CELEB NEWS Archives - Page 54 of 72

CELEB NEWS

Simone Biles headlines one-of-a-kind tour coming to Toyota Center

By Lauren March 9, 2024

ANTWERP, BELGIUM – October 08: Simone Biles of the United States on the podium with her gold medal after her victory in the Women’s Balance Beam Final at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships-Antwerp 2023 at the Antwerp Sportpaleis on October 8th, 2023 in Antwerp, Belgium.

Simone Biles fans and gymnastics enthusiasts in the Houston area are in for a treat later this year.

UPDATE ;Simone Biles Shatters Records: Becomes Most Decorated Gymnast at World Championships

Tickets for the Gold Over America Tour are set to go on sale May 17 at 10 a.m., according to the Toyota Center website. Prices have not been released yet, but tickets for the 2021 version ranged from $30.50 to $195.50.

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BOXING

Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou live updates: Fight results, ring walk times delayed, predictions, more

By Lauren March 9, 2024

Follow live coverage of today’s heavyweight fight between Anthony Joshua and the former UFC world champion Francis Ngannou

Joshua vs Ngannou fight start time update

Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight fight with Francis Ngannou was initially scheduled for 11.20pm GMT, or 6.30pm ET. The ring walks are now expected to take place in around 15 minutes time, which means you can expect the fight to start at around 00.40am GMT, or 7.40pm ET.

So we’re running somewhere around 60-90 minutes behind schedule.

CompuBox’s fight analysis from Joseph Parker’s victory over Zhilei Zhang: “Zhang knocked Parker down in the third and eighth rounds, but Parker almost doubled up Zhang in power punches landed 79-40.

“Parker averaged 22 punches thrown per round over rounds 1-6, while Zhang averaged 26. Over rounds 7-12, Parker averaged 30 punches thrown per round, while Zhang decelerated to 19.5 punches thrown per round.

“Parker outlanded Zhang 53-31 over the last half of the fight.”

David Higgins, Joseph Parker’s manager, has just been interviewed on DAZN.

“It’s still sinking in,” he says. “Momentum is a big part. It feels like everything has come together. That was a very tough fight.

“I was nervous (when the scorecards were read out) but the team is elated and we are very grateful to all of the fans and all of the promoters.”

Higgins also confirmed that Parker is contractually obliged to take on Zhang in a rematch. “They demanded a one-sided rematch. We wanted to keep busy so we took the fight. So we will do it again.”

What a victory for Joseph Parker. But the Zhilei Zhang rematch seems a bit of a weird move. Does anybody particularly want to see that fight again?

Joseph Parker has just been interviewed by DAZN and he has confirmed his next fight will be a rematch with Zhilei Zhang. He says: “Zhang is a tough man. But Andy Lee told me to keep my composure and to follow the plan. I am very happy and I can’t wait to go back home to celebrate.

“This is the result of hard work. Hard work. And hard work. It’s an incredible feeling to come back from the Joe Joyce loss and now look at where we are.

“And next — we’re going to do the Zhang fight again. That’s what the contract says. So that’s what we’re going to do.”

What a victory! Via majority decision.

The scorecards are read out: 113-113. 114-112. And 115-111.

That’s a huge victory for Parker and he is now the WBO interim champion.

Here we go then!

Zhilei Zhang’s corner have urged their man forward. Joseph Parker’s tell him to stick to the game plan and stay positive.

Zhang wings in a big right hook but misses wildly. Parker keeps doing what he has been doing, working the body and looking to land that overhand right.

Into the final minute. Zhang really hasn’t done much so far. He’s tired and this fight could be slipping away from him. Parker presses forward and again threads together some nice, eye-catching combinations.

And that’s that! Zhang twice sent Parker to the canvas. But I think the former WBO champion has done enough to win this on points.

For a man who has twice been put on his arse, Joseph Parker is boxing very, very well in the eleventh round of this heavyweight fight. He’s feinting nicely and causing Zhilei Zhang some real bother with his jab. Zhang needs to start letting his hands go but he’s unable to get in the positions to be effective.

It’s another busy round from Parker and surely another round in his favour. It promises to be an exciting final round. Both men need to win it and, even if they do, it still might not be enough!

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BOXING

Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou results: Live updates, ring walk time, where to stream

By Lauren March 9, 2024

The heavyweight fight between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou Friday is shaping up to be far more than a boxing-mixed martial arts crossover.

Tyson Fury said he’ll give the winner a shot at his undisputed world heavyweight title — assuming Fury still has it after fighting Oleksandr Usyk May 18.

Also at stake:

For Ngannou, the former UFC champion, it’s a chance to prove he’s a formidable boxer. He delivered a stunning performance in October in his pro boxing debut.

Pitted against world champ Tyson Fury, Ngannou, 37, scored the only knockdown of the fight and landed punishing blows before losing a controversial split decision. But he said he has not yet shocked the world.

“I’m still in the factory, building,” Ngannou, a native of Cameroon, said this week. “You know, training, learning.”

For Joshua, the Brit, it’s an opportunity to continue his re-ascension. Joshua (27-3, 24 KO’s) has won three straight bouts after losing back-to-back fights to Usyk. But a loss to Ngannou would create serious doubts about whether Joshua, 34, can ever reclaim the championship belts he lost to Usyk in 2021.

“I’m looking forward to the occasion,” Joshua said.

Zhilei Zhang vs. Joseph Parker live round-by-round

This co-main event is a heavyweight match scheduled for 12 rounds.

Round 1: Big Bang Zhang, 6-foot-6 and 256 pounds, towering over Parker, who’s listed as 6-4 but suddenly looks much smaller. Tactical here, as fighters gauging each other and range. Forgettable round, Zhang slightly more aggressive. Zhang 10, Parker 9.

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BOXING

Joseph Parker vs Zhilei Zhang, Joshua vs Ngannou: Live updates – what time is the fight, what are the odds and more

By Lauren March 8, 2024

Round eight

Parker lands a big shot early! Zhang didn’t shrug that one off, it was certainly one he felt and Parker does well to get outside afterward.

After the clinch Parker is doing well to catch Zhang just after the ref splits them.

But then out of nowhere Zhang knocks him down! Another innocent enough looking left hand and Parker goes down to one knee!

That could be a decisive moment in the fight as Parker had some real momentum. He does well to land a few solid right hands to the body at the end of the round but Zhang will have won that one.

Parker needs to remain busy, Zhang isn’t forcing things too much so there are opportunities to win rounds if he can pick his shots.

Round seven

Parker lands a one-two to the body early, Zhang clinches a couple of times then catches the Kiwi with a number of solid shots.

Zhilei Zhang vs Joseph Parker LIVE: UK start time and how to follow bout on Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou undercard | talkSPORT

Parker lands one straight down the pipe but Zhang literally shakes it off with a shrug – unreal.

Another round that’s too close for an armchair expert to score.

Zhang has only gone 12 rounds once… Parker has done it ten times…

Round six

This is smart boxing from Parker. He knows if he can land four or five punches he can steal the round with how little Zhang is pushing things.

The Kiwi brought the uppercut out a couple of times in this round, which would suggest he’s feeling a little more comfortable.

Not a whole lot to speak about there – tense stuff. Too close to call but perhaps Joe has levelled the scorecard..

Parker has landed 50% of his punches, Zhang about half that. They’ve both thrown the same but the Kiwi lands more.

Michael Benson on X: "Joseph Parker vs Zhilei Zhang would be a great fight for 2024… https://t.co/KOyOTzPvVB" / X

First time we’ve seen Parker on the front foot and controlling the centre of the ring.

Parker works a nice double jab, tapping in to the body using his eyes very intelligently.

Zhang looks like he’s waiting on a KO rather than trying to win the round.

Parker definitely looking the busier of the two. Three two to Zhang by my scorecard, the Kiwi wins the last two.

Round four

Zhang is on the front foot now, looks very composed.

Parker lands a nice one-two early but it doesn’t seem to faze the Chinese heavyweight.

Parker has a steady stream of blood coming from the bridge of his nose but manages to land a few shots.

And the Kiwi replies with a big right hand, then left hook of his own! Zhang was rocked slightly but stays on his feet!

Zhilei Zhang vs Joseph Parker prediction and betting tips on March 8, 2024 Dailysports experts

That’s what the boy from South Auckland needed, for his own confidence as much as the scorecard. Bounce back round.

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BOXING

Anthony Joshua v Francis Ngannou: 10-round heavyweight boxing match – live

By Lauren March 8, 2024

Vargas retains WBC featherweight title by split draw

Rey Vargas has just retained the WBC’s version of the featherweight title after a controversial split draw with Liverpool’s Nick Ball, the undefeated prospect who roared back from a quiet start to score a pair of knockdowns in the later rounds.

One judge scored it 114-112 for Vargas, another 116-110 for Ball while the third had it 113-113. The announcement is met by a chorus of boos from the Kingdom Arena crowd that only rises in volume when Vargas is interviewed in the ring during the aftermath.

Next up: a delicious heavyweight scrap between WBO interim champion Zhilei Zhang and Joseph Parker, who held the WBO’s primary belt from 2016 through 2018. The main event between Joshua and Ngannou will follow.

Preamble

Hello and welcome to Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena for tonight’s crossover match between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou. It’s been billed as the Knockout Chaos: a scheduled 10-round bout under boxing rules between the former two-time unified heavyweight champion amnd a former UFC champion with exactly one professional boxing match under his belt.

Joshua (27-3, 24 KO), at 34 years old, has won three straight bouts after back-to-back defeats ot Oleksandr Usyk and is still angling for another run at a heavyweight belt. But the 2012 Olympic gold medalist has put those plans on hold for a highly lucrative date with the 37-year-old Ngannou, who defied all expectations five months ago with a disputed split-decision loss to lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, scoring the only knockdown of the evening along the way. Fury may have won the fight, but Ngannou clearly won the event.

That automatically makes Ngannou (0-1, 0 KO) an awfully intriguing proposition entering tonight’s sophomore outing. But was Ngannou really that good against Fury, or was Fury that poor in overlooking the Cameroonian neophyte? We’ll have answers soon enough.

We’re around an hour from the main event ringwalks. Plenty to come between now and then.

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BOXING

Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou live updates: Fight card results, ring walk times, predictions and more

By Lauren March 8, 2024

Follow live coverage of today’s heavyweight fight between Anthony Joshua and the former UFC world champion Francis Ngannou

Zhilei Zhang is about to face Joseph Parker in a showdown for the WBO interim heavyweight championship, in the fight before Anthony Joshua’s clash with Francis Ngannou.

Both contenders are currently enjoying something of a hot streak and a victory would thrust them into contention for the world title. Particularly as the championship belts are expected to fracture following Oleksandr Usyk’s anticipated unification bout against Tyson Fury later this year.

Zhang endured his maiden professional loss against Filip Hrgović in August 2022, yet he triumphed over Joe Joyce twice last year. And he has vowed to swiftly defeat former world champion Parker in their upcoming match.

He told Queensberry: “Their team will study my fights, and study the Hrgovic fight and the Jerry Forrest fight (a majority draw). They believe going into the second half of the fight, my conditioning will go down, and they will have the leverage to beat me on points.

“Even if that happens, I’ll beat him in deep water. I prefer to do it with Chinese speed. I don’t yet have the opportunity to go against the top two (Fury and Uzyk), but when that day comes, I’ll be beating them.”

CompuBox’s fight analysis: “At the halfway point of the fight, Vargas held a 59 to 30 advantage in power punches landed and a 40 to 13 advantage in body punches landed.

“After averaging 9.8 power punches landed over rounds 1-6, Vargas’s production dipped to 7.6 power punches landed in rounds 7-12. Ball out-landed Vargas 58 to 47 over rounds 7-12, in addition to knocking Vargas down in rounds eight and eleven.”

Manny Pacquiao has just spoken to Sky Sports and the boxing legend seems to think the mixed martial artist could upset his peer this evening!

“I love this fight because it’s going to be a good fight. Ngannou is a fighter, he’s very strong. And I back Ngannou,” he said.

“Joshua needs to defend well and to move around. He can’t stand there and go toe to toe.”

Pacquiao was also asked about his future in the sport. Earlier in the night, Conor Benn suggested he could take on the 45-year-old later this year.

“Yeah I’m working on it and I hope we can finalise it after this event and before I go back home,” Pacquiao added.

Rey Vargas has also just spoken to DAZN. Through the help of a translator, he has said he is happy to face Nick Ball in a rematch.

“Of course I did enough (to win),” he said. “I have character and I have courage. He had the crowd behind him.

“Fitness was an issue. And a year with no activity impacted my performance. But I got a draw even though I did not like the way they counted those knockdowns.

“But yes, of course I will give him a rematch.”

Frank Warren, Nick Ball’s promoter, is incandescent. He tells DAZN he’s certain the WBC will order an immediate rematch.

“He won the fight. We’re not crybabies. But he won the fight. Listen to the crowd,” Warren says.

“I don’t know what’s going on. I don’t understand it. He had him down twice. I’m sure the rematch will be ordered by the WBC.”

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BOXING

LIVE: Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou – Heavyweight Boxing

By Lauren March 8, 2024

Anthony Joshua faces Francis Ngannou in a heavyweight boxing match up in Saudi Arabia.
The bout at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena begins at 2am local time on Saturday (23:00 GMT on Friday).
‘I believe I can knock him out’

Anthony Joshua says he’s relishing the contest in the latest code crossover between boxing and Mixed Martial Arts.

Francis Ngannou was scoffed at when he opted to make his boxing debut against world champion Tyson Fury in the so-called “Battle of the Baddest” in October last year.

The doubters were silenced, however, when Ngannou sent Fury to the canvas in the third round before losing only on a controversial split decision.

Joshua is not intimidated, though, by the prospect of facing the former MMA champion.

“This Friday, it’s going to go down, so I can’t wait for the opportunity to show my skills and combat this person who thinks he can knock me out,” Joshua said of Ngannou.

“I believe I can knock him out. Definitely, I would love to knock him out and make a statement.

“He has to be ready for the shots which are coming his way because I’m a man who will be standing in front of him, bringing him a lot of hell.”

Just under an hour to go

The wait is over and the bout roughly an hour away.

The pair are due in the ring at 2am local time (11pm GMT) and it appears that proceeds are running close to on time.

The fight should begin in just under an hour by the look of things.

The months of preparation, training and talk comes down to one ring in Riyadh and we’ll bring you all the action so stay seated.

Ngannou’s road to MMA glory from Cameroonian struggles

Francis Ngannou has crammed a lot into his 37 years.

The child of a single mother, he had to walk six miles to school and from the age of 10, he shovelled sand from open quarries, his meagre income helping to buy food and books.

“It was work meant for adults, but we didn’t have any options,” said Ngannou of his back-breaking labours which paid less than $2 a day.

“I didn’t like my life, I felt like I missed my childhood.”

In 2012, at the age of 26 and fired by dreams of becoming a professional boxer, Ngannou, now boasting a towering physique carved from his brutal work in the sand pits, made a break for Europe and a better life.

Crammed with others into the back of a pick-up truck, he crossed the unforgiving Sahara, travelled through Nigeria, Niger and Algeria before reaching Morocco.

Then, after half a dozen failed attempts, he finally made it over the Mediterranean to Spain where he was promptly jailed for two months for making an illegal crossing.

He took a train to Paris and lived in a car park before local boxing coach Didier Carmont found him a place to live and a gym in which to train.

Despite an early fascination with Mike Tyson, Ngannou graduated towards Mixed Martial Arts and in 2021, became the UFC world heavyweight champion.

No pain no gain

Anthony Joshua returned to training on January 6, in preparation for this fight.

That was barely two weeks after his December 24 victory against Otto Wallin.

The undercard is under way

WBC featherweight champion Rey Vargas and Britain’s Nick Ball have just got under way in their bout.

We’ll keep you posted on their progress.

Ngannou won’t let go of a Fury rematch

Francis Ngannou’s desire to face Tyson Fury in a rematch is quite clear.

The war of words appears as though it will only intensify until the pair meet again in the ring:

Last up for Ngannou

The first professional boxing bout for Francis Ngannou pitted him against Tyson Fury.

It ended in defeat for the Cameroonian on a split decision, although he drew many plaudits for his display.

The former UFC champion was clearly irked by the defeat, but also a key moment in which Ngannou says he was clearly elbowed by Fury.

“I was a lion fighting a pack of hyenas – Tyson Fury, the referee for allowing an illegal elbow, and the judges for their score cards,” Ngannou posted on social media platform, X, after the fight.

“I watched the elbow video tens of times and I don’t understand why the referee didn’t take a point from him.”

Ngannou crosses combat codes

Former UFC star Francis Ngannou’s switch to boxing last year had been mooted for months following speculation of a crossover fight with Tyson Fury.

The 36-year-old Cameroonian was still UFC heavyweight champion when contract talks with the leading promotion collapsed once Ngannou said his demands for health insurance and personal sponsorships were rejected.

UFC President Dana White stripped Ngannou of the belt in January 2023.

In July, it was confirmed Ngannou would indeed meet with Fury with the date later fixed for October 28.

Read more: Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou signs with PFL

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BOXING

Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou – Knockout Chaos: Start time and round-by-round updates as heavyweights meet in titanic clash in Saudi Arabia and Zheilei Zhang defends world title against Joseph Parker

By Lauren March 8, 2024

It’s an absolute marathon of a card tonight, likely to last over nine hours and featuring 10 fights overall.

The first fight of the card will be at 3:20pm UK time, which is 6:20pm Saudi time. The fights will run through the afternoon and evening with Zhilei Zhang versus Joseph Parker to start at around 10:20pm UK time.

The big one, Joshua against Ngannou, will get underway at around 11:20pm UK time.

Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou start time is revealed

British fight fans are set for a late night after the start time for Anthony Joshua’s showdown with Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia was confirmed.

The winning combo from Novytskyi included an illegal shot to the back of the head but it was only a matter of time anyway.

RESULT: Novytskyi stops Torres in the third round

Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou start time, TV schedule, ring walks - MMA Fighting

Another good left-right combo from the Ukranian early on. He may have hurt Torres at the end of the last round and the underdog hits the canvas, but he’s pulled down.

He’s walked onto a lot of punches here.

This time he goes down! Nice combination, Torres shakes his head on his knees, and the referee waves it off. Oxygen for the American in the aftermath.

About as one-sided as it gets.

ROUND 2 – Torres continues to struggle

Torres has come out swinging in the second round but he’s absolutely all over the place, I’ll be honest. He can’t get close.

Novytskyi throws an upper cut in this round and it’s another of domination for the six-foot-six fighter.

The jab as impactful too. 20-18 it is.

Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou: Full fight week schedule | DAZN News GB

ROUND 1 – Novytskyi dominating early on

The bell rings for round one then and it’s a bit of a slow start from both fighters but there’s a lot of time. Early control from Novytskyi with a few straight left jabs.

Torres has a huge height disadvantage and also with his reach. He’s takes a few shots to the face, a few body shots, and Torres is on the back foot despite going for a big shot himself.

It’s a matter of time. Could be the next round.

Joshua now has a fight to analyse

Haye has just mentioned that Joshua will now have a fight of Ngannou’s to assess in terms of analysis. Fury won’t have had that.

Ngannou said it too to us earlier this week. I wonder how much of an impact that has.

RELATED ;Anthony Joshua v Francis Ngannou: Tyson Fury poses for pictures with rival Joshua

Anyway, we’re about to get underway with the first fight of the night. The stadium is empty, but we will start nonetheless.

The coverage is underway!

David Haye and Ariel Helwani are on punditry for DAZN ahead of the prelims.

Strap in everyone, because it’s about to get busy.

Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou: Time, live stream, fight card and how to watch the fight in the US | Goal.com US

‘The liklihood of hearing the final bell is slim,’ Haye says.

Novytskyi vs Juan Torres first up

DAZN’s coverage of the prelim fights gets underway at 3pm UK time and we will start with Andrii Novytskyi versus Juan Torres in a heavyweight contest.

Ukranian Novytskyi is 28 and undefeated from nine fights. Torres is 37 and 11 for five from 16 fights, though is on a seven-match win-streak.

The size difference is quite laughable.

UPDATE ;Every detail you should know about the Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou fight

There will be eight, three minute rounds in that one.

What next for Joshua?

The predictions seem quite split for tonight. The classic boxer, or the MMA powerhouse?

Joshua is the favourite. But what if it doesn’t go to plan for him?

Where would he go next? Facing Usyk – likely ever again – would be off the cars. A bout with Fury would be possible but unlikely.

Wilder? Whyte? Retirement…?

And what if it does?

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CELEB NEWS

Former Champion Makes Big Claim About Lewis Hamilton Ferrari Move

By Lauren March 8, 2024

Mika Hakkinen suggested that Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari will be challenging in many ways.

Former Formula 1 world champion Mika Hakkinen has said that Lewis Hamilton’s big switch to Ferrari next year won’t be all rosy and “straightforward”. He highlighted the major changes the transition would bring to the seven-time-world champion, alongside a potent teammate like Charles Leclerc, who has been with Ferrari since 2019.

Hamilton’s decision to switch to the Maranello outfit has less than a year to materialize. The move comes after spending nearly a decade with Mercedes, where he won six titles to his name.

Nevertheless, as he aims to increase his championship count, it’s noteworthy that Ferrari hasn’t clinched a single driver’s championship since 2007 when Kimi Raikkonen secured the title. Speaking to PlanetF1.com, Hakkinen said:

“I can see that he wants to win, of course, like everybody else wants to win.

“I think he probably experienced that, with the Mercedes, maybe he thinks the Mercedes isn’t able to give him a car where he can win.

“Probably he’s seeing the opportunity that, with Ferrari, they can bring him a car where he can win.

“But it’s quite a big change for him, because he’s been in a British team – let’s call it this way – for so many, many years.

“To now change to an Italian team, where he doesn’t have experience, it can be quite a big change for him – to understand the philosophy, and how they work.

“This has nothing to say they don’t work well or they don’t do the right thing, but it’s a big change.”

Speaking further on Hamilton’s chances of winning another title, Hakkinen says it all depends on Ferrari’s title contender. He added:

That’s impossible to say. It’s all about the car.

“If they’re able to build the car and fix the problems that they have, then there is a possibility.”

Adding on how Hamilton’s Ferrari shift opens opportunities for other drivers, Hakkinen said:

For the moment where he’s in his career, it must be very exciting and motivating for him to continue with this great sport.

“I think it opens up opportunities to other drivers, too, this year is a big year because so many contracts are finishing and there’s going to be a lot of changes.”

Is Lewis Hamilton Capable of Winning Alongside Charles Leclerc?

However, with Leclerc greeting him at Ferrari’s doorstep, the former world champion says racing for wins with Ferrari won’t be “straightforward” for Hamilton. He said:

You have Charles Leclerc over there, and he has been with the team for a long time.

“He’s a very talented young driver and the car is tailor-made for him. So it’s not going to be so straightforward, in my opinion.”

Hakkinen suggests that Hamilton’s move to Ferrari follows his accomplishment of everything with Mercedes. Now though, he might seek to recreate that sensation by clinching victories with Ferrari. He added:

I think it’s purely to have a change.

“He’s been at Mercedes for so long, and he has achieved everything with Mercedes – they have reached the pinnacle of results.

“I think he wants to now go to another team and try to find the same type of journey, and that, one day, they can become winners. But it’s all about people. It’s not about wishbones or uprights or wings, it’s about the people.”

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BOXING

Tyson Fury warns Anthony Joshua of Francis Ngannou threat and welcomes ‘Battle of Britain’ after Oleksandr Usyk clash

By Lauren March 7, 2024

Tyson Fury says Francis Ngannou should be ‘thanking him’ for giving him the biggest pay day of his career; watch Ngannou fight Anthony Joshua live on Sky Sports Box Office on Friday March 8; scroll down for booking information – how and when to book via remote or online

Tyson Fury insists he will handle business against Oleksandr Usyk before finally facing Anthony Joshua in one of British boxing’s most eagerly-awaited contests – providing his heavyweight rival comes through Friday’s test against Francis Ngannou.

Fury will meet Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight championship on the rescheduled date of May 18 after the pair’s initial bout was postponed due to a cut sustained by the Gypsy King in camp.

The WBC champion has suggested the pair would then meet in a prospective rematch before facing the winner of Joshua’s clash with Ngannou, who Fury beat by split decision back in October.

RELATED ;Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou: Timing, pricing, booking details for heavyweight showdown on Friday March 8

Fury was dealt a scare in October when he was floored by a stunning left hand from MMA star Ngannou in the third-round of their 10-round contest.

It was the flashpoint to a hugely-accomplished boxing debut from the former UFC heavyweight champion, who impressed enough to earn his way to another marquee fight night against Joshua.

Fury confronted Ngannou on Tuesday over comments suggesting he was a ‘coward’, before the pair exchanged heated words again at Wednesday’s press conference.

“He should be thanking me really,” said Fury. “Through all his UFC career he made about a million dollars and he made six or seven against me so he should be thanking me.

“Instead I’ve had to tell him off in front of a load of people because he’s having a lot to say on camera after I gave him his biggest pay day. He’s ungrateful.”

Fury also spared praise for his opponent, warning Joshua of the brick wall that lies in wait on Friday night.

JUST IN ;Francis Ngannou vs. Anthony Joshua: A Clash of Titans in Riyadh Boxing Ring

“We all know it was a s*** performance, I’m not going to make an excuses because I never do,” said Fury.

“I don’t know how good he was. What I do know is I hit him with some good punches and I hit him with an elbow right in the face and it never budged him.

“I don’t know how good at boxing he is or how strong he is, but I know I was hitting him with full force punches with 10oz gloves on and he didn’t budge anywhere.”

Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight showdown with Francis Ngannou takes place on Friday March 8, live on Sky Sports Box Office with the main event expected around 11pm.

The event will start at 4pm, Friday March 8 on Sky Sports Box Office (Sky channel 491) and Sky Sports Box Office HD (Sky channel 492). The event is priced at £19.95 for Sky customers in the UK, €24.95 for Sky customers in the Republic of Ireland up until midnight on Thursday March 7.

Thereafter £19.95/€24.95 across all “self-service” bookings (remote control/online) or £24.95 / €29.95 if booked via the phone (either IVR or agent) but note an additional £2 booking fee if via an agent will apply.

UPDATE ;Francis Ngannou vows ‘I’m not leaving boxing’ regardless of Anthony Joshua result

The event price will revert back to £19.95 / €24.95 (ROI) from midnight Friday March 8. Two repeat showings (full duration) will be shown at 6am and 4pm on Saturday March 9.

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CELEB NEWS

READ MORE ;Simone Biles returns to the Lone Star State for the Gold Over America Tour

UPDATE ;Simone Biles Shatters Records: Becomes Most Decorated Gymnast at World Championships

Joshua vs Ngannou fight start time update

Zhilei Zhang vs. Joseph Parker live round-by-round

‘I believe I can knock him out’

Just under an hour to go

Ngannou’s road to MMA glory from Cameroonian struggles

No pain no gain

The undercard is under way

Ngannou won’t let go of a Fury rematch

Last up for Ngannou

Ngannou crosses combat codes

READ MORE ;Tyson Fury warns Anthony Joshua of Francis Ngannou threat and welcomes Battle of Britain after Oleksandr Usyk clash

RESULT: Novytskyi stops Torres in the third round

ROUND 2 – Torres continues to struggle

ROUND 1 – Novytskyi dominating early on

Joshua now has a fight to analyse

RELATED ;Anthony Joshua v Francis Ngannou: Tyson Fury poses for pictures with rival Joshua

The coverage is underway!

Novytskyi vs Juan Torres first up

UPDATE ;Every detail you should know about the Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou fight

What next for Joshua?

Is Lewis Hamilton Capable of Winning Alongside Charles Leclerc?

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