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Eddie Hearn gives update on Anthony Joshua return from injury

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Eddie Hearn gives update on Anthony Joshua return from injury

Anthony Joshua still needs over a month to fully recover from his injury, according to his promoter Eddie Hearn.

It has now been six months since Joshua was knocked out by IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium. Since then, he has remained quiet about his next move.

A return in early 2025 seemed likely, but his injury has put those plans on hold for the rest of the year.

The Joshua vs. Fury Fight Delayed Again?

After Joshua’s loss to Dubois and Tyson Fury’s second consecutive defeat to unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk in December, many believed the long-awaited “Battle of Britain” between Joshua and Fury was finally within reach.

However, Fury’s retirement announcement in January has cast doubt on the fight ever happening. Despite this, some still believe Fury will make a comeback.

This has led to speculation that Joshua’s injury is just a cover-up, with claims that he is stalling in hopes that Fury returns so their blockbuster fight can still take place.

Hearn Dismisses Injury Conspiracy

Speaking to The Stomping Ground, Hearn rejected these claims and provided a timeline for Joshua’s return to training.

“No, not at all, we’re not going to just make up an injury. Basically, if we were waiting, we just go ‘we’re not going to fight at the moment’ and we’ll just see what happens,” Hearn explained.

“He went back to the gym, and he’s not able to punch as he would like to be, and he’s got five weeks left now until he can punch properly.”

Hearn insisted that Joshua is not waiting for Fury, though he admitted that if the opportunity arose, they would take it.

“We’re not waiting for Tyson Fury, if that opportunity jumps up in the meantime, fantastic. If not, we’ll just get fit, get ready, and decide who we’re going to fight.”



Boxing

Dana White’s Reaction to Callum Walsh’s Devastating Knockout in Boxing

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Dana White's Reaction to Callum Walsh's Devastating Knockout in Boxing

Callum Walsh delivered yet another stunning knockout victory on Sunday, March 16, leaving UFC president Dana White and other spectators at New York City’s Madison Square Theater thoroughly impressed.

The Irish super welterweight continues to make waves in the boxing world, and his latest win has only amplified the buzz surrounding his rising career.

Walsh’s First-Round Knockout on St. Patrick’s Day Weekend

Walsh, a rising star in boxing, showcased his explosive power once again by knocking out Dean Sutherland in the first round.

Sutherland, a once-beaten fighter with 117 rounds of experience, was no match for Walsh’s devastating punch, which sent him to the canvas and ended the fight early.

The victory added to Walsh’s growing reputation as one of the sport’s most exciting prospects.

Dana White, who was ringside for the event, congratulated Walsh after the fight. White’s interest in Walsh is no secret, as the UFC boss has been a vocal supporter of the young boxer.

Walsh’s fights have frequently aired on UFC Fight Pass, the streaming platform owned by White, and his performances have consistently drawn attention.

White’s Growing Interest in Boxing

White’s presence at Walsh’s fight comes amid speculation about his potential entry into the boxing world.

Through his alliance with Turki Alalshikh, White is rumored to be launching a new boxing league.

With fighters like Walsh, who possess knockout power and a compelling story, White’s league could quickly gain traction.

Walsh’s career has been carefully managed by 360 Promotions founder Tom Loeffler, a respected figure in combat sports whom White has praised as the sport’s best matchmaker.

Under the guidance of legendary coach Freddie Roach, Walsh has honed his skills and built an impressive record, including wins over Carson Jones, Przemyslaw Runowski, and now Sutherland.

Walsh’s Rise and Future Prospects

As Walsh continues to climb the ranks, industry and fan interest in him is growing rapidly. His extraordinary power and ability to finish fights make him a must-watch talent.

It may not be long before he faces top-10 opponents in the super welterweight division, such as Xander Zayas, a Top Rank fighter whom Loeffler has identified as a potential future rival.

Other notable names in the division include Serhii Bohachuk, a fellow 360 Promotions fighter, Keith Thurman, who recently returned to the ring, and the surging Vergil Ortiz.

Walsh’s trajectory suggests he could soon be competing against these elite fighters, further solidifying his place in the sport.

Callum Walsh’s latest knockout victory has once again proven that few can withstand his power.

With the backing of influential figures like Dana White and Tom Loeffler, as well as the guidance of Freddie Roach, Walsh’s rise to the top of the boxing world seems inevitable.

As the sport eagerly awaits White’s next move, Walsh’s continued success could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of boxing.

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Nick Ball retains WBA world featherweight title against TJ Doheny

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Nick Ball retains WBA world featherweight title against TJ Doheny

Nick Ball, the WBA world featherweight champion, extended his impressive run with a commanding victory over veteran TJ Doheny at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena.

The fight was stopped before the 11th round as Doheny’s corner pulled him out, unable to withstand Ball’s relentless pressure and power punches.

The bout was filled with drama, including a first-round incident where Ball kicked out at Doheny after being held in a headlock.

Ball was later deducted a point in the ninth round for twice pushing Doheny to the canvas. Despite these moments, the 28-year-old champion showcased his superior skill, landing cleaner and more effective shots throughout the fight.

Doheny, a 38-year-old Irishman with a wealth of experience, started well but struggled to keep up with Ball’s pace as the fight progressed.

By the second half of the contest, Doheny’s right eye was swollen shut, leaving him vulnerable to Ball’s attacks.

After taking significant punishment in the ninth and 10th rounds, Doheny’s team decided to stop the fight.

Ball, now with a record of 22 wins and one draw, admitted to feeling the pressure of defending his title in his hometown. “In there, it’s going to be tricky. It’s a world title fight in my own city. Sometimes I can rush in.

The main thing is taking my time, and it paid off,” he said after the win. Doheny, who has fought around the world in a 13-year career, suffered his sixth loss in 32 fights.

A Fiery Start and Ball’s Dominance
The fight began with fireworks when Doheny held Ball in a headlock, prompting the champion to kick out in frustration.

Although Ball escaped disqualification, the incident set the tone for a physical contest. Known for his aggressive, come-forward style, Ball landed a series of powerful shots, including a stinging left hook to the body and an overhand right in the third round.

Doheny, a wily southpaw with 20 knockouts in 26 wins, posed a credible threat early on.

However, Ball’s sharpness and speed, honed from four world-title-level fights in the past year, began to take over.

By the sixth round, Doheny was visibly tired, and Ball’s dominance became increasingly clear.

The ninth round saw Ball deducted a point for wrestling Doheny to the ground, but by then, the outcome seemed inevitable.

In the 10th round, Ball unleashed a barrage of hooks and uppercuts, leaving the referee on the verge of stopping the fight even if Doheny’s corner hadn’t intervened.

What’s Next for Ball?
With this win, Ball remains one of Britain’s two reigning male world champions, alongside heavyweight Daniel Dubois.

Despite his undeniable talent and exciting style, Ball has yet to become a household name among casual boxing fans. To boost his profile, he may need to unify more titles at featherweight or secure a high-profile opponent.

When asked about his next fight, Ball deferred to his promoter, Frank Warren. “I don’t know. It’s not up to me, it’s up to Frank. He’s the best promoter in the world. Anyone,” Ball said.

A potential matchup with Japan’s Naoya Inoue, a global boxing star, could be a game-changer. Inoue, known as “The Monster,” is expected to defend his super-bantamweight title in May and has hinted at moving up to featherweight, making a clash with Ball a tantalizing prospect.

Warren has expressed interest in staging a stadium fight for Ball, possibly at Liverpool or Everton’s football grounds, which could attract a marquee opponent like Inoue.

Undercard Highlights
In the undercard, Andrew Cain retained his British and Commonwealth bantamweight titles while claiming the WBC Silver strap after a 36-minute chase of Charlie Cain.

Meanwhile, Romanian fighter Ionut Baluta continued his streak against Liverpool’s Everton Red Triangle team, defeating Brad Strand by split decision. Baluta had previously beaten Andrew Cain in a controversial decision last year.

Unbeaten middleweight Jack Turner also made a statement, delivering a brutal two-round knockout of former Commonwealth champion Ryan Farrag.

Ball’s victory solidifies his status as a rising star in the featherweight division, and fans will be eager to see who he faces next as he continues his quest for greatness.

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TJ Doheny Confident Ahead of Nick Ball Clash: “I’ll Be Bigger, Stronger”

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TJ Doheny Confident Ahead of Nick Ball Clash: "I'll Be Bigger, Stronger"

For months, TJ Doheny has felt like a side character in the buildup to his fight against Nick Ball, but he’s ready to rewrite the script.

As the Irishman prepares to challenge Ball for the WBA featherweight title in Liverpool, much of the pre-fight discussion has centered around his seventh-round stoppage loss to Naoya Inoue last September.

Instead of focusing on Doheny’s chances, many have speculated whether Ball can dominate him more convincingly to position himself for a potential fight with Inoue.

But Doheny (26-5, 20 KOs) isn’t in Liverpool to serve as a stepping stone for Ball’s ambitions. The former IBF super bantamweight champion sees this as a chance to win another world title and put himself back in the mix for big fights.

Moving Up in Weight: A Fresh Start for Doheny

Having spent most of his career at super bantamweight (122 lbs), Doheny believes that moving up to featherweight (126 lbs) will benefit him.

At the weigh-in on Friday, the 38-year-old initially came in 1 ounce over the limit but successfully made weight on his second attempt. Looking strong and refreshed, he’s confident the extra pounds will work to his advantage.

“I’m the taller man. Nick is small and stocky, but he fights well to his stature,” Doheny told Queensberry Promotions. “He’s a good pressure fighter, but even though I’m moving up, I’ll be the bigger, stronger man in the ring.”

Reflecting on his past weight struggles, he admitted: “I probably should have been a featherweight sooner. But the big fights kept coming at 122, so I had to cut down.”

Ball’s Hype vs. Doheny’s Experience

Nick Ball (21-0-1, 12 KOs) has built an impressive reputation, with his promoter, Frank Warren, even calling him one of the best British fighters alongside IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois.

Doheny, however, remains unfazed by the hype. Having shared the ring with elite fighters like Inoue, Michael Conlan, and Daniel Roman, he knows that true greatness isn’t just about momentum it’s about proving yourself at the highest level.

“He’s still young, and that’s a lot of pressure to put on his shoulders,” Doheny said. “Britain has plenty of top fighters. He’s one of the hottest names right now, but to say he’s the best overall is a big call.”

Doheny acknowledges Ball’s strengths but isn’t ready to crown him just yet. Now, with both fighters ready to clash, he’s determined to prove that experience, size, and strength will be on his side when the first bell rings.

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