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Anthony Joshua takes drastic measures to prevent reputation being ruined

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Anthony Joshua

Two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is set to face Daniel Dubois for the IBF belt in an all-British showdown at Wembley Stadium in September

Eddie Hearn said any bottled substance that Anthony Joshua consumes is tested beforehand to avoid any attempt of the British boxer ingesting banned substances through surreptitious means.

Joshua is bidding to become a three-time world heavyweight champion on September 21 as he faces Daniel Dubois for the IBF belt in an all-British showdown at Wembley Stadium.

Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois 'had to be pulled apart' before press conference for Wembley bout | Boxing News | Sky Sports

READ:‘PEOPLE EXPECT A LOT’: JOSHUA AIMS TO DOMINATE DUBOIS

The fight will arrive almost three years to the day since Joshua relinquished his WBO, WBA, IBO and IBF titles to Oleksandr Usyk, and two years since his last world title fight after losing to the Ukrainian in a rematch.

Joshua has won all four of his fights since to galvanise his shot at title redemption.

And according to Hearn, he and his team go to great lengths to avoid any threat to the sanctity of the two-time world heavyweight champion boxing reputation amid a slew of doping scandals involving high-profile boxers in recent years, including two of Joshua’s opponents last year.

Joshua was forced to fight Robert Helenius after Dillian Whyte failed a drugs test, knocking the card down from a pay-per-view bout to a standard DAZN fight.

But the controversy only escalated after Finn also tested positive following Joshua’s seventh-round knockout. Joshua, meanwhile, returned negative tests for his Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada) tests.

Both men protested their innocence. And while Helenius was handed a two-year doping ban for violating anti-doping rules, Whyte was cleared to resume his boxing career after it came to light that a contaminated substance resulted in the positive drug test ahead of his battle with Joshua.

And boxing promoter Hearn believes the threat of contamination through unintentional or even devious means is so great to boxers at elite-level, that the 45-year-old has claimed he tests every bottle that comes within touching distance of Joshua.

“I think 20% of failed drugs tests are legitimately fighters that are unlucky or have unknowingly taken a substance,” Heard told GRM Daily’s Thoughts In A Culli. “I think 80% of people cheat. And establishing what’s what is very difficult to do.

“Because fighters are never going to take illegal substances themselves. Someone will come up to them and say, we need to improve your strength and what we can do is take some of this. And maybe they won’t even tell them it’s a banned substance. But a lot of the time people are genuinely cheating.

“And we’re talking about testing to minute trace levels that would be in your blood. And in Mexico, there is a genuine thing where some meat contains testosterone. And fighters test positive for that. Things like eggs, you don’t know what people are putting in animals.

Anthony Joshua knocks down Robert Helenius

He added: “Whenever I go to a restaurant with AJ, I’m looking at the food thinking, because there’s some horrible —s out there, you put something in that food and your career is over. And imagine, everything that you built, all because of one evil individual, comes crumbling down.

“Here’s another example. After a tough fight, you might get in the ring and someone – either from the other team or wherever – and they’ll come up to you and offer something to drink. What’s in that? Do you know what I mean? I’m not saying that there is anything in there, but there could be.

“So at the top level, like AJ, every bottle is tested. Every bottle is sealed. Nothing comes in the changing room. You have to, because you’re correcting your career, your brand, your reputation. The worst thing in the world is testing positive for having not knowingly taken a substance. Then you’re called a cheat for the rest of your life despite never having done it.

“I’m paranoid in that world because I know what people are like.”

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GOLF

‘Did Everything I Could..’: Phil Mickelson Revives Feud With Jay Monahan & Exposes Own Mistreatment by PGA Tour

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Phil Mickelson Jay Monahan

Phil Mickelson doesn’t want to leave any doubt over his contribution to the PGA Tour. 

Lefty in a recent conversation, spoke of his involvement in various sponsorship deals that the PGA Tour landed. Mickelson revealed he was ‘brought in’ to resolve a few stalemates.

His words, which are worth quoting in full, read: “For 30-plus years I did everything I could to help build the PGA Tour brand, and I would be brought in to help close the deal with many CEOs when they were on the brink of potentially signing a deal, whether it was Bob Diamond at Barclays, it was Rick Waddell at Northern Trust, it was the guys at Shell, Marvin Odom (sic). There were about seven to 10 times that I would come in and try to close the deal. That was my way to help trying to build the PGA Tour at that time. I’m no longer part of the Tour.”

READ: Rory McIlroy’s Marriage Story Taking an Unexpected Turn as PGA Fans Floored

It’s not clear in what capacity Lefty was involved. The PGA Tour signed a deal with Barclays Capital, the London-based multinational investment bank, in 2004 to host ‘The Barclays’ in Westchester Country Club, New York. The original deal ran through in 2010, and the next year, the Tour decided on an extension for another five years. The tournament was the first of the FedEx Cup Playoffs.

It should be noted that Phil Mickelson also sported the Barclays logo on the right side of his polo shirt. He was one of the biggest draws at the Barclays event each year. However, they parted ways in 2017, with Mickelson moving to Intrepid Financial Partners, which, interestingly, was founded by former Barclays executive Hugh “Skip” McGee.

On the other hand, the Northern Trust succeeded Nissan as the Los Angeles event sponsor. Lefty notably played with the CEO, Rick Waddell, as recently as the 2017 Northern Trust Pro-Am. Reportedly, Waddell waited for Mickelson as his rented private jet got delayed due to fog. The Riviera event is now a Tiger Woods-hosted signature event, Genesis Invitational.

Whereas, the PGA Tour signed Shell Oil as a sponsor of its Houston event in 1992. For 25 years, the Houston stop was known as the Shell Houston Open, which Phil Mickelson won in 2011. Lefty was also a common face seen around the greens on each occasion. Interestingly, in 2011, the Tour also signed a six-year extension with the London HQ company.

From the timeline, it seems Phil Mickelson’s involvement in the sponsorship deals came under former commissioner Tim Finchem’s tenure. Jay Monahan succeeded Finchem in November of 2016. Mickelson has hinted that he tried to ‘build’ the PGA Tour even then, but Monahan torpedoed his proposals.

Mickelson refused to accept Monahan’s claim that he was the best leader to guide the PGA Tour. The 54-year-old accused Monahan of ‘strong-arming’ LIV golfers. The 45-time PGA Tour winner supported calls for Monahan’s ouster in the wake of the PGA Tour’s feud with LIV Golf. Mickelson further claimed he proposed an idea similar to the Signature events, which the Tour commissioner outrightly rejected.

The six-time major winner tweeted last year, “Before I left I brought a $1 billion commitment from a current PGATour partner to have 8 elevated events and give equity and ownership in these events to the players. JM’s quote was “ I don’t believe the league is going to happen so we won’t be doing that.” No vote, no discussion.”

It appears Mickelson wants to remind everyone that he has done whatever he could’ve for the betterment of the PGA Tour. But with Monahan at the helm, the relationship perhaps soured, and Mickelson saw an opportunity at LIV that he wanted to grab.

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TENNIS

Jannik Sinner sends message to critics as he responds to backlash over his Olympics withdrawal

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Jannik Sinner Paris Olympic

Jannik Sinner has addressed the criticism he has faced for his decision to withdraw from the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

The world No 1 highlighted the fact only he and his team knew how he felt and asserted that he gives “little importance and little weight” to those who reacted negatively.

Sinner pulled out of the Olympics prior to the tournament due to tonsillitis and expressed that he was “saddened” to not be able to compete.

Top-ranked tennis player Jannik Sinner withdraws from Paris Olympics days before matches begin | Fox News

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“After a good week of clay training I started to feel unwell,” he explained. “I spent a couple of days resting and during a visit the doctor found tonsillitis and strongly advised me against playing.

“Missing the Games is a huge disappointment as it was one of my main goals for this season. I couldn’t wait to have the honour of representing my country in this very important event.”

The 22-year-old Italian was hoping to make his debut at the Olympics in Paris, having opted to skip the Tokyo Games in 2021 to focus on his “development as a player.”

Sinner’s announcement that he would miss the Olympics again this year was met with a backlash from the Italian media and some fans.

The Australian Open champion’s absence received further scrutiny when it was confirmed he would play at the Canadian Open, which started two days after the Olympic tennis gold medal match.

In a press conference in Montreal, Sinner reiterated how the Games had been his main priority for this season when asked about the criticism he has received for withdrawing.

“It’s a question I don’t even want to have to answer honestly,” said the Italian. “I think only my team and I really know how I felt. From the outside it’s one thing, from the inside it’s another. I especially know how I felt.

“I had said since the beginning of the year that my biggest goal was the Olympics, but unfortunately I wasn’t even able to get out of bed. Then honestly, what people think… let’s say I give it little importance, little weight.

“I’m not on social media anymore, which is something that does me a lot of good. Then I read some things anyway, it’s obvious that when you open your phone there are notifications and I see something.

“But I also know who I am as a person and what kind of people I have around me — who all care a lot about me.

“Unfortunately this time it went like this, there will always be some good things and some a little bit worse, like this. I understand people’s reaction, I’m honest, but now I’m here in Montreal and what happened happened.”

Sinner started his title defence at the Canadian Open by defeating Borna Coric 6-2, 6-4 in the second round in Montreal on Thursday. He will face Alejandro Tabilo in the last 16 at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament.

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TENNIS

Novak Djokovic achieves another milestone, joins Federer and Nadal in exclusive group

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Serbian tennis superstar Novak Djokovic continues to rack up the accolades, as he joins rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal as just the third man to spent 850 total weeks in the top 10 rankings.

The 37-year old recently added the elusive Olympic gold medal to his resume at the Paris Olympic Games, defeating Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling final. Subsequently, he began his 850th week in the top 10 of the ATP ranking list.
Novak Djokovic is superior to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in key area', claims renowned coach

READ: Carlos Alcaraz reveals what Novak Djokovic told him straight after Olympic heartbreak

The 24-time Grand Slam champion became just the third man to achieve this legendary milestone, joining fellow Big three members Federer and Nadal on this exclusive list. The Swiss Maestro leads the pack with 968 total weeks in the top 10, followed by Nadal with 912 weeks.
Djokovic cracked the top 10 rankings over 17 years ago, and appears motivated to extend his stay as he has shown little sign of slowing down. The former World No.1 entered the top 10 in 2007, after losing his first Masters final at Indian Wells to Nadal. He has remained consistent over the past decade and a half, only dropping out of the top 10 in 2017 after sustaining an elbow injury that left him sidelined.
Nonetheless, the Serbian came back in 2018, winning Wimbledon in July and reaffirming his spot amongst the elite. He is inching closer to spending 300 consecutive weeks in the top 10, and could produce another year-end top 10 finish should he successfully defend the 3000 points accrued from last year’s events at Cincinnati and the US Open.

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BOXING

WATCH: Francis Ngannou alleges that sneaky ‘tricks’ were played on him before ‘unfair’ boxing fight with Anthony Joshua

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Anthony Joshua Francis Ngannou

Francis Ngannou’s return to MMA action has been confirmed by the PFL and in a fascinating interview this week, ‘The Predator’ explained what went wrong in his last fight against the boxing world champion.

Almost five months ago to the day, Anthony Joshua landed one of the most brutal knockouts of the year against former UFC heavyweight king Francis Ngannou, on a PPV aptly named ‘Knockout Chaos’.

Well, it turns out that there was plenty of chaos in the days and hours leading up to that superstar spectacle, with ‘The Predator’ now making the accusation that some sneaky tactics were used to throw him off his game.

Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou: Briton delivers devastating blow as he brutally knocks out UFC star in second round | CNN

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Francis Ngannou appeared as a guest on ‘The Diary of a CEO’ podcast with Steve Bartlett; a full two-hour long conversation that is truly one of the most fascinating and moving pieces of combat sports media in recent memory.

Towards the end of the episode, the discussion shifted to Ngannou’s boxing fight against Anthony Joshua from March 2024, with the former UFC champion stating that he believes some suspicious ‘tricks’ played on him prior to the opening bell.

“Honestly, in that fight, there was a lot of unfairness… Unlike the Tyson Fury fight [where] everything was straight and everything was fair, no sneaky stuff – but the second one, it was so messy.

“A lot of tricks [were played], like they would get me everywhere that I was going in that [fight] week, but I [would] have to wait at least one hour, one hour and a half for Anthony Joshua to arrive. But they always send a car to pick me up like that amount of [spare] time, even on fight day.”

Ngannou claimed that even on the evening of the heavyweight showdown, he was told to arrive at the Kingdom Arena several hours before he needed to. And that he found it suspicious how after being told by a producer that there was going to be a meaningful delay, Joshua still arrived exactly on time.

“I stayed in the locker room for four hours and a half, they sent a car to pick me up at 10:30 because they told me I was supposed to fight around midnight to 1 AM… And I was like ‘Okay good, this is how it works’, but you get to the arena and there’s a producer like ‘Oh we are running behind on the broadcasting so we might be fighting at 1:45.’

“I’m like ‘Okay, that’s not that bad, I’ve been training to fight in that time frame around 1 AM’… Bro, we are sitting there and watching Anthony Joshua arriving to the arena at 1:30 – like how can you tell me that?

 

“You guys told me that I was going to fight around midnight, and [then] 1 o’clock or that it’s delayed and he’s now just arriving? Stuff like that they did a lot.”

When asked if he believes that someone was purposefully trying to make him frustrated and fatigued to put him at a critical disadvantage, Ngannou simply stated: “Yes, the whole week was like that.”

“I mean I think it’s a trick that I didn’t know before, but it’s a trick that they have in boxing, they have a lot of tricks, like during the week, my coach is a very calm person, but he was really mad and yelling about it.

“I didn’t know how deep the problem was until I get in the final set, then I’m like ‘Okay this is serious’ but then it was too late… I was sleeping, I was in the locker room warming up and falling asleep.”

Whilst Ngannou did acknowledge that Joshua was simply the better man on the night and that he holds no animosity towards the British boxing legend, he did note that the constant delays might have impacted the result.

“Personally, I take that loss, but I don’t put it in the context [of my career] … It could have been different – I still think that I could’ve beaten him, I don’t know.”

 

Speaking on Francis Ngannou’s fighting career; the iconic story continues as the PFL officially confirmed earlier this week that ‘The Predator’ will make his long-awaited return to MMA action on October 19.

His first MMA bout since a unanimous decision win over Ciryl Gane back in 2022, Ngannou’s return fight is certainly no easy task as he draws PFL king Renan ‘Problema’ Ferreira.

The Brazilian juggernaut is known as one of the most feared heavyweights in the world, standing at 6ft 8″ tall with a whopping 11 of his 13 wins ending via knockout; yet Ngannou has already compared Ferreira to the aforementioned Gane, both in terms of his stature and fighting style.

 

“In terms of style, I think he might be more like Ciryl Gane’s style,” he told Sky Sports Boxing.

“Moving fast and all that stuff, or even better [than Gane] because he has long range and he knows how to use it with very fast hands… He’s unique as an opponent.”

Francis Ngannou vs Renan Ferreira is scheduled for October 19, PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants and will be available to watch online via Pay-Per-View.

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BOXING

‘I DON’T THINK HE’S GOT THE MONEY’ – HEARN EXPOSES MAYWEATHER’S WEALTH

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Floyd Mayweather Eddie Hearn

Eddie Hearn has serious question marks over Floyd Mayweather’s billionaire status. 

Mayweather is regarded as the richest boxer in the sport, as he retired with a 50-0 record. Since his retirement, Mayweather has been vocal about his business investments. Some of the ventures he has been linked with include real estate and gold mines in Dubai.

However, he continues to undertake exhibition bouts with question marks over whether he needs money. Mayweather will box John Gotti III on August 24 in a rematch of their first fight, which ended in a brawl. There is a danger that Mayweather will expose himself to harm in the latter stages of his exhibition career. While that may be the case, the boxer looked forward to continuing his career after retirement.

Eddie Hearn 'warned to stay away from Gervonta Davis' by Mayweather Promotions | Boxing | Sport | Express.co.uk

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“I was born to be a fighter, I’m gonna die a fighter at the end of the day. If I was really taking abuse in the sport or I was getting battered then I don’t think I’d be doing exhibitions, but I was able to surround myself with smart individuals, that’s what makes me smart, because I want to surround myself with a smart team and I’ve made a lot of smart investments. So, am I doing this for the money? Absolutely not. I’m doing it because this is what I want to do,” Mayweather

While Mayweather’s wealth appears extensive on social media, Hearn doubts that he is as rich as he claims to be.

“I don’t think he’s got the money he says, that’s what I think. I don’t think he needs the money but you know when you’ve got that lifestyle, when he’s spending what he spending,” Hearn said 

Nevertheless, that would be tough to imagine. Mayweather topped Forbes in 2019 with $700 million. The boxer has also repeatedly said that he does not need to work again, as the focus was on building generational wealth for his children. The boxer is also known for being a big gambler. He recently placed a $5,000 bet on Isaac Cruz to lose to Jose Valenzuela.

The prediction was correct as Valenzuela became the new WBA Junior Welterweight Champion. Mayweather also predicted that Andy Ruiz Jr. and Jarrell Miller would end in a draw. That result became true, earning Mayweather a total win of $34,500. He has repeatedly confirmed that his desire for exhibitions is not motivated by money, as he shows no signs of slowing down.

“We just got a call about a three exhibition deal and it’s a crazy number. If I was taking abuse and I was getting battered then I think I’d step away. Am I doing it for the money? Absolutely not. I’m doing it because this is what I want to do. It’s not like I’m hurting. And the people are enjoying it, my team is enjoying it and it’s good to be able to travel to different places and train and shake hands with different people from all walks of life,” Mayweather stated

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BOXING

‘Slay the king’ – Dubois intends to ‘make a fool’ of Joshua

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ANTHONY JOSHUA DANIEL DUBOIS

DANIEL DUBOIS INTENDS TO ‘SLAY THE KING’ AND ‘MAKE A FOOL’ OF ANTHONY JOSHUA IN IBF WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT

Daniel Dubois has not held back in the build-up to his date of destiny, saying that he wants to “make a fool” of IBF world heavyweight title challenger Anthony Joshua. With Oleksandr Usky vacating the belt to face off once more against Tyson Fury, Dubois is ready to “slay the king” at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, September 21.

Daniel Dubois says he intends to “make a fool” out of Anthony Joshua ahead of their IBF world heavyweight title showdown.
Due to face off at Wembley stadium on Saturday, September 21, Dubois was in a bullish mood in a video released on promoter Queensberry’s YouTube channel.
Joshua vs Dubois official as Britons prepare for title fight at Wembley | The Independent

JUST IN: CRAWFORD SAYS CANELO IS DUCKING; ALVAREZ RESPONDS – ‘I’M THE FACE OF BOXING’

After former undisputed champion of the world Oleksandr Usyk vacated his IBF belt to rematch Tyson Fury in December, Dubois was upgraded to interim champion.
And the 26-year-old was unequivocal in his intentions for the bout, which he called “definitely bigger” than his defeat to Usyk in August of last year.
“I’m not here to talk foolishness,” said Dubois. “But I want to make a fool out of AJ by knocking him out and put all the doubters and the critics to sleep.
“This is definitely bigger than the Usyk fight. This is definitely the lion’s den, this one.
“Topping a bill with a major elite fighter, a guy that’s been up there for a long time, now I feel like it’s the right time to knock him off that pedestal and take the front.
“I looked at him as the guy that’s leading the way for British fighters, British heavyweights, British boxing.
“So he’s been the king for a long time, and now is my time. I need to dethrone the king and slay the king, and that’s what I’m going to have to do.”
‘Dynamite’ hit the headlines in June by announcing that he floored Joshua in sparring, when the latter had just turned professional.
Joshua strenuously denied the claims, though admitted that Dubois had “cracked” him.
But the latter insisted that he was tougher, both physically and mentally, than he was seven years ago.
Dubois said: “I’m a different guy now. Harder punching and stronger will and that’s what this fight is going to come down to, the spirit and the will of each fighter.”
Dubois’ last fight saw him defeat Filip Hrgovic via TKO and become the IBF interim champion.
After taking several heavy blows, Dubois grew into the contest and looked to have gained the upper hand before cuts above both Hrgovic’s eyes brought a halt to proceedings.
And he questioned Joshua’s ability to withstand the force of the Croatian and recover as he did.
“I won’t take them shots,” promised Dubois. “Hrgovic is completely different to AJ. The way he throws his shots, it’s smooth, he’s light and he’s quick. So it took me a while to get the hang of it.
“If you look at the fight properly I was slipping, just subtly sometimes and doing what I had to do to win and that’s what I’m going to have to do again.
“Break Joshua, break what’s in front of me down and get a victory by any means necessary. Could he take them shots Hrgovic was throwing?”
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BOXING

CRAWFORD SAYS CANELO IS DUCKING; ALVAREZ RESPONDS – ‘I’M THE FACE OF BOXING’

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Terence Crawford has hit back at Canelo Alvarez for not wanting to fight him. 

Crawford has been chasing Canelo since becoming the first Undisputed Welterweight Champion of the four-belt era. Crawford moved to 154 and beat Israil Madrimov to become the WBA champion. The fight was seen as a step towards fighting Alvarez at 168. Crawford took the shots well, but the fight appeared closer than the unanimous scorecards suggested.

The Saudis contacted Canelo about making the fight. The Mexican dismissed those channels, saying he was not interested in making a fight. Crawford has now reacted by calling out what he perceived as double standards.

Terrence Crawford denies using Canelo Álvarez for Israil Madrimov promotion as he sounds off on Mexican over

READ: “I’m a threat to his legacy”: Terence Crawford blasts Canelo Alvarez over ‘antics’ and ‘excuses’

He highlighted how Canelo had been fighting smaller guys in the past. Amir Khan and Floyd Mayweather, to name a few. Crawford even highlighted how Canelo made his weight class by fighting guys at 155 pounds when he fought Khan.

“I think Canelo is more so nervous of losing to a smaller guy like myself than being scared of me. I just think he knows that I have the tools and ability to disrupt anything that he brings to the table. Canelo is very strong and punches very hard but you’re going to need more than just power and strength to beat Terence Crawford. And I think for a little small guy from 135 to go to 168 and defeat Canelo Alvarez would be a big tarnish on his legacy as well,” Crawford said

Canelo’s focus is boxing Edgar Berlanga on September 14. Alvarez defends his WBO, WBC and WBA belts after the IBF stripped him for not facing his mandatory William Scull. Despite not being undisputed, Canelo managed to secure himself a fight on Mexican Independence Weekend on September 14. It will clash with UFC 306, which holds the first combat event at The Sphere in Las Vegas.

Canelo has shown he can sell consistently regardless of whom he fights. While he may not hit the numbers Floyd Mayweathergenerated, Canelo can make big paydays without the need to risk facing the big names. After Berlanga, there will be serious question marks over his next opponent. Eddie Reynoso has hinted that Canelo could take up a fight in Japan.

That would likely be an exhibition bout or a fight against a lesser-known name. Alvarez can sell worldwide, which is why a Chris Eubank Jr. fight could materialize in the UK. Eubank Jr. was in contention for the Canelo fight before Berlanga got the nod. Canelo has clarified that he is the ‘face of boxing.’

“I respect everybody but I don’t like the way [Alalshikh] talks. It’s his problem, not my problem. I didn’t ask for a fight. If he wants a fight, he needs to do it my way, and not his way.Crawford knows now. He experimented 154 and he knows [what I would do to him]. Maybe he does 168 for a big check. Everyone wants to fight me for a payday. I am the face of boxing,” Alvarez stated

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BOXING

‘PEOPLE EXPECT A LOT’: JOSHUA AIMS TO DOMINATE DUBOIS

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Anthony Joshua Daniel Dubois

Anthony Joshua hopes to put on a dominant performance when he boxes Daniel Dubois on September 21. 

The pair face off for the IBF Heavyweight Title as Joshua aims to become a three-time champion. AJ lost his belts when he suffered two consecutive losses against Oleksandr Usyk. Since then, Joshua has reinvented himself. He is with Ben Davidson, as the pair have worked together for Joshua’s last two fights. Joshua has stoppedOtto Wallin and Francis Ngnannou. While they are not the highest level of opposition he could have faced, Joshua was praised for bringing back his combination-style boxing.

Dubois has also reinvented himself since his Usyk loss. The Brit was stopped by the Ukrainian in round nine and failed to get up in time after the count. There was a perception that Dubois had developed a reputation for quitting. He took a knee in his defeat to Joe Joyce. But stoppage wins over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic have allowed him to make history. Dubois is the current IBF Champion after Usyk vacated and was elevated. With Joshua being the favorite, he recognized that there was an expectation to deliver.

Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois: IBF champion tells AJ he is a 'king slayer' - BBC Sport

JUST IN: “;I’m a threat to his legacy”: Terence Crawford blasts Canelo Alvarez over ‘antics’ and ‘excuses’

“You can say so. Always developing, always learning. I do look back at my old fights as well. At the end of the day they were different types of opponents. I could have been beating a lot of lesser challenging opponents for many, many years.

“I could have been coming into my world title years now but I’ve done it early. So what I’m trying to say is that when I’m fighting guys, it’s hard to look unbelievable against someone that’s basically on the same level as you. World championship fights, they’re 50-50. But I get it. People, they expect a lot. They want to see dominance,” Joshua said

Joshua knows a win makes him mandatory for the winner of Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Uysk, giving him a shot at undisputed. But he cannot afford to make a mistake as he has done previously. Joshua faced Andy Ruiz Jr., knowing that a win would likely set up an undisputed fight with Deontay Wilder. Joshua made his American debut and almost stopped Ruiz.

But he paid the price for being too aggressive. Ruiz got on the inside and dropped Joshua. The Brit never looked the same, and he was later stopped. While Joshua won the rematch, the talk of a Wilder fight died down somewhat. The bout never got made as both men would lose their belts. Joshua recently confirmed that he aims to retire in the next two years, and it is now a critical period for his legacy. But Dubois is ready to cause an upset.

“I’m aiming to be the best. AJ has been the king for a long time but on the night I need to be the king slayer. I’m ready to let my fists do the talking. I’m 100% ready to go, focussed and to train like a beast,” Dubois stated 

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TENNIS

Roger Federer expresses concern for Rafael Nadal with career on the ropes

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Roger Federer Rafael Nadal

The retired Swiss legend expressed his concern for Nadal after revealing he has been keeping up with the Spaniard’s recent results.

Roger Federer expressed his concern for Rafael Nadal’s physical condition after the veteran star made it to the final of the Swedish Open in July.

The Swiss icon, who turns 43 on August 8, bid an emotional farewell from the sport in September 2022, citing the toll of injuries on his body as the reason behind his decision to walk away.

Rafael Nadal Says He Is 'Close To Retirement,' Talks Roger Federer

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Federer chose Nadal as his final doubles partner in the last match of his incredible 24-year career at the 2022 Laver Cup in London. That put their unbreakable bond on full display as the pair struggled to hold back the tears in their final match together.

Naturally, the nature of their friendship hasn’t changed even after his retirement, as Federer exhibited his worries for his friend in a recent interview when he kept up with his progress in Bastad.

Nadal, 38, had battled through to the final of the tournament in preparation for his Olympics participation before losing 3-6, 2-6 to Nuno Borges in the final.

But he looked physically spent in the final, and Federer feared for Nadal given how he has been plagued by injuries in recent years. Nadal himself admitted he was exhausted after failing to win a medal at the Olympics, having played doubles with Carlos Alcaraz for Spain.

After being informed Nadal lost the final during an interview with Vogue, Federer said: “He lost? Oh, come on. Three and two [the scoreline] Oh, God. I saw he was down 1-0, love-40.

“That’s the last time I checked, a few hours ago, but when I saw the score, I was like, ‘Oh, no… I hope his body is okay’.”

Some might expect tennis to be at the back of Federer’s mind when he is unwinding with his family.

But the opposite appears to be true, with the tennis icon revealing himself to a keen armchair fan in his retirement along with his wife, Mirka, and four children, Myla and Charlene, both 14, and 10-year-old twins Leo and Lenny, 10.

“I do check in with the game almost daily to see scores and results. Watching is a whole different thing — I love watching it when it’s on TV,” he added.

“We’ve been watching a ton of football as well — the Euros, and now the Olympics are coming up, so I’m going to watch all of that. I’m a big sports fan. But again, I’m always out and about and busy.

“But especially in the evening, when the day unwinds and I have time to sit back and maybe go on YouTube and watch some highlights, I tend to do that. I like to be up to speed on what’s going on, because the guys play nice, and I like to see what they’re doing.”

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