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Tyson Fury ‘is getting turned over in the gym’ ahead of Oleksandr Usyk fight

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Tyson Fury

Jonny Nelson has questioned whether Tyson Fury’s ‘legs have gone’ after hearing rumours of him being ‘turned over in the gym’ ahead of the fight with Oleksandr Usyk.

The ‘Gypsy King’ is currently in training ahead of his undisputed heavyweight clash with Usyk on on Saturday, February 17.

Arguably the most important fight of his life, Fury is going into the contest in shaky form after his controversial split decision win against former UFC champion Francis Ngannou last October.

That victory should have acted as a wake-up call for the 35-year-old, but according to Nelson, the noises coming out of Fury’s training camp are less than convincing.

Speaking on talkBOXING with Spencer Oliver and Jonny Nelson, Nelson said: “I’m hearing rumours of what’s happening in camp – I’m hearing that he’s getting turned over in the gym.

“So this thing about appetite when he’s in the gym, I mean, he got shown his a***.

“I’m hearing these things and I’m thinking has he taken his eye off the ball, or has time caught up with him?

“In regards to his last fight, I put that down to him disrespecting the man in front of him and if you’re led to believe he had the best training camp, his legs had gone.

“I’d expect Tyson Fury to beat Oleksandr Usyk, but the Tyson Fury who boxed Ngannou in his last fight gets knocked out.

“If that Tyson Fury turns up then it’s done, it’s over.

“The reason why I said ‘the legs are gone’ line is that I remember Tony Bellew saying it about David Haye and at first I was like ‘what?’, but when I saw it I knew what he was talking about.

“I might be saying something that might not be too popular – I expect him to win, I just think he dropped the ball in the last fight.

“These rumours I’m hearing, I hope they’re just rumours set about by him.”

WBC heavyweight champion Fury boasts a record of 34-1-0 is seeking the WBA, WBO and IBF belts the Ukrainian currently holds.

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BOXING

“You’ll See MMA Champs Trying to…” – Future of Francis Ngannou-like Ambitious Crossover With Anthony Joshua Revealed by Sean O’Connell (Exclusive)

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Anthony Joshua

Anthony Joshua is all set to take on Francis Ngannou on March 8th in Riyad, Saudi Arabia. Ngannou recently made his boxing debut when he took on Tyson Fury in October. Ngannou shocked everyone when he put on a show against the champion and nearly won the fight.

Joshua, the former heavyweight champion, had a turbulent 2023 but is now back to winning ways. In a recent exclusive interview, Sean O’Connell shared his thoughts regarding the upcoming battle. Ngannou has smoothly transitioned from MMA to boxing, and O’Connell feels many MMA fighters will follow in his footsteps.

MMA fighters will find it easy to make a switch to boxing feels O’ Connell 

When Francis Ngannou took center stage against Tyson Fury, many felt the fight would end soon. However, the former UFC heavyweight champion brought out his best and took the fight to the champion. While Ngannou lost the fight via decision, many felt the decision was incorrect. O’Connell feels the switch from MMA to boxing will be a common sight in the future.

Anthony Joshua

In an exclusive interview, O’Connell said: “Francis is such a unique talent and individual that it’s hard to project his journey and success onto other careers. But I am excited to see him against Joshua. He proved all of his doubters wrong with his performance against Tyson Fury, and the boxing world took notice. For Joshua to take this risk is all the proof you need of Francis’ star power. Coming off a win, he had plenty of options, but chose the Francis fight because it’s the most intriguing and most lucrative. Until MMA paydays regularly mirror what top fighters can make for these boxing mega-fights, you’ll see MMA champs trying to cross over.

I am most intrigued by the growing conversation around boxing stars being willing to fight in MMA, or at least in hybrid rules fights. That’s how the fans figure out who the true “baddest on the planet” is. “

While Ngannou may have impressed everyone with his performance against Fury, his next opponent is a force to reckon with inside the ring. Joshua is one of the complete fighters, and taking him on will be a tough challenge. And the former champion is back to winning ways at the right moment.

Anthony Joshua set to take on Francis Ngannou next 

At the beginning of 2023, Anthony Joshua looked like a completely different fighter when he lost his title to Oleksandr Usyk. Not only did he lose his title fight, but he also failed to win his rematch against Usyk. However, “AJ” has completely turned around his fortunes and is now a completely different boxer. He is fresh from a victory against Otto Wallin and will look to reclaim his lost title soon.

Joshua previously was scheduled to take on Deontay Wilder at the same venue. However, he chose to take on Ngannou after Wilder lost his fight with Joseph Parker. ‘ The Predator’ is ready to feature in his second professional bout against top contenders in boxing. After an impressive debut Ngannou will look to register his first professional win against Joshua. Who will win the battle on March 8th? Let us know in the comments below.

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BOXING

AJ will pay for Eagles win, boasts Cameroonians

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Anthony Joshua

Still reeling from the excitement of the Super Eagles’ victory over Cameroon at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, fans have now shifted attention to another highly anticipated showdown – the boxing match between Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua and Cameroon-born fighter Francis Ngannou, which some have dubbed ‘Nigeria vs Cameroon Part 2’, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Though no belts will officially be on the line when Joshua steps into the ring with Ngannou in March, fans from both countries are anxiously awaiting the clash.

The heightened anticipation for this boxing match stems from the desire for national bragging rights following the Eagles’ 2-0 win over the Indomitable Lions in the round of 16 of the AFCON, which sent Rigobert Song’s men out of the competition.

While the recent football victory fuels the friendly banter, it also adds an element of revenge for Ngannou, who may seek to avenge Cameroon’s loss in the ring.

Expressing a mix of national pride and friendly banter, social media posts have amplified the significance of this match, making it more than just a boxing bout.

On their part, the Cameroonians voiced their opinions on social media, saying Joshua will pay for the Indomitable Lions painful defeat to the Eagles.

Anthony Joshua

Jude Asahmbom III warned on Facebook, “It is Anthony Joshua that will suffer the consequences.”

Another Cameroonian Beardedzz posted, “Let Anthony Joshua just prepare himself to end up at a Hospital. Ngannou will unleash our anger on him.”

Random Girl wrote, “If Francis wins this one, Africa no go contain all of us again.”

Scheduled for Friday, March 8 in Saudi Arabia, the heavyweight bout between Joshua and Ngannou, labelled ‘Knockout Chaos,’ promises an electrifying showdown.

Trust Nigerians, they gave it back to their neighbours in equal fold.

An X user, Sports Doctor said, “Anthony Joshua, this fight is now more than just your fight, it’s ‘Nigeria vs Cameroon’ part 2. No gree for Francis Ngannou oooh.”

Another user, Lawrence Okoro, humorously speculated, “Somebody say na Anthony Joshua go suffer this beating wey Nigeria dey beat Cameroon.”

Austin added, “If I were Anthony Joshua, I’m cancelling that fight with Francis Ngannou. Make one man no pay for national beef.”

King Mmesoma also wrote, “Make Joshua con do mistake win. E don be for them. We go drag them for second leg.”

An X user with the name Pisces tweeted, “Aj has beaten one Takam to pulp blue-black so Francis own will be frankly dealt with. Then we pepper them out of X.”

Elder Agbo Chigozie also taunted Nigeria’s neighbours.

“Cameroon go still chop beating from Joshua.”

Ready for another war of words, kayzywizzzy wrote, “If Anthony wins, this app no go contain us, them go too chop dragging.”

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BOXING

Anthony Joshua ‘only wants to fight Francis Ngannou to win bragging rights over Tyson Fury’, claims ex-champ

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Anthony Joshua

ANTHONY JOSHUA has been accused of fighting Francis Ngannou only as a means to one-up Tyson Fury.

Ngannou last year put his MMA career on hold to cross over to the boxing ring to face Fury in October.

And Fury almost suffered the most disastrous of nights having been dropped in round three and taken to the wire over ten rounds.

He managed to escape with a controversial split-decision, keeping his undisputed title decider with Oleksandr Usyk, set for February 17, alive.

So with a rematch ruled out, Ngannou struck a deal with AJ, whose super-fight with Deontay Wilder was blown after the American was beaten.

But retired former super-middleweight champion Carl Froch believes Joshua is only fighting Ngannou to try and better Fury’s performance.

Anthony Joshua

He told Lord Ping: “It’s bad for boxing because who wants to watch it?

“Because when Joshua wins, what’s he done? What’s he achieved? F*** all.

“All he wants is bragging rights to say he did a better job than Fury, but no one cares.

“Joshua-Ngannou is a pointless fight. It’s doing nothing for boxing.

“Sure, it keeps him ticking over while he waits for the winner of Fury versus Usyk, but why not fight a real boxer; fight Zhilei Zhang, fight Joe Joyce, fight Daniel Dubois.

“There are fights available to Joshua against top contenders and real boxers. But instead he’s jumping in with Ngannou in a pointless exhibition.”

Despite Froch’s blast, boxing bosses in Saudi want the winner of Fury and Usyk’s unification bout to then fight the victory of Joshua and Ngannou.

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BOXING

If No Spence Rematch, Antonio Tarver Believes Crawford Has To Fight Ennis Next

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Terence Bud Crawford

Terence Crawford has pretty much done it all. From winning world titles in three separate divisions to becoming an undisputed champion at both 140 and 147 pounds, there isn’t much that the 36-year-old needs or wants to do.

Retirement is right around the corner, Crawford admitted it. But just before he rips off his gloves for good, he’s hoping for at least one, if not a few, more huge paydays.

In the boxing world, practically no one can generate money quite like Canelo Alvarez. Crawford knows it. So, over the last few months, he’s spent his time calling him out. He may compete three weight classes and 21 pounds above Crawford’s normal weight but none of those dangerous factors seem to worry him. Crawford simply wants to prove his worth while simultaneously cashing a large check.

Of course, before a matchup with Alvarez can become feasible, Crawford has to deal with Errol Spence Jr. The two originally got it on in 2023 with Crawford dropping and stopping his man. His eyes swelled considerably and blood dripped from his nose but Spence activated his immediate rematch clause.

Jumping back into the ring is the last thing Jaron Ennis wanted to hear. The 26-year-old has been calling for his shot at one of the division’s top dogs, especially Crawford.

At this point, you could hear Crawford’s yawns from here. Simply put, he flat-out isn’t interested in fighting Ennis. You know the old saying, high risk, little reward. That’s all it comes down to. Antonio Tarver, at least to a certain extent, understands where Crawford is coming from. However, the former champ believes that the pound-for-pound star can’t walk around with his chest out if he isn’t willing to face Ennis next. In his opinion, that fight simply has to happen.

“The only reason Ennis has to take a backseat is to the rematch of Spence and Crawford,” Tarver told Shawn Porter on The Porter Way podcast. “If that rematch doesn’t happen, and Crawford still campaigns as the champ, he has to face Ennis.”

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BOXING

Canelo Alvarez Next Fight: Jermall Charlo and Terence Crawford Are Reportedly on 2024 Schedule

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Terence Crawford

There is no doubt that Canelo Alvarez is one of the most popular and skilled boxers in the last 5 years. There are very few who hold their place in the top 5 pound-for-pound ranking for several years, but for Alvarez it’s an easy job. Consequently, wherever and whenever he steps into the ring, fans are invariably glued, tuning in by the millions. Now, after the last September match against Jermell Charlo, fans are waiting for his next fight, and there are reportedly some names doing the rounds to be his potential next opponent.

There is no doubt that fans long desired to see David Benavidez go up against Alvarez. However, the possibility seems jinxed, but neither boxer has dismissed the fight, yet it appears it won’t materialize this year, at least. Meanwhile, talking about the future of Alvarez, having inked a 3-fight mega deal with the PBC, clashed with Jermell Charlo in September. Now, it seems his next bout will be against Jermell’s brother, Jermall, who emerges as the frontrunner to face the Mexican superstar.

Terence Crawford

It’s rumored that Canelo will face Charlo on Cinco de Mayo weekend in May. After dominating one Charlo, he is reportedly eyeing to outshine the other brother as well. Aside from Charlo, top boxing insiders believe that after the May fight, the possibility of the Mexican champion facing Terence Crawford is quite high. Instead of Canelo vs. Benavidez, this is now considered the potential biggest fight of the year for the Mexican monster.

Indeed, currently, both Crawford and Canelo stand as two of the biggest boxing superstars of this era. Witnessing their fight would undoubtedly be the most thrilling match of this year. The Mexican star has a record of 67-2-2, while Crawford remains undefeated with a perfect 40-0 record.

The potential for this match to outsell the speculated Benavidez fight is high, but these are only reports, with nothing confirmed. Interestingly, while many seek to face Alvarez for the lucrative opportunity, Dmitry Bivol stands out as someone who doesn’t want to take on the challenge.

Canelo Alvarez vs Dmitry Bivol Won’t Happen Anytime Soon

In 2022, unified super middleweight champ Canelo Alvarez faced defeat against Dmitry Bivol in a light heavyweight challenge. Despite talks of a rematch, a recent report suggests the Russian champ is unwilling to fight Alvarez again. In his words,

Bivol wanted a rematch at Alvarez’s usual 168 lbs for a title, but Canelo insisted on light heavyweight. As a result, it’s off for now. Bivol is set to face Beterbiev next, while Canelo is considering fights with Jermall and Crawford amidst ducking allegations.

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BOXING

Canelo insider reveals the champion’s next two contenders, who got left out of a title fight?

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Canelo Alvarez must announce who he will fight on May 4th in Las Vegas as soon as possible while big names like Jaime Munguia, David Benavidez, Jermall Charlo, Dmitry Bivol, and Terence Crawford top the long list of contenders who he can choose from.

Canelo will not face Munguia, Benavidez or Bivol

Jaime Munguia knocked out Canelo’s last opponent John Ryder and is waiting for his title shot, while David Benavidez also had a solid performance when he knocked out Demetrius Andrade, back in November.

However, it seems Canelo will keep his word of not fighting another Mexican, and, according to ESPN Mexico boxing insider Salvador Rodriguez, he has already chosen two big names in the American card for his May and September fights.

The chosen ones would be Jermall Charlo, Jermell’s twin whom Canelo easily defeated in September, and Terence Crawford, who is one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world after a spectacular knockout of Errol Spence to become the undisputed welterweight champion and the first to be undisputed in two different divisions; if he fights Canelo, he would be looking for a third undisputed title of his career.

The source indicates that Canelo would face Charlo in May and Crawford in September, anticipating a great fight, with the caveat that the Mexican would force both challengers to move up in division to face him on unequal terms. With both fights, Canelo would conclude his three-fight contract with PBC.

Jermall Charlo (31-0, 22 KO’s) is coming off a unanimous decision win over Jose Benavidez. He is the current WBC middleweight champion, so he would only have to move up one division. However, what is shaping up to be a fight split opinion is against Crawford, who holds an undefeated record of 40 wins with 31 knockouts.

Meanwhile, Benavidez, Munguía and even Dmitry Bivol himself will be left waiting for a chance, even though many boxing fans criticized Canelo for “avoiding giving a chance to these two Mexican-blooded contenders, in what would also be a difficult fight.

At the same time, Bivol, who gave a lecture against the Mexican champion in September 2022, is focused on a unification fight in the light heavyweight fight, against Artur Beterbiyev, after failing to reach an agreement with Canelo.

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BOXING

Why Gervonta Davis’ Coach Admits He Doesn’t Want Tank To Face Rival: “What’s The Point?”

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Gervonta Davis

Gervonta Davis’ coach Calvin Ford has explained why he is not keen on a fight between ‘Tank’ and Shakur Stevenson, after watching the latter pick up the WBC lightweight title in disappointing fashion.

Stevenson outpointed Edwin De Los Santos in November in what was meant to be Stevenson’s breakthrough bout to announce himself to the lightweight scene, but some viewers were left wanting more, despite doing enough to become three-division champion

The negative style of the 26-year-old broke unwanted punch records and led to a heap of criticism, with a lack of activity in the fight having a direct impact on Stevenson’s popularity and star power.

As a result, Calvin Ford has admitted that a fight between Davis and Stevenson is not an idea that he is too fond of, telling Marko Boxing that he at least wants Tank’s opponents to attempt to ‘put on a show’ and fearing that if Stevenson fought that style against a power-puncher in De Los Santos, he would be even more dull against someone with the knockout record of Tank.

Gervonta Davis

Should Davis choose to remain at lightweight, a fight between the two Americans seems almost inevitable, with Stevenson chasing the belts in an attempt to become the undisputed champion.

However, Davis could instead opt to vacate his WBA title and move up to 140lbs to pursue Devin Haney and his WBC super-lightweight title.

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BOXING

Keyshawn Davis Ropes in Isaac Cruz Example While Detailing How Gervonta Davis Creates “Stars” Out of Boxers He Fights

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Gervonta Davis

From spending childhood in West Baltimore, one of the most crime-ridden cities in the world, to owning every boxing fight he has been a part of, Gervonta Davis has come a long way. When Davis declared that he was the ‘Face of boxing’, he was not exaggerating. Davis recently defeated Ryan Garcia, another extremely popular fighter. When Garcia was knocked out, it served as a reminder of why ‘Tank’ is one of the best. Everyone Tank has fought has suffered defeat at his hands, but it might have even helped his opponents progress further according to another fighter.

Keyshawn Davis, while in a conversation with FightHypeTV, spoke about Tank Davis’ impact on the people he has fought and apparently, it is huge. Let us see what he had to say.

Gervonta Davis’ team knows how to build stars according to Keyshawn Davis

When asked for his thoughts on Frank Martin being a potential opponent for Tank in March, Davis admitted, “I just love the fact that, you know they call it side of the street so, I just love the fact that on that side of the street, they know how to build stars,” emphasizing Tank’s promotional team’s ability to create “stars.” Davis then highlighted some names that struggled for recognition in the past.

Davis pointed out Isaac Cruz, stating, “When you look at Isaac Cruz, nobody knew Isaac Cruz til he fought Tank.” He reiterated the same example for Mario Barrios and Rolando “Rolly” Romero, who fought Tank back in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

Discussing the post-fight impact of facing Tank, Keyshawn commented, “Those guys become stars and make more money than they ever would have expected. So I just like on that side how they create stars,” underscoring the financial and fame benefits gained after challenging the Lightweight champion.

Gervonta Davis

But a fight with Gervonta Davis does not come cheap. There is a prize to pay, according to him.

Gervonta Davis sets conditions for fighting in Saudi Arabia

The Middle East has become a hotspot for boxing events. Having successfully hosted the crossover fight between heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou, Saudi Arabia gained the leverage to host additional events. Subsequently, they organized a formidable card featuring Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder. Presently, the Saudis have expressed an interest in hosting Gervonta Davis for a fight. However, Davis appears hesitant and has even outlined his conditions.

The southpaw has let the people know on his social media that he would need many expensive gifts. He said, “They made me mad, if they want me they gotta send me something to my front door..like 2 Ferraris or something!” Davis has enough pull and fame to ask for gifts like these considering the PPV numbers he is able to pull.

Do you genuinely believe that Gervonta Davis turns everyone he fights into stars? Or is Keyshawn perhaps exaggerating the Tank’s impact and fame?

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BOXING

Joseph Parker Gives Verdict On Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk: “He’ll Take Care Of Business”

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Oleksandr Usyk

Former WBO heavyweight champion and sparring partner of Tyson Fury, Joseph Parker, has look ahead to ‘The Gypsy King’s’ undisputed title challenge against unified title-holder Oleksandr Usyk, assuring fans that the Brit will ‘take care of business’.

The long-awaited undisputed showdown is just weeks away and fans and pundits alike remain split as to whom may come out on top.

One opinion is that Tyson Fury’s arguable career-best wins over Deontay Wilder have been diminished after his good friend Parker whitewashed the ‘Bronze Bomber’ last month.

Meanwhile, Fury’s below-par display against Francis Ngannou has only added to doubts that he can topple the tricky Ukrainian, despite his obvious physical advantages.

Oleksandr Usyk

However, Parker told Boxing News that he has full confidence in the abilities of Fury is expecting the WBC title-holder to get the job done.

Fury-Usyk takes place on February 17th in Riyadh, with an undercard featuring Jai Opetaia and Sergey Kovalev now confirmed, ahead of the battle to crown the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era and the first of any kind since 2000.

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