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‘It showed him who’s boss’- Oleksandr Usyk planned for nine months to land one specific punch on Tyson Fury in fight win

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Oleksandr Usyk Tyson Fury

Oleksandr Usyk admits he had been working on stunning Tyson Fury from the very first bell.

Usyk and Fury did battle in an undisputed title clash in May, and the Ukrainian picked up a huge victory to make history and hand the Briton the first defeat of his career.

There had been several concerning moments for Fury including in the ninth round, where he was knocked down but managed to cling on and survive until the bell.

Oleksandr Usyk Tyson Fury

JUST IN: Anthony Joshua takes drastic measures to prevent reputation being ruined

But Usyk feels he got the respect of Fury early on, after preparing to unleash a powerful shot which crushed through the guard of the Briton in the opening three minutes.

“It was a planned action that we had worked on for nine months,” Usyk told Mail Boxing when discussing a left hand he had rocked Fury with in the opening round.

“It was necessary as it showed him immediately in the ring who the boss is.

“I was in control the whole time, there were no worries. The process was ongoing.”

Usyk then went on to describe a moment in the sixth round, where he felt he would then go on to win the clash.

He added: “When I didn’t get knocked down by an uppercut in the sixth round.

“I felt such a force behind me that I understood that nearby there is my force which I pray to.

“Maybe it was even an angel, but I felt some kind of support for my back there was no one there (behind me) but the support was felt.”

The saga is not yet over though, as he is now set to face Fury again in an immediate rematch on December 21.

Usyk threatened to close the show in their maiden clash so will be hoping to go one better and win inside the distance in Saudi Arabia.

Despite the threatening shots, Fury was confident he had done enough when the judges’ scorecards were read out.

He has even since suggested he scored himself in the lead after rewatching the clash.

And the ‘Gypsy King’ has insisted that Usyk was at the level of an ‘amateur boxer’, and that he found the exchanges ‘easy’.

Fury said on his Furocity YouTube Channel: “I’ve watched the fight back lots of times and still got the same answer – I thought I won the fight.

“Usyk knows he didn’t beat me. I thought I boxed the head right off him for most of the rounds.

“It was actually a lot easier than I thought it’d be, the Usyk fight. People said he’s a hard man to hit, I was lighting him up with four-punch combinations and laughing at him.

“My problem in that fight was I probably had too much fun. It was probably too easy. It was like I was in there with a local amateur boxer.”

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BOXING

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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BOXING

“It Is A Different Story with Anthony Joshua”: Ahead Of Anthony Joshua Fight, Daniel Dubois Responds To Claims Over ‘Questionable Defence’

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Anthony Joshua Daniel Dubois

Daniel Dubois has won the hearts of boxing fans around the globe for his likeable character and determination in the face of adversity – despite being previously criticised for a lack of grit in the past.

As the biggest fight of his life approaches, Dubois has addressed concerns that he takes too many shots ahead of a domestic dust-up against the hard-hitting Anthony Joshua.

‘Triple D’ was unsuccessful in his unified title bid against Oleksandr Usyk twelve months ago, taking a knee for the second time in his career and accepting a knockout defeat, much to the disappointment of British fight fans. However, those who were suspicious of his will in the ring were soon proven wrong, as Dubois bounced back with consecutive career-best stoppage wins of his own against Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic, the latter seeing him pick up the IBF interim title, which was later upgraded to the full world title.

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

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During that contest, many viewers took notice of how much punishment Dubois was subject to during the early stages of the contest, eating an eyewatering 35 power punches in the opening two rounds alone. Meanwhile, Joshua needed to land just five power punches to stop Francis Ngannou in February.

Consequently, former British champion David Price declared that if Dubois was as easy to hit against Joshua as he was against the Croatian, he would expect ‘AJ’ to get the job done without the judges’ intervention.

“He is easy to hit with a right-hand, we saw that in the Hrgovic fight, he was catching him repeatedly with the right-hand but he was walking through them. I think that it is a different story with Anthony Joshua and I think that ‘AJ’ is probably going to win late on.”

Whilst admitting that he took too many right-hands, Dubois boasted of how he fought through the fire and aims to do the same in six weeks’ time, before adding doubt as to whether Joshua’s chin could have coped with the same blows, in an interview with Queensberry Promotions.

“I won’t take them shots. Hrgovic is completely different to AJ, the way that he throws his shots is smooth, he is light and he is quick, he doesn’t load up or anything. It took me a while to get the hang of it but I found a way to deal with it. If you look at the fight properly, I was slipping, just subtly sometimes, doing what I had to do to win.

“That is what I am going to have to do again, break Joshua up, break down what is in front of me and get the victory by any means necessary.

“Could he [Joshua] take them shots that Hrgovic was throwing? Everyone has got an opinion. Let them get on with it. Now it is time to do the work and see what they [the naysayers] say after this one.”

Joshua-Dubois takes place at Wembley Stadium on September 21st, topping a blockbuster bill that features a plethora of British talent.

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BOXING

‘GREEDY BELLY, YOU’RE MY FRIEND’ – USYK TROLLS FURY’S TRAINING FOR THE REMATCH

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Tyson Fury Oleksandr Usyk

Oleksandr Usyk reacted to Tyson Fury’s training ahead of their rematch on December 21. 

Usyk defeated Fury to become the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the world. Despite winning via a split decision, Usyk dominated the fight. Fury’s only good rounds were the middle parts of the fight. Usyk almost knocked out Fury in round nine, only for the referee to impose a standing eight count when Uysk was going to the finish.

Fury refused to accept the loss, saying Usyk made the decision due to the war in Ukraine. He referred to Usyk as an amateur boxer. The rematch offers the chance for redemption. However, it will not be undisputed as Usyk vacated the IBF belt. Fury has been putting in the work early. The following footage shows Fury after a run. He then stated the following.

Fury Reacts

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Tyson Fury: “I just finished a little bit of a run on the bay with the lads, working away, chipping away nicely. December 21st, Usyk, you’re on notice. Come on.”

In contrast, Usyk has been taking things much easier since the win. Usyk is starring in the new film Smashing Machine alongside The Rock. He will play the character of Ukrainian kickboxer Igor ‘Ice Cold’ Vovchanchyn. He has already made an impression with Johnson and Snoop Dogg, who came to visit him on set.

The Ukrainian also attended the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Usyk was vocal about the state of amateur boxing, with worries it could get scraped from the Olympics. Usyk won an Olympic Gold in London 2012 and went professional a year later. The importance of the Olympics showed as Usyk became undisputed at cruiserweight and heavyweight. The Ukrainian was not happy with the standards.

“For many years, there has been a desire to change the boxing system, which is rotten on an international level. So, we just need to work. No promises need to be made; we need to act. When you do this, people see the work done and come to you, asking to collaborate. But I think boxing will be in the Olympic Games. We are at war. But our athletes still came. They are fighting,” Usyk said

Although Fury was pushing the limits with his training, Usyk was unfazed.

Oleksandr Usyk: “Hey, my friend, ‘Greedy Belly,’ continue training. I’m ready, brother. I know your hard work is good. I appreciate it. Thank you so much, ‘Greedy Belly.’ You’re my friend. You are my friend.”

The rematch is pivotal for both. Another win for Usyk may be enough for him to walk away from the sport. His team has already hinted at a crossover fight. Conor McGregor has been mentioned as an opponent in BKFC. There is also the chance that Usyk will drop back down to cruiserweight. However, that is unlikely, as he would have to lose much weight.

This would be more difficult at this stage of his career now that he is 37. Meanwhile, another loss for Fury will leave question marks over where he goes next. Although there is the Anthony Joshua fight, it will not be as big as it would have been. Either way, there is plenty on the line come fight night.

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BOXING

‘WE ARE ON DIFFERENT LEVELS’ – USYK WANTS $200 MILLION FOR THE JOSHUA TRILOGY

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Oleksandr Usyk Anthony Joshua

Oleksandr Usyk would consider fighting Anthony Joshua in a trilogy for $200 million. 

That is according to Usyk’s promoter, Alex Krassyuk. The pair boxed each other twice, and Usyk emerged victorious on both occasions. The wins meant Usyk became the Unified Heavyweight Champion. Since then, both boxers have improved. Usyk defeated Tyson Fury as the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion, the first man since Lennox Lewis in 1999. Usyk will rematch Fury on December 21. However, it is not for undisputed after Usyk vacated.

Joshua has done well since teaming up with Ben Davidson. In their two fights together, Joshua has secured stoppage wins overOtto Wallin and Francis Ngannou. Joshua will now box Daniel Duboisfor the IBF Heavyweight Title. If Joshua beats Dubois, he could face Usyk again if the Ukrainian beats Fury. That sets up a massive undisputed fight. Usyk has now become a much bigger name than when he faced Joshua, giving the Ukrainian more leverage in negotiations. With no pressing need to face Joshua, it would take a massive offer for him to fight AJ.

Anthony Joshua vs. Oleksandr Usyk results: Usyk stuns Joshua to become unified heavyweight champion | Sporting News Canada

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“He’s a great champ and he’s changed a lot since the two fights with Usyk. We’ve seen him going down and seen him rising up. It’s also a complicated fight to make. “I’ll tell you why, because now we are on different levels. In the first fight, Usyk was almost a no-name and Joshua was a massive star in the UK. After he beat him twice, Joshua still remains a massive star here no matter what. So this fight might be something that attracts the attention of the entire world. If we decide to earn money, then we can probably go for AJ for $200million,” Krassyuk said

Usyk’s team has said he may consider moving back down to cruiserweight after the Fury rematch. Usyk has already been undisputed at the weight class, showing he knows what it takes to dominate. However, he would have to drop a significant amount of weight, making it a tougher task at the tail end of his career.

Usyk could also take a crossover fight with an MMA fighter or in BKFC. His team has expressed interest in taking on Conor McGregor in bare-knuckle. McGregor has two fights left on his UFC contract. Since he is a part-owner of BKFC, he has said he wants to take some fights under the organization. Getting big names like Usyk would help propel BKFC’s brand.

The final option is to retire. Usyk is undefeated and has won everything from amateur to professional level. Taking further fights at this stage only risks Usyk’s legacy if he comes up short. Either way, Krassyuk simply wanted the best for his fighter.

“I’m not talking on anyone’s behalf. We are happy if our opponents are happy. If they receive some huge amounts that they are satisfied with, for us it makes us more happy. We don’t want to get in somebody else’s business. If we are happy with what we achieved, then everything else stays out of our sight,” Krassyuk added

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BOXING

‘I’M CLEAN, FURY IS LIKE A YETI’ – USYK DENIES USING PEDS TO BEAT FURY

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Tyson Fury Oleksandr Usyk Undisputed Heavyweight Champion

Oleksandr Usyk has denied rumors that he used PEDs during his fight with Tyson Fury. 

The Ukrainian beat Fury via a split decision as Usyk became the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion. Usyk dominated the fight early on, while Fury returned in the middle rounds. However, Usyk almost knocked out Fury in round nine, only for the referee to give a standing-eight count. But during this period, Usyk was seen in his corner taking a big gulp of air. As he did so, his cornerman put something near the Ukrainian’s mouth.

This led to suggestions that Usyk had used an inhaler. Inhalers are banned in boxing. After this moment, Usyk turned up the pace, with some feeling he had gotten an unfair advantage. But when the footage was received, it clearly showed that Usyk had kissed his cross. Usyk is known for being heavily into his Christian faith, which ultimately helped him get over the line. He shut down those accusations of using PEDs.

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“Stupid people. Listen, I never used any substance. Never. I’m clean. The cross, it’s my doping. My belief is my doping. Jesus, my family, my team, my country – this my doping,” Usyk said

That was not the only thing Usyk addressed. He also turned his attention to Fury, who suggested that he had won the fight. After Usyk’s win, Fury alleged that the Ukrainian was only given the decision due to the Russia-Ukraine war. Even after Fury watched the fight, he felt he had done enough to win, calling Usyk an amateur boxer.

“I’ve watched the fight back lots of times and still got the same answer – I thought I won the fight. Usyk knows he didn’t beat me. I thought I boxed the head right off him for most of the rounds. It was actually a lot easier than I thought it’d be, the Usyk fight. “My problem in that fight was I probably had too much fun. It was probably too easy. It was like I was in there with a local amateur,” Fury stated

Fury also alleged that he had broken Usyk’s jaw. While he did have some discomfort, Usyk denied suggestions his jaw was broken. He expects Fury to be a tough opponent in their December 21 rematch.

“Oh my God, no way! Okay, no problem. The next fight will be easy [for him too]. For me, my fight will be hard because Tyson Fury is big man, a good boxer, with a good boxing IQ. But if Tyson says for him it will be easy, okay, no problem. I see for Tyson Fury, I see for the eyes of Tyson Fury, it’s not easy. It will be hard, very, very hard.

“Tyson (looking directly into the camera) don’t be afraid – I will not leave you alone (blowing a kiss and laughing) No, not break my jaw. Yes, I have a little bit of a problem but I have problems with my fist, my back, my whole body because it’s a hard fight, 47 minutes. You see Tyson Fury, he’s like a yeti. It’s hard. But my face is good, beautiful,” Usyk stated

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Tyson Fury makes Oleksandr Usyk fight decision after John Fury jibes

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Tyson Fury Oleksandr Usyk

Tyson Fury’s manager has confirmed that there’ll be no changes to the Brit’s corner during his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.

Fury, 35, tasted defeat for the first time in his professional career in May after a split-decision result. Although their rematch hasn’t been given an official date, the ‘Gypsy King’ is expected to have a second chance at downing the Ukrainian this coming December, with the winner likely to take on either Anthony Joshua or Daniel Dubois in March 2025.

During the loss, there was notable change in Fury’s corner. Traditionally, only one person speaks to a fighter between rounds, yet in Riyadh, Fury’s father John, SugarHill Steward and Andy Lee were all seen giving him advice.

Oleksandr Usyk beats Tyson Fury by split decision to become the undisputed heavyweight champion

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Some of that was contradictory, leading to criticism of having too many voices. Nevertheless, manager Spencer Brown says that Fury won’t be changing tack.

“There’ll be changes, not in management or his team, there’ll be some other stuff that he’ll be looking at training-wise,” Brown told Sky Sports. “With the closeness of the fight last time, it could have gone either way. Some people will say Usyk was three rounds in front, some people won’t, it’s your opinion on boxing – that’s why we love it,” reports the Mirror.

Ex-heavyweight boxer and former sparring partner to both Usyk and Fury, Dave Allen, didn’t mince his words when criticising Fury’s corner. He told Boxing Social: “[There were] just too many voices in the corner really, I thought tactically through halfway was spot on case he boxed him and he had to box him because Usyk was so sharp, but you know you cut to the corners.”

Referring specifically to Fury’s trainer, SugarHill Steward, he added: “SugarHill in the corner, he’s the only voice for me but he’s getting advice from John as well, after the knockdown in round 10 get on your bike and have a rest but 11 and 12 you need to win them rounds, he was trying to steal it. They’re telling him if you win the last round you’ve won the fight no, by this point you need a knockdown you need to get him out of there.”

When it comes to Fury’s upcoming rematch with Usyk, the pressure is certainly on for the British heavyweight to bring home the victory. But Brown remains optimistic about his odds, stating: “Tyson Fury will be back. He’ll be firing and we’ll see a new, better, improved Tyson Fury.”

Concluding his thoughts, he remarked: “At his age, I don’t know how much you can improve but there was very, very little in the fight between them, so let’s back our British guy and I’m sure he will win and then we’re going to talk about the next stage.”

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BOXING

Tyson Fury has ‘No collision course’ with Anthony Joshua he defeat Oleksandr Usyk in rematch

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Anthony Joshua Tyson Fury

Tyson Fury must win his December rematch with Oleksandr Usyk if he is to remain on course to fight the Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois victor, Fury’s manager Spencer Brown says.

Tyson Fury, the former two-time world heavyweight champion, is expected to attend the Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois fight on September 21.

Fury lost his WBC title to Oleksandr Usyk in a four-belt undisputed unification in May. But, with Fury and Usyk set for a rematch in December, the Ukrainian had to vacate his IBF championship.

Anthony Joshua accepts Tyson Fury fight after call-out from British rival - Mirror Online

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Dubois, previously an IBF interim titlist, was elevated to become the body’s full champion and now fights Joshua at Wembley Stadium.

Although Fury has a long-standing rivalry with Joshua, he might well be backing Dubois in that September 21 fight.

Spencer Brown, Fury’s manager, told Sky Sports: “I think he’s a good friend of Daniel Dubois and obviously he’s in that [same] promotional company. But I think Tyson just wants to see a good fight. Who will he back? Probably Daniel Dubois.”

The winner of Joshua vs Dubois would of course make for a hugely appealing all-British clash with Fury.

But Fury, 35, will not be plotting out a route to fighting the AJ-Dubois victor just yet. His focus is on the Usyk rematch.

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BOXING

‘LET’S TALK’ – USYK READY TO FIGHT MCGREGOR IN BKFC

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Conor McGregor Oleksandr Usyk

Oleksandr Usyk has welcomed a bare-knuckle fight with Conor McGregor. 

The Ukrainian is coming off the best win of his career when he defeated Tyson Fury to become the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion via a split decision. Usyk followed in the footsteps of Lennox Lewis, who became the last man to win all the belts. The Ukrainian became undisputed in a second weight class with the win. Usyk will rematch Fury on December 21. However, it will not be undisputed after Usyk vacated his IBF belt.

Usyk’s team has hinted at several options should he beat Fury. He could move back down to cruiserweight and try to become undisputed again.  However, that is unlikely as he would have to lose significant weight, meaning he might not be the same. Another alternative is to pursue a crossover fight. Several names were mentioned, including McGregor and John Jones. Now, it appears McGregor is the leading Ukrainian name. Usyk’s trainer, Sergey Lapin, has said calls for talks to take place.

Oleksandr Usyk ready to accept Conor McGregor's bare-knuckle fight offer - Mirror Online

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“He’s proven he’s the best of his generation and, once he’s retired Tyson Fury, he will consider his options. Maybe that’s dropping down in weight again, or maybe there’s a wildcard option on the table for him; be it in the boxing ring, the MMA cage or even Conor McGregor’s Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.

“Hey bro, Conor McGregor. First Oleksandr Usyk has to retire Tyson Fury, but our team is ready to make something great together with the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. Let’s talk,” Lupin said 

It will be news for McGregor, who recently became a part-owner of BKFC. He has stated that he wants to fight in BKFC once his UFC contract expires. McGregor has two fights left on his UFC contract. He was scheduled to take on Michael Chandler at UFC 303 on June 29. However, the Irishman pulled out with a broken toe. He expects to return in September with the aim of fighting by the end of the year.

During this period, McGregor has been talking up BKFC. At a presser for BKFC Spain, McGregor indicated that he wanted fighters to consider BKFC as an alternative. He promised fighters bigger paydays, expressing his intention to win a title in another promotion. McGregor has enough pulling power to do that. His fight with Chandler set a new UFC live gate record with over $20 million. McGregor hopes to replicate that in BKFC.

“For me, I’ve got a bit of business left with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, two fights left on my contract. But for sure we have three lightweights up here and I have my eye on all of this. I’m not here up here just as a knower, player-manager I’d title myself on this. That’s me. I am coming to the end of my contract. I have two fights left. This is a very, very exciting organization here. How could you not?

“How could you not look to become a two-sport world champion in something as wild as a bareknuckle fighting organization. We’ve got the money, too. We’ve got the dough. This is big payouts here, also – big pay, big shows, big news, and a coveted world title in a wild and dangerous game. For any real fighter out there, that’s all you want to hear. Money, power, respect – Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship has it all,” McGregor said

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ANTHONY JOSHUA EXPOSES CARL FROCH’S WORLD TITLE WIN – ‘YOU DIDN’T BEAT A CHAMPION’

By
Anthony Joshua Carl Froch

Anthony Joshua called out Carl Froch over his first world title as the pair butted heads.

The duo have not had the best relationship. Froch was very critical of Joshua following his departure from Robert McCracken. Froch also worked under McCracken as he backed up his former trainer. Carl singled out Joshua’s defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr., suggesting he quit in that fight. He was also critical of Joshua’s level of opposition following his losses to Oleksandr Usyk, calling into question Joshua’s legacy.

However, given that Joshua has twice been a former Unified Heavyweight Champion, those comments did not sit well with him. Now, AJ has fired back with some words of his own. He commented on Froch’s win over Jean Pascalin 2008 for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight Title. Since Froch did not beat a world champion, AJ questioned the magnitude of that win.

Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk share an intense face-off at their London press conference ahead of their

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“What’s happening? How’s your week going? How’s your podcast going? Quick question – when you boxed Jean Pascal for your first world title in Nottingham actually, Tyson Fury actually made his pro debut on that card, you fought for a vacant title right?

“So you didn’t beat a champion. What do you feel about that? Do you feel that you was regarded a champion because you fought for a vacant one? So the title not being there, it would have just been a normal fight. But they threw a title in the air and you became champion.

“You didn’t beat a champion, to become champion if you get what I mean. Do you feel like that win, not irrelevant, but it’s not highly regarded the same as if you was to have gone and beat a world champion? How do you feel about that fight with Jean Pascal?” Joshua said 

Froch had plenty to say about the question. There are suggestions that Froch ducked Joe Calzaghe, something he denied. However, Froch has made it clear that he wanted the fight. But Calzaghe vacated his WBC belt, meaning Froch could not have fought him as the belt became vacant. Froch also doubled down on his win, stating that Pascal was undefeated at the time.

Pascal would also move up to light heavyweight and became a unified champion, showing his level of talent. Given that Joshua had won his first world title by facing Charles Martin, the IBF Heavyweight Champion, AJ’s comments suggested his win was better. Froch, however, dispelled those claims.

“Did I feel like world champion? I had the green and the gold belt. When I woke up and saw the belt at the bottom of my bed in the morning, I felt like a world champion. I know what he means. I didn’t beat the champion to become the champion. That’s probably why he conveniently didn’t ask about the IBF title.”

“I think they all know. Anthony Joshua was the first question. He sent me a voicemail. I think he’s alright. I think we’re seeing eye-to-eye. We’ve had a good exchange of messages. For all you fanboys out there that are upset that we’ve played the voice note ‘oh you shouldn’t be releasing private messages’. Trust me, me and Anthony Joshua are okay,” Froch replied

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