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Three-time cruiserweight world champion and former opponent of Oleksandr Usyk, Mairis Briedis, has laid out his prediction ahead of his former rival’s upcoming undisputed heavyweight title showdown against Tyson Fury.

The Latvian defeated Marco Huck by unanimous decision to claim the vacant WBC Cruiserweight title back in 2018, making one defence against Mike Perez in his hometown of Riga before taking on WBO title holder, Usyk, in a unification bout.

In what is considered by many as Usyk’s most arduous professional outing, he handed Briedis his first defeat despite being on away territory, walking away with the majority-decision win and the unified titles.

After the fight, Usyk praised Briedis as giving him ‘the most difficult rounds’ of his career.

Seventeen months later, Briedis regained his throne in the cruiserweight division, knocking out Krzysztof Glowacki in the third-round of a controversial contest, but was later stripped of the title for failing to defend the belt in a direct rematch.

Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury

Instead, Briedis opted to face IBF Champion, Yuriel Dorticos, in the final of the World Boxing Super Series, defeating the Cuban by majority-decision. Again, the now 38-year-old made just one defence, against Artur Mann, before losing the belt to Jai Opetaia last year.

Now he is chasing a rematch with the Australian, but when asked about the only other man to have conquered him in the ring, the 200lb veteran admitted to Boxing Social that he gives little chance to his undefeated, former cruiserweight compadre against Tyson Fury.

Both men bid to become the first four-belt world champion in the history of the heavyweight division, with a majority of pundits and fighters backing the Brit and more natural heavyweight to pull it off on the night.

Although the fight has been signed, there’s no official date just yet. That’s expected to come after Fury faces MMA star, Francis Ngannou, later this month. The promotion floated a date as early as December 23, but Usyk believes that unlikely.

Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will compete for the coveted undisputed heavyweight championship of the world in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. While the exact date for this much-anticipated bout remains unconfirmed, both fighters have formally committed to the contest. Speculation is rife, indicating the fight might occur on either December 23rd or sometime in January.

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‘The Cat’ and ‘Gypsy King’ have inked a deal to compete in the initial undisputed heavyweight match. Boxing enthusiasts have eagerly anticipated this face-off. Although not just because of the longstanding rivalry between the two fighters, but also for the division to finally have an undisputed champion after an extended period. However, Usyk recently revealed that he is having some concerns with his training camp, and his health concerns are hindering them.

Usyk’s determination to step into the ring with Fury is undeniable. The road to this highly anticipated bout is far from smooth. Despite his steely resolve, Usyk faces the challenge of time. He insists on a 14-week camp to prepare adequately for the fight of his life. He cited the need to heal old wounds and manage lingering injuries. “I can’t say that everything’s okay,” Usyk confessed, hinting at the hurdles he must overcome before entering the ring. “some wounds, old injuries need to be healed. everything’s under control I do my training sessions every day.” 

Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk

Nevertheless, Usyk remains resolute, assuring fans and critics alike that he is diligently working towards his goal. Usyk says that he has been training every day, laying the groundwork for his intensive training camp. I need 14 weeks for my camp. it would be enough for me. The first weeks I’m doing my work that helps me to get ready for the training camp and then I’m working hard for the next 12 weeks.”

Although, the question on everyone’s mind remains: will Usyk beat the clock and be in prime condition to face Fury on December 23rd? Some boxing enthusiasts express concerns about the limited time for preparation. While others admire Usyk’s unwavering determination, leading to a division of opinions among fans.

Usyk’s journey to prepare for this epic battle against time adds a compelling layer of drama to the narrative. As fans eagerly count down the days, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation and uncertainty.

Only time will tell if Oleksandr Usyk can overcome the odds, heal his wounds, and step into the ring fully prepared to face Tyson Fury. One thing is certain: the boxing world will be watching closely, holding its collective breath, as these two titans prepare for what promises to be a fight for the ages.

Former unified heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, has revealed the boxer he believes everyone wishes to emulate – including himself – explaining that this pound-for-pound great is simply in a ‘league of his own’.

The two-time heavyweight champion is continuing his steady comeback as he seeks a third fight of the year, something he hasn’t achieved since he first became champion in 2016.

Despite the increased activity, the performances under new coach, Derrick James, have failed to excite fight fans who want to be convinced that the new ‘AJ’ style is ready to set the heavyweight scene alight once more.

Wins over Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius were meant to be followed by a blockbuster against American heavyweight, Deontay Wilder, but a deal from Saudi Arabia’s Skill Challenge Entertainment was withdrawn and now the Brit seems set to fight a different opponent before the end of the year.

Having suffered three ‘painful’ losses, he told Men’s Health that the fighter who ‘everyone wants to be’, is one that’s never tasted defeat – Floyd Mayweather.

Anthony Joshua

Mayweather’s record of defeating twenty-two world champions is one that will likely stand for some time, and his financial impact on the sport will forever be remembered as game-changing.

He hung up the gloves with a perfect record of 50-0, and now continues to earn from boxing through the exhibition circuit.

Joshua is aiming to create his own history and become a three-time heavyweight champion. The 33-year-old is currently ranked as the number #3 with the IBF, and there’s a chance its heavyweight title will be vacated after an undisputed bout between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, giving him a chance of achieving his dream in 2024.

Gervonta Davis, the WBA lightweight champion, recently stirred the pot with a taunt directed at former WBC interim lightweight champion Ryan Garcia. It all began with a viral video showcasing an intense sparring session by Davis, who appeared to dominate his training partner.

A fan couldn’t resist the opportunity to chime in:

Davis, quick on the trigger, responded by mentioning Garcia in his comment:

This unexpected taunt by Davis sent fans into a frenzy, speculating about a potential rematch between the two fighters. One enthusiastic fan exclaimed:

Gervonta Davis

Another fan expressed their strong belief in Garcia’s abilities, stating:

Gervonta Davis’ coach hints at upcoming big fight

Gervonta Davis, the highly regarded 28-year-old boxer from Baltimore, is reportedly on the cusp of securing an intriguing new matchup, according to his head coach, Calvin Ford.

During a recent interview on The Rize Podcast, Ford hinted at a significant bout for Davis. Boxing reporter Michael Benson relaid Ford’s exact words via Twitter:

Gervonta Davis is unbeaten in 29 professional fights, and it looks like he takes his sparring partners in the gym just as seriously as his opponents.

The 28-year-old from Baltimore started 2023 off strong, earning a career best victory by stopping Ryan Garcia in their all-American grudge match. Not only did ‘Tank’ prove he was levels above Garcia, but he recorded one of the most successful gates in Las Vegas history doing so.

His year went downhill from there, being sentenced to home detention and subsequently prison for a hit and run case.

Now back out and able to train, the outspoken southpaw has been quick to return to social media. Today, he shared some sparring footage in which he can be seen piecing up a taller fighter at will.

The video was originally captioned to explain that the opponent had called ‘Tank’ out – if so, he got much more than he bargained for.

‘Tank’s training partner is unidentified, and given what’s on show will likely want to keep it that way.

Gervonta Davis

Following his prison stint, the undefeated lightweight is eyeing a ring return in early 2024, with the frontrunner being Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz – one of only two men to take Davis the distance.

The fight in 2021 was a unanimous decision for Davis, who spoke of a hand injury in the aftermath as a reason for the full twelve rounds.

A rematch would present a nice opportunity to shake off any ring rust and put the rivalry to bed, but Cruz – that being his sole defeat – will have other plans for the self-proclaimed ‘face of boxing.’

On what broadcaster that fight ends up on remains to be seen, with PBC – which guides ‘Tank’s career – left searching for a new home after the announcement that Showtime would be leaving the sport at the end of this year.

Following the announcement of the demise of Showtime Boxing, those in the sport were vocal about its future – not least Terence Crawford and Oscar De La Hoya.

The broadcaster will end a stellar 37-year relationship inside the ropes, following HBO through the exit door.

It not only leaves PBC and its stars – Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis and Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez to name a couple – without a broadcast partner, the departure signals a change in the sport fighters give their lives to.

Crawford was quick to call for change on social media off the back of the news, pointing to other sports and their success.

De La Hoya – who won world titles in six weight classes before turning his hand to promoting – said promoters must work together.

Recently crowned undisputed welterweight champion, Crawford, responded to De La Hoya to say that the fighters must be at the table.

That’s where the pleasantries ended, as ‘Bud’ Crawford told De La Hoya that his response was the problem he had attempted to highlight initially.

Crawford’s fight with Errol Spence Jr – one of the best of the year so far – was broadcast on Showtime PPV. Where the rematch ends up is now anybody’s guess.

Eddie Hearn has weighed in with his prediction for the legacy defining undisputed heavyweight world title fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.

News broke earlier this month that Fury and Usyk

have signed contracts to lock horns in Saudi Arabia, though there has been no confirmation of a date as of yet.

The majority opinion amongst the boxing fraternity is that ‘The Gypsy King’ will be able to make his physical advantages count and add Usyk’s unified crown to his WBC belt.

And in a recent interview with Mo Boxin’ Mo Problems, Matchroom boss Hearn admitted he favours his fellow Brit to get the job done and ‘mess around’ with the Ukrainian.

Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury

Though fans could be forgiven for not getting excited before seeing the pair in the ring, news of the first undisputed heavyweight world title fight since Lennox Lewis vs Evander Holyfield all the way back in 1999 has provoked a huge reaction amongst the boxing world.

There were fears that the clash would never happen, and some even accused Fury of ducking Usyk.

However, provided he makes it through his exhibition with MMA star Francis Ngannou later this month without picking up an injury, it looks to be all systems go for the landmark event.

Oleksandr Usyk believes Francis Ngannou is tailor-made for Tyson Fury.

‘The Gypsy King’ and ‘The Predator’ are slated to clash later this month in Saudi Arabia. For Ngannou, the boxing match will be the first of his combat sports career. To help aid with the transition, the former UFC champion has brought in the services of Mike Tyson as his coach.

For Fury, the bout is somewhat of a tune-up of sorts. In December, he’s expected to face ‘The Cat’ in a historical heavyweight title unification bout. The championship contest will crown the weight classes’ first undisputed titleholder since Lennox Lewis accomplished the feat over 20 years ago.’

Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury

As of now, the only thing standing between Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury is Francis Ngannou. For his part, the Ukrainian recently previewed his next opponent’s fight on his YouTube channel.

There, Usyk stated that ‘The Predator’ might have fight-ending power, but he’s unsure. However, stylistically, this fight should be a routine night at the office for Fury. Previewing the fight, Usyk stated:

Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder are prominent figures in the Heavyweight division. Enthusiasts and experts have long been discussing the possibility of a match between these two fighters. The two have finally announced the fight. The date, however, has not been finalized yet as it keeps getting pushed back. March is the tentative period for it to happen according to the most recent update. Fans impatiently hope for an official date announcement soon.

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Oleksandr Usyk is facing Tyson Fury in the Wilder and Joshua’s undercard after the Saudis demanded it. Who has the Ukrainian two-division world champion placed his bets on for the fight? Let us find out.

Which fighter according to Oleksandr Usyk can send his opponent flying?

anthony joshua and deontay wilder

A highly anticipated undisputed Heavyweight championship bout between Fury and Usyk has been officially confirmed and is set to occur in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. However, the promoters have not disclosed the specific details such as the fight date yet. There had been speculations of a possible Usyk-Wilder fight as well but it did not materialize. Though Usyk and Wilder have had their own set of disagreements, Usyk’s opinions tilt towards the WBC Heavyweight champion.

Expressing his views on the upcoming Wilder-Joshua match, Usyk said “Wilder’s incredible streak is that if he hits once, one is unable to fight back. I’m going with Wilder, 60/40 in favour of Wilder. He hits incredibly hard. Deontay’s able to send someone flying when he touches them.” Usyk barely has any doubts about Wilder’s capabilities. He believes that the power of Wilder’s punches will secure him his win against Joshua

Is Oleksandr Usyk ducking Deontay Wilder?

Deontay Wilder confidently stated that Oleksandr Usyk is deeply afraid of him, emphasizing that Usyk has consistently turned down substantial offers to fight him. Wilder spoke about Usyk’s apparent fear and expressed skepticism about his concerns.

He suggested that Usyk is avoiding a confrontation with the powerful American boxer at all costs. The ex-WBC champion asserted that Usyk has repeatedly avoided facing him, rejecting significant offers to fight. Wilder revealed that attractive financial rewards were offered to Usyk multiple times. However, he has consistently declined the opportunity to step into the ring against him

As fans impatiently wait for the two boxers to battle it out, some or other hurdle presents itself before the promoters. After shifting the date multiple times, Eddie Hearn has revealed that March might be the month the two beasts brawl. What do you predict for the fight

Anthony Joshua believes he has an edge should he ever make a fight with undefeated British rival, Tyson Fury.

The will-they-won’t-they rivalry has frustrated boxing fans for some time, and there is still no concrete signs that a fight will be made before either man retires for good.

If they manage to prove the doubters wrong, Joshua – who has built up two wins since losing his unified titles to Oleksandr Usyk – believes he can get one up on Fury via mind games.

He told Men’s Health that he noticed ‘mental issues’ in the well-received Netflix show following ‘The Gypsy King’ and his family.

Asked if he would look to exploit what he saw if the two should step through the ropes together, Joshua said yes.

Whether the two Brits get to that stage is still up in the air. Despite saying that his career would feel ‘incomplete’ should he not face either Deontay Wilder or Fury before hanging up the gloves, ‘AJ’ says he’s not willing to wait too long

Anthony Joshua And Tyson Fury

The Olympic Gold Medalist and two-time heavyweight champion of the world has reportedly touched down in Texas to being training camp for his next bout, targeted for December. It will not be one of the two names above filling the opposite corner.

As for Fury, he has a crossover bout with Francis Ngannou to tick off his list this month before solidifying the already announced undisputed bout against Usyk.