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      Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou winner to challenge Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk for undisputed heavyweight title

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      THE WINNER between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou will be in line to challenge for the undisputed heavyweight title. Ex-UFC champion Ngannou takes to the ring for the second time on March 8 against AJ in Saudi Arabia.
      Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou facing offCredit: AFP
      Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk fight for the undisputed titleCredit: EPA
      Just three weeks beforehand, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk contest all four world titles for the first time in heavyweight history.
      And His Excellency Turki Alalshikh – Saudi’s boxing boss – wants the winners of both superfights to meet for the undisputed crown.
      He said: “You will see the result of this match will connect about the result of the 17 February – this is our idea.”
      Promoter Frank Warren added: “For the winner, the big fight’s happening on February 17, with Tyson and Usyk.
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      “The winner of that – would we like to see them with the winner of this fight? Everybody in boxing would love to see that.
      “So everybody has got something to aim for. It’s huge a moment of excitement for boxing.”
      Ngannou, 37, put on hold his MMA career to to face Fury, 35, in October, even dropping the WBC champ only to controversially lose on points.
      Now the Gypsy King will take on Usyk, 36, for the chance to become the first ever four-belt undisputed heavyweight champ.
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      Meanwhile Joshua, 34, had signed to finally fight Deontay Wilder, 38, in a blockbuster deal worth £100million.
      But the American was beaten by Joseph Parker, 31, so AJ looked elsewhere in the direction of Ngannou.
      Joshua has long dreamed of reigning over the division with all four titles to his name – now he could be two wins away from that.
      His promoter Eddie Hearn said: “If you can imagine the winner of this fight against the winner of Fury v Usyk, it’s been a long dream of Anthony and his team to be undisputed.”
      His Excellency even revealed a brand new undisputed belt has been created to crown the division’s true champ.
      The title, draped in gold and silver plating with black leather, also includes stones and the names of previous champions.
      And all four governing bodies appear to be on board as their logos also featured on the unveiling poster.
      An all-new undisputed title unveiled More

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      Watch strongman Eddie Hall get DROPPED with brutal head kick in training for MMA debut

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      STRONGMAN Eddie Hall got DROPPED with a brutal head kick in sparring for his MMA debut.Hall is set to take to the cage for the first time on February 17 in Qatar as part of a four-man tournament.
      Eddie Hall got dropped with a brutal head kick in sparring for his MMA debutCredit: https://twitter.com/HappyPunch
      He was sparring a 6ft 9in heavyweightCredit: https://twitter.com/HappyPunch
      And the former world’s strongest man has been pushed to his limits in preparation for the event.
      Hall gave fans an inside look into his training on YouTube, and revealed he was sparring a 6ft 9in professional Russian fighter.
      And Hall, 36, said: “I was pre-warned that he was a bit of a lethal weapon.
      “I was very cautious with this guy, didn’t want to attack him to be honest, just wanted to feel each other out.
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      “And you’ll wait and see, I get a nice little kick to the face in a second.”
      A left high kick then lands flush on Hall, dropping him to the floor.
      He said: “That’s OK. That was a good one! F*** my life, someone could have told me about that back leg!”
      Hall, who won world’s strongest man in 2017, amazingly continued to spar despite the knockdown.
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      He crossed over to boxing in 2022 for a super-heavyweight exhibition against rival Hafthor Bjornsson, 35, but he was beaten on points.
      And now he will switch to MMA for a massive event with Hall set to fight current WSM Mitchell Hooper.
      Bodybuilder and actor Martyn Ford is also on the card against strongman Brian Shaw.
      Eddie Hall won WSM in 2017Credit: Instagram/ eddiehallwsm
      He was beaten by Hafthor Bjornsson in his boxing debutCredit: Probellum More

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      Anthony Joshua’s former sparring partner sensationally backs ex-UFC champ Francis Ngannou to stop British star

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      FRANCIS NGANNOU has sensationally been backed by one of Anthony Joshua’s former sparring partners to win their fight. Ngannou takes to the boxing ring for only the second time in March to face two-time heavyweight champion AJ.
      Francis Ngannou fights Anthony Joshua in March
      Joshua and former sparring partner Martin Bakole
      It comes after he floored Tyson Fury in October, only to lose a controversial decision.
      And Martin Bakole – who sparred with Fury before the fight after years of gym rounds with Joshua – fancies Ngannou’s chances.
      Bakole, 30, told iFL TV: “He [Fury] took Ngannou easy, not too serious.
      “He thought he would stop him by round five but Ngannou took it serious and thought that if he stops Tyson Fury he will make a name for himself in boxing.
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      “To be honest, Joshua is going to be different because Joshua saw Ngannou was coming to box as well, he will take it serious.
      “Ngannou as well is coming into it, wanting to make a name for himself in boxing, everyone is surprised after the Tyson Fury fight.
      “He is a good man, he has got a good heart and he’s got everything up there, if he lands on Joshua, I think that he will stop him because this time he is taking it seriously as well and he will be working hard.”
      Fury, 35, picked himself up from the canvas and a split-decision saw him keep his unification with Oleksandr Usyk, 36, alive on February 17.
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      But Ngannou, 37, was left in the lurch and forced to wait out for a rematch.
      That was until Deontay Wilder suffered a shock defeat to Joseph Parker to blow his super-fight with AJ.
      So Joshua having beaten Otto Wallin on the same night, turned his attention to Ngannou.
      And a deal was quickly delivered and set to fall on March 8 in Riyadh. More

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      Anthony Joshua preparing for ‘toughest fight of his career’ as Eddie Hearn responds to Francis Ngannou bout backlash

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      EDDIE HEARN has been forced to defend Anthony Joshua’s fight with Francis Ngannou after previous comments came back to haunt him. Ngannou put his MMA career on hold to last October face WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.
      Anthony Joshua fights Francis Ngannou nextCredit: Getty
      Ngannou fought Tyson Fury in his boxing debutCredit: Getty
      In the lead up to the crossover clash, Hearn blasted it as a “mismatch”.
      But, after Ngannou floored Fury and was controversially beaten on points, the promoter admitted he thought the ex-UFC star was “robbed.”
      Hearn spoke out to address the backlash he has received since the announcement that Joshua, 34, will fight Ngannou, 37, next.
      He said on The MMA Hour: “Everyone’s going to play my previous clips [of me saying] that Francis Ngannou couldn’t win an English title before he fought Tyson Fury.
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      “I feel like he’s earned that shot — or certainly to continue at that level. And I fancy the fight.
      “You’ve heard me say before, I really believe AJ knocks him out. But he’s a dangerous fight.
      “I know that this guy’s a big, big lump that can really punch, and I think he has no fear, which makes him dangerous.
      “But I just feel like AJ’s in a great place, and I expect him to pick him apart and knock him out.”
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      Joshua was due to fight Deontay Wilder, 38, in a £100milllion deal in March until the American was beaten by Joseph Parker, 31.
      So AJ was forced to look elsewhere and Ngannou emerged as the most lucrative option – and this time he will not be underestimated.
      Hearn said: “They’re taking this very seriously. In their mind, this is the toughest fight of their career.
      “Francis Ngannou is a very dangerous man, and they’ll be training, absolutely, with every ounce in their soul to be victorious.” More

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      Eddie Hearn undergoes brutal 72 hour fast that transformed UFC chief’s body as promoter unveils healthy diet plan

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      EDDIE HEARN underwent the same brutal 72 hour fast that transformed Dana White – before getting back to healthy eating. UFC president White last year went 86 hours without food, lasting with only water and claimed he felt like a “superhero”.
      Eddie Hearn underwent a brutal 72 hour fastCredit: David Venni / Men’s Health UK
      UFC president Dana White transformed his body
      Now boxing promoter Hearn – who recently featured on the cover of Men’s Health – has followed up with a three-day fast.
      He tracked his progress on Instagram before finally feasting at 7.30pm after living off just water and electrolytes.
      Hearn posted: “Job done! 72 hour fast complete. Feel good and was a good mental challenge!”
      The man behind Anthony Joshua’s career then shared his healthy diet plan.
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      It consisted of 500ml detox drink, green veg in spinach and broccoli as well as sweet potato and avocado.
      Hearn also had some coconut protein balls, a protein shake, peri chicken, a chicken curry and a coconut banana cookie.
      The 44-year-old recently embarked on a demanding ten-week workout programme to get in shape and now feels better than ever.
      He told Men’s Health UK: “When I wake up in the morning, I go into the bathroom and I get a glimpse of myself and go, ‘F**king hell yeah,’ and that’s good enough.
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      “That makes me feel great for the day.”
      Hearn’s outlook has completely changed as he focuses on improving his fitness even further.
      He added: “Right now, physically, I feel better than I’ve ever felt in my life, and I’m 44 years old.
      “I’m excited to see what’s going to happen in six months, what’s going to happen in 12 months, what’s going to happen in three years.”

      Read about Eddie Hearn’s workouts on the new Men’s Health app, available to download now.

      Hearn featured on the cover of Men’s HealthCredit: David Venni / Men’s Health UK More

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      Francis Ngannou vows to KO Anthony Joshua as UFC legend pinpoints why Brit is an ‘easier’ fight than Tyson Fury

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      FRANCIS NGANNOU has vowed to knock out Anthony Joshua – believing it will be an easier night’s work than against Tyson Fury. Ngannou put his MMA career on hold last year to cross over to the boxing ring for a fight with the Gypsy King.
      Francis Ngannou fights Anthony Joshua nextCredit: AFP
      Joshua and Ngannou will meet in Saudi ArabiaCredit: AFP
      And the boxing debutant astonishingly floored Fury, 35, but failed to keep him down before losing a controversial decision.
      But Ngannou, 37, claimed he will not make the same mistake of letting Joshua, 34, back up when they share the ring in March.
      He said on The MMA Hour: “I think most likely [I will] knock Anthony Joshua out. I think that he’s easier to go down than Fury.
      “That was my first fight in boxing. As anyone, I’m just improving, and the gap of improvement for a beginner like me, it’s huge.
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      “I’m just a beginner improving. No one still knows what I can do. Not that he’s not a strong fighter.
      “He’s a very tough fighter, but he’s easier to send down than Fury, and it’s harder for him to get back up than Fury.
      “If AJ takes the punch that Fury took, I don’t guarantee that he is getting up.
      “I have heard that he doesn’t have a chin, I am going to find out.”
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      Joshua was expected to face Deontay Wilder, 38, until the American was stunned by Joseph Parker, 31.
      So AJ was forced to look elsewhere for a blockbuster bout and fell on the ex-UFC champion, who praised for British star for his last win over Otto Wallin. 32.
      Ngannou said: “He looked amazing. Congratulations to him. He was doing his job properly. His speed was there.
      “He looked sharp, very sharp, but on the other hand, I think there wasn’t a response in front of him.
      “I think I will have a better response in front of him that will put him not in such comfortable positions and situations.
      “I think he’s still the same fighter, that doesn’t mean he can’t lose. I’m intending to hand him a loss. Things will change.
      “Things will be different. I will not stand there and just look at him. It’s going to be different.
      “I’m going to throw some bombs out there, and he’s going to be mindful of what he’s doing.” More

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      UFC legend announces shock comeback just weeks before 50th birthday despite admitting he has brain damage symptoms

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      UFC legend Mark Hunt has announced plans to make a comeback – despite previously admitting he has brain damage symptoms. Heavyweight Hunt – who turns 50 in March – is an icon in New Zealand with a storied kickboxing and MMA career.
      Mark Hunt celebrates his win over Sonny Bill Williams in 2022Credit: Getty
      But he has not fought since November 2022, when he became the first to defeat All Blacks star-turned boxer Sonny Bill Williams.
      Now, Hunt revealed he is looking to make a return in 2024.
      He said on Instagram: “I’m looking forward to a good new year this year,’ Hunt said in a video message.
      “[In] 2024 I’m looking at fighting again, three or four [fights] maybe. I’m taking some offers.
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      “It’s especially a challenge at my age. I’m going to be 50 this year, but looking forward to the challenge and financially it will be great.”
      Hunt has also opened the door to a move into bare-knuckle boxing.
      He commented on the post: “3 fights and I will take the belt.”
      Hunt had 29 MMA fights, nearly 50 kickboxing bouts and four in the boxing ring.
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      And in 2017, Hunt admitted to suffering from brain damage symptoms.
      He said: “My body is f****d but my mind is still here.
      “I’ve still got my senses about me and I know what’s right and wrong, which is the main thing.
      “Sometimes I don’t sleep well. You can hear me starting to stutter and slur my words. My memory is not that good anymore.
      “I’ll forget something I did yesterday but I can remember the s*** I did years and years ago.
      “That’s just the price I’ve paid – the price of being a fighter.”
      Hunt has been fighting since 1999, and has competed as a boxer, a kick boxer, a wrestler and a MMA fighter. More

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      Francis Ngannou to land huge eight-figure purse for Anthony Joshua fight… but British star to earn even more

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      FRANCIS NGANNOU is in line for a huge eight-figure deal to fight Anthony Joshua – who stands to earn even more. Ngannou will take to the boxing ring again after a crossover bout with AJ in Saudi Arabia was announced.
      Anthony Joshua will fight Francis Ngannou in Saudi ArabiaCredit: AFP
      Ngannou faces AJ after fighting Tyson FuryCredit: Reuters
      It was in October he put his MMA career on hold to face heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.
      And Ngannou, 37, astonishingly dropped Fury, 35, only to lose a controversial points decision.
      The ex-UFC star wanted a rematch but Fury is instead signed for an undisputed title bout with Oleksandr Usyk, 36, on February 17 in Saudi.
      Ngannou walked away with $10million (£7.8m) for his boxing debut against Fury, but he is expecting to make more for his ring return.
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      His manager Marquel Martin told Sports Business Journal that Ngannou will make over $10m against Joshua.
      And Forbes predict after pay-per-view and additional bonuses, the Cameroonian will take home at least $20m (£15.7m).
      But, it is added AJ will make even more.
      He had inked a deal to finally meet Deontay Wilder in a blockbuster package worth £100million for the pair.
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      But that was blown when Wilder, 38, suffered a shock defeat to Joseph Parker, 31.
      Joshua, 34, who beat Otto Wallin staright afterwads, was then left to look elsewhere for his next fight.
      Ngannou proved to be the most lucrative option on the table and the pair look set to headline on Friday, March 8 after AJ appeared to leak the date. More