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‘Tragedy’ in Tyson Fury’s Family Has Left Oleksandr Usyk’s Manager Feeling Heartbroken

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Tyson Fury Paris Fury Oleksandr Usyk

“Nothing outside the ring matters, there is no emotion,” said a broken Tyson Fury as he revealed that his wife, Paris Fury had suffered a miscarriage during the biggest fight of his career.

During the press conference for the upcoming fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on December 12, Fury revealed the misfortune that his family suffered just a night before he faced Oleksandr Usyk back in May.

Fury, 36, has seven children with his wife and the pair has been together for nearly two decades now. “I have been with the woman for longer than I wasn’t with her,” said the 34-1-1 boxer while describing his sorrow in front of the crowd in London. The devastating news has brought the world together, as Usyk’s manager Egis Klimas also reacted to Fury’s distraught with a heartfelt message on his social media account.

Tyson Fury has revealed that wife Paris had a miscarriage the day before he fought Oleksandr Usyk - Boxing News - SPORTbible

JUST IN: Joshua Could Face Fury Over The Dubois Rematch

While only a few days ago, the two were trading swear words at each other, as soon as the news broke it was no longer about fight promotion for Usyk’s manager. Klimas took to his ‘X’ and wrote, “Sorry to hear about this tragedy, just first time did learn about it.” Klimas further stated that it is a terrible feeling and even he had a fighter who suffered the same tragedy. “It’s terrible feelings, I had ones same situation with one of my fighters just two days before his fight happened,” recalled Klimas.

Usyk and Fury have been in a fierce rivalry for over a year, but as soon as the Ukrainian boxer’s camp learned about the tragedy, Klimas prayed for Fury and his family. “It’s really big family tragedy! Sorry Tyson! Hope God will give you few more in near future,” said Klimas emphatically. The sympathetic message was a perfect example of how a sport can bring even rivals together.

During the press conference, Tyson Fury also stated that he is not using this terrible loss as an excuse. Rather, he is telling everyone what a big scar it has left on his own family, as this was not the first time they were going through it.

While speaking to reporters during the media day on Wednesday, Fury revealed that he had sensed something was wrong even before the fight. According to Tyson Fury, Paris did not want to affect Fury’s mental condition before the fight and hid the news from her. But “when she said she couldn’t come over, I knew there was a problem,” stated Fury as his mind wandered off to the worst.

Paris, who is often ringside for most of Tyson Fury’s matches, was not able to come due to the accident even though His Excellency Turki Alalshikh offered a private jet for her. But she hid the truth from Fury till the end. “She never told me she had lost the baby, but I knew,” said the 36-year-old while acknowledging his wife’s sacrifice.

Fury further stated that he regrets that he was not with her wife during the tragedy. “But she was six months pregnant. It’s not like a small miscarriage at the beginning. You have to physically give birth to a dead child, on your own, while your husband is in a foreign country,” said Fury in a calm yet broken voice. He further mentioned how this has left a scar on his family as he recalled a similar misfortune some time ago.

Fury further added, “We have had miscarriages before and, it happens. Will we have any more kids? I don’t know if she’s back to normal from that. It takes a lot of getting over.” The couple has been open about their struggles with miscarriages in the past. In 2014, Paris gave birth to a stillborn while she was pregnant with her third child. This had happened shortly before Tyson’s comeback boxing match in 2018.

A visibly morbid Fury almost broke down before collecting his emotions, stating, “But no more of this morbid stuff now because I’ll break down in tears,” as he switched his focus to exact revenge on Oleksandr Usyk come December.

This is real tragic news that no one should suffer. And Tyson Fury, an honorable man, has assured everyone that he wouldn’t let this affect his goal of becoming the unified heavyweight champion and is ready for the challenge.

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BOXING

Joshua Could Face Fury Over The Dubois Rematch

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Anthony Joshua Tyson Fury

Anthony Joshua may choose to fight Tyson Fury next instead of rematching Daniel Dubois.

That is according to Eddie Hearn. Joshua was knocked out in the fifth round by Dubois, who retained his IBF Heavyweight Title. He suffered a one-sided beating as Joshua hit the canvas four times before the referee waved the fight off. In his post-fight comments, Joshua said he would not retire. He indicated his desire to run things back with Dubois, who was also open to the rematch. However, Joshua has to make the right move. Another defeat to Dubois will increase the narrative on him to retire.

He has already made over $200 million in the sport whilst also becoming a two-time unified heavyweight champion. But a win over Dubois makes him the IBF Heavyweight Champion and puts him in a position to fight the winner of Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, who rematch on December 21. That would be for the Undisputed Heavyweight Championship.

Tyson Fury Has No Doubt Who Wins Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois Rematch: "He Won't Take It" - Seconds Out

JUST IN: Gervonta Davis’ next fight in jeopardy as fight could be postponed

But the Fury fight is also there. That is the biggest domestic fight in British boxing, which Joshua had signed for. However, Fury’s arbitration case with Deontay Wilder prevented the fight from happening, as the Gypsy King eventually went ahead with the Wilder rematch. But now Hearn has said that AJ may simply wait to face Fury.

“AJ wants revenge, but the only issue is timing. For the rematch to happen in February, training camp will have to start in a couple of weeks. There are always niggles, and he had a few, so physically, it’s just a case of whether AJ is ready to do that. It would be frustrating if we made the Dubois rematch and Fury won [the Usyk rematch]. Then we’re sitting there going, ‘Hang on a minute, we’re fighting Dubois, but we could have fought Fury in May for the biggest fight in boxing,” Hearn said 

Nevertheless, that depends on several factors. If Fury beats Usyk, that could set up the narrative for a trilogy fight. The Gypsy King narrowly lost a split decision in the first bout. While most of the boxing community felt that Usyk won a unanimous decision, it showed that Fury could hang in there with the Ukrainian until the end of the fight. Joshua would also have to depart from what he usually does.

When he lost against Andy Ruiz Jr. on his American debut in Madison Square Garden, Joshua had the rematch immediately. He outboxed Ruiz and beat him to win a unanimous decision. When Joshua lost the Usyk fight, he immediately took the rematch. Although he came out second best again, it showed that Joshua has a tendency to try and avenge his losses. The failure to do that against Dubois may suggest he no longer feels he can cut it at the elite level. The motivation may simply be to get as much money as possible before retiring. Joshua has plenty to ponder.

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BOXING

Gervonta Davis’ next fight in jeopardy as fight could be postponed

By
Gervonta Davis Lamont Roach

Gervonta Davis for many years now has proclaimed himself as ‘The face of boxing’.

Whether this is true or not, the man known as ‘Tank’ is certainly one of the biggest draws when it comes to pay-per-view figures.

Recently in Las Vegas, the reigning WBA lightweight champion knocked out Frank Martin in eight rounds, solidifying his dominance in the 135lb division and reinforcing the belief that he is the best in his weight class.

Gervonta Davis Lamont Roach

READ: Mike Tyson Releases Short Video Of Him Sparring, Working The Bag – And People Are Concerned

Post the fight, there were links of unification contests between the man from Baltimore and Vasyl Lomachenko (IBF) and Shakur Stevenson (WBC).

However, these fights have not materialised due to his rivals not being available.

Despite this, after rumours of the knockout artist returning on December 14th, it was confirmed that he would be fighting the current WBA super featherweight champion Lamont Roach (25-1-1), on this date at the Toyota Center in Houston, TX.

Since, losing for the first time in his career to Jamel Herring in 2019, Roach has gone on a six-fight win streak.

‘The Reaper’ notably defeated former ‘Tank’ opponent Hector Luis Garcia last November to claim his WBA title.

He then went on to defend his title in June by defeating Feargal McCrory by TKO in the eighth round.

However, per Dan Rafael on his Twitter/ X account, the fight is in doubt.

Been told by 3 sources involved in the event there’s good chance Tank-Roach won’t happen Dec. 14 as announced on PBC social platforms & by the fighters. Venue issue may be reason I’m told. Might happen as planned but unclear. 1 deemed it “50-50.” Could get pushed to early ‘25.

He then went on to say that there is no issue between the fighter’s deals, but the fight is not fully finalised, due to venue complications.

Therefore, it would seem as if the fight may not happen until 2025.

Furthermore, due to the rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk occurring on December 21st, it is very unlikely that the PBC would schedule the fight for this date.

Fight fans will have to wait and see how Gervonta Davis’ fight plays out, but what is certain is that blockbuster clashes await him.

 

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GOLF

Tiger Woods to miss his own event again as major health questions asked about golf icon

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Hero World Challenge Scottie Scheffler Tiger Woods

The Hero World Challenge has revealed its line-up, with Scottie Scheffler leading the charge. However, the notable absence of Tiger Woods is hard to ignore.

Woods’ absence from the Hero World Challenge is especially conspicuous as he is the host of the event. The tournament is part of the PGA Tour schedule, but being an unofficial event, players do not earn FedEx Cup points or official funds.

The 2024 edition of the event boasts a total prize fund of $4.5 million (£3.5m), with the winner set to bag $1 million (£770k). Despite this, the tournament often attracts the biggest names in golf, although on this occasion, Woods will not be participating.

Woods not part of initial Hero World Challenge field | SuperSport

READ: Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy get wish as personal roadblock to LIV Golf merger removed

At present, the confirmed competitors include Scheffler, Ludvig Aberg, Patrick Cantlay, Wyndham Clark, Hideki Matsuyama, Sam Burns, Brian Harman, Sahith Theegala, Tony Finau, Sungjae Im, Tom Kim, Aaron Rai, Billy Horschel, Keegan Bradley, Russell Henley, Matthieu Pavon and Bob MacIntyre. Three additional exemption spots are yet to be announced.

There is a chance that Woods could be awarded one of these exemption spots to compete in the Hero World Challenge, aligning with his plans for the rest of the year.

The 48 year old golf legend’s schedule has hit an unforeseen snag after he announced another setback with his health, pausing his participation in the Hero World Challenge and the PNC Championship due to recent back surgery.

Woods took to social media in mid-September to inform fans about his latest medical procedure aimed at tackling severe discomfort that hindered his 2024 season, fraught with injury bouts. Conducted by Dr. Sheeraz Quereshi, the operation is reported to be a success.

In his statement, Woods said: “The surgery went smoothly, and I’m hopeful this will help alleviate the back spasms and pain I was experiencing throughout most of the 2024 season,” and continued, “I look forward to tackling this rehab and preparing myself to get back to normal life activities, including golf.”

Undergoing his sixth back surgery, expectations are high for Woods to make a strong return in 2025, particularly with the anticipation surrounding his involvement in The Golf League, his partnership with Rory McIlroy aiming to compete with LIV Golf.

Despite potential risks of recurring pain that previously plagued him, as Woods confided to Golfweek in December 2023 regarding his challenges during competitions, fans remain optimistic about his recovery and presence at the Hero World Challenge come December.

Woods bluntly described the pain endured from last year’s competitions with a single word, “Everywhere,” when pressed about where he felt soreness. He further explained: “My leg, my back, my neck. Just from playing and hitting shots, trying to hold off shots. It’s just different at game speed, too. Game speed is a lot different than at-home speed.”

Despite dealing with discomfort during the Hero World Challenge in 2023, Woods maintained optimism about participating in at least one tournament each month throughout 2024. However, his plans hit a snag in July when he announced he would take the rest of the year off for recovery, admitting his initial schedule was perhaps overambitious.

Reflecting on the challenges, Woods admitted, “I thought I could play a little bit more earlier in the year. I think I was a little bit too optimistic,” He ruefully added, “At the end of last year, it was tough, and I haven’t played a whole lot. I think that, as the year has gone on, I have gotten better. I just wish I could have played a little bit more, but I’ve been saving it for the majors just in case I do something pretty major and then take myself out of it.”

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BOXING

Mike Tyson Releases Short Video Of Him Sparring, Working The Bag – And People Are Concerned

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mike tyson in the gym JAKE PAUL

Mike Tyson has shared new sparring footage ahead of his highly-anticipated showdown with Jake Paul next month, but some fans have been left worried by the video.

Mike Tyson has shared new sparring footage ahead of his forthcoming face-off with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul next month, but the clip has left some fans worried. With the fight just weeks away, both men are in the final stages of their training camps and are fine-tuning any extra details that may give them an edge on fight night.

The showdown between the two boxing stars is set to take place on November 15 at the AT&T Arena in Arlington, Texas. Many in the boxing community have expressed concern for Tyson’s health due to the significant age difference between the two fighters.

Derek Chisora makes huge claim about Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight - Boxing News - SPORTbible

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With Paul being 31 years younger than the boxing legend, most fans believe it’ll be a walk in the park for ‘The Problem Child’. These fears were amplified after ‘Iron Mike’ had to withdraw from the original match earlier this year due to an ulcer flare-up.

Tyson hasn’t fought a professional bout since 2005 when he was defeated by Irishman Kevin McBride. However, he did step into the ring four years ago for an exhibition match with fellow boxing legend Roy Jones Jr.

At the height of his career, the 58 year old was invincible and is now widely considered one of the greatest heavyweights in the history of the sport, reports the Mirror.

Paul has been quite vocal on social media in the lead up to his fight with Tyson, whose training regime for their November bout has largely remained a mystery. However, the 58 year old recently gave fans a glimpse into his preparations by sharing a video of himself in the gym on X – previously known as Twitter.

The clip shows him hitting a heavy bag and sparring, accompanied by a caption that reads: “Oh I can’t wait for November 15th. I’m charging right through you,” Despite this, some followers have expressed concerns about the post. One user commented: “I think I know why there are so many jump cuts. You are going to be gassed in 20 seconds.”

Another added: “I’m starting to think that dude’s in some serious trouble. Hope his insurance is paid up. All that money will buy a nice wheelchair.”

A third remarked: “We see these 10 second clips of furious power and speed …. It’s the 15mins of recovery afterwards we don’t see. Silly fight, with silly caveats in the contract to make it last but as well all know … money ru(i)ns this world now.”

A fourth observed: “I’ve yet to see 2 min of straight action lol.”

While some fans have expressed concerns over a recent video, others maintain hope for the upcoming heavyweight clash in November. One optimistic fan declared: “If anyone can turn back the clock one more time, it’s Mike,” Another supporter chimed in with encouragement, stating, “Let’s go champ. Iron Mike aging like fine wine. Show them what we missed all these years and deliver a knuckle sandwich knockout.”

A third fan added their enthusiasm: “Can’t wait either mate, I have not watched boxing since the early 90’s, going to watch this one for sure.”

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BOXING

Pacquiao set to equal Mayweather feat as rematch cutoff expires

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Manny Pacquiao Floyd Mayweather

Manny Pacquiao looks set to match a feat rival Floyd Mayweather managed in 2020 as a planned comeback gets shelved for his political career.

Like all retired legends, Pacquiao is on the International Boxing Hall of Fame ballot three years after his last professional contest. Mayweather took his honor in 2020, becoming a first-ballot Hall of Famer after retiring following his clash with Conor McGregor in 2017.

When boxing media and personnel cast their votes, the ‘Pac-Man’ will undoubtedly be voted into the lucrative boxing archive in Canastota, New York. This scenario would be the earliest opportunity for the eight-weight world champion. The impending induction would potentially mean Pacquiao ends his career after months of trying to nail down a title shot swansong.

Mayweather vs. Pacquiao: Scorecard Results, Complete Punch Stats and Breakdown | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors | Bleacher Report

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As World Boxing News broke exclusively, Pacquiao wanted to fight Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title. The pair held talks, but ultimately, the fight stalled, and Barrios moved on to fight on Paul vs Tyson on November 15

Speaking to WBN earlier this month, MP Promotions President Sean Gibbons hadn’t given up hope. However, with Pacquiao’s political career resuming in May, any other fights are unlikely.

“Let’s see what happens [with Barrios after his fight on the Mike Tyson undercard],” Gibbons told WBN. “We are running out of a little time as ‘Sir Manny’ declared his candidacy for the Senate in 2025. So he’s tied up from February to May 11, when the election is.

“But, anything can happen – after. For sure, that’s [the Barrios title chance], but it is still the fight.”

A confirmed rematch with Floyd Mayweather also looks to have bitten the dust due to only ten weeks remaining until the scheduled return. It would be impossible for Mayweather and Pacquiao to live up to their 2023 promise to fight on a RIZIN bill this New Year’s Eve. Pacquiao took to a RIZIN show to make it official before Mayweather revealed he’d made money simply from the announcement.

Since then, the entire notion of Mayweather vs Pacquiao II has gone silent.

The IBHOF recently named Vinny Pazienza, Nigel Benn, Joel Casamayor, Chris Eubank, Mikey Garcia, Shawn Porter, Antonio Tarver, Mikkel Kessler, and Shinsuke Yamanaka as other Hall of Fame hopefuls.

Pacquiao’s name will be on the list for induction in 2025, barring a significant development.

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GOLF

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy get wish as personal roadblock to LIV Golf merger removed

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Tiger Woods Rory McIlroy

Greg Norman will stay at LIV Golf – but is set to be replaced as CEO of the Saudi Arabia-funded series.

LIV Golf’s arrival as a rival to the PGA Tour sent shockwaves throughout the world of sports. LIV Golf immediately made its presence felt, signing some of the game’s biggest names in an attempt to fracture the PGA Tour’s grip on professional golf.

Norman has signed the likes of Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, and Jon Rahm to LIV Golf. But in June 2023, reports emerged suggesting LIV Golf had agreed to merge with the PGA Tour to end golf’s divide.

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy are two of the leading voices on the PGA Tour

READ: ‘Uncle’ Tiger Woods’ Hearty Gesture Might Have Pushed Serena Williams’s Daughter Away From Tennis, Reveals Alexis Ohanian

The merger ensured the pending legal dispute between the tours was to be placed on the back burner to attempt to co-exist as a single entity, with a signed agreement seemingly set to combine the PGA Tour and LIV’s commercial operations and rights into a new company, along with the DP World Tour.

Tense negotiations have been ongoing for some time now, with both Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy insisting Noman needed to step down to end “animosity” between the two tours. McIlroy in particular declared he believed Norman “had to go” in order to push through a merger.

He said in November 2022: “There’s a few things that I would like to see on the LIV side that needs to happen. I think Greg needs to go. I think he just needs to exit stage left. He’s made his mark, but I think now is the right time to sort of say, ‘Look, you’ve got this thing off the ground, but no one is going to talk unless there’s an adult in the room that can actually try to mend fences.”

Woods echoed Mcilroy’s statements, with the 15-time major champion suggested the Australian was looking to “destroy” the PGA Tour. “Greg has to go,” Woods said back in 2022. Asked whether LIV and golf’s traditional tours can co-exist, Woods said: “Not right now, not with their leadership, not with Greg there and his animosity towards the tour itself. I don’t see that happening.

As Rory said, I think Greg’s got to leave and then we can eventually, hopefully, have a stay between the two lawsuits and figure something out. But why would you change anything if you’ve got a lawsuit against you? They sued us first. I see that there’s an opportunity out there if both organizations put a stay on their litigation but that’s the problem, they’ve got to put a stay on it.

“I think it has to start with leadership on their side. Understanding that what is happening right now is not the best fit or future for the whole game of golf. Now, what is the best way for our game to grow? It’s not this way. You need to have the two bodies come together. If one side has so much animosity, someone trying to destroy our tour, then how do you work with that?”

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which bankrolls LIV Golf, has been looking for a new CEO for the circuit to take over from Norman. Once the new hire is installed, Norman is expected to maintain a leadership role within LIV Golf.

At the recent Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan played alongside Yasir Al-Rumayyan and McIlroy throughout the week. DP World Tour CEO Guy Kinnings was also playing, leading fans to believe that a breakthrough in negotiations is imminent.

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TENNIS

Novak Djokovic mercilessly accused of ‘giving up’ against Jannik Sinner in Shanghai by Slam winner

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Novak Djokovic Shanghai Masters

Former world No 4 Adriano Panatta has claimed Novak Djokovic resigned himself to “giving up” in his Shanghai Masters final defeat to Jannik Sinner.

The Italian tennis great, who has often been a harsh critic of Djokovic‘s, also insisted he has “great admiration” for the Serbian and explained he simply “loved Roger Federer more.”

Sinner downed Djokovic 7-6(4), 6-3 in the title match at the 2024 Shanghai Masters to level his head-to-head series with the tennis icon at 4-4. The world No 1 has beaten Djokovic three times in a row and won four of the pair’s last five meetings.

Sinner Beats Djokovic to Take Shanghai Masters Title, Sabalenka Reigns in Wuhan

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Djokovic won more points in a high-quality opening set that featured no break points, but Sinner crucially performed better in the tiebreak to edge it.

The 37-year-old’s level dropped early in the second set and he was punished by the 23-year-old Italian, who was ruthless in closing out the win for his seventh title of 2024.

Panatta lauded Sinner for his consistency this year and argued most of the Italian’s rivals struggle to match his level for more than an hour in matches.

“He won again, he confirmed this extraordinary year that he is playing in a way that is beyond belief, because it is true that he has made a lot of progress in these last months, but I must say that the continuity and the average level of play is very high,” he told Corriere dello Sport. 

“Even when he doesn’t play very well, with players from six and below he can never lose. When he plays well he doesn’t even lose with the first four. Then I must say that the gap now is between him, [Carlos] Alcaraz and the others.

“He plays continuously for two-three hours always at a very high level. The others play like him, but for an hour, an hour and a quarter, then they can’t keep up the pace.”

The former French Open champion reinforced his point as he asserted that the final between Sinner and Djokovic was over after the first set.

“He (Djokovic) played well, but for exactly one hour. After the first set, there was no more match, so I think that Djokovic also resigns himself to giving up,” Panatta continued.

“I believe that a player like him, who was probably the best of all time in terms of results, is not a player who can allow himself to leave the court, I don’t say humiliated, but with a good beating from Sinner.

“I’m a little sorry, because I have great admiration for Djokovic. I always say that I didn’t love Djokovic, but that’s not true. I loved [Roger] Federer more.”

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BOXING

IBF sets Daniel Dubois vs Anthony Joshua rematch deadline

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Daniel Dubois Anthony Joshua

A potential rematch between Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua would have to happen by April 22 next year, according to the IBF’s rules; Dubois’ mandatory title defence is likely to be against the winner of Martin Bakole’s IBF final eliminator against Agit Kabayel

The IBF has outlined how a rematch between Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua would have to happen before a deadline date in April.

Dubois knocked out Joshua last month at Wembley Stadium to defend his IBF heavyweight belt, in a bout stipulated as a mandatory title defence.

Daniel Dubois should only be fighting one man next – and it’s not Anthony Joshua

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Under the IBF’s rules, Dubois now has nine months to make a voluntary title defence, opening the door for a Joshua rematch, but he must fulfil this bout by April 22.

Rule 5.A.2 of the IBF’s regulations regarding the heavyweight division states that “all optional defences, and any and all other bouts, by a champion shall be concluded at least 60 days prior to the date the champion’s mandatory is due”.

After this date, Dubois must fulfil a mandatory title defence, which is likely to be against the winner of Martin Bakole’s IBF final eliminator with Agit Kabayel.

Dubois will be notified on approximately April 22 of his June 21 mandatory.

The regulations state the champion “shall be obligated to mandatorily defend his championship within intervals of no more than nine months against the leading available contender in the heavyweight division as designated by the championships chairman”.

The IBF has, however, stated that Dubois would be free to pursue a unification bout after this date.

Dubois has stated his desire to fight the winner of Usyk’s rematch with Fury in Saudi Arabia in December, with the WBC, WBO and WBA belts at stake.

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BOXING

[WATCH] Does Floyd Mayweather Have Same Power as Canelo? Shane Mosley Makes Bold Comparison

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Floyd Mayweather Jr Canelo Álvarez

Though he lost the battle for the undisputed championship, gallantly, Dmitry Bivol stood his ground and took a KO artist the whole distance.

During one interview, when asked what it felt like to be at the receiving end of Artur Beterbiev‘s bone-breaking punches, Bivol drew attention to a rather curious facet. When it came to a single shot, he felt that former rival Canelo Álvarez hit harder than the new undisputed champion!

Now the angle seems to have struck a chord at several corners. Former three-division Shane Mosley shares a common history with Dmitry Bivol. Like the Kazakhstan-born boxer, he fought Canelo Alvarez in the past, albeit a decade earlier. However, one of Mosley’s momentous fights was against Floyd Mayweather Jr. So the comparison invariably arose between the unbeaten champion and the Mexican superstar. As for Bivol’s case, Mosley’s response seems to have drawn notable attention.

JUST IN: Daniel Dubois vs. Anthony Joshua Rematch Doubtful, Frank Warren Uncertain What’s Next

So this reporter asked, “Let me ask you this: What do you think about Floyd power?” And pat came the reply, “When I fought Floyd, his power was really good,” said ‘Sugar’ Shane Mosley. So much so that in terms of sheer speed and power, he felt that Mayweather Jr. was as good as Canelo Alvarez.

Needless to say, from approval to sarcasm and then to plain dismissal, the commentary box has been witnessing a range of views. However, Shane Mosley’s point may hold some weight. Mayweather Jr.’s overall knockout-to-win rate just manages to stay above water. But the fact remains that when he was ‘Pretty Boy Floyd’, he did pack a punch and win fights through early stoppage.

In 2013, squaring off against Alvarez, Mayweather Jr. delivered a boxing clinic that impresses boxing purists to this day. But again, the champion’s technical superiority stole the limelight with very few insights into his power. Many believe that during the second stage of his career, probably from the Zab Judah fight onward, Floyd Mayweather Jr. transitioned to ‘The Money’ Mayweather.

His fighting style witnessed a gross change; he preferred going the whole distance. One may argue that the transformation might have occurred because of his progressing age. Then one can barely downplay the quality of his opponents either.

When it comes to Canelo Alvarez, Dmitry Bivol could present a pronounced contrast. According to him, the unified super middleweight champion invests all his power into a single punch. So if there’s a combination, say three to five punches, the first incoming would hurt the most. But the subsequent ones gradually taper off in intensity. Hence, when it came to a single debilitating power shot, he definitely had an upper hand in comparison to Artur Beterbiev.

But there seems to be a caveat. “But if you ask them, let’s do like five punches, Beterbiev; every punch will be hard. With Canelo, maybe first hard and then not [so much]. If we ask him [Beterbiev] to do it, maybe his punch is harder, but he’s not using it,” said Dmitry Bivol.

For sure, millions of Mayweather fans would be elated. The technical prowess of the 50-0 former world champion remains unquestionable. A few may definitely find solace in that their icon never lacked in power either.

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