RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (Oct. 26, 2023) – The combat sports crossover event of the millennium is only two days away.

WBC & lineal heavyweight boxing world champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury and lineal MMA heavyweight world champion Francis Ngannou will lock horns this Saturday, Oct. 28, at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 

The long-awaited battle of behemoths kicks off Riyadh Season, one of the world’s leading entertainment festivals, which runs throughout the winter months in the Kingdom’s largest city.

Promoted by Queensberry, Top Rank and GIMIK Fight Promotions, the Fury-Ngannou card will stream live on Top Rank on ESPN+ PPV in the United States beginning at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT. Priced at $79.99 across all distributors, it also will be available via cable and satellite pay-per-view providers.

The pay-per-view undercard, an all-heavyweight affair, features a 12-round showdown between undefeated British standouts Fabio Wardley (16-0, 15 KOs) and David Adeleye (12-0, 11 KOs), along with a 10-round battle between former heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker (32-3, 22 KOs) and Canadian knockout artist Simon Kean (23-1, 22 KOs).

Montreal-based wrecking ball Arslanbek Makhmudov (17-0, 16 KOs) will take on the upset-minded Junior Anthony Wright (20-4-1, 17 KOs) in a 10-round clash, and Moses Itauma (5-0, 3 KOs) will open the pay-per-view broadcast in a six-rounder against Istvan Bernath (10-1, 8 KOs).

At Thursday’s press conference, an eventful show that included an animated John Fury (Tyson’s father), this is what the fighters had to say:

Tyson Fury
 
“It’s absolutely unbelievable to be out here in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. To be top of the bill, the main event, is even more special. We’ve all got a lot to be thankful for. We’ve all come a long way to be here. This has all happened in a short space of time. And to see it all unfold is really amazing.”
 
“Francis Ngannou is a big man. I see he’s taken a bit of advice from me with the clothes he’s wearing. He’s looking a bit snazzy. They say the finest form of flattery is imitation. And he’s got his suit on with no shirt on, and I started that! So, he’s imitating. But, there’s one thing I say, and it’s that many will imitate, but no one will ever replicate. Because there’s only one Gypsy King.”
 
“How do I prepare for a guy like this? It’s pretty difficult, but in America, we say a statement like this, ‘I’m gonna knock a motherf***er out!’ And that’s how we do it. I’ve been working with SugarHill {Steward} to knock him out cold on Saturday night, and I have no doubt in my mind that I will knock him out.”
 
“He’s a big, strong guy. Obviously, he’s got a good punch. But so am I. I’m a big, strong guy. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be the world heavyweight champion. But I believe there’s levels to the game. And he’s going to find out my level on Saturday night.”

Francis Ngannou

“This is a dream come true. And I remember four years ago, when I first met Mike Tyson, my only request was for him to be in my corner if I fight Tyson Fury. People thought I was losing it. They thought I was crazy. They thought it would never happen. But here we are. The fight is happening. So, I’m living a dream. This has always been my dream. It wasn’t easy, but we are here.”
 
“I want to thank Tyson Fury for taking the fight and taking this risk because there is a lot of risk here for him. He might go to sleep on Saturday night. But I appreciate his courage, and I thank him.”
 
“This camp has been different from my past camps. It’s a different experience, a different beast. I was aware that there was a mountain in front of me, so that’s why we started the camp a lot earlier. And it went well, but having somebody like Mike Tyson around and my coach Dewey Cooper was very helpful in terms of approaching this fight.”
 
“We got Mike Tyson in, and the first thing he said that stuck in my mind is when he said, ‘Listen, he has two hands and two feet like you.’ And I got that. And that’s enough for Saturday night. Tyson Fury is definitely the best in boxing, but that’s stopping on Saturday night.”

David Adeleye
 
“Saturday night is two days away. The talking is done now. We’ll see how tough he is.”
 
“He’s not the same as me. I see his mannerisms and how he carries himself. We just ain’t the same. But I don’t really take it all in. What matters is what happens on fight night. What he does other than that doesn’t really bother me.”
 
“What’s going to happen when I take him into deep waters? I know he’s never faced a banger like me. I don’t think, I know.”

“It’s nothing towards him personally. I just hate how he talks, and he talks like he’s a seasoned pro. The man has had 16 fights, I don’t really understand.”
 
“He’s got no boxing ability. He can only fight one way, and that’s walking forward. He’s got no boxing I.Q. I can back up and I know Wardley will follow me. He’s not intelligent enough to see that I’m setting traps. And on Saturday night, you will see that.”

Fabio Wardley
 
“It’s a very special stage for a very special night. There is a lot to look forward to on this card, but I think the fight with me and David has captured a lot of eyes. A lot of people are interested. And I’m looking forward to having a big night.”
 
“He hasn’t faced anyone of any worth or of any level, so there’s nothing there for me to look at and say ‘Okay, maybe he has shown this or that.’ There’s nothing I’ve seen that has made me consider that, so it’s all smoke and mirrors for me.”
 
“I’d say I’ll be the first man to beat him, but I think there was someone else on his record who pretty much beat him, but he did well to get home a home decision, so maybe I’ll be the first on record. But I think it’s been seen by quite a wide audience in the boxing community that there are flaws there that have been exploited. And when it gets hot, like he says, he thinks he knows how to swim, but when he was drowning before, he didn’t know what to do.”

Joseph Parker
 
“Even if I were fighting Tyson Fury, I don’t think there’s any more that we could have done in camp. We’ve trained very hard for Simon Kean. And we respect him as a fighter. We know that he’s got a lot of knockouts, so we’ve done everything in our power to be as prepared as we can be for this challenge.”
 
“I’m going to follow the plan that Andy Lee says and punch his face.”

Simon Kean
 
“This is a big challenge for me. This week, Joseph said he wants to knock me out. Of course he wants to knock me out, and I want to knock him out, too. That’s boxing. I know I have a big challenge and that I will need a great performance to get the win, but I had a really great training camp and I’m ready to shock the world.”

Arslanbek Makhmudov
 
“He has good defense. He’s fast. He’s not as tall as my other opponents, so that’s going to be a good change for me. I can’t ever say that I will score the knockout, but I will just do my best and everything will come from that. I’m going to give a good performance.”

Junior Anthony Wright
 
“I’m in the gym all the time. I work out like I’ve got nothing else to do. I took advantage of the situation, and here I am. It’s definitely going to be a good fight because I am a puncher as well. It’s going to be one of the best fights.”

Moses Itauma
 
“I’m not going to go in there and look for the KO. But obviously, I’m going to go in there and try my best. And hopefully the KO comes. At the end of the day, nobody can predict the future, but if I go in there and do 100 percent, then I’ll come out victorious.”
 

Saturday, October 28

Top Rank on ESPN+ PPV (2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT)

Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou, 10 rounds, heavyweight
 
Fabio Wardley vs. David Adeleye, 12 rounds, heavyweight

Moses Itauma vs. Istvan Bernath, 6 rounds, heavyweight 
 

 # # # 

About Riyadh Season:
Saudi Arabia’s capital embraces one of the world’s biggest entertainment events every year during winter. Since the launch of the Riyadh Season in 2019, the festival has welcomed visitors from all over the world to experience thousands of concerts, sporting events, dining experiences and other unique cultural events. In 2023, Riyadh Season will commence on Saturday, 28 October with a spectacular opening ceremony and an historic boxing match between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (Oct. 25, 2023) – WBC & lineal heavyweight boxing world champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury, lineal MMA heavyweight world champion Francis Ngannou, and undercard combatants hosted their public workouts today ahead of The Battle of The Baddest this Saturday, Oct. 28, at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 

The long-awaited battle of behemoths kicks off Riyadh Season, one of the world’s leading entertainment festivals, which runs throughout the winter months in the Kingdom’s largest city.

Promoted by Queensberry, Top Rank and GIMIK Fight Promotions, the Fury-Ngannou card will stream live on Top Rank on ESPN+ PPV in the United States beginning at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT. Priced at $79.99 across all distributors, it also will be available via cable and satellite pay-per-view providers.

The pay-per-view undercard will be an all-heavyweight affair and will feature a 12-round showdown between undefeated British standouts Fabio Wardley (16-0, 15 KOs) and David Adeleye (12-0, 11 KOs) and a 10-rounder between former heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker (32-3, 22 KOs) and Canadian knockout artist Simon Kean (23-1, 22 KOs).

Montreal-based wrecking ball Arslanbek Makhmudov (17-0, 16 KOs) will fight the upset-minded Junior Anthony Wright (20-4-1, 17 KOs) in a 10-round tilt, and Moses Itauma (5-0, 3 KOs) will open the pay-per-view broadcast in a six-rounder against Istvan Bernath (10-1, 8 KOs).

This is what Fury and Ngannou had to say after their respective workouts:

Tyson Fury

“I showed the best version of me, and if he can deal with that, best of luck to him.”

“I was in there floating like a butterfly. Nineteen stone, can you believe that? And 6-foot-9. And moving like that! That’s shocking. It’s not fair, really!”

“It’s happening. He’s the bull, I’m the matador! 99.999 percent of the time, the matador wins!”

“Francis Ngannou is a big, fat sausage. That’s why he won’t take his top off. He’s embarrassed of his body. If it was up to Francis, he’d fight with his t-shirt on. Facts!

Francis Ngannou

“To be honest, I haven’t gotten any respect from the boxing community, so I am not expecting anybody to respect me. I think I need to claim my own respect. Respect is not given. You don’t just walk out there and demand people to respect you for no reason. I think respect is earned, whether it’s the boxing community or life in general.”

“Yes, I am going to fight, and if that big shot comes, it comes. If it doesn’t come, I really intend to fight properly.”

“Anything is possible. It’s possible. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here. In fact, see  how we are talking about Tyson Fury? Who would’ve believed that a couple years ago?

“I was having fun. I almost wanted to just dance. Then I realized that I would show them my dance skills. And I was like, ‘nah, I don’t have any!””

Saturday, October 28

Top Rank on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View (2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT)
 

Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou, 10 rounds, heavyweight
 
Fabio Wardley vs. David Adeleye, 12 rounds, heavyweight

Moses Itauma vs. Istvan Bernath, 6 rounds, heavyweight 
 

 # # # 

About Riyadh Season:
Saudi Arabia’s capital embraces one of the world’s biggest entertainment events every year during winter. Since the launch of the Riyadh Season in 2019, the festival has welcomed visitors from all over the world to experience thousands of concerts, sporting events, dining experiences and other unique cultural events. In 2023, Riyadh Season will commence on Saturday, 28 October with a spectacular opening ceremony and an historic boxing match between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou.

The combat crossover event of the year features WBC and lineal heavyweight boxing world champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury (33-0-1, 24 KOs) versus lineal MMA heavyweight world champion Francis Ngannou (17-3, 16 Finishes) in a highly anticipated 10-round boxing match. The long-awaited battle between two giants in their fields kicks off Riyadh Season, a months-long entertainment and sports festival in the Kingdom’s largest city.

The Top Rank on ESPN+ PPV all-heavyweight event will also feature:

• Undefeated British standouts Fabio Wardley (16-0, 15 KOs)and David Adeleye (12-0, 11 KOs)facing off in a 12-rounder.
   
• Former heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker (32-3, 22 KOs), a New Zealand-born veteran who trains with Fury, will fight Canadian knockout artist Simon Kean (23-1, 22 KOs) in a 10-rounder.
   
• Arslanbek Makhmudov (17-0, 16 KOs), a 260-plus pound power puncher fighting out of Montreal, Canada, will fight the upset-minded Junior Anthony Wright (20-4-1, 17 KOs) in a 10-rounder.
   
• Moses Itauma (5-0, 3 KOs), Great Britain’s 18-year-old heavyweight hopeful, will see action in a six-rounder against Istvan Bernath (10-1, 8 KOs).

Calling the action: ESPN’s Joe Tessitore, Hall of Famer, Timothy Bradley, Jr., Bernardo Osuna, and Brett Okamoto.

Original Programming:

Prior to Saturday’s event, ESPN will air the original production: Road to Riyadh: Fury vs. Ngannou, a 30-minute all access preview of the upcoming super-event.

Road to Riyadh: Fury vs. Ngannou (All times ET)

The program will also be available for replay on-demand in the ESPN App, on ESPN.com and on ESPN+.

ESPN.com

From Ali to Inoki to Fury vs. Ngannou, highlighting the biggest crossover fights of all time (Jeff Wagenheim)
Teddy Atlas: How I’d train Francis Ngannou to face Tyson Fury
Thursday: Timothy Bradley Jr.’ s take: There’s a path for Ngannou to upset Fury
Friday: Francis Ngannou’s full circle journey into boxing with Mike Tyson by his side (Brett Okamoto)

ESPN+: On Demand Shows, Archives & Premium Articles

• Top Rank: Real Time– All-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night. 
• Who Do U Fight 4?– Learn what drivesthe next generation of Top Rank stars. 
• State of Boxing– Post-show coverage of the biggest fights on ESPN and ESPN+. 
• Best of Boxing Spotlight – An archive of the all-time best Top Rank fights. 

Follow @ESPNRingside: Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok

Follow @ESPNMMA: Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok 

Fury vs. Nngannou (All Times ET)

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (Oct. 24, 2023) — The Battle of the Baddest fight week kicked off in grand fashion Tuesday evening in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 

WBC & lineal heavyweight boxing world champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury and lineal MMA heavyweight world champion Francis Ngannou made their grand arrivals today ahead of their showdown this Saturday, Oct. 28, at Boulevard Hall.

The long-awaited battle of behemoths kicks off Riyadh Season, one of the world’s leading entertainment festivals, which runs throughout the winter months in the Kingdom’s largest city.

Promoted by Queensberry, Top Rank and GIMIK Fight Promotions, the Fury-Ngannou card will stream live on Top Rank on ESPN+ PPV in the United States beginning at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT. Priced at $79.99 across all distributors, it also will be available via cable and satellite pay-per-view providers.

The pay-per-view undercard will be an all-heavyweight extravaganza and features a 12-round showdown between undefeated British standouts Fabio Wardley (16-0, 15 KOs) and David Adeleye (12-0, 11 KOs), along with a 10-rounder between former heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker (32-3, 22 KOs) and Canadian knockout artist Simon Kean (23-1, 22 KOs).

Montreal-based wrecking ball Arslanbek Makhmudov (17-0, 16 KOs) will fight the upset-minded Junior Anthony Wright (20-4-1, 17 KOs) in a 10-round tilt, and Moses Itauma (5-0, 3 KOs) will open the pay-per-view broadcast in a six-rounder against Istvan Bernath (10-1, 8 KOs).

At Tuesday’s grand arrivals, this is what Fury and Ngannou had to say:

Tyson Fury

“I can stand and trade with anybody. I stood and traded with Wilder. I traded with Wladimir {Klitschko}, and I’ll stand and trade with this little bi*ch.”

“I might give him a slick, master boxing performance, not let the ugly man touch me once. That would be unbelievable, wouldn’t it? I might start dancing, tripling the jab like Apollo Creed, move around, just stick and move.

“When {Ngannou} feels this right hand, he won’t be winning very much.”

“Sometimes I stand in front of the mirror and think I’m an absolute genius. When everyone thought it was all over for the GK, he comes and totally redeems himself and pulls this out of the hat. Only six months ago, I didn’t know if I ever was going to box again. Now, here we go.”

“I’m not thinking about {the Oleksandr Usyk fight}. I got this big sausage to deal with, and once I grill him up nice and good, then we’ll move on to the next one.”

Francis Ngannou

“I can’t believe it. Walking from there, I looked at it like, “The boy made it.'”

“I didn’t try to replicate what Fury would do. I’m not going in there to play Fury’s game. I’m going there to play my own game. So, my training was based on me, how I can fight, and that’s what me and my coaches worked on. It went well. Tough, but it went well.”

“I’m aware of my lack of experience in boxing, but I am a man of challenges, and I’ve overcome a lot of challenges.”

“Before anything can happen on Saturday night, there are two. We are already the two baddest men on the planet. We’re just aiming for the first spot.”

“I’ve been waiting on Tyson Fury for four years. At the time, I didn’t know about Oleksandr Usyk. When the opportunity came, I wanted Tyson Fury. He’s the guy.”

Saturday, October 28

Top Rank on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View (2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT)

Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou, 10 rounds, heavyweight
 
Fabio Wardley vs. David Adeleye, 12 rounds, heavyweight

Moses Itauma vs. Istvan Bernath, 6 rounds, heavyweight 
 

 # # # 

About Riyadh Season:
Saudi Arabia’s capital embraces one of the world’s biggest entertainment events every year during winter. Since the launch of the Riyadh Season in 2019, the festival has welcomed visitors from all over the world to experience thousands of concerts, sporting events, dining experiences and other unique cultural events. In 2023, Riyadh Season will commence on Saturday, 28 October with a spectacular opening ceremony and an historic boxing match between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (Oct. 23, 2023) – Fight week for The Battle Of The Baddest is finally here. WBC & lineal heavyweight boxing world champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury will square off against lineal MMA heavyweight world champion Francis Ngannou on Saturday, Oct. 28 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 

The long-awaited battle of behemoths kicks off Riyadh Season, one of the world’s leading entertainment festivals, which runs throughout the winter months in the Kingdom’s largest city.

Promoted by Queensberry, Top Rank and GIMIK Fight Promotions, the Fury-Ngannou card will stream live on Top Rank on ESPN+ PPV in the United States beginning at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT. Priced at $79.99 across all distributors, it also will be available via cable and satellite pay-per-view providers.

The pay-per-view undercard will be an all-heavyweight affair and features a 12-round showdown between undefeated British standouts Fabio Wardley (16-0, 15 KOs) and David Adeleye (12-0, 11 KOs).

Former heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker (32-3, 22 KOs), a New Zealand-born veteran who trains with Fury, will take on Canadian knockout artist Simon Kean (23-1, 22 KOs) in a 10-rounder.

Arslanbek Makhmudov (17-0, 16 KOs), a 260-plus pound wrecking ball out of Montreal, Canada, will fight the upset-minded Junior Anthony Wright (20-4-1, 17 KOs) in a 10-rounder. 

Moses Itauma (5-0, 3 KOs), Great Britain’s 18-year-old heavyweight hopeful, will open the pay-per-view broadcast in a six-rounder against once-beaten Hungarian Istvan Bernath (10-1, 8 KOs).

Before Saturday’s full night of action, the full suite of fight week events will stream live on Top Rank’s YouTube, Twitter and Facebook pages.

New episodes of Top Rank Real Time, a behind-the-scenes look at the fighters and their camps, will premier every day throughout fight week on Top Rank’s YouTube channel.
  
Tuesday, October 24 : Fury vs. Ngannou Grand Arrivals
1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT
Streaming live on Top Rank’s YouTube, X (Twitter) & Facebook pages
 
Wednesday, October 25: Fury vs. Ngannou Public Workouts
1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT
Streaming live on Top Rank’s YouTube, X (Twitter)  & Facebook pages
 
Thursday, October 26: Fury vs. Ngannou Main Event & Undercard Press Conferences
1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT
Streaming live on Top Rank’s YouTube, X (Twitter) & Facebook pages
 
Friday, October 27: Fury vs. Ngannou Weigh-In
11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT
Streaming live on Top Rank’s YouTube, X (Twitter) & Facebook pages

Saturday, October 28: Fury vs. Ngannou Fight Day
PPV Broadcast
2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT
CLICK HERE for Top Rank on ESPN+ PPV Event Order Page

PPV broadcast includes: Fury-Ngannou, Wardley-Adeleye, Parker-Kean, Makhmudov-Wright and Itauma-Bernath.

Post-Fight Press Conference (After Main Event)
Streaming live on Top Rank’s YouTube, X (Twitter) & Facebook pages
 

 # # # 

About Riyadh Season:
Saudi Arabia’s capital embraces one of the world’s biggest entertainment events every year during winter. Since the launch of the Riyadh Season in 2019, the festival has welcomed visitors from all over the world to experience thousands of concerts, sporting events, dining experiences and other unique cultural events. In 2023, Riyadh Season will commence on Saturday, 28 October with a spectacular opening ceremony and an historic boxing match between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou.

On Saturday, October 21, ESPN will premiere the original program: Road to Riyadh: Fury vs. Ngannou, a 30-minute all access preview of combat sport’s crossover event of the year featuring WBC & lineal heavyweight boxing world champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury (Boxing record: 33-0-1, 24 KOs) versus lineal MMA heavyweight world champion Francis Ngannou (MMA record: 17-3, 16 Finishes) in a highly anticipated 10-round boxing match.

On Saturday October 28, at 2:00 p.m. ET/ 11:00 a.m. PT, Top Rank on ESPN+ PPV will stream the all-heavyweight boxing event live from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The long-awaited battle between two giants in their fields kicks off Riyadh Season, a months-long entertainment and sports festival in the Kingdom’s largest city.

ESPN+ is available on ESPN.com and the ESPN App for mobile and connected TV devices.

In addition to the airtimes below leading up to the October 28 event, Road to Riyadh: Fury vs. Ngannou will be available for replay on-demand in the ESPN App and on ESPN.com and ESPN+.

Road to Riyadh: Fury vs. Ngannou (All times ET)

ONE OF THE most highly-anticipated fights of the year, the British heavyweight title showdown between Fabio Wardley and David Adeleye, takes place in Riyadh on October 28 on the undercard of the Battle of the Baddest event, featuring Tyson Fury against MMA king Francis Ngannou, live on TNT Sports Box Office in the UK & Ireland.

Today, in London, the chief support participants came together in front of the media ahead of departure for Saudi Arabia and below are a selection of key quotes from the top-table section of proceedings.

Frank Warren: “I think this is a fabulous fight and it is the first time I have met Fabio, other than speaking to him briefly on the telephone. This is what it is all about, undefeated heavyweights, two rising stars of boxing in a main support bout to a unique event, which will be broadcast all over the world. Whoever wins this fight is going to establish himself around the world, with lots of eyeballs watching. This is a huge opportunity and you can just feel the buzz about this and the event. This fight is going to be special. We had that unfortunate incident last time and hopefully that has been dealt with and is done. I hope we can put that behind us now and focus on the fight. Make no bones about it, this fight will be exciting.”

David Adeleye: “I learned nothing about him last time because I know what sort of man he is anyway, so it didn’t really show me much. He is not the same as me, he ain’t built from the same cloth. I kind of knew that already. We haven’t got to talk about the situation, but I match energy. I don’t go in there with no malice. I am always smiling and always good, I just match energy. I am pretty good at doing it. You walked towards me and got dealt with. It was jittery, I just pushed you back. When I am arguing with team members I am not going to let someone of 17 stone walk towards me. I don’t get nervous, I don’t know what it is, it is hard to explain, but nerves ain’t it. Someone like Fabio Wardley could never bring on those sort of nerve in me. What does he do for me to be nervous?”

“I am getting paid to beat him up, it is easy money. Eddie Hearn doesn’t put his money on you, what are you talking about?”

Fabio Wardley: “I don’t know if I particularly learned anything, nothing that I hadn’t seen already, in other situations and other circumstances, that he is a bit jittery. When the cameras are on, it is a big stage and a big event, people’s personality shows through. Nervous, jittery and on edge, twitchy – all things we had assessed already. It was nothing new, but funny to see up close, that is all. All I did was turn and look at you and you jittered. Do you push everyone who walks towards you and approaches you? So it is just me you are jittery around then? I’ve had people I’ve had issues with walk towards me and I’m not on edge or nervous, I’m cool. I walked to you to calm things down. We had met before and that is why I came over to say there was no need for this. Play your role, we are here to be professionals at the end of the day. I am used to having a mature interaction with someone where you can walk over. There was no need for that.”

“I don’t think it is easy money. I am getting paid to be whatever because Frank realises that you are not what they thought you were, you are not what he thought you was, so he has brought me over to do a job, get rid of you. I think Frank is betting his money on me.”

“I am a free guy, I can go wherever I want.”

(Oct. 10, 2023) — The combat sports crossover event of the millennium will be beamed stateside from halfway around the globe.

WBC & lineal heavyweight boxing world champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury is set to go toe- to-toe with lineal MMA heavyweight world champion Francis Ngannou on Saturday, Oct. 28 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The long-awaited battle of behemoths kicks off Riyadh Season, one of the world’s leading entertainment festivals, which runs throughout the winter months in the Kingdom’s largest city.

Promoted by Queensberry, Top Rank and GIMIK Fight Promotions, the Fury-Ngannou card will stream live on Top Rank on ESPN+ PPV in the United States beginning at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT. Priced at $79.99 across all distributors, it also will be available via cable and satellite pay-per-view providers.

The Top Rank on ESPN+ PPV, an all-heavyweight extravaganza, will also feature:

• Undefeated British standouts Fabio Wardley (16-0, 15 KOs) and David Adeleye (12-0, 11 KOs) facing off in a 12-rounder. The Wardley-Adeleye rivalry hit new heights at the Fury-Ngannou press conference in London last month, as the fighters and their camps brawled on the red carpet. The melee left Wardley with cuts above his left eye and under his chin.
   
• Former heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker (32-3, 22 KOs), a New Zealand-born veteran who trains with Fury, will fight Canadian knockout artist Simon Kean (23-1, 22 KOs) in a 10-rounder.
   
• Arslanbek Makhmudov (17-0, 16 KOs), a 260-plus pound power puncher fighting out of Montreal, Canada, will fight the upset-minded Junior Anthony Wright (20-4-1, 17 KOs) in a 10-rounder. Wright replaces Agron Smakici, who withdrew from the contest.
   
• Moses Itauma (5-0, 3 KOs), Great Britain’s 18-year-old heavyweight hopeful, will see action in a six-rounder.

# # #
About Riyadh Season:
Saudi Arabia’s capital embraces one of the world’s biggest entertainment events every year during winter. Since the launch of the Riyadh Season in 2019, the festival has welcomed visitors from all over the world to experience thousands of concerts, sporting events, dining experiences and other unique cultural events. In 2023, Riyadh Season will commence on Saturday, 28 October with a spectacular opening ceremony and an historic boxing match between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (Sept. 29, 2023) —  It is the blockbuster news bulletin that sports fans across the globe have been waiting to hear. WBC and Lineal heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury will take on WBO/WBA/IBF champion Oleksandr Usyk in an epic showdown to crown the division’s first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999.

The biggest fight in world boxing will take place at the Kingdom Arena as part of this Riyadh Season and will be presented to fans around the world by The General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia.

Additional details, including the official fight date, will be announced in due course.

The fight will be promoted by Queensberry, Top Rank, K2 and Usyk17.

His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of The General Entertainment Authority and Head of Riyadh Season, said: “This is the fight that everyone has wanted to see for some time and now it is finally happening – the world’s two heavyweight champions going into the ring against one another. It is the biggest fight in boxing, the world will be watching, and we are so proud to be the hosts for this spectacle as part of the fourth edition of our Riyadh Season celebrations. We want to play our part and match the huge anticipation surrounding this fight by putting on the greatest fight experience for every visitor to Riyadh.”

“Delighted to finally get this fight signed,” said Hall of Fame Promoter Frank Warren of Queensberry Promotions. “This is the biggest fight that could possibly be made in our sport. The heavyweights always spark the imagination of the fans, and I have no doubt this will be the biggest boxing event of the century. I look forward to Tyson reclaiming the three belts that he never lost in the ring. Huge thanks to His Excellency and the GEA.”

“Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are the two greatest heavyweights of their generation, and I can’t wait to see what happens when they step into the ring in Riyadh. They are special talents worthy of competing for the greatest prize in sports,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “I would like to thank His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and everyone involved in helping make this legendary night a reality.”

“I can’t believe that it’s happening but it is,” said Alex Krassyk of K2. “Difficult to express my admiration for being part of the biggest heavyweight fight of the century. Gratitude to the KSA and his excellency Turki Al-Sheikh for making it happen, respect to Tyson for his courage and thank the Lord for all he gives us.”

Spencer Brown, Manager of Tyson Fury said: “I’m delighted Tyson has the chance to become the first Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion of the four-belt era and prove he is one of the greats of all time. First, though, Tyson will have the chance to prove he is The Baddest Man on The Planet on October 28th. Thank you to His Excellency and the GEA, what a Riyadh Season this is going to be!”

Fury (33-0-1, 24 KOs) has reigned as the division’s lineal champion since dethroning Wladimir Klitschko in November 2015. Following a well-documented hiatus due to personal troubles, “The Gypsy King” authored a comeback story for the ages. Following a controversial draw against Deontay WIlder in December 2018, Fury snatched Wilder’s WBC world title via seventh-round TKO in their February 2020 rematch. Their trilogy concluded with the 2021 Fight of the Year, as Fury overcame a pair of knockdowns to ice Wilder in the 11th round. He stayed busy in 2022 with stoppage victories over Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora and is getting set to fight MMA superstar Francis Ngannou on October 28 in Riyadh.

Ukraine’s Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs), a 2012 Olympic gold medalist, moved up to the heavyweight ranks following a dominant run to the undisputed cruiserweight title. In September 2021, he upset Anthony Joshua to become the unified heavyweight world champion and then defeated Joshua by split decision in their rematch nearly one year later. Usyk returned in August to stop Daniel Dubois in nine rounds and now hopes to join Evander Holyfield as the only undisputed cruiserweight champion to repeat the deed at heavyweight.

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About Riyadh Season:
Saudi Arabia’s capital embraces one of the world’s biggest entertainment events every year during winter. Since the launch of the Riyadh Season in 2019, the festival has welcomed visitors from all over the world to experience thousands of concerts, sporting events, dining experiences and other unique cultural events. In 2023, Riyadh Season will commence on Saturday, 28 October with a spectacular opening ceremony and an historic boxing match between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (Sept. 28, 2023) — Unbeaten British heavyweight standouts Fabio Wardley and David Adeleye will meet in a high-stakes clash Saturday, Oct. 28 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 12-round battle of emerging stars will serve as the chief support contest to the historic showdown between WBC & lineal heavyweight boxing world champion Tyson Fury and lineal MMA heavyweight world champion Francis Ngannou.
 
The premier combat sports event of the year, which marks the opening of Riyadh Season – the world’s biggest entertainment event – features a night of action delivered by boxing’s marquee division, the heavyweights.
 
Former WBO world champion Joseph Parker (32-3, 22 KOs), from Auckland, New Zealand, goes up against Canada’s Simon Kean (23-1, 22 KOs), and bone-crunching puncher Arslanbek Makhmudov (17-0, 16 KOs), also residing in Canada, takes on Croatian veteran Agron Smakici (19-2, 17 KOs). Both fights are scheduled for 10 rounds.
 
And, in a special six-round special attraction, 18-year-old heavyweight phenomenon Moses Itauma (5-0, 3 KOs) will face an opponent to be named.
 
This unprecedented heavyweight spectacular is promoted by Queensberry, Top Rank and GIMIK Fight Promotions, along with Eye Of The Tiger, promoter of Kean and Makhmudov.
 
Fury-Ngannou and the heavyweight undercard will be available on pay-per-view in the United States.
  
Ipswich’s Wardley (16-0, 15 KOs) became English champion in 2021 with a first-round stoppage of Nick Webb before capturing British honors with a third-round TKO of Nathan Gorman last November. He is coming off a fourth-round TKO over Michael Coffie in April.
 
Adeleye (12-0, 11 KOs), from London, is the current WBO European champion, having won his maiden professional title by defeating the previously unbeaten Dmytro Bezus at York Hall in February and subsequently stopping Emir Ahmatovic in June.
 
The Adeleye-Wardley rivalry hit new heights at the Fury-Ngannou press conference in London earlier this month, as the fighters and their camps brawled on the red carpet. The melee left Wardley with cuts above his left eye and under his chin.
 
“I’ve got a clean bill of health,” Wardley said. “Nothing has changed. I am still feeling strong, moving hard, and hitting new numbers.
 
“I don’t know how to quantify how my desire to win by knockout has increased after what happened but, yes, substantially. Massively, because I am a professional person and I like to act like a professional, but if you want to go early, then that’s fine, and I am ready to go at any minute.
 
“When those situations occur, all it does is fuel the fire more. All you have done is made it worse for yourself. You’ve made me train harder, you’ve made me work for it more, you’ve made me want it more.”
 
Adeleye said, “I’m really looking forward to competing on the global stage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Everywhere I go, people are talking about this fight. I intend to put on a show and display why I’m the best young heavyweight out there.”
 
Parker captured the WBO crown in 2016 with a points triumph over future champion Andy Ruiz Jr. in Auckland. He made two title defenses before an unsuccessful unification fight against Anthony Joshua in 2018. He won the WBO Intercontinental championship in May 2021 with a decision victory over Derek Chisora, making a successful defense against the Chisora seven months later.  
 
Parker lost a bid for the WBO Interim world title against Joe Joyce last September, but he has enjoyed a successful 2023 with wins over Jack Massey and Faiga Opelu.  Kean won the WBC International Silver championship in 2019 with a defeat of former world champion Siarhei Liakhovich, making a successful defense against Daniel Martz the following year. He has won eight straight via the short route, most recently notching a seventh-round stoppage over Eric Molina in March.
 
Parker said, “I’m looking forward to being back in Saudi Arabia. It was great the last time I was there to support another fighter and boxing event. This time I’m going to take care of business in my own fight against a tough challenge in Simon Kean. It is fantastic to be on this card and to be part of this major event. My preparations are on point. There is not long to go now.”
 
Kean said, “This is the moment all fighters dream of their whole career. This is what I’ve been working for and asking for. It’s time to deliver.”
 
Makhmudov won the WBC Continental Americas strap in 2019, becoming the first man to stop Jonnie Rice. He went on to win the NABF and NABO belts with a slew of wins over notable opponents, including Pavel Sour, Erkan Teper and Mariusz Wach. Makhmudov had a triumphant United States debut in July, obliterating Raphael Akpejiori in two rounds. Smakici challenged for the vacant European title in his last fight, but he suffered a loss to the undefeated Agit Kabayel. The Croatian’s only other setback came against then-unbeaten Zhan Kossobutskiy in 2019.
 
Makhmudov said, “Saudi Arabia is a very special place for me. It’s always been my goal to fight there, so I’m grateful to have this opportunity. I’m looking forward to putting on a great show.”

LONDON (Sept. 7, 2023) – Lineal & WBC heavyweight boxing champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury and lineal heavyweight MMA king Francis Ngannou met face-to-face today at the kickoff press conference for the most anticipated combat sports event of the year.

Fury and Ngannou will collide in a 10-round boxing match on Saturday, October 28 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in an epic showdown between two giants of their fields, which will mark the opening of this year’s Riyadh Season. The fight will take place under the official rules of professional boxing, with the three ringside judges using the 10-point must system.

This clash of heavyweight titans is promoted by Queensberry, Top Rank and Ngannou’s promotional banner, GIMIK Fight Promotions.
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Fury-Ngannou will be available on pay-per-view in the United States.

At today’s press conference, this is what Fury, Ngannou and Hall of Fame promoters Bob Arum and Frank Warren had to say:

Tyson Fury

“I’m absolutely honored to be fighting Francis.  He’s going to be a very, very good fighting man. You can see that he’s massive. He’s in shape. He’s going to be a real challenge. It’s something different for me. I’m used to boxing boxers and boxing the head off of somebody. But fighting an MMA guy who comes in with a different style is going to be different.”

“I can’t wait for it. It’s going to be an absolutely fantastic event. I’m honored that I’m a part of it, and I’m honored that Francis is a part of it. I’ve got to take my hat off to Francis for his story, where he’s come from, the fight, the grind, the determination and everything he’s put into it to get to where he is.”

“I will give Francis the respect that he deserves as a warrior, as a man and as a world champion. He’s a big man. He’s very strong and powerful. And it’s in my interest to give it the 100 percent training in camp and bring in the best sparring possible for me.”

Francis Ngannou 

“I am very excited. I am very happy. I have been dreaming of becoming a boxer since I was a kid. And today, I’m not just going to box; I’m going to box the guy at the peak of the mountain. Usually, I would not pay attention to what is going around. But this thing is so big that I can’t stop thinking about it. History is going to be made.”

“It’s something that I didn’t see coming, even though my dream was always there. I always hoped for it to happen some day. But I didn’t see it lay out this way as one of the biggest events of the world. This is not just a fight. We are going to open up Riyadh Season. So, it is a cultural event that we are fighting on. And we’ll just make this fight bigger and bigger. Nobody knows exactly what’s going to happen, but what I do know for sure is that I’m going to be out there hunting for that guy’s head to take it off. I can guarantee that.”
 
Bob Arum

“This is a massive event around the world, but it’s particularly massive in the United States because MMA has become one of the most popular sports there and Francis Ngannou is a legend in that sport. And Tyson has performed so admirably in the United States over the past few years that he is a massive figure in sports. The fact that they’re both coming together is something that is creating tremendous interest in the United States.”

Frank Warren

“This is a massive event. This is the biggest event I’ve ever been involved with. It’s a crossover event. You’ve got a guy who is the best in his discipline. He is the heavyweight champion. And you’ve got the man, the lineal champion, Tyson Fury, who has done everything you can ask for in a fighter. He’s an undefeated champion, a brilliant boxer and fighter. He can box or he can stand and trade with you. This is going to be something special.”

# # #?
About Riyadh Season:
Saudi Arabia’s capital embraces one of the world’s biggest entertainment events every year during winter. Since the launch of the Riyadh Season in 2019, the festival has welcomed visitors from all over the world to experience thousands of concerts, sporting events, dining experiences and other unique cultural events. In 2023, Riyadh Season will commence on Saturday, 28 October with a spectacular opening ceremony and an historic boxing match between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou.

By Norm Frauenheim –

Oleksandr Usyk is going into a fight against Daniel Dubois while talking about Tyson Fury.

If that sounds confusing, it is.

Then again, this is the heavyweight division, often as exasperating as it is entertaining.

“I need him,’’ Usyk (20-0, 13 KOs) said of Fury in an interview with the BBC just a week before risking his heavyweight titles against Dubois (19-1, 18 KOs) Saturday (ESPN+, 5 pm ET/2 pm PT) in Wroclaw Poland, not far from Usyk’s war-torn home in the Ukraine.

Usyk is right, of course. No showdown with Fury leaves Usyk with an incomplete resume. At 36, there’s not much time left for Usyk to punctuate his career with the fight that could define a legacy. He wants to be remembered.

“People will talk about our fight for 20, 30, 40 years,’’ he said. “We need to fight.’’

The division, boxing’s old flagship, needs them to fight, too. But the inability to put together a deal is a many-layered sign that the unpredictable Fury just isn’t interested. He’s been there before. He came roaring back with a memorable trilogy against Deontay Wilder. The third fight was wild, a violent five-knockdown epic a couple of years ago.

Then, it was a celebration of what the heavyweight division was.

And still can be.

The inherent power was there. So, too, was the danger, the risk to both Fury, the winner, and to Wilder, the loser left on the canvas in an exhausted, broken heap midway through the eleventh. Loser and winner, each paid in ways still impossible to imagine.

Since then, Wilder has fought once, scoring a quick KO of Robert Helenius Now, he says he’s in talks with Anthony Joshua, who seems to be in a perpetual search to re-discover the guy who retired Wladimir Klitschko in April 2017.

Fury has fought twice, first scoring a sixth-round stoppage of Dillian Whyte and then a 10^th-round TKO of Derek Chisora. Both were as predictable as they were forgettable.

Now, Fury, still the World Boxing Council’s champion, has an off-beat bout scheduled with MMA power striker Francis Ngannou on October 28 in Saudi Arabia. Ngannou will have Mike Tyson in his corner. But none of Evander Holyfield’s skill will be there.

For Fury, it’s another chance at some sports-wash money. It’s also a way to avoid another bout that would likely include a further toll, a physical price hard to calculate. Fury has said he suffered a couple of concussions against Wilder. Fury, of course, says a lot of things. He’s a lousy-lounge act. But the concussions are believable. Fury-Wilder 3 was a concussive fight for both.

Usyk, the best cruiserweight champion ever, is an undersized heavyweight, especially by today’s NBA-like standards. But his skillset is comprehensive and disciplined. The mindset is a mix, both fearless and clever. Combine skill and mind, and Usyk represents a real test of what’s left of Fury.

It’s not clear Fury wants to take that kind of risk anymore. He’s talked retirement. He even insisted that he was retired in 2022. That lasted for a few weeks. It was funny, but it also suggests he’s not sure whether he still wants to fight.

In part, that might explain why Usyk and Fury couldn’t agree to a 50-50 purse split for a fight in London. Usyk has three of the belts; Fury has one. Fifty-fifty sounds fair. But Fury reportedly demanded the lion’s share. When he didn’t get it, he cracked jokes, insults and then scheduled one of those awkward MMA-boxer bouts for money big enough to be a Phil Mickelson wager.

Usyk promoter Alexander Krassyuk told Boxing Social he will continue to pursue a fight with Fury. That, of course, hinges on an expected Usyk victory over Dubois. Usyk was at 220.9 pounds and Dubois at 233.2 at Friday’s weigh-in.

Krassyuk is confident the money will be there, probably in Saudi Arabia. But Fury’s willingness to risk belts, body and brain once more?

“That’s the only thing pending,’’ Krassyuk said. “If he’s ready, then he’s ready.

“If he’s not, then there’s nothing we can do about it and no money in the world can buy his consent.”

RIYADH, Saudi, Arabia (July 11, 2023) —TYSON FURY, THE undefeated Lineal and WBC heavyweight champion of the world, and Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, will collide on Saturday, October 28th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in an epic showdown between two giants of their fields following the opening of Riyadh Season.

The clash to find out who is the “Baddest Man on the Planet” will take place under the official rules of professional boxing, with 3 judges ringside adopting the 10-point must system. Both fighters however are promising to meet in the middle of the ring, go to war and win by knockout in devastating fashion.

An agreement has been reached with Queensberry, Top Rank and Ngannou’s promotional banner, GIMIK Fight Promotions, to partner with Riyadh Season to host the history-making event that will capture the imagination of fight fans around the globe.

The world will discover who can rightly claim the title of “Baddest Man on the Planet” in the capital of the Kingdom, when “The Gypsy King” goes up against “The Predator” to determine the true Heavyweight King.

The fight will see the toughest chin in boxing tested by the Most Powerful Punch in the world, as confirmed by the Guinness World Records. This is a matchup where there will be no quarter given.

The mega-fight, one of the richest in history, will take place in a regulation boxing ring under the standard boxing rules in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s largest city.

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Tyson Fury: “As soon as that bell goes, it’ll be bombs away! This guy is supposed to be the hardest puncher in the world, but let’s see how he reacts when he gets hit by the Big GK. I can’t wait to get back out there under the lights. I’m looking forward to showing the world that The Gypsy King is the greatest fighter of his generation in an epic battle with another master of his craft. Francis looked tough when he jumped in the ring after the Whyte fight, but there is no one tougher than me, and you’ll all see that in devastating fashion on October 28. I’d like to thank my promoters Frank Warren and Bob Arum, my manager Spencer Brown, and the guys at Riyadh Season for making this incredible event possible. It’s going to be a fight for the ages. Get up!”

Francis Ngannou: “I’ve been waiting to meet Tyson in the ring for the past three years. My dream was always to box, and to box the best. After becoming the undisputed MMA Heavyweight Champion, this is my opportunity to make that dream come true and cement my position as the baddest man on the planet.  I’d like to thank Riyadh Season and my team at 3Point0 Labs for helping put this event together. All I will say to Tyson for now is he better dance in that ring because if I touch him, he’s going to sleep.”

His Excellency Turki Alalshikh (Chairman of the Board of the General Entertainment Authority and Head of Riyadh Season): “Riyadh Season 2023 is back for its fourth edition of world class experiences and live events — keeping its claim as one of the most anticipated entertainment seasons worldwide. Following its opening ceremony, Riyadh Season 2023 will kick-off with an electrifying boxing match on October 28th, 2023. MMA and boxing audiences will witness the ultimate clash between two champions, Tyson Fury against Francis Ngannou. This face-off will set a new standard for such an event.”

Frank Warren (Queensberry Chairman): “This heavyweight clash has ‘war’ written all over it. Tyson Fury is the most exciting heavyweight on the planet. It is a game changer; we didn’t want to wait for Tyson to get out and here we are at Riyadh Season in a super-fight. Tyson is at his best when he is breaking new boundaries and this event is one of a kind. History will be made in Riyadh with a battle of the giants from the two leading codes of combat fighting. Tyson is the true King of the Ring and Francis Ngannou will present an intriguing challenge as he has the much publicised Most Powerful Punch in the world, this guy has a sledgehammer in each hand. Can Tyson avoid the sledgehammer all fight? What happens if it lands? It will be a truly spectacular event and Riyadh Season will provide a stage fit for two champions in one boxing ring.”

Bob Arum (Top Rank Chairman): “Tyson Fury is one of the finest heavyweight boxers in history, and he now has an opportunity to lock horns with an MMA legend. This will be a historic event, and we know that Tyson Fury will put on a tremendous fight. The people of Riyadh and fight fans around the world are in for a real treat.”

Marquel Martin (Chief Executive Officer, 3Point0 Labs): “Francis has been defeating the odds since he was born and so has Tyson from what I understand. Both are ‘Kings’ of their respective heavyweight divisions in their primes, and we finally get to see whose head is fit to wear the crown. We have all the respect in the world for Tyson and his team, but they are not accustomed to dealing with a force of nature like Francis. He’s simply BUILT DIFFERENT and I think Tyson will feel that in the Ring come October 28th in Riyadh. History is made here and we’re very much looking forward to shocking the world once again.”

Andrew Cutrow (Chief Business Officer, 3Point0 Labs): “All due respect in the world to a heavyweight fighter of Tyson’s calibre, sitting up there with the Mike Tysons and Muhammad Alis of the world, but there is no one with the will and fight that Francis has. He’s beaten every insurmountable challenge in his life, whether in the ring or in life, and it’s fair to say that NO ONE wants to be on the end of one of his punches. Riyadh should get ready for a fight for the ages – one that will go down in history as one of the greatest sporting events of this generation.”

Tyson Fury background:
The undefeated Fury, 34, the 6-foot-9 self-styled Gypsy King with a record of 33-0-1 (24 KOs), first became unified world heavyweight champion back in November 2015 when he toppled the long-standing ruler Wladimir Klitschko.

Dusseldorf, Germany, was the scene of one of the biggest upsets in heavyweight history, when the unified king was befuddled by the bashful Brit. The Ukrainian was completely outfoxed by his younger challenger and Fury wasn’t to be denied. Klitschko was parted from his four belts and Lineal champion status.

After a lengthy period out of the ring, Fury teamed up with Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren to plot his route back to heavyweight domination and, after just two return fights, he accepted the challenge of taking on the previous WBC champion and biggest puncher in world boxing, Deontay Wilder, in December 2018.

The outcome was a hotly disputed draw, which ensured the Fury-Wilder chapter still had a couple more pages to run. Fury linked up with Top Rank and ESPN in America, and a rematch with Wilder took place in February 2020. Fury took many experts by surprise by stating his intention to meet the ferocious hitter in the centre of the ring.

To that end, he teamed up with old comrade SugarHill Steward in order to maximise his own offensive weapons. True to his word, Fury rocked Wilder and put him down in the third and fifth before the towel came in from Wilder’s corner just over halfway through the seventh.

An absolute thriller took place in October 2021 in Las Vegas. Fury picked up where he left off and put Wilder to the canvas in the third before a spirited revival from the ‘Bronze Bomber’ saw Fury down twice in the fourth. The champion prevailed convincingly in the end, with Wilder down the 10th and then out for count in the 11th. An epic trilogy had played out before the eyes of the world.

London was calling when a mandatory defence against WBC interim champion Dillian Whyte was called by the governing body. There was only one place fit to stage the homecoming of The Gypsy King and a packed to the rafters Wembley Stadium became Fury’s field of dreams. Wembley is traditionally known as the ‘Home of Legends’ and Fury added his name to the illustrious list with a spectacular sixth-round stoppage in front of 94,000 spectators.

Fury sold out another stadium last December, this time Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with 60,000 people braving the night air to see him overwhelm Derek Chisora for a third time via a 10^th-round stoppage in what represented a third defence of his WBC world championship.

Francis Ngannou background:
Ngannou, 36, 17-3 (12 KOs) has a life-story that most wouldn’t believe possible. The 6’4, 280-pound physical specimen, hailing from Batie, a small village in Cameroon, Africa, grew up working in a sand quarry starting from the age of 10. At 22 years old, harbouring a dream to box, Francis decided to leave on foot across the Sahara, traveling on raft across the Strait of Gibraltar on a life-threatening journey, only to find himself homeless on the streets of Paris, walking into a gym. It didn’t take long for his coaches and peers there to realize his raw talents and God-given power to knock people out.

He was encouraged to enter an MMA tournament to make some extra cash in November 2013, and less than 8 years later, Francis would become the UFC’s first-ever African Heavyweight Champion, knocking out arguably the greatest Heavyweight in UFC History, Stipe Miocic, spectacularly in the second round. In January 2022, Ngannou defended his title against the undefeated interim UFC Champion Ciryl Gane, winning the fight via unanimous decision, all while fighting on a torn ACL and MCL against doctors’ guidance.

In late 2022, Ngannou decided to enter free agency and departed the UFC following the end of his contract, subsequently signing an unprecedented mega-deal as a global strategic partner with global MMA co-leader Professional Fighters League (PFL) and their Super Fights Division in 2023, further serving as the Chairman of PFL Africa, set to launch in 2025.

About Riyadh Season:
Saudi Arabia’s capital embraces one of the world’s biggest entertainment event every year during winter. Since the launch of the Riyadh Season in 2019, the festival has welcomed visitors from all over the world to experience thousands of concerts, sporting events, dining experiences and other unique cultural events. In 2023, Riyadh Season will commence on Saturday, 28 October with a spectacular opening ceremony and an historic boxing match between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou.

Tyson Fury beat up and battered Dereck Chisora and scored a 10th round stoppage in front of over 60,000 fans at Tottenham Spur Stadium in London, England.

Fury hurt Chisora throughout the fight and closed his right eye. The fight could have been stopped anytime for the last several rounds and was finally and mercifully called off at 2:51.

This was the third win for Fury in a trilogy with Chisora

Fury, 268.6 lbs of Manchester, ENG is 33-0-1 with 24 knockout. Chisora, 260.6 lbs is 32-13.

Daniel DuBois survived three first-round knockdowns, but came back to defend his WBA “Regular” Heavyweight title with a third-round stoppage over Kevin Lerena.

It was a tumultuous round one for DuBois as he ate a right hook to the top of the head that staggered him and put him on the canvas. DuBois then went down on his own for a second knockdown. A left seemed to put Dubois down again. In round three, DuBois turned the tables by dropping Lerena with a right hand, DuBois ended the fight by landing a huge uppercut that snapped Lerena’s head and the fight was stopped just as the bell to end the round sounded.

DuBois, 240.3 lbs of London, ENG is 19-1 with 18 knockouts. Lerena, 230.9 lbs of Johannesburg, SA is 28-2.

Denys Berinchyk won a 12-round unanimous decision over Yvan Mendy in a lightweight bout.

Berinchyk, 134.75 lbs of Kiev, UKR won by scores of 117-112 and 116-112 twice and is now 17-0. Mendy, 134.6 lbs is 47-6.

Karol Itauma remained undefeated with an eighth and final round stoppage over Vladimir Belujsky in a light heavyweight bout.

In round seven, Itauma sent Belujsky to the canvas with a flurry to the head. In round eight, Itauma contimued to beat up Belujsky and the bout was stopped at 1:19.

Itauma, 177.1 lbs of Kent, ENG is 9-0 with seven knockouts. Belujsky, 176.6 lbs of Cork, IRE is 12-4-1.

Royston Barney Smith made quick work of Cruz Perez by scoring an opening round stoppage in their four-round lightweight bout.

Smith landed a perfect counter left that spun the head of Cruz and sent him to the canvas, and the fight was stopped at

Smith, 133.8 lbs of Southampton, ENG is 4-0 with two knockouts. Perez, 133.25 lbs of Nicaragua of 3-4.

LONDON (Dec. 1, 2022) — The Tyson Fury Roadshow returned to London this week, and the undefeated WBC/Lineal heavyweight world champion arrived at Thursday’s press conference in a flashy suit, and proceeded to entertain the masses in typical “Gypsy King” fashion.

Fury (32-0-1, 23 KOs) will defend his crown this Saturday (ESPN+, 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT) against longtime rival Derek Chisora (33-12, 23 KOs) at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in front of an expected sold-out crowd of roughly 70,000. Fury defeated Chisora in 2011 (UD 12) and 2014 (TKO 10), but this is the first time they will fight with the heavyweight title on the line.

Since their second meeting, Fury went on to topple Wladimir Klitschko for the heavyweight title, participate in a historic trilogy against Deontay Wilder, and pack a UK-record 94,000 fans into Wembley Stadium for his April 2022 showdown against Dillian Whyte. Chisora continued as one of Britain’s most popular attractions, most recently edging two-time world title challenger Kubrat Pulev by split decision.

At the press conference, this is what Fury, Chisora and Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum had to say.Tyson Fury

“Whoever fights Derek Chisora is in for a fuc*ing good fight. That’s what we know. That’s what we prepared for. And he was available and ready to rock n’ roll. He stepped up to the plate, and bang, here we are. There’s going to be a throwdown for the fans right before Christmas.”

“I needed to fight this year regardless of who it was. I love fighting. I always need to fight. I wish I could fight every single month of my life. Derek’s the same. We love to fight. So, if we could fight 12 times next year, that’d be fantastic.”

“I’m doing what I love to do. I’m getting paid to do what I love. I take my career very seriously. I’m looking forward to it. I cannot wait to get out there, put on a show and entertain. Come Saturday night, there’s no friendship. There are no friends in business, and this is a business transaction. So, we’re going to go in there, punch the fuck out of each other, and then afterward we can have a nice little sandwich, a nice cup of tea, whatever he wants. Not a problem. But while we’re in there, we’re in fight mode. We’re going to put on a great show.”

Derek Chisora

“I can’t sit here and try to be more aggressive to Tyson and try to say so many bad words because the man I’m looking at right now is giving me an opportunity when nobody wanted to give me an opportunity. He called me up and he said to me, ‘I want to fight you. I want to give you a big payday.’ And I said, ‘Yes. Let’s make it happen.’ For me to sit here and try to talk shit and say so many bad things about a man who is actually giving me food on the table for my kids, I cannot.”

“All these guys in the game don’t want me to be on this stage. But, come Saturday, I can guarantee you this: friendship will be out of the door. Me and this big man are going to get it on. I’m not going to try to hold back on anything. Come Saturday, I’m going to war. I want to take what’s his and make it mine.”

“I was born in Africa. And one thing we do in Africa is we don’t give up. You only give up when you die. That’s the African mentality. Africa is a {continent} that keeps giving and giving. You can take anything you want, but we’ve got more than you can take. So, we don’t give up.”

Bob Arum

“I don’t see any reason why the [Oleksandr] Uysk fight with Tyson Fury can’t be made speedily without much trouble. I know the Usyk people very well. His manager, Egis Klimas, is a really good friend of mine. He manages Lomachenko and Janibek. I’ve dealt with him a whole lot over the years. I know Oleksandr Usyk. I know he wants the fight. I talked with Tyson a little while ago, and he wants the fight. That fight will happen next unless Mr. Chisora lands his punch. Don’t discount Chisora. He is a hell of a fighter. He has a tremendous punch. I remember when he fought Usyk. He gave Uysk life or death. That fight could have gone either way. You can’t, in this business, count your chickens before they hatch.”

Saturday, December 3

 ESPN+ (1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT)

Tyson Fury vs. Derek Chisora, 12 rounds, Fury’s WBC & Lineal Heavyweight titles
 
Daniel Dubois vs. Kevin Lerena, 12 rounds, Dubois’ WBA ‘Regular” Heavyweight Title
 
Yvan Mendy vs. Denys Berinchyk, 12 rounds, Mendy’s European Lightweight Title
 
Karol Itauma vs. Vladimir Belujsky, 8/6 rounds, light heavyweight
 
Royston Barney Smith vs. Cruz Perez, 4 rounds, lightweight

# # #

About ESPN+ 
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 24.3 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).  

TYSON FURY REVEALED that he placed himself in near splendid isolation during preparations for Saturday’s WBC world heavyweight title defence against Derek Chisora at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Gypsy King has been making merry in Morecambe ahead of trading blows for a third time against his old London rival and insists that boxing has been front and centre for him since training began in earnest.

Key projects were completed or put on pause so his full attention could be paid to what will be a third defence of his WBC belt. A third publication, a hopefully hit single and Netflix filming have been put to one side as focus has been trained solely on the day job.

“I completed the book before I started training camp, so that was done,” reported Tyson. “I recorded the single before I started training and I’ve just been doing remote interviews here and there regarding these projects.

“I carved out Netflix for the full fight camp so I can concentrate on my opponent. I physically, mentally and emotionally can’t do any more to win this fight. By the time the fight comes I will have done nine weeks training, nine weeks of isolation away from my family.

“SugarHill has been here and will have been for six or seven weeks by the time the fight comes around, I’ve had the nutritionist here for the full nine weeks and I have been alone in Morecambe Bay.

“I can’t do any more than that.

“I am isolating away from the family, keeping them at arm’s length and just living like a fighter. While I am in camp I am in Spartan mode and I can’t be around the family. I’ve got to have this fight attitude in order to win these fights, big fights.

“You can fight six-rounders or against low-level opposition in eight-rounders and stuff and you can fight them anywhere. When you are fighting 12-round fights for the world heavyweight title and everything is on the line, you do have to take it very, very seriously.”

Tyson went on to explain on the Queensberry YouTube channel how his relationship with the Fight Game is currently a harmonious one delivering him peace of mind along with glorious highs.

“My relationship with boxing? I am in a very good place with boxing at the moment. I’m back, I’m hungry, I’m putting the work in, I’m grinding. George Foreman said a long time ago, along with some other boxers, that it is difficult to run along the road at five in the morning when you’ve got your Versace slippers on and your silk pyjamas.

“I don’t find it that way. My attitude is that it’s easier for me running along the road knowing that I’m financially secure and have done all I’ve needed to do. This is a hobby now rather than a business or sport. This is my hobby and what I love to do.

“I’ve been in love with boxing for such a long time from being a little boy and I am 34 now, probably at the end of my career in the next few years. It has been a love-hate relationship and it has been toxic at times, but when it is good, it is very good.

“So we are in that relationship and I don’t just abandon things. I try and make things work and that is where we are at the minute. I’ve wanted to leave a lot of times but it always drags me back. It is like a massive drug and an addiction.

“I know it is an addiction and I am an addictive person. It is not my best friend, it is an addiction. It is abusive because, when I come to this gym it abuses my body, my mind and my soul, but afterwards I feel it takes me to ecstasy. The rush is unbelievable and it gives me the biggest highs ever, but it also gives me the lowest lows as well.

“Boxing is more addictive than any drug ever. Ever. Because you can’t let it go.”

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW BY DEV SAHNI BY CLICKING HERE

BT Sport Box Office will show Tyson Fury v Derek Chisora exclusively live on Saturday 3rd December. Live coverage starts from 7pm, with ring walks taking place at 9pm. Learn more at bt.com/sportboxoffice.

FIVE DAYS TO go until it is Tyson Fury time again, when the Gypsy King will rock up at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to take on his old rival Derek Chisora for the WBC world heavyweight championship.

There is heavyweight action at the double, because the WBA champion, the hulking Daniel Dubois, will be making a first defence of his title against the South African challenger Kevin Lerena.

BT Sport Box Office will show Tyson Fury v Derek Chisora exclusively live on Saturday 3rd December. Live coverage starts from 7pm, with ring walks taking place at 9pm. Learn more at bt.com/sportboxoffice.

The supporting cast to the heavyweights is now in place and, in what is a special attraction, there is a cracking fight for the EBU and WBO International lightweight titles between the vastly experienced French champion Yvan Mendy (47-5-1, 22 KOs) and his unbeaten challenger Denys Berinchyk (16-0, 9) from Ukraine.

Frank Warren and Queensberry in association with K2 Promotions are proud to provide a platform for Berinchyk to resume his career while the devastating invasion of his homeland continues.

Berinchyk is part of Ukraine’s Class of 2012 along with Vasiliy Lomachenko and Oleksandr Usyk, winning silver at the London Olympics. Famed for his spectacular ring entrances, Berinchyk has even tried his hand at bare knuckle boxing, where he defeated former UFC Fighter Artem Lobov via TKO.

“In March I had to stop my boxing activity and joined the team of volunteers who helped our troops and people in hot points,” explained Berinchyk. “We’ve been to many places very close to the front. It was not that easy to get back to the gym after everything, but I understood that Ukrainians need all kinds of wins, so I couldn’t miss a possibility to raise the Ukrainian flag in a European ring.”

For his part, Mendy is hoping that Berinchyk is coming to make a fight of it after being frustrated by slick movers in big fights previously.

“I have five losses on points,” said Mendy. “Three of my opponents competed in World Championship fights. Campbell, Postol and Tatli. These three boxers beat me on points, at home, and by fleeing the whole fight.”

Two of Queensberry’s Blue Chip prospects also feature on the card, with teenage prodigy Royston Barney-Smith (3-0, 1) having his fourth four rounder against the Nicaraguan Cruz Perez (3-3-1, 1), known as ‘The Pitbull’. Future light heavyweight Karol Itauma (8-0, 6)  has his ninth professional fight against the Slovakian Vladimir Belujsky (12-5-1, 8) – AKA Big Bad Vlad – who is based in Ireland.

“It is fantastic, I couldn’t ask for anything more from my promoter and manager Frank,” said Barney-Smith. “He is getting me on these top shows and is also doing a fantastic job promoting me and getting my name out there.”

“I am just blessed and grateful for the opportunities I have been given,” added Itauma. “Honestly, two Tyson Fury cards in one year is a blessing and I am going to take the opportunity with both hands.”

Tyson Fury comrades Isaac Lowe (21-2-3, 6) and Hosea Burton (27-3, 12) complete the card in six round fights at super featherweight and cruiserweight respectively.

BT Sport Box Office will show Tyson Fury v Derek Chisora exclusively live on Saturday 3rd December. Live coverage starts from 7pm, with ring walks taking place at 9pm. Learn more at bt.com/sportboxoffice.

LOS ANGELES, NOVEMBER 23 – Bakhodir Jalolov believes he could be undisputed world heavyweight champion within two years.

The hammer-fisted Uzbek rates Tyson Fury as the leading big man in boxing but is confident that he will, one day soon, takeover from the ‘Gypsy King’.

Jalolov, the 2020 Olympic champion, has won all 11 of his professional contests by shuddering KO and looks to add American Curtis Harper to his hit-list on Saturday night, in California on the undercard of the Jose Zepeda vs Regis Prograis world title fight.

The 28-year-old is seen by many boxing insiders as the heir to the heavyweight throne and has warned his rivals that he possesses a potent combination of devastating punch power allied with movement, footwork and boxing intelligence.

“I think the Tyson Fury is the best heavyweight in the world, and Oleksandr Usyk is very good, obviously, too,” Jalolov told Probellum.com.

“Fury for his size, he moves unbelievably. He has unbelievable movement and once again, he is big and heavy. Usyk is a great boxer, but obviously he’s small for the weight class.

“For me, I’m not a hero in Uzbekistan for winning the Olympics, I’m not there yet.

“But once I become undisputed heavyweight champion of the world at that time, maybe they’ll call me a hero.

“Maybe it’s not going to happen tomorrow, but maybe it’s going to be next year or in two years. But God bless, it is going to happen.”

“I’m not just a puncher,“ Jalolov added.

“Of course, I can punch, and I know that I have power because every time I land, people go down. But I have much more than that. I have a great footwork, feeling of distance and timing and speed.

“And my style is not to take nine shots to land 10. I’m not working like that. Instead of winning 10-9, I’ll win 1-0. I’ll land one, but I’m not going to get hit and that’s my goal. Boxing is about hit and don’t get hit.”

Jalolov (11-0, 11KOs) says former two-time heavyweight world champion Wladimir Klitschko is his all-time favourite fighter and rates Dr Steelhammer’s win over David Haye as his best victory.

“Wladimir Klitschko was tall and fought really smart, he fought behind the jab and was very intelligent,” said Jalolov. 

“He was also a good person, in and out of the ring. Klitschko was a great, great example.

“A long time ago, I had a nickname, the ‘Uzbek Klitschko’.   And, God bless, soon he’ll know my name and who I am.”

LONDON (Oct. 20, 2022) — In what will be a sensational heavyweight double-header, the WBC and lineal world champion Tyson Fury will defend his crown against long-standing rival Derek Chisora at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday December 3 on a night where WBA world champion Daniel Dubois will make a first defence of his belt against South African southpaw Kevin Lerena, exclusively on BT Sport Box Office (UK & RoI) and ESPN+ (U.S.).

Fury, who intends on fighting Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed championship in the first part of 2023, will once again perform on UK soil following his April knockout of mandatory challenger Dillian Whyte in front of 94,000 fans at Wembley Stadium.

Promoted by Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, in association with Top Rank, this will be the third meeting between Fury and Chisora. They first met in July 2011 with the British and Commonwealth titles at stake, and Fury prevailed by unanimous decision.

“I am thrilled to be delivering a Tyson Fury world title defence in front of the British fans in London,” said promoter Frank Warren. “Tyson clearly conquered America across his trilogy with Deontay Wilder and there is also huge demand to stage his fights from sites across the world.

“Tyson wanted to fight in his home country again this year following his special night at Wembley Stadium in April. This brings us to the magnificent Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and a match against an old rival in Derek Chisora.

“Derek, also a big favourite with British fans, has reinvented himself in recent years and Tyson has long stated his wish to fight him for a third time.

“Tyson can’t afford any slip-up in this fight as he has the much-publicised undisputed match-up with Usyk in the New Year which we’re really looking forward to.

“I am also delighted that we have added Daniel Dubois to the card with a first defence of his WBA belt against Kevin Lerena. It makes it a real heavyweight night and Daniel represents the best of the new generation coming through.”

“Whenever Tyson Fury fights, it is a major event, and I expect him to once again put on a spectacular show for the fans,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “There are talks about what’s next for Tyson, but the first order of business is a battle against an extraordinarily tough fighter in Derek Chisora.”

Todd Kline, Chief Commercial Officer, Tottenham Hotspur, said: “Our stadium has firmly established itself as a leading venue in London for major sports and entertainment events.

“The AJ-Usyk fight in front of a record crowd here in Tottenham was a truly unforgettable spectacle and we are extremely excited to bring World Heavyweight Championship boxing back to N17 on 3 December. 

“The World Cup break leaves us in a unique position of having no sporting action at the stadium between November 13 – December 31 – what better way to satisfy the demand for world-class live sport before the Premier League returns.”

In between Fury fights, Chisora (33-12, 23 KOs) challenged for the WBC title and gave a good account of himself against Vitali Klitschko in Munich, before entering into a grudge match at West Ham United’s Upton Park against another British rival in David Haye.

He rebuilt from those setbacks by winning the WBO International, European and WBA International titles in a five-fight winning streak, setting up a return fight with Fury that took place at London’s
ExCel Arena in November 2014.

In recent years, Chisora has been involved in two close encounters with Dillian Whyte and one with Usyk, while defeating Carlos Takam, Artur Szpilka and David Price. Last year, he lost a pair of tight affairs with Joseph Parker.

His last fight was an exciting points victory over former world title challenger Kubrat Pulev in July.

Fury (32-0-1, 23 KOs) remains an undefeated champion and completed his remarkable return from the boxing wilderness with a resounding rematch victory over Deontay Wilder in February 2020, with the Bronze Bomber saved by his corner in the seventh round.

A trilogy battle followed eight months later, which delivered a Las Vegas thriller where Wilder was put down in rounds three and 10 and Fury down twice in round four before knocking out the former WBC ruler in the 11th.

The 25-year-old Dubois (18-1, 17 KOs) seized his world title belt in June when he travelled to Miami and demolished previous champion Trevor Bryan, inflicting a first defeat on the American via a fourth-round stoppage.

Lerena (28-1, 14 KOs), 30, is a recent addition to the heavyweight ranks, having established himself as the IBO world cruiserweight champion, making six defences of the title. At heavyweight he has recorded victories over Patrick Ferguson, Bogdan Dinu and Mariusz Wach, winning the WBA and IBO Intercontinental titles in the process.

Tickets for Tyson Fury vs. Derek Chisora for the WBC & Lineal Heavyweight Championship of the World at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium go on general sale at noon tomorrow (Friday, 21 October) from ticketmaster.co.uk.

Fans are encouraged to sign-up for Ticket Alerts at frankwarren.com to receive the direct ticket link on Friday.

Premium packages for the event will go on-sale via tottenhamhotspur.com, with an exclusive pre-sale for Tottenham Hotspur Premium Members commencing at noon today (Thursday, 20 October). 

Please note, this will be an open-air event with a likelihood of winter conditions at the time of year it is taking place. Ticket purchasers are strongly advised to wear appropriate clothing on the night as all seating within the stadium is outdoor.

Doors for the event will open at 5pm.

By Norm Frauenheim-

It’s hard to believe anything Tyson Fury says these days. He’s the master of the rhetorical feint, an entertaining way of serving up distractions and misinformation. In Fury’s dangerous hands, it’s an art form.  

One minute he’s retired. The next, he’s not. One minute, he’s fighting Derek Chisora. The next, he’s not. It’s all nonsense, of course, from a heavyweight champion who either has too much time on his hands or just needs the attention. Whatever the reason, few are better at turning the ring into a personal stage.

Laugh at the punch lines. Suspend the believability.

The latest chapter in Fury’s ongoing routine involves Anthony Joshua. Fury has let everyone know that he wants to fight him, wants to fight him as soon as possible.

Of course, he does.

Joshua appears to be as vulnerable as ever in the wake of his second straight loss to Oleksandr Usyk, who won a split decision in a competitive rematch on August 20.

Other than the usual bruises, Joshua emerged from the loss in Saudi Arabia without any reported injuries.

But the absence of blood doesn’t mean there wasn’t damage to his confidence. Fury saw what everybody else did. He watched Joshua’s emotional meltdown in a bizarre exhibition immediately after the decision was announced.

He threw two of Usyk’s belts out of the ring. He grabbed the microphone and delivered a desperate plea, seemingly asking the crowd and television audience to believe in him. Joshua emerged from the loss unhurt. But it sounded as if his confidence was fractured.

Fury heard it. He also saw a fighter, still big and powerful, who had improved, perhaps because of new trainer Robert Garcia’s guidance. Joshua had Usyk in trouble throughout a dramatic ninth round.

In the wake of Usyk’s decision to not fight until early next year, Fury immediately turned to Joshua. Fury’s predatory instincts had to tell him the time was now. Fight him, finish him, before he has even more time to improve.

A result, perhaps, was sudden news that Joshua had agreed to a purse split for a fight projected for December 17. Forty percent for Joshua, 60 percent for Fury.

But Fury’s co-promoter Bob Arum isn’t buying.

“I really don’t think Joshua’s people are anxious to make the fight now,” Arum said to Sky Sports while in London for a Claressa Shields-Savannah Marshall/Mikaela Mayer-Alycia Baumgardner card postponed Thursday because of Queen Elizabeth’s death. “He’s come through a devastating loss and I think, conventionally, Joshua is going to want a couple of soft touches to get back in the swing of things.’’

It’s not exactly clear what — who – qualifies as a soft touch. Deontay Wilder is set to make his comeback from a devastating stoppage loss a year ago to Fury against Robert Helenius on October 15 at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. Wilder faces some of the same questions that Joshua does when step back through the ropes. Still, his singular power is there, hardly a soft touch. A young heavyweight, unknown and inexperienced, might pose the least risk for Joshua’s re-entry.

Whoever it is, Arum is betting it won’t be Fury. He dismisses talk from Joshua promoter Eddie Hearn that an agreement on the purse split is in place.

“Eddie Hearn is just talking.,’’ Arum said. “Eddie Hearn, if he wanted to make the fight, he knows me well enough and knows I’m over here.

“…We haven’t really heard from Eddie Hearn. He’s really good at making statements to the press and television. But he’s not – I don’t think – anxious to make this fight.

“I’ve been in boxing a long time and the fact that Eddie and Joshua would want this fight is, to me, incomprehensible. It makes no sense. If I’m wrong and they decide they want it, they know where to find us and call. Stop talking to the press and talk to us and see if we can put it together.”

Hearn, a longtime Arum rival, had his own take.

“I’m not quite sure what Bob Arum has spoken about,’’ said Hearn, who said he has had multiple phone calls and exchanged several e-mails with Frank Warren’s Queensbury Promotions, Fury’s UK promoter. ‘’AJ has just finished his fight with Usyk. He has a couple of bumps and bruises, nothing major.

“Queensberry have the date held of December 17, and that is our preferred date to make the fight. We’re in continued discussions.’’

With Fury in the mix, the only sure bet is that discussion will continue, ad nauseam.

After appearing at WWE Clash at The Castle, Tyson Fury announced that he will announce he next opponent next week.

By Norm Frauenheim-

Tyson Fury is a little bit like an ex-American president. He stays in the headlines.

Fury has been there, loud and profane, throughout a week that should belong to Oleksandr Usyk.

Usyk’s rightful chance to celebrate his brilliant ascendancy to the top of the heavyweight division has been stolen, first by the fighter he beat and then by the fighter he wants to beat, all within six days.

Anthony Joshua grabbed the microphone moments after he lost a split decision to Usyk in a rematch Saturday in Saudi Arabia. Joshua also tossed two championship belts out of the ring. They weren’t even his belts. They belonged to Usyk.

Somehow, Joshua thought he could trash somebody else’s property. Even Riddick Bowe knew better thirty years ago. In 1992, Bowe tossed the World Boxing Council’s belt into a garbage can in London. But it was Bowe’s belt to throw away. Ownership and sanctioning fees come with privileges. Bad behavior doesn’t.

Joshua promoter Eddie Hearn is defending Joshua, asking for understanding. That’s his job. Still, I can’t help but think that Joshua might have faced more than just criticism if his tantrum had played out in New York or Las Vegas instead of Saudi Arabia. Boxing is the flip side to politically-correct. It’s hard to regulate behavior.  

But if belts can be tossed out of the ring and into the crowd, what’s next? Stools and buckets? Hide the kids. If you’re seated in a ringside seat, wear a helmet.

A state Commission might issue some kind of censure, a warning to Joshua. But this was Saudi Arabia, a nation that is moving into boxing, golf and auto racing as a way to sports-wash — launder — its image. Nothing new about it. It’s been around since the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

Boxing, however, is a risky way to get anything clean. The sport is a collection of great moments and Godfather moments. Still, it generates headlines and money. Enter Fury.

Within hours after Joshua’s tantrum, Fury was at the bully pulpit. He slammed Usyk’s victory, saying ad nauseam that he’s ready to come out of retirement. He’ll fight, he promises, only for half-a-billion. It’s not clear whether he’s talking about pounds or dollars. 

Whatever the currency, it’s astronomical, big enough to be prohibitive. Maybe, that’s the idea. I’ve long thought that Fury’s retirement is just more hot air from a gasbag looking for more attention.

But an impossible demand is one way for Fury to say no to the Usyk possibility. He repeated it Wednesday via social media.

“Hi guys, to all out there that want to make the fight, I’m gonna give you all seven days — till the 1st of September, to come up with the money,” Fury said on Instagram.  “If not, thank you very much. It’s been a blast. I’m retired.”

In a second post, he says, “Also, guys, I forgot to say, all the offers submitted must be to my lawyer, Robert Davies, in writing and with proof of funds. So, let the games begin.”

Safe to say, the head games are already well underway.

At today’s inflation rate, there’s no telling how much Fury’s half-a-bill will be worth. How ever many zeroes, it figures to be more than anyone will be willing to pay. Reportedly, the Saudis paid $150 million for the rights to Usyk-Joshua 2, a rematch of a Usyk victory in the UK about a year ago.

For as long as Fury’s demand makes the fight impossible, he can stay in the headlines with noise mocking Usyk. He calls him a “middleweight.” He says nobody knows who he is. He says he can’t pronounce his name. The lousy lounge act continues. Some of it is funny.

He told talkSPORT that he knows the Saudis have the money.

“They offered Tiger Woods $1 billion,’’ Fury said of the Saudi attempt to get Woods to join LIV Golf.

Then, he dismissed Usyk’s punching power.

“He couldn’t knock the skin off a rice pudding,’’ Fury said.

But talk won’t beat the unbeaten Usyk. There’s no doubt that the much-bigger Fury is the only fight Usyk wants.

“If I’m not fighting Tyson Fury, I’m not fighting at all,’’ he said while standing in the middle of a chaotic ring following his victory over Joshua.

Usyk also didn’t criticize Joshua. He stood there like a parent, watching Joshua with a look that was a mix of exasperation and disapproval. Joshua was more toddler than ex-heavyweight champ. It was hard not to cringe. But Usyk kept his poise, a great champion and a serious man. He has bigger fights. He returns to Ukraine and resumes the deadly fight against the Russians.

He’s a grown-up.

The heavyweight division could use one.  

By Norm Frauenheim –

Tyson Fury, lineal heavyweight champion and undisputed populist, is back. Correct that. He never left. He’s still at the proverbial pulpit, but more as a comedian than a bully.

He never retired, of course. We knew that. He knew that. But it was a show, a lousy lounge act full of one liners and rhetorical feints. Fury needs a microphone the way the rest of us need oxygen.

That’s why he’s so much fun. That’s why he’s so exasperating. That’s also why he gets away with it — all with a wink, nod and sometimes a few lyrics from Bye-Bye, Miss American Pie.

From this corner, he’s a better singer than a comedian. But he’s neither Frank Sinatra nor Richard Pryor. What he is — who he is — has never been in dispute. He’s a great heavyweight, as cunning and clever as any.

The good news: That’s a role he’ll continue to play. Actually, it’s the only news.

Amid a flurry of Fury one-liners this week, the only headline is further confirmation that Fury’s retirement was really a vacation. There’s only one reliable guide on Fury. To wit: As long as he’s talking, he’s still active. When he’s fighting — who he’s fighting — are questions without answers.

At least, there were no answers in headlines over the last few days that said Fury was wanted to fight Derek Chisora for a third time. Fury has already beaten Chisora twice. What’s to prove in a third?

A trilogy was news to Chisora. News, too, for co-promoter Bob Arum, who told Dan Rafael’s Fight Freaks to pay no attention. It was just another performance with the microphone from Fury, said Arum, who went on to say that Fury is waiting on the winner of the Oleksandr Usyk-Anthony rematch a week from Saturday in Saudi Arabia.

That’s the smart thing, the only thing remotely believable. Between opening bells, however, Fury isn’t interested in believable. He just wants an audience, and he got one just as the media megaphone began to shift its attention to Usyk-Joshua 2.

Fury’s UK promoter Frank Warren also is confident he’ll fight again, although Warren’s tone isn’t as skeptical as the ever-forthright Arum.

“I speak to him all the time, Warren told Sky Sports. “If he wants to fight, he’ll fight. I’m not going to tempt him. Because if he needs that, then he shouldn’t be fighting.

“It’s got to come from him and his heart. Do I think we’ll see Tyson in a ring? I do because I think he’s a fighting man and I think he’ll miss it too much. The fans love him. He’s got a real rapport with the man on the street. He’s different class. And he’ll do what he wants to do.”

Warren knows as well as Fury that an all-UK fight between Fury and Joshua is a biggie. It would make some history and GDP-kind of money. But would is a key qualifier here. Yet, the fair-minded Warren doesn’t think Joshua can beat Usyk, a heavyweight every bit as cunning and clever as Fury. Usyk’s versatile skillset and genius ring IQ prevailed in an upset, a unanimous decision over Joshua last September.

“Against Joshua he looked different class,” said Warren, who watched Usyk in his first two dates at heavyweight in victories over Chazz Witherspoon and Chisora. “He didn’t use any of his physical attributes. I didn’t understand why.

“I felt that he would out-jab him or keep him on the end of the jab and let the right hand go. But he didn’t. He was getting out-jabbed by a smaller guy on the outside. I thought the only way Usyk was going to do any damage was to get underneath inside and work inside.

“But he didn’t have to do that. He was beating him on the outside. How do you fight him? I really do fancy Tyson to beat him.

“I think Tyson is a similar guy in some ways and a much, much bigger guy.”

That’s no punchline.

By Norm Frauenheim-

Tyson Fury is talking again. That, of course, would be news only if he had gone silent for, say, longer than a week or three. Put it this way: He’ll quit talking when the tide quits coming in.

He says he’s retired. He says he’s not. He mentions half-a-billion. He teases and taunts, insults and intrigues, lies and laughs We’ve yet to hear a few lyrics from Bye-Bye, Miss American Pie. But the beat goes on. The whole lousy lounge act is already unfolding.

It’s doesn’t matter what he says. What does matter is that he’s saying it, still saying it all. The heavyweight champ is back at the bully pulpit, which only means that another opening bell can’t be too far away.  

There’s an old line that a fight starts at the negotiating table. Fury is already negotiating.

The latest sure sign came in a tweet — a “QUICK MESSAGE…” — from Fury Wednesday.

“A quick message to let everybody know that I, The Gypsy King, am happily retired. But to get me out of retirement – considering I don’t need the money, I don’t need the aggravation – it’s going to cost these people half-a-billion.’’

QUICK REACTION: Gob-smacking, it’s not.

Nobody, including Fury co-promoters Frank Warren and Bob Arum, ever believed that retirement was anything more than a vacation. Fury promised he was done – retired – after his sixth-round stoppage of Dillian Whyte on April 23 in front of 94,000 at London’s Wembley Stadium.  Promises last about as long as noses in boxing, of course, They are there to be broken. Fury didn’t even let the seasons change before he started the talk that says he’ll fight again. He retired in early spring. He began signaling another fight before the official start to summer.

It’d be no surprise if Fury backed off his tweet in some way. Another great talker in another sport, basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley, once said he had been misquoted in his autobiography, Outrageous. He even said that would try to ban the book, published in 1992. Barkley got away with it, because people like him. They love the self-deprecating humor, the edgy common sense. Same with Fury. He can say whatever he wants. It’s part of the act.

The question, of course, is the half-billion, which could move Fury into the exclusive fringe of the billionaire’s neighborhood, especially if the half-a-bill is paid in pounds instead of dollars. It’s clear that a couple of “the people” in Fury’s tweet are Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk. They’re expected to fight on August 20, at least so says Eddie Hearn, another talker, but no match for Fury.

Fury is already ripping Joshua, calling him a weightlifter among other things. He’s offered to help him in the rematch of Usyk’s upset of the fellow UK heavyweight last September. Then, when asked if he would attend the projected Usyk-Joshua rematch, Fury said he wouldn’t waste his time on “bums.”

The winning bum, of course, could be Fury’s partner in what might be the biggest payday in history. The aforementioned “people” in Fury’s tweet has to be the Arabs. They are the only people who can afford a tank of gas these days. The Usyk-Joshua rematch is expected to happen in the oil-rich state. If Fury changes his mind and decides to attend, maybe he can sit ringside alongside golfer Phil Mickelson, the face of the latest purchase in Saudi Arabia’s sports-washing enterprise.

“If you do get us a deal with these Middle East folks, can you at least get me free fuel for life?” Fury saId this week during a show hosted by Warren’s Queensberry Promotions.  “I’m paying a fortune on petrol.”

For now, he’s also doing a little gas-lighting, a traditional starting point in negotiations.

TYSON FURY OFFERED up the strongest hint yet that his fighting days are not behind him when he took the hotseat for a digital get-together with his promoter Frank Warren and host Dev Sahni for the latest UniBet Lowdown episode.

Watch the full exclusive episode on the Queensberry YouTube channel here.

The world’s No.1 heavyweight floated the idea of retirement before and after his crowning glory at Wembley Stadium where he knocked out the Interim champion Dillian Whyte to retain his WBC world championship in front of 94,000 adoring fans.

But it seems he might not be done just yet and, in a wide ranging interview for the Queensberry YouTube channel, the Gypsy King reveals that himself and Frank Warren are formulating plans for another memorable night or two in the months to come.

“We’re talking about various scenarios,” said the Hall of Fame fight maker. “Something will come out of it. We could announce fairly soon.

“Frank, show me the money,” added Tyson. “The Magic Man will show me the money and we will make something big, big, big happen.”

Also, in this exclusive chat set in Tyson’s local barbers, the barbershop conversation included…

• Tyson looking back on a magical night under the lights at Wembley Stadium in April
• Giving Dillian Whyte the push: “His head did not hit the canvas”
• Very exciting news coming about a plan of action
• His daily routine, enjoying life and being an ‘idiot abroad’
• A third book on the way. “It will be my third best-seller and I can’t even spell!”
• Anthony Joshua’s best chance of beating Oleksandr Usyk? “Get up to Morecambe and let me train him or he won’t beat Usyk”
• Daniel Dubois’ WBA world title triumph. “Daniel chinned him, so fair play”

These topics and much more are covered by Tyson, Frank and Dev so be sure to tune in on YouTube to watch in full.

Watch the full exclusive episode on the Queensberry YouTube channel here.

Tyson Fury retained the WBC Heavyweight championship with an one=punch sixth round stoppage over Dillian Whyte in front of 94,000 fans at Wembley Stadium in London.

In round four, Whyte was cut over his right eye from a headbutt. There was a lot of grappling and both guys had trouble setting a pace.

That all changed in round six as Fury landed a monstrous right uppercut to the chin that knocked Whyte flat on his back. Whyte got to his feet, but wobbled all over the ring and the fight was 2:59.

Fury is now 32-0-1 with 23 knockouts. Whyte is now 28-3.

Fury said, “I’m overwhelmed with the support. I can’t believe that my 94,000 countrymen and women have come here tonight to see my perform. I just want to say from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much to every single person who bought a ticket here tonight or stayed up late to watch it on TV.
 
“Dillian Whyte is a warrior. And I believe that Dillian will be a world champion. But tonight, he met a great in the sport. I’m one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. And unfortunately for Dillian Whyte, he had to face me here tonight. There’s no disgrace. He’s a tough, game man. He’s as strong as a bull. He’s got the heart of a lion. But you’re not messing with a mediocre heavyweight. You’re messing with the best man on the planet. And you saw that tonight with what happened.
 
“I think Lennox Lewis could even be proud of the right uppercut tonight.”

Essuman Decisions Tetley

Ekow Essuman scored a 12-round unanimous decision over Darren Tetley in a welterweight bout.

Essuman landed 215 of 795 punches; Tetley was 144 of 691.

Essuman win by scores of 117-111 and 116-112 twice and is now 17-0. Tetley is 21-3.

Nick Ball Stops Isaac Lowe in 6

Nick Ball remained undefeated by stopping Tyson Fury-stablemate Isaac Lowe in round six of a 10-round featherweight bout.

In round two, Ball dropped Lowe with a big left hook. In round three, Ball was bleeding from the nose. In round four, Lowe was bleeding badly from his left eye.

In round six, with Lowe turned around, Ball drilled Lowe with two hard lefts and the bout was stopped at 1:45

Ball is 15-0 with eight knockouts. Lowe is 21-2-3.

Adeleye stops Healey in 4

David Adeleye stopped Chris Healey in round four of a scheduled eight-round heavyweight bout.

In round four, Adeleye landed a hard left and a big right that forced a referee stoppage at 52 seconds.

Adeleye, 232 lbs of London is 9-0 with eight knockouts. Healey, 282 lbs of England is 9-9.

Tommy Fury defeated Daniel Bocianski via six-round decision in a light heavyweight bout.

In round five, Bocianski was cut over the left eye. Later in the round, Fury landed a big right that put Bocianski on the canvas.

Fury landed 80 of 255 punches; Bocianski was 20 of 159.

Fury, 177 lbs of Manchester, ENG won by a 60-54 score and is now 8-0. Bocianski, 175 lbs of Poland is 10-2.

Karol Itauma remained undefeated with a second round stoppage over Michael Ciach in a scheduled four-round light heavyweight bout.

In round one, Itauma sent Ciach to the canvas with a hard flurry on the ropes. In round two, Ituma dropped Ciach with an overhand left and the fight was stopped.

Itaima, 175 lbs of Kent, ENG is now 7-0 with five knockouts. Ciach, 175 lbs of Poland is 2-12.

Royston Barney-Smith remained perfect with a four-round decision over Constantin Radoi in a super featherweight bout.

Barney-Smith, 132 lbs of Southampton, ENG won by a 40-36 tally and is now 2-0. Radoi, 132 lbs of Swinton, ENG is 0-11.

Kurt Walker remained undefeated with a four-round decision over Stefan Nicolae in a junior lightweight bout.

Walker of Lisburn, Northern Ireland won by a 40-35 score and is now 2-0. Nicolae is 3-32-2.

Follow all the action as Tyson Fury defends the WBC Heavyweight Title against mandatory challenger Dillian Whyte in front of over 94,000 people at London’s Wembley Stadium.

The action begins at 1 PM ET / 6 PM UK time with a six-fight undercard

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Round 1:

ROUND 2 1-2 FROM FURY…Jab…Check hook…Body work from Whyte

ROUND 3 Left from Fury…Jab to body..right behind the jab..Left to body…1-2…Jab..Left uppercut..

ROUND 4 Overhand right from Fury..Fury being admonished for not breaking…Whyte cut over his right eye…Left hook from Whyte…Right from Fury..Grappling in the corner…

ROUND 5 Body shot from Fury…Double jab..Right..Right to body…

ROUND 6 Left Hook to body,,Right to body from Fury…UPPERCUT AND DOWN GOES WHYTE….HE WOBBLES..AND THE FIGHT IS OVER

Round 1:

Round 1: