Tag

Anthony Joshua

Browsing

Former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has shared his prediction for the upcoming rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, a bout that has captured the attention of boxing fans worldwide.

JUST IN: Francis Ngannou to make long-awaited MMA comeback against 6ft 8in giant after boxing defeats to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua…

Having a deep history with both fighters, Joshua weighed in on who he believes will come out on top.

Joshua, who has traded words with Fury for nearly a decade without yet meeting him in the ring, faced Usyk in 2021 and 2022, suffering back-to-back defeats that cost him his unified world titles. Since then, Joshua has bounced back with four consecutive victories, including a stunning second-round knockout of former UFC champion Francis Ngannou in March.

TYSON FURY VS ANTHONY JOSHUA AND FRANCIS NGANNOU

As Joshua prepares for his world title clash against Daniel Dubois, he offered his thoughts on the Fury vs. Usyk rematch, one of the most anticipated fights in recent boxing history.

“I think it’s going to be a tough fight early on, but I feel like Usyk will edge it again,” Joshua told Queensberry Promotions.

“He’s a class operator and one of the best out there. That’s why I think he’ll win.”

SEE MORE: David Price Predicts Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua: “I Always Thought It Would Be A Whitewash”…

Anthony Joshua and  Daniel Dubois

Usyk handed Fury his first professional loss when they first met in May, dominating the later rounds and nearly stopping Fury in the ninth on his way to a decision victory. With that win, Usyk became the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis, though he later had his IBF title stripped—a title now up for grabs in Joshua’s upcoming bout with Dubois.

Despite focusing on his immediate goals, Joshua remains determined to eventually face Fury in the ring.

“Yeah, it needs to happen,” Joshua said. “It’s just taken a long time. It needs to happen, but he’s got his hands full, and so have I. Let’s both do our jobs, and we’ll see a positive 2025, I’m sure of it.”

Joshua hinted that a showdown with Fury could take place in collaboration with Riyadh Season, potentially in London.

RELATED: Oleksandr Usyk disrespects and looks past Tyson Fury by already thinking about future opponent…

 

The undisputed heavyweight champion has eyes on Anthony Joshua.

There wasn’t ever really much of a doubt when it came to who Oleksandr Usyk would fight after defeating Tyson Fury in May. After capturing the undisputed heavyweight titles, Fury instantaneously activated his rematch clause, which nearly any boxer would have done.

JUST IN: Francis Ngannou Makes Anthony Joshua-Tyson Fury Prediction After Losing to Both…

After some bumps in the road, all of the pieces fell into place in the heavyweight division. Usyk accepted the rematch, Daniel Dubois beat Filip Hrgovic for the IBF interim belt that Usyk had to relinquish, and Anthony Joshua waited in the wings to get a title shot. Joshua is set to face Dubois in September for that same belt, and the winner would move on to face either Usyk or Fury.

Usyk is “ready” for Anthony Joshua trilogy fight

TYSON FURY VS ANTHONY JOSHUA AND FRANCIS NGANNOU

Fury is adamant he will win and get revenge, but Usyk is brimming with confidence; so much so that he’s already thinking about fighting Joshua before anything even materializes. He gave an interview to Mail Sport Boxing on Friday.

SEE MORE: Oleksandr Usyk would welcome a potential trilogy fight with Anthony Joshua…

I don’t particularly want any rematches, but when we beat Tyson Fury for the second time and when Anthony Joshua beats Daniel Dubois, of course they will want to do a third fight. 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 famous in the world.

Anthony Joshua and  Daniel Dubois

Usyk and Joshua have already fought twice before. The Ukrainian came out on top in both. The first was a unanimous decision and the second bout was a split decision that probably should have been unanimous as well.

Since that second loss to Usyk, Joshua has completely turned around his career. After a UD win over Jermaine Franklin, he rattled off three straight knockout victories, including a stunning one of Francis Ngannou in March. Joshua and Usyk are ready to run it back, but they have to handle business first.

RELATED: Oleksandr Usyk would welcome a potential trilogy fight with Anthony Joshua…

British fighter is in a much better run of form than in his previous two fights with Ukrainian champion

Oleksandr Usyk has expressed his willingness to face Anthony Joshua for a third time, following his upcoming rematch with Tyson Fury in December.

JUST IN: Francis Ngannou Makes Anthony Joshua-Tyson Fury Prediction After Losing to Both…

The Ukrainian boxing star, who sat down with Mail Sport in Poland earlier this month, reflected on his recent victory over Fury and discussed potential future bouts.

TYSON FURY VS ANTHONY JOSHUA AND FRANCIS NGANNOU

Usyk secured a split-decision win over Fury on May 18, with judges scoring the fight 115-112 Usyk, 114-113 Fury, and 114-113 Usyk, making him the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999.

Fury, now with a professional record of 34-1-1, will seek redemption in their highly anticipated rematch on December 21. However, Usyk remains confident in his ability to secure another victory over the Gypsy King.

When asked about his plans following the Fury rematch, Usyk revealed to Mail Sport that he would consider a trilogy fight with Anthony Joshua.

He acknowledged the significant role Joshua played in elevating his profile.

“I don’t particularly want any rematches, but when we beat Tyson Fury for the second time and when Anthony Joshua beats Daniel Dubois, of course they will want to do a third fight,” Usyk declared.

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

OLEKSANDR USYK

Anthony helped me become even more famous in the world. Anthony did it. And if it happens with God’s help, then I am ready for a third fight with Anthony.

Usyk vs. Joshua Fights: Career-defining rivalry

The first two encounters between Usyk and Joshua were pivotal moments in both fighters’ careers. The initial bout took place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, where Joshua defended his WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles against the former undisputed cruiserweight champion.

SEE MORE: “I’m Crushed Right Now”: Mike Tyson’s Son Mourns the Death of His Aunt Who Died Due to ‘Evil’ Disease

Usyk, who had moved up to heavyweight, was considered a dangerous but manageable opponent for Joshua, who had the advantages of size and power.

From the opening bell, Usyk’s superior footwork, speed, and technical prowess were evident. Utilizing his southpaw stance effectively, Usyk outmaneuvered Joshua throughout the fight, landing clean shots and disrupting the British heavyweight’s rhythm.

As the fight progressed, it became clear that Usyk was in control, ultimately earning a unanimous decision victory and handing Joshua his second career defeat.

The rematch in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, saw a more determined Joshua, who adopted a more aggressive approach, focusing on body shots and trying to close the distance. The fight was more competitive, with Joshua finding success in the middle rounds.

However, Usyk’s adaptability and resilience allowed him to regain control in the later rounds, particularly with a strong finish. The final decision was again in Usyk’s favor, this time by split decision, leaving Joshua unable to reclaim his belts despite a spirited effort.

Joshua’s road to redemption

Anthony Joshua and  Daniel Dubois

Since his second defeat to UsykJoshua has gone on to secure wins against Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius, Otto Wallin, and Francis Ngannou.

He is now set to face Daniel Dubois in September. If the opportunity arises, Joshua will be eager for a third shot at Usyk, seeking to avenge his previous losses and reclaim his position at the top of the heavyweight division.

RELATED: David Price Predicts Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua: “I Always Thought It Would Be A Whitewash”…

Despite still being a novice in the sport, Francis Ngannou has been in the ring with two of the best heavyweights in the division.

JUST IN: Francis Ngannou to make long-awaited MMA comeback against 6ft 8in giant after boxing defeats to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua…

Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk

French-Cameroonian Ngannou has had just two professional boxing matches. His debut came against Tyson Fury in October of 2023 when he put up a much better performance than many thought he would.

The former UFC heavyweight champion managed to stay at range and box well across the 10 rounds, and famously put Fury down with a big shot in the third. Though he never really got going into his usual rhythm, Fury rallied and did enough to win a split decision on the cards.

SEE MORE: Mike Tyson Tells Tyson Fury Exactly How To Beat Oleksandr Usyk In Rematch…

In March of this year. it was Anthony Joshua‘s turn to take on the former UFC Heavyweight Champion, who has registered the hardest puncher ever recorded. The fight lasted just two rounds with two knockdowns from Joshua before a devastating right ended it in dramatic fashion.

Since then, Fury has gone on to lose his first-ever fight against Oleksandr Usyk, while Joshua is currently in camp for his IBF world title shot at Daniel Dubois.

Anthony Joshua and  Daniel Dubois

Having faced both men, Ngannou was asked by iFL TV who would win should we get the all-British showdown that fans have wanted for so long, and he went with the power of Joshua.

“I would give it to ‘AJ’ right now.”

Ngannou has since made good on his promise to return to MMA and will face Renan Ferreira on his return to the Octagon on October 19.

Joshua has a chance to win the IBF World Title from Dubois on September 21 and Fury rematches Usyk three months later for the three remaining belts. Should both win, the long-awaited fight may finally happen in 2025.

RELATED: Mike Tyson Tells Tyson Fury Exactly How To Beat Oleksandr Usyk In Rematch…

Francis Ngannou returns to the MMA Octagon this autumn.

The former UFC heavyweight champion is back in action on October 19 against Renan Ferreira after a two-year hiatus from the sport.

JUST IN: Tyson Fury Makes Official Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson Prediction…

Francis Ngannou and Tyson Fury

Ngannou recently tried his hand at boxing, losing to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in crossover clashes.

But now he is set to face Ferreira for the PFL heavyweight strap on a stacked card, co-headlined by a featherweight title clash between female MMA pioneer Cris Cyborg and two-time PFL champion Larissa Pacheco.

Ngannou’s opponent Ferreira stands at 6ft 8in tall and is the reigning PFL heavyweight champion.

He won the belt in February by knocking out two-weight Bellator titlist Ryan Bader to set up a fight with ‘The Predator’ and has a habit of ending his contests early.

Out of his 13 professional wins (13-3), 12 of them have finished inside the distance with 11 of them coming by way of knockout.

“Renan is a great fighter; I have been watching him for years,” said Ngannou.

“I have been studying him for years, in fact, I’ve been telling people to watch this guy.

He’s quite unique, he’s athletic, fast, his size doesn’t impress me as much as his skill.”

Francis Ngannou

Ngannou has not fought in MMA since defeating Cyril Gane at UFC 270 in January 2022 to defend his UFC heavyweight title.

Following the fight, he split with the UFC after failing to come to terms on a contract extension and subsequently signed with the PFL.

He was supposed to compete for the organisation earlier but ended up landing a pair of blockbuster boxing bouts with British heavyweight stars Fury and Joshua.

Ngannou caused Fury serious problems in his boxing debut last October as he dropped a narrow split decision to the then-lineal heavyweight champion.

However, he couldn’t replicate his performance against AJ, who brutally knocked him out in March.

One month after his loss to Joshua, Ngannou announced the tragic death of his son, Kobe, at the age of just 15 months.

He announced the devastating news on social media via an emotional statement.

“Too soon to leave but yet he’s gone. My little boy, my mate, my partner Kobe was full of life and joy,” he wrote.

“Now, he’s laying without life. I shouted his name over and over but he’s not responding. I was my best self next to him and now I have no clue of who I am. Life is so unfair to hit us where it hurts the most.

“How do you deal with such a thing? How can you live with it? Please help me if you have an idea because I really don’t know what to do and how to deal with this.”

RELATED: David Price Predicts Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua: “I Always Thought It Would Be A Whitewash”…

 

For many years now, there has been one heavyweight fight that the world has wanted to see.

That is the all-British showdown between former Olympic champion Anthony Joshua and the former Lineal champion Tyson Fury.

JUST IN: Mike Tyson comeback ’20 times worse’ than Manny Pacquiao

Their paths have never yet crossed in the ring for a range of reasons. Right now, Joshua is the man in form with a run of four back-to-back wins in the last 18 months, while Fury is coming off his first-ever loss.

Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk

Back in May, ‘The Gypsy King’ was dethroned and failed to become undisputed champion when he took on Oleksandr Usyk.

Speaking to Seconds Out, former heavyweight contender David Price was asked whether he thought the two will ever manage to get it on in the future and said it all depends on the outcome of Fury’s rematch with Usyk in December.

SEE MORE: Former Heavyweight Champion ‘Knows’ Tyson Fury Is Scared To Face Him: “They Lied About Me”

“I’d obviously love that to happen.

It’s just going to depend on the circumstances of Tyson Fury at the end of the day. Will he want to continue if he loses to Usyk and go back to the table with Joshua on an even keel or even as the B-side fighter at that point.

But money talks doesn’t. They can have as much money in the bank but it’s still tempting to come back for that little bit more. It might just be a personal thing that he wants to fight Joshua. I know Joshua wants the fight. It’s just a shame it hasn’t happened yet.”

Anthony Joshua and  Daniel Dubois

He then picked a winner and narrowly sided with ‘The Gypsy King.’

“If it does happen I was always convinced it would be a whitewash for Fury but Joshua has found his aura again, his form again, that belief, and I’d probably have it 60-40 in Fury’s favour.”

Should this mouthwatering clash ever come to pass, Fury will need to get through Usyk and Joshua will need to see off Daniel Dubois when they fight for the IBF title in September.

If both of them get wins, they could potentially come together for what would be an epic undisputed fight for all of the belts in 2025.

RELATED: Former Undisputed Heavyweight Champion Who Beat Mike Tyson Wants Jake Paul Fight

Zhilei Zhang has claimed Anthony Joshua will never give him a rematch in the professional ranks.

Zhang and Joshua met for the first time at the London Olympics in 2012, where the Briton won by decision after dropping the Chinese star to the canvas with a crunching shot.

The pair have not yet met as professionals, with AJ currently focusing on his mission to become a three-time heavyweight world champion.

And ‘Big Bang’ believes it will never happen due to Joshua’s recent selection of opponents.

Zhang told the MMA Hour: “Mark my words, he’s not fighting me. He’s not going to fight me, ever.

“Because after the 2012 Olympic Games, that was when we initially collided.

“After that, it’s been so many years. I was with Matchroom [Boxing] and I know what happened. I don’t think he’s ever going to fight me.

“My managers flew to London and I got words. So I don’t think he’s going to fight me.

“Look at his previous opponents – Francis Ngannou from the UFC, Robert Helenius, I don’t think he has what it takes to stand up to me.

“The way he picks his opponents says a lot about him. Neither does Eddie [Hearn] want it. He’s [AJ] a cash cow for Eddie.

Anthony Joshua

“My managers got an invitation, flew to London to talk to them, and got a no.

“I don’t know why. I don’t have a reason. That’s his problem. But if he ever wants to fight, I’m in.”

A showdown has always been teased between the pair with Joshua having explored the option of facing Zhang on multiple occasions.

This includes for his upcoming fight, after the Chinese star dispatched of Deontay Wilder in June.

But Joshua has now received a title shot for the IBF belt against Daniel Dubois on September 21.

Zhang has yet to pencil in his next outing, but is coming to the end of his career at the age of 41.

He will be hoping for a final hoorah for a title, when the option comes up with Usyk and Daniel Dubois currently holding the belts.

Heavyweight contender Zhilei Zhang believes old amateur rival Anthony Joshua has long been ducking him and won’t fight him in the future.

Back when both men were being promoted by Eddie Hearn, and Joshua held versions of the heavyweight title, a defence against Zhang in China was frequently mentioned. But the reunion of 2012 Olympic rivals never materialized.

Zhang’s stock has risen since those days. He twice defeated Joe Joyce and, when representing Queensberry at the June ‘5 v 5’ event, he knocked out Deontay Wilder who was moonlighting for Matchroom. Zhang, however, has inferred that Joshua never fancied the fight and won’t do so in the future.

“Mark my words, he’s not fighting me. He’s not going to fight me, ever,” said Zhang when speaking on The MMA Hour. “Because after the 2012 Olympic Games, that was when we initially collided. After that, it’s been so many years. I was with Matchroom, and I know what happened. I don’t think he’s ever going to fight me.”

Joshua recently faced former UFC world champion Francis Ngannou in a professional boxing match. The fight was a mismatch, with Joshua securing a devastating finish in the second round. Zhang believes Joshua’s choice of opponents in recent fights shows that he would rather take on easier opposition than face the 280-pound southpaw.

“My managers flew to London, and I got words. So, I don’t think he’s going to fight me. Look at his previous opponents – Francis Ngannou from the UFC, Robert Helenius, I don’t think he has what it takes to stand up to me. The way he picks his opponents says a lot about him.”

Anthony Joshua‘s team is furious with Daniel Dubois, alleging that Dubois has failed to sign up for additional drug testing ahead of their upcoming fight.

The former sparring partners are set to clash for the IBF heavyweight title in September at Wembley Stadium. However, Joshua’s camp has claimed that Dubois has not yet enrolled for testing with the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA).

On Tuesday, Joshua’s team tweeted: “Evening @Queensberry… any update on why @DynamiteDubois isn’t signed up for @Vada_Testing yet??”

In response, Queensberry Promotions replied: “Daniel is enrolled as VADA will confirm.”

This controversy follows a heated exchange between Joshua and Dubois during a joint interview ahead of their September 21 title fight. Tensions flared when Dubois asserted that he was ready to “go now” if Joshua “wants to swing.”

Joshua retorted, “Shut up, relax. I’ll throw this f***ing chair across your face. Don’t disrespect me.”
Dubois tried to stay composed, responding, “You can’t intimidate me, who do you think you are?”

This exchange escalated to the point where Joshua got out of his seat, and the two fighters had to be separated by security as promoters Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn watched.

Joshua continued, “Daniel, don’t disrespect me or I’ll put this chair through your face. Warn this little boy not to disrespect me. I don’t take disrespect lightly, you know. Don’t sit on the table telling me we can go now, telling me this and that.”

Promoter Frank Warren commented, “This was serious. We don’t need any stunts to sell this fight.”

Chinese heavyweight Zhilei Zhang has spoken out against former two-time world champion Brit Anthony Joshua, expressing his interest in fighting him.

Zhilei said in an interview with MMA Hour:

Joshua last stepped into the ring against Francis Ngannou in March of this year. That fight, which was stopped in the second round, ended in favor of Anthony by knockout. He has 28 wins (25 by knockout) and three losses on his record.

On the night of June 2 in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) Zhang won by knockout in the fifth round over American Deontay Wilder. He has 27 wins (22 by knockout), two losses and one draw on his record.

Verified by MonsterInsights