bluetornados
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Mar 10, 2023 23:01:40 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Mar 10, 2023 23:01:40 GMT
Conor Benn: British boxer will fight in America or Middle East in June, says promoter Eddie Hearn..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/4AF0/production/_128948191_gettyimages-1391833822.jpgConor Benn will fight in America or the Middle East in June, possibly against Manny Pacquiao or Chris Eubank Jr, says promoter Eddie Hearn. Benn, 26, failed two voluntary drug tests for the female fertility drug clomifene before his cancelled October bout with Eubank Jr. He was cleared of "intentional doping" by the World Boxing Council (WBC) for a positive test in July, but still under investigation by UK Anti-Doping and the British Boxing Board of Control - and unable to fight in Britain. Hearn says Benn's opponent will be announced within the next two weeks. "He will fight in June - that fight will take place in America or the Middle East," Matchroom Boxing's Hearn told the 5 live boxing podcast. "There are three fighters in the running for that. Manny Pacquiao has been leaked, we'll have to see if he's the guy. He [Benn] wants it, he's the one who called for that fight, Manny Pacquiao. "But, for me, I still love the Chris Eubank fight. That fight has gone from a family rivalry to just bitter hatred between the pair of them. I'd like that to sort them out in the ring." Benn and Eubank were scheduled to meet on 8 October at a catchweight of 157lb - 30 years after their fathers Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr fought. Middleweight Eubank Jr then took a fight with Liverpool's Liam Smith in January, but lost via fourth-round stoppage. The 33-year-old has triggered a rematch clause with Smith. Filipino Pacquiao, 44, is widely considered an all-time great and retired from the sport in 2021 to pursue a career in politics.
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bluetornados
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Mar 11, 2023 9:19:13 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Mar 11, 2023 9:19:13 GMT
Tyson Fury v Oleksandr Usyk: WBA says 'agreement' reached before Friday deadline..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/9899/production/_128956093_whatsubject.jpgThe World Boxing Association says it has received confirmation of an "agreement" between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk's teams for their undisputed heavyweight fight. The unification bout is due to take place on 29th April at Wembley Stadium, but on Friday, Usyk's promoter said the fight was "unlikely to happen next". However, the WBA says an agreement was made before Friday's 22:00 GMT deadline, though both sides have requested time to "work on the contracts to close the deal". A lawyer for Ukrainian Usyk told news agency Reuters the parties had agreed terms that will see Britain's Fury take a 70% split to Usyk's 30%. Earlier on Friday, Fury posted on his social media channels offering the 70/30 split. Usyk, in a later Instagram video, said he would accept if the Englishman immediately donated £1m to the people of Ukraine, and also gave up one percent of his purse to Ukraine for every day he delayed. Fury, 34, is the WBC champion while 36-year-old Usyk holds the WBO, WBA and IBF belts. Former undisputed cruiserweight champion Usyk has won all his 20 professional bouts, while Fury has 33 victories and one draw on his record. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/7189/production/_128956092_whatsubject.jpg
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bluetornados
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Mar 17, 2023 15:37:15 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Mar 17, 2023 15:37:15 GMT
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bluetornados
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Mar 27, 2023 20:56:45 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Mar 27, 2023 20:56:45 GMT
Anthony Joshua v Jermaine Franklin and What is at stake for Joshua against Franklin?ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/D6FC/production/_129163055_gettyimages-1416797893.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/1733C/production/_129163059_gettyimages-1416801973.jpgBritish heavyweight Anthony Joshua's comeback fight against Jermaine Franklin takes place on Saturday at London's O2 Arena. Former world champion Joshua, 33, is looking for his first win since 2020 after falling to back-to-back defeats in his past two fights. Joshua has suffered consecutive world-title defeats, losing both times against unified champion Oleksandr Usyk. He said last month he has put his heart back into the sport and was now more serious than ever before about his boxing career. Joshua is fighting at the O2 Arena for the first time since 2016, and it is the first time in eight years he will not be fighting for a world title. After his recent defeats, the Briton needs a win at what is a crossroads in his career. Promoter Eddie Hearn described Saturday's contest as "perhaps the most important chapter so far" for Joshua, who has changed coaches to work with Derrick James to help him rebuild his form. The 29-year-old Franklin - who lost to Dillian Whyte on points last December - is considered the clear underdog.
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bluetornados
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Mar 28, 2023 8:11:09 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Mar 28, 2023 8:11:09 GMT
Anthony Joshua v Jermaine Franklin: Briton says he is 'starting fresh' by training in Texas..Ever since his heavyweight gold medal win at the 2012 Olympics, the spotlight has shone on Anthony Joshua. After three defeats in his last five fights, the former world champion will return to the ring on Saturday, 1 April against American Jermaine Franklin. The fight at London's O2 Arena is, quite aptly, billed as the 'New Dawn'. "I'm starting fresh," says Joshua, who has won 24 fights and lost three. The 33-year-old Joshua - who turned professional in 2013 - has a new team behind him, headed by coach Derrick James, and has based his training camp in Texas, USA. Former cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew visited Joshua to discuss the Briton's second straight loss to Oleksandr Usyk in August, his new team, new surroundings and to explore what trainer James can add to his game. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/E9B7/production/_129113895_gettyimages-1464507265.jpgJermaine Franklin (right) has won 21 fights and lost one - a points defeat to Briton Dillian Whyte in NovemberJoshua made a blistering start to the professional ranks, winning a world title in just his 16th fight, with 16 knockouts. With the world at his feet, Joshua suffered a shock defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr in June 2019 . He won his IBF, WBA and WBO titles back in the rematch six months later, but was then dethroned once again - this time by Usyk in September 2021. Joshua replaced coach Rob McCracken with Robert Garcia for the rematch with the Ukrainian, but was once again outpointed by Usyk. Despite a better performance in the second fight, Joshua lost his temper moments after Usyk had been declared the winner - dropping two of the champion's belts over the top rope of the ring and then arguing with the opposing team. "When I fought Usyk I felt like I let a lot of people down," says Joshua. People said, 'his mind ain't in it, where's his head at? His head's not in the game'. "That's not the truth - my heart's in the game, fully. This is all I have, really." James is Joshua's third trainer in as many fights. Up until the Usyk rematch, he had been trained by Briton McCracken. Having split with Garcia after just one fight, one of Joshua's team contacted James on Instagram. "When I saw him, I liked him," James says. "I liked his size. What I saw from him, initially, was he's a good fighter, he's a good boxer. Very fast hands, very athletic." The coach is a former fighter who also trains world champions Errol Spence Jr and twins Jermall and Jermell Charlo. "Derrick James is an ex-fighter himself. I feel he knows how to get someone fight ready and he's pushing me in that direction," Joshua adds. "When you're among great fighters it helps. We're all training at different times because there's one Derrick James." Texan James, 41, added: "We kind of cross each other's paths. It does give the motivation because you can see the good and the bad from a distance. Success breeds success. You put a dog with sheep, it'll become a sheep. "I think that, for me, it's all about getting him to understand who he really is and how great he really is. What his full potential really is." Joshua can 'relax and shut off' in Texas Promoter Eddie Hearn has previously referenced the level of fame and scrutiny Joshua faces, and the impact that can have on his fighter's life. Joshua also highlights how basing a training camp outside of the United Kingdom can relieve some of that pressure. "It's been tough," he adds. "The expectation that's been on my back where it's like, 'represent this, stand up for that, smile this place, carry this baby and smile', that's why it hit me when I didn't win [against Usyk]. "Now I'm just saying I'm starting fresh. Training for example, when I'm at home doing ice baths, I'm able to relax and shut off. "I remember [Saul] Canelo [Alvarez] said something, what made him successful was when he left the gym and was walking to the bus stop, he'll be thinking about what his coach taught him that day. "He'll be overplaying it in his mind, shadow boxing and that's how he managed to get to the next level. "When I leave the gym here, my mind is still on the job. It's not just about is your head in it? My heart is in it. It's not just about the dough, you have to love it. Because it's not normal." ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/15DE5/production/_129137598_335587573_1194281494794234_7557035940244089671_n.jpg
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bluetornados
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Mar 29, 2023 16:23:11 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Mar 29, 2023 16:23:11 GMT
Anthony Joshua v Jermaine Franklin: Briton says now is the 'worst time' to fight him..ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/E086/production/_129187475_gettyimages-1477806745.jpgBriton Anthony Joshua said now is "the worst time" to fight him and described the current heavyweight landscape as a "shambles". The 33-year-old faces American Jermaine Franklin at London's O2 Arena on Saturday. Joshua has been out of the ring since losing a rematch with unified champion Oleksandr Usyk in August. "I am so happy I'm fighting again," he said. "Looking at the champions, it's just a shambles." Joshua, referring to an undisputed fight between Usyk and Tyson Fury falling through, added: "When you're trying to compete, all the mandatories and negotiations, I just can't believe no fights have been made at a championship level. "I'm just so happy I can get back to work and get on with my job." On Saturday, Joshua will return to the O2 Arena, where he made his professional debut in 2013 after winning super-heavyweight gold at the London 2012 Olympics. But with Joshua's record now showing three losses in his previous five fights, Franklin suggested now is the best time to step into the ring with the Londoner. "It's the worst time [to fight me]," Joshua responded at Wednesday's news conference in London. "The more he talks the bigger grave he digs for himself. I could say a lot of things about him, but I respect my opponent."I'm prepared for a 12-rounder but I do believe in my ability and my counter-punching to put a dent in Jermaine." Joshua said promoter Eddie Hearn is "dangling a carrot" of bigger fights if he overcomes Franklin. "I dream big, and I want bigger and better things in my life. I want to secure the bag and move on with my life."
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bluetornados
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Mar 30, 2023 10:44:32 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Mar 30, 2023 10:44:32 GMT
Carl Frampton column: Anthony Joshua needs to knock out Jermaine Franklin then call out Tyson Fury..ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/612D/production/_129177842_gettyimages-1416801983.jpgBoxing analyst and former two-weight world champion Carl Frampton writes for BBC Sport about Briton Anthony Joshua's fight against Jermaine Franklin at London's O2 Arena on Saturday. Former world champion Joshua makes his return after losing his rematch with Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk in August. Can Joshua go back to winning ways or will American Franklin cause a huge upset? Anthony Joshua has to not only beat Jermaine Franklin at the O2 Arena on Saturday, he has to win in style. A points win is not good enough. I want to see him get rid of Franklin early, stand in the ring and call out Tyson Fury. Fury-Joshua is still huge. A massive fight not just for British boxing but also on a global stage. A loss, and I think that's the end for Joshua. Where does he go from there? But I don't think that will happen. This is a fight where Joshua can get the confidence back a bit. After consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk, that's what the big man desperately needs. This is the perfect type of fight for Joshua to come back to - an opponent who is credible enough. I actually thought Franklin beat Dillian Whyte in his last fight, although he didn't get the decision. But in terms of a heavyweight boxer, he's got 22 fights with 14 knockouts. It's a nice ratio for a featherweight, but not necessarily for a heavyweight. Linking up with Derrick James and basing his training camp in Texas is a good move for Joshua, and perhaps one he should have done before now. Get away from the UK and from home comforts - have that camp mentality and not so many yes men around you. Joshua is also in a gym full of good champions, with the Charlo brothers, Jermell and Jermall, and Errol Spence Jr. It's probably the first time in AJ's career he's not been the top dog in the gym. He's got world champions there and it'll be good for him. He can feed off that. If you look at the style of the Charlos and Spence, they're quite aggressive fighters. That's the coaching style that Derrick James has and that's what we need to see from AJ again.
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bluetornados
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Mar 31, 2023 16:33:40 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Mar 31, 2023 16:33:40 GMT
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bluetornados
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Apr 1, 2023 8:24:27 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Apr 1, 2023 8:24:27 GMT
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/976/cpsprodpb/CD18/production/_129240525_be81ed90-dfec-46a3-8e1c-66704b6f9efe.jpgWe have asked big names from the world of boxing for their opinions on the big fight. Tyson Fury's coach SugarHill Steward: "In Jermaine Franklin's last fight, his biggest fight to date, he surprised everyone. He's right there in the mix. Very, very possibly a big upset. I just a good fight I hope. I want to be entertained, a good fight would be great. I know Franklin, he's from my home town. I know his trainer, we go way back. I'm expecting a good fight from that side. I'm also expecting a good fight from Anthony Joshua, who is being trained and handled by Derrick James. I know what Derrick brings to the table." Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn: "I'd say Joshua wins by stoppage inside seven rounds. I'm going for rounds four to six. It's been a while since we've seen an early AJ stoppage but I think you'll see one. Unified light-middleweight champion Natasha Jonas: "AJ wins for me. I think he stops him in the middle rounds." 5 Live analyst Richie Woodhall: "I think this is brilliant matchmaking. Franklin is only 6ft 2in. He's fairly slow on his feet. I think this is the fight where Anthony Joshua can really shine. And really get in people's thinking again about being the best heavyweight in the world." Olympic champion Lauren Price: "I'm going for an AJ stoppage. An explosive knockout would be good but he needs to win in style. It will be good for his confidence and in front of a home crowd." Former featherweight champion Kid Galahad: "AJ knocks him out inside five round. He'll look sharp and devastating. I expect more focused work to the body under the stewardship of Derrick James." Heavyweight Frazer Clarke: "I've done many rounds with AJ. I've seen the vicious side of him. Let me tell people this, when Anthony Joshua unloads on you with combinations in them 10 ounce gloves, I don't care who you are, you're gone. Usyk never give him the chance to do it, but I think Jermaine Franklin will give him plenty of opportunities. Therefore I can't see it going nowhere near the distance." Super-featherweight Jordan Flynn, who will fight on the undercard: "It's not going to be a pushover. Franklin is a good fighter, he's going to come to win. But Joshua will be too much for him and will win within six. I wouldn't be surprised if he gets him out even earlier. He's just too sharp, too big, too strong and too clever." WBO cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie: "I see it being an AJ win. I think it could be a mid-round stoppage just for accumulation of heavy shots." Featherweight Karriss Artingstall: "I'm predicting an AJ win. Not sure how he will do it, but he will just get the job done." Boxing coach and former fighter Jamie Moore: "The first few rounds might be cagey. AJ will want to find his rhythm and settle down a bit. Let those nerves settle down. But once he finds his range, probably from round four, five or six, he'll land the big shots and get him out of there." Former two-weight champion Carl Frampton: "I think AJ will stop him inside the first half of the fight. I'd love to see him stop him in the first quarter. Dominate him from the centre. Be a brute. If he has his confidence, he is a couple of levels above Franklin. He needs to go out and show that to the people."
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bluetornados
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Apr 1, 2023 22:08:28 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Apr 1, 2023 22:08:28 GMT
ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/1440/cpsprodpb/8830/production/_129246843_386f6a79ced2f63f5d35121dcd69df2e890f74dc.jpgTony Bellew on DAZN has a clean sweep of all seven rounds for Joshua so far. Round 8 - Brilliant work from Joshua in the opening minute of the eighth, but Franklin, having taken a few shots, is still there and still believing and still throwing. Round 8 - The first minute of the eighth was pretty frantic but the rest of it was a scrappy affair, with a lot of holding. Maybe a sign of the energy reserves of both men draining fast. But Franklin does have enough about him and enough in the legs to get out of the way of a straight seeking missile from Joshua. Round 9 - Good work on the inside from Joshua, with repeated uppercuts finding their mark. Franklin then ducks under another straight left. 42-18 is the number of jabs landed in Joshua's favour so far. Round 10 - Franklin needs a knockout if he's to get his arm raised at the end. Frantic and breathless from both men. Joshua then lands a beautiful right hook to blunt the Franklin attack. Great action in the 10th. Best round of the fight by a long distance. Round 10 - Another huge right hand and then the follow-up left hook from Joshua in the dying seconds of the 10th. Both men thinking they can finish this inside the distance, Franklin giving everything he's got and needs something sensational. It's set up nicely for a thrilling maximum of six minutes. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/15B20/production/_129246888_0k8a5454.jpgRound 11 - A brutal left to the body from Joshua. Franklin looks to have winced in pain at that one. All credit to Franklin, he's taken some huge punches, but he's still in there and still on the attack when he can. Three unanswered jabs from Joshua with 30 seconds of the 11th to go. Steve Bunce - Boxing expert on BBC Radio 5 Live, Who thought we'd get 11 rounds like this? Here we go the final round of 3 minutes... Round 12 - It's now or never for Franklin, Joshua lands with a massive right. Sixty seconds on the clock. It's all over - To the judges' scorecards - Should be a comfortable victory for AJ,.. Ugly scenes right at the end, with some more bad blood between both men. Derrick James tells Joshua to keep his calm. Steve Bunce - Boxing expert on BBC Radio 5 Live, That wasn't the fight we wanted, but it might have been the fight Joshua needed. ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/4/1/a4670103-1102-4471-af0a-92da500437ca.jpg......................................................................................................................................................................................... Anthony Joshua gets the victory, it is a unanimous decision by 118-111, 117-111, 117-111 margins.ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/4/1/5588e980-aea0-49c1-ab96-5b4a887f90e1.jpg......................................................................................................................................................................................... Joshua extends record to 25 wins in 27 fights, Watford fighter fails to produce knockout.
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bluetornados
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Apr 1, 2023 22:50:38 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Apr 1, 2023 22:50:38 GMT
Anthony Joshua v Jermaine Franklin: Briton returns to winning ways with unanimous points win..ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/4/1/b4b74fa2-b444-4d9c-82d2-74858240c9b5.jpgAnthony Joshua returned to winning ways with a unanimous points victory over Jermaine Franklin at London's O2 Arena. The British heavyweight, 33, controlled the contest against the durable American but it was not the explosive early finish many expected. Two judges scored it 117-111 and one 118-111 to Joshua. Tempers flared after the final bell as the two fighters squared up to each other, prompting their teams to enter the ring and be separated by security. It is Joshua's first win in more than two years, having lost consecutive bouts to Oleksandr Usyk. "It was important to win. Jermaine has a good duck-and-dive style, somebody else from Britain will probably knock him out," Joshua said. "I respect him, he did well. I should have knocked him out but it is done. On to the next. He is here to prove himself, not roll over. I wish I could have knocked him out." Joshua has now won 25 fights, with 22 stoppages, and lost three since turning professional in 2013. It is a second defeat for Franklin, 29, having lost to Briton Dillian Whyte in November. .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 'The ball is in Fury's court'
Anthony Joshua beats Jermaine Franklin on points
Anthony Joshua to DAZN: "Last time I grabbed the mic, it was a bit chaotic. I'm calm; I appreciate everyone coming out this evening. Inside the ring, it is a different energy so I apologise to those watching. I respect Jermaine, Eddie [Hearn], thank you for this opportunity. Fans, thank you as well. "It was important to win. Jermaine has a good duck and dive style, somebody else from Britain will probably knock him out; respect to him, he did well. I should have knocked him out but it is done. On to the next. He is here to prove himself, not roll over. I wish I could have knocked him out." Joshua on what next: "I try and provide for the fans. I know who they want. They said Tyson Fury; the ball is in his court. I would be honoured to fight for the WBC Heavyweight Championship of the World. If he's listening, he knows my promoter; we've had dialogue before, so let's continue this. We ain't getting any younger."
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bluetornados
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Apr 2, 2023 6:10:42 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Apr 2, 2023 6:10:42 GMT
Anthony Joshua v Jermaine Franklin: Dillian Whyte analysis.. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/3376/production/_129247131_0k8a7159.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/750C/production/_129246992_b896be937179f357eccf77f39dc548a44d8aaeb3.jpgDillian Whyte says Anthony Joshua is showing "signs of a fighter who doesn't want to do it any more" after the British heavyweight's points win over Jermaine Franklin on Saturday. Joshua, 33, took a unanimous decision at London's O2 Arena in a fight many tipped him to win by stoppage. "Joshua has lost all his aggression and killer instincts," Whyte said. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 live, Whyte added: "If he doesn't want to do it any more, I think he should stop." Two-time world champion Joshua won his first fight in more than two years, having lost consecutive bouts to WBA (Super), IBF and WBO world champion Oleksandr Usyk. Briton Whyte beat Franklin in a close points decision in November. Whyte - who also lost to rival Joshua in 2016 - added: "Every time Franklin shaped up like he was going to hit him, he hesitated. I've never seen him like that, he's a bit shell-shocked. Joshua controlled the majority of the fight but was unable to put his combinations together or find an opening against the durable Franklin. Speaking at the post-fight press conference, he said: "You land one shot and the fighter is looking like they're looking to go and then you go rushing in for another shot and they're not there for the taking. "If I see a wounded animal, I'm going to go in for the kill. If it was the 13th round of 15 rounds he wouldn't have survived." Mike Tyson went 12 rounds with people like Pinklon Thomas and Tony Tucker, so what's wrong with me going 12 rounds?" ........................................................................................................................................... Former super-middleweight champion Carl Froch questioned Joshua's capability to recapture a world title. "In the ring at world-title level he's been there, done the business," Froch said. "Now I don't know. What motivates him? "He wants the money. I don't understand why he's fighting. I just don't. It's a dangerous sport. Money can't be the motivation when you've earned over £100m. "I've not seen anything in that performance that he wants to be a world champion again." Addressing criticism from other fighters, Joshua said: "All these fighters are haters, pure haters. I don't expect them to like me, I don't like them either. "There's a lot of haters out there. They're not my friends anyway." Promoter Eddie Hearn said he expects 2012 Olympic gold medallist Joshua to fight again in the summer and then towards the end of the year.
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zfc
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Apr 2, 2023 7:54:24 GMT
via mobile
Post by zfc on Apr 2, 2023 7:54:24 GMT
Joshua on his third trainer in three fights and he still cannot throw a feint..Very average performance last night against a guy ranked 44 in the world
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bluetornados
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Apr 2, 2023 16:23:30 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Apr 2, 2023 16:23:30 GMT
What's next for Anthony Joshua? Tyson Fury? Deontay Wilder? Dillian Whyte?..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/480/cpsprodpb/A8A6/production/_129247134_081a5110.jpgIt wasn't vintage Anthony Joshua, but it was job done. Going into Saturday's fight against Jermaine Franklin at London's O2 Arena, boxing fans wondered whether the British heavyweight could wind back the years and deliver a clinical performance with a highlight-reel stoppage. That wasn't to be - a tentative Joshua won by a unanimous points decision, but his American opponent proved to be a tougher test than many expected. This was Joshua's first fight under new trainer Derrick James, though, and the duo now have more time to gel. Promoter Eddie Hearn expects Joshua, 33, to fight twice more in 2023 - once in the summer, then in December - so what's next for the English fighter? After beating Franklin, Joshua - predictably - was asked whether he was willing to face fellow Briton Tyson Fury - the WBC champion. "That's the pot of gold," he said. "The WBC heavyweight champion of the world. That's what it's about. "If the coach and team say it's a good opportunity, I'd take it with both hands. The boxing world needs it." We have been here before. The two biggest names in British boxing have twice been close to agreeing a blockbuster fight, only for it to fall through. It was all but agreed in August 2020, set to take place in Saudi Arabia, before the Court of Arbitration for Sport ordered Fury to face Deontay Wilder in a trilogy fight. Then, towards the end of last year, a deadline imposed by Fury was not met by challenger Joshua. Fury instead faced Derek Chisora in December. Boxing's credibility wanes when big fights don't happen - as it did when Fury and Oleksandr Usyk recently failed to agree terms for a historic undisputed clash - which would have been the first in the four-belt era. Fury, 34, and Joshua have an opportunity to pay the fans back - and, it must be said, earn a huge amount of money. For the fight to happen, rival promoters and broadcasters would need to work together - and Fury and Joshua would need to make some compromises - but Hearn believes it could be next in line. "That fight is all about timing," he said. "How long do you wait? If it's there, it would be difficult not to take." Joshua's only other opportunity to challenge for a world title would be against unified champion Usyk, but having been outclassed in consecutive losses to the Ukrainian, there is little appetite for a trilogy.
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bluetornados
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Apr 4, 2023 20:13:58 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Apr 4, 2023 20:13:58 GMT
Amir Khan banned for two years after anti-doping test reveals presence of prohibited substance..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/7572/production/_129266003_gettyimages-1371608545.jpgBritish boxer Amir Khan has been banned for two years after an anti-doping test revealed the presence of a banned substance following his fight against Kell Brook in February 2022. The former light-welterweight world champion tested positive for ostarine. Khan, who retired from boxing in May, accepted he broke anti-doping rules but said it was not intentional. An independent tribunal accepted that argument, ruling out "deliberate or reckless conduct" by the 36-year-old. "I've never cheated," Khan told Sky Sports News. "But I've got a two-year ban now, which is quite strange and funny because I'm already retired anyway. "There's no comeback planned at all. But I've never cheated and I never will. That's just not something I would do." Khan says he has "no idea" how the banned substance ended up in his system. "I have to take some sort of responsibility. End of the day it's been found in my system. I can honestly say this is something I would never ever do [cheating]. "It was such a tiny amount, it was no benefit at all. I should have maybe taken more precautions. "I don't want to remembered for something like this," he said. "That'll hurt me." ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/D581/production/_129275645_gettyimages-1371304569.jpgCoral Barry, BBC SportAmir Khan is one of Great Britain's greatest boxers. His silver medal as a 17-year-old at the Athens Olympics in 2004 made him into a household name. He was a world champion, fought the best, from Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez to Terence Crawford, and his retirement fight against Kell Brook was a typically thrilling end to a storied career. The Brook fight was 17 years in the making and a huge event that captured the attention of boxing and the wider sports world, despite it being well past its sell-by date. Both men were 35 when the fight happened and have since retired. Ukad's announcement adds a different dimension to Khan's swansong. Testing positive on fight night has become more and more unusual considering it is one of the few times a big boxing star can be guaranteed they will be tested. Khan has been cleared of intentionally ingesting ostarine after a lengthy investigation, but strict liability carries a mandatory two-year ban regardless of intent.
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bluetornados
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Apr 7, 2023 19:32:30 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Apr 7, 2023 19:32:30 GMT
Anthony Joshua: British heavyweight says he will be back in the ring within next three months..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/4E66/production/_129307002_gettyimages-1478861285.jpgBritish heavyweight Anthony Joshua says he is "definitely going to be fighting in the next three months" following his win over Jermaine Franklin on Saturday. Joshua claimed his first win in more than two years having lost consecutive bouts to WBA (Super), IBF and WBO world champion Oleksandr Usyk. He told the BBC's One Show he does not know who his next opponent will be, but he wants to "get the ball rolling". "It was nine months since I was last in the ring [before Franklin]," he said. "I don't want to leave it that long again. I want to be back there in next three months." Fellow British heavyweight Dillian Whyte said Joshua, 33, showed "signs of a fighter who doesn't want to do it any more" in his points win against Franklin. "If he doesn't want to do it any more, I think he should stop," Whyte told BBC Radio 5 Live. Joshua himself said he was "not too happy" after failing to beat Franklin by knockout, but added: "Getting that win and getting out amongst the public - it was nice to mingle and get congratulations." Joshua added it was "important" to get a first win under new coach Derrick James, who he hired in February. "I'm definitely going to be fighting in the next three months, against who? It's still unknown," Joshua said. Following his victory on Saturday, Joshua said a bout with Tyson Fury would be the "pot of gold". He added: "The WBC heavyweight champion of the world. That's what it's about." ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/0046/production/_129307000_anthonyjoshua-2.jpg
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bluetornados
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Apr 16, 2023 2:21:05 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Apr 16, 2023 2:21:05 GMT
Joe Joyce much lighter than Zhilei Zhang before heavyweight fight on Saturday..By Kal Sajad
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/C25C/production/_129365794_6f4206393826a700f27c2a8213307d3e20d081e3.jpgBriton Joe Joyce weighed 22lbs lighter than Zhilei Zhang for Saturday's heavyweight fight in London. Joyce, 37, tipped the scales at 18st 4lbs (116kg), with China's Zhang weighing 19st 12lbs (126kg). The Londoner is a stone lighter than his previous fight, when we he came in at a career heavy 19st 5lbs for the win over Joseph Parker in September. "I don't know what's happened. It just seems to have fallen off," Joyce said on BT Sport. "I've been disciplined. This is the business end of my career so I need to get things right." Joyce - a 2016 Olympic silver medallist - has won all 15 of his professional fights, with 14 stoppages. He will defend his WBO interim title at the Copper Box Arena, and is the mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk's full WBO world title. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/11EF0/production/_129365437_25b1057d38188d2bf9d6868b36c9065f3f460770.jpg......................................................................................................................................................................... Joe Joyce v Zhilei Zhang: British heavyweight suffers first career loss in shock defeat..ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/1440/cpsprodpb/100DD/production/_129375756_gettyimages-1482470233-1.jpgBritish heavyweight Joe Joyce's world-title ambitions were derailed as he suffered a sixth-round technical knockout loss to China's Zhilei Zhang at London's Copper Box Arena. Joyce, 37, was staggered several times and had no answer to Zhang's power as he suffered his first pro loss. The ringside doctor twice inspected Joyce's swollen eye before the referee halted the contest in the sixth. "I'm just disappointed with my performance," Joyce told BT Sport. "The right hand he kept hitting me with... I couldn't get out of the way, so respect to Zhang. "I expected to win like I normally do. Thanks for all the support and congratulations." Joyce, the 2016 Olympic silver medallist, was the mandatory challenger for unified champion Oleksandr Usyk's WBO title and was on the cusp of a world-title shot. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/21D1/production/_129375680_gettyimages-1482473288.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/16E1/production/_129375850_gettyimages-1482473284.jpg...................................................................................................................................................................... 'I'll be back' Zhang beats Joyce
Speaking to BT Sport, Joe Joyce said: "I’m just disappointed with my performance. The right hand he kept hitting me with I couldn’t get out of that way so respect to Zhang, Big Bang. "It was a good fight. I think I could have done better. I haven’t fought a southpaw for so long and credit to him because he’s a good fighter. I gave it my all. I think I could do better, but it’s just disappointing. I expected to win like I normally do. Thanks for all the support and congratulations. "A little bit more practise [is needed]. Zhang is a fellow silver medallist, he’s good fighter and hits hard. He’s an awkward style because he’s a southpaw and a powerful southpaw at that. I just couldn’t get away, I kept getting hit by his left hand. I’m disappointed. I’d like to apologise to all my fans and supporters. I’ll be back. My journey’s not over. This is just a hurdle I’ve tripped over. I’ll be back. "Maybe it’s payback for Daniel Dubois’ eye? I got my eye done as well. Never mind. I’ll be back." ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/4/15/fb1ea7e6-8367-4c4d-aa97-eb86c8b9a153.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/4/15/902cca78-495e-4255-a3ba-ed34af6a742a.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/4/15/7288b9a8-7674-413b-8508-9e7d24ebbc72.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/4/15/b48b76d1-0fe7-4678-b1c2-16a9c00924da.jpg
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bluetornados
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Apr 16, 2023 10:43:05 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Apr 16, 2023 10:43:05 GMT
Heavyweight Joe Joyce says his 'journey will continue' after losing to Zhilei Zhang in London..By Kal Sajadichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/1058D/production/_129375966_gettyimages-1482473447-2.jpgJoe Joyce declared his "journey will continue" after his world-title ambitions were rocked by a shock first career defeat against Zhilei Zhang. The British heavyweight, 37, suffered a sixth-round technical knockout at London's Copper Box Arena on Saturday. Referee Howard Foster stopped the fight as Joyce struggled with a swollen eye, having suffered repeatedly against the hard hitting of China's Zhang. "I've had my loss but I'll be back," Joyce told BBC Sport. "The journey will continue." Joyce's swollen eye, inspected twice by the ringside doctor, was hindering his sight by the time Foster called a halt. But the Londoner said: "I can still see through it, I think it's just bruised. It's a formality to go to the hospital now to check it's not fractured or anything." In addition to his undefeated record, Joyce's defeat has also cost him his WBO interim belt and his status as mandatory challenger for unified world champion Oleksandr Usyk's WBO title. Joyce had made his ring entrance to the theme from sci-fi film The Terminator, but said afterwards: "It looks like I've got a terminator eye now. It's unfortunate but I'll be back. I thought I was doing well in there."
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bluetornados
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Apr 17, 2023 19:49:01 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Apr 17, 2023 19:49:01 GMT
Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr fined for unsavoury words before middleweight fight..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/352F/production/_128351631_gettyimages-1457690308.jpgLiam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr have been fined for their unsavoury words during the build-up to their middleweight bout earlier this year. Eubank, 33, was the subject of homophobic taunts from Smith for much of the event and responded by deriding his opponent about his city of birth, Liverpool, and smeared his marriage. The British Boxing Board of Control has found both men guilty of misconduct. Their respective fines must be paid within 28 days. A statement said: "Following full consideration of all facts placed before the stewards [of the British Board of Control], the stewards found that the misconduct charge was proven for both boxers." "Mr Smith and Mr Eubank Jr were both fined, payment to be made within 28 days." Eubank Jr triggered a rematch clause with Smith in February after losing in a fourth-round stoppage in Manchester the previous month. Smith, 34, moved up in weight to face Eubank at middleweight, inflicting his rival's first defeat since 2018. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/10E1D/production/_129394196_gettyimages-1445429253.jpg
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Apr 18, 2023 21:20:20 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Apr 18, 2023 21:20:20 GMT
Conor Benn refuses to comment on reports he has been "provisionally suspended" for doping..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/1CA2/production/_129403370_081a3949-1.jpgBoxer Conor Benn says he cannot comment on reports he has been provisionally suspended by UK Anti-Doping. Benn, 26, failed two voluntary drug tests last year and Ukad and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC ) are investigating the results. Boxing News magazine reported Benn was "provisionally suspended" by Ukad on 15th March. Benn accused Ukad or the BBBofC of leaking the news and said he "remains free to fight outside the UK". The Englishman does not currently hold a British boxing licence having given up it up in the wake of the doping scandal. That does not affect Ukad or the BBBofC's remit in potentially suspending the welterweight. The BBBofC can only ask other governing bodies not to sanction Benn to fight abroad. General Secretary Robert Smith said the BBBofC would object to Benn fighting outside the UK and reject permission requests from licence holders to fight Benn. Chris Eubank Jr was in talks to reschedule his fight with Benn this summer, but ultimately walked away from negotiations due to the BBBofC's position. Benn is undefeated in his professional career and has repeatedly said he is innocent of intentionally doping. "I can't comment on anything to do with UKAD other than to say that I am in touch with them," Benn said on social media. "Someone at the BBBoC or UKAD obviously wanted to create a headline unlike the [Amir] Khan case where it was kept quiet for 14 months but this is nothing new." Khan received a two-year doping ban earlier this month after testing positive for banned substance ostarine after his fight against Kell Brook in February 2022. The former world champion was cleared of intentionally doping by Ukad but strict liability means a fighter must accept a significant ban regardless of intent. Benn faces the same strict liability issue after twice testing positive for female fertility drug clomifene in two separate tests administered by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association. Clomifene is banned in and out of competition by the World Anti-Doping Agency. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/1513A/production/_129403368_081a3952.jpg
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