Author: quyen1

Cuban heavyweight Frank Sanchez could become the mandatory challenger for Tyson Fury‘s heavyweight title if he wins his WBC final eliminator bout.

Sanchez has been ordered to fight Agit Kabayel with the winner putting themselves front of the line for the green belt.

The strap is one of the four on the line when Fury faces Oleksandr Usyk in their unification bout on May 18.

Sanchez is currently No 2 in the WBC rankings with Kabayel two places behind him.

The Cuban holds a record of 24-0 with 17 of those victories coming by way of knockout.

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Cuban heavyweight Frank Sanchez could become the mandatory challenger for the WBC title

Both he and Kabayel pulled off stoppage wins on the Anthony Joshua vs Otto Wallin card in December to put themselves in this position.

‘For our part, we are 100 per cent trying to make the fight versus Kabayel,’ Sanchez’s co-manager Mike Borao told Sky Sports News.

‘Both fighters had fantastic performances in Saudi Arabia, so it’s a natural fight to make with the added bonus of the eliminator being called by the WBC.

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There will soon be a new contender in the mix for Tyson Fury’s heavyweight title

Tyson Fury reveals who he’d want to have his back in a street fight

‘I know PBC [Premier Boxing Champions] would stage the fight in the US, but wherever it ultimately lands, it will be a good one – this is likely the quickest route to a world title for both fighters.

‘Kabayel looked magnificent against Makhmudov, but Frank wants to be world champion, so he is willing to face a tough challenge in Kabayel.’

Victoria Beckham has marked Mother’s Day by sharing some beautiful family photos – and fans can’t believe how grown up Harper looks and how similar she is to her famous mum.

In one of three snaps posted to her Instagram grid, 49-year-old VB stands behind her husband David, 48, and their four kids Brooklyn, 25, Romeo, 21, Cruz, 19 and Harper, 12. It appears to be have taken at the family home, with Victoria standing on the staircase to give her a bit of height over the rest of the clan.

In the second photo, her kids sit on a sofa with four pillars of gold balloons hovering in the background. In the third photo, her sons grin as they sit on the sofa with their footballer dad. She captioned the post: “Happy UK Mother’s Day to all the mother figures out there!! I love you all so much xx @DavidBeckham @BrooklynPeltzBeckham @RomeoBeckham @CruzBeckham #HarperSeven x”

Victoria Beckham posted this photo of her four children and husband looking very smart ( 
Image:
victoriabeckham/instagram)

David, Victoria and Brooklyn at the GQ Men of the Year Awards 2019 ( 
Image:
PA Archive/PA Images)
Fans were quick to compliment the famous family, describing them as “beautiful” and “wholesome”. Many commented on how grown up Harper looks and the similarities between her and her multi-talented mum. “Wow! Harper is so grown up. Looking fab like her mum,” said one. “Like mother like daughter,” added another, while other comments included: “Harper is growing up so fast” and “Harper looks so much like you now!”

She also added some more photos of her lookalike children, her parents, her mother-in-law, and her sister to her Instagram stories. Next year might

Posh was recently taken aback when asked about the possibility of becoming a grandmother in a chat with Vogue. When asked if her eldest son Brooklyn was planning on starting a family with his wife Nicola Peltz, she was taken aback.

“What? Woah. Hang on! I don’t think it’s happening just yet, unless you guys know something that I don’t. It’s not happening just yet,” she said. However, a source later claimed that Victoria was putting on a “brave face” as she was shocked at the thought of being a grandmother at just 50. The source told OK! Magazine: “Victoria was so shocked when she was asked about becoming a grandmother. She’s made it clear she thinks she’s far too young to be one right now.

“She may no longer be a young Spice Girl dancing around the stage, but she’s also not at the age of being called a grandma just yet.” Brooklyn and Nicola, who got married in April 2022, have been open about wanting to start a family after tying the knot at a young age. Just four months after getting married, Brooklyn revealed that he was eager to have kids sooner rather than later.

“I would love to have a family soon, but whenever my wife is ready. I could have, like, 10 children,” Brooklyn shared. “My dad was young when he had me,” he mentioned. “I’ve always wanted to be a young dad. We would love to have a big family one day. We would love to have some of our own and we’d love to adopt. It’ll be so cool to have little Peltz-Beckhams running around.”

Credits: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire

After the first two races of the season, Alpine look like one of the worst teams on the grid. Having finished P6 in the championship last year, the French outfit has been off to a dismal start this season. Both their drivers qualified in the last row in Bahrain and could not score a points finish. Points once again eluded them in Jeddah as Pierre Gasly suffered a 1st lap DNF while Esteban Ocon finished P13. Taking note of the downfall, former F1 team principal Eddie Jordan believes they might not feature on the grid in 2025, as reported by Motorsport-Total.

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Ever since Renault (Alpine) re-joined the F1 grid, they have been plagued with setbacks. The Enstone-based outfit came to the sport with a five-year plan, but key departures continued to act as setbacks. Last year, ex-Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer had to make way for Bruno Famin. Per Jordan, the team let go of Szafnauer a bit too early.

“It’s absolutely embarrassing. At the moment, they are the team that is in the biggest crisis.”

Under Famin, problems continue to plague Alpine as their performances seem to dip with each passing race. Key personnel are taking note of the same and are walking away from the team. Recently, Matt Harman and Dirk de Beer have handed in their resignation, with there being rumors of more resignations to follow soon.

Hence, Jordan worries Alpine’s time in F1 might well be over. Despite investments from Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes, and co., RacingNews 365 reported that the team’s value was around $900 million in December 2023. The value was $500 million less than Forbes‘ estimated value of $1.4 billion in July of the same year.

Poor performances compelled Alpine to make structural changes

Following the poor outings in the opening two races of the season, Bruno Famin confessed to Racer.com about the need to make changes. A new structure came into being at Alpine, with three Technical Directors taking charge of three separate divisions. Famin believes the improvements they made in 2023 give him the confidence to be able to continue striving for success in 2024. With a fresh management structure, the belief of the team is that they will be able to make the organization “much more horizontal, much less vertical.”

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Through the new structure, Famin believes there will be short-term gains for his team. Hence, they can focus on short-term, as well as, long-term gains, instead of only focusing on the now. By the time the 2026 regulations kick in, Famin hopes to learn from the A524. These learnings will be critical for Alpine to ready themselves for 2026. Additionally, the A524 shall act as the base for Alpine to develop their 2026 car (A526). Hence, Famin is optimistic that his team will be able to survive the current dip.

JOHN FURY is still gunning for a shock showdown with boxing legend Mike Tyson.

That’s despite naming his son, WBC heavyweight champion Tyson, after the former ‘Baddest Man on the Planet’.

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John Fury is a massive fan of boxing legend Mike TysonCredit: TIKTOK@BOXINGNEWSPLUS

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John admired Tyson so much that he named his son, Tyson Fury, after the boxing greatCredit: SUNSPORT

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But the outspoken coach wants to share the ring with the former undisputed heavyweight champCredit: ALAMY
Former pro John held Iron Mike in the highest regard when the American was running roughshod through the division.

But he decided he wanted a crack at the Hall of Famer shortly after learning he’d be training former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou to knock out his.

He told SecondsOut: “Why wouldn’t I not speak to Mike Tyson?

“I love the guy, I named my son after him.

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“And if he wants to fight me on the undercard he can, no problem.

“I’m a fighting man. I’m old but I’m a fighting man.

“He’s a fighting man. He’s old. We’re two geriatrics.

“If he wants to fight me and I want to fight him, which I do, I’ve made it quite clear, we can do it.”

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How John Fury and Mike Tyson stack up against one anotherCredit: SUNSPORT
John is still hellbent on sharing the ring with the former undisputed heavyweight champion, so much so that SunSport thought it’d be right to break down an unlikely fight between the duo.

Age

Father Time is well and truly on the side of boxing icon Tyson in this showdown.

Iron Mike, who has seemingly poured cold water on talk of lacing up his gloves again, celebrated his 57th birthday in June.

The outspoken and seldom quiet John, meanwhile, turned 59 in May.

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John Fury is close to celebrating his sixtieth birthdayCredit: ALAMY

Physical

He may have more years on the clock than Tyson, but John boasts significant physical advantages over Kid Dynamite.

John stands at a solid 6’3, while Tyson – who knocked out many a taller opponent during his heyday – is a mere 5’10.

John also boasts a four-inch reach advantage, with his limbs extending 75 inches compared to Tyson’s 71 inches.

John’s current weight is unknown, although Tyson weighed in at 220.4lbs for his last foray into the ring.

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John Fury is a significantly bigger man than Mike TysonCredit: SPLASH

Records

The difference in experience between the pair is stark, to say the least.

John only had 13 professional bouts in his career, in which he claims he only made £4000 from.

Tyson, meanwhile, took to the ring a staggering 58 times as a professional, registering 44 brutal knockouts.

Iron Mike is the fresher of the two when it comes to recent ring experience having fought fellow great Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition in November 2020.

John, meanwhile, hasn’t set foot in the ring since being knocked out by Steve Garber all the way back in 1995.

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Mike Tyson’s record shouldn’t even be mentioned in the same breath as John Fury’s

CONOR McGREGOR had an awkward encounter with Manny Pacquiao after they posed for an incredible star-studded photo ahead of Tyson Fury’s clash with Francis Ngannou.

The UFC and boxing legends stood next to the likes of Mike Tyson, Naseem Hamed, Sugar Ray Leonard, Lennoz Lewis, Amir Khan, Ricky Hatton and Roberto Duran.

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Manny Pacquiao and Conor McGregor were paired next to Mike TysonCredit: @thenotoriousmma

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The star-studded pic included Hatton, Tyson, Naseem Hamed, Sugar Ray Leonard, Lennox Lewis and Roberto DuranCredit: @thenotoriousmma
McGregor captioned the post: “Legends unite! What a vision! Bravo The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and His Excellency.”

The Irishman has travelled over to Riyadh to watch heavyweight boxing champ Fury face ex-UFC star Ngannou.

It comes six years after McGregor lost to Floyd Mayweather in the first crossover clash of the modern era.

McGregor was linked with another boxing bout against Pacquiao until talks broke down.

PacMan was later sued by Paradigm Management – who represent McGregor – following a breach in their contract.

The eight-division title holder was hit with an $8m (£6.6m) bill which McGregor brazenly claimed he was owed personally.

But in a voice note later deleted, McGregor said: “Where’s my $8 million from that court case, Manny Pacquiao?

“You owe me $8 million, Manny… Are you stupid, Manny?

“I’ll kick you in the head, in the neck, the inside leg, and take you off your feet and drag you by your ankle across the stage.”

Hitting back, Pacquiao told MMA Junkie: “Oh, he’s not active anymore.”

The Filipino icon retired in 2021 following defeat to Yordenis Ugas but he has teased a comeback while recently entering talks with former Brit world champ Khan.

Meanwhile, McGregor is preparing to return next year having been sidelined since July 2021 when he broke his leg.

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Tyson with McGregor in Saudi Arabia

MIKE TYSON admitted he told Francis Ngannou to attempt the audacious ‘Superman’ punch during his boxing bout with Tyson Fury.

The two fighters went head-to-head in a huge Saudi Arabia showdown on Saturday.

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Francis Ngannou attempted a ‘Superman’ punch on Tyson FuryCredit: X

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Mike Tyson told the MMA legend to try the punchCredit: Getty

Fury, 35, controversially won by split decision despite being dropped by MMA legend Ngannou, 37, in the third round.

Ngannou matched the heavyweight world champion for 10 rounds and even had enough gas left in the tank to attempt an ambitious move with just 30 seconds left on the clock.

In the final round, the Cameroonian came forward and jabbed with his left hand before jumping and trying to land a right jab on Fury’s head.

The move – widely described in MMA as a ‘Superman’ punch – left fans stunned, with one person tweeting: “This was incredible. Ngannou is box office!”

Ngannou’s trainer, former heavyweight champion Tyson, was being filmed when the MMA icon attempted the punch.

He then said: “Superman punch! I told him to use it.”

Ngannou was a huge underdog going into the fight, but many fans believe he should have won given his outstanding performance.

One judge ruled 95-94 in his favour, but the other two scored 95-94 and 96-93 respectively in favour of Fury.

The stats from the fight show Fury landed more punches overall and in the majority of the rounds
Despite the controversial nature of his defeat, Ngannou did not bemoan the result.

He said: “We can run it back again and I’m sure I’m gonna get better.

“This was my first boxing match, [it was] a great experience.

“I’m not giving any excuses, I know I came up short. But I’m gonna go back and work harder.

“And with a little bit more experience and a little more feeling for the game and come back even stronger.”

MIKE TYSON could have to pay out £350,000 to a man he is alleged to have assaulted on a plane last year.

The former heavyweight champion admitted he was in the wrong after reportedly punching the victim after he annoyed him on a flight departing from San Francisco, USA.

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Mike Tyson admitted he was in the wrong over the alleged assaultCredit: Getty
Melvin Townsend is demanding £350,000 in damages after incurring hefty medical costs after being attacked by Tyson after asking the former boxer for a photo.

A letter from Townsend’s legal representatives claims their client experienced pain in his head and neck as well as a loss of consciousness, concussion, and contusion on the head.

He also allegedly suffered nausea, headaches, depression, memory issues, sleep issues, mood disturbances, vertigo, and compromised vision in the wake of the violent incident.

Townsend was without medical insurance at the time of the incident so he claims he has had to pay out significant costs – he is still receiving treatment on his stomach and is visiting neurologist, a psychologist and a back pain specialist.

His lawyer Jake Jondle has now written a letter to Tyson’s representatives outlining their demands, and threatened a lawsuit if an agreement cannot be reached.

The letter reads: “If we are unable to reach an agreement, we will continue to prepare Mr. Townsend’s case for the filing of a lawsuit.”

It continues: “There is no need for a lengthy summary of the events at issue – video of Mr. Tyson repeatedly punching Mr. Townsend is widely available on the Internet. In short, it is our position that Mr. Townsend was excited to see your client on the flight, began discussing the marijuana industry and psychedelic mushrooms with him, and Mr. Tyson became annoyed.

“Mr. Tyson then reached over the seat, grabbed Mr. Townsend by the shirt collar, and proceeded to repeatedly punch him in the head.”

Tyson’s lawyer Alex Spiro rejected the call for a settlement, stating: “I have received a shakedown letter related to some instigator’s harassment of Mike a year ago and the aftermath.

“There will be no shakedown payment.”

Townsend suffered cuts to his forehead with Tyson alleging a bottle was thrown at him.

But the 57-year-old showed remorse when discussing the incident, saying: “Hey listen, I’m usually good at these things. I was wrong, that should’ve never happened.

“That’s me back in my primitive child stages, I shouldn’t of done that, but I was just irritated, tired, high, and pissed off. S*** happens.”

MIKE TYSON has been spotted enjoying some sunshine during a festive trip to St Barts.

The boxing legend soaked in the glorious weather as he holidayed in the Caribbean for Christmas.

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Mike Tyson enjoyed some festive sunshineCredit: The Mega Agency

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The 57-year-old headed to St Barts in the CaribbeanCredit: The Mega Agency

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He enjoyed some down time at the luxurious Nikki Beach resortCredit: The Mega Agency

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Tyson stopped for a snap with a fanCredit: The Mega Agency

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He wore a white Givenchy T-shirt and black shortsCredit: The Mega Agency
Tyson, 57, had been rumuored to be going to Saturday night’s Day of Reckoning event in Saudi Arabia, where Anthony Joshua destroyed Otto Wallin.

He wasn’t spotted in attendance alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Conor McGregor, however.

But he has since surfaced at the Nikki Beach resort in St Barts.

The luxurious spot is a celebrity favourite, with the likes of Jay-Z, Beyonce, Mariah Carey and Bono having stayed there in the past.

Iron Mike cut a relaxed figure as he strolled along the sandy beach.

The former heavyweight champion wore a white Givenchy T-shirt and black shorts as he enjoyed the warm weather.

He completed his look with white socks and seemingly box-fresh white trainers.

While he didn’t appear to attend Saturday’s Day of Reckoning in Riyadh, Tyson has offered his opinion on the upcoming Saudi bout between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury.

The heavyweight duo are set to meet in a historic unification clash on February 17.

Ahead of the much-anticipated fight, Tyson told Fight Hub TV: “I look forward to Fury vs Usyk. That is going to be an interesting fight.

“I’m going towards Fury because I think he’s just going to overpower him. He’s going to catch up with him and overpower him.

“I got to go with Fury. I think he’s the best fighter in the world, especially in the heavyweight division.

“Great fighters lose, great fighters look bad, that doesn’t stop them from being great fighters.”

TO PUT into context what incredible Luke Littler is achieving at Ally Pally, let’s compare his teenage tricks to other sporting greats.

Brazilian legend Pele, for example, scored dazzling goals as he won his first of three World Cups aged 17 in 1958.

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Darts sensation Luke Littler has captured fans’ imaginationCredit: Rex

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Pele is a three-time World Cup winnerCredit: AFP

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Mike Tyson is heavyweight boxing’s youngest ever championCredit: Getty
Boris Becker stunned the world of tennis in 1985 when he lifted the Wimbledon singles title for the first time aged 17.

Boxer Mike Tyson emerged from the mean streets of Brooklyn to claim the world heavyweight title for the first time after his 20th birthday.

Yet Littler, aged only 16 years old, is remarkably THREE wins away from reaching the pinnacle of his sport.

What started out as a notable underdog story is really gaining momentum and nobody left in the PDC World Darts Championship will take Littler – six months after he finished school – for granted.

The Warrington teen said: “It’s unbelievable, the names you have just said there.

“I know Mike Tyson. Pele, I know off playing Fifa on my computer, but I don’t know the other one.

“I have certainly broken the rules and records already but I know if my game is there I can break even more records.”

Littler – who faces 50-year-old Brendan Dolan from Northern Ireland this afternoon in the quarter-finals – has far exceeded his pre-tournament ambitions but his story is not over yet.

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At present, he has banked £50,000 for knocking out Christian Kist, Andrew Gilding, Matt Campbell and his hero Raymond van Barneveld, dropping only three out of 17 sets.

Should he prevail over the best of nine sets, he will secure a £100,000 payday for making the last four.

Only six years ago, he was dreaming of a being a Premier League footballer until he was forced to make a choice.

Littler said: “It was my dad who told me to stop playing football, arguing that my darts were more important.

“I just looked at him and said: ‘I love football.’ That’s every kid’s dream.

“But I also had darts on the side of it. I was missing football matches to play darts and luckily it has all paid off.

“I found myself a good management and good sponsors before lockdown. That has been massive.

“I was a centre-back. No-one was getting past me!”

I have certainly broken the rules and records already but I know if my game is there I can break even more records.

Luke Littler
Littler – a mad keen Manchester United fan – has had goodwill messages from the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Gary Neville and Jonny Evans.

His dream would be for David Beckham, the former Man Utd and England icon, to follow him on social media.

Premier League footballers are falling over themselves to meet Littler and grab a photo.

Only last week, he was approached for a picture by Arsenal duo Declan Rice and Aaron Ramsdale before he headed off to the Emirates to watch the tie with West Ham from the corporate boxes.

The qualifier said: “It was unbelievable.

“I was walking to my hotel room and one of the security guards from Arsenal said to me, Declan and Aaron want a picture with you.

“I just went: ‘A picture with me?’ They said they have a dartboard up in the Arsenal changing room. They’re always on it.

“It’s crazy for them to want a picture with me. It should be the other way around.

‘My life has changed’

“My life has already changed. At the Arsenal game the other day people were getting photos with me and that was even when I was putting my hood up.

“People were walking around in front of me asking for a picture. I was like: ‘What? I’ve got my hood up, I’m trying to hide.’

“But it’s all good that people want pictures, I’m glad.

“My friends cannot believe what is happening. It’s like all sports, football, tennis and darts, you’ve got youngsters coming through at 16, 17 years old.

“There are young players playing for Barcelona, and in the Premier League squads. Darts with me in it, hopefully it’ll get bigger and bigger.”

Littler – who says he hit a nine-darter in the practice room before beating Barney – spent New Year’s Eve watching the fireworks with his family.

Ask him to remember the last time he lost a single match and he cannot remember.

For the record, it was against Andy Boulton back in October in the Modus Super Series.

Whatever happens over the next three days, the reigning world youth champion, who is fuelled off-stage by J2Os drinks, is loving life in the fast lane.

 

He said: “Usually I’m up in the mornings watching Sky Sports News. Now I’m on their news channel! It’s all incredible. I’m taking it all in my stride.

“The game can only get bigger. The likes of me at 16 coming through and already beating people who’ve been on tour for 10-plus years, hopefully they’ll look at me and think they can do what I can do.”

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Littler celebrates his stunning run

ANTHONY JOSHUA’s long-awaited showdown with Tyson Fury could finally come to fruition this year.

AJ is back in world title contention following consecutive wins over Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius and Otto Wallin last year.

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Anthony Joshua is back in world title contention following three wins on the bounceCredit: MATCHROOM BOXING

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A Battle of Britain with Tyson Fury could come to fruition at the end of the year for AJCredit: GETTY

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Boxing legend Mike Tyson reckons Fury will do a number on AJCredit: GETTY
His trio of wins have put him on the cusp of potentially fighting for the IBF heavyweight title, which is expected to become vacant after Fury’s undisputed title fight with Oleksandr Usyk next month.

Reclaiming the IBF crown for the second time could pave the way for a historic domestic dust-up with Fury, provided his fellow Brit gets through Usyk.

The boxing world is currently divided over who will win the showdown following AJ’s resurgence and Fury’s embarrassing display against debutant Francis Ngannou last October.

But boxing icon Tyson has already made a definitive prediction for the Battle of Britain, telling Haute Living: “I love Joshua, but I think Tyson’s too elusive he’s not going to hit him.

“We’re keeping it honest right?

“I like Joshua a lot and Joshua maybe punches harder than [Deontay] Wilder, but he doesn’t punch faster than Wilder.

“If he doesn’t punch faster than Wilder, he’s not going to f**king touch this guy.

“That’s just what I see. He punches hard, but he doesn’t punch fast.

ANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUT

“If Tyson Fury can get away from Wilder’s fast punches, then Joshua might be in trouble.”

Joshua’s road to a potential Fury fight goes through former UFC heavyweight king Ngannou, who he faces in Saudi Arabia on March 8.

And the Watford warrior is refusing to underestimate The Predator after watching him shock the world and put Fury on his backside in their controversial crossover clash.

He said: “If Tyson underestimated Ngannou, I sure won’t. Francis has lost the element of surprise with me.

“We knew Francis had a reputation as the biggest puncher in the world but the surprise was how well he boxed.

“He was exceptional on the inside and made life very complicated for Tyson.

“So much so that I do belong to the opinion that he beat Fury.”