Joshua v Fury Clash Resurface, ‘It Must Happen By 2025’ – Hearn

The long-awaited heavyweight bout between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury must “definitely” take place by the end of 2025 or it will never happen, says promoter Eddie Hearn.

A super-fight between two generational stars of British boxing has been mooted for several years but always stalled during negotiations.

Joshua, 34, challenges Daniel Dubois for the IBF belt at Wembley Stadium on Saturday and Fury, 36, takes on Oleksandr Usyk – who holds the three other recognised world titles – in December’s rematch.

“I do think AJ-Fury will happen regardless of whether Fury wins or not, but the size of the fight depends on their next two results,” Hearn told BBC Sport.

In June, Joshua urged Fury to fight him while both boxers are still “fresh” but said he will not “sit around and wait” for his fellow British heavyweight.

Asked whether there is a deadline of next year, Matchroom’s Hearn replied: “Yes, definitely.”

With substantial investment into boxing from Saudi Arabia, there is new hope the bout will finally materialise.

“If AJ beats Dubois and Fury beats Usyk, you’ve got the biggest fight in the history of the sport ever. If one loses and the other wins, it’s still a monster fight,” Hearn added.

‘There will never be another AJ’

Joshua broke down in tears after a second consecutive defeat by Usyk in 2022, but worked himself back into a world-title mandatory challenger position with a four-fight winning streak.

If he beats Dubois he will emulate greats Muhammad Ali, Lennox Lewis, Vitali Klitschko and Evander Holyfield by becoming a three-time heavyweight world champion.

“The magnitude of the achievement will be something incredible if he can pull it off,” Hearn said.

“We’re two wins away from undisputed and one win away from getting a fight to be undisputed. I truly believe he will still do it.”

Joshua must first come overcome Dubois in front of a British post-war record of 96,000 fans, which will top the 94,000 set by Fury v Dillian Whyte in 2022.

After Saturday’s event, around 480,000 spectators will have watched Joshua headline in six UK stadium fights.

“People always ask me where the next AJ is coming from. You have to understand, this person is a one-off and there will never be another one,” added Hearn.

“Whatever you think of his boxing ability, in terms of how he has transcended the sport, changed boxing by opening up stadium fights as part of the norm, it will never be repeated.”

Joshua became world champion in 2016. He lost the title to Andy Ruiz Jr in June 2019 before winning the rematch just six months later.

Dubois, 27, will make a first defence of the title he won after he was upgraded from interim to full world champion when Usyk vacated the IBF belt.

Although Dubois challenged Usyk in front of 40,000 fans in Poland last year, Hearn feels it “takes a specific kind of individual” to handle the pressure of topping a Wembley Stadium bill.

“The media attention and frenzy, all the moments before the bell on fight night – you’ve got to hold your nerve when you walk through that tunnel in front of 96,000 people,” said Hearn.

“For AJ this is bread and butter. He’s been there before and done it but he’s got the hunger and the desire.

“Forget the money in the bank, he badly wants to become world champion again.”

BBC

Nigeria Rugby Football Secures Kit Partnership With Umbro

The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), in collaboration with its global marketing partner Flovale, has entered a landmark partnership with renowned sportswear brand Umbro. This agreement establishes Umbro as the official kit provider for Nigeria’s national rugby teams, marking a new chapter for the sport in the country.

As part of the deal, Umbro will supply high-performance kits that reflect the essence of Nigerian culture and unity. Speaking on the partnership, Flovale highlighted the deeper significance of the jerseys beyond the game.

“This jersey is more than just sportswear; it’s a profound cultural statement and a powerful symbol of patriotism for Nigerians, both at home and abroad. We encourage Africans and people of diverse ethnicities worldwide to embrace its elegance and artistry, celebrating the heritage and spirit it represents,” Flovale stated.

For the players, the new kits symbolize pride, while for the fans, they represent a shared identity and unity. The partnership also underscores the growing global recognition of Nigerian rugby and its potential to inspire a new generation of players and supporters.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has announced the postponement of its 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM), initially scheduled to take place from December 3rd to 5th, 2024. The new dates for the meeting are January 24th to 26th, 2025.

The postponement follows a request from the sponsor, who, due to unforeseen circumstances, has opted to defer the hosting of the AGM until January 2025.

While this decision was not anticipated, the NRFF Board convened an emergency meeting on Sunday to deliberate on the matter. After thorough discussions, the board agreed to reschedule the AGM in the best interest of all stakeholders.

“We regret to announce the postponement of the meeting initially set for December 3rd to 5th, 2024, to the newly scheduled dates of January 24th to 26th, 2025. This decision was necessary to ensure the successful hosting of the AGM,” the NRFF stated.

The federation appreciates the understanding and patience of all stakeholders as it works towards a productive and impactful AGM in the new year.

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Ist Engr. Gumel National Weightlifting Championship: Bayelsa Leads Medal Table

After day 2 of the maiden Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel National Weightlifting Championship holding is Abuja, Bayelsa State has shot to the top of the medal table with 6 gold and 6 silver medals ahead of 17 other teams vying for honours in the championship.

Competing in the men’s 61 kg weight category, Agboro Favour who lifted 101kg in Snatch , 140 kg in Clean/Jerk to record a total of 241 kg and Ayodele Ruth who had 90 kg in Snatch, 120kg in Clean/Jerk and score a total of 210 kg accounted for Bayelsa state gold medal haul so far.

Akwa Ibom, Cross Rivers, Edo, Ogun and Oyo State are having 3 gold medals each but Ogun is occupying the second position for clinching an additional silver medal while Oyo boasts of an additional 3 bronze medals to move to the 3rd position.

Bauchi State that really started well as far as the race for medals is concerned, are still struggling to grab a gold medal. The state currently boasts of 8 silver and 3 bronze medals.

However, the medal table is expected to change today with the Championship drawing to an end.

However, the first Vice President of the Weightlifting. Federation of Africa (WFA) and former President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, Sir Chimdi Ejiogu, who flagged off the Championship, gave Kudos to the President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), Dr. Abdul Ibrahim and other stakeholders for thinking it wise to stage the championship.

He described Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel, the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) in whose honour the Championship is being held as a living Legend and a great ambassador to Nigeria who is worthy of honour having contributed immensely to the Development of Sports in the country.

According to Sir Ejiogu, someone like Engr. Habu Gumel can best be honored as a living Legend now that he is with us than when he passes on.

President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation who just arrived from America where he went for a befitting programme, said the championship is aimed at discovering new talents that will take over from the retiring ones.

According to him, many good ones are quitting the sports due to old age while others are moving into coaching.

And as a serious, Federation, there is an urgent need to replace them in order not to creat a vacuum. All we need now is a pool of young, vibrant and energetic lifters that will stand the taste of time.
Hence the reason for keeping his hands into his pockets to ensure that this competition is held before the year 2024 runs out.

Besides, there lots of international Championships stirring us in the face next (2025) and we need a real formidable team to face those challenges.

“You can see lifters performance in this event coupled to the first class organization we are witnessing these three days. That is how things are supposed to be done.

So for weightlifting under my leadership and care, the sky is just the beginning. All I keep craving for is for all the stakeholders ( referees and coaches) to play their roles effectively so that together , we will get to where we are going.

There are going to be more domestic championships next year, including the 2nd edition of Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel National open among others.

Meanwhile, the maiden Engr. Gumel National Championship can be described as huge success as turned out to be the gathering of all the who is who in
Nigeria Weightlifting.Scene.

These include, Alhaji Sir Chidi Ejiogu, 1st Vice President Weightlifting Federation of Africa (WFA) and Former President Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) Chibudem Nwuche, Former President NWF Mohammed Abdullahi, Deputy Secretary General Nigeria Olympic Committee, Hon . Daniel Igali, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Muhammad Salis Gamawa, Air Commodore Rahinatu Garba, Dr. Hassan Sadidiq, Dr. Joy Madaki of NIS and Barr, Amos Dushu among others.

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Over ₦9m Up for Grabs at All Stars Mega Badminton Championship

The stage is set for what promises to be a groundbreaking event in Nigerian badminton history, as the All Stars Mega Badminton Championship kicks off on December 11, 2024, in Abuja.

With over ₦9 million in cash prizes, this tournament is poised to redefine the game, offering the largest payday ever seen in Nigerian badminton.

The men’s singles champion will walk away with a star prize of ₦1 million, while the women’s singles winner will pocket ₦700,000. Winners in the men’s and women’s doubles categories will each receive ₦500,000, with numerous consolation cash prizes and gifts for other categories, including All Stars doubles, 50+ men veterans, U-49 men’s doubles, and mixed veterans.

Salaudeen Abdulfatai, C E O LMK Sport Kits Limited and Co-chairman of the Local Organizing Committee for All Stars Mega Badminton Championship, expressed his excitement ahead of the championship. “We are working closely with badminton stakeholders in Nigeria and the diaspora to elevate the sport. This championship isn’t just a competition; it’s a statement about the potential of badminton in Nigeria,” he said.

Fatai emphasized the collaborative effort behind the event, noting contributions from notable former players and enthusiasts such as Mr Peter Duku,Mr Orobosa Okuonghae,Mrs Olabisi Fajinmi (Nee Tiamiyu),Mr Abimbola Odejoke and Mr Olaoluwa Ebenezer Fagbemi. “It’s not easy to entrust funds and resources, but these individuals have placed their faith in us. We are determined not to disappoint, which is why every effort is being made to ensure this is the best-organized and most rewarding tournament in our history.”

The response from athletes has been overwhelming. “We’ve already registered over 100 players for the men’s singles alone, a record-breaking figure. The women’s singles, doubles, and veterans’ categories have also seen unprecedented participation,besides the last 16 and quarter finalists would also go home with cash prizes.This will undoubtedly be the most highly attended badminton tournament ever held in Nigeria,” Fatai added.

As excitement builds, the All Stars Mega Badminton Championship is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of dedication, collaboration, and the future of badminton in Nigeria.