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Oleksandr Usyk Reveals Why He Wants A Third Fight With Anthony Joshua

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Fury and Usyk will square off again on December 21 Photo Credit: Stephen Dunkley/Queensberry Promotions

Oleksandr Usyk opens the door to a third fight with Anthony Joshua Photo source: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Oleksandr Usyk opens the door to a third fight with Anthony Joshua Photo source: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

Oleksandr Usyk admits he would be open to a third fight with Anthony Joshua following his rematch with Tyson Fury.

On December 21 in Saudi Arabia, Usyk will defend his WBA “super”, WBC and WBO heavyweight titles in a fight against Fury, while on September 21 at Wembley Stadium, Joshua will face Daniel Dubois for the IBF title.

The Ukrainian defeated “AJ” by decision twice, stripping him of his heavyweight titles the first time around.

The 37-year-old, however, claims he would be tempted by the prospect of a trilogy fight with the former two-time heavyweight champion.

“I don’t particularly want any rematches,” Usyk said Post Sport Boxing.

“But when we beat Tyson Fury for the second time and Anthony Joshua beats Daniel Dubois, then of course they will want a third fight.

Fury and Usyk will face off again on December 21. Photo: Stephen Dunkley/Queensberry Promotions
Fury and Usyk will face off again on December 21. Photo: Stephen Dunkley/Queensberry Promotions

“From my point of view, I have no right to deny Anthony a third fight because he gave me two incredible fights.

“Anthony helped me become even more notable in the world. Anthony did that.

“And if, with God’s facilitate, that happens, then I’m ready for a third fight with Anthony.”

Joshua challenges Dubois for the IBF heavyweight title on September 21. Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Joshua challenges Dubois for the IBF heavyweight title on September 21. Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

Dubois, who was stopped by Usyk in August last year, became the full IBF champion in June after Usyk decided to vacate the title following his split decision victory over Fury in May.

“AJ” is undefeated in four fights since suffering two consecutive defeats to the Ukrainian, the last one being brutal second-round knockout over former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia in March, and Usyk believes the key to the 34-year-old’s recent successes has been his improved mental health.

“He has improved a lot mentally,” he added.

“Of course [he beats Dubois].

“I’m bad at predicting, but this [an] Olympic champion and British champion.

Usyk stopped Dubois in August last year. Photo: Stephen Dunkley/Queensberry Promotions
Usyk stopped Dubois in August last year. Photo: Stephen Dunkley/Queensberry Promotions

“Anthony is on a whole other level.”

Usyk became only the second man in history, after Evander Holyfield, to become the undisputed champion in both the cruiserweight and lightweight heavyweight divisions, and the first in the four-belt era.

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UK Boxing

Heavyweight boxer hospitalized after ‘fractured cheekbone’ in gruesome knockout defeat

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Frazer Clarke was beaten by Fabio Wardley and was hospitalized as a result. Fighting each other for the second time in 2024, Wardley got the last laugh – after their first fight ended in a draw – by knocking out Clarke in less than three minutes.

From the beginning, Wardley had the advantage, taking the fight to his opponent and defeating him in a matter of moments. Clarke then went back to the top and continued, but moments later found himself facing punishment again, sending him to the canvas for a second time.

After two minutes and 28 seconds, Clarke was knocked to the ground twice, and when he tried to get up a third time, he was unsuccessful. However, referee Victor Loughlin immediately called off the fight after quickly examining the 33-year-old and the extent of his injuries.

Upon further examination, Clarke was found to have a dent on the side of her head from one of Wardley’s powerful hits. After the fight, it was announced that Clark was taken to the hospital to learn the extent of his injuries.

While it was unclear what injuries he sustained, many believed that Clarke suffered a broken jaw and cheekbone, resulting in a dent. After the fight, Wardley spoke to Sky Sports and wished his opponent all the best as he and the rest of the boxing world learned the extent of Clarke’s injuries.

Wardley said: “I always pray before a fight and I always ask that both me and my opponent come out of it protected and sound. I know it’s a painful thing, and at the end of the day it’s either work, but I want people, whoever I am, I’m ready to get back to my family robust and protected.

So I wish him all the best. I hope he’s doing well, I hope I can talk to him later and hug him and thank him, because look, those 12 rounds we had earlier were something special for us and for boxing. So again, I just hope he’s robust and OK.”

Additionally, Anthony Yarde shared his thoughts on the matter, especially considering the knock Clarke received as a result of the Wardley fight. “I’m ecstatic for Fabio, but at the same time I’m very worried for Frazer,” Yarde told Sky Sports.

“Everyone in boxing knows Frazier is one of the nicest people in boxing, so I was worried. It was disturbing to see him like this.

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“It’s a painful sport, but I don’t feel good when I see it. Well done Fabio. He’s got that dog in him. The way he swings, and he’s very skillful.”

Johnny Nelson also added: “He will be absolutely devastated, and those words that come out: you represent all the amateurs coming through the system, that’s how much pressure it put on him.

“But also the way of failure. No matter what happens, he needs to make sure he gets tested, gets a thorough examination. I’ve never seen a knockout like that, it was terrifying, it was disturbing. It’s the greatest sport in the world, but at the same time, a knockout like that brings everything down to earth.”

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UK Boxing

Full results of the Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol match, including the victory of Chris Eubank Jr

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Artur Beterbiev defeated Dmitry Bivol by decision in one of the most essential main event wins since Saudi Arabia began staging boxing’s biggest fights. By winning this fight, Beterbiev became the first-ever undisputed lithe heavyweight champion in the four-belt era.

The last time there was an undisputed three-belt champion in this division was in 2000, when Roy Jones Jr. defeated Eric Harding. Bivol and Beterbiev’s performance reflected the seriousness of the situation as they both left everything in the ring.

Initially, Bivol was in control of the fight before some difficult shots in round 4 revived Beterbiev. Beterbiev was 20-0 heading into the fight, winning every fight by knockout, but was unable to find enough strength in the later rounds to stop Bivol and maintain his perfect record.

It was Beterbiev’s ninth defense of the IBF title, sixth defense of the WBC title and third defense of the WBO title, and he held the belts while adding a fourth. Beterbiev didn’t show much emotion after the fight, but the victory meant everything to him.

“I must be excited [for this fight]” – Beterbiev said before the fight on ESPN Undisputed. “I don’t get emotional in front of people, but of course I’m excited. This is my goal [undisputed] master.”

On the card below, Fabio Wardley defeated Frazer Clarke in the first round after taking some brutal shots early on that resulted in his opponent needing medical attention. Clarke left the arena and went to hospital to undergo tests for a suspected broken jaw and cheekbone.

Chris Eubank Jr secured victory with a seventh-round stoppage in his first fight in over a year. Eubank Jr. under pressure from Kamil Szeremeta, he knocked him down in the first round, but he remained placid and won the 34th victory in his professional career.

“I had a good time there. I think I could have finished it the first time, but it’s been a year and I wanted to get some ring rust off,” Eubank Jr. said of the fight. Another fight almost took place after Eubank Jr. was announced as the winner, and the undefeated rival Conor Benn entered the ring.

Eubank Jr and Benn got into a heated confrontation and had to be separated, with both fighters wanting to meet in the ring. “Let’s get this done,” Eubank Jr was heard telling Benn after their first fight was canceled.

Benn was scheduled to face Eubank Jr. in October 2022, but the fight was postponed after Benn tested positive for clomiphene. Since then, the animosity has continued, and fans can finally see the fight that was supposed to take place two years ago.

Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol fight card results

Artur Beterbiew def. Dmitry Bivol by majority decision
Fabio Wardley def. Frazer Clarke via TKO, round 1
Jai Opetaia def. Jack Massey via TKO, round 6
Chris Eubank Jr def. Kamil Szeremeta by KO in round 7
Skye Nicolson def. Raven Chapman via unanimous decision
Ben Whittaker vs. Liam Cameron – draw after inconclusive technical decisions
Mohammed Alakel def. Jesus Gonzalez via unanimous decision
Marco Marić def. Christian Flores via unanimous decision

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UK Boxing

Frazer Clarke health update following brutal defeat of Fabio Wardley

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Wardley blitzed Clarke in a round of their rematch Photo Credit: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions

Frank Warren says Frazer Clarke likely suffered a broken cheekbone after Saturday's defeat to Fabio Wardley in Riyad. Photo: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions
Frank Warren says Frazer Clarke likely suffered a broken cheekbone after Saturday’s defeat to Fabio Wardley in Riyad. Photo: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions

Frank Warren has revealed that Frazer Clarke suffered a broken cheekbone in his loss to Fabio Wardley.

Wardley attacked Clarke a stunning first round knockout in Saturday’s rematch in Riyad, seven months after the two players drew at the O2 Arena.

Wardley caught Burton with a powerful right hand and after returning fire, the British and Commonwealth champion unloaded a volley of punches that knocked the 33-year-old to the floor.

The referee wasted no time in waving his hand to end the fight, and concerns for Clarke’s health began after he was seen being given oxygen in his corner and suffering a dent in the side of his head.

Warren, who promotes Wardley, said he believed Clarke suffered a cheekbone injury after concerns intensified after photos of the 2020 Olympic bronze medalist with a dent on the side of his head surfaced online.

Wardley defeated Clarke in the rematch. Photo: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions
Wardley defeated Clarke in the rematch. Photo: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions

Wardley sent his compatriot a heartfelt message, wishing him a speedy recovery from his injury.

“Listen, I always say a prayer before a fight,” the 29-year-old said Heavenly sports after the fight.

“I always ask me and my opponent to come out fit.

“I know it’s a damaged cause and ultimately it’s our job, but I want whoever I’m with to return to their family fit and protected.

“That’s why I wish him all the best.

I hope he’s doing well.

Wardley celebrates after destroying Clarke. Photo: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions
Wardley celebrates after destroying Clarke. Photo: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions

I hope I can talk to him later, hug him and just thank him, because those 12 rounds we had earlier were something special for us and for boxing.

“So I hope he’s fit and OK.”

It is unclear whether Clarke was sent to hospital, and proboxing-fans.com has reached out to a member of his team for comment.

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