Heavyweight boxing

TYSON FURY vs Oleksandr Usyk is OFF, according to the Ukrainian’s manager.And he says the Gypsy King is entirely to blame.
Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk is off, says the Ukrainian’s managerCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Usyk’s camp have laid the blame at the feet of FuryCredit: Getty
Boxing fans were counting down the days until April 29 when it appeared Fury and Usyk had managed to strike an agreement.
A fight between the pair would unify the heavyweight division.
And it would also have seen the UK finally host one of the most anticipated battles in boxing history.
Negotiations between Fury and Usyk had dragged on for months before April 29 was chosen as a date.
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But it appears the bout will not go ahead after the duo failed to conclude terms over the purse.
And according to Usyk’s agent Egis Klimas, that all falls at the feet of WBC king Fury.

He said: “No matter how much Usyk compromised, he was pushed for more.”
Usyk is now plotting a mandatory defence of his belts in either June or July.
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🥊 Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk – Date, live stream, TV channel and all you need to know about heavyweight bout
As for Fury, he could finally look to strike a deal against British foe Anthony Joshua — who fights Jermaine Franklin on April 1.
Promoter Eddie Hearn said: “AJ’s looking good but I’m nervous.
“People are saying this is a straightforward fight for Anthony Joshua but it’s not at all.
“Let’s look at the facts, he’s coming off two defeats to the pound-for-pound number one Oleksandr Usyk but you saw the emotional side to AJ in the last performance and after the fight.
“Franklin is full of confidence coming off the Dillian Whyte fight and he looks all of a sudden about 20lbs lighter as well.
“This is a big moment for Anthony Joshua’s career, people are talking about fights against Deontay Wilder, Whyte, Fury but he has to win on April 1.” More

EDDIE HEARN admits he’s incredibly ‘nervous’ for Anthony Joshua’s comeback fight.The former two-time unified heavyweight champion returns to action at The O2 a week on Saturday against Jermaine Franklin.
Anthony Joshua returns to the ring a fortnight on SaturdayCredit: REX
AJ’s comeback fight – his first since back-to-back losses to Usyk – will be against Jermaine FranklinCredit: REX
Promoter Eddie Hearn is ‘nervous’ for the Brit ahead of his comeback fightCredit: REX
AJ’s career hangs in the balance following back-to-back losses to pound-for-pound king Oleksandr Usyk and defeat to the American could potentially put the final nail into the coffin for his world title hopes.
Hearn is relishing seeing what the Watford warrior has learned under the tutelage of Derrick James in Texas, but is worried about Franklin being a potential banana skin.
During an appearance on talkSPORT, the Matchroom Boxing chief said: “AJ’s looking good but I’m nervous.
“People are saying this is a straightforward fight for Anthony Joshua but it’s not at all.”
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Hearn believes the psychological effects of defeat to Usyk and Franklin’s impressive display against Dillian Whyte last November make the April Fools Day clash a tricky one for AJ.
He continued: “Let’s look at the facts: he’s coming off two defeats to the pound-for-pound No 1 Oleksandr Usyk, but you saw the emotional side to AJ in the last performance and after the fight.
“Franklin is full of confidence coming off the Dillian Whyte fight and he looks all of a sudden about 20lbs lighter as well.
“This is a big moment for Anthony Joshua’s career, people are talking about fights against Deontay Wilder, Whyte, Fury but he has to win on April 1.
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“Franklin is a good fighter who is going to come well equipped but AJ has worked himself hard out there in humble, humble surroundings.”
Joshua, 33, has isolated himself in Texas in a bid to rediscover his mojo along with new head trainer James.
Hearn said: “This is just him, Derrick James and Errol Spence. Just hard work.
“I think this is the hardest he’s ever worked in camp.
“And I really hope that he can produce the performance that he deserves on April 1 because I believe he’s still in his prime.
“But he has to beat Jermaine Franklin.”
Credit: SUNSPORT
🥊 Anthony Joshua vs Jermaine Franklin – Date, live stream, TV channel and all you need to know about heavyweight bout
Joshua is relishing the high-stakes showdown, saying: “I have to take Franklin even more seriously than I did Usyk.
“Not comparing them, but now I just know better.
“What I went through and how I trained was not enough, so I now know that I have to put even more pressure on myself to perform better.
“As long as I am fighting, I am going to have this level of self-expectation to improve as a fighter.
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“I know Jermaine Franklin is working in the trenches right now, so I have to remember that this is still a real fight.
“Just because Jermaine Franklin is not yet a big-name brand, it does not mean he cannot perform.” More

OLEKSANDR USYK tricked Anthony Joshua into fighting him by holding back against Derek Chisora, claimed Carl Froch. Usyk was taken all the way to a close points decision on the scorecards by Chisora in October 2020.
Derek Chisora lost to Oleksandr Usyk in 2020Credit: Dave Thompson Matchroom Boxing
Anthony Joshua lost twice to Oleksandr UsykCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
The Ukrainian maintained his mandatory title shot at Anthony Joshua’s belts but raised questions over his ability at heavyweight.
Two years later and Usyk twice beat Joshua, leaving Froch to believe the ex-cruiserweight king pulled a fast one.
He said on his YouTube channel: “That night against Chisora, he just took his time. He was playing mind games with the opponents.
“He knew Anthony Joshua was watching that, and he was thinking to himself, ‘If I show all my toolbox in this first heavyweight fight, I’m going to scare him off.’
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“So I think he never got out of second gear with Chisora. I’m not taking anything away from Chisora.
“Chisora will go in there with anyone, he’s lost more than he’s won at world title level but he gives them a hard fight and he certainly gave Usyk a hard night.
“But I think Usyk took his time, just used his jab, moved around, didn’t really get out of second gear, certainly didn’t get anything past third gear and got the comfortable win on points.
“And I think AJ would’ve looked at that and thought, ‘I can beat this guy; he’s struggling up at heavyweight.’
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“Obviously, he took the fight AJ did and Usyk outclassed him and became unified champion.”
Joshua, 33, now returns on April 1 against Jermaine Franklin, 29, following his consecutive losses.
And Usyk, 36, is in talks to unify the heavyweight belts against Tyson Fury, 34, on April 29 at Wembley.
Although Froch fears the clock is ticking to ensure the first ever four-belt undisputed fight stays on track.
He said: “I do think it will happen, but my main concern is the six week time constraint. It’s not long for a world title fight to happen.
“But if it doesn’t happen now, it’s on Tyson Fury and I think it looks terrible for him.
“Remember Tyson Fury on the build up to the AJ fight? He was saying he’d fight Joshua for free and give the money to charity.
“Now all of a sudden the Usyk fight’s happening and he’s demanding 70 per cent of the purse.
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“Sometimes I think to myself he can be a bit of a walking contradiction at times.
“It’s a bit of a nightmare, because you don’t really know if you’re coming or going.”
Anthony Joshua with Carl FrochCredit: @carlcobrafroch More

TYSON FURY and Oleksandr Usyk have been given an extension to sign off on their undisputed title fight for April 29. The pair of unbeaten champions publicly agreed a split to unify all four heavyweight belts but privately talks appear to be dragging on.
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk have been given an extension to sign off on their undisputed title fightCredit: https://www.instagram.com/tysonfury/
Oleksandr Usyk preparing for his fight with Anthony Joshua on the speed bag.Credit: Instagram @usykaa
Both parties were warned by the WBA that if a deal was not agreed then Usyk would have to face mandatory challenger Daniel Dubois, 25, instead.
But the governing bodies’ chief Gilberto J Mendoza has now confirmed that parties have till April 1 to confirm the bout.
He tweeted: “Usyk v. Fury update: @WBABoxing deadline to receive signed bout contracts is April 1st.
“Otherwise the Dubois mandatory negotiations will be ordered.”
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Usyk accepted Fury’s “greedy” offer of 70/30 in a bid to get the division’s first four-belt unification over the line.
But his manager Egis Klimas has maintained their acceptance of just 30 per cent is only valid for a fight on April 29, only six weeks away.
And any postponement will cause a renegotiation of 50/50 split between the unbeaten pair.
Usyk worryingly tweeted out that the “clock is ticking” on the fight after claiming his team did “everything in our power to make it happen”.
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🥊 Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk – Date, live stream, TV channel and all you need to know about heavyweight bout
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But Hall of Famer Frank Warren has put fans at ease as he celebrated Arsenal’s 4-1 win over Crystal Palace by teasing a fight announcement.
He tweeted: “Arsenal 8 points clear! Even bigger news to come!”
Further hope was revealed when Fury was captured filming a promotional shoot for a fight with Usyk as signs point towards an impending announcement.
Tyson Fury facing off with Oleksandr UsykCredit: REUTERS More

EDDIE HEARN insisted Anthony Joshua is still in his prime and can earn blockbuster fights with Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder. But AJ must first return to winning ways on his April 1 comeback bout against Jermaine Franklin.
Anthony Joshua, Eddie Hearn and Jermaine FranklinCredit: PA
Tyson Fury in his 2020 win over Deontay WilderCredit: Reuters
Joshua, 33, is coming off consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk, 36, leaving him fighting to revive his career.
But a statement victory upon his return will help punch new hope into long-awaited showdowns against Fury, 34, and Wilder, 37.
Hearn said: “AJ’s looking good but I’m nervous.
“People are saying this is a straightforward fight for Anthony Joshua but it’s not at all.
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“Let’s look at the facts, he’s coming off two defeats to the pound-for-pound number one Oleksandr Usyk but you saw the emotional side to AJ in the last performance and after the fight.
“Franklin is full of confidence coming off the Dillian Whyte fight and he looks all of a sudden about 20lbs lighter as well.
“This is a big moment for Anthony Joshua’s career, people are talking about fights against Deontay Wilder, Whyte, Fury but he has to win on April 1.”
Franklin, 29, was controversially beaten by Whyte, 34, in November, which Joshua was ringside for.
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So AJ is leaving no stone unturned as he completed training camp away from home for the first time.
He did so under the guidance of Derrick James in Dallas, giving Hearn the confidence that the best is yet to come from the two-time champion.
The promoter said: “Franklin is a good fighter who is going to come well equipped but AJ has worked himself hard out there in humble, humble surroundings.
“This is just him, Derrick James and Erroll Spence. Just hard work.
“I think this is the hardest he’s ever worked in camp and I really hope that he can produce the performance that he deserves on April 1 because I believe he’s still in his prime.
“But he has to beat Jermaine Franklin.”
Derrick James pictured with Anthony JoshuaCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

DEONTAY WILDER has announced he’s ready to return to the ring as he bids to become a two-time heavyweight champion.The former dominant WBC king hasn’t set foot in the ring since his brutal one-punch knockout of old sparring partner Robert Helenius last October.
Deontay Wilder hasn’t set foot inside the ring since knocking out Robert Helenius last OctoberCredit: MEGA
The American has been enjoying his time out of the ring – spending it with family including partner Telli SwiftCredit: SPLASH
But The Bronze bomber is ready to get back in the ringCredit: EPA
The Bronze Bomber has used his hiatus to spend time with his family but has once again got the itch to throw heavy leather.
He wrote on Instagram: “I have been enjoying family, life, and all that it brings, but now it’s time to return to the ring.”
The Bronze Bomber’s legion of followers were quick to comment on the announcement.
One wrote: “Bro already found the next victim.”
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Another said: “Let’s gooooooo!!! Victim locked in. Bombzquad!”
And another said: “The king is back! Where his crown at?”
One remarked: “Can’t wait.”
Another chimed in: “NO MORE LOSSES. Victories till the end!”
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Wilder’s announcement of his imminent return comes a matter of days after former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou claimed he’s closing in on a showdown with the American.
During an appearance on The MMA Hour, he said: “Yes, we have had the conversation and at this moment, we’re more closer than with anybody else.”
The Predator said of the potential showdown: “I think somebody will take somebody’s head off.”
Ngannou added: “I would just try [for it] not to be mine. I think that’s probably what’s going to happen.”
Wilder was seemingly set for a clash of former champions with Andy Ruiz Jr.
But the bout was thrown into doubt last month when the IBF ordered former unified champ Ruiz Jr to face Croatian clubber Filip Hrgovic.
A long-awaited grudge match with Anthony Joshua – who will be back in action on April 1 against Jermaine Franklin – has also been mooted.
And AJ promoter Eddie Hearn is seemingly interested in making the bout, which boxing fans have long wanted to see.
Wilder’s reign as WBC heavyweight king came to an end in February 2020 at the hands of Brit Tyson Fury, who stopped him in the seventh round of their Las Vegas rematch.
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The Olympic bronze medallist turned in a far better display in their trilogy fight in October 2021 but ultimately suffered an 11th-round KO loss.
But he got back to winning ways last October with a brutal first-round KO of “Nordic Nightmare” Helenius. More

THE undercard for Anthony Joshua’s fight with Jermaine Franklin has been revealed – but fans are less than impressed. AJ returns to the O2 Arena for the first time in seven years for his comeback bout against American Franklin on April 1.
Anthony Joshua, Eddie Hearn and Jermaine FranklinCredit: Getty
And the eight-bout undercard has now been put together ahead of the fight night.
British heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley faces American veteran Michael Polite-Coffie in the co-feature bout.
Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams – on the verge of a big fight with Felix Cash – returns against experienced Brit River Wilson-Bent.
Ricky Hatton’s son Campbell is also in action having just improved to 10-0 while John Hedges fights ex-Tommy Fury opponent Daniel Bocianski.
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The card – aired on regular DAZN and not pay-per-view – has left fans underwhelmed.
One said: “When was the last time there was a decent undercard anywhere?”
Another added: “Would close the blinds if it was on in the back garden.”
One joked: “I’m in a ballot for free tickets for the fight, I’m hoping I don’t win.”
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Prospects Ziyad Almaayouf, Juergen Uldedaj and Peter Kadiru are also in action as others defended the undercard selection.
One said: “This is far from a terrible card. Not the best by any means but shaping up to be a decent fight night.”
Another agreed: “I mean it’s not PPV. I didnt expect much.”
Credit: SUNSPORT
🥊 Anthony Joshua vs Jermaine Franklin – Date, live stream, TV channel and all you need to know about heavyweight bout
Anthony Joshua with promoter Eddie HearnCredit: Alamy More

FRANK WARREN has dropped a huge hint over Tyson Fury’s fight with Oleksandr Usyk following a period of uncertainty. The pair of unbeaten champions publicly agreed a split to unify their belts but behind the scenes talks appeared to hit a snag.
Tyson Fury pictured with promoter Frank WarrenCredit: PA
Usyk worryingly tweeted out that the “clock is ticking” after claiming his team did “everything in our power to make it happen”.
And rival promoter Eddie Hearn also cast doubt on Fury’s fighting shape as the scheduled April 29 fight fast approaches.
But Hall of Famer Warren has put fans at ease as he celebrated Arsenal’s 4-1 win over Crystal Palace by teasing a fight announcement.
He tweeted: “Arsenal 8 points clear! Even bigger news to come!”
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Fury, 34, has started training camp in his Morecombe base despite the historic undisputed title fight not being announced.
It comes after Usyk, 36, accepted his “greedy” offer of 70/30 in a bid to get the bout over the line.
But the Ukrainian hinted at talks facing collapse in a concerning update online to fans.
Usyk posted: “The points for agreement were sent to Fury’s side. The deadline is set. The clock is ticking.
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“The ball is on #Greedybelly’s side now. We did everything in our power to make it happen.”
Usyk’s manager Egis Klimas has previously maintained their acceptance of 70/30 is only valid for a fight on April 29, just six weeks away.
And any postponement will cause a renegotiation of 50/50 split between the unbeaten pair.
But further hope was revealed when Fury was captured filming a promotional shoot for a fight with Usyk as signs point towards an impending announcement.
Oleksandr Usyk facing off with Tyson FuryCredit: Getty More