AS recently as last summer, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk looked destined to be the latest victims of heavyweight boxing's undisputed curse.
Fury had reigned as world champion for three years after knocking out Deontay Wilder, while Usyk had dethroned Anthony Joshua before outclassing him again in their rematch.
Brits Fury and Joshua had been on the verge of signing for a blockbuster showdown in 2021 before Fury was forced instead to complete his trilogy with Wilder.
The American himself had failed to agree terms with Joshua when they shared the sport's ultimate prize. And early last year, Fury's proposed showdown with Usyk became another casualty when talks to host the fight at Wembley broke down at the 11th hour.
Usyk had been stretched to breaking point by Fury's demands, having accepted just 30 per cent of the total fight purse.
Denne historien er fra May 16, 2024-utgaven av Daily Mirror UK.
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Denne historien er fra May 16, 2024-utgaven av Daily Mirror UK.
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DOPPELGANGERL
Hudson-Odoi hails Wood as Forest's very own Haaland
REDDY TO TAKE OVER!
Slot's relentless side are in a commanding position to grab the crown that is falling from City's grasp
Loss of urgency, LEWIS lack of care and a huge 82 drop off in form killing City's season
SHORTLY after Cody Gakpo had opened the scoring amid more abject defending from Manchester City, Phil Foden had to receive treatment for a knock to the knee.
AMOR TO THE POINT
It's only taken Ruben three games but United are already playing with style and swagger
Red scare can't stop Botafogo
ALEX TELLES scored from the spot as Botafogo overcame a first-minute red card to be crowned South America's champions at the Copa Libertadores.
QATAR ZERO
It's the pits as Lewis finishes pointless after puncture & two penalties
Ryggs is a lethal weapon
RYGGS JOHNSTON won on only his second DP World Tour start as he captured the Australian Open in impressive fashion.
BRY & MIGHTY
Stokes hails Carse as 'three bowlers in one' as 10-wicket haul fires England to victory
REED ON THE ROAD TO TOP OF THE WORLD
ARRON REED was tipped for \"world-class\" status after scoring twice as Sale hit Leicester for six.
IT'S MOUTH ALMIGHTY
LOSSIEMOUTH is as short as 6-4 favourite (from 5-2) for the Champion Hurdle next March after posting an impressive victory in the Grade 1 Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
