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‘He wanted to get the truth’ Tributes pour in for Sun’s Mr Boxing Colin Hart after ‘greatest’ reporter’s death

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LEGENDARY Sun boxing writer Colin Hart was hailed as “The Greatest” yesterday following his death at the age of 89.Colin had worked for The Sun since its launch in 1969 and was still passing on his unmatched sporting knowledge to readers until a few days before his passing.Sun boxing writer Colin Hart was hailed as ‘The Greatest’ yesterday following his death at the age of 89 (pictured with Lennox Lewis)Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdBarry McGuigan said: ‘Colin was a master when it came to boxing journalism’Credit: GettyThe brilliant sports journalist covered eight Olympic Games, motor racing and even showjumping in a stellar career.But he will forever be remembered as one of the wisest and most authoritative ringside figures in the world of boxing, whose heroes led a stream of warm tributes yesterday.British great Frank Bruno called him “Mr Boxing” and told how Colin was his hero.He said: “When it comes to the kings of boxing reporters, Colin was the undisputed champion. read more on colin hart“No one else will ever lay a glove on him. RIP, my friend.”Fellow former world champion Lennox Lewis said: “He was clearly the leader of the boxing press pack. “I knew that he wanted to get to the truth and tell the truth and if he upset people along the way, so be it.”Another ex-world title holder, Ricky Hatton, added: “Colin was one of the first people to congratulate me when I was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame.Most read in Boxing“He had previously been inducted himself, and I know how proud he was of that — he will be sadly missed.”Former middleweight hero Michael Watson — whose career was ended by a near-fatal injury in his fight with Chris Eubank — called The Sun writer “a boxing man through and through”.Boxing legend Colin Hart reveals how Larry Holmes was targeted by ‘rednecks’ in build-up to Gerry Cooney fightHe added: “Colin cared about us fighters and he campaigned for us.“I felt like he was in my corner during my boxing career and definitely after it.”Former super-middleweight world champ Joe Calzaghe added: “Colin was a real giant of boxing writers and there will never be another like him.”Boxing promoter Frank Warren described him as a “dear friend” and a “superb journalist”, adding: “Colin has been there since the start of my journey in this great sport. “It simply will not be the same without him.”Ring favourite Barry McGuigan said of Colin’s death — coming soon after that of US heavyweight hero George Foreman this weekend: “Colin was a master when it came to boxing journalism. “We are losing all the good ones.”The Sun’s Editor-in-Chief ­Victoria Newton added: “Colin was a brilliant writer who was hugely admired by all of us.“It takes a special journalist to still be at the top of their game approaching the age of 90.“He was never afraid to take on the scariest of heavyweights with his sharp pen and was working in an industry he loved right until the end.Chris Eubank called Colin ‘a boxing man through and through’Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdColin speaks to Mike TysonCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd“The number of warm and heartfelt tributes which have come in say everything about how he was revered and respected around the world.“Colin was the best of The Sun — The Greatest.”Cockney Colin grew up in London’s East End during the Second World War and recalled cowering in Tube stations from the German bombs.He was a life-long supporter of West Ham but fell in love with boxing when his gran took him to see his first professional bill at a local baths when he was ten.Colin’s career in newspapers began with the East London News Agency at 17 before work as a crime reporter and news editor following his national service.But he later switched from news to sport and joined the fledgling Sun newspaper where he quickly established himself as a star.Colleagues and rivals marvelled at his ability to compute every detail from fast-moving sporting events then talk them down a phone line to go directly into print.His talent was such that he stayed at the top of his game for decades, despite shunning modern communication methods which transformed the profession.He was — almost certainly — the only journalist still working up until recently who never owned a mobile phone and still preferred to bash out his reports on a clattering, old-school typewriter. After he gave up smoking, the gruff, white-haired newspaper great was known for chewing on an ever-present toothpick in one corner of his mouth while talking out of the other.Colin never pulled his punches as he covered every epic heavyweight clash involving Muhammad Ali, George Foreman and Joe Frazier during the 1970s.He was also ringside at all the epic bouts involving British boxing greats, from Henry Cooper and Joe Bugner to Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.Colin ‘retired’ when he turned 65 in 2000 but continued to write columns for another 25 yearsCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdBut the most memorable clash of the Sun man’s career was spent in Zaire covering the incredible Rumble in the Jungle classic between Ali and Foreman in October 1974.Foreman — then a terrifying 25-year-old brute — was expected to humble ageing icon Ali but was lured into an astonishing sucker-punch knockout in round eight.Colin described covering the fight as the “most bizarre ten days” after watching locals worship Ali like a god. He added: “At 25, Foreman wasn’t the smiling carefree giant who resembled a benign Buddha that we saw in his latter year. “He was surly, bad-tempered and far from lovable — his fists were like two wrecking balls.“But I had a gut feeling Big George lacked stamina, which is why in Sun Sport I picked Ali to beat him in nine rounds.”Ali would become a personal friend of Colin in his later life and trusted him to break the news of his diagnosis with Parkinson’s.Colin “retired” when he turned 65 in 2000 but continued to write columns for another 25 years, and attend big fights.He also ran with the Olympic torch down South East London’s Old Kent Road in 2012.And he carried on passing on his knowledge to colleagues, combined with hawk-like analysis of fight game skills and weaknesses.In 2017, after Joshua had knocked out Wladimir Klitschko in an epic battle at Wembley, he said the bout ranked in the top ten he had ever witnessed. But he also said that he believed Fury — who had beaten Klitschko two years earlier — was a better fighter.Colin watched his last major heavyweight bout only last year in Riyadh where he saw Fury’s first pro defeat against Oleksandr Usyk.And yet again, he had correctly predicted the result.READ MORE SUN STORIESColin died after a short illness days short of what would have been his 90th birthday on April 6. He is survived by wife Cindy, and daughters Laura and Lisa.Colin with his family after he ran with the Olympic torch down Old Kent Road in 2012Credit: Peter Jordan – The SunColin with boxing promoter Frank Warren who described him as a ‘dear friend’Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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    ‘He wanted to get the truth’ Tributes pour in for Sun’s Mr Boxing Colin Hart after ‘greatest’ reporter’s death

    LEGENDARY Sun boxing writer Colin Hart was hailed as “The Greatest” yesterday following his death at the age of 89.Colin had worked for The Sun since its launch in 1969 and was still passing on his unmatched sporting knowledge to readers until a few days before his passing.Sun boxing writer Colin Hart was hailed as ‘The Greatest’ yesterday following his death at the age of 89 (pictured with Lennox Lewis)Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdBarry McGuigan said: ‘Colin was a master when it came to boxing journalism’Credit: GettyThe brilliant sports journalist covered eight Olympic Games, motor racing and even showjumping in a stellar career.But he will forever be remembered as one of the wisest and most authoritative ringside figures in the world of boxing, whose heroes led a stream of warm tributes yesterday.British great Frank Bruno called him “Mr Boxing” and told how Colin was his hero.He said: “When it comes to the kings of boxing reporters, Colin was the undisputed champion. read more on colin hart“No one else will ever lay a glove on him. RIP, my friend.”Fellow former world champion Lennox Lewis said: “He was clearly the leader of the boxing press pack. “I knew that he wanted to get to the truth and tell the truth and if he upset people along the way, so be it.”Another ex-world title holder, Ricky Hatton, added: “Colin was one of the first people to congratulate me when I was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame.Most read in Boxing“He had previously been inducted himself, and I know how proud he was of that — he will be sadly missed.”Former middleweight hero Michael Watson — whose career was ended by a near-fatal injury in his fight with Chris Eubank — called The Sun writer “a boxing man through and through”.Boxing legend Colin Hart reveals how Larry Holmes was targeted by ‘rednecks’ in build-up to Gerry Cooney fightHe added: “Colin cared about us fighters and he campaigned for us.“I felt like he was in my corner during my boxing career and definitely after it.”Former super-middleweight world champ Joe Calzaghe added: “Colin was a real giant of boxing writers and there will never be another like him.”Boxing promoter Frank Warren described him as a “dear friend” and a “superb journalist”, adding: “Colin has been there since the start of my journey in this great sport. “It simply will not be the same without him.”Ring favourite Barry McGuigan said of Colin’s death — coming soon after that of US heavyweight hero George Foreman this weekend: “Colin was a master when it came to boxing journalism. “We are losing all the good ones.”The Sun’s Editor-in-Chief ­Victoria Newton added: “Colin was a brilliant writer who was hugely admired by all of us.“It takes a special journalist to still be at the top of their game approaching the age of 90.“He was never afraid to take on the scariest of heavyweights with his sharp pen and was working in an industry he loved right until the end.Chris Eubank called Colin ‘a boxing man through and through’Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdColin speaks to Mike TysonCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd“The number of warm and heartfelt tributes which have come in say everything about how he was revered and respected around the world.“Colin was the best of The Sun — The Greatest.”Cockney Colin grew up in London’s East End during the Second World War and recalled cowering in Tube stations from the German bombs.He was a life-long supporter of West Ham but fell in love with boxing when his gran took him to see his first professional bill at a local baths when he was ten.Colin’s career in newspapers began with the East London News Agency at 17 before work as a crime reporter and news editor following his national service.But he later switched from news to sport and joined the fledgling Sun newspaper where he quickly established himself as a star.Colleagues and rivals marvelled at his ability to compute every detail from fast-moving sporting events then talk them down a phone line to go directly into print.His talent was such that he stayed at the top of his game for decades, despite shunning modern communication methods which transformed the profession.He was — almost certainly — the only journalist still working up until recently who never owned a mobile phone and still preferred to bash out his reports on a clattering, old-school typewriter. After he gave up smoking, the gruff, white-haired newspaper great was known for chewing on an ever-present toothpick in one corner of his mouth while talking out of the other.Colin never pulled his punches as he covered every epic heavyweight clash involving Muhammad Ali, George Foreman and Joe Frazier during the 1970s.He was also ringside at all the epic bouts involving British boxing greats, from Henry Cooper and Joe Bugner to Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.Colin ‘retired’ when he turned 65 in 2000 but continued to write columns for another 25 yearsCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdBut the most memorable clash of the Sun man’s career was spent in Zaire covering the incredible Rumble in the Jungle classic between Ali and Foreman in October 1974.Foreman — then a terrifying 25-year-old brute — was expected to humble ageing icon Ali but was lured into an astonishing sucker-punch knockout in round eight.Colin described covering the fight as the “most bizarre ten days” after watching locals worship Ali like a god. He added: “At 25, Foreman wasn’t the smiling carefree giant who resembled a benign Buddha that we saw in his latter year. “He was surly, bad-tempered and far from lovable — his fists were like two wrecking balls.“But I had a gut feeling Big George lacked stamina, which is why in Sun Sport I picked Ali to beat him in nine rounds.”Ali would become a personal friend of Colin in his later life and trusted him to break the news of his diagnosis with Parkinson’s.Colin “retired” when he turned 65 in 2000 but continued to write columns for another 25 years, and attend big fights.He also ran with the Olympic torch down South East London’s Old Kent Road in 2012.And he carried on passing on his knowledge to colleagues, combined with hawk-like analysis of fight game skills and weaknesses.In 2017, after Joshua had knocked out Wladimir Klitschko in an epic battle at Wembley, he said the bout ranked in the top ten he had ever witnessed. But he also said that he believed Fury — who had beaten Klitschko two years earlier — was a better fighter.Colin watched his last major heavyweight bout only last year in Riyadh where he saw Fury’s first pro defeat against Oleksandr Usyk.And yet again, he had correctly predicted the result.READ MORE SUN STORIESColin died after a short illness days short of what would have been his 90th birthday on April 6. He is survived by wife Cindy, and daughters Laura and Lisa.Colin with his family after he ran with the Olympic torch down Old Kent Road in 2012Credit: Peter Jordan – The SunColin with boxing promoter Frank Warren who described him as a ‘dear friend’Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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    Frank Bruno: When I struggled with mental health I turned to Colin Hart – he’s the undisputed Champ of boxing reporters

    SOMETIMES in life, when your back is against the ropes, and you feel like the whole world is mugging you off, you need people you can reach out to for help who you can trust.Colin Hart was – without a doubt – always one of those people.Colin Hart covered Frank Bruno during the 1990sCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHart was ringside through Bruno’s highs and lowsCredit: GettyI was just a teenager, a kid really, when our paths crossed for the first time.I was an upcoming amateur fighter making a name for myself. Colin – or Mr Hart as I called him the first time we met – was a top boxing journalist who had covered boxing’s great and good for decades.So I knew when he kept coming back to watch my fights I must have been doing something right.In the end, he was there at ringside, covering every moment: all the highs and all the lows.READ SOME HART CLASSICSRecently, he very kindly picked my fight against Lennox Lewis as one of his top five British bouts of all time.I quite liked the fight as well. Well, apart from the ending if you know what I mean.But it’s the moments outside the ring that I spent with Colin that I’ll remember the most fondly.Boxing now is nothing like it used to be. These days, those press conferences are like mini-fights. The hype, the drama, the aggro – I wouldn’t be surprised if they start putting some of those press conferences on pay-per-view.Most read in BoxingBack in the 80s and 90s it was totally different. Boxers and newspaper journalists would spend time mixing in and around training camps.There was no social media. No 24 hour sports news. Instead, I’d spend hours talking to Colin and his colleagues.COLIN HART: 50th anniversary of Joe Bugner’s first fight with Muhammad Ali, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in 1973These guys knew everything about boxing and Colin had the biggest brain of all. I used to joke that he was a walking encyclopedia.But I secretly soaked up so much of what he said and the advice he gave me.To me, Colin was a serious hombre. When he had something to say it was worth paying attention. . I knew I could trust him too.I’ve not always had a great relationship with the media, especially some of the news-boys over the years. But Colin was as straight as they came – and he quickly became a really firm friend.Maybe that’s why when I hit rock-bottom and started suffering with mental ill health it was Colin I turned to for advice.I remember one phone call, shortly before I was sectioned, where I spoke to Colin on the phone for an hour.Truth be told I was crying out for help and Colin, as ever, advised me the best I could.In the end, like we all have to, I had to find my own way out of my troubles.But Colin was always supporting me, sending me letters and notes. And once I was out of hospital he was one of the first on the phone to wish me well.Colin Hart was The Sun’s ‘Voice of Boxing’ for more than 50 yearsCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdBruno’s rival Lennox Lewis also revered Colin HartCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdSince retiring I regularly saw Colin at various boxing events, sportsmans dinners, and charity galas.If I knew he was there I’d always ask to be on his table, and we’d swap stories about the good old days.I last saw Colin in October, at a tribute dinner in London to celebrate my old mate John Conteh, and he was as sharp and as smart as he’d always been.READ MORE SUN STORIESAs ever it was a privilege to spend some time with him and to share a laugh and a joke. It’s hard to believe I’ll never see him again.When it comes to the kings of boxing reporters, Colin was the undisputed Champion. No-one else will ever lay a glove on him. RIP, my friend.Sporting world pays tribute…THE sporting world has paid emotional tributes to The Sun’s legendary Voice of Boxing.Ricky Hatton said: “I am so sad to hear of the passing of Colin Hart. Colin followed my career from the start all the way through to the big fights in Vegas. Colin is one of the last great boxing journalists and he will be sadly missed. RIP old mate.”Michael Buffer said: “I was honoured to know the legendary Boxing Hall of Fame journalist, Colin Hart, for almost all of my career in the sport. His writings and passion for boxing are universally recognised as among the best ever.”Joe Calzaghe said: “Colin was a real giant of boxing writers and there will never be another like him. He will be sorely missed and my deepest condolences go to his family, friends and colleagues.”Read more tributes including from Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno. More

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    Livingstone Bramble dead at 64: Former WBA lightweight champion known for Ray Mancini battles and love of snakes dies

    FORMER boxing world champion Livingstone Bramble has passed away at the age of 64.The fighter held the WBA lightweight belt for two years.Livingstone Bramble [left] has passed awayCredit: GettyBramble held the WBA lightweight belt for two years after beating Ray Mancini twiceCredit: GettyBorn as Ras-I Alujah Bramble, the icon is best remembered for his two victories over Hall of Famer Ray Mancini.The hard-hitter knocked out his rival at the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium to claim the WBA lightweight belt in 1984.He retained his crown in the rematch against Mancini a year later and again when facing Tyrone Crawley.But in one of the biggest upsets of a generation, Bramble lost his title to Edwin Rosario in 1986.READ MORE IN BOXINGHe has been described as an “eccentric” character and the Saint Kitts and Nevis-born legend often wore a snake around his neck when heading into the ring.In an iconic encounter with Mancini, Bramble pulled out a voodoo doll and poked it in the eyes while asking him “tell me how your eyes feel, see how your eyes are jumping now?”He also had a pet snake named Dog, a pet dog named Snake and a ferret named Spider.Bramble finished his career with a 40-26-3 records, including 25 knockouts.Most read in BoxingHis old manager and trainer Lou Duva said he was a “nut, a real coconut head, a cuckoo.”In a touching tribute, his pal Stitch Duran said: “One of the hardest punchers I ever did pads for. A true friend. I’ll miss his smile.”Fans added: “Rest in peace champ.”Anther wrote: “Livingstone Bramble was a personality, a character that seemed larger than life with an aura of mystique.”His death comes on the same weekend legend George Foreman and The Sun’s “Voice of Boxing” Colin Hart also sadly passed away. More

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    Lennox Lewis: Colin Hart was revered and pushed for the truth – at first he doubted me but I used it to fuel my career

    I WAS only with Colin at the undisputed heavyweight world title fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia in May and he looked so fit and strong.We were sat behind Usyk’s wife and when she kept standing up to cheer on her man, Colin was politely telling her to sit down so he could see the action.Colin Hart got to know Lennox Lewis during the 1990sCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdLewis used Hart’s critiques to fuel him and the two became friendsCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdEven in the VIP seats, Colin was still in ‘journalist mode’ wanting to capture every second and know exactly what had happened.Afterwards, when Usyk had got his hand raised, his wife and Colin had a lovely chat. She apologised and said she couldn’t help supporting the husband she loves so much. And Colin told her that Usyk was a lucky man.Now I realise that was our last time together, it feels like a really nice one.Early on in our careers, things were definitely not as cosy.READ SOME HART CLASSICSBecause I came over to the UK from Canada, with my Olympic win, Colin didn’t take to me.It seemed like he was a proud Englishman, proud of his country and its fighters, so I felt he picked against me, especially when I boxed a guy he felt was more British than me.I remember he picked Gary Mason and Frank Bruno to beat me, even though all of the other reporters were in my corner.But it ended up being a great inspiration to me, because he was respected, I took his doubts about me and used them as fuel.Most read in BoxingWhen I proved him wrong I would look out for him in the front row and press seats and try to catch his eye.I loved proving him wrong and I could see he felt that too.COLIN HART: 50th anniversary of Joe Bugner’s first fight with Muhammad Ali, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in 1973It was a good healthy professional relationship, where he had questions about me and I was eager to answer them.Eventually he did realise that I was the real deal, I answered all of his questions and I cured all of his doubts.He admitted he had got me wrong and I respected that, that’s how things should work between men.It was clear that he was revered among all the other reporters, he was clearly the leader of the boxing press pack.I don’t think anyone else ever started off a press conference or an interview ahead of Colin.The other reporters waited for him to lead and sometimes he would get about 10 questions off before anyone else dared ask some.Colin Hart was leader of the press packCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd’The Voice of Boxing’ joined The Sun in 1969Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdI even remember a couple of times when he finished his list of questions, closed up his notepad, tucked away his pen and walked off, just when the other writers were getting the chance to start their questions!He was that confident in his research and questions that he didn’t need to hang around and listen to the leftovers, he was off to write his words.I noticed it around my era but it’s even more prevalent recently, some reporters seem afraid to ask the real questions, or push for the truth, because the fighter or promoter or manager might get angry or cancel their accreditation.There doesn’t seem to be the same desire to get to the real truth anymore.Fighters and their achievements are often way overblown or their failings and mistakes are ignored and glossed over.From my years working with Colin, I could never accuse him of that.I think he would like to know that.I knew that he wanted to get to the truth and tell the truth and – if he upset people along the way – so be it.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt looks like it’s sometimes hard to have a good name in journalism, to be trusted, but I felt like Colin had that.His longevity made him an icon in British boxing but I think the fact that his name and his word was respected probably meant much to him.Sporting world pays tribute…THE sporting world has paid emotional tributes to The Sun’s legendary Voice of Boxing.Ricky Hatton said: “I am so sad to hear of the passing of Colin Hart. Colin followed my career from the start all the way through to the big fights in Vegas. Colin is one of the last great boxing journalists and he will be sadly missed. RIP old mate.”Michael Buffer said: “I was honoured to know the legendary Boxing Hall of Fame journalist, Colin Hart, for almost all of my career in the sport. His writings and passion for boxing are universally recognised as among the best ever.”Joe Calzaghe said: “Colin was a real giant of boxing writers and there will never be another like him. He will be sorely missed and my deepest condolences go to his family, friends and colleagues.”Read more tributes including from Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno. More

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    Sporting world pays emotional tribute to The Sun’s legendary Voice of Boxing Colin Hart after his death aged 89

    THE sporting world has paid emotional tributes to The Sun’s legendary Voice of Boxing.Colin Hart, who was a member of this newspaper’s original sports desk when The Sun was launched in 1969, died aged 89 on Saturday.The sporting world has paid emotional tribute to Colin HartCredit: The SunHart with Muhammad Ali Jnr, Michael Watson and John Conteh last yearCredit: RexLennox Lewis being asked questions by Hart in New York in 1999Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdRicky “The Hitman” Hatton and heavyweight champions Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno led tributes to a “master of his craft”.Ricky Hatton: ‘One of the last great boxing journalists’I am so sad to hear of the passing of Colin Hart.Colin followed my career from the start all the way through to the big fights in Vegas.He would often ring me for a chat and we became genuine mates.Colin was one of the first people to congratulate me when I was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame, he had previously been inducted himself, and I know how proud he was of that.We spoke for ages and he told me it was one of the highlights of his career and what to expectAnd, right at the end of the chat, he told me: ‘You’ll love it, Ricky. Just enjoy it like I did’.Colin is one of the last great boxing journalists and he will be sadly missed.RIP old mate.Michael Buffer: ‘Among the best ever’Read more Sports NewsI was honoured to know the legendary Boxing Hall of Fame journalist, Colin Hart, for almost all of my career in the sport.His writings and passion for boxing are universally recognised as among the best ever.He will be forever remembered as a gentleman scribe and, to those of us who knew him by either casual acquaintance or deep personal friendship, he will be missed and never forgotten.Rest in peace, dear friend.Jeff Powell MBE: ‘Wise, wry and fearless’A privilege and a delight to share much of Colin Hart’s journey to legendary status as a sports writer who knew more about boxing than 99 per cent of all those involved in the game. Honest and loyal as an East End day is long. Wise, wry, fearless, generous, a treasure trove of tales to tell. Ultimate professional and much loved companion on our travels. May The Sun never set on his memoryJane Couch: ‘Knew the game inside out’Most read in BoxingMe and Colin go back a long way.Although Col was old fashioned and wasn’t keen on women boxing, he was always OK with me.We got on well.It’s a sad loss to boxing.Colin was one of the old school journalists who knew the game inside out.Boxing legend Colin Hart reveals how Larry Holmes was targeted by ‘rednecks’ in build-up to Gerry Cooney fightJoe Calzaghe: ‘Real giant of boxing writers’Colin was a real giant of boxing writers and there will never be another like him.He will be sorely missed and my deepest condolences go to his family, friends and colleagues.Michael Watson: ‘I felt like he was in my corner’Colin Hart was a boxing man, through and through.We could tell it was more than a job for him.Colin cared about us fighters and he campaigned for us.I felt like he was in my corner during my boxing career and definitely after it.The world has changed a lot since our glory days and I’m not sure there will ever be another Colin Hart.Lennox Lewis: ‘An icon in British boxing’I was only with Colin at the undisputed heavyweight world title fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia in May and he looked so fit and strong.We were sat behind Usyk’s wife and when she kept standing up to cheer on her man, Colin was politely telling her to sit down so he could see the action.Even in the VIP seats, Colin was still in ‘journalist mode’ wanting to capture every second and know exactly what had happened.Afterwards, when Usyk had got his hand raised, his wife and Colin had a lovely chat. She apologised and said she couldn’t help supporting the husband she loves so much. And Colin told her that Usyk was a lucky man.Now I realise that was our last time together, it feels like a really nice one.Early on in our careers, things were definitely not as cosy.Because I came over to the UK from Canada, with my Olympic win, Colin didn’t take to me.It seemed like he was a proud Englishman, proud of his country and its fighters, so I felt he picked against me, especially when I boxed a guy he felt was more British than me.I remember he picked Gary Mason and Frank Bruno to beat me, even though all of the other reporters were in my corner.But it ended up being a great inspiration to me, because he was respected, I took his doubts about me and used them as fuel.When I proved him wrong I would look out for him in the front row and press seats and try to catch his eye.I loved proving him wrong and I could see he felt that too.It was a good healthy professional relationship, where he had questions about me and I was eager to answer them.Eventually he did realise that I was the real deal, I answered all of his questions and I cured all of his doubts.He admitted he had got me wrong and I respected that, that’s how things should work between men.It was clear that he was revered among all the other reporters, he was clearly the leader of the boxing press pack.I don’t think anyone else ever started off a press conference or an interview ahead of Colin.The other reporters waited for him to lead and sometimes he would get about 10 questions off before anyone else dared ask some.I even remember a couple of times when he finished his list of questions, closed up his notepad, tucked away his pen and walked off, just when the other writers were getting the chance to start their questions!He was that confident in his research and questions that he didn’t need to hang around and listen to the leftovers, he was off to write his words.I noticed it around my era but it’s even more prevalent recently, some reporters seem afraid to ask the real questions, or push for the truth, because the fighter or promoter or manager might get angry or cancel their accreditation.There doesn’t seem to be the same desire to get to the real truth anymore.Fighters and their achievements are often way overblown or their failings and mistakes are ignored and glossed over.From my years working with Colin, I could never accuse him of that.I think he would like to know that.I knew that he wanted to get to the truth and tell the truth and – if he upset people along the way – so be it.It looks like it’s sometimes hard to have a good name in journalism, to be trusted, but I felt like Colin had that.His longevity made him an icon in British boxing but I think the fact that his name and his word was respected probably meant much to him.Anthony Crolla: ‘One of the most recognisable faces and voices’It’s heartbreaking that Colin has gone, especially so close to a milestone 90th birthday.But I know that his legacy on British boxing – the sport, not just the journalism – will never be surpassed or forgotten.You were one of the most recognisable faces and voices in the sport – more so than some of us fighters even!I’ll always remember we were sat together for the George Groves win over James DeGale and we had a pretty big difference of opinion!But that night, like all the others, it was just lovely to be in your company and listen to your opinions, because you were someone that I respected, massively.Rest in peace, Colin. We’re really going to miss you.Sun boxing writer Hart chats to Lewis in 1995Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdColin covered hundreds of world title fights and is pictured here with Mike TysonCredit: Times Newspapers LtdColin reported on the iconic Rumble in the Jungle… and predicted Muhammad Ali’s win when the rest of Fleet Street tipped George ForemanCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdSpencer Oliver: ‘The man you wanted to take notice of you’I’m not exaggerating to say that Colin was THE man you wanted to take notice of you, when you was boxing in my era.When we opened The Sun at the gym, we would rush straight through to his pages and hoped we would get a mention.Colin was always the boxing reporter of that generation that was the most respected in the gyms and at the shows, everyone wanted to get on his radar and get praise in his columns.It’s broken me a little bit, because he covered my entire career and he helped me when I was injured and in hospital and fighting dark times.He was always in my corner, when I felt very alone. And then again when I started working in the media and he helped me with so many TV and radio shows.It’s a real blow, it’s no exaggeration to say British boxing will not be the same again.Looking around a London ring, from Wembley stadium or York Hall, you almost always spot Colin with a paper under his arm.I’m gutted I’m never going to see that again.But I’m so grateful for everything he did for me and I hope I repaid him, somehow.READ MORE SUN STORIESJohnny Nelson: ‘An absolutely proper boxing journalist’When Colin Hart wrote about you in The Sun it was a big deal.I remember it took him ages to write about me, I kept looking for an article an it never came and, when it did, I don’t thing it was even nice about me!But because fighters knew how much Colin had given to the sport, the amateur shows, not just world titles, they respected his opinion.I saw him have loads of arguments with fighters because, when he criticised them, it hurt, because he knew his stuff and it carried weight.And he wasn’t being critical for attention, he was doing his job and he had earned his right to an opinion.These days most boxing coverage is about views and clicks and content, people need to protect their access rather than ask the important questions.Colin was the opposite of that, he was an absolutely proper boxing journalist.I don’t think there will ever be another boxing reporter like Colin Hart, the world and the sport and the industry doesn’t make them like that anymore.Frank Bruno: ‘Undisputed Champion of boxing reporters’Sometimes in life, when your back is against the ropes, and you feel like the whole world is mugging you off, you need people you can reach out to for help who you can trust. Colin Hart was – without a doubt – always one of those people. I was just a teenager, a kid really, when our paths crossed for the first time. I was an upcoming amateur fighter making a name for myself. Colin – or Mr Hart as I called him the first time we met – was a top boxing journalist who had covered boxing’s great and good for decades. So I knew when he kept coming back to watch my fights I must have been doing something right. In the end, he was there at ringside, covering every moment: all the highs and all the lows. Recently, he very kindly picked my fight against Lennox Lewis as one of his top five British bouts of all time. I quite liked the fight as well. Well, apart from the ending if you know what I mean. But it’s the moments outside the ring that I spent with Colin that I’ll remember the most fondly. Boxing now is nothing like it used to be. These days, those press conferences are like mini-fights. The hype, the drama, the aggro – I wouldn’t be surprised if they start putting some of those press conferences on pay-per-view. Back in the 80s and 90s it was totally different. Boxers and newspaper journalists would spend time mixing in and around training camps. There was no social media. No 24 hour sports news. Instead, I’d spend hours talking to Colin and his colleagues. These guys knew everything about boxing and Colin had the biggest brain of all. I used to joke that he was a walking encyclopedia. But I secretly soaked up so much of what he said and the advice he gave me. To me, Colin was a serious hombre. When he had something to say it was worth paying attention. I knew I could trust him too. I’ve not always had a great relationship with the media, especially some of the news-boys over the years. But Colin was as straight as they came – and he quickly became a really firm friend. Maybe that’s why when I hit rock-bottom and started suffering with mental ill health it was Colin I turned to for advice. I remember one phone call, shortly before I was sectioned, where I spoke to Colin on the phone for an hour. Truth be told I was crying out for help and Colin, as ever, advised me the best I could. In the end, like we all have to, I had to find my own way out of my troubles. But Colin was always supporting me, sending me letters and notes. And once I was out of hospital he was one of the first on the phone to wish me well. Since retiring I regularly saw Colin at various boxing events, sportsmans dinners, and charity galas. If I knew he was there I’d always ask to be on his table, and we’d swap stories about the good old days. I last saw Colin in October, at a tribute dinner in London to celebrate my old mate John Conteh, and he was as sharp and as smart as he’d always been. As ever it was a privilege to spend some time with him and to share a laugh and a joke. It’s hard to believe I’ll never see him again. When it comes to the kings of boxing reporters, Colin was the undisputed Champion. No-one else will ever lay a glove on him. RIP, my friend. Frank Bruno More

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    Colin Hart was The Sun’s ‘Voice of Boxing’, he witnessed Ali & Frazier to AJ and Fury and was a world-renowned authority

    THE first time we met was in the stairwell at The Sun’s former HQ in Wapping, where the smokers would congregate.Colin Hart was an ex-smoker, allowing himself a few passive fumes, chewing a matchstick in place of a cigarette, having recently recovered from throat cancer.Colin Hart was The Sun’s ‘Voice of Boxing’Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdHart poses with Chris Eubank in 1990Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe Sun’s boxing man chats with Mike Tyson in 1987Credit: Times Newspapers LtdSmoking was bad for your health. Especially when Harty angered one particular interviewee by lighting up as they spoke.That man was George Foreman, the heavyweight champion of the world, who asked him to extinguish his cigarette.When Harty demanded that he should ‘say please’, Foreman threatened to punch him. A PR man saved him from a good hiding. But Foreman, like so many other greats, would end up becoming a good friend of Colin.Harty spoke out of the opposite side of his mouth to the matchstick. He spoke in his native Cockney. And once you got to know him, he’d speak about decades of rich sporting history.READ SOME HART CLASSICSHe spoke of Muhammad Ali and the Rumble in the Jungle, of Sugar Ray Leonard and the ‘Four Kings’ of the middleweight division.He spoke of Ben Johnson’s failed drugs test in Seoul and the massacre of 13 Israeli athletes by Palestinian terrorists in Munich, as well as many lighter tales from the eight Olympic Games he’d covered.According to his former colleague Alex Montgomery, he was ‘the only East End Jewish boy I ever knew who had a love of showjumping’.Harty spoke of giving as good as he got to some of the most charismatic and egotistical men in the world. Of the thrill of chasing a tale or an interview. Of the glorious chaos which exists when a major story breaks, at some ungodly hour, in some far flung part of the globe.Most read in BoxingAnd when he spoke, you listened. And if, like me, you grew up loving sport and history and newspapers, you always wanted to ask him more.Harty was cussed at first but soon he became warm and generous and funny and utterly authoritative.COLIN HART: 50th anniversary of Joe Bugner’s first fight with Muhammad Ali, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in 1973Our first meeting was more than a quarter of a century ago, and it was 30 years after Harty had taken up the role of boxing and athletics correspondent on The Sun’s very first day back in 1969 – an association which would last for 56 years.He ‘retired’ when he turned 65 in 2000. Yet he carried on writing columns for this newspaper for another 25 years, right up until his death, and he continued to attend countless world title fights.Immediately after the many major fights I’ve covered, I’ve sought out Harty and asked for his expert view and often for some historical context.He was a great help to me, as he had been to The Sun’s only three previous Chief Sports Writers; Peter Batt, John Sadler and Steven Howard.With a good-natured sneer, Harty would call us ‘the instant experts’, who’d parachute in to cover the biggest stories, using the genuine expertise of Harty and his fellow specialists to make ourselves look good.Hart carries the Olympic Torch in 2012Credit: Simon Jones – News Group NewspapersThe iconic boxing writer poses alongside Muhammad Ali Jr, Michael Watson and John ContehCredit: RexHart chats with Lennox Lewis in 1999Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdLike few other major sporting events, the excitement of covering a world-class prize fight can make your head spin. The benefit of Harty’s wisdom and experience was always valued.In 2017, after Anthony Joshua had knocked out Wladimir Klitschko in an epic fight at Wembley, he told me the bout ranked in the top ten he had witnessed.Given that he had covered all of the fights between Ali, Foreman and Smokin’ Joe Frazier, as well as those between Leonard and Marvelous Marvin Hagler and Tommy ‘The Hitman’ Hearns and Roberto Duran, this was a relief, because I worried I’d over-egged it while filing copy ‘live’. Still, I must have been too gushing in my praise of Joshua because the next time we met, Harty gave me a gentle verbal cuffing and told me that Tyson Fury was better than Joshua. And he was right.The last time we met was in Riyadh last year, when Oleksandr Usyk had inflicted Fury’s first professional defeat, as Harty had predicted he would.Promoter Frank Warren had flown Harty over and put him up in accommodation far grander than anything granted to today’s working hacks, which delighted him.Hart covered Frank Warren’s fighters for several decadesCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe influential writer was on The Sun’s first sports desk in 1969Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdHart, left, speaks to George Foreman in Kinshasa ahead of the Rumble in the JungleCredit: GettyFor two decades or so, we shared a running private joke.“When are you going to write that book?” I’d ask him.“Who’d wanna read that?” he’d reply.Yet any fan would want to read the definitive account of one of sportswriting’s greatest careers.A couple of years ago, he did write that book, at least one covering the boxing part of his career. With the help of fellow journalist Brian Doogan, he wrote ‘The Voice of Boxing: 60 Years At Ringside’.But in these pages, he continued to write several books’ worth of great reminiscences, as well as razor-sharp analysis of the current fight game.That book tells it all about a Londoner who experienced the Blitz as a young child and who would end up ringside with Frank Sinatra at the ‘Fight of the Century’ between Ali and Frazier.While Harty was a boxing aficionado, with a deep well of experience and knowledge about the sweet science, he fully understood the brutality of the game and the controversy over its very existence.After covering the death of the popular 24-year-old Welsh bantamweight Johnny Owen, inside a Los Angeles ring in 1980, he wanted to quit covering boxing, only to be talked round by colleagues.Later he would witness the fearful beatings inflicted upon Michael Watson and Gerald McClellan, which caused life-changing injuries.Harty held immense respect for those brave enough to step inside the ring and while he might criticise a performance, he never doubted a boxer’s courage. On the day when Harty first entered The Sun’s newsroom in 1969, he offered to help a bloke with an Aussie accent who was shifting furniture around, only to find out the ‘removals man’ was Rupert Murdoch.For five and a half decades, he was this newspaper’s ‘voice of boxing’ and plenty more besides.By the time of his death, just days before his 90th birthday, he would be the last serving member of the sports desk’s original staff.Colin’s death is a chance to reflect on a golden age for boxing, for newspapers and for all sport.While Colin was a match-going West Ham supporter for more than 80 years, and would frequently advise us football writers from his seat near the old Upton Park press box, he never covered football professionally.So rich was the sporting landscape, before the advent of the Premier League dwarfed the popularity of all other sports, that he didn’t need to.  And his love for ‘them ‘Ammers’ – and ‘what about them ‘Ammers, eh, Col?’ – remained unsullied by professional cynicism as a result.Colin was a great reporter, wordsmith, story-getter and story-teller.  READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd there was one piece of his advice that came to mind today, as I recall the pleasure of having known him for more than 25 years. “Always be kind to the young kids coming up in this industry,” he told me, “you never know who they’ll get to write your bleeding obituary.”Sporting world pays tribute…THE sporting world has paid emotional tributes to The Sun’s legendary Voice of Boxing.Ricky Hatton said: “I am so sad to hear of the passing of Colin Hart. Colin followed my career from the start all the way through to the big fights in Vegas. Colin is one of the last great boxing journalists and he will be sadly missed. RIP old mate.”Michael Buffer said: “I was honoured to know the legendary Boxing Hall of Fame journalist, Colin Hart, for almost all of my career in the sport. His writings and passion for boxing are universally recognised as among the best ever.”Joe Calzaghe said: “Colin was a real giant of boxing writers and there will never be another like him. He will be sorely missed and my deepest condolences go to his family, friends and colleagues.”Read more tributes including from Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno. More

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    How George Foreman went from teen mugger to earning $200m thanks to piledriver punches, wide smile & grilling machine

    IN the boxing ring, George Foreman – who became world heavyweight champ twice, some 20 years apart – was a lean, mean fighting machine.With fists like wrecking balls and a piledriver punch, all bar eight of his 76 wins ended in a knockout.George Foreman posing for The Ring magazine in 1989Credit: GettyThe boxing legend with his loved ones in a picture released by his familyCredit: instagram/biggeorgeforemanGeorge suffers as Muhammad Ali hits back in probably the greatest fight of all timeCredit: AlamyThe heavyweight champ earned an astonishing $200million from his trademark cooking device – an electric barbecue that could be used indoorsCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe fought in probably the most famous boxing bout in history, the 1974 Rumble In The Jungle against Muhammad Ali, who beat him using a strategy he coined “rope-a-dope”.But Big George, who died on Friday aged 76, was no dope.Incredibly, he made far more money outside the ring — selling “a lean, mean grilling machine”. He earned an astonishing $200million from the George Foreman Grill — an electric barbecue that could be used indoors.It massively overshadowed the $5million he won for his part in the Rumble In The Jungle, a 4am fight in sweltering heat beamed by a new-fangled TV satellite from Kinshasa in Zaire, central Africa.READ MORE IN SPORTBut thanks to his ­charismatic fame and famous smile, he went on to earn almost $5million every MONTH selling his grill and other household appliances on telly.Not bad for a teenage mugger brought up in Texas in a family so poor his mother sent her children to school with mayonnaise sandwiches for lunch.One of the top three heavyweights of all time, along with Ali and Joe Frazier, George, who only lost five fights in his career, was married five times.‘A force for good’He fathered ten children — five boys, all called George “so he would not forget their names”, and five girls, including ­Georgetta. George also adopted two more daughters.Most read in BoxingAnnouncing his death on Instagram yesterday, his family said he passed away surrounded by loved ones.Although they did not disclose his cause of death, they paid tribute to “a devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father and a proud grand and great- grandfather”, who “lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility and purpose”.George Foreman claims Bruce Lee could have been world champion boxer as he was so good he left him with ‘chills’George Snr was, they said, “a humanitarian, an Olympian and two-time heavyweight champion of the world”.They went on: “He was deeply respected — a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction and a protector of his legacy, fighting tirelessly to preserve his good name for his family.“We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers, and kindly ask for privacy as we honour the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own.”George Edward Foreman was born in Marshall, Texas, on January 10, 1949. In later life, he discovered his real father was a man called Leroy Moorehead.But he took the name of his stepdad, railway construction worker J B Foreman, who his mother, Nancy, married when George was very young.He grew to become a big, strong teenager, and was often in trouble with the law for street fighting.By the age of 15, he had dropped out of school and became a mugger.George once said: “I’ve always been motivated by food, because I was always hungry. There never was enough food to eat for me, for various reasons.”The following year, George had a change of heart and convinced his mother to sign him up for Jobs Corps, a US government scheme that trained him to be a carpenter and bricklayer. He moved to California and, with the help of a trainer, George, by then 6ft 3in and nearly 18st, took up boxing.By the age of 19, he had won Olympic Gold in Mexico City, knocking out Jonas Cepulis of the Soviet Union, who was ten years older and had already won many of his 200 bouts.If Big George hit you, you stayed hit. It was as simple as thatBBC boxing analyst Steve BunceBBC boxing analyst Steve Bunce said: “If Big George hit you, you stayed hit. It was as simple as that.”Days after African-American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos did a Black Power salute at the 1968 Olympics, George caused controversy among civil rights activists by waving a small US flag in the ring.He said: “I was just glad to be an American. Some people have tried to make something of it, calling me an Uncle Tom (a derogatory term for a black person considered overly submissive to white people), but I’m not. I just believe people should live together in peace.”George preaching in Atlantic City in 1991Credit: AP:Associated PressThe star posing in an African robe before his bout with AliCredit: GettyChamp Joe Frazier is rocked by a Foreman right during the title fight in JamaicaCredit: APThe legend waving the US flag after his heavyweight victory at the Mexico GamesGeorge regains his title, aged 45, in a fight against MoorerCredit: AFPHe later looked back with pride on how he turned his life around to ­triumph at those Games in Mexico City, adding: “Less than two years prior . . . I was under a house, hiding from the police. “I climbed from underneath that house, in mud and slop, and said to myself, ‘I’m going to do something in my life, I’m not a thief’.”Turning professional straight away, George was soon fighting a bout a month. By the time he competed in his first heavyweight title against ­Frazier at the “The Sunshine Showdown” in Kingston, Jamaica, in ­January 1973, he already had 39 wins under his belt — and no defeats. The 3-1 underdog, George knocked world champ Frazier down six times before ref Arthur Mercante stopped the one-sided fight in the second round.After defeating Ken Norton in the Caracas Caper in Venezuela, George’s next fight was the famous Rumble In The Jungle against Ali.The Sun’s legendary boxing correspondent Colin Hart was ringside in Kinshasa — now in the Democratic Republic of Congo — as dawn broke on October 30, 1974.Foreman, at 25, wasn’t the smiling carefree giant who resembled a benign Buddha that we saw in his latter years. He was surly, extremely bad-tempered and far from lovable.The Sun’s legendary boxing correspondent Colin HartHe wrote: “It’s a fair bet if you should mention the Rumble In The Jungle from Angola to Zanzibar, most people will know what you are talking about. “There couldn’t have been a greater contrast between Ali and Foreman — Beauty and the Beast perhaps sums them up best.”Foreman, at 25, wasn’t the smiling carefree giant who resembled a benign Buddha that we saw in his latter years.“He was surly, extremely bad-tempered and far from lovable.“Having won 37 of his 40 fights by knockout . . . menace seemed to ooze from every pore.‘Start at the bottom’“He made Sonny Liston (a ­powerhouse US boxer) look like a soft, cuddly teddy bear.”Backed up on the ropes for round after round, Ali took the sting out of George’s powerful punching with his “rope-a-dope” technique.But suddenly, in round eight, he sprung off the ropes for the first time and rocked his rival with a right hander. And with that, Ali was back in the fight. Almost in slow motion, George collapsed to the canvas and failed to beat the count. After losing the title he took a year off, but by then his first marriage, to Adrienne Calhoun, had ended.Over the years, he tied the knot four more times, finally marrying Mary Joan Martelly in 1985. She was with him until his death.In 2019, he explained that he named all of his sons George Edward Foreman “so they would always have something in common”.His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgottenMike TysonHe added: “I tell people, ‘If you’re going to get hit as many times as I’ve been hit by Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Ken Norton, Evander Holyfield, you’re not going to remember many names’.”The boys, however, have nicknames — George III goes by Monk, George IV is Big Wheel, George V is Red and George VI is known as Little Joey.Foreman returned to the ring and had five more victories, including another over old rival Frazier.But after losing to Jimmy Young in Puerto Rico in 1977, he hung up his gloves aged 28, claiming it was because of his religious beliefs and his mother’s wishes.George had become a born-again Christian and was ordained as a minister. For the next ten years, he preached to congregations at a church in Houston, Texas, but money worries later drove him back to the ring.Overweight and out of shape, he said: “I’ve got a three-year plan. I want to start at the bottom. Train harder than any man in the world. Fight once a month.” Foreman fought up to nine times in a year. He cranked out 24 straight wins, although most were against boxers of lesser ability.But in 1994, at the age of 45, he got another title shot in Las Vegas against Michael Moorer, 26, who threw twice as many punches.But in the tenth round, Foreman delivered the knockout blow that made him the oldest heavyweight champion in history.George said: “Anything you desire, you can make happen. It’s like the song, ‘When you wish upon a star your dreams come true’. Well, look at me tonight.”Foreman returned to the church and a youth centre he had set up, and was never afraid to cash in on his fame. He was approached to endorse the George Foreman Grill in 1994, with a big smile and cheesy lines including: “It’s a knockout.”George went on to sell more than 100million units and earned a fortune, pocketing 40 per cent of the profits before selling out in 1999 for more than £100million.READ MORE SUN STORIESEx-British cruiserweight champ Tony Bellew said yesterday: “RIP to one of the greatest human beings to ever put on boxing gloves. This man was truly ­amazing!”And in a fitting tribute to the icon, ring king Mike Tyson added: “His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten.”George with fellow champs Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali in 1989Credit: PAAll all bar eight of the champ’s 76 wins ended in a knockoutCredit: Rex More

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    ‘Can’t wait to spend forever together’ – Jake Paul announces engagement to speedskater Jutta Leerdam in emotional post

    JAKE PAUL announced he is engaged to Jutta Leerdam in an emotional social media post. The multimillionaire YouTuber-turned-boxer revealed the news with a series of romantic pictures. Jake Paul announced he is engaged to Jutta LeerdamCredit: Instagram / @jakepaulThe couple shared the news onlineCredit: Instagram / @jakepaulThe newly-engaged couple share a romantic kissCredit: Instagram / @jakepaulThey both matched in all whiteCredit: Instagram / @jakepaulJutta showing off her ringCredit: Instagram / @jakepaulHe wrote: “We’re engaged we can’t wait to spend forever together.”Paul got down on one knee – matching his new fiancee in all white – and popped the question behind a stunning scenic backdrop. Jutta – a world champion on the ice – jumped for joy and showed off her sparkly engagement ring. The couple were showered with well-wishes in the comment sections of Paul’s Instagram – which has 28.6MILLION followers. READ MORE ON JAKE PAULEx-opponent Tyron Woodley wrote: “Congrats!!!!!!!” Former world champion boxer Lawrence Okolie posted: “Massive congratulations!”Older brother Logan shared the post and wrote: “LIL BRO GOT ENGAGED!!!” Logan himself proposed to Danish supermodel Nina Agdal in July 2023 in Lake Como in Italy. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLast September they welcomed baby daughter Esme into the world. Younger brother Jake – who has been with Jutta since April 2023 – plans to have babies too after the 2026 Winter Olympics. Jake Paul blasts Anthony Joshua and vows to KO heavyweight superstarThe couple met after Paul invited Jutta onto his podcast – hitting it off via Instagram messages. And they went public with their relationship two months after Paul, 28, was beaten by Tommy Fury, 25, his only loss in the ring. The American is now 11-1 as a boxer and most recently beat 58-year-old Mike Tyson in a fight marred in controversy amid the age gap. But a huge 100 MILLION people tuned in to watch Paul’s eight round points win on Netflix. The social media sensation then entered shock talks to face Mexican legend Canelo Alvarez, 34, in Las Vegas on May 3. But Canelo pulled out of the deal at the last minute to instead sign a four-fight deal with Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh. And Paul recently called out Anthony Joshua, 35, with the two later sharing a phone call while teasing a stunning bout in 2026. Jutta also celebrated a gold medal at the World Speed Skating Championships in the trios event alongside Femke Kok and Suzanne Schulting.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 26-year-old features in episodes of Paul’s new reality TV show airing on HBO’s Max this month. Paul American also stars Logan, his fiancee Nina and parents Greg and Pam. Jutta is a world champion speedskaterCredit: RexShe went public with Jake Paul in April 2023Credit: Instagram / @uttaleerdamThe couple first hit it off on InstagramCredit: Instagram / @juttaleerdamJake Paul beat Mike Tyson in his last fightCredit: Getty More