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      Lennox Lewis warns ‘great’ Tyson Fury he’ll never get his ‘crown’ until he fights Oleksandr Usyk

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      LENNOX LEWIS has anointed Tyson Fury his heavyweight heir and pleaded for him and Oleksandr Usyk to decide the undisputed king.The 57-year-old legend was the last man to unquestionably dominate the blue-riband division, when he held the WBC, IBF and WBA belts in 1999 – before the WBO was recognised as a major sanctioning body.
      Lennox Lewis pleaded for Fury and Usyk to sort their undisputed boutCredit: PA
      No heavyweight has dominated the four-belt era but the undefeated 34-year-old Gypsy King has held all four of the belts in two separate runs.
      The 6ft 9in switch-hitter won the WBA, IBF and WBO belts when he dethroned Wladimir Klitschko in 2015.
      And – after a doping ban and mental health battle sidelined him for two-and-half years – he returned to win the WBC belt from Deontay Wilder in 2020.
      And Lewis reckons Fury’s freakish frame, ambidexterity and respect for the icons who came before him, make the Gypsy King the perfect prince to battle Usyk and decide a new monarch.
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      The 1988 Olympic gold winner told Laureus.com: “The crop of heavyweights that we have now, we’ve got Tyson Fury at the top, a great heavyweight for this era. 
      “He’s southpaw and orthodox, he boxes both ways. He loves Muhammad Ali, like me.
      “And he was able to draw energy from me, Muhammad Ali, and the fighters that he loves and put them on himself.
      “So, when you talk about eras, he’s definitely the top man in this era.
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      “And if you talk about the last era, you’re only talking about me, Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson.”
      Lewis and fellow Londoner Anthony Joshua sadly have no relationship and avoid addressing each other publicly after a couple of spats.
      The dreadlocked diplomat does not mention AJ by name but he does confirm that there are three elite men in the division now and hopefully he has the Watford icon in mind.
      But what he really wants is Fury and Usyk to finally meet to designate a clear No1.
      “This era’s definitely got three top guys,” he said
      “The two guys that I want to see right now would probably be Tyson Fury and Usyk. That would be a great fight. 
      “Plus, I believe they have to meet me because I’m the last undisputed heavyweight champion of the world right now. 
      “So, in order for one of those guys to have my crown, they have to fight.”
      Oleksandr Usyk saw talks to fight Tyson Fury collapseCredit: Getty More

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      Eddie Hearn’s shock reaction to Jermaine Franklin’s body transformation after Anthony Joshua rivals loses 24 LBS

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      JERMAINE FRANKLIN’S transformed physique left Eddie Hearn shocked ahead of his fight with Anthony Joshua at the O2 Arena. In Franklin’s last fight, a controversial split decision loss to Dillian Whyte, the American weighed in at 257lbs.
      Jermaine Franklin has lost 24lbs since his last fight in November against Dillian WhyteCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Eddie Hearn was shocked at Franklin’s transformationCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Now. ahead of Franklin’s fight with Joshua on Saturday night, the American heavyweight has lost 24lbs and is “ripped to shreds.”
      Hearn couldn’t believe it when he saw Franklin’s physique.
      Speaking to Boxing Social he said: ” I went downstairs and saw Jermaine Franklin having his photos taken and all of a sudden he’s got an eight pack.
      “When he boxed Dillian Whyte he had a belly on him, but I’ve just seen him with his kit off, he’s absolutely ripped to shreds.
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      “I don’t know what’s happened, he says he’s lost 24 lbs.
      “I don’t know whether it’s going to help him or hinder him, hopefully the latter because we need AJ to knock him out in style on Saturday night.”
      The American took to Twitter to respond to the clip.
      He tweeted: ” Maybe a four pack lol. I have put in the work. It’s going to be a great fight.”
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      As well as appearing physically ready, Franklin seems to have a real focus ahead of his huge fight against Joshua.
      Speaking to talkSPORT’s Gareth Davies, he said: “I see that he struggles a little bit with smaller guys.
      “He likes to trade at points in the fight, so we’ve been looking at that and looking at different ways we can attack and adjustments we can make to make it more comfortable.”
      When pushed for a prediction Franklin said: “If it’s not a knockout then it will be a domination brutally.
      “I’ll go at him, see what he’s going to do and see if I can make him make mistakes early.”
      For Joshua this is a must win fight having lost his last two fights to Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk.
      Credit: SUNSPORT
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      Tyson Fury clash against Oleksandr Usyk could be made for JULY with Daniel Dubois paid to step aside and let pair fight

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      TYSON FURY could see his fight with Oleksandr Usyk rescheduled for July – but it would come at the cost of paying Daniel Dubois. The pair of unbeaten champions failed to agree terms for the heavyweight division’s first ever four-belt unification bout.
      Tyson Fury could see his undisputed fight with Oleksandr Usyk rescheduled for JulyCredit: Getty
      Oleksandr Usyk is mandated to fight Daniel Dubois nextCredit: Getty
      A deal collapsed at the 11th hour over financials for a potential rematch, with Usyk’s team walking away.
      The Ukrainian is now mandated to face Dubois NEXT after the undisputed decider fell through.
      But promoter Frank Warren is ready to explore a step-aside deal which would allow Fury to at last face Usyk in the summer.
      He said on talkSPORT: “If Usyk remains undefeated then there is a chance to get that done if it goes on in Saudi.
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      “The other option is – Daniel Dubois is now the official mandatory – if there was a step aside situation and do the fight in July.”
      The WBA had called for Usyk, 36, to fight Dubois if a deal with Fury, 34, was not agreed by April 1.
      But the pound-for-pound stars saw negotiations get the KO before the deadline was even up.
      Fury could now face Joe Joyce, 37, in the summer if the British contender beats China’s Zhilei Zhang, 39, on April 15.
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      Meanwhile, Warren has to re-enter talks with Usyk’s team but this time for a fight against Dubois.
      The 25-year-old suffered a horror knee injury in his last win in December against Kevin Lerena, 30.
      But Warren has medical documentation to prove Dubois is fit to fight and has already began steps to agree the unified title bout.

      He said: “Got that, it’s been sent.
      “Negotiations were ordered, if you recall they said if we don’t get it done by April 1 then Daniel is mandatory. We’re on it, we’re negotiating it.”
      Daniel Dubois with promoter Frank WarrenCredit: Getty More

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      Mike Tyson opens his own coffee shop in Amsterdam and reveals he has ‘tried and tested all the products’

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      MIKE TYSON has expanded his post-fighting empire by launching a coffee shop in Amsterdam.The former undisputed heavyweight champion got into the lucrative marijuana business in 2016 after several states in America decriminalised the drug.
      Mike Tyson got into the marijuana business in 2016Credit: INSTAGRAM@MIKETYSON
      The boxing legend has raked in millions of dollars selling his own strain of weedCredit: INSTAGRAM@MIKETYSON
      And he’s branched out by opening a coffee shop in AmsterdamCredit: INSTAGRAM@MIKETYSON
      Iron Mike even came up with his own strain of weed, which he regularly smokes.
      And the marijuana mogul has branched out by opening a coffee shop in Amsterdam, where the sale and consumption of small amounts of weed is permitted in licensed premises.
      Coffeeshop Tyson 2.0, which is close to the famous Red Light district, officially opened its doors last Friday.
      And being the diligent owner that he is, Tyson has tried all the products available in the shop.
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      The boxing legend said in a press release: “It’s a dream come true to open our first coffee shop in Amsterdam.
      “The Coffeeshop Tyson 2.0 will immerse fans in a full-on experience where they can enjoy my favorite Tyson 2.0 products the way I do.
      “I’ve tried and tested all of them, and I can’t wait to share some of my most beloved and undefeated goods with Europe.”
      CEO of Tyson 2.0, Adam Wilks, added: “Amsterdam is a city with a deeply rich culture that has transformed it into one of the world’s premiere destinations with over 18 million tourists visiting every year.
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      “Coffee shop Tyson 2.0 celebrates our journey and marks a significant milestone for the company as we extend our international presence beyond North America into the burgeoning European market.”
      Visitors to Tyson’s cafe will be able to puff away as they please as recreational cannabis use in coffee shops has been legal in the Netherlands since 1976.
      But they won’t be able to take their purchases to the Red Light district as outdoor marijuana use will become illegal in May. More

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      ‘People talk so much s*** about me’ – Anthony Joshua hits back at training camp claims ahead of Jermaine Franklin fight

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA has hit out at claims he’s dictated every aspect of his training camps.In recent years, the former two-time unified heavyweight champion has been accused of man-managing his gruelling fight camps.
      Anthony Joshua has hit out at claims he’s man-managed his training campsCredit: Getty
      The claims came to the fore after his split from Robert GarciaCredit: GETTY
      AJ has enlisted the services of Derrick James for his ring returnCredit: GETTY
      The claims increased after AJ handed the coaching reigns to American Derrick James following his split from Robert Garcia, in the wake of his second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.
      And to say the notion of him not following the guidance of his coaches irks the Watford warrior would be an understatement.
      Speaking to SecondsOut ahead of his clash with Jermaine Franklin, AJ said: “People talk so much s*** about me, it’s crazy. It’s crazy.
      “If I’m someone that runs [the training camps], like what you said about, am I being myself now? I just always keep it 100.
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      “If I’m someone that runs my camp, I’m not gonna change that. I’m a two-time heavyweight champ of the world.
      “Why am I gonna change that? Why am I gonna go to Derek [James] and be like, ‘Yeah, everything I’ve done, forget it. You go and take [the] lead.”
      AJ upped sticks to Texas to train with renowned coach James for his crucial comeback bout with Franklin and insists he’s fully immersed himself in his new trainer’s school of thought.
      He said: “I’ve always let my coach lead, whatever he thinks he should do, [I’ll do]. Ask Derek.
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      “The only thing I’ll dictate on is me wanting to do more.
      “That’s probably the only thing I’ll ask him to do.
      “‘Oh, can we do one more round on this? Can we do one more round on that?’
      “I’m not dictating, writing out a programme at eight o’clock at night when I should be in bed resting.
      “It’s like – people talk a lot of s**t about me.”
      Joshua’s clash with Franklin will be his first outing since back-to-back defeats to pound-for-pound king Oleksandr Usyk.
      Credit: SUNSPORT
      🥊 Anthony Joshua vs Jermaine Franklin – Date, live stream, TV channel and all you need to know about heavyweight bout
      And he admits defeat to the American could be curtains for his career, saying: “How long can this run go on for, three or four years?
      “And you know how quick time goes.
      “We’re saying this now and we can look back in two years, three years, and be like f***ing hell where’s the time gone?
      “So, if I was going to do another run after this, you’re talking about fighting into my forties and I truly believe that boxing is a young man’s sport,
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      “It takes a real solid character like Bernard Hopkins, George Foreman, Wladimir Klitschko and Alexander Povetkin, to go on into their forties.
      “But I think this is a run I want to make successful and then, you know, hopefully, go out on top.” More

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      Anthony Joshua net worth 2023 – career earnings and how much he is getting for Jermaine Franklin fight?

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      BOXING matches involving Anthony Joshua is almost guaranteed to fill up the venue – so it’s only fair that his bank account gets filled up too.From securing a gold medal at the London 2012 Olympics, to unifying the WBA, IBO and WBO titles in 2018, the British superstar has created himself a fantastic career.
      Anthony Joshua announced himself to the world with an Olympic gold medalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Anthony Joshua reclaimed his belts off Andy Ruiz in December 2019Credit: Reuters
      And now, another chapter is set to be added to Joshua’s incredible journey when the world witnesses him take on Jermaine Franklin in a mouth-watering O2 return.
      But fans want to know much AJ has earned over the years.
      What is Anthony Joshua’s net worth 2023?
      Anthony Joshua has a reported net worth of £118 million but it could surpass the £200m mark after Saturday night’s showdown with Jermaine Franklin.
      Credit: SUNSPORT
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      The British superstar pocketed a reported £15m alone from his iconic Wembley clash with Wladimir Klitschko in 2017.
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      And Joshua’s victory against Joseph Parker a year later saw him take home a little bit less in £13m.
      However, AJ collected a staggering £66m when he reclaimed his WBA, IBF, IBO and WBO titles against Andy Ruiz in December 2019.
      Before walking home with a reported combined total of £75m after his disappointing defeats to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022.
      Not to mention that the British heavy hitter owns 258 MGT who oversee some of the top British boxers, is sponsored by Under Amour and Joshua has been the face of lynx deodorant for a number of years.
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      How much is Anthony Joshua getting for the Jermaine Franklin fight?
      It is yet to be revealed how much the British heavyweight will receive for his upcoming battle with Jermaine Franklin.
      However, reports suggest that Franklin is set to receive upwards of £800,000 so AJ will be expected to earn more than that.
      And this is before any additional sponsorships and revenue from pay-per-view sales of the fight. More

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      Susanna Reid left speechless after Anthony Joshua’s bizarre antics during live interview on GMB

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      ANTHONY Joshua left Susanna Reid speechless when he bizarrely started shadowboxing during their live television interview.The former two-time unified heavyweight champion appeared on Good Morning Britain to promote his eagerly-anticipated comeback fight on Saturday night.
      Anthony Joshua appeared on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday morningCredit: ITV
      And he started shadowboxing during his interview with Martin Lewis and Susanna ReidCredit: ITV
      Reid was stunned into silence
      But he left the GMB host stunned when he started throwing combinations midway through their conversation.
      AJ started throwing left and rights in his seat when Reid began discussing a potential Battle of Britain with long-time rival Tyson Fury.
      Reid couldn’t quite believe her eyes and completely stopped talking as the Watford warrior did a brief shakedown in front of millions of viewers.
      Prior to his shadowboxing antics, Joshua was asked by GMB co-host Martin Lewis if he’d fight Gypsy King Fury if he wins this weekend.
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      Joshua, 33, replied: “That would be an honour, honestly.
      “The WBC heavyweight champion of the world, to be able to compete for the title again in the summer.
      “I would love that opportunity. If you’re asking me, yes, I would take the opportunity for sure.”
      Before AJ can start thinking about a multi-million-pound showdown with Fury, he must first take care of business against Jermaine Franklin at The O2 on Saturday night.
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      Credit: SUNSPORT
      🥊 Anthony Joshua vs Jermaine Franklin – Date, live stream, TV channel and all you need to know about heavyweight bout
      Joshua’s clash with the American will be his first since back-to-back defeats to pound-for-pound king Oleksandr Usyk – who is seething following the collapse of his undisputed showdown with Fury.
      And the Olympic gold medallist admits a third defeat on the bounce could spell the end of his illustrious career.
      He said: “How long can this run go on for, three or four years?

      “And you know how quick time goes.
      “We’re saying this now and we can look back in two years, three years, and be like f***ing hell where’s the time gone?
      “So, if I was going to do another run after this, you’re talking about fighting into my forties and I truly believe that boxing is a young man’s sport, 
      “It takes a real solid character like Bernard Hopkins, George Foreman, Wladimir Klitschko and Alexander Povetkin, to go on into their forties.
      “But I think this is a run I want to make successful and then, you know, hopefully, go out on top.”
      Joshua is on the comeback trail after losing his last two bouts to Oleksandr UsykCredit: EPA More

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      Anthony Joshua REFUSES to rule out sensational trilogy against Oleksandr Usyk and admits he ‘let a lot of people down’

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA has not ruled out a third fight with Oleksandr Usyk as he prepares to return to the ring this weekend.The Brit, 33, suffered two successive losses to the Ukrainian between September 2021 and August 2022 as he was outboxed by the former undisputed cruiserweight champion.
      Anthony Joshua lost twice to Oleksandr Usyk in London and Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty
      On Saturday, he will step into the ring for the first time since that second loss to Usyk in Saudi Arabia when he faces American Jermaine Franklin at the O2 Arena.
      Joshua is hoping an impressive victory can open up the door to bouts with the likes of Dillian Whyte, Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder.
      But he is also refusing to rule out a third fight with Usyk as he looks to avenge those back-to-back losses.
      Speaking to Boxing King Media about his most recent defeats, he said: “Yeah, I let many people down, so I deserve the stick I get as well.
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      “I always have high expectations from myself, but against Usyk, I was in with a really good operator, and I would definitely relish the opportunity to fight him again.”
      Joshua will attempt to turn his recent fortunes around in London this weekend off the back of three defeats in five fights.
      Yet despite his recent results, he insists a mouthwatering all-British dust-up with Fury is still very much on the table.
      The Gypsy King’s negotiations for an undisputed clash with Usyk broke down earlier this month.
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      And AJ claims the disappointment surrounding that fight not taking place mean Fury needs to deliver an opponent of the calibre of himself.
      Joshua said: “There’s no better time to get Fury in the ring than now because he needs me to redeem himself from this circus, this letdown.
      “He needs me so there’s no better time than for him to call my name out and I’m someone that will take on any challenge.”
      Joshua returns against Jermaine Franklin, right, this weekendCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More