Heavyweight boxing

AGIT KABAYEL has reportedly agreed to fight Tyson Fury for the WBC heavyweight title on December 5.
And that comes after the Gypsy King finally responded to Deontay Wilder’s cheating allegations by claiming the American had ‘lost his marbles’.

Agit Kabayel has agreed to fight Tyson Fury in DecemberCredit: Getty Images – Getty

And the Gypsy King finally hit back at Deontay WilderCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Only the ‘final details need to be clarified’ before an official announcement is made this week on the world champion’s next defence.
That is according to Bild, who claim the undefeated German was a boyhood friend of ex-Manchester City star Leroy Sane.
It will be the Gypsy King’s first time boxing in the UK since 2018, having signed a deal with US promotion Top Rank last year.
And after cancelling his trilogy bout with Wilder, Fury is now using his homecoming as a tune up to prepare for an all-British unification showdown with Anthony Joshua in 2021.

But he will face a tough test in the 20-0 fighter when they collide in London.
Kabayel was born in Leverkusen with both his parents coming from the Kurdish part of Turkey.
He grew up with Bayern Munich’s Sane and also played football alongside him at Bayer Leverkusen
Kabayel, who is also the cousin of rapper KC Rebell, is a former European champion and defeated Evgenios Lazaridis in July. 

Wilder recently came out with bizarre new ‘cheat’ claimsCredit: AP:Associated Press

The Bochum-based boxer recently signed up with Fury’s US promoters Top Rank and was due to make his debut Stateside until the coronavirus outbreak scuppered that.
Meanwhile, Fury has hit back Wilder’s bizarre claims he had an object resembling an ‘egg weight’ hidden inside his gloves and his former trainer, Mark Breland, spiked his water before his loss to the Englishman in February.
The 32-year-old told TalkSPORT: “First of all it was the suit, then it was the bicep injury, then his trainer was on our team, then the referee was against him, then I had weights in my gloves.
“Now someone has spiked his water. It’s one of those things, isn’t it.”
And discussing the reasons behind the failure to get a trilogy fight with the Bronze Bomber sorted and instead finding an alternative opponent, Fury added: “The original date was July 18.
“That didn’t happen because he had an injury so it got put back three months to October, then that didn’t happen because they were trying to get a venue.
“And then they had three dates in December – 5th, 12th, 19th – which I agreed to all them and obviously that didn’t’ happen.
“So, I’m not going to wait around forever.”

Tyson Fury says he is ‘patiently waiting’ as opponent still to be named for UK homecoming fight on December 5 More

ANTHONY JOSHUA’S rival Zhilei Zhang stopped Devin Vargas within four rounds – and is now eyeing a rematch with the world champion.
The Chinese heavyweight, 37, was dominant throughout his bout on Saturday night.

Zhilei Zhang took his professional record to 22-0 with victory over Devin Vargas in FloridaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

The 37-year-old heavyweight, promoted by Matchroom, is now desperate to face Anthony Joshua Credit: Getty Images – Getty

And it was all over within four rounds as he knocked the American out in Florida.
That took his professional record to a perfect 22-0.
The fight against Vargas was the first time Zhang had been exclusively promoted by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom.
And the heavyweight is determined to take on Hearn’s poster boy Joshua again.

AJ got the better of ‘Big Bang’ Zhang on his way to Olympic gold in 2012.
But a rematch between the WBO, WBA and IBF king and the China star in the latter’s homeland would also raise the profile of boxing in the country.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Zhang said: “I said it on multiple occasions, let’s make it happen as soon as possible.
“I went in the ring with the wrong mentality knowing that he was from the host country, that I had to knock him out to win.

“I fought the whole fight looking for the big shot and over-exposed myself.
“Ever since then I have been working on adjusting my mind before the fight and I’m happy that a lot has been done over the years.”
His advisor advisor Terry Lane added: “Professional boxing in China is still in its infancy, it is still emerging.
“But there are indications that it is growing, although it’s not as big as NBA, tennis or golf.
“To make it explode, we want a big heavyweight fight involving Zhilei hosted in China.
“He is a very talented, top heavyweight who is in the mix. We want to use this to build the boxing industry in China.”
Joshua takes on Bulgarian veteran Kubrat Pulev on December 12 – that will be the first defence of his belts since reclaiming them from Andy Ruiz Jr at the end of last year.
If he wins that, Zhang may have to wait even longer for a shot at AJ because a two-fight deal is in place for the Watford hero to take on British rival and WBC champ Tyson Fury in a blockbuster double act.

Joshua floored Zhang on his way to Olympic gold in 2012Credit: Getty Images – Getty

The Chinese star wants a rematch in his homeland to help promote boxing in the countryCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Anthony Joshua rival Zhilei Zhang shows off his moves in the training ring More

MIKE TYSON once again showed off his ferocious speed and power in preparation for his fight with Roy Jones Jr.
Brazilian trainer Rafael Cordeiro has continued to give fans a glimpse of Tyson’s training with another explosive video on the pads.

Mike Tyson once again showed off his ferocious speed and power

Tyson is training for his fight against Roy Jones Jr

In the latest clip, Iron Mike throws a rear hand to the body, ducks underneath and comes up with a left hook and right hand combination.
Fans were left hailing Tyson in the comments, as one said: “Beast mode.”
Another said: “He still got it! Champ!”
It comes just after Tyson was captured backing Cordeiro up against the ropes in another drill on the mitts.

Tyson, 54, is set to return to the ring for the first time in 15 years when he faces Jones, 51, in an eight-round exhibition on November 28.
The heavyweight icon has spent his comeback with MMA coach Cordeiro, where he has dramatically transformed his body.
Tyson’s decision to fight again has inspired other retired legends to do the same.
Oscar De La Hoya, now a promoter, is among those, but instead wants to lace up the gloves as a professional again, opposed to in exhibitions.

But the 47-year-old – who has not fought since 2008 – will have a close eye on Tyson’s comeback fight.
And he has even tipped the reformed Baddest Man on The Planet to win, taking Teofimo Lopez’s shock win over Vasily Lomachenko as inspiration.
De La Hoya said on Instagram Live: “Mike Tyson vs Roy Jones Jr what do I think?
“In boxing, and I think Teofimo [Lopez] proved it, is that a good big guy always beats a good small guy.
“It’s always like that, so I’m going to have to go with Tyson.
“But it wouldn’t surprise me if Jones Jr pulls something off – like he always has in his career.”

Tyson has transformed his body ahead of his comeback More

MIKE TYSON has revealed he would ‘love’ an Evander Holyfield trilogy fight as he targets more exhibition fights – at the age of 54.
Iron Mike is in training to fight Roy Jones Jr in California on November 28 after coming out of retirement.

Evander Holyfield on his way to victory against Mike Tyson in their first meeting in 1996Credit: Getty Images – Getty

The referee stops the fight in the 11th as Holyfield beats TysonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Holyfield puts Tyson on the canvas in the sixth round of their 1996 clashCredit: AFP – Getty

Tyson’s original decision to step back in the ring this year was followed by Holyfield getting on the comeback trail – and demanding a trilogy with his old foe.
Many thought the two greats would get it on again – 23 years after Tyson controversially bit off part of the Real Deal’s ear.
In the first fight between the pair Holyfield won in the 11th round by TKO.
But the Real Deal never got to fight the Baddest Man on the Planet in his prime.

Holyfield, 58, has made it clear he would like to fight Tyson again, having become only the second man to defeat him with victory in 1996.
And now the former undisputed heavyweight champion – and one of the greatest boxers of all time – has concurred.
Iron Mike said: “That’s always something that we can do if the people want it, if it’s pragmatic enough, I’d love to do it.”

In an interview with Monday Night Football in the USA, Tyson also indicated to interviewer Jim Gray that he would consider a major title fight.

He said: “Man, that would be a novelty. Me using my skills, matching my skills now against the best heavyweights in the world, that would be mind-boggling.”
Jones is 51 so the pair take 105 years between them in the ring for their match-up.
However, age is but a number to the Baddest Man on the Planet.
He said: “‘Old guys’ – that word don’t even make sense. ‘Old’. It’s just a new time, a new thinking period in our lives.
“This is what we want to do. Sometimes the gods of war, they revive you and say, ‘You have to do more’.
“Now I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t prepare for this. I box people to see if I’m able do this stuff, so I can do this stuff.”
Tyson has lost nearly five stone as he gets into prime condition to fight Jones.
Iron Mike, who operates a cannabis farm in California, last fought professionally in 2005.
He also held exhibition matches in 2006 in an ill-fated comeback.
But he has revealed he plans three more fights after dispatching Jones this month.

Mike Tyson shows off ferocious speed and power in training leaving fans stunned ahead of Jones Jr fight More

MIKE TYSON once again showed off his ferocious speed and power in preparation for his fight against Roy Jones Jr.
Brazilian trainer Rafael Cordeiro has continued to give fans a glimpse of Tyson’s training with another explosive video on the pads.

Mike Tyson once again showed off his ferocious speed and power

Tyson is training for his fight against Roy Jones Jr

In the latest clip, Iron Mike throws a rear hand to the body, ducks underneath and comes up with a left hook and right hand combination.
Fans were left hailing Tyson in the comments, as one said: “Beast mode.”
Another said: “He still got it! Champ!”
It comes just after Tyson was captured backing Cordeiro up against the ropes in another drill on the mitts.

Tyson, 54, is set to return to the ring for the first time in 15 years when he faces Jones, 51, in an eight-round exhibition on November 28.
The heavyweight icon has spent his comeback with MMA coach Cordeiro, where he has dramatically transformed his body.
Tyson’s decision to fight again has inspired other retired legends to do the same.
Oscar De La Hoya, now a promoter, is among those, but instead wants to lace up the gloves as a professional again, opposed to in exhibitions.

But the 47-year-old – who has not fought since 2008 – will have a close eye on Tyson’s comeback fight.
And he has even tipped the reformed Baddest Man on The Planet to win, taking Teofimo Lopez’s shock win over Vasily Lomachenko as inspiration.
De La Hoya said on Instagram Live: “Mike Tyson vs Roy Jones Jr what do I think?
“In boxing, and I think Teofimo [Lopez] proved it, is that a good big guy always beats a good small guy.
“It’s always like that, so I’m going to have to go with Tyson.
“But it wouldn’t surprise me if Jones Jr pulls something off – like he always has in his career.”

Tyson has transformed his body ahead of his comeback More

ANTHONY JOSHUA is being targetted with a knockout move on the Chinese market.
The reigning WBO, WBA and IBF heavyweight champ could fight former amateur foe Zhilei Zhang, and open up a whole audience at the same time.

Anthony Joshua could be on route to becoming the next big thing in ChinaCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Zhilei Zhang is unbeaten as a pro and wants a rematch against JoshuaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

The two fought in the London 2012 Olympics, with AJ flooring Zhang on route to securing his gold medal.
But the Chinese warrior, nicknamed ‘Big Bang Zhang’ is eager for them to rematch in the professional ranks.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the 37-year-old said: “I said it on multiple occasions, let’s make it happen as soon as possible.
“I went in the ring with the wrong mentality knowing that he was from the host country, that I had to knock him out to win.

“I fought the whole fight looking for the big shot and over-exposed myself.
“Ever since then I have been working on adjusting my mind before the fight and I’m happy that a lot has been done over the years.”
And a rematch between the two in the pro ranks could be easier to make than you might think.
Zhang has a ranking with both the WBO and the IBF and is promoted by Matchroom – the same as Joshua.

Joshua floored Zhang on route to a gold medal at the London 2012 OlympicsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Zhang says he has learned lessons from his defeat to JoshuaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

As an amateur he won a silver medal at the 2008 Olympics, and now as a professional he has racked up 21 straight wins.
His advisor Terry Lane is predicting big things for the almost 7ft Chinese fighter.
He added: “We have big plans. His next couple of fights will be in the US but Matchroom share our vision of a major, major fight in Beijing or Shanghai. That is the goal for everybody.
“China wants to be the best at everything so they would want a mega-fight with a top heavyweight like Joshua or Tyson Fury. That is the aim for us.
“We’re closer to it than we were a few months ago.”
Joshua is busy preparing for his world title defence against Kubrat Pulev on December 12 and is seemingly close to agreeing two fights with Brit rival and WBC champ Tyson Fury.
So for now, Zhang will have to wait in line for his title chances.

Watch Anthony Joshua shout ‘I’m coming Usyk’ as footage emerges of heavyweight rivals’ exchange after Chisora fight More

TOMMY FURY believes Anthony Joshua will ‘gas out’ and be the ‘easiest fight’ of brother Tyson’s career.
Joshua and Fury have verbally agreed a two-fight deal for 2021, needing only to win their next fights to set up the undisputed title decider.

Tommy Fury believes Anthony Joshua will be the ‘easiest fight’ of Tyson’s career

Joshua has verbally agreed a two-fight deal with Fury Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

It promises to be the biggest headliner in British history, but Tyson’s little brother Tommy predicts it will be a walk in the park for his elder sibling.
He told sports PR agency Press Box: “I’m not being biased but the Joshua fight will be the easiest fight of Tyson’s career.
“Tyson’s an all round better fighter than Joshua.
“Joshua’s a great champion and achieved a lot in his career but Tyson’s just on that next level. There’s not anything that Joshua does that poses a threat.

“He comes forward and he throws a one-two, a hook and the occasional uppercut – that’s it.”
Fury, 32, cancelled his trilogy bout with Deontay Wilder, 34, after their immediate rematch clause expired last month.
He is now set for a UK homecoming on December 5 in a tune-up for Joshua, 31, who faces Kubrat Pulev, 39, in a mandatory defence a week after.
Light-heavyweight Tommy, 21, reckons Fury’s demolition of Wilder last February is evidence that AJ has no chance against the Gypsy King.

And he accused Joshua of being too ‘musclebound’ which could lead to the 6ft 6in WBA, IBF and WBO unified champ tiring later on.
Tommy said: “For my money Wilder would have had his way with Joshua.
“Wilder’s a lot more explosive and a harder hitter, so if Tyson has done that to Wilder, what is he gonna do to Joshua?
“The Joshua fight would be a foregone conclusion. If Tyson chose to box, Joshua wouldn’t get near him.
“If Tyson wants to fight AJ like he did Wilder then he ain’t going to win that battle because Tyson is six-feet-nine inches, nearly 20 stone and has got big, big fire power now – if a massive puncher like Wilder couldn’t do anything with that, what’s Joshua going to do?
“Joshua is a big man but he’s musclebound and in the late rounds that will have an effect.

“As we’ve seen in a lot of Joshua’s fights, when he’s been in a proper fight, he has gassed out.
“Round six, seven and eight he has become sloppy and that’s when I think Tyson will get him out of there.”
Tommy himself is preparing to fight for the first time since he blasted away Przemyslaw Binienda in the first round last December.
The ex-Love Island contestant returns to the ring next Friday for his fourth pro fight, but an opponent is yet to be announced.
Tommy said: “I’m feeling good, I’m feeling very fit ahead of this fight.
“I just want to get in there and show everybody that this is what I do and this is me.
“Tune in next week because you’re gonna see a whole different set of skills from me; my boxing, my power, my movement and I’m looking to put a great show on.”  More

MIKE TYSON refused to rule out facing Anthony Joshua or Tyson Fury in a ‘mind-boggling’ fight for the ages.
It comes as he closes in on his return to the ring, 15 years on since retiring after falling out of love with the sport.

Mike Tyson pictured with WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury

Unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua Credit: PA:Press Association

But Tyson, at the age of 54, insists he feels rejuvenated as he prepares to box Roy Jones Jr, 51, over eight exhibition rounds in his comeback bout this month.
And afterwards he is even ready to share the ring with the best boxing has to currently offer.
Tyson told Jim Gray: “Man, that would be a novelty.
“Me using my skills, matching my skills now against the best heavyweights in the world, that would be mind-boggling.”

After Tyson announced plans to fight again, he was confronted with several wildcard opponents but eventually chose fellow legend Jones.
Current WBC champion Fury, 32, revealed he was offered £10million by ESPN to face his namesake in a pay-per-view spectacle.
The proposal would collapse but Iron Mike later admitted he was ‘very interested’ in negotiating a deal with Joshua, 31.
Tyson explained his mission to fight again came after ‘gods of war’ revived his passion as he bids to prove age is just a number.

Tyson ahead of his first fight since retiring in 2005 Credit: Instagram

He said: “Old guys, that word don’t even make sense. Old? This is just a new time, a new thinking period in our lives.
“This is what we want to do. Sometimes the gods of war, they revive you and say, ‘You have to do more.’
“Now I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t prepare for this. You know, I box people to see if I’m able to do this stuff, so I can do this stuff.
“[My skills are] good enough for this. Good enough to go eight rounds. I’m exerting myself, and this is going to be pretty interesting.
“I’m interested in waiting to see what happens as well.”

Mike Tyson shows off ferocious speed and power in training leaving fans stunned ahead of Jones Jr fight More