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      Tyson Fury reveals heart-to-heart talks with Robbie Williams over mental health helped him cope with ‘paradise syndrome’

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      TYSON FURY has revealed a chat with Robbie Williams helped him through his mental health problems.
      And Fury says that being caught in a downward spiral after hitting superb career heights was described as ‘paradise syndrome’ by the legendary musician.

      Tyson Fury reveals he suffered the same mental health issues as Robbie WilliamsCredit: Rex Features

      Pop legend Williams has previously described the ‘disease in my head’Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Gypsy King has struggled with mental health issues his whole live, and it almost came to a shuddering end when Fury considered killing himself in the summer of 2016.
      The WBC heavyweight champ opened up how he drove his Ferrari towards bridge at 190mph in suicide attempt before he ‘heard a voice’ telling him not to do it.
      Now, in a revealing interview with The Big Issue magazine, the 32-year-old has shed light on how a chat with the former Take That singer helped him understand his mental health.
      The undefeated fighter said: “I struggled with mental health my entire life, until I got diagnosed with something that happened.

      “I didn’t know that there are so many people out there with the same issues and same problems and same feelings, until I saw a specialist to seek medical advice.
      “I spoke to Robbie Williams about it and he calls it paradise syndrome. Same thing happened to him.
      “He always wanted to be a rock star and famous; big, big recording artist and all that. And when he got it, he felt life wasn’t worth living any more.”
      Williams has previously spoke about the ‘disease in my head’ and admitted he has contemplated suicide a number of times.

      Tyson Fury won the heavyweight world titles in 2015 but revealed that never made him truly happyCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Fury’s suicide attempt came just months after he had shocked the world by easily beating Wladimir Klitschko to become the unified heavyweight champion of the world.
      In the revealing interview with The Big Issue Fury also says coronavirus restrictions put paid to him meeting Donald Trump and THE POPE.
      Fury is believed to be in negotiations for an undisputed clash against Anthony Joshua next year.
      But with the UK plunged into harsh new Covid-19 restrictions, the chances of it happening abroad are even higher.
      Fury will be hoping he would be permitted to travel for that having missed out on meeting two other big hitters.

      Tyson Fury is now back on top of the boxing worldCredit: PA:Press Association
      The 32-year-old said: “I was supposed to go and meet Donald Trump for lunch. But that got cancelled because of Covid.
      “And I was supposed to meet the Pope, but that had to be rescheduled too.
      “It’s quite a crazy feeling, to be honest, that these people will want to meet me. So I’ll take advantage of it.
      “And, you know, maybe I could learn something from these people, even if I’m around them for 30 seconds. See how they are, how they act. Never stop learning.”
      If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123, or visit Mind’s website.  

      Tyson Fury shows Anthony Joshua how to accept a fight on the Jonathan Ross show More

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      Tyson Fury reveals he was meant to meet Donald Trump for lunch and Pope before coronavirus axed meetings

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      TYSON FURY has revealed coronavirus restrictions put paid to him meeting Donald Trump and THE POPE.
      As well as seeing a potential December homecoming fight hit the buffers, it seems the Gypsy King missed out on meeting some seriously big names outside the ring.

      Tyson Fury has revealed coronavirus has cost him the chance to meet a couple of VERY famous peopleCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Donald Trump wanted to meet the Gypsy King but that had to be postponedCredit: AFP or licensors

      Fury is believed to be in negotiations for an undisputed clash against Anthony Joshua next year.
      But with the UK plunged into harsh new Covid-19 restrictions, the chances of it happening abroad are even higher.
      Fury will be hoping he would be permitted to travel for that having missed out on meeting two other big hitters.
      Speaking to this month’s Big Issue magazine, the 32-year-old said: “I was supposed to go and meet Donald Trump for lunch. But that got cancelled because of Covid.

      “And I was supposed to meet the Pope, but that had to be rescheduled too.
      “It’s quite a crazy feeling, to be honest, that these people will want to meet me. So I’ll take advantage of it.
      “And, you know, maybe I could learn something from these people, even if I’m around them for 30 seconds. See how they are, how they act. Never stop learning.”
      Fury also opened up on his mental health battles to the magazine, and told those who sell the publication to ‘stay positive and stay focused on the short-term goal’.

      Fury had even planned a chat with the head of the Catholic ChurchCredit: AFP or licensors

      Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed the all-British heavyweight showdown between Fury and Joshua has been verbally agreed.
      The blockbuster bout is likely to take place between next May or June after a breakthrough in negotiations.
      Matchroom boss Hearn admitted that ‘minor issues’ need to be resolved before an official date is confirmed.
      It is set to be one of the biggest British showdowns ever as the two giants to head-to-head to determine who will be crowned undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
      AJ FIGHT ‘VERBALLY AGREED’
      The Athletic’s Mike Coppinger wrote on social media: “Eddie Hearn says Tyson Fury-Anthony Joshua is verbally agreed to and contracts are being drafted for the heavyweight championship fight in May/June. 
      “Hearn says only ‘minor issues to resolve’ such as who walks last, the site, etc. This fight is going to happen next.”
      It is likely to be a two-fight deal worth a staggering £500million while the destination could be in the Middle East.

      Tyson Fury spars with boxer with prosthetic leg More

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      Tyson Fury spars with boxer with prosthetic leg ahead of Anthony Joshua fight with terms now ‘verbally agreed’

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      TYSON FURY was put through his paces in sparring by a boxer with a prosthetic leg.
      The Gypsy King is continuing to put the hard yards in over the festive season as he closes in on nailing down his undisputed clash against Anthony Joshua.

      Tyson Fury took on a boxer with a prosthetic leg in sparringCredit: Instagram @gypsyking101

      Fury is continuing his training as he prepares for Anthony JoshuaCredit: Instagram @gypsyking101

      Fury shared some footage on his Instagram Stories of him taking some shots from a disabled boxer.
      It comes after, unsurprisingly, the WBC champ failed to be crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
      Fury released a clip on spocial media after his nomination asking to be removed from the list, as he has ‘no need for verification or awards’
      But the BBC refused the Gypsy King’s request.

      Lewis Hamilton was crowned Sports Personality of the Year 2020.
      The Formula 1 legend won the gong for a second time, having earned the title back in 2014.
      The Mercedes driver won a fourth Driver’s Championship in a row this season, his seventh overall.
      Fury, meanwhile, is reportedly closing in on his Battle of Britain against Joshua.

      Fury had to be on his toes in the sparring sessionCredit: Instagram @gypsyking101

      The Athletic’s Mike Coppinger wrote on social media: “Eddie Hearn says Tyson Fury-Anthony Joshua is verbally agreed to and contracts are being drafted for the heavyweight championship fight in May/June. 
      “Hearn says only ‘minor issues to resolve’ such as who walks last, the site, etc. This fight is going to happen next.”
      It is likely to be a two-fight deal worth a staggering £500million while the destination could be in the Middle East.

      Promoter Eddie Hearn thinks the deal to make Fury vs Joshua is closing inCredit: Instagram @gypsyking101

      Anthony Joshua made a successful defence of his world titles last time out against Kubrat PulevCredit: Reuters
      AJ overcame his first obstacle by breezing past Kubrat Pulev last weekend while Fury remains in a legal battle with Deontay Wilder over their failed trilogy of fights.
      Another obstacle preventing the deal is the fact Oleksandr Usyk is currently the mandatory challenger for AJ’s WBO belt.
      Hearn has previously admitted that both fighters could ditch their belts, from the four major sanctioning bodies, if they try to block the undisputed decider.

      Anthony Joshua lashes out at Tyson Fury after his rival’s comments after Pulev fight More

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      Boxing schedule: Fight dates, results, undercards as Anthony Joshua and GGG win bouts, Canelo Alvarez vs Smith to come

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      BOXING has taken its fair share of punishment this year – but the sport is set to finish 2020 with a bang as a raft of massive bouts are yet to come.
      Anthony Joshua ended the British boxing year by knocking out Kubrat Pulev in the 9th round of their Wembley Arena clash.

      There’s still plenty to come stateside, with both Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin in action.
      And if that wasn’t enough, 2021 gets off to a cracker as Ryan Garcia faces Brit Luke Campbell.
      Check out SunSport’s boxing schedule for the rest of 2020 below…
      Major fight dates
      December 18 – Hollywood, Florida

      Gennadiy Golovkin (C) def. Kamil Szeremeta (12 rounds – middleweight IBF, IBO world titles) TKO7
      December 19 – San Antonio, Texas
      Canelo Alvarez vs Callum Smith (C) (12 rounds – super-middleweight, WBA & Ring Magazine titles)
      January 2 – Venue: TBC
      Ryan Garcia vs Luke Campbell (12 rounds – lightweight)

      Anthony Joshua poses with Floyd Mayweather after knocking out Kubrat PulevCredit: ©Mark Robinson Ltd
      Full boxing schedule 2020
      November 28 – London, England (BT Sport)
      Joe Joyce (C) def. Daniel Dubois (C) KO10 (12 rounds – heavyweight, British, Commonwealth, European titles)
      Hamzah Sheeraz def. Guido Nicolas Pitto TKO10 (10 rounds – super-welterweight)
      Jack Catterall def. Abderrazak Houya UD10 (10 rounds – super-lightweight)
      David Adeleye def. Danny Whittaker TKO2 (6 rounds – heavyweight)
      Jack Massey def. Mohammad Ali Bayat Farid UD8 (8 rounds – cruiserweight)
      Joshua Frankham def. MJ Hall (4 rounds – super-welterweight)
      Louie Lynn def. Paul Holt (8 rounds – featherweight)
      Mitchell Barton def. Matt Gordon (4 rounds – heavyweight)
      November 28 – Los Angeles, California (BT Sport Box Office)

      Mike Tyson DREW w/ Roy Jones Jr (Exhibition, 8 rounds – heavyweight)
      Jake Paul def. Nate Robinson KO2 (6 rounds – cruiserweight)
      Badou Jake def. Blake McKernon (8 rounds – light-heavyweight)

      Mike Tyson returns to the ring on November 28 vs Roy Jones Jr Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      December 4 – London, England (Sky Sports)
      Billy Joe Saunders (C) def. Martin Murray UD 12 (12 rounds, super-middleweight, WBO world title)
      James Tennyson def. Josh O’Reilly KO1 (12 rounds – lightweight)
      Donte Dixon def. Angelo Dragone UD6 (6 rounds – super-featherweight)
      Shannon Courtenay def. Dorota Norek TKO7 (10 rounds – super-bantamweight)
      Lerrone Richards def. Timo Laine UD8 (8 rounds – super-middleweight)
      Lewis Edmondson def. John Telford TKO3 (8 rounds – light-heavyweight)

      NINTCHDBPICT000623871020-1Credit: ©Dave Thompson/Route One Ltd
      December 5 – Arlington, Texas (Premier Sports)
      Errol Spence Jr (C) def. Danny Garcia UD 12 (12 rounds – welterweight, WBC & IBF world titles)
      Sebastian Fundora def. Habib Ahmed TKO2 (12 rounds, super-welterweight)
      Josesito Lopez def. Francisco Santana KO10 (10 rounds – welterweight)
      December 5 – London, England (BT Sport)
      Lyndon Arthur (C) def, Anthony Yarde SD12 (12 rounds – light-heavyweight, Commonwealth title)

      Errol Spence Jr beat Danny Garcia on points in TexasCredit: AP:Associated Press
      December 11 – Redditch, England (Channel 5)
      Sam Eggington def. Ashley Theophane, 10 or 12 rounds, junior middleweights TKO6
      Kaisee Benjamin def. Ben Fields (10 rounds – welterweight) UD10
      Stephen McKenna def. MJ Hall (6 – rounds super-lightweight) RET4
      Aaron McKenna def. Jordan Grannum (6 – rounds super-welterweight) RET2
      Michael Hennessy Jr def. Dale Arrowsmith (6 round – super-welterweight) UD 6
      Idris Virgo def. Kevin McCauley ( 4 rounds – middleweight) UD4
      December 12 – London (Sky Sports Box Office)
      Anthony Joshua (C) def. Kubrat Pulev KO9 (12 rounds – heavyweight, WBA, WBO & IBF world titles)
      Lawrence Okolie def. Nikodem Jezewski KO2 (12 rounds – cruiserweight, vacant WBO world title)
      Hughie Fury def. Mariusz Wach UD10 (10 rounds – heavyweight)
      Martin Bakole def. Sergey Kuzmin UD10 (10 rounds – heavyweight)
      Kieron Conway def. Macauley McGowan UD10 (10 rounds – super-welterweight)
      Florian Marku DREW w/ Jamie Stewart (8 rounds – welterweight)
      Qais Ashfaq def. Ashley Lane TKO4 (8 rounds – featherweight)

      Joshua KO’d Pulev in nine rounds at Wembley ArenaCredit: AP:Associated Press
      December 12 – Uncasville, Connecticut (Premier Sports)
      Chris Colbert (C) def. Jaime Arboleda KO11 (12 rounds – super-featherweight, WBA interim title)
      Ronald Ellis def. Mat Korobov RTD5 (10 rounds – middleweight)
      Richardson Hitchins def. Argenis Mendez SD10 (10 rounds – super-lightweight)
      December 12 – Las Vegas, Nevada (Fite TV)
      Shakur Stevenson def. Toka Kahn Clary UD10 (10 rounds – super-featherweight)
      Masayoshi Nakatani def. Felix Verdejo KO9 (10 rounds – lightweight)
      Edgar Berlanga def.. Ulises Sierra KO1 (8 rounds – super middleweight)
      December 16 – Sydney, Australia
      Tim Tszyu def. Bowyn Morgan KO1 (10 rounds – super-welterweight)
      December 18 – Redditch, England
      Craig Richards def. (C) vs Shakan Pitters KO9 (12 rounds – light-heavyweight, British title)
      December 18 – Hollywood, Florida (DAZN UK)
      Gennadiy Golovkin (C) def. Kamil Szeremeta TKO7 (12 rounds – middleweight IBF, IBO world titles)
      Carlos Gongora def. Ali Akhmedov KO12. (12 rounds – super-middleweight)
      Hyun Mi Choi def. Calista Silgado UD10 (10 rounds – super-featherweight)
      John Ryder def. Michael Guy UD10 (10 rounds – super-siddleweight)
      Reshat Mati def. Dennis Okoth TKO6 (6 rounds – welterweight)
      Jalen Walker def. Rafael Reyes (8 rounds – featherweight)
      December 19 – San Antonio, Texas (DAZN UK)
      Canelo Alvarez vs Callum Smith (C) (12 rounds – super-middleweight, WBA & Ring Magazine world titles)
      Marc Castro v TBA (4 rounds – super featherweight)
      Alexis Espino vs Ashton Sykes (8 rounds – super-middleweight)
      Austin Williams vs Isiah Jones (8 rounds – middleweight)
      Christian Alan Gomez Duran vs Angel Hernandez (10 rounds – welterweight)
      Alexis Moline vs TBA (10 rounds – featherweight)
      Raymond Ford vs Robert Greenwood – (8 rounds – featherweight bout)

      Canelo Alvarez hasn’t been in the ring since a KO win over Sergey Kovalev last yearCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      December 19 – Uncasville, Connecticut (Premier Sports)
      Emmanuel Rodriguez vs Reymart Gaballo (12 rounds – bantamweight, vacant WBC title)
      Jaron Ennis vs Chris van Heerden (10 rounds – welterweight)

      Nonito Donaire will look to win the WBC bantamweight world title on December 19Credit: PA:Press Association

      December 19 – Torrelavega, Spain
      Sergio Martinez vs Jussi Koivula (10 rounds – middleweight)
      Sergio Garcia (C) vs Andranik Hakobyan (12 rounds – super-welterweight, European title)
      Angel Moreno vs Mohammed Obbadi (12 rounds – flyweight, vacant European title)
      Kiko Martinez vs Pedro Gomes (8 rounds – featherweight)
      Jon Fernandez vs Abdessamad Nechchad (8 rounds – lightweight)
      Bernard Angelo Torres vs Costin Ion (8 rounds – featherweight)
      Kent Erik Baadstad vs David Trallero (4 rounds – heavyweight)
      December 26 – Los Angeles, California
      Julian “J Rock” Williams vs TBA (12 rounds, super-welterweight)
      James Kirkland vs Mark Anthony Hernande (10 rounds, middleweight)
      Darmani Rock vs TBA (10 rounds, heavyweight)
      Omar Juarez vs TBA (6 or 8 rounds, super-lightwight)
      Chavez Barrientes vs TBA (6 rounds, featherweight)
      Angel Barrientes vs TBA (6 rounds, super-bantamweight)
      December 31 – Tokyo, Japan
      Kazuto Ioka (C) vs Kosei Tanaka (12 rounds, super-flyweight, WBO world title)
      January 2 – Venue: TBC
      Ryan Garcia vs Luke Campbell (12 rounds – lightweight) More

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      Unpredictable Tyson Fury has right mentality and boxing skills to beat Anthony Joshua, says Oleksandr Usyk

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      TYSON FURY is an ‘unpredictable boxer’ with the right mentality and boxing skills required to beat Anthony Joshua, according to Oleksandr Usyk.
      Joshua’s WBO mandatory challenger Usyk revealed he believes the Gypsy King is capable of toppling AJ – who delivered a stunning knockout against Kubrat Pulev last weekend to put the pair on a collision course in 2021.

      ‘Unpredictable’ Tyson Fury has the skills and mentality to beat Anthony Joshua, according to Oleksandr UsykCredit: PA:Press Association

      Joshua knocked out Kubrat Pulev to clear the path for a 2021 all-British showdownCredit: Reuters

      AJ’s WBO mandatory Oleksandr Usyk claimed Fury has what it takes to topple JoshuaCredit: ©Mark Robinson Ltd

      And the Ukrainian, 33, may clear the way for a £500million two-fight deal to be agreed between the Brits after hinting he could choose to step aside.
      Usyk told SunSport: “I should say that Tyson Fury is an unpredictable boxer.
      “He has the right mentality and the boxing skills required [to beat Joshua].
      “But it is boxing so I can’t predict what would happen and how such a fight would end.

      “But we will have to wait and see and I would be sure to watch.”

      Fury has the right mentality and the boxing skills required [to beat Joshua].”
      Oleksandr Usyk

      The man who unified the cruiserweight division suggested a ‘once in a lifetime’ unification of the heavyweight belts could see WBC champ Fury jump the queue to fight Joshua ahead of him.
      When asked if he would consider moving aside, Usyk said: “All four belts might end up in the same hands of one person.
      “It might be a once in a lifetime opportunity. We should all talk and communicate for that to happen because it is a really big event.”

      In his first fight in 12 months, AJ took out veteran Bulgarian Pulev in the ninth round in front of a reduced crowd of 1,000 at Wembley Arena.

      The victory was the Watford fighter’s first outing since reclaiming his WBA, WBO and IBF belts by outpointing Andy Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia in December 2019.
      Pulev took on Joshua as the IBF mandatory and was floored TWICE in the third round by some huge bombs.
      The 39-year-old somehow survived a standing count and made it to the bell despite seeming to turn his back on AJ – something that could have seen the fight stopped immediately by the referee.
      Many were surprised when Pulev battled his way back into the contest only to be KO’d in the ninth round.

      I think that if Anthony didn’t end the fight in round three – either he couldn’t or he just didn’t want to.”
      Oleksandr Usykon Anthony Joshua vs Kubrat Pulev

      But Usyk suggested AJ may not have wanted to get his opponent out of the ring early after a year out.
      Speaking exclusively to SunSport, the unbeaten Ukrainian said: “I personally thought the fight would end somewhere around round six or seven but they held out nine rounds.
      “I think that if Anthony didn’t end the fight in round three – either he couldn’t or he just didn’t want to.”
      Oleksandr Usyk was speaking after launching the WePlay Ultimate Fighting League in partnership with WePlay Esports.

      Tyson Fury demands Anthony Joshua ‘grow a pair and sign contract big boy for biggest fight since Rumble in the Jungle’  More

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      Oleksandr Usyk hints he WILL step aside for Anthony Joshua to fight Tyson Fury in ‘once in a lifetime’ unification bout

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      OLEKSANDR USYK has hinted that he WILL step aside as WBO mandatory challenger to allow Anthony Joshua to fight Tyson Fury.
      The Ukrainian, 33, said the chance of a massive unification bout with all four heavyweight belts on the line would be a “once in a lifetime opportunity”.

      WBO mandatory challenger Oleksandr Usyk hinted he may step aside to allow Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury to fightCredit: Mark Robinson Ltd

      Joshua is scheduled to fight Usyk but could look to unify the division against WBC champ FuryCredit: Reuters

      Fury is calling for an all-British heavyweight unification bout with AJCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      When asked if he would consider moving aside, Usyk told SunSport: “All four belts might end up in the same hands of one person.
      “It might be a once in a lifetime opportunity. We should all talk and communicate for that to happen because it is a really big event.”
      The man who unified the cruiserweight division revealed he is still chasing the Joshua fight after the Watford boxer delivered a stunning knockout against Kubrat Pulev last weekend.
      But Usyk admitted there are many factors at play in order to get the match-up signed, with calls growing louder for a £500million two-fight deal to be agreed between AJ and Fury.

      He added: “I still want to fight Anthony Joshua for the title.
      “There are many factors for this fight to happen, my team and all the participants and all their interested parties are already working on it
      “But there are still many people who wish to fight him as well, like Tyson Fury.”
      Usyk’s manager Egis Kilmas claimed that if AJ chose to vacate the WBO belt in order to fight Fury it would show he was ‘scared’ of taking on Usyk.

      Kilmas previously told BoxingScene.com: “Giving up the WBO belt means that Anthony Joshua is scared to fight Oleksandr Usyk. It means he sees a big risk fighting Oleksandr Usyk and losing.
      “That’s what it tells me. If Anthony Joshua is 100 per cent sure he can beat Oleksandr Usyk then it’s a different story. But if he is not sure, of course, he can give up the title.”
      But Usyk disagreed with his manager when speaking exclusively to SunSport and said: “No, I don’t think he would really be afraid of me.
      “Because I think if he even does vacate the belt, he might have his own reasons. With Tyson Fury he has better opportunities, I think.”
      Usyk praised British super-middleweight Callum Smith’s ‘skills’ ahead of his world title defence against Canelo Alvarez on Saturday.
      But tipped the Mexican to come out on top as he is ‘two levels’ better than his opponent – despite giving away a SEVEN INCH height advantage.

      With Tyson Fury he has better opportunities.”
      Oleksandr Usykon Anthony Joshua

      SunSport’s pound for pound top ten
      Usyk said: “I think that in boxing everybody has a chance in a fight.
      “Of course, Smith has good skills but I think Alvarez wins over him by two levels but it is boxing and anything can happen.”
      Usyk was asked if he would ever consider moving back down the weight categories to fight pound-for-pound No1 Alvarez – who has previously competed at light-heavyweight.
      But the unbeaten Ukrainian claimed he would have to cut off his LEG to shed enough weight to make a bout possible.
      He added: “I think that I wouldn’t be capable of it. I left the cruiserweight category because it was too difficult to make the weight.
      “I would have to cut off my leg or something to fight someone like Alvarez.”
      Oleksandr Usyk was speaking after launching the WePlay Ultimate Fighting League in partnership with WePlay Esports.

      Anthony Joshua willing to ‘bet all my money’ he will fight Oleksandr Usyk next as he’s unsure of Tyson Fury’s plans More

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      Oleksandr Usyk hints he WILL step aside for Anthony Joshua to fight Tyson Fury for ‘once in lifetime’ unification clash

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      OLEKSANDR USYK hinted he WILL step aside as WBO mandatory challenger to allow Anthony Joshua to fight Tyson Fury.
      The Ukrainian, 33, said the chance of a huge unification bout with all four heavyweight belts on the line would be a “once in a lifetime opportunity”.

      WBO mandatory challenger Oleksandr Usyk hinted he may step aside to allow Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury to fightCredit: Mark Robinson Ltd

      Joshua is scheduled to fight Usyk but could look to unify the division against WBC champ FuryCredit: Reuters

      Fury is calling for an all-British heavyweight unification bout with AJCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      When asked if he would consider moving aside, Usyk told SunSport: “All four belts might end up in the same hands of one person.
      “It might be a once in a lifetime opportunity. We should all talk and communicate for that to happen because it is a really big event.”
      The man who unified the cruiserweight division revealed he is still chasing the Joshua fight after the Watford boxer delivered a stunning knockout against Kubrat Pulev last weekend.
      But Usyk admitted there are many factors at play in order to get the match-up signed, with calls growing louder for a £500million two-fight deal to be agreed between AJ and Fury.

      He added: “I still want to fight Anthony Joshua for the title.
      “There are many factors for this fight to happen, my team and all the participants and all their interested parties are already working on it
      “But there are still many people who wish to fight him as well, like Tyson Fury.”
      Usyk’s manager Egis Kilmas claimed that if AJ chose to vacate the WBO belt in order to fight Fury it would show he was ‘scared’ of taking on Usyk.

      Kilmas previously told BoxingScene.com: “Giving up the WBO belt means that Anthony Joshua is scared to fight Oleksandr Usyk. It means he sees a big risk fighting Oleksandr Usyk and losing.
      “That’s what it tells me. If Anthony Joshua is 100 per cent sure he can beat Oleksandr Usyk then it’s a different story. But if he is not sure, of course, he can give up the title.”
      But Usyk disagreed with his manager when speaking exclusively to SunSport and said: “No, I don’t think he would really be afraid of me.
      “Because I think if he even does vacate the belt, he might have his own reasons. With Tyson Fury he has better opportunities, I think.”
      Usyk praised British super-middleweight Callum Smith’s ‘skills’ ahead of his world title defence against Canelo Alvarez on Saturday.
      But tipped the Mexican to come out on top as he is ‘two levels’ better than his opponent – despite giving away a SEVEN INCH height advantage.

      With Tyson Fury he has better opportunities.”
      Oleksandr Usykon Anthony Joshua

      SunSport’s pound for pound top ten
      Usyk said: “I think that in boxing everybody has a chance in a fight.
      “Of course, Smith has good skills but I think Alvarez wins over him by two levels but it is boxing and anything can happen.”
      Usyk was asked if he would ever consider moving back down the weight categories to fight pound-for-pound No1 Alvarez – who has previously competed at light-heavyweight.
      But the unbeaten Ukrainian claimed he would have to cut off his LEG to shed enough weight to make a bout possible.
      He added: “I think that I wouldn’t be capable of it. I left the cruiserweight category because it was too difficult to make the weight.
      “I would have to cut off my leg or something to fight someone like Alvarez.”
      Oleksandr Usyk was speaking after launching the WePlay Ultimate Fighting League in partnership with WePlay Esports.

      Anthony Joshua willing to ‘bet all my money’ he will fight Oleksandr Usyk next as he’s unsure of Tyson Fury’s plans More

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      Tyson Fury accuses Anthony Joshua of ducking questions over pair fighting and says ‘ask me and it’s a simple yes’

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      TYSON FURY has accused Anthony Joshua of ducking questions about fighting the Gypsy King next year.
      The pair are expected to do battle in the ring twice in 2021.

      Tyson Fury appeared on The Jonathan Ross ShowCredit: Rex Features

      But Joshua, 31, was coy after Saturday night’s ninth round win over Kubrat Pulev.
      Fury, 32, isn’t normally one for subtleties, and his appearance alongside Dame Joan Collins, Maya Jama and Russell Kane on the Jonathan Ross Show was no different.
      Quizzed by Ross, 60, the WBC champ said: “He was asked the question, ‘Do you want to fight Tyson Fury?’ very plain and simple, and he never answered the question.
      “It was a simple yes or no answer wasn’t it? Then they said, ‘Do you think you’re the best heavyweight in the world?’ and he went [holds hands up].

      “Didn’t answer the question. Ask me, do you want to fight Anthony Joshua?”
      Ross then duly obliged, to which Fury responded ‘Yes’, before being asked who is the world’s best heavyweight.
      Unsurprisingly, he replied: “Me, by a mile. There we go, that’s how you answer the question.”
      Matchroom supremo Eddie Hearn revealed earlier this week that talks are progressing nicely with Bob Arum.

      AJ dispatched of Kubrat Pulev on Saturday nightCredit: PA:Press Association

      And both fighters are believed to have agreed terms.
      Last weekend, Fury accused Joshua of ‘s***ing himself’ on ‘live television’.
      He said: “There you go everyone, Anthony Joshua just s*** himself on live television.
      “He got asked if he wanted the fight, and he went around the bushes and put his a*** in the hedge.

      He’s a big bum dosser, can’t wait to knock him out
      Tyson Fury

      “I want the fight, I want the fight next, I will knock him out inside three rounds.
      “He’s a big bum dosser, can’t wait to knock him out.”
      But, responding to BBC Radio 5 Live, AJ remained cool and composed.
      He said: “That’s good to hear.
      “At least I can get him in the ring… that’s all we want, right?
      “So, he’s on the right track.”

      Anthony Joshua lashes out at Tyson Fury after his rival’s comments after Pulev fight More