YouTuber Jake Paul will go toe-to-toe with Britain’s former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in Miami next month in a bout that promoters have billed as the “most dangerous” contest of the influencer’s boxing career.

Joshua, 36, will be “the first active, elite-level champion” that Paul has faced in the ring, said the BBC, and there are already serious concerns about his safety.

Defying belief 

This will be Paul’s “14th fight since turning pro five years ago – with the 28-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer having won all but one so far”, said The Sun. But taking on Joshua is a “whole different kettle of fish”.

The two-time world heavyweight champion has agreed to shed several pounds to meet the agreed weight limit of 245lb (17st 7lb) for the 19 December bout. But Joshua is five inches taller and around four stone heavier than his cruiserweight rival. Boxing fans are already “worried” about Paul’s chances of “actually surviving the fight”.

In the UK such a match-up would be “banned” because of the “serious safety fears”, said The Telegraph. This “shocking” plan “defies belief” and “breaks so many codes for the sport”. Joshua “is too big, too strong, too experienced and – genuinely – too dangerous for Paul even to think about fighting”; this is nothing more than a “money heist”. It is being billed as a £140 million fight, with Joshua reportedly set to earn more than £30 million from the Netflix-streamed event.

Paul has “always had delusions of grandeur as a novice pro”, said The Guardian, but boxing “may have to consider its own culpability” should he be “badly hurt and end up in hospital” after this “fully sanctioned bout”. But “the suspicion remains” that it will “be a more controlled arrangement”. That “gut reaction” is confirmed by the fact that the fight has been limited to eight rounds.

‘Laughing stock’

Behind the “initial shock” of the apparent mismatch, the two fighters have more in common than it may appear in that both “have found themselves at a crossroads”, said the Daily Mail. Paul has been “on the search for a more credible opponent” after his bout with WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis was cancelled, while Joshua “will be looking to shake off 13 months of ring-rust”.

Joshua has put himself in a “no-win situation” by accepting the challenge, said former world champion Johnny Nelson on Sky Sports. If Paul “lasts the distance, what does that tell you” about Joshua? But if he “goes in there and knocks him out, then you would say that’s to be expected”.

Boxing’s credibility has already “taken a hit because of difficulties arranging fights at the highest level” and an “influx” of cash from Saudi Arabia, said the BBC. For some, influencer fights represent an avenue to “attract new fans” and help “safeguard the future of the sport”, but “others argue they render it a laughing stock”.

If and when the pair do come face to face, Joshua “surely wipes Paul out in a flash”, said Boxing 24/7. “If not, well, the boxing world will have officially gone mad!” This is “what we’re afraid of” – the sport “becoming more and more a circus”.

A new sport is slowly becoming a sensation, and it combines two pastimes that seem to be polar opposites: chessboxing. The game is exactly what it sounds like, as it combines chess and boxing to create a new spectacle. But while the sport is starting to grow in popularity, many people have not yet heard of chessboxing — and many still don't understand it.

What is chessboxing?

Chessboxing, as you might expect, intersperses rounds of chess with boxing. The sport generally "consists of 11 alternating rounds — six of chess and five of boxing — and each one lasts three minutes," said Chess.com. This is broken up by one-minute breaks. During the chess matches, a "single game is played with each player limited to a time control of nine minutes with no increment."

The "winner is determined by checkmate, resignation, knockout or disqualification by the referee." If a player does not win during the chess games, then whoever has more points throughout the boxing rounds becomes the winner.

Where is chessboxing being played?

Chessboxing tournaments are happening in various countries. In India, where chessboxing is "fast gaining popularity," the sport is said to have "developed from an image of men boxing on a chessboard in a 1992 comic book," said the South China Morning Post. The sport has since grown to span several continents; the "first European championship took place in Berlin in 2005."

But others "believe the sport's provenance can be traced to the 1970s in London, when two brothers grabbed headlines for playing chess after a few rounds of boxing at their gym," said the Post. Since then, various tournaments have popped up throughout North America, Europe and Asia.

Why is it gaining steam?

Chessboxing has become big because the major events are "top-tier in terms of entertainment, lighting, professional hosts, live streaming to multiple countries, all that kind of stuff that you would see in other kinds of sporting events," Matt Thomas, a world champion chessboxer, told USA Today. The sport is a "beautiful yin-and-yang and it's multifaceted, and I think that's really exciting to watch and be a part of."

Chessboxing has taken off particularly well in Europe because it "took lessons from boxing and wrestling in the way it presents the sport," chessboxing promoter Gavin Paterson said to The Economist. The "boxing impacts the chess and vice versa," creating a popular choice for people who want a unique entertainment option.

The advent of digital streaming has also helped chessboxing become more influential. Many "well-known YouTubers and other internet celebrities have tried to conquer professional boxing, much to the annoyance of purists and the delight of promoters who can market the bouts to younger, very online viewers," said Rolling Stone. At the same time, the "pro chess community has seen escalated drama around some of the world's top players, with match walkouts, accusations of corruption, huge lawsuits and outlandish theories about cheating."

Popular online stars like Twitch streamer Ludwig have "played on both trends," said Rolling Stone. Another "stunt saw YouTubers Cherdleys and Myth go head-to-head in chessboxing — though neither of them knows how to play chess." But this didn't seem to matter, as the "blend of strategic gameplay, physical violence, hyped color commentary and gonzo gimmicks struck a chord with people more accustomed to conventional esports streaming."

"Peaky Blinders" creator Steven Knight doesn't make dull television, and his latest series – for Disney+ – "may be his best yet", said Benji Wilson in The Telegraph. Set in late 19th-century London, it stars Erin Doherty as the leader of a gang of female pickpockets. Also in the mix is Malachi Kirby, as a Jamaican who finds himself thrust into the East End's thriving bare-knuckle boxing scene. There, he soon threatens the supremacy of Stephen Graham's Sugar Goodson, a publican who is the scene's "self-styled alpha". The series is deeply violent – the clue's in the title – "but if you can get past that", it's "blockbuster" TV with a "sensational" performance from Doherty.

Like "Peaky Blinders", this series is "very moreish", said Carol Midgley in The Times: it grabbed me by "the scruff of the neck", and forced me to binge-watch it all. And while "there is the odd clunky line", and a "pretty preposterous" plot twist later on, it "viscerally" brings to life the "grime, chaos, danger and cunning but also the sheer energy of the East End".

The performances are excellent, and it is lovely to look at (though everyone looks far too clean), said Deborah Ross in The Mail on Sunday. But it didn't feel all that original, and the violence really is extreme. "I spent, roughly, 40% of the six hour-long episodes staring into my lap while also blocking my ears." And it was quite infuriating to have watched it all unfold, eager to find out where it was going, only to get a "To be continued..." message in the last frame.

Anthony Joshua stands at a crossroads in his boxing career following his shock defeat to fellow Briton Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium.

The two-time world heavyweight champion, now 34, "never stood a chance" against his younger opponent, said The Times, who sent him "crashing to the canvas and oblivion" in a fight that clearly proved Joshua's "crown had long gone".

Dubois, 27, delivered "bomb after bomb", sending "shivers through the boxing world" in an effort "worthy of his hero Mike Tyson".

It was a staggering blow for Joshua, who became the "poster boy of British boxing" after winning Olympic gold in 2012 at the age of 22, said the BBC. However, after a series of shattering defeats, his "reputation has become tarnished" and his future in the sport is cast into doubt.

'Final defeat'?

Joshua's "gravest humiliation yet" has come weeks before his 35th birthday, and he is "now, surely, over the hill", said The Telegraph's Oliver Brown. Given he is fast approaching the age at which he "once promised to retire", this could be an appropriate choice for the man who otherwise faces his career "running out of road".

This was a "pitiless display of punching power" from Dubois, who "bludgeoned Anthony Joshua to the canvas" four times, while demonstrating not only "brute force" but "clarity of thinking and calm resolve", said The Guardian's Donald McRae. These tactics proved too much for Joshua. While he was "vanquished but still admirable", this should be his "final defeat" before he bows out of the sport for good.

There is no doubt "Joshua's star has not dimmed" among his adoring fans, many of whom were chanting his name at the weekend, said the i news site's Katherine Lucas. But this fight proves "the writing is on the wall – even if Joshua is not ready to admit it just yet".

Joshua 'wants to fight on'

Despite Saturday's "devastating knockout loss", it is clear Joshua's loss is not "career-ending", said ESPN's Nick Parkinson. He is the "second-highest-paid" boxer in the world, according to Forbes, and as long as he "wants to fight on, big offers will continue to come his way".

And come they no doubt will. "Future money-spinning fights may await" Joshua, said McRae, and they may prove difficult to turn down.

Perhaps one of the most hotly anticipated events in the sport is a fight between Joshua and Tyson Fury, "two of British boxing's biggest names in recent years", said CNN. While the pair have "seemed destined to face off", ultimately the fight "has always failed to materialise".

But when it comes to Joshua's next steps, such a bout would be the "sensible option", said The Telegraph's Gareth A. Davies, given that it would once again revitalise "interest" in the beleaguered boxer.

"The thing is with boxers, all the money is great, but it's your identity," former world champion Barry Jones told BBC Radio 5 Live. "What do you do if you're not a boxer anymore?"

After defeating Anthony Joshua for the second time, Oleksandr Usyk now has his sights firmly set on an undisputed world heavyweight title fight against recently “retired” Tyson Fury. WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight champion Usyk retained his belts with a split-decision victory over challenger Joshua on Saturday night.

Speaking after his win in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the undefeated Ukrainian called out “Gypsy King” Fury, the reigning WBC heavyweight champion. “I am convinced he wants to fight me,” Usyk said. “I want to fight him. And if I’m not fighting Tyson Fury, I’m not fighting at all.”

Fury, who is also undefeated, won his last fight against Dillian Whyte in April and on 12 August, his 34th birthday, he tweeted that he had “finally decided to walk away” from the sport. However, he has now “hinted” he could “reverse his decision to retire”, the BBC reported.

After watching the Usyk vs. Joshua rematch, which he described as “one of the worst heavyweight title fights” he had ever seen, Fury said he would “annihilate both of them on the same night”. The Briton added: “Get your cheque book out because the Gypsy King is here to stay forever.”

In response to Fury’s comments, Usyk replied: “That’s what he’s dreaming every day. I’m going to beat him.”

‘Send in the Gypsy barbarian of England’

As well as the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight belts, Usyk also now holds the Ring Magazine title after Fury vacated. The WBC belt is the “only piece of real estate that doesn’t belong to Usyk”, said Elliot Foster on Boxing Social.

Despite “all his talk of retirement”, it appears a fight with Usyk for all the belts “may be enough to tempt Fury back to boxing”, said Cameron Temple on talkSPORT. Fury has, however, warned that it’s “not going to be cheap”.

In an Instagram post that he “subsequently deleted”, Fury has “opened the door” to a return match against Usyk, The Telegraph reported. “I’ve just seen Joshua lose for the second time to Usyk – out of his depth,” Fury said. “However, England has been relieved of its belts. Yet again, as usual. There is a remedy and a solution that I can suggest. If you want those belts back then send in the Gypsy barbarian of England. Come on! Send me in. I will relieve the Ukrainian dosser of his belts like I did the last Ukrainian dosser [Wladimir Klitschko], but it’s not going to be cheap. If you want the best you’ve got to pay, it’s gonna be very expensive.”

Mega-money title fight in December?

A huge payday for both fighters is “pencilled in” for 17 December in Saudi Arabia – the night before the Fifa World Cup final in neighbouring Qatar, said Jeff Powell in the Daily Mail. Team Fury are in talks “worth even more than Saturday’s £85m bonanza”. Saudi minister for sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal confirmed that the kingdom is “very interested” in hosting the undisputed heavyweight title fight and are “looking to do that in the city of Riyadh”.

British legend Lennox Lewis, the last undisputed heavyweight champion, has urged Usyk and Fury to “finally” give the fans an undisputed heavyweight championship fight. “19 years is a long time and fans deserve it,” he tweeted. “Let’s get it cracking!”

It was billed as a gamechanger, the “biggest night in the history of women’s boxing”, said Bryan Armen Graham in The Guardian. And for once, the “breathless hype” was justified. On Saturday night at Madison Square Garden, Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano – long regarded as the two finest female boxers in the world – faced off for the first time and produced an “unforgettable encounter”.

This was a history-making bout in more ways than one, said Gareth A. Davies in The Daily Telegraph: it was the first time two women have earned “million-dollar purses” and the first time women have headlined the “hallowed mecca in Manhattan”. The 20,000 fans who packed the arena witnessed a contest of “battle, skill and wit” whose outcome was in doubt till the very end. After ten rounds, the judges were split, but two of the three narrowly favoured Taylor. So the Irish fighter, who has never lost a professional fight, retained her undisputed lightweight crown.

What made the encounter all the more riveting were the two fighters’ contrasting styles, said Michael Foley in The Times. Serrano, 33, from Puerto Rico, is a boxer of immense punching power, while 35-year-old Taylor is renowned for her agility and ring-craft. In the fifth round, Serrano inflicted a “succession of ferocious assaults” on her opponent, but deploying all her experience, Taylor gradually wrested back the initiative, “capping an awesome reversal” by landing several big blows near the end.

Taylor, who grew up in an “impoverished neighbourhood” in County Wicklow, and who first considered a career as a footballer, became an Irish icon when she won gold at the 2012 Olympics, said Chris Mannix in Sports Illustrated. She turned professional four years later, at a time when there was barely a commercial market for women’s boxing. Since then, the sport has made big strides forward – largely thanks to her success and global popularity.

In the aftermath of his thrilling knockout victory over Dillian Whyte, Tyson Fury reiterated what he’s said all along in the build-up to the fight – that he is ready to retire from boxing.

Speaking in front of a 94,000-capacity crowd at Wembley Stadium on Saturday night, Fury insisted that it “might be the final curtain” for the Gypsy King. “I’ve spent a lot of time on the road,” he said. “I’ve been away for a long time. I fulfilled everything I’ve ever wanted to fulfil. I will retire as only the second heavyweight in history, after Rocky Marciano, to retire undefeated. I was unbeatable at this game.”

Now unbeaten in 33 fights, Fury dominated what was a “scrappy bout”, said Kal Sajad on BBC Sport. Then in the sixth round he produced a stunning one-punch stoppage, a “vicious” right uppercut, to floor his rival.

The uppercut will be “replayed again and again as a highlight reel stoppage”, said Gareth A Davies in The Telegraph. And if it is to be the last punch of the prizefighter’s career, “it was without doubt a timeless piece of brutal artistry”.

“I will not be totally surprised” if Fury does walk away from boxing, said Steve Bunce on BBC Radio 5 Live. But the situation is “complicated”.

WWE, exhibitions or films?

Just minutes after suggesting plans to retire, Fury and UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou appeared to verbally agree to a “hybrid” fight, the Manchester Evening News reported. Ngannou, who is months away from the end of his UFC contract, said: “It’s gonna be a hybrid fight with different kind of rules... MMA gloves, in the ring, kinda mix it up. A little different.”

A fight with Ngannou is not the only thing on Fury’s wish list – WWE, exhibitions and even films could feature in his post-boxing career plans, BloodyElbow.com reported. “There’s plenty of good heavyweights coming up and time for them to have their time in the sun,” the 33-year-old said. “And me, this old, bald, fat guy – we’re out. I’ve done enough, I’m very happy with who I am, where I am, what I’ve done. Very, very happy with my career.

“You’re gonna see me in exhibitions, WWE, movies. Ngannou’s on that list. If I fight again it’ll be exhibition fights only, wrestling matches, stuff like that. Fun and entertaining, stuff that isn’t nerve wracking, stuff that doesn’t keep you up at night, stuff that’s not gonna get you severe injuries.”

Will Fury join the immortals?

Whatever Fury plans to do next, he will go down as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time. He is though “a fighting man”, as he “constantly reminds us”, said Ron Lewis on Boxing Scene. So, “don’t read this as the end”.

When Fury told fans at Wembley that he would quit professional boxing, his wife Paris appeared to mouth “no chance”, The Sun reported. “However, she may have been saying that there is ‘no chance’ he fights again.”

But in an interview with BT Sport, Paris Fury said the only reason her husband would return to boxing is the unification of the heavyweight division. “I know that in my heart the only reason Tyson would come back is for a unification fight,” she said. “That would be the only reason Tyson Fury would come back in the ring as he has nothing left to prove. To keep boxing on, there’s nothing there for him.”

Oleksandr Usyk is set to defend the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles in a rematch with Britain’s Anthony Joshua this summer – and the winner could face WBC champion Fury.

Despite insisting he’ll retire, Fury knows that he needs one more win against Usyk or Joshua to “join the immortals”, said Jeff Powell in the Daily Mail. One “final task” remains: to become the “undisputed Lord of the Ring” he must “defeat the bearer of those other heavyweight baubles”.

One of the biggest UK sporting events of the year will see champion Tyson Fury defend his heavyweight crown against mandatory challenger Dillian Whyte on Saturday night.

Fury’s WBC and The Ring heavyweight titles will be on the line at London’s Wembley Stadium, in a clash described by The Telegraph as an “all-British blockbuster”.

“The Gypsy King” Fury has not fought in the UK since his August 2018 bout against Francesco Pianeta in Belfast and the Whyte showdown is his first in London since February 2015. The unbeaten champion makes his homecoming after five fights in the US, including three epic battles against heavyweight rival Deontay Wilder.

Up to 94,000 fans are expected to be at England’s national football stadium, for what is set to be “a record for a British boxing crowd”, said Katherine Lucas on the i news site.

Promoter Frank Warren is predicting an “incredible night” and a “huge occasion” for British sport. “Tyson Fury coming home to fight under the arch at Wembley Stadium is a fitting reward for the No.1 heavyweight in the world following his exploits across the Atlantic in his epic trilogy against Deontay Wilder,” Warren said. “The fact that this mandatory defence of his WBC title comes against another Brit only adds to the occasion. They are two of the biggest characters in British sport and both normally have plenty to say for themselves.”

1. Start time and UK TV and radio coverage

Fight guide

The battle of the British boxers will be shown exclusively live on BT Sport Box Office. The pay-per-view bout costs £24.95 in the UK and €29.99 in the Republic of Ireland.

Undercard action from Wembley begins at 6pm (BST) and the ring walks for the main event is expected to be at around 10pm (BST).

TalkSPORT has the radio rights, with coverage starting from 7pm.

Tyson Fury vs. Dillian White

• What: WBC and The Ring heavyweight world title fight
• When: Saturday 23 April 2022
• Where: Wembley Stadium, London
• Main event ring walks: 10pm BST (approximately)
• TV coverage: live on BT Sport Box Office
• Radio coverage: live on talkSPORT
• Tickets: Ticketmaster.co.uk

2. What the fighters say

Final press conference

Tyson Fury and Dillian Whyte finally came face-to-face for the first time at the pre-fight press conference on Wednesday. The world’s boxing media “packed out” a room at Wembley Stadium, with many expecting a “hostile, intense and unpredictable meeting” between the two Britons, said Kal Sajad on BBC Sport. “Instead, there was a great deal of mutual respect, and even light-hearted exchanges.”

Both fighters are known for their “fiery pressers”, said Matt Davies on MailOnline. But it was Fury’s father, John, who “nearly came to blows” with Whyte’s team. The Gypsy King was “forced to step in and calm the situation down on stage” while Whyte branded John Fury “an idiot” in the immediate aftermath.

What Fury said

“We’re going to treat you all to a hell of a barnstormer. He’s a good fighter. A good, strong, solid man. He has a good punch with good power – he's knocked out a lot of men. He’s definitely a man who needs a lot of respect and that’s what I’ve given him by my training camp. I’ve trained as hard for Dillian as I have for [Deontay] Wilder, [Wladimir] Klitschko or anybody. I see the odds and laugh a bit because they’re coming from people who don’t know anything about boxing. This is heavyweight boxing. Anyone can win with one punch. If I’m not on my A Game, this guy will knock my head right off my shoulders.”

What Whyte said

“It’s a big fight and I’m excited to be here. Sorry I couldn’t be here earlier but I’m here now. We’ve worked hard in the gym, I believe in myself and I’m willing to do whatever it takes. Victory by any means necessary I’ll do that. I’m not scared to take risks, it’s nothing new. It means everything to fight in my home country for the world title. It’s massive. Me and him didn’t expect to be here, especially me. I’ve taken risks time and time and time again. I’m ready to rock and roll.”

3. The champion: Tyson Fury

Tale of the tape: profile and professional boxing record

• Nationality: British
• Nickname: The Gypsy King
• Age: 33
• Total fights: 32
• Record: 31 wins, 22 KOs, 1 draw, zero losses
• Stance: Orthodox
• Height: 6ft 9in
• Reach: 85in

4. The challenger: Dillian Whyte

Tale of the tape: profile and professional boxing record

• Nationality: British
• Nickname: The Body Snatcher
• Age: 34
• Total fights: 30
• Record: 28 wins, 19 KOs, 2 losses
• Stance: Orthodox
• Height: 6ft 4ins
• Reach: 78ins

5. Fury vs. Whyte predictions: who will win the fight?

What the pundits say

Pundits, fans, fighters and trainers are having their say ahead of the big event at Wembley – and Fury is an overwhelming favourite to defeat underdog Whyte.

Fury is the ‘knockout king’

In his early prediction, Jeremy Herriges on Fansided said Whyte “can damage” Fury if he “lands the right punch”, but he will “never get the opportunity”. He added: “Fury should stop Whyte by round 7 TKO. He has one-punch power, but there’s a good chance that the referee will have to save Whyte from himself. Regardless, Wembley Stadium will be rocking.”

The Racing Post’s “best bet” is for Fury to win by stoppage. “Fury is a far better operator than those two boxers and it’s hard to see how the Bodysnatcher can win this fight.”

With Fury fighting someone other than Wilder for the first time in more than two and a half years, “it’s difficult to know what to expect”, said Matt Verri in the London Evening Standard. “Both fighters have shown they are capable of getting up off the canvas and have impressive chins, so there’s every chance that both will have to come through difficult periods in the bout. However, Fury has proved impossible to stop so far in his career and even if Whyte gets his opponent in trouble, it’s difficult to see him being able to do enough to finish the job. A stoppage victory for the WBC champion late in a thrilling fight looks to be on the cards.”

Heavyweight boxing legend Evander Holyfield is predicting a “great fight” at Wembley. “I think Dillian’s got the energy to give him problems, but I think Tyson Fury is clever,” he told The Sun. “He is just a clever fighter and I don’t think Whyte can beat him.”

Kiwi heavyweight Joseph Parker tips Fury to win within six rounds. “I feel [Fury] has too much for Whyte – size-wise, power-wise, strength,” he told Frank Warren TV. “He can move, he can fight, and so I think he’s gonna get Whyte out of there in the first six rounds.”

Fury’s trainer SugarHill Steward admits that Whyte has a puncher’s chance – but warns he will be up against the “knockout king”. Speaking to BoyleSports Boxing, Steward said: “We’re going for the knockout, get that knockout every time. First round, second, third, fourth, fifth, six, seven, eight, nine, 10, 11 and 12. Every round, every moment we’ll be looking for the knockout, looking for that knockout punch, looking to make the guy make the mistake and when he makes the mistake we’re going to catch him.”

Isaac Lowe, Fury’s long-time friend and training partner, said even if the champion couldn’t walk he would still defeat Whyte, talkSPORT reported. “He’s looking absolutely terrible, he’s broken his two legs, he’s broken his two arms and he’s just getting by,” Lowe joked. “So, we’re going to put him on a stretcher and take him to the ring and he’ll still be good enough to beat Whyte.”

Can underdog Whyte cause a huge upset?

Former heavyweight and cruiserweight champion David Haye has “sensationally claimed” that Whyte will shock the world and end Fury’s reign as WBC heavyweight champ, The Sun reported. “If I had a pound, I’d put it on Dillian Whyte for the upset,” Haye told Boxing Social. “Yeah, I’m going with Dillian with the massive, massive upset. We had an upset with Anthony Joshua [against Oleksandr Usyk]. It happens, crazy stuff happens.”

Whyte’s trainer Xavier Miller believes his fighter will be “too much” for Fury. “I’ve been with Dillian for about two years now and I want him to be a more complete fighter, so that’s what I have been working on with him,” he told BoxingScene. “He’s an even more dangerous fighter so, to me, yes [Deontay] Wilder has a right hand and it is real and I respect it, but Dillian has a lot more tools in the box. It’s a different puzzle for Tyson, there’s going to be a lot for him to deal with.”

If Whyte is to cause a huge upset on 23 April, then there’s only one way he can beat Fury, according to former two-weight world champion Ricky Hatton. “I think he has to go for the knockout,” Hatton told talkSPORT. “Let’s have it right, he’s not going to outbox Tyson Fury, he’s not going to outspeed Tyson Fury.”

6. Betting odds

What the bookies say

Prices according to Oddschecker.com, as of 21 April

Win market

• Tyson Fury: 4/17
• Dillian Whyte: 23/5

Method of victory

• Fury by KO, TKO or disqualification: 14/19
• Fury by decision or technical decision: 5/2
• Whyte by KO, TKO or disqualification: 6/1
• Whyte by decision or technical decision: 25/1
• Draw or technical draw: 33/1

Round betting

• Fury round 9: 12/1
• Fury round 7: 12/1
• Fury round 8: 12/1
• Fury round 10: 13/1
• Fury round 6: 14/1
• Fury round 5: 16/1
• Fury round 11: 16/1
• Fury round 12: 20/1
• Fury round 4: 20/1
• Fury round 3: 25/1
• Draw: 33/1
• Fury round 2: 40/1
• Fury round 1: 50/1
• Whyte round 8: 50/1
• Whyte round 6: 50/1
• Whyte round 7: 50/1
• Whyte round 5: 66/1
• Whyte round 10: 66/1
• Whyte round 9: 66/1
• Whyte round 4: 70/1
• Whyte round 11: 80/1
• Whyte round 2: 100/1
• Whyte round 12: 100/1
• Whyte round 3: 100/1
• Whyte round 1: 150/1

7. Which fights are on the undercard?

Wembley line-up

Tyson Fury’s half-brother Tommy will feature on the Wembley undercard in a light-heavyweight clash against Polish veteran Daniel Bocianski.

• Tyson Fury vs. Dillian Whyte (WBC heavyweight title)
• Anthony Cacace vs. Jonathan Romero (vacant WBO International super-featherweight title)
• Isaac Lowe vs. Nick Ball (vacant WBC Silver featherweight title)
• David Adeleye vs. Chris Healey (heavyweight)
• Tommy Fury vs. Daniel Bocianski (light heavyweight)
• Karol Itauma vs. Michael Ciach (light-heavyweight)
• Kurt Walker vs. Stefan Nicolae (super-featherweight)
• Royston Barney-Smith vs. Constantin Radoi (super-featherweight)

YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul defeated former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley in Tampa, Florida, Saturday night, Fox News reported.

The fight ended in a knockout when Paul connected with a hard right in the sixth round.

Paul previously defeated Woodley last summer by split decision but promised Woodley a rematch if Woodley got a tattoo of the phrase "I love Jake Paul." Woodley got the tattoo — on his middle finger. When Tommy Fury, the boxer originally scheduled to fight Paul on Saturday, withdrew due to health concerns, Woodley stepped in.

"I respect [Woodley] for taking this fight on two weeks' notice, because Tommy Fury is a b---h," Paul said.

Paul remains undefeated. His five professional fights, all aired on pay-per-view, have established him as a bankable star in the boxing world, but, as ESPN staff writer Marc Raimondi observes, Paul's "naysayers" are still quick to point out that he has yet "to fight anyone with real pro boxing experience."

The former YouTuber and one-time Disney star has also faced scandal and criticism in the past, including an arrest for criminal trespassing as well as accusations of sexual assault and of staging a fake wedding for YouTube views.

Michael Kaplan wrote in The New York Post that "everyone want[s] to punch Paul" — and Paul knows it. Indeed, it seems that the widespread perception of Paul as a scumbag and corresponding desire to see him get punched is a major driving force behind his pay-per-view numbers.

Tyson Fury declared himself the “greatest heavyweight of my era” after a stunning 11th-round knockout victory against Deontay Wilder.

The trilogy bout between the rivals, held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, was an “all-time classic” and a “heart-pounding contest of extreme physical and psychological intensity”, said The Guardian’s Bryan Armen Graham. British fighter Fury was knocked down twice in the fourth round, but he recovered to “consolidate his place at the summit of boxing”.

After retaining the World Boxing Council (WBC) crown against his American rival, the “Gypsy King” was asked where he ranks in the recent history of the heavyweight division. “I can only beat whoever’s in my era and I’ve done that all my life,” the 33-year-old said. “I can only be the best of my day and I’ve done that. I’m the greatest heavyweight of my era, without a doubt.”

Following three sensational fights, last weekend’s bout was “worthy of any trilogy in the history of the sport”, Fury told reporters. ESPN’s Mark Kriegel agreed. “I was there for Riddick Bowe-Evander Holyfield - this was better,” he said. “Fury and Wilder will be remembered forever in tandem. They didn’t change the arc of each other’s careers; they changed each other’s lives. It was a blood feud. Even at the end.”

‘Top of the pile’

It’s hard to argue against Fury being the greatest heavyweight of his generation, said Matt Majendie in the London Evening Standard. But he “cannot quite yet put himself into the pantheon of the greatest heavyweights of all time”. For one, he has just one title defence to his name, compared to Wladimir Klitschko’s 18 straight successful defences and Joe Louis’s record of 25.

In the debate of the best heavyweight boxers of all time, there’s many names that can lay claim to that title. But for Fury himself, he would put his own name at No.1 of the distinguished list.

“There’s a long, long line of [great champions] and they go right back to John L Sullivan, Jack Dempsey, Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Ken Norton, Joe Frazier, the Klitschko brothers, even the guys from today like Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk and everybody else,” Fury said. “They’re all good champions, but without sounding too sharp and clever, I’d place myself right on top of the pile. I believe that I could beat anyone in history. Any man born, I believe I’ve got a really good chance of beating him.”

Fury has certainly established himself as the best of his era, said GiveMeSport’s Neelabhra Roy. “Right now, it’s hard to imagine anybody being able to defeat him.” However, Usyk, the other heavyweight champion who recently snatched the triple crown from Joshua, “may have something to say about that”.

With Joshua triggering a rematch clause with Usyk, potentially in March, it looks likely that Fury’s next contest will be against fellow Brit Dillian Whyte - should he beat Otto Wallin.

No denying his talents

What an “inexhaustible riddle” Fury is, said Riath Al-Samarrai in the Daily Mail. A “flabby giant who moves like a dancer”, he has been banned for doping, has forged a friendship with alleged Irish gang boss Daniel Kinahan, and has alienated many with his bigoted views. Yet whatever one’s feeling about him, there’s no denying his talents as a boxer. To claim the “6ft 9in fighter who has never lost” as one of the all-time great heavyweights is starting to look distinctly credible.

“It’s easy to throw around superlatives,” said Ron Lewis in The Times, but bear in mind that Fury’s legacy is, at the moment, built on victories over two opponents: Wilder and Wladimir Klitschko, whom he beat in Düsseldorf in 2015 to win the lineal heavyweight title. There are plenty of other worthy adversaries out there – not least Usyk. Before the Gypsy King can be considered even the “best of his era”, he’ll have to prove himself again in the ring.

British boxing star Tyson Fury will put his WBC heavyweight title on the line this weekend when he goes head-to-head for the third time with long-time rival Deontay Wilder.

Their first fight in December 2018 ended in a controversial split draw and although ex-champion Wilder retained the WBC belt many pundits believed Fury should have won despite being knocked down twice, including in the final round. However, in the February 2020 rematch the “Gypsy King” put on a sensational display to send the American to the canvas twice before the bout was stopped in the seventh round. The trilogy clash was originally set for 24 June, but had to be rescheduled after Fury tested positive for Covid-19.

Wilder told TMZ Sports that he’s going to knock out Fury in three rounds. “Leave it up to my trainers, they believe five and under,” Wilder said. “I’m gonna go with three, lesser than three.” In response Fury hit right back: “Ya little b***h. Turn up and fight. Get me knocked out in three rounds ya little p***y. How about that for a message?”

With Anthony Joshua losing to Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk recently, a meeting between the two Britons has been thrown into doubt, the Manchester Evening News said. Joshua will now face Usyk in a rematch in 2022 and should Fury defeat Wilder his next fight would be against mandatory challenger Dillian Whyte.

1. Fight guide: when, where and time

Fury vs. Wilder III will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in downtown Las Vegas on Saturday 9 October. Because of the time difference - Vegas is eight hours behind the UK - British fight fans should expect to see the bout begin at around 4am on Sunday 10 October.

Tyson Fury vs. Wilder III

• What: trilogy bout for the WBC and The Ring heavyweight titles
• When: Saturday 9 October (Sunday for UK viewers)
• Where: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, US
• UK start time: 4am BST on Sunday 10 October (estimated)
• TV channel: live on BT Sport Box Office
• Radio coverage: live on talkSPORT

2. How to watch on TV in the UK

The big Vegas fight will be shown live in the UK on BT Sport Box Office. Pay per view (PPV) costs £24.95 in the UK and €29.99 in the Republic of Ireland. PPV customers can watch via BT TV, Sky, Virgin Media or live stream via the BT Sport website or app.

3. Fighter profiles: tale of the tape

The champion: Tyson Fury

• Nationality: British
• Nickname: Gypsy King
• Age: 33
• Record: 31 fights, 30 wins, 21 KOs, 1 draw, zero losses
• Stance: Orthodox
• Height: 6ft 9in (206cm)
• Reach: 85in (216cm)

The challenger: Deontay Wilder

• Nationality: American
• Nickname: Bronze Bomber
• Age: 35
• Record: 44 fights, 42 wins, 41 KOs, 1 draw, 1 loss
• Stance: Orthodox
• Height: 6ft 7in (201cm)
• Reach: 83in (211cm)

4. What was said at the final press conference

Tyson Fury

“You’re in denial and you’re getting knocked out. Do yourself a favour and retire from boxing. Your legacy is in bits. Even all your excuses have been destroyed. You’re a weak man. He accused me of everything, his team, trainer, the suit [he wore on the way to the ring], injuries, the Athletic State Commission of Nevada, the ref - if he had come out with one excuse it might have been believable. What it tells me is he is a weak person who I am going to knock spark out on Saturday night.”

Deontay Wilder

“When you know the truth, they say the truth will set you free, I have no pressure, there is nothing to lose, everything to gain. All the pressure is on him. Your legacy only dies when the man dies, when the desire and fire in your heart dies, when that dies so does your legacy, and I am well alive. We have got a lot of things in line, in order, this is what the world needs to know, there is a lot of things I could put out there, but silence is golden.”

Sugarhill Steward, Fury’s trainer

“Tyson Fury being ready is unstoppable. Tyson Fury is very conscious of Deontay Wilder. It’s just being sharp, it’s just staying focused and it’s also just learning. There’s always something to learn in boxing. Tyson is enjoying learning and having fun with it. Trying to be the best, being perfect at what you do, that just makes for a better Tyson Fury. I’m excited for this Saturday.”

Malik Scott, Wilder’s head trainer

“I am a student of boxing, Deontay ruled the division and was using one weapon but sometimes two or three. I’ve watched him in the gym for ten years, sparring guys from different walks of life stylistically, and watched him be creative but when he gets in the fight he’ll use just one or two tools. He got content using one weapon to knock people out - I went into his tool box and made sure we drilled it over and over again. I don’t have him doing choreographed pad work, ducking down to the ground - he is fighting a tall guy. I don’t want my fighter catching punches, I want him to slip punches, parry punches. He’s more dynamic, more open-minded and this is the best Deontay Wilder people are going to see.”

5. Predictions: who will win the fight?

Tim Rickson, British Boxing News: “They say that rematches tend to go the same way throughout history. When Fury said he would knock Wilder out in the second fight, I believed him. Now he says he will do it even quicker than last time, I still believe him - Fury to win within six rounds.”

George Flood, London Evening Standard: “Much could depend on which version of Fury turns up, though it would seem foolish to reverse that aggressive gameplan after he delivered it to perfection last time out - and an extra 20lbs added during training would suggest that will indeed be the way to go. We think Wilder will likely avoid another knockout, but Fury should be canny enough to avoid that explosive right and win comfortably on points.”

Jeremy Herriges, Fansided: “Anything can happen between Fury and Wilder, as seen in their two fights together. They each know what the other brings, and a sharpened Wilder should fare better against Fury the third time around. However, don’t expect Wilder to win. Skills pay the bills, and Fury has the best skills in heavyweight boxing. Wilder will give him a run for the money, but Fury proved he could take Wilder’s best shot. Don’t be surprised if this fight goes the distance. Fury and Wilder might be hesitant to trade because of their past. A boxing match could erupt, and that favours Fury every time. FanSided is picking Fury to win via unanimous decision. Most expect a knockout but expect the unexpected when Fury and Wilder come together.”

Andreas Hale, Sporting News: “Tyson Fury is the complete package. He’s defensively sound, has fantastic footwork and has power in both hands. Wilder only needs one shot but, even then, there’s no guarantee that it’ll put Fury away. Wilder’s pride is on the line and he won’t allow his corner to throw in the towel this time. He’s going to leave it all in the ring and likely come up short by decision. Prediction: Tyson Fury by decision.”

Odds Shark: “In my opinion, the only way there will be a different outcome the third time around is if Wilder storms out of the gate at the start of the fight and lets his hands fly – knock out or be knocked out like we see in UFC fight news. If that were the case, exchanging hands may give the edge to the American as he has devastating power, but Fury may not be dumb enough to stand in the pocket in that situation. Prediction: Tyson Fury via knockout.”

Mike Tyson, heavyweight icon: “You know, Deontay Wilder has nothing to be sad about or nothing to complain about, he’s fought great fights… I just think Tyson Fury has his number.”

Oleksandr Usyk, the WBA, IBF and WBO champion: “I don’t think too much about who wins. It will be a good fight. Don’t write Deontay Wilder off since he always has the knockout punch. I am not good at making predictions. The only prediction I give you is that I’ll have a fantastic dinner tonight.”

Anthony Joshua, former WBA, IBF and WBO champion: “I’m not too bothered. Look, because you’ve asked the question, let’s go with Wilder because he seems obsessed, like he really wants it. He seems really focused on the task ahead, so, you know, a focused man is a dangerous man and he’s focused. Wilder might get the decision. Actually, no, it has to be a knockout.”

6. Betting odds

All prices according to Oddschecker as of 7 October

Winner

• Tyson Fury: 1/3
• Deontay Wilder: 9/4
• Draw: 25/1

Method of victory

• Fury by KO TKO or Disqualification: 10/11
• Fury by Decision or Technical Decision: 11/4
• Wilder by KO TKO or Disqualification: 3/1
• Wilder by Decision or Technical Decision: 20/1
• Draw or Technical Draw: 25/1

Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao, one of the greatest boxers of all time, has announced his retirement from the sport three months shy of his 43rd birthday, ESPN reported. The only eight-division world champion in boxing history, Pacquiao will be best remembered for the mega-fight in 2015 against Floyd Mayweather that “shattered revenue records” and for the four “thrilling” contests against his great rival, Juan Manuel Marquez.

After losing by unanimous decision against Cuba’s Yordenis Ugas in Las Vegas in August, Pacquiao said earlier this month that his boxing career was “already over” and he would continue supporting other Filipino boxers through his organisation, MP Promotions.

In a social media post today, Pacquiao confirmed he would be stepping away from the ring for good. “I just heard the final bell. Boxing is over,” he said. “I never thought this day would come as I hang up my boxing gloves.”

Known for his “fast footwork and blistering speed of punches”, Pacquiao was widely regarded as “one of the top offensive fighters in the sport’s history”, said The Guardian. The 42-year-old finishes his 26-year, 72-fight career with 62 wins, eight losses and two draws. He won 12 world titles across eight weight divisions and is the only boxer to hold world championships across four decades.

Rags-to-riches life story

Growing up in the south of the Philippines, as a teenager Pacquiao moved to the capital city Manila and started a boxing career that would make him one of the world’s most highly paid athletes, the BBC reported. Fighting his way out of abject poverty, his “rags-to-riches life story and legendary career” has brought honour to the south-east Asian nation, The Guardian added.

Veteran promoter Bob Arum, the founder and CEO of Top Rank, told The National in 2016 that only Muhammad Ali had had more of an impact than Pacquiao. “He’s had a tremendous impact in Asia and in the Philippines where he’s a political figure, he’s resonated with the American public and the American media,” Arum said.

His biggest battle yet

Known in his native Philippines by his monikers “Pacman”, “People’s Champ” and “National Fist”, Pacquiao has not just made an impact in the world of boxing, but also in politics and society. He is a senator in the Philippines and has already announced his intention to run for president in the 2022 elections in May.

Pacquiao has accused President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration of making corruption worse in the Philippines, The Guardian reported. And he promised to fight poverty and warned corrupt politicians they will soon end in jail. Accepting the presidential nomination of his faction within the ruling PDP-Laban party, he said: “I am a fighter and I will always be a fighter inside and outside the ring.”

In the opinion polls, Duterte’s daughter, Sara Duterte-Carpio, remains the top pick for president, Inquirer reported. According to a survey of Filipino adults from 6-11 September, 20% expressed their support to Duterte-Carpio while Pacquiao was on 12%, behind Ferdinand Marcos (15%) and Francisco Domagoso (13%).

His is a story “straight out of a movie”, said Camille Elemia on Rappler. “Dirt-poor to billionaire, unorthodox boxer to world champion, and absentee congressman to presidential aspirant”. Having lost the final fight of his boxing career, Pacquiao is now facing his biggest battle yet: his presidential campaign.

Floyd Mayweather will once again lace up his gloves and return to the boxing ring - this time for a “special exhibition” bout against YouTube star Logan Paul on 20 February.

Mayweather, 43, retired from professional boxing with an undefeated record of 50-0 and is “widely considered the greatest fighter of his generation”, says the Daily Mail.

In 2017 the American beat MMA star Conor McGregor in a boxing match, then in 2018 he defeated Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa after just 140 seconds in an exhibition which was worth a reported $9m (£6.7m).

“Money” Mayweather’s fight against McGregor was “one of the richest bouts in boxing history”, says the BBC. And according to Forbes he was ranked the highest-paid sports star from 2010 to 2019 after raking in $915m (£698.3m) during the decade.

His next challenge, against the internet sensation, is expected to be another money-spinner for pay-per-view sales. It will be streamed live on Fanmio with PPV costing $24.99 (£18.80).

Trash talk

Paul, who has 22.6 million subscribers on YouTube, has fought twice previously - with both bouts against British social media personality KSI. The first fight, an amateur white-collar boxing match, ended in a majority draw. Then in his professional debut Paul lost the rematch.

Despite his short fighting career Paul stoked the possibility of a bout against Mayweather after trash talking the boxing legend. Last month he warned he would “snap this f--ker in half”, TMZ Sports reported at the time.

“Let me tell you this, if I caught Floyd in a real fight, street fight, whoop his ass! No question,” Paul said. “MMA? Octagon? Whoop his ass! The only place I think Floyd is safe obviously is the boxing ring, but to be honest, I don’t give a f*ck! I don’t give a f*ck! I would fight Floyd anytime, anywhere, any place. Doesn’t f*ckin’ matter to me.”

Now that Paul’s got his wish, the February fight is “going to make these guys a lot of money”, says The Athletic’s Mike Coppinger. With the trash talking starting even before the announcement was made, the lead-up to the exhibition has the potential to drive “a lot of people nuts”, Coppinger tweeted.

‘Boxing is no longer about talent’

While it will make a lot of money for the fighters, promoters and TV networks, there are many critics against the bout.

UFC president Dana White has been left less than impressed by the exhibition fight, the Mail reports. In a video posted on Twitter by Nelk Boys, White said: “When people ask me what’s the state of boxing right now, that’s where it’s at. Didn’t that kid get beat up by the f*****g video game kid from England and now he’s going to fight Floyd Mayweather?”

Yahoo combat columnist Kevin Iole says Mayweather vs. Paul is just another “low blow” to the boxing world.

Iole wrote: “No thank you, Floyd Mayweather. Hard pass, Logan Paul. This is starting to turn boxing into a farce. Paul is a cruiserweight who will have roughly a 50-pound weight advantage. But he’ll have about as much of a chance of winning the fight as he would beating Usain Bolt in a 100-metre dash.

“Mayweather and Paul are showing yet again that boxing is no longer about talent, training, conditioning and winning one’s fights. Rather, it’s name recognition and treading on celebrity.”

1. Fury vs. Wilder III in October?

Boxing promoter Frank Warren says the third heavyweight title fight between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder will not happen on 18 July and could now take place in October.

In their rematch last month in Las Vegas British fighter Fury defeated American Wilder to win the WBC belt and the duo were set to go head-to-head for a third time in the summer.

However, the coronavirus pandemic means that boxing is off the calendar for now.

Warren said: “The 18th will not happen. The commission in Nevada has said ‘no boxing’ for the foreseeable future and Las Vegas has closed down all the casinos - it’s like a ghost town there.

“No-one knows what’s happening day to day, all we can do is hope for the best and push it back as far as possible so October looks like the date for the fight.

“A fight between them behind closed doors just won’t happen – these guys are too big names to be fighting behind closed doors.”

2. Wimbledon decision to be made next week

Another major sporting event that is expected to fall victim to coronavirus is this summer’s Wimbledon tennis grand slam.

The 2020 Championships is scheduled to start on 29 June but the All England Club will hold an emergency meeting next week to discuss whether to take the unprecedented decision to cancel this year’s event.

3. McGregor pledges €1m of medical equipment

BBC Sport reports that UFC star Conor McGregor will personally pledge €1m (£920,000) worth of protective medical equipment for hospitals in Ireland.

In a discussion with Irish Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe on Twitter, McGregor said: “I am purchasing myself, one million euros worth of personal protective equipment to be deployed to all the fighting hospitals in the region.”

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4. Sport stars reveal lockdown activities

i News has asked a number of sporting figures what books, films and TV box sets they recommend for a lockdown.

Sale Sharks and England rugby player Tom Curry is a fan of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens while England cricket Test captain Joe Root likes to watch the Batman film trilogy. Root said: “I love all the DC and Marvel films. This Batman trilogy is my favourite though. If I had to pick one of the three films then The Dark Night Rises edges it.”

5. RFU to lose up to £50m of revenue

Rugby Football Union (RFU) chief executive Bill Sweeney says the coronavirus pandemic will have a significant impact on revenues with estimated losses of up to £50m in the next 18 months.

Sweeney said: “The RFU had budgeted for a loss-making year within a four-year cycle due to the costs of the 2019 Rugby World Cup campaign and hosting only two home Six Nations games. The loss will now be considerably more as we face challenges similar to businesses across the country.

“The RFU’s biggest asset is also a major cost and the closure of Twickenham Stadium has a significant impact on the revenues we can generate to reinvest back into the game.”

6. Lottery losses to hit Olympic athletes

The Times reports that Britain’s Olympic athletes are facing a “funding black hole over the next four years because of a slump in sales of lottery tickets”.

More than two thirds of funding provided by UK Sport to Olympic and Paralympic sports and athletes is derived from the sales of lottery tickets, and it’s inevitable that this sum will be reduced in the years ahead.

“The scale of the funding gap will not be known until the pandemic and associated restrictions are over,” says the Times.

7. Shearer: Kane will be off

If Tottenham Hotspur fail to win a trophy in the next 12 months they will risk losing Harry Kane. That’s the opinion of former England striker Alan Shearer when asked about the future of the current Three Lions skipper.

Shearer said on the Match of the Day: Top 10 podcast: “My guess is, if he doesn’t win anything in the next 12 months then he has to leave. He’ll do another year, I think, and if nothing comes in terms of trophies, then he’ll be off.”

Shearer: ‘Kane has to leave if Spurs don’t win a trophy in the next 12 months’

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8. Transfer gossip: Sancho, Coutinho, Aubameyang

Harry Kane’s future is not the only transfer speculation doing the rounds today.

The Daily Mirror says Manchester United are ready to make a club-record £120m bid for Jadon Sancho while Sky Sports understands that United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are all keen on signing Philippe Coutinho on loan next season.

Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has recently been linked with Man Utd, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain and the Daily Star says Real Madrid are now in the mix.

9. Ighalo offered £400,000-a-week by Shanghai

Odion Ighalo has been offered a £400,000-a-week deal to stay with parent club Shanghai Shenhua. The Nigerian striker is currently on loan at Man Utd, where he has scored four goals in his first three starts.

Sky Sports reports that the Chinese club want to reward Ighalo for his form by extending his contract a further two years until December 2024.

The 30-year-old will wait to see if United offer him a permanent deal before making a final decision on his future.

10. Back pages: football feels the pinch

The Guardian, Daily Express and the Daily Star are three of the papers to give prominence to reports that Premier League and English Football League clubs will start slashing the salaries of their stars as the coronavirus shutdown begins to bite.

According to the Daily Mail the lockdown, which will last to at least early May, will be felt from the top flight down to League Two.

The Mail said: “Clubs face going out of business, many players fear losing their livelihoods, not to mention the support staff behind the scenes, from physios to press office.”

Today’s back pages

Premier League and EFL stars braced for pay cuts and Man Utd are poised to snatch Sancho

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Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao says he is “not afraid to die” and will risk his health by leading from the front in the Philippines’s battle with coronavirus.

The 41-year-old WBA super welterweight champion - who is also a senator in his home country - has paid for 50,000 testing kits, 700,000 face masks, and donated five buses to transport health workers in the capital city Manila. He is also touring the streets to boost people’s morale.

The Manila Bulletin newspaper says Pacquiao “remains to be the most visible lawmaker” during the pandemic and the eight-division boxing champion insists he won’t lower his guard.

Pacquiao said: “If you are a leader, you have to be a front-liner. You have to lead people and let people see that you are with them. I grew up poor. I know what they feel.”

After defeating the previously unbeaten Keith Thurman in Las Vegas last year, Pacquiao had planned a return to the ring in July.

However, with boxing and sport shut down because of the virus, Pacquiao’s focus is now on public service rather than training for his next bout.

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Usyk eyes Joshua and Fury titles

Sky Sports reports that Ukrainian pound-for-pound star Oleksandr Usyk has vowed to break Britain’s dominance in the heavyweight division by taking the titles from Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.

Usyk, who is the mandatory challenger for Joshua’s WBO belt, is set to fight Derek Chisora on 23 May. But has already set his sights on the two champions.

He said: “I work hard on it. I want to fight both.”

Joshua vs. Pulev could be moved

The coronavirus pandemic could see Anthony Joshua’s title fight against Kubrat Pulev moved to July.

Joshua is set to defend his WBA, WBO and IBF belts at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 20 June but promoter Eddie Hearn says alternative dates have been discussed in case of a postponement.

Matchroom Boxing chief Hearn told Sky Sports: “We do have a potential date in July but, right now, we are hoping 20 June can remain the date.

“We know we have the same strategy moving forward. Obviously the Premier League decision will play a big part in a number of sports.”

Today’s back pages

Flame flickers on Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Joe Cole says the Premier League should start from scratch

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Deontay Wilder has revealed the reason for his crushing TKO defeat to Tyson Fury in last weekend’s WBC heavyweight title rematch.

Was it the heavy blows that rained down on the American as his British opponent secured a seventh-round stoppage in Las Vegas? Or maybe it was his team throwing in the towel?

It’s neither of those... in fact the 34-year-old has blamed his elaborate ring-walk costume for being too heavy and affecting his legs during the bout.

Weighing in at around 40 pounds (18.1kg), the outfit saw Wilder wear a mask, a crown and armour as he made his way to the ring for the title contest. The costume was a tribute to Black History Month.

In an interview with Yahoo Sports, the former champion said: “He didn’t hurt me at all, but the simple fact is... that my uniform was way too heavy for me.

“I didn’t have no legs from the beginning of the fight. In the third round, my legs were just shot all the way through. But I’m a warrior and people know that I’m a warrior.

“It could easily be told that I didn’t have legs or anything. A lot of people were telling me, ‘It looked like something was wrong with you’. Something was, but when you’re in the ring, you have to bluff a lot of things. I tried my best to do so. I knew I didn’t have the legs because of my uniform.

“I was only able to put it on [for the first time] the night before, but I didn’t think it was going to be that heavy. It weighed 40, 40-some pounds with the helmet and all the batteries. I wanted my tribute to be great for Black History Month. I wanted it to be good and I guess I put that before anything.”

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Wilder to exercise clause for third fight

As Fury celebrates being crowned the WBC champion a lot of talk in the boxing world is about the possibility of him facing Anthony Joshua is an all-British heavyweight unification contest.

However, Fury and Wilder also have a clause in their fight contract for a third battle. Wilder has 30 days to invoke the clause and Yahoo says that he intends to exercise his right for another rematch.

Yahoo journalist Kevin Iole reports: “He said he will go to Africa at the end of March on vacation and plans to exercise his rematch clause for a third fight with Fury. He said he’ll get back to boxing once he returns from Africa.”

Promoters want Fury vs. Joshua

It’s also reported in the UK papers today that the Fury and Joshua camps do want to see the Brits go to battle to decide who is the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.

Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, told Sky Sports that both parties would be “clowns” and “idiots” if they did not make the fight happen.

Although Hearn didn’t put a timeframe on what is already being billed as the “Fight of the Century”, he did say: “Everybody wants this fight… there are some hurdles to overcome on the broadcasting, but nothing too much. I promise you this fight will happen.”

Speaking to the BBC Fury’s promoter Frank Warren added: “Of course we want to see the fight. We’ve been trying to make it for two years.”

Today’s back pages: ‘Fight of the Century’ will happen

‘A hilarious, dorky excuse’

How boxing fans on Twitter reacted to Wilder’s costume claims...

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Mike Tyson has lavished praise on Tyson Fury after the Gypsy King crushed Deontay Wilder in the Las Vegas rematch at the weekend.

“Dominant performance champ, Tyson Fury”, Tyson tweeted, after whom Fury was named by his father in 1988.

“Iron Mike” has made no secret of the fact he’s a Fury fan and he was seen celebrating the Englishman’s win at ringside.

Not only was it a dominant performance from Fury in taking his opponent’s WBC heavyweight belt, it was also a devastating one, as he demolished Wilder - the Alabama Hammer - in seven magnificent rounds at the MGM Grand.

Those darn Brits...

Going into the fight, Wilder had never been beaten, but the hammering he took from Fury was a humiliation that was felt across the whole country.

“We took it on the chin again, America,” laments USA Today. “From those darn Brits. And this time it hurt bad… if only the damage ended here.”

It doesn’t, of course, said the paper. Less than three months ago American-Mexican Andy Ruiz was on the wrong end of a pummelling from Watford’s own Anthony Joshua, which cost him his WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight belts.

“Check your own belts, my fellow Americans, because by now the Brits might have those too,” the paper continued.

White House rematch?

Donald Trump couldn’t bring himself to acknowledge that a fellow American had been outclassed by a Brit, but the United States president did tell reporters outside the White House that it had been a “great fight”.

He then mooted the idea of inviting the pair to his place, presumably for a chat and not a rematch.

Quoted by the New York Post, Trump said: “Maybe we have to bring them both to the White House - I don’t know - because that was really a good one. I think we’ll do that.”

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Show me the money

Who Fury will fight next is the subject of much speculation in the British press with The Sun claiming that if he meets Joshua it could turn into “boxing’s biggest payday”.

The 30-year-old Joshua has a mandatory fight with Kubrat Pulev but the Sun says that because the Bulgarian shares the same promoter as Fury - Bob Arum - “it could be sidestepped” so that the two Brits could clash in the “fight of the century”.

It’s expected the pair could share a £77m pot, plus countless lucrative sponsorship deals.

England expects

Another of Fury’s promoters, Frank Warren, has said he would love to see the pair get it on.

“I want to see Tyson fight Joshua next,” he said. “That would be the biggest single sporting event to take place in the UK since England winning the World Cup. You wouldn’t be able to get a ticket for it. The country would stop to watch it.”

Today’s back pages

Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua - it’s time to ‘get it on’

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Fury vs. Wilder III or Fury vs. Joshua?

Tyson Fury dominates the front and back pages of today’s newspapers after his stunning victory against Deontay Wilder in Las Vegas at the weekend.

Unbeaten British fighter Fury stopped the American in the seventh round to win the WBC title, The Ring magazine belt and maintain his status as the lineal champion of the heavyweight division.

It’s reported that Wilder has 30 days to activate a rematch clause for a third fight against the new champion, but British boxing fans are keen to see Fury and Anthony Joshua step into the ring for a unification bout.

The Sun says “belt up - we’re in for a wild ride” while the Daily Express reports that if WBC holder Fury and WBA, IBF and WBO champ Joshua do line up a super-fight it would be the “biggest single sporting event in Britain since England won the World Cup in 1966”.

When asked about his next opponent “Gypsy King” Fury said: “I’ve got another old fella [Joshua] across the pond who might want a little tickle. Then that is it then. It’s completed. Done.”

Speaking for boxing fans across the UK, the Daily Mirror urges the heavyweight stars and their promoters to “get it on”.

A superimposed picture of the two fighters was posted on Twitter by broadcaster DAZN USA and Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, also tweeted: “No need for a third let’s go straight to it in the summer! #undisputed.”

America takes it on the chin as ‘those darn Brits’ dominate boxing’s heavyweight division

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Awesome England or awful Ireland?

England’s win over Ireland makes many of the back pages with the papers unanimous that Eddie Jones’s side are back on track in the Six Nations.

“Turbo-charged England back to their best” is the headline in The Times, while The Daily Telegraph leads with “redemption day”.

i Sport singles out fly-half George Ford for his role in steering England to a 24-12 win at Twickenham yesterday, although are the newspapers guilty of hyperbole?

It was a very poor performance from Ireland with the visitors gifting their opponents two tries in the first half, to trail 17-0 at the break. But nonetheless they actually out-scored the home side in the second period as they scored a couple of tries of their own, and England’s reluctance to push for a fourth try and an offensive bonus point was odd.

Nonetheless, the papers are satisfied. “Eyes on the prize” is The Guardian’s headline, alongside a photo of a beaming Ford, and the paper claims that England remain in contention for the Six Nations title.

Now second in the table, England are four points adrift of France who are the only unbeaten side after their impressive victory against Wales on Saturday.

The French visit Scotland in a fortnight before finishing their campaign in Paris against Ireland and judging by their form so far in the championship Les Bleus are on course to clinch their first grand slam since 2010.

2020 Six Nations guide: round four fixtures, latest table and results

Mind-blowing Martial

Daily Mirror and the Daily Star both quote Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after the Norwegian’s effusive praise of striker Anthony Martial.

The French frontman produced a delightful chip to score the second of United’s three goals in their 3-0 win against Watford yesterday, a victory that moves the Red Devils into fifth spot in the Premier League and within sight of a Champions League place next season.

Martial has now scored in his last three games and Solskjaer said of him: “He’s had a great week. Today the mind-blowing skills. I want more from him and I’ll keep at him.”

Rudiger: racism won

The Guardian and the Daily Express carry the comments of Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger after learning that no one was punished for allegedly racially abusing him at Tottenham in December.

The Guardian reports that the Metropolitan Police investigated Rudiger’s claims but found “no evidence to support his complaint”. The paper adds that some Tottenham fans have accused the German of lying and booed him when the two sides met at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, a match that the Blues won 2-1.

“It’s sad,” Rudiger said of the jeers. “I don’t know why they would. Maybe it’s because I voiced about the racism. If you boo me because of that then you are poor people. I am sorry. This is a sign that we have a very big problem… for me, in this case, racism won.”

Today’s sport headlines

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New WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury declared that the “king has returned to the top of the throne” after he beat Deontay Wilder in the Las Vegas rematch on Sunday morning.

Unbeaten Fury, the “Gypsy King”, dominated the fight at the MGM Grand, sending Wilder to the canvas twice before the bout was stopped in the seventh round.

The damage was done early on when Fury landed a shot which damaged Wilder’s left ear. With his balance affected the previously unbeaten Wilder held on but the American’s corner threw in the towel to end the contest.

The decision by Wilder’s corner completes a stunning career comeback by 31-year-old Fury.

Having previously held the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO and The Ring magazine titles, depression and mental health issues saw Fury suffer some very dark days away from the ring.

Many pundits and fans believed Fury should have won the first fight against Wilder in 2018, which was declared a split-decision draw, but his performance in the Las Vegas rematch sees him back on top of the heavyweight division.

America takes it on the chin as ‘those darn Brits’ dominate boxing’s heavyweight division

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Reactions from the fighters

Tyson Fury (30 wins, 21 KOs, 1 draw, zero losses)

“I told everybody with a pair of ears that the Gypsy King would return to the throne. My last fight everybody wrote me off. I was under weight and over trained. I’m a destroyer. Not bad for someone with pillow fists.

“I’m a man of my word. I told Wilder, his team, the world. We trained for a knockout, we wasn’t tapping around in that gym.

“I talk like this because I can back it up. People write me off, they look at my fat belly and bald head and think I can’t fight. He fought the best Tyson Fury, we’re both in our primes.

“I expect him [Wilder] to ask for the third fight. I know he’s a warrior and I’ll be waiting.

“He showed the heart of a champion. He got up and battled onto round seven. He is a warrior, he will be back and be champion again. But the king has returned to the top of the throne.”

Deontay Wilder (42 wins, 41 KOs, 1 draw, 1 loss)

“The best man won on the night. My coach threw in the towel but I’m ready to go out on my shield.

“I had a lot of things go on coming into this fight but it is what it is. I just wish my corner would have let me go out on my shield, I’m a warrior. But he [Fury] did what he did and there’s no excuses.”

Fury vs. Wilder III - or Fury vs. Joshua?

It’s reported that a clause is in the contract for a third fight between Fury and Wilder, but UK boxing fans want to see an all-British title bout between Fury and Anthony Joshua, the holder of the other belts in the heavyweight division.

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has already called for the British rivals to step into the ring to decide who is the undisputed champion.

Hearn tweeted: “No need for a third let’s go straight to it in the summer! #undisputed.”

Reactions to Fury’s stunning win

Boxing fans and pundits have their say on Twitter after the Vegas rematch...

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One year and two months since their first fight ended in a controversial split-decision draw, Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury will once again go head-to-head for the WBC heavyweight title.

It’s a “puncher vs. the boxer” clash between the heavyweight rivals who arrive with unbeaten records.

Big-hitting Wilder, the WBC champion, and technically-gifted Fury, the challenger, have both declared that they are going for the knockout victory at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Wilder: Fury is nervous

American Wilder, 34, knocked his British opponent down twice in the first fight in December 2018 and he believes this will weigh on Fury’s mind this weekend.

“When you get knocked down by someone, you never forget it or how they did it,” said the Bronze Bomber.

“Deep down I feel he’s nervous, very nervous from what happened the first time. When you go in there for a second time it has to be stressful and you definitely can't sleep at night.

“He’s worried and I don’t think his confidence is that high because of the state I left him in before. I gave this man concussion and it will happen again because the head is not meant to be hit, especially by the power of Deontay Wilder, so he has a lot to think about.

“It’s called unfinished business and he won’t be able to get back up. I’m going to knock him out. We both have to come in like we did the first fight, with our hearts on our sleeves and the warrior mentality that we always bring.”

Fury: I’m coming here for the KO

Many pundits and fans believed that Fury deserved the victory in the drawn first fight, but the Gypsy King says he can’t rely on the judges and needs to knock out the champion.

The 31-year-old said: “I’m not coming here for a points decision, I’ve had too many of them - nine of them - I’m coming here for a knockout, I’ve had 21 of them and from the heart that’s what I’m looking to do.

“The first fight I wanted to go in there and outbox him. It didn’t work. No matter what people say, I didn’t win. I count a draw as a loss.

“I’m looking for a knockout. I didn’t come here again to get a bad decision. I know I’m not going to get a decision in the United States.

“I won’t be running. You won’t have to look anywhere for me. Just watch out for the right hands because you’re going to sleep in two rounds.”

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Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury 2: fight guide

• What: WBC world heavyweight boxing title rematch
• When: Saturday 22 February (Sunday for UK viewers)
• Where: MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
• UK start time: 4am GMT on Sunday 23 February (estimated)
• TV channel: live on BT Sport Box Office (£24.95 PPV)
• Radio coverage: live on talkSPORT

Start time, TV and radio details

When is the UK start time?

Because of the time difference between Vegas and the UK, boxing fans in Britain should expect to watch the fight in the early hours of Sunday morning on 23 February. BT Sport Box Office states a 4am (GMT) UK start time. However, this depends on the undercard bouts and build-up to the headline event.

How to watch Wilder vs. Fury II on TV

The epic rematch will be shown live in the UK on BT Sport Box Office. The pay-per-view costs £24.95.

How to listen on radio

This weekend’s fight will be broadcast live on talkSPORT.

Tale of the tape

Deontay Wilder

• Nickname: Bronze Bomber
• Nationality: American
• Age: 34
• Record: 42 fights, 41 KOs, zero losses, 1 draw
• Stance: Orthodox
• Height: 6′ 7″ (201cm)
• Reach: 83″ (211cm)

Tyson Fury

• Nickname: Gypsy King
• Nationality: British
• Age: 31
• Record: 29 fights, 20 KOs, zero losses, 1 draw
• Stance: Orthodox
• Height: 6′ 9″ (206cm)
• Reach: 85″ (216cm)

Pundit predictions: who will win the rematch?

Anthony Joshua, WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight champion, via Sky Sports: Fury

“Wilder coming through is better because [a fight with me] is what people have been eagerly anticipating. But I think Fury can win. For Wilder to win he has to knock Fury completely out, and he couldn’t do that the first time. For Fury to win, he can hurt Wilder or out-box him. Fury has more to his arsenal so that’s why I’m leaning to him.”

Lennox Lewis, ex-heavyweight world champion, via Boxing Social: ‘Deontay’s looking good’

“I think it’s gonna be an unbelievable fight, the boxer against the puncher. Some people are gonna go for the power, some people are gonna go for the boxer and I love those type of fights. Nobody really knows and it really comes down to the crunch, who makes that vital mistake in the fight? Who doesn’t. No predictions. I would have to say, right now, Deontay’s looking good.”

George Foreman, ex-heavyweight champion, via Bookies.com: Fury on points

“The world will be talking about heavyweight boxing after this match. It’s going to be good for boxing. I love it. I think they’re going to tear the wall down there because that rematch will be seen by a lot of people. Millions will watch it, and it’ll probably be a controversial decision. I pick Tyson Fury to win on points.”

Mike Tyson, ex-heavyweight world champion, via BT Sport: Fury

“I always root for him because he was named after me. That’s the natural thing to do, right? I’m biased towards him… I don’t care how hard you punch, it’s hard to beat somebody who doesn’t wanna quit. It’s gonna be a really, really interesting fight and both guys have something to prove. I just wish the best for Tyson Fury, I’m always a Tyson fan.”

Dillian Whyte, British heavyweight, via talkSPORT

“I think if Fury boxes it’s a 70/30 fight, maybe a 60/40 fight [in his favour]. If he tries to go for the KO, he makes it a 60/40 fight for Deontay Wilder or a 70/30 fight for Deontay Wilder. If he boxes it’s the other way around. Saying that, Wilder is kinda chinny as well. Every time he gets tagged, he gets rocked. So Fury is a big guy and he could stop him. I don’t think that’s a great game plan for Tyson Fury, but I think they’re just saying that to get Wilder to try and box. In boxing a lot of things get said and not a lot of things happen. Let’s see.”

Jordan Neild, British Boxing News: Wilder by KO

“I think Wilder will win inside the distance. Fury at his best has the tools to beat Deontay Wilder but I think his opportunity was when they met in December 2018. He could well win every second of the fight but I think at some point Wilder lands and takes him out. Fury winning would be monumental for boxing in this country but we are looking at one of the biggest punchers in the history of the sport in Deontay Wilder and I’m not sure he will show Fury the same respect he did the first time around.”

Colin Hart, The Sun: Wilder by KO

“For me, Wilder is the most terrifying of them all. That rigor mortis right hand of his is the most devastating punch I’ve ever seen. When it comes to taking a man out with a single shot the Tuscaloosa time-bomb is in a league of his own. Here’s the $64m question. Has he [Fury] the mental strength to concentrate for every second of the scheduled 36 minutes? I don’t think he can. About round nine or ten I can see Fury being flattened - only this time he will be unable to hear the referee counting to ten over him.”

Ricky Hatton, former welterweight champion, via BT Sport: Fury

“I think Tyson is the best heavyweight in the division, and I think Wilder is the second-best heavyweight in the division. “I thought Tyson won the last one and I think he’ll win this one.”

Steve Bunce, Independent: Fury on points

“Wilder could so easily connect early. Fury’s cut right eyebrow from a September fight might open, the 47 stitches wasted. However, the art of self-defence should triumph inside the MGM ring; there will be scares, hurt, brutality and finesse on a night of noble boxing in this most ignoble of places. Fury on points or by late stoppage in a classic for the old game.”

Wladimir Klitschko, who lost to Fury in 2015, via The National

“Either Wilder is going to knock out Fury or Fury is going to win on points. Personally, I respect Wilder a lot - he was in my training camp, we spent rounds in the ring. He’s a great guy and a fantastic boxer. I think, or I wish, that actually Fury, believe it or not, might make it. Maybe not, but I wish he’s going to.”

Ewan Lavender, The Stats Zone: Fury via decision

“Fury outclassed Wilder for the majority of their first clash with that vicious knockdown saving the champion from a decision loss. Fury is expected to be the fittest he has been in years and now he has experienced 12 rounds with Wilder he will be better prepared to avoid his scary knockout power and if he succeeds, he should walk away with a comfortable decision this time around. Winner: Fury via decision.”

Scott Hastings, Odds Shark: Fury via decision

“Gypsy King outstruck the Bronze Bomber in nine of the 12 rounds and Wilder landed just 17% of his punches while Fury landed at a rate of 26%. I think the same things are in play for the rematch. Fury is the better boxer, with tremendous movement but not a lot of power, while Wilder possesses devastatingly powerful hands that can end the fight. Prediction: Tyson Fury via decision.”

Fight Nights: Fury by unanimous decision

“Fury can win all day and win easy. If he stays outside the range of Wilder’s right hand. That being said this fight is still a 50-50 fight because it’s one punch away from being over. Fury outclassed Wilder for the majority of their first fight. Fury is expected to be in the best shape of his life. Fury should be better prepared to avoid Wilder’s scary knockout power. We believe that Fury will win the fight by a UD [unanimous decision] over 12 rounds.”

Conor McGregor, UFC star, via BT Sport: Fury

“He’s got a good tough fight, Deontay is a powerful guy. But I think if he keeps his mind strong and keeps his playfulness in there and his sharpness and his elusiveness, I think he can do the job.”

Frank Warren, promoter, via British Boxing News: Fury

“I actually do think Tyson will stop him but, having said that, I don’t see Wilder doing anything differently than he did in the first fight, albeit he is a dangerous sod. I see Tyson comprehensively out-boxing him this time around before either stopping him or winning on points by a wide margin.”

Betting odds: Wilder vs. Fury II

Prices according to Oddschecker

To win the fight

• Tyson Fury: evens
• Deontay Wilder: evens
• Draw: 25/1

Method of victory

• Wilder by KO, TKO or disqualification: 6/5
• Fury by decision or technical decision: 7/4
• Fury by KO, TKO or disqualification: 5/1
• Wilder by decision or technical decision: 12/1
• Draw or technical draw: 25/1

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Daniel Dubois vs. Joe Joyce

• What: all-British heavyweight boxing bout
• When: Saturday 11 April 2020
• Where: The O2, London
• TV coverage: live on BT Sport Box Office

Boxing fans in the UK are in for a treat following today’s announcement that Daniel Dubois and Joe Joyce will go head-to-head on 11 April.

The British heavyweights are both undefeated and will put their records on the line at The O2 in London.

“Dynamite” Dubois, 22, is the British, Commonwealth, WBC Silver and WBO International champion while “Juggernaut” Joyce, 34, is the WBA Gold champion and the former Commonwealth and WBA Continental champion.

Promoter Frank Warren praised the Londoners for stepping up and agreeing the fight.

He said: “People always talk about wanting the best to fight the best. Well, on 22 February we have the No.1 and No.2 heavyweights in the world settling a score in Las Vegas, then in April we have the two best up and coming heavyweights in the world putting it on the line at the O2 Arena.

“It is a fight that needed to be made to see which man is ready to challenge the elite at the top end of the division and which one will reset and go again.

“This is one both men could easily have avoided and navigated a less perilous route to the top, but they want to get it on and give the fans what they want to see. When that first bell rings and it will be edge-of-seat stuff right from the off.”

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What the fighters say

Dubois: 14 wins, 13 KOs, 0 defeats

“This is the biggest fight of my career without doubt. This will be the fight that announces me to the world. I think I am better than Joe in every department. I have a better jab, I have better movement, I have more power. The only thing Joe has over me is experience, but he’s never boxed anyone as young and as hungry as me. This will be the most devastating performance of my career.”

Joyce: 10 wins, 9 KOs, 0 defeats

“This is a massive fight there’s no denying that there’s a lot on the line on both sides but experience is something you can’t buy and I’ve got tonnes of it and I believe it’ll play a huge factor in this fight.”

Reactions to the announcement

It’s less than 48 hours since he won back the world heavyweight belts but speculation has already begun on who Anthony Joshua will fight next.

The Briton produced a boxing masterclass in his rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr on Saturday evening to reclaim the IBF, WBA and WBO titles.

Joshua, 30, was declared the unanimous winner with the judges scoring the fight 118-110, 118-110, 119-109 in his favour.

In the ring during the post-fight interviews Joshua and Ruiz Jr spoke about a potential third duel, but according to reports there are a number of different opponents being mentioned for the two-time world champion’s next fight.

Mandatory challengers

According to BBC Sport, the WBO has said that Joshua must now face mandatory challenger Oleksandr Usyk while the IBF mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev is another potential next opponent.

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed to Sky Sports that it is Pulev leading the race for the next fight, which could take place in April or May next year.

When asked about the decision, Hearn said: “It’s going to have to be quite quickly, because obviously now the vultures will be out, as I would be. I don’t blame them.

“I’ve got to speak to the IBF and the WBO and see who goes first. I think it sounds like it’s the IBF, but we’ll wait for confirmation of that.

“AJ will want to maintain the belts and if that’s the case, I think it will be Pulev, and then Usyk. I think April or May, that’s a realistic kind of date [for Joshua’s next fight].”

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Is Whyte an option?

The BBC Radio 5 Live boxing team - Mike Costello, Steve Bunce and Richie Woodhall - all say Dillian Whyte could be Joshua’s first opponent in 2020.

Whyte beat Joshua as an amateur in 2009 and the British duo fought again in the professional ranks in 2015, with Joshua the victor by a seventh-round knockout.

BBC boxing expert Bunce said: “Dillian Whyte at Wembley next year makes all the sense in the world. Whyte and Joshua have got an old beef - that’s perfect.”

Homecoming at Spurs?

After fighting Ruiz Jr in New York and in Saudi Arabia it’s likely Joshua will return home to London for his title defence.

“London’s calling, I think,” said Joshua. “British supporters do play a big part in my career. Any time I’m on home soil, I can’t lose.”

He has previously fought at Wembley and The O2, but promoter Hearn says the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could be a potential venue for the next fight.

“The phone has gone crazy,” said Hearn. “It’s like, ‘bring him here, bring him here’. They’ve seen what we’ve done here and there’s a lot of options internationally, but he does want to box back in the UK.

“We spoke to Spurs about hosting this fight [the rematch against Ruiz], which they were keen to do, but unfortunately the dates didn’t work out.

“They would be keen to do it and it would be a nice stadium to do it in London.”

AJ won’t call out Wilder or Fury

While Pulev, Usyk and Whyte are being talked about as potential next opponents, boxing fans the world over are keen to see Joshua step into the ring with WBC champion Deontay Wilder or British rival Tyson Fury next year.

Wilder and Fury are set for a rematch on 22 February and Joshua says he will wait to see “if the opportunity presents itself”.

“Once their rematch is out of the way they can start mentioning my name,” he said. “I can’t keep on fighting all the champions, the best in the division and then other people who say they want to step up don’t step up.

“All challengers are welcome to take on this current unified champion.”

Today’s back pages

London’s calling for Anthony Joshua

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Anthony Joshua is a two-time world heavyweight champion after defeating Andy Ruiz Jr in their rematch on Saturday night.

British boxer Joshua was in supreme form as he defeated the Mexican-American by unanimous decision to reclaim the IBF, WBA and WBO titles.

Ruiz Jr stunned the boxing world to win the duo’s first fight in New York in June but he was unable to land the big hits that shook Joshua at Madison Square Garden.

After 12 rounds in Saudi Arabia Joshua was declared the unanimous winner with the judges scoring the fight 118-110, 118-110, 119-109 in his favour.

Following the bout there was informal talk of maybe a third fight happening between the pair, but boxing fans around the world will now be calling for Joshua to step into the ring with Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury in 2020.

How the fighters reacted

Anthony Joshua

“A man like me don’t make no excuses, my boy [Dereck] Chisora said I am ready to win this if I am ready to D.I.E. This is about boxing, I am used to knocking people out, but last time I got hurt, so I gave the man his credit, said I would correct myself again, I respect Andy so much. The sweet science of this sport is about hitting and not getting hit. Never a change in mentality, you know the saying ‘stay hungry, stay humble’ - I am hungry and I am humble. It’s all about preparation. One day when I release a book I will talk about my career. It’s all about experience - life is a rollercoaster, what do you want me to do, give up? Retire? Come on man.”

Andy Ruiz Jr

“It was his night. I didn’t prepare how I should have. I gained too much weight. I don’t want to give excuses, he won. He boxed me around. If we do a third fight you best believe I’m going to get in shape. I’ll be in the best shape of my life. I thought I was going to feel stronger. Next fight I’m going to get more prepared. I tried to train myself for this. I was chasing him too much. I was hesitating too much.”

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How boxing pundits reacted

James Dielhenn, Sky Sports

“Joshua gained revenge for his nightmare in New York earlier this year, when he fell four times in defeat to Ruiz Jr, by winning a unanimous decision in their rematch and clawing back the IBF, WBA and WBO titles. This time in Diriyah, in a purpose-built 15,000-seat arena, there had been a downpour in the desert but a disaster for Joshua was averted by his most disciplined and controlled performance to date.”

Luke Reddy, BBC Sport

“Six months on from the night where Ruiz stunned boxing, Joshua risked his career being left in tatters with a second defeat but served up 36 minutes of movement and well-timed punching to take the IBF, WBA and WBO titles back to Britain.”

Sean Ingle, The Guardian

“Before Saturday night only three fighters in the 127-year history of the world heavyweight title had successfully regained their title in a direct rematch, from the 10 fighters who attempted it: Floyd Patterson, Muhammad Ali and Lennox Lewis. That is the company Joshua now keeps – although he will certainly have to improve to be mentioned in the breath as Ali and Lewis in the pantheon.”

Alan Tyers, The Daily Telegraph

“Superb, clever, athletic, brilliant and classy performance.”

Jeff Powell, Mail on Sunday

“The boxing world had worried about the historic risk of taking the immediate rematch but he made mockery of perceived wisdom by conducting a master class. That required sticking to the jab, move and frustrate Ruiz plan which had to work given his dramatic weight loss. Ten pounds lighter but light years wiser.”

Dan Rafael, ESPN

“Anthony Joshua spent much of the past six months soul searching, figuring out what went so wrong in his first encounter with Andy Ruiz Jr and vowing to be better in the rematch. He was better. Much better, as he completely shut down Ruiz in a dominating tactical masterpiece to regain his three heavyweight world title belts by lopsided unanimous decision on Saturday.”

Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter

“Future plans are to celebrate and to celebrate hard. This man has been responsible for the growth of British boxing. He won the title after 16 fights and he unified the belts after 19. They wrote him off, he was humiliated in Madison Square Garden, they said he was all hype. But he has come back. We got criticised for coming here, the reception we got from the people and the vision they have for boxing here is incredible. We are not going to talk about other fighters, he is the king.”

How Twitter reacted

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Andy Ruiz Jr vs. Anthony Joshua II

• What: IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO world heavyweight title rematch
• When: Saturday 7 December
• Where: Diriyah, Saudi Arabia
• Ring walks: 8.45pm (GMT) according to Sky Sports
• Fight start time: 9pm (GMT)
• TV channel: live on Sky Sports Box Office

When Anthony Joshua last stepped into the ring with Andy Ruiz Jr in June he was an undefeated world heavyweight boxing champion and the overwhelming bookies’ favourite to extend his superb record.

Seven rounds later in New York City Joshua’s belts, and undefeated record, were gone as Ruiz Jr scored an upset that pundits described as the one of the biggest shocks ever in boxing history.

Roll on six months, British fighter Joshua is now the challenger and the 30-year-old is out to reclaim the belts from the Mexican champion in Saudi Arabia on Saturday evening.

At the weigh-in on Friday Joshua was 16st 13lbs, the lightest he has ever been for a world title fight and 10lbs lighter than the first fight. Ruiz Jr weighed in at 20st 3lbs, 15lbs heavier than the first fight.

Here we look at what the fighters are saying ahead the rematch, the tale of the tape, pundit predictions and betting odds.

How to watch Ruiz Jr vs. Joshua II on TV

The big title fight will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports Box Office and will cost £24.95. Sky subscribers can click here and non-Sky subscribers can click here to book.

The “clash on the dunes” in Saudi Arabia will also be shown at official screenings in London and at many pubs, clubs and bars throughout the UK.

Where to watch Ruiz Jr vs. Joshua II: official screenings, pubs and bars

Ruiz Jr vs. Joshua II: tale of the tape

Andy Ruiz Jr

• Nationality: American/Mexican
• Age: 30
• Nickname: Destroyer
• Height: 6ft 2in
• Stance: Orthodox
• Reach: 74in
• Record: 33-1-0
• KOs: 22

Anthony Joshua

• Nationality: British
• Age: 30
• Nickname: AJ
• Height: 6ft 6in
• Stance: Orthodox
• Reach: 82in
• Record: 22-1-0
• KOs: 21

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What the fighters are saying

Ruiz Jr

“Inside the ring, I’m the champion of the world. I’m Mr Hulk in there and I’ve still got a lot to accomplish. This journey now is what I’ve been dreaming about all my life. I accomplished my dreams on 1 June and I’ve still got a lot to prove on 7 December.

“It feels good. You know I made history in New York and I’ll make history again in Saudi Arabia.

“It might be a little harder than the first time. I've got to show my skills, my talent. We’ve got to see where he’s at, because all the pressure is on him. The pressure isn’t on me because I followed my dream, made my dreams come true.

“Of course I want more though - I want the legacy of Andy Ruiz Jr.”

Joshua

“It’s more myself I have to change. I am looking at myself in the mirror and saying I know I’m better than that. Andy is still the same person. He will come game and I’ve got to change some of my bits and bobs. ​I was 50% of the way towards getting a win, just got caught.​

“There is fire in the belly. There are things I have had to do to take me to the next level. I am confident I can be victorious and when I am I will tell everyone of how I went wrong. I am a challenger. This is my chance at the heavyweight championship of the world.”

Predictions: who will win the rematch?

Deontay Wilder, WBC heavyweight champion, via Sky Sports

“I really believe Andy’s gonna go in there and do it again. When I look at the first fight and I see certain things as a fighter, a lot of red flags that alert me. And if that same mindset and momentum goes into the second fight, Andy Ruiz is going to win that easily. I’d prefer him to win because we’re in the same stable. When he wins we have the opportunity to unify the division. If Joshua wins, I don’t think that’s gonna be.”

Tyson Fury, British heavyweight boxer, via the True Geordie Podcast

“Andy Ruiz is a little fat pig, comes in on three weeks’ notice, murdered every donut and taco in California and then goes in with a man who’s had a 12-week training camp with every sports scientist in the United Kingdom. But the little fat fella goes in there and bowls him over in seven rounds… I see it going pretty much similar to the first fight.”

Paulie Malignaggi, American former boxer, via talkSPORT

“I see it a better fight than the first fight. I see Joshua winning the fight. I think it’s a fight where they’ll both push each other, they should bring the best out of each other and I don’t think Ruiz will have to make any adjustments to the first time. He just kind of went through him and that was it and I don’t think Joshua ever got started, you know? So I think Joshua will get started, I think Ruiz will be forced to make adjustments and I think they will bring the best out of each other and I edge it to Joshua.”

Amir Khan, British boxer, via Sky Sports

“He [Joshua] needs to go back to boxing. If he can be smart, use his jab, keeps it long, then I think the knockout will come. I think AJ will stop him - maybe between rounds five and seven if he sticks to his game plan. I’m sure he’s going to be ready for this.”

Dillian Whyte, British heavyweight boxer, via talkSPORT

“I think it’s a great fight just like the first one was. Everyone was overlooking Andy Ruiz in the first fight, even I thought Joshua was gonna knock Ruiz out in six rounds… The great thing is he has a chance to put everything that was wrong right. He’s British, he’s my competitor and he’s my rival, I’m gonna back him. Hopefully he wins and I want him to win.”

Joseph Parker, New Zealand heavyweight, via Boxing Social

“I don’t know. I still think it’s a 50/50 fight. It’s gonna be a very close fight. Either Ruiz pushes the fight faster and goes forward because he’s taken his best shots. Or Joshua – you see he’s trimmed down a lot – he boxes him from the outside and keeps him at bay. I don’t know. I think if he [Joshua] boxes from the outside and uses his advantages. His reach, he used that very well against me, but I don’t have the same style as Ruiz, it’s a hard one for me to call.”

Kevin Barry, Joseph Parker's trainer, via the BBC

“Ruiz has the belts and everyone says once you become champion you’re 10% better and I think that is a fair statement. But I think Joshua will fight a totally different fight. When he had Ruiz down, all he had to do was take his time but he ran in with the wrong punches and put himself there to be hurt. This time we will see more poise. If he uses his skills and controls the pressure, I think Joshua wins the fight.”

Ewan Lavender, The Stats Zone

“Joshua is expected to head to Saudi Arabia fully focused and the most motivated he has been in his career. He may step on the scales lighter to try and match the speed of Ruiz and up his output. His defence will always be a question mark but if he works on his footwork and head movement he can match the first 2.5 rounds in the first fight and go on to finish Ruiz in vintage Joshua fashion. Winner: Joshua via KO/TKO.”

David Haye, British former boxer, via Mirror Fighting

“I’m split regarding this fight. It will either end in a knockout or on points and if it goes to points it means Ruiz wasn’t able to duo what he does best and throw clusters of punches and work the body - and that Joshua will have kept him at bay with his jab and won enough of the rounds. But if there is a knockout, I believe it will come from Ruiz. If Joshua stands there throwing combinations with someone who bases his whole style on trading punches and turns it into a slugfest, I believe Ruiz will do something similar to the first fight. If he [Joshua] forces Ruiz to take more risks it will open the opportunity for him to land a massive counterpunch when Ruiz is tiring. That’s the only way I can see Joshua knocking out Ruiz.”

George Foreman, former two-time world heavyweight champion, via talkSPORT

“Oh, he’ll [Joshua] come back and be even better now, because [of] the realisation that you can lose. Sometimes you can believe all the hype and you just think you can’t lose. I’ve been in that position. You’re on the floor. The greatest thing is the embarrassment. If you can overcome that by way of friends and family, you’ll be better. When you lose a fight as heavyweight champion of the world, it’s not like you lost a fight, you lose a part of yourself and you got to go find it. A lot of times, the hardest part is you didn’t get beat, you just fell for the hype. People say ‘you’re so good, you’re so good’ and then you think ‘I let the people down’. But you can recapture yourself and understand look, I’m an athlete, I got to go back to the drawing board.”

Lennox Lewis, former three-time world heavyweight champion, via FightHype

“If they don’t fix what is wrong with Joshua, Ruiz Jr wins that fight hands down. It must be mental as he didn’t look the same coming to the ring as he usually looked. Hopefully it will come out in the future. Joshua made it easy for Ruiz Jr because he wasn’t fully there.”

Mike Tyson, former world heavyweight champion, via Parimatch

“I don’t know because anything is possible. They’re both great human beings, I like both of them personally, but this is a fight and I just hope the best man wins.”

The Daily Telegraph

“As good as Andy Ruiz was last time out, we can’t see any way Joshua gets beaten here again. If he is, then there will be serious questions about his future in the sport. Joshua by TKO in round eight.”

Dan Rafael, ESPN

“I think it [the rematch] will probably be very different. Despite much discussion about how Joshua didn’t look right or wasn’t at his best, blah, blah, blah, he sure looked pretty good when he dropped Ruiz flat on his back in the third round. Then he got nailed later in the round and suffered a concussion. That Joshua made it as far as he did into the seventh round and was still in the fight was impressive. He will be ready for the rematch and he knows what’s at stake. Joshua also knows what Ruiz is capable of, so I expect Joshua to be in top shape physically and mentally for his most important fight. Think Lennox Lewis-Hasim Rahman II [Rahman uspet Lewis in a fifth round KO in their first fight in 2001, and then Lewis got his revenge seven month later with a fourth-round KO in the rematch].”

Steve Kim, ESPN

“When they fought back in June, Ruiz was thought of as nothing more than a portly late replacement. But as Joshua found out, this was a book that never should have been judged by its cover. Expect to see a more disciplined and focused AJ this time around. Ruiz has been taking an extended victory lap and you just wonder - is this Buster Douglas 2.0? [Douglas surprised Mike Tyson to become the heavyweight champion in 1990 with a 10th-round KO victory but lost a third-round KO against Evander Holyfield eight months later and never regained the belt].”

Frank Warren, boxing promoter, via Daily Mail

“I think his last few fights have showed that his [Joshua’s] chin is a bit suspect, no doubt about that. Certainly the last fight proved it and that is something that’s always going to be there. I look at it and think what is AJ going to do? Is he going to box? I don’t think he's going to outbox him because Ruiz has got fast hands and I think he will catch him again and knock him out again.”

Betting odds

Prices according to Oddschecker

Fight winner

• Ruiz Jr to win: 2/1
• Joshua to win: 4/9
• Draw: 33/1

Method of victory

• Joshua by KO, TKO or disqualification: 1/1
• Ruiz Jr by KO, TKO or disqualification: 11/4
• Joshua by decision or technical decision: 4/1
• Ruiz Jr by decision or technical decision: 16/1
• Draw or technical draw: 33/1

Round betting

• Joshua on points: 4/1
• Ruiz Jr on points: 16/1
• Joshua round 7: 16/1
• Joshua round 5: 16/1
• Joshua round 6: 16/1
• Joshua round 9: 18/1
• Draw: 33/1
• Ruiz Jr round 9: 33/1
• Ruiz Jr round 8: 33/1
• Ruiz Jr round 7: 33/1
• Joshua round 1: 33/1
• Ruiz Jr round 3: 40/1
• Joshua round 12: 40/1
• Ruiz Jr round 12: 66/1
• Ruiz Jr round 1: 66/1
• Full price list: oddschecker.com

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Andy Ruiz Jr vs. Anthony Joshua II

• What: IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO world heavyweight title rematch
• When: Saturday 7 December
• Where: Diriyah, Saudi Arabia
• Ring walks: 8.45pm (GMT) according to Sky Sports
• Fight start time: 9pm (GMT)
• TV channel: live on Sky Sports Box Office
• Fight guide, predictions and odds

Boxing fans around the world will be tuning in to watch the heavyweight rematch between world champion Andy Ruiz Jr and challenger Anthony Joshua on Saturday.

Ruiz Jr scored a stunning victory over Joshua in New York in June and the duo will go head-to-head again in what promises to be the biggest fight of the year.

The “clash on the dunes” in Saudi Arabia will be shown live on Sky Sports Box Office, but many pubs, clubs and bars will also be broadcasting the bout.

Official London screenings of Ruiz Jr vs. Joshua II, staged by promoter Matchroom Boxing, will be held at Boxpark Croydon and Boxpark Wembley.

Eddie Hearn, managing director of Matchroom Boxing, said: “Of course, not everybody can get out to Saudi Arabia for the fight - so we wanted to create something for the fans which would be an exciting alternative.

“We’ve seen before the popular fan parks which come with big football tournaments and matches, and we felt that this fight is on the same level and deserved something special as ‘AJ’ bids to become a two-time world champion and win his titles back!”

Here we look at the details of where to watch the fight in the capital and around the United Kingdom.

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Ruiz Jr vs. Joshua II: where to watch in London

Boxpark Croydon: official London screening

• Where: 99 George Street, Croydon, CR0 1LD
• Doors open: 4pm (event finishes at 12.30am)
• Ticket price: general admission from £10 (+£1 fee)
• Event and ticket details: stubhub.co.uk

Boxpark Wembley: official London screening

• Where: 18 Olympic Way, Wembley, HA9 0JT
• Doors open: 4pm (event finishes at 12.30am)
• Ticket price: general admission from £10 (+£1 fee)
• Event and ticket details: stubhub.co.uk

Famous Three Kings, Fulham

• Address: 171 North End Road, Fulham, W14 9NL
• Times: 7pm-12am
• Ticket price: £5
• Details and how to book: craft-pubs.co.uk

Belushi’s Bars, London

• Locations: London Bridge, Hammersmith, Camden, Greenwich and Shepherd’s Bush
• Details and how to book: belushis.com

Duchess Belle, Battersea

• Address: 101 Battersea Park Road, SW8 4DS
• Times: 7pm-12am
• Ticket price: from £10
• Details and how to book: designmynight.com

Griffin Belle, Vauxhall

• Address: 8 Wyvil Road, SW8 2TH, Vauxhall
• Times: 7pm-12am
• Ticket price: £25 (includes £5 redeemable against food and drink on the evening)
• Details and how to book: designmynight.com

Fitzrovia Belle, Soho

• Address: 174 Tottenham Court Road, W1T 7NT
• Times: 7pm-12am
• Ticket price: £10 (includes £5 redeemable against food and drink bill on the day)
• Details and how to book: designmynight.com

The Bat and Ball, Westfield Stratford City

• Address: Unit 1110/11, Montfichet Rd, E20 1EJ
• Ticket prices: from £10 to £200
• Details and how to book: designmynight.com

Westwood Sports Pub & Kitchen, Westfield London, Shepherd’s Bush

• Address: Maple Westfield, Westfield Square, W12 7HB
• Times: 6pm-12am
• Ticket price: £10 (entry ticket guarantees entry and two bottles of Heineken only. Ticket does not guarantee seating and must be used before 7pm)
• Details and how to book: designmynight.com

Broadleaf, City of London

• Address: Unit 4, Tower 42, EC2N 1HN
• Times: 6pm-12am
• Ticket price: £10 (entry ticket guarantees entry and 2 bottles of Heineken only. Ticket does not guarantee seating and must be used before 7pm)
• Details and how to book: designmynight.com

Redwood, London Bridge

• Address: London Bridge Station, SE1 9SP
• Times: 6pm-12am
• Ticket price: £10 (entry ticket guarantees entry and 2 bottles of Heineken only. Ticket does not guarantee seating and must be used before 7pm)
• Details and how to book: designmynight.com

Matchbox, Shoreditch

• Address: 134 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JE
• Ticket price: £15 regular ticket (entry before 8pm); £20 final release ticket (entry before 8pm)
• Details and how to book: designmynight.com

Nordic Bar, Fitzrovia

• Address: 25 Newman Street, Soho, W1T 1PN
• Ticket price: free
• Details and how to book: nordicbar.com

The North Star, Ealing

• Address: 43 The Broadway, London, W5 5JN
• Ticket price: free
• Website: thenorthstarealing.co.uk

Lower Deck, Greenwich

• Address: 30 Park Row, Greenwich, London, SE10 9HU
• Times: 8pm-2am
• Ticket price: £15-£20
• Details and how to book: shoobs.com

Skylight Rooftop at Tobacco Dock

• Address: Tobacco Dock, Pennington St entrance, St Katharine’s & Wapping, London, E1W 2SF
• Ticket price: free (interior table bookings recommended - not ticketed)
• Website: tobaccodocklondon.com

Vauxhall Street Food Garden, Vauxhall

• Address: 6A S Lambeth Pl, Vauxhall, London SW8 1SP
• Times: from 6pm
• Ticket price: free
• Details and how to book: seetickets.com

Brixton Jamm

• Address: 261 Brixton Rd, Myatts Field South, London SW9 6LH
• Times: 7pm-11.30pm
• Ticket price: £10
• Details and how to book: designmynight.com

Lighthouse Theatre, Camberwell

• Address: 254-270 Camberwell Rd, SE5 0DP
• What: Manchester derby followed by the boxing
• Times: multiple times for tickets
• Ticket price: £5-£20
• Details and how to book: designmynight.com

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Ruiz Jr vs. Joshua II: where to watch in the UK

Grosvenor Casino Didsbury, Manchester

• Address: Wilmslow Road, Unit 7 Parswood Entertainment Centre, Manchester, M20 5PG
• Times: 7pm-11.30pm
• Ticket price: £10 entry to the exclusive viewing room plus a reserved seat; £5 entry to the exclusive viewing room standing section
• Details and how to book: eventbrite.co.uk

Victoria Gate Casino, Leeds

• Address: 26 Eastgate, Leeds, LS2 7JL
• Times: 9pm-12am
• Ticket price: £20 (includes guaranteed seat and one bottle of Budweiser)
• Details and how to book: eventbrite.co.uk

Liverpool Bierkeller, Liverpool

• Address: 6-8 Thomas Steers Way, Liverpool, L1 8LW
• Times: 7.30pm-11.30pm
• Ticket price: £20 (includes seat and two drinks)
• Details and how to book: eventbrite.co.uk

The Shack Bar & Grill, Manchester

• Address: 69 High Street, Manchester, M4 1FS
• What’s on: Man City vs. Man Utd will be shown at 5.30pm, followed by the boxing and a DJ until the early hours
• Times: 5pm-3am
• Ticket price: £11.01 for entry and reserved seat/table
• Details and how to book: eventbrite.com

MK11 Live Music Venue & Sports Bar, Milton Keynes

• Address: Kiln Farm, Milton Keynes, MK11 3LH
• Times: 8pm-11.30pm (last entry 10pm)
• Ticket price: £11.25
• Details and how to book: skiddle.com

Walkabout, Brighton

• Address: 79-81 West St, Brighton, BN1 2RA
• Times: must arrive by 9pm
• Ticket price: £6-£8
• Details and how to book: huskyevents.com

Tennis Court pub, Birmingham

• Address: Walsall Rd, Birmingham, B42 1TY
• Ticket price: free
• Details and how to book: facebook.com

The Fly Half, Edinburgh

• Address: 48-52 Constitution Street, Leith, Edinburgh
• Times: from 6pm
• Ticket price: free
• Details and how to book: facebook.com

The Globe Bar, Edinburgh

• Address: 13 Niddry Street, Edinburgh
• Contact information: oldtownpubco.com

Rendezvous Casino, Southend

• Address: Eastern Esplanade, Southend, Essex, SS1 2ZG
• Ticket price: free
• Details and how to book: rendezvouscasino.com

The Hangar, Wolverhampton

• Address: Pearson St, Wolverhampton, WV2 4HP
• Times: 8.30pm-1am
• Ticket price: £4
• Details and how to book: fatsoma.com

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Tyson Fury vs. Otto Wallin

• What: heavyweight boxing bout
• When: Saturday 14 September (Sunday for UK viewers)
• Where: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
• UK start time: around 5am (BST) on Sunday
• TV channel and live stream: BT Sport Box Office

Even though he is the overwhelming favourite to win this weekend’s fight Tyson Fury will not be underestimating Otto Wallin in Las Vegas.

“Gypsy King” Fury faces Wallin at the T-Mobile Arena in a bout that many are calling a “tune-up” ahead of a potential rematch against Deontay Wilder.

WBC champion Wilder has also mocked the choice of opponent, but British fighter Fury insists he has been training hard to fight Wallin. The Swede arrives in Vegas with an unbeaten record of 13 knockouts from 20 victories.

Former WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight champion Fury, who has 28 wins and one draw (against Wilder) from his 29 fights, said: “I don’t underestimate anybody. I give everybody the ultimate respect.

“Even if I’m fighting a guy that has had 20 fights and lost 20, I will train for him like he’s had 20 knockouts in a row. I never fail to prepare.

“I’ve trained hard for this fight, as hard as I trained for Wilder, as hard I’ve trained for anybody. I’ve not overlooked him.

“I’ve been in America for five weeks training, I was in Spain for two weeks before that and I was training at home for two weeks before that.”

Into the unknown

Fury admits that he does not know much about 28-year-old Wallin, but is confident of victory at the T-Mobile Arena.

He added: “Is Wallin knocking me out? Definitely not. I don’t know much about Otto and sometimes that is a good thing.

“Sometimes when you know a lot about an opponent it doesn’t turn me on fully, when it’s unknown it’s more exciting.

“I feel good, fit, have trained really hard, weight is perfect, injury free, sharp, rejuvenated. I feel ready for a good fight. I am as strong as I have ever been.”

Ready to cause an upset

Wallin arrives in Vegas with the pundits and bookies not giving him much hope. However, he is ready to “put it all on the line” against lineal heavyweight champion Fury.

“I come from a small place in Sweden and now I’m on the big stage,” he said. “I’ve dreamed of this and am willing to put it all on the line.

“I’m well schooled, I have good offence, defence and I think I have what it takes to cause an upset.”

TV, live stream and UK start time

Fury vs. Wallin will be shown live in the UK via BT Sport Box Office (£19.95). Coverage of the fight night begins at 2am (BST) on Sunday 15 September. BBC Sport and the Daily Mirror report that the main bout is expected to start at around 5am on Sunday.

Tale of the tape

Tyson Fury

• Nationality: British
• Age: 31
• Height: 6ft 9in
• Reach: 85in
• Stance: orthodox
• Record: 29 fights, 28 wins, 20 KOs, 1 draw, zero losses

Otto Wallin

• Nationality: Swedish
• Age: 28
• Height: 6ft 5in
• Reach: 78in
• Stance: southpaw
• Record: 20 fights, 20 wins, 13 KOs, zero draws, zero losses

Fury vs. Wallin predictions

Tom Kershaw, Independent

“Despite Wallin’s marketable resume, this fight is little more than a gimme for Fury, who boasts every possible advantage - size, power, technique - over his opponent. With an agreement in place for a money-spinning rematch against Deontay Wilder, there is barely even a faint prospect of an upset. Wallin has never been tested at elite level and Fury should, in truth, be able to close the show whenever he fancies. A stoppage inside the first six rounds should be expected unless he decides to play to the crowd.”

Fraser Coffeen, SB Nation Bloody Elbow

“This is mainly a showcase card, but the last time Fury fought a showcase fight, it was a massive and massively entertaining spectacle. I have no reason to believe this goes any other way. Prediction: Tyson Fury, KO R4.”

Dave Prentice, Daily Mirror

“Tyson Fury will win. Of course he will. But odds of 1/25 make him unbackable in that market. Much depends on how many rounds Fury wants to get under his belt.”

Tony Mogan, London Evening Standard

“An easy night’s work for Tyson Fury - a comfortable early stoppage.”

Monty Ogilvie, Scottish Area title contender, via British Boxing News

“I’ll say Fury by a wide decision - like 118-110. I think he will showboat and clown about a bit and maybe lose a round or two, but otherwise a dominant display.”

Ryan Clark, co-founder of BuyMyFight.com, via British Boxing News

“Fury will dance around for a few rounds to make it look a bit more competitive than it really is. Then up the tempo from about round 3-4 to show off his movement and reflexes, adding showboating to the mix. Round 7 the ref will step in as the fight becomes uncompetitive with Wallin throwing nothing back from too many Fury combination flurries. With that much detail, I suppose I’d better put a tenner on R7 now!”

Stephen Rodriguez, Oddschecker

“Fury will have his sights set on rematch with Wilder but has one man standing in his way. The Gypsy King should take care of business without any hiccups, but he’ll still need to get through the 12 rounds against the tough-chinned Wallin. Prediction: Tyson Fury wins by decision.”

Gareth Freeman, EasyOdds.com

“The unbeaten former WBA, WBO, IBO and IBF king likes to put on a show and isn’t the type to go hunting for an early finish, while Wallin looks to be a game contender and should be able to deal with any early combinations Fury manages to put together. However, as the fight progresses, the Swedish hopeful is likely to tire, and Fury’s opportunity to secure a stoppage will come and that chance may well come in rounds 7-9.”

Lewis Calvert, editor of Big Write Hook, via British Boxing News

“Tyson Fury vs. Otto Wallin is an absolute walk-over job for The Gypsy King and for his team to pick such an unknown and unproven opponent is almost disrespectful to boxing fans. It’s a mismatch of such staggering proportions it barely deserves a predictions article.”

Fury vs. Wallin: betting odds

Prices according to Oddschecker.

To win the fight

• Tyson Fury: 1/25
• Otto Wallin: 16/1
• Draw: 50/1

Method of victory

• Tyson Fury by KO, TKO or Disqualification: 1/3
• Tyson Fury by decision or technical decision: 3/1
• Otto Wallin by KO, TKO or disqualification: 22/1
• Otto Wallin by decision or technical decision: 40/1
• Draw or technical draw: 50/1

Will the fight go the distance?

• No: 1/3
• Yes: 14/5

JJ “KSI” Olatunji and Logan Paul will go head-to-head in the boxing ring again after it was announced that the YouTube rivals will turn professional for a rematch in Los Angeles.

Following the majority draw in the first fight in Manchester in August 2018 the duo will battle this time at LA’s Staples Center on 9 November.

The six-round rematch will be promoted by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and shown live on streaming service DAZN.

With nearly 40 million YouTube subscribers between them the duo’s rematch could attract more than the one million pay-per-view (PPV) sales that the first fight achieved.

“The first fight was the largest live PPV sports event in the history of the internet,” said Jeff Levin and Paolo Moreno, managers of Logan Paul.

“We are excited to be partnering with the best brands in combat sports in Matchroom Boxing USA and DAZN for the rematch.”

‘This event will be huge’

Hearn, who is Anthony Joshua’s promoter, had called the first fight in Manchester “embarrassing”.

He said: “Thirteen months ago when the first fight took place I smirked and pondered how embarrassing it would be to stage this event in a 20,000-seater arena.

“What I saw was a phenomenon; a sold out arena, over one million PPV buys but more importantly an energy of a new audience to the sport of boxing.

“When I was asked to be involved in the rematch it got me excited but I had some requests to help integrate the two audiences. I requested that both fighters turn professional and undergo the same medicals that any other fighter would. I asked that the fighters lose the headguards and use 10oz gloves, if we are going to do this then let’s do it properly.

“This event will be huge, a world championship card beneath an event that will create a hype for boxing not seen in the US for a long time. Staples Center will be sold out and a new audience will join our great sport.”

It’s widely reported that world champion Billy Joe Saunders will make his return to the ring on the undercard.

There’s no doubt that the YouTubers have a huge commercial appeal but is the professional status of the rookies an insult to boxers around the world?

We look at what the fighters, pundits and fans had to say…

What the YouTubers say

KSI, British YouTuber

“Finally, after over a year since our rematch, I get to enter the ring once again to fight Logan Paul. If I’m being honest, I didn’t fight well at all in the first fight, and even then, I still managed to draw against him. This time I won’t make it so close, especially now that it’s a pro fight, no head guards and 10oz gloves hahahaha, the time to end him is nearing. I can’t wait to see the memes of him slumped on the ground after I’ve repeatedly beaten the life out of him. He’s facing a different animal this time. He will soon realise.”

Logan Paul, American YouTuber

“I’m excited to ruin JJs face and I want to thank DAZN for giving me the platform to do so. Last fight, KSI couldn’t beat me with only three months of training under my belt. For the past year, while JJ has been wasting his time trying to become a rapper, I’ve been training every single day. I’m finally getting what I wanted from the beginning - no headgear, 10oz gloves, and the opportunity to dismantle JJ’s repugnant face in Los Angeles, my home city. After November 9, the embarrassment of losing will eat away at KSI’s ego for the next decade; he will be afraid to show face in America. This time, I won’t leave it up to the judges.”

Reactions from pundits

Patrick Redford, DeadSpin

“What’s up YouTubers, welcome back to Da Zone, the exclusive home of Canelo Alvarez, but somehow also the exclusive home of a deeply embarrassing fake boxing match.”

Ryan Garcia, American boxer

“Some of you mad about the Logan Paul v KSI fight don’t understand that no matter what they will bring a new set of eyeballs to boxing and if just 10% stay boxing fans then that just benefits boxing tremendously.”

Mookie Alexander, SB Nation Bloody Elbow KSI vs. Logan Paul boxing rematch lands on DAZN, fight sanctioned as professional bout

“Nope, that headline is not made up. Several legitimate, world-class fighters will be the supporting cast for the YouTube Boxing Championship of the World [or whatever the hell it’s called]. It also means that we, as combat sports media, are basically obligated to cover this show.”

Rory Robinson, Middle Easy

“Regardless of the level of the two competitors, they obviously know how to draw attendance and money. Two things that promoters love.”

What boxing fans say

Andy Ruiz Jr is the new IBF, WBO, IBO and WBA world heavyweight boxing champion after producing a massive shock victory over Anthony Joshua in New York.

The Mexican challenger floored the previously-unbeaten Briton four times at Madison Square Garden before claiming the win with a seventh-round stoppage.

Ruiz Jr only got the opportunity to face Joshua after Jarrell Miller’s failed drugs tests and was a massive underdog going into the fight.

However, in this week’s press conference the 29-year-old said he could cause a shock and that’s exactly what he did.

Ruiz Jr, who was also sent to the canvas in round three, said: “I just feel so good, man. This is what I have been dreaming about. This is what I have been working hard for. I can’t believe I just made my dreams come true.

“It’s because of the Mexican warrior I am. I have that Mexican blood in me. Talking about the Mexican fighting style, I just proved it.”

Joshua: I shall return

British star Joshua went into his US debut as the overwhelming bookies’ favourite to retain his titles and much of the talk pre-fight was about potential showdowns with Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury.

Now the 29-year-old Joshua must focus on a rematch with Ruiz Jr. He has vowed to bounce back after his New York shock loss.

Joshua told Sky Sports Box Office: “I train hard, I stay dedicated and just got beat by a good fighter tonight. It will be interesting to see how far he goes, so good luck to him, but I’ve got to bounce back. This is all part of the story and the journey.

“I’ve got to get that solid armoury. This is the risk we take, but we’ll bounce back. He’s the champ for now. Just put that in mind, he’s the champ for now. I shall return.”

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn said a rematch will be planned later this year in the UK. The Matchroom Sport boss said: “This will devastate him. He will come back. It’s now down to the rematch and winning that fight. To get back to the heights he has been, he must win that rematch.

“AJ will be back 100%. We’ll make the rematch in the UK, November, December, but tonight belongs to Andy Ruiz. He made history. It was a massive heavyweight shock tonight.”

Wilder and Fury have their say

Joshua’s heavyweight rivals Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury both tweeted after Ruiz Jr’s victory in New York - and their messages could not have been more different.

In a scathing attack, WBC champion Wilder said: “He wasn’t a true champion. His whole career was consisted of lies, contradictions and gifts. Facts and now we know who was running from who!”

Fury urged his British rival to “rest up” and “recover”, he said: “We have our back and Forth’s but @anthonyfjoshua changed his stars through life. heavyweight boxing, these things happen, rest up, recover, regroup and come again.”

‘A broken man’: how pundits and press reacted

The Mexican’s win against Joshua goes down as one of the biggest shocks in boxing history.

BBC Sport’s Luke Reddy said: “Ruiz, from appearance to pedigree, was an underdog in every sense of the word. When Britons wake up on Sunday morning, they will read of a truly iconic upset.”

Here’s how the boxing writers and pundits reacted.

James Dielhenn, Sky Sports: “Joshua was floored four times and beaten in seven stunning rounds in a result to rival any surprise in the sport’s illustrious history. The shock harks back to Mike Tyson’s infamous loss to the unfancied Buster Douglas in 1990, or Lennox Lewis’ defeats to Oliver McCall and Hasim Rahman.”

Steve Bunce, BBC Radio 5 Live boxing pundit: “Anthony Joshua was a broken man in that seventh round. He spat his gum shield out and went back to the ropes. The referee had no option but to stop the fight. Anthony Joshua is not going to be able to get away with saying ‘what a great fight that was - everyone was entertained’. That is not good enough.”

Mike Costello, BBC Sport boxing correspondent: “Anthony Joshua looked vacant in the ring after the fight.”

Gareth A Davies, The Daily Telegraph: “They will compare this to the night in 1990 when the unfavoured Buster Douglas knocked out then-undefeated Mike Tyson in the Tokyo Dome. Tyson recovered from it; now the 29-year-old Briton must haul his broken spirit and body up from the canvas and do the same. Boxing is an unforgiving sport at the best of times. Now is the time that we will really find out where the championship material exists inside the body and soul of the champion they said could become the undisputed one.”

Bryan Armen Graham, The Guardian: “This was no fluke. No lucky one-punch knockout that can be explained away by a silver-tongued promoter. Joshua was outboxed, out-toughed and beaten up on a night that turned boxing’s bellwether weight class on its ear.”

Jeff Powell, Daily Mail: “Anthony Joshua fell crumbling victim to one of the most astonishing upsets in heavyweight boxing history. The Mexican who was supposed to be battered stripped Britain’s golden Olympian of his four world titles. Andy Ruiz Jnr became the first heavyweight from his country to win the world heavyweight title. And he turned boxing’s past and future on its head.��

Dan Rafael, ESPN: “Sold-out Madison Square Garden was packed with 20,201, including many of Joshua’s British countrymen who had made the trip across the pond expecting to see him smoke Ruiz. But it became Joshua’s waterloo and crushed the chance of an undisputed championship fight between Joshua and Deontay Wilder that so many have wanted for so long.”

Tom Gray, The Ring: “A final word must go to the new unified heavyweight titleholder, Andy Ruiz Jr. As he stood proudly listening to the Mexican national anthem, Ruiz was heckled by hordes of idiots around the ringside area over his body shape. ‘You fat bastard!’ they cried in unison. ‘Get your tits out for the lads!’ they sang. Not one of them would dare say any of that to Ruiz’s face, but it’s easy to be brave when you’re several feet out of punching range. One wonders how those individuals feel now.”

Anthony Joshua vs. Andy Ruiz Jr

• What: WBA Super, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight boxing title fight
• Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, USA
• Fight start time: between 3am and 4am (BST) on Sunday 2 June
• TV channel: Sky Sports Box Office
• Radio coverage: BBC Radio 5 Live

Anthony Joshua makes his US debut this weekend with a title fight against Andy Ruiz Jr at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York.

British boxer Joshua is the reigning WBA Super, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight champion and he puts his belts on the line against Ruiz Jr.

Joshua last fought in September 2018 and he was meant to face American Jarrell Miller in New York. However, Miller was ruled out after failing drugs tests in April and Ruiz Jr stepped in as the challenger.

In his 33-fight career Mexican Ruiz Jr has lost only once, that was to Joseph Parker by majority decision in 2016. Undefeated Joshua has a 100% winning record from his 22 fights, with 21 coming by knockout.

Also on the bill in New York is a WBC, IBF, WBA, WBO lightweight title fight between Katie Taylor and Delfine Persoon.

What the fighters had to say

Anthony Joshua

“It’s not about what you look like, it’s a craft, a skill, and what’s in your heart and your head matters in the end. Andy has shown he has all that, he can fight and box, that’s what matters. I think Andy is a great challenger.

“All I’ve heard is ‘AJ will smash him in a round’. From the outside they think that anyone can box, so how is the guy that doesn’t look like a fighter able to box? I always say that if you put ten bodybuilders in the ring, not one of them could fight for a regional title in boxing.

“Ruiz doesn’t weigh as much, he is a lot quicker than Miller and I think he uses punch variety and punch selection a lot better than Miller does. His punch output is a lot lower but he is more accurate with his punches. I have to be better with my defence, a lot tighter and be smarter against someone like Ruiz.”

Andy Ruiz Jr

“A lot of people underestimate me, like I said, the way I look, my appearance, but as soon as they see me throw punches, I’m going to pull out the upset. This is what I have worked for my whole life, I’m here to take what Anthony has. I’m ready to shock the world.

“People will see what I can do. It’s going to be an all action fight, with two big guys punching each other in the face, hard. I’m in this to win it. Everyone else that has fought him has lost before they get in there, I’m not thinking like that, and that’s the difference.

“The most important thing is to win and prove to the fans that I belong at this elite level. I’m not going to chase the KO but I know that it’s there if I execute my combinations. I’m feeling good and ready, AJ hasn’t boxed for nine months and I’m sharper than ever and very motivated.”

Joshua vs. Ruiz Jr: tale of the tape

Anthony Joshua

• Nickname: AJ
• Age: 29
• Nationality: British
• Record: 22 fights, 22 wins, 21 KOs, 0 losses
• Stance: orthodox
• Height: 6ft 6in
• Reach: 82in

Andy Ruiz Jr

• Nickname: The Destroyer
• Age: 29
• Nationality: Mexican
• Record: 33 fights, 32 wins, 21 KOs, 1 loss
• Stance: orthodox
• Height: 6ft 2in
• Reach: 74in

UK start time, TV and radio details

TV and radio coverage

The New York fight night will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports Box Office (£19.95). The event broadcast begins at 10pm (BST) on Saturday 1 June for UK viewers.

BBC Radio 5 live will broadcast the title bout with coverage starting at 2am on Sunday.

What time will Joshua vs. Ruiz Jr start for UK viewers?

With time difference between the US and UK the title fight will happen in the early hours of Sunday 2 June for viewers in Britain. Timings will depend on the undercard bouts in New York.

The BBC and the Daily Star report that Joshua vs. Ruiz Jr is expected to begin at around 3am (BST). The Sun and The Daily Telegraph predict a 4am UK start time.

Predictions

Independent

“Don’t underestimate Ruiz just because of how he looks. He is a very good fighter with blistering hand speed and if he can put some combinations together, could trouble Joshua. That said, it’s yet to be seen if he can take the sort of power that the Brit possesses. Joshua to win inside six.”

Racing Post

“WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder laid down a marker on 18 May with a stunning first-round KO of Dominic Breazeale - it took Joshua seven rounds two years ago. Wilder will be ringside, and AJ will be determined to prove a point of his own on his US debut. Ruiz is not on his level, and he could be overwhelmed. It would be a surprise if he makes it past the middle rounds.”

London Evening Standard

“Joshua would have been eager to put on a devastating show on his US debut regardless, but Wilder’s brutal KO of Breazeale may have upped the ante. The Briton joked before that fight: ‘Breazeale is tough, took me seven rounds. I hope Wilder does it in nine, so I can be like: Hey, I done it earlier.’ He’ll be determined to deliver his own swift finish at MSG. Joshua to win via KO inside three rounds.”

The Daily Telegraph

“Joshua to win via a spectacular knockout before the eighth, to get everyone chattering about a possible fight with Wilder.”

Robbie Davies Jr, European and British super-lightweight champion, speaking to British Boxing News

“For a late replacement, this is the sort of level, I think, outside of the top guys at heavyweight. Ruiz is a good replacement at short notice. He has good boxing ability and will win a lot of hooks against Joshua, which can be unorthodox at times. I just think AJ’s sheer size, athleticism and punching power will be too much for Ruiz, with the fight finishing before six.”

The Stats Zone

“Ruiz is dangerous and has the power to cause Joshua problems but to keep his stock intact for the fans, Joshua needs to avoid any damage and pull off a devastating knockout. That is exactly what we expect at Madison Square Garden. Prediction: Joshua via KO/TKO.”

Betting odds

Prices according to Oddschecker, as of 31 May.

To win the fight

• Anthony Joshua: 1/20
• Andy Ruiz Jr: 12/1
• Draw: 40/1

Method of victory

• Joshua by KO TKO or Disqualification: 2/9
• Joshua by Decision or Technical Decision: 9/2
• Ruiz Jr by KO TKO or Disqualification: 25/1
• Ruiz Jr by Decision or Technical Decision: 33/1
• Draw or Technical Draw: 40/1

Deontay Wilder “can’t wait” to one day face Anthony Joshua in a world title fight to decide who is the undisputed heavyweight champion.

The American, 33, is the current WBC champion while Britain’s Joshua holds the IBF, WBA and WBO titles. But before any undisputed clash Wilder and Joshua have to win their next bouts, which will both be held in New York.

It was confirmed on Tuesday that “Bronze Bomber” Wilder will defend his WBC title against Dominic Breazeale on 18 May at the Barclays Center and last month it was announced that Joshua will make his US debut when he fights Jarrell Miller on 1 June at Madison Square Garden.

The BBC reports that the Wilder-Breazeale fight was ordered by the WBC after Tyson Fury opted against a rematch against Wilder.

Unbeaten with 39 knockouts and one draw from his 41-fight career, Wilder was in confident mood at the press conference with Breazeale on Tuesday. He said: “I hold the keys in the division. I will knock this fool out.”

Breazeale, 33, has only lost once in his 21-fight career - a seventh-round knockout by Joshua in 2016.

Fresh hope

Sky Sports says that despite negotiations stalling between the Wilder and Joshua camps, there is fresh hope that the duo will be victorious in their title defences and can arrange a heavyweight mega-fight.

Joshua is keen to face Wilder and the American said: “Oh man, I can’t wait for him either. I feel the same way about him [that I do Breazeale]. Four months of negotiations and they knew they didn’t want the fight. Stop. What more do I have to do for people?

“I’ve tried to show people and I’ll continue to still prove that I am the best. I’ll continue to give people the fights that they want to see. But they got to be in cooperation with my team as well too.

“Because fighters, I understand, they have choices. They have a choice to make whether to get in there with the man, the myth and the legend.

“I am that man that can knock you out, at any given time, any given round, any given minute, any given second.”

‘Wilder does not want to fight Joshua’

Barry Hearn, the head of Joshua’s promoters Matchroom Sport, says that Wilder does not want to fight the British star.

The Daily Mail reports that Wilder rejected a lucrative $100m (£75.8m) TV deal from DAZN which would have included two unification fights against Joshua. However, Wilder decided to stay with US TV company Showtime.

“Wilder rejecting this deal shows what he is thinking,” said Hearn. “Luckily the boxing fans today are smart enough to see that he doesn’t want to get in the ring with Anthony Joshua.

“Nobody does and that’s the problem. He can say anything he wants but it’s obvious to everyone now that this is not coming from our side. Wilder has signed up with Showtime and that makes this fight so much harder to make.”

Hearn added: “We made this offer to try and make it easier but there you go. It’s a shame because Eddie [Hearn] has been pushing so hard to make the Wilder-Joshua fight but it just isn’t there.

“Wilder has been offered $100m but he thinks he can earn good money fighting lesser opponents and then build up the purse to fight Joshua later down the line.

“Fury is the same, he doesn’t want to know. We made him an offer and he turned us down. Neither of them actually want to fight Joshua.”

The World Boxing Council (WBC) has confirmed that a rematch between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury is off for the time being.

American WBC champion Wilder and British challenger Fury fought out a draw in Los Angeles in December and it had been expected they would return to the ring.

However, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said that Fury will now take on another bout before the potential rematch.

In a statement Sulaiman said: “Bronze Bomber vs Tyson Fury is officially not happening next. While WBC champion Wilder confirmed his willingness to fight the rematch, Fury will take on another fight with expectations to do the rematch at a later date.

“It feels like someone let all the air out of the balloon. We are at great moment in the heavyweight division and there was a lot of excitement for this rematch, and we lost a couple of months waiting to get this done.

“I will go to the WBC board and discuss it. The position from Wilder was to officially seek the rematch through the WBC mandate. So we’ll look at this and make a determination quickly.”

Sulaiman remains “confident” that part two between Wilder and Fury will take place, the BBC reports, while Fury’s promoter Frank Warren hopes that a rematch could be held in September or October.

TalkSPORT reports that Fury has recently signed a lucrative deal with Top Rank which sees ESPN become the exclusive broadcaster of his fights in the United States.

Warren says that Fury will now have an “exposure” fight in the US. He said: “It’s not our doing. ESPN and Top Rank are insisting that they want to give Tyson an exposure fight in the US first, and then go to this fight [against Wilder] afterwards.

“It’s unfortunate, but I’m hoping we get this fight on in September or October. Fingers crossed. I’m hoping that this Wilder fight does go on. I’m very disappointed that we’re not going straight to it but it’s beyond our control.”

Anthony Joshua vs. Jarrell Miller

• What: WBA Super, IBF, WBO and IBO world title fight
• When: Saturday 1 June 2019
• Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, USA
• TV channel: live in the UK on Sky Sports Box Office

Jarrell Miller has once again stoked the fires ahead of the title clash against Anthony Joshua by accusing Britain’s heavyweight boxing champion of taking steroids.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday in London ahead of the 1 June bout in New York, American challenger Miller said, with no evidence, that Joshua had used performance-enhancing drugs.

Miller was suspended from fighting sports for nine months in 2014 after testing positive for the banned substance dimethylamylamine. The 30-year-old is clean as a boxer, The Guardian reports, but he believes Joshua has not always been.

The unbeaten New Yorker said: “I study every opponent. My dad was a bodybuilder growing up; you can see it. I look at someone and I say, he’s on steroids. Anybody who comes out of the amateurs at 220lbs and then is 240lbs in a year, there’s something wrong with that picture.

“There’s no way you’re going to put on 20lbs of muscle within a year without taking some kind of supplement. It’s impossible. I know bodybuilders train all year round, non-stop, and don’t put on that amount of muscle.

“Now, if you look at his [Joshua’s] stature, while he’s staying at this higher level, his physique has kinda shrunk.

“We’ve both got contracts in place where we’re protected and the proper testing is going to be taking place, but it’s written clear as day.”

In response Joshua said: “Jarrell has been banned for drugs, so maybe that’s why he’s saying it.

“That’s a compliment because, if I was, I would not even be able to fit in this shirt. I dedicate myself to training, which you can see. I have applied myself properly and they are the results. I have been training since I was 18, so that’s 11 years.

“It’s not the first time this has happened, Wladimir Klitschko was accused of it. So, many fighters will be accused. But I get tested and, if, in the next ten years, something was to come up then it would be a genuine mistake because I do not shove needles up my arse.”

Anthony Joshua vs. Jarrell Miller

• What: WBA Super, IBF, WBO and IBO world title fight
• When: Saturday 1 June 2019
• Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, USA
• TV channel: live in the UK on Sky Sports Box Office

The gloves are officially off and it’s Jarrell Miller who has started the verbal sparring ahead of the world title fight against Anthony Joshua.

“Big Baby” Miller will challenge Joshua for his world heavyweight titles on 1 June and the American has warned the British star to expect a “rude awakening” at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph the unbeaten Brooklyn boxer said: “He’s a privileged spoiled brat and I’m from the grit of the street, I was born for this.

“Everything I’ve got, I’ve earned. Nothing has been given to me like it was for him in the Olympics. Like I said before, he’s fighting a different animal.

“I’m 300 pounds of lean, mean, fighting machine. It’s Big Baby versus ‘G-String’ Joshua. He’ll get his knickers in a twist when I go at him.

“He’s definitely underestimating me a bit, because I wasn’t his first choice to fight. He didn’t want to come over with the money to fight me, but the [DAZN] network and [promoter] Eddie Hearn made it happen.

“He was kind of shocked by it. He’s never been in with nobody like me before. It’s hard to find sparring partners for me. A 300-pound guy that uses his body and throws as many punches as I do. It’s going to be impossible. When it comes to 1 June, it’ll be a rude awakening.”

Joshua vs. Miller: head to head

Anthony Joshua vs. Jarrell Miller

• What: WBA Super, IBF, WBO and IBO world title fight
• When: Saturday 1 June 2019
• Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, USA
• TV channel: live in the UK on Sky Sports Box Office

British boxing star Anthony Joshua will make his US debut on 1 June after it was confirmed he will defend his world titles against Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller in New York City.

Reigning WBA Super, IBF, WBO and IBO world champion Joshua will fight Miller at Madison Square Garden and he has vowed to put on a show for boxing fans in America.

The unbeaten 29-year-old said: “I am heading to The Big Apple and I plan to embrace the culture and leave with an appetite for more.

“It has been an honour and a blessing to fight at some of the best venues in the world at home in the UK, not least Wembley Stadium. But the time has come to head across the Atlantic and defend my heavyweight titles in the USA.

“I am looking forward to taking on another challenge with a good boxer and a brilliant talker, it will be an exciting fight. I will leave nothing to chance and plan on dismantling Miller in style to make my mark.”

Miller, a native New Yorker from Brooklyn, is also unbeaten and has 20 knockouts from his 24-fight career. The 30-year-old has warned Joshua he will regret taking him on in his hometown.

“AJ is making a huge mistake coming over here to fight me in my own backyard,” said Miller. “He wants to announce himself on the American stage but all he’s doing is delivering me those belts by hand.

“It’s dog eat dog in the ring and this dog has got a bigger bite, he’ll be leaving New York empty-handed. This is the fight that I’ve been chasing all my life and on 1 June I’m going to achieve the thing I was born to do and win the heavyweight championship of the world.

“That punk AJ is standing in the way of my dreams and on 1 June he’s getting run the hell over.”

Joshua vs. Miller: head to head

Anthony Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed that the British boxer’s April date at Wembley Stadium is “unlikely” to happen and that the world champion could now fight Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller in New York in June.

In July last year it was announced that WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight champion Joshua and his team had booked Wembley for two fights - the September bout against Alexander Povetkin and another title clash planned for 13 April 2019.

Hearn has been working on lining up an April opponent for Joshua, with Miller, WBC champion Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury and Dillian Whyte all mentioned.

However, with Wilder and Fury expected to have a rematch following their draw in December, the options now for Joshua could be a fight against Whyte in the UK or against American Miller in June at Madison Square Garden.

Should Joshua fight Miller in New York it would be a US debut for the 29-year-old from Watford. While a rematch against Whyte would be in the UK nearer the summer, but not at Wembley says the BBC.

Speaking to IFL TV, Matchroom Sport boss Hearn said: “The main thing is it looks like 13 April is unlikely.

“I think Dillian thinks, for a fight like that, he’d want a bit more time. So, if we do the Whyte fight, I think we move it to May or June anyway.

“But the Jarrell Miller fight is very close for June at Madison Square Garden.”

New Yorker Miller, 30, has fought 24 times in his career and has recorded 23 wins and one draw. Joshua has 22 wins from his 22 fights, 21 by knockout.

Anthony Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn believes Deontay Wilder and his team have “made their mind up” and don’t want to arrange a super-fight.

British boxer Joshua - the WBA ‘super’, IBF and WBO champion - has booked Wembley Stadium for 13 April but his next opponent is yet to be confirmed.

Joshua wants to face WBC belt holder Wilder to decide the heavyweight division’s undisputed champion, but Hearn says the American won’t return his calls.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Matchroom Sport boss Hearn said: “We can’t get any response at all from their team. In the last four or five weeks, I’ve sent five or six emails to Shelly Finkel [Wilder’s promoter]. They won’t even have the decency to come back.

“I think they’ve made their mind up - they don’t want to fight Anthony Joshua. It’s frustrating because I think we’re in a place where it’s a really great deal.

“Wilder has always said ‘one face, one name, one champion’, but the deal we’ve offered is more than a fair split for Wilder. And it’s two fights - one in the UK and one in the US.

“But he’s not even entertaining that fight. Wilder won’t even answer the phone, so that’s well out the window.”

With a bout against Wilder looking unlikely, Hearn confirmed that Dillian Whyte, Tyson Fury and Jarrell Miller are all still possible next opponents for Joshua.

Sky Sports reports that Hearn is hoping to make an announcement in the next week.

Arum: Joshua desperately needs US fight

Bob Arum, the legendary boxing promoter, has urged Anthony Joshua to fight in the United States.

Saying that fights against “no-hopers” in the UK have “damaged” Joshua’s credibility, 87-year-old Arum told BBC Sport: “In the US if you ask people who the number one heavyweight is, I think many people will say Tyson Fury. He [Joshua] needs really desperately to come to fight in the United States.

“And I say that not because I’m an American, I say that because, economically, the US market is still the most important, because the pay-per-view in the United States has the potential of 200 million, 150 million homes.”

British boxing star Anthony Joshua has Wembley Stadium booked for Saturday 13 April but it’s still very unclear on who will be his next opponent.

Could Joshua - the IBF, WBA Super, WBO and IBO belt holder - face WBC king Deontay Wilder in a bout to crown the undisputed champion of the heavyweight division?

Or will it be against British rivals Tyson Fury or Dillian Whyte? American Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller is also on a shortlist, says Sky Sports.

With time ticking until the Wembley date promoter Eddie Hearn has now set a ten-day deadline on finding Joshua’s next opponent. Wilder has always been Joshua’s No.1 preference, the Daily Mail reports, but talks with the Bronze Bomber have again broken down.

Matchroom Sport boss Hearn told Sky Sports News that with Wilder going quiet it is more likely that Joshua could face Fury in an-all British super-fight at Wembley in April.

Hearn said: “Well, to say Deontay Wilder’s camp has gone quiet, that’s saying it lightly. Probably up to six unanswered emails now. In fact, I sent one a couple of days ago, saying I just want to check these haven’t gone into your Spam items.

“It is frustrating because you walk out there on the street ‘When’s he going to fight Deontay Wilder?’ It’s like, whenever they want it, but sometimes the public want to believe a fighter on Instagram all day.

“If they wanted the fight, they would talk to me. They’re not even talking to us. We’ve made offers, we’ve made percentage splits. Everything we can do, to try and make that fight.

“I think right now, there’s more chance of fighting Tyson Fury. There’s a man that knows he can have this fight, if he wants it. I’ve spoken to him. He knows if he wants to fight Joshua, it can happen 13 April.”

Anthony Joshua has called out Deontay Wilder and said he wants to fight the American at Wembley Stadium in April next year.

British boxer Joshua is the WBA, WBO and IBF champion while 33-year-old Wilder is the WBC belt holder. A super-bout between the unbeaten rivals would decide who is the undisputed champion of the heavyweight division.

“Bronze Bomber” Wilder drew with Tyson Fury earlier this month and a rematch remains a possibility. However, Joshua is clear on who he wants next.

Joshua, 29, told ESPN’s First Take: “He [Wilder] is saying I won’t fight him but, as I’ve said, I’m willing to fight Deontay Wilder on 13 April in London, so I don’t know what more I have to do to get that message across.

“He’s more interested in fighting Tyson Fury. Fury holds no world titles. I’ve booked the date in advance, booked the venue in advance. I want to make my point clear in front of everyone - I’m willing to fight any one of these guys, especially the champion Deontay Wilder.

“I’m the one leading the pack since I made my debut. Five years in, several title defences and I’m running the game. I mean business. I don’t know what more I need to do to get that message across to the world.

“I can handle my business and I’m willing to do that in the ring.”

WBC champion Deontay Wilder says that Anthony Joshua and the British boxer’s promoters are “begging” him to agree to a world heavyweight unification fight.

Wilder retained his belt earlier this month after his bout against Tyson Fury was declared a split-decision draw. It was then reported by the BBC on 7 December that the WBC had sanctioned a direct rematch.

While both Wilder and Fury have spoken about a possible second fight, Joshua’s promoters Matchroom Sport have booked Wembley Stadium for the Brit’s first fight in 2019 on Saturday 13 April.

Speaking on Joe Rogan’s podcast about a possible unification against IBF, WBO and WBA champion Joshua, “Bronze Bomber” Wilder said: “They’re definitely begging now. His management have been trying to reach out to mine all of a sudden.

“He could have had this opportunity, he had many opportunities; he could have fought Luis Ortiz, he could have fought me, he had a chance to fight [Tyson] Fury.

“But people want to know who’s the best, especially after seeing this Fury fight, and I’ve been trying to show people who is the best. I’m always going to say I’m the best until I’m defeated.”

‘He’s got to fight Joshua’

Matchroom Sport managing director Eddie Hearn says that Wilder is the “absolute first and golden choice” for Joshua and he has urged the American to focus on the unification rather than the rematch against Fury.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Hearn said: “If Wilder wants to be undisputed - he’s always gone on in his career about one face, one name, one king of the division - the only way you can do that is to win the belts.

“Anthony Joshua has 75% of the belts, but we want that 25%. If he [Wilder] does want to create a legacy, he’s got to fight Joshua, then he can fight Fury. But he may go straight into the Fury fight.

“These next couple of weeks are going to be very interesting. It’s great times in the heavyweight division, anything can happen.”

British boxer Tyson Fury watched on as Manchester United drew 2-2 with Arsenal last night and he revealed that he wants a rematch against Deontay Wilder to be held at Old Trafford next summer.

Fury and Wilder’s WBC heavyweight title clash ended in a controversial draw in Los Angeles last weekend and both fighters have since said they want a second bout.

Despite being knocked down twice by the American in LA, many pundits and boxing fans believed that Fury won the title fight against the “Bronze Bomber”.

While plans for a rematch are yet to be confirmed the “Gypsy King” has told his promoter Frank Warren that he wants the fight at the “Theatre of Dreams”.

Speaking to BT Sport during half-time of the Premier League clash last night, United fan Fury said: “I said to Frank Warren, he said ‘Arsenal’ but I said ‘No, let’s have it at Old Trafford!’ Hopefully we can have it here in the summer.”

Discussing the draw against Wilder the 30-year-old added: “I’m not going to go on about it forever, life goes on. I got robbed blind in America and the world knows it. But I’m going to go on - continue to the next fight. I don’t like draws - I only like wins.”

United’s Old Trafford stadium has a capacity of 74,994 and has held boxing before. In October 1993 Chris Eubank drew with Nigel Benn in a super-middleweight unification clash in front of more than 42,000 fans, the Manchester Evening News reports.

WBC champion Deontay Wilder “can’t wait” to face Tyson Fury in a rematch after the first bout between the heavyweight duo ended in a controversial draw.

Last Sunday’s title fight in Los Angeles saw American Wilder knock Fury down twice during the 12 rounds. But many boxing pundits and fans believed that British fighter Fury should have won the contest on points.

Wilder retained his WBC belt after the three judges at ringside called it a split decision draw. Mexico’s Alejandro Rochin scored it 115-111 to Wilder, Canada’s Robert Tapper gave it to Fury 114-112 and Phil Edwards of the United Kingdom scored it 113-113.

Quoted by the BBC, “Bronze Bomber” Wilder said of a potential rematch: “You saw the best Fury but you did not get the best Wilder and I still managed to get the job done. At the end of the day, boxing wins. The fans are the real winner and I can’t wait for Wilder Fury 2 to end the controversial talk around the world once and for all.”

But speaking after the draw in LA Fury said that Wilder will try to avoid a rematch. The “Gypsy King” said: “I’ve got a funny feeling he’s going to get his running shoes out and stay away from me.”

It could be a classic

Sunday’s fight will go down as one of the best heavyweight contests in years but ESPN’s Nick Parkinson believes a Wilder vs. Fury rematch could be a classic.

“Some of boxing’s biggest ever fights have been world heavyweight title rematches and both Wilder and Fury will earn more from their sequel with more people tuning in on pay-per-view television around the world,” said Parkinson.

“Wilder-Fury II will be bigger than last weekend’s clash, just as most rematches are, but not many live up to expectations and go down in history for the right reasons.

“Can both Wilder and Fury improve again to feature in an era-defining rematch better than [Sunday’s] encounter which goes down in history alongside the likes of other significant sequels like Tunney-Dempsey, Louis-Schmeling, Ali-Frazier and Lewis-Holyfield?”

The AJ factor

While there’s a lot of talk about a Wilder-Fury rematch there is another British heavyweight waiting in the wings: Anthony Joshua.

According to Wilder’s co-manager Shelly Finkel the American fighter is also open to a blockbuster title clash with WBA ‘super’, IBF and WBO champion Joshua. But only as long as details of negotiations with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing are kept private.

Speaking to Sky Sports about a possible unification bout for all the belts, Finkel said: “We’re very interested in the fight. If he wants to be professional and keep it in a private discussion, I’m open to it. If everything is in the paper, I have no desire to discuss anything, and let him go fight who he wants.”

Joshua’s promoter Hearn added: “Let’s see what happens.”

Meanwhile, British star Joshua says he would fight either Wilder or Fury in 2019. It was announced earlier this year that Wembley Stadium has been booked for Saturday 13 April but no opponent has been confirmed.

In response to the Sky Sports story about Wilder being “very interested” in a fight, Joshua replied on Twitter: “What took this fool so long? Like we ain’t been interested?!!”

Tyson Fury’s bid to become the WBC world heavyweight champion ended in controversy after Deontay Wilder retained the belt following a split decision draw.

In a pulsating bout at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles British fighter Fury produced a magnificent performance but was knocked down twice - once in the ninth round and again in the 12th.

However, despite the two knockdowns many pundits and fans believed Fury won the fight against the American. After 12 rounds the decision went to the judges with Mexico’s Alejandro Rochin scoring it 115-111 to Wilder, Canada’s Robert Tapper giving it to Fury 114-112 and Phil Edwards of the United Kingdom scoring it a 113-113 draw.

“Wow! How controversial,” said the BBC’s live blog while The Guardian added: “Let the inquest begin.”

USA Today’s Martin Rogers said it was “scandalous judging” and “a huge black eye for boxing”.

Fighters set for a rematch?

A potential super-fight against Anthony Joshua awaited the winner of the Wilder vs. Fury clash but after the draw a rematch is the likely next step for the still unbeaten duo.

Speaking after retaining the WBC belt, Wilder said: “With the two knockdowns I definitely won the fight. I don’t think he had control. I wasn’t hurt. I did not sit still, I was too hesitant, I started overthrowing the right hand. I was forcing my punches too much.

“I don’t know if it [a rematch] will be my next fight but would love it to be. We need to do it again.”

Fighting for only the third time after his long spell away from the sport, Fury believed he was the victor. “We’re on away soil, I got knocked down but I still believe I won the fight,” he said. “I’m showing total professionalism. Thank you for the opportunity D, God bless you. The Gypsy King has returned. God bless America.

“I’m a professional athlete who loves to fight. He is a fearsome fighter. The world knows the truth. Thank you to every fan around the world.

“That is the second best heavyweight apart from me. We are both going home to our family safe. I’ve been away from my family for ten weeks and just want to spend some time with them over Christmas. One hundred per cent we will do the rematch. We’re the best two heavyweights in the planet.

“There is another heavyweight who is a chicken. [Anthony] Joshua where are you?”

Unfinished business

Speaking to BT Sport Box Office, promoter Frank Warren said he thought Fury had won the fight by three rounds. “When you think of what he has come from to be here. It is the art of hitting and not getting hit,” said Warren.

“I didn’t think he was going to get up [in the 12th] but at the end of the round he was pushing him back. It is a draw but everyone knows he won it and we will want to do a rematch. How could a fight like this not be a rematch? It is unfinished business. He won that. He won that fight and everyone knows it.

“In Britain that is an 80,000 job. Vegas will be drooling for this. When was the last time you saw a great fight in USA. Tyson and Deontay have livened up this decision. The best fought the best but it was not the best decision.”

Sick and gutted

The BBC called it “one of the most thrilling heavyweight contests for years” and praised Fury for getting back up from the 12th-round knockdown.

However, Fury’s trainer Ben Davison was angry with the judge who awarded the decision to Wilder. Davison said: “They have just taken away the biggest comeback in sports history. You have to be a sick, sick man to do that.

“I told Tyson before the fight he would beat him with his left hand. We didn’t come here for money to get through the fight we came here to win and I’m sick and gutted. Deontay is a very dangerous opponent after the 12 months we have had we need a break.”

Media reactions to the split decision draw

Martin Rogers, USA Today: “No one will be complaining if we get a rematch after this stunning fight. Scandalous judging and a huge black eye for boxing. Split decision, with one judge scoring it for each fighter and a third having it as a 113-113 draw. What an embarrassing way for a magnificent fight to end. Wilder got very lucky here.”

Toby Gannon, The Sun: “Tyson Fury was robbed in his bid to become world champion again as judges called his fight against Deontay Wilder a DRAW. His boxing masterclass against the bewildered Wilder should have seen him win the WBC belt - and set up a mouth-watering clash against Anthony Joshua. Gypsy King promised to school Wilder and delivered - but the American floored him twice to salvage a split decision draw.”

Bryan Armen Graham, The Guardian: “Fury outboxed his American opponent for much of the fight, using his jab effectively and moving well. But the bout was not a cakewalk for the Briton after he survived knockdowns in the ninth and 12th rounds.”

James Brady, SB Nation: “Fury did a great job of avoiding Wilder’s power punches for most of the fight, and dished it out as well. Wilder spent too much time inactive, looking for the big shot, and for that, many had Fury winning the fight. The controversy came from one judge’s scorecard that was 115-111 in favour of Wilder, which is, honestly, a ludicrous card. This writer likely scored it closer for Wilder than many, but that card is still seems way off.”

How the boxing world reacted

Lennox Lewis, British former heavyweight champion: “They need to get some good judges, these judges were terrible. Deontay boxed terribly... very poorly.”

Abel Sanchez, Gennady Golovkin’s trainer speaking on BBC Radio 5 live: “It’s a victory for Tyson even if he didn’t get a win. The fact that he did here after that lay-off - Tyson fought the perfect fight other than the two knockdowns. I think Tyson wins the next one easier the next time.”

Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury

• What: WBC world heavyweight boxing title bout
• When: Sunday 2 December (for UK fight fans)
• Where: Staples Centre, Los Angeles, USA
• Fight start time: 4am to 5am (UK time)
• TV channel: live on BT Sport Box Office

It all got a little heated between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder at the final press conference before their title fight in Los Angeles.

The world’s boxing media packed into the hall last night to hear what the fighters had to say and see the customary “face-off”. The BBC reports that the news conference “descended into chaos” as Fury and WBC champion Wilder “clashed on stage”.

Accusing Wilder of being a fraud, Fury took his shirt off as insults were exchanged. Speaking to the BBC Sport’s Mike Costello, Fury said: “I took my shirt off to get involved and frightened them all away. Everyone thinks the rivalry is fake but they can guess again as it nearly went off again.

“Wilder thought he needed to spit in my face or whatever he was doing, shouting. He feels pressured, you can see the pressure he is under out there.”

Quoted by Sky Sports, Fury added: “Deontay Wilder needed to do something so he started getting in my face. I believe he wanted me to hit today so he could get out of the fight, or get me a massive fine. But I was not going to do that.

“It was a just a load of rubbish really. I’m quite disappointed that it had to come to that sort of stuff, those tactics, at such a high level.”

BBC Radio 5 live’s boxing analyst Steve Bunce said that Wilder “lost it” during the fiery press conference. “We’ve seen it before but I’m telling you now, you’ve never seen it with that much edge and nastiness,” said Bunce. “Let’s get this straight, Wilder lost it.”

‘I will knock Tyson Fury out’

During the press conference Wilder said he is confident the WBC belt will remain in his hands after Sunday’s fight at the Staples Centre in LA.

Wilder said: “This is a moment I’ve been waiting for my entire career; this is my time. Fury had his - when he beat [Wladimir] Klitschko that was his window to do whatever he had to do. How he took upon his responsibilities as a champion was up to him. But now it’s my time. I’ve sat patiently, waiting.

“I will knock Tyson Fury out. They say I’m the puncher and he’s the boxer, but the same thing was said when I beat [Bermane] Stiverne. I’m going to show you how well I can box. He will go down.”

Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury

• What: WBC world heavyweight boxing title bout
• When: Sunday 2 December (for UK fight fans)
• Where: Staples Centre, Los Angeles, USA
• Fight start time: 4am to 5am (UK time)
• TV channel: live on BT Sport Box Office
• Tickets: axs.com

When Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury step into the ring this weekend the WBC world heavyweight belt will be on the line, as well as two unbeaten records.

American star Wilder – the “Bronze Bomber” – has held the WBC belt since 2015. But he will face a stern challenge from Britain’s Fury, the former WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO, Ring and self-proclaimed “lineal” heavyweight champion.

With a combined unbeaten record of 67-0, the winner of the 2 December bout could line up a unification super-fight against Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium next April. Wilder (39 knockouts from 40 fights) will be favourite to beat Fury (19 knockouts from 27 fights).

But two fights into his boxing comeback after an 18-month lay-off, “Gypsy King” Fury will hope to shock the boxing world for a second time. He beat Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 to win the WBO/IBF and WBA titles.

Fury confident

Speaking this week ahead of the bout against Wilder Fury says he will be in his best shape to face the American champion and take the WBC belt back to the UK.

Fury told Sky Sports: “I’m going to win this fight - one million per cent. There is not a doubt in my mind. No matter what he brings I will overcome him and win and take the WBC title back to the UK.

“You will see the best Tyson Fury. It needs to be the best Tyson Fury to compete at this level and beat such a champion as Deontay Wilder but I’m pretty confident that I have worked hard enough and done everything in my power.

“I’m going to go in there and do my best. I’m very relaxed I don’t get very tense before a fight - it’s just another fight for me. It’s another boxing match.

“I have already had 27 professional fights and been a professional for ten years and I’ve needed to win all of them.”

Manny Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach will be in Fury’s corner this weekend after allowing the British fighter to use his Wild Card gym in Hollywood for free.

Roach told the Daily Mail: “In my view Tyson should be the favourite. If he can out-box Klitschko he can out-box Wilder.”

The match promises to be an “explosive end of the year” for boxing fans, says the London Evening Standard’s John Dillon.

Here we look at their records, live TV details, predictions and betting odds:

Wilder vs. Fury fight guide

Tale of the tape Deontay Wilder

• Age: 33
• Nationality: American
• Nickname: Bronze Bomber
• Style: Orthodox
• Number of fights: 40
• Number of wins: 40 (39 by knockout)
• Losses: 0
• Knockout percentage: 98%
• Height: 6’7”
• Reach: 84”

Tyson Fury

• Age: 30
• Nationality: British
• Nickname: Gypsy King
• Style: Orthodox
• Number of fights: 27
• Number of wins: 27 (19 by knockout)
• Losses: 0
• Knockout percentage: 70%
• Height: 6’9”
• Reach: 85”

What the fighters say

There’s been plenty of trash talk from the heavyweight rivals. Here are two of the best quotes, via The Daily Telegraph…

Fury: “Deontay Wilder: massive puncher. Me: skillful boxer. It’s going to be an epic night. This is a legacy fight. If I can come back from mental health problems and [contemplating] suicide, I can withstand anything. Deontay Wilder doesn’t possess anything I’m scared of. Punches just bounce off me, they don’t do anything. I’m a powerful man. There isn’t a man born from his mother that Tyson Fury is afraid of, and especially not a man who wears pigtails every day. I don’t fear anything about him.”

Wilder: “He’s great for the heavyweight division. He’s charismatic. He can talk. I’ve got a great dancing partner. He’s fearless in the ring, and he’s got a background of boxing in his blood. It’s good that he’s from another country so you get to see different cultures, different personalities from the two of us. You’ve got one from America and you’ve got one from Great Britain. So that’s going to make it even more pleasurable for me when I knock him out. It’s important to establish dominance. I’m the best, the baddest man on the planet.”

TV details and start time

How to watch Wilder vs. Fury on TV

BT Sport Box Office has exclusive rights to the Los Angeles showdown between Wilder and Fury, which will cost fight fans £19.95. BT’s coverage starts at 11.30pm on Saturday 1 December.

What time are the ring walks?

If you’re watching the match in the UK, the fighters are expected to make their way to the ring at around 4am on Sunday 2 December, according to the Independent. The Daily Mirror and The Daily Telegraph say it will be an hour later, at around 5am. The timings will all depend on the fights on the undercard.

Predictions

How current and former boxers think the fight will go

Dillian Whyte: “I hope Tyson Fury smashes Deontay Wilder’s face in because Deontay Wilder’s a coward. Tyson Fury – me and him have had our ups and downs, but he’s not a coward at least. I give credit where it’s due, he’s not a coward. He’s stepped up after fighting two pumpkins and has fought Deontay Wilder.”

Lennox Lewis: “Fury always shows up, I’m not going to shortchange him on this one so I believe he should be ready for this one, he’ll be ready for Deontay.”

David Haye: “Wilder has pretty much had a perfect three years whereas Tyson Fury hasn’t. If I was a betting man I’d go for the consistency in Wilder.”

Carl Frampton: “I think Fury’s movement will cause problems. It’s hard to write him off, I hope he wins... I just fancy Wilder.”

Ricky Hatton: “Tyson has been hit and I think if this fella hits him with his right hand I think he will go down and won’t get back up. If you asked me where the last pound was going I’d say absolutely Tyson Fury.”

George Foreman: “I am a big fan of Deontay Wilder and I was impressed with Tyson Fury and how he avoided the big shots against Wladimir Klitschko. I can see him going 12 rounds with Wilder because of his height and reach. The great thing about this fight is that we’re all talking about it. I think Wilder wins a close decision.”

Mike Tyson: “Although Wilder’s punch is strong, nothing can compare to the mental strength Fury has shown both in and out of the ring. It’ll be a close call, but I think Fury’s got a true fighting chance.”

Luis Ortiz: “It’s all up to Wilder. If Fury decides he wants to come to the middle of the ring and fight, then it’s going to be over quick. Wilder is going to catch him. Prediction: Wilder by KO.”

Evander Holyfield: “I think with Deontay’s power, he might be able to end it early, but if Tyson can frustrate him and it goes the distance, then it could go his way.”

Riddick Bowe: “If Wilder comes out and means business then he should beat Fury with ease. My prediction is Wilder by knockout.”

Amir Khan: “Fury is taking such a massive risk fighting Wilder. I just feel like whenever it’s time to pull it off, Tyson pulls it off. Everyone underestimated him against Klitschko and he went there and beat him. I don’t think Fury will stand there and take that one big shot from him, he will be moving from side to side. It’s a hard fight to call but I lean a little bit more towards Fury on this night.”

Joshua’s prediction

The winner of the Wilder vs. Fury fight could potentially set up a super-bout against IBF, WBA (Super) and WBO champion Anthony Joshua next year.

Quoted by the Metro British star Joshua said: “Wilder is a champion now and if he wins, he can do what he wants. If Fury wins, Wilder gets a rematch so it messes up the plans a bit. Nevertheless, Wilder for me. He will win.

“I need Wilder to win. It gives me more of an opportunity to fight him. As a champion, if he retains his belt, that’s the fight that people have been yearning for, so hopefully 2019 is going to be a big year for me. I think this fight will happen. It has to for the love of the sport, especially where we are at in our careers.

“The Wilder fight has to happen. We’re both champions. Fans are demanding it. It’ll be a double-sided fight [there would be a rematch]. For me, the first one will take place in London at Wembley.”

Joshua also revealed that he would not be in LA to watch the fight live.

What the media predict

Mark Phillips, Boxing Base: “I could see Fury winning if he’s able to fight a very controlled, disciplined 12-rounder, pinching rounds. If he can keep Wilder off-balance and take away his right hand (while being wary of that sneaky counter-right), this road may lead to the upset. Fury would likely have to keep Wilder honest by trading punches here and there, but I’d say getting involved in an actual shootout would end in disaster. Prediction: Wilder by 7th round KO.”

Michael Boniface, The Daily Telegraph: “Wilder KO in the second half of the fight. With Fury uninspiring in both of his comeback bouts, and question marks still persisting over his fitness, Wilder goes in as favourite. Expect fleet-footed Fury to cause Wilder problems, winning rounds behind the jab and forcing the American to miss, just as he did in Dusseldorf vs. Klitschko. Fury is likely to tire, though, and Wilder will seize any opportunity to land one of his swinging overhand rights, and when one connects, it could be all over.”

Dan Rafael, ESPN.com: “Fury is bigger than Wilder, has quick hands, quick feet and is a good boxer with an awkward style that can make anyone look bad. But Wilder can end a fight at any moment with his massive power. He could be down on the cards and win in the blink of an eye. Wilder by late knockout.”

Steve Kim, ESPN.com: “I’ll be going against the grain and go with my initial instincts on this matchup by tabbing Fury to win a unanimous decision. He looks to be in much better shape than his previous bouts, and that will be key, as he will need to be in great physical condition and have his legs to box Wilder. Which I think he will do effectively enough to win a decision.”

Thomas Nicholls, Boxing Insider: “I expect early drama, I expect Fury’s skill to rise to the surface and I predict that Fury will counter and finish a, by that point, desperate Wilder in rounds 9-12.”

Wilder vs. Fury betting odds

Prices according to Oddschecker (as of 30 November).

• Deontay Wilder to win: 4/6
• Tyson Fury to win: 13/10
• Draw: 34/1

Method of victory

• Deontay Wilder by KO, TKO or disqualification: 11/10
• Deontay Wilder by decision or technical decision: 6/1
• Tyson Fury by decision or technical decision: 9/4
• Tyson Fury by KO, TKO or disqualification: 6/1

Round betting

• Tyson Fury on points: 9/4
• Deontay Wilder on points: 6/1
• Deontay Wilder round 8: 18/1
• Deontay Wilder round 6: 18/1
• Deontay Wilder round 7: 20/1
• Deontay Wilder round 1: 33/1
• Tyson Fury round 11: 50/1
• Tyson Fury round 10: 50/1
• Tyson Fury round 9: 50/1
• Tyson Fury round 12: 66/1
• Tyson Fury round 1: 100/1

Mixed martial arts (MMA) star Conor McGregor will make his return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) on Saturday. The Irish fighter has vowed to inflict a “devastating KO” on Khabib Nurmagomedov in the lightweight title fight.

It’s nearly two years since McGregor last fought in the octagon and he insists he’s ready for the undefeated Russian Nurmagomedov when they go head-to-head at UFC 229 in Las Vegas.

Quoted by the BBC, “The Notorious” said: “I’m going to maul him. I will clatter him; he will crumble. I don’t think he can take a smack. He reacts like a novice.”

Although McGregor first has to focus on the UFC bout against Nurmagomedov, the Dublin-born 30-year-old is also looking to the future.

One possibility for the Irishman is a rematch against Floyd Mayweather.

McGregor lost “The Money Fight” by technical knockout in the tenth round in August last year, but he would like to go up against the American again as long as the rules are “straight boxing” or “straight MMA”.

“I’m certainly considering a few options,” McGregor told ESPN. “There’s this fight and the co-main [Tony Ferguson vs. Anthony Pettis]. Of course then there’s boxing ventures. I’m very excited about that.

“If [Mayweather] has the bottle to come over and deal with this, like he said he has, let’s see what happens. I would also like to box him again.

“Everything is being discussed. Every rule set. If it’s not an MMA bout, then I don’t want to know. It’s either a straight MMA bout or a straight boxing bout.

“If they come looking for modified rules, I would rather just box the kid again. If you don’t want to deal with it, then don’t deal with it and stop going on like you’re doing.”

Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury

• What: WBC heavyweight title fight
• Where: Staples Centre, Los Angeles
• When: 1 December 2018
• TV channel: live on BT Sport Box Office

Two months before they step into the ring for their world heavyweight title fight in Los Angeles, Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury went head-to-head in a verbal sparring match in London.

WBC champion Wilder and former WBA Super, WBO, IBO and Ring Magazine heavyweight champion Fury were in the UK capital today to launch their 1 December mega-fight which will be held at the Staples Centre in LA.

As expected from the two larger-than-life fighters, the opening press conference was an entertaining affair and ended early with the duo pushing and shoving each other while exchanging insults.

The Independent reports that the first press conference “had to be abandoned” after the heavyweight rivals “clashed on stage” and security stepped in. The Daily Telegraph says that Fury dismissed suggestions that he was the “challenger” and urged Wilder to “join him for a body spar”.

The winner of the Wilder-Fury fight could face Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium in London next April.

Wilder vs. Fury press conference highlights

What Fury said

“I am no challenger for no man. I’m the linear heavyweight champion of the world, the best of the best. This is two champions colliding, equal rights, rephrase and start again.”

“I am savouring nothing, the only thing I am savouring is smashing Wilder’s teeth in. All the press are here to see the biggest fight of our generation. You are in for a treat.”

“I am in the mood for no messing around, no 15 stone man can beat Tyson Fury. If we fight 30 times I would win 30 times.

“The thing is Bronze Bomber, you big dosser, you are not ready for me.”

“If I can’t beat you, I’ll kiss your two feet on the floor.”

“It’s what I do, prove people wrong. No matter who you bring, I’ll take them out. He ain’t got a prayer, he’s living on a prayer. I’m ready, you’re banking on me having two fights in three years. That’s the only reason you took this fight, you think I’m done.”

“You’ve lost, 100%. I can tell you’re afraid, I’m looking at a pussy cat, not a killer. A killer never stands out like you, never dresses like you. A killer is a silent assassin. I am the greatest.”

“I picked this fight. I said get this fight made. I could’ve fought another ten bums if I wanted to. I believe he’s a lemon and I’m going to squeeze him nice and hard. I’ll make lemonade out of him.”

“You’re going to feel the fury, come on! I want to feel it. I don’t play games. Let’s have a tickle, come on! Please, let’s have a spar, let’s give the fans a warm-up.”

“You think this is a game, I’ll punch your face in. You’ve got power then, let me feel that power boy!”

What Wilder said

“It’s important to establish dominance. I say I’m the best, the baddest man on the planet, I believe everything I say. When it comes to Tyson Fury, I’m all about devastating knockouts, it’s what I do.”

“He got two months to get ready, he lost a lot of weight, he got to lose a little more. We can’t live off others’ opinions. You’ll know what time it is, you come here to see one thing, me knocking somebody out.”

“Why did it take so long? You’ve been talking about this for years. You could’ve accepted this pain. You’ll feel it in person. I will baptise you. You’ll feel the Alabama slammer.”

“I’m No.1 for sure. I believe it. I feel like I’m the cream of the crop. I cannot wait. I’ll be the champion to beat.”

“I’m [gonna] knock you out!”

After knocking out Alexander Povetkin on Saturday, world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua used the power of social media to ask boxing fans who they would like to see him fight next.

With his Russian rival now out of the way, the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO title holder has Wembley Stadium booked again for 13 April next year, but an opponent has yet to be decided.

American Deontay Wilder, the WBC champion, is set to fight Britain’s Tyson Fury in December and the winner of that bout could face Joshua at Wembley. However, another British fighter, Dillian Whyte, has also been mentioned as a possible opponent for Joshua.

After beating Povetkin at the weekend, Joshua revealed he had the “Bronze Bomber” Wilder in his sights.

He said: “I got my knockout streak back. I found my right hand which had gone missing for a while. 13 April is what I’m really interested in. My No.1 would be Wilder. That’s it. Let me not talk about No.2 or No3. Wilder, that’s it.”

Wilder wins the poll

Joshua published a poll on his Twitter account to ask who he should fight next – Wilder, Fury or Whyte? The results are in and there’s a clear winner...

Out of the total 487,511 votes, 53% (258,380) picked Wilder, 42% chose Fury while just 5% went for Whyte.

How boxing fans reacted to the poll

Anthony Joshua returned to top form last night as he knocked out Alexander Povetkin in the seventh round of the heavyweight title bout at Wembley Stadium.

The British boxer retained his WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO belts after holding off an early attack from the Russian and stopped the 39-year-old with a devastating finish in the seventh.

More than 80,000 fans celebrated Joshua’s win and they will now look forward to his next fight at Wembley - planned for 13 April 2019. His opponent could be American Deontay Wilder or fellow Briton Tyson Fury, who have confirmed they will fight on 1 December, says the BBC.

After his victory Joshua, 28, said that WBC champion Wilder is his No.1 target as he looks to unify the heavyweight division next year. Speaking to Sky Sports, Joshua said: “I got my knockout streak back. I found my right hand which had gone missing for a while.

“13 April is what I’m really interested in. My No.1 would be Wilder. That’s it. Let me not talk about No.2 or No3. Wilder, that’s it.”

‘Joshua is not even close’

With Wilder the No.1 target, Fury accused Joshua and his team of avoiding an all-British mega-bout “at all costs”, ESPN reports.

In a video posted on Instagram, Fury said: “I think it’s safe to say now that not team Joshua or Matchroom will ever fight the Gypsy King. Never. They mentioned if it’s not [Deontay] Wilder it’ll be [Dillian] Whyte, there’s no mention of Tyson Fury, the lineal heavyweight champion of the world.

“It’s alright fighting men who are 39 years old, half your size. Tonight is pure evidence that I’m fighting the best heavyweight out there in Deontay Wilder. Joshua is not even close. He’s slow, methodical, ponderous at times. Powerful yes, but they all are.

“Very, very clear to say ‘avoid me at all costs’. If I was you Joshua I’d avoid me because I would jab your face off, you bum. I’ve never seen a bigger bum in my life.”

Reaction to Joshua’s win over Povetkin

Joshua maintained his unbeaten record and now has 22 wins from 22 professional fights, with 21 by knockout. Here we look at the media and Twitter reaction to his impressive win against mandatory challenger Povetkin.

Pundit reaction

Mike Costello, BBC Sport boxing correspondent: “It was a brilliantly placed and timed right hand. He was getting the measure of Povetkin in the early rounds. Unlike Carlos Takam and Parker - Joshua’s last two opponents - Povetkin was here to win. I think the quality of opponent, for all Povetkin has done, for me, the way he was beaten makes it the most impressive display of Joshua’s career.”

Steve Bunce, BBC Radio 5 live boxing expert: “It was a cracking right hand. I don’t think Joshua was hurt or stung at all and that’s an achievement. He was moving great, throwing different shots, so it was controlled and he didn’t waste anything.”

Richard Damerell, Sky Sports: “A straight right hand sent shockwaves through the legs of Povetkin, and a left hook followed by a right sent him crashing to the canvas. Povetkin clambered upwards in a daze and Joshua delivered a succession of crunching shots to seal a stunning triumph.”

Paul Hayward, The Daily Telegraph: “These 80,000 sell-outs have become a blessing and a burden for Joshua. The money and excitement they generate are offset by the raising of public expectation to unreasonable heights. And everything to lose. Yet Joshua came through it, despite needing time to find his range with the jab, and the pressure now is on Wilder and Fury to match this level of destruction.”

Oliver Holt, Daily Mail: “Joshua showed once more that he is the real deal. This was his 22nd win from 22 fights, his 21st by knockout. He showed once more that he can deal with adversity. He showed he has got guts and guile and heart, and that he can demolish the most stubborn and the most doughty of opponents. Only the most parsimonious will deny him the credit he deserves now.”

Tom Hamilton, ESPN: “Joshua remains triumphant, the burden and acclaim of that undefeated moniker still hovering above his name, waiting for challenger after challenger. Those four belts will go back into their box and wait for the next stop on the AJ roadshow, unaffected by just how close their owner had come to relinquishing them.”

Twitter reaction

Anthony Joshua vs. Alexander Povetkin

• What: WBA, IBF, WBO & IBO heavyweight title fight
• Where: Wembley Stadium, London
• When: Saturday 22 September
• TV channel: live on Sky Sports Box Office

British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua defends his WBA Super, IBF, WBO and IBO belts against Russian Alexander Povetkin at Wembley on Saturday night.

Joshua has 21 wins from 21 fights and will put his unbeaten record and titles on the line against the WBA’s mandatory challenger.

Like Joshua, Povetkin is an Olympic gold medal winner and the 39-year-old has lost only once in 35 professional fights, a unanimous decision to Wladimir Klitschko in 2013.

Speaking at the final pre-fight press conference Joshua admitted there’s “loads of pressure” on him to beat Povetkin but he will “find a way to win”.

He says on Sky Sports: “There’s loads of pressure, tons of pressure, it’s the reality. We both know what we are in for, it’s the same with every fight.

“Roll with the punches, what more can I do than give my best? I’ll go out there and find a way to win. I know I have a lot of fire in my belly, that’s just as important as skills.”

Povetkin said: “The fight will show everything. Anthony is a very strong fighter but I am just as strong. When I fought Klitschko, I was much weaker and in worse shape than I am now.

“I never try to say anything ahead of time, you’ll see everything on fight night.”

Joshua vs. Povetkin fight guide

Where and when is the fight?

The world heavyweight title fight takes place at Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday 22 September.

What time does it start?

The Independent reports that the ring walks are expected to be around 10pm with the fight starting shortly afterwards.

Are tickets still available?

Tickets can still be bought via StubHub. Prices start from £40 for upper level seats to £2,000 for floor seats. For more options see the Matchroom Boxing website.

How to watch Joshua vs. Povetkin on TV

The fight is being broadcast live on Sky Sports Box Office. It costs £19.95 and Sky’s coverage starts at 6pm.

Joshua vs. Povetkin: tale of the tape

Anthony Joshua factfile and fight record

• Age: 28
• Nationality: British
• Fights: 21
• Wins: 21
• Wins by KO: 20
• Lost: 0
• Drawn: 0
• Height: 6ft 6in
• Reach: 82in

Alexander Povetkin factfile and fight record

• Age: 39
• Nationality: Russian
• Fights: 35
• Wins: 34
• Wins by KO: 24
• Lost: 1 (against Wladimir Klitschko in 2013)
• Drawn: 0
• Height: 6ft 2in
• Reach: 75in

Predictions: who will win?

Anthony Joshua told ESPN his prediction: “Hopefully take him down in round eight.”

The Daily Telegraph: “Joshua to win on points. Povetkin may be in the autumn of his career, but he is still a hugely-fierce competitor and will be a major obstacle for the Briton. This fight will more than likely go the distance.”

Amir Khan, British boxer: “Povetkin is a good fighter. He’s an Olympic gold medallist. It’s a good fight, but I think Joshua has got his number. He’s got the height, the size and he’s at home, comfortable. I think he’s going to win that fight quite easy.”

Steve Bunce, Independent: “Joshua should win, should be too smart, big and careful for the Russian, who will be surrendering height and reach: Povetkin always surrenders the physical edges and so far only Wladimir Klitschko has beaten him in 35 fights and that went the full 12 rounds. Povetkin loves fights against the division’s big, strong and tall men. Joshua ticks a lot of the boxes of the men Povetkin has so far crushed, and the walkover I keep hearing about is very unlikely. Povetkin can beat Joshua, make no mistake, especially if Joshua neglects the careful approach and that happens when any boxer is hit and hurt.”

George Boulton, The Sun: “This is seen as the Russian’s last shot at a title as he looks to regain his WBA crown. But after Joshua saw off Joseph Parker on a points decision, we back the Brit to get back to his knockout form. The 28-year-old has knocked out all of his opponents apart from Parker and he won’t want to go the distance again with Povetkin. We’re backing AJ to win this one in rounds 5-8.”

Chris Carlson, Boxing247.com: “Beyond a few early rounds or hairy moments inside of a round, look for Joshua to time Povetkin as he loads up on heavy shots by the midpoint. A technical-stoppage is very possible whether just or not, but Povetkin has heart and is heavy-handed enough to see the final bell. My official prediction is Anthony Joshua by unanimous decision.”

Joshua vs. Povetkin betting odds

Latest best prices, according to Oddschecker (as of 21 September).

Who will win the fight?

• Joshua to win: 1/8
• Povetkin to win: 15/2
• Draw: 50/1

Method of victory

• Joshua by KO, TKO or disqualification: 4/11
• Joshua by decision or technical decision: 15/4
• Povetkin by KO, TKO or disqualification: 9/1
• Povetkin by decision or technical decision: 33/1

Round betting odds

• Joshua on points: 4/1
• Joshua to win in round seven: 11/1
• Joshua to win in round one: 23/1
• Joshua to win in round 12: 33/1
• Povetkin on points: 33/1
• Povetkin to win in round five: 80/1
• Povetkin to win in round one: 110/1
• Povetkin to win in round 12: 100/1

Anthony Joshua vs. Alexander Povetkin

• What: heavyweight boxing title fight
• Where: Wembley Stadium, London
• When: Saturday 22 September
• TV channel: live on Sky Sports Box Office

British boxing star Anthony Joshua has given us an insight into how he has prepared for this weekend’s title fight against Alexander Povetkin.

The 28-year-old takes on his Russian rival at Wembley Stadium on Saturday with his WBA Super, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight belts on the line.

If Joshua beats Povetkin he looks set to face either Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury. A bout between WBC champion Wilder and Fury is expected to take place later this year. The boxing world is hoping to see a winner-takes-all showdown against Joshua next year.

For Joshua to potentially become the undisputed heavyweight champion he must first beat Povetkin. And he’s revealed how a football icon is helping his cause.

In a bid to improve his fitness and prolong his career, Joshua has studied the training regime of Juventus and Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo.

He told The Daily Telegraph: “Cristiano Ronaldo did a body test. He is 33, but has the body of a 21-year-old. You have to preserve your body. I could go in there and knock out Povetkin in a round or two, but then there is the eight weeks of ­intense sparring, doing 200 rounds, you have to protect your body.

Lie-ins for the champ

Joshua also revealed another tactic he’s using to be at his physical best – turning off the alarm clock and sleeping in.

In an interview with The Times, the heavyweight champion said that while boxing was “old-school” and many fighters do their road running at the crack of dawn, he’s been following the example of Vasyl Lomachenko after watching a documentary about the Ukrainian fighter.

“I saw 10.34am on a clock when he was waking up and I was like, ‘What the f***?’” said Joshua. “I rewound it to watch again – 10.34 and I’m getting up at the crack of dawn.”

“In the past, you used to train, go do your work, then train after, so you had to wake up at 5am to be done at 7am.”

Now Joshua favours later starts. “Luckily we are in a position that this is our full-time job,” he said. “When I watched a Manny Pacquiao documentary he does the same thing, [Floyd] Mayweather trains when he is ready, same with Lomachenko.

“I now wake up naturally at 8am. It looks lazy but you’re still getting the same amount of work done and in a better way.”