Heavyweight boxing

DILLIAN WHYTE’S scrapped rematch with Alexander Povetkin has left the Body Snatcher searching for a new opponent.
The Brit banger was looking to avenge the loss he suffered against the veteran boxer on November 21, only for the Russian to test positive for coronavirus.

Dillian Whyte could still be out before the end of the year despite Alexander Povetkin testing positive for COVID-19

Promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed a January 30 date has been targeted for the rematch.
But instead of waiting around, the 32-year-old could look to fight once more before the end of the year.
Here SunSport looks at five possible opponents for the former British heavyweight champion.
TYSON FURY – 30-0-1
Hearn teased a fight between Whyte and the WBC champion on social media, despite the Gypsy King set to fight Agit Kabayel on December 5.

But with that fight yet to be officially confirmed, Hearn has revealed he has spoken to Whyte about facing his compatriot.
He said: “Whyte is more than ready and willing to jump into that fight on December 5. It’s a phone call away.
“If Fury wants a real fight, [Whyte] is there. We would definitely be willing to have a discussion about that fight.
“Obviously if Fury wants a more straightforward fight, we understand that as well. Certainly we are looking to step in and take that fight.”

Tyson Fury is set to return to the ring in December after failing to agree a trilogy bout against Deontay Wilder

SunSport’s pound for pound top ten
DEREK CHISORA – 32-10
Incredibly, Chisora has thrown his hat in the ring to face former foe Whyte on November 21, in what would be just three weeks after his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.
Whyte beat Del Boy on a split decision in December 2016, before he viciously knocked him out in their rematch two years later.
But Chisora has stated he would relish the chance to face him again, as he told Hearn on Instagram: “Do you want to give me that fight? I’ll take that.
“Want to give it to me? I have no bruises, I’m ready to rock and roll.
“It’s all about making history, think about it, let me know and I’ll take it.”

Whyte knocked Chisora out in their rematch in December 2018
MICHAEL HUNTER – 18-1-1
The American hasn’t fought since he drew against Povetkin in Saudi Arabia last year.
Hunter – who was outpointed against Usyk for the WBO cruiserweight title in 2017 – has revealed he would fight for FREE against Whyte.
Volunteering to step in for Povetkin on November 21, he told Boxing Social: “I’m the only man that would do it on a day’s notice.
“For free, we’re going to fight for free. They [Team Whyte] can’t say it has to do with the money [for rejecting him as an opponent].
“Call me, you guys. Tyson Fury, Dillian Whyte, Eddie Hearn, you know my number.
“Reach out, for free. It’s an easy business move for you guys. It’s absolutely free. I’ll fight for nothing.”

Michael Hunter was involved in a controversial draw against Povetkin last year
ANDY RUIZ JR – 33-2
The former unified world champion is yet to step back inside the ring since losing against Anthony Joshua in their rematch.
Ruiz Jr has been looking sharp in training as he bids to become a two-time champ.
And he knows he needs a big win to secure himself another shot, and could see a fight against Whyte as the perfect opportunity to get himself back in contention.

Andy Ruiz Jr lost his WBA, WBO and IBF titles against Anthony Joshua in December 2019

CHARLES MARTIN – 28-2-1
He may have disappointed against AJ in their IBF world title fight in 2016, but the 34-year-old has quietly built himself up since that KO defeat.
Martin has won his last three contests – knocking out former title challenger Gerald Washington in February.
The American is on the cusp of securing another title shot as he is No2 in the IBF rankings.
And he also sits seventh in the WBA rankings as well as 13th in the WBC rankings.

Former IBF champ Charles Martin has won five out of his last six fights since losing to Joshua

Frank Warren says Tyson Fury will not take on Dillian Whyte More

BOXING legend Evander Holyfield has teased a trilogy fight against Mike Tyson in 2021 when he dusts off the gloves at the age of 58.
The American – who is the only person in history to have been the undisputed world champion in two weight classes – is planning on making a return to the ring.

Evander Holyfield has been training ahead of a comeback to the ring age 58

Mike Tyson has been eyed up by Holyfield as he looks to beat him for a third time

Holyfield is in great shape as he trains ahead of his comeback as he eyes up a third bout against the Baddest Man on the Planet.
He already beat Iron Mike in 1996 and 1997, where Tyson famously bit his rivals ear in the third round of their rematch.
But Holyfield clearly feels there is some unfinished business between him and his compatriot as he teased a future fight on Instagram.
He posted a picture of him punching Tyson, along with the caption: “Who would like to see Holyfield vs Tyson 3?

“Or who else would you like to see me get in the ring with in an exhibition?”
And his 412,000 followers were quick to respond, as one commented: “Everyone wants to see that! Literally everyone.”
Another messaged: “That would be epic!!! Tell me this is happening.”
A third added: “Yes please to shut all of Tyson fans up. They still making excuses for him.”

Some then named other potential opponents, as one said: “Lennox Lewis please.”
One then quipped: “Anthony Joshua. Take his belt.”
Holyfield has been inspired by Tyson’s upcoming exhibition contest against Roy Jones Jr later this month to return to boxing.
And with Tyson planning to fight three more times in 2021, Holyfield will surely be targeted by the 54-year-old.

Evander Holyfield looks in stunning shape but 57-year-old showing his age with slow hand speed as he trains for return More

DAVID HAYE wants to see Derek Chisora and Dillian Whyte fight for a third time as fans would have ‘a field day’.
That is despite Whyte already winning the first two fights between the heavyweight rivals.

Derek Chisora was beaten by Dillian Whyte in their first fight Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Whyte knocked out Chisora in their 2018 rematch Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Haye made the comment after Chisora was beaten on points by Oleksandr Usyk and was asked what could be next for the 36-year-old.
He told Sky Sports: “There are some amazing options.
“Joseph Parker was scheduled before the spider bite. Dillian Whyte 3? Who would not want to see Dillian Whyte 3?
“I can tell you I was in both training camps for Dillian Whyte and this one.

“What Derek did in training was significantly improved from that fight.
“If that fight was as close as it was with Derek winning before he got done in the eleventh round, I definitely think he’ll raise his game.
“Dillian has taken a heavy loss [to Alexander Povetkin] since then. I’m sure he’s going to be improved. It’s not an easy fight.”
Whyte beat Chisora by narrow split-decision in 2016 and but won the rematch by 11th round knockout two years later.

The 32-year-old was due to face Alexander Povetkin, 41, this month, having been KO’d by the Russian in August.

Chisora’s manager David Haye wants the heavyweight to fight Whyte again Credit: ©Mark Robinson Ltd

But the rematch has now been pushed back after Povetkin tested positive for coronavirus.
And if Whyte wins, he reclaims his position as mandatory challenger for Tyson Fury’s WBC title.
Promoter Eddie Hearn said: “Unfortunately we got the news today that Alexander Povetkin is in hospital after testing positive for Covid-19.
“The fight will now be rescheduled to a target date of January 30.
“An announcement on our November 21 show will be made shortly.”

Agit Kabayel releases training video after being offered fight against Tyson Fury on December 5 More

MIKE TYSON showed his legendary vicious combination punching is back after he forced his coach back against the ropes in training.
Tyson is preparing to return to the ring for the first time in 15 years when he faces Roy Jones Jr in an eight-round exhibition on November 28.

Mike Tyson has been putting into practice his vicious combination punching

Tyson is preparing to return to the ring for the first time in 15 years

The heavyweight icon has been training with MMA mastermind Rafael Cordeiro ahead of his comeback, having spent the year transforming his body.
And Cordeiro gave fans a glimpse of Tyson’s famed aggression in the ring as he shared a video of the pair on the pads.
Iron Mike throws a one-two, rolls underneath and comes up with another right hand, before slipping to the side.
The speed and footwork on show is a reminder of just how devastating Tyson can be, even at 54-years-old.

Cordeiro has been working with the American legend since March, and oversees his pad work and sparring.
Tyson boasted that he is ‘ready to go to war’ with Cordeiro in his corner against Jones, 51.

He said: “He is a great trainer, and I am so happy to have him in my corner.
“The energy that he possess is such a warming idea to have him.

“He is a great man. I love him. I have a great team like family members, energy, it’s just family energy.
“We are ready to go to war.”

Tyson has been training with MMA coach Rafael Cordeiro ahead of his comeback

Cordeiro has been working with the American legend since March More

AGIT KABAYEL is the man with the opportunity to welcome newly crowned WBC champion Tyson Fury back to the ring.
The German – unbeaten in 20 fights – has been sent a contract to face Fury on December 5.

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 Deontay Wilder, Fury is now using his homecoming as a tune up to prepare for Anthony Joshua.
Here, SunSport reveals how he compares to Kabayel.
TYSON FURY
For much of his career, Fury, 32, has been renowned for his slick, back foot boxing style that frustrates and bemuses opponents.

But in his second fight with Wilder – having drawn in 2018 – the Gypsy King proved his versatility as he switched tactics and applied the pressure.
It resulted in an emphatic and one-sided beating with Wilder, 35, being floored twice on the way to a seventh round stoppage.
It remains to be seen whether Fury will adopt the same tactics in his return fight or against title rival Joshua, 31.
But he has always been able to adapt if needed, for example boxing Martin Rogan in 2012 exclusively in the southpaw stance.

One of Fury’s greatest strengths is his ability to mix it up, whether that be by fighting on the front foot, cautiously or by switch-hitting.
His improved punching power since joining Javan ‘Suharhill’ Steward – nephew to the legendary Emanuel – is also a major factor in his recently developed style.
Another of Fury’s strengths is his composure in the ring, as even the division’s statistically greatest puncher, Wilder, could not strike fear into his eyes.

AGIT KABAYEL

Kabayel has sparred with Anthony Joshua
Kabayel turned professional in 2011 and has so far only boxed in Europe, winning 13 times by knockout.
His biggest result was a majority decision over Dereck Chisora in 2017, as the British favourite put in a laboured performance in Monte Carlo.
Kabayel is not gifted with fast feet or particularly quick hands.
But he does carry respectable power and favours the right hand, specifically an uppercut.
But that punch has been most effective against smaller opponents, and will not carry the same success against 6ft 9in Fury.
Kabayel is used to walking his opponents down and letting heavy hooks and body shots go.
He has rarely been put on the back foot, but could be forced to retreat against Fury, who spent all seven rounds last February walking Wilder down.
Joshua spent time sparring with Kabayel in 2018 before he knocked out Alexander Povetkin and then in 2019 before losing to Andy Ruiz Jr.
FIGHT BREAKDOWN
Fury has likely selected Kabayel – who stands 6ft 3in – to replicate Joshua, who is 6ft 6in.
How he decides to fight next month could be a hint to how he approaches facing AJ.
When Fury stopped Tom Schwarz – who has a similar style to Kabayel – he boxed the first round on the back foot behind a strong jab, throwing an occasional combination.
In the second round he even switched stances and applied more pressure, eventually ending the fight.
Facing an unknown commodity in Kabayel, Fury could chose to box smart in the opening stages, even if he does so on the offensive.

And with Kabayel not used to opponents applying the pressure, he may be forced to work hard and fight at an increased tempo.
It would tire the 28-year-old, allowing Fury to step on the gas towards the second half of the fight, and look to close the show.
It also gives the WBC king plenty of rounds to bank in preparation for Joshua, who faces Kubrat Pulev, 39, a week later.

Agit Kabayel releases training video after being offered fight against Tyson Fury on December 5 More