Latest news with #ReadyToFight
Daily Mirror
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Oleksandr Usyk names hardest puncher he has faced in snub to Daniel Dubois
Oleksandr Usyk will be looking to make it two wins from two over Daniel Dubois on July 19 - nearly two years on from their first fight Oleksandr Usyk overlooked Daniel Dubois in favour of Derek Chisora when discussing the most powerful puncher he's encountered in the ring. Usyk is set to face Dubois once again on July 19 at Wembley Stadium, following their first bout nearly two years prior, where the Ukrainian secured a ninth-round stoppage. The upcoming fight promises high stakes and tension, especially after their previous clash saw Dubois controversially knock Usyk down with what was ruled a low blow. Dubois enters this highly anticipated undisputed title fight fresh from a knockout win over Anthony Joshua, while Usyk boasts consecutive victories against Tyson Fury. With an impressive 23-0 record, many have speculated about which of Usyk's opponents has packed the hardest punch. In a candid moment on The 3 Knockdown Rule podcast last year, Usyk revealed his pick, saying: "Toughest fight? it was [Fury]. Biggest punch? No. Because Derek Chisora, very tough guy. [One punch landed] on the gloves and I said, 'Oh my God.' Like a baseball bat." Usyk faces enormous pressure heading into July 19, with a potential trilogy bout against Fury hanging in the balance - assuming he emerges victorious, reports All Out Fighting. This follows Fury's confirmation of his boxing comeback, with the 'Gypsy King' revealing precise details for their third encounter last week. He took to Instagram with a fight poster featuring both himself and the Ukrainian, captioning it: "April 18, 2026 Wembley Stadium. The trilogy! UK. contact @spencerbrownmrgoldstar for tickets." Usyk swiftly acknowledged the trilogy proposal, expressing his willingness for a third clash with Fury - though his camp emphasised their complete concentration on Dubois this month. Sergey Lapin, Team Usyk's chief and Ready To Fight CEO, issued this statement: "The idea of a third fight with Tyson Fury has been on the table between our teams ever since their second bout. And I have never had any doubt that, together with Goldstar Promotions, we could turn it into a reality. "Right now, both Oleksandr Usyk and our team are fully focused on the upcoming fight with Dubois on July 19 and on achieving the historic goal of becoming a three-time undisputed world champion. As you've probably noticed, focus and total commitment are at the core of the champion's and the team's strategy. When this goal - three-time undisputed - is accomplished, and the dust settles, we'll be open for the next round."
Daily Mirror
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Tyson Fury offered huge title fight days after announcing boxing return
Fury has been offered the chance to compete for the IBA heavyweight title after the two-time world champion announced his return to boxing Tyson Fury has received an invitation to compete for the IBA heavyweight championship after confirming his return to boxing. The 'Gypsy King' shocked the boxing world after announcing his retirement from the sport following consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk. However, in recent months, he's been spotted keeping fit and training, sparking whispers of a potential comeback. Recently, it was revealed that Fury is set for a return to the boxing scene next year. Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh took to social media announcing: "The 'Gypsy King' will be back!!! I talked with him, and I have his word to have him in Riyadh Season in have a rabbit to hunt!" Fury echoed Alalshikh's post on his Instagram story, teasing fans with the note: "Let's see what 2026 brings," accompanied by a string of dollar sign and laughing face emojis. IBA President Umar Kremlev recently welcomed Fury with the two boxing powerhouses discussing future plans for the returning Brit. "We are happy to see you here, supporting and promoting boxing," Kremlev told the former unified heavyweight king. Fury replied: "It's a big event. When you see all of these fighters and special people, it attracts a lot of eyes to boxing — and boxing brings people together," reports All Out Fighting. With fans desperate to see Fury back in action, Kremlev took the opportunity to make an audacious bid to have the former lineal champion see out his career on an IBA show - with a bout for the IBA heavyweight title on the cards. "We would love to make a professional fight for you [Fury] — a farewell bout, as the king of boxing. One final, beautiful fight to say farewell. You started your career with the IBA, so you have to complete your career with IBA!" In an exciting development, Fury recently unveiled the details of his trilogy fight with Usyk, announcing via Instagram that it will take place on April 18, 2026, at Wembley Stadium, United Kingdom. Usyk responded promptly, indicating his willingness to engage in a third fight against Fury, but emphasised his team's primary focus remains on the upcoming showdown against Daniel Dubois. In a subsequent statement, Sergey Lapin, CEO of Ready To Fight and head of Team Usyk, said: "The idea of a third fight with Tyson Fury has been on the table between our teams ever since their second bout. And I have never had any doubt that, together with Goldstar Promotions, we could turn it into a reality. "Right now, both Oleksandr Usyk and our team are fully focused on the upcoming fight with Dubois on July 19 and on achieving the historic goal of becoming a three-time undisputed world champion. As you've probably noticed, focus and total commitment are at the core of the champion's and the team's strategy. When this goal - three-time undisputed - is accomplished, and the dust settles, we'll be open for the next round."
Daily Mirror
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Oleksandr Usyk breaks silence on Tyson Fury setting date for trilogy
O, Sergei Lapin, CEO of Ready To Fight and head of Team Usyk, has released a statement in response to Fury's shock comeback and announcement of a trilogy fight Oleksandr Usyk remains receptive to a trilogy bout with Tyson Fury - though his camp maintains their complete attention is on Daniel Dubois this month. The Gypsy King had previously declared his retirement in January after successive losses to the Ukrainian heavyweight. But on Wednesday night, boxing chief Turki Alalshikh stunned the sport by revealing Fury's comeback plans. Taking to social media he announced: "The 'Gypsy King' will be back!!! I talked with him, and I have his word to have him in Riyadh Season in have a rabbit to hunt!". Fury swiftly shared the post to his own story, adding: "Let's see what 2026 brings," alongside multiple dollar symbols and laughing emojis. The 36 year old former two-time heavyweight king subsequently declared the trilogy clash would occur on April 18, 2026 at Wembley Stadium. On Thursday morning, he uploaded a fight poster featuring himself and the Ukrainian to Instagram, captioned: "April 18, 2026 Wembley Stadium. The trilogy! UK. contact @spencerbrownmrgoldstar for tickets.", reports All Out Fighting. After Fury's post went viral across social media platforms, Sergey Lapin, who heads Team Usyk and serves as CEO of Ready To Fight, issued this response: "The idea of a third fight with Tyson Fury has been on the table between our teams ever since their second bout. And I have never had any doubt that, together with Goldstar Promotions, we could turn it into a reality. "Right now, both Oleksandr Usyk and our team are fully focused on the upcoming fight with Dubois on July 19 and on achieving the historic goal of becoming a three-time undisputed world champion. As you've probably noticed, focus and total commitment are at the core of the champion's and the team's strategy. When this goal - three-time undisputed - is accomplished, and the dust settles, we'll be open for the next round." The Ukrainian champion and Dubois are set to clash for a second time on July 19th at Wembley Stadium. The British heavyweight contender was halted by Usyk in round nine during their first encounter, though controversy surrounded the bout. 'Triple D' floored the Ukrainian in the fifth round, but the referee ruled it a low blow, much to Dubois' dismay. Any potential trilogy bout between Fury and Usyk hinges on the forthcoming undisputed heavyweight clash. If Dubois claims victory, the Ukrainian would likely trigger his immediate rematch clause, potentially derailing the 'Gypsy King's' hopes of a third encounter. Despite suffering defeats in both bouts against Usyk, Tyson Fury remains adamant that he deserved to win. Speaking to journalists in Turkey on Wednesday, Fury declared: "My last fight was a clear f****** victory for The Gypsy King. Anybody in boxing can see that. A complete load of dogs ***." He continued, expressing his desire for fairness in the ring: "I want a fair fight, I don't want any favours, I want a fair fight and a fair result. Which I know I didn't [get]. I thought I won it by five rounds. I watched it 250 times. Each way I never see it as a way for him to win. They can do what they want. If they say it's Tuesday it's Tuesday."
Daily Mail
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Team Usyk reveal the secret weapon being used in camp ahead of the Ukrainian's undisputed title fight with Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium on July 19
The secret behind Oleksandr Usyk 's relentless preparations for Daniel Dubois isn't a new training technique or mystery diet, it's a smartphone app he helped create. In a quiet corner of the Ukrainian's camp, Kirill Korobka - RTF's and Team Usyk Executive Director listed among 30 the most influential people in boxing under the age of 30 - explained how Ready to Fight, the app co-founded by the heavyweight world champion himself, has transformed their preparation process. 'Is not just app,' he says, 'it is full ecosystem. You need sparring? You find sparring. You need coach, psychologist, anything, we use it all.' Launched in November 2023 as a boxing social platform, aimed at connecting fighters with sparring partners, coaches, managers and fans, now Ready to Fight is more than a matchmaking tool. This is the first boxing-related tech company that helps raise talents and develops a range of digital products — including boxing analytics, a payment system, a ticketing service, and a merchandise marketplace. But for Team Usyk, its real value has been proven behind closed gym doors as they prepare for their July 19 bout with Dubois. 'Before, Sergey would spend weeks looking for the right sparring partners,' Kirill explained. 'Now, two clicks. We see profile, weight, style, experience. We talk directly to them. For Dubois, we needed someone tall, strong, explosive. From the app, we've brought guys in from all around the world.' 'It's simple really. All the sparring partners had to do was create a profile, upload their information as well as sparring footage and clips from their fights. 'Then you just apply to ads that have been put out. So, they see 'Oleksandr Usyk needs sparring'. They apply and then Sergey will review the application and if they satisfy the criteria they will be invited into camp.' Usyk's team previously told Mail Sport that they had used the app in the build-up to his fights with Tyson Fury - sparring 15 rounds of three-and-a-half minutes with 20 seconds' rest, accumulating more than 250 rounds during camp. However, Usyk preparations for his undisputed heavyweight title fight against Dubois, it's not just sparring or roadwork fuelling his preparations. Analysts are breaking down every movement, mistake and moment from Dubois's past fights and even Usyk's own. 'We have more than 10 people in the analytics department and more than 80 in the whole company ,' Kirill explains. 'What we are doing, it's not only for professional teams like ours, but also for fans. But let's focus on your question.' That question, how exactly does one of boxing's most cerebral fighters use data to prepare, leads straight to the heart of what makes Usyk different. View this post on Instagram A post shared by READY TO FIGHT (@rtfight_com) 'We are analysing all fights, the latest fights of Daniel Dubois,' Kirill continues. 'We are analysing all mistakes made from both sides. Yes, from Usyk's side, from Dubois' side. We are analysing also the first fight.' What follows is a process rarely seen in boxing, one that brings together coaches, athletes, scientists and judges to dissect every detail and build a plan. 'Thanks to it, our team of judges, of coaches, of athletes, of scientists analyse the fight and then, based on these numbers and on this information, we build a proper tactic for his next fight.' It's not just theory. It's numbers. It's movement patterns, punch sequences, defensive gaps, pace. All collected, compared and delivered to a fighter who knows how to read them. 'Usyk likes it,' Kirill says. 'He trusts this data, and he understands that it's made by professionals—and these professionals are his team. It's very important. He knows everyone.' For Usyk, prep for his third undisputed title fight isn't just about experience. It's about using science to refine strategy. And trusting a system that has been built, tested and perfected by the people closest to him.
The Independent
28-03-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Oleksandr Usyk teases shock MMA match-up with Jake Paul
Oleksandr Usyk has teased a potential mixed martial arts bout with Jake Paul, as boxing 's unified heavyweight champion eyes the final fights of his career. Usyk recently said he will compete two more times before retiring, suggesting his ideal match-ups would come against Daniel Dubois and Alex Pereira. Dubois is the reigning IBF champion, having gained that status after Usyk vacated the belt last spring, while Pereira held the UFC light-heavyweight title until recently. It was believed that Usyk, 38, wanted to box Pereira rather than face him under MMA rules, but the Ukrainian has now teased such a contest with Paul. Usyk posted an Instagram story sharing a post from Ready To Fight, which showed a mock-up poster of Usyk and Paul. The former Olympic champion also tagged Paul. Ready To Fight wrote: '@usykaa in the MMA Cage?! @usykaa['s] team just teased a wild idea: 'It might be great to step into the cage with @jakepaul.' 'Wait… did someone say USYK VS JAKE PAUL… MMA rules? Yes. Usyk['s] Team did. Undisputed heavyweight champ. And yes… MMA rules. Could this actually happen? Who would win?' YouTube star Paul has gone 11-1 as a professional boxer, most recently outpointing heavyweight legend Mike Tyson in November, and he has long been in line for an MMA debut. In early 2023, the American became a business partner of the Professional Fighters League, an MMA promotion, with a view to competing in the cage. However, that MMA debut has been pushed back as Paul, 28, has continued to box. One month after signing with the PFL, Paul boxed Tommy Fury, losing to the half-brother of Tyson Fury on points. He has since bounced back with five straight wins, however, including his victory over Mike Tyson. Meanwhile, Usyk – a former undisputed cruiserweight champion – became the first undisputed heavyweight title holder in 24 years last May, when he outpointed Fury. Usyk replicated the result in December, retaining the unified belts after he had vacated the IBF strap. While Usyk has been linked to IBF champion Dubois, whom he stopped in 2023, the Ukrainian has been ordered to defend his titles against Joseph Parker. Furthermore, Dubois's mandatory challenger is Derek Chisora, according to Dubois's promoter Frank Warren.
