I couldn't care less. Terry has had to change all the names in the story so I guess he came up with Feminism through Femi, unless you know different?Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑03 Sep 2025, 07:35Mickey is insistent that it's his only name.
I think it's Oluwafemi
Who was it on the board that kept referring Tyson Fury as Luke?
Anthony Joshua in talks for two-fight deal
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mickey1975
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 22959
- Joined: 02 Mar 2009, 12:54
Re: Anthony Joshua in talks for two-fight deal, Jared Anderson and Dillian Whyte 'discussed'
Re: Anthony Joshua in talks for two-fight deal, Jared Anderson and Dillian Whyte 'discussed'
I think Whyte started both of these rumoursRuthless-RKO wrote: ↑03 Sep 2025, 07:35Mickey is insistent that it's his only name.
I think it's Oluwafemi
Who was it on the board that kept referring Tyson Fury as Luke?
Re: Anthony Joshua in talks for two-fight deal, Jared Anderson and Dillian Whyte 'discussed'
I just listened to it. I had to google a couple of things. I think I got a basic idea of what he was getting at but definitely not everything.mickey1975 wrote: ↑03 Sep 2025, 05:09It's a play on words, Femi being his real name.
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Ruthless-RKO
- Welterweight
- Posts: 101107
- Joined: 24 Apr 2016, 11:59
Re: Anthony Joshua in talks for two-fight deal, Jared Anderson and Dillian Whyte 'discussed'
Ghana Likelier Than Nigeria To Host Anthony Joshua's First Fight In Africa, Says Hearn
Eddie Hearn has invited an offer from Nigerian promoter Dr Ezekiel Adamu but has revealed that Ghana are currently leading the chase to land Anthony Joshua’s first ever fight in Africa.
It is now a year since two-time world heavyweight champion AJ last boxed, when he was knocked out in the fifth round of his dramatic Wembley Stadium showdown with Daniel Dubois.
It is now increasingly unlikely that the 35-year-old will box before the end of 2025 but his promoter Eddie Hearn says Joshua will ‘definitely’ return at some point in Q1 of 2026.
As Hearn told The Ring earlier this month, Joshua will come back against a ‘top-20’ opponent but it is still very unclear where that fight will take place with a number of territories keen on landing a big site deal for the 2012 Olympic champion.
As revealed during an interview with The Ring, the CEO of Balmoral Group Promotions Adamu believes they are capable of tempting Joshua back to Nigeria and have the support of the country’s government in their pursuit.
But Hearn says they are still yet to open talks with Adamu about the possibility and says Nigeria's west African rivals Ghana are ahead of them in the queue after presenting a ‘very interesting offer’.
When asked about Adamu’s plans to build a show around Joshua early next year, Hearn said: “Well, I haven’t had a conversation with him. I’m sure he will have spoken to someone who knows AJ but nothing with me.
“If they want to make an offer then we are open to that and my number is quite easy to get hold of.
“But as it stands we have had no conversation with Nigeria but what we have had is a site visit in Accra, Ghana and they have made an offer. We are very interested in going there in the early part of 2026.
“I think it would be incredible but we are open to Nigeria as well."
But Hearn warned both Nigeria and Ghana that it is not a straight race between them, as they have also received offers from two other territories about a Joshua fight. There is also every chance that his comeback fight takes place on British soil, too.
Joshua has boxed four times in Saudi Arabia over the past six years while he has been regularly linked with a huge clash with Chinese southpaw Zhilei Zhang at Beijing’s Bird’s Nest stadium.
Hearn added: “Ghana is currently only one of three sites that have made offers. We may even fight in the UK.
"Obviously we have opportunities to fight in the middle east and the far east as well.
“But Joshua will definitely fight in Q1 of 2026.”
Eddie Hearn has invited an offer from Nigerian promoter Dr Ezekiel Adamu but has revealed that Ghana are currently leading the chase to land Anthony Joshua’s first ever fight in Africa.
It is now a year since two-time world heavyweight champion AJ last boxed, when he was knocked out in the fifth round of his dramatic Wembley Stadium showdown with Daniel Dubois.
It is now increasingly unlikely that the 35-year-old will box before the end of 2025 but his promoter Eddie Hearn says Joshua will ‘definitely’ return at some point in Q1 of 2026.
As Hearn told The Ring earlier this month, Joshua will come back against a ‘top-20’ opponent but it is still very unclear where that fight will take place with a number of territories keen on landing a big site deal for the 2012 Olympic champion.
As revealed during an interview with The Ring, the CEO of Balmoral Group Promotions Adamu believes they are capable of tempting Joshua back to Nigeria and have the support of the country’s government in their pursuit.
But Hearn says they are still yet to open talks with Adamu about the possibility and says Nigeria's west African rivals Ghana are ahead of them in the queue after presenting a ‘very interesting offer’.
When asked about Adamu’s plans to build a show around Joshua early next year, Hearn said: “Well, I haven’t had a conversation with him. I’m sure he will have spoken to someone who knows AJ but nothing with me.
“If they want to make an offer then we are open to that and my number is quite easy to get hold of.
“But as it stands we have had no conversation with Nigeria but what we have had is a site visit in Accra, Ghana and they have made an offer. We are very interested in going there in the early part of 2026.
“I think it would be incredible but we are open to Nigeria as well."
But Hearn warned both Nigeria and Ghana that it is not a straight race between them, as they have also received offers from two other territories about a Joshua fight. There is also every chance that his comeback fight takes place on British soil, too.
Joshua has boxed four times in Saudi Arabia over the past six years while he has been regularly linked with a huge clash with Chinese southpaw Zhilei Zhang at Beijing’s Bird’s Nest stadium.
Hearn added: “Ghana is currently only one of three sites that have made offers. We may even fight in the UK.
"Obviously we have opportunities to fight in the middle east and the far east as well.
“But Joshua will definitely fight in Q1 of 2026.”
Re: Anthony Joshua in talks for two-fight deal, Jared Anderson and Dillian Whyte 'discussed'
So the Hatton thread has plenty about Witter. I imagine Fury and AJ will invoke similar about each other for as long as either name is mentioned. Legacy counts, not vanity cash grabs in Africa.
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Ruthless-RKO
- Welterweight
- Posts: 101107
- Joined: 24 Apr 2016, 11:59
Re: Anthony Joshua in talks for two-fight deal
Anthony Joshua's next opponent? Kingsley Ibeh calls for AJ fight in Nigeria: 'I will definitely knock him out!'
With Anthony Joshua considering a potential comeback fight in Africa, Kingsley Ibeh believes he's the perfect opponent for a showdown in Nigeria; Ibeh, born in Nigeria and based in Arizona, knocked out former world title challenger Gerald Washington in his last fight
Kingsley Ibeh believes he is the perfect opponent for Anthony Joshua's hoped-for fight in Nigeria.
Speculation has mounted that Joshua could look to stage a comeback fight in Africa, with Ghana and Nigeria potential locations.
Joshua has Nigerian heritage and heavyweight contender Kingsley Ibeh was born in the country.
Now based in Arizona, Ibeh has a 16-2-1 record, with 14 stoppage victories. Since losing to top prospect Jared Anderson in 2021, Ibeh has been on a run of 11 consecutive wins.
Most recently he knocked out former world title challenger Gerald Washington in three rounds.
"We need the right platform and the right opponent to make a statement with and there'd be no better one than AJ," Ibeh told Sky Sports.
He believes he is the ideal candidate to fight Joshua in Nigeria. "That would be definitely a dream come true," Ibeh said. "That would be amazing."
But he added: "It doesn't matter where it is, I'm ready.
"Anywhere. It doesn't matter if it's in the UK. I would love to dance with him in the O2 Arena.
"I would definitely stop him, no questions about that, it's going to come down to how soon or how quickly it goes."
A cousin of heavyweight Ike Ibeabuchi, Ibeh originally played American football in his athletic career.
His introduction to boxing came by chance when he was trying to sell life insurance to a coach at a gym.
"[The trainer said:] 'If you want to talk to me and earn my time, you've got to get in the ring and spar with one of my guys.' I never back down from a fight," Ibeh reflected.
"I took my shirt off, put headgear on and I went to work… I end up knocking him out."
He didn't end up selling the policy (the coach had had a liver transplant and didn't qualify for it, in the end), but he did get a boxing trainer out of it and took it from there.
"It was a good way to get the aggression and anger out. Ever since then I started boxing," Ibeh said. "I played football here in the US, I played with the Cardinals.
"I've always lived in the gym, I've always worked out, boxing just became another passion for me."
He is now looking for a breakthrough victory. "I'm just excited to see what the future holds," Ibeh said. "I really haven't even shown what we've been working on."
His message to Britain's heavyweights: "I'm willing to come to their home, their backyard and entertain.
"I like AJ, he's been my idol," he said. "[But] I have mean intentions. For the sport, I would love to give him the work and challenge that he's looking for."
There's a "small chance" Joshua could box before the end of this year and he will fight early in 2026, potentially in February, his promoter Eddie Hearn previously told Sky Sports.
"If he fights this year, that will be a pure run-out. It won't be a top 15 guy," the promoter continued. "He's either going to have those two fights before Tyson Fury - if that can get made - or he's going to have the one fight in February.
"We haven't really decided yet but he's keen to get active."
With Anthony Joshua considering a potential comeback fight in Africa, Kingsley Ibeh believes he's the perfect opponent for a showdown in Nigeria; Ibeh, born in Nigeria and based in Arizona, knocked out former world title challenger Gerald Washington in his last fight
Kingsley Ibeh believes he is the perfect opponent for Anthony Joshua's hoped-for fight in Nigeria.
Speculation has mounted that Joshua could look to stage a comeback fight in Africa, with Ghana and Nigeria potential locations.
Joshua has Nigerian heritage and heavyweight contender Kingsley Ibeh was born in the country.
Now based in Arizona, Ibeh has a 16-2-1 record, with 14 stoppage victories. Since losing to top prospect Jared Anderson in 2021, Ibeh has been on a run of 11 consecutive wins.
Most recently he knocked out former world title challenger Gerald Washington in three rounds.
"We need the right platform and the right opponent to make a statement with and there'd be no better one than AJ," Ibeh told Sky Sports.
He believes he is the ideal candidate to fight Joshua in Nigeria. "That would be definitely a dream come true," Ibeh said. "That would be amazing."
But he added: "It doesn't matter where it is, I'm ready.
"Anywhere. It doesn't matter if it's in the UK. I would love to dance with him in the O2 Arena.
"I would definitely stop him, no questions about that, it's going to come down to how soon or how quickly it goes."
A cousin of heavyweight Ike Ibeabuchi, Ibeh originally played American football in his athletic career.
His introduction to boxing came by chance when he was trying to sell life insurance to a coach at a gym.
"[The trainer said:] 'If you want to talk to me and earn my time, you've got to get in the ring and spar with one of my guys.' I never back down from a fight," Ibeh reflected.
"I took my shirt off, put headgear on and I went to work… I end up knocking him out."
He didn't end up selling the policy (the coach had had a liver transplant and didn't qualify for it, in the end), but he did get a boxing trainer out of it and took it from there.
"It was a good way to get the aggression and anger out. Ever since then I started boxing," Ibeh said. "I played football here in the US, I played with the Cardinals.
"I've always lived in the gym, I've always worked out, boxing just became another passion for me."
He is now looking for a breakthrough victory. "I'm just excited to see what the future holds," Ibeh said. "I really haven't even shown what we've been working on."
His message to Britain's heavyweights: "I'm willing to come to their home, their backyard and entertain.
"I like AJ, he's been my idol," he said. "[But] I have mean intentions. For the sport, I would love to give him the work and challenge that he's looking for."
There's a "small chance" Joshua could box before the end of this year and he will fight early in 2026, potentially in February, his promoter Eddie Hearn previously told Sky Sports.
"If he fights this year, that will be a pure run-out. It won't be a top 15 guy," the promoter continued. "He's either going to have those two fights before Tyson Fury - if that can get made - or he's going to have the one fight in February.
"We haven't really decided yet but he's keen to get active."
Re: Anthony Joshua in talks for two-fight deal
He puts the 'eh?' in Ibeh.
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Ruthless-RKO
- Welterweight
- Posts: 101107
- Joined: 24 Apr 2016, 11:59
Re: Anthony Joshua in talks for two-fight deal
Anthony Joshua 2025 return 50-50, could land in California or Riyadh
Anthony Joshua’s surprise ring return before the end of the year has now been rated at 50-50 by his promoter Eddie Hearn, who says the two-time world heavyweight champion is available to fight on two weeks’ notice.
Joshua has not boxed since his crushing knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September last year and, with more than a 12 months of inactivity, he recently dropped out of The Ring’s heavyweight rankings.
His team had been locked in discussions regarding a fight with Jake Paul this year but when the Youtuber-turned-boxer agreed a deal with Gervonta Davis instead it seemed as if AJ would sit out the remainder of 2025.
But Hearn has recently floated the idea of Joshua appearing on an undercard somewhere as part of his preparation for a big fight in the first quarter of 2026. Now the promoter has revealed that the 36-year-old could still feasibly land on Matchroom’s December 13 show in Stockton, California or even on The Ring’s December 27 ‘Night of the Samurai’ card headlined by Naoya Inoue.
Hearn told The Ring: “I think it’s probably 50-50 that he will fight again this year.
“Sometimes I mention these things and it goes crazy but when you think about it, it makes a lot of sense from a boxing point of view. Not so much a money or commercial point of view.
“But every time Joshua fights it’s a massive occasion, out in a big stadium somewhere, and he’s like ‘ok, here I go again’. But if he goes on an undercard somewhere, it gives him a chance to get in the flow again and it would be very beneficial to his career.
“All we’re trying to do is get ourselves geared up for probably the last roll of the dice in his career and he’s got to be ready. Now it is just about figuring out the logistics.
“He originally asked me if he could just go and box on one of our Mexico shows or something. I said ‘mate, I can’t really hide you walking around Tijuana’. But we’ve got December 13 in California, maybe there’s a show in November. I don’t think it makes sense with what we’re trying to do to put him out in Ghana. But then there is also the show in Riyadh on December 27.
“It might not even be something we announce weeks and weeks before because that defeats the object. He is in the gym and he is staying ready so we could say ‘you’re out in two weeks in an eight-rounder”.
Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) remains arguably the biggest star in British boxing and has not boxed in a fight over fewer than 12 rounds for 10 years. He has also grown accustomed to being the main event, with every fight over that period, except for his stoppage of Otto Wallin in December 2023, receiving top billing.
But Hearn is adamant that getting Joshua back beneath the lights and back to winning ways away from the full glare of the spotlight will stand him in good stead for 2026. There is still hope that Tyson Fury could end his most recent spell of retirement in order to finally fight Joshua next year while the puncher of Nigerian descent has also been tagged for a fight in Ghana in February.
Before any of that, though, Hearn believes an exercise in shaking off the rust is in order and says the opponent will be a reflection of that objective.
Hearn said: “People have said to me ‘oh, what sort of opponent are you thinking?’
“Just go on Boxrec, look at the heavyweight top 100, look outside the top 20, and Joshua’s opponent will be in there.”
Anthony Joshua’s surprise ring return before the end of the year has now been rated at 50-50 by his promoter Eddie Hearn, who says the two-time world heavyweight champion is available to fight on two weeks’ notice.
Joshua has not boxed since his crushing knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September last year and, with more than a 12 months of inactivity, he recently dropped out of The Ring’s heavyweight rankings.
His team had been locked in discussions regarding a fight with Jake Paul this year but when the Youtuber-turned-boxer agreed a deal with Gervonta Davis instead it seemed as if AJ would sit out the remainder of 2025.
But Hearn has recently floated the idea of Joshua appearing on an undercard somewhere as part of his preparation for a big fight in the first quarter of 2026. Now the promoter has revealed that the 36-year-old could still feasibly land on Matchroom’s December 13 show in Stockton, California or even on The Ring’s December 27 ‘Night of the Samurai’ card headlined by Naoya Inoue.
Hearn told The Ring: “I think it’s probably 50-50 that he will fight again this year.
“Sometimes I mention these things and it goes crazy but when you think about it, it makes a lot of sense from a boxing point of view. Not so much a money or commercial point of view.
“But every time Joshua fights it’s a massive occasion, out in a big stadium somewhere, and he’s like ‘ok, here I go again’. But if he goes on an undercard somewhere, it gives him a chance to get in the flow again and it would be very beneficial to his career.
“All we’re trying to do is get ourselves geared up for probably the last roll of the dice in his career and he’s got to be ready. Now it is just about figuring out the logistics.
“He originally asked me if he could just go and box on one of our Mexico shows or something. I said ‘mate, I can’t really hide you walking around Tijuana’. But we’ve got December 13 in California, maybe there’s a show in November. I don’t think it makes sense with what we’re trying to do to put him out in Ghana. But then there is also the show in Riyadh on December 27.
“It might not even be something we announce weeks and weeks before because that defeats the object. He is in the gym and he is staying ready so we could say ‘you’re out in two weeks in an eight-rounder”.
Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) remains arguably the biggest star in British boxing and has not boxed in a fight over fewer than 12 rounds for 10 years. He has also grown accustomed to being the main event, with every fight over that period, except for his stoppage of Otto Wallin in December 2023, receiving top billing.
But Hearn is adamant that getting Joshua back beneath the lights and back to winning ways away from the full glare of the spotlight will stand him in good stead for 2026. There is still hope that Tyson Fury could end his most recent spell of retirement in order to finally fight Joshua next year while the puncher of Nigerian descent has also been tagged for a fight in Ghana in February.
Before any of that, though, Hearn believes an exercise in shaking off the rust is in order and says the opponent will be a reflection of that objective.
Hearn said: “People have said to me ‘oh, what sort of opponent are you thinking?’
“Just go on Boxrec, look at the heavyweight top 100, look outside the top 20, and Joshua’s opponent will be in there.”
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Ruthless-RKO
- Welterweight
- Posts: 101107
- Joined: 24 Apr 2016, 11:59
Re: Anthony Joshua in talks for two-fight deal
He said his opponent will be ranked between #21 to #100 on BoxRec
#21 Nelson Hysa
#22 Bakhodir Jalolov
#23 Frank Sanchez
#24 Justis Huni
#25 Joe Joyce
#26 Guido Vianello
#27 Luis Ortiz
#28 Arslanbek Makhmudov
#29 Kevin Lerena
#30 Ryad Merhy
#31 Damian Knyba
#32 Tony Yoka
#33 Labinot Xhoxhaj
#34 Kristian Prenga
#35 Umut Camkiran
#36 Hughie Fury
#37 Dillian Whyte
#38 Jermaine Franklin Jr.
#39 Deontay Wilder
#40 Stephan Shaw
#41 Joseph Goodall
#42 Kem Ljungquist
#43 Frazer Clarke
#44 Kingsley Ibeh
#45 Hemi Ahio
#46 Gurgen Hovhannisyan
#47 Lenier Pero
#48 Otto Wallin
#49 Artem Suslenkov
#50 David Adeleye
that's up to 50.
#21 Nelson Hysa
#22 Bakhodir Jalolov
#23 Frank Sanchez
#24 Justis Huni
#25 Joe Joyce
#26 Guido Vianello
#27 Luis Ortiz
#28 Arslanbek Makhmudov
#29 Kevin Lerena
#30 Ryad Merhy
#31 Damian Knyba
#32 Tony Yoka
#33 Labinot Xhoxhaj
#34 Kristian Prenga
#35 Umut Camkiran
#36 Hughie Fury
#37 Dillian Whyte
#38 Jermaine Franklin Jr.
#39 Deontay Wilder
#40 Stephan Shaw
#41 Joseph Goodall
#42 Kem Ljungquist
#43 Frazer Clarke
#44 Kingsley Ibeh
#45 Hemi Ahio
#46 Gurgen Hovhannisyan
#47 Lenier Pero
#48 Otto Wallin
#49 Artem Suslenkov
#50 David Adeleye
that's up to 50.
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mickey1975
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 22959
- Joined: 02 Mar 2009, 12:54
Re: Anthony Joshua in talks for two-fight deal
So, he's moved to Dubai and has no intention of boxing in Britain again?
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gregregegg
- Lightweight
- Posts: 9153
- Joined: 29 Sep 2017, 04:08
Re: Anthony Joshua in talks for two-fight deal
Hysa would be a quality shout for him. Would win easy but a top 25 on boxrec..
Re: Anthony Joshua in talks for two-fight deal
joshua is just a circus show these days.
he fits very firmly in the jake paul category in terms of fanbase.
they'll watch anything if its hyped enough, so yeah of course Hysa might happen
the chance of joshua fighting anyone with a pulse in his next fight is pretty much zero
he fits very firmly in the jake paul category in terms of fanbase.
they'll watch anything if its hyped enough, so yeah of course Hysa might happen
the chance of joshua fighting anyone with a pulse in his next fight is pretty much zero
Re: Anthony Joshua in talks for two-fight deal
Completely disagree. Joshua's fans were mostly the sky sports football fans watching because they were told he's the best in the world in adverts. Jake Paul fans are gen Z tiktokkers watching for the spectacle and so they can tell their mates they watched it too.
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keithmoonhangover
- Cruiserweight
- Posts: 16812
- Joined: 16 Sep 2010, 10:42
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mickey1975
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 22959
- Joined: 02 Mar 2009, 12:54
Re: Anthony Joshua in talks for two-fight deal
Where does he belong? He is literally waiting for Tyson to throw him a bone.
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jameswilson
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 13372
- Joined: 08 Jan 2004, 18:01
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keithmoonhangover
- Cruiserweight
- Posts: 16812
- Joined: 16 Sep 2010, 10:42
Re: Anthony Joshua in talks for two-fight deal
He's a contender, just like Fury. Difference is, AJ isn't a retired PED cheat.mickey1975 wrote: ↑22 Oct 2025, 08:10Where does he belong? He is literally waiting for Tyson to throw him a bone.
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mickey1975
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 22959
- Joined: 02 Mar 2009, 12:54
Re: Anthony Joshua in talks for two-fight deal
Retired. Exactly. What happened to the Dubois rematch or "all roads lead to undisputed"?keithmoonhangover wrote: ↑22 Oct 2025, 12:53He's a contender, just like Fury. Difference is, AJ isn't a retired PED cheat.mickey1975 wrote: ↑22 Oct 2025, 08:10Where does he belong? He is literally waiting for Tyson to throw him a bone.
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keithmoonhangover
- Cruiserweight
- Posts: 16812
- Joined: 16 Sep 2010, 10:42
Re: Anthony Joshua in talks for two-fight deal
No idea, I'm not his personal secretary.mickey1975 wrote: ↑22 Oct 2025, 14:40Retired. Exactly. What happened to the Dubois rematch or "all roads lead to undisputed"?keithmoonhangover wrote: ↑22 Oct 2025, 12:53He's a contender, just like Fury. Difference is, AJ isn't a retired PED cheat.mickey1975 wrote: ↑22 Oct 2025, 08:10
Where does he belong? He is literally waiting for Tyson to throw him a bone.
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Grilling Machine
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 3152
- Joined: 16 Sep 2005, 02:28
Re: Anthony Joshua in talks for two-fight deal
Out of those names, I think he'd get the most benefit from Vianello or Hughie. Against Sanchez, Ortiz or Mak he might land a good shot early and feel himself too much again.
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Ruthless-RKO
- Welterweight
- Posts: 101107
- Joined: 24 Apr 2016, 11:59
Re: Anthony Joshua in talks for two-fight deal
‘I’m ready for you’: Arslanbek Makhmudov awaiting fight with Anthony Joshua
Arslanbek Makhmudov is hoping Anthony Joshua keeps his word about taking a fight against him.
Arslanbek Makhmudov explains to Sky Sports that before his most recent fight against David Allen he was told by Anthony Joshua that he would agree to fight him should he come through that fight victorious. Well, Makhmudov did come out with a unanimous decision win over Allen earlier this month, and now he’s looking for Joshua to make good on his word.
“I’m ready, I did the work, I came to the UK, I won against Allen,” Makhmudov told Sky Sports. “But by the way, I spoke with AJ before the fight. He gave me a promise, if I win this fight with Allen he is going to fight with me next. That’s why I am just waiting for the response from AJ. Joshua, hey, when we fight, I wait for you and I’m ready for you.”
Makhmudov, 36, would continue on by saying he believes a fight between Joshua and himself would be perfect for both of them at this time, with Joshua looking to reestablish his credibility following his latest loss to Daniel Dubois. Furthermore, it’s a fight Makmudov believes can sell to the public considering that Joshua has amateur losses to a couple of fighters he’s beaten.
Joshua, however, can be expected to make the next selection of his opponent very carefully as he can ill afford another loss while he’s still seeking out big paydays, particularly one against Tyson Fury in the coming year. Whether or not Makhmudov gets any serious consideration as Joshua’s next opponent should make itself fairly obvious in the near future, but Makhmudov is sure hoping for the opportunity.
Arslanbek Makhmudov is hoping Anthony Joshua keeps his word about taking a fight against him.
Arslanbek Makhmudov explains to Sky Sports that before his most recent fight against David Allen he was told by Anthony Joshua that he would agree to fight him should he come through that fight victorious. Well, Makhmudov did come out with a unanimous decision win over Allen earlier this month, and now he’s looking for Joshua to make good on his word.
“I’m ready, I did the work, I came to the UK, I won against Allen,” Makhmudov told Sky Sports. “But by the way, I spoke with AJ before the fight. He gave me a promise, if I win this fight with Allen he is going to fight with me next. That’s why I am just waiting for the response from AJ. Joshua, hey, when we fight, I wait for you and I’m ready for you.”
Makhmudov, 36, would continue on by saying he believes a fight between Joshua and himself would be perfect for both of them at this time, with Joshua looking to reestablish his credibility following his latest loss to Daniel Dubois. Furthermore, it’s a fight Makmudov believes can sell to the public considering that Joshua has amateur losses to a couple of fighters he’s beaten.
Joshua, however, can be expected to make the next selection of his opponent very carefully as he can ill afford another loss while he’s still seeking out big paydays, particularly one against Tyson Fury in the coming year. Whether or not Makhmudov gets any serious consideration as Joshua’s next opponent should make itself fairly obvious in the near future, but Makhmudov is sure hoping for the opportunity.
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Ruthless-RKO
- Welterweight
- Posts: 101107
- Joined: 24 Apr 2016, 11:59
Re: Anthony Joshua in talks for two-fight deal
Hearn floats Anthony Joshua undercard idea: ‘50/50’ that AJ fights in 2025
Anthony Joshua still could fight in 2025, says Eddie Hearn.
Eddie Hearn says that Anthony Joshua could still fight before the year is out, and told Ring Magazine that a possible return could come in a lower-stakes fight on an undercard.
Hearn said it’s “probably 50/50” that Joshua will fight in 2025.
“If he goes on an undercard somewhere, it gives him a chance to get in the flow again, and it would be very beneficial to his career,” the promoter said. “We’ve got December 13 in California. There is also the show in Riyadh on December 27. It might not even be something we announce weeks and weeks before.
“He is in the gym staying ready, so we could say, ‘You’re out in two weeks in an eight-rounder.’”
This idea tends to go against everything else said about the remaining career plans for Joshua (28-4, 25 KO), which is that he wants the biggest money fights. He wasn’t negotiating to face Jake Paul to defend the pride and honor of proper professional boxing, it was about money. Same as the reason he fought Francis Ngannou. And Joshua, who has churned money from his pro debut and onward, has earned the right at age 36 to pretty much do as he pleases, and pass on anything that doesn’t fit his plans. He’s been one of boxing’s biggest stars since turning pro in 2012.
It seems unlikely that Joshua would take some eight-round fight on an undercard, because he is a money-making main eventer and has been pretty much his entire pro career. That said, the way the business behind shows in Riyadh works means you could stick him on one of those, because they’re not so much about selling tickets or anything.
More probable is that Joshua will return in 2026 and target some big name or other.
Joshua last fought in September 2024, when he was knocked out in the fifth round of a thrilling battle with Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium.
Anthony Joshua still could fight in 2025, says Eddie Hearn.
Eddie Hearn says that Anthony Joshua could still fight before the year is out, and told Ring Magazine that a possible return could come in a lower-stakes fight on an undercard.
Hearn said it’s “probably 50/50” that Joshua will fight in 2025.
“If he goes on an undercard somewhere, it gives him a chance to get in the flow again, and it would be very beneficial to his career,” the promoter said. “We’ve got December 13 in California. There is also the show in Riyadh on December 27. It might not even be something we announce weeks and weeks before.
“He is in the gym staying ready, so we could say, ‘You’re out in two weeks in an eight-rounder.’”
This idea tends to go against everything else said about the remaining career plans for Joshua (28-4, 25 KO), which is that he wants the biggest money fights. He wasn’t negotiating to face Jake Paul to defend the pride and honor of proper professional boxing, it was about money. Same as the reason he fought Francis Ngannou. And Joshua, who has churned money from his pro debut and onward, has earned the right at age 36 to pretty much do as he pleases, and pass on anything that doesn’t fit his plans. He’s been one of boxing’s biggest stars since turning pro in 2012.
It seems unlikely that Joshua would take some eight-round fight on an undercard, because he is a money-making main eventer and has been pretty much his entire pro career. That said, the way the business behind shows in Riyadh works means you could stick him on one of those, because they’re not so much about selling tickets or anything.
More probable is that Joshua will return in 2026 and target some big name or other.
Joshua last fought in September 2024, when he was knocked out in the fifth round of a thrilling battle with Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium.
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Re: Anthony Joshua in talks for two-fight deal
Anthony Joshua unlikely to fight in 2025 - Eddie Hearn
Anthony Joshua is unlikely to fight in 2025, with a return in February now the most likely option, promoter Eddie Hearn has told ESPN.
Hearn previously said there was a possibility Joshua -- who hasn't fought since losing to Daniel Dubois last September -- could come back this year, but with time ticking and the schedule filling up, it's likely AJ will fight again early 2026, potentially in a major event in Africa.
"Right now, the more likely scenario is a February return," Hearn told ESPN.
"I mean the key thing is he's back in full training camp now [but] to go in December, it's very fast turnaround.
"I don't completely rule it out, but ... there's training and then there's training for a date, and if that date's coming in December, he'd need to know very soon."
If he does return in 2026, it will be the first time in his career Joshua hasn't fought in a calendar year.
Hearn said in an ideal world, Joshua would return as a co-main event on another card, but accepted that could be difficult given his superstar status.
"He will fight in February, whatever happens, whether that's a second fight or whether that's his first fight back," Hearn said.
"It seems like every time he fights he has to go and fight in this big stadium and he is always in a fairly tough fight. It would be nice to just have that run out where you can just wrap your hands and just get back in the groove.
"But unfortunately, he's a victim of his own success in that respect."
The next move is a crucial one for Joshua, who still wants to fight Tyson Fury next year.
Hearn said only Turki Alalshikh, chairperson of the Saudi Arabia General Entertainment Authority, has the ability to get a deal done with Fury.
"Our deal [with Alalshikh] which is not done, is pretty close. We will get a deal done, but that is totally irrelevant if Fury's not in," Hearn said.
"The only person that's going to make that fight is Turki Alalshikh. That's the reality because the amount of money that Tyson Fury would and the way that that deal has to fall into place, he's perfectly placed and poised to make the fight.
"So, once he does our deal, all he's got to do is the other deal and he's done and you'd back him every time to get that deal done."
Anthony Joshua is unlikely to fight in 2025, with a return in February now the most likely option, promoter Eddie Hearn has told ESPN.
Hearn previously said there was a possibility Joshua -- who hasn't fought since losing to Daniel Dubois last September -- could come back this year, but with time ticking and the schedule filling up, it's likely AJ will fight again early 2026, potentially in a major event in Africa.
"Right now, the more likely scenario is a February return," Hearn told ESPN.
"I mean the key thing is he's back in full training camp now [but] to go in December, it's very fast turnaround.
"I don't completely rule it out, but ... there's training and then there's training for a date, and if that date's coming in December, he'd need to know very soon."
If he does return in 2026, it will be the first time in his career Joshua hasn't fought in a calendar year.
Hearn said in an ideal world, Joshua would return as a co-main event on another card, but accepted that could be difficult given his superstar status.
"He will fight in February, whatever happens, whether that's a second fight or whether that's his first fight back," Hearn said.
"It seems like every time he fights he has to go and fight in this big stadium and he is always in a fairly tough fight. It would be nice to just have that run out where you can just wrap your hands and just get back in the groove.
"But unfortunately, he's a victim of his own success in that respect."
The next move is a crucial one for Joshua, who still wants to fight Tyson Fury next year.
Hearn said only Turki Alalshikh, chairperson of the Saudi Arabia General Entertainment Authority, has the ability to get a deal done with Fury.
"Our deal [with Alalshikh] which is not done, is pretty close. We will get a deal done, but that is totally irrelevant if Fury's not in," Hearn said.
"The only person that's going to make that fight is Turki Alalshikh. That's the reality because the amount of money that Tyson Fury would and the way that that deal has to fall into place, he's perfectly placed and poised to make the fight.
"So, once he does our deal, all he's got to do is the other deal and he's done and you'd back him every time to get that deal done."
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- Joined: 24 Apr 2016, 11:59
Re: Anthony Joshua in talks for two-fight deal
Whoever's idea it was to start reporting half the news story every time. I hope they come down with a very serious and terminal case of Testicular Cancer soon.
If you say a guy is gonna fight, say the opponent or don't say anything.
If you say a guy is gonna fight, say the opponent or don't say anything.