Makhmudov: I will fight anybody next
Former UFC champion Ngannou put Fury on the canvas in round three only to lose the crossover fight on points
Luke Brown
October 29, 2023 at 4:43 AM EDT
(Getty Images)
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Result: Fury climbs off the canvas in points win over Ngannou
- Controversial split decision sees Tyson Fury beat boxing novice Francis Ngannou
- Fury knocked down in round three but able to continue
- Fury maintains undefeated record but lucky to win contest on points
- WBC heavyweight champion now expected to take on Oleksandr Usyk
- Full Fury vs Ngannou fight card results
Makhmudov: ‘I will fight anybody next’
(Photo: Getty Images)
Makhmudov to Steve Bunce on TNT Sports: “Not everybody wants to fight me. My team has to work hard to organise fights. They will try to do their best.
When asked by Buncey if that means he will fight everybody, he replies: “Exactly.”
The problem is I’m not sure many heavyweights will want to fight him. Makhmudov vs Bakole for the unwanted title of the most avoided man in the division?
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Arslanbek Makhmudov bts Junior Anthony Wright via R1 KO
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Well, that went pretty much as we all expected.
Wright comes out swinging, even catching Makhmudov with a short, straight jab, but seconds later the heavy favourite sends him tumbling to the canvas with a massive right hand.
Wright picks himself up but Makhmudov lands another huge hook to his head and Steve Wright, the referee, dives in. Good stoppage.
Arslanbek Makhmudov vs Junior Anthony Wright
Makhmudov had originally been scheduled to face Agron Smakici, only for the Croatian to pull out without providing a reason. Which led to the unheralded Junior Anthony Wright Jr (20-4-1) stepping in.
Makhmudov’s WBA intercontinental heavyweight title is on the line.
Stand by for round-by-round updates.
Fury only in it for the money?
Michal J has written in:
“There’s not a chance Tyson Fury loses tonight but I still think this is a really stupid fight. It also gives him the opportunity to duck out of the Usyk fight by claiming he picked up an injury during this. Doesn’t he have enough money?!”
I think tonight’s main event is your answer to that question, Michal!
Up next: Arslanbek Makhmudov vs Junior Anthony Wright
Speaking of potential, the Russian 34-year-old Arslanbek Makhmudov, who boxes out of Canada, has been touted as one of the best keep secrets in the heavyweight division. He takes on the American Junior Anthony Wright next. Cue the Rocky IV music.
We’re absolutely tearing through this fight card. After Makhmudov there are two more fights before it’s main event time. But expect a big gap between the British title showdown and the main event.
There have even been rumours of a special Eminem performance before Tyson Fury takes on Francis Ngannou. Fingers crossed the TNT Sports stream does it thing again during that.
The scary potential of Moses Itauma
(Photo: Getty Images)
Once more for those of you at the back: this man is 18. EIGHT-TEEN.
The email address is [email protected] — let me know what you were getting up to at 18. I was living in decrepit student accommodation and learning how to cook pasta.
I certainly wasn’t knocking out 34-year-old Hungarians and shooting up the heavyweight world rankings.
18!
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Itauma: I’m not looking to lose in this game
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Steve Bunce asks Moses Itauma what Mike Tyson told him earlier this week.
“He said that not everyone you fight is a bum. There are no bums in boxing and that you can learn from every fight, especially the ones you lose. But I’m not looking to lose in this game.”
Bunce also asks about his strategy going into this fight. “Come on man, the power is there,” he replies. “Frank told me to let my hands go and that’s what I had to do. And I have to say a thank you to Uncle Frank for letting me box on this platform.”
He’s 18. EIGHTEEN.
Moses Itauma bts Istvan Bernath via TKO (round one)
That was supposed to be a step up for the teenager!
Itauma vs Bernath, round one
A typically impressive start from Itauma who quickly seizes the initiative, jabbing to the body and keeping his opponent on the back foot. He narrowly misses with an almighty overhand right, before taking his jab upstairs.
And then a knockdown! A short, sharp straight right lands flush on Bernath’s chin and he’s down.
He gets up … but is wobbled once again by a left. Itauma then lands a sensational uppercut followed by a right hook — and it’s all over!
What a prospect Moses Itauma is
(Photo: Getty Images)
The 18-year-old heavyweight is already 5-0 and has been called “the future of the division” by Frank Warren.
But today is a big step up in quality for the teenager. The Hungarian Istvan Bernath is 10-1 with eight victories by way of knockout. He is Itauma’s first opponent with double digit victories on his record.
TNT Sports apologise for technical fault
Laura Woods of TNT Sports has just apologised for the technical fault. “We know what caused it and it won’t happen again,” she says.
Which means we can crack on with the fight card, starting with Moses Itauma vs Istvan Bernath. Phew!
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Looking ahead to Fury vs Usyk
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Tyson Fury’s clash with Francis Ngannou may well be an intriguing clash but it’s far from the WBC champion’s most interesting fight of 2023.
Earlier this week, Fury told the British broadcaster Sky Sports that he will be fighting Oleksandr Usyk for all of the marbles on December 23. “We’ve signed the contracts. December 23, that's out there isn't it? It's only eight weeks away from Saturday. Why not?” he said.
“I've not even had a fight this year so to get two in before the end of the year would be fantastic.
“Double payday. There'll be a nice big turkey in the Fury household this Christmas!
“If it happens December 23, I'll be playing that song, ‘Driving Home For Christmas’.
“I won't land back in the UK until Christmas Eve, late Christmas Eve and if we get a delay I'll be spending Christmas with the reindeers in the airport!”
Let’s hope the pay-per-view for that one doesn’t fail as well.
Your TNT Sports emails
I appreciate each and every email you all send in but, no, I don’t know how to fix the TNT Sports issue and, no, I can’t really include emails that contain 80 per cent expletives.
TNT Sport’s Fury vs Ngannou coverage fails
Well, this wasn’t in the script.
Those who have paid to watch the action in the United Kingdom and Ireland are currently unable to as TNT Sport’s transmission has failed.
Live coverage of the undercard has been replaced by a screen which reads: “We apologise for the break in transmission and hope to correct the fault shortly.”
Next up…
Another heavyweight clash. Rising star Moses Itauma takes on Istvan Bernath.
WBA belt Bakole’s best shot at a title?
(Photo: Getty Images)
Oleksandr Usyk currently holds the WBA title, of course. He was given permission to take on Tyson Fury in a historic undisputed clash, but if he pursues a rematch he could be stripped of the WBA title, which could come as an opportunity for Bakole.
Deontay Wilder is the WBA’s number one contender and Bakole could face off against the American should the belt become vacant.
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Dan Hardy: Fury has more chance in MMA than Ngannou in boxing
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Dan Hardy, the British former UFC fighter, has just said on TNT Sports in the United Kingdom that “Tyson Fury has more chance of beating Francis Ngannou in MMA than Francis Ngannou has of beating Tyson Fury in boxing”.
Well done on telling everybody that after they have paid their £21.95, Dan!
‘All boxing fans are watching tonight’
(Photo: Getty Images)
Another email, this one from Scott J:
“The main event might be a circus and a joke, but I actually think this card is good value. All proper boxing fans will be watching for Wardley-Adeleye. And then people can either switch off or watch the Fury fight. Compared to all the recent crossover stuff I actually think this is good.”
A reminder: the email address is [email protected], if you would like to get involved.
Bakoke: ‘I’m big because I’m injured’
(Photo: Getty Images)
Martin Bakole has been interviewed by the great Steve Bunce on TNT Sports: “Takam has experience and I knew he was a tough guy.
“Ask and Tyson Fury will tell you. I had a bad injury in camp. I wanted to fight and I showed I am a warrior. I spent only two weeks at the gym for this fight because I have a big heart. And that is why I have more weight.
“Who do the fans want to see me fighting next? I am ready for everybody.”
His trainer adds that he only narrowly recovered from a back injury ahead of the fight.
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