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The Anthony Joshua thread

MenInG said:
Anthony Joshua is set to discuss a "number of options" on Tuesday, amid speculation that he could step aside to allow an undisputed world title fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.

Joshua had activated a rematch clause to fight Usyk again for the WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight belts, but The Daily Telegraph has reported that the British star could agree a £15m deal which would allow the Ukrainian to face WBC king Fury instead.

Fury is yet to agree a mandatory defence of his WBC title against Dillian Whyte, with purse bids set to be scheduled on Wednesday if the two fighters cannot finalise terms.

Eddie Hearn told Sky Sports: "I'm meeting with AJ and 258 management [on Tuesday] to go through plans for his next fight.

Speaking in October, Tyson Fury's promoter Frank Warren said Anthony Joshua should not rematch Oleksandr Usyk so Fury can fight the Ukrainian in an undisputed world heavyweight title fight.

"We have a number of proposals and options to discuss.

"The goal remains the same of course - to re-capture the world heavyweight crown."

Usyk's promoter Alexander Krassyuk has told Sky Sports that he is still awaiting confirmation of the Fury fight, or a rematch with Joshua.

"We are in talks regarding Fury fight since November," Krassyuk told Sky Sports.

"And though AJ gave his consent (according to Telegraph) we still have not reached the final point in negotiations. And unless we get it - AJ rematch remains the basic option for us."

Tyson Fury's promoter Bob Arum is keen for them to unify the heavyweight division by beating Oleksandr Usyk before they take on Dillian Whyte.

Usyk became the new unified world champion in September after a points victory over Joshua at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

SKY
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Too much excitement at the possibility of the Fury/Usyk fight for all the alphabet titles, for that to happen two things need to happen:

- AJ accepts 15m step aside if this has actually been offered to him

- Given that Whyte is the mandatory for the WBC title, while politically things are complex with his arbitration case and purse bid situation where he is not happy with monies offered for another world title fight….he’d also need to be compensated

The rumour on the street is that Fury/Usyk could be in the Middle East and if that’s the case then I’d assume it’s the Saudis, who in theory would be able to afford paying both AJ and Whyte to step aside because I’d highly doubt the promoters would.
 
Anthony Joshua hits back at reports he has agreed to step aside for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk title fight

Anthony Joshua says he hasn't "seen a contract" and will "make calculated decisions" amid reports that he agreed a step-aside deal to allow Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk.

Joshua had activated a rematch clause to fight Usyk again for the WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight belts, but The Daily Telegraph reported on Sunday that the British star could agree a £15m deal which would allow the Ukrainian to face WBC king Fury instead in an undisputed world title fight.

Fury is yet to agree a mandatory defence of his WBC title against Dillian Whyte, with purse bids set to be scheduled on Wednesday if the two fighters cannot finalise terms.

Promoter Eddie Hearn told Sky Sports he would discuss "a number of proposals and options" on Tuesday with Joshua, who issued his own response to the reports in a social media video.

"You know what's mad about all these interviews I see," he said. "I see certain interviews that quote what I said and I think to myself 'I haven't done any interviews.'

"Where did this person get this information from? I'm hearing people say 'AJ accepts £15m to step aside.' I haven't signed a contract, I haven't seen a contract. So as it stands, stop listening until it comes from me.

"I'm the man in control of my destiny, I'm the man that handles my business, I'm a smart individual and I make calculated decisions every step of the way.

"Don't listen to other sources... if I tell you something then you know it's real."

Hearn had earlier told Sky Sports: "I'm meeting with AJ and 258 management [on Tuesday] to go through plans for his next fight.

"We have a number of proposals and options to discuss.

"The goal remains the same of course - to re-capture the world heavyweight crown."

Usyk's promoter Alexander Krassyuk has told Sky Sports that he is still awaiting confirmation of the Fury fight, or a rematch with Joshua.

"We are in talks regarding Fury fight since November," Krassyuk told Sky Sports.

"And though AJ gave his consent (according to The Telegraph) we still have not reached the final point in negotiations. And unless we get it - AJ rematch remains the basic option for us."

Usyk became the new unified world champion in September after a points victory over Joshua at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

https://www.skysports.com/boxing/ne...-for-tyson-fury-vs-oleksandr-usyk-title-fight
 
Anthony Joshua's rematch with Oleksandr Usyk is set to take place in May after the British heavyweight decided against stepping aside from the fight.

Tyson Fury had offered Joshua a large offer so he could fight WBA (Super), IBF and WBO champion Usyk instead.

But those talks collapsed and speaking to the 5 Live Boxing podcast, Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn said: "It's clear AJ will be fighting Usyk, which is his preferred choice."

"May is when you'll see that fight."

Joshua, who lost his title belts to Usyk in September, had planned for the fight to take place in April, but the search for a new trainer and prolonged talks with WBC champion Fury forced a delay.

The 32-year-old Joshua is aiming to become a three-time world champion by winning the second meeting with Ukrainian Usyk, 35.

The first fight was a massive affair at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Hearn confirmed the UK was his desired destination for the rematch.

He said: "There's the UK, America, the Middle East - we've had offers all around the world for that fight. I'd like to do it in the UK and we'll see."

BBC
 
<b>The Independent: Anthony Joshua giving Oleksandr Usyk ‘time and respect’ over rematch</b>

Eddie Hearn has said that Anthony Joshua will give Oleksandr Usyk “the time he needs” to defend his country after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Usyk has returned to his homeland from London, pausing negotiations over a rematch with Joshua.

The two-weight world champion won the pair’s first meeting last September, causing the British boxer to trigger his rematch clause.

A deal that would have seen Joshua step aside and allow Usyk to take on Tyson Fury in a unification match collapsed, and Hearn says all are keen for the rematch to go ahead.

A fight date in late spring or early summer had reportedly been targeted for the rematch, but promoter Hearn says that the need to give Usyk the “time and respect he needs” while the conflict in Ukraine continues.

“We obviously respect Oleksandr Usyk and our thoughts are with everybody in Ukraine,” Hearn said to Fight Hub TV. “We’ll give him the time that he needs and we don’t know how long that’s gonna take.

“The only fight [Anthony Joshua] wants is Oleksandr Usyk, so we don’t want that obligation for the rematch to disappear, we don’t want to get out of it, he’s already turned down a lot of money to get out of it — AJ’s got no interest.

“If we’ve got to have an interim belt whilst we wait for Oleksandr Usyk that’s something we’ll look at as well but we want the Oleksandr Usyk fight and we’ll give him the time and respect that he needs.”

Usyk has said that he has “no fear” in returning to fight for Ukraine.

The 35-year-old was born in Simferopol, the Crimean capital that was annexed by Russia in 2014.

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/boxing/anthony-joshua-giving-oleksandr-usyk-time-and-respect-over-rematch/ar-AAUyUTu?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531
 
Anthony Joshua says he would beat Joe Joyce in one round if the British heavyweights fought

Anthony Joshua says he would knock out fellow British heavyweight Joe Joyce in one round if they were to be matched against each other.

Joshua could be seeking a new opponent with his world title rematch against Oleksandr Usyk in doubt after the Ukrainian returned home to help fight against Russia's invasion.

Joshua activated a rematch clause to fight again for the WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles after Usyk stunned him last September, but it is unclear when the Ukrainian will be ready to return to the ring.

Responding on Wednesday to posts on Twitter, Joshua dismissed the chances both Joyce and fellow heavyweight Otto Wallin would have against him, pointing to victories he had over both of them at amateur level.

Joshua wrote: "You really think I wouldn't fight @JoeJoyceBoxing?

"Lol ok … I've shared this ring with most people you see in the heavyweight division today!

"I boxed Otto Wallin twice as youngsters & I boxed Joe and stopped him in 1 round. I'd do the same thing today! Ain't nothing changed."

Joshua was responding to a post that quoted Wallin's promoter Dmitry Salita, saying that the Swedish heavyweight is the "most intriguing" opponent for the two-time world champion.

Joshua and Joyce are both former Olympic medallists, with Joshua having won gold at super heavyweight at London 2012 before Joyce took silver in the same weight class four years later in Rio de Janeiro.

Joyce, who is undefeated with 12 knockouts from his 13 victories, last fought in July 2021, beating Carlos Takam by knockout at Wembley Arena.

https://www.skysports.com/boxing/ne...-one-round-if-the-british-heavyweights-fought
 
Anthony Joshua: Otto Wallin's promoter says Swede 'very confident of victory' if he faces AJ

Otto Wallin is "very confident of victory" if he becomes Anthony Joshua's next opponent, says the Swedish fighter's promoter Dmitriy Salita.

Joshua's rematch with Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk - the man who took his WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles via unanimous decision last September - could be delayed with Usyk having enlisted in the military following Russia's invasion of his homeland.

Usyk's countryman Vasiliy Lomachenko has already opted to stay and fight for Ukraine rather than face George Kambosos Jnr in Australia for the WBA (Super), IBF, and WBO lightweight titles.

If Joshua's second bout with Usyk is delayed, then the 32-year-old is reportedly considering Wallin and Cuba's Luis Ortiz - who, like Usyk, are southpaws - or fellow Brit Joe Joyce for his next fight, which is expected to take place in May or June.

Wallin's only professional loss came at the hands of Tyson Fury in September 2019.

Salita told Sky Sports: "Otto is ready and waiting to go to the UK and line up his rematch with Tyson Fury after he beats Anthony Joshua, should that opportunity present itself.

"Otto is in the gym with trainer Joey Gamache, who guided him to an incredible performance against Fury.

"Both Joey and Otto feel very confident of victory over Joshua. We have not gotten a call yet so this is all anticipation at this point.

"While Otto is confident, we understand it's a very sensitive situation with the Usyk rematch and wish everyone the best outcome in that regard.

"If Usyk's rematch with Joshua happens, then we'll watch it as boxing fans, but if there is an opportunity to fight Joshua, Otto will go to get the victory in what will be a memorable fight."

https://www.skysports.com/boxing/ne...wede-very-confident-of-victory-if-he-faces-aj
 
Saudi Arabia is one of the locations 'under discussion' for Oleksandr Usyk's rematch with Anthony Joshua.

Unified world champion Usyk has confirmed he will start preparations for a second fight against Joshua, with the Ukrainian's promoter Alexander Krassyuk targeting a date in June.

Joshua could now be heading back to Saudi Arabia after regaining his WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight belts in a rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr in Diriyah in December 2019.
 
Anthony Joshua's rematch with Oleksandr Usyk is set to be staged at Jeddah Super Dome, a record-breaking state-of-the-art arena in Saudi Arabia.

A date for Joshua's second world heavyweight title fight against Usyk is yet to be confirmed but management at Jeddah Super Dome confirmed that it is a preferred venue to host the blockbuster bout.

Jeddah Super Dome, the largest geodesic dome in the world to ever stand without pillars with an attendance of up to 40,000, has previously hosted WWE Elimination Chamber in February.

Sky Sports was told that JSD management still expects Usyk vs Joshua to be held on July 23, despite recent reports of a delay.

The British heavyweight star is attempting to regain his WBA, WBO and IBF titles after a unanimous decision loss to the Ukrainian in September.

Joshua has reportedly teamed up with new trainer Robert Garcia, who was pictured with Angel Fernandez, at their current training base at Loughborough University.

The 32-year-old is returning for his second fight in Saudi Arabia, having defeated Andy Ruiz Jr on points in a rematch in December 2019.

SKY
 
Anthony Joshua's rematch against Oleksandr Usyk is likely to be held on 20 August in the Middle East.

Ukrainian Usyk beat Joshua on points last year to claim the WBO, IBF and WBA (Super) titles.

A date of 23 July was pencilled in for the rematch but Usyk's promoter Oleksandr Krasyuk said they have been told to prepare for the later date.

Saudi Arabia is expected to host the rematch despite concerns about the country's human rights record.

Joshua, 32, has fought in Saudi Arabia once before when he beat Andy Ruiz Jr in their rematch in 2019.

It is the second time the highly anticipated rematch between Usyk and Joshua has been delayed.

After Usyk dominated the first encounter against the Briton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last September, Joshua immediately activated his rematch clause and had hoped to fight again in May.

But Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Usyk's decision to remain at home to help the war effort forced organisers to delay the bout.

Usyk, 35, left Ukraine in March to begin training while Joshua has spent his time away from the ring attempting to reorganise his coaching set-up as he looks to regain the belts.

American coach Robert Garcia has been hired with Joshua expected to adopt a more aggressive approach for the rematch.

BBC
 
Oleksandr Usyk v Anthony Joshua: 'Paperwork done' for heavyweight rematch in August

Anthony Joshua has signed his contract to fight Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia in August with a formal announcement set for next week.

Usyk, 35, beat Joshua on points last year to win the WBA (Super), WBO and IBF title but the rematch has suffered months of delays.

But Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed paperwork is now "done".

"This fight is on and you will get an official announcement early next week," Hearn told 5 Live.

The delays had been in part caused by Usyk's return to Ukraine after the invasion of the country by Russia, however broadcast deals have also been a factor with a suggestion Joshua could move from Sky Sports to DAZN.

A date of 23 July was pencilled in for the rematch but Usyk's promoter Oleksandr Krasyuk said they have been told to prepare for 20 August.

"[AJ] understands that in a fight of this magnitude, things do take time. It's taken time but we're in a great place. He's been training throughout, so has Oleksandr Usyk," Hearn said of the delay.

"AJ is more confident than I've ever seen him going into a fight. We believe he's going to win the fight."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/boxing/61769914
 
Anthony Joshua's heavyweight rematch with Oleksandr Usyk has been confirmed at the Jeddah Super Dome in Saudi Arabia on August 20.
 
Firebat said:
Anthony Joshua's heavyweight rematch with Oleksandr Usyk has been confirmed at the Jeddah Super Dome in Saudi Arabia on August 20.
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They were never really interested in Fury and took issues with him wanting to fight in the first quarter after an interim bout, but are happily facing each other all the way in August. It has backfired for AJ he got greedy wanting an extra 5 million to step aside but a part of that deal would have meant he would face the winner of Fury/Usyk. If he loses to Usyk, he will need to get his brains bashed in a bit longer to make the returns he wants on DAZN providing they can find the money. Anyhow, it’s great that finally we have a date agreed for the rematch, it will be interesting for sure.
 
Anthony Joshua has branded himself the "comeback king" before his heavyweight rematch against Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia on 20 August.

Joshua came face-to-face with Usykfor the first time since losing his WBA (Super), IBF, and WBO titles in London in September.

At a media conference, Joshua was full of confidence as he aims to become a three-time world champion.

"If you know my story, you know I'm the comeback king," Joshua, 31, said.

"You can put me down, but it's difficult to keep me down."

The press event in Saudi Arabia was heavily saturated with praise for the host country, which has faced accusations of human rights violations and is currently launching a military operation in Yemen that has caused a humanitarian crisis.

Joshua, who praised members of the Saudi royal family in his first answer, had his new head coach by his side, Robert Garcia.

The switch of trainer is one of many changes the Watford-born fighter says he has made for the rematch.

"In the fight in September, I was wrong and he [Usyk] was right," said Joshua who added that he had to "take that defeat like a man as well, I have to be accountable".

He added: "Definitely the hunger is still there. Blips happen, things happen in life, but resilience, mental toughness and consistency will always prevail."

Usyk has spent time in Ukraine helping the war effort against Russia and earlier in the summer it appeared the rematch would have to be postponed.

But the 35-year-old Ukrainian was given permission to leave the country in March to train for his second fight with Joshua.

Unbeaten in 19 professional fights, Usyk did not say much, only that he was fighting for Ukraine.

"We are not in the best conditions at the moment back home [in Ukraine]," he said.

"I never made some very loud and bright speeches, all I did was just work hard in my training camp, my gym, that's what I'm going do until the date of the fight."

Unlike at press conferences for the recently-launched Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour, there were no hard-hitting questions here from journalists around the country's reputation.

Greg Norman, LIV Golf's chief executive, was grilled last month about accusations of so called 'sports washing', and the murder in 2018 of dissident Saudi Arabian journalist Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

On Tuesday, the Saudi Arabian flag was beamed out to viewers for the opening of the broadcast and the first 20 minutes spent promoting the country's work in boxing.

Saudi Arabia has now spent billions to bring elite sport to its country.

Boxing has never denied it was lured to Saudi Arabia in 2019 by the money on offer, with Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn saying at the time: "Let's not kid ourselves, don't you think any promoter wants to go wherever the most money is for their fighters, and that's what we're doing."

This time Joshua is reported to be earning £100m.

Usyk wore a 'colour of freedom' T-shirt for his media duties beforehand, but was not wearing the pro-peace top for the live broadcast. Saudi Arabia's military activities in Yemen have been criticised globally.

It is among the countries that carries out the most executions, women's rights activists have been jailed and political parties, trade unions and independent human rights groups are banned.

And as boxing heads to Saudi Arabia once more there are sure to be tougher questions in store for the fighters and promoters.

BBC
 
Anthony Joshua will be different but so will I, warns Oleksandr Usyk ahead of heavyweight rematch

The last time Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua were together in London the former had just handed the latter a punishing 12-round defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to dethrone the champion and take the IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight titles.

The fighters returned to the capital for a press conference on Wednesday ahead of their August 20 rematch in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Joshua is on a revenge mission. He insisted he is determined to win this second fight: "I'm definitely hungry, I'm definitely desperate. But at the end of the day how I perform will speak volumes to the masses.

"I'm definitely desperate to get my hands on [the titles]. Just let me get in there and do my job."

Usyk was focused on the task at hand too, saying: "I'm not fighting for money or for recognition. Many people want the recognition, many people want others to remember them. But I don't need this. I don't want to become 'the great'. I'm just doing my job now and I will continue doing it while my heart is beating."

He is expecting a different approach from Joshua in their second fight. "I do understand that he's going to be different. So will I," warned Usyk.

Joshua's new trainer Robert Garcia emphasised the physical advantages Joshua has against this opponent.

"[Usyk] is a very talented fighter. He's got different ways to fight. Seeing the size difference, the height, the reach, the weight, everything's in Anthony's advantage. We've got to take advantage of that," Garcia said.

"We have to do whatever it takes. We have to come out with different strategies in case one of them does work."

That is more easily said than done. Even Joshua had to admit that Usyk's left-handed, southpaw stance makes him an unorthodox opponent.

"It's a rough and tough sport, especially fighting these lefties. They're a nightmare," Joshua admitted.

"But it is what it is, isn't it? You've got to dig deep, tuck up and not make the same mistake twice."

https://www.skysports.com/boxing/ne...s-oleksandr-usyk-ahead-of-heavyweight-rematch
 
Oleksandr Usyk v Anthony Joshua II: Eddie Hearn defends decision to stage rematch in Saudi Arabia

Promoter Eddie Hearn has defended the decision to stage Anthony Joshua's rematch with Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia in August.

The Gulf country has faced accusations of human rights violations and is paying huge sums to host the event.

Hearn responded to the criticism, saying: "My job is to provide the best opportunities for these fighters.

"But of course we want to see a better place, more change and hopefully this can promote that."

Joshua, 32, fought in Saudi Arabia in 2019 when he beat Andy Ruiz in their rematch and returns to the country once again for the fight on 20 August with his career at a crossroads.

Hearn promotes Joshua and was the first major UK promoter to stage a fight night in Saudi Arabia, but has not returned since.

At the time, Amnesty International's Felix Jakens described Ruiz v Joshua II as a "sportwashing" exercise for Saudi Arabia, saying: "They've got an appalling record on LGBT rights, women's rights, extra-judicial killings, beheadings, the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi [in 2018], and their involvement in the ongoing conflict in Yemen."

In March Saudi Arabia executed 81 men in a single day.

Joshua was asked by BBC Radio 5 Live about the controversial nature of staging a contest in Saudi Arabia, the British heavyweight responding by opting to focus on the growth of boxing in the region.

"Since we were last there, boxing has grown 300% and they've opened 49 boxing gyms in the region and had their first women's championships as well. So it's been a positive in my opinion," he said.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/boxing/62009539
 
Lol, this made my day.

Usyk breaking some moves and entertaining the crowd while Joshua stands there like a frigid statue.

Unfortunately for the British superstar his marketing team's well crafted golden boy image has zero impact on the saudi locals, while Usyk on the other hand is a natural entertainer. This is where Tyson's genuine nature wins people wherever he goes, he doesn't need a PR team.

https://youtube.com/shorts/UM2rb7cc7Jg?feature=share
 
Anthony Joshua has shown "serious intentions" by arriving early in Saudi Arabia as he prepares to test Oleksandr Usyk with a destructive early onslaught, says Johnny Nelson.
 
Firebat said:
Oleksandr Usyk v Anthony Joshua II: Eddie Hearn defends decision to stage rematch in Saudi Arabia


At the time, Amnesty International's Felix Jakens described Ruiz v Joshua II as a "sportwashing" exercise for Saudi Arabia, saying: "They've got an appalling record on LGBT rights, women's rights, extra-judicial killings, beheadings, the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi [in 2018], and their involvement in the ongoing conflict in Yemen."

In March Saudi Arabia executed 81 men in a single day.
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The Rumble in the Jungle could be described as sportwash.

As could the Thriller in Manilla.
 
shaz619 said:
Sportwash? what’s that :))
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When an oppressive regime uses an international sporting event to look good.

Rumble in the Jungle - Zaire - Mobutu totalitarian dictatorship.

Thriller in Manilla - Marcos regime - martial law, political oppression, censorship.

Saudi Arabia - House of Saud - oppression of women, no freedom of religion, public execution by beheading, war in Yemen.
 
Robert said:
When an oppressive regime uses an international sporting event to look good.

Rumble in the Jungle - Zaire - Mobutu totalitarian dictatorship.

Thriller in Manilla - Marcos regime - martial law, political oppression, censorship.

Saudi Arabia - House of Saud - oppression of women, no freedom of religion, public execution by beheading, war in Yemen.
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Those events in Africa were infrequent and I doubt had much to do with sportswash but more with the sentiment behind doing battle in the motherland for African Americans

With Saud, there has been more of a focussed effort to change perception in the region and become a little more westernised, there have been a number of events which have been held there now. The Kingdom probably also realises that Oil wont last last forever and they need to do more in order to drive their economy
 
shaz619 said:
Those events in Africa were infrequent and I doubt had much to do with sportswash but more with the sentiment behind doing battle in the motherland for African Americans

With Saud, there has been more of a focussed effort to change perception in the region and become a little more westernised, there have been a number of events which have been held there now. The Kingdom probably also realises that Oil wont last last forever and they need to do more in order to drive their economy
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No doubt. Perhaps why they are buying so much real estate up in London….
 
Robert said:
No doubt. Perhaps why they are buying so much real estate up in London….
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It’s interesting to see UK taxpayers and supporters of foreign policy hate on the house of Saud, that is facinating…
 
shaz619 said:
It’s interesting to see UK taxpayers and supporters of foreign policy hate on the house of Saud, that is facinating…
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The saudi Regime has alot to answer for. Their constant bombardment of Yemen which the weapons are supplied by the West. But money talks over innocent lives.
 
Anthony Joshua can earn new respect with rematch win over Oleksandr Usyk, says Johnny Nelson

Anthony Joshua will earn fresh recognition and respect as an elite world heavyweight champion if he pulls off a sensational revenge win over Oleksandr Usyk, says Sky Sports expert Johnny Nelson.

The two-time world champion heads to Saudi Arabia in view of reclaiming the IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight titles that he lost to Usyk in September's points loss at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Joshua recently suggested he does not feel he received the respect he deserved during his time as world champion, Nelson pointing towards his rematch with Usyk as a route to quashing all doubts over his credentials.

"Anthony Joshua had that crossover appeal when you've got people interested in boxing that wouldn't bat an eyelid at it," said Nelson.

"You're looking at his style and what he's done and there's always people that say 'well this opponent wasn't that', he wasn't given the credit he deserved. This fight will be that fight.

"Remember, he's done it twice now. If Anthony Joshua goes in there and beats him, the next person will be like 'yeah, but you've not beaten Tyson Fury or not beaten Deontay Wilder'.

"He's always going to have these things, but to me this proves you've got to respect him.

"Because he's gone in there with one of the best fighters in the world and he's going to go in there and beat him, if he does that where do the questions come from then?"

Joshua made notable adjustments to his tactics between his shock defeat to Andy Ruiz in New York in 2019 and the subsequent rematch in which he came out on top via unanimous decision.

His approach is expected to change again come August 20 after efforts to out-box Usyk were foiled last time out, with Robert Garcia having been brought in to seemingly re-introduce the power that fuelled Joshua's rise to stardom.

"This is not an impossible ask but it's a tough ask," said Nelson. "When he lost to Ruiz everybody said 'he's done, he's written off', he went back and said 'I've got to change my tactics'.

"This is what he's got to do in this fight, he's got to change his tactics. He tried to beat Usyk at his own game and in doing so he walked straight into Usyk's plan, that's exactly what he wanted to do instead of using his natural ability.

"He was getting picked off by Usyk's southpaw style, dummying with the jab, he was just befuddling him, so he wasn't sure whether to let a shot go and it was making him second guess himself, making his footwork look off balance because he was not sure of the shot he was going to throw because he was walking into the Lion's Den in regards to fighting Usyk's kind of fight.

"To change this, what Anthony Joshua has to do is fight his fight. He out-smarted himself instead of doing what's worked for him in the past and what's got him to this stage in his career."

Nelson has challenged Joshua to revert to the aggression that guided him to victory over Dillian Whyte in 2015 and believes there is more riding on the fight for the Londoner's career than that of Usyk.

"If you look after the fight and you look at the state of Usyk, especially seeing how he beat him, almost stopping him, Usyk's face was in a state and that's when Anthony Joshua boxed bad," Nelson continued.

"He knows he boxed bad, he knows he chose the wrong tactics, he knows he went in there with the wrong mentality. Now he's been given that chance to do it again, he needs this win more than Oleksandr Usyk does because to prove to the world to say 'I'm not a flash in a pan, I'm actually the real deal'.

"This is that fight, this is that chance to become a three-time heavyweight champion of the world and so he's changed his team behind him, he's made some bold decisions, he's gone out there to Saudi to set up camp now to be comfortable in the surroundings.

"He's done everything asked of him. Now it's about mindset, mentality, how he's going to go about this fight.

"He's got to throw the kitchen sink at him. The old AJ that got in there and boxed Dillian Whyte with that rugged rough edge about him, that's the mentality he wants to bring, he needs to bring the intelligence with it, but that's the mentality he wants to bring.

"Use his natural size, his natural weight, his natural punch power, he's knocked out 22 of his opponents. You know he's got the strength, you know he's got the power."

https://www.skysports.com/boxing/ne...ch-win-over-oleksandr-usyk-says-johnny-nelson
 
Manunited18 said:
The saudi Regime has alot to answer for. Their constant bombardment of Yemen which the weapons are supplied by the West. But money talks over innocent lives.
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That’s the TL;DR version.

It’s more complex than that.

Yemen is undergoing civil war between the government and Houti movement. This overspilled into Saudi, who got involved along with UAE, Bahrain, Egypt, Senegal, Jordan and Kuwait.

Takung a step back, the conflict can be described as part of the Iran-Saudi Proxy War for control in the region. Two despotic states trying to extend their influence.

Some of these involved countries are armed by Western weapons exporters as you say, and some by Russian firms.

At present, a UN-brokered truce has been holding for three months.
 
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk: AJ is dangerous throughout a 12-round fight, says former champ Joseph Parker

Anthony Joshua can be dangerous throughout the course of a 12-round fight, says former opponent and another ex-world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker.

Parker was the first man to go the championship distance with Joshua when he lost the WBO belt to the then-unified champion in 2018.

The New Zealander dismissed suggestions Joshua's conditioning will let him down in his monumental rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, live on Sky Sports Box Office on August 20.

"He can always be dangerous," Parker said of Joshua. "He possesses the natural heavyweight ability to hurt people and to hurt other heavyweights. Let's see what his plan is coming into this fight and see where his head's at. You can be physically in great shape but mentally if you're not there it's a waste of time.

"He was a good champion and he can be champion again. It's just that it's up to him now. It's up to him and his new team to make the changes that he needs to attack what Usyk's going to bring. There's a lot of support for him. Everyone's supporting him here in the UK. But also Usyk's got a lot of support as well from his home so we'll see what happens."

New Zealand's Parker fights Joe Joyce on September 24 to decide the leading contender to challenge the Usyk-Joshua winner. He therefore has a keen eye on that August 20 clash for the WBO, WBA and IBF heavyweight titles.

"I would have to side with Usyk [winning] just because of the confidence that he's going to come in with from the first fight. But it'll be interesting," Parker told Sky Sports.

"I see it being a great fight. The first fight was a fantastic fight. Not sure what Joshua's doing with his team, in terms of changing his trainer and how he's going to adjust and change his style coming into the second fight."

To fight his way through to the Usyk-Joshua winner, Parker would have to beat Joyce twice. The Londoner has a rematch clause which he can trigger if he loses the first contest.

"The plan is just to focus on this fight, get the job done and then rematch again in December. Do the same thing, get the job done and win and see what's next. The heavyweight division always changes. It doesn't stay in one position for a long time. You've got the rematch with Joshua and Usyk and things might change, someone else might come into play," Parker said.

"My plan is to win. Every fight is win, win, win," he continued. "Win, then rematch in December and win again on Sky. The first fight's going to be on BT and the second fight's going to be on Sky. They wanted a rematch clause to protect [his position].

"If it's an exciting fight I think people would love to see it again but if it's not we're still stuck in this rematch clause."

Given their respective styles in all likelihood it will be a thrilling fight. "He's tough," Parker said of Joyce. "Very tough, very tough fight, big challenge. He's bigger than me.

"His record speaks for itself. Fourteen fights, 13 knockouts. He does possess power, he's got a great engine, we've seen that he can take a punch and he's ranked highly in the WBO and WBC above myself and there's a reason why. Because he's a great challenge for anyone and he's got a great amateur pedigree.

"I think it'll be a great fight and hopefully it lives up to what we think it should be or could be."

https://www.skysports.com/boxing/ne...2-round-fight-says-former-champ-joseph-parker
 
Looks like Usyk has bulked up for the fight. He is no longer a cruiserweight. Could be a problem for AJ, unless Usyk can't carry the weight and gasses out.
 
Robert said:
Looks like Usyk has bulked up for the fight. He is no longer a cruiserweight. Could be a problem for AJ, unless Usyk can't carry the weight and gasses out.
Click to expand...

Usyk is a Papachenko prodigy, the last thing happening to him is gassing out. Heavily endurance focussed.
The only drawback if any for a bigger Usyk could be speed.
 
shortbread said:
Usyk is a Papachenko prodigy, the last thing happening to him is gassing out. Heavily endurance focussed.
The only drawback if any for a bigger Usyk could be speed.
Click to expand...

Well we have seen that he can outbox AJ with speed and skill. The Briton's advantage was strength, which I expected him to apply in the rematch - go forward, stay inside and bully Usyk - but that looks to be obviated by Usyk's new bulk.
 
Robert said:
Well we have seen that he can outbox AJ with speed and skill. The Briton's advantage was strength, which I expected him to apply in the rematch - go forward, stay inside and bully Usyk - but that looks to be obviated by Usyk's new bulk.
Click to expand...

Joshua still has the height and reach advantage, plus the heavyweight experience. I just hope he's not planning to outbox Usyk for 12 rounds. He should step into that ring without the fear of losing, he's got nothing left to lose. Last time he reminded me of watching David Haye box!
 
Anthony Joshua must 'go toe to toe' to win Oleksandr Usyk rematch, says heavyweight contender Joe Joyce

To beat Oleksandr Usyk in their rematch, Anthony Joshua must "become an offensive fighter" again, says heavyweight contender Joe Joyce.

Joyce boxed both Joshua and Usyk as an amateur boxer. When he was on the GB squad Joyce sparred countless rounds with Joshua at the English Institute of Sport.

He is also the number one ranked challenger for the WBO heavyweight belt, one of the three titles Usyk and Joshua will contest on August 20, live on Sky Sports Box Office. It makes Joyce interested observer of their rematch.

The Londoner does tip Usyk to win, though added, "Unless Joshua can really change his style and also become an offensive fighter again.

"When we were on the GB squad I always used to like going to toe to toe with him, that used to be fun. But then all of a sudden he was kind of bit more [on the] back foot.

"[Against Usyk] he seemed very tidy in his technique and his footwork and everything. But he was trying to outbox Usyk. Maybe it was Usyk that was keeping him away. But he seemed very clinical. He could have roughed him up a bit more inside and took a few chances with pot shots."

Joyce thinks Joshua needs to bring back his style of old. "There was a stage especially early where we were going toe to toe all the time," Joyce said. "Then it got to a point, kind of when he turned pro he started to be a bit more on the back foot and not really willing to engage.

"Especially with the (Andy) Ruiz Jr rematch he probably went into that defensive on the back foot [mode]," Joyce said.

"[He] was kind of scared to engage. I guess rightly so because he must have seen the shadow of Ruiz putting him down. Even (Wladimir) Klitschko put him down and he was in trouble for a whole round when they fought. Klitschko, if he'd been more an offensive fighter, he could have taken him out there."

Even more aggression might not be enough against Usyk second time around, thinks Joyce.

"[Usyk] already knew what to do in the first fight, he went straight to work. So this fight he's already beaten him. So he knows exactly what to do again. He's probably three, four moves ahead of him," Joyce suggested. "So it's a tough one."

The Londoner experienced first hand just how good the Ukrainian was when he boxed Usyk over five rounds in the World Series of Boxing format back in 2013.

"He was slipping my shots. I could have been more effective with a double jab and he was easily slipping my punches and moving his feet but I gave it all I got," Joyce said.

"I was landing some big shots with him as well. It wasn't one sided. It was quite a close fight, I thought, and I definitely put up a better fight than Joshua, I think."

If Joyce beats Joseph Parker when they fight on September 24, he will remain the WBO no. 1 heavyweight contender and stay on course for the August 20 winner. He would prefer that to be Joshua.

"Off the London Olympics the boxing scene has exploded and he's been at the forefront of it and he's made boxing exciting again," Joyce said.

"That's a great fight. If he can beat Usyk this time."

https://www.skysports.com/boxing/ne...-rematch-says-heavyweight-contender-joe-joyce
 
Robert said:
Looks like Usyk has bulked up for the fight. He is no longer a cruiserweight. Could be a problem for AJ, unless Usyk can't carry the weight and gasses out.
Click to expand...

Usyk had lost alot of weight after the 1st fight due to stress and things going on in his homeland. Hes simply just put that weight back on.

He will stop Joshua this time round.
 
Amjid Javed said:
Usyk had lost alot of weight after the 1st fight due to stress and things going on in his homeland. Hes simply just put that weight back on.

He will stop Joshua this time round.
Click to expand...

His condition is not in doubt whether he is big or small, there is only so much mass he can gain without compromising some of this strengths. Is his mental state in good order though?

If AJ can’t beat him now, he never will. He couldn’t have wished for a more perfect scenario as far as his preparation is concerned and that of his opponent.

However, even with that in mind, so long Usyk’s mental state is in good order, I don’t think AJ’s best is enough, those saying he should come forward and bully him are misled, AJ will get stopped within 6 if he swings for the fences with his fragile chin hanging out and lack of inside pedigree. AJ has to be aggressive but from mid-range so he’s not too close or too square, otherwise he will get timed with a right hook or short left to the temple which will shake his ancestors in Nigeria. He barely worked the body last time either, but it is easier said then done for a guy who has always been compatible at long range.

Keys for AJ: Work from mid-range as his base, feint to and attack the body / set up the upper cut, don’t stay in the pocket too long and keep his hands up as he moves out. Use the clinch and his elbows, be dirty.

Keys for Usyk: He can box off the back foot and front foot, great speed, decent power and movement. Main thing for Usyk will be to keep focussed and his mental state in order, other then that, get a good night’s sleep and make weight.
 
shaz619 said:
His condition is not in doubt whether he is big or small, there is only so much mass he can gain without compromising some of this strengths. Is his mental state in good order though?

If AJ can’t beat him now, he never will. He couldn’t have wished for a more perfect scenario as far as his preparation is concerned and that of his opponent.

However, even with that in mind, so long Usyk’s mental state is in good order, I don’t think AJ’s best is enough, those saying he should come forward and bully him are misled, AJ will get stopped within 6 if he swings for the fences with his fragile chin hanging out and lack of inside pedigree. AJ has to be aggressive but from mid-range so he’s not too close or too square, otherwise he will get timed with a right hook or short left to the temple which will shake his ancestors in Nigeria. He barely worked the body last time either, but it is easier said then done for a guy who has always been compatible at long range.

Keys for AJ: Work from mid-range as his base, feint to and attack the body / set up the upper cut, don’t stay in the pocket too long and keep his hands up as he moves out. Use the clinch and his elbows, be dirty.

Keys for Usyk: He can box off the back foot and front foot, great speed, decent power and movement. Main thing for Usyk will be to keep focussed and his mental state in order, other then that, get a good night’s sleep and make weight.
Click to expand...

Speaking as a casual fan it’s always interesting to read this sort of insight [MENTION=46929]shaz619[/MENTION] :thumbsup:
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🇬🇧 “AJ being British, we all want him to bring the titles back to Britain.”<br><br>👀 “If he beats Usyk, maybe he goes & does a unification fight vs Tyson Fury.”<a href="https://twitter.com/amirkingkhan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmirKingKhan</a> says British boxing fans will want Anthony Joshua to beat Oleksander Usuk 🥊 <a href="https://t.co/HAhOyimENO">pic.twitter.com/HAhOyimENO</a></p>— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) <a href="https://twitter.com/talkSPORT/status/1557786423280943105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&#55357;&#56803; "I've got to go change the narrative. I'm the author of my own movie."<br><br>More &#55357;&#56391;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBCBoxing?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BBCBoxing</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UsykJoshua2?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UsykJoshua2</a></p>— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCSport/status/1559293024634560513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
AJ needs to go fast and hard, blitzkrieg, in the first fight he had usyk wobbling in the middle rounds but let his foot of the gas.

usyk is a brilliant brilliant fighter, but i still dont think he could cope with an onsluaght from a real natural heavyweight if he wobbles, but it would be on AJ to drive that home.

im gonna go with AJ 60/40, simply cos id always go for the natural heavyweight when one has only had a handful of fhights at that weight level.

but if he cant manage it in the first 6 or 7, hes gonna leave himself open and big Usyk could finish his career with a KO tbh.
 
ElRaja said:
AJ needs to go fast and hard, blitzkrieg, in the first fight he had usyk wobbling in the middle rounds but let his foot of the gas.

usyk is a brilliant brilliant fighter, but i still dont think he could cope with an onsluaght from a real natural heavyweight if he wobbles, but it would be on AJ to drive that home.

im gonna go with AJ 60/40, simply cos id always go for the natural heavyweight when one has only had a handful of fhights at that weight level.

but if he cant manage it in the first 6 or 7, hes gonna leave himself open and big Usyk could finish his career with a KO tbh.
Click to expand...

Agree. Artur Beterbiev who is the LW champ has beaten Uysk , even though it was an amateur fight. Beterbiev pinned a big right hand, followed by a bodyshot to knock Uysk down. AJ is much bigger with more power, should look for a similar strategy. Uysk will try to walk the ring, make AJ chase him and counter. AJ must walk him without wasting shots in the air, when in close range unleash a barrage of shots, must be combinations which could stop Uysk.

Im rooting for AJ, I think he has a decent chance this time.
 
"I wanted to outbox my opponent, whether it was Usyk or anyone else, that was the mindset [in the first fight]. I wanted to outbox my opponent and on Saturday I want to smash my opponent," Joshua told Sky Sports News.

"That's just the mindset now."

"I was amateur for three and a half years and I done a lot in that time and I asked myself how? It wasn't down to the skill element, because I was outclassed in terms of skill and experience by a lot of my competitors on the world scene, but that aggression," he reflected.

"That will was something that couldn't be denied. Then as you get more experience you try to develop as a rounded athlete. But ultimately, you can't take your eye off the factor of what got you to where you are which is, as you said, that aggressiveness."

"It's never really been lost. The path is always there. It's not like I'm trying to rediscover a path. I always understand where that is. I just tried to be more elusive and add more strings to my bow," he said.

"I was focusing more on different things in my career, for example having a better jab, hitting and not getting hit. You've got to focus on that aggressive aspect, that competitive spirit and at the end of the day, I don't give a damn about your jab, I don't care how good that jab is, I don't care how good this is. I don't care how good you are - my competitive spirit will overcome all obstacles.

"That is something you should never neglect in your search for improvements. Your competitive nature can take you a long way."
 
"I'm here for boxing."

Those were the words of British heavyweight Anthony Joshua when questioned over the controversy surrounding his world-title challenge against Oleksandr Usyk taking place in Saudi Arabia this weekend.

Speaking at a media event in Jeddah on Monday, the 32-year-old added: "That's all I can really say. I think it's been an amazing experience for me.

"I've been out with the people. Walking with the people. I've been in the local gym. I don't really lock myself away. It's been nice for me. I don't really know what else I can say on that.

"I need to get the job done on Saturday."

The Kingdom has sought to stage sporting and entertainment events in recent years in a bid to attract visitors and move away from its oil-dependent economy.

But human rights organisation Amnesty International has highlighted the country's "abysmal" human rights record.

Heavy restrictions on freedom of expression, women's rights and the treatment of the LGBT community have been raised, as has the use of the death penalty for offences not recognised as crimes under international law, and the ongoing conflict in Yemen.
 
Dillian Whyte has backed Anthony Joshua to reclaim his world heavyweight titles against Oleksandr Usyk this Saturday, but insists his old rival must rediscover the nasty streak that inspired his initial rise to the pinnacle of boxing.

Oleksandr Usyk is ready for the 'muscles' and 'mindset' of Anthony Joshua ahead of their huge heavyweight rematch, says the Ukrainian's promoter Alexander Krassyuk.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Usyk & Joshua come head-to-head for the first time on fight week! &#55357;&#56868; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UsykJoshua2?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UsykJoshua2</a><a href="https://t.co/eZ6nQv1mG2">pic.twitter.com/eZ6nQv1mG2</a></p>— Sky Sports (@SkySports) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySports/status/1559914431987044355?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Anthony Joshua says it would mean "nothing" to him to regain his heavyweight titles on Saturday.

Joshua, 32, can reclaim the WBA (Super), WBO and IBF titles by beating Oleksandr Usyk in their rematch.

Asked what it would mean to win back the titles after being written off by so many, the Briton said: "Nothing. It ain't that big of a big deal.

"For everyone else, it is. You're only as good as your last fight. Once I win, [it will be] what's next?"

Joshua will also fight for the Ring Magazine title after Tyson Fury vacated the belt earlier this week.

It is the first time in his 26-fight career that Joshua has challenged for the prestigious belt.

"There's definitely pressure. It would be wrong for me to say there's no pressure, that would be a lie," Joshua added.

"It's going to be tough, it's going to go the rounds, going to get a minute break - it's how I deal with it mentally. I'm ready mentally for that pressure that's where I can thrive."

Despite being able to avenge his defeat by Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019, Joshua is being backed by few to do the same to Usyk.

The Ukrainian, a former undisputed cruiserweight champion, is undefeated as a professional and comfortably beat Joshua last September in London.

Joshua left long-time coach Rob McCracken after losing to Usyk and hired American Robert Garcia as his new head coach.

After being outboxed by Usyk, Joshua complained about the advice he was given in the corner during the 12-round fight.

But with Garcia now in his corner, Joshua insisted it was down to him to problem solve during the bout.

"I am going to listen to my corner. I've listened to them for the last eight months of training with them.

"Now it's about instinct. I've got to go in there and want it myself. Garcia, Angel [Fernandez], McCracken, my mum, my father can't win this for me. It's just me."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/62595219
 
ANTHONY JOSHUA: I’ve Been Doing THE FAJR Islamic Prayer EVERY DAY!



AJ does look more chilled, relaxed and mentally stronger.

Its nice to hear he has been praying the fajr prayer to help him find some peace.
 
I like Joshua, but I think The Ukrainian will beat him again. Will be a close fight for sure.
 
Anthony Joshua has accepted WBC champion Tyson Fury's terms for an all-British heavyweight fight on 3 December and is "awaiting a response", his management company has said.

Joshua, 32, was sent an offer by Team Fury, suggesting a 60-40 purse split to the champion and a December fight date.

The fight was agreed on Friday but the announcement was delayed because of the death of the Queen last Thursday.

Initial terms have been agreed but Joshua is yet to sign a contract.

In a statement posted on Twitter and shared by Joshua, 258MGT said: "258 and Matchroom Boxing can confirm, on behalf of Anthony Joshua, that we accepted all terms presented to us by Fury's team for a fight."

Fury, 34, had said he was retiring after beating Dillian Whyte in April, and reiterated that claim last month, before challenging former world champion Joshua in a video posted on social media.

Joshua was beaten by Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk in their rematch in Saudi Arabia last month, his third defeat in his past five bouts.

There is a rematch clause with a 50-50 split if Joshua beats Fury, but the venue for the December fight, should it go ahead, is yet to be confirmed.

Cardiff's Principality Stadium has been mooted, while Saudi Arabia or another country in the Middle East could also host it.

There are still hurdles to overcome before the fight is finalised, with both fighters signed to rival promoters and broadcasters, although two-time champion Joshua this week entered the WBC rankings in sixth position in another significant development.

A boxer must be ranked in the top 15 by all governing bodies to challenge for a world title.
 
Oleksandr Usyk offers to help Anthony Joshua in training for his next fight and would come to UK to do so

Oleksandr Usyk has offered to help prepare Anthony Joshua for his next fight.

Ukraine's Usyk has beaten Joshua in two consecutive high-profile heavyweight title fights.

But he is open to coming to the UK to assist Joshua with his training.

Alexander Krassyuk, Usyk's promoter, told Sky Sports: "He said if needed he might come and give him a couple of [pieces of] advice."

Usyk outclassed Joshua in an upset last year to win the unified IBF, WBO and WBA championship. In a brave bid to try to reclaim his titles Joshua chose to trigger his rematch clause and boxed the Ukrainian a second time last month, only for Usyk to claim a points victory once again.

In the immediate aftermath of that fight, Usyk called for Tyson Fury to face him in an undisputed heavyweight title clash. It is the one fight Usyk wants but he will not be ready to box again until next year.

That opened the door for Fury, the WBC titlist, to fight Joshua in an all-British heavyweight clash.

Fury has offered Joshua the opportunity to challenge him and Joshua's management team announced on Tuesday that they have accepted terms for that possible bout on December 3.

The Ukrainian's team has now also told Sky Sports that Usyk would be willing to help Joshua prepare for his next fight, even though that could potentially be against Fury.

It would be a new situation for Joshua, although the Briton has previously trained with a future opponent. When Wladimir Klitschko was heavyweight champion, Joshua joined him in camp to train and spar with him. The two subsequently maintained cordial relations even after their memorable showdown at Wembley Stadium in 2017.

Joshua's outburst after his most recent loss has been widely discussed but Usyk himself has not criticised him publicly.

"He was disappointed with his defeat and he was sad," the champion has said.

"I understand that he wanted to win against me, but Anthony can't give up. He must go forwards."

https://www.skysports.com/boxing/ne...-his-next-fight-and-would-come-to-uk-to-do-so
 
Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua: WBC explains AJ ranking | Joshua approved for Fury fight

Anthony Joshua has entered the WBC rankings "on his merits" and would be approved as a challenger for Tyson Fury, confirmed WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman.

Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports, Sulaiman explained why Joshua had gone straight into their world heavyweight top 10.

"Joshua entered the ratings [on] his merits and since he does not have any commitment for another organisation," Sulaiman said.

With negotiations ongoing for Joshua to take on Tyson Fury in all-British heavyweight clash, Joshua's new ranking is another key step towards him challenging Fury, the WBC heavyweight champion.

Sulaiman has told Sky Sports that this rating means Joshua is now eligible to fight Fury for their heavyweight title.

He maintained too that Joshua has been included in the WBC's rankings as recognition for his achievements.

Although Joshua failed to win back the WBO, WBA and IBF heavyweight titles when he lost his rematch with Usyk, that defeat has actually freed him up to challenge Fury for the WBC belt.

"He was not rated before because he was champion of other organisations and then he was signed to fight for other organisations," Sulaiman told Sky Sports.

Joshua needed this ranking to be an acceptable opponent for Fury to make a voluntary title defence against.

Asked if Joshua is now eligible to challenge Fury, Sulaiman responded: "Yes, he is."

Furthermore, there are no current mandatory obligations for the WBC title that would stop Fury from fighting Joshua on their proposed date of December 3.

As Fury's last fight, when he halted Dillian Whyte at Wembley Stadium in April, was a mandatory defence that means the champion has the time now to take on a voluntary challenger.

The heavyweight that will eventually become the mandatory challenger for the WBC belt won't be determined at least until November at the WBC's convention in Acapulco, with bouts taking place before then being designated as eliminators, like Andy Ruiz's win over Luis Ortiz and Deontay Wilder's upcoming contest with Robert Helenius in October.

The WBC is no obstruction to Anthony Joshua challenging Tyson Fury for their title and attempting to become a three-time heavyweight world champion. All the fighters and their teams need to do now is agree a deal.

https://www.skysports.com/boxing/ne...ins-aj-ranking-joshua-approved-for-fury-fight
 
Anthony Joshua: Robert Garcia says he would prefer "two or three fights" before Tyson Fury clash

Anthony Joshua’s trainer Robert Garcia admits he would have liked him to have “two or three fights” before taking on Tyson Fury and has called for him to train in the USA ahead of the prospective heavyweight clash.

It was announced on Tuesday that Joshua and his team had accepted all terms laid out by Fury in view of a potential blockbuster all-British showdown on December 3.

Garcia was brought in to join Angel Fernandez as co-trainer ahead of the Oleksandr Usyk rematch, where he was beaten by split-decision in Saudi Arabia, with the American wary of Joshua making Fury his next opponent.

"Look, it's a huge fight, it's the biggest fight in the UK and it's a fight that actually needs to happen sooner rather than later," Garcia told iD Boxing. "Would I prefer it to happen two, three fights from now? Yes, but it's a big fight and it's a big business.

"His management team is very smart when it comes to negotiations and the final decisions, so they'll make the right decision. Me personally, I'm not a businessman, I'd rather him take two or three fights before anything huge.

"Anthony took the rematch with Usyk right away, when he could have easily taken two or three fights before that. He took it right away because he wants those challenges too.

"If this challenge is there and he wants to take it, he'll take it. He'll go out and train and we'll do our best job to go out there and win. The fight won't be easy but is it winnable? Yes, we could win that fight."

Joshua has wasted no time in getting back to the gym since losing to Usyk in August, while Garcia believes a pre-fight training camp in California would bolster his hopes in pursuit of regaining a heavyweight belt.

"I haven't talked to him [Joshua] about it [training in the USA], I talked to the management team," Garcia added. "They all said they would like that, but at the end of the day, it's going to be his decision.

"I think he would do so much better, honestly, training around Jesse Rodriguez, José Ramírez and all the young talent that I have. It's not only that he's going to train with them, he's going to compete with them. They're going to train together, they're going to push each other and they all want to be better than the other.

"I think that would help a lot - I would love that."

https://www.skysports.com/boxing/ne...r-two-or-three-fights-before-tyson-fury-clash
 
Anthony Joshua has adopted an intense mindset and is ready to shock the world after returning to training in preparation for his proposed fight with Tyson Fury, says gym-mate Richard Riakporhe.
 
WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury says fellow Briton Anthony Joshua "does not want to fight" him for the world title later this year.

Fury, 34, offered Joshua the fight despite the 32-year-old failing to regain the WBA (Super), WBO and IBF belts he lost to Oleksandr Usyk.

Joshua's team said they have "accepted all terms" to the offer.

But Fury said: "I will be fighting on 3 December if [Joshua] does not sign this contract, which I don't think he will."

He added: "You've had the contract for I don't know how long and ain't signing it. You do not want to fight."

In the same social media post, Fury used an expletive to describe Ukraine's Usyk, who called for a unification fight with Fury after winning his rematch with Joshua.

Fury's promoter Frank Warren then said the match "will be made" and Usyk, 35, said in an interview posted on his YouTube page on Thursday that he wants it to be one of his last three fights before retiring.

"The unification of all the belts is much more important than just a fight or another defence," he said.

"I want to outbox Fury and I don't want to work that much just for another defence. There's much more than that and I can achieve it."

Usyk also wants a lucrative "freak" fight with super-middleweight champion Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez before ending his career at Kyiv's Olimpiyskiy Stadium.

Alvarez claimed a dominant points win over Gennady Golovkin last weekend to settle their trilogy with a second win for the Mexican, 32, after a controversial draw in his first bout with the Kazakh.

"I can have three more fights at the very most," Usyk added.

"It is the most realistic to be in my top form. With Fury, Canelo and a farewell fight at Olimpiyskiy.

"With Canelo he said that he wanted to fight me. It would be a freak fight just for the sake of earning money."

BBC
 
Anthony Joshua's next opponent: Otto Wallin 'in the mix' and 'ready', says promoter Dmitriy Salita

Otto Wallin is in talks and "in the mix" for a heavyweight clash against Anthony Joshua, according to promoter Dmitriy Salita.

Joshua's proposed all-British showdown with Tyson Fury fell through earlier this month, following weeks of negotiations, with talks breaking down between the rival camps.

The 32-year-old is searching for a new opponent ahead of a return to the ring, potentially as soon as December, with Salita - who also promotes Claressa Shields - confirming that Wallin is "in the mix" to face Joshua.

"Eddie (Hearn) and I spoke after the Usyk fight and he expressed interest in the fight with Otto Wallin," Salita told Sky Sports. "Then there was the conversation with Tyson (Fury) fighting Joshua, so he (Hearn) and I spoke and he said he was pursuing that possibility, so those talks were on hold.

"I know that Otto's name is in the mix with some others and it's something that we're very interested in and we've expressed interest to Eddie.

"From what I know and from what I understand, Otto is in play for a possible fight with Anthony Joshua."

Joshua insisted he was keen to return to the ring before the end of 2022 after his split-decision loss to Oleksandr Usyk in August, a second successive defeat against the Ukrainian, although no provisional date or venue has yet been confirmed.

"I don't know when Anthony Joshua's next fight is, but if it's December, January or later then it's something we're interested in," Salita added. "Obviously not too late, but if it's Joshua's next fight - which is what we're talking about - then it's something we're very interested in.

"Otto feels very confident about his chances to win, while it's possible that Joshua may feel a little intimidated coming off a loss against a southpaw in Usyk. He did a great job, but he lost.

"There haven been some good discussions, we love the fight and we're ready for it, any time, any day of the week."

Wallin (24-1) has been inactive since defeating Rydell Booker in May, while his only professional loss came in a gruelling encounter and unanimous decision defeat against Fury in 2019.

The Swede offered Fury a tough test and left him with a horrendous cut requiring 47 stitches, while Salita believes a meeting with Joshua could produce a future opponent for the "Gypsy King".

"He (Wallin) is ready [to fight Joshua] without a doubt," Salita said. "Otto wants to fight Tyson Fury as well. He gave Tyson the toughest fight of his career - many felt he won and some felt the fight should have been stopped.

"Anthony Joshua wants a fight with Tyson Fury, so I believe that the winner of that fight is a bona fide people's contender for Tyson Fury.

"As a boxing fan, the fight [for Joshua] with Otto Wallin makes good sense."

https://www.skysports.com/boxing/ne...he-mix-and-ready-says-promoter-dmitriy-salita
 
Firebat said:
Anthony Joshua's next opponent: Otto Wallin 'in the mix' and 'ready', says promoter Dmitriy Salita

Otto Wallin is in talks and "in the mix" for a heavyweight clash against Anthony Joshua, according to promoter Dmitriy Salita.

Joshua's proposed all-British showdown with Tyson Fury fell through earlier this month, following weeks of negotiations, with talks breaking down between the rival camps.

The 32-year-old is searching for a new opponent ahead of a return to the ring, potentially as soon as December, with Salita - who also promotes Claressa Shields - confirming that Wallin is "in the mix" to face Joshua.

"Eddie (Hearn) and I spoke after the Usyk fight and he expressed interest in the fight with Otto Wallin," Salita told Sky Sports. "Then there was the conversation with Tyson (Fury) fighting Joshua, so he (Hearn) and I spoke and he said he was pursuing that possibility, so those talks were on hold.

"I know that Otto's name is in the mix with some others and it's something that we're very interested in and we've expressed interest to Eddie.

"From what I know and from what I understand, Otto is in play for a possible fight with Anthony Joshua."

Joshua insisted he was keen to return to the ring before the end of 2022 after his split-decision loss to Oleksandr Usyk in August, a second successive defeat against the Ukrainian, although no provisional date or venue has yet been confirmed.

"I don't know when Anthony Joshua's next fight is, but if it's December, January or later then it's something we're interested in," Salita added. "Obviously not too late, but if it's Joshua's next fight - which is what we're talking about - then it's something we're very interested in.

"Otto feels very confident about his chances to win, while it's possible that Joshua may feel a little intimidated coming off a loss against a southpaw in Usyk. He did a great job, but he lost.

"There haven been some good discussions, we love the fight and we're ready for it, any time, any day of the week."

Wallin (24-1) has been inactive since defeating Rydell Booker in May, while his only professional loss came in a gruelling encounter and unanimous decision defeat against Fury in 2019.

The Swede offered Fury a tough test and left him with a horrendous cut requiring 47 stitches, while Salita believes a meeting with Joshua could produce a future opponent for the "Gypsy King".

"He (Wallin) is ready [to fight Joshua] without a doubt," Salita said. "Otto wants to fight Tyson Fury as well. He gave Tyson the toughest fight of his career - many felt he won and some felt the fight should have been stopped.

"Anthony Joshua wants a fight with Tyson Fury, so I believe that the winner of that fight is a bona fide people's contender for Tyson Fury.

"As a boxing fan, the fight [for Joshua] with Otto Wallin makes good sense."

https://www.skysports.com/boxing/ne...he-mix-and-ready-says-promoter-dmitriy-salita
Click to expand...

he is soft


He is soft
 
Anthony Joshua is now not expected to return to the ring until 2023, with rising British heavyweights Joe Joyce and Daniel Dubois being offered as exciting opponents for the former champion.
 
Heavyweight Anthony Joshua says he wants to fight 'good opponents' like Otto Wallin and Dillian Whyte

Anthony Joshua says he is prepared to fight old rival Dillian Whyte on his return to action next year.

Joshua, 33, is considering his potential next opponents after losing a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk in August.

Joshua, who beat Whyte in 2015, says Swede Otto Wallin and Croat Filip Hrgovic are also options.

"I like fighting good opponents," Joshua told DAZN. "Yeah, I'll fight Otto. Yeah, I'll fight Dillian. I'll fight Hrgovic."

Whyte and Joshua's rivalry has endured over the years, with both men repeatedly saying they are open to a rematch.

Whyte, 34, is also looking to bounce back from defeat by Tyson Fury on 26 November when he fights American Jermaine Franklin in London.

Joshua is recovering from his third defeat and the first successive losses of his career.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/63470282
 
Anthony Joshua is 'nearing a deal' for his next fight against Jermaine Franklin in London on April 1

Anthony Joshua is 'nearing a deal' for a fight against Jermaine Franklin, with the American's promotional team hoping to finalise the bout 'very soon.'

Franklin has emerged as the preferred opponent for Joshua's next heavyweight fight, which is expected to be scheduled at The O2 in London on April 1.

Dmitriy Salita, Franklin's promoter, has confirmed to Sky Sports that negotiations are 'moving in the right direction' and he is hopeful of reaching a final agreement for the Joshua fight.

"Jermaine is a world-class heavyweight from Michigan in America, who is on his way to bringing a big win back home," said Salita.

"We hope to get the deal over the finish line to help Jermaine bring his lifetime dream to fruition."

Franklin made his UK debut in November, earning credit for a hard-fought majority decision loss to Dillian Whyte, which was the first defeat on the 29-year-old's 22-fight record.

Australian Demsey McKean and Sweden's Otto Wallin, two southpaw contenders, had previously been linked with Joshua.

But the British star appears to have opted for the 6ft 2in tall, orthodox fighting style of Franklin, following back-to-back losses to the masterful southpaw Oleksandr Usyk.

Joshua's second world title reign was ended by a unanimous decision loss to Usyk in September 2021, while the Ukrainian retained the WBA, IBF and WBO belts with a split decision victory in their rematch last August.

Talks are at an advanced stage for Usyk to share the ring with WBC king Tyson Fury in the next few months.

https://www.skysports.com/boxing/ne...gainst-jermaine-franklin-in-london-on-april-1
 
Heavyweight Anthony Joshua's comeback fight will take place on 1 April at the O2 Arena in London, promoter Eddie Hearn has announced.

Joshua, 33, is likely to fight American Jermaine Franklin, who lost on points to Dillian Whyte last November.

A news conference will be held next week to officially announce the fight.

"It's a really tough fight with loads of pressure to come back because if AJ doesn't win this fight, then we've got a major problem," said Hearn.

"I believe you'll see a statement from a guy who is very dangerous, very motivated to become a three-time heavyweight world champion."

Joshua has lost his last two fights, both to unified heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk.

BBC
 
British heavyweight Anthony Joshua will fight Jermaine Franklin on 1 April at the O2 Arena in London.

Joshua, 33, who lost his last two fights to world champion Oleksandr Usyk, will be seeking a first win since beating Kubrat Pulev in 2020.

Franklin was recently defeated by Briton Dillian Whyte, marking a first loss in 22 fights for the 29-year-old American.

Promoting his return to the ring, Joshua tweeted: "A new dawn."

The two-time world champion lost by split decision as he sought to recapture the unified heavyweight titles from Usyk in August.

That was Joshua's third career defeat in 27 fights, following a shock loss to Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019 which he later avenged.
 
Heavyweight Anthony Joshua says he has put his heart back in boxing as he prepares to face Jermaine Franklin at the O2 Arena in London on 1 April.

The Briton, 33, looks for his first win since 2020 after successive defeats by unified champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Joshua said he was more serious than ever before about his boxing career.

"I've always tried to make an empire but I made a conscious decision last year to put my heart into boxing and nothing else," he said.
 
Anthony Joshua says he will retire from boxing if he loses against Jermaine Franklin on Saturday at the O2 Arena.

The two-time world champion is making his return to the ring this weekend to face the American heavyweight after successive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.

Joshua will be looking to win his first professional fight since December 2020 but has admitted he will step away from boxing if he loses a third successive bout.

"I will. I will retire if I lose. I'm not here to battle people. If people want me to retire I will retire," he told MailOnline.

"I'm not going to fight if people don't want me too. It's not even about the money. It's about the competitor in you. That's what's important.

"It [pressure] comes with the business and it comes with the territory, I know that.

"I know when I am retired, I am gonna be chilling. I'm gonna be thinking f**k everyone. I am done.

"You lot put so much pressure on me so when I am done, the chains are going to be gone. I am going to be laughing and loving life."

Lawrence Okolie has sparred with Anthony Joshua before and knows the former world champion well.

Although Joshua may be under pressure against Franklin in this next fight, Okolie believes he can handle it.

"He's been in high-pressure situations for a long, long time," Okolie told Sky Sports News.

"That's 10 plus years now [since his Olympic Games]. We spoke this weekend, he's in good spirits. He's feeling strong, fit and he's done a lot of sparring. So I don't want to speak for him but I expect to go in there and put on a great show.

"This is world-class boxing so I don't expect him to necessarily go and get it done in one round. But I expect him to win in impressive fashion."

Former WBO cruiserweight champion Johnny Nelson expects Joshua to beat Franklin but thinks the 33-year-old should retire if he loses.

"I'd expect Anthony Joshua to get it done. But Jermaine Franklin is 29 years old, (has had) 22 fights, won 21, stopped 14 of his opponents and in his last fight against Dillian Whyte people say he should have won. But that's questionable," he said.

"My big question is this: Anthony Joshua, after losing two fights on the bounce, has had to relook at his confidence to think 'who am I, do I belong here, do I want this?'

"For Anthony Joshua that's everything. Because he's had to go through a bit of turmoil, mentally, emotionally and come to terms with the fact that he's no longer the best fighter, officially, in the world.

"He's got to get in the queue again like everybody else. If Anthony Joshua loses, he jacks it in. If he doesn't jack it, he should jack it. Because it's a hard mountain to climb.

"Especially when you've had the success and the heights that he's had. So he can't afford to lose. That's a must. Then from that, it's confidence building."

SKY
 
Anthony Joshua v Jermaine Franklin: Briton says now is the 'worst time' to fight him

Briton Anthony Joshua said now is "the worst time" to fight him and described the current heavyweight landscape as a "shambles".

The 33-year-old faces American Jermaine Franklin at London's O2 Arena on Saturday.

Joshua has been out of the ring since losing a rematch with unified champion Oleksandr Usyk in August.

"I am so happy I'm fighting again," he said. "Looking at the champions, it's just a shambles."

Joshua, referring to an undisputed fight between Usyk and Tyson Fury falling through, added: "When you're trying to compete, all the mandatories and negotiations, I just can't believe no fights have been made at a championship level.

"I'm just so happy I can get back to work and get on with my job."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/boxing/65105636
 
Anthony Joshua admits he will not be recognised as the "best" heavyweight until he regains a world title and has urged his rivals to stop "waiting" for a fight.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Anthony Joshua called for a heavyweight showdown against Tyson Fury after he battled to a points win over Jermaine Franklin 👀 <a href="https://t.co/o2xYlguJl2">pic.twitter.com/o2xYlguJl2</a></p>— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsBoxing/status/1642470528983105537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Anthony Joshua: British heavyweight says he will be back in the ring within next three months

British heavyweight Anthony Joshua says he is "definitely going to be fighting in the next three months" following his win over Jermaine Franklin on Saturday.

Joshua claimed his first win in more than two years having lost consecutive bouts to WBA (Super), IBF and WBO world champion Oleksandr Usyk.

He told the BBC's One Show he does not know who his next opponent will be, but he wants to "get the ball rolling".

"It was nine months since I was last in the ring [before Franklin]," he said.

"I don't want to leave it that long again. I want to be back there in next three months."

Fellow British heavyweight Dillian Whyte said Joshua, 33, showed "signs of a fighter who doesn't want to do it any more" in his points win against Franklin.

"If he doesn't want to do it any more, I think he should stop," Whyte told BBC Radio 5 Live.

Joshua himself said he was "not too happy" after failing to beat Franklin by knockout, but added: "Getting that win and getting out amongst the public - it was nice to mingle and get congratulations."

Joshua added it was "important" to get a first win under new coach Derrick James, who he hired in February.

"I'm definitely going to be fighting in the next three months, against who? It's still unknown," Joshua said.

Following his victory on Saturday, Joshua said a bout with Tyson Fury would be the "pot of gold".

He added: "The WBC heavyweight champion of the world. That's what it's about."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/boxing/65215037
 
Anthony Joshua has announced that he will not return to the ring until December following this month's win over Jermaine Franklin.
 
Anthony Joshua will fight Robert Helenius at London's O2 Arena on Saturday as the replacement for Dillian Whyte.

Joshua's heavyweight rematch with Whyte was cancelled at the weekend after the latter failed a voluntary drug test.

Finland's Helenius, who has 32 wins and four losses, steps in at less than a week's notice.

"This wasn't in the script," Joshua said of his new opponent. "I am laser focused on the win."

Helenius' last big fight was a first-round knockout defeat by Deontay Wilder in October.

"I am a true Viking that is willing to face any challenge at a moment's notice," the 39-year-old said.

"This is not an opportunity I was going to let slip away. I plan to make the most of it."
 
Anthony Joshua v Robert Helenius: Briton wins with one-punch knockout in round seven

Heavyweight Anthony Joshua spectacularly knocked out Robert Helenius with one punch in round seven, after boxing tentatively in the first half of the fight at London's O2 Arena.

The 33-year-old Briton - who was jeered by fans during the fight - landed nothing of note until an overhand right ended Helenius' night.
The win - Joshua's first stoppage win in two and half years - sets up a blockbuster fight with American Deontay Wilder in January.

"It's a fickle sport, you've got to be real about this industry and not get caught up. I've done my job tonight," Joshua told BBC Radio 5 live.

When asked in the ring about the potential fight with Wilder, Joshua joked: "My back's gone, is there a doctor in here? I want to carry this heavyweight division to the top."

After the knockout, an emotionally charged and smiling Joshua climbed out of the ring, high-fived fans and shared a beer with Irish mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor.

Helenius needed oxygen after the heavy knockdown, but recovered and left the ring unassisted after congratulating Joshua.

Joshua extends his record to 26 wins - with 23 stoppages - and three defeats.

Finland's Helenius - who took the fight on a weeks' notice after Briton Dillian Whyte failed a voluntary drug test - loses his fifth pro fight in 36 outings.

 
Joshua is done, he looked slow and gun shy. Wilder will smash him when they fight
 
Anthony Joshua v Deontay Wilder: Terms agreed for heavyweight fight, says promoter Eddie Hearn

Terms have been agreed for Anthony Joshua to fight Deontay Wilder - but the Briton may walk away if contracts are not agreed soon, Eddie Hearn says.

Promoter Hearn said Joshua could fight Tyson Fury instead, while a third go at Andy Ruiz Jr is also on the cards.

Former two-time heavyweight champion Joshua has been strongly linked with fighting Wilder with a December date in Saudi Arabia touted in recent months.

"We've agreed the money, we've agreed everything," said Hearn.

Speaking to BBC 5 Live Boxing, Hearn, who has promoted Joshua since he made his professional debut in 2013, said: "We're waiting on the official contract, but we won't wait forever."

He said Saudi Arabia as a potential location had been complicated by "a change of environment in Saudi Arabia with the operators in boxing".

Joshua, 33, has picked up two victories this year over Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius respectively, following consecutive defeats to unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

"He [Joshua] is just training away but he wants Wilder," added Hearn, who said the 2012 Olympic gold medallist wants to remain active.

"If it can't be made, he wants to stay active. If he fights in December, that'll be three fights in eight months which is incredible for him."

However, Hearn believes a super fight between Joshua and WBC heavyweight champion Fury could still be in contention, should a deal with Skills Challenge Entertainment, who Hearn has been negotiating with for the Wilder fight, fall through.

"People keep saying he should have one more fight and then fight Wilder, but we don't think so. If it ends up that way, so be it and nothing would surprise me," said Hearn.

"If he fights in December, if he fights Deontay Wilder, if he fights Tyson Fury next - nothing would surprise me."

The boxing promoter confirmed that Joshua will more than likely fight outside of England and has mentioned old rival Ruiz Jr as one potential opponent.

"There's Filip Hrgovic and there's Andy Ruiz Jr, but it probably won't take place in this country," added Hearn.

"He's had two now on the spin at The O2 Arena, so maybe we go to Madison Square Garden, somewhere in the Middle East. It's just about activity for him."

Joshua avenged his defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia in 2019 after the Mexican sensationally knocked him out in New York at Madison Square Garden.

www.bbc.com

Terms agreed for Joshua v Wilder, says Hearn

Promoter Eddie Hearn says terms have been agreed for Anthony Joshua to fight Deontay Wilder, but the Briton may walk away if contracts are not agreed soon.
www.bbc.com www.bbc.com
 
It's a cash out fight for Joshua and wilder, the loser should just retire
 
Sad that in this era the best of the best are stat padding and ducking real fights and then only fight each other at the twilight of their careers.

No one wonder so many combat sports enthusiasts tune into MMA / UFC far more often. There’s no ducking, even though at times the champions attempt it.
 
Deontay Wilder: American heavyweight tells Anthony Joshua he is 'ready to fight' as talks continue

Deontay Wilder says it would be a "major disaster" if he and Anthony Joshua never fight.

The American heavyweight is in talks to face Joshua in 2024 after a fight in Saudi Arabia this year fell through.

Wilder, 38, addressed Joshua on social media after the Briton suggested they could share a bill with Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury.

"I'm letting you know I'm ready to fight. Let's make this the best time of our lives," Wilder said.

"[It is] a fight everyone is looking forward to and hopefully it happens and I'm doing everything in my power to make it happen."

Unified champion Usyk (21-0) is set to fight WBC champion Fury (33-0-1) in a long-awaited undisputed fight, but that bout is expected to be announced for 23 December in Saudi Arabia.

Joshua (26-3) said he intends to fight in December, but it is unlikely to be against former WBC champion Wilder.

Promoter Eddie Hearn had suggested a fight between 34-year-old Joshua and Wilder was close in September before potential hosts in Saudi Arabia backed out of the deal.


www.bbc.com

I'm ready to fight Joshua, says Wilder

American heavyweight Deontay Wilder says it would be a "major disaster" if he never gets to fight Anthony Joshua.
www.bbc.com www.bbc.com
 
Anthony Joshua: Outburst after Oleksandr Usyk rematch defeat down to 'ego' and 'pride'

Anthony Joshua talked of his regret at his post-fight outburst following his heavyweight title loss to Oleksandr Usyk in their rematch last year.

Joshua threw Usyk's world title belts out of the ring following his defeat in August 2022 and then launched into a remarkable speech in the aftermath of his split decision loss to Usyk in Jeddah.

Reflecting on the incident as part of an interview with Louis Theroux aired on the BBC on Tuesday night, Joshua said: "That was an ego and pride thing coming out.

"I brought this heavyweight division back - that was in me. Right or wrong, probably wrong...

"So I threw them [the belts] because that's what I felt like. I grabbed the mic, I addressed the crowd. Could I have done it better? Of course I could have.

"I had finished a 12-round fight. I felt frustrated and annoyed. I knew I was out of the title race."

www.skysports.com

Anthony Joshua: Outburst after Oleksandr Usyk rematch defeat down to 'ego' and 'pride'

On the pressures of trying to become a three-time heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua admits maybe I should stop if I cant deal with it; on a possible all-British clash with Tyson Fury, AJ says: Its a challenge, and one Id be up for
www.skysports.com www.skysports.com
 

Anthony Joshua: Talks held over boxing match in Africa, says Eddie Hearn​


Anthony Joshua could revisit the Rumble in the Jungle as part of an "iconic" bout around the 50th anniversary of the legendary fight, says Eddie Hearn.

Promoter Hearn says talks have taken place over the heavyweight contender fighting in Africa, and that government backing for an event is available.

Joshua, 34, has Nigerian ancestry but has never fought on the continent.

"It's something that would be iconic for the sport," Hearn told BBC World Service's Newsday of the proposals.

"When we're visiting these countries, there's government funding to stage these events.

"Sometimes that isn't forthcoming in all areas but there have been discussions and I think it will happen in time."

Muhammad Ali and George Foreman contested the heavyweight world championship in Zaire - now Democratic Republic of Congo - in October 1974 in one of the greatest fights of all time.

Both men were champions during the long careers that made them legends, with Ali knocking out Foreman in the eighth round to win the WBA, WBC and Ring titles.

Joshua held the WBA belt for a combined total of almost four years and has been IBF, WBO and IBO champion, although he is currently aiming to win back the titles he failed to regain from Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia in August 2022.

The 2012 Olympic gold medallist, who grew up in London after his parents emigrated from Nigeria before he was born, remains one of the biggest ticket-sellers in the sport and has called himself "proudly Nigerian and proudly British", sporting a tattoo of Africa with Nigeria outlined on his right shoulder.

"With that anniversary approaching, we've often talked about a big Anthony Joshua fight - even revisiting the famous scenes in Zaire of the Rumble in the Jungle," said Hearn.

"We've had a couple of approaches. Obviously, Anthony Joshua - with his Nigerian descent - is always keen to visit and stage a major event there.

"Visually, it would be incredible and something Anthony would love to tick off the box before the end of his career."

Despite its lasting resonance, the Rumble in the Jungle remains the last time a fight of such scale took place in Africa.

Ngannou fight on horizon?
Earlier in November, Hearn told BBC Sport he was exploring a potential fight between Joshua and former UFC champion Francis Ngannou as part of a plan for the next "six to 12 months" of Joshua's career.

Like Joshua, Ngannou is a huge name in Africa - particularly in Cameroon, where he was born and took his first steps in combat sport before moving to Europe to fulfil his MMA dream.

Ngannou almost stunned WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury on his professional boxing debut in October, losing on a controversial split decision in Saudi Arabia in a performance that has seen him ranked in the top 10 by the WBC and strengthened his chances of fights against established names such as Joshua.

Speaking after that bout, Hearn suggested he was still exploring whether a fight in Africa was financially viable and said he had exchanged messages with Ngannou's camp.

"All of a sudden, that fight between two giants becomes a massive fight," said Hearn, describing Joshua and Ngannou as "carved out of stone". "We're definitely willing to consider it."

After leaving the UFC at the start of 2023, Ngannou joined the Professional Fighters League, an MMA promotion with ambitions to expand to Africa.

Ngannou is a minority equity owner and chairman of the newly created PFL Africa, which PFL chief executive Peter Murray told BBC Sport will launch in 2025.

The fighter known as 'The Predator' does not have a scheduled bout but has set his immediate sights on continuing in boxing and is also a fighter for the PFL.

Joshua's next contest will be a non-title bout against Otto Wallin on 23 December in Saudi Arabia as a headliner alongside Deontay Wilder, the former WBC champion and a figure he has long been linked to a much-anticipated fight with.

Wilder said last year that he "would love" to face Joshua in Africa.

Next month's event, which has been titled 'Day of Reckoning' and is part of the annual Riyadh Season, will mark the third time Joshua has fought in Saudi Arabia since 2019.

Source: BBC
 
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