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Tyson Fury set for showdown talks over immediate retirement U-turn

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Tyson Fury

Turki Alalshikh reveals he intends to hold talks with Tyson Fury about potentially reversing his decision to retire from the sport of boxing.

The two-time heavyweight champion took to social media on Monday confirming his decision to hang up the gloves. “Hi everybody, I’m going to make this short and sweet,” he said. “I would like to announce my retirement from boxing. It’s been a blast. I’ve loved every single minute of it. And I’m going to end with this… Dick Turpin wore a mask. God bless everybody see you on the other side. Get up!”

His decision comes just a few weeks after suffering a second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk. Despite back-to-back losses against the Ukrainian, many were hoping to see an all-British heavyweight showdown between Fury and Anthony Joshua this year. However, those ambitions have now seemingly been scuppered.

JUST IN: ‘The Only Mistake’ Canelo Makes That Terence Crawford Can Exploit – Dmitry Bivol

Speaking to Jim White & Simon Jordan on talkSPORT, Alalshikh was disappointed with Fury’s decision to retire, but understand why he’s decided to call it a day: “First of all, this kind of decision has to be from the fighters,” he said. “It must be whatever they are thinking if they have something to give or not. As a fan of boxing, I don’t like it. We want to see Tyson in more big fights, but I can understand his decision. But over time this decision can change.”

The Saudi boxing chief was then quizzed about whether or not he’ll hold talks with the ‘Gypsy King’ over a possible retirement U-turn, to which he responded: “Yes, of course. But a lot of rumours don’t help us. No-one will propose £500 million for a fight, these numbers are incorrect.”

Just two days on from his retirement announcement, Fury was spotted for the first time and appeared to be in good spirits. The 36-year-old was seen at a petrol station in Lancashire, clutching a can of Monster energy drink before entering his vehicle. Reacting to the recent announcement, the Brit’s long-time promoter Frank Warren has urged his star client to “enjoy” his retirement.

Speaking to the BBC, he said: “God bless him, that’s what he wants to do. That’s great. I mean he’s done everything he can do. He’s probably been the best British heavyweight of his generation by far. Two-time world champion, and two closely fought fights against Usyk. He’s got plenty of money, he’s got his wits about him, he’s got a lovely family. So God bless him, let him enjoy it.”

While many believe that Fury will opt against fighting again, Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn insists that Fury’s announcement is simply a negotiating tactic regarding the potential clash with ‘AJ’. “I’m not going to accuse him of not being genuine but I think you get a better deal coming out of retirement or maybe he just hasn’t got the stomach for it anymore,” he said. “He got beat twice and has had enough. I doubt it but who knows. I don’t know him well enough to know but maybe he’s done.

“My gut feeling is we see AJ against Fury this summer. But, maybe he’s for real. I cannot believe that he would check out without doing that fight. But if he genuinely isn’t enjoying it anymore, he should retire.”

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Oleksandr Usyk named in dream fight with Britain’s Mike Tyson by Turki Alalshikh

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Turki Alalshikh Oleksandr Usyk

Turki Alalshikh wants Moses Itauma to face Oleksandr Usyk before the current unified heavyweight world champion retires.

Usyk is the current unified champion after defending his belt successfully in a rematch with Tyson Fury last month, and he remains unbeaten.

At the age of 37, the Ukrainian hasn’t got many fights left with retirement looming, but he is expected to return to the squared circle.

READ: Oleksandr Usyk Has Finally Revealed Who He Will Fight Next After Beating Tyson Fury Twice

For Usyk, there are not many challengers remaining with a potential undisputed rematch against Daniel Dubois potentially on the table.

But when naming a dream fight for the Ukrainian, Saudi boxing chief Alalshikh identified young prodigy Itauma as a potential opponent.

“If we have time, I would love to see Itauma vs Usyk,” Alalshikh said on White & Jordan.

“But only if we have time. It will depend if Usyk retires.”

Itauma came into the sport with huge ambitions of breaking Mike Tyson’s famous record as the youngest-ever heavyweight world champion at the age of 20.

The Briton has just four months to complete the record, meaning it looks increasingly unlikely.

His only realistic shot at a belt could be for the WBA ‘regular’ title against Kubrat Pulev, which would not be for a full ‘super’ version of the world belt.

But Alalshikh still wants to see the record broken.

He added: “I still want to see Itauma be the youngest ever heavyweight world champion.

“I heard information about his sparring with Dubois, and the information is amazing.

“He can be the biggest talent in Britain and around the world.”

The 20-year-old looks to have narrowly missed out on the record, but still seems right on course for a destined path to the pinnacle of the division.

Usyk stands in his way for now, with the Ukrainian yet to be beaten by a star-studded list of names including Fury and Anthony Joshua.

It is expected he will first take a break from the sport before deciding who to select as his next opponent later in 2025.

But British heavyweight Frazer Clarke would now like to see the current champion retire after a sensational run.

Clarke told talkSPORT: “I wouldn’t mind seeing Usyk hang the gloves up, I don’t know who else he goes on to prove or do anything.

“But do I want to see Fury vs AJ? Absolutely and I’m a Brit and a big boxing fan.

“But with Usyk, I’m not sure who even gets him out of bed now. He’s beaten AJ, Fury and Dubois.

“They are the top dogs. Is there any point going and fighting Deontay Wilder?

“He’s not in great form as the other big name, so I would like to see Usyk sail into the sunset now.

“Yeah he’s one of the greatest to have ever done it to be honest.”

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Turki Alalshikh drops hint on Anthony Joshua’s decision over Daniel Dubois rematch

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Anthony Joshua Daniel Dubois Turki Alalshikh

Anthony Joshua may not engage in a risky rematch with Daniel Dubois after all, according to Saudi adviser Turki Alalshikh.

In September, Dubois dropped Joshua three times en route to a fifth-round knockout win, retaining the IBF heavyweight belt against his fellow Briton.

Talk quickly turned to a rematch of the Wembley showdown, but Dubois has since been paired with Joseph Parker, who will challenge the 27-year-old in Riyadh in February.

Turki Al-Sheikh drops hint on Anthony Joshua's decision over Daniel Dubois rematch

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When Alalshikh was asked about Joshua vs Dubois 2 on Thursday, he told iFL TV: “Of course I want to see it again, but I don’t think it will happen again.”

Joshua’s other main option for his next bout is a long-awaited clash with Tyson Fury, yet – as ever – there are complications there.

Fury, who challenges Oleksandr Usyk for the unified titles on Saturday, is contracted for a trilogy fight with the Ukrainian, 37, if he emerges victorious in Riyadh.

In May, Usyk outpointed Fury in the same Saudi city to become undisputed heavyweight champion. In doing so, the former cruiserweight king stayed unbeaten and handed the Briton his first professional loss.

So, Joshua faces an uncertain 2025. The 35-year-old could face a beaten Fury, 36, if the “Gypsy King” loses to Usyk again, though “AJ” vs Fury would have lost much of its lustre in that case.

Should Parker beat Dubois in February, Joshua could angle for a title shot against the New Zealander, whom he beat on points in 2018.

Parker is now riding a five-fight win streak, having beaten Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang in his last two outings. Parker, 32, defeated both men on points – Wilder in December 2023 and Zhang in March of this year.

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Tyson Fury could be set for strange Wladimir Klitschko rematch in 2025

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Tyson Fury  Wladimir Klitschko

Tyson Fury was handed his first shot at a world title against Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 – and the boxing legend offered the Ukrainian a chance to make history with a blockbuster rematch

Boxing mogul Turki Alalshikh has astonishingly disclosed his ambition to orchestrate a heavyweight rematch between Tyson Fury and the long-retired Wladimir Klitschko. ‘The Gypsy King’ first earned his shot at a world title against the heavyweight legend in 2015, a fight many thought he had no chance of winning.

However, on the night Klitschko was unable to handle Fury’s unconventional style and was outmanoeuvred over 12 rounds. Fury was awarded the victory by unanimous decision, securing a monumental upset and claiming the unified WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight world titles.

Tyson Fury vs Wladimir Klitschko live: Latest as Fury crowned the new heavyweight world champion by unanimous decision | The Independent | The Independent

JUST IN: Turki Alalshikh lines up next fights for Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Francis Ngannou

A rematch was scheduled for a year later, but Fury postponed the bout with the Ukrainian after being declared “medically unfit” to fight. Klitschko had to wait two years before stepping back into the ring, where he suffered a punishing defeat to Anthony Joshua for the IBF, vacant WBA (Super) and IBO heavyweight titles.

Despite retiring shortly afterwards, His Excellency is ready to offer the Ukrainian another opportunity to make history. Alalshikh recently shared his ‘dream’ of making Fury vs Klitschko II a reality, giving the latter the chance to become the oldest heavyweight champion in history.

This record is currently held by George Foreman, who knocked out Michael Moorer in 1994 at the age of 45. With Klitschko turning 49 in March, he will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on the upcoming showdown between ‘The Gypsy King’ and Oleksandr Usyk.

Speaking to Ariel Helwani, Alalshikh disclosed: “The result of Tyson vs Usyk, a lot of people are waiting for them. One of them is Dubois. Another is Joshua. At the same time, there is a third person. I am dreaming of seeing this fight to give chance if he accepts to give Klitschko to give back to be the oldest heavyweight champion ever. To give him the chance. This is perfect.”

He further elaborated, “Of course, he won’t fight Usyk if he wins because they’re two heroes from Ukraine will not fight each other. This is the dream. Fury has a lot of people that want him in the line. Klitschko, all the people want to see it from 2015 again, and there’s also Joshua, which would be the hugest Britain fight ever [against Fury]. Of course, Dubois deserves this chance. Let’s see.”

The Mail reported that Klitschko had shown interest in making a comeback to challenge Dubois for his IBF title after Joshua passed up an immediate rematch. Astonishingly, talks commenced for this surprise championship bout. However, following Mike Tyson’s loss to Jake Paul last month, Saudi organisers have reportedly abandoned the idea. Now, Dubois is set to face Joseph Parker in a major heavyweight showdown in February.

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Turki Alalshikh lines up next fights for Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Francis Ngannou

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Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez Francis Nganno

Turki Alalshikh is continuing to line up prospective opponents for two of the fight game’s greatest stars, Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, and Francis Ngannou.

Canelo has been a pound-for-pound stalwart for years, and remains the clear No.1 fighter in the super middleweight division. He is yet to fight in Saudi Arabia, or under a Riyadh Season umbrella, but Alalshikh has spoken warmly of the boxer, and is steadfast in his belief regarding whom the Mexican bruiser should box next.

Ngannou, meanwhile, has fought three times under Alalshikh’s remit due to his two-fight swing in boxing, in which he floored Tyson Fury in a shocking scene but lost to the heavyweight via narrow decision. Anthony Joshua then knocked Ngannou out in two rounds, before the the former UFC champion returned to the cage and destroyed Renan Ferreira in a PFL Super-Fight. All three fights took place in Saudi Arabia.

Turki Alalshikh Rules Out Working With Another Fighter After Canelo Spat: "He Doesn't Understand" - Seconds Out

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Alalshikh has long regarded Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford as the ideal opponent to fight Canelo, yet has faced resistance as Alvarez focused on his September opponent Edgar Berlanga, whom he beat by decision.

With his ruthless thrashing of Errol Spence Jr. last year, Crawford secured one of the most significant wins of boxing’s modern era, and followed the knockout with a decision win over Israil Madrimov atop a Riyadh Season-sponsored card in Los Angeles that GIVEMESPORT attended in August. Alalshikh remains interested in Crawford, and, during an interview Tuesday on DAZN, spoke of his desire to see the American fight Canelo.

“I don’t know anyone now from the Canelo team, and I don’t have any connection, but if he’s hearing me, we are ready to discuss. But I want to discuss [with] him directly, without anyone in the middle.”

Canelo & Terence Crawford’s pro boxing records (as of 3/12/24)
Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez Terence Crawford
Fights 66 41
Wins 62 (39 by KO) 41 (31 by KO)
Losses 2 0
Draws 2 0

In the same interview, Alalshikh discussed Ngannou’s possible future, and said that, if the PFL champion were to return to a boxing ring rather than an MMA cage, then he’d like to see the Cameroon slugger compete against America’s thunderous puncher Deontay Wilder.

“I need to sit with Wilder [for] two minutes to see his condition.” said Alalshikh.

“I can catch it from two minutes [and check] if he’s ready or not [to fight]. I don’t want to waste time and money anymore. I need to check first if he’s still got it.”

Francis Ngannou & Deontay Wilder’s pro boxing records (as of 3/12/24)
Francis Ngannou Deontay Wilder
Fights 2 48
Wins 0 43 (42 by KO)
Losses 2 4
Draws 0 1

Alternatively, Ngannou could remain in MMA. Should he continue winning in that sport, then a cross-promoted bout involving UFC GOAT Jon Jones will always carry intrigue, as could PFL fights against the likes of Rico Verhoeven.

“Francis will come to me in December,” Alalshikh said, referencing the December 21 rematch between heavyweight fighters Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury. It is during that fight week when Alalshikh will talk to Ngannou about “a lot of business” they have to discuss “together.”

“Yes, I have on the table two options for Francis — one in MMA and one in boxing I want to discuss with [Ngannou]. The MMA [fight], you know all the time, my answer is we want to do the biggest things.”

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Turki Alalshikh anounces insane seven-bout card for Feb. 22nd

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Turki Alalshikh

Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia, announced a massive seven-fight show for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on February 22, 2025.

Alalshikh tweeted, “we will make the pay-per-view price no more than 19.99 pounds in the UK, and in USA and the rest of the world, not more than $25.99. We want the fans be happy and enjoy it…Let’s get boxing great again.” Here are the seven bouts, each of which could stand as a legitimate main event:
World light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev, the undisputed world light heavyweight world champion, will rematch former WBA champion Dmitry Bivol. Beterbiev narrowly beat his fellow Russian earlier this year in a four-belt unification match…
Turki Alalshikh reveals official Feb. 22 fight card for boxing mega-event — and it's ridiculous - Yahoo Sports

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

Daniel Dubois will make the next defense of his IBF heavyweight world title against former WBO title holder Joseph Parker. Dubois became the IBF’s interim titlist when he beat Filip Hrgovic in June. His status was upgraded to full world champion when Oleksandr Usyk’s commitment to his December 21st rematch with Tyson Fury meant he had to vacate that belt. Dubois then famously knocked out former champion Anthony Joshua inside five rounds at Wembley Stadium in September…
Hamzah Sheeraz challenges for a stake of world championship glory when he takes on Carlos Adames for Adames’ WBC middleweight title…
Chinese heavyweight Zhilei Zhang will fight unbeaten heavyweight contender Agit Kabayel for the WBC interim heavyweight title. Zhang is coming off a win over former champion Deontay Wilder while Kabayel has won his last two against previously unbeaten foes, Frank Sanchez and Arslanbek Makhmudov…
Vergil Ortiz is scheduled to fight former WBA junior middleweight champion Israil Madrimov for the WBC interim strap, but Madrimov also has a very tough fight scheduled against Serhii Bohachuk on December 21st…
Three-division champion Shakur Stevenson is also set to make a defence of his WBC lightweight belt against Floyd Schofield and…
Two top-level British light-heavyweights meet when Joshua Buatsi fights Callum Smith for the former’s WBO interim title.
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“I don’t think the result was fair”: Turki Alalshikh confirms plans to stage a rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol

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Turki Alalshikh Artur Beterbiev Dmitry Bivol

Turki Alalshikh, the influential Saudi sports authority and head of the General Entertainment Authority, has voiced his desire to stage a rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol following Beterbiev’s controversial points victory in their undisputed light-heavyweight title fight. 

Alalshikh, a key figure in bringing major boxing events to Saudi Arabia, believes the result of the fight was not fair and is already working to organise a second showdown between the two champions.

Beterbiev’s victory, secured by a majority decision after twelve rounds of intense action, has sparked widespread debate in the boxing community, with many—including professional fighters—arguing that Bivol deserved the win.

Artur Beterbiev scores controversial majority decision win over Dmitry Bivol in 12-round battle - MMA Fighting

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While Beterbiev’s aggressive style and power shots earned him the judges’ nod, Bivol’s technical skill and ring control had many feeling he had done enough to claim victory.

Alalshikh, who has played a major role in bringing boxing mega-fights to Saudi Arabia over the last 12 months, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the result, suggesting that the judges may have gotten it wrong.

Speaking about the result, Alalshikh told The Stomping Ground: ‘This was one of the great fights of the last 20 years I think, but I don’t think the result was fair, in my opinion. The two fighters are like my brothers, but I think Bivol won two rounds more. I will focus and I will try to do the rematch. If they accept, we will do it.’

Known for his passion for combat sports and his ability to deliver blockbuster events, Alalshikh is already in talks with both Bivol’s and Beterbiev’s teams to make the rematch a reality.

He is reportedly keen on hosting the bout in Saudi Arabia, which has become a prime destination for high-profile boxing matches, including bouts involving Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.

A rematch between Beterbiev and Bivol would undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated fights of 2025, given the controversy surrounding their first bout in Riyadh.

Bivol, who many believe was ‘robbed’ of a victory, has welcomed the idea of a rematch. While Beterbiev, now the undisputed light-heavyweight champion, has also indicated that he would be open to a second fight.

The potential rematch has already generated excitement among fans and boxing insiders alike, with many viewing it as a must-see event. Given Alalshikh’s track record of organising high-stakes fights, there is growing anticipation that this rematch could come together quickly.

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WATCH: Bob Arum Has Bad News For Anthony Joshua

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Anthony Joshua Bob Arum

Anthony Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) is “over,” according to Top Rank boss Bob Arum, who did not hesitate one bit when he said those words.

Times have not been the best for the former world heavyweight champion. He recently showcased a rather disappointing performance against Daniel Dubois(22-2, 21 KOs) at the Wembley Stadium in London. After witnessing his devastating loss, Arum did not mince words while sharing his thoughts about Joshua’s future.

The fight saw Joshua getting floored four times by Dubois. He was then knocked out in the fifth round, allowing Dubois to keep his IBF Heavyweight title. The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) later handed Joshua a 28-day suspension. While the suspension is a standard medical procedure following a knockout loss, which forces the fighter to take a much needed break.

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Arum, however, felt that the break was unnecessary. “No, you don’t have an off night getting the sh*t kicked out of you that way. I just think AJ has been through a lot of wars. And I think it’s over for him as well as over for Wilder,” he said while talking to FightHub. With Deontay Wilder (43-4-1, 42 KOs) coming in after two consecutive losses against both Joseph Parker (35-3, 23 KOs) and Zhilei Zhang (27-2-1, 22 KOs), Arum even feels that it would be a good idea for the duo to face each other.

AJ’s promoter and Matchroom boss, Eddie Hearn, has a different plan in mind for his fighter. Speaking to TalkSport, he mentioned that he will be setting up a rematch between AJ and Dubois. “We have a fight with Riyadh Season. One of our options is to fight Daniel Dubois again, and our contract is with them. His Excellency Turki Alalshikh will deal with Frank and Daniel and make that fight happen. The terms will have to be agreed with them,” he said.

He further added that they had agreed to the terms and had an option for a rematch. Moreover, he stated that the rematch is a fight that Joshua is actually looking forward to. “Our meetings with His Excellency, he wants the rematch. AJ will always want the rematch. Daniel wants the rematch too. It’s the biggest fight for him, and they will fancy it,” he said.

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Potential date set for Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois 2 as rematch ‘agreed’

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Anthony Joshua Daniel Dubois

Boxing fans won’t have to wait long to see the rematch between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois as ‘AJ’ looks to avenge his crushing defeat to the IBF champion

The heavyweight rematch between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois seems increasingly likely and could take place in February.

Dubois was a huge underdog coming into the first contest at Wembley Stadium, but came out guns blazing, with Joshua unable to deal with the champion’s power and speed. Just moments into the opening round, Dubois had sent Joshua tumbling, and it would only get worse for ‘AJ.’ The Brit went on to drop Joshua three times before securing a sensational knockout in the fifth round to retain his IBF title.

Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois full fight video highlights - MMA Fighting

READ: Anthony Joshua blames training ‘fatigue’; for speeding

The next big fight in the heavyweight division is Oleksandr Usyk’s clash against Tyson Fury in December. It looked likely that Dubois would wait for the winner, however, it would appear a rematch with Joshua seems more realistic. Frank Warren, Dubois promoter, has revealed that ‘Dynamite’s’ next fight will take place early next year and is very much open to the rematch between the two heavyweight giants with February 22 pencilled in for a fight card in Riyadh.

When quizzed about a rematch between the pair, Warren told TNT Sports: “I’m not against that at all. That’s not an open door for me, I’ll take the door off the hinges and we’ll do it. That fight is there. If they want it, they’ve got it, have it in a heartbeat. His next fight will be in February. That’s when he’ll fight next, and we will work out who that’s going to be in the next week or two weeks.”

Warren isn’t the only one who is chomping at the bit to see a second fight. Fellow promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh intends to see Joshua take on Dubois again. “Rematch clauses come in many different forms,” Hearn told talkSPORT. “We have a fight with Riyadh Season. One of our options is to fight Daniel Dubois again, and our contract is with them. His Excellency [Turki Alalshikh] will deal with Frank and Daniel and make that fight happen. The terms will have to be agreed with them.

“We have already agreed our terms, we have the option to rematch with Dubois. Our meetings with His Excellency, he wants the rematch. AJ will always want the rematch. Daniel wants the rematch too it’s the biggest fight for him and they will fancy it. It is a case of going away and talking about, do we go straight into the rematch? And when will it be? It was a heavy night at the office, we aren’t going back to fight in 10-12 weeks, he needs his rest and time to recover.”

Joshua and Hearn confirmed immediately after the main event on Saturday that the intention was to pursue a sequel. Many senior figures in the sport of boxing have suggested ‘AJ’ should consider retiring. However, the Brit is confident that he still has a lot more to give and that he can become a three-time heavyweight champion.

As for Dubois, in a recent interview with talkSPORT, the Brit revealed he will accept the fight that offers him the most money next. “I would love a rematch but either one really, whoever pays me more money,” he said. ‘Dynamite’ added that if the rematch with Joshua wasn’t imminent, he’d certainly consider the bout in the future. “Yeah, if that happens down the line then yes. I want to do even better next time. I know where I need to improve as well, so as a champion and a fighter I want to prove people wrong every time and that’s what we have been doing.”

When asked if he’d do a better job on Joshua, Dubois said: “I think so. I think I would. I think I’d be a lot better than that. It was a great show and it was a great Rocky-type fight, but next time I believe I’ll be more clinical, more sharp, everything better.”

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‘I’m the best fighter in the world!’: Canelo powers past Berlanga

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CANELO ALVAREZ EDGAR BERLANGA

Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez proved he is still the man to beat in the super middleweight division after a win by unanimous decision against Edgar Berlanga.

Despite the dominant nature of the Mexican’s victory, Alvarez’s wait for a knockout continues. The 34-year-old has had to wait almost three years for a stoppage victory, since beating Caleb Plant in November 2021.

Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez successfully retained his unified super-middleweight world title after a unanimous decision victory over Edgar Berlanga in Las Vegas.
The 34-year-old won after scoring 117-110, 118-109, 118-109 on the judges’ scorecards, to inflict the first loss of Berlanga’s career.
Canelo Álvarez defeats Edgar Berlanga via unanimous decision - Los Angeles Times

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Alvarez retained the WBA, WBC and WBO titles with this result, and hit back at his critics after the victory.
He said: “I did good. Now what are they going to say? They said I don’t fight young fighters.
“They always talk, but I’m the best fighter in the world.”
It looked like Canelo may have ended his three-year wait for a knockout when Berlanga was caught with a shot to the head in round three, but the American held on until the 12th round.
The 27-year-old took plenty of punishment from Canelo after the Mexican successfully landed a brilliant uppercut in the fifth round and a superb hook in the sixth.
Berlanga fell to the canvas in round seven after missing with an overhand shot and received a warning for a headbutt in the eighth.
Alvarez admitted to being upset by his opponent’s antics on a huge night for Mexican fighters, with seven mixed martial artists also taking part in the UFC 306 event to mark Mexican Independence Day on Sunday.
“I got a little angry with his tactics, but I’m Mexican man,” Alvarez added. “It means a lot to fight on this day. It’s an honour to represent my country on this day.”
However, Alvarez’s decision to take this bout cost him the IBF belt after failing to fight the division’s No.1 challenger William Scull.
It remains to be seen what lies next for Alvarez, with WBA super welterweight champion Terence Crawford stating he would be open to a super-middleweight bout with the 34-year-old.
However, those plans were put on the back-burner with Turki Alalshikh reportedly turning his attention away from setting up what would have been a mouthwatering clash.
He posted on X: “I decided to disregard the Canelo fight, as I don’t want it anymore.
“Instead, I will be focusing for the US market with bigger fights, especially for the legend Crawford.
“Additionally, I will support making fights for Boots [Jaron Ennis], [Devin] Haney, Shakur [Stevenson], Ortiz, [Jared] Anderson, [David] Benavidez, [William] Zepeda and more.
“Regarding Tim Tszyu, there’s something unclear with the communications from his team with our team, so I believe I will reconsider his situation.”
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