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EXCLUSIVE :Anthony Joshua next fight ‘leaked’ as Tyson Fury causes delay

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Anthony Joshua Tyson Fury

Heavyweight boxer Derek Chisora leaked that Anthony Joshua’s next fight will be against the winner of Daniel Dubois versus Filip Hrgovic

Boxing heavyweight title contender Derek Chisora said Anthony Joshua will face the winner of Daniel Dubois versus Filip Hrgovic for his next fight.

In a video posted to YouTube on Tuesday, Chisora addressed reporters, discussing Joshua’s recent bout against Francis Ngannou and his analysis of the match between British heavyweights Frazer Clarke and Fabio Wardley. Clarke and Wardley maintained their undefeated records following a draw at London’s O2 Arena at the close of March.

READ MORE :A BRIT TASTY Tyson Fury’s promoter reveals how he can seal Anthony Joshua fight sooner than expected with ‘arrangement’ theory

Chisora also uncovered Joshua’s upcoming opponent and venue, acknowledging that he inadvertently revealed the information due to his self-labeled big mouth. “He [Joshua] will fight the winner of Daniel Dubois and [Filip] Hrgovic in Wembley [Stadium],” said Chisora.

Anthony Joshua accepts terms for fight with Tyson Fury in December | UK News | Sky News

“Did I mean to say that, me and my big mouth?” he continued. “I got a big mouth, but yeah, that’s the plan,” he reaffirmed. “Queensbury promotion, it’s going to be sick.”

The 40-year-old heavyweight discussed potential venues for Joshua’s assumed fight, mentioning that only one person could sell out Wembley Arena, referring to Joshua’s ability to draw a large crowd. He then suggested Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, describing the venue as a “fantastic” potential destination for fights despite his dislike for the football club.

RELATED :I trained Andy Ruiz for Anthony Joshua KO upset win and one key factor helped us make history

On March 8, Joshua faced off against Ngannou in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Joshua secured an easy victory in less than two rounds, comfortably overwhelming one of MMA’s most formidable power punchers. Joshua delivered a pair of knockdowns with a trademark straight right hand, sealing his dominance in the match. Ngannou’s defeat proved so humbling that he apologized to his fans and all viewers for his subpar performance.

Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua: Could there actually be a path to making the all-British heavyweight super-fight happen? | Boxing News | Sky Sports

“Sorry guys, I let you all down,” Ngannou said. “Today was a bad day in the office, but tomorrow will be another day. Thank you all for the love.”

UPDATE ;‘Extra special’ boxing event in the works for Wembley Stadium, but it won’t be Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua

Joshua will face an extended wait for his next opponent, as the winner of the upcoming heavyweight bout between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk on May 18 may trigger a championship rematch clause, resulting in further postponement. Previously, Joshua had considered facing Deontay Wilder on the same night as Fury’s clash with Usyk. However, he noted that it would be more attainable for them to headline their own event, possibly in early 2024.

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BOXING

Derek Chisora claims he knows who Anthony Joshua is fighting next, and it’s not Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk

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Derek Chisora Anthony Joshua Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk

Derek Chisora has let slip who he believes Anthony Joshua will be fighting next.

‘Del Boy’ claims AJ will box the winner of Daniel Dubois vs Filip Hrgovic at Wembley Stadium when he makes his return to the ring later this year.

Of course, that is coming from a man who is not directly involved in planning Joshua’s career path, although Chisora is close friends with AJ and is currently represented by his management company, 258 MGT.

“He will fight the winner of Daniel Dubois and (Filip) Hrgovic in Wembley (Stadium),” Chisora told iFL TV.

READ MORE :A BRIT TASTY Tyson Fury’s promoter reveals how he can seal Anthony Joshua fight sooner than expected with ‘arrangement’ theory

Dubois and Hrgovic are reportedly set to face each other on a blockbuster card on June 1 alongside Dmitry Bivol vs Artur Beterbiev, plus Deontay Wilder vs Zhilei Zhang in the Queensberry vs Matchroom 5 vs 5 event.

It is unclear whether the fight will be for the IBF belt which is expected to be vacated after Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk’s undisputed showdown on May 18.

Oleksandr Usyk sends warning to Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury after Derek Chisora win - Eurosport

The IBF are next up in the heavyweight sanctioning body rotation system and are due to order their mandatory challenger, Hrgovic, to face the winner of the four-belt showdown next.

However, the heavyweight titans have a rematch clause signed into their contract, so are unlikely to be able to accept the IBF’s call.

RELATED :Anthony Joshua beats Francis Ngannou with devastating early knockout to send message

The IBF have already confirmed that they will strip the winner of the undisputed fight should they proceed with a second fight, and instead order Hrgovic to fight the next-highest-ranked boxer for the vacant title.

Currently, that is Joshua, who is placed at No.3 in the IBF rankings with the No.2 spot unoccupied.

Meanwhile, Dubois occupies the No.4 spot with the sanctioning body.

Anthony Joshua could return to Wembley for Oleksandr Usyk fight after undisputed world title clash with Tyson Fury fell apart | Boxing News | Sky Sports

Joshua recently revealed his next outing would be in June or July.

However, if Chisora’s claims prove to be true then he is more likely to box in September.

His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, revealed last month that he plans to stage a huge show at Wembley Stadium in September.

UPDATE :I trained Andy Ruiz for Anthony Joshua KO upset win and one key factor helped us make history

“I’m talking, thinking and studying with Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn to do something huge in Wembley in September as a commercial for Riyadh Season,” he said.

One of the few fighters who could sell out the 90,000-seater would be AJ so it would make sense for him to headline that card.

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Frazer Clarke will supersede Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury to British heavyweight record if he beats Fabio Wardley

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Frazer Clarke Anthony Joshua Tyson Fury Fabio Wardley

In his latest exclusive talkSPORT.com column, Ben Shalom previews Sunday’s domestic dust-up between Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke.

Frazer Clarke is set to become the fastest-ever British heavyweight champion this weekend when he squares off against Fabio Wardley for the Lonsdale belt in only his ninth professional outing.

By comparison, it took Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua 15 fights to get to this point.

Nobody can accuse Clarke of moving slowly, his rise has been unprecedented.

READ MORE :Anthony Joshua beats Francis Ngannou with devastating early knockout to send message

Some will say this opportunity has come too soon.

But for me, everything is on course. We wanted him to become British champion within 10 fights.

He has the chance to do that early and then move on to bigger and better things.

Modern-Day Classic' Fabio Wardley-Frazer Clark Comes at Opportune Time for U.K. Boxing - Boxing News

Where the winner goes

The winner of this fight finds themselves in a great position.

There will be several households, who don’t usually watch boxing, tuning in for this fight and that is when pay-per-view stars are created.

If Clarke gets his hand raised then we will be targeting blockbuster nights for him.

RELATED :‘Extra special’ boxing event in the works for Wembley Stadium, but it won’t be Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua

He is one of those boxers who struggles to get up for the fights that he doesn’t feel he will be tested in.

That comes from having a long amateur career and being in there with the best names constantly.

Frazer Clarke will supersede Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury to British heavyweight record if he beats Fabio Wardley | talkSPORT

There will be no turning back after Wardley.

The ultimate proving ground

We will find out just how good Clarke is on Sunday night.

I can sit here and speculate about how far he can go in the pro game.

UPDATE :I trained Andy Ruiz for Anthony Joshua KO upset win and one key factor helped us make history

But the truth is I’ve never seen him in a twelve-round fight in front of a packed-out O2 Arena against an opponent who has the capability to knock him out.

I’m confident in Clarke’s ability given the number of fights and the level of opposition he has faced in the amateurs.

Ben Shalom hopeful that Frazer Clarke can secure record that will see him outdo Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua | DAZN News CA

However, this is a totally different beast. He is going to have to show maturity, he is going to have to show composure, he is going to have to show mental strength.

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A BRIT TASTY Tyson Fury’s promoter reveals how he can seal Anthony Joshua fight sooner than expected with ‘arrangement’ theory

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Tyson Fury Anthony Joshua

TYSON FURY could accelerate his chances of fighting Anthony Joshua by putting on a masterclass against Oleksandr Usyk.

Fury faces Usyk in the heavyweight division’s first four-belt unification bout on May 18 in Saudi Arabia.

And the two are contracted to an immediate rematch right after, leaving AJ with a wait to fight either.

But Fury’s Hall of Fame US promoter Bob Arum believes if the Gypsy King can beat Usyk convincingly enough, the rematch could be scrapped.

READ MORE :‘Extra special’ boxing event in the works for Wembley Stadium, but it won’t be Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua

And it would then allow Joshua, 34, to fill in to commence a Battle of Britain bout sooner than expected.

Arum told the Daily Mail: “I think the knock on Joshua has been that he’d lost his confidence. If a fighter loses his confidence, he’s very diminished.

Anthony Joshua Vs Tyson Fury: Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson And Other Legends Give Their Predictions

“Now Joshua seems to be regaining his confidence, and if that continues Joshua will be a very dangerous fighter that could compete with anybody.

“What happens if Fury-Usyk turns out to be a classic? A fight that is so exciting and so thrilling that the public wants to see it again.

JUST IN :Eddie Hearn blasts Francis Ngannou BAFFLING excuse for losing to Anthony Joshua as he insists the ex-UFC fighter should know better

“Then that would certainly trump a Joshua fight, and contractually, it’s a fight that has to happen.

“Now, what happens if it’s a one-sided fight and Fury wins the fight?

“Then maybe everybody can sit down with His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and work out some arrangement to go right to Fury-Joshua.

Tyson Fury had incredibly honest reaction after witnessing Anthony Joshua KO Francis Ngannou

“If Usyk wins the fight, I don’t think there would be that much demand for an Usyk-Joshua fight because after all they fought twice and Usyk beat him twice.

UPDATE :‘Britain’s Mike Tyson’ sparred Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, one hit harder but the other is still better

“So, one fight at a time, that’s my motto.”

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BOXING

Anthony Joshua beats Francis Ngannou with devastating early knockout to send message

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Anthony Joshua Francis Ngannou

Anthony Joshua produced a devastating early knockout of Francis Ngannou to send a shuddering message to the likes of rivals Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk in the heavyweight division.

After an initially confident start from Ngannou on only his second professional boxing outing after he shocked the world by flooring Fury in October before dropping a controversial decision, the former UFC heavyweight champion was sent to the canvas in the first round after a punishing right hand from Joshua in Friday night’s huge main event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

READ MORE :‘Extra special’ boxing event in the works for Wembley Stadium, but it won’t be Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua

The two-time former unified heavyweight champion then knocked down Ngannou again with another powerful right in the second round, his opponent – who had been showing flashes of intent and trying to hold the centre of the ring – just beating the referee’s count before quickly being knocked out cold by a brutal overhand right in one of the most destructive stoppages seen in recent times – more than living up the ‘Knockout Chaos’ moniker for the event.

Anthony Joshua puts Francis Ngannou to sleep for minutes with brutal knockout | Marca

Ngannou was quickly attended to after such a damaging finish, receiving oxygen as he was helped onto a stool before thankfully getting to his feet and embracing Joshua, who again reiterated his desire to meet the winner of the undisputed showdown between reigning heavyweight champions Usyk and Fury, rescheduled for May 18 in Riyadh after a nasty cut sustained by Fury in sparring led to the postponement of their initial February date.

However, both Usyk – who has already beaten Joshua twice – and Fury have rematch clauses in their contracts, so it’ll be a while yet until a meeting with Joshua can happen for either man.

RELATED :‘Britain’s Mike Tyson’ sparred Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, one hit harder but the other is still better

Those rematch clauses also mean that the winner of the first Usyk-Fury fight will likely have to vacate the IBF title instead of facing mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic.

Anthony Joshua credibility hangs by a thread against Francis Ngannou

Joshua to face unbeaten Croatian contender Hrgovic for the IBF gold – the first world title Joshua ever won by knocking out American Charles Martin at London’s O2 Arena in 2016 – could feasibly be a possibility for the 2012 Olympic gold medalist later this year.

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I trained Andy Ruiz for Anthony Joshua KO upset win and one key factor helped us make history

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Andy Ruiz Anthony Joshua

Andy Ruiz’s monumental upset win over Anthony Joshua will forever hold a place in boxing history.

Ruiz was a relative unknown in the boxing world, until he was thrust into the biggest opportunity of his life as a short-notice replacement for Jarrell Miller in a unified heavyweight world title clash against Anthony Joshua in June 2019 on AJ’s US debut.

The Mexican came in as an overwhelming underdog given little hope in the fight, but caused one of the biggest upsets in boxing history by dropping Joshua four times en route to a famous win in New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden.

READ MORE ;JOSH IN TIME Anthony Joshua in line for world title fight BEFORE facing winner of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk

It was a monumental achievement which was regularly compared to Buster Douglas’ phenomenal upset of Mike Tyson, and it was masterminded alongside trainer at the time Manny Robles.

Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz Jr: preview, how to watch, Eddie Hearn

In an exclusive interview with talkSPORT.com, Robles, who will work as a coach in the upcoming Team Combat League, has opened up about exactly how he believed five years ago that they could rewrite history inside the ‘Mecca of Boxing’, due to the perfect timing of the call.

He said: “It wasn’t really at short notice, what people don’t know is we were just coming off of a fight with Alexander Dimitrenko in LA.

“So we went through a full camp, and a week later we had the fight with Anthony Joshua.

“So we got back into the ring and the timing was perfect.

“We fought someone who was very similar to Joshua, a week later we then got the call for the huge fight against Joshua.

“So we had like a month in camp, but the hard work was already done as Dmitrenko was very similar to Joshua, a big strong and solid guy.

Anthony Joshua Defeats Andy Ruiz Jr. Via Decision in Heavyweight Title Rematch | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors | Bleacher Report

“The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, and we were able to win the heavyweight championships of the world.

Seismic shockwaves travelled through the boxing world, after Ruiz was left bouncing around the ring in a famous celebration after defying all odds.

RELATED ;Date named for potential Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua mega-fight as AJ drops cryptic post over next opponent

Joshua was clearly not at his best, but the Mexican had shown defiance and a serious boxing skillset while carrying out a turgid game plan to capitalise on AJ’s weaknesses on the night.

Despite the defeat, the Briton was seriously gracious to Ruiz and his attitude helped earn him an immediate shot at redemption just several months later.

Anthony Joshua Takes Back Heavyweight Crown from Andy Ruiz - The New York Times

“People don’t know this, but to this day after that night I look up to Anthony Joshua,” he continued.

“He is a role model to people around the world, athletes and people in general. He is someone that kids should inspire to be like.

“He is such a gentleman outside of the ring, he is so humble. Even in defeat, he is humble enough to keep his head up.

Ruiz was unable to keep hold of the titles, having admitted he got carried away with celebrations and did not prepare adequately for the rematch in February 2020, which the Briton won on points.

Fight Picks: Andy Ruiz vs. Anthony Joshua 2 - The Ring

Robles has since split with Ruiz, and the pair have not spoken for several years since pulling off the remarkable feat as a seemingly unbreakable team.

UPDATE ;How Anthony Joshua dispatched Francis Ngannou with destructive second-round knockout victory

Since this day, AJ has suffered two more defeats to Oleksandr Usyk but has again responded putting together a neat win streak under new coach Ben Davison.

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Anthony Joshua next fight: Eddie Hearn eyes Tyson Fury showdown

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Anthony Joshua Eddie Hearn Tyson Fury

Anthony Joshua’s next fight looks set to be against Tyson Fury, according to Eddie Hearn, so long as the Gypsy King can beat Oleksandr Usyk on May, 18.

Following Joshua’s destructive knockout of Francis Ngannou, all eyes are now on a potential fight against Fury. Here is everything you need to know about who AJ could be fighting next.

Who is Anthony Joshua fighting next?

Joshua looks set to finally fight Fury, so long as the Gypsy King can beat Usyk on May, 18.

READ MORE ;EXCLUSIVE : Anthony Joshua Cheers Patricia Mbata for Winning Gold at All Africa Games in Ghana

Fury and Usyk go head-to-head at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the winner seemingly next in line to face Joshua.

Eddie Hearn believes Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury 'taking priority' over AJ-Kubrat Pulev fight is 'possible' | DAZN News US

Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, has pleaded with Fury to beat the Ukrainian to set up “the biggest fight in the history of the sport“.

When was Anthony Joshua’s last fight?

Joshua beat Ngannou with a devastating knockout blow in the second round during their fight on March, 9.

After knocking his opponent down in the first round, AJ got the job done minutes later with a right-hand that left Ngannou out cold on the canvas.

Anthony Joshua boxing record

Joshua’s boxing record stands at 28 wins and three losses, with 25 knockouts along the way.

RELATED ;Eddie Hearn blasts Francis Ngannou BAFFLING excuse for losing to Anthony Joshua as he insists the ex-UFC fighter should know better

Only Andy Ruiz Jr and Usyk (twice) have got the better of the 34-year-old. Joshua has beaten the likes of Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker and Alexander Povetkin on his way to the top of the sport.

Eddie Hearn leaves the door open for Battle of Britain between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury | Daily Mail Online

What has Eddie Hearn said about a fight against Tyson Fury?

Hearn has made no secret of his desire for Joshua to fight Fury, with the promoter desperate for the pair to meet in the ring.

“There is a brilliant fighter down there called Tyson fury,” Hearn said after the Joshua’s victory over Ngannou.

UPDATE ;‘Extra special’ boxing event in the works for Wembley Stadium, but it won’t be Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua

“Please, please beat Oleksandr Usyk on May, 18. I promise you this, you will get the biggest fight in the history of the sport when Anthony Joshua takes the undisputed world championship.”

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Anthony Joshua set for early return after Francis Ngannou knockout

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Anthony Joshua Francis Ngannou

Anthony Joshua, the former two-time unified heavyweight champion, has hinted at his upcoming bout with rumors that it would happen even sooner than expected.

Though there were first hopes for a longer break, Joshua, whose career has taken off over the last year, is ready to return to the ring.

READ MORE ;JOSH IN TIME Anthony Joshua in line for world title fight BEFORE facing winner of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk

After a turbulent 2021 and 2022 in which he lost his belts to the unbeaten Oleksandr Usyk and then was unable to win them back in a rematch, Joshua has painstakingly returned to his previous level of performance.

Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou is a done deal for 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | Marca

Many had assumed that Joshua would wait to comment on the results of the May 18 fight between Tyson Fury and Usyk, or that he may face Fillip Hrgovic for the IBF title after that. However, the British boxer has thrown a curveball by agreeing to take on an opponent who has not yet been revealed.

UPDATE ;Date named for potential Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua mega-fight as AJ drops cryptic post over next opponent

Joshua hinted that he would soon be back in the ring in his Instagram Story.

Anthony Joshua demolishes Francis Ngannou in two rounds in Riyadh | World News | Sky News

The British celebrity is seen in the picture talking on the phone and captioning the image with the exchange.

There is a lot of conjecture surrounding Joshua’s opponent as he gets ready for his next fight possibly against Joseph Parker.

RELATED ;Eddie Hearn blasts Francis Ngannou BAFFLING excuse for losing to Anthony Joshua as he insists the ex-UFC fighter should know better

Filip Hrgovic will fight Daniel Dubois, while Deontay Wilder will fight Zhang Zhilei.

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Eddie Hearn blasts Francis Ngannou’s ‘BAFFLING’ excuse for losing to Anthony Joshua… as he insists the ex-UFC fighter ‘should know better’

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Eddie Hearn Francis Ngannou Anthony Joshua

Eddie Hearn has slammed Francis Ngannou for appearing to suggest that his demolishing defeat by Anthony Joshua was down to his early arrival at the arena.

Joshua knocked down the former UFC heavyweight champion three times in two rounds to secure a dominant victory in Saudi Arabia.

Ngannou, in a recent interview on the MMA Hour, said that he arrived at the Kingdom Arena, in Riyadh, two hours earlier than Joshua, appearing to suggest that this was a ‘trick’ to tire him out.

READ MORE ;JOSH IN TIME Anthony Joshua in line for world title fight BEFORE facing winner of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk

Joshua’s promoter Hearn has taken exception with the comments, suggesting the 37-year-old ‘should know better’.

He told Boxing Social: ‘I was baffled. It is a bit disappointing really.

Anthony Joshua: Eddie Hearn names one aspect of Francis Ngannou that makes him "dangerous" ahead of Anthony Joshua fight

‘He said they got him to the arena (early), who is they? You get given times by the broadcaster.

‘He said that he was made to come to the arena early to tire him out for the fight, which is really an inexperienced boxing guy talking here, he should know better.

RELATED ;How Anthony Joshua dispatched Francis Ngannou with destructive second-round knockout victory

‘You get your time, which is the ideal time that the organiser or the broadcaster would like you there, you make your own mind up.

‘Some fighters like to get there three hours before, some like to get there an hour before, it all depends on the fighter.

Eddie Hearn: "What was he doing?" - Eddie Hearn shares disappointment in Francis Ngannou for accusing Anthony Joshua's team of foul tactics on fight night

 

‘If AJ is told for example that “we want you there at 10 ‘o’clock” and we know that the fight is happening at 1am, then we would come a little bit later, because he doesn’t want to be hanging around that long.’

Hearn also reacted to a social media post which contained Ngannou’s comments, stating: ‘I’m not sure he has come round yet.’

Ngannou after the fight confessed that he couldn’t remember being knocked out by Joshua and that from going back to his stool in between the first and second rounds, he ‘wasn’t there anymore‘.

In his interview on the MMA Hour, when asked if fighting late around 3am ‘screwed’ him up, he replied: ‘We both fight at 3am but what I think, something that happened is that they got me to the arena very early, like 10.30pm.

Anthony Joshua's Promoter Insists His Client Will Beat Francis Ngannou

‘Then, when we get to the arena they tell me that I am scheduled to fight at about 1.45am and then around 1am they come to the locker and Joshua hasn’t arrived.

UPDATE ;Francis Ngannou new boxing ranking confirmed after Anthony Joshua defeat

‘And I’m like we’re fighting at the same time but for some reason I was there for the fight at least two hours before him.

‘Even during the week we had to go places and wait. Dewey was like “they do this kind of trick to get you tired.”

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‘Britain’s Mike Tyson’ sparred Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, one hit harder but the other is still better

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Mike Tyson Anthony Joshua Tyson Fury

Teenage heavyweight Moses Itauma could be boxing’s next superstar – but the Brit has already taken a shot at the current kings.

The 19-year-old recently moved to 8-0 with another brutal knockout, seeing off Dan Garber in the first round last Friday night.

WBC champion Tyson Fury has called Itauma the ‘future of the division’, while pundits have likened him to heavyweight legend Mike Tyson due to his explosive power.

READ MORE ;How Anthony Joshua dispatched Francis Ngannou with destructive second-round knockout victory

Fury knows all about Itauma’s talent after a recent sparring session between the two big-hitters.

A 16-year-old Itauma also sparred with two-time world champion Anthony Joshua back in 2021.

Mike Tyson's opinion if Tyson Fury fought Anthony Joshua is brutally honest

When talkSPORT asked the young prodigy whether Fury hits hardest, Itauma responded: “No, but he’s so unique. Joshua hit me very hard.

“I sparred him [Joshua] when I was 16. I only did a couple of rounds, but that was enough.”

Opinions have shifted on Fury and Joshua following their respective victories over MMA-champion-turned-boxer Francis Ngannou.

RELATED ;Carl Frampton tells Anthony Joshua who to fight next and it not Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk

Fury was knocked down and got an unconvincing majority decision, while Joshua delivered a brutal knockout in the second round.

The heavyweight division will crown its first unified king in more than two decades when Fury meets IBF, WBA and WBO champion Oleksandr Usyk on May 18.

Itauma hopes to reach those heights one day, but for now, he still believes Fury is the best around.

Anthony Joshua eyes winner of Oleksandr Usyk v Tyson Fury after demolishing Francis Ngannou - Eurosport

The heavyweight said: “He [Fury] gave me loads of advice. Currently, I think he is No.1. There are so many factors people don’t take into account.

“Joshua had something to learn off [before fighting Ngannou], Fury never did. Fury was the first person to do that crossover.

“It was great entertainment. Whether he took it seriously is another thing.”

JUST IN ;Francis Ngannou new WBC ranking revealed after stunning Anthony Joshua knockout

He said: “I haven’t wobbled. We’re big guys. All of us have the capability to knock each other out and it only takes one shot.

“Let’s say, I go in there and I knock someone out in sparring, they can’t spar for six weeks and I’m going to struggle to get a sparring partner.

Mike Tyson breaks down and analyses every active elite heavyweight boxer including Anthony Joshua

“You don’t really learn from knocking people out in sparring.”

Itauma continued: “If I go in there, he’s just tapping and I’m trying to knock him out, I’ll look like a… you know.

UPDATE ;Eddie Hearn responds to Francis Ngannou claiming he was tricked ahead of Anthony Joshua fight

“If he goes in there and tries to knock me out, but I’m going easy, it doesn’t make sense. So you have an unspoken agreement.

“You feel out what the first minute is like and you gauge it from there.”

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