Author: quyen1

A note to Fight Freaks Unite readers: I created Fight Freaks Unite in January 2021 and eight months later it also became available for paid subscriptions for additional content — and as a way to help keep this newsletter going and for readers to support independent journalism. If you haven’t upgraded to a paid subscription please consider it. If you have already, I truly appreciate it! Also, consider a gift subscription for the Fight Freak in your life.

When the boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul was announced in early March it had not yet been determined whether the bout would be an officially sanctioned fight or an exhibition nor was it clear how many rounds it would be scheduled for — or if there were any caveats.

Now, those answers are known.

Tyson, the Hall of Fame former undisputed heavyweight champion and global icon, and Paul, the YouTube and social media personality turned cruiserweight boxer, will meet in an official fight that will go on their records when they square off on July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in a bout that shapes up as one of biggest spectacles in combat sports of the 21st century. Netflix, in its first foray into boxing, will stream the event worldwide.

Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions and Holden Promotions announced on Monday that the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has agreed to sanction the bout as a full-fledged contest, although with a couple of notable exceptions.

The eight-round heavyweight fight will be contested with two-minute rounds rather than the male standard three-minute rounds. Also, Tyson and Paul will wear 14-ounce gloves instead of the standard 10-ounce gloves for heavyweight fights.

There is sure to be some controversy surrounding the decision given that the long-retired Tyson is 57 and has not had an official bout since being knocked out by journeyman Kevin McBride in the sixth round in June 2005, and Paul is 27 and in his physical prime.

“Mike Tyson and Jake Paul signed on to fight each other with the desire to do so in a sanctioned professional fight that would have a definitive outcome,” MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian said in a statement. “Over the past six weeks MVP has worked with its partners to satisfy the requirements of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to sanction Paul vs. Tyson and we are grateful that we have gotten to this point.”

Tyson, who has boxed in two exhibitions since his retirement, headlined a pay-per-view card in November 2020 against legend Roy Jones Jr. in an eight-round exhibition. On the undercard that night at then-Staples Center in Los Angeles was Paul, who was in his second professional fight and scored a blistering second-round knockout of former NBA player Nate Robinson that went viral.

Now, Paul (9-1, 6 KOs) and Tyson (50-6, 44 KOs) will face each other in an official bout at the 80,000-seat home of the Dallas Cowboys.

“What yall going to say now,” Paul posted on social media. “Mike Tyson wanted it to be a pro fight. Netflix wanted it to be a pro fight. So I agreed to make it a pro fight. Winner takes all.”

Tyson also chimed in on his social media: “Yes it’s a real sanctioned fight with Jake Paul.”

Tyson was 20 when he became the youngest heavyweight champion in history in 1986 and has fought in some of the biggest fights of all time. After losing three of four fights by knockout, he retired after the McBride fight in 2005.

As previously announced, the card will also feature the much-anticipated rematch between undisputed women’s junior welterweight champion Katie Taylor and unified featherweight champion Amanda Serrano, who waged an unforgettable fight in the highest-profile women’s boxing match in history in April 2022.

Taylor (23-1, 6 KOs), 37, of Ireland, the undisputed lightweight champion at the time, won a disputed split decision over Serrano (46-2-1, 30 KOs), 35, a Puerto Rican southpaw and winner of titles in a women’s record seven divisions, in the instant classic battle. It was not only the first female fight to headline at New York’s Madison Square Garden but they sold out the famed arena.

“MVP has championed fighter choice since its inception, including advocating for women’s boxing to be contested with two- or three- minute rounds based on the particular fight matchup,” Bidarian said. “Paul vs. Tyson and Taylor vs. Serrano 2 will both be contested with two-minute rounds and each mega-fight will have its winner. Thank you to the TDLR and Holden Boxing for their efforts throughout this process to date and we look forward to working closely with them as we approach fight night.”

A note to subscribers

I sincerely appreciate your readership. If you’re reading, it means you love boxing just like I do. If you’ve been reading you also know the quality and quantity of what I produce. It’s one-stop shopping. Read the newsletters and there is no need to search multiple websites or click a multitude of links to get the latest news, opinion and detailed fight schedule. Everything you need is in one spot and delivered directly to your inbox (or via phone alert if you download for free the superb Substack app). You don’t have to hunt for the news; it comes to you.

I believe that is worth something, so while I will continue providing stories, notes and the schedule for free, I encourage you to upgrade to a paid subscription for the most content. A paid subscription is your way of keeping this reader-supported newsletter going and supporting independent journalism. I am beholden to no network, promoter, manager, sanctioning body or fighter. If you have read my work at all during the past 24 years I’ve covered professional boxing you know that I keep it real and that will not change.

Boxing has witnessed legends such as Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. captivating audiences with their impressive performances in the ring. Recently, there has been a lot of talk about a comparison between ‘Iron’ Mike and ‘Money’ Mayweather in their primes. However, this comparison has not been received well by the boxing community.

A boxing page named Pulse Sports Nigeria shared a post comparing Tyson and Mayweather, and it has gone viral online. Moreover, the comparison between Tyson and Mayweather has provoked a strong reaction from the boxing world, with many expressing their anger and frustration on social media.

While both boxers are undeniably talented, they are very different fighters with different styles and approaches. Tyson was known for his raw power and aggression, while Mayweather is considered one of the greatest defensive boxers of all time. It is worth mentioning that when asked who his top five all-time greats in boxing were, ‘Money’ Mayweather did not include Tyson in his list. Similarly, Tyson has also not shied to take shots at Mayweather. Meanwhile, many felt that this comparison was undue as they reacted to the post.

Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather being compared draws wild reactions

A user named Wale Oyawale claimed it was insulting to compare Tyson to Mayweather. According to him, the former heavyweight champion was a far superior boxer until his career declined after 1990. “This is an insult. Iron mike was in his own world, I don’t care what happened to him from 1990 till his career faded off,” he wrote.

Another user named Ichie Arinze Clement thought that it was “stupid” comparing the two legends. “Very stupid questions from jobless journalist.” they wrote. Moreover, a user named Jerry Usuk also thought it was not appropriate to compare a heavyweight boxer with a lightweight. ” heavyweight division boxer vs a lightweight boxer? Jokes on ya’ll,” he wrote.

Mike Tyson Reveals Why He Didn’t Respect His Trainers

However, a user named Joseph Jnr Terkaa went with Mayweather citing his defensive prowess over Tyson’s aggression. “Mayweather more technical and all Tyson power, I have to go with Mayweather his defense is topnotch,” he wrote. Lastly, a user named Hagin Edwin claimed that both fighters were elite talents during their primes and could not choose. “Both were the best !” they wrote.

via Getty

The comparison between Tyson and Mayweather is not a meaningful one. Both have achieved incredible success in the sport of boxing, and both have left their mark on the history of the sport in different ways. Moreover, while there is nothing wrong with discussing the legacies of these two great boxers, it is important to do so in a way that respects their individual accomplishments and strengths.

What did you think about prime Floyd Mayweather and Mike Tyson being pitted against each other? Let us know in the comments below.

JOE ROGAN reckons Jake Paul will be “s***ting his pants” after what Mike Tyson said before their fight.

The heavyweight icon and the YouTuber-turned-boxer are to collide in a controversial clash on July 20 in Texas.

Mike Tyson returns to fight Jake PaulCredit: Getty

Jake Paul puts his record on the line against TysonTyson said he was eating RAW MEAT in training for his first professional fight in over 20 YEARS.

And UFC commentator Rogan believes the disgusting claim will strike fear into Paul without a punch even being thrown.

Rogan said on his podcast: “He goes, ‘I just eat raw meat. I’m eating raw meat’.

“He goes, ‘You’re eating raw meat?’ He goes, ‘Yeah, I’m eating raw meat’.

“He goes, ‘Because that’s what I’m going to eat when I fight. I’m going to eat him, just raw meat’.

“Jesus Christ, he’s in this f***ing mode. He’s in that God of war mode.

“Bro, he’s in savage mode. If I was Jake Paul right now, I would be s****ing my pants.”

Tyson revealed he has banned himself from 𝑠e𝑥 and smoking weed in training to help instal discipline.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS

But that is not the only eyebrow-raising reveal Iron Mike has made ahead of his boxing comeback.

Interviewer Damon Elliott said: “You look like 20-years-old. What the hell. What are you eating?”

Jake Paul reveals awkward reason why he can’t copy Mike Tyson’s 𝑠e𝑥 ban before fighting boxing legend

A topless Tyson, 57, responded: “Raw meat.”

Elliott replied: “Seriously, Mike? You’re eating raw meat?”

Tyson chillingly warned: “I’m going to have to eat it now because my opponent’s going to be raw meat.”

Red meats like beef and some fish can be eaten raw but it is not recommended as it harbours illness-causing bacteria.

During Tyson’s prolific heyday, he ate up to 4,000 calories a day, enjoying steak, pasta, chicken, rice and fruits.

The boxing legend used to fight at 220lb (15st 7lb) during his reign of terror at heavyweight.

Paul has weighed as light as 183.6lb (13st 1lb) but his last two bouts have been at the 200lb cruiserweight limit of 14st 4lb.

Although he revealed astonishing plans to hit 240lb (17st 1lb) in training before cutting down two stone to 220lb.

He said on podcast: “I’m just getting to eat as much as possible and it turns out my body carries this weigh super well.

“And I’m only growing. I think I’ll get up to 240 and probably cut down so I’m like way faster.

“But if I’m training for this camp – and camp hasn’t started – but if I’m training in this camp at 240 and then I cut down to 220 it’s basically like I had a 20lb weight vest on for the whole entire camp.

“So my muscles are going to be so much stronger and that speed will come through.”

An image of Jake Paul’s physique has got fans online talking.

A picture of Jake Paul’s physique ahead of his pro bout against Mike Tyson has emerged online and fans think the fight is already done.

The eagerly-awaited showdown between Paul and Tyson is set for July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Both fighters took part in a press conference to kick-off the promotion for their blockbuster clash as they were involved in a telling face-off.

Tyson, who’s making his first ring appearance since his exhibition bout against fellow boxing great Roy Jones Jr in November 2020, has documented his training on social media, showing off his legendary power and hand speed.

And, for the first time, Paul has shown off his heavyweight frame, having campaigned in the cruiserweight division.

He claimed he’d enter the bout around 240lbs and judging by a topless picture of the 27-year-old, he could very well hit that mark come fight night.

Most Valuable Promotions shared a clip of ‘The Problem Child’ on social media and fans online are convinced he’ll be victorious when he meets the boxing icon.

One X user wrote: “I think the 2 minute rounds are for Jake after seeing this.”

A second tweeted: “Jake Paul is looking gigantic.”

A third added: “Mike Tyson is finished.”

A fourth said: “Someone pray for Mike Tyson.”

Another argued: “He’s not a natural heavyweight, whatever weight he fought at last is where he’ll do best. Still think he’ll beat Tyson.”

Paul, who beat Ryan Bourland in his last outing, plans to bulk up to 240lbs before cutting down.

“And I’m only growing. I think I’ll get up to 240 and probably cut down so I’m like way faster,” he revealed.

“But if I’m training for this camp – and camp hasn’t started – but if I’m training in this camp at 240 and then I cut down to 220 it’s basically like I had a 20lbs weight vest on for the whole entire camp.

“So, my muscles are going to be so much stronger, and that speed will come through.”

Featured Image Credit: Most Valuable Promotions/Getty

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He’s a combat sport aficionado and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato.

Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Darren Till. He’s also an avid Bristol City fan.

Tyson Fury‘s trainer has revealed that ‘adjustments’ will be made for his clash with Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia.

Fury and Usyk will finally meet in the ring, on May 18th, as part of Riyadh Season to crown the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era.

There had previously been claims that Fury will struggle to deal with the Ukrainian’s southpaw stance however his, trainer SugarHill Steward, that won’t be the case.

According to ProBox TV, he said: ‘I haven’t changed anything in that respect. I wasn’t in his corner for the [Otto] Wallin fight, and we’ve not faced a southpaw since, so there wasn’t anything to change.

‘It’s about adding something extra to what he already has. Tyson has a great mind and he’s very intelligent, he is one of the best.

Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will face off for the undisputed heavyweight title on May 18th

Ahead of the bout, Fury’s trainer has admitted the British star will make some ‘adjustments’

‘The Wallin fight he won anyway, the problems he had were from the cut he had on the night.

‘I’m not going to tell you what I’m going to change, obviously. I can’t be giving away our game plan for the Usyk fight. [But] I will be making some adjustments.’

When Fury fought Wallin back in September 2019, the British heavyweight was forced to overcome adversity in order to claim victory on the night.

Fury sustained a nasty cut during the bout and was at times it seemed as though his Swedish counter-part was getting the better of him.

Furthermore, in his previous outing in the ring, Fury suffered a shock knockdown to boxing debutant and former UFC champion Francis Ngannou – before going on to win the fight.

Recently, during a press conference for the event, Fury outlined his intentions for his bouts following the undisputed title fight.

Fury said: ‘Usyk twice this year. Joshua twice next year. ‘Then quicker fights against Daniel Dubois, Joe Joyce, a fourth fight with Deontay Wilder maybe in the US.

SugarHill Steward (R) played down claims that Fury will struggle to deal with a southpaw

Fury suffered a nasty cut during his fight with southpaw boxer Otto Wallin back in 2019

‘Then Joseph Parker perhaps followed by European champion Agit Kabayal. Then a trilogy fight with Usyk.’

On the timing he said: ‘ I could fight until I’m 40 and I’m happiest when I’m boxing. But I’d like to knock that lot off in three of four fights a year. Then see what’s next. ‘

Fury is anything but deflated by his recent struggle to get up from a knock down to marginally defeat UFC legend Ngannou.

Last year, Tyson Fury was prepared to call it quits on boxing forever; but, he now wants to compete ten more times.

On May 18, Fury, 35, will fight Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia in an attempt to become the first heavyweight world champion to go undefeated since Lennox Lewis. After promising Anthony Joshua a domestic doubleheader, first in the Middle East and later at Wembley Stadium, he will now focus on his fierce adversary.

Fury has repeatedly “retired” from the ring, but he maintains that he was prepared to do so prior to the unexpected infusion of cash from Saudi Arabian oil. He now aspires to box into his 40s, emulating heavyweight greats Evander Holyfield and George Foreman. “If Saudi didn’t come into boxing and put my last fight on, I wouldn’t be boxing now,” Fury stated.

“We’ve talked about 10 more fights and that’s the aim. I’m not even 36 yet so I’ll go to 40, all these fighters go to 40. If they can line them up quickly I’ll do them. I can get the best out of me when I have two, three, four fights on the spin. If they can do it, fantastic. I’ll do Usyk, Usyk, AJ, AJ – if he doesn’t get beat in the meantime – so that’s four. Then I’ll do Daniel Dubois and Joe Joyce, then Joseph Parker, that’s seven.

“Then I’ll go to America and chuck in an American, maybe Deontay Wilder for a fourth time. Maybe a European, an Agit Kabayel. Then for the 10th I’ll probably do a trilogy with Usyk.” Fury and Joshua agreed a deal to fight in 2021 before Fury was instead forced to take on Wilder in their trilogy bout when the American took him to court.

Joshua went on to lose his world titles to Usyk but four successive wins since their rematch have propelled him back into world title contention. He is expected to challenge for the IBF world title in September against either Daniel Dubois or Filip Hrgovic who are due to collide this summer.

Fury expects to take on Usyk for a second time in October, potentially setting him up for a meeting with Joshua early next year. But the champion is in no mood to rush into a fight with his fellow countryman. “The rematch was always very important to the little Usyk fella, he was crying like a little b**** about it,” he added. “I never wanted rematches after that Wilder stuff, I wanted one fight, but now I see it’s good because if I was chinned in a round I would get the chance to avenge it and get paid double. So I take my bald head off to Usyk, he gets a second chance and paid twice.”

Whether it was a plea for due recognition or a powerful tool of self-motivation, Anthony Joshua was speaking from the heart as his world heavyweight championship rematch with Oleksandr Usyk looms ever nearer.

‘When Usyk beat me he became a pound-for-pound great,’ he said. ‘So what happens if I win here on Saturday night? Do I become a pound-for-pound great?’

A good question. One for which promoter Eddie Hearn had this answer: ‘Of course he does. Oleksandr shot to the top of those rankings the night he took AJ’s world titles. So if AJ wins them back here the same should happen for him.’

Anthony Joshua wants to be recognised as a pound-for-pound great if he beats Oleksandr Usyk

The Englishman will become a three-time heavyweight world champion if he is victorious

A complex argument. Usyk is actually rated pound-for-pound No 2 by Ring Magazine, the Bible of boxing. But his legacy case is underpinned by him becoming the first undisputed cruiserweight champion of the four-belt era — in that hugely competitive division — before moving up to heavyweight and lifting those WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO belts.

After so doing with a dazzling performance against Joshua, the Ukrainian war hero remains undefeated.

Britain’s golden Olympian — having been knocked out by roly-poly Mexican Andy Ruiz Jnr and then comprehensively out-pointed by Usyk — hopes to stake his claim by joining the elite band of three-time world heavyweight champions.

Joshua became a two-time world champion after he won his rematch with Andy Ruiz

Namely Muhammad Ali, Lennox Lewis, Vitali Klitschko and Evander Holyfield, the last of whom went on to become the only four-time champion.

It will be a major achievement if Joshua can join them on that page of the history books by fighting his way to redemption against Usyk. But a place in the pantheon of all-time ring greats demands more, even, than being a triple crown winner.

Lennox Lewis (white shorts) beat Hasim Rahman to claim a third world championship title

Vitali Klitschko (left) beat Nigeria’s Samuel Peter to enter boxing’s heavyweight record books

Muhammad Ali (white shorts) beat Leon Spinks to become a three-time heavyweight champ

Evander Holyfield (left) is the only four time heavyweight world champion by beating John Ruiz

It also demands close scrutiny of how that was achieved. Klitschko’s record — even though he was more dynamic and dangerous than his younger brother Wladimir in the ring and has carried his conspicuous bravery into their front-line defiance of the Russian invasion — does not put him the top 10 heavyweights ever.

Nor does the technicality of winning his first title by knocking out Herbie Hide before the WBO title became fully recognised.

Usyk will attempt to hold onto his world heavyweight belts when the pair meet on Saturday

Usyk comfortably beat Joshua when the heavyweight duo fought in London last year

Lewis — even though the first of his three titles was conferred upon him outside the ring after Riddick Bowe threw the WBC belt into a London dustbin rather than fight him — began qualifying for greatness by the quality of most of his subsequent performances as Britain’s first world heavyweight champion for 100 years.

Victory for Joshua could set up a unification fight with fellow Brit Tyson Fury

He also included Holyfield among his victims and finished it all off by stopping the elder Klitschko in a bloodbath of a last fight.

Holyfield really is the Real Deal, as the only undisputed world champion at cruiserweight and heavyweight during the three-belt era.

It was not his fault that James Buster Douglas had gone to fat in the months after his upset of Mike Tyson, so chose to lay down under the Las Vegas sun. It would be hard to begrudge him nabbing his fourth title during a monotonous trilogy against ponderous John Ruiz.

He endorsed his credentials by winning the second fight of his epic trilogy with Bowe, on the night the so-called Fan Man parachuted into the outdoor ring on the Vegas Strip. And with his 11th-round stoppage of Iron Mike by way of a stunning prelude to Tyson biting off his ear in their second encounter.

Ali, of course, is the Greatest. The unbelievable slaying of Sonny Liston when only 22. The astounding rope-a-dope KO of the mighty George Foreman in the Rumble in the Jungle a full decade later.

Following that, another four years on, revenge over Neon Leon Spinks was but a historic post-script.

Victory over Usyk will place Joshua in the company of greats such as Muhammad Ali

Now Joshua goes for the magic hat-trick. Driven by the realisation that overcoming the formidable Usyk would raise his stock far higher than beating the hapless Charles Martin in his first world championship fight, then winning his rematch with Ruiz on another night in Saudi Arabia for which the Mexican had trained on tacos and tequila.

Pound-for-pound greatness might require going on to meet and beat Tyson Fury.

But if he emerges victorious from the Rage on the Red Sea, AJ should earn the unmitigated respect for which he yearns

Tyson Fury has hinted that his wife Paris is pregnant with their eighth child on Instagram on Sunday.

The boxer, 35, teased the news on social media as Paris looked stunning while posing in a ruched satin dress at a glamorous family party to celebrate her niece’s sweet 16th birthday.

Taking to the comments of the Loose Women stars post, Tyson wrote: ‘Looking a bit pregnant here’.

The heavy weight champion also reshared the snap of Paris to his Story and penned: ‘Mother of seven kids and still beautiful. Still strong and still my rock #eightincoming.’

Tyson and Paris, who have been married for 15 years, are parents to large brood and welcomed their seventh child, a son Prince Rico in September. 

Tyson Fury has hinted that his wife Paris is pregnant with their eighth child on Instagram on Sunday

The boxer, 35, teased the news on social media as Paris looked stunning while posing in a satin dress at a glamorous family party to celebrate her niece’s sweet 16th birthday

Taking to the comments of the Loose Women stars post, Tyson wrote: ‘Looking a bit pregnant here’

They also share Venezuela, 13, Prince John James, 11, Prince Tyson II, seven, Valencia, five, Prince Adonis Amaziah, five, and Athena, two.

The news comes days after Tyson filmed scenes for the second series of his Netflix show At Home With The Furys in his hometown of Morecambe.

It seems the boxer has changed his mind about the Netflix series after he previously turned down an offer to film more seasons of the reality show.

Tyson had shut down their proposals because he doesn’t want to be labelled a ‘reality star.’

A TV insider told MailOnline the intrusive nature of the show and the fact that cameras followed him, his wife Paris and their children 24/7 took its toll on the sportsman who admitted he wanted to stop filming the debut Netflix series on several occasions.

Despite Tyson’s stance Netflix are still keen to work with the family namely his wife Paris who is a natural on camera and has been praised by viewers for supporting Tyson, who suffers from various mental health disorders including bipolar and ADHD but could face competition from other TV networks.

At Home with the Furys, which also features Tyson’s brother Tommy and his fiancée Molly-Mae Hague, was originally due to feature 10 episodes but was cut short to nine.

While filming, Tyson showed off his body transformation ahead of his undisputed fight with Oleksandr Usyk leaving fans in disbelief.

The heavy weight champion also reshared the snap of Paris to his Story and penned: ‘Mother of seven kids and still beautiful. Still strong and still my rock #eightincoming’

Tyson and Paris, who have been married for 15 years, are parents to large brood and welcomed their seventh child, a son Prince Rico in September

They also share Venezuela, 13, Prince John James, 11, Prince Tyson II, seven, Valencia, five, Prince Adonis Amaziah, five, and Athena, two

The Gypsy King looked as ripped as ever with just under two months until his bout with the Ukrainian.

The heavyweight world will seek to elect a unified champion for the first time in 24 years on May 18, with a reported £100million purse up for grabs.

Boxing followers believe Fury is taking his fight with Usyk much more seriously after he scraped through his fight with Francis Ngannou, winning via split decision after being knocked down.

Eddie Hearne has revealed that he expects Anthony Joshua will fight Tyson Fury later this year, but warned the Gypsy King must beat Oleksandr Usyk first.

A Battle of Britain matchup between the two heavyweight superstars has been talked about for almost the entirety of their respective careers and finally looks to be one step closer to happening.

Joshua appears to be prime contender to fight the winner of Fury’s upcoming clash against Usyk where the heavyweight division looks set to be unified – but must first overcome clashes against Dillion Whyte and Deontay Wilder as Hearn confirmed the 34-year-old’s next immediate opponents.

Represented by Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, Joshua is waiting to announce his next opponent after knocking out former UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou.

Hearn was answering a question about darts prodigy Luke Littler during a recent interview with Piers Morgan when he revealed the chances of Joshua meeting Fury in the ring later this year.

Eddie Hearne has revealed that he expects Anthony Joshua will fight Tyson Fury later this year

Hearn claimed that negotiations between the two camps are complicated at times and Fury ‘only cares about the money’

‘Because the darts Championship happens in December and January, I’m gonna say that Fury vs AJ happens this year,’ he said.

‘So I’m gonna say Fury vs AJ [happens first].’

The long-running saga over if and when the duo will finally go head-to-head has had plenty of bumps along the road and plenty more are still expected to come as both teams negotiate over a deal.

Joshua and Fury had both previously signed off on a fight, but it was later cancelled as talks between the two camps eventually broke down and Fury instead fought Deontay Wilder in a trilogy showdown.

Meanwhile, Usyk shocked the division by twice beating Joshua to claim the Brit’s previous championship belts.

Joshua knocked out former UFC star Francis Ngannou in his last fight and is now set to fight Dillion Whyte

Fury is set to fight Oleksanr Usy in a heavyweight unification bout later this year

‘Everybody wants to see this fight and on August 12, Anthony Joshua will fight Dillion Whyte, after that he will fight Deontay Wilder in Saudi Arabia and then after that it has to be Tyson Fury’ said Hearn.

Tyson Fury turned down the Usyk fight, the mort important fight in boxing, the undisputed heavyweight worl d championship to fight an MMA fighter who has never had a fight before in his life.

‘We have to be honest, Fury cares about one thing only, the money.’

The 44-year-old later explained that Fury must beat both Usyk and Joshua to be a true boxing great, adding: ‘He has to beat Usyk and he has to beat Anthony Joshua, particularly Usyk.’

Which heavyweight has the strongest punch was disclosed by Itauma.

After being compared to Mike Tyson, MOSES ITAUMA is considered the heavyweight boxing champion of the future.

The 19-year-old defeated Dan Garber last week to improve his record to 8-0.

Tyson Fury has touted Moses Itauma for greatness.

He and Anthony Joshua have also fought.

Having previously trained under the greatest in sparring sessions with Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, he has a bright future ahead of him.

When asked if the Gypsy King strikes harder than Joshua, Itauma had a surprising answer, despite the fact that she thinks the Gypsy King is the superior boxer.

In response, he stated on talkSPORT: “No, but he’s so special. Joshua gave me a rather severe blow.

“I sparred him [Joshua] when I was 16. I only did a couple of rounds, but that was enough.”

When they sparred, Fury gave the young fighter some advice, and he thinks he held his own against the world champion.

Itauma further disclosed that there was an unspoken understanding between the two celebrities and him not to knock each other out.

“I haven’t wobbled,” he continued. We are large men. It just takes one shot for either of us to knock the other person out.

“Let’s say, I go in there and I knock someone out in sparring, they can’t spar for six weeks and I’m going to struggle to get a sparring partner.

“You don’t really learn from knocking people out in sparring.”

Itauma continued: “If I go in there, he’s just tapping and I’m trying to knock him out, I’ll look like a… you know.

“If he goes in there and tries to knock me out, but I’m going easy, it doesn’t make sense. So you have an unspoken agreement.

“You feel out what the first minute is like and you gauge it from there.”