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UK Boxing

Anthony Joshua looks at Oleksandr Usyk’s trilogy, but sees one problem

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Joshua says he will fight at Wembley Stadium in September Photo Credit: AP Photo/Ian Walton

Anthony Joshua says he would be ready for a third fight with Oleksandr Usyk.  Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Anthony Joshua says he would be ready for a third fight with Oleksandr Usyk. Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

Anthony Joshua admits he would love a third fight with Oleksandr Usyk, but believes fans are looking forward to the long-awaited fight with Tyson Fury.

Joshua is on a four-fight win streak since back-to-back losses to Usyk, who will face Fury for the undisputed heavyweight championship on May 18 in Saudi Arabia.

The Watford fighter confirmed that his next fight will take place in either case September 20/21 at Wembley Stadiumit would be the first fight at the national stadium since Alexander Povetkin was stopped there in 2018.

“AJ” claims that he would be elated to take part in another meeting with Usyk, but he doubts whether the public interest will be sufficient for a third fight with the Ukrainian, who deprived him of the WBA, WBO and IBF world heavyweight titles.

“Let’s go,” Joshua said talkSPORT asked about the Usyk trilogy fight.

Joshua says he will fight at Wembley Stadium in September.  Photo: AP Photo/Ian Walton
Joshua says he will fight at Wembley Stadium in September. Photo: AP Photo/Ian Walton

“100%.

“At the end of the day, that’s what the fans want.

“You know, if the fans want to see it, they’ll get it.

The fight between Fury and Usyk will take place on May 18 in Saudi Arabia.  Photo: Top Rank Boxing
The fight between Fury and Usyk will take place on May 18 in Saudi Arabia. Photo: Top Rank Boxing

“But for me personally, of course I would love to compete with Oleksandr Usyk and many other fighters, but that’s what the fans want and I don’t think it’s number one on their wish list.”

The 34-year-old revealed that he is scheduled to face either the winner of the Zhilei Zhang vs Deontay Wilder fight or the winner of the Daniel Dubois vs Filip Hrgovic fight, with both fights taking place at the stadium Queensberry vs Matchroom 5v5 card in Saudi Arabia on June 1.

Joshua, who knocked out Francis Ngannou in two rounds in March, also welcomed a third fight with Andy Ruiz Jr, but insists on a long-awaited fight with Andy Ruiz Jr. British rival Fury is more likely.

“When you look at me, you know I will fight anyone, and at the same time there is an element where the promoters want me to fight certain people,” he added.

Joshua demolished Ngannou in two rounds.  Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Joshua demolished Ngannou in two rounds. Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

“Like I said, the fighters they want me to fight won’t be in the 5-on-5 card pool on June 1 and then they’ll be looking at the Tyson Fury fight.

“I would fight Usyk, I would love to.

“I would fight Andy Ruiz, I would love to.

“But at the same time, that’s what the fans want and I think they want me to move towards Tyson Fury. Correct me if I am wrong”.

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UK Boxing

Tyson Fury’s contract with Oleksandr Usyk could leave Anthony Joshua out in the frigid

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Tyson Fury is bound by a trilogy contract with Oleksandr Usyk if he triumphs in the upcoming rematch.

The long-awaited sequel is scheduled for Saturday evening, with Usyk looking to extend his 2-0 lead over Fury and repeat his split decision victory in Riyad last May – the only blemish on Fury’s professional record.

Usyk, looking at a possible return to cruiserweight, may decide that his plans will be thwarted by defeat and he will be forced to extend his tenure in the heavyweight division until the third fight with Fury. Frank Warren, Fury’s promoter, confirmed contractual obligations, stating to Boxing News: “Oh, it’s because he’s contracted. And whatever happens, that’s what happens if Tyson wins… as long as no one retires.”

This news seriously undermines the hopes of Anthony Joshua, who recently pulled out of his rematch with Daniel Dubois on February 22, citing health problems and his desire to face Fury after this weekend’s fight. Despite a knockout defeat to Dubois last September, ‘AJ’ harbors aspirations for an all-British fight with Fury.

Fury, known as the “Gypsy King”, has made it clear that he is more interested in a clash with Usyk than Joshua, especially if he triumphs next Saturday. Tyson revealed: “When I win on Saturday night, I think there will definitely be a trilogy next year,” during an interview with Al Arabiya.

“Joshua is in tatters right now. He needs to recover from his last fight. But a fight with Usyk – one on Saturday and one after – would be fantastic for me.”

With the focus firmly on Usyk, Fury candidly shared his strategy for the anticipated rematch, discussing the Undisputed boxing game, asserting: “I had to get Wilder out of there or he got me out of there, and that’s the kind of fight it had to be. It had to be a 50/50 gunslinger with the biggest punch ever, otherwise he would have punched me in the chin in round nine. Going to the rematch with Usyk. it will be the same. I’m going to roll the dice and either you or me… I’ll best step forward and jump away. I was never afraid of getting knocked out. I always threw every time he’s on the line.”

Fury also exposed his all-or-nothing approach, saying: “There is no secret! I’m going there to knock you out because I don’t think I’m going to get a decision no matter what I do. I don’t think I’ll get a boxing decision, so I’ll have to take it into the judges’ hands like I did back then in America and I’ve got to get him (Usyk) out of there. Hand on heart, I’ve got to get him out of there and see the victory.”

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UK Boxing

Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2 – substantial fight preview and predictions

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Usyk put in a sublime performance to beat Fury in their first fight Photo Credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank

On Saturday in Riyad, Oleksandr Usyk will face Tyson Fury in a rematch for the world heavyweight title. Photo: Top Rank
On Saturday in Riyad, Oleksandr Usyk will face Tyson Fury in a rematch for the world heavyweight title. Photo: Top Rank

Oleksandr Usyk will defend his WBC, WBA “super”, WBO and IBO heavyweight crowns against Tyson Fury in a long-awaited rematch at the Kingdom Arena in Riyad on Saturday.

Usyk vs Fury 2 is available on pay-per-view in the UK on Sky Sports, TNT Sports and DAZN, and on DAZN pay-per-view in the US.

This is a repeat of May’s meeting between two of the world’s top heavyweights, and many were skeptical of Usyk (22-0, 14 KO) as the smaller fighter in the original fight.

The Ukrainian implemented a fantastic game plan in Riyad, taking the best of Fury before devastating his fighter, defeating the ‘Gypsy King’ in the ninth round to win the title split decision become the undisputed champion.

After winning the same cruiserweight accolade, the 36-year-old rose to the occasion against Anthony Joshua in September 2021, earning well-deserved points in Tottenham to become the unified heavyweight king.

Usyk performed brilliantly, defeating Fury in the first fight. Photo: Mikey Williams/Top Rank
Usyk performed brilliantly, defeating Fury in the first fight. Photo: Mikey Williams/Top Rank

The split decision rematch victory came before Usyk knocked out Daniel Dubois, and that victory led to undisputed greatness against Fury.

“The Cat” gave up his IBF crown to arrange a second fight with Fury, and the aforementioned Dubois became the IBF champion.

Fury (34-1-1, 24 KO) won the unified heavyweight title in 2015, dethroning the great Wladimir Klitschko, but his life spiraled and he embarked on a monumental comeback that took him back to the top, winning the WBC belt after stoppage of Deontay Wilder’s seventh-round rematch in February 2020.

The 36-year-old repeated the trick in the trilogy match, defending against Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora, who both had success on stoppages.

The Briton then had to embarrassingly leave the ring before delivering a very razor-sharp verdict on boxing newcomer Francis Ngannou before he faced Usyk last October.

Bohachuk fights Davis

The next 12-rounder on the card will see super welterweight contender Serhiy Bohachuk in action against Leeds’ Ishmael Davis, who replaces Israil Madrimov, who withdrew due to illness.

Bohachuk (24-2, 23 KO) lost a majority decision to Vergil Ortiz Jr in August for the WBC interim title, where he scored two knockdowns, while Davis (13-1, 6 KO) sent Josh Kelly into a frenzy in a losing effort. his own majority verdict in September, another fight he took up belatedly.

In August, Bohachuk was eliminated by Ortiz Jr. Photo: Golden Boy/Cris Esqueda
In August, Bohachuk was eliminated by Ortiz Jr. Photo: Golden Boy/Cris Esqueda
Itauma meets McKean

Moses Itauma (10-0, 8 KO) continues his rapid rise to the top and should have a chance to defeat Australian Demsey McKean (22-1, 14 KO) on the schedule, with McKean having not been seen since a last-round stoppage in his meeting with Filip Hrgovic in August last year.

Fisher argues with Allen

Johnny Fisher continues his education against the experienced and popular Dave Allen.

Fisher (12-0, 11 KO) scored an impressive first-round stoppage over Alen Babic in July, while Allen (23-6-2, 18 KO) has recorded two wins since suffering a retirement loss to Frazer last September Clark in the sixth round.

McGrail comes face to face with Edwards

Peter McGrail was scheduled to face Dennis McCann in an intriguing match, but McCann was pulled out after unfavorable pre-fight VADA test results.

Rhys Edwards (16-0, 4 KO) has been preparing to fight Lyon Woodstock and is entering the fray in no time.

(10-1, 6 KOs)

Undercard remaining

Andrii Novytskyi (13-0, 10 KO) should defend his WBC International title, defeating Edgar Ramirez (10-1-1, 4 KO) first.

In the delicate heavyweight division, Daniel Lapin (10-0, 4 KO) can achieve his fifth victory in the initial phase of the fight against undefeated Frenchman Dylan Colin (14-0, 4 KO).

In a breakthrough featherweight fight, I’m banking on Lee McGregor (14-1-1, 11 KO) to defeat Isaac Lowe (25-2-3, 8 KO) and put victory on the scorecards.

Mohammed Alakel (1-0) should score points in the fight against Joshua Ocampo (8-33-5, 6 KO).

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UK Boxing

Oleksandr Usyk shares the incredible moment Tyson Fury fight result was shared on the front line

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As brave soldiers fought on the front lines, radios roared with unchanging on the battlefield. These brave units, defending Ukraine against the invading Russian forces, on the night of May 18 this year. they were waiting for further instructions or warnings about incoming missiles.

They are hailed as national heroes who risk their lives to protect their borders from Vladimir Putin’s troops. Oleksandr Usyk understands this perfectly, he has friends on the front line and has witnessed the horrors himself.

But life also goes on beyond the grim reality of war, and they were also eager to hear about their hero Usyk’s other fight against Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia. “Let me tell you one story,” Usyk, 37, said when asked if he had spoken to the fighters since the victory over Furia.

“This is the front line where the fighting takes place. And the people on the second line have special communications connecting them to the front lines on the battlefield. They have nicknames like: “Rocket, Rocket, can you hear me?” intonation, when they first picked up the phone, they said, “Yes, yes, what’s going on?” What do we have to do? [thinking it was an emergency]but then they got the news that Usyk was the undisputed champion and they started cheering: “Oh yes! All right!'”

In what must have been an incredibly moving time for those who longed for a glimmer of hope in the trenches, the brutal truth remains that Usyk was able to return to his loved ones after his victories, but he cannot take them back to his Ukrainian home. His partner Yekaterina and their children Mykhailo, Kyrylo and Yelizaveta had to leave Ukraine in featherlight of the current crisis, and Usyk kept their whereabouts a secret for security reasons.

Ringside, Ekaterina witnessed Usyk’s best Fury, recording his first defeat and allowing Usyk to win the undisputed heavyweight title – a moment they celebrated away from the public eye with their children, who were nervously watching TV in their short-lived apartment. “They were very scared and nervous, my two boys and my daughter,” Usyk commented.

However, when they saw their father again, the children’s spirits improved. “They said I was a real legend now,” recalls the humble former cruiserweight champion, although he modestly disagrees. “I said, ‘Mm, no.’ They said ‘yes, yes’.

The humility with which Usyk views his achievements was evident when boxing icon Lennox Lewis, the last before Usyk to become undisputed heavyweight champion in 1999, visited Usyk’s training camp in Spain ahead of his long-awaited rematch with Fury in Riyad. Despite winning the heavyweight crown after defeating Fury in early May, the reigning champion was honored and clearly impressed in the presence of his esteemed predecessor.

“It was great,” Usyk said. “I once watched him fight on TV. Now Lennox Lewis is in my camp watching my sparring. I said, ‘Wow, hey, Lennox. Do you miss boxing, do you miss preparations?». – Yes of course.

“Listen, it was great. I made a poster. I said, “Hey, Master, please sign for both of my sons.” My wife’s father said, ‘Oh my God, Lennox Lewis, please sign and take a picture.’

Perhaps Lewis should have asked Usyk for his autograph. “Just my shirt,” he joked with a smile. It is an extreme display of humility on Usyk’s part that he does not consider himself a legend despite being an Olympic gold medalist, world and European amateur champion, and the undisputed king of both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, undefeated in 22 professional fights. And he clearly serves as an inspiration to those in his homeland who are trying to stand up to Russia. “Legend,” he said. “It’s very high class. I don’t like it. I just like being a plain guy. I don’t want others to think of me as an icon. I don’t need it.”

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