Heavyweight boxing

DILLIAN WHYTE’S rematch with Alexander Povetkin has been delayed until March 27 after Eddie Hearn announced the ‘Rumble on the Rock’ in Gibraltar.
The heavyweight pair were scheduled to fight again on March 6 – after the Russian’s shock KO of the Body Snatcher in August – but a venue had yet to be announced.

Eddie Hearn announced Dillian Whyte’s rematch with Alexander Povetkin is now on March 27 in GibraltarCredit: Free for editorial use

Whyte is currently training out in Portugal, but as it is on the UK Government’s ‘red list’ he would have to quarantine in a hotel for ten days to return to Britain – but won’t face the same restrictions in Gibraltar.
Hearn tweeted: “Sometimes you gotta think outside the box! Get ready for a crazy event March 27 in Gibraltar!!! #PovetkinWhyte2”
Promoter Hearn had previously hinted at a delay due to Covid and when speaking to iFL TV, he said: “There is a chance it could be delayed.
“I don’t think it will be, the main thing is to get Dillian Whyte out of Portugal. It looks like tomorrow that may happen.

“[Portugal is] on the red list and the issue we’re having is the government won’t allow Dillian Whyte to isolate in the bubble, he has to isolate in a government hotel.
“That is impossible for Dillian Whyte to do. He could go to Spain, for example, and isolate there for ten days, and then fly in on fight week.
“That’s what we’re putting into place at the moment. Small chance it could be pushed back [three] weeks to March 27, but that’s not the intention.
“It’s our intention to do everything we can to make sure March 6 stays intact.”

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Whyte was KO’d by Russian heavyweight Povetkin in AugustCredit: Mark Robinson Photography Ltd

Hearn previously mentioned moving the fight to Gibraltar – where Whyte will not be required to isolate as Portugal is not on a travel ban.
The Brit 32, was brutally finished in round five against Povetkin, 41, last year at Hearn’s Matchroom HQ with the fight held in the back garden of his Essex offices during the pandemic.
Whyte’s chances of being the WBC mandatory for Tyson Fury’s crown went out the window and the shock defeat left him with a must-win rematch to keep his world title dreams alive.
Revenge will see him win back his right to challenge for Fury’s belt, which is set to be defended against Anthony Joshua in an undisputed title decider this year.

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TOMMY FURY is splitting his training camp between two gyms as he gets set for his fifth professional fight.
The Love Island star is back in action next Saturday in a four-rounder at London’s Copper Box Arena.

Tommy Fury, 21, is looking forward to his fifth pro fightCredit: Getty Images – Getty

And speaking to The Mirror, the younger brother of WBC heavyweight king Tyson Fury revealed he has gone back to his roots.
The 21-year-old is back at Steve Egan’s gym in Wythenshawe, where he and Tyson started out.
And he is still using Arnie’s Gym in Manchester.
Fury said: “Tyson boxed at the Egan gym and I boxed for them a few times in the amateurs so we’re taking it back to our grassroots.

“Boxing is my life. All I do is train and get myself on the road running.
“As soon as I got off the plane at Manchester Airport after Love Island, I said that all I wanted to do was box. So we went to see Frank Warren and got the show the road.
“Love Island was great fun, brought me a lot of privileges and earned me money, but boxing outweighs the celebrity life by a mile.
“Dad is training me as always, pushing as hard as he can. He is very old fashioned with Rocky-style training methods.”

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Molly-Mae Hague will be supporting her fella at his next fightCredit: Instagram

Tyson Fury is often ringside cheering on his younger brotherCredit: Getty Images – Getty

SunSport reported how older brother Tyson is helping Tommy along with his training.
The WBC heavyweight champ, who is still in talks for a blockbuster £200m unification showdown with Anthony Joshua, shared a clip of Tommy hitting the pads in the ring during training,
And he captioned it with:  “GO ON TOMMY THROW THOSE BOMBS!!”
The 2019 Love Island star extended his record to 4-0 in November as he took out journeyman Genadij Krajevskij in two rounds.

Tommy Fury is looking in greats hape ahead of his next fightCredit: Refer to Caption

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EVANDER HOLYFIELD is training with fellow boxing legend Wladimir Klitschko as he continues to tease a sensational comeback to the sport.
The 58-year-old exclusively revealed to SunSport that he was in talks for a trilogy fight against old rival Mike Tyson.

Evander Holyfield is training with Wladimir KlitschkoCredit: https://www.instagram.com/evanderholyfield/

Holyfield has two victories against Iron Mike – one of which was the infamous ear-biting that saw Tyson disqualified in 1997.
And The Real Deal is keen on going at it for a third time against his 54-year-old old foe.
To keep himself in tip-top shape, Holyfield has drafted in former unified heavyweight champ Klitschko, 44.
The American shared a photo of them together to his Instagram.

Since retiring following a devastating KO defeat to Anthony Joshua in 2017, Klitschko has often teased a return to boxing himself.
The Ukrainian finished his career with 64 wins and five losses – one of which was of course the scintillating points loss to Tyson Fury in 2015.
That saw him lose all his world titles – before he unsuccessfully tried to win them back against AJ.
Holyfield, meanwhile, is relishing the chance to fight Tyson again.

This was the shocking moment when Tyson bit a chunk out of Holyfield’s ear in 1997Credit: AFP – Getty

Tyson made a comeback to boxing when he drew with Roy Jones Jr in DecemberCredit: USA TODAY Sports

Tyson made an astonishing comeback in November, as he came out of retirement for an exhibition bout with Roy Jones Jr.
It inspired Holyfield – who twice beat Iron Mike – to do the same with the heavyweight legend training for a return of his own.
And he does so with the intention of sealing a trilogy with Tyson as negotiations between the two continue.

Holyfield, 58, told SunSport: “People do what they choose to do and for whatever reason they have, they do it.
“The thing is that if it’s meant to be it will happen, either way, it is what it is.
“What I can tell you is that my team is talking to Mike’s management, so I’m waiting for a decision. They are communicating right now. 
“The thing is I’m still training for this, I know it will be some day this deal will happen and I’m ready for him. I’m doing OK.”

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THE pay-per-view price of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury’s fight WILL NOT cost £40 but fans can expect an increase on the usual £25, Eddie Hearn has revealed.
Joshua and Fury are closing in on a deal which would see for the first time ever all four heavyweight belts on the line.

Anthony Joshua is in talks over a two-fight deal with Tyson FuryCredit: Reuters

The historic undisputed title decider also promises to finally see British bragging rights put on the line between the nation’s two biggest stars.
As a result, the box office price is expected to be boosted due to the magnitude of the event.
But Hearn ruled out a £15 jump amid claims it could cost fans £40.
He told iFL TV: “I haven’t had any discussions about the PPV price, I certainly don’t think it’ll be £40.

“So, nothing’s been discussed, nothing’s been set. I just started getting some tweets and some DMs going, ‘You’re a disgrace! £40 PPV’.
“I was like, ‘Where’s that come from?’ No discussions. 
“If there is an increase in the PPV price – not £40, but I think there will be – then we need to provide a show that’s worthy of that.”
AJ’s promoter Hearn has already drafted paperwork over to Bob Arum, Fury’s backer in America, with minor changes being discussed.

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June is now the targeted date but a venue is yet to be agreed.
Amid coronavirus restrictions in the UK, the Battle of Britain looks destined for an away fixture, with the Middle East and Asia both mooted options.
But one of the biggest hurdles to overcome will be the broadcasting schedule, with FOUR channels involved across Britain and the US.
AJ, 31, has an exclusive deal with Sky and DAZN while Fury, 32, fights on BT and ESPN.
HBO and Showtime partnered up in 2002 to allow Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis to meet.
But it was 13 years till there was another duel broadcast, when the same two American networks worked together for Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquaio to finally fight.

Tyson Fury, trainer ‘Sugarhill’ Steward, Bob Arum and Frank WarrenCredit: Reuters
More recently, ESPN and FOX cross-promoted as Fury dethroned Deontay Wilder, 35, of the WBC crown in February 2020.
And it has set a precedents to follow with rivals promotions proving they can work together, opposed to keeping their talent in-house.
But, DAZN is traditionally streaming service with a monthly payment, unlike the one-off PPV price.
It would make sharing rights more difficult, however, the subscription-based platform did launch a box office option for Canelo Alvarez’s last fight.
DAZN linked up with cable TV charging a PPV price of $69.99 for Canelo’s win over Callum Smith, which also included a four months subscription.
If the same can be done for Joshua and Fury alongside ESPN in the US, it overcomes another obstacle.

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EDDIE HEARN revealed Dillian Whyte and Alexander Povetkin’s rematch could be delayed again because of coronavirus restrictions.
The heavyweight pair are scheduled to fight once more on March 6 but a venue is still yet to be announced.

Eddie Hearn revealed Dillian Whyte and Alexander Povetkin’s rematch could be delayed again because of coronavirus restrictionsCredit: Free for editorial use

Whyte is currently training out in Portugal, but as it is on the UK Government’s ‘red list’ he would have to quarantine in a hotel for ten days.
To accommodate a potential self-isolation period it means his rerun with Povetkin could be backdated two weeks.
Promoter Hearn told iFL TV: “There is a chance it could be delayed.
“I don’t think it will be, the main thing is to get Dillian Whyte out of Portugal. It looks like tomorrow that may happen.

“(Portugal is) in the red list, and the issue we’re having is the government won’t allow Dillian Whyte to isolate in the bubble, he has to isolate in a government hotel.
“That is impossible for Dillian Whyte to do. He could go to Spain, for example, and isolate there for ten days, and then fly in on fight week.
“That’s what we’re putting into place at the moment. Small chance it could be pushed back (three) weeks to March 27, but that’s not the intention.
“It’s our intention to do everything we can to make sure March 6 stays intact.”

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Hearn has previously mentioned moving the fight to Gibraltar, where Whyte would not be required to isolate, as Portugal is not on a travel ban.
The Brit 32, was brutally knocked out in round five against Povetkin, 41, in August, in Hearn’s Matchroom HQ, held in the back garden of his offices.
It saw his WBC mandatory spot for Tyson Fury’s crown go out the window and left with a must-win rematch to keep his world title dreams alive.
But revenge will see him win back his right to challenge for Fury’s belt, which is set to be defended against Anthony Joshua in an undisputed title decider this year.

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EDDIE HEARN warned Deontay Wilder he would lose to Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr.
The Matchroom supremo, 41, also confirmed AJ wants to fight the Bronze Bomber – as long as the match-up is commercially right.

Deontay Wilder was warned he would not beat Anthony Joshua or Andy Ruiz JrCredit: Instagram / @bronzebomber

Joshua beat Ruiz on points in the pair’s rematch in 2019 to reclaim his belts after he was KO’d in New York earlier that yearCredit: PA:Press Association

Eddie Hearn told Deontay Wilder to be careful but said he would still make the AJ fight if it was rightCredit: ©Mark Robinson Ltd

Mexican brawler Ruiz, 31, is responsible for the only blemish on Joshua’s record after a stunning KO victory over the Brit in New York in 2019.
The Watford man avenged his shock loss in the pair’s rematch later that year in Saudi Arabia to reclaim his WBA, IBF and WBO belts.
Wilder has not stepped foot in the ring since he was obliterated by Tyson Fury – who is in negotiations with AJ over a colossal two-fight deal – in February last year.
And Hearn claims Ruiz – who hasn’t fought since losing his rematch with Joshua – and heavyweight champ AJ would both be too good for the American who should be ‘careful’ after namechecking both as potential opponents.

He told iFL TV: “Two great fights. We tried so hard to fight Deontay Wilder and he never wanted to fight AJ but now he wants to fight him.
“It’s the same thing with Dillian Whyte – he did everything to try and fight Deontay Wilder.

I think Andy Ruiz will give Deontay Wilder fits.”
Eddie Hearn

“Deontay Wilder does not beat Anthony Joshua and he does not beat Andy Ruiz either, that’s for sure.
“He has to be very careful of those fights and now Andy Ruiz has teamed up with Eddie Reynoso in the team, I think he’s going to be a real force.

“I don’t think there’s many heavyweights out there who will beat Andy Ruiz, honestly. If he’s on it and he will be with Eddie Reynoso.
“I think he’ll give Deontay Wilder fits but he’s fighting [Chris] Areola which he’ll win in style.
“And let’s see Deontay back in the ring, enough talking now. It’s been a year since he boxed – come on, let’s see you back.”
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Leading promoter Hearn revealed Wilder could fight AJ in 2022 after two bouts against the Gypsy King.
Hearn suggested the Alabama slammer turned down the ‘deal of a lifetime’ to get the fight on previously when Wilder was still the WBC belt holder.
He told Sky Sports: “If it’s the right fight for AJ, not stylistically, but if it’s the right commercial fight.
“Listen, Deontay Wilder knows he turned down the deal of a lifetime to fight Anthony Joshua, but he made his bed and respect to him.
“I want to see him back in the ring.
“All we’re focusing on is the Tyson Fury fight, and anything else happens in 2022, because those two fights will be our plan for 2021.”

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DEONTAY WILDER could’ve been dealing with ‘brain issues’ during his stunning loss to Tyson Fury, his former coach Mark Breland believes.
The American’s reign as WBC heavyweight champion came to an emphatic end last February at the hands of The Gypsy King, who put on a career-best performance to record a seventh-round TKO victory.

Tyson Fury ended Deontay Wilder’s reign as WBC heavyweight champion last FebruaryCredit: Getty

Deontay Wilder’s left ear was gushing with blood during his defeat to Tyson FuryCredit: AFP

An aggressive Fury battered Wilder from pillar to post, so much so the American started bleeding from inside his left ear.
And Breland reckons the blood that came out of the Olympian’s auricle could’ve been the sign of a serious issue.
He told World Boxing News: “At that fight, just as many others, we had no cutman because Deontay won’t need it.
“So I’m not a doctor, but I know blood coming out of your ears and dazed eyes could be a brain issue.”

Former WBA welterweight champion Breland was axed by Wilder for mercifully throwing in the towel but has no regrets over his decision.
He added: “Power comes from your legs, and his legs were gone! – So I decided to stop the fight, and I’d do it all again.
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Mark Breland (L) has no regrets about throwing in the towelCredit: Getty
“I have a son Deontay’s age. I’m not looking to see him go out on his shield. I hope we all stay safe. There are so many bigger issues in the world!”

Since booting Breland out of his camp, Wilder has accused the 57-year-old of spiking his drink before the fight – an allegation which has been vehemently denied.
He said: “Anyone who knows a tiny bit about boxing knows there are tests before and after a fight. So that’s the end of that ludicrous allegation!
“And then there are the gloves. To that, I say that’s the one time I’m glad Jay [Deas, co-manager] treated me like I didn’t matter.
“So he does all the head trainer aspects, the witness for the hand wrapping, the press interviews, everything where a camera is involved – except hand wraps.
“I’m the one responsible for that. I’m not sure if [Deas] knows. In all those years, I can’t recall seeing him do it.

“Now this chapter of my life/book (in the process of being written) has come to an end. Above all, I won’t be talking about it anymore!
“To the ones who know me, I don’t need to say anything. To the ones who don’t, I’m not trying to defend such ridiculous, outlandish allegations.”
Breland launched a scathing attack on Wilder earlier this month, claiming the Olympic bronze medallist’s career in boxing is over.
Wilder has been left saddened by his former coach’s comments, saying: “It’s crazy, bro, it’s crazy.
“Because I had this man around me for so long. Do you know what I’m saying? I had him around my family, around my kids – I fed this dude.

Mark Breland’s decision to throw in the towel cost him his coaching role with Deontay WilderCredit: Getty

“Even when many people thought I outgrew him, many wanted me to fire him but I kept him on board. To hear all these things that he’s saying is crazy.
“It’s like, I was the one who fed you, bro. I was the one who kept you around. He should’ve been gone a long time ago.
“But because of the love that I have – to continue to give you a job and all of that. Even after the fact of all his medical issues that he’s personally going on with himself, I still kept him around.
“For him to betray me and say crazy stuff, man, you know, it is a little hurtful.”

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