financially but also mentally and emotionally.
    “I don’t think it is the right thing to do, I don’t agree with politicising the pandemic, it should not be used as something to attack people.
    “People and human beings are innocent, nobody wants anyone to be sick, suffer or be infected.
    “Nobody wanted the virus and nobody wanted the impact it has had on the world.
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    “Thankfully now we are moving on and getting back to living our lives in a positive way.”
    With China being the cradle of martial arts and boxing coming under that huge and money-spinning umbrella, it’s strange that 6ft 6in Zhang remains a rarity.
    But the 24-1-1 southpaw explains very wisely why a population of 1.4billion people have ZERO world boxing champions and just a few Asian fighters, largely representing Japan in the lightest weight classes.
    “When I got the silver medal in 2008, boxing was still a minor sport in China,” he said.
    “In China the major sports are diving, table tennis and soccer. Even after I got my silver medal I didn’t get recognised a lot. But I know what I have achieved and how far I have come.
    “Last time I fought in Las Vegas, my fight got 60 million views in China, that was record-breaking and historic, so I hope my career is helping make boxing a bigger success in China.
    “Maybe there are a couple of reasons why boxing and Asian countries haven’t really taken off.
    “One might be Geography, Asia is a pretty remote region, cut away from the likes of Europe and the Americas.
    Zhang won a silver medal at the 2008 OlympicsCredit: PA
    “Also Asian guys are traditionally smaller guys, so we have stars like Manny Pacquiao but they operate in the smaller divisions, which don’t get as much attention as the bigger guys from around middleweight and above.
    “I am not from a big family at all, it really is just me! My parents are just average sized”.
    Before Anthony Joshua agreed to fight Jermaine Franklin in his comeback bout in April 1, promoter Eddie Hearn teased the idea of taking him on a round-the-world tour and facing Zhang at the iconic 80,000 seat Bird’s Nest Stadium.
    Sadly it was another bluff but Zhang hopes our London 2012 legend is not getting written off by the British public he won over so spectacularly over the last decade.
    “We talked about something but it was premature,” Zhang confirmed.
    “Maybe after two losses to Usyk he is scared of southpaws forever now?
    “But I don’t think there is any fear among the top boxers – in any division – I believe that we are all fighters who want the biggest and best fights.
    “But I do believe and understand how promoters and broadcasters want to protect their investments, they are the ones who are scared of a loss.
    “Joshua has lost a few times but look at his wins, the respect is there.
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    “I don’t think Joshua fears anyone but I think the business people and investors in him are protecting their career with smart business moves.
    “He might have lost some confidence but I think he deserves time and recognition.” More

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    Watch Tommy Fury punch former world’s strongest man Eddie Hall so hard he nearly VOMITS

    TOMMY FURY hit Eddie Hall so hard in the stomach the strongman almost threw up his breakfast. The pair spent the day swapping lives, eating each other’s diets and undertaking their training regimes.
    Tommy Fury hitting Eddie Hall in the stomachCredit: Twitter
    Fury, 23, and Hall, 34, enjoyed a hearty cooked breakfast before heading to the gym for a boxing session.
    And they decided on a body shot challenge, taking turns to land blows to the stomach.
    Fury hit Hall right in the sweet spot – so much so that the former world’s strongest man was left heaving and nearly vomiting.
    He said: “Fair play, man. There’s some power in that, man. Jesus.
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    “And again mate, I’ve done that with so many people and that is by far the hardest. By far the hardest.”
    Fury ended the day eating around 9,000 calories, which is FOUR times the average male consumption.
    It was also the first time he put the boxing gloves back on, having put on THREE STONE as he enjoys some rest after beating Jake Paul in February.
    Fury was twice forced to pull out of the celebrity grudge match, amid a rib injury in December 2021 and US visa issue in August of last year.
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    But he ended two years of feuding over the eight rounds, which ended in a split-decision win.
    Fury said: “It felt good because there was a lot on that fight. Especially because the fight fell through twice before.
    “It was like, ‘Tommy’s scared, he doesn’t want to lose to a YouTuber.’ You know, that was never the case.
    “All those reasons why the first fights didn’t happen were legitimate, so to go out there, put an end to it all and shut him up once and for all, it felt amazing.”
    Jake Paul was beaten by Tommy Fury on pointsCredit: GETTY More

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    Jordan Flynn announces next fight, would ‘smash up’ KSI and reveals plans after huge win on AJ undercard

    JORDAN FLYNN has announced when we can expect to see him fight next.And there is not long to wait after he beat Kane Baker on the undercard for Anthony Joshua vs Jermain Franklin.
    Jordan Flynn came out on top against Kane Baker in his latest bout at the O2 ArenaCredit: Getty
    Flynn now possesses a 9-0 record, and is keen to fight again soonCredit: Getty
    Flynn’s fight against Baker was one of the best of the night, and he was praised by almost all in the boxing world, including Joshua himself and promoter Eddie Hearn.
    Following his statement victory, he has revealed to SunSport what his next plans are, and what life has been like after announcing himself to the world on the big stage.
    He said: “It’s time for a weeks rest.
    “I’m going to Tenerife for a week of sun and recovery and then it will be back to Sheffield for training before I hopefully fight again in June.
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    “There is no opponent yet, but I want to get myself a rival, I need a rivalry in the sport.”
    Flynn is signed to Anthony Joshua’s 258 Management, who are expertly handling the careers of Brit prospects Ben Whittaker and Campbell Hatton.
    And despite his now 9-0 record, this was the first time he really had the opportunity to announce himself as one of the best up and comers in the sport.
    He added: “It felt good to be on the big stage, I felt like I was meant to be there even though it was such a big event.
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    What a fight! We go to the scorecards..77-75 Flynn for me..— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) April 1, 2023

    “I spoke to AJ just before his fight, he was congratulating me but also in the zone and ready for his battle with Franklin, no doubt I’ll be speaking to him properly this week.
    “It is great to have such a good team, Freddie Cunningham and the guys were saying what a good fight it was.
    “Eddie Hearn was retweeting loads of stuff about it – he came up to me and said he was proud of me and how entertaining I am to watch, a lot of people were saying it was worthy of being a co-main event!”
    And one money-spinning fight Flynn would be up for is a dust-up with YouTuber KSI.
    Asked about the rise of influencer boxing, he said: “I think it is good because it brings different eyes to the sport. But it should be separate to professional boxing.
    “Still I would happily beat one of these guys up for good money, it would be an easy fight.
    “If any of them want it, they can get it, let them know. If KSI wanted it I would smash him up.” More

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    Tommy Fury reveals he has put on THREE STONE since Jake Paul win as Love Island star swaps diets with Eddie Hall

    TOMMY FURY revealed he has put on THREE STONE in weight since beating Jake Paul – aided by swapping diets with Eddie Hall. The boxing and Love Island star linked up with former world’s strongest man Hall for a YouTube video.
    Tommy Fury and Eddie Hall swapped diets for the day
    Tommy Fury and Eddie Hall spent the day training together too
    Tommy weighed in at just over 13 stone for his fight with Jake PaulCredit: Getty
    Throughout the day, the pair swapped diets starting with a cooked breakfast consisting of over 2,000 calories each.
    Hall ordered Fury a fry up, with an additional sausage, hash brown, mushrooms, fried bread and coffee.
    Impressively, the 9-0 boxer cleaned his plate and joked about reaping the rewards since beating rival Paul in February.
    He said: “I have put on three stone in four weeks.”
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    Fury, 23, weighed in at 13st 1lb before beating Paul, 26, by split-decision, meaning he is now over 16 STONE having not trained since the win.
    But after his hearty breakfast, he picked up the gloves again for a boxing session with Hall before working up an appetite for lunch.
    Hall – who lost his boxing debut to strongman rival Hafthor Bjornsson – served Fury a 400g steak, with 400g of rice and 200g worth of veg.
    For dessert, the brother of heavyweight world champion Tyson enjoyed half a family cheesecake, taking his calorie intake to 5,700.
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    Hall, 35, then gave Fury a ride in his TANK stopping off for a Fredo chocolate bar and McDonald’s milkshake.
    It fuelled the two up for a gym session, working on their chest and triceps, with Fury made to drink a protein shake.
    To recover from their double training session, Hall welcomed Fury to his home spa, including a sauna and ice bath.
    Their day ended with a sit-down dinner, where the calories continued to rise.
    Hall ordered Fury a ginger beer with TWO starters, calamari and beef meatballs.
    And his main consisted of two steaks with peppercorn sauce, a side of fries and seasonal veg.
    Tommy Fury has a steak, rice and broccoli lunch
    The two were left bloated after lunch
    Tommy Fury takes a ride in Eddie Hall’s tank
    Again Fury finished his plate and had a sticky toffee pudding with ice cream – meaning he ended the day having consumed over 9,000 calories.
    The average male is advised to have 2,500 calories a day – meaning Fury had almost FOUR TIMES that amount.
    His next fight is not yet been determined amid rumours of a rematch with Paul but fans loved his collab with Hall.
    One said: What a fantastic watch. Brilliant chemistry, great lads, more to come.”

    Another added: “We need more of these, that was epic.”
    One agreed: “Tommy you and Eddie need to do more together brilliant video this loved it.”
    Tommy Fury eating two steaks for dinner More

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    Anthony Joshua’s promoter reveals frontrunner for next fight but Tyson Fury’s ex-rival named as backup alternative

    A FAMILIAR foe is at the front of the queue to face Anthony Joshua next after his return win against Jermaine Franklin. AJ bounced back from consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk with an uninspiring points victory over the American at the O2 Arena.
    Anthony Joshua with promoter Eddie HearnCredit: Rex
    Franklin had lost in November to Dillian Whyte, who was in attendance to watch AJ’s victory.
    And promoter Eddie Hearn revealed Whyte, 34, is the leading name to fight Joshua, 33, next.
    He told Chris Mannix: “I think that’s the frontrunner. I quite like the Otto Wallin fight, really, but he’s a southpaw.
    “So if a deal can be reached with Dillian Whyte, then I think that would be a smart fight for both.”
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    Joshua’s history with Whyte dates back to the amateurs, losing their thriller but avenging the loss by stoppage in the pros six years later.
    And Hearn believes a series decider could bring the best out of AJ, who failed to blow away Franklin, 29, in his comeback bout.
    Wallin – who gave Tyson Fury 47 stitches during his 2019 loss – is an alternative option for Joshua despite being a southpaw.
    But with huge fights against Fury or Deontay Wilder on the horizon for AJ, an orthodox opponent for his return is more likely.
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    Hearn said: “I like the [Otto Wallin] fight in that respect and because he had a good fight with Fury, but the problem is, he’s a southpaw.
    “But when you’re progressing with a trainer, the last thing Derrick James wants is a southpaw, especially when you’re not going to go and fight another southpaw in Fury and Wilder.
    “So why would you go and fight another southpaw?”
    Dillian Whyte is in line to fight Anthony Joshua againCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTD
    Tyson Fury needed 47 stitches after beating Otto Wallin in 2019Credit: Reuters More