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BOXING

Oleksandr Uysk’s next opponent is confirmed

By Admin October 24, 2025

Oleksandr Uysk’s next opponent is confirmed with undisputed champion set to return to action in first half of 2026

Frank Warren has confirmed the winner of Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley at the O2 on Saturday evening will face Oleksandr Usyk next.

Parker and Wardley top the bill on Saturday’s Queensberry Promotions card at the O2, where the New Zealander will defend his interim WBO heavyweight crown.

Victory for either fighter will secure mandatory challenger status for the WBO title currently held by Usyk, who also reigns as the unified and Ring Magazine heavyweight champion.

READ: Oleksandr Usyk Reveals the Truth About His Role During the War

Under the governing bodies’ system, the WBO is next in line to call a mandatory defence. That order was originally issued in July, but plans were pushed back following Usyk’s back injury.

There had been speculation that Usyk might vacate his titles to pursue a third fight with Anthony Joshua or a showdown with Tyson Fury. However, Warren appears to have dismissed those suggestions.

Usyk is expected to return to action in the first half of 2026, and the Parker-Wardley winner now appears poised to be first in line for a shot at the undisputed champion when he steps back into the ring.

Speaking at Thursday’s press conference, Warren said: ‘At the moment in heavyweight division, it’s the best fight out there.

‘These two guys have stepped up. Neither of them needed to, neither of them needed to make this fight. You know Joe Parker. He’s the interim champion.

‘The WBO already ordered that Usyk has to defend his belt against him. But he’s injured. Joe could have sat around and waited but he said no. He said he wanted to fight anyway.

‘From Fabio, again, he’s in a fantastic position, and he only had to wait his time, and he would have got a crack at the title. He also said no, I want to fight as well. And not only that, I want to fight Joe Parker.

‘These guys are well trained. They’ve not left anything, no stone unturned. They’re in their best condition. You’re going to get something special on the night. And the prize is there for the winner. The winner gets the fight, Mr Usyk. They will get to fight for the WBO belt and all other three belts.

‘Mr Usyk has said that he will take on the winner of Parker vs Wardley. He has said that he will take that fight next year. So, that’s the prize they are fighting for. It’s all or nothing for the winner.’

Meanwhile, Parker’s manager David Higgins said: ‘I have to admit, a little bit cynical about Usyk’s motivation for what is next. But, I was involved in a couple of phone calls that were quite encouraging the week.

‘Those phone calls suggested to me that Usyk absolutely does value the unified position and will honour it. Now I’m increasingly confident in the winner of this fight [Parker vs Wardley] will get a shot for the undisputed title which makes this a very exciting eliminator situation.’

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BOXING

World Champion Who Is ‘The Biggest Threat To Terence Crawford’

By Admin October 23, 2025

World Champion Who Is ‘The Biggest Threat To Terence Crawford’ Calls For The Fight To Happen

An unbeaten world champion has once again expressed an interest in facing pound-for-pound superstar Terence Crawford next.

‘Bud’ Crawford extended his professional record to 42-0 last month when he dethroned Mexican icon Canelo Alvarez of his undisputed super-middleweight championship at a packed out Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

The 38-year-old Omaha-native put on an impressive display against Canelo to defy the odds and become the first male fighter in boxing history to win an undisputed championship in three weight classes, having accomplished this feat at super-lightweight and welterweight respectively.

JUST IN: Anthony Joshua left in hysterics as Paddy Pimblett takes

As he approaches what could be the final chapter of his glittering professional career, ‘Bud’ is said to be considering a move down to middleweight for his next bout, as he sets his sights on becoming a six-weight world champion.

One potential opponent for Crawford could be the hard-hitting unified WBO and IBF world middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly, who has proved to be one of the most avoided fighters on the planet in recent years.

In a social media post, Kazakh star Alimkhanuly reiterated his desire for a showdown with Crawford, sharing a clip from the Inside the Ring show in which trainer Malik Scott named him as the ‘biggest threat’ to the American.

✅🔥 https://t.co/QD2HlDpriJ

— Janibek Alimkhanuly (@qazaqstyle) October 19, 2025

Janibek made the first defence of his unified WBO and IBF middleweight titles back in April when he stopped Anauel Ngamissengue in the fifth round of their clash at the Barys Arena in Astana, Kazakhstan.

The 32-year-old is reportedly on the verge of agreeing to a three-belt unification bout against reigning WBA middleweight champion Erislandy Lara next, with an official announcement expected to be made in the coming weeks.

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BOXING

Anthony Joshua left in hysterics as Paddy Pimblett takes

By Admin October 23, 2025

Anthony Joshua left in hysterics as Paddy Pimblett takes down and ‘chokes’ boxer in training session

Paddy Pimblett showed Anthony Joshua exactly why he is arguably the UFC’s fastest rising star during a light-hearted training session.

The British pair are two of combat sports’ biggest names, with Joshua a commercial super power in boxing, while Pimblett is currently on a trajectory destined for the pinnacle of the UFC.

Despite their shared talents in combat sports, the two have rarely crossed paths, until now.

JUST IN: Former Canelo Alvarez rival challenges Terence Crawford

As part of a sponsorship deal with Under Armour, the two were pit against each other in both MMA and boxing training as they showed each other their skills.

Pimblett first showed Joshua some of his wrestling and grappling skills, in particular the chokehold which he used to record career-best victory against Michael Chandler in May.

The Liverpudlian took down the giant heavyweight, who weighs over 230lbs, and quickly placed him in a choke hold.

Of course, it was playful and the pair were seen grinning during the exchange.

Joshua was flat on his back with Pimblett tightening the hold, before loosening the grip.

The British heavyweight was stunned, and replied: “That is mad innit? If you done that properly, I reckon I could get out.”

He then added: “First time I have been in the cage. I just said to myself, ‘this ain’t for me.'”

Proceedings next switched to Joshua, who then coached Pimblett on his boxing ability.

Joshua showed Pimblett a range of powerful combinations, which have seen him floor the likes of Wladimir Klitschko and Dillian Whyte during his illustrious career.

The Jiu-Jitsu specialist was keen to learn from AJ and sharpen up his striking, and the pair were grinning throughout their playful session.

What is next for Paddy Pimblett and Anthony Joshua?

For now, the pair are out of respective action and are waiting to officially confirm their next bouts.

They are at very different stages of their respective careers, with Pimblett awaiting a lightweight title shot.

‘The Baddy’ is trying to enforce an immediate clash with 155lbs king Ilia Topuria.

The bout could land in January when the dynamite-striking champion is set to return.

But Justin Gaethje could push to enforce his status as leading contender, and make the rising star wait.

As for Joshua, he is set to make his return imminently after an injury setback following his KO defeat to Daniel Dubois last year.

His exact date for a return has yet to be confirmed, with promoter Eddie Hearn suggesting he could first seek a run-out against lowly opposition before the end of the year.

But he has also been sounded out as a potential headliner for a mega-fight in Africa in February.

Irrespective of what happens, it is seen by Joshua and his camp as a last chance to try and reinstate his name in the world level mix.

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BOXING

Former Canelo Alvarez rival challenges Terence Crawford

By Admin October 23, 2025

The post-fight conversation Canelo vs Crawford already points to a new superstar looking for an opportunity.

Although the historic fight between Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Terence Crawford is already in the past, the attention of the boxing world has not been diverted from these names. Just over a month after this fight, where the American defeated the Mexican and stripped him of his super middleweight titles, the first challengers willing to step into the ring with the undisputed champion have already begun to emerge.

While both fighters have taken a breather because neither has confirmed upcoming fights, new names have emerged on the list as possible challengers and one of the first has been Jermell Charlo, who already faced Canelo and now raises his hand to face Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford.

JUST IN: Oleksandr Usyk Reveals the Truth About His Role During the War

Jermell Charlo wants to face Crawford: “The best fight he can do is with me”

In a recent interview with The Ring Magazine, former world champion Jermell Charlo made no secret of his desire to face Terence Crawford in the near future. Charlo, who has not fought since his decision loss to Canelo in 2023, said that a fight against the undisputed champion would be the ideal challenge:

If I were to be offered a fight with Crawford… I spoke to him once, and it would be an honor to get in the ring with him. Just for what he has done to become undisputed champion, he completed something that I did not complete. To be in the ring against Crawford would be incredible

Jermell Charlo

In addition, Charlo made it clear that from his perspective there is no better opponent currently for Crawford than himself: “I would give him the best fight of the current era. I don’t think there’s another fight in the boxing world that Crawford can do right now. The best fight, actually, would be against me,” the fighter added.

Jermell Charlo vs Terence Crawford: What is known about a possible fight

So far neither Crawford nor his team have officially responded to Charlo’s statements, however, the idea of facing another former world champion with a history in the super welterweight division could be attractive to a boxer like Crawford who has already proven that he can make the leap to higher divisions.

Although Charlo’s last performance left doubts about his current level, his name carries weight in boxing, and the fight with ‘Bud’ could happen if a good purse comes along. However, at the moment many possible opponents have been mentioned for the American and at the moment there is nothing official about the plans of the undisputed champion.

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BOXING

Oleksandr Usyk Reveals the Truth About His Role During the War

By Admin October 23, 2025

Undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk spoke in detail about his time defending his homeland.

This period saw him photographed holding a rifle and standing shoulder to shoulder with fellow Ukrainian soldiers.

The haunting images sparked years of speculation over whether Usyk ever had to use his weapon. Now, more than three years later, WBN found an interview where the heavyweight king set the record straight.

READ: Heavyweight Who Knocked Out Wilder ‘Waiting’ On Anthony Joshu

The Journey Home
On seeing his family for the first time in months during the startling first period of the war, Usyk detailed his journey back to his homeland.

“I had to cancel a direct flight to Kyiv,” Usyk told Profiboxing.cz upon his return a couple of years ago. “I came back via Poland. It took a day to get to Kyiv. Then another two to see my family, and I calmed down a bit.”

The unified champion’s return was fraught with tension. After reuniting with his loved ones, Usyk joined local volunteers working to safeguard key areas as fighting intensified nearby.

‘I May Have Picked Up a Gun, But I Would Never Use It’
In the midst of those chaotic days, photos of Usyk armed with a rifle began circulating worldwide — prompting praise, rumors, and questions.

Usyk has now made his position clear.

“I may have picked up a gun, but that doesn’t mean I would use it,” he said firmly. “I never shot anyone.”

He credited his faith for guiding him through the ordeal.

“I was brought up in the Orthodox faith, which teaches us not to judge others. But for me, whoever supports war is a schizophrenic, a sick person.”

Family Under Threat
Usyk also described the trauma experienced by his family and neighbors during those early attacks.

“I know they shot at our house, broke down the gate, and dragged away some of our neighbors,” he said. “But I don’t know what it looks like there now. We can’t get in touch with anyone. It’s terrible when yours run to hide in the basement at every rustle.”

A Champion’s Perspective
Asked what he would say to those behind the violence, Usyk’s reply was measured and emotionless.

“What would I say to him? Nothing. I’m not interested in the man. I have nothing to say to him.”

For Usyk, boxing became a way to process the experience — a focus that kept him grounded.

“I didn’t think for a moment that I would stay there. This fight will be special for me in that respect.”

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BOXING

VIDEO: Who is the ‘The Drunken Master’ Floyd Mayweather named the toughest opponent of his career after bloody war

By Admin October 22, 2025

Early on in his boxing career, Floyd Mayweather was met with ‘The Drunken Master’, who Mayweather went on to claim was his toughest opponent ever.

Throughout his incredible career in boxing, Floyd Mayweather shared the ring with several all-time greats, including the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Oscar De La Hoya, and even Canelo Alvarez.

However, having faced a who’s who of boxing royalty, one fighter he shared the ring with near the beginning of his career stood out to him.

And that is the famous ‘Drunken Master’, Emanuel Augustus, who Mayweather shared the ring with on October 21, 2000, when he was a budding star in the sport.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. celebrates his win over Robert Guerrero

JUST IN: Heavyweight Who Knocked Out Wilder ‘Waiting’ On Anthony Joshu

Mayweather’s nose was bloodied up by ‘The Drunken Master’

In October 1998, Mayweather kicked off the start of his career as a champion when he dominated Genaro Hernandez to become the WBC super featherweight champion at just 21 years old.

After five incredibly impressive title defenses, in 2000 he was matched up against Emanuel Augustus, who was widely regarded as a solid test for Mayweather at that stage in his career.

Although at the time of the fight Augustus was going into it with a record of 22-16-4, he was deemed to be on the wrong end of some extremely questionable decisions on several occasions.

Early into the fight, the younger Mayweather looked to utilise his clear speed advantage, and was working on the body of the 25-year-old.

Augustus’ ‘drunken’ style didn’t prove difficult for Floyd early in the fight as the young star managed to land heavy shots on the body and head of his opponent, despite his awkward showboating style.

However, every time Mayweather seemingly landed a big shot, he was greeted with a smile from his opponent. And at the end of round one during a brief stare down, ‘The Drunken Master’ blew Mayweather a kiss, which visibly fired him up.

Despite controlling the majority of the fight, Mayweather’s nose was bloodied up by the veteran during some tough exchanges.

And then in round nine after a back-and-forth affair that was dominated by Mayweather for the large part, Augustus’ team threw in the towel.

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BOXING

Heavyweight Who Knocked Out Wilder ‘Waiting’ On Anthony Joshu

By Admin October 22, 2025

Heavyweight Who Knocked Out Deontay Wilder ‘Waiting’ On Anthony Joshua Fight Offer

Anthony Joshua looks set to return at the start of 2026 but is still looking for an opponent.

Joshua is a former two-time unified heavyweight ruler and once king of the division. However, a number of losses have set him back in the last few years.

Back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 202 left him beltless, though he rebuilt well with KO wins over Otto Wallin, Francis Ngannou and Robert Helenius and a points victory over Jermaine Franklin.

JUST IN: Why After 13 Years, Deontay Wilder On the Brink of Losing Heavyw

That led him to challenge Daniel Dubois for the IBF world title, but he was knocked out inside five rounds last September and has not fought since following minor elbow surgery.

His promoter Eddie Hearn has admitted Joshua’s return will be against someone in the top 20, but one man who has previously knocked out Deontay Wilder has now thrown his name into the hat once more.

Speaking to BoxNation, Chinese heavyweight Zhilei Zhang was asked about his thoughts on a possible match-up with ‘AJ.’

“When it comes to Joshua, I think everyone knows where I stand. The question is whether Joshua and his team want it. I’m here waiting.”

Zhang is north of 40-years-old but still presents a big problem for anyone. He has won 27 of his 31 contests, 22 by knockout, including beating Joe Joyce twice.

He has also fought the likes of Joseph Parker and Filip Hrgovic, but the biggest win of his career arguably came in June 2024, when he knocked out former WBC heavyweight champion Wilder in brutal fashion.

Zhang still throws plenty of big shots so whether or not Joshua and his team would see sufficient reward in taking this challenge is yet to be seen. as he has also been linked with Arslanbek Makhmudov.

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BOXING

Why After 13 Years, Deontay Wilder On the Brink of Losing Heavyw

By Admin October 22, 2025

After 13 Years, Deontay Wilder On the Brink of Losing Heavyweight Title Spot

For the first time in more than a decade, Deontay Wilder—the man who once ruled the WBC heavyweight division with unmatched knockout power—is at risk of being locked out of the title picture he once dominated.

The World Boxing Council’s October rankings have dropped Wilder to 13th, a steep tumble from the 10th spot he held after his June stoppage of Tyrrell Herndon. The reason is simple: inactivity.

Wilder’s comeback, originally penciled in for fall 2025, has been delayed. Promoter Shelly Finkel told WBN that Wilder was preparing for a return ahead of a massive 2026 showdown. But Finkel now signals a likely January or February return against an opponent that has yet to be confirmed.

JUST IN: Tyson Fury receives new blow to comeback plan as Oleksandr

By that point, Wilder risks falling out of the WBC top 15 entirely—effectively closing the door on a voluntary title shot against reigning champion Oleksandr Usyk, which WBN understands the Ukrainian is considering before retirement.

“I won’t get into speculating on Deontay’s next fight, but Eddie did reach out about the Dave Allen fight,” Finkel told WBN. “After Dave fights on October 11 and Deontay fights, we will see.”

However, with Allen falling short against Makhmudov, that option appears dead. The big Russian himself, though, could now be a target, offering Wilder a path back into the heavyweight conversation.

Wilder’s slide underscores just how unforgiving the heavyweight division has become. Fighters like Jalolov, Torres, and Vianello have overtaken him simply by staying active, sharp, and fresh. With Usyk firmly in control and contenders like Joshua, Hrgovic, and Okolie jostling for position, any further delay could see Wilder fighting merely to maintain relevance in the rankings.

Early Knockout Rampage
Wilder first broke into the WBC Top 15 in December 2012, dispatching Kelvin Price via third-round knockout at the Los Angeles Sports Arena. Between 2013 and 2014, he tore through the heavyweight division with a series of first-round stoppages, quickly becoming one of boxing’s most feared young heavyweights.

The year 2013 opened with a win over Matthew Greer, quickly followed by a high-profile victory against Audley Harrison in Sheffield, England, dropping the former Olympic gold medalist in round one. Former world champion Siarhei Liakhovich fell in the opening round next, proving Wilder was as unstoppable as he was powerful.

Knockouts over Nicolai Firtha and Malik Scott added to his momentum. Wilder capped this decisive run against Jason Gavern, forcing a fourth-round retirement after multiple knockdowns. In just over a year, six consecutive stoppages cemented his reputation as the WBC’s top challenger—a force the division could not ignore.

Rise, Reign, and Recent Struggles
After defeating Bermane Stiverne in early 2015, Wilder began a five-year reign as WBC champion—the most dominant in years since Vitali Klitschko—defending his belt multiple times with his trademark power.

The 2020 dethronement at the hands of Tyson Fury marked the beginning of a decline, though Wilder remained the number one-ranked contender well past their trilogy. Only losses to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang pushed him down the ladder. Even after stopping Herndon, Wilder slides again from 10th to 13th. For a man once untouchable, staying active is no longer optional—it’s survival.

Deontay Wilder Heavyweight Title Comeback
The coming months are critical. A delayed return could render Wilder ineligible for a voluntary title shot, forcing him to climb the rankings from scratch. Staying sharp, active, and marketable is now as much about survival as it is about pride. With the likes of Torres, Jalolov, and Vianello ahead of him, the Bronze Bomber faces a race against time.

For Wilder, the fight isn’t just in the ring anymore—it’s against the clock, against inactivity, and against a new generation of heavyweights eager to take his spot.

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BOXING

Tyson Fury receives new blow to comeback plan as Oleksandr

By Admin October 22, 2025

Tyson Fury receives new blow to comeback plan as Oleksandr Usyk provides return update

Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has received a seismic blow in his bid to make a return to the ring against Oleksandr Usyk.

Calling time on his memorable career in boxing for the fifth time at the beginning of this year, former WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury confirmed plans to step away from the ring.

But in the time since, the Morecambe native is inching closer to a staggering comeback next year, targeting a showdown with Oleksandr Usyk, despite suffering a pair of losses.

READ: Terence Crawford Names The Two Undefeated Fighters Who Turned Down Offers To Face Him

However, in a new update from the undisputed champion’s camp, fans hopeful of seeing Fury face the Ukrainian again should lower their expectations.

Oleksandr Usyk’s team play down Tyson Fury trilogy

Suffering back-to-back undisputed title fight losses to Usyk last year, Fury was put to the sword for both the first and second time in his pro career.

However, amid a niggling back injury for Usyk in recent months, the future of the current undisputed champion remains up in the air.

But in a new update from the Ukrainian star’s team, a trilogy pairing with Fury is unlikely to happen, especially in Usyk’s immediate return to the ring.

Oleksandr Usyk is targeting a return in the first half of 2026 with the winner of Joseph Parker-Fabio Wardley the front-runner for a shot at the heavyweight champion, Usyk’s advisor, Serhii Lapin, tells The Ring’s @MikeCoppinger. pic.twitter.com/iVVhl107m3

— InsideRingShow (@InsideRingShow) October 20, 2025

“Theoretically, it’s an interesting option, but for whom?” Serhii Lapin told Ring Magazine of a trilogy between Usyk and Fury. “If boxing fans truly support it, then maybe. However, in my opinion, that chapter is already closed.

Instead, preferring a showdown with either Joseph Parker or knockout star Fabio Wardley, Usyk is sure to have a keen eye on proceedings this weekend.

Anthony Joshua inches closer to Tyson Fury clash

During his time away from boxing, former two-time heavyweight kingpin Anthony Joshua has made his feelings about an overdue clash with Fury more than clear.

Hoping to land a showdown with his British compatriot as soon as next summer, the Watford native is expected to fight in the early goings of 2026.

And linked with a “run out” fight first by his long-time promoter, Eddie Hearn, Joshua has been called out by a host of contenders, including a rather surprising claim from a veteran journeyman.

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BOXING

New Category Created to Legitimize Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis

By Admin October 21, 2025

In a move that has stunned traditionalists, BoxRec has introduced a brand-new classification — the “Hybrid Professional” category — just in time for the controversial Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis showdown on November 14.

The pioneering but divisive decision effectively grants the YouTuber-turned-boxer and the reigning WBA lightweight champion a new kind of professional tag, even though the bout remains officially listed as an “Exhibition boxing bout.”

Hybrid Professional: A Technical Loophole
According to BoxRec’s official description, the contest “will not go on either fighter’s official record” but will appear under the Hybrid Professional classification for all to see.

JUST IN: The calculated move by Anthony Joshua to secure his own ‘Rumble in the Jungle’

That technical loophole means the fight — despite being a 200-pound man facing a 135-pound champion — will still be preserved on the sport’s most trusted results database.

For many boxing purists, it’s another slap in the face, signaling a further erosion of the sport’s integrity in the name of spectacle.

Jake Paul’s Quest for Credibility
For years, Jake Paul has declared his mission to “change the sport.” Now, the introduction of a hybrid record may be his most straightforward path yet to that recognition — without having to face legitimate contenders in his own division.

The former cruiserweight, who fought at heavyweight just last year, continues to market himself as a boxing disruptor. But critics argue this latest move is more about optics than legacy.

“They’ll never give me credit until I have a world championship belt,” Paul said recently. “But that’s okay — belts collect dust. What I’ve done in the sport is unprecedented.”

Unprecedented, perhaps. Authentic, less so.

The Tank Davis Spectacle
Gervonta “Tank” Davis, meanwhile, has embraced the event as an entertainment showcase rather than a sporting milestone.

“Boxing wins come November 14,” Davis said. “It’s not just me and Jake in a fight — it’s a whole card. We’re just giving boxing what it needs, and that’s excitement.”

But many insiders argue that excitement shouldn’t come at the cost of weight integrity or fair competition. With Davis walking around at 140 pounds and Paul outweighing him by roughly 60, the matchup raises serious questions about sanctioning, safety, and what truly counts as a “professional” bout.

A Dividing Line for the Sport
Paul supporters will undoubtedly hail BoxRec’s hybrid category as an “ingenious solution” — a way to document crossover fights without polluting the professional records that define boxing’s lineage.

But for purists, it represents the latest dilution of what separates professional boxing from social spectacle. A hybrid record ensures the fight lives forever on BoxRec, but not in the sport’s official annals.

Jake Paul promised to make history — and in a way, he has. Not the kind boxing’s gold standard would recognize in BoxRec’s new Hybrid Professional era.

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