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    ‘This is going to be revolutionary’ – Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 to feature never-before-seen AI JUDGE

    TYSON FURY’s do-or-die rematch with Oleksandr Usyk will sensationally feature a FOURTH judge.But it won’t be a human scoring the crucial rounds in Saturday night’s eagerly-anticipated Saudi showdown for the unified heavyweight titles.Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk renew their rivalry in Saudi Arabia on Saturday nightCredit: GETTYUsyk became the first undisputed heavyweight champ in nearly 25 years with a split decision victory in the pair’s May meleeCredit: ReutersTheir rematch is set to feature an AI judgeCredit: PAArtificial intelligence will be tasked with scoring the desert dust-up, which will attract the eyes of the entire sporting world.Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh revealed the introduction of an AI judge on Tuesday night.The AI judge, however, won’t have any impact on the result of the Riyadh rumble.Ring Magazine supremo Alalshikh wrote on X: “For the first time ever, an AI-powered judge will monitor the fight.READ MORE ON FURY VS USYK 2″Free from bias and human error brought to you by The Ring.”This groundbreaking experiment, which won’t impact the official results, debuts during the biggest fight of the century, #Usyk2Fury, on December 21.”Alalshikh’s short-notice revelation quickly became the talk of fight world.One fan wrote on X: “It would be awesome if this fixes the judging issue in combat sports. Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I’m sure it’s a couple of years out from being able to actually be used, but the concept is exciting.”Another said: “This is gonna be revolutionary.”Tyson Fury says he hasn’t spoken to wife Paris for THREE MONTHS and says he has ‘sacrificed a lot’ for Usyk rematchAnd another said: “Loved this. [It] will automatically put judges on high alert.”The future of boxing is safe with you taking over.”One remarked: “Wow! I can’t wait to see how this goes.”Another chimed in: “Boxing VAR in the making?”Several boxing fans, however, are sceptical about the effectiveness of AI scoring fights.One said: “Boxing scoring is subjective.. So what are the rules you put into the bot?”What you like to see or was it more general than that?”Another said: “AI can’t distinguish effectiveness?”The judges were called upon in Fury and Usyk’s May melee, which went the distance.Usyk was crowned the first undisputed king of the heavyweights in nearly 25 years courtesy of a split decision victory.Fury, 36, was adamant he did enough to have his hand raised and has vowed not to leave Saturday’s slugfest in the hand of the judges again.The former unified heavyweight champion said: “I’ve always been a bad man my whole life, and I’m still one today at nearly 40 years old, a few years off 40.”I’m going to go in there with destroy mode. “Last time, I went to box him, I was being cautious.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Anybody can get caught as we have seen in a lot of these heavyweight fights.”But this time I’m not going for a points decision. I’m going to knock that motherf****r out.” More

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    Who are Keely Hodgkinson’s coaches Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows?

    TREVOR Painter and Jenny Meadows are the coaching duo behind British middle-distance runner Keely Hodgkinson’s success.They’ll no doubt be beaming with pride as Keely is the bookies’ favourite to take home BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2024.Keely Hodgkinson pictured training with her coaches Trevor Painter and Jenny MeadowsCredit: GettyJenny Meadows pictured with her 800m silver medal at the British Athletics Indoor Championships in 2015Credit: GettyWho is Trevor Painter?Trevor Painter is the founder and head coach of M11 Track Club, Manchester, which specialises in coaching middle-distance events.He has been coaching athletes for almost 25 years and has guided more than 30 athletes to international level.Trevor received the Coaching Achievement Award as part of the World Athletics Awards 2024, recognising his outstanding contributions to coaching at all levels in athletics.He holds an MSc in Elite Coaching Practice from the University of Central Lancashire and is known for his scientific approach to training.read more on keely hodgkinsonWho is Jenny Meadows?Jenny Meadows, a former world-class 800m runner, works alongside Trevor as a coach at M11 Track Club.She brings her vast experience as an international athlete to the coaching partnership, offering valuable insights and wisdom both on and off the track.Her role extends beyond just technical coaching — she acts as a mentor and life coach to the athletes.PhilosophyJenny and Trevor are known for their unique approach to coaching, which includes:Most read in AthleticsCreating the right environment: They focus on making training enjoyable and fostering a fun atmosphere to retain athletes.Flexibility: They adapt their coaching style to suit individual athletes, recognising the importance of not constraining “free spirits” like Keely Hodgkinson.Holistic development: They emphasise the importance of athletes having a life outside of training, encouraging them to seize opportunities wherever possible.Scientific approach: Trevor handles the technical aspects and science, while Jenny complements this with her practical experience.AchievementsUnder their guidance, the M11 Track Club has produced several world-class athletes, including:Olympic winner Keely Hodgkinson soaks up the atmosphere with Man Utd fans at Old Trafford Keely Hodgkinson: Olympic gold medalist and multiple world championship medalist in 800m.Georgia Bell: Bronze medalist in the 1500m at the Paris 2024 Olympics.Lewis Davey: Bronze medalist in the 4x400m relay at the Paris 2024 Olympics.Sarah Healy: Irish international runner finished second in the 5th Avenue Mile.RelationshipTrevor and Jenny are a husband-and-wife team who run the M11 Track Club together.Keely Hodgkinson posing with coach Trevor Painter after receiving the 800m gold medal at the 2023 European Indoor Championships in in Istanbul, TurkeyCredit: GettyTheir relationship began as a coach-athlete partnership before evolving into a romantic one.Trevor was Jenny’s coach throughout her illustrious career, during which she earned multiple world and European 800m medals.Marriage & childrenThe couple tied the knot in 2006, but details of their big day have not been reportedIn July 2016, at the age of 35, Meadows announced her retirement from professional running.On January 11, 2024, Jenny took to X/Twitter to announce the birth of their first child.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe wrote: “Welcome to the world Arabella Connie Meadows-Painter who was born at 00:12 on Sunday 10th Jan weighing 7lb 2oz.”Myself & @Faster_feet promise to love and support you.” More

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    Isaac Lowe vs Lee McGregor: Date, live stream, TV channel and fight card for huge featherweight bout

    THERE is some featherweight action set to be on the undercard of the highly-anticipated rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.Isaac Lowe vs Lee McGregor will open the fight card in what is an all-British bout.Isaac Lowe set to fight on huge December 21 fight cardCredit: GettyLast time out, Lowe, 30, had fought on the undercard of the first fight between Fury and Usyk, where he won by decision against Hasibullah Ahmadi.McGregor, 27, is making a quick turnaround where he last fought just two months ago where he earned a TKO victory against Deiner Polo.Lee McGregor makes a quick turnaround to be on huge fight billCredit: GettyWhen is Isaac Lowe vs Lee McGregor?The featherweight fight will be on Saturday, December 21.The bout will be held at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.The all-British clash is part of a stacked card for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2.Fight times will be confirmed a week before the fight but the main card, which includes Lowe vs McGregor, begins 7pm UK time.What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?The FULL card will be broadcast LIVE on DAZN PPV, TNT Sports Box Office, and Sky Sports Box Office.All three will offer the action as a pay-per-view event – both DAZN and TNT have priced it at £24.99, while Sky has set a slightly cheaper price tag of £24.95.The action will also be available to stream on their apps.Also, SunSport will be live blogging all the action from Riyadh as it happens.READ MORE IN BOXINGFull cardOleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury, for Usyk’s WBA, WBC and WBO heavyweight titlesSerhii Bohachuk vs. Israil MadrimovMoses Itauma vs. Demsey McKeanJohnny Fisher vs. Dave AllenDennis McCann vs. Peter McGrail, for McCann’s European super bantamweight titleIsaac Lowe vs. Lee McGregorFury vs Usyk 2: Ring walk time, TV channels and undercard – all you need to know for big rematch More

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    Oleksandr Usyk’s tattoos explained, from his children’s names to Olympic rings, as he gets ready to fight Tyson Fury

    OLEKSANDR Usyk is gearing up for the biggest fight of his life.The WBA, WBO and WBC belts are on the line as he faces Tyson Fury at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday.Oleksandr Usyk shows off his impressive tattoos and chiselled torsoCredit: GettyUsyk’s tattoos will be on display when he fights Tyson Fury this weekendCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom BoxingUsyk will have three belts on the line when he faces off against Fury for a second timeCredit: ReutersBoxing fans will be praying it is as eventful as the first bout between the pair, which ended in the Ukrainian winning by split decision.Amusingly, whoever wins, the pair could end up going for a pint together.Usyk joked about it in a recent TV interview where he said he would entertain having a beer with his rival.The trash talk has ramped up in recent weeks but there remains a healthy respect between the pair, so much so that Usyk is willing to put all the Gypsy King’s “rabbit” jokes aside and visit the boozer with him.Read more boxing newsDuring a chat with Sky Sports, Usyk said: “Listen I can go to the pub, drinking beer.”After, we go to play golf and then we go to play football. Then we go horse racing.”As he fought back fits of laughter, the fan favourite added: “Yes [a few beers]. No problem.”The Cat and Fury could even talk about his incredible tattoos that decorate his chiselled torso.Most read in BoxingSunSport wades through his ink to explain what some of them mean below.Oleksandr Usyk puts Tyson Fury rivalry aside and invites Gypsy King to the pub to ‘drink beer’ and cheer on Man Utd Family manUsyk is one of sport’s great characters.Loveable, goofy at times, and certainly a lot smarter than people realise.However, beneath his joker in the pack exterior is a proud man whose roots firmly belong to Ukraine.He is also a father, which he takes great joy in being.Usyk’s dedication to his children is obvious, as he has their names, Yelizaveta and Kyrylo, etched on to his skin in Ukrainian script.These names roughly translate to Elizabeth and Kyrill in English.Usyk married Yekaterina in 2009.They have four children in total, including Mykhalio and a daughter who was born this year.Usyk’s children’s names appear on his biceps in Ukrainian scriptCredit: EPA/ALI HAIDERUsyk is married to Yekaterina and they share four kidsCredit: Instagramread more sport featuresA true UkrainianIt was little wonder Usyk returned to his native country to fight the ongoing war against Russia.But, he’s best served representing his country on the global stage as one of the world’s most popular sportsman.When he’s in the ring, fans will get to see his right shoulder inked with the Simferopol, the national coat of arms of Ukraine.Known as the tryzub, it wasn’t until 1979 that it was considered a national symbol.Usyk’s tributes to his homeland don’t end there.On his left lower-back, he has an angel tattooed that looks like the iconic statue of Archangel Michael atop Lach Gates at the Independence Square in Kyiv.It is holding a sword, which signifies its role in protecting the country from invasion or danger.Famously, after defeating Anthony Joshua, Usyk dedicated his victory to the soldiers of Kyiv’s territorial defence forces.“They (injured soldiers) were asking me to go, to fight, to fight for the country, fight for your pride and if you’re going to go there, you’re even going to help more for our country,” he said.On his lower left back, Usyk has an angel tattoo , while Ukraine’s national coat of arms is on his right shoulderCredit: InstagramAfter beating Anthony Joshua, Usyk dedicated his victory to Kyiv’s territorial defence forcesCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom BoxingOlympic heroUsyk rose through the ranks by competing at the Olympics.Famously, he won gold at London 2012 in the heavyweight class.On both of his arms he has Olympic rings, with one of those labelled ‘London 2012’.They symbolise how far Usyk has come as he has conquered the professional boxing world, as both cruiserweight an heavyweight king.READ MORE SUN STORIESNext, it’s time to conquer Tyson Fury again.Maybe there will another tattoo designed already for that honour.Usyk’s Olympic success features on his arms with the Olympic ringsCredit: Reuters More

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    BBC SPOTY favourite Keely Hodgkinson reveals fashion legend touched her cheek and called her beautiful

    KEELY HODGKINSON says being branded “beautiful” by fashion icon Giorgio Armani was the craziest thing to happen to her since becoming Olympic 800 metres champion.From the running track to the catwalk, Britain’s athletics superstar is hot property these days and was invited to Milan in September by a major fashion brand.Keely Hodgkinson says she was branded ‘beautiful’ by Giorgio ArmaniCredit: GettyThe Olympic champ is frontrunner to win SPOTY tonightCredit: Sunday TimesShe loved being praised by fashion legend ArmaniCredit: GettyAs someone comfortable in both spikes and stilettos, Hodgkinson was surprised to be noticed by the famous Italian designer who was enthralled with her epic display in Paris.Hodgkinson, 22, said: “The craziest thing that has happened to me? I’m going to say when I met Giorgio Armani . . . “He came over to me and put his hand on my cheek and called me ‘Bella’ (pretty in English). Which I thought was really nice.“He’s just a little man. I met him in Milan at Fashion Week briefly. He can’t speak English but he’s quite into his sport.  He’s a lot older now, he’s 90 years old, but he looks great.READ MORE IN SPORT“He’s still heavily involved in his work. That was a really cool moment.”It is one wonderful example that sums up the mad celebrity world that Hodgkinson now inhabits.But she has earned that as only NINE other women have won an Olympic gold medal in Team GB colours in track and field over 60 years.It is why she is the front-runner to be named BBC Sports Personality of the Year, which is being held close to her apartment in Salford, tonight.Most read in AthleticsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIf it happens, and darts star Luke Littler is a strong challenger, she will become the fourth woman in a row to receive the accolade — a record — but ten less than the men’s longest stretch.And her training mentor Trevor Painter, who masterminded three Olympic medallists this summer, is likely to be named Coach of the Year.Olympics hero Keely Hodgkinson thanks her home town for their support at the Paris Olympics Hodgkinson won the 800m gold in ParisCredit: GettyShe became a national treasure with victory over the summerCredit: GettyHodgkinson said: “If I go back to the beginning of the year when I started training, it didn’t go my way at all.“I spent a couple of months out with injury. But I just kept trusting the process and training got better.“About a month out, I realised I was in really good shape.“It’s the first time in a year where I’ve actually achieved everything I’ve set out to achieve on the outdoor track, which is quite special and doesn’t happen very often.”In 2025, Hodgkinson will attempt to win a hat-trick of gold medals at European and World Indoor level and then it is the World Outdoor Championships in September.And the controversial 800m world record of 1min 53.28sec — set in 1983  by Jarmila Kratochvilova of the Czech Republic — is within her sights. The question is whether she can do it in the next 12 months or closer to the LA 2028 Games.Hodgkinson, whose current PB is 1:54.61, said: “Medals can never be taken away from you, so that will always be a top priority. I don’t have a World Championship gold yet.“I do think 1.53 is possible — but obviously it takes a special race.READ MORE SUN STORIES“You’ve got to be in perfect shape, with perfect conditions, the right race for all that to come together.” BBC Sports Personality of the Year will be available to watch live tonight from 7pm on BBC One and iPlayerHodgkinson has also become a style iconCredit: GettyShe is up against some big names for SPOTYCredit: keely.hodgkinson/Instagram More

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    Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 fight purse: How much are stars making for huge rematch?

    THE highly anticipated rematch goes down this weekend where Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will battle it out in their massive rematch.Fury, 36, lost his first ever professional fight to Usyk last may in what was a controversial split-decision – and the two men are set to split an even bigger pot of cash than they did first time round.Oleksandr Usyk became undisputed heavyweight champion on May 24Credit: GettyAfter the fight, the Gypsy King saw a staggering £85million enter his bank account, in what was a contracted 70-30 purse split.And this meant Usyk cashed in around £30m for the fight to go alongside his heavyweight belts.The two are now set to meet in the ring once again in Riyadh to cap off what has been an excellent 2024 for heavyweight boxing.What is the Fury vs Usyk fight purse?The official purse for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk is yet to be revealed. read more Fury vs UsykHowever, as seen from the previous Saudi Arabia events, there will be a huge amount shared between the two men.Fury vs Usyk 2: Ring walk time, TV channels and undercard – all you need to know for big rematchIt is expected that Usyk will receive a much higher pay split compared to his last fight against Fury.This is because the Ukrainian is now the defending champion and is seen as the A side of the bill.Reports suggest the total payout of the fight will be £150m – an increase of £35m compared their first bout.Most read in BoxingHow much does the Fury vs Usyk PPV cost?The FULL card will be broadcast LIVE on DAZN PPV, TNT Sports Box Office, and Sky Sports Box Office.All three will offer the action as a pay-per-view event – both DAZN and TNT have priced it at £24.99, while Sky has set a slightly cheaper price tag of £24.95.The action will also be available to stream on their apps.SunSport will also be live blogging all the action from Riyadh as it happens. More

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    Conor McGregor claims he will fight Logan Paul in boxing bout before returning to UFC

    CONOR MCGREGOR claims he’s agreed to fight Logan Paul in a boxing match in India.He has vowed to return to the octagon once he faces the YouTuber.Conor McGregor has agreed to fight Logan PaulCredit: GettyPaul has fought just two boxing contestsCredit: GettyThat could mean McGregor’s long-awaited return to UFC, in which he’s not fought since losing to Dustin Poirier in July 2021, will have to wait even longer.McGregor, 36, wanted to dispel rumours he will face UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria next, confirming Paul is instead likely to be his next opponent.McGregor said: “The rumours of a bout with [Ilia] Topuria are false. “I am in preliminary agreements with the Ambani family to face Logan Paul in a boxing exhibition in India. I have agreed.READ MORE ON MCGREGOR”I will then seek my return to the Octagon.”McGregor has fought just one boxing match in his career – a loss to Floyd Mayweather in August 2017.Paul, 29, also fought Mayweather in an exhibition and his only other boxing experience came in fights against YouTuber KSI and MMA star Dillon Danis.He has been tipped to make a return to the ring with a number of potential opponents mooted.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPaul was even called out for a fight by Tyson Fury’s father John last week, after he said his brother Jake would not fight Tommy Fury.John said: “This is a message to Logan Paul. You keep going on about Tommy Fury not wanting to fight your brother.Tyson Fury’s dad John calls out Logan Paul for fight on undercard if Tommy and Jake Paul rematch”Here’s one for you my friend. He does want to fight your brother and I’ll tell you what else, I will fight you on the undercard.”As soon as possible, ASAP. I’m sick of people saying ‘I won’t do this and I won’t do that.’ I will show you how I’ll do.”Tommy will fight your brother as early as end of February or end of January and I’ll fight you on the undercard.” More

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    Tyson Fury says he ‘feels sorry’ for Oleksandr Usyk in rematch after failing to knock him out in first fight

    TYSON FURY claims his spirit is too strong to be broken by Oleksandr Usyk’s powder-puff punches.Fury survived a standing count after having his skull rattled in an explosive ninth round of their undisputed world heavyweight clash in May.Tyson Fury says he feels sorry for Usyk in the rematchCredit: GettyFury claims Usyk doesn’t have the power to knock him outCredit: GettyThe Gypsy King’s nose was also smashed in the eighth on the way to a split-decision defeat to the Ukrainian.But despite the shellshocked Brit stumbling round the Riyadh ring — with only the corner post holding him up — Usyk failed to land a knockout punch.And ahead of Saturday’s multi-million-pound rematch in the Saudi desert, Fury warned his bitter rival: “I’m not a quitter.“When I look in the mirror, I don’t see a quitter.READ MORE IN BOXING“I see a man who would do anything to keep going and survive, keep getting up.“If I get knocked down nine times I’ll get up ten. And that’s it.“Why do I do it? If I didn’t want to do that, if I didn’t have it in me, I wouldn’t be a boxer, I’d be doing something else, playing darts or something. But that’s my job, so it’s what’s expected, isn’t it, of me? Anything less is no good.”Fury, 36, has proved on a number of occasions that his recovery powers are one of his key assets.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe bounced off the canvas in sloppy early bouts against Neven Pajkic and Steve Cunningham.He also twice climbed off the deck in two of his iconic WBC title wars with Deontay Wilder.Oleksandr Usyk puts Tyson Fury rivalry aside and invites Gypsy King to the pub to ‘drink beer’ and cheer on Man Utd Usyk’s brutal, ninth-round left hand robbed Fury of all of his senses for several seconds but did not put him down.And Fury insists the 37-year-old Ukrainian’s punches are not as powerful as some heavyweights.Fury added: “If I had him in that position, I’d have knocked him out cold.“If I’d have been in that position with Daniel Dubois, I’d have been knocked out cold.“Usyk can punch you hard but there are different levels to power.“One man can switch you off like a TV and one man can hurt you and try to wear you down. When I got knocked down in round four of the third Wilder fight — twice — I thought, ‘It’s f***ing fight or die now’.“But in that fight with Usyk, I didn’t feel, even in round nine, that I was about to be taken out. I feel sorry for him in the rematch.”Win, lose or draw on Saturday, multi-millionaire Fury will likely pursue an overdue British superfight with former champion Anthony Joshua, followed by a clash with IBF king Dubois.And adoring wife Paris knows better than to try convincing him to swap trading punches for stocks and shares.Fury added: “I train every day. I love what I do. I went for a run with my mate the other day and I asked him, ‘Do you think we’ll still be doing this at 50?’“I will be doing it until I can’t run any more. It’s what we do.“My grandfather, he jogged three miles the day he died. So it’s in me to do it all my life.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Paris doesn’t say anything. She knows I like to do what I do and it gets me out of the house, doesn’t it?“What else am I going to do? Sit around counting money like that, ‘Ten, 20, 30, 40, 50’? It’s what I do.” More