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Anthony Joshua’s trainer, Ben Davison, has claimed that a heavyweight contest between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury is closer than we might think.

Speaking to Oddschecker, the 28-year-old trainer said the following when quizzed on whether we might finally see a meeting between two of the United Kingdom’s most popular and talented heavyweights.

“I think there’s more chance of it happening now than ever,” Davison said. “With the introduction of Riyadh Season and them having the relationship with both sides, bringing all the broadcasters together and everything else we’ve already mentioned. It’s the fight that boxing fans want to see.”

Davison has trained both Fury and Joshua, and when asked if he believes whether both men want the fight he was clear in his response.

“Yeah of course they would. It’s a legacy defining fight for them both. I always say, I think it’s crucial when you are coming through to have a dance partner and they’ve been each other’s dance partners for long enough now. I think it would have massive interest and it’s the one that everyone wants to see.”

Davison has also had his say on a potential rematch between heavyweight champions Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois. Usyk won their original meeting in 2023, but the bout was overshadowed by a low-blow called against Dubois.

“Yeah I do [think that Usyk wins the rematch], I don’t think Daniel [Dubois] has changed that much. I think he still has the same tendencies from their first fight, there is no shaming a loss to Usyk, obviously. He’s put his name down as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, in my opinion. I think that the fight won’t look too different, if I’m being honest.”

Saudi Arabian boxing boss Turki Alalshikh is set to tempt Tyson Fury out of retirement with a lucrative offer for a blockbuster clash with Anthony Joshua, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Despite Fury’s announcement that he was hanging up his gloves following his second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in December, Alalshikh, a key figure in organising major fights in the Middle East, believes the ‘Gypsy King’ could be lured back into the ring with the right financial package.

The potential super-fight, which has been years in the making but never materialised, would finally settle what many consider to be the greatest rivalry in modern British heavyweight boxing history.

Joshua has expressed interest in facing Fury, acknowledging the commercial appeal of such a showdown. “I feel like it’s the best fight. A fight against Fury will be commercially favourable and against a great man. So, I think it makes sense,” Joshua told mirror.co.uk.

However, when pressed further about the possibility, the British-Nigerian boxer remained cautious, stating, “I think it’s probably best to ask Eddie Hearn,” suggesting the final decision would depend on negotiations handled by his promoter.

Matchroom CEO Hearn recently confirmed Joshua’s interest in facing Fury despite the latter’s retirement announcement in January.

“We want to fight Tyson Fury but he’s retired at the moment. I hope he watched tonight and the hairs on his arms stood up a little bit. We could do something really special. Respect to him, if he doesn’t come back then good luck but if he could, there would be a lot of happy people,” Hearn told Sky Sports.

Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua

While Fury’s promoter Frank Warren insists that his fighter is “happily retired,” Top Rank COO Brad Jacobs shares Hearn’s belief that a Joshua fight could tempt Fury back into the ring.

“Nobody is in Tyson’s head, only himself, of course. I think an Anthony Joshua fight gets him out of retirement, if it’s the right situation and he feels right about it,” Jacobs told Sky Sports last week.

“I believe there is the potential for it. What happens, nobody knows. Tyson has done shocking things before, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he did it again,” Jacobs added.

Joshua, who suffered a knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium last year, is reportedly eager to get back into the heavyweight title picture, with Hearn suggesting a rematch with IBF champion Dubois as an alternative option.

The likelihood of a Fury-Joshua fight happening depends on several factors, including negotiations, financial incentives, and Fury’s willingness to return to the ring. But with Alalshikh’s influence and deep pockets, coupled with the overwhelming demand from fans, the dream matchup between the two British heavyweights remains a distinct possibility.

Joshua’s career has experienced significant highs and lows, including losses to Usyk, Andy Ruiz Jr., and most recently Dubois. A fight against Fury, regardless of the outcome, would undoubtedly be the biggest in British boxing history and a defining moment for both fighters’ legacies.

Cris Cyborg is set to make her return to the boxing ring on March 3, 2025, when she challenges Karen Fernandes (not Claressa Shields) in a four-round bout in Medellin, Colombia, in the Super Middleweight division (154 pounds).

The former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Bellator MMA Featherweight titleholder is 4-0 as a professional boxer, a career that began in Sept. 2022, earning two unanimous decision wins to go along with pair of knockout victories.

Cyborg has been balancing both her boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) career pretty well, with her last fight in the ring coming in June 2024. Four months later, she won the inaugural PFL Super Fights Women’s Featherweight Championship by defeating Larissa Pacheco via unanimous decision in a hard-fought battle in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, improving her win streak to eight straight.

For now, the fearsome striker does not have another PFL fight lined up (or any other MMA bout) at the moment, but at least she has the freedom and luxury to be able to partake in boxing bouts on the side to keep her skills sharp and schedule busy.

After undisputed world champion boxer Claressa Shields was suspended from competing in Michigan for testing positive for marijuana, her promoter Dmitriy Salita says he’s confident she will be cleared of wrongdoing once the investigation concludes.

A statement from Dmitriy Salita:

“Claressa Shields has built her career on hard work, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to clean competition. She stands by her record, her historic achievements, and her integrity as a world champion. She has been an inspiration to countless men and women throughout the United States and throughout the world since she was a teenage Olympian.

This is a pending matter with the Michigan commission and, as such, I cannot share much more. However, we are 100-pecent confident that Claressa Shields will be vindicated when this matter concludes, and all the evidence is heard. One thing I can say with confidence, Claressa Shields did not and does not ingest illicit drugs of any kind including marijuana. And there is nothing in this instance that will tarnish her still growing legacy.”

Claressa Shields

Dmitriy Salita

According to Reuters, Shields, 29, the undisputed champion in three weight classes, has been suspended from competing in the state by the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission after an oral fluid sample was taken after her bout against Danielle Perkins on Feb. 2.

–>Claressa Shields suspended, under investigation in Michigan after positive marijuana test, per reports

The World Boxing Organization has requested a “Show notice” from Shields to provide an explanation.

The WBO does not have the authority to suspend boxers, but the Michigan Commission is conducting its own investigation to determine whether disciplinary action is necessary.

The Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency tested Shields and Perkins under the World Boxing Council Clean Boxing Program.

Anthony Joshua has fought both Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker.

He beat Parker for the WBO belt back in 2018 in what was his first fight to go the full 12 rounds. That made the Brit a unified champion, but since then he has been dethroned first by Oleksandr Usyk who beat him in 2021 and 2022, then by Dubois in September who stopped him inside five rounds as Just AJ attempted to become a three-time world champion.

Parker and Dubois were due to fight this past weekend but a late illness to ‘DDD’ meant Parker instead faced late stand-in Martin Bakole and knocked him out inside two rounds.

Speaking to BoxNation, Joshua was asked what chance Parker stands against Dubois if the two meet and believes the New Zealander has ‘a great chance’.

“A great chance. He’s a phenomenal fighter, so is Dubois. Great Chance. I feel like Dubois had to show a little bit more with his fight with Hrgovic, he had to dig deep. His fight with Miller, he had to dig deep, his fight with me he kind of like, it’s like he announced himself as the heavyweight slayer as he called himself. Dubois, he’s just edging it.”

Despite Parker coming through adversity after being knocked down in his victory over Zhilei Zhang, ‘AJ’ still sounded caution about his ability to fight through tough moments.

“Look at Parker, he’s gone in there and knocked out Bakole. If it gets tough, I’ve seen it from Dubois, he’s managed to come through, with Parker, he’s gone in there and blasted out Bakole. It would have been nice to see a bit more, see what his engine’s like in the later rounds, see what grit he’s got, but he’s gone in there and done what we all want to do as heavyweights and knock him out.”

Parker will be hoping the Dubois honours their fight and he gets his world title shot, though some believe Dubois may instead push to go straight in with Usyk for an undisputed clash.

Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has his sights set on a potential blockbuster fight with Tyson Fury and a rematch with IBF champion Daniel Dubois when he returns to action, according to his promoter Eddie Hearn, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The British-Nigerian boxer, who suffered a knockout defeat to Dubois at Wembley Stadium last year, is reportedly eager to get back into the heavyweight title picture after watching Saturday’s fights in Saudi Arabia featuring Agit Kabayel’s win over Zhilei Zhang and Joseph Parker’s victory against late replacement Martin Bakole.

“The whole night got him (Joshua) very excited about coming back,” Matchroom CEO Hearn told Sky Sports.

“I think the right thing to do would be to rematch Daniel Dubois, I think that’s what he would like to do, to have another shot at the world heavyweight championship.”

Hearn also revealed Joshua’s interest in facing Fury, despite ‘The Gypsy King’ announcing his retirement in January following back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.

“We want to fight Tyson Fury but know he’s retired at the moment. I hope he watched tonight and the hairs on his arms stood up a little bit. We could do something really special. Respect to him, if he doesn’t come back then good luck but if he could, there would be a lot of happy people,” Hearn added.

Top Rank COO Brad Jacobs shares Hearn’s belief that a Joshua fight could tempt Fury back into the ring, telling Sky Sports last week; “Nobody is in Tyson’s head, only himself, of course. I think an Anthony Joshua fight gets him out of retirement, if it’s the right situation and he feels right about it.”

“I believe there is the potential for it. What happens nobody knows. Tyson has done shocking things before, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he did it again,” Jacobs added.

Anthony Joshua

Meanwhile, Sky Sports Boxing analyst Johnny Nelson has suggested Joshua could potentially face Joseph Parker in a rematch of their 2018 bout, which Joshua won by unanimous decision.

“You know what I think is going to happen. I think Daniel Dubois goes on to box Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua sat ringside, he’s not got an opponent yet and either way I thought, if Parker wins tonight, all of sudden AJ will find an opponent and he won’t be getting in with Daniel Dubois again,” Nelson said before Parker’s win over Bakole.

Dubois was originally scheduled to defend his IBF title against Parker on Saturday but withdrew due to illness. The IBF champion is now expected to target a unification bout with WBC, WBA and WBO champion Usyk.

Desperate Claressa Shields Pens One Line After Unexpected Support Amid Michigan Suspension

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Claressa Shields isn’t happy about how she has been treated. You see, after her victory over Danielle Perkins earlier this month in Michigan, Shields tested positive for marijuana, samples for which were taken via mouth swab. The Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission immediately suspended the unbeaten boxer.

“Ms. Shields’ conduct as a licensed professional boxer constitutes an immediate threat to the integrity of professional boxing, the public interest, and the welfare and safety of professional athletes,” the Michigan commission wrote in a statement. Meanwhile, the president of the Association of Boxing Commissions Michael Mazzuli condemned the move.

He labeled the statement from the Michigan Commission “overkill” while demanding Michigan present its findings. “We would like to know what the amount of marijuana in the system was – the nanogram level,” Mazzuli said. “My understanding is it was a swab test – therefore, there is no nanogram level.”

“We feel the fighter should not be stripped of any title. In fact, numerous states and tribal commissions no longer test for marijuana and mine [the Mohegan Sun (Connecticut) commission] is one of them. The sport has to change with the industry and today’s standards,” he added. Sometime after the report, Shields hopped on to share her thoughts.

Claressa Shields

Shields expressed her gratitude for Mazzuli’s support. “Thank you! This is not how you treat a 2x Olympic Champ & 17x World champion,” she wrote. Meanwhile, Shields’ manager has also commented on the matter.

Claressa Shields’ situation is absurd, claims her manager

Claressa Shields’ manager, Mark Taffet, has slammed the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission for calling the undefeated champion “an imminent threat to the integrity of professional boxing” over a marijuana-related suspension. Taffet called the statement “absurd” and criticized the commission for making such claims before a proper hearing. “Harmful, dangerous, horrifically inappropriate statement by a government [agency] prior to a hearing. I am incredulous,” he wrote on Facebook.

Shields, who became boxing’s first undisputed women’s heavyweight champion after defeating Danielle Perkins on February 2, denied using marijuana. Performance-enhancing drug expert Victor Conte suggested the failed test “likely would have come from second-hand smoke in the arena.” Marijuana is not considered a performance-enhancing drug and is not banned in most U.S. states. Taffet questioned Michigan’s process, stating, “We respect the process … why don’t they?” as the controversy continues to unfold.

That being said, Claressa Shields has found herself in the middle of quite the controversy, as mouth swabs revealed marijuana usage. However, what are your thoughts on the situation?

Anthony Joshua Finally Answers Whether He Thinks Tyson Fury Has Really Retired This Time

Tyson Fury’s retirement came as a surprise to many people including his old rival Anthony Joshua.

‘The Gypsy King’ made the announcement in a short video early in January. It came just a matter of weeks after the former WBC champion lost a second fight to Oleksandr Usyk. In a rematch of their May 2024 undisputed contest, Fury was out-pointed once again, this time by unanimous decision to leave him with his second consecutive defeat and no world titles.

Just a couple of months before, Joshua found himself in a similar situation. After being dethroned by Usyk and beaten in a rematch, he had rebuilt and worked his way back into a world title fight against Daniel Dubois in September.

He was however stopped inside five rounds which meant many had hoped he and Fury had no better option than to finally fight one another.

Speaking to iFLTV, Joshua was asked about whether or not Fury was retired.

“Yeh, he has, he’s announced it so yeh he has.

Has he retired with a possibility of coming back? Yes. Has he retired? Yes. Is he going to fight next month, no?

In short, he might come back but he is retired.”

Fury has announced his retirement several times before. The long spell he had away from the ring was following his world title victory over Wladimir Klitschko but he still came back and returned to the top of the tree.

As of yet, Fury remains retired with no word as to a potential return while Joshua still feels that Fury is the best option for him.

Ever wondered what it would be like to sit down with one of your favorite celebrities and get a peek into their world? To hear their thoughts, gain a bit of wisdom, or discover their favorite things firsthand? Well, here’s your chance!

Mike Tyson is known worldwide for his prowess in the ring, but outside of boxing, he’s a man of surprising tastes and interests. In this candid Q&A, the former heavyweight champion shares a lighter side of his personality, diving into his favorite foods, go-to beverages, and hobbies that bring him joy. From unexpected culinary preferences to how he unwinds in his free time, Tyson gives us a glimpse into his life beyond the spotlight.

  • When you’re in the mood for a drink, what is your beverage of choice?

I love homemade Raspberry Zinger tea with agave. When I’m out, I’ll order a mocktail that consists of ginger ale and cranberry juice.

  •  Do you have a go-to restaurant you love to frequent and what is your favorite item on the menu?

I love Catch. Everything on the menu is good, but I can’t get enough of their vegan spaghetti entree. I also like old school Pierro’s and always order the garbage caesar salad.

  •  Of all the places you’ve been, which one is a destination you would want to go back to time and time again? 

I really love Saint Barts and the south of France. My daughter trains in the south of France and we frequent it often. It’s just such an awesome place.

  • If you were rating the hotels you’ve stayed at, which one would receive a rave review and why?

Hands down, the Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills. The service is unmatched and since they know me so well, they always make my stay extra special. It feels like my home away from home.

  • What is your favorite home-cooked meal?

My wife cooks seafood dishes all the time. Her spaghetti with mussels and scallops in a garlic, basil and marinara sauce is my absolute favorite dish.

  • Plane, train, boat, or car – what is your favorite mode of transportation?

If the ride is short enough, I prefer being driven around in my Sprinter van. It’s comfortable and private.

  • . What song could you listen to on repeat and never get sick of it?

If you ask my wife, there are a few of them. It depends on what kind of mood I’m in, but lately it’s been Phyllis Hyman’s “I Don’t Want to Lose You.”

  • What is one of your favorite quotes and why does it resonate with you?

“Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth,” quoted by me. This statement is a great metaphor for life. We all have a plan and then life kicks our ass a little bit, forcing us to come up with a new plan or shift things around a bit. It’s character building 101.

  •  When it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth, what is your dessert of choice?

If I’m being fancy, key lime pie. But I usually crave Blue Bell’s cookies and cream ice cream.

  • What’s an experience at the top of your bucket list that you can’t wait to check off?

You know, I’m not really a bucket list kind of guy. I already feel like I have lived more than nine lives. What’s most important to me now is making quality time for my family and just being present. So, my bucket list is to live in the here and now, making the most of every moment.

  •  What is your favorite pastime?

Being in my bird coop, of course.

  •  What is your favorite animal and why?

Pigeons are my favorite but specifically pedigree bloodlines of rolling pigeons. When I was younger, I used to like flying them and watching them roll out of the sky. As I’ve grown, I really love the breeding process. I have connected with the kings of the pigeon world and have quite a bloodline. I’m looking forward to participating in an international competition soon.

  •  What is your all-time favorite movie? Can you share a memorable quote, character or storyline from it?

You might be surprised, but my taste in movies varies and I’ll watch anything from Gladiator to The Notebook.

  •  Who is your favorite travel companion and why?

My wife and kids. I absolutely love being with my family. We get each other’s humor and it’s just always great being in their company.

Wrapping up our conversation with Mike Tyson, it’s clear that the man behind the legend is as multifaceted as he is iconic. From his candid reflections to his lighthearted insights on food, drinks, and pastimes, Tyson is a testament to resilience, growth, and the importance of enjoying life’s simple pleasures. At the end of the day, we’re reminded that even the most formidable champions have a human side—one filled with stories, passions, and a genuine love for living.

Oleksandr Usyk was sat ringside with Anthony Joshua as they watched Joseph Parker’s statement victory in Riyadh.

The WBO interim heavyweight champion produced a devastating performance as he knocked out Martin Bakole in the second round.

Parker called for a bout with Usyk after his sixth straight victory, with the Ukrainian watching on in the crowd.

Footage from ringside captured both Usyk and Joshua’s reaction to the knockout blow.

The pair could be seen intensely watching on before they were left stunned by Parker’s vicious overhand right.

Joshua leant back in shock as he rested his arm on Usyk, with the duo staring at each other in amazement.

Usyk could then be seen rising to his feet and applauding Parker, who he could now face next.

A bout with Daniel Dubois had been a possibility before the IBF champion was forced to withdraw from his scheduled meeting with Parker.

As a result, Bakole stepped in on short notice to face the New Zealander, who now has a professional record of 36-3 with 24 knockouts.

After the fight, Parker paid tribute to his opponent before calling for a blockbuster showdown with Usyk.

The 33-year-old said: “Martin Bakole, thank you very much for accepting the challenge and flying all the way here on short notice to give me a good fight.

“I just went out there, listened to Andy [Lee] and stayed calm, structured and composed to get the victory.

“I’m fit, I’m strong, I’m healthy, I’m sharp thanks to these two men and my hard work.

“Andy was breaking it down for me and I had to be patient. I want to say, who is next? How do I fight for the world title next?

“If Usyk wants a dance partner then I will get Frank [Warren] in here to lock in a fight. I want to be champion of the world again soon.”

Anthony Joshua 

Parker has now won six fights in a row since losing to Joe Joyce in 2022.

He also previously faced Joshua, suffering a unanimous decision defeat at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.

As for AJ, he has been out of the ring since suffering his fourth professional loss to Dubois in September.

Meanwhile, the Brit previously faced Usyk twice in 2021 and 2022, losing both bouts via decision.

As for the undefeated world champion, Usyk extended his record to 23-0 with 14 knockouts by beating Tyson Fury for a second time in December.

He had planned to face the winner of Dubois vs Parker before the former was forced to withdraw through illness.

Usyk remains keen on a unification bout with Dynamite, who he previously faced in 2023.

Dubois was stopped in the ninth round after dropping Usyk with a controversial low blow earlier in the fight.

The 27-year-old has since picked up wins over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic and Joshua to move to 22-2 as a professional.