Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk recently overcame the challenge presented by British boxer Anthony Joshua, outperforming his opponent over the course of 12-rounds to walk away with the win by way of a split decision. The scorecards, at the end of the clash, read&nbsp;113 to 115, 115 to 113 and 116 to 112 for the winner, Usyk.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/oleksandr-usyk-beats-anthony-joshua-by-split-decision-in-heavyweight-rematch-508792" hreflang="en">Oleksandr Usyk beats Anthony Joshua by split decision in heavyweight rematch</a>

Until the month of March, Usyk&nbsp;was on the frontlines in Kyiv, defending his country against the Russian invasion. However, he hung his boots up for good&nbsp;to lace up the 10-oz gloves to make his way back to the squared circle to participate in a rematch against his former foe, Anthony Joshua. Their first fight took place in London last year, where Usyk managed to lay claim to AJ's&nbsp;WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight belts.

Although a disgruntled 'AJ' indulged in a series of rowdy behaviours shortly after the results of the fight were announced before storming out, he returned to the ring to offer due respect to the Ukrainian before posing with his national flag, taking a stand and displaying solidarity against Russia's assault.

In the aftermath of all the drama, Usyk moved to dedicate his win to the men and women in the Ukrainian&nbsp;military, who stayed back in the war-torn country to defend their nation against the Russian onslaught.&nbsp;"I did this victory for my country, for all people, militaries who are defending the country. Thank you very, very much."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/anthony-joshua-throws-away-belts-goes-on-wild-rant-in-epic-meltdown-after-loss-against-oleksandr-usyk-508817" hreflang="en">Anthony Joshua throws away belts, goes on wild rant in epic meltdown after loss against Oleksandr Usyk</a>

He subsequently trained his aim at the retired heavyweight kingpin Tyson Fury, declaring his intentions of locking horns with the Mancunian boxer inside the ring. He admitted that he won't be fighting anyone if he doesn't get the opportunity to go toe-to-toe against Fury.

Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk recently overcame the challenge presented by British boxer Anthony Joshua, outperforming his opponent over the course of 12-rounds to walk away with the win by way of a split decision.

Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk recently overcame the challenge presented by British boxer Anthony Joshua, outperforming his opponent over the course of 12-rounds to walk away with the win by way of a split decision. The scorecards, at the end of the clash, read 113 to 115, 115 to 113 and 116 to 112 for the winner, Usyk. ALSO READ: Oleksandr Usyk beats Anthony Joshua by split decision in heavyweight rematch Until the month of March, Usyk was on the frontlines in Kyiv, defending his country against the Russian invasion. However, he hung his boots up for good to lace up the 10-oz gloves to make his way back to the squared circle to participate in a rematch against his former foe, Anthony Joshua. Their first fight took place in London last year, where Usyk managed to lay claim to AJ's WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight belts. Although a disgruntled 'AJ' indulged in a series of rowdy behaviours shortly after the results of the fight were announced before storming out, he returned to the ring to offer due respect to the Ukrainian before posing with his national flag, taking a stand and displaying solidarity against Russia's assault. In the aftermath of all the drama, Usyk moved to dedicate his win to the men and women in the Ukrainian military, who stayed back in the war-torn country to defend their nation against the Russian onslaught. "I did this victory for my country, for all people, militaries who are defending the country. Thank you very, very much." ALSO READ: Anthony Joshua throws away belts, goes on wild rant in epic meltdown after loss against Oleksandr Usyk He subsequently trained his aim at the retired heavyweight kingpin Tyson Fury, declaring his intentions of locking horns with the Mancunian boxer inside the ring. He admitted that he won't be fighting anyone if he doesn't get the opportunity to go toe-to-toe against Fury.

This victory is for my country: Oleksandr Usyk pays tribute to Ukrainian military after beating Anthony Joshua

Japan will compile a considerably large extra budget immediately after a looming general election to ease the economic blow of the pandemic and boost long-term growth in key areas, a ruling party heavyweight said on Sunday.

"What must be tackled at first is vaccinations. This is the strongest of coronavirus measures," Akira Amari, newly appointed secretary-general of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), told public broadcaster NHK`s political debate programme.

Japan should boost its vaccination rate from the current 60 per cent to 70 per cent to 80 per cent, levels seen as easing anxiety among the public, Amari said.

"We have responded with various measures by tapping emergency budget reserves. Now that the reserves are drying up, we will compile a considerably large extra budget immediately after the election."

Given dire public finances, Japan`s incoming prime minister, Fumio Kishida , may have little choice but to sell more government bonds&nbsp;to fund a pandemic-relief package that he said would be worth hundreds of billions of dollars.

Amari, a former economy minister seen as a key ally of Japan`s longest-serving premier, Shinzo Abe, said the supplementary budget would focus on the environment, digital and infrastructure.

He said the government may consider extending job subsidies, but Keiichi Ishii, his counterpart at the LDP`s small coalition partner Komeito called for cash payments of 100,000 yen ($900) to everyone up to 18 years old, or roughly 20 million people.

Kishida, a former foreign minister, won the LDP`s leadership race on Wednesday and is expected to be elected prime minister in parliament on Monday, replacing Yoshihide Suga, by virtue of the party`s majority in the lower house. He is expected to name his cabinet later in the day.

The general election must be held by November&nbsp;28.

Seiko Noda, who ran against Kishida, is likely to get a ministerial post, Kyodo news said on Sunday, a move in line with Kishida`s aim of having female lawmakers make up for 30 per cent or more of his cabinet.

The new leader is set to keep Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi - younger brother of Abe - and Education Minister and Abe ally Koichi Hagiuda in his cabinet, the Mainichi newspaper reported.

Finance Minister&nbsp;Taro Aso`s brother-in-law, Shunichi Suzuki, is set to replace him, media reported.

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi is set to retain his post, while Hirokazu Matsuno, an education minister in Abe`s cabinet, is set to become chief cabinet secretary.

Tetsuo Saito, Komeito`s number two, is likely to be named transport minister, replacing fellow Komeito lawmaker Kazuyoshi Akaba, media reported.

Japan will compile a considerably large extra budget immediately after a looming general election to ease the economic blow of the pandemic and boost long-term growth in key areas, a ruling party heavyweight said on Sunday.

Japan will compile a considerably large extra budget immediately after a looming general election to ease the economic blow of the pandemic and boost long-term growth in key areas, a ruling party heavyweight said on Sunday. "What must be tackled at first is vaccinations. This is the strongest of coronavirus measures," Akira Amari, newly appointed secretary-general of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), told public broadcaster NHK`s political debate programme. Japan should boost its vaccination rate from the current 60 per cent to 70 per cent to 80 per cent, levels seen as easing anxiety among the public, Amari said. "We have responded with various measures by tapping emergency budget reserves. Now that the reserves are drying up, we will compile a considerably large extra budget immediately after the election." Given dire public finances, Japan`s incoming prime minister, Fumio Kishida , may have little choice but to sell more government bonds to fund a pandemic-relief package that he said would be worth hundreds of billions of dollars. Amari, a former economy minister seen as a key ally of Japan`s longest-serving premier, Shinzo Abe, said the supplementary budget would focus on the environment, digital and infrastructure. He said the government may consider extending job subsidies, but Keiichi Ishii, his counterpart at the LDP`s small coalition partner Komeito called for cash payments of 100,000 yen ($900) to everyone up to 18 years old, or roughly 20 million people. Kishida, a former foreign minister, won the LDP`s leadership race on Wednesday and is expected to be elected prime minister in parliament on Monday, replacing Yoshihide Suga, by virtue of the party`s majority in the lower house. He is expected to name his cabinet later in the day. The general election must be held by November 28. Seiko Noda, who ran against Kishida, is likely to get a ministerial post, Kyodo news said on Sunday, a move in line with Kishida`s aim of having female lawmakers make up for 30 per cent or more of his cabinet. The new leader is set to keep Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi - younger brother of Abe - and Education Minister and Abe ally Koichi Hagiuda in his cabinet, the Mainichi newspaper reported. Finance Minister Taro Aso`s brother-in-law, Shunichi Suzuki, is set to replace him, media reported. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi is set to retain his post, while Hirokazu Matsuno, an education minister in Abe`s cabinet, is set to become chief cabinet secretary. Tetsuo Saito, Komeito`s number two, is likely to be named transport minister, replacing fellow Komeito lawmaker Kazuyoshi Akaba, media reported.

Japan to compile big extra budget after polls, says LDP heavyweight

A Bulgarian boxer who grabbed a female broadcaster's face and kissed her on the lips during a post-fight interview was suspended until July by the California State Athletic Commission on Tuesday following tearful testimony by the interviewer. Kubrat Pulev, a heavyweight contender known as "The Cobra," was also ordered during a commission hearing to attend sexual harassment prevention classes and pay a $2,500 fine before he can fight again in the state of California.

Bulgarian boxer suspended in California for kissing broadcaster

Deontay Wilder weighed in 44 pounds lighter than Tyson Fury on Friday but still had no doubts he will knock out the Briton in their WBC heavyweight world title fight at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

"It's definitely the most important (fight of my career) but definitely not the most difficult," said American Wilder, who tipped the scales at 212.5 pounds.

"I've fought guys way tougher than him. I'm going to knock him out."

Wilder, the defending WBC heavyweight champion, has a 40-0 record including 39 knockouts.

Fury (27-0) did not give an interview after weighing in at 256.5 pounds, down nearly 20 pounds from his comeback in June which ended a two-year-plus absence from the ring.

His efforts to goad Wilder into a confrontation met with no response as the pair kept their distance, a far cry from Wednesday's chaotic news conference when they had to be separated.

Deontay Wilder weighed in 44 pounds lighter than Tyson Fury on Friday but still had no doubts he will knock out the Briton in their WBC heavyweight world title fight at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Deontay Wilder weighed in 44 pounds lighter than Tyson Fury on Friday but still had no doubts he will knock out the Briton in their WBC heavyweight world title fight at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. "It's definitely the most important (fight of my career) but definitely not the most difficult," said American Wilder, who tipped the scales at 212.5 pounds. "I've fought guys way tougher than him. I'm going to knock him out." Wilder, the defending WBC heavyweight champion, has a 40-0 record including 39 knockouts. Fury (27-0) did not give an interview after weighing in at 256.5 pounds, down nearly 20 pounds from his comeback in June which ended a two-year-plus absence from the ring. His efforts to goad Wilder into a confrontation met with no response as the pair kept their distance, a far cry from Wednesday's chaotic news conference when they had to be separated.

Deontay Wilder predicts he will make quick work of Fury

&nbsp;Actor Will Smith and former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis will be among the&nbsp;pallbearers for&nbsp;Muhammad&nbsp;Ali&#39;s funeral on Friday, joining a list of notable athletes, entertainers and politicians to mourn the boxing legend.

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and comedian Billy Crystal were among those previously announced as participating in public events as the world grieves the loss of the boxer, showman and antiwar activist who captivated global attention in the 1960s and 1970s.

One of the transcendent figures of the 20th century,&nbsp;Ali&nbsp;died on Friday at age 74. Family spokesman Bob Gunnell announced the details of the memorial services on Monday.

Smith played&nbsp;Ali&nbsp;in the 2001 movie of the same name, earning an Oscar nomination and becoming a family friend. London-born Lewis, who went on to represent Canada in the Olympics, is one of three boxers along with&nbsp;Ali&nbsp;and Evander Holyfield to have held the heavyweight title three times.

They will be joined by relatives and family friends in carrying the casket through&nbsp;Ali&#39;s home town of Louisville, Kentucky on Friday.

More than 30,000 tickets will be distributed to the public for two memorials scheduled for Thursday and Friday in sports arenas in the city.

About 300 fans who could not wait gathered on Monday outside&nbsp;Ali&#39;s childhood home for a memorial led by Islamic leaders, a dance group and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer.

Dwight Richardson, 32, a youth counsellor, brought seven kids he works with so they could learn about&nbsp;Ali&#39;s message.

&quot;People might not like it, but if you stand up for what you believe in, then you won&#39;t be a pushover,&quot; Richardson said.

Ali, who suffered from Parkinson&#39;s disease for many years, and his family had planned his funeral for a decade.

Official events start with a private ceremony on Thursday, followed by an Islamic service for the public at Freedom Hall, the site of&nbsp;Ali&#39;s last professional fight in Louisville, where he defeated Willi Besmanoff on Nov. 29, 1961. The service will be led by Imam Zaid Shakir of California.

On Friday,&nbsp;Ali&#39;s family will gather for prayers, to be followed by the funeral procession through Louisville. The route will include a boulevard bearing&nbsp;Ali&#39;s name on the way to the Cave Hill Cemetery.

The main service will take place at the KFC Yum! Center on Friday afternoon, when Clinton and Crystal are scheduled to deliver eulogies.

In addition, Fischer announced an &quot;I Am&nbsp;Ali&quot; Festival on Wednesday with programming for children.

Actor Will Smith and former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis will be among the?pallbearers for?Muhammad?Ali's funeral on Friday

Actor Will Smith and former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis will be among the pallbearers for Muhammad Ali's funeral on Friday, joining a list of notable athletes, entertainers and politicians to mourn the boxing legend. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and comedian Billy Crystal were among those previously announced as participating in public events as the world grieves the loss of the boxer, showman and antiwar activist who captivated global attention in the 1960s and 1970s. One of the transcendent figures of the 20th century, Ali died on Friday at age 74. Family spokesman Bob Gunnell announced the details of the memorial services on Monday. Smith played Ali in the 2001 movie of the same name, earning an Oscar nomination and becoming a family friend. London-born Lewis, who went on to represent Canada in the Olympics, is one of three boxers along with Ali and Evander Holyfield to have held the heavyweight title three times. They will be joined by relatives and family friends in carrying the casket through Ali's home town of Louisville, Kentucky on Friday. More than 30,000 tickets will be distributed to the public for two memorials scheduled for Thursday and Friday in sports arenas in the city. About 300 fans who could not wait gathered on Monday outside Ali's childhood home for a memorial led by Islamic leaders, a dance group and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer. Dwight Richardson, 32, a youth counsellor, brought seven kids he works with so they could learn about Ali's message. "People might not like it, but if you stand up for what you believe in, then you won't be a pushover," Richardson said. Ali, who suffered from Parkinson's disease for many years, and his family had planned his funeral for a decade. Official events start with a private ceremony on Thursday, followed by an Islamic service for the public at Freedom Hall, the site of Ali's last professional fight in Louisville, where he defeated Willi Besmanoff on Nov. 29, 1961. The service will be led by Imam Zaid Shakir of California. On Friday, Ali's family will gather for prayers, to be followed by the funeral procession through Louisville. The route will include a boulevard bearing Ali's name on the way to the Cave Hill Cemetery. The main service will take place at the KFC Yum! Center on Friday afternoon, when Clinton and Crystal are scheduled to deliver eulogies. In addition, Fischer announced an "I Am Ali" Festival on Wednesday with programming for children.

Will Smith, Lennox Lewis to be pallbearers at Muhammad Ali funeral

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