Operations and Surgery

ANTHONY JOSHUA faced off with forgotten heavyweight Mahmoud Charr – as Eddie Hearn confirmed plans for a two-fight deal.AJ has been out of action since a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September while an elbow injury – which needed surgery – has sidelined him. Forgotten heavyweight Mahmoud Charr facing off with Anthony JoshuaIt comes with AJ in talks for a new two-fight dealBut promoter Hearn revealed talks with Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh and Riyadh Season for a pair of bouts are underway. He told BoxingScene: “We are actually discussing a two-fight deal with Riyadh Season. “We’ve been doing that, [Turki Alalshikh] said that on the night of Canelo-Scull, when we had our meeting, and that’s the plan really. “We want to box sometime this year, October, November, December.”READ MORE IN BOXINGDubois, 27, now rematches Oleksandr Usyk, 38, on July 19 at Wembley two years after his stoppage loss to the Ukrainian. Usyk is coming off two wins over Tyson Fury, 36, last year which led to the Gypsy King’s surprise retirement in January. Hearn still hopes Fury will return to face Joshua, 35, while London’s undisputed title clash will also factor into their next move. He said: “We’ll see what happens with Dubois-Usyk. We’ll see what happens with Fury. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”If we don’t fight those guys, maybe we’ll fight one of those guys next year.” Another name hoping to put himself in the mix to fight Joshua is Lebanon-born German Charr – who changed his name from Manuel to Mahmoud. How Tyson Fury’s second season of Netflix reality show can be key to finally securing Anthony Joshua fightCharr long held the WBA’s secondary heavyweight title but lost it to Kubrat Pulev in December – not returning since. He now resides in Dubai where AJ was recently on holiday before also travelling to Oman on a visit. Charr went face-to-face in a tense stare down with Joshua and said: “There’s only one giant in Syria.” The 40-year-old has a 34–5 record, notably losing to Vitali Klitschko in 2012. But his career – and life – was almost ended in 2015 when he was targeted in a drive-by shooting in a kebab shop in Essen.He miraculously survived and lived to see his shooter, Youssef Hassan, sentenced to five years in prison after also undergoing two hip operations. Charr was astonishingly back in the ring just nine months later – to cap off a truly incredible comeback. He was 32 bouts into his career when his life was almost taken from him, following a cowardly assault from a Facebook troll.The attacker had been provoking the fighter online, posing videos of his losses on social media.But when Charr offered to face the man behind the screen in person, he was subject to an assassination attempt.Charr had two tune-ups fights afterwards but later needed a double replacement, undergoing surgery in 2017 at the age of just 32.Read More on The SunHe told SunSport in 2022: “I am not afraid of anyone. Fear is a feeling and feelings can be controlled. Fear exists only in your mind.”Charr was shot four times in 2015Credit: InstagramHe returned to boxing after surviving the shootingCredit: InstagramYoussef Hassan was given five years in prison for shooting CharrCredit: Alamy More

GINJIRO SHIGEOKA has undergone brain surgery following his brutal defeat to Pedro Taduran.The Japanese southpaw collapsed in the ring as the result of his rematch with Taduran, which he lost via split decision, was announced – he was then stretchered out of the arena.Ginjiro Shigeoka rematched Pedro Taduran in Osaka, Japan last weekendCredit: ALAMYThe southpaw suffered a split decision defeat to the FilipinoCredit: ALAMYShigeoka collapsed after the result of the fight was announcedCredit: ALAMYThe former IBF light-flyweight champion was immediately rushed to the hospital after losing consciousness following the gruelling war, in which he failed to exact revenge on Taduran.The 25-year-old, who was undefeated before his consecutive losses to his Filipino foe, currently remains in a medically induced coma.He required emergency craniotomy, which involves removing part of the skull, which has brought about the end of his career.An update from his representatives read: “According to JBC [Japanese Boxing Commission], Japanese Former IBF Champion Ginjiro Shigeoka has suffered from an acute subdural hematoma and has already undergone a craniotomy.READ MORE IN BOXING“G. Shigeoka is still currently under observation in a private hospital in Osaka, Japan.”The commission has already enforced that Shigeoka has to retire from boxing following his craniotomy procedure.”Japanese Boxing Council rules prohibit boxers who have undergone any type of brain surgery from holding licenses, even if they make a full recovery.Shigeoka, the younger brother of former WBC light-flyweight titleholder Yudai, currently remains under observation.Most read in BoxingGinJiro Shigeoka remains under observation in a medically induced comaCredit: ALAMYAnd it will take the best part of a week before his condition becomes clear.Tsuyoshi Yasukochi, the JBC’s Secretary General, said: “The definite information is that he has an acute right subdural hematoma.Eddie Hearn teases Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury in 2025?! + Allen KOs Fisher | Split Decision | Sun Sport“He underwent emergency craniotomy immediately after the match and is currently under observation.”It will take about a week to know his condition. He is asleep under anaesthesia.”We will continue to monitor his condition from now on.” More

ANTHONY JOSHUA is to have surgery on his elbow THIS WEEK – as talks to finally fight “big tease” Tyson Fury move a step closer. Joshua, 35, is yet to return since his September knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois, 27, with a secret injury delaying his comeback. Anthony Joshua with promoter Eddie HearnCredit: GettyTyson Fury back in training with his dad John and cousin Ricky GormanCredit: @tysonfuryAJ has since revealed the setback was caused by a problem with his elbow – which promoter Eddie Hearn reveals is due to be fixed this week. Hearn told SunSport: “He just goes back into camp and just can’t fire on all cylinders consistently. “So he can go back, have a couple of sessions, bit of soreness in the elbow.”They tried to let it rest and recover and they’ve told him that I think it’s this week, he has a small keyhole surgery in the arm.READ MORE IN boxing “Clear out, and it’s four-six weeks, he’s good to go. So I think we’re looking post-September.”Following Joshua’s loss and Fury’s double defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, 38, last year, it set up the beaten Brits to finally settle their overdue score. That was until Fury announced a shock retirement – the fourth of his career – in January only one month after Usyk won their rematch. But the unpredictable Gypsy King has since ended his social media silence to begin hinting at a comeback – leaving Hearn hopeful. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe promoter said: “Tyson Fury is a big tease, everyday I open up Instagram like today and he’s got his wraps on saying he’s done 12 rounds.”He looks super fit, Tyson Fury, he looks like he’s ready to go now! Which is encouraging, but obviously probably the delay that AJ’s got is a blessing, to be honest with you.Cacace Crushes Wood, AJ & Pacquiao Plot Shock Returns | Split Decision”One, you’ve got Usyk against Dubois coming up so that gives you a little bit of time. “And number two, you’ve got Tyson Fury who could potentially come back to the ring so it’s gonna be interesting to see what plays out.”Turki Alalshikh’s introduction to boxing and his deep Saudi pockets have helped bridge the gap between Hearn and long-time rival Frank Warren. The previously warring promoters even share the sports streaming platform DAZN now – paving the way for talks between AJ and Fury. Hearn admitted: “I’d be lying if I said we haven’t discussed it socially, because obviously everyone’s desperate to make it happen.”But, no one said, ‘Oh, I think it’s coming, I think he’s coming back.’ But at the same time, he’s training.Tyson Fury is a big tease, every day I open up Instagram like today and he’s got his wraps on saying he’s done 12 rounds. He looks super fit, Tyson Fury, he looks like he’s ready to go now! Which is encouragingEddie Hearn “And I feel like with Tyson Fury over the years, you’ve seen him not training and balloon out of shape and then it takes him a long time to come back.”Now it looks like he’s either ready to fight or he’s ready to begin camp, which is hugely encouraging. But I just don’t think he’ll be able to leave it alone, if I’m honest with you.”Because, the money’s one thing, but just the occasion and the challenge, and he’s a competitor, he’s a winner. And I just can’t believe he’s gonna let it slide.”While Fury is Joshua & Co’s main target, Hearn warned they will await the result of Dubois’ July 19 rematch with Usyk at Wembley. Hearn is adamant AJ will fight before the year ends – with or without Fury. He warned: “Next couple of months, if there’s no movement, we fight. “I mean there’s no way AJ’s not fighting this year. So who that will be? I can’t tell you. “I mean, that’s the million dollar question at all times, but I think more importantly is, do we get any news from Fury in the next four, six, eight weeks? Read More on The Sun”If we do, we’ll fight him this year. If not, we’ll fight and then maybe he comes back next year, who knows? “But I’d be lying if I said we weren’t desperate to see him return. But, at the same time we can’t just wait around and see what happens.”Hearn teased talks with Frank Warren for AJ to fight FuryCredit: Reuters More