Heavyweight boxing

ANTHONY JOSHUA was captured holding an 87-year-old woman’s hand and talking to her about boxing career on his Marbella holiday.
The unified heavyweight world champion is still nursing a knee injury which has caused his next fight, against Kubrat Pulev, to be backdated until the end of the year.

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Anthony Joshua was captured holding an 87-year-old woman’s hand and talking to her about boxing career on his Marbella holiday

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Joshua has taken the time to rest and recover in Spain
Joshua, 30, has taken the time to rest and recover in Spain – where he was filmed giving Tyson Fury fans a cheeky middle finger.
But in more heartwarming footage AJ holds the hand of an elderly fan and asks her which boxers she follows.
Despite the injury, Joshua has still managed to find inventive ways to train.
The WBA, IBF and WBO champion recently released a video of himself sitting down and hammering home vicious left hooks.

AJ injured himself while running and was advised to wear a leg brace as a precaution.
Promoter Eddie Hearn plans to stage his mandatory defence against 39-year-old Pulev in front of a reduced crowd, with a boat, castle or plush hotel among the wildcard venue options.
He said: “Other ideas we have are 1,000 people somewhere strange and quirky. I’ve got a few things up my sleeve.

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“We’re talking about castles, plush hotels, maybe even on a boat.”

It sets him up for a historic undisputed title decider against WBC king Tyson Fury, 31, next years after they agreed a two-fight deal.
Standing in the way, though, is WBC mandatory Dillian Whyte, 32, and WBO No1 challenger Oleksandr Usyk, 33.

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Joshua is still training for his fight against Kubrat PulevCredit: Getty More

HEROIC six-year-old Bridger Walker, who was savaged by a dog while protecting his younger sister, has been named WBC Honorary Champion’.
The youngster, from Wyoming in the US, saw the dog and then deliberately stood in front of her sister before the canine bit him on his left cheek on July 9.

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Bridger Walker was left with horrific injuries to his face after protecting his sister from a dog attackCredit: @nicolenoelwalker

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This is the prize awarded to the heroic six-year-old by the World Boxing Council
Incredibly after the horror attack, Bridger was heard to say “it shouldn’t be her who gets hurt”.
Now the World Boxing Council, whose ‘regular’ champ is of course Tyson Fury, have awarded the child special status.
The organisation tweeted out: “We are honored to name 6-year-old, Bridger Walker, WBC Honorary Champion, for his brave actions that represent the best values ​​of humanity.
“Bridger, you’re a hero.”

The boy required 90 stitches on his face as a result of his injuries.
Despite being wounded, Bridger help his sister hide from the dog, according to Newsweek.
“If someone had to die, I thought it should be me,” the youngster reportedly told his aunt Nikki according to an Instagram post.
Bridger was stitched up and he is now resting at home.

The youngster’s selfless act has gone viral as one of Nikki’s Instagram posts has received over 200,000 likes and 11,000 comments.
Days later, Nikki visited the six-year-old at his home and he’s said to be in good spirits.

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“I just finished visiting Bridger at his home,” the post read.
“His wounds are much better! He’s in great spirits and his awesome personality is intact.
“He can’t smile too widely yet but he was grinning as I read some of your comments to him.”

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Tyson Fury is the WBC’s ‘regular’ champ – but there is a new ‘Honorary Champion’ in townCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

MICHAEL HUNTER insists he beat Tyson Fury in the amateurs – despite losing on the scorecards.
The pair boxed in 2006 as part of an international competition between England and the USA in London.

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Michael Hunter insists he beat Tyson Fury in the amateurs – despite losing on the scorecards

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Tyson Fury only lost four times in the amateurs
Fury, 31, got the judges’ nod, but Hunter, 32, reckons he “got one over” the current WBC champion that night.
He told Sky Sports: “All through the amateurs, everybody up in the ranks right now, they all know me.
“The only one that might say I had a tussle with was Tyson Fury.
“Even back then, I didn’t really see it as like I took an L, because when it comes to the fighting, the scores make the difference, but when it comes to actual fighters, he knows that I got one over him.

“That’s all I need him to know.”

Fury only lost four times in the amateurs, including against David Price, but turned pro in 2008 after being denied a spot on the Beijing Olympic squad.
Hunter failed to qualify for the same Games, but did so four years later in London but was knocked out in the first round by current light-heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev.
The American has lost just once in his 20-pro fight career, down at cruiserweight against former undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.

He was unfortunate not to get the decision against Alexander Povetkin in Saudi Arabia last December following a contentious draw.

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But still Hunter feels he is destined to conquer the division currently ruled by Fury and Anthony Joshua.
He said: “As far as the heavyweight division, I feel like I’m the best in the world.
“I’ve been the best in the world, I just need my opportunity.”

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Hunter has lost just once in his 20-fight career

Rare throwback footage of Tyson Fury’s amateur LOSS to Brit rival David Price in 2006 showdown More

MIKE TYSON continues to train for his shock boxing comeback after releasing inside footage.
The 54-year-old legend has spent the last three months training under MMA coach Rafael Cordeiro, dramatically transforming his body.

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Mike Tyson continues to train for his shock boxing comeback after releasing inside footage

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Tyson has spent the last three months training under MMA coach Rafael Cordeiro
And in his latest viral clip, Cordeiro released footage of Tyson unloading with heavy hooks and combinations.
The former heavyweight champion doubles up with hooks to the body and head, bopping and weaving in between shots.
Cordeiro is currently out in Yas Island, as he corners UFC stars competing on Fight Island.
Tyson, meanwhile has stayed behind but did take a trip to the Bahamas with his trainer

The reformed Baddest Man on The Planet was filming an advert for Discovery Channel.
Tyson is set to take on a great white in a challenge for Shark Week.
He was later pictured chilling out on a boat with body builder and strength trainer Brade Bowe.
Tyson is yet to confirm when he plans to make his comeback, but stressed it will be an exhibition bout for charity.

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Already he has been called out by heavyweight legends Evander Holyfield and Riddick Bowe – who both announced the desire to fight again.
Even current WBC champion Tyson Fury was offered £10million to take on his idol.
But with crowds not yet allowed to attend fights amid the coronavirus pandemic, the wait for Tyson’s first fight in 15 years continues.

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Tyson pictured on a boat in the Bahamas with body builder Brad Bowe, far left

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Tyson was in the Bahamas filming an advert for Discovery Channel More

FORMER two-weight world champion Bernard Hopkins believes Anthony Joshua will stop Tyson Fury in their expected dust-up next year.
The 55-year-old American – who now works as a promoter for Golden Boy – has backed AJ to make a statement when he finally faces his British rival inside the ring.

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Boxing legend Bernard Hopkins believes Anthony Joshua will be too good for Tyson FuryCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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Joshua has been vocal in his desire to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999Credit: Richard Pelham – The Sun
It was revealed last month that Fury and Joshua have agreed a two-fight deal in 2021 providing they both emerge victorious in their next bouts.
Fury is set to defend his WBC belt against Deontay Wilder on December 19 in Las Vegas, while Joshua must get past Kubrat Pulev with his WBA, WBO and IBF belts on the line.
Discussing the dream match-up between the two, Hopkins – who won 55 out 67 fights in the paid ranks – has stated that Joshua’s experience will see him earn a late stoppage.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Toe 2 Toe podcast, he said: “Joshua vs Fury is a fight that both guys could win or lose.

“I like Joshua to be tested, to get his feelings hurt early – that might be a knock-down but he will get up.
“Because of the lesson that he learned being, not unprepared, but overconfident he paid a big price. He redeemed himself.
“Now that is in his memory – what not to do ever again – Joshua beats Fury by knockout late.
“It will be an interesting, exciting five or six rounds at the beginning. Then Joshua’s athleticism, boxing IQ and experience would overwhelm Fury.

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Fury, 31, faces Deontay Wilder in a third WBC title fight later this yearCredit: Richard Pelham

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“Joshua would come out of a dust-storm based on his experience.
“At this point he has to make a really serious statement based on [the Andy Ruiz Jr loss]. Redemption.
“This fight is Joshua’s stamp of approval of being great. He’s not there yet. He is in legacy building mode.”

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MIKE TYSON will take on a great white SHARK in an incredible man vs beast challenge.
Tyson will feature on the annual summer TV programme Shark Week.

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Mike Tyson will take on a great white SHARK in an incredible man vs beast challenge for Discovery Channel

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Tyson will feature on the annual summer TV programme Shark Week
The week-long summer hit, televised on Discovery Channel, in 2017 featured Olympic legend Michael Phelps racing a simulated great white shark. 
But this year heavyweight legend Iron Mike will take on the ocean’s best.
It is not entirely clear how the 54-year-old former boxer will challenge the shark.
But iconic ring announcer Michael Buffer will be calling the shots.

Tyson will take on the apex predator underwater, though it has been stressed no sharks were harmed in the making of this episode.
The challenge comes as he prepares to make a sensational boxing comeback for charity, 15 years on from his last fight.
And facing a great white is all part of his road to stepping between the ropes again.

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Tyson said: “I took on this challenger to overcome fears I still deal with in life.
“I equate this with overcoming my fear of getting back into the ring at 54 years old.
“I learned from this experience doing Shark Week that whatever intimidates me I am still able to step up to the challenge of overcoming anything that would prevent me from accomplishing my life’s mission of reaching my highest potential in life and bringing me closer to God.”

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Tyson is preparing to make a sensational boxing comeback for charity

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Facing a great white is all part of his road to stepping between the ropes again More

TYSON FURY has roared he’s coming for Deontay Wilder as the WBC heavyweight champion posted a clip of him training on social media.
The Gypsy King – twice a heavyweight champion of the world – is preparing to defend a belt for the first time as he looks to inflict a second defeat on the Bronze Bomber.

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Tyson Fury is looking to beat Deontay Wilder for a second time when the pair meet later this year

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Fury dethroned Wilder in February after he stopped him in the seventh round
Fury, 31, stopped the 2008 Olympic bronze medallist in February, while the two fought to a controversial draw in 2018.
Wilder immediately invoked a rematch clause after he succumbed to the first loss of his professional career, with the third fight scheduled to take place on December 19 in Las Vegas.
Unlike when he lost motivation in the aftermath of his epic win against Wladamir Klitschko in 2015, Fury appears more focused than ever as he looks to establish himself as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time.
Uploading a video on Twitter to his 1.5 million followers, the unbeaten boxer can be seen performing a cable workout.

But it is a message that he said during the clip that has left fans talking, as Fury roared: “Wilder, I’m coming for you sucker.”
His supporters were quick to message on the post, as one commented: “Can’t wait til you give the Bronze Bummer jelly legs again.”
Another said: “TYSON REALLY IS BACK!! Keep up the grind champ, love seeing a motivated Tyson again.”
A third added: “Elite mentality getting the mind games in early love it.”

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Fury, 31, dropped Wilder twice during their second bout as he destroyed the AmericanCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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One simply stated: “Fury will bless Wilder again.”
Fury – who was spotted jogging along a beach in Bournemouth earlier this week – is looking to face Anthony Joshua next year in his quest to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999.
AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn revealed in June that a two-fight deal has been agreed, though in a blow for fans, both bouts look set to be hosted outside of the UK.

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RIDDICK BOWE is the latest heavyweight legend to throw his name into the Mike Tyson sweepstake.
With Iron Mike still planning to make a sensational comeback for charity aged 54, he has been inundated with challengers – young and old.

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And Bowe, 52, was no different, as he told SunSport: “It’s official. Actually, let me put it this way: I am officially back and want to and will fight.
“I am very excited I want to fight Mike now… I will fight him any day of the week – whether it’s an exhibition, or even a pro fight.”
Here SunSport details how the two heavy-hitters compare as they prepare to fight well past their primes – with a combined age of 106.
MIKE TYSON
Tyson retired in 2005, following back to back losses, against Danny Williams and then Kevin McBride.

The youngest heavyweight champ of all time was a shadow of himself, so much so in both defeats he sat on the seat of his pants and waited to be counted out.
In his years in retirement, Tyson overcame a battle with substance abuse and depression to become a successful cannabis farm owner as well as hosting his own popular podcast.
But the reformed Baddest Man on The Planet found the inspiration to start training again, and quickly announced a comeback – insisting he is back to his most destructive self.
He said: “I feel unstoppable now. I feel the same again. The gods of war ignited my ego and want me to go to war again.”

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Mike Tyson retired after losing to Kevin McBride in 2005
Tyson has spent the last three months training under MMA coach Rafael Cordeiro, dramatically transforming his body to get down to just under 17st.
It’s clear the legendary puncher stills possesses the destructive speed and power that won him the belt aged 20, with recent videos on the pads proving so.
But being fit to train and fit to fight are two completely different things – as explained by the man himself after his final loss.
Tyson said after being stopped against McBride: “I realised, I don’t think I have it anymore. I got the ability to stay in shape, but I don’t have the ability to fight anymore.”
Despite the harsh reality, Tyson is adamant he is in the shape of his life, and ready to turn back the clock.
He explained: “Six weeks of this and I’d be in the best shape I’ve ever dreamed of being in. As a matter of fact, I’m going through that process right now.”
RIDDICK BOWE
Bowe shot to heavyweight stardom in 1992, during the time former school mate Tyson was in prison, as he beat Evander Holyfield for the unified titles.
He would make two defences before losing to Holyfield in the rematch – the first and only time he tasted defeat.
Bowe beat Herbie Hide for the WBO belt in 1995 and settled the score with Holyfield the same year, emerging as the victor in their trilogy.
He beat Andrew Golota twice by disqualification before retiring in 1996.
Boxing fans were robbed of a Lennox Lewis vs Bowe grudge match after a money dispute between the pair.

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Riddick Bowe raises his arm after a heavyweight bout against Evander Holyfield
Bowe, who was stopped by Lewis in the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, infamously binned his WBC title to avoid facing Lewis.
The heavyweight did return in 2004 beating Marcus Rhode and then laboured to a split decision win against journeyman Billy Zumbrun a year later.
After declaring bankruptcy in 2005, Bowe made another comeback in 2008 on Wladimir Klitschko’s undercard and despite a points verdict over Gene Pukall in Germany, Bowe would not box again.
He did, however, make a shock kickboxing debut in 2013, losing to Russian Yevgeniy Golovin in Thailand, his last ever fight.

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FIGHT OUTCOME
Even if the exhibition bout is contested over three or four rounds, it will likely be decided by who is the fitter between the pair.
And regardless of Bowe’s ill-fated kickboxing debut seven years ago, Tyson has been the more active in the gym of late.
The youngest heavyweight champ of all time has trimmed down and found a degree of hand speed again, with his power likely not to have left him.
Bowe on the other hand would have a fight on his hands to first lose the pounds.
But if he was to do so, he would need to use his height and reach advantage to keep Tyson at bay, who will instead be bobbing and weaving to get inside and land a pair of trademark uppercuts and hooks.

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