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Anthony Joshua has said he would not celebrate that a deal has finally been struck for a heavyweight clash with rival Tyson Fury until after he won."I'm not pleased because the pleasure really comes after victory," said Joshua. "Signing a contract doesn't mean anything. Winning is the only true success."The pair are heading for a long-awaited 'Battle of Britain', probably in November, but before both boxers are eyeing a warm-up fight.Joshua will face unheralded Albanian Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia on July 25 in his first bout since being involved in a car crash in Nigeria last December which killed two of his close friends.Fury last week posted a video in an Instagram story showing him back in training in Thailand alongside the caption: "Let's go August 1, Dublin, Ireland."Fury, 37, could take a place on a card being put together by veteran promoter Frank Warren in the Irish capital on that date.No opponent has yet been named, although Warren has ruled out Fury fighting Andy Ruiz Jr, who dethroned Joshua as world champion in 2019 before losing the rematch later that year. TIME TO GET BACKJoshua insisted it was time to get back to work as he prepares to take on little-known Prenga.The fight was originally scheduled to take place in Riyadh, but at their head-to-head press conference it was revealed it has been moved to Jeddah - Saudi Arabia's second largest city.The 36-year-old Joshua has not fought a meaningful opponent since being knocked out by Daniel Dubois in September 2024."What does boxing give me? It gives me an opportunity to work. I'm a contractor, this is a contract, this is my job so I've got an opportunity to work," Joshua said."You have to put a road map in front of a fighter and show them what is point one, point two, point three. It gives purpose and focus. I know what my year looks like."Give me the opportunity to fight Prenga, give me the opportunity to fight Fury, give me the opportunity to fight for the championship."It ain't about looking past anyone, it's just knowing your purpose and knowing your steps forward and moving up the ladder."I've got a clear goal, I know what this year is about, I know how tough this year is going to be. I've been training hard, that's my life." 

Floyd Mayweather is coming out of retirement and will return to professional boxing after his exhibition fight with Mike Tyson this spring, the 48-year-old announced Friday.Former multi-weight world champion Mayweather retired from boxing in 2017, unbeaten in 50 bouts, though he has appeared in several exhibition fights since."I still have what it takes to set more records in the sport of boxing," Mayweather, said in a statement to AFP."From my upcoming Mike Tyson event to my next professional fight afterwards -- no one will generate a bigger gate, have a larger global broadcast audience and generate more money with each event -- then (sic) my events."A first professional fight is tentatively scheduled for this summer, against an opponent to be announced.Details will be revealed "in the coming weeks," said the statement.Nicknamed "Money", Mayweather was once the world's highest-paid athlete, with earnings of $300 million in 2015, according to Forbes.At his peak he was widely considered boxing's pound-for-pound king, dominating the welterweight division for more than a decade.Despite his success, Mayweather has long been a controversial figure.He was often criticized for an overly defensive style, and accused by some of dodging the most dangerous opponents simply to embellish his record.Mayweather has also spent time in prison for one of a string of domestic violence incidents.But his supreme fitness, work ethic, athleticism and boxing brain earnt him the respect of his peers in the ring.Mayweather's last professional bout was in 2017 against UFC star Conor McGregor.He has continued to appear in exhibitions, including a victory over John Gotti III in Mexico in August 2024, as well as bouts with reality television stars and YouTube fighters.Mayweather has signed an exclusive agreement with promoter CSI Sports/Fight Sports, to begin following his Tyson bout.Boxing outlet Ring Magazine recently reported that Mayweather's exhibition fight with Tyson will take place on April 25th in the Congo, though neither date nor location has been officially confirmed."Iron Mike" Tyson, 59, last appeared in the ring in a lopsided loss to YouTuber-turned prizefighter Jake Paul in November 2024 in Texas.Tyson barely landed a punch in that Netflix-backed bout, which was watched by a live crowd of around 70,000 spectators with an estimated millions more tuning in around the world. 

Amid an incredible attendance of spectators marked by epic success, the curtain fell on the 8th Katara Boxing Championship in Doha on Saturday. The three-day competition, organized by the Qatar Boxing and Wrestling Federation (QBWF), was held in both the amateur and professional categories. The amateur bouts took place over the first two days, featuring around 65 boxers across the three age groups (open, youth, and juniors), representing 15 clubs from Qatar and a team from Lebanon, competing across 10 weight divisions.**media[411819]**As for the professional category bouts, which took place in the evening on the final day of the championship, they showcased six intense matches on both the technical and tactical levels, with world champions competing for 5 Asian and World titles under the WBC, as well as the Diamond Belt. In the first match, Russian Kerim Khan Kerimkhanov claimed victory on points over Lebanese Abdulwahab Mashareqi after a balanced contest between the two sides. In the second match, another Russian, Ruslan Satiev, secured a quick win by defeating his Azerbaijani opponent, Bairam Shammadov, in the second round by knockout. The third bout, featuring Philippine boxer Jadalie Carolina Medeiros and her Iranian opponent, Shirin Shabani, was fierce and lasted eight rounds, before Medeiros claimed victory on points.**media[411820]**In the fourth match, Algerian Idriss Labidi won decisively over his Indonesian opponent, Rivo Rengkung, finishing the bout in the second round by knockout. In the fifth bout, Iranian Sajad Sattari defeated his Thai opponent, Kaonar, in the second round by knockout. Finally, in the sixth and concluding bout, Russian Ali Aliev triumphed on points over American Chip Moraza-Pollard after a strong contest from both fighters. Speaking to Qatar News Agency, HE President of QBWF Sheikh Fahad bin Khalid Al-Thani said that throughout the three-day saga, the event featured participation from all age categories -Prep, Junior, Youth, and Elite/Professional -with the first and second days dedicated to amateur competitions in the men’s, youth, and junior divisions, featuring 15 clubs from Qatar and a team from Lebanon, competing across 10 weight divisions for 26 gold medals. The final day was reserved for professional bouts in various combat sports, featuring world-ranked fighters competing for 4 Asian and World WBC titles, as well as the Diamond Belt, Sheikh Fahad highlighted. He added that the event is one of the key tournaments in QBWF's calendar, affirming that the federation is committed to holding it annually to discover new boxing talent for the different age-group national teams, while also giving clubs and centers across the nation the opportunity to participate, gain experience, and develop their competitive level. This was a record-breaking participation and stronger than previous editions, with the number of participants increasing to encompass multiple clubs and academies in the nation, as well as Lebanon's team, Sheikh Fahad noted. Sheikh Fahad emphasized that QBWF's plan is based on organizing a substantial number of events to promote the level of boxers and their talent. He stressed that QBWF's strategy underpins the development of all elements -boxers, trainers, clubs, academies, and special centers -with the objective of enlarging the base and attracting younger people and emerging talent to represent Qatar on all stages. 

Combat sports is set to make its much-awaited debut in Qatar on Saturday when two WBA Muay Thai titles will be decided alongside a couple of MMZ bouts also lined up. Two WBC Muai Thai fights are also on the playing roster on Saturday, this was announced by Sheikh Fahad bin Khalid Al Thani, President of the Qatar Boxing Federation (QBF), at a press conference that also featured the fighters, on Thursday. Ali Aliev will take on Chip Moraza-Pollard in the Cruiserweight WBC Muay Thai World Title fight while Sajad Sattari is lining up a potential win against Kaonar in the WBC Welterweight Muay Thai Diamond Title bout, Sheikh Fahad said.**media[410708]**In two MMA bouts, Qatar's Ruslan Satiev will take on Bairam Shammadov while Kerimkhan Kerimkhanov will fight against Abdulwahab Mashareqi. In two WBC Asia Boxing Title fights, Idriss Labidi will lock horns with Rivo Rengkung while Jadalie Medeiros vs Shirin Shabani is also on the list of fighters. "This is a dream come true for Qatar in combat sports," Sheikh Fahad, Qatar's retired professional boxer, said on Thursday. "It's a great honour to host these fighters. Such an event has been a dream of mine for a long time. Every WBC fighter dreams of winning belts. There are four belts on offer. I am sure fighters will showcase a new era of combat sports in Qatar," Sheikh Fahad said. Aliev, who is primed to take on Moraza-Pollard, said on Thursday: "It's a dream to have such events in Qatar. It's a unique and prestigious sport. Our vision is to promote combat sports. We want to go teach self-discipline to young fighters. We have great champions here. Before coming here, I had intense training. I am ready." Moraza-Pollard said: "Ali is one of the best fighters in the world. I am ready for the 5 rounds and put on a good show. I've already had this belt. I lost it. It's an honour to fight for it again."**media[410710]**The Venum Fight 3 roster will be held alongside the eighth edition of the 8th Katara Boxing Championships. The first two days will be dedicated to local boxing, with 65 boxers from three age categories (senior, youth, and junior) representing 15 clubs from Qatar and one team from Lebanon, competing in 10 weight classes. The final day's action will feature professional combat sports bouts, making the championship a focal point for international combat sports enthusiasts. Sheikh Fahad added that the championship matches will be officiated by eight referees. "We met a year and a half ago with Mehdi of Venum. It was my dream to have a gladiator feel in Qatar so we chose the Katara Amphitheater as the venue," Sheikh Fahad said.Sattari said of his bout against Kaonar: "It's a prestigious title. Only 12 or 13 fighters battle for this title. I will do my best." Ghanem Saleh al-Kuwari, Head of Boxing at the QBF, said participation in the previous seven editions was limited to members of the Qatari national teams and home club fighters.Al-Kuwari stated that this year's edition will be entirely different as QBF President has enhanced the tournament by introducing international bouts on the final day, featuring world-class professional boxers from various combat sports. Al-Kuwari pointed out that the Qatari participation on the first two days, between national team members and club boxers, aims to raise their level through competition with players from different clubs and to gain experience. He explained that the Qatari boxers have prepared for this tournament through intensive training camps and by participating in international tournaments. Al-Kuwari said that QBF looks forward to further developing its tournaments in the future, in line with its ambitious plans to cultivate new generations of Qatari boxers capable of raising the national flag at various major regional and international sporting events. "My message to boxing fans and combat sports athletes in Qatar is do not miss this opportunity. Please come on Saturday. It is going to be an amazing event. Action starts at 4 o’clock," Sheikh Fahad said. "Free entrance for all," he added. Venum Fight 3 MatchupsSajad Sattari vs. Kaonar - Title: WBC Welterweight Muay Thai Diamond TitleAli Aliev vs. Chip Moraza-Pollard - Title: Cruiserweight WBC Muay Thai World TitleIdriss Labidi vs. Rivo Rengkung - Title: WBC Asia Boxing TitleJadalie Medeiros vs. Shirin Shabani - Title: WBC Asia Boxing TitleRuslan Satiev vs. Bairam Shammadov - Category: MMA BoutKerimkhan Kerimkhanov vs. Abdulwahab Mashareqi - Category: MMA Bout 

The Qatar Boxing and Wrestling Federation and the Palestine Wrestling Federation signed a cooperation agreement Wednesday at the Qatar Olympic Committee headquarters in Doha. This agreement aims to build a stronger sports partnership between the two federations through joint training camps, organizing championships, creating development programs, and exchanging technical, coaching, and refereeing expertise.The agreement was signed by Sheikh Fahad bin Khalid al-Thani, President of the Qatar Boxing and Wrestling Federation, and Riyad Hassan, Secretary-General of the Palestine Wrestling Federation and member of the ‘Sport for All’ Commission at United World Wrestling.The signing ceremony was attended by Abdullah Hamad al-Mosaifri, Assistant Secretary-General of the Qatari Federation, Ghanem Saleh al-Kuwari, Board Member, and Massimiliano Montanari, CEO of the International Centre for Sport Security.This agreement represents an important step in supporting the development of wrestlers from both Qatar and Palestine. It will help improve their technical and physical skills through training camps and prepare them to compete at regional, Arab, continental, and international championships.Sheikh Fahad praised the achievements of Palestinian wrestlers at both the Arab and international levels. He said that this agreement will open new opportunities for athletes from both countries, helping them develop their talents, enhance their competitiveness, and achieve greater success in the sport of wrestling.Hassan expressed his deep appreciation to the State of Qatar for its continuous support of Palestinian sports. He said that this agreement marks a new stage in the growth of wrestling in both countries and will help build a new generation of champions capable of reaching the top of international podiums.The ceremony concluded with an exchange of commemorative shields between Sheikh Fahad and Hassan, reflecting the strong relationship and shared commitment between the two federations to promote wrestling excellence.

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, at the centre of a row at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has turned to sport’s top court to attempt to overturn the introduction of a gender test, the court said Monday.The Court of Arbitration for Sport said in a statement that Khelif was challenging the global boxing federation’s decision “that disallows the athlete’s participation in upcoming World Boxing events without a preliminary genetic test”.Khelif was one of two boxers who sparked a gender eligibility furore at the Paris Games. The other was Taiwanese fighter Lin Yu-ting, who has been entered to compete at the world championships that start this week in Liverpool.Both fighters won Olympic gold medals, but Khelif’s opening bout, when she left her Italian opponent in tears, sparked criticism from a range of commentators including now-US Vice-President J D Vance and “Harry Potter” author JK Rowling.Khelif last month denied claims made by her former manager that she was putting her career on hold. “I would like to make it clear to the public that the reports of my retirement from boxing are false,” the 26-year-old wrote on Facebook.She accused her former manager, Nasser Yesfah, of “betraying (her) trust and (her) country with his false and malicious statements”. “This person no longer represents me in any way,” she said.Former heavyweight Bugner, who fought Ali twice, dies at 75Three-time European heavyweight champion boxer Joe Bugner, who fought Muhammad Ali in a world title bout, has died at the age of 75, the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) said Monday.Bugner, who won the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles twice, fought Ali and Joe Frazier in back-to-back fights in 1973, and faced Ali again for his WBA and WBC world championships in 1975.“Joe Bugner has passed away at his care home in Brisbane, Australia,” the BBBoC said in a statement. “The British Boxing Board of Control passes on its condolences to Joe’s family.”Bugner’s professional boxing career spanned 32 years and 83 bouts, of which he won 69, including 41 by knockout. He turned professional in 1967, and won the European, British and Commonwealth titles by beating Henry Cooper in 1971.Hungary-born Bugner lost his titles six months later but won eight fights straight in 1972 before facing Ali and Frazier the next year, who both won decisions against him.Ali again beat him by unanimous decision in their rematch for the world championship in Malaysia.Bugner moved to Australia in the 1980s and won the Australian heavyweight title in 1995, before retiring in 1999.