Oleksandr Usyk has pretty much summed up what everyone else is thinking regarding his ongoing fight saga with Tyson Fury as both men prepare for the next bouts — just not against each other.
A deal between the two heavyweights looked to have been agreed earlier this year but was ultimately called off back in March following disputes over the final purse split, with both parties blaming the other and fight fans left frustrated.
Unsurprisingly, there has been plenty of choice words exchanged since, with John Fury even demanding Usyk “apologise for trying to bamboozle the public“, but now the 36-year-old has called on everyone involved to stop talking and start acting.
🗣 Oleksandr Usyk has called on Tyson Fury to make their undisputed heavyweight title fight happen 👀 pic.twitter.com/tZO6dhTe4Y
Speaking in an exclusive with TNT Sports, Usyk suggested that he has been handed the wrong opponent but that “this is part of the way and if I have this Englishman in my way now then I have to face him”.
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In an admittedly rare moment of pleasantry in what has been a typically trash-talk-filled build-up, the WBA, WBO and IBF holder said of Fury: “As a human being, I think he is a great person. I think he’s a great man, a great father, a great family man and as an athlete he’s brilliant as well.
Nevertheless, the nine-time title holder went on to say, “there’s too much words, instead of actions”, adding that “The whole world wants to see the fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury and we have to make it. People are tired of talks. We need to do instead of talk.” He’s not wrong.
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As for Dubois, Usyk insisted that he won’t “underestimate him… I do [the same] volume of work in my training and with Daniel Dubois there is no exception… I train as hard as I can, as it’s possible, to achieve my goal in the ring”, though there is no doubt Usyk sees this as merely a stepping stone to get to Fury.
However, the 34-year-old admitted back in June that he is out of practice and could potentially face a “12-round disaster” if he were to fight him now, having been out of the ring pretty much ever since his fight against Derek Chisora back in December 2022.
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The Gypsy King has also been busy with other projects besides boxing in the interim too, with he and the rest of the Fury family revealing their new Netflix reality show late last month, which is set to air on 16 August.
As for younger brother Tommy, he has finally announced his next fight against yet another YouTube and social media personality in KSI, warning that he wants to end the recent influencer boxing trend “within 12 months”.
Featured Image — Oleksandr Usyk (via Twitter)/Tyson Fury (via Instagram)
Sport
Tributes pour in as former Rochdale and Bury midfielder Joe Thompson dies at just 36
Danny Jones
Awful news to share with you this bank holiday, as former Rochdale and Bury FC midfielderJoe Thompson has sadly passed away. He was just 36 years old.
Born in Bath, he spent time at both Man United and Rochdale’s academies before representing the first team, as well as representing fellow Greater Manchester club Bury and other teams in the North West – a region where he built a life with his partner and his two kids.
The ex-pro ultimately had to retire from football following a long battle with cancer, having been given the all clear from stage four lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) twice before during his playing days, before tragically receiving a heartbreaking third diagnosis last April.
News of his death broke on Good Friday, 18 April, having “passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning”. His wife Chantelle and eldest daughter Thailula shared a lengthy and heartbreaking statement on social media.
Confirming that he passed surrounded by his family, they wrote: “Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.
“He was the most Incredible husband, son, brother, friend and father to our beautiful daughters, who will now carry his light and legacy on, and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joe’s love every single day […] I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy.”
Addressing their followers directly, who have been unwavering in their support for Joe and his family over recent years, The Thompsons went on to add: “Long may his legacy and impact live on! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with us… We are all forever grateful.”
They also announced that his funeral will be an open service to allow others inspired by his story, charity work, from his Dale days saving the club from relegation and more to pay their respects, with more details to follow soon.
Countless figures from around the footballing world have joined the likes of the Red Devils and his other former clubs in paying touching tributes to the inspiring individual.
A man who epitomised our club's values ❤️
We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away.
A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/40ddQpyRTi
Very sad news, to battle cancer once is extremely brave but to battle it three times is not just brave but you need a strong mindset and obviously Joe had that to keep fighting. Thoughts with Joe’s family and friends.
Joe and his family were friends with our very own Amy here at The Manc, so it goes without saying that we offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched – our thoughts are with all of them at this difficult time.
She said: “To one of the most incredible men I have ever met – Joe it was an unbelievable honour to have known you, you were the light in any room, and I can’t believe we have to carry on in this world without you.
“To the guy with the best laugh and best waves, you will forever be missed.”
Inside Manchester’s new padel club with a Pot Kettle Black cafe and courtside cocktail bar
Daisy Jackson
Padel is the fastest-growing sport in the world, and it’s really picking up speed in Manchester now too with another city centre club opening this month.
The Pollen Club is a little different to the others, in that it’s fully undercover and protected from Manchester’s less-than-favourable weather.
And another thing that makes it a must-visit is the cafe attached to it – a third site for the beloved Pot Kettle Black.
The Pollen Club and Pot Kettle Black have both taken over a prominent city centre spot just off Deansgate, at the foot of the recently-opened Treehouse Hotel.
There are two state-of-the-art padel courts inside, with a mezzanine terrace for enjoy Pot Kettle Black’s offerings.
In summer, there are plans to launch a bar downstairs too, where you can sip spritzes courtside from loungers and swing seats.
The exciting new Manchester padel club will host pop up events, DJ takeovers and an extended evening food offering.
Pot Kettle Black are part of the new padel clubInside Manchester’s new padel club, The Pollen ClubPot Kettle Black are part of the new padel club
And even if you’re not heading inside The Pollen Club, Pot Kettle Black has a grab-and-go hatch facing onto Blackfriars Street, making their delicious coffees, sandwiches and pastries (from their own bakery Half Dozen Other) even more accessible.
Commenting on the opening of the new site, Pot Kettle Black co-owner, Mark Flanagan said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have opened our third Pot Kettle Black site at The Padel Club. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team.
“After ten years in the city we’ve been enjoying seeing some familiar faces stopping by for a coffee and we can’t wait to get started on our programme of summer events!”
Danny Jones -
2nd August 2023 
