Boxing / Sports

Anthony Joshua vows not to be affected by absence of trainer Rob McCracken ahead of Oleksandr Usyk Clash

Anthony Joshua ahead of fight with Oleksandr Usyk: “He is changing his team because people have a wealth of knowledge. It’s been good having a wider team and working collectively.”

Joshua defends his IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight championships against Usyk on September 25, live on Sky Sports Box Office, meaning McCracken will miss a portion of the training camp.

“Everyone brings something different to the table.

“Usyk will bring in Vasiliy Lomachenko’s dad. He works with Russ Anber. I have a list of different nutritionists and strength and conditioning coaches that he will bring in for this fight. “He is changing his team because people have a wealth of knowledge. “It’s been good having a wider team and working collectively.…

Boxing / News

Joe Joyce has sights set on Anthony Joshua or Tyson Fury ahead of fight with Carlos Takam

“I’ve got a big test in Carlos Takam so I won’t look too far ahead because this is a tough fight,” Joe Joyce said. “I need to beat Takam up to make a statement so I can go on to win a world title.”

Joyce has been confirmed as the next WBO mandatory challenger after Oleksandr Usyk, the current incumbent, challenges world champion Anthony Joshua on September 25, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Unbeaten Joyce would then receive a shot at the belt next year.

“I’ve got a big test in Takam so I won’t look too far ahead because this is a tough fight,” he said. “Takam gives it his all and he’s a hard fight. It might take a few rounds, it might take all the rounds, but I will get the job done then cruise on to a world title.”

Joyce displayed his height advantage over the compact veteran Takam during a steely face-off on Thursday.

Cameroon-born Takam has previously gone 10 rounds with Joshua and eight rounds with Derek Chisora.

Joyce’s manager Sam Jones teased he had covertly been sent footage of Takam sparring from within his camp.

“I had someone show me the footage,” Jones told Takam.

“I’ve watched all your spars, I know the game plan.”

Takam hit back: “Because you are scared.”

Takam replied Francis Ngannou, the UFC heavyweight champion, had tipped him off that Joyce is “not a technical boxer”.

Jones said: “Carlos will come forwards, he is a decent boxer, he is tough and strong. He goes in with the head.

“[Joyce] will more spiteful on Saturday.”

Takam, now 40 and a veteran of 45 fights, insisted: “I am the best Takam you have seen, the best ever.”

His promoter Joe De Guardia previously told Sky Sports: “While a knockout over a 6’6″ 260 lb giant like Joe Joyce may seem unlikely, Carlos has the strength, tools, experience and foundation to piece together a performance that can very well lead to a sensational KO.”…

Boxing / Sports

Deontay Wilder’s team ‘definitely believe’ he can regain WBC heavyweight title with a victory over Tyson Fury

Wilder vs Fury 3 has received a new date of October 9 in Las Vegas after a Covid-19 outbreak in the British star’s training camp caused the postponement of this month’s fight.  The American was stopped by Fury in the seventh round of their WBC title fight in February 2020, but co-manager Shelly Finkel expects Wilder to avenge this loss with an emphatic victory.

“I definitely believe that Deontay is going to win his title back by knocking out Tyson Fury,” Finkel Said.

Wilder has revamped his training team with the addition of Malik Scott, who has taken a lead role in overseeing tactics, and recently told Sky Sports how he identified vulnerabilities in Fury

“They both have the power to hurt each other,” said Scott. “The difference is that Deontay has the power to knock you out.

“Fury is undefeated but is vulnerable. That won’t make sense to most humans.

“He is an unbeaten fighter but is very beatable. He gives you an opportunity to hit him.

“It is our job to take advantage of those opportunities. I believe Deontay will, and I believe he will knock Fury out in the trilogy.”

Anthony Joshua wants to face the winner of Fury vs Wilder 3, if he retains his WBA, WBO and IBF titles in a fight against Oleksandr Usyk, which is expected to be held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 25.

Joshua has told Sky Sports: “I will fight them all. Wilder is just another one in the pecking order, no problem.”

Wilder’s team remain open to discussing an undisputed world title fight against Joshua.

“Always have [wanted to make the Joshua fight],” Finkel said last month. “Deontay wants to be the undisputed champion, but first he has to take out Fury.”…