Heavyweight boxing

MEET Agit Kabayel, the man set to face Tyson Fury next month.
The Gypsy King’s UK co-promoter Frank Warren has revealed that Fury will be taking on the German on December 5 – should the unbeaten 20-0 brute sign a deal for the bout.

Agit Kabayel could be Tyson Fury’s next opponentCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Fury and Kabayel have met before in a training camp in 2016Credit: Facebook

A former European heavyweight champion, the 28-year-old has a life outside the ring to envy.
He loves fast cars, showing off a Ferrari, Porsche and Audi on his Instagram.
His fashion go-to is a designer leather man bag, which Kabayel wears with pride.
And he’s no fool, having already disposed of Derek Chisora on a majority decision after 12 gruelling rounds, as well as sparring with Anthony Joshua.

MOTOR HEAD
Not much is known about Kabayel’s wealth, but judging by the cars he poses with he’s not short of a few bob.
On social media he’s regularly seen standing next to the best cars money can buy.
On his Instagram, there’s snaps of him with an Audi R8 worth over £111,000, a classic Ferrari Testarossa, as well as a £82,000 Porsche 911.
And that’s not all, he’s also happy buying Lamborghini merch – although an Aventador might have to wait until he’s picked up his purse from a potential Fury fight.

All in all, Kabayel loves his cars fast.

Kabayel is a fan of fast carsCredit: Instagram @agitkabayel

On his Instagram Kabayel boasts photos with a Porsche 911 worth around £82,000 Credit: Instagram @agitkabayel

Kabayel appears to own two PorschesCredit: Instagram @agitkabayel

A vintage Ferrari Testarossa has also appeared on Kabayel’s InstagramCredit: Instagram @agitkabayel

Kabayel shows off some Lamborghini merchCredit: Instagram @agitkabayel
FASHION STATEMENT
It’s not a look many men can pull off.
But when Kabayel poses with one of his many designer man bags, few would argue that he doesn’t look dapper.
What he carries in there is anyone’s guess, but they’re most certainly leather and expensive.
And he isn’t shy of dressing in designer threads too – often seen in clobber by Dsquared2.
Kabayel, like Lewis Hamilton, is also sponsored by Puma.

Man bags are part and parcel of Kabayel’s fashion lookCredit: Instagram @agitkabayel

Kabayel boasts a variety of man bags, including this leather white effort

Like Lewis Hamilton, Kabayel is sponsored by PumaCredit: Instagram @agitkabayel
SCALP OF CHISORA
In 2017, Kabayel faced off against Derek Chisora at the Casino de Monte Carlo Salle Medcin in Monte Carlo, Monaco.
And he showed his class, outboxing the Brit with a commanding display.
Eventually, two judges scored the fight 115–113 and 115–114 in Kabayel’s favour, while another called it a 114-114 draw.
The unbeaten fighter was praised for his footwork during that contest, and won many rounds through quick combinations and jabs.
“I’m not going to complain, I lost the fight,” said Chisora, who just took Oleksandr Usyk the distance, after his schooling.

Derek Chisora was beaten by Kabayel over 12 roundsCredit: ERIC GAILLARD

Unbeaten Kabayel is a European championCredit: ERIC GAILLARD
SPAR DAY
Kabayel has trained with the best.
In recent years, the 6ft 3in orthodox boxer sparred with two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
He’s also been snapped in the gym alongside possible future opponent Fury in a training camp from 2016.

Over the years Kabayel has trained with world championsCredit: Instagram @agitkabayel

Kabayel used to spar with Anthony JoshuaCredit: Instagram @agitkabayel

Fury and Kabayel pose for a snap together in 2016Credit: Facebook

Kabayel’s greatest moment in boxing came three years ago when he beat Herve Hubeaux to win the vacant European title, which he successfully defended against Chisora.
Last year he relinquished his belt, but has so far failed to challenge the world champions.
Could this be his time? More

DEONTAY WILDER vowed to ‘spit on Tyson Fury’s tomb’ in a sick threat as he warned the Brit to ‘make funeral arrangements’.
The Bronze Bomber, 35, lost to the Gypsy King in their February rematch, suffering a seventh-round knockout.

Deontay Wilder said he was cheated by Tyson Fury and his team so would ‘spit on their tombs’Credit: Action Images – Reuters

And with a trilogy bout off the cards for now, the American hit out at Fury in a shocking rant.
After accusing the new WBC heavyweight of cheating in their second fight – citing an ‘egg’ weight in the Brit’s glove – Wilder insisted he is determined to get his revenge.
He told Barbershop Conversations, as reported by talkSPORT: “I want them bad.
“And when I get them, because I’mma get them, better make the funeral arrangements.

“I’m coming to spit on their tomb. Spit on every last one of them.”
Wilder controversially revealed he wants to kill a man in the boxing ring in 2018.
He chillingly said: “I want a body on my record. I want one. I want one, I really do.
“I thought I had one time with [Artur] Szpilka because he wasn’t breathing when he hit the canvas. Somebody is going to go.”

Fury dethroned Wilder in February to become WBC heavyweight champion of the worldCredit: Reuters

Last year he was given the chance to retract his comments but stood by them.
This week, the desperate American released a video online listing several excuses nine months after he was stripped of the WBC title by Fury.
As well as claiming his water was spiked, Wilder accused Fury of putting something in his mitt.
He said: “What you did is what my people deal with all the time, someone cheating them from providing their greatness into the world.
“I saw in the first fight when Ricky Hatton was pulling down your glove to put your fist in the improper position.

“Y’all tried the same method the second time, but this time you scratched flesh out of my ears which caused my ears to bleed.
“It’s impossible for a brand new ten-ounce glove to keep a smooshed in form or to have loose space. I highly believe you put something hard in your glove. Something the size and the shape of an egg weight.
“It’s the reason why the side of my face swelled up in the egg weight form and it left a dent in my face as well.
“But you still couldn’t keep this king down. In the end, it took a crab in a bucket referee and a disloyal trainer to throw the towel in just to stop me. Your payback is coming.”
Fury’s UK promoter Frank Warren reacted in disbelief at the latest accusations, believing the deposed champ is trying to distract from the fact that he ‘missed the deadline’ to sign for the third fight.
Instead the 6ft 9ins Brit looks on course to face Agit Kabayel in his UK homecoming on December 5.

Deontay Wilder accuses Tyson Fury of cheating in their second fight More

DERECK CHISORA was snapped dining out for lunch in Mayfair after quashing retirement rumours following his loss to Oleksandr Usyk.
The 36-year-old British heavyweight was outpointed by his Ukrainian opponent, 33, at an empty Wembley Arena on Saturday night.

Dereck Chisora was snapped eating out in plush MayfairCredit: BackGrid

Chisora enjoyed a spot of lunch after his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in the ringCredit: BackGrid

Chisora shared a joke outside the eateryCredit: BackGrid

Del Boy fought an incredible fight – with some bookies having him as big as 80/1 to spring a surprise against the former unified cruiserweight champ – but lost out on the judges scorecards after 12 bruising rounds.
Despite suffering a heartbreaking loss, Chisora showed some unreal sportsmanship by bringing Usyk and his team BURGERS after the fight.
And he was eating out again at plush Mayfair eatery Scott’s Restaurant.
The boxer could have been gorging on Caviar and Lobster – a far cry from the Five Guys fast-food feast he forked out for post-fight.

Chisora was seen holding his daughter in his arms and smiled for the cameras.
He looked sharp in a black beanie and khaki overcoat but left the venue wearing a glove on his left hand.
The image sparked concerns the veteran could be nursing an injury after the Usyk fight but he has been quick to shut down talk of retirement.
After the fight, he told IFL TV: “Two weeks off and I’m back in the gym. Keep grinding.

“I’m not retiring yet. I love boxing so much. I can still punch.”

The British heavyweight played around with his daughter during some down timeCredit: BackGrid

Chisora left the restaurant wearing a glove on his left handCredit: BackGrid

Chisora and manager David Haye posed with Usyk for a pic after the fight, with plenty of respect between both camps.
After seeing off Chisora’s valiant effort, Usyk called out Anthony Joshua after cementing his position as AJ’s mandatory for the WBO belt.
And Eddie Hearn revealed the fight will ‘one million per cent’ happen if a bumper British bonanza with Tyson Fury cannot be agreed.

Usyk vs Chisora – Round by Round More

ANTHONY JOSHUA and Kubrat Pulev face having their fight moved abroad after new coronavirus restrictions all-but ruled out the return of fans.
With the UK braced for a second nationwide lockdown, promoter Eddie Hearn was left fearing it could affect Joshua’s next title defence.

Anthony Joshua and Kubrat Pulev face their fight moving abroadCredit: AFP – Getty

He said: “We will try to have fans at the AJ fight but we could also take it somewhere internationally.”
Joshua’s star power usually generates around £8million in ticket sales.
And with other options elsewhere, SunSport takes a look at five places that could host the title fight with supporters watching on.
United States
America was the first to welcome back live crowds at a reduced number following Gervonta Davis’ knockout against Leo Santa Cruz.

The Alamodome, in San Antonio, was allowed 10,000 fans compared to their usual 64,000.
Joshua suffered a disastrous US debut last year, losing in seven rounds against Andy Ruiz Jr, and travelled to Saudi Arabia six months later to reclaim his belts.
But AJ did sell around 17,000 tickets at Madison Square Garden in New York, proving he is a draw across the Pond.
And it could be the perfect opportunity for Joshua to put right what went so wrong, with Pulev having also fought twice in America.

Gervonta Davis’ knockout against Leo Santa Cruz in Texas had fans Credit: Sean Michael Ham
Middle East
Joshua’s reported career high £66m payday earned after beating Ruiz in December was evidence to suggest the Middle East are serious players in the boxing business.
The UFC has also enjoyed meteoric success since moving to Abu Dhabi and launching Fight Island, where they held three pay-per-view events.
For Khabib Nurmagoemdov’s win against Justin Gaethje at the end of October, there were last-ditch plans to have supporters attend.
In the end, the idea was scrapped, but UFC boss Dana White predicted the Middle East will be the first to have fans back in full and expects them to attend when Fight Island returns for a third time.
By December, crowds could be possible and with Hearn already having a relationship with the Saudis, a deal could easily be agreed.

Joshua reclaimed his heavyweight belts in Saudi Arabia last year Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Russia
In Russia, some football stadiums have been had ten per cent of fans back.
Chelsea played in front of a small crowd when they thumped Krasnodar 4-0.
Russia has a history of boxing and a fans would be kee to see Bulgaria’s Pulev come up against AJ.
They also have huge stadiums to fill like the 80,000 capacity Luzhniki and Krestovsky, which seats 67,000.

Chelsea played in front of a small crowd when they thumped Krasnodar 4-0Credit: Reuters
China
A maximum 2,000 fans are allowed to attend Chinese Super League matches.
As a result, Bob Arum talked up the possibilty of Tyson Fury rematching Deontay Wilder in Macau.
In the end, the trilogy bout was cancelled with Fury instead returning to the ring on December 5 in the UK.
But the Cotai Arena within The Venetian complex on the famous Macao Strip has long been a primed contender to stage fights.
It boasts a 15,000 capacity and the venue sits within a luxury hotel, casino and mall facility, which hosted a UFC show in 2014.

The Venetian is part of the stunning Macao StripCredit: iStockphoto – Getty
Sweden
Not a usual suspect, but Sweden had live fans back by August.
But the proposal was met with a capped attendance of 500.
The travel from London to Sweden would be slightly over two hours for Joshua and just under three hours for Pulev.
It would make for an easy move for the pair, instead of lengthy flights to the Middle East, Asia or America.
Hearn has also promoted several events in Monte Carlo before, with only a few hundred exclusively attending in the casino.

Small hall show in Monte CarloCredit: ERIC GAILLARD

Anthony Joshua takes part in star-studded Zoom call with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry and PSG star Mbappe More

OLEKSANDR USYK has Anthony Joshua well within his sights having remained his mandatory challenger.
Usyk beat Dereck Chisora on points and in doing so remained the No1 contender for Joshua’s WBO belt.

And the former cruiserweight king ramped up the pressure on AJ by demanding he either fights him next or vacates the titles.
Eddie Hearn – who promotes both – revealed if Joshua cannot fight Tyson Fury, then he will ‘100 per cent’ fight Usyk.
Here, SunSport compares the superstars ahead of a potential heavyweight headliner next year.
Anthony Joshua
Joshua, who turned pro a year after winning gold at the London 2012 Olympics, was an unstoppable force 22 fights into his run.

With unified belts and wins over Dillian Whyte, Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker and Alexander Povetkin, he was considered the No1 heavyweight.
But suddenly he was left fighting for his career after suffering a shock upset against Andy Ruiz Jr in June 2019.
Joshua would go on to slim down and switch tactics as he enacted revenge on Ruiz, reclaiming his trio of world titles.
It was a sign of AJ’s versatility in the ring, as he ditched his exciting, ruthless and aggressive style to outbox his opponent at range.

Anthony Joshua with his unified heavyweight belts Credit: Reuters
Joshua has shown throughout his career that he is comfortable both at mid-range and on the inside, where he can use his physicality and speed.
But outthinking Ruiz on the back foot added a new element to AJ’s game, developing into a more well-rounded fighter, despite twice being crowned world champion.
Joshua has gone down in two fights, firstly against Klitschko and then FOUR times in his Ruiz loss, later showing vulnerability when taking one in his rematch win over the Mexican-American.
In his 23 wins, he has gone to the ‘championship rounds’ four times, displaying that his size and work rate can hold up deep into the action.
With 21 stoppages Joshua is a certified heavy-hitter, but finds more success in combination punching or set up attacks, rather than a one-puncher KO artist.
Oleksandr Usyk
The southpaw star excelled as an amateur, winning European, world and Olympic gold, finishing his career in the unpaid ranks with 335−15 record.
Usyk made his pro debut in 2013 and like his friend and countrymen Vasyl Lomachenko – who won a world title in his THIRD fight – the cruiserweight set out to win belts early.
Within ten bouts he won the WBO title, beating Krzysztof Glowacki on points.
He would make just two successful defences – against Thabiso Mchunu and then Michael Hunter – before entering the World Boxing Super Series tournament.
By the end of the three-round knockout competition, Usyk had beaten Marco Huck, Mairis Briedis and Murat Gassiev to walk away with the WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO undisputed titles.
He defended them just once, in Manchester as he KO’d Tony Bellew in round eight before marking his move up to heavyweight.

Oleksandr Usyk reigned as undisputed cruiserweight king Credit: PA:Press Association
Usyk beat Chazz Witherspoon by stoppage after seven rounds last year, but failed to make a mega impact as he piled on the pounds.
Per the WBO’s rules, after the champion stepped up, he was immediately put in the mandatory position.
And Usyk made another mark in the blue ribbon division after beating Dereck Chisora on points.
Chisora did have early success as his weight advantage showed putting Usyk under real adversity at times.
Fight breakdown
The glaring difference between the two is size, with Joshua due to outweigh Usyk by around three stone.
Usyk appeared uncomfortable at stages against Chisora, as he was backed up and tagged with shots over the top.
But he settled into the fight once his opponent tired and he was allowed to settle into a rhythm.
Joshua does have the footwork and power to put it on Usyk and maintain that pressure, whereas Chisora couldn’t.
His amateur pedigree also gives him the tools to stand and trade if he needs to, instead of relying on pressure and power punches.

Joshua changed his style to outbox Andy Ruiz Jr Credit: Alamy Live News

Usyk struggled in the early stages against Dereck Chisora Credit: ©Dave Thompson/Route One Ltd
Usyk will find it hard to dance around AJ, who is strong on the inside and has the reach advantage.
If he can maintain the front-foot pressure and punch in numbers, Usyk could find himself overwhelmed.
Usyk’s best chance is to take the fight down the stretch and hope AJ tires, like he did against Klitschko.
But Joshua has since improved and developed his style that remains sustainable further into the fight.
Judging on what Chisora could do, AJ can be confident in closing Usyk down and overpowering him to win by stoppage.

Usyk is desperate to take on AJCredit: Getty – Contributor

Usyk refusing to bulk up too much as he points to Andy Ruiz Jr’s weight vs Anthony Joshua More

ANTHONY JOSHUA will ‘one million per cent’ face Oleksandr Usyk if a fight with Tyson Fury cannot be agreed, reveals Eddie Hearn.
Usyk maintained his mandatory position for Joshua’s WBO belt after beating Dereck Chisora on points on Saturday.

Anthony Joshua will ‘one million per cent’ face Oleksandr Usyk if a fight with Tyson Fury cannot be agreedCredit: ©Mark Robinson Ltd

Usyk maintained his mandatory position for Joshua’s WBO belt after beating Dereck Chisora on SaturdayCredit: ©Mark Robinson Ltd

And the Ukrainian is expected to apply pressure on unified champion AJ to either defend his belt against him or vacate it.
Joshua, 31, has already verbally agreed a two-fight deal with Fury, 32, assuming he gets past Kubrat Pulev on December 12.
But if the agreement collapses, his promoter warned that Usyk, 33, will be their next challenger.
Hearn said: “AJ wants to fight Usyk.

“It’s all business, money is important to them but Usyk wants a heavyweight world title.
“If we can’t make the Fury fight and AJ beats Pulev, he is fighting Usyk one million per cent.”
Joshua has not fought since reclaiming the WBA, IBF and WBO titles in Saudi Arabia against Andy Ruiz Jr, 31, last December.
But he returns to the ring next month facing Pulev, 39, in a defence mandated by the IBF.

Fury has already verbally agreed a two-fight deal with Joshua for next yearCredit: PA:Press Association

WBC king Fury is also expected to fight a week beforehand, his first since dethroning Deontay Wilder, 35, in February.
If the heavyweight champions both prevail, it sets them up for a double header in 2021.
But Usyk is ready to jeopardise the undisputed title decider by demanding that AJ fights him next or else drop the WBO strap.
He told Sky Sports: “I am the mandatory for Joshua so he has two options. One, to fight me. Two, to vacate and to go and fight Fury.
“Either he fights me or relinquishes. I am waiting. I am ready.”

Tyson Fury looks in terrifying shape as Gyspy King posts shadow boxing clip in training for December 5 homecoming More

ANTHONY JOSHUA’S clash with Kubrat Pulev could still end up being staged abroad — to cover an £8million Covid KO.
Watford hero AJ’s mandatory defence against the Bulgarian was meant to be at Tottenham’s new stadium in June, securing him a monster payday.

The venue for Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight title defence against Kubrat Pulev could yet be overseasCredit: AFP or licensors

One possible alternative is for the AJ vs Pulev fight to switch to Wembley Arena – after the success of Usyk against Chsiora

But the coronavirus crisis forced the fight to be delayed until December 12.
Promoter Eddie Hearn secured London’s O2 to host it and pleaded with Government to allow some socially distanced fans inside.
But latest lockdown rules floored that idea — leaving a huge financial blackhole.

And that may force them to seek out a venue outside the UK after Saudi Arabia stumped up £100m for Joshua’s 2019 rematch win against Andy Ruiz.

Having watched Oleksandr Usyk outpoint Derek Chisora on Saturday at Wembley Arena, Hearn said: “We have the best bubble in boxing and elite sport is not part of lockdown.
“We can sustain it — but we want to be a profitable business.
“We lost what would have been a £2m gate at the O2 for this fight.
“We made it up by sticking some of ours in, Sky adding some and the fighters taking less to balance it out.

“AJ was going to take £8m on the gate at Spurs so obviously he is taking a pay cut.
“We will try to have fans at the Joshua fight — but we could also take it somewhere internationally.”
If the fight did stay on these shores, then it makes more sense for Hearn to hold it at Wembley Arena after the successful Chisora v Usyk night.
Hearn added: “If we can’t have any fans inside the O2 then we will probably move the AJ fight here — as we have everything set up.

Eddie Hearn is eager to sort out a venue for Anthony Joshua’s fight with Bulgarian Kubrat PulevCredit: Reuters
“The problem is nobody has any confidence to agree to anything in December, let alone January or February. People won’t sign things for April or May as they don’t know if they will be open.”
Usyk’s 12-round scrap with Brit Chisora, 36, was watched ringside by AJ.
And the former undisputed cruiserweight king sent him a chilling message.
Staring straight down a camera lens, Usyk, 33, growled: “Anthony Joshua, hello, I am coming for you.”
And Hearn admits the Ukrainian might refuse to step aside and let Joshua leap into an undisputed decider with Tyson Fury — if he passes his Pulev test.
The promoter said: “Usyk is going to struggle at heavyweight as he gives away so much size and that is what makes him beatable.
“I think AJ and Fury rate Usyk very highly, but I don’t think they have the fear factor for him.
“AJ told me he had the fight really close and he thought Del did well. AJ wants to fight Usyk.

I still think Usyk is a huge favourite against Dubois — but Dubois does have great size.
Eddie Hearn

“It’s all business, money is important to them but Usyk wants a heavyweight world title.
“Everyone will want to fight Usyk and if we cannot do the Fury fight, then AJ will fight him.”
Usyk is WBO mandatory challenger for AJ’s titles and is next in line after Pulev gets his crack via his standing with the IBF.
If the involved parties cannot come to an agreement, Joshua could be forced to drop the belt — leaving Usyk to compete for the vacant strap.
And AJ prefers to move ahead with a two-fight mega deal with Fury that has already been financially agreed.
Hearn would have no problem with another young Brit getting a chance in No 2 ranked Daniel Dubois, 23.
He said: “We will do whatever is ordered and there will be a queue.

“Joseph Parker is No 3 and is fighting Junior Fa, who is No 6, so the winner will push for that No 2 slot.
“I still think Usyk is a huge favourite against Dubois — but Dubois does have great size.
“Usyk will box his ears off at the moment, yet the size advantage is huge and Dubois certainly punches very hard.”

David Haye says Derek Chisora is set to become WBO mandatory and fight Anthony Joshua if he beats Oleksandr Usyk More