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Anthony Joshua & Lennox Lewis Agree on Who Will Win Usyk vs Fury 2

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Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk

The hotly-anticipated rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk is just around the corner, with the Gypsy King looking to avenge a heartbreaking loss to his rival earlier this year.

Usyk defeated Fury in Riyadh to hand him his first-ever professional defeat, and became the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999 in the process. The WBC, WBA, and WBO belts will all be on the line this time round, with Usyk relinquishing the IBF title shortly after beating Fury. That title is now held by Daniel Dubois, who was upgraded from interim champion and will defend that title in February against Joseph Parker.

The rematch is set for the 21st of December, and Lewis, along with other top names in the boxing scene, have been giving their predictions about who will come out on top this time.

Oleksandr Usyk & Tyson Fury’s pro boxing records (as of 13/12/24)
Oleksandr Usyk Tyson Fury
Fights 22 36
Wins 22 34
Losses 0 1
Draws 0 1

Lennox Lewis & Anthony Joshua Both Back Oleksandr Usyk

Lewis, with 41 wins from 44 fights, and despite initially throwing his support behind Fury, is now under the impression that Usyk is on the top of his game and will be hard to stop.

Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk

Lewis told Droeks On Boxing: “Well, I cannot go against Usyk. He has proven himself time and time again, and he is still undefeated. It really comes down to who boxes the best. Who’s smart in the ring? I didn’t think Tyson Fury was smart in the first fight. I think he played around a little bit too much, and allowed Usyk to really pile up the points. Usyk is a difficult opponent. He moves all the time, he’s always throwing punches, he’s in great shape, and that’s hard to beat.”

Anthony Joshua

Anthony Joshua, who was ringside for the first fight in May, can tell you first hand what it is like to be in the ring with Usyk, having lost to him twice. He also believes the Ukrainian will come out on top once again. He told Queensberry Promotions: “I think it’s going to be a tough fight early on, and then I feel like Usyk will edge it again. He’s a class operator, so I think Usyk’s one of the best out there. That’s why I think he will win.”

Other Fighters Have Their Say

Derek Chisora, Carl Frampton, and Amir Khan have all cast their picks

Another British fighter who isn’t backing Fury to win is Derek Chisora. He has been in the ring with both men, losing on a total of four occasions (including a trilogy with Fury). He said: “[Usyk] is still the same, bro. It’s gonna be a good fight, we’re gonna see a little bit of difference, but you have to understand: Tyson will come a little bit different, but Usyk will come a little bit different [as well]. But as the scales hit right now, my money’s still edging on Usyk.”

Someone who is backing Fury, however, is another former world champion, Carl Frampton, as he said: “I fancy Fury. My mind hasn’t really swayed from start to finish, which is strange in a fight of this magnitude; I’ve been saying Fury from the start. I think Fury is in the zone now, he’s serious, he’s ready to fight. Both guys seem to be very, very confident. Both, I think, know it’s going to be a difficult fight.”

Amir Khan similarly backed Fury to right his wrong from May, with the former world champion saying: “I just lean more towards Tyson in this fight. As we get closer to the fight, I feel like Tyson might be a little too thin. We know Fury can fight on his back foot, but we just don’t know what to expect […] Let’s see, I’m gonna stick with Fury to win the fight, but there could be a few scares.”

So the boxing world is split over who they believe will win. One thing is for sure, it will be sure to be a massive clash between two of boxing’s best.

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Bellew backs Joshua’s return against Dubois

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Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua 

Former WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew has backed Anthony Joshua to return to the ring for a rematch with Daniel Dubois, even as Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk prepare for their highly anticipated December 21 heavyweight unification bout in Saudi Arabia.

Speaking to Spaceport Sweden, Bellew expressed confidence in Joshua’s ability to bounce back from his shocking September defeat to Dubois at Wembley Stadium, where he lost by knockout.

“I wouldn’t doubt that he’ll be back for a single second. As long as he’s still hungry and has the desire, he’ll be back,” Bellew said.

The former champion believes Joshua, who has earned over $200m in his career, including $75m from fights in 2024 alone, will take his time before making any decisions about his future.

“It’s a smart move to sit and wait. Just let it all unfold in front of you and then all he has to do is decide in January. Enjoy Christmas, and enjoy your New Year. Enjoy your time,” Bellew added.

Joshua, who started 2024 with a victory over Francis Ngannou before losing to Dubois, still has one fight remaining on his lucrative Riyadh Season contract.

Meanwhile, IBF heavyweight champion Dubois has confirmed his interest in a rematch with Joshua, despite being scheduled to defend his title against Joseph Parker in February.

“As a fighter, I would love to get in the ring and put the final touches on our rivalry,” Dubois told the Mirror recently.

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has indicated that the British-Nigerian won’t return to action until at least May 2024, with multiple options available, including a potential clash with the winner of the WBC interim title fight between Zhilei Zhang and Agit Kabayel.

However, Bellew suggests Joshua’s immediate focus should be on the Dubois rematch rather than the upcoming Fury-Usyk clash.

“I think the last thing on Anthony Joshua’s mind right now is one of those two. I think his goal and his focus will be on Daniel Dubois,” Bellew said.

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I’ve sparred Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury but scary prospect was toughest at just

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Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua

I’ve sparred Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury but scary prospect was toughest at just 15-years-old in ‘school uniform’

Lawrence Okolie has sparred Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, but was given his toughest examination by another frightening prospect.

Okolie is a two-weight world champion who has shared the ring with some of the best fighters in the sport, including some of the heaviest-handed heavyweights.

‘The Sauce’ has touched gloves with the likes of long-term friend Joshua regularly as well as former two-time champion Fury, who he sparred in 2023 while competing at cruiserweight.

After moving up to the blue-riband division himself with a big first round KO win, some of these names could become his future opponents.

But despite sparring some formidable profiles, the new British heavyweight was most threatened by prospect Moses Itauma in a tough sparring session.

He recalled the rounds during an interview on talkSPORT’s White & Jordan, revealing they were his toughest despite Itauma being just 15-years-old.

He said: “Funnily enough, I don’t know if it was because I was making cruiserweight or not.

“But the young up and comer, Moses Itauma that I remember sparring when he was 15 when I was preparing for a world title shot.

“I don’t know what it was about him, he was so fast and explosive and also very skillful.

“To be fair that’s the toughest spar I had. I was 27 and geared up for a world title shot and in my best shape.

“This boy came in his school uniform, taking off his tie and blazer and coming in to give some great work.

“That’s why I’m rooting for him, as I want someone with that much talent actually go and accomplish great things.”

Itauma has earned rave reviews from a number of big names, having even faced lofty comparisons to heavyweight legend Mike Tyson.

The 19-year-old has had 10 fights already in his professional career, and is yet to be beaten winning eight of them by KO.

Fury has already tipped Itauma as a future star of the division, given he has already risen to a superb standard.

The ‘Gypsy King’ even himself admitted that he would avoid a showdown with Itauma, who clearly carries formidable punching power.

Itauma will even help Fury spar for his upcoming rematch with Oleksandr Usyk on December 21, a sign that he is considered a real force moving forward.

The Briton will face experienced Australian Demsey McKean on the undercard of the sequel, as he looks to continue to expand his profile.

Anthony Joshua 

And his trainer Ben Davison, who is also the cornerman for Joshua, believes he is the best prospect in the heavyweight scene currently.

“He’s a very smart, intelligent fighter. He’s a thinking fighter,” he said.

“At his age a lot of it is instinct. Our job is to make it very conscious so when he comes across another fighter with a high IQ, he’s able to process, he’s able to have answers for whatever questions they’re asking back of him.

“He’s able to recognise traps that better opponents are trying to set on him. I feel like his progress is quick.

“I know sometimes he plays it down but he really loves the sport. He’s got a lot of passion for it and he’s really exciting.”

Okolie and Itauma could be pit against each other in the future, given he too plans to join Itauma at the pinnacle of the division.

The former Olympian is already ranked fifth in the WBC rankings, and is hoping to make a quick push towards world glory.

It could easily see the pair pit in a future all-British clash, which would certainly light up the squared circle.

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Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder reignited for 2025 in USA vs UK showdown

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Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder

A match-up between two fighters of Nigerian origins Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder is set for 2025.

In a thrilling matchup between the United Kingdom and the United States, Anthony Joshua is predicted to face Deontay Wilder.

This year, the two former world champions were scheduled to finally meet, but Wilder lost unexpectedly to Joseph Parker.

Zhilei Zhang then knocked him out, and in September, Daniel Dubois stopped AJ after five rounds.

Richard Torrez, an 11-0 American professional and US Olympian, is still interested in seeing the two square off, though.

Turki Alalshikh, the powerful Saudi boxing head, recently announced plans to hold a 6v6 series of contests between the United Kingdom and the United States.

In June, Eddie Hearn’s stable of Matchroom fighters lost against Frank Warren’s Queensbury Promotions.

However, Hearn and Warren might team up this time to fight Golden Boy of America and Top Rank.

Joshua was expected to take a rematch against Dubois but is now out for an extended period.

Wilder on the other hand has set his sights on fighting Ngannou.

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Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder tipped to fight in sensational UK vs USA event

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Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder

ANTHONY JOSHUA has been tipped to fight Deontay Wilder in a sensational UK vs USA event.

The pair of former world champions were lined up to finally face each other this year but Wilder suffered a shock defeat to Joseph Parker.

He was then knocked out by Zhilei Zhang before AJ was stopped in five rounds by Daniel Dubois in September.

But US Olympian and 11-0 American professional Richard Torrez still wants to see the two fight.

Torrez, 25, told Sky Sports: “I still want to see Wilder versus AJ, I still want to see some of those big guys go at it.

“We still want to see all of those fights happen. They will still be entertaining fights.

“You put a big heavyweight versus another big heavyweight – that’s going to be fireworks.”

Powerful Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh recently revealed plans to stage a 6v6 series of UK vs USA fights.

Frank Warren’s stable of five triumphed against Eddie Hearn’s in June.

But Hearn and Warren could this time join forces to take on Top Rank and Golden Boy of America.

And Torrez said: “It’s going to be UK versus US pretty soon. I think a lot of these guys are showing their stuff.

“I think they’re putting on the scene over on the European side and I feel like once some of us jump the Pond to head over I think it’s going to be a really cool and active scene for the up and comers.

“It’s building up and I’m really excited to see where we go with heavyweight boxing.”

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Anthony Joshua Names The One Heavyweight Better Than Mike Tyson

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Anthony Joshua and Mike Tyson 

Anthony Joshua and Mike Tyson are two huge names in heavyweight boxing.

Despite what they have achieved in their careers, both men have recently suffered losses. Joshua was stopped inside five rounds by Daniel Dubois as he attempted to become a world heavyweight champion for the third time back in September.

As for Tyson, he was beaten on points by a man less than half his age in Jake Paul when the pair fought a controversial eight rounds in Texas this November.

Speaking to IFL TV when ranking his best heavyweights of all time, Joshua had plenty of praise for Tyson’a prime days.

“Number two is gonna be The Iron Man, the man that I would love to have read comic books about when I was a kid. ‘Iron Mike’ Tyson. The beast, the man with the 19″ neck, the man with quads that mad people say don’t skip leg day, the man with the legs that made you get your suits tailored. The beast that will knock you out with a left or a right. Iron Mike Tyson is definitely in my top five.”

He then named the one heavyweight he sees as better than the youngest ever heavyweight champion, ‘Iron Mike’.

“The king of the ring, the finest, the man who brought finesse to the game, the greatest, Muhammad Ali.”

Muhammad Ali was an enigma inside the ring and out, transcending the sport of boxing to become a cultural icon.

Joshua is currently recovering from some niggling injuries and assessing his options for his ring return. It won’t be an immediate rematch with Dubois who is now set to face Joseph Parker in February, but he could wait around for the winner of the rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk on December 21.

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Dubois still wants Joshua rematch

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Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois

International Boxing Federation heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois has expressed his desire for a rematch with Anthony Joshua, despite being scheduled to defend his title against Joseph Parker in February.

“As a fighter, I would love to get in the ring and put the final touches on our rivalry,” Dubois told Mirgor.

“But as it is, I’m just really excited to get out there and defend that belt again. I’m sure a rematch with Joshua could happen in the future, who knows? So yeah, I’m just ready to continue on my journey.”

The champion’s eagerness for a second bout comes after his spectacular knockout victory over Joshua at Wembley Stadium in September. However, the former two-time world champion won’t return to action until at least May 2024, according to his promoter Eddie Hearn

WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed this development, stating, “The WBC has received a formal request to sanction this fight for the interim title, and we will accept it. We’ve been clear and transparent in supporting the best possible matchups, especially in the heavyweight division.”

Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois

Former unified light welterweight world champion Amir Khan has advised Joshua to hold off on other fights and wait for a mega-bout with Tyson Fury before retiring.
“He should wait for the big fight against Tyson Fury,” Khan told New Zealand Daily.

“They’re both such big names and I think he should call it a day after that.”

The proposed Fury bout could materialise under the Riyadh Season banner, with His Excellency Turki Alalshikh expected to make a lucrative offer should Fury fail to reclaim his title from Oleksandr Usyk in December.

Joshua’s financial success has been remarkable, earning $75m from fights in 2024 alone, second only to Canelo Alvarez in yearly earnings. His paydays include a $65m purse for the Andy Ruiz Jr rematch in Saudi Arabia and over $40m for his two encounters with Usyk.

With one fight remaining on his Riyadh Season contract and multiple options available, including the WBC interim title route and potential mega-fights with Fury or Dubois, Joshua’s next move could significantly impact the heavyweight division’s landscape.

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Anthony Joshua Names The One Heavyweight Better Than Mike Tyson

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Anthony Joshua and Mike Tyson 

Anthony Joshua and Mike Tyson are two huge names in heavyweight boxing.

Despite what they have achieved in their careers, both men have recently suffered losses. Joshua was stopped inside five rounds by Daniel Dubois as he attempted to become a world heavyweight champion for the third time back in September.

As for Tyson, he was beaten on points by a man less than half his age in Jake Paul when the pair fought a controversial eight rounds in Texas this November.

Speaking to IFL TV when ranking his best heavyweights of all time, Joshua had plenty of praise for Tyson’a prime days.

“Number two is gonna be The Iron Man, the man that I would love to have read comic books about when I was a kid. ‘Iron Mike’ Tyson. The beast, the man with the 19″ neck, the man with quads that mad people say don’t skip leg day, the man with the legs that made you get your suits tailored. The beast that will knock you out with a left or a right. Iron Mike Tyson is definitely in my top five.”

He then named the one heavyweight he sees as better than the youngest ever heavyweight champion, ‘Iron Mike’.

Anthony Joshua and Mike Tyson 

“The king of the ring, the finest, the man who brought finesse to the game, the greatest, Muhammad Ali.”

Muhammad Ali was an enigma inside the ring and out, transcending the sport of boxing to become a cultural icon.

Joshua is currently recovering from some niggling injuries and assessing his options for his ring return. It won’t be an immediate rematch with Dubois who is now set to face Joseph Parker in February, but he could wait around for the winner of the rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk on December 21.

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Joshua to get early title chance

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Anthony Joshua 

Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua could get a shot at the WBC interim title following the sanctioning body’s decision to approve a fight between Zhilei Zhang and Agit Kabayel, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman has confirmed that the winner of the Zhang-Kabayel bout could face Joshua, offering the British-Nigerian a new path to heavyweight glory without immediate rematches against Daniel Dubois, Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk.

“The WBC has received a formal request to sanction this fight for the interim title, and we will accept it,” Sulaiman told The Independent. “We’ve been clear and transparent in supporting the best possible matchups, especially in the heavyweight division.”

Joshua, who suffered a knockout defeat to Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September, had been linked with a rematch, but the IBF champion is now set to defend his title against Joseph Parker in February.

The WBC’s decision comes as Fury and Usyk prepare for their December 21 unification showdown, following Usyk’s unanimous victory over Fury in May. Usyk’s subsequent vacation of the IBF belt led to Dubois being elevated to full champion status.

“For the winner on December 21, there are many options,” Sulaiman added.

“Whether it’s a trilogy fight, a rematch for undisputed status, or another high-level event, we want to ensure the champion remains active while delivering sensational fights.”

The opportunity represents a potential fast track back to world honours for the 35-year-old Joshua, with No.2-ranked Kabayel set to face No.4-ranked Zhang, who sit either side of the often-avoided Martin Bakole in the WBC rankings.

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Anthony Joshua could regain world title without Daniel Dubois revenge

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Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois

Anthony Joshua could regain world title without Daniel Dubois revenge or facing Fury vs Usyk winner

An avenue might have opened up to allow Anthony Joshua a shot at a world title, without the former champion needing to face Daniel Dubois, Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk.

Joshua, a former two-time heavyweight champion, failed to take the IBF title from Dubois in September, losing to his fellow Briton by knockout at Wembley Stadium.

Joshua, 35, had been linked to a rematch with Dubois, 27, but the latter is now set for a title defence against Joseph Parker in February. Meanwhile, Fury and Usyk will clash for the unified belts on 21 December – seven months after Usyk outpointed the “Gypsy King”.

Deontay Wilder Makes Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury 2 Prediction…

Usyk became undisputed champion with his win in May, but he soon vacated the IBF belt, meaning interim champion Dubois was elevated.

The Ukrainian will defend the remaining major titles against Fury, including the WBC gold, yet the organisation has agreed to sanction an interim title fight between Zhilei Zhang and Agit Kabayel. And Joshua could challenge the winner of that bout, according to WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman.

Sulaiman told Sky Sports on Monday (2 December): “The WBC has received a formal request to sanction such a fight for the interim title, and the WBC will accept to sanction it.

“Why? Because we have done everything possible for the past several years to reach the ultimate, great fights in each weight category, especially [at heavyweight].

“All this time we have been perfectly clear and transparent that the WBC will not impose any mandatory that goes against having the ultimate undisputed champion, because they’re fighting the best available.

Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua 

“There’s no better fight than Usyk vs Fury, so with that fight happening and then the possibilities for the future, we have accepted the No 2 and No 3 to fight for the interim title. Keep them active, and keep the division having the best fights possible.” Kabayel is ranked second, while Zhang is actually seeded fourth – below the much-avoided Martin Bakole.

“For the winner on 21 December, there’s many options,” Sulaiman continued. “Why should anyone get in the way of a third fight? Or the fight again for undisputed [against Dubois]? Or any high-level event, while we can accommodate the champion [and have a] fight for an interim title, where the winner is going to be a high-level, sensational possibility? So, we’re all for having undisputed champions.”

Joshua is ranked sixth by the WBC, and Sulaiman, when asked whether AJ could challenge Zhang or Kabayel, said: “Absolutely. That’s an opening of possibilities for more fights to continue to take place.”

Zhang, 41, knocked out Joe Joyce twice in 2023 and dropped Joseph Parker twice in a decision loss in March. The Chinese star then bounced back in June, brutally knocking out Deontay Wilder.

Meanwhile, Kabayel is on a run of four straight knockout wins. The German, 32, most recently beat Frank Sanchez in May.

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