Aurelia Butler

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    ‘What a sort she’s going to be’ – Tyson Fury called ‘daft as a brush’ by Paris as pair work out at gym

    TYSON FURY was described by wife Paris as “daft as a brush” while he declared “what a sort she’s going to be” as the pair exercised together in the gym.The happy couple, who have six kids after marrying in 2008, worked up a sweat on the treadmill during a heavy session.Tyson Fury was hailed as ‘daft as a brush’ by wife ParisCredit: XFury declared ‘what a sort she’s going to be’ as they worked out togetherCredit: XFury looked to be in jubilant spirits just a month after announcing his retirement from boxing.While Paris showed her grit by remaining focused on the job at hand.But Fury showed off his funny side as he cheered his wife on towards the final running goal.Filming himself on a mobile phone, Fury asked Paris: “How are you feeling babe?”READ MORE IN BOXINGShe replied: “I’m tired!”Fury chuckled: “Tired? Training her right up I am.“What a sort she’s going to be when I train her right up. How are you feeling?”Paris laughed as she said: “You’re as daft as a brush!”Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSFury smiled and ended by declaring: “Daft as a brush? That’s a compliment. Of course I am!”It now remains to be seen if Fury finally stays retired, with his latest announcement the FIFTH of his career.Derek Chisora lets slip Tyson Fury is coming out of retirement as he reveals 36-year-old’s fight plans But pal Derek Chisora has hinted that the Gypsy King is not done yet.And he reckons Fury will soon be back for a final contest against fellow British heavyweight Anthony Joshua.Chisora said: “Who knows (who I will fight next).“Right now AJ is healing himself after the defeat from Daniel Dubois. He’s not ready yet.“When he’s ready he’ll come back and I think he’ll come back – not to fight me but to fight the Gypsy King.“I’ll let the public decide. I’ll let you guys decide.”View of The Sun’s boxing expert: ‘I think it’s a ploy’By Wally Downes JrCALL ME a miserable fat little boxing cynic, but Tyson Fury’s latest retirement just doesn’t wash with me.It wasn’t too long ago we were hearing he had a ten-fight deal with Saudi Arabia, that he was gonna fight Anthony Joshua twice, then he was going to face Joseph Parker twice.He was planning on doing every fight in the world – there was even talk he’d rematch Francis Ngannou and do a better job.IF he has retired, then he goes out with an incredible career having made over £300million in boxing events alone, let alone all the extra stuff.He does so having sacrificed bundles of his own life for such success.We know his wife Paris suffered a miscarriage going into the first Olesandr Usyk fight.We know for Deontay Wilder III, his little girl was put in intensive care, he barely even trained for that fight, he was sleeping on the hospital floor.IF he has retired, IF it is genuine, then it’s been an incredible career.And for the big showman, it’s probably a nice little short sharp way to go out by just posting a video while sat inside his car.But I can’t help but think that it’s a bit of a ploy to drive AJ a little bit crazy.AJ was at the Ring Awards the other day and put out a social media post saying “Fury, where are you? I’m looking for you.”It’s the only fight that AJ wants, and Fury being wise and looking at the Floyd Mayweather playbook, knows that once you retire, you have to be coaxed out of retirement.And how do you coax someone out of retirement? Loads more readies.The fact of the matter is, Fury has always told us: I’m a prize fighter, I do it for money, I’m gonna do it for as long as I can and make as much money as I can.So the idea that he suddenly ducks out now doesn’t seem to ring quite true.As Fury made the announcement, I was with Frank Warren and he said hadn’t spoken to Tyson about it today, but that he hopes that it’s true, that Fury’s done enough and made enough money.IF it’s true, then what an incredible career.Fury and AJ have put British boxing on the map where it’s not been for decades, not since Lennox Lewis 25 years ago.So thank you, but rather than being at his leaving party, which I’m sure The Sun would be invited to, I suspect we’ll see him boxing AJ in Riyadh in a few months.  More

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    British boxing trainer Joe Gallagher, 56, diagnosed with bowel and liver cancer as he releases emotional statement

    BRIT boxing coach Joe Gallagher has bravely revealed he’s battling cancer.The beloved trainer and manager is fighting stage four bowel and liver cancer, which he was diagnosed with last November.Boxing trainer Joe Gallagher has revealed he’s battling cancerCredit: MARK ROBINSONGallagher, 56, was diagnosed with stage four bowel and liver cancer last NovemberCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTDHe’s currently undergoing chemotherapyCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTDAnd the 56-year-old world championship trainer is now undergoing chemotherapy to prolong his life.He said in a statement: “It’s been a lot to take in over these past few months.”I just wanted to carry on as normal as possible while I tried to process things.”I would like to say no matter how busy life gets, your health should always come first. READ MORE BOXING NEWS”We can overlook things and put things off because we’re always so ‘busy’, but ultimately there’s nothing more important than your health.“I didn’t have any major symptoms, so if you feel something isn’t right, no matter how small, please don’t put it off – please go and get checked, as it could save your life.”I want to thank my family, friends, my fighters and the people I’ve been able to confide in so far on this journey, their support has been incredible.”Gallagher was inundated by scores of well-wishes from boxing fans after news of his diagnosis became public.Most read in BoxingJoe Gallagher used to work with former super-middleweight champion Callum SmithCredit: REUTERSOne fight fan wrote on X: “Send best wishes to Joe Gallagher.”Another said: “Praying for your successful fight back.”And another said: “Sad news I hope the brother makes a full recovery.”One remarked: “So sad keep fighting strong Joe Gallagher. “Far too much of this vile disease now.”Gallagher, the former trainer of ex-world champs Scott Quigg, Liam Smith and Anthony Crolla, is getting through the biggest fight of his life thanks to the help of his nearest and dearest.Joe Gallagher is the current training of unified light-middleweight champion Natasha JonasCredit: MATCHROOM BOXINGBut the Sweet Science is also helping him go toe-to-toe with the disease.The Manc said: “I know I have to prioritise my health at this time, yet boxing is giving me that bit of escapism I need right now. “As I go through my own battle, being around an incredible team of fighters is helping me continue to do what I love.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’ve only just begun my fight back against this disease.”There’s still so much I am processing, which is very hard to talk about right now; it’s also a very difficult time for my family & friends too.” More

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    Misfits Boxing’s Carla Jade reveals her hardest battle is outside the ring – and the thing that would hurt her most

    INCREDIBLE CARLA Jade has managed to juggle a blooming boxing career and a successful ring girl business alongside being a busy mum of four.But the brunette beauty, 35, wouldn’t swap her hectic life for anything else.Brunette beauty Carla Jade is the mum-of-four who has taken Misfits Boxing by stormCredit: Instagram @carla_jjadeCarla is the current Misfits Boxing lightweight women’s championCredit: PA’Killa’ Carla Jade recently defended her belt against Melanie Shah at Misfits Boxing 20Credit: PAJade was recently in action against bare-knuckle boxer Melanie Shah at Misfits Boxing 20 at Co-op Live in Manchester, where she defended her lightweight belt.It’s been a remarkable journey for the champ who has wowed her four kids with her exploits in the ring, as well as the fact she gets to rub shoulders with YouTuber KSI.However, despite barbs aimed at her online by her rivals on social media, and punches thrown by juggernauts in the squared circle, being a mother serves up tougher challenges.”Everyone always talks about the boxing and everything like that – but for me, my hardest battle is always outside of the ring,” Carla told SunSport.”I am always juggling everything and making sure everything’s done. You know, I’ve got the kids, I’ve got a business, then I’ve got the boxing.”I say it’s hard, but I have four amazing kids. They’re so lovely, so helpful.”They’re my whole inspiration. So as much as it’s hard, you can’t be upset because you’re busy juggling your lottery win. It’s the best thing ever being a mum.”The kids are the only thing in the whole world that… you know, obviously I love boxing, I love my friends, I love my family, but if you took them away from me that would hurt.”From ring girl to boxing sensationCarla’s children, aged 19, 18, 15 and 10, saw their mum in the ring before she became a Misfits Boxing sensation.Meet Sydney Thomas, The Next Big Ring Girl StarShe has regularly shown off her stunning figure at PFL and Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship events.While the fierce fighter also runs a stable of promo models with her own agency, Finesse Ring Girls.Carla said: “It’s funny because they didn’t care so much when I was a ring girl.”I think the only time my son showed an interest was when he saw an ad for BKFC when he was playing his FIFA video game, and he was like ‘oh, is that the show you worth with?’ “When I first started boxing, it wasn’t much of a shock to my kids because they already know I’m not a very conventional person.”At first they weren’t majorly interested, but when I won the belt they thought it was the coolest thing in the whole world.”Also, they’re not YouTubey kids, but they were impressed I get to hangout with KSI and other influencers who are big in their world.”I think now they’re kind of in awe of me!”So far, Carla’s children have yet to watch mum live in action at one of her bruising or bloody bouts.”Yeah, they don’t come to the fights,” Carla explained.Alongside her boxing career, Carla Jade is a ring girl and runs her own businessCredit: https://www.instagram.com/carla_jjadeGlam Carla’s kids have watched their mum in action in the ringCredit: Instagram @carla_jjadeCarla revealed that her son had a watch party with his friends for one of her fightsCredit: Instagram @carla_jjade”I did ask them if they wanted to come to my last fight – but being in Manchester it was a bit far for them to travel.”They watch it on TV, though. My son, bless him, is so cute. He had a watch party with his friends when I fought Nikki Hru.”I have to remember that they’re watching, so I can’t get too carried away and say something I shouldn’t! “But my older children understand it. They understand it’s work, so when I got slapped by Melanie in the press conference they knew it wasn’t like getting slapped in the street by someone!”The parenting juggleCarla admitted the hardest thing she faces as a Misfits boxer is the time it takes away from her kids.”Time management is really tough,” she confessed.”I have never really had a 9-5 job, so doing the school run hasn’t been an issue.”I’ll drop them off at school, go to the gym, get all my training done, then I’m able to pick them up later.”Sometimes sparring sessions are in the evening, depending on what girls are available. Before I go back out, I’ll do the dinner for them.Carla has made sacrifices to conquer the Misfits Boxing worldCredit: https://www.instagram.com/carla_jjadeCarla revealed eight-week training camps can take her away from valuable time with her four childrenCredit: https://www.instagram.com/carla_jjadeDespite an often gruelling schedule, Carla is grateful to be a part of Misfits BoxingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/carla_jjade”My 19-year-old can cook, so she prepares her own meals or will help feed the others. She’s an angel.””It can be hard when it gets closer to the fights and we’ve got proper eight-week training camps.”But, I am very lucky because if you break it down, it’s eight weeks, one night, and it’s good money.”Of course I get tired, and driving back home after a sparring session late at night is tough.”I’d rather do that, though, because it means I can have little moments with my children – like take the dog for a walk or draw a picture with my youngest.”I can’t complain. It’s a small sacrifice to pay. I’m the champ. If it was an easy life, everyone would be doing it.”A dangerous gameCarla knows she puts herself at risk in the ring, which hits home being a parent. “It’s only recently I thought about the dangers,” she told us.”Coming into it, I knew I would have to go and spar and get punched in the head by other girls.”At times, the next day I have suffered with a bad headache. You’re wearing eight ounce gloves, no head guards, so it’s proper boxing when it’s fight night.”It’s a serious sport, so I just make sure I protect myself, look after my body. I take my weight cut seriously, and Misfits look after us as well.”They make sure everyone’ s on weight, we are tested by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency), so they’ve proven to be such a professional organisation.Mum Jade confessed she has thought about the dangers her boxing career could poseCredit: Instagram @carla_jjadeCarla poses with sparring partner Aria Wild following a session in the gymCarla is happy to fight in the ring to provide for her familyCredit: Instagram @carla_jjade”At the same time, I could go out and, heaven forbid, get hit by a bus tomorrow.”I want to live my life to the full, provide for my family, and I think I can do that safely in the boxing ring”It’s great to have a place I can show off my skills, personality, and get paid.” More

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    Oleksandr Usyk reveals retirement plan as heavyweight champion makes Daniel Dubois decision

    OLEKSANDR USYK has revealed he will fight just twice more before retiring.The world champion beat Tyson Fury for a second time in December last year.Oleksandr Usyk is planning to hang up his gloves after two more fightsCredit: GettyUsyk is set to fight the winner of Daniel Dubois vs Joseph ParkerCredit: GettyUsyk’s initial win over the Gypsy King in May saw him become the first undisputed heavyweight world champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999.He has since vacated the IBF belt and beaten Fury again, with the strap now in the grasp of Daniel Dubois after his wins over Filip Hrgovic and Anthony Joshua.Dynamite is next in action against Joseph Parker on February 22, with Uysk looking to fight the winner.But the Ukrainian told Sky Sports that going again to be undisputed would be his penultimate bout, saying: “I think two years, one-and-a-half [left in boxing].READ MORE IN BOXING”I feel great myself. I feel I have two fights to prepare, not more. Just two.”I will fight who will win, Joseph Parker, Daniel Dubois, no problem.”Usyk vs Dubois would be a rematch of the 2023 bout that saw the current champ win via a ninth round knockout.The dust-up was not without controversy after the 38-year-old hit the canvas after a punch which was deemed to be a low blow from the Brit.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDubois seems equally up for a second go at Usyk, saying: “Run it back. My next fight I’m working towards [is Usyk], I’m ready for it now.”I’m just getting better, improving. They say when you win a world title you improve. So I feel like that’s what’s happening with me. Oleksandr Usyk brutally hits out at ‘blind’ Frank Warren furiously claiming Tyson Fury scorecards were ‘nuts'”I’m ready to show what I can do again and conquer whoever they put in front of me.”Usyl has also broken his silence on Tyson Fury’s latest retirement.He told talkSPORT: “I don’t think about it but I think it is not true.”Once Tyson has relaxed, and rested, maybe Tyson will be back.”Boxing if you do this for a long time: 10, 15, 20, 25 years then boxing is like a drug.”If you don’t go to training one day then you feel dead. For me, at least.”I train every day. I don’t do boxing every day. Sometimes I do crossfit, and running training. “I only do boxing when I am in my camp.” More

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    Inside Jake Paul’s private jet as YouTuber-turned-boxing star splashes out on brand new plane

    JAKE PAUL has declared he is “going global” – after purchasing his first private jet. The YouTuber-turned-boxer, 28, has splashed the cash following his mega-money fight with Mike Tyson. Jake Paul has shown off his brand-new private jetCredit: https://www.instagram.com/jakepaul/The YouTuber-turned-boxer recently picked up a £32million cheque for fighting Mike TysonCredit: https://www.instagram.com/jakepaul/Jake also gifted himself a Maybach SUV in the same colour as his planeCredit: https://www.instagram.com/jakepaul/The 28-year-old enjoyed five-star service on his new jetCredit: https://www.instagram.com/jakepaul/He kicked back and watched some TV after hitting the skiesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/jakepaul/Paul bagged £32million for stepping into the ring with The Baddest Man On The Planet last November. The 28-year-old has gone from making YouTube videos in his bedroom to rubbing shoulders with boxing legends in under a decade. He recently declared: “I’m the new face of boxing.”You cannot have the biggest fight of 2025 without my name involved.”READ MORE ON JAKE PAULJake is estimated to be worth a whopping £62million. Now a portion of that hard-earned cash has gone into his newest plaything – a stunning private jet. Paul revealed his newest purchase to his 18.5 million followers on TikTok.Dancing on the runway with a huge bottle of champagne, a luxury £175,000 Mercedes Maybach with a giant bow could also be spotted behind the boxer.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPaul then showcased the plane in action, lounging on a bed mid-flight before tucking into a plate of nachos.He sat back to watch some ESPN, before a flight attendant brought some hot towels. Jake Paul brands Canelo Alvarez ‘an owned slave’ in social media rant after dramatic collapse of their $200m fight dealJake captioned the clip: “Bought my first jet. Went global cause I’m global. Silly me.”Paul is reportedly finalising his next fight following the dramatic collapse of his bout against Canelo Alvarez.The pair were poised to announce a shock May 3 bout in Las Vegas.But Canelo walked away just days beforehand to instead sign a deal with Saudi powerbroker Turki Alalshikh.Paul hit out at the Mexican superstar with his next fight now in the works after talks dramatically broke down.Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson round-by-roundMIKE TYSON’s long-awaited return to the ring didn’t have the fairytale ending fight fans dreamed of.SunSport’s boxing expert Wally Downes Jr recaps one of the drabbest and most forgettable nights in boxing history.And he didn’t hold back, issuing a scathing assessment of social media sensation Jake Paul.Round OnePaul says “I love you, Mike” just before the opening bell sounds. He quickly runs away and holds the boxing legend.Tyson draws a big reaction from the crowd as he lands a jab and a good right hand.Verdict: 10-9 TysonRound TwoPaul ran away in the opener and held – just like we thought he would.Tommy Fury had it first and now Mike Tyson. It’s clever because Tyson will tire. Paul tags Tyson’s body with a straight right.Tyson looks spent now. 180 seconds in and the fight looks over.Verdict: 10-9 TysonRound ThreeThe legend cannot even keep his gumshield in. As expected it’s a waste of time. Paul has run away until the 58-year-old has tired.Shooting ducks in a barrel now. Tyson might get hurt here. Paul lands a couple of clumsy shots and Tyson wobbles backwards.Tragic after three.Verdict: 10-9 PaulRound FourThis is proper rubbish. The crowd are bored and boos are being heard.This is just two tired big lumps going at it.  One a legend, one a promoter.Verdict 10-9 PaulRound FivePaul jabs the body and aims right for the head and another one-two clips the icon.Tyson cannot keep his mouthpiece in, he is gasping for air. Paul lands a left hook but then so does Tyson.Verdict 10-9 PaulRound SixThank God these weren’t three-minute rounds. We are getting about four punches per round.Tyson is gasping in the air but replays show a left hook did graze Paul’s beard.Verdict 10-9 PaulRound SevenTyson slips a jab and tries an uppercut. The commentator admits it has been a “sad” spectacle.The AT&T stadium has been utterly stunk out. Paul is looking just as tired as Tyson.Verdict 10-9 PaulRound EightGo back to YouTube, Jake. You’re an excellent conman. But you’ve never been a boxer.The Judges decide: 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73. I’m glad Tyson gets paid and has stayed safe.But what a laughable performance from Paul to add to his stinker with Tommy Fury.Verdict 10-9 PaulSunSport’s final scorecard – 78-74 for Jake PaulClick to read the full round-by-round breakdown.He posted: “Done with this little money chasing, no respect having nut. “Bent the knee and became just like the rest.”[I’m] working on finalizing the next fight.”Paul’s bout with 58-year-old Tyson was broadcast live on Netflix. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe event was a record breaker for the streaming service as it peaked at 65 MILLION concurrent streams.It made the boxing bout one of the most watched sporting events of all time.Jake showed off the plane’s interior, which included a swanky bed areaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/jakepaul/The 28-year-old fought Tyson in a bout shown on Netflix in NovemberCredit: Getty More

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    Turki Alalshikh working on astonishing fight in ALCATRAZ prison and vows to hold bout inside Rome’s iconic Colosseum

    TURKI ALALSHIKH is working on bringing an incredible boxing card to Alcatraz Prison.The Saudi boxing chief wants WBO and Ring junior welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez to defend his belts at the infamous setting.Turki Alalshikh is targeting more ambitious boxing eventsCredit: GettyTeofimo Lopez could defend his belts on Alcatraz IslandCredit: Getty ImagesAlcatraz Island is situated around a mile offshore of San Francisco and housed an infamous prison between 1859 and 1963.The site is now home to a museum, but Alalshikh, 43, wants to bring world class championship boxing to the former prison site in June or July.Speaking to ESPN’s Mike Coppinger, he asked: “What do you think if there is [an] event, fight in Alcatraz jail one day?”According to The Ring, acquired by Alalshikh last year, a deal is close for Lopez to defend his belts on Alcatraz Island.READ MORE IN SPORTThe event would be part of a three-fight collaboration between Top Rank and The Ring, under the banner of the latter.An opponent has not yet been confirmed.Alcatraz held several high-profile inmates prior to being closed as a prison due to its high operating costs.These included infamous gangster Al Capone.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSLopez, 27, is set to defend his titles this summerCredit: GettyAlcatraz is not the only incredibly ambitious venue that Alalshikh is targeting.Among them are the Colosseum in Rome and even at ancient pyramids.Saudi boxing chiefs plan fights at outrageous venues including Eiffel Tower, Colosseum and inside infamous prisonSpeaking to ESPN, he added: “You know, sometimes I get in my mind I want different places to do [fights].”Sometimes in mountains, maybe someday in the Pyramids in Mexico, someday in [the] Eiffel Tower in France, [The] Colosseum in Italy.”You understand this concept?”Constructed nearly 2,000 years ago, the Colosseum hosted several Roman sports events, including gladiator games and wild animal hunts.In 2023 UFA chief Dana White attempted to stage an MMA bout between tech rivals Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk at the Colosseum, only for the match-up to fall through.The Mexican Pyramids, meanwhile, have hosted live music events but no sporting encounters to date.READ MORE SUN STORIESParis’ iconic Eiffel Tower, meanwhile, was the backdrop to the volleyball event at the 2024 Olympics last summer.Lopez last fought in June last year, when he defeated Steve Claggett via unanimous decision in Miami.The Eiffel Tower was the stunning backdrop to the Paris Olympics’ volleyball eventCredit: GettyThe Colosseum is nearly 2,000 years oldCredit: GettyAlalshikh could bring world class boxing to the Mexican PyramidsCredit: Alamy More

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    Inside collapse of Jake Paul’s $200m fight with Canelo Alvarez as boxing legend thought bout was TOO BIG for Netflix

    JAKE PAUL was on the verge of a sensational deal to fight Canelo Alvarez – but it was KO’d after a dramatic turn of events overnight.The YouTuber-turned-boxer and Mexican great were poised to this week announce a shock May 3 bout in Las Vegas.Jake Paul was close to agreeing a fight with Canelo AlvarezCredit: GettyCanelo walked away from a deal to fight Jake PaulCredit: APBut Canelo walked away just days beforehand to instead sign a deal with Turki Alalshikh – Saudi Arabia’s powerful boxing powerbroker.It brought an end to one of the most remarkable 24 hours in boxing. A mega-fight even rival promoter Eddie Hearn claimed was worth $200MILLION went up in smoke following a five minute phone call. And SunSport is here to reveal exactly what transpired over three months of talks between the two camps.READ MORE IN BOXINGIt all started in December, one month after Paul beat Mike Tyson in their controversial clash on Netflix.Outrage surrounded the fight as Tyson returned at 58 for his first professionally-sanctioned bout in 20 YEARS.He had only faced Roy Jones Jr – aged 54 at the time – in an exhibition four years earlier – which was nothing more of a glorified sparring session.Nevertheless, over 100 MILLION tuned in on Netflix – causing the streaming service to collapse.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd over 70,000 fans turned up at the Dallas Cowboys’ stadium in Texas – banking £14.5m in ticket sales alone.This caught the attention of Canelo – who managed to generate £7.2m in the same stadium for his 2021 win over Billy Joe Saunders.Jake Paul brands Canelo Alvarez ‘an owned slave’ in social media rant after dramatic collapse of their $200m fight dealPaul and his team – looking to match the commercial success of their event with Iron Mike – reached out to Canelo’s camp for talks in December.Alvarez – managed by his trainer Eddy Reynoso – left negotiations in the hands of Al Haymon of Premier Boxing Champions.Canelo has worked with Oscar de la Hoya and Hearn previously but his last three bouts had been with PBC – and he wanted to keep it that way.Talks between the opposing camps progressed into January.And while a verbal agreement for Canelo to face Jake Paul in his next fight was struck – nothing had been officially signed.The bout would be at the 200lb cruiserweight limit with the T-Mobile Arena in Vegas already booked – targeted for Netflix – over 12 rounds.According to a social media post from Paul’s promotional partner Nakisa Bidarian – Canelo’s team initially suggested a 190lb catchweight contest.But Bidarian argued allowing Paul to fight at the 14st 4lb cruiserweight limit of 200lb would garner more public interest.’THIS WASN’T A COINCIDENCE’After all, size was the only thing on paper in the celebrity’s favour.Canelo – a champion in four weights from 154lb up to 175lb – has been called out by prankster-gone-prizefighter Paul since as early as 2021.But the ex-undisputed super-middleweight king always laughed it off as nothing more than nonsense from the former Disney Channel actor. That was until recently, when Canelo and his team began to open the door to the idea.This wasn’t a coincidence. There was a strategic plan in place for Canelo to begin publicly considering the idea of fighting Paul.That way fans would start to recognise that the previously impossible bout was no longer just a wild fantasy of Paul’s.By the new year it looked as though a deal was edging closer – all while Canelo travelled to London for a glitzy Ring Magazine event.CANELO’S CHANGE OF MIND In the midst of talks with Paul’s camp, Canelo was also looking to a September super-fight against unbeaten American Terence Crawford.Alalshikh – who purchased The Ring Magazine from De la Hoya – had proposed a three-bout deal with Canelo.But Alvarez’s regular Cinco de Mayo fight date – held over Mexico’s annual celebration in May – was yet to be finalised.Paul was to fill that space with Crawford taking the September date over Mexican Independence Weekend.Canelo later returned home from the capital having held talks with Alalshikh over the Crawford fight.And it seemed business with Paul and Alalshikh’s Riyadh Season was being dealt with separately – and would not interfere with each other.That was all about to change.By early February, Canelo and Paul were close to being able to announce the Sin City blockbuster.But then, Canelo had a sudden change of mind. He informed Paul’s team that he no longer wanted the bout on Netflix – he felt it was too big not to be on PPV.PBC are in their first year with Amazon Prime – who also have a box office platform.But Paul and his team stood firm. In their eyes the fight was only ever heading to Netflix.They had already conceded that Canelo would get A-side treatment.That included having his name first on the poster while walking to the ring and having his name announced after Paul. As discussions continued about the fight being on PPV or Netflix – Alalshikh entered the frame with an ultimatum.Either Canelo walks away from a deal with Paul or the Crawford fight – and any other subsequent follow up bouts – were off the table.WHAT HAPPENS NOW? Alalshikh felt Canelo – still 34 and with four more years planned in the sport – could take a novelty payday against Paul at a later stage.And he thought the fight – which most would deem farcical – only served to diminish the magnitude of Canelo versus Crawford.So Alalshikh phoned up Canelo – and claimed he needed just five minutes to complete one of boxing’s most dramatic U-turns.He offered a new bumper four-bout deal – starting on May 4 in Saudi – progressing into September against Crawford and then two fights in 2026.But Canelo would have to forfeit his clash with Paul – something that he appeared to do at the drop of a hat. It was quickly announced that Canelo was now fighting William Skull, 32, on the morning of Sunday May 4 in Riyadh. That would cater to prime-time Saturday night viewing in America.And it will be for the undisputed super-middleweight world titles – after Skull inherited the IBF version Canelo had to vacate.A win for Canelo also gives Crawford, 37, the chance to challenge for all four 168lb titles at the Las Vegas Raiders’ 65,000-seat stadium.READ MORE SUN STORIESPaul – beaten only by Tommy Fury in 2023 – meanwhile went back to the drawing board and is gearing up to announce his next opponent.But there is still hope talks with Canelo can be revisited – perhaps with the fight now bigger than ever after the fiasco that so publicly transpired. Turki Alalshikh with CaneloCredit: InstagramJake Paul in training for his next fightCredit: Instagram More

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    Mark Weinman dead at 62: Boxer who amazingly came out of 21-year retirement aged 50 and WON fight dies

    BOXER Mark Weinman has died at the age of 62.The American star passed away in Mesa, Arizona, on Saturday, his brother has confirmed.Boxer Mark Weinman has passed awayWeinman died as a result of complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a respiratory illness he was diagnosed with over a decade ago.The boxer turned pro in the 1980s and won his first 11 fights before losing three straight bouts and stepping away from the ring.He then made a triumphant return in 2012 against then-32-year-old Elvis Martinez and won after 39 seconds.Weinman lost his following fight and subsequently hung up his gloves for good.READ MORE ON BOXINGHe finished with a professional record of 12-4 with 10 knockouts.His former promoter, Steve Tannenbaum, said he looked like a “world beater” in his early years.Tannenbaum revealed: “He was known in the gyms all around. I mean, he fought everybody.”He would beat everybody in the gyms. Just beat them up. He was that good.”Most read in BoxingWeinman was diagnosed with IPF around 12 years ago and was given three-to-five years to live. His brother, David, admitted: “He never stopped loving boxing.”He chased boxing to the end. Just the other day, he was talking about coming home and getting strong and maybe teaching some boxing classes when he was older. He never talked about dying.”He was going to live forever. He did not acknowledge — we never had a conversation about him dying.” More