Heavyweight boxing

ANTHONY JOSHUA has been told to pick up the phone if he is serious about fighting Joe Joyce.The two-time heavyweight champion returns on Saturday at the O2 Arena against Jermaine Franklin.
Anthony Joshua has been told to pick up the phone if he is serious about fighting Joe JoyceCredit: Rex
Joyce is among the names Joshua wants to fightCredit: Getty
But victory would put him back on track for a massive 2023 and he named Joyce among those he is interested in fighting.
In response, Warren told talkSPORT: “Well he hasn’t got to go far if he wants to fight him, just pick the phone up.
“Provided my man comes through and he comes through, we could do that in the summer. Not a problem.”
Joyce, 37, returns on April 15 against China’s Zhilei Zhang, 39, and is the WBO mandatory challenger.
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Meanwhile Joshua, 33, looks to bounce back from consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk, 36, in his must-win comeback bout.
After Usyk’s title unification against Tyson Fury, 34, collapsed, AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn hinted at reviving talks with the Gypsy King.
And American superstar Deontay Wilder, 37, is also a free agent now, leaving Joshua with three super-fights on the table.
He said: “If you were to ask me what my ambitions are, one is to fight for the heavyweight championship of the world.
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“The second is my motivation to make money and the third is to fight Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury and Joe Joyce.”
Despite Hearn’s hopes to kickstart negotiations with Fury’s team, Joshua believes a fight with Wilder is more likely.
He told told Dan Rafael: “It seems like Deontay Wilder’s more realistic, because I just think that the stuff that goes on with Fury is a bit crazy, man.
“I’ve been in this situation for a long time – even with them two I’ve been in this same situation – but I just feel like Deontay’s coming to a stage in his career where he’s realistic.
“It’s not like, ‘I just want this fight’, I think he needs it. So that’s more realistic if I’m honest with you, especially with the place that we’re both at in our careers.”
Joshua ahead of his fight with Jermaine FranklinCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

ANTHONY JOSHUA has lashed out as his former coach for a lack of respect and his two-faced critics for being “clowns”.In the aftermath of Joshua’s second loss to Oleksandr Usyk in August, outgoing Robert Garcia ended his one-fight role as trainer with parting shots against AJ’s training methods and close-knit team.
Anthony Joshua lashed out as his ex-coach for a lack of respect and his two-faced criticsCredit: /Mark Robinson#3/ Matchroom Boxing
Joshua with old coach Robert GarciaCredit: Getty
Ahead of Saturday’s comeback bout with Jermaine Franklin, a handful of TV analysts have questioned the quality of the American opponent, doubted Joshua’s remaining resolve and called for him to retire if he suffers a fourth defeat.
But the 33-year-old London 2012 Olympic legend has come out swinging for his former coach and the commentators who smile to his face and stab him in the back.
Asked if Garcia’s snipes were fair, he said: “When it comes to your head coach it is important to keep things in-house, especially when you are talking about your fighters.
“There are things I didn’t like about some of my old coaches that I could talk about but I don’t.
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“No one is perfect but, when you come together in arms to go to war, there should be a level of respect.
“I have worked with Sean Murphy and John Oliver in the amateurs, all the GB coaches, Tony Sims and Rob McCracken in the pros, Angel Fernandez, Joby Clayton, Robert Garcia and Derrick James and Garcia is the first one to say the things he said. I didn’t like that, I found it weird.”
Joshua brought in Garcia for August’s rematch against Usyk.
But after the Brit lost via split decision, the American coach said: “I don’t have to lie about things.
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“The first week that I was there, I told his management team ‘I need to go home, fly me home cause I don’t wanna be here.’
Credit: SUNSPORT
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“There were so many new people – who believed were not going to be there to help out – I told them ‘I need to go home’.”
Former world champions such as Carl Froch and Johnny Nelson have been ruthless about AJ’s defeats to Andy Ruiz and Usyk.
Both have earned the right to their opinion but Joshua wonders why they don’t message him directly and hopes they are as forthright in person.
He added: “These people that talk about me are looking for me to say something back but I don’t have much to say because these people are not on my level.
“What do I want to entertain a clown for? If someone has something to say to me, they can call me, they have my number.
“I don’t need to go online and voice my opinions on my enemies, I prefer to be silent.
“If I’ve something to say about you, you’ll see me face-to-face.”
Froch seemed to turn on AJ after he axed Froch’s friend and mentor McCracken.
But when Amir Khan went on social media in 2017 to suggest AJ was romantically involved with his wife, it was too bizarre to get caught up.
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Joshua said: “I messaged Froch direct and said ‘what you talking s*** about me for? Message me. With Khan and that s*** with his missus, why was he going online?
“Just message me if you have something to say. I find it awkward because where I come from, it’s not about chasing clout, it is about results.”
Anthony Joshua celebrates with Carl Froch in 2017Credit: Getty More

DEREK CHISORA has confirmed he is in talks for a trilogy fight against old rival Dillian Whyte. The pair of British heavyweight stars treated fans to two thrillers, with Whyte winning both.
Derek Chisora confirmed he is in talks for a trilogy fight against old rival Dillian WhyteCredit: Reuters
Dillian Whyte beat Jermaine Franklin in his last fightCredit: PA
According to the Daily Mail, Chisora has revealed negotiations are ongoing for a third bout and they are “pushing to get a deal done now”.
The two put on a fight of the year contender in 2016 which ebbed and flowed throughout.
Whyte ultimately emerged victor in a disputed split-decision verdict.
But he left no doubt in their rematch two years later with a brutal left-hook knockout in round 11.
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Promoter Eddie Hearn has always left the door open to a trilogy, such was the excitement of the first two fights.
Both Chisora, 38, and Whyte, 34, even opened the door to taking their rivalry to the MMA cage.
Whyte last fought in November, beating Jermaine Franklin on points and believed it would earn him a rematch with Anthony Joshua.
But Joshua, 33, instead returns on Saturday at the O2 Arena against Franklin, 29, despite the American’s loss.
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Meanwhile, Chisora faced Tyson Fury, 34, in December in their trilogy bout but lost to the Gypsy King for the third time in their series.
Chisora left Hearn and sports streaming service DAZN to do so and the duo continue to have a love-hate relationship.
And the promoter even claimed Del Boy is the “most challenging” fighter he has worked with.
Hearn said during the On A Mission podcast: “It’s maybe Derek Chisora. He has gotten better as time’s gone on.
“But he’s always looking for an edge and is always on the wind up. But he’s a good guy.”
Derek Chisora lost to Dillian Whyte on points in 2016Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Derek Chisora was knocked out by Dillian Whyte in their rematchCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

DEONTAY Wilder has revealed why he hugged Tyson Fury at last month’s Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury fight. Fury and Wilder have shared the ring on three occasions with the Gypsy King winning twice and drawing the first fight.
Wilder and Fury in action in Las VegasCredit: Getty
Wilder is a former world championCredit: Getty
The two were re-united in Saudi Arabia when Tyson’s brother Tommy beat Paul via split decision and shared a cuddle.
Wilder spoke to reporter Seckbach about the hug between the pair, and seemed to still be sticking to his claims that Fury is a cheat.
He said: ” I can’t stand that motherf***er. They know what’s up, he’s a cheater. But [Saudi Arabia] is a peaceful ground. There’s a time and a place.”
Fans took to Twitter to react to Wilder’s comments.
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One user tweeted: “After all these years, he still can’t accept the L.”
A second said: “Can’t handle his knockout.”
A third replied: “When will he stop doing this ? He got smashed to pieces two fights straight and is still convinced that he got cheated in some way.”
While a fourth added: ” Let it go man, would get so much more respect.”
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Whiel Wilder wasn’t keen on the reunion, Fury joked that he “nearly got a stiffy” after the meeting.
Wilder is back in training and his trainer Malik Scott posted some footage of him hitting the pads after he announced he was ready to return to the ring after five months away.
Fury’s fight with Oleksandr Usyk recently fell through and it remains to be seen if that will be rescheduled.
Anthony Joshua will look to get his world title aspirations back on track as he returns to the ring against Jermaine Franklin on Saturday night.
Fury looks please to see Wilder in Saudi Arabia at least More

JERMAINE FRANKLIN insisted he has not returned to the UK to make up the numbers as he welcomes Anthony Joshua back to the ring. Franklin left London in November on the back of a disputed majority-decision loss to Dillian Whyte in November.
Anthony Joshua and Jermaine Franklin ahead of their fightCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
AJ was ringside that night and got an up close and personal look at the American, who earned himself the chance to fight Joshua.
The British superstar returns after two consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk and another defeat could be career ending.
But Franklin disagrees.
He said: “A lot of people are painting the picture that if AJ loses this might be the end of his career and if I win this might project my career.
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“I don’t buy that if I beat him he has to retire because if I say that it means I’m a bum.
“The world is saying that basically if AJ loses to a guy like me then he’s done but I don’t feel like that’s true.
“AJ can still beat a lot of guys, I just feel confident enough that I can win. I feel like the world is still sleeping on me.”
Joshua, 33, first lost in 2019 in a shock defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr, also 33, but won the rematch six months later.
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Credit: SUNSPORT
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Although he failed to repeat history in his pair of bouts with Usyk, 36, where he was outpointed twice.
And Franklin, 29, believes the trio of losses could still bare a mental affect on Joshua, who is without a win since December 2020.
He said: “I won’t say the hunger won’t be the same for him but I think the loss probably messed with him a little bit.
“As fighters we train to be the toughest people ever so one little slip-up, even though it’s not super damaging, can mentally harm you.
“If I think I’m the best and I lose the fight it can set me back. Some stuff can start depression. There is a lot of stuff mentally that comes behind the fight.
“I wouldn’t say he’s declining but he probably could have gone through something mentally that might have backfired on him. 
“That one loss could have had him doubting himself. That one little seed of doubt could make him lose.
“Once I’m in a fight and something doesn’t go my way now the doubt comes back.
“He could be winning the fight but if something doesn’t come off the doubt comes right back. It’s about staying mentally strong.” 
Anthony Joshua facing off with Jermaine FranklinCredit: /Ian Walton#3/ Matchroom Boxing More

ANTHONY JOSHUA slammed Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk over their failed undisputed title showdown talks – calling it a “shambles”.Negotiations between Fury and Usyk broke down as they couldn’t reach an agreement regarding a fight on April 29 at Wembley Stadium.
Anthony Joshua slammed both Tyson Fury and Oleksandr UsykCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
The Ukrainian heavyweight surprisingly agreed to take just 30 per cent of the pot for the first bout, but wanted a 50/50 split in the rematch.
But that was something the Gypsy King reportedly refused to agree to as the teams could not come to a mutual agreement.
Joshua, who is set to lock horns with Jermaine Franklin this Saturday at the O2 Arena, didn’t hold back on his criticism.
AJ insists he is happy to be back in action because he believes the situation at the top of the heavyweight division has become unacceptable.
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Joshua said: “I’m so happy I’m fighting again because as I’m looking at the champions, it’s just a shambles.
“When you’re trying to compete mandatories or negotiations… Honestly, I just can’t believe that no fights have been made at championship level.
“But I’m just so happy that I can get back to work and get on with my job.
“I’m looking forward to this assignment and I can’t wait. Honestly, I’m really looking forward to it.”
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Some fans agree with Joshua and took to social media to praise the British star.
They claimed the 33-year-old is “spitting facts” and is the only heavyweight that dares to step inside the ring.
One fan tweeted: “Used to be team Fury. Now I support Joshua. Only real HW [heavyweight] who will fight anyone.
Another posted: “The irony. Meanwhile AJ is fighting some nobody.”
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Joshua described Fury and Usyk’s failed talks as a ‘shambles’Credit: AFP
Usyk and Fury coudn’t reach an agreement over an undisputed title boutCredit: Getty
A third commented: “AJ only heavyweight who fights everyone.”
This fan said: “AJ spitting facts, just make the fights happen man and that’s exactly what AJ does.”
And that one wrote: “Boxing’s been a shambles for a few years now i’m afraid!!”
But there are also some who disagree with Joshua and claim he is not on the same level as Fury or Usyk.
This comes after the Watford-born fighter lost both his fights against the Ukrainian and also failed to reach an agreement to fight his fellow Brit.
One supporter commented: “His last 2 fights with Usyk were a shambles as well.”
Credit: SUNSPORT
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Another said: “No a shambles is saying this almost 6 years ago. And not even fought Fury OR [Deontay] Wilder yet…”
A third wrote: “Using Furys name to promote this dead fight…”
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This fan tweeted: “Why worry concentrate on Ur career.”
And that one posted: “Yet he would lose to both of them…” More

FRANK WARREN blamed SOCIAL MEDIA for the collapse of Tyson Fury’s undisputed title fight against Oleksandr Usyk. The pair of unbeaten champions seemingly negotiated the division’s first ever four-belt unification bout in the public.
Tyson Fury alongside promoter Frank WarrenCredit: PA
Usyk even accepted Fury’s “greedy” 70/30 offer to fight on April 29 at Wembley and agreed to take out any rematch clause.
But it happened to be a row over financials for a potential rematch that ultimately saw the historic undisputed bout face the KO.
And Fury’s promoter Warren admits the online back and forth did neither team any favours.
He told talkSPORT: “Do you know what’s killed this? Social media. All the p***ing around on the social media.
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“If it had been left to people to do it in a grown up way then there wouldn’t have been a problem.
“That’s what does it, everyone has to say things and justify things, the fighters take a stance.”
Fury, 34, deploys bullish tactics online and went on several foul-mouthed tirades by insulting Usyk.
And asked if that helped during negotiations, Warren said: “I don’t think anybody helps.”
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Usyk, 36, is now mandated to face Daniel Dubois, 25, NEXT after the undisputed decider fell through.
But Hall of Famer Warren is ready to explore a step-aside deal which would allow Fury to at last face the Ukrainian in the summer.
He said: “If Usyk remains undefeated then there is a chance to get that done if it goes on in Saudi.
“The other option is – Daniel Dubois is now the official mandatory – if there was a step aside situation and do the fight in July.”
Tyson Fury facing off with Oleksandr UsykCredit: Getty More

ANTHONY JOSHUA has revealed his three-fight hitlist if he beats Jermaine Franklin – but left a rematch with Dillian Whyte OFF. Joshua returns on Saturday against Franklin, who was beaten by Whyte in a disputed majority decision in November.
Anthony Joshua ahead of his return fight against Jermaine FranklinCredit: Reuters
Anthony Joshua beat Dillian Whyte in 2015Credit: Reuters
AJ was in line to fight Whyte right after but promoter Eddie Hearn instead teased a summer stadium blockbuster.
But Joshua appears to have his eyes on other targets as he revealed his dream trio of next fights.
He said: “If you were to ask me what my ambitions are, one is to fight for the heavyweight championship of the world.
“The second is my motivation to make money and the third is to fight Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury and Joe Joyce.”
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Whyte, 34, beat Joshua, 33, in the amateurs in 2009 but lost the rematch by stoppage six years later in the professional ranks.
And he fumed when Franklin, 29, was the man to welcome AJ back to the ring despite his win over the American.
Hearn has talked up the chances of Joshua fighting Fury, 34, this summer after talks to unify the division with Oleksandr Usyk, 36, collapsed.
But with Wilder, 37, a free agent now it has paved the way for AJ to finally settle the score with the ex-WBC champion.
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Joshua told Dan Rafael: “It seems like Deontay Wilder’s more realistic, because I just think that the stuff that goes on with Fury is a bit crazy, man.
“I’ve been in this situation for a long time – even with them two I’ve been in this same situation – but I just feel like Deontay’s coming to a stage in his career where he’s realistic.
“It’s not like, ‘I just want this fight’, I think he needs it. So that’s more realistic if I’m honest with you, especially with the place that we’re both at in our careers.”
Meanwhile, Joyce’s promoter Frank Warren has urged Joshua to get in touch over a British blockbuster.
Warren said to talkSPORT: “Well he hasn’t got to go far if he wants to fight him, just pick the phone up.
“Provided my man comes through and he comes through, we could do that in the summer. Not a problem.”
Joe Joyce with his promoter Frank WarrenCredit: Rex More