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*** The Official Boxing/UFC/MMA thread ***
- Thread starter Midfield Maestro
- Start date
Dicko
Paul Stalteri
Agreed. Was definitely better than many thought he was (including Froch!).
He came very close to causing a huge shock in that first fight.
Parklaner81
Steve Hodge
Agree it was hard to like Groves who behaved like a total bell at times (particularly pre-Froch I), but I gradually came to sympathise with and eventually respect him, and was pleased when he won his world title. Despite being conclusively beaten by Froch in the end, I felt that Groves was the one to emerge with a bit of dignity from that rivalry, whereas Froch was absolutely classless in victory.
Moving on, which way do people see the Joshua announcement going?
I'm really, really hoping it'll be Whyte, but experience is telling me to expect the safer option - Miller.
Moving on, which way do people see the Joshua announcement going?
I'm really, really hoping it'll be Whyte, but experience is telling me to expect the safer option - Miller.
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Dicko
Paul Stalteri
I think so too. Looks like they can avoid Wilder Fury which is what they wanted but not fighting Whyte would be a PR disaster at this point. He's clearly the next in line and if you are avoiding a rematch with someone you have already beaten to fight some other b level fighter then it's not gonna do him any favours
Parklaner81
Steve Hodge
Couldn't agree more. My opinion of Joshua will go through the floor if it plays out like this.
Grays_1890
Chris Jones
Groves never got the credit he deserved because of how much of a kn0b he was at times, but he was a very good boxer.
ricky2tricky4city
Steffen Freund
Parklaner81
Steve Hodge
Rumours that Joshua-Miller is done for New York in early June.
Can't say I'm in the least bit surprised. Appalled, maybe. I'll be thinking much harder in future before Hearn gets any more PPV buys from me.
Can't say I'm in the least bit surprised. Appalled, maybe. I'll be thinking much harder in future before Hearn gets any more PPV buys from me.
markysimmo
Johnny nice-tits
Groves was a typical Chelsea helmet
superspurs
Justin Edinburgh
It is what it is, everyone wants him to step in with the big guns in the division and Hearn is still looking at maximising his worth before he does.
I want a Fury and Wilder rematch, only thing that peaks my interest in Boxing at the mo!
nayimfromthehalfwayline
Andy Thompson
Anthony Joshua v Jarrell Miller: Madison Square Garden New York bout agreed for 1 June
Anthony Joshua will fight in the US for the first time when he defends his IBF, WBA and WBO world heavyweight titles against Jarrell Miller on 1 June.
Joshua, 29, will take on Miller at Madison Square Garden in the undefeated American's home city of New York.
Miller, with 23 wins and a draw, has never fought for a world title.
The 30-year-old will almost certainly be the heaviest opponent Joshua has faced as a professional having weighed 22st 7lbs in his last contest.
That is almost five stone heavier than what Joshua weighed in at ahead of his victory over Alexander Povetkin in September.
Miller - nicknamed 'Big Baby' - won 20 of his fights by knockout but Joshua represents a huge step-up in class.
Joshua said: "I am heading to the Big Apple and I plan to embrace the culture and leave with an appetite for more.
"It has been an honour and a blessing to fight at some of the best venues in the world and at home in the UK, not least Wembley Stadium, but the time has come to head across the Atlantic and defend my heavyweight titles in the USA.
"I am looking forward to taking on another challenge with a good boxer and a brilliant talker. It will be an exciting fight. I will leave nothing to chance and plan on dismantling Miller in style to make my mark."
The best of decreasing options
Miller made his debut in a bout at a restaurant 10 years ago and, while he has wins over the likes of compatriot Gerald Washington and Poland's Mariusz Wach to his name, most UK sports fans will probably know little of his career.
Joshua has been left with few options given fellow Briton Tyson Fury and WBC champion Deontay Wilder are set for a rematch, while Dillian Whyte has openly criticised the financial offer Joshua's team presented him with for a 13 April bout.
Joshua had Wembley Stadium booked for the date where he had hoped to face Wilder, but has scrapped the booking in favour of a US debut.
"Things happen, boxing politics," he said. "We had to branch out and look for other options."
A contest in the US has been seen by Joshua's advisers as a chance to enhance his global appeal.
Britain's Lennox Lewis boxed at Madison Square Garden three times, while greats such as Muhammad Ali, Evander Holyfield and Sugar Ray Robinson have also competed there.
There will undoubtedly be criticism of the move, given the public clamour for him to face Fury or Wilder in a bout that would unify all four belts.
Negotiations have repeatedly failed with Wilder, while the offers sent to both Fury and Whyte were deemed insufficient.
Wilder and Fury are now set for a rematch following their 1 December draw, while Whyte will fight in the UK in April or May.
Miller was not even listed by Joshua when he asked fans to vote on his next move in September, when 53% of respondents wanted a Wilder fixture and 42% called for Fury.
But the American - who has clashed with Joshua at a news conference before - can at least be expected to provide memorable sound bites when promoting the fight and give Joshua chance to increase his profile in the lucrative US pay-per-view market.
Anthony Joshua will fight in the US for the first time when he defends his IBF, WBA and WBO world heavyweight titles against Jarrell Miller on 1 June.
Joshua, 29, will take on Miller at Madison Square Garden in the undefeated American's home city of New York.
Miller, with 23 wins and a draw, has never fought for a world title.
The 30-year-old will almost certainly be the heaviest opponent Joshua has faced as a professional having weighed 22st 7lbs in his last contest.
That is almost five stone heavier than what Joshua weighed in at ahead of his victory over Alexander Povetkin in September.
Miller - nicknamed 'Big Baby' - won 20 of his fights by knockout but Joshua represents a huge step-up in class.
Joshua said: "I am heading to the Big Apple and I plan to embrace the culture and leave with an appetite for more.
"It has been an honour and a blessing to fight at some of the best venues in the world and at home in the UK, not least Wembley Stadium, but the time has come to head across the Atlantic and defend my heavyweight titles in the USA.
"I am looking forward to taking on another challenge with a good boxer and a brilliant talker. It will be an exciting fight. I will leave nothing to chance and plan on dismantling Miller in style to make my mark."
The best of decreasing options
Miller made his debut in a bout at a restaurant 10 years ago and, while he has wins over the likes of compatriot Gerald Washington and Poland's Mariusz Wach to his name, most UK sports fans will probably know little of his career.
Joshua has been left with few options given fellow Briton Tyson Fury and WBC champion Deontay Wilder are set for a rematch, while Dillian Whyte has openly criticised the financial offer Joshua's team presented him with for a 13 April bout.
Joshua had Wembley Stadium booked for the date where he had hoped to face Wilder, but has scrapped the booking in favour of a US debut.
"Things happen, boxing politics," he said. "We had to branch out and look for other options."
A contest in the US has been seen by Joshua's advisers as a chance to enhance his global appeal.
Britain's Lennox Lewis boxed at Madison Square Garden three times, while greats such as Muhammad Ali, Evander Holyfield and Sugar Ray Robinson have also competed there.
There will undoubtedly be criticism of the move, given the public clamour for him to face Fury or Wilder in a bout that would unify all four belts.
Negotiations have repeatedly failed with Wilder, while the offers sent to both Fury and Whyte were deemed insufficient.
Wilder and Fury are now set for a rematch following their 1 December draw, while Whyte will fight in the UK in April or May.
Miller was not even listed by Joshua when he asked fans to vote on his next move in September, when 53% of respondents wanted a Wilder fixture and 42% called for Fury.
But the American - who has clashed with Joshua at a news conference before - can at least be expected to provide memorable sound bites when promoting the fight and give Joshua chance to increase his profile in the lucrative US pay-per-view market.
ringo
Tim Sherwood
It's heading exactly where I thought it would. Eddie's banking on a mandatory Whyte vs winner of Wilder/Fury - post Breazeale fight - collecting the extra belt to be offered up to AJ in a Whyte vs AJ sacrifice.
I won't be punting up £20 for a Sunday am AJ vs who's that bloke Miller ppv. Eddie can stick it up his backside. Much as I support GB fighters, I hope AJ gets beat -- you never know, it's the US, he might lose on a cut, or points if Miller can hit and run fast enough. It would be worth it just to see Eddie frozen out. Although no doubt AJ would win the UK rematch.
I won't be punting up £20 for a Sunday am AJ vs who's that bloke Miller ppv. Eddie can stick it up his backside. Much as I support GB fighters, I hope AJ gets beat -- you never know, it's the US, he might lose on a cut, or points if Miller can hit and run fast enough. It would be worth it just to see Eddie frozen out. Although no doubt AJ would win the UK rematch.
ringo
Tim Sherwood
PS Groves is a smart guy (other than being a Chelsea fan)- all respect due for taking some tough fights and whacking Froch as much as he did. Forget Fury's reincarnation in the last round, how did Froch take all those shots from Groves and still win? It must have been so disheartening for Groves. Is Froch the most durable fighter ever? Taken heavy shots in many of his fights and no sign of being punch drunk yet. Although to be fair it is difficult to tell with some ex pros.
Grays_1890
Chris Jones
AJ will have to watch his PED use now, he will be under VADA
Parklaner81
Steve Hodge
That's probably part of his thinking, but shorter term I honestly reckon he was equally concerned over the risk of Whyte KO'ing Joshua at Wembley in April. If that's going to happen, he at least wants to milk the Joshua train for all he can first and as you say, have it for higher stakes to cushion the downside.
ricky2tricky4city
Steffen Freund
Eubank Snr was super durable...hard to rock him.
ringo
Tim Sherwood
Good call. He was even durable at cruiserweight, although not his natural weight by a long way.
ricky2tricky4city
Steffen Freund
Think that's what wound Benn up (among other things)....he'd throw all the bombs in the world at him but Eubank would hardly flinch and have that half smile ''you can not hurt me' look. Two very different styles but both warriors.
markysimmo
Johnny nice-tits
British heavyweight Tyson Fury has signed a deal with a United States network worth a reported £80m.
The deal, which is understood to cover Fury's next five fights, will see him broadcast on ESPN in the US while remaining on BT Sport in the UK.
Fury believes the deal makes a rematch with Deontay Wilder "more makeable".
But Fury, Wilder and IBF, WBA and WBO champion Anthony Joshua now work with rival US broadcasters, making future negotiations arguably more difficult.
Fury's December draw with WBC world heavyweight champion Wilder aired on BT Sport in the UK as well as Showtime - who broadcast the American's fights - in the US.
Now Fury has his own US broadcaster, agreements will have to be reached between ESPN and Showtime over the airing of a rematch in America.
Joshua meanwhile is signed to the DAZN streaming service in the US.
Fury's promoter Frank Warren pointed to the size of ESPN's subscription base when he said his fighter was now on "a bigger platform".
Asked about negotiations for bouts with the division's biggest names, Warren said: "They will now have to come to us.
"This ESPN situation for him is probably one of the biggest things to happen to a British sportsman. It's something special."
As part of his new deal, Fury will be promoted by both Warren and Top Rank CEO Bob Arum in the US.
Arum, 87, has promoted the likes of Muhammad Ali and Floyd Mayweather and said Fury was "a generational heavyweight talent at the peak of his powers".
Golden era under threat - analysis
BBC Sport boxing correspondent Mike Costello:
The deal is an indication of how Tyson Fury's stock has risen in the United States after his performance against Deontay Wilder last December, in particular his dramatic last-round recovery.
But the announcement spreads confusion across the heavyweight division when negotiations were underway for the rematch against Wilder.
Fury, Wilder and Anthony Joshua are aligned with different TV and streaming partners and doubts have been raised about the chances of big fights being made.
Longer term, there could be implications for the golden heavyweight era that many of us were predicting.
So what next for Fury?
Fury was expected to sign a deal to face Wilder again, with a date of 18 May mooted and Las Vegas the likely venue.
Warren said they still "wanted" the contest but quickly added Showtime was no longer "the only game in town".
"It's up to us to sit down and get it over the line," Warren added.
Fury still wants to fight before the end of May and Warren stressed the former WBA, WBO and IBF world heavyweight champion would not "sit around waiting".
Fury added: "If I didn't want to fight Wilder then I wouldn't have taken it the first time. The fight is more makeable now because of this deal.
"If you're watching Deontay I'm coming for you baby and this time you won't rip me off.
"If the rematch happens it happens, if it doesn't it doesn't. It isn't the end of the world. I want it to happen so let's make it happen."
This fresh dynamic in negotiations between Fury, Wilder and their broadcasters means talks will have to quickly reach a successful conclusion if a bout in May is to be possible.
Joshua will make his own US debut on 1 June in New York when he defends his titles against Jarrell Miller.
The deal, which is understood to cover Fury's next five fights, will see him broadcast on ESPN in the US while remaining on BT Sport in the UK.
Fury believes the deal makes a rematch with Deontay Wilder "more makeable".
But Fury, Wilder and IBF, WBA and WBO champion Anthony Joshua now work with rival US broadcasters, making future negotiations arguably more difficult.
Fury's December draw with WBC world heavyweight champion Wilder aired on BT Sport in the UK as well as Showtime - who broadcast the American's fights - in the US.
Now Fury has his own US broadcaster, agreements will have to be reached between ESPN and Showtime over the airing of a rematch in America.
Joshua meanwhile is signed to the DAZN streaming service in the US.
Fury's promoter Frank Warren pointed to the size of ESPN's subscription base when he said his fighter was now on "a bigger platform".
Asked about negotiations for bouts with the division's biggest names, Warren said: "They will now have to come to us.
"This ESPN situation for him is probably one of the biggest things to happen to a British sportsman. It's something special."
As part of his new deal, Fury will be promoted by both Warren and Top Rank CEO Bob Arum in the US.
Arum, 87, has promoted the likes of Muhammad Ali and Floyd Mayweather and said Fury was "a generational heavyweight talent at the peak of his powers".
Golden era under threat - analysis
BBC Sport boxing correspondent Mike Costello:
The deal is an indication of how Tyson Fury's stock has risen in the United States after his performance against Deontay Wilder last December, in particular his dramatic last-round recovery.
But the announcement spreads confusion across the heavyweight division when negotiations were underway for the rematch against Wilder.
Fury, Wilder and Anthony Joshua are aligned with different TV and streaming partners and doubts have been raised about the chances of big fights being made.
Longer term, there could be implications for the golden heavyweight era that many of us were predicting.
So what next for Fury?
Fury was expected to sign a deal to face Wilder again, with a date of 18 May mooted and Las Vegas the likely venue.
Warren said they still "wanted" the contest but quickly added Showtime was no longer "the only game in town".
"It's up to us to sit down and get it over the line," Warren added.
Fury still wants to fight before the end of May and Warren stressed the former WBA, WBO and IBF world heavyweight champion would not "sit around waiting".
Fury added: "If I didn't want to fight Wilder then I wouldn't have taken it the first time. The fight is more makeable now because of this deal.
"If you're watching Deontay I'm coming for you baby and this time you won't rip me off.
"If the rematch happens it happens, if it doesn't it doesn't. It isn't the end of the world. I want it to happen so let's make it happen."
This fresh dynamic in negotiations between Fury, Wilder and their broadcasters means talks will have to quickly reach a successful conclusion if a bout in May is to be possible.
Joshua will make his own US debut on 1 June in New York when he defends his titles against Jarrell Miller.