Breaking
Tag

Anthony Joshua

Browsing
BOXING

Anthony Joshua has three-man shortlist for next fight but fans say ‘only one makes boxing sense’

By
Anthony Joshua

ANTHONY JOSHUA has a three-man shortlist for his next fight – but fans only want one name.

AJ was set for a March 9 blockbuster against Deontay Wilder until the American blew the £100million deal by losing to Joseph Parker.

So now Joshua has to turn his attention elsewhere and Eddie Hearn wants him to fight the winner between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.

But the promoter also named Filip Hrgovic, Zhilei Zhang and Francis Ngannou as alternatives.

Hearn told iFL TV: “Right now, we have three fights that we’re in discussions for.

“They’re all big and that doesn’t involve Deontay Wilder for March. Our aim, and they’ve expressed this is to fight the winner of Fury-Usyk.

“That’s all we want to do, obviously there’s the Hrgovic fight out there for the world heavyweight title.

“There’s a Francis Ngannou fight out there which would be absolutely colossal.

“There’s other heavyweights as well, there’s a Zhang fight possible as well with Queensberry.”

Fury, 35, and Usyk, 36, are believed to have signed a two-fight deal that could produce a rematch between the pair.

And it would likely mean the winner would lose the IBF title for being unable to face mandatory challenger Hrgovic, 31.

So Joshua and Hearn are looking to capitalise by facing the Croatian for what would be a vacant title.

Meanwhile ex-UFC champion Ngannou crossed over to boxing in October to make his ring debut against Fury.

And he astonishingly dropped the WBC champ but was controversially beaten on points.

Ngannou, 37, has expressed his interest in remaining in boxing with a rematch against Fury and a Joshua fight touted.

And Zhang, 40, is riding high off consecutive stoppage wins over Joe Joyce, 38.

Following Hearn’s three-man shortlist of opponents fans called for the Hrgovic fight.

One said: “If AJ is serious about a legacy and becoming three time world champion, he stays away from the big money, novelty fight against Ngannou. Hrgovic is the only one that makes boxing sense.”

Another added: “It will be Hrgovic for a title.”

 

Keep Reading
By
BOXING

Inside Anthony Joshua and Erling Haaland’s New Year’s Eve as they celebrate at Pretty Little Thing owner’s party

By
Anthony Joshua

ERLING HAALAND celebrated New Year’s at a lavish party in Dubai with his girlfriend and Anthony Joshua.

Pep Guardiola’s side – who won the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia before Christmas – finished the year by beating Sheffield United 2-0.

But Haaland has not featured since the start of the month after picking up a foot injury.

And he appears to have been enjoying his time off as he took a trip to Dubai for the new year with his partner Isabel Haugseng.

The 23-year-old was also not involved in the matchday squad that won 2-0 at the Etihad on Saturday.

Guardiola told Amazon Prime: “Still, he’s not with the team. He feels better with his bone [in his foot] but he hasn’t had one training session with us.

“Unfortunately, December is so congested with so many games. January is a bit less congested.

“Hopefully, in January, he can come back with us.”

anthony joshua

Haaland jetted out to Dubai to celebrate the start of the year and did so at a plush party.

It was hosted by Pretty Little Thing owner Umar Kamani with boxers Joshua and Derek Chisora also in the house.

Haaland previously visited Kamani’s mansion in Dubai last year while the Qatar World Cup was ongoing.

Joshua, 34, is still in the Middle East after his last boxing match, a win over Sweden’s Otto Wallin, 32.

He had signed to fight Deontay Wilder, 38, next but the American scuppered those blockbuster plans by losing to Joseph Parker, 31, in Saudi.

Keep Reading
By
BOXING

Is the ‘Day of Reckoning’ fight card with Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder the greatest boxing event of all time?

By
anthony joshua

The ‘Day of Reckoning’ fight card in Saudi Arabia is absolutely loaded with talent, even aside from both Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua competing at the top of the bill.

They will take on Otto Wallin and former champion Joseph Parker, respectively. WBA light heavyweight champion and top 10 pound-for-pound talent Dmitry Bivol is there too, as is arguably the best cruiserweight in the world in Jai Opetaia. Fellow heavyweights Daniel Dubois, Jarrell Miller, Frank Sanchez and Filip Hrgovic all feature.

The quality of names on this fight card is astounding and serves as an early Christmas gift for fight fans across the globe. The chatter surrounding the event is that it’s one of the most loaded boxing shows in the history of the sport.

WATCH: Anthony Joshua vs. Otto Wallin, live on DAZN

Is that true? Maybe.

Due to the watered-down nature of most PPV cards where there’s rarely anything of interest outside of the main and co-main events, ‘Day of Reckoning’ certainly looks like a runaway for one of the best fight cards ever put together.

However, there have been some very solid cards in recent memory that may not have the same depth but had more than enough appeal on the undercard.

Interestingly enough, one of the most ridiculous mismatches in boxing delivered a card full of talented fighters.

Floyd Mayweather’s 2017 showdown with MMA superstar Conor McGregor featured Gervonta “Tank” Davis facing Francisco Fonseca in the co-main event, while Badou Jack squared off with Nathan Cleverly and Yordenis Ugas fought Thomas Dulorme on the prelims. There was also the professional debut of Savannah Marshall to kick off the card.

Mayweather’s clash with Miguel Cotto in 2012 featured an undercard with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez battling Shane Mosley, and also featured future champions Jesse Vargas, Keith Thurman and Omar Figueroa.

For those who enjoy the lighter weights, the first “Superfly” event that featured fights in the super flyweight division was exceptional as Srisaket Sor Rungvisai battled Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez in the main event, Naoya Inoue faced Antonio Nieves and Juan Francisco Estrada took on Carlos Cuadras.

Keep Reading
By
BOXING

Anthony Joshua vs. Otto Wallin: Fight Odds, Live Stream, Predictions

By
Anthony Joshua

A heavyweight collision between Anthony Joshua and Otto Wallin will serve as the main event for a loaded boxing card on Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The main event will come right after another big heavyweight bout featuring Deontay Wilder and Joseph Parker. Wilder and Joshua should both be rooting for each other because this card is supposed to set up a massive fight between Joshua and Wilder set for March 9, 2024, per boxing insider Dan Rafael.

That puts some added pressure on Joshua to perform here. A fight against Wilder has been an object of boxing fan’s desire for years and there’s certainly a nice payday attached to it for the 34-year-old.

Wallin isn’t just going to step aside and let it happen, though. His only career loss came in a unanimous decision to Tyson Fury. He understands that this is a fight that could define his career.

Here’s a look at all the info you need to catch the fight along with the top storylines and a prediction.

Can Southpaw Wallin Give Joshua Trouble?

Anthony Joshua is obviously the more accomplished boxer and is the favorite for a reason. However, styles make fights and there are a few things that Wallin has going for him that make him a dangerous underdog.

For one, Wallin fights out of a southpaw stance. Joshua is seasoned enough to have seen that before, but Oleksandr Usyk was able to beat Joshua twice and his angles from the southpaw stance played a role in that.

There’s obviously a skill component to Joshua’s losses. Usyk is an unbeaten world champion whereas Wallin doesn’t have that kind of resume, but he really pushed Fury in the only loss of his career and left him with a bloodied face.

Wallin is a confident puncher and technical enough to make things interesting.

Can Joshua Set Up Fight Against Wilder?

When Anthony Joshua is on his game, he’s one of the best heavyweights in the world. But whether he’ll be at his best has become a question worth asking over the course of his career.

Joshua has gone through some crises of confidence throughout his career. A shocking knockout loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. started the ball rolling on a more hesitant Joshua. Then back-to-back losses against Usyk led to an uninspiring performance against Jermaine Franklin.

Joshua won, but it was closer than you’d expect and he never looked fully in control of the bout.

A seventh-round knockout against Robert Helenius put some of that behind him, but Wallin is a step up.

Now that Joshua is just one fight away from a huge payday and opportunity against Deontay Wilder, it’s fair to wonder if he has the confidence and focus to set that match up with a win over Wallin.

Prediction

3 OF 3

 

Anthony Joshua and Otto Wallin

Anthony Joshua and Otto WallinTom Dulat/Getty Images

Joshua might come out of this one with the win, but it isn’t going to be easy.

Joshua has been a tough fighter to predict since his loss to Ruiz nearly five years ago. In that time he’s been through multiple trainers who have tried to instill confidence and help him come up with a clear vision for his style.

Joshua turned to Robert Garcia when he lost to Usyk the first time around. Then he went to Derrick James for bouts against Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius. For this fight he made yet another switch to Ben Davison. The trainer has worked with Tyson Fury and Billy Joe Saunders as well as Josh Taylor.

All of the trainers he has worked with are great, but the switching hints at a fighter who just isn’t sure what he wants to do or who he wants to be in the ring.

That could lead to a long night. In the end, Joshua is the more talented fighter, but Davison and Joshua might have their hands full in their first fight together.

He’s still the pick, but the recipe is there for a 12-round war.

Prediction: Joshua via decision

Keep Reading
By
BOXING

“I’m Here To Fight, Not Party” – Anthony Joshua Talks Tough Ahead Wallin Clash

By
Anthony-Joshua 2

Anthony Joshua has revealed that he is in Saudi Arabia to win ahead of his heavyweight bout with Otto Wallin.

The two boxers will lock horns at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on Saturday and Joshua was in no mood to mince word in the press conference ahead of the clash.

Joshua said: “I want to fight. I want to perform well. Put that pressure on myself.”

Joshua appeared not to be in the mood to allow any distractions in Riyadh on Saturday.

“I’m here to fight, I’m not here to party and get caught up in the glitz and glamour,” Joshua said.

“Of course I’m tense because I want to perform, I want to win. I’ve got that urge to win and I want to hurt my opponent as well.”

A win for Joshua could set up a blockbuster clash with Deontay Wilder, who is also involved in a bout with Joseph Parker in the co-main event.

Joshua added: “I can definitely window shop, I know where I’m going in my life. If I don’t get past this there is no future.”

“My first stop to getting to be three-time champion is putting in a demolishing against [Otto].

“I’m fully focused on this fight, I’m determined to win, and I’m determined to get back to my peak, if that’s what they want to call it.”

Wallin is also confident of pulling off an upset against Joshua.

“It shouldn’t even be a question,” he told TNT Sports. “Of course I’m confident, otherwise I wouldn’t take this fight.

“I feel like I’ve shown in the past that I’m a good fighter. I gave Fury a very good fight, and I take pride in my work.

“I’ve been working very hard to come to this place where I’m at now, and I’m just here ready to take full advantage of this opportunity.”

“I think he feels that he’s vulnerable…he knows that he can lose, and I feel like he’s fighting now not to lose, instead of fighting to win.”

Wallin’s only defeat came against Tyson Fury in Las Vegas in 2019.

Anthony Joshua’s last fight was in August whe he knocked out Robert Helenius in the seventh round.

Keep Reading
By
BOXING

Deontay Wilder confirms date is agreed for Anthony Joshua fight

By
Anthony Joshua

Deontay Wilder has confirmed a deal is in place for a huge heavyweight clash with Anthony Joshua.

Wilder and Joshua must overcome Joseph Parker and Otto Wallin respectively this weekend in Saudi Arabia if they are to finally touch gloves in the ring. The rivals have been on a collision course since they held the four world titles between them, but could now meet to determine Tyson Fury’s next challenger.

The fight has reportedly been pencilled in for March 9 in Saudi Arabia, just three weeks after Fury takes on Oleksandr Usyk in their undisputed fight in the Middle East. And Wilder has revealed he is ready to put pen to paper for a fight against Joshua.

Watch all of the biggest upcoming fights including Anthony Joshua vs Otto Wallin live on DAZN, with some of the best sporting action available as part of your subscription as well as on pay-per-view. DAZN is the only place to watch Joshua as well as the biggest upcoming fights in the Misfits boxing series. You can also follow all of the best action from fights around the world broadcast weekly as part of the package.

Anthony-Joshua

“I’m ready, willing and able to do whatever the Saudis have planned,” he told Instant Casino. “I like what I’ve been hearing and I like the structure. One thing that’s been refreshing working with them is they’ve got the time, they’ve got the dates, they’ve got the locations, and they have configured how much they’re going to pay you, and as a fighter to have a schedule, oh my god that’s a beautiful thing. We don’t ever get time, place and person and this is the money you’re going to receive.

“I don’t see anything stopping this fight happening between me and AJ at this time. I don’t know all the plans that are ahead, but what I’ve seen so far and as of right now, there’s nothing stopping it. The only thing that could potentially stop it is either one of us losing on December 23. That’s the only thing I can see stopping it.

“Other than that, everything else that stopped it happening before like his manager and promoter, I don’t think that problem exists at this moment in time. Everyone is in agreement and was on board last time I spoke with everyone. If and when we both win on December 23, you all can look forward to a great 2024, Wilder versus Joshua.”

But Wilder also warned Joshua he won’t have it all his own way against Wallin on Saturday. “Otto Wallin has got a huge chance to upset the fight,” he added. “Everyone has got a chance, it depends what dog they bring to the fight and how hungry he is on the night, even Parker, he has a great deal of a chance, no matter how hard I hit, or what I possess. He has as much chance as I. Because I still have to perform and bring my training and preparation.”

Keep Reading
By
BOXING

Jai Opetaia forced to vacate IBF cruiserweight world title in order to fight on Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder undercard

By
Anthony Joshua

Jai Opetaia has vacated his IBF cruiserweight world title after being left with little option by the sanctioning body’s strict rules.

The Australian boxer shot to stardom in July 2022 as he shocked well-established world champion Mairis Briedis and dethroned him in a thrilling fight.

Opetaia suffered a serious broken jaw injury in the victory, which kept him sidelined for the remainder of last year.

When he was finally ready to return in 2023, the IBF ordered him to defend his belt against British contender Richard Riakporhe.

However, after an almost two-month long process of failed negotiations, Riakporhe pulled out on the day of purse bids.

This meant that the IBF had to assign a new mandatory challenger for Opetaia in August.

Next in the rankings was Briedis, and so a rematch was then ordered between the pair.

While negotiations began, the IBF sanctioned a voluntary defence for Opetaia which saw him ruthlessly knock out Jordan Thompson in September.

Anthony-Joshua 2

Now, a deal is in place for the Opetaia vs Briedis rematch to take place in 2024, but the champion wanted to stay active with another voluntary defence against Ellis Zorro beforehand.

Opetaia was offered ‘life-changing money’ for a two-fight deal to box in Saudi Arabia and was offered a slot on the undercard of the Anthony Joshua vs Otto Wallin and Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker ‘Day of Reckoning’ event.

However, the IBF ruled that they would not allow permission for a second voluntary defence before the overdue mandatory and rejected the Zorro fight.

This is despite the fact that Briedis’ camp did not object to it.

As a result, Opetaia was left with an ultimatum – pull out of the fight against Zorro or be stripped of his IBF cruiserweight world title.

The Australian has chosen to jump before being pushed and now vacated the belt of his own accord in order to accept the Saudi deal.

He still has the prestigious Ring Magazine belt, but has lost his world title.

Anthony joshua and Deontay

A statement from Opetaia’s team read: “IBF world cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia has decided to vacate his world title belt. The move comes before his scheduled December 23 bout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia against Britain’s Ellis Zorro.

“With mandatory contender Mairis Briedis currently unavailable due to injury, Opetaia’s team were hopeful that they would be able to defend the belt against Zorro.

“However, the IBF declared that Briedis must be Opetaia’s next opponent, despite the fact Briedis’ team had also agreed to step aside to let the Zorro bout take place while the former champion recovers and a deal in place to face Opetaia in February.

 

“An appeal was sent to the IBF on behalf of Matchroom, Tasman Fighters, Queensberry Promotions and Wasserman Boxing, outlining that all parties involved were prepared to accommodate the proposed fight with Zorro but this was denied.”

Opetaia said: “‘I fought through absolute agony to win that belt and it saddens me to relinquish it.

“But the fact is, Briedis isn’t ready to fight on December 23 and I need to stay active. I simply can’t turn down a career high payday. Belts should be won and lost in the ring and I’m still the Ring Magazine champion and all roads in the cruiserweight division go through me,” he continued.

“I am the true king of the cruiserweight division and I’ll be defending that prestigious Ring Magazine title on December 23. I look forward to getting that IBF belt back as soon as possible and adding all of them, one by one.”

Keep Reading
By
BOXING

Anthony Joshua ‘has had two chances to fight Tyson Fury’ amid fresh update on potential boxing bout

By
Anthony Joshua And Tyson Fury 1

Boxing promoter Frank Warren has claimed Anthony Joshua has had two chances to fight Tyson Fury.

However, that ship appears to have sailed with the duo currently unlikely to ever face each other.

Joshua is currently preparing for Saturday night, with the 34-year-old primed to face Otto Wallin in Saudi Arabia.

Fury, meanwhile, is gearing up for his fight with Oleksandr Usyk on February 17.

And Warren has now claimed Joshua has twice had the chance to fight Fury – only for neither party to ever find an agreement.

When asked about a potential showdown between the two Britons, the 71-year-old said: “He’d have a long wait for Tyson.

“Tyson’s got his fight and his programme’s set out for next year and at this moment in time doesn’t include Joshua.

“Joshua, he had two opportunities to fight him [Fury], one last December and this year.

Anthony Joshua And Tyson Fury 1

“Those fights didn’t happen for whatever reason and the situation is now that we are in a position where a number of big fights will be announced.

DON’T MISS: Michael Schumacher news: Two grave errors, heartbreaking statement and emotional regret after new documentary

“It all depends what happens on Saturday.”

Warren does, however, expect Joshua to seek a fight with Deontay Wilder if the pair win their respective fights at the weekend.

Wilder is also preparing to box in Saudi, with the American scheduled to go up against Joseph Parker.

And Warren added: “The joint-main events have a lot of significance as far as boxing’s concerned in as much that Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder are involved in quite tasty and tough fights and should they come through then they’re going to be in a position where I believe they’re going to be facing off next year.

“That’s a massive, massive fight.

“A fight that a lot of people, certainly the fans talk about a lot.

“But to get there they’ve got to get through next Saturday night in Riyadh.

Anthony Joshua And Tyson Fury 1

“Get it out of the way on Saturday and all will be revealed but there’s a will to make this happen and I’m quite sure everybody’s going to be happy with the outcome provided these guys deliver.

“The most important thing for them, they’ve got to deliver.”

Meanwhile, Wallin recently discussed his upcoming showdown with Joshua.

He expressed a belief that, while Joshua remains one of the best figures in the sport, he’s also now a man past his best.He said: “I would say he is still one of the best heavyweights out there and he’s made an amazing career for himself.”There has been a decline and I think he has reached his peak already.

“I think he is mentally fragile, he’s not sure of himself.”He’s changed trainer and I think things can be very tough for him.”People are very critical of him, he’s got a lot of pressure. So I think that weighs on him.”

When asked about Joshua changing his trainer, he continued: “I think it’s a problem for him, for sure.”I’ve had my trainer now for 10 years.”We know each other really well. We trust each other in and out of the ring.

“He’s been with me for all of my pro fights except two, so it’s really been a good journey together and it’s fantastic we get this chance now to prove to everyone what we’ve been working on.

“For Joshua, it’s hard. When you keep changing trainer, it’s usually a bad sign and I think it’s a bad sign for him too.”

Keep Reading
By
BOXING

Report: Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder set March date for big fight

By

REPORTS have claimed that former heavyweight boxing champions Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder have an agreement to fight each other at last.

The long-awaited clash is tentatively scheduled for March 9, 2024, according to ESPN.

The stars have been close to a big fight for several years, and will both be in action on the same night in separate bouts in Saudi Arabia this month.

Nigerian-Briton Joshua, a two-time World Boxing Association, International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Organisation champion, is set to square off with Otto Wallin, whilst American former World Boxing Council champion Wilder will battle New Zealand’s Joseph Parker, both on December 23.

According to American network ESPN, Wilder and Joshua will return to Saudi Arabia three months after the ‘Day of Reckoning’ for a showdown much like the eagerly-anticipated meeting between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, which is scheduled for February 17.

Wilder, 38, recently claimed that the 34-year-old Joshua’s team has manipulated attendances over the years to make their fighter appear more popular.

“I’ve said it many times before and I’ll say it again, it’s a difference between champions being born and being made,” Wilder said.

“Joshua was made, he was a made fighter. They bought things, they gave him things. Even with certain things, with the arena. ‘Oh, they sold this’. No, you didn’t sell out nothing. You comped tickets and you resold them.

‘I know how the whole game works. I’m behind scenes. I know how things work. You wanted it to seem like it sold out, you put your tickets out there, and you build your own little ticket thing and you buy all your tickets.

“Now it seems like you sold out the arena. What you do? All you do is put it back on the market and resell it.

“It’s one of the oldest tricks in the book, when it comes to the business and now people on the outside looking in, ‘Oh my God, they sold out faster than Michael f****ng Jackson’. Are you serious? That’s how it is. That’s how the trick is done.”

Wilder previously claimed that he had offered Joshua’s camp £40 million, and accused his rival’s representatives of ‘holding him back’, resulting in the fight never taking place.

“Many times he wanted to fight, he wanted to accept it but his handlers didn’t want it because Joshua is the money-maker for the company,” Wilder told Mail Sport. “And if he goes down, so does the business.”

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn denied the claims, admitting that Wilder’s camp had made the offer in a bid to get the fight made, but had failed to send a contract.

The Nigerian, who won super heavyweight boxing gold medal for Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympics, has a professional record of 29 fights, with 26 victories (23 via knockout) and three losses.

Wilder, a heavyweight boxing bronze medallist at the Beijing 2008 Olympics, has fought 46 times as a professional, winning 43 (42 via knockout), losing two and drawing one.

Keep Reading
By
BOXING

“I’ve Never Seen Someone Win”: Anthony Joshua Responds to Deontay Wilder’s “Weak Mentality” Jab Ahead of Saudi Arabia Fight

By
anthony joshua

Deontay Wilder is bent on fighting Anthony Joshua. However, Wilder doubts if ‘AJ’ will ultimately meet ‘The Bronze Bomber’ in the ring. As a result of late, Wilder accused Joshua of possessing a weak mentality. However, he also hoped the former Unified Heavyweight champion would let go of this mentality and face Wilder after the Otto Wallin fight.

On the occasion of the December 23 fight against Wallin, Fight Hub TV interviewed Anthony Joshua. In this interview, he responded to Wilder with a jab.

Punches over mentality: Anthony Joshua takes a slight dig at Deontay Wilder

Speaking to Fight Hub TV, ahead of the fight against Otto Wallin, Anthony Joshua declared that punching power should be prioritized over mentality. In his opinion, once inside the ring, the ability to throw and land effective punches determines whether or not one will succeed. Likewise, confident in his skills, ‘AJ’ took a slight dig at Wilder, who found the former “mentally weak”.

Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder

“I’ve never seen someone win a fight by mental games. The way you win a fight is by punching someone more times or by punching someone harder than the other person,” ‘AJ’ told Fight Hub TV.

“At the end of the day, what can I say? It’s his [Deontay Wilder’s] point of view. But at the end of the day, the one who throws more punches or lands the harder punches will win not the one who has an opinion about someone’s mentality,” he added with conviction. In this context, speaking about his mentality regarding the upcoming fight, ‘AJ’ declared he wanted to close the year with a third win in 2023.

End with a ‘bang’: Joshua hopes to deliver a spectacular performance against Otto Wallin

Despite calling Joshua mentally weak, Wilder declared Anthony Joshua would likely win against Otto Wallin. On that note, Joshua found himself on the same as ‘The Bronze Bomber’. “I want to close the year off with a high. So, another challenge isn’t it? I’m climbing higher heights again. I’m getting hungrier. Just want to be victorious if I’m honest with you,” stated Joshua.

“I’m focused [and] I’m locked in. This year’s been full of dedication. All gas, no breaks. I want to end it with a bang, to be honest,” he concluded. With that said, do you believe Joshua will defeat Wallin? Also, do wish to see Wilder vs. ‘AJ’? Let us know in the comments below.

Keep Reading
By