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Eddie Hearn provides an update on Anthony Joshua

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Anthony Joshua has spoken out for the first time since the fatal car crash that killed two of his close friends. Photo: Megan Briggs / Getty Images for Netflix

Eddie Hearn has provided an update on Anthony Joshua.

Following the tragic events that took place in Nigeria, Hearn revealed his conversation with Joshua.

On December 29, reports came from Nigeria about a car accident that occurred around 12:00 local time.

“AJ” had not played in Nigeria for some time after his last win over Jake Paul just 10 days earlier.

Two of Joshua’s close friends and teammates, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, tragically lost their lives in the accident.

Their funerals were held on January 4, with friends and family coming to pay their respects.

He spoke to Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn Sky Sports Boxing about a tragic event.

“It was a terrible and terrifying incident.

“Two people who were incredibly close to him and two guys full of energy and passion.

Anthony Joshua has spoken out for the first time since the fatal car crash that killed two of his close friends. Photo: Megan Briggs / Getty Images for Netflix

“They were very committed to AJ and his team.

“They were teammates, but they were also some of his best friends.”

Hearn continued to discuss time Joshua will need the privacy he needs at a time like this.

“I know he is in no rush and will need him physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

“Before he makes a decision about his future.”

Hearn believes Joshua will box again one day, but explained that is irrelevant during the hard period of mourning.

“I think he will come back to boxing, but it will be his decision when the time is right.

Anthony Joshua knocked out Jake Paul in the sixth round in Miami. Photo: Megan Briggs / Getty Images for Netflix
Anthony Joshua knocked out Jake Paul in the sixth round in Miami. Photo: Megan Briggs / Getty Images for Netflix

“It’s certainly not a conversation I’ll be having with him in the near future.

“The only conversation is, ‘Are you OK?’

“Sometimes you find that people pretend everything is fine, but obviously what happened to him is not normal and is heartbreaking for everyone involved.

Tributes are pouring in for friends Anthony Joshua, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami who tragically died in a car crash in Nigeria
Tributes are pouring in for friends Anthony Joshua, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami who tragically died in a car crash in Nigeria

“I do [expect Anthony Joshua to have an extended spell out of the sport] and I don’t think that’s a conversation that anyone would be comfortable having that involves asking what might be next or what they’re thinking about.

I believe he will make a decision when the time is right, and you will hear it from him.

“Anthony Joshua’s future will be told by Anthony Joshua and that’s the only voice you should listen to.”

Joshua was expected to return to the ring in February before facing long-time rival Tyson Fury at some point in the year.

Fury and “AJ” have been on a collision course to fight each other for over a decade now, but plans for that fight have understandably been put on hold for now.

The post Eddie Hearn Provides Update on Anthony Joshua appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

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UK Boxing

Dillian Whyte interested in rematch with Joseph Parker

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Fabio Wardley amazed Joseph Parker during his performance at the O2: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry

Dillian Whyte is eager to fight Joseph Parker again.

In 2018, Whyte and Parker played 12 invigorating rounds, with both hitting the canvas.

Whyte won his dramatic heavyweight fight by unanimous decision at the O2 Arena.

‘The Body Snatcher’ is now planning a rematch with the Recent Zealander, who is looking to clear his name after testing positive for cocaine following his October defeat to Fabio Wardley.

“There are a lot of good fights and Joseph Parker is one of them,” the 38-year-old said Ring Magazine.

Fabio Wardley amazed Joseph Parker during his performance at the O2: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry

“I would love to fight Joseph Parker, I think it’s a really good fight.

“He has to come back, he has to be cleared or whatever. I don’t know the situation.

“So in the meantime I have to stay busy and fight my way back, so let’s see.

“I feel like I still have a little bit to give, so let’s see what we can do to finish the season on a high.

“I’m training now and I want to come back in May or June.

“Now it’s just a matter of training and seeing what comes out on this kind of date.”

Moses Itauma defeated Dillian Whyte in the first round in Riyad. Photo: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry
Moses Itauma defeated Dillian Whyte in the first round in Riyad. Photo: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry

The former world title challenger from Brixton has not fought since a crushing first-round knockout defeat to rising contender Moses Itauma last August in Riyad.

Former world champion Parker won six times on spin before being stopped in the 11th round against Wardley, losing the WBO interim title and a shot at unified champion Oleksandr Usyk.

The 34-year-old says he is going through this process after failing the test and hopes it will be resolved soon.

Whyte defeated Parker in 2018. Photo: Reuters
Whyte defeated Parker in 2018. Photo: Reuters

“Let’s hope so [I’m back] soon,” Parker said Professional boxing fans.

“I’m just going through the process and practicing patience.

“We just have to be patient and learn from what they say happened.

“I know what happened and I handed over everything, so let’s see.”

The post Dillian Whyte Eyes Joseph Parker Rematch appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

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“I was nervous” – Tony Yoka reacts to Lawrence Okolie’s failed test

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Lawrence Okolie presented an unfavorable analysis result in the VADA test. Photo: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry

Tony Yoka has broken his silence on Lawrence Okolie’s failed test that canceled their scheduled heavyweight fight.

On Saturday in Paris, Yoka was scheduled to face Okolie in a fierce heavyweight fight.

But on Tuesday, the Briton failed a VADA test, reportedly for GHRP 2 and its metabolite M8, a synthetic substance that stimulates the body to release human growth hormone.

Promoter Frank Warren tried to find a slow replacement, but later canceled the entire show.

Yoka (33) admits that he was bitterly disappointed with the situation.

Lawrence Okolie presented an unfavorable analysis result in the VADA test. Photo: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry

“I was disappointed because I wanted to fight,” said the 33-year-old talkSPORT.

“Of course I was ready.

“It’s not like it happened a few months before, it was three, four days before the fight.

Okolie was scheduled to face Yoka in Paris on Saturday. Photo: Queensberry
Okolie was scheduled to face Yoka in Paris on Saturday. Photo: Queensberry

“It was a great opportunity.

“It would have put me in a really good position, so it really worried me.

“What was more disappointing to me was that they just canceled the entire show, but I understand it’s a business.”

The Frenchman says he won’t wait too long and has been told he will either fight on the card Fabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois May 9 in Manchester or on the bill Dave Allen vs Filip Hrgovic on May 16 in Doncaster.

Okolie, the WBC’s number one contender for Oleksandr Usyk’s title, promised in a statement to clear his name.

“Before anyone starts imagining the worst, after last year’s bicep injury, I suffered an elbow injury on the same shoulder during this camp.

“I underwent treatment and now we are here.

“I hope common sense will prevail.

“I will of course cooperate fully with all relevant authorities and I am confident that any investigation will clear my name.

“I will not be making any further comments at this time.

“Thank you for all your support and see you soon.”

The post “I Was Nervous” – Tony Yoka’s Reaction to Lawrence Okolie’s Failed Test appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

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David Benavidez is considering two names after Zurdo Ramirez

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Benavidez and Ramirez face-to-face before world title fight Photo: Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy Promotions

David Benavidez is already looking to the future ahead of next week’s showdown with Zurdo Ramirez.

Benavidez challenges Zurdo for his unified WBO and WBA cruiserweight world titles next Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, live on DAZN pay-per-view.

“The Mexican Monster” is moving up from lightweight heavyweight, where he holds the WBC crown, in a bid to become a three-division world champion.

An undisputed 175-pound title fight with Dmitry Bivol has so far eluded the undefeated 29-year-old, but he insists he will return to the weight class after the Ramirez fight in an attempt to lure Bivol to fight him.

“My plan wasn’t just to abandon the lightweight heavyweight division,” Benavidez said Ariel Helwani show.

“My plan was this [to] come up, win two titles, come back and make this fight with me and Bivol even bigger.

“My dream is to become unified champion.

“It would be wise for me to go back downstairs.”

Benavidez and Ramirez face-to-face before world title fight Photo: Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy Promotions

Bivol, the holder of the remaining IBF, WBA and WBO belts, will defend his IBF title against mandatory challenger Michael Eifert on May 30 in Russia.

The 35-year-old won the undisputed crown, among others revenge victory over Artur Beterbiev in his last appearance last February.

The Russian gave up the WBC belt, which Benavidez currently holds, in pursuit of a third meeting with Beterbiev, which ultimately did not take place.

Benavidez is interested in fighting Bivol for the undisputed light heavyweight title
Benavidez is interested in fighting Bivol for the undisputed lightweight heavyweight title

Benavidez, who stopped Anthony Yarde in Riyad in November, is also hoping to fight former undisputed lightweight heavyweight champion Beterbiev, who hasn’t fought since his only professional loss to Bivol.

“After this fight [against Bivol] when I win the titles,” he added.

“I’m going to fight Beterbiev.

“I’m probably most excited about Beterbiev.

Benavidez wants to fight Beterbiev. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
Benavidez wants to fight Beterbiev. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

“These are two monsters heading on a collision course.

“Beterbiev was a bogeyman for a long, long, long time.

“Being the monster I am, I have to go in there and get rid of the bogeyman.”

The post David Benavidez Eyeing Two Names After Zurdo Ramirez appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

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