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Canelo Alvarez fight is antique news, I want to become champion

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Canelo stopped Avni Yildirim in three rounds in February Photo Credit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing

Avni Yildirim says he has come to terms with his loss to Canelo Alvarez and his goal is to win the world middleweight title before fighting Jack Cullen.  Photo: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom
Avni Yildirim says he has come to terms with his loss to Canelo Alvarez and his goal is to win the world middleweight title before fighting Jack Cullen. Photo: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom

Avni Yildirim says he has put his loss to Canelo Alvarez behind him and is now aiming to win the world title before his fight with Jack Cullen on Saturday.

Yildirim was withdrawn by then-trainer Joel Diaz after three one-sided rounds against unified super middleweight champion Canelo at Miami’s Tough Rock Stadium in February as the Mexican was looking after his mandatory challenger for the WBC title.

Since then, the 29-year-old has started working with celebrated coach Pedro Diaz, who worked in corner kicks with Miguel Cotto and Guillermo Rigondeaux, and “Mr Robot” claims this is a fresh chapter in his career.

“The Canelo fight is antique news,” Yildirim said.

“I want to turn a fresh page in my middleweight career. I have a fresh coach in Pedro Diaz, it’s a fresh beginning and a fresh life, everything is fine.

The Turk will face former English middleweight champion Cullen at the 164-pound catchweight on the undercard of the Conor Benn-Adrian Granados fight at the opening Fight Camp card at Matchroom.

In February, Canelo defeated Avni Yildirim in three rounds.  Photo: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing
In February, Canelo defeated Avni Yildirim in three rounds. Photo: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing

The two-time world title challenger, stopped by Chris Eubank Jr in 2017, is confident he can become the 160-pound world champion alongside Gennady Golovkin (IBF), Demetrius Andrade (WBO), Jermall Charlo (WBC) and Ryota Murata (WBA) current belt holders.

“I’m in a fresh gym, in a fresh atmosphere,” Yildirim added.

“Pedro is one of the best coaches in the world and a great guy and I think he can make me a 160-pound world champion and I’m telling the champions, I’m coming for you.

“I know what I want to become, a great middleweight champion, and Pedro believes in me and says I can do it.

Yildirim embraced Canelo after his third-round loss in February.  Photo: Melina Pizano/Matchroom
Yildirim embraced Canelo after his third-round defeat in February. Photo: Melina Pizano/Matchroom

“My motivation is very high and my body and mind are in great shape.”

Cullen rose to the top to secure a dominant victory over previously undefeated prospect John Docherty in November and insists he is not reading too much into his opponent’s loss to the pound-for-pound Mexican star.

“You can’t really leave Canelo behind, he’s a superstar isn’t he,” the 27-year-old said.

Cullen scored a unanimous decision victory over John Docherty in November.  Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Cullen scored a unanimous decision victory over John Docherty in November. Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

“Whoever he fights, he defeats! The only thing I can take away from this is that Yildirim is a tough and robust guy.

“He comes to fight. This can only be an stimulating piece.”

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Interviews

Daniel Dubois sends a message to Tyson Fury after his retirement

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Tyson Fury has announced his retirement from boxing aged 36 Photo Credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank

Daniel Dubois believes that Tyson Fury will return. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing/Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions
Daniel Dubois believes that Tyson Fury will return. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing/Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions

Daniel Dubois believes that Tyson Fury will return to the ring and claims that a fight between them may happen.

Fury ended hopes of All-British fights against the likes of Dubois and long-time rival Anthony Joshua after retiring last Monday, less than a month after his second successive defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.

However, “Dynamite” believes that his compatriot will return in a similar mood as when he retired in April 2022, only to return seven months later.

If the “Gypsy King” ends his final retirement, Dubois insists the fight with Joshua must happen, which has opened the door for him to face the winner.

“I think he will definitely come back,” said the 27-year-old talkSPORT.

Tyson Fury announced that he is retiring from boxing at the age of 36. Photo: Mikey Williams/Top Rank
Tyson Fury announced that he is retiring from boxing at the age of 36. Photo: Mikey Williams/Top Rank

“He’s always done that throughout his career, mind games and all that.

“So I think he will come back. He plays various characters. He will definitely come back.

“Get them in the ring [Joshua and Fury].

“I want to see them fight now.

“I punched Joshua so he had to fight Fury.

“I want to see what’s left between these two.

“And then maybe I’ll fight the winner.”

Dubois will face Parker on February 22 in Riyad. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
Dubois will face Parker on February 22 in Riyad. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

The Londoner knocked out “AJ” five rounds in September at Wembley Stadium and on February 22 in Riyad, he will defend the IBF world heavyweight title against Joseph Parker.

Dubois stormed the ring after Usyk’s rematch victory over Fury, calling for a rematch from their August 2023 clash.

The Londoner’s argument for wanting a rematch is based on a controversial low blow in the fifth round of the fight against the Ukrainian, which he believed was a legal shot.

“Usyk, I want to take revenge,” he said.

“Good job tonight.

Dubois attacked Usyk's post-fight interview, calling for a rematch. Photo: TNT Sports
Dubois attacked Usyk’s post-fight interview, calling for a rematch. Photo: TNT Sports

“I want revenge for the last robbery.

“Let’s sort this out. Let’s go.

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Interviews

Eddie Hearn wonders if Tyson Fury will return

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Tyson Fury has announced his retirement from boxing aged 36 Photo Credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank

Eddie Hearn believes Tyson Fury will change his decision to retire Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing/Mikey Williams/Top Rank
Eddie Hearn believes Tyson Fury will change his decision to retire Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing/Mikey Williams/Top Rank

Eddie Hearn believes Tyson Fury will retire after a legacy-defining clash with Anthony Joshua.

Fury stunned the boxing world on Monday when he announced his retirement from the sport, leaving behind a megafight with Joshua.

The “Gypsy King” announced his shocking decision less than a month after suffering, among other things, second defeat in a row against Oleksandr Usyk in Riyad, but Joshua’s promoter, Hearn, is convinced that the fighter from Morecambe will return to the ring to fight the long-awaited showdown with “AJ”, who is returning after a fifth-round defeat to Daniel Dubois.

“In my opinion, I think he will come back,” the 45-year-old said talkSPORT.

“But I don’t know him well enough to judge that.

Tyson Fury announced that he is retiring from boxing at the age of 36. Photo: Mikey Williams/Top Rank
Tyson Fury announced that he is retiring from boxing at the age of 36. Photo: Mikey Williams/Top Rank

“He’s coming back after two defeats, and these defeats hurt the boys.

“AJ was devastated by the defeat to Dubois and I’m sure Fury was too [with his defeats to Usyk]both are winners.

“I don’t know if Fury can leave one of the biggest fights in the history of the sport on the table.

“I know he’s a competitor. I know he will want to give the British fight fans what they want and I hope we see more of him.

“But if we don’t, God bless the speed and all the best.”

Fury's retirement will be a major blow to Joshua. Photo: Mark Robinson/Michelle Farsi/Matchroom Boxing
Fury’s retirement will be a major blow to Joshua. Photo: Mark Robinson/Michelle Farsi/Matchroom Boxing

Fury hung up his gloves after defeating Dillian Whyte in April 2022, only to return eight months later for a third fight with Derek Chisora, whom he defeated comfortably at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Hearn said Joshua will now look to secure a clash with the winner of the February 22 fight between his former rivals Dubois and Joseph Parker, who will fight in Riyad for the IBF heavyweight world title.

If Fury returns to fight AJ, the Matchroom boss insists the loser would have nowhere to go.

“They would both be devastated by defeat,” he added.

“It’s one thing to lose the world heavyweight title, but at the same time losing in a fight of this magnitude is the biggest bragging rights.

“At this stage of their career, the last word is goodbye.

“Whoever loses this fight is finished and whoever wins it moves on and that’s what you fight for.

“You’re not just fighting for a legacy, you’re fighting to save your career.

“It’s a huge fight, but it’s not on the table right now.”

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Interviews

Callum Simpson vs. Steed Woodall

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Simpson proved too much for Woodall Photo Credit: Lawrence Lustig/BOXXER

Callum Simpson defeated Steed Woodall in the second round in Sheffield Photo: Lawrence Lustig/BOXXER
Callum Simpson defeated Steed Woodall in the second round in Sheffield Photo: Lawrence Lustig/BOXXER

Callum Simpson defended his British and Commonwealth super middleweight titles after a second-round victory over Steer Woodall on Saturday at the Park Community Arena in Sheffield.

Simpson (16-0, 11 KO) proved too good for Zak Chelli in his last competition and went on to sweep wide and claim the British and Commonwealth titles last August. Woodall (19-3-1, 12 KO) picked up his best career win, stopping Lerrone Richards in six rounds in an upset in Bolton last June.

This attack ended quickly in the second round, with a right uppercut that left Woodall on wobbly legs, and then another attack punctuated by another right uppercut, leaving “The Stallion” on the deck.

Despite beating the count, referee Mark Bates waved off the fight shortly afterwards.

Simpson dedicated his victory his dead sisterwho died tragically in August in a road accident.

Simpson proved too much for Woodall. Photo: Lawrence Lustig/BOXXER
Simpson proved too much for Woodall. Photo: Lawrence Lustig/BOXXER

“It’s bittersweet,” the 28-year-old said Heavenly sports after the fight.

“I won these titles in front of all my fans, but there’s one person that I think everyone knows who I wish was here, but I know she’s looking down on me and I make her proud.”

Simpson defended his British and Commonwealth super middleweight titles Photo: Lawrence Lustig/BOXXER
Simpson defended his British and Commonwealth super middleweight titles Photo: Lawrence Lustig/BOXXER
Dubois is tied with Camara

On the card below, Caroline Dubois (10-0-1, 5 KO) made her first defense of her WBC lightweight title against Canadian Jessica Camara (14-4-1, 3 KO), but the fight ended in a technical draw.

The fight was stopped due to a cut to Camara’s left eye from the head collision, and she also went down in the first round.

Dubois had a technical draw with Camara Photo Credit: Lawrence Lustig/BOXXER
Dubois had a technical draw with Camara Photo Credit: Lawrence Lustig/BOXXER
Forrest stops Miller

Cruiserweight prospect Scott Forrest needed just two rounds to defeat Deevorn Miller.

Miller (8-3, 6 KO) lost once in the first and second rounds, while Forrest (7-0, 4 KO) won outright.

Undercard remaining

In the featherlight heavyweight division, where Billy Deniz defeated Mickey Ellison (15-8, 5 KO) by one point.

Deniz (13-0, 5 KO) won with a score of 77-76.

In the six-round middleweight division, Sam Hickey (2-0, 1 KO) stopped Lewis Howells (3-2) three times en route to a first-round victory, and Mauro Silva (7-0, 3 KO) scored a 59-56 victory against Emmanuel Zion (6-3, 3 KOs).

Ellis Price (2-0, 1 KO) stopped Liam Fitzmaurice (0-1) twice en route to a first-round lightweight victory.

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