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ANTHONY JOSHUA INSISTS HE WILL SIGN THE CONTRACT TO FIGHT TYSON FURY

Anthony Joshua insists “of course” he will sign the contract for the proposed world heavyweight title clash with Tyson Fury – but promoter Eddie Hearn says there is “no chance” it will be done by Monday.

Fury set Joshua’s camp the ultimatum on Friday night, insisting if the deal cannot be done he will walk away and find another opponent for his next WBC title defence.

Speaking on an Instagram Live on Sunday afternoon, Joshua said: “It ain’t in my hands – it’s with a legal team. That’s why you hire lawyers.

“You know the history of boxing – make sure you get your legal terms right. That’s why you get good management and good lawyers.

“So of course I’m going to sign the contract – it’s just with some lawyers at the minute.”

Television executives from BT Sport and streaming service DAZN are scheduled to meet on Monday, with Joshua’s team having already verbally accepted Fury’s offer of a 60-40 purse split.

But Hearn told the Seconds Out YouTube channel: “There is no chance this fight will get signed by Monday. There is no need for this fight to get signed by Monday.

“If he doesn’t (want to fight Joshua), and I guess he doesn’t, then he’ll do what he’ll do and the fans might even fall for it.”

Hearn said the contract sent by Fury’s promoter Frank Warren was “all over the place” and, while it is understood the sticking points relate to relatively minor details, Hearn is adamant his team will not be rushed.

“We have a meeting on Monday, with DAZN, with BT, with everybody, but it’s going to take time,” Hearn added. “If he wants to put a time frame on it of Monday then it’s clear to the whole public he doesn’t want the fight.

“It’s not going to get signed on Monday so if he’s walking away on Monday the fight’s off.”

Fury made the offer to Joshua on social media earlier this month after it became clear a potential bout with Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk would not happen until the new year.

Joshua immediately accepted Fury’s invitation as well as the prospective purse split, and the deal was backed up by an exchange of letters between Hearn and Fury’s promoter Warren.

But speaking to BT Sport on Saturday night, Fury expressed frustration with the delay and maintained he was not prepared to wait any longer for Joshua’s team to seal the deal.

Speaking at ringside prior to Joe Joyce’s win over Joseph Parker, Fury said: “They have had the opportunity to agree to this fight for about a month.

“They have had the contract for over a week, still not signed, still a few more excuses they are going to come back with.

“We will know more on Monday, I think. The two broadcasters are going to meet up and then we will know from there. I am sick of setting deadlines. They either want this poxy fight or they don’t.”

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JOE JOYCE STOPS JOSEPH PARKER IN 11TH ROUND TO WIN WBO INTERIM HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE

Joe Joyce stopped Joseph Parker in the 11th round to claim the vacant WBO interim heavyweight title at Manchester’s AO Arena.

Londoner Joyce, who had won all of his previous 14 professional fights, started confidently in the opening round as he took a couple of strong right hands from New Zealand’s Parker, but remained unmoved.

Former WBO world champion Parker – who has shared the ring with the likes of Anthony Joshua, Andy Ruiz Jr, Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora – was pushed onto the ropes during the third round as Joyce landed a series of telling blows.

The 30-year-old Kiwi, coached by Andy Lee and who trains with Tyson Fury at the WBC heavyweight champion’s base in Morecambe, needed to find a response. Once again, though, Joyce stood up to a big right hand onto his chin towards the end of the fourth.

Joyce kept Parker pushed back onto the ropes with a run of body shots early in the sixth before the 37-year-old also landed a strong uppercut.

Both men then started to feel the pace of what had been a relentless heavyweight contest before a cut opened up over Parker’s right eye, which his corner went to work on at the end of the seventh.

Joyce continued to live up to his ‘juggernaut’ nickname, landing another big right hand in the eighth, before a blooded Parker bravely went forward with a left hook.

At the start of the ninth, Parker, his left eye starting to close, somehow found the strength to go on the offensive, dispatching an uppercut which once again Joyce absorbed.

Parker was eventually dropped by a left hook from Joyce in the 11th. Although he got back to his feet, the New Zealander could not beat the count.

Joyce will now be targeting a shot at a world title later this year or early 2023 – and would appear in prime position to challenge unified champion Oleksandr Usyk.

“It was a tough fight and credit to Parker. He has improved and I really enjoyed it,” Joyce said on BT Sport after his victory.

“I had to dig deep to get through the rounds, I threw everything at him and he was still coming forward. I managed to drop him at the end, but it was hard work.”

Looking to the future, Joyce said: “Usyk let’s get it on.”

Promoter Frank Warren added: “Joe showed why he is the juggernaut. I knew he’d get there in the end but hats off to Joseph Parker, he is a brave warrior.

“We have a new kid on the block here. Joyce is like a fine wine, he is getting better with age.

“He is the mandatory challenger for the WBO title against Usyk and we are going to move heaven and earth to make sure he gets a shot.”

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DILLIAN WHYTE ACCUSES TYSON FURY OF DIRTY TACTICS IN WEMBLEY WIN

Dillian Whyte has accused Tyson Fury of engaging “dirty” tactics and says he should have had extra recovery time after being floored during their world heavyweight fight.

Fury retained his WBC heavyweight title with a sixth-round stoppage of British rival Whyte at a sold-out Wembley Stadium, ending Saturday’s bout with a brutal upper cut.

Whyte was sent crashing to the deck, but the Londoner believes the referee should have penalised Fury for shoving him before his head thumped against the canvas.

“I was buzzed but obviously I was trying to regather my senses and he proper pushed me and I fell over and hit my head on the canvas, which is illegal,” Whyte told Sky Sports.

“This isn’t wrestling, this is boxing. I should have been allowed extra time to recover and then carried on fighting.

“I got caught, no doubt about it. I got caught by a good shot.

“I was hurt, I was trying to get my senses together and he full on, two-handed pushed me. It wasn’t like a one-armed thing.

“I should have had time to recover, time to go back to my corner, but Tyson Fury gets away with a lot of things.”

Whyte claimed Fury headbutted him after he sustained a nasty gash over his right eye, the first time he has sustained a cut in 31 professional fights.

He said: “He kept on leaning down to the side and putting the head in and stuff like that.

“He leans down and he put the head in, he clashed with me and I got the cut and obviously the ref started telling me off.

“I was like, ‘what the hell is going on here? I got headbutted?’

“The fight spiralled a bit, until he started punching me in the back of the head. I started doing it to him and then his corner started throwing water and stuff like that, which was a bit crazy.

“I kept on getting all the blame. He was the one that was holding, he was the one that was headbutting and being dirty in the fight.”

While unbeaten Fury has vowed to bring his professional career to an end, 34-year-old Whyte is determined to force his way back into world title contention.

He said: “I’m still young enough, I’ve still got a lot left in me. I’ve fought the best in the world and I wasn’t outclassed or outboxed.

“It’s not a long, hard road back, because I’ve showed the level I am. I’m still there, I’m still good enough. One fight and I’m back.”

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TYSON FRURY REITERATES HE WILL RETIRE AFTER DILLIAN WHYTE SHOWDOWN

Tyson Fury has reiterated he will retire after Saturday’s world heavyweight title fight with Dillian Whyte and brushed off the latest no-show by the mandatory challenger.

An open workout took place on Tuesday in the shadows of Wembley Stadium, which is set to be attended by 94,000 spectators this weekend.

Fury was put through his paces by trainer SugarHill Steward and insisted afterwards the domestic contest with Whyte will be the last of a professional career which started in 2008.

At last month’s unveiling press conference for the bout, the 33-year-old conceded Wembley could be his last hurrah but was non-committal during a virtual media event on Thursday where he insisted his only focus was on the fight, not what would happen after

It was a different story after being put through his paces at BOXPARK Wembley, where Fury said: “That’s it. Get a good victory here on Saturday night, relax, sit back and enjoy life. I am loving every second of it (this week).

“It’s been a long old journey, ups and downs in my career, lots of ups and downs. I’m coming up to 34, 20 years as a boxer, that’s enough for anybody. There’s plenty of other stuff I need to do like look after my kids and wife and enjoy them.”

Fury told co-promoter Frank Warren they would share a drink after this weekend’s blockbuster event and toast a “successful night and career” but Wembley was never the pinnacle for the WBC-belt holder.

He instead labelled York Hall in Bethnal Green in addition to several venues across the Atlantic among the boxing arenas he always wanted to tick off.

“We will put on a good fight and leave it all in the ring, I will be leaving every ounce of strength and energy I have in my body in the ring on Saturday night,” Fury (31-0-1, 22KOs) predicted.

“The rest of it is God’s will, so if it is written in the stars on Saturday night then guess what Frank Warren? We will have a drink after the fight to a very successful night and career. That’s it.”

On fighting at Wembley, where he had only previously visited once before last month to watch the Cincinnati Bengals take on the LA Rams in the NFL, Fury added: “It hasn’t been my ambition or ‘Oh my God I want to box Wembley’.

“I wanted to box Old Trafford, the York Hall Bethnal Green, Madison Square Garden and MGM (Grand Garden Arena).”

Warren, who co-promotes Fury, is unsure whether his prized asset will call it quits after facing Whyte, who failed to show up for Tuesday’s open workout due to issues with his flight to England from his Portugal training camp.

“If Tyson hangs up the gloves, I will support him wholeheartedly because he is the guy getting in the ring and it is his choice but who knows? We’ll see what happens after the fight,” Warren admitted.

Fury worked up a sweat during his open workout but did poke fun at his UK-based promoter for the size of the ring.

he lined up in a southpaw stance at BOXPARK but his rival Whyte was not on hand to witness it.

Brixton fighter Whyte (28-2, 19KOs) also failed to attend last month’s unveiling press conference but fears over the bout falling through appeared to be allayed when he attended a virtual media event on Thursday, the day after he sent a tweet to promote the event.

Asked if he expected to see his compatriot at Wednesday’s press conference, Fury replied: “I’m sure he will because if he doesn’t show up, there’ll be trouble.”

Warren cut a more measured figure this time having described Whyte as a “disgrace” for his absence from the March 1 event.

“I am very disappointed he is not here. Apparently he is stuck on a plane or whatever it is. What can I do? We move on and we’re here tomorrow. He will certainly be here tomorrow,” the 70-year-old said.

“What am I going to do? Smack his a*** and make him stand in the corner? All those things will be resolved after the fight.

“He has done a couple of things, he did a very good interview on BT Sport, a very good interview.

“You could actually see who the guy is and what he is about but unfortunately he is not here today. Thankfully I have the most colourful heavyweight since Muhammad Ali.”

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MANNY PACQUIAO ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT FROM BOXING

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 8: Professional Boxer and Senator of the Philippines, Manny Pacquiao, attends the game between the LA Clippers and Charlotte Hornets on January 8, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

Twelve-time world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao has announced his retirement from the sport.

The 42-year-old called time on a decorated career and has turned his attention to a presidential run in his native Philippines.

Known as PacMan, he won his first major title at 19 when he took the WBC flyweight strap and in a professional career which spanned 26 years, he became the first octuple champion having won in eight different weight divisions.

In a social media post announcing the news, he said: “To the greatest fans and the greatest sport in the world, thank you! Thank you for all the wonderful memories.

“This is the hardest decision I’ve ever made, but I’m at peace with it. Chase your dreams, work hard, and watch what happens. Good bye boxing.”

The southpaw had his first professional bout aged 16 and finishes with a 62-8-2 record, with 39 wins coming by knockout.

His most recent bout was a hastily-convened fight against Cuban Yordenis Ugas in Nevada in August, which he lost by unanimous decision.

Pacquiao announced a run for the Philippine House of Representatives in 2007 but was knocked back at the polls, eventually winning at the ballot box in 2010.

He became a senator in 2015 and announced a bid to become president earlier this month.

In the video posted online, he said: “Boxing has always been my passion, I was given the opportunity of representing the Philippines, bringing fame and honour to my country every time I entered the ring.

“I am grateful for all my accomplishments and opportunity to inspire the fans.

“Who would have thought that Manny Pacquiao would end up with 12 major world titles in eight different weight divisions? Even me I’m amazed at what I have done.

“Today, I am announcing my retirement. I never thought that this day would come. As I hang up my boxing gloves, I would like to thank the whole world, especially the Filipino people, for supporting Manny Pacquiao.

“Goodbye boxing. Thank you for changing my life when my family was desperate, you gave us hope. You gave me the chance to fight our way out of poverty.

“Because of you, I was able to inspire people all over the world. Because of you, I have been given the courage to change more lives.”

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I HAVE NO REGRETS WITH MY TACTICS AND I CAN GO AGAIN – ANTHONY JOSHUA

Anthony Joshua was sanguine despite being dethroned as world heavyweight champion, insisting he has no regrets about his tactics in defeat to Oleksandr Usyk and vowing to dust himself off and go again.

Usyk was giving up three inches in height and four in reach, as well as nearly 20lbs in weight, but the superior ringcraft of the former undisputed world cruiserweight champion was there for all to see in his unanimous decision win.

Scorecards of 117-112, 116-112 and 115-113 were justifiable rewards for a mesmerising display by Usyk, who snatched the WBA, IBF and WBO titles from Joshua and left a ‘Battle of Britain’ against Tyson Fury seemingly in tatters.

Joshua struggled to assert himself throughout as his opponent’s speed and movement from an awkward southpaw stance troubled him but his strategy in front of more than 66,000 fans at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium came in for criticism.

However, Joshua feels his approach is a moot point after the second loss of a 26-fight professional career, while his immediate thoughts have already turned to a clause invoking the rematch and the adjustments he can make.

“If it went well then it would have been perfect but it didn’t so I can’t really look at it and have any regrets,” said Joshua, who disclosed he was unable to see out of a swollen right eye from round nine onwards in north London.

“What I’m happy about is I can go again and I’ve got a chance of becoming heavyweight champion of the world again. Only positives from here moving forward, I’ve had enough of looking at things from a negative point of view.

“I’m not a weak person. I’m not a sulker. I’m not going to go home (and) cry about it because this is war. It’s a long process. This isn’t just one fight and I’m done, I’ve got an opportunity to go back to the drawing board.

“I can’t depend on anyone to pick me up and pat me on the back. That’s why I’m not going to put my head in my palms and cry all night about it. I just want to get back to the gym and get back on the grind so I can improve.

“I’m going to lift myself up. I believe I’ll get a good win in the next fight because of what I’ve learned in this fight. I’m a quick learner and we’ll bounce back.”

There has been a refreshing absence of enmity or histrionics between two combatants put together by the WBO, which ordered champion Joshua to fulfil his mandatory Usyk after the former’s fight against Fury collapsed.

The pair have been on each other’s radars for nine years after they both won gold medals at London 2012 but while they traded pleasantries backstage after Saturday night’s bout, Joshua revealed he told Usyk: “I’ll see you again.”

Joshua added: “It was a good chess match. I’m a boxer fighter, I wanted to outbox him, do certain things and then after that, my eye, man. It was a great lesson, though, great lesson. I’m just learning this game, I’m studying, it’s part of the process.”

Joshua was staggered on several occasions, most notably when he sagged into the ropes in the final few seconds amid an Usyk onslaught and was perhaps saved by the bell before being put out of his misery by the judges.

Joshua’s trainer Rob McCracken admitted his charge was unable to carry out their gameplan but has backed him to have a better showing in a return clash which could take place in February or March next year.

“You’ve got to apply better pressure with a fighter like that and not give him too much time,” said McCracken. “That’s really what should happen. But Anthony’s already addressed that he’s learning on the job.

“I’ve got no doubts that if he applies himself, which he will, then he’ll get a great performance in the rematch because Usyk’s boxed tremendously well and Anthony will have learned loads.”

Victory over the still unbeaten Usyk would have put Joshua on a collision course with the winner of next month’s showdown between WBC titleist Fury and Deontay Wilder.

But Joshua said: “I’ll fight Tyson Fury, Wilder, without the belts. The belts are fun, it’s great, it’s legacy but with or without the belts I’ll fight whoever.”

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BOXING: ANTHONY JOSHUA LOSES HEAVY WEIGHT TITLE AFTER STUNNING LOSS TO OLEKSANDR USYK

Anthony Joshua’s reign as world heavyweight champion was ended and a ‘Battle of Britain’ against Tyson Fury is in tatters after Oleksandr Usyk claimed a stunning unanimous decision win at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Usyk was giving up three inches in height and four in reach, as well as nearly 20lbs in weight, but the former undisputed world cruiserweight champion’s technical acumen came to the fore in an electric atmosphere.

Joshua finished the bout slumped against the ropes as his smaller foe looked for a dramatic finish and while it was not forthcoming, Usyk claimed the WBA, IBF and WBO titles after he was given the nod by all three judges.

Scores of 117-112, 116-112 and 115-113 were just reward after a near-masterclass from the unbeaten Usyk, who became only the third fighter after Evander Holyfield and David Haye to win world titles at cruiserweight and heavyweight.

Joshua, who was obligated to face WBO mandatory challenger Usyk after a bout against Fury fell through earlier this year, seemed accepting of the result when the scores came as he suffered just the second defeat of his career.

As well as giving up several physical advantages to Joshua, Usyk had to contend with the hostile atmosphere that greeted his entrance to the ring from the more than 62,000 that attended this bout.

But he retained an intense focus throughout and his combination of speed and almost non-stop movement from an awkward southpaw stance befuddled Joshua, whose right eye became increasingly swollen as the fight wore on after a succession of rapid left hands found their mark.

Joshua was hurt on several occasions, most notably in the final seconds of the fight as a flurry of punches sent the Briton reeling back to the ropes, just about hanging on from the onslaught before being put out of his misery by the judges.

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DAVID HAYE TO RETURN TO BOXING FOR ONE-OFF BOUT WITH JOE FOURNIER

Former cruiserweight and heavyweight world champion David Haye will temporarily end his retirement next month to take on friend and entrepreneur Joe Fournier at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Haye retired from professional boxing aged 37, with a record of 28 wins and four defeats, after losing his rematch against Tony Bellew in May 2018. Up until recently Haye was managing former foe Derek Chisora’s boxing career.

But the 40-year-old is set to step back between the ropes on September 11th on the undercard of Oscar de la Hoya’s own comeback against former UFC light-heavyweight champion Vitor Belfort.

Fournier, 38, has won nine times since making his debut in 2015 but is more widely known for amassing a fortune in the fitness and nightclub industries. He will take on Haye in an eight-round bout at heavyweight.

“This whole fight between us, came into existence when at dinner with a group in Mykonos we were asked who would win in a fight between us,” Haye said.

“I laughed, but out of respect for Joe’s ego suggested it would be close, maybe a draw – whilst winking to Joe. Joe’s straight-faced response was very different, he was deadly serious stating he would win in a fight today.

“Fast forward two weeks, I remain happily retired from boxing, with no intentions to make a traditional comeback to challenge the monsters of the division but am fit and ready to prove my point against my overconfident billionaire buddy.

“Whilst an unexpected challenge, since retirement I have remained in the gym and I am always mindful of what I put in my body meaning with just four weeks’ notice, I am currently 10lbs lighter than my first fight against Tony Bellew some four years ago.

“This is not a comeback; this is about teaching Joe Fournier there are levels to the boxing game. One must stay in their lane or risk getting flattened.”

Fournier said: “I’m here to make a statement. Like the business world, timing is everything in the fight game, I have immense respect for David’s past achievements, but his time has passed.

“I’m younger, fitter and faster. He may have been world heavyweight champion, but that moment has gone, I am still learning the sport, coming into my prime. His demise will meet my rise and come September 11th the boxing world is in for a huge shock.”

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LOGAN PAUL LASTS THE DISTANCE AGAINST MAYWEATHER IN EXHIBITION BOUT

Floyd Mayweather Jr outclassed Logan Paul in the boxing ring but could not stop the YouTube personality inside the distance.

Mayweather and Paul boxed an eight-round exhibition at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, but with the bout not being scored, no winner was declared.

The 44-year-old Mayweather used the ring skills that propelled him to boxing world titles in five divisions and a 50-0 career record to frustrate Paul with solid lead and counter shots.

“You’ve got to realise I’m not 21 anymore but it’s good,” Mayweather said in the ring.

“He’s better than I thought he was. Good little work. Tonight was a fun night.”

Mayweather, who won titles in the super-featherweight, lightweight, super-lightweight, welterweight and super-welterweight divisions, has said he will not return to competitive boxing.

Instead, he will continue to tap into the pay-per-view market with exhibitions like his event with Paul.

Post-fight punch stats showed Mayweather comfortably ahead on total and power shots.

After the fight, Paul celebrated the accomplishment of going the distance against Mayweather.

“Shoot, man, I don’t want anyone to tell me anything is impossible ever again,” Paul said.

“To get in here with one of the greatest boxers of all time proves that the odds could be beat.”

Paul weighed 189lbs for the exhibition and attempted to use his 34lb advantage by leaning on the shorter Mayweather.

But Paul’s lack of boxing skills left him open to Mayweather’s short left hooks to the head and rights to the body.

“He used his weight and tried to tie me up,” Mayweather said.

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UFC: STEFAN STRUVE ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT FROM MMA DUE TO HEALTH ISSUES

Longtime UFC heavyweight Stefan Struve has announced his retirement from mixed martial arts competition.

Struve, 32, announced his retirement on social media on Monday morning, citing health issues that will prevent him from fighting.

“I was able to take my space and time the last couple of months to overthink this, so this time it really is for good,” Struve said, referencing a previous retirement announcement (h/t MMA Fighting). “I’ve had an inner ear issue I’ve been battling since May last year. I caught a viral infection that has damaged my vestibular system and the hearing nerve in my right ear. After new tests done recently we learned that the vestibular system is not working properly, the first conclusion in May was that it was most likely [Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo].

“Because of this I have also been dealing with vertigo issues, and also loss of hearing and tinnitus, a ringing noise in my ear,” Struve continued. “After I caught it in May things got a lot better, after a couple rough weeks at first. I was doing good although still experiencing some vertigo and other minor issues but my idea was, especially with the doctors telling me the issues would go away after a while, to just keep going and ignore it until it really was gone completely. Unfortunately during [my most recent] fight some of the issues came back after getting hit flush on the right ear, it was a punch that should not be an issue normally.

“After that fight I was having more issues again and the doctors scheduled new tests,” Struve continued. “Those, unfortunately for me, took a long time to happen because of the lockdown over here in the Netherlands. After these tests I was told the damage in the ear and the vestibular issues caused by the viral infection I’d been dealing with are most likely permanent. I have no big issues when I’m just doing my everyday things and, or, training on a normal level to be healthy and in shape.

“The extreme intensity I have put my body through in training camp to get ready for fights I can’t do anymore,” Struve continued. “At this juncture, I realize that it’s time to hang up the gloves for good, and my put my health and family first. I’ve had a long career and battled through multiple injuries, including a broken jaw and my heart condition. Pushing forward and training hard without listening to my body would be asking for real trouble in my opinion.”

Stefan Struve has been fighting for the UFC 2009. During that time, he’s amassed a promotional record of 13-11, beating the likes of Pat Barry, Stipe Miocic, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Daniel Omielanczuk. He’ll hang up the gloves with an overall record of 29-13.