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Tag: Tyson Fury

  • Anthony Joshua Lines Up July 25 Riyadh Return With Tyson Fury Mega Clash Brewing

    Anthony Joshua Lines Up July 25 Riyadh Return With Tyson Fury Mega Clash Brewing

    Anthony Joshua has locked in his next move, setting up a summer return that could shape the final stretch of his career.

    The former two-time heavyweight champion is scheduled to face Kristian Prenga on July 25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the event tied to the Esports World Cup and expected to stream on DAZN.

    For Joshua, this fight represents more than just another comeback. The 35-year-old enters with a professional record of 28-4, coming off a sixth-round knockout win over Jake Paul in December 2025. That victory followed a high-profile setback in September 2024, when he was stopped by Daniel Dubois in the fifth round during their IBF heavyweight title clash at Wembley Stadium.

    “AJ’s” time away from the ring has also been shaped by personal loss, after two close friends and team members were killed in a car accident in Nigeria later in December.

    Joshua has since spoken about taking time to reset before committing to his next phase.

    “It’s no secret I’ve taken some time to consolidate and rebuild to be ready for stepping back into the ring, and today is the next step on that journey,” Joshua said. “I’m delighted to have agreed a multi-fight deal starting with July 25 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

    Meanwhile, Prenga brings an unbeaten finishing reputation despite being less established on the global stage. The 35-year-old Albanian holds a 20-1 record with all 20 wins coming by knockout.

    A former kickboxer who transitioned directly into professional boxing without an amateur background, Prenga has built his recent run fighting in the United States, most recently extending his streak with another stoppage victory.

    While the matchup positions Joshua as the clear A-side, it also serves a bigger purpose. The July bout is expected to act as a stepping stone toward a long-discussed showdown with Tyson Fury. According to reports, the heavyweight clash is targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026, contingent on Joshua getting through his return outing.

  • People Want to See Anthony Joshua Knock Out Jake Paul – Insiders Say it Is Likely To Happen

    Will people pay big money to see Jake Paul get knocked out?

    After a string of victories over past-their-prime MMA and boxing stars, ‘The Problem Child’ is targeting a clash with the former unified heavyweight world champion, claiming that he would “f***ing beat Anthony Joshua’s a**.” Initially, the callout was disregarded by fans and pundits alike, many of them accusing Paul of clout chasing.

    That was until famed British boxing promoter Eddie Hearn insisted that a fight between the two was a “very real” possibility, putting the odds of it happening at “50/50.”

    Despite coming off a tough loss against Daniel Dubois in his last outing, Joshua is still considered to be one of the heavyweight division’s premiere knockout artists, and Ariel Helwani believes people will pay big money to see him send Jake Paul to the shadow realm.

    “People will tune in and people will pay the hard-earned cash just to see AJ knock him out,” Helwani said on Ariel x Ade. “For AJ, this is just—I mean, stealing candy from a baby.”

    Tyson Fury ready to bet big on Jake Paul against Anthony Joshua

    Jake Paul’s recent victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. drew a lot of criticism from fight fans as it appeared the two were phoning it in — a similar complaint lobbed at Paul’s highly anticipated and mildly-received clash against boxing icon ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson in November.

    Thus far, Paul has only fought one “legitimate” active boxer in his career, that being Tyson Fury’s little brother, Tommy Fury. Paul ended up losing the bout via split decision, handing him his first and only loss thus far.

    According to Gambling 911, Paul only has a 7.7% chance of beating Joshua, but that won’t stop the elder Fury from plunking down a million dollars on ‘The Problem Child.’

    “Jake Paul chins AJ, yes,” Fury said in an interview with iFL TV. “100 percent. If they fight, I’m putting a million pounds on Jake Paul.”

  • Tyson Fury Announces ‘Retirement’ From Boxing After Second Usyk Loss, Fans Say ‘He’ll Be Back In A Few Months’

    Tyson Fury Announces ‘Retirement’ From Boxing After Second Usyk Loss, Fans Say ‘He’ll Be Back In A Few Months’

    Tyson Fury has announced via a video on social media that he is retiring from boxing after 37-pro fights. “The Gypsy King” is currently coming off of back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk having come into their first encounter with an unbeaten record of 34-0-1.

    The 36-year old has achieved some incredible things in his career. From his stunning win over Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 to become the unified champion to the incredible comeback story that led to his three iconic fights with Deontay Wilder, Fury was considered the best of his generation for some time.

    Having only ever lost to a fellow modern-day great in Usyk, there are still some interesting fights out there for Fury including the long awaited clash with fellow Brit Anthony Joshua which appeared to be more likely than ever of happening. However, if his statement is to be believed, this is the end of the road for one of the heavyweight division’s best.

    Fury references famous highwayman robber Dick Turpin in his video, potentially in reference to his decision loss to Usyk last month which he heavily debated at the time.

    “Hi everybody, I’m going to make this short and sweet. I’d like to announce my retirement from boxing, it’s been a blast. I’ve loved every single minute of it and I’m gonna end with this, Dick Turpin wore a mask. God bless everybody, see you on the other side. Getup!”

    As is often the case in combat sports, especially with a personality like Fury who often says things to elicit a reaction or to use it as a bargaining chip, the fans aren’t entirely convinced that this is the last we will see of him. Reactions on social media do not seem to suggest that this is the final chapter.

    “He’ll back in a few months once he’s offered 250 million to fight Anthony Joshua.”

    “Negotiation Tactic”

    “Until the next comeback announcement!”

    “See you in the ring in a few months”

  • ‘Didn’t He Rob Ngannou In Saudi?’ – Fans React After Footage Emerges Of Tyson Fury Blaming Location For Oleksandr Usyk Loss

    ‘Didn’t He Rob Ngannou In Saudi?’ – Fans React After Footage Emerges Of Tyson Fury Blaming Location For Oleksandr Usyk Loss

    Tyson Fury seems to be having a hard time coming to terms with being outclassed by Oleksandr Usyk in both of their meetings.

    “The Gypsy King” challenged Usyk for his WBC, WBO, and WBA heavyweight titles in their rematch at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this past Saturday. However, despite his best efforts, Fury fell short in his attempt to avenge his previous defeat to the undefeated Ukrainian.

    Although Fury had moments of success, he ultimately suffered a unanimous decision loss as “The Cat” showcased his exceptional footwork and perfectly timed punches, keeping the Englishman at a distance throughout most of the fight. Usyk’s dominance earned him a 116-112 score from all three judges.

    Fury wasted no time leaving the ring after his defeat, bypassing a post-fight interview. And during the post-event press conference, he adamantly stated that he believed he had won the fight convincingly, insisting that the judges had erred in giving the victory to Usyk.

    With “The Gypsy King” now facing back-to-back losses — the only two setbacks of his professional career — to Usyk within just seven months, he is claiming that the venue itself may have played a role in his setbacks.

    A video capturing Fury returning backstage, visibly agitated after his defeat, has surfaced on social media. In the footage, the former WBC heavyweight champion is heard asserting that many believed he was narrowly outpacing “The Cat.” Fury goes on to suggest that the location itself may have had something to do with the outcome of the fight.

    “[Got] robbed there, f**k ’em,” Fury said. “I swear to God I thought I won it by at least three rounds. I bossed the fight on the front foot all night and had that work put on him… I’ll tell you what it is, you’re not getting nothing in these countries.”

    The combat sports world has responded with a variety of reactions to Fury’s insinuation that the fight taking place in Saudi Arabia played a role in his losses.

    Numerous observers have implied that the 36-year-old Brit is exhibiting a sense of resentment, struggling to reconcile with the reality of his defeat in both bouts.

    https://twitter.com/realSketchyNews/status/1871250077559210240
    https://twitter.com/NattyLightBurps/status/1871241863967195181

    Fury suffered the first loss of his illustrious career when he faced Usyk in their initial showdown this past May. After a hard-fought battle, “The Cat” emerged victorious via split decision.

    This triumph solidified Usyk’s legacy as the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era, a distinction not seen since Lennox Lewis achieved the feat in 1999.

  • Francis Ngannou Reiterates Push For Tyson Fury Rematch After ‘The Gypsy King’s’ Second Usyk Loss

    Francis Ngannou closely observed Tyson Fury’s recent rematch against Oleksandr Usyk in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

    Usyk retained his WBA (Super), WBO, and WBC world heavyweight titles by defeating Fury via unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the fight 116-112 in the Ukrainian’s favor.

    The defeat marked the Englishman’s second consecutive to Usyk following a split decision loss in May. Despite these setbacks, Ngannou remains eager for a rematch with “The Gypsy King.”

    When asked about the defeated challenger’s potential next opponent during an interview with Pro Boxing Fans, Ngannou threw his name into the hat.

    “What I want to see now is Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou. That’s all what matters for me.”

    Ngannou and Fury share a notable history. In their 2023 meeting, Ngannou shocked the boxing world by knocking the former WBC champ down before narrowly losing on the judges’ scorecards. Following that bout, Ngannou faced Anthony Joshua but was knocked out in the second round.

    Returning to mixed martial arts, Ngannou achieved a first-round knockout against Renan Ferreira in October, marking his debut with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). The victory was particularly poignant as Ngannou dedicated it to his late son, Kobe, who passed away earlier this year.

    As the combat sports community speculates about future matchups, Ngannou’s focus remains on a rematch with Tyson Fury, aiming to settle unfinished business in the ring.

  • Tyson Fury: I’ll Believe I Beat Oleksandr Usyk ‘Until The Day I Die’

    Tyson Fury: I’ll Believe I Beat Oleksandr Usyk ‘Until The Day I Die’

    Former WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury doesn’t look set to change stance on the result of his rematch against unified titleholder Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday.

    Fury was back in Saudi Arabia this week in pursuit of redemption against Usyk, who narrowly got the better of him in their blockbuster first clash this past May.

    On that occasion, “The Gypsy King” was frustrated to fall on the wrong side of a split decision verdict that saw “The Cat” crowned the first undisputed heavyweight champ sine Lennox Lewis was stripped of that status in 2000.

    And despite all three scorecards going the way of the Ukrainian second time around — and in a much more convincing fashion — the Brit is once again calling robbery.

    During his post-fight press conference after another 12 rounds in the ring with Usyk, Fury questioned the trio of 116-112 scorecards and stated that he believed his hand should have been raised.

    “I was quite confident,” Fury said. “I thought I won that fight again. I think I’ve got ‘Larry Holmes’d’ here. I thought I’ve won both fights, but then again I’ve gone home with two losses on my record now, so there’s not much I can do about it. I can just fight my heart out and do the best I can.

    “But again, I’ll always believe until the day I die I’ve won that fight,” Fury added.

    It remains to be seen what will come next for “The Gypsy King,” who entered the year undefeated in professional boxing and will leave it on a two-fight skid.

    While some pundits and former fighters have already backed the idea of retirement for Fury following an illustrious career, plenty were quick to pitch a long-awaited UK showdown with Anthony Joshua, who is also coming off a difficult setback.

  • ‘Judges Weren’t Corrupt For Once?’ – Fighters & Fans React To Oleksandr Usyk’s Convincing Decision Win In Tyson Fury Rematch

    ‘Judges Weren’t Corrupt For Once?’ – Fighters & Fans React To Oleksandr Usyk’s Convincing Decision Win In Tyson Fury Rematch

    The final major boxing fight of 2024 saw a lot of unity from fans, pundits, media, and fighters — it was a close, competitive fight but the right man won.

    Oleksandr Usyk edged out Tyson Fury in a unanimous decision to retain the WBA, WBC, and WBO heavyweight championships in the main event of a Riyadh Season card in Saudi Arabia on Dec. 21.

    Usyk worked his jab well in the opening frame, which proved to be a bit of a feeling-out process. The Ukrainian came out with a strong combination to start the second round, but Fury seemed to start to gain control, working his jab as the round went on.

    “The Gypsy King” got on the front foot in the third round after a shot that Usyk thought was illegal but was not called such. The champ looked to land the big shots late in the round, which saw plenty of utilization of the jab by Fury. Usyk cracked the Brit with a couple of strong left hands during the fourth round, troubling Fury, who tried to use his reach and keep his opponent back. The former WBC titleholder fired back in the fifth, however, as he showed his physical prowess and landed strong, inside shots, especially to the body.

    After a bit of a slower start to the sixth round, Usyk continued to land well on the inside. The seventh and eighth remained particularly quiet, though the Ukrainian remained in control, working over the challenger’s body.

    And he appeared to open up a cut above one of Fury’s eyebrows late in the ninth frame, as he remained in control and forced “The Gypsy King” to need to answer quickly. Fury threw power from the get-go, looking to bully the champion with his own back to the scorecard wall seemingly. He appeared to gas out in the later portion, however, backing up to “The Cat’s” attacks.

    Usyk landed a couple of strong left hands throughout the 11th, still backing Fury up. Both men emptied the tank in the 12th round, with the challenger landing some strong punches but the champ landing a rocking combinations in the closing seconds.

    Oleksandr Usyk Retains Heavyweight Championships In Decision Win Over Tyson Fury

    https://twitter.com/DonCaolan135/status/1870601498029072545
    https://twitter.com/TheNotoriousMMA/status/1870618415934636044

    This was a rematch from their initial encounter in May, which saw Usyk edge out Fury in a split decision to win the WBC heavyweight title, becoming boxing’s first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era. This reign was not for long, however, as the IBF stripped him of the title not long after the win as a result of taking tonight’s rematch.

    The IBF title was awarded to Daniel Dubois, who retained the championship with a knockout of Anthony Joshua in September.

    Dubois was knocked out by Usyk in their August 2023 title fight. He called “The Cat” out following Saturday’s fight for a rematch of his own, which could realistically happen and give boxing another undisputed heavyweight champion, pending Dubois successfully defending the IBF title against Joseph Parker in February.

  • Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2 Results & Highlights: ‘The Cat’ Outpoints ‘The Gypsy King’ Again

    Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2 Results & Highlights: ‘The Cat’ Outpoints ‘The Gypsy King’ Again

    The heavyweight championship rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury took place today, and MMA News has you covered with all the action.

    Nine months on from their first showdown, which an undisputed heavyweight king crowned for the first time since Lennox Lewis was stripped of the title in 2000, Usyk and Fury renewed hostilities in Saudi Arabia this week.

    The pair collided in a memorable 12-round affair this past May, with the Ukrainian falling on the right side of a split decision to add the WBC title to his WBA (super), IBF, WBO, IBO, and The Ring belts.

    With “The Cat” vacating the IBF gold a month on from his win over the previously undefeated “Gypsy King,” undisputed status wasn’t on the line today. Nevertheless, Saturday’s rematch in Riyadh wasn’t be short on stakes.

    In the end, it was once again Usyk having his hand raised, this time with all three scorecards going in his favor.

    With the event concluded, see below for the full results, followed by all the highlights.

    Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2 Results & Highlights

    • Heavyweight Main Event: Oleksandr Usyk def. Tyson Fury via unanimous decision (116-112, 116-112, 116-112)
    • Heavyweight: Moses Itauma def. Demsey McKean via TKO: R1, 1:57
    • Super Welterweight: Serhii Bohachuk def. Ishmael Davis via TKO (corner stoppage): R6, 3:00
    • Heavyweight: Johnny Fisher def. Dave Allen via split decision (95-94, 96-93, 94-95)
    • Featherweight: Lee McGregor def. Isaac Lowe via unanimous decision (96-92, 97-91, 97-91)
    • Super Featherweight: Peter McGrail def. Rhys Edwards via unanimous decision (96-95, 96-94, 96-94)
    • Light Heavyweight: Daniel Lapin def. Dylan Colin via unanimous decision (100-90, 99-91, 99-91)
    • Heavyweight: Andrii Novytskyi def. Edgar Ramirez via unanimous decision (100-90, 100-90, 98-92)
    • Super Featherweight: Mohammed Alakel def. Joshua Ocampo via unanimous decision (60-53, 60-53, 60-53)

    Mohammed Alakel Def. Joshua Ocampo

    Andrii Novytskyi Def. Edgar Ramirez

    Daniel Lapin Def. Dylan Colin

    Peter McGrail Def. Rhys Edwards

    Lee McGregor Def. Isaac Lowe

    Johnny Fisher Def. Dave Allen

    Serhii Bohachuk Def. Ishmael Davis

    Moses Itauma Def. Demsey McKean

    Oleksandr Usyk Def. Tyson Fury

  • VIDEO: Oleksandr Usyk & Tyson Fury Have Tense 10-Minute Staredown Ahead Of Boxing Rematch

    VIDEO: Oleksandr Usyk & Tyson Fury Have Tense 10-Minute Staredown Ahead Of Boxing Rematch

    Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury seem to be laser-focused ahead of their upcoming rematch.

    Both boxing superstars are set to reignite their rivalry this Saturday at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where “The Cat” will put his WBA, WBC, and WBO heavyweight titles on the line against Fury.

    The pair first squared off in May when Usyk emerged victorious after a grueling split decision. With this win, the unbeaten Ukrainian cemented his status as the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era since Lennox Lewis achieved the feat in 1999, while also handing “The Gypsy King” his first professional setback.

    As their eagerly awaited showdown approaches this weekend, Usyk and Fury took the stage for their final press conference on Thursday. The atmosphere was electric as the two engaged in a brief yet fiery exchange on the microphone.

    The intensity only escalated during the faceoff that followed, as the two rivals stared each other down for over 10 minutes. Tensions ran so high that officials had to step in and separate them just as they began trading insults.

    Following their May fight, “The Cat” was forced to give up his undisputed status when he had to vacate the IBF title, which was subsequently passed on to his former rival Daniel Dubois.

    Usyk holds a flawless professional record of 22-0, with 14 wins by knockout. Meanwhile, Fury boasts a near-perfect 34-1-1 record, with 24 of his victories coming by knockout.

  • Francis Ngannou On People’s Doubts About Boxing Venture: ‘There Is Not A Fight On Earth That I Have Zero Chance In’

    Francis Ngannou On People’s Doubts About Boxing Venture: ‘There Is Not A Fight On Earth That I Have Zero Chance In’

    Regardless of his boxing record through two fights, former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has no doubts about his ability to compete with the very best inside the ring.

    Ngannou has gone 0-2 in pro boxing since departing the UFC as champ in early 2023, but that certainly doesn’t show the whole story of his short career in the squared circle to date.

    After signing an exclusive MMA deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) last May that includes the freedom to box, “The Predator” completed his long-desired foray to the ring five months later to square off against then-WBC heavyweight champ Tyson Fury.

    The Cameroonian went above and beyond expectation, first by knocking “The Gypsy King” down early on and going on to reach the distance in a competitive 10-round affair. Many even believe Ngannou deserved the nod.

    While he was able to prove his detractors wrong first time around, Ngannou’s sophomore boxing outing didn’t go to plan. The ex-UFC star was emphatically beaten by Anthony Joshua this past March, suffering a brutal knockout early into round two.

    That result brought Ngannou’s doubters back out of the woodwork, with some suggesting he never had a chance against the former two-time unified heavyweight titleholder while branding his performance against Fury as the product of his opponent underestimating him.

    According to Ngannou, however, there’s not an opponent in the world whom he’d have “zero chance” against…

    Ngannou Defends Decision To Box Joshua

    During an appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience, Ngannou reflected on his first two bouts as a pro boxer, which ended in vastly different fashions.

    “The Predator” acknowledged the doubt many had leading into his debut opposite Fury, as well as the feelings those same individuals have shared since his brutal setback to Joshua five months later.

    “It was like, ‘Okay, we want it to happen? Then make it happen,’” Ngannou said of his clash with Fury. “I think a lot of people do mistake something. … If anybody hits you, you’re gonna get hurt, you know? Yes, I might not have been doing boxing; I’m not a boxer. But still, I am a fighter. And even if I wasn’t a fighter, I can hurt and I can harm somebody.

    “I was watching and people were like, ‘No, he stands no chance, he has zero chance!’ There is not a fight on Earth that I have zero chance. That element of zero chance does not exist,” Ngannou continued. “If you look at it, I’m a man. Two men together, someone might have more technique, might know the sport. But even if I’ve never been in the gym, you still better watch out; I still have a chance. Maybe not as much, maybe not equal chance, but I still do have a chance.”

    For now, Ngannou will seemingly put down the boxing gloves and return his gaze to the cage, where he made his name as one of the hardest hitters in combat sports.

    After 2022 PFL champ Renan Ferreira stopped Bellator kingpin Ryan Bader in seconds this past February, he looks set to cash in on his reward by sharing the cage with Ngannou at an expected pay-per-view event in Saudi Arabia this October.

  • Tyson Fury’s Brother Admits Father John’s Advice In Oleksandr Usyk Fight Was Counter-Productive: ‘Them Instructions Is Sometimes Not What you need…’

    Tyson Fury’s Brother Admits Father John’s Advice In Oleksandr Usyk Fight Was Counter-Productive: ‘Them Instructions Is Sometimes Not What you need…’

    Following the first loss of his professional career, there was some criticism regarding the corner work that was done by Tyson Fury’s team in his fight with Oleksandr Usyk.

    Fury appeared to be behind in the later stages of the fight after nearly being stopped in the ninth round. While some of his corner team looked to correct some mistakes that he had been making in the fight, his father John Fury was more focused on motivating his son.

    Fury could be heard in the corner saying that all “The Gypsy King” needed to do was get through the final stages of the fight in order to be crowned the undisputed heavyweight champion despite the fact that the scorecards had it in Usyk’s favor.

    Shane Fury Says His Father Was More Concerned With Protecting Tyson Fury Than Giving CFight Advice

    The brother of Tyson Fury, Shane Fury, is the latest to give his thoughts on whether or not the corner were partly to blame for the defeat in May.

    Tyson’s uncle Peter has been very critical in recent weeks with his words about how there was far too many voices all saying different things and talking over one another rather than delivering precise and clear information.

    He questioned the professionalism of the corner and how each man should have their specific job and stick to that rather than everyone trying to play head coach.

    Shane echoed this without being quite as critical, telling iFL TV that his father was trying to protect his son rather than giving him the right advice on how to win the fight.

    “My take is, deeply, truly, my honest opinion is my dad wants what’s the best for his son, and the best for his son after he’s been put down and nearly out cold is to get him through the fight. F*** the boxing, you can be KO’d and not wake up. That’s his mentality ’cause he wants the best for his sons, but sometimes when you want the best for someone, it’s maybe not the best instructions. Them instructions is sometimes not what you need.”

  • Date Revealed For Undisputed Champion Oleksandr Usyk’s Rematch With Tyson Fury

    Date Revealed For Undisputed Champion Oleksandr Usyk’s Rematch With Tyson Fury

    A second chapter will be added to the rivalry between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury later this year.

    Usyk was triumphant in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, earlier this month, becoming the first undisputed heavyweight boxing champion in 24 years by defeating the previously undefeated Fury. 

    The Ukrainian and British heavyweights collided in a thrilling 12-round affair in the Middle East, with a memorable flurry that included a knockdown in round nine aiding Usyk’s ultimately successful bid to add the WBC title to his WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and The Ring belts.

    The highly anticipated fight was the topic of intense discussions in the aftermath, with some believing that “The Gypsy King” had done enough to be the one succeeding Lennox Lewis as heavyweight’s next undisputed king.

    Regardless, any unfinished business will be settled in a rematch, which now has a confirmed date attached to it…

    Usyk vs. Fury 2 Set For December 21 In Riyadh

    With a rematch clause revealed ahead of their meeting this month, it appeared only a matter of time until a second dance between Usyk and Fury was announced. And on Wednesday, Turki Alalshikh took to social media with news of it.

    Saudi Arabia’s Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority confirmed that the two heavyweight stars will do battle once again on December 21 during Riyadh Season.

    “The rematch between the Undisputed Champion Oleksandr Usyk and the Champion Tyson Fury is now scheduled on the 21 of December 2024 during Riyadh Season…The world will watch another historical fight again…Our commitment to boxing fans continues…We hope you enjoy it…”

    The bout appears unlikely to be for the undisputed crown, however, with talk of the IBF stripping Usyk in the coming weeks being fanned by Eddie Hearn.

    The Matchroom Boxing head suggested that plan remains in place to Boxing Social, meaning Anthony Joshua is likely to fight the Filip Hrgović vs. Daniel Dubois winner for the vacant belt at Wembley Stadium in London, England, this coming September.

  • Fury Sends Encouraging Message To Aspinall Ahead Of UFC London

    Ahead of Tom Aspinall’s upcoming UFC London main event, boxing heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has sent him a motivational message.

    This Saturday, Tom Aspinall faces Alexander Volkov at UFC London. Aspinall (11-2) possesses a strong record leading up to his match with the 6 foot 7 “Drago.” Additionally, none of his professional fights have gone to a decision.

    At just 28 years of age, the English fighter has racked up nothing but nasty early-round submissions and knockouts. Aspinall’s last seven, back-to-back victories mostly ended in TKOs, one including a leg injury when he fought with Cage Warriors.

    In his last dominant performance, he ended Sergey Spivak with a vicious combo of punches and elbows.

    Tom Aspinall and Sergey Spivak
    Tom Aspinall and Sergey Spivak at UFC Fight Night 191, Photo Credit: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

    Clearly, Aspinall is capable of destroying his opponents, but in case he needs some extra encouragement, WBC Champion Tyson Fury, who defends his title again next month, wished his friend good luck and clear instructions on how to deal with Volkov.

    “Hey Tyson Fury, here. I just want to wish my buddy Tom Aspinall all the best in his upcoming UFC heavyweight fight. Good luck, Tom. Do the business. Smash his face in. Get up there, my boy, all the way to the mother(beep) bank, man, do it.”

    Having “The Gypsy King” offer words of encouragement before a big fight carries some world champion weight to it. And it may be necessary as Aspinall faces an opponent with a very experienced career.

    Russian-born Alexander Volkov has accumulated 22 knockouts in his 34 wins. His most recent fight was a loss to the #1 heavyweight contender, Ciryl Gane.

    Both fighters enter their match with a win, but can Volkov end Aspinall’s devastating seven-fight win streak, or will Aspinall “smash his face in” and continue on his path of victory?

    What are your thoughts on Tyson Fury’s message to Tom Aspinall?

  • Tyson Fury Calls Recent Conor McGregor Banter “A Publicity Stunt”

    Heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury says his recent back-and-forth with Conor McGregor on social media wasn’t what most think it was.

    McGregor and Fury recently went at it on social media after Fury posted a message of support for McGregor’s longtime rival Khabib Nurmagomedov. The two engaged in a bit of a roast fest on social media, and it seemed that there was genuine animosity between the two stars.

    Fury will face Dillian Whyte in what he claims will be his last professional boxing match. He intends on still remaining active afterward for crossover fights and a potential bout with UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.

    During his pre-fight press conference for his matchup with Whyte, Fury cleared the air on his apparent beef with McGregor.

    “Bit of a publicity stunt. Super Bowl weekend, all eyes on us,” Fury said.

    Fury went on to clarify that he feels there’s no genuine hatred between him and McGregor.

    “Beef? Man’s 10 stone. I’m 20 stone, behave yourselves. Only beef we would have is me eating him in a beef sandwich.”

    McGregor is preparing for a return to the Octagon later this year against a to-be-named opponent. He has hinted that he will get a lightweight title shot upon his return to the UFC.

    Fury and McGregor are arguably two of the most popular combat sports figures today but are also known for their attempts at mental warfare. Yet, it appears that Fury doesn’t hold any genuine dislike for McGregor.

    What do you make of Tyson Fury’s reflections on his Twitter banter with Conor McGregor?

  • Tyson Fury Plans 2022 Retirement, Still Eyes Ngannou Fight

    Heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury plans to hang up the gloves after his upcoming fight against Dillian Whyte in London.

    Fury is coming off of back-to-back wins over Deontay Wilder and won the rubber match of their trilogy last October. Despite some rumblings regarding a potential crossover fight against UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, the WBC required that he negotiate a fight with Whyte.

    Fury’s tenure in the boxing ring is well documented. After battling issues with his mental health, he returned to defeat Sefer Seferi before eventually earning the WBO inter-continental heavyweight belt against Tom Schwarz.

    During a recent interview with MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, he stated that he plans to call it quits following the Whyte fight.

    “This is the final countdown of ‘The Gypsy King.’ Hollywood awaits,” Fury said. “This is my retirement fight. 100,000 people at Wembley, all British world title fight. Return of the Mack after four years to the U.K. This is it, going out on a high. Retiring on top. Two-time world heavyweight champion and I’ll have made eight defenses of the lineal championship. Never to lose a fight. To go down as only the second heavyweight in history to retire unbeaten. Me and Rocky Marciano.” (h/t MMA Fighting)

    Fury went on to clarify that while he plans on retiring from professional boxing, a crossover fight with Ngannou is still in the cards.

    “I don’t count that as a real boxing fight. That’s not a boxing fight. That’s gonna be a ‘special’ fight. That will be in a cage in four-ounce gloves, in Las Vegas, at the Raiders Stadium….

    “I will have retired from competitive, championship boxing and I’ll be ready to do the crossover fights completely. He won’t be the UFC heavyweight champion anymore, I won’t be the WBC heavyweight champion anymore, but I will still be the lineal heavyweight champion because they can’t take that from me!”

    Fury and Ngannou have gone back-and-forth on social media for months, and a matchup between them seems imminent. Ngannou will miss a chunk of 2022 after undergoing knee surgery.

    If Fury is planning on retiring following the fight with Whyte, he’ll go down as arguably one of the best heavyweights in boxing history.

    Do you think Tyson Fury will retire after fighting Dillian Whyte?

  • Khabib Thinks Ngannou Should Box Fury Just For Money, Not For Sport

    Former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov thinks heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou should box Tyson Fury for the big payday.

    Ngannou has alluded to moving to boxing down the line, potentially when his current UFC deal comes to a close. He’s been at odds with the UFC brass regarding a new deal and has advocated for changing the promotion’s pay structure.

    During a recent interview with Sky Sports, Nurmagomedov gave his thoughts on the potential Fury vs. Ngannou crossover fight.

    “If they fight in the UFC yeah, Fury doesn’t have too many chances,” Nurmagomedov said. “But in boxing, I don’t see anyone even touching his face—maybe Oleksandr Usyk. Usyk is going to be a tough challenge for Fury. But Ngannou? I think he has to stay with the UFC. But if he goes to boxing and he’s making 50 or 60 million dollars— he has to. Why not?

    “I know Ngannou comes from a very, very poor life in Africa. He was with no money, no home, nothing. So if someone pays you more money then go and take.” (h/t The Sun)

    Nurmagomedov was reportedly offered $100 million to box Floyd Mayweather at the end of his UFC run, but he turned it down. Nurmagomedov would retire in 2020 following a win over Justin Gaethje.

    Ngannou most recently defended his UFC heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270. He suffered a significant knee injury leading up to the event and is expected to miss some time following surgery.

    Fury most recently defeated Deontay Wilder in their trilogy last year and has been in negotiations to fight Dillian Whyte next. Nevertheless, both Ngannou and Fury have traded barbs on social media and are interested in a future clash.

    Do you want to see Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou?

  • Fury Sets A Location And Estimated Date For Ngannou Superfight

    Tyson Fury has revealed a potential date and location for a blockbuster crossover boxing clash with UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou.

    Fury and Ngannou have both reached the heavyweight peaks of their respective mountains. While “The Gypsy King” became a two-time world champion by capturing the WBC and The Ring titles with a crushing 2020 victory over Deontay Wilder, “The Predator” reigns over the largest weight class on MMA’s biggest stage after tearing through the division en route to a KO against former titleholder Stipe Miocic.

    While their rises have been parallel in the sports of boxing and MMA, it’s seemed for a while that their paths are likely to cross. Ahead of Ngannou’s latest title defense, a five-round triumph over Ciryl Gane, the Cameroonian made his desire to venture to the squared circle clear.

    After some back and forth on social media and in interviews, Fury appears more than willing to welcome his Octagon counterpart to the ring. That seems even more true given his latest comments.

    During an interview with iFL TV, the Manchester, England native revealed a likely timeframe for the highly-anticipated collision. He suggested the ‘Fight Capital of the World’ could be set to host the clash as early as the first quarter of 2023.

    “I am going to fight Francis Ngannou in Las Vegas next year – in March or February,” said Fury. “There’s been no talks this year, because I have got some boxing to do, But next year we can have some crazy fights.” (h/t DAZN News)

    Given the current situation for both men, Fury’s prediction essentially represents the earliest they could share the ring. While Ngannou is tied to the UFC until December, providing he doesn’t sign a new deal, “The Gypsy King” has matters of his own to tend to.

    The Englishman is set to face mandatory challenger Dillian Whyte in a few months’ time. Beyond that, a unification clash with either Oleksandr Usyk or Anthony Joshua is likely to close out his 2022.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CZPKLwJNPYX/

    Fury: Ngannou Fight Will Break PPV Records

    The most memorable and well-known fight between an MMA superstar and an undefeated boxer came in 2017 when Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather fought. Aptly named ‘The Money Fight’, the match attracted 4.3 million pay-per-view buys and saw both men collect $100 million-plus paychecks.

    While it would do well to reach those heights, Fury believes a potential fight with Ngannou would attract similar attention and break PPV records of its own.

    “It’s a massive fight – I believe it breaks all pay-per-view records in the United States. Two heavyweight champions going head to head,” predicted Fury.

    Ngannou’s future is far from clear. However, what appears certain is that boxing is in it. If Dana White and the UFC choose not to be involved, we can expect “The Predator” to say farewell to the promotion and hello to “The Gypsy King” in 2023.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CZaACJ9vD-5/

    How do you think Francis Ngannou will fare in the ring against Tyson Fury if this matchup comes to fruition?

  • Conor McGregor Rips Tyson Fury After Khabib Support, Fury Fires Back

    Former UFC champion Conor McGregor ripped boxing heavyweight champion Tyson Fury on social media over the weekend after Fury praised McGregor’s old rival, Khabib Nurmagomedov, in a tweet.

    Nurmagomedov retired from MMA on top of the sport in 2020 following a title defense against Justin Gaethje.

    Fury and McGregor are known as arguably two of the brashest personalities in combat sports today. Fury most recently defeated Deontay Wilder in one of the best trilogies in boxing history.

    After getting word of Fury’s supportive tweet aimed at Nurmagomedov, McGregor ripped Fury in response.

    “This man did it right. Got in and won [gold] and got out on top,” Fury tweeted in support of Nurmagomedov.

    Nearly two weeks after the original tweet, McGregor weighed in on Fury’s support of his rival Nurmagomedov while also mocking Fury’s response to his Billy Joe Saunders’ father’s altercation with security at a Canelo Alvarez boxing event.

    https://twitter.com/TheNotoriousMMA/status/1492721714274394112?s=20&t=Efr30N0RngyA2prelByO_A

    “Yup the Joyces. Big Joe!” McGregor said. “You bottled it with Billy Joe Da, what were you doing there? You left him, Versace twat. You. Done. Nothing. Ya’s did it right ye right [laughs]. Even when I’m wrong I’m right. Who did it right? The Mac daddy tonight, in house. Miami d12! Bahamas.”

    Fury responded to McGregor by mocking his recent struggles in the UFC.

    “Come back when you win a fight mush,” Fury said. “And the difference in me and you is I don’t get myself in trouble and people actually like me, your just a bully who hit old man, and yes big up the hulk Joe.”

    McGregor and Fury are both anticipating returns to the fight game in 2022. McGregor has been sidelined since suffering a leg injury at UFC 264, and Fury has been in negotiations to potentially box Dillian Whyte next.

    McGregor and Fury appeared to be on mutually respectful terms after McGregor offered to train him in MMA. But it appears that friendship has fizzled out, and the two no longer see each other in a positive light.

    What do you make of the recent Conor McGregor/Tyson Fury squabble?

  • Tyson Fury vs. Dillian Whyte In The Works For April 23 Event

    A heavyweight bout is set between undefeated WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury and Dillian Whyte.

    The news was first reported on Friday afternoon by Mauricio Sulaiman on Twitter. The date in mind for this event is April 23 in the United Kingdom. Frank Warren has won the rights to the fight after placing the winning bid of $41 million.

    This price will allow Fury to receive $29.5 million and Whyte to receive $7.4 million for this fight. Fury is coming off back-to-back wins over Deontay Wilder both by way of KO. “The Gypsy King” is currently undefeated in his 32 fights and is one of the most popular boxers in the world.

    Fury had been calling for a fight with UFC champion Francis Ngannou recently, but without the UFC’s permission, that fight could not be made. The amount of the purse Tyson will be receiving for this fight is exactly the reason Ngannou was looking to make a fight happen.

    Ngannou has been vocal about wanting more money, and as more and more former UFC fighters make the transition to boxing, the more the pay discrepancy is brought to light.

    Whyte will be coming into this bout having secured a vengeful win over Alexander Povetkin who knocked him out in the prior meeting. He took home the WBC interim heavyweight title with that win and secured his place across from Fury in the squared circle.

    The fight will be seen on ESPN+ PPV in America and BT Sport PPV in the UK.

    Are you interested in this fight between Tyson Fury and Dillian Whyte?

  • Ex-Coach: Ngannou Lacks The Dedication, Sacrifice, & Skill To Be A Boxer

    Francis Ngannou’s dreams of becoming a boxer might be over before they began.

    Francis Ngannou is just one of the UFC fighters who are looking to make some extra money by trying their hand at boxing. The road paved by Jake Paul has given former UFC fighters a chance to make a huge paycheck in a “celebrity” style boxing match. Ngannou has been toying with this idea himself and has been asking for a shot at Tyson Fury.

    One man who is not so sure of Ngannou’s chances against “The Gypsy King” is his former coach Fernand Lopez.

    “I think the fight makes sense for Francis because he thinks he can cash out. There’s also something there for Tyson Fury, he doesn’t care that it’s not a competitive fight, he just wants to make money and make some news,” Lopez told The Mac Life. “It would take at least three years for Francis Ngannou to be competitive from a boxing standpoint with Tyson Fury, and I mean three years only dedicated to boxing. Realistically, he would have to stop everything else and probably do nothing else for three years, only boxing. No grappling, nothing else. The way that his body and muscles are built, it will not allow him to keep throwing punches after the third round.”

    Ngannou is known for his power in the UFC heavyweight division. Who can forget when he sent Alistair Overeem into the shadow realm at UFC 218, but can his power translate over to the squared circle? Lopez thinks not.

    “I’m not sure Francis can ever challenge the stamina or endurance of Tyson Fury,” Lopez said. “All he can do is have a high defense; be elusive, close footwork, change direction. But eventually, Tyson will wear him down, get him tired, work the body and then go up with the uppercut, and sooner or later Francis will give up because of the volume, because of the pressure shots and he will just go down.

    From Homeless to UFC's Next Big Thing: Francis Ngannou's Amazing Journey | Bleacher Report | Latest News, Videos and Highlights
    Francis Ngannou

    “I don’t see how he can win the match. This is an opportunity for him to cash out. I’m not sure if you’re a UFC fighter it’s worth letting it all go and have three years boxing training–how would you live your life, what would be your income? And after three years, you may be competitive enough to stand there and keep throwing punches.”

    Lopez was Ngannou’s first MMA coach in France. He led him to the UFC and saw him rise up the ranks. However, the two have since had a falling out and Lopez is now the head coach of Ngannou’s upcoming opponent Ciryl Gane. Having trained Ngannou for years, Lopez thinks he knows what to expect in the main event of UFC 270. He and Gane are preparing for Ngannou and all of his strengths and weaknesses.

    “We are not expecting anything brilliant, Francis is not a boxer,” Lopez said. “You train a lot to be a boxer. Boxing needs dedication, boxing needs sacrifice, you need years and years to train. So we know the outcome of that fight. The question is how much Francis Ngannou can cash out, because he only has one shot. Because objectively speaking, he cannot think about having a boxing career because his boxing skill will not be enough for him to become a boxer.”

    Do you think Francis Ngannou would have what it takes to succeed at boxing?

  • O’Malley Would Expect Fury To ‘Piece Ngannou Up’ In Boxing Match

    UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou has flirted with the idea of boxing against Tyson Fury, but Sean O’Malley doesn’t like his odds.

    Ngannou is set to face Ciryl Gane for the unified UFC heavyweight title at UFC 270. It’s been quite the buildup to the fight, featuring his strained relationship with his former coach Fernand Lopez.

    After winning his trilogy with Deontay Wilder, Fury is widely expected to face Dillian Whyte next after a mandatory negotiation order. It’s unclear if and when the fight will happen as an official date hasn’t been targeted.

    During a recent episode of his podcast, O’Malley explained why he feels Ngannou wouldn’t match up well against Fury.

    “Ngannou vs. Fury potential boxing fight. If I’m being real, I’ve seen Ngannou throw [punches] like he doesn’t have a lot of boxing skills,” O’Malley said. “If you see how he throws some of his punches, it’s not like a good one too. It’s not even close [to Fury’s level]. With that being said, he could still catch him. He’s got that much f***ing power. Ngannou’s probably got more power than Wilder I’d say… So if they’re in a boxing ring, Francis is so big and terrifying but Tyson Fury would probably piece him up.”

    After the negotiations with Whyte stalled, Fury and Ngannou have gone at it on social media for a potential crossover fight. Ngannou, who has long hinted at a move to boxing, has publicly entertained the idea of fighting Fury.

    Ngannou has been at odds with the UFC brass for months over an ongoing contract dispute. While UFC President Dana White has expressed recent optimism regarding a new contract for Ngannou, it’s unclear if a deal will get done with one fight left.

    O’Malley is arguably one of the best strikers in MMA today and seems to know what he’s talking about when it comes to the boxing aspect of fighting. Ngannou vs. Fury may or may not happen, but O’Malley certainly thinks that Ngannou should stay away from the potential matchup.

    How do you think a Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou matchup would play out?

  • Fury & Ngannou Talk Trash During Informal Agreement To Fight

    WBC Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury and UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou have never been more interested in fighting one another.

    If Francis Ngannou fails to come to terms with the UFC, it appears he has a big boxing matchup ahead of him once he becomes a free agent. Ngannou and the UFC are in the middle of tense contract negotiations, with Ngannou’s current deal with the promotion set to expire after his upcoming unification bout against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270. If Ngannou loses, he will be a free agent. If he wins, White recently stated that Ngannou would be contractually obligated to fight with the promotion again.

    Ngannou has recently stated that in order for him to re-sign with the UFC, he must be granted the freedom to box. When mentioning potential opponents, Fury was among the names “The Predator” listed as being on his radar.

    “Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder. I would like to test myself to that level,” Ngannou said during an interview with TMZ Sports. “It’s not the same sport, although I’m the champion, I’m in the top in this division. At the end of the day, it’s just about like trained hands, trained punches, having a good delivery system to produce bombs, and I’m sure that if I deliver my own punch, it’s pretty good, I can make some damage.”

    Fury’s Response Sets Off Trash-Talking Twitter Exchange With Ngannou

    Tyson Fury
    Image Credit: John McCoy/Getty Images

    Thursday, Tyson Fury took to Twitter to get a very early jump start on promoting the very hypothetical matchup.

    “Who would like to see me fight this beast boxing rules @ufc gloves? @danawhite@francis_ngannou.”

    It wasn’t long before the “beast” offered a taunting response to “The Gypsy King.”

    “How about MMA rules with boxing gloves? I can do you that favor,” Ngannou wrote.

    “you want to come in to my world calling me & wilder out to a boxing match. what i can guarantee you would be knocked out & also paid your highest purse to be so! so have a think,” Fury said in his latest retort.

    “After I handle business on Jan. 22 I’ll fight you under any special rule set you want. In a ring, an octagon or a phone booth,” Ngannou assured.

    Today isn’t the first time Fury expressed interest in boxing Ngannou with MMA gloves. Last summer, prior to Tyson Fury’s victory over Deontay Wilder in their trilogy fight, “The Gypsy King” went back-and-forth with Ngannou in the media in a similar fashion as they did today. Speaking to Michael Bisping for BT Sport, Fury said that he’d have a boxing match with Ngannou inside a cage with MMA gloves on (via MMA.uno).

    “Yeah, I would fight one of those guys, I would fight Ngannou with the little gloves on in a cage, but no grappling and all that, just boxing. Cage boxing. That will be good, right? I would fight these guys, but you know it’s a totally different sport. It is like cricket and tennis. They both have bats or rackets but it is something totally different. If I fight Ngannou in a wrestling match, I am not a fighter, so they are going to take me to the ground like James Toney and they are going to tear me to pieces.”

    MMA News will keep you posted if there is any progress made on this fight ever becoming a reality or if these two behemoths continue to trade barbs on Twitter.

    Who do you think would win in a boxing match with MMA gloves between Francis Ngannou and Tyson Fury?

  • Ngannou Will Only Re-Sign With UFC If Boxing Fury & Wilder Is Possible

    UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou has revealed another pillar that could stand in the way of a potential contract extension with the UFC.

    Not many heavyweight fights have had stakes as high as the upcoming unification title fight between Ngannou and Ciryl Gane. Without even delving into the Cameroonian’s contractual status, an enticing backstory has always existed: ‘Coach Fernand Lopez brings a new threat to take down his former student-turned-foe…’

    But beyond the story of former teammates and clashing heavyweight styles lies an uncertain future and a fractious relationship between the UFC and one of its top champions, one that could mend or break at the culmination of the UFC 270 main event.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CWo0AecBPon/

    Ngannou Won’t Let The UFC Stand In The Way Of His Boxing Aspirations

    With the January 22 headliner marking the final appearance on Ngannou’s contract should he be defeated by his French heavyweight rival, the build-up to the first pay-per-view of 2022 has largely surrounded the public feud and negotiations between the titleholder, his management, and MMA’s premier organization.

    Ngannou’s manager, Marquel Martin, recently suggested his client’s grievances with the promotion stretch beyond money and were rooted in a feeling of disrespect and underappreciation. While Dana White recently provided a positive update, it appears “The Predator” is looking to include an unlikely clause in his contract.

    During an interview with TMZ Sports, Ngannou reiterated his intention to try his hand at boxing, a future venture he’s consistently expressed his desire to pursue. Hoping to see how his power crosses over into the squared circle, the powerhouse suggested he wants to test himself against two of the top heavyweight boxers in the world.

    “Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder. I would like to test myself to that level. It’s not the same sport, although I’m the champion, I’m in the top in this division. At the end of the day, it’s just about like trained hands, trained punches, having a good delivery system to produce bombs, and I’m sure that if I deliver my own punch, it’s pretty good, I can make some damage.”

    With that in mind, Ngannou won’t be letting his UFC career hamper his ambitions in the ring. If he’s to re-sign with the promotion in the coming weeks, “The Predator” wants the option to transition to boxing to be a part of any new deal, which is a seemingly ambitious ask given White’s reluctance to allow his athletes to compete elsewhere.

    “It’s always been down the line. This is something I’m not taking my eyes off of,” Ngannou said. “It’s gonna happen, either way. Even if, when the UFC and I finalize a deal, the boxing part has to be into it because I can’t see myself retire without boxing.” (h/t LowKick MMA)

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CX1cUuqICq6/

    Despite his uncertain future and ongoing negotiations with the UFC, not to mention his apparent increasing boxing ambitions, Ngannou will need to have his focus streamlined on the immediate task in front of him. That’s to unify the heavyweight belts by stalling the surge of undefeated interim champion Gane.

    Beyond that, not much is known about who Ngannou could face and whether he will re-sign with the UFC, but what appears certain is we’ll be seeing the Cameroonian behemoth inside the squared circle before his career is done.

    How do you think Francis Ngannou would fare in the ring against Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder?

  • Tyson Fury Vs. Dillian Whyte In The Works After Mandatory Order

    WBC heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury will make his next title defense against Dillian Whyte, and negotiations for the bout are underway.

    This after the WBC officially ordered Fury to get back in the ring to defend his title against Whyte next. The two sides are in a mandatory 30-day negotiation period to agree to a bout, or purse bids will be called.

    Fury was originally expected to face Oleksandar Usyk next, but Anthony Joshua put his rematch clause into action, and Usyk vs. Joshua 2 is in negotiations.

    Whyte earned the interim heavyweight title over Alexander Povetkin earlier this year after Fury began negotiations for his trilogy with Wilder. The win over Povetkin was a rematch after Whyte fell to him by TKO last August.

    Tyson Fury Is Coming Off His Deontay Wilder Trilogy Win

    Fury went on to defeat Wilder in the trilogy on Oct. 9, dominating the fight and eventually earning a late KO finish. This was after months of fight cancelations and postponements due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

    Tyson had recently been busy helping to train his younger brother, Tommy get ready for a fight with Jake Paul, but Tommy pulled out of the fight due to injury. Paul will now face Tyron Woodley on Dec. 18 in a rematch.

    For now, it appears that fan-favorite matchups with Usyk and Joshua are now on the back burner for Fury. It’s unclear when the Whyte fight will take place, but it’s expected to happen in the first quarter of 2022.

    What is your early prediction for Tyson Fury vs. Dillian Whyte?

  • [ARCHIVES] Wilder Shares ‘Proof’ Tyson Fury Didn’t Beat 10 Count

    [MMA NEWS ARCHIVES]

    Earlier this year, Tyson Fury closed the book on his trilogy against Deontay Wilder with a second stoppage. But on this day three years ago, there were still plenty of questions about their rivalry, including a little matter of a 10 count. The following article is presented in its original, unaltered form, courtesy of the MMA News Archives.

    On This Day Three Years Ago…

    [ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED DECEMBER 5, 2018, 11:10 AM]

    Over the weekend, Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury put on a tremendous heavyweight contest. Wilder defended his WBC heavyweight title against “The Gypsy King” in a 12 round war. “The Bronze Bomber” was able to knock Fury down twice during the contest despite getting out-boxed by the Englishman for most of the fight. However, the second knockdown Wilder scored in the 12th round was a highly controversial one.

    Wilder obliterated Fury, who went down on his back to the canvas, seemingly unconscious. However, somehow, Fury mustered up the strength to get back to his feet and finish the fight. The result was a split draw decision on the judges’ scorecards. Recently, Wilder took to Twitter to make the case that he should’ve actually been declared the winner via knockout.

    He shared the following video of his knockdown of Fury, which included a 10-count timer. In the video, Fury doesn’t make it up in time to beat the count:

    “Keep the vids coming for The Sick MFs That hate I won, The Blind MFs that can’t face reality and the MFs that just don’t want to see US Succeed”

    Former mixed martial arts (MMA) referee Big Jon McCarthy took to Twitter to explain the situation:

    “Yes sir, I can explain it to you. You need to understand the mechanics for a knockdown which is as soon as the referee calls the fighter down the time keeper starts a count. The referee moves the standing fighter away towards a neutral corner and then picks up the count from the timekeeper at we will say somewhere around 3 or 4.

    “The referee then continues his count up to 10 if the fighter is still down. It is a “10” count not 10 seconds of time. The referee was perfect in this situation. Hope this helps. It was a great fight, wasn’t it”

    Do you think Fury beat the 10 count against Wilder?