Aurelia Butler

More stories

  • 250 Shares109 Views

    in Athletics

    Female runner makes history as she becomes first to EVER break marathon mark and shatters world record by 100 seconds

    RUTH CHEPNGETICH has set a new women’s marathon world record.The Kenyan, 30, ran an astonishing 2:09:57 at the Chicago Marathon earlier today.Ruth Chepngetich has set a new women’s marathon world recordThe incredible Chepngetich dedicated her achievement to Kelvin KiptumCredit: AlamyIn doing so, she became the first woman to break the 2:10:00 barrier.In fact, she smashed the previous record by nearly two minutes.The last world record had been set by Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia in Berlin 13 months ago.After the race, Chepngetich dedicated her incredible achievement to the late Kelvin Kiptum.READ MORE IN SPORTLondon Marathon winner and world record holder Kiptum tragically died aged just 24 in a car crash earlier this year.His coach Garvais Hakizimana was also killed in the tragic crash.After today’s Chicago Marathon, Chepngetich said: “This world record I’m dedicating to Kelvin Kiptum.”I’m so happy. I don’t know how to explain.”Most read in SportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSShe then admitted that she had felt before the race that she could set a new world record.Chepngetich added: “I feel so great. The world record is my dream, that has now come true.How Kelvin Kiptum went from having to borrow shoes to London Marathon record”I fought a lot thinking about the world record and now I’ve fulfilled it. I’m so grateful.”This year the weather was perfect and I prepared well. The world record was on my mind.”Her previous personal best was also set in Chicago back in 2022.This time around, however, she shaved nearly five minutes off her former PB.Chepngetich placed tenth overall in the Chicago Marathon.She was one of two Kenyans to triumph in Chicago today, with John Korir setting a personal best 2:02:44 to win the men’s race.John Korir triumphed in the men’s raceCredit: Alamy More

  • 213 Shares99 Views

    in Boxing

    Beterbiev vs Bivol punch stats revealed as Turki Alalshikh says controversial judges’ decision was ‘not fair’

    ARTUR BETERBIEV beat Dmitry Bivol via a controversial majority decision last night.The hulking 39-year-old claimed Bivol’s WBC, IBF and WBO belts to become undisputed light heavyweight champion.Artur Beterbiev beat Dmitry Bivol in a controversial decisionCredit: GettyThe punch stats have been revealedThe result has since been hotly contested, with “disgusted” promoter Eddie Hearn labelling the judges’ scorecards an “absolute joke”.One judge scored the contest a 114-114 draw, while the other two had it 115-113 and 116-112 in favour of Beterbiev.Punch stats compiled by CompuBox, however, show just how close many of the rounds were.In eight of the 12 rounds, the pair were separated by four or fewer punches landed.READ MORE IN SPORTWhile Beterbiev threw a far greater volume of shots, Bivol was more accurate over the course of the 12 rounds.Beterbiev landed 137 of 682 punches thrown, at an accuracy of 20 per cent.Bivol, meanwhile, landed 141 of 417 shots attempted, giving him a 34 per cent accuracy.Among those to criticise the final result was Saudi supremo Turki Alalshikh.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe judges’ scorecards have caused plenty of controversyAfter the bout, he vowed to put on a rematch, telling DAZN: “This was one of the great fights of the last 20 years I think, but I don’t think the result was fair, in my opinion.”The two fighters are like my brothers, but I think Bivol won two rounds more. I will focus and I will try to do the rematch.I sparred Artur Beterbiev and it’s by far the worst thing I’ve experienced in life “If they accept, we will do it.”Even Queensberry promoter Frank Warren agreed with his Matchroom rival Hearn that the scorecards weren’t right.He said: “I gave it to Bivol by a couple of rounds. That score of 8-4 is beyond ridiculous. Everyone around that ring thought Bivol had won it by at least two rounds.”There should be a rematch because it was such a quality fight. Brilliant skills in there by Bivol, his jab was superb. Artur the last couple of rounds was told it was sink or swim.”The score 8-4 was a joke. It’s terrible when you get a fight like that and it ends in controversy.”Frank Warren and Turki Alalshikh have both commented on the decisionCredit: Reuters More

  • 213 Shares99 Views

    in Boxing

    Ben Whittaker punches HOLE in the wall following controversial end to fight after leaving ring in wheelchair

    BEN WHITTAKER punched a hole in the wall after a controversial ending to his fight with Liam Cameron.The boxer was taken to hospital after bizarrely falling out of the ring over the top rope along with his opponent in the fifth round.Ben Whittaker punched a hole in the wall after his fightThe fighter fell out of the ring as a result of a tussle with Liam CameronCredit: GettyWhittaker later left the venue in a wheelchairCredit: CHRIS DEANHe injured his right leg as a result of the fallCredit: GettyThe boxer appeared to be in a lot of pain but his opponent was unscathedCredit: GettyWhittaker was escorted out of the venue in a wheelchair but not before leaving his mark – punching a hole in the wall in anger.The light heavyweight was left frustrated after failing to win for the first time in his professional career.Whittaker, 27, has built a reputation for swatting aside his opponents with ease as many have barely laid a glove on him.But Cameron gave him a sterner test and the judges ruled the contest a draw after Whittaker was unable to continue the fight following his fall.READ MORE IN BOXINGThe 2020 Olympic silver medalist injured his right leg in the fall, with Cameron left unscathed.Cameron, 33, was also left gutted at the end of the fight as he believes he was on top and set to win the bout.He said: “He [Whittaker] had nothing left. Kid was knackered from round two. I definitely beat him. I don’t get a fair share [in fights]. What more do I have to do?”Never had a promotional deal in my life and I tried my best to win that today and I think I deserved the win.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAsked if he though Whittaker was looking for a way out, he added: “Yeah. 100 per cent. You can see it on camera. I don’t want to be critical of him.”Boxing pundit Johnny Nelson also raised doubt over Whittaker, suggesting the fighter was “trying to find a way out” of continuing.SunSport’s boxing reporter Wally Downes Jr left shocked with Wardley’s devastating KOHe said: “Now, I’m a massive fan of Ben Whittaker. I’ve sang his praises constantly, but he needs to watch the replay before he says anything to anybody about what the injury is.”We’ve looked at it time and time again and we’ve not seen that right ankle hit anything. We thought it was his back. There needs to be some explanation around it.”It looks like he was trying to find a way out and I feel bad saying that.” More

  • 213 Shares159 Views

    in Boxing

    Olympic champion and TV star reveals plans for shock boxing comeback at 42 – after cracking Hollywood

    A FORMER Olympic champion is set for a shock boxing comeback aged 42.But only once she has cracked Hollywood. A former Olympic gold medalist and world champion is ready to return to boxingCredit: Dan Charity – The SunThe British star secured gold medals at London 2012 and then again four years later, defending her title at Rio 2016.But a torn pupil in her eye left her at risk of going blind so she retired in 2019 with an undefeated pro record. Now, though, five years on, Nicola Adams is ready to return to the ring.She told The Sunday Times she has been “steadily doing the groundwork” and is prepared to channel her inner Floyd Mayweather.READ MORE ON BOXINGAdams said: “I just feel like I might have one or two fights left in me. “It’s pretty certain [it will happen], 90 per cent.“I think I just needed a break because I’d spent God knows how many years of my life boxing and there were so many different things I wanted to try and do.“But I never stopped training, I’ve already stayed in shape, and when I look at the skill level of the girls in and around my weight division, I’m definitely backing myself. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“I feel the same as Floyd Mayweather does. “He was still able to control these younger fighters when he was 40-something years old because of his skill and ringcraft.Olympic boxing gold medallist, Nicola Adams, offers women self-defence lessons to empower them in situations they may otherwise feel vulnerable “I want a big fight, and why not throw a [world title] belt in there for good measure.”Leeds’ Adams, who turns 42 later this month, rose to prominence with her golden success at her home Olympics then backed it up in Brazil four years later. Adams collected all the amateur titles available to her, was Olympic, world and European champion simultaneously and then turned pro in 2017 after 99 amateur bouts.The following year, she claimed the vacant WBO flyweight world title against Isabel Millan then kept hold of it in a draw with Maria Salinas in September 2019.But the Salinas fight came at a cost, with Adams sustaining the eye injury that saw her hang up her gloves with a 5-0-1 record.That gave the Yorkshirewoman – awarded an MBE and OBE – the chance to explore different avenues, including becoming a mother with her girlfriend Ella Baig via IVF. Adams featured in the first same-sex pair on Strictly Come Dancing in 2020.I spent a couple of years trying to undo my poker face because in boxing you never show any emotion. It was difficult at first to show what I’m actually feeling inside.Nicola AdamsShe also appeared on Celebrity Gogglebox and had cameos on Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Waterloo Road. And now after classes at Identity School of Acting, she has landed her first gig in a Hollywood film – following a host of rejections. Adams will appear in The Gun On Second Street, a film about two Pittsburgh police officers who exchange lives after an unexpected, tragic event, alongside Poppy Delevingne. She added: “Landing the first role is always the hardest. It’s taken me five years. “I’ve done a lot of self-tapes. I think because I’m seen as a boxer people think you can’t act so I’ve almost got more to prove.“It’s not just, ‘Oh look, Nicola Adams,’ and then I’m gone. I’ve got a really good part. I’ll be doing an American accent as well so I’ve been working with voice coaches.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s just been a really exciting journey learning how to express myself in different roles. I spent a couple of years trying to undo my poker face because in boxing you never show any emotion. “If you get hurt in the ring, you can’t show your opponent anything. It was difficult at first to show what I’m actually feeling inside.”Nicola Adams has been in training and is prepared to get back inside the professional ropesCredit: PA:Press AssociationAdams won the hearts of the nation with a gold for Team GB at London 2012Credit: AFPShe was crowned WBO flyweight world champ but retired in 2019 with an eye injuryCredit: PA:Press AssociationHer various TV appearances include competing on Strictly Come DancingCredit: PA More

  • 213 Shares179 Views

    in Boxing

    Dmitry Bivol’s ex-wife wildly celebrates his controversial loss to Artur Beterbiev and shouts ‘karma reached the idiot’

    DMITRY BIVOL’S ex-wife wildy celebrated his controversial defeat to Artur Beterbiev by boasting “karma reached the idiot”.Bivol thought he had done enough to be crowned undisputed light-heavyweight world champion on Saturday night.Artur Beterbiev snatched victory over Dmitry Bivol in Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyBivol’s ex-wife celebrated the result on a live streamCredit: XHowever, the judges gave the victory to Beterbiev via a majority decision that caused uproar among many in boxing.But one woman was utterly delighted with the outcome.Ekaterina Bivol hosted a live stream of her reaction to the fight and waited with bated breath to see if her ex-husband had suffered his first professional defeat.Then when the result was confirmed, Kate made no attempt to hide her sheer delight and joy.READ MORE ON BOXINGClapping, she excitedly said: “Artur, Artur, yes! God, God thank you. Artur, I congratulate you.”Because karma reached Bivol. “F***, for real, you deserved it, idiot.”Did you get scared? Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I gave 16 years of my life.”Go to your Marmar.”Fabio Wardley destroys Frazer Clarke as he mangles opponents jaw in astonishing first round KOThat appears to be a reference to viral influencer Marmar Al Hilali, who has 1.4million Instagram followers and Kate claims Bivol has been dating.Ekaterina – who put her own Instagram account on private on Sunday morning – then suggested to her friend that it was time to celebrate the result, adding: “We’re going to a restaurant but you’re paying.”Before the fight, Kate threw her support behind Bivol’s opponent Beterbiev.And she even appeared to expose her former partner’s alleged injuries and weak spots on the eve of the fight to try to give Beterbiev the edge.She wrote “everything I know” before going into details, then added: “But the main thing is that he is a coward! We need your victory, Artur.”Bivol and Ekaterina were married for a decade, with the teenage sweethearts tying the knot in October 2013 – six years after meeting on a flight. They had two sons together but announced their acrimonious split last year as they filed for divorce. Many boxing fans and experts believed Bivol was “robbed” by the judges, who scored the fight in Saudi Arabia 114-114, 115-113 and 116-112 to Beterbiev. Even the victor’s own camp appeared to think he was on course to lose, telling him he had to go for the knockout in the late stages. Bivol’s gutted promotor Eddie Hearn let rip at the result – and cited the victor’s camp’s comments in the corner as evidence.It’s absolutely disgusting. They knew Artur Beterbiev lost this fight. I’m absolutely baffled.Eddie HearnHearn said: “In one of the biggest fights of our generation and in the most important fight in Dmitry Bivol’s life you give him FOUR rounds?”It’s absolutely disgusting. They knew Artur Beterbiev lost this fight. I’m absolutely baffled and disgusted by a scorecard of 116-112.”Even Beterbiev admitted he was “lucky” to win the fight but insisted the comments from his camp were standard practice.He said: “They always say that.”I feel not bad. I did not good today.”I wanted to box with more quality. I’ll be better one day. It was a little bit uncomfortable.”Of course, it was a tough fight because Dmitry is a tough champion and he has tough skills, better than me.”During the fight, we always try to change something. I didn’t deliver more punches, I don’t know. Today I am lucky too.”However, some eagle-eyed fans suggested Beterbiev was always going to win after spotting Ramzan Kadyrov in the ring when the 39-year-old was announced as champion.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe congratulated Beterbiev and posed for a photo with his arm around him.Kadyrov is a controversial figure due to his close connection with Vladimir Putin and has been dubbed the Russian President’s “warlord pal” and “attack dog”, coming under intense criticism for alleged human rights abuses that include disappearances, kidnapping, torture and assassination.Ekaterina boasted that ‘karma’ caught up with her ex-husbandCredit: XShe vowed to go out to celebrate after her X-rated blast at BivolCredit: XBivol thought he had done enough to be crowned undisputed championCredit: GettyThe couple met on a flight and were married for a decade until their 2023 divorceCredit: Instagram @bivol_kateThey had two children together before their bitter splitCredit: Instagram @bivol_kateKadyrov was ringside to support Beterbiev More

  • 213 Shares169 Views

    in Boxing

    Inside the life of Frank Warren’s wife Susan – what we know about the former Vogue model

    SUSAN Warren is the wife of boxing promoter Frank – but she has been a star in her own right.Once a celebrated Vogue model, Susan met Frank in the early 1970s.Susan was a model before meeting FrankCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdSusan and legendary boxing promoter Frank have been married for over 40 yearsCredit: Enterprise News and PicturesAt the time Frank was beginning to make waves in the boxing world.They have now been married for over 40 years.During that time Frank has become a household name by promoting some of the biggest British fighters in recent history including Frank Bruno, Nigel Benn, Chris Eubank, Joe Calzaghe, Prince Naseem Hamed, Amir Khan and Tyson Fury.Susan prefers to stay away from the limelight, focusing on their family and personal life.read more on frank warrenFamily lifeSusan and Frank have two sons, George and Francis.George is involved in the family business, Queensberry Promotions, where he works as a boxing promoter and manager. He has been increasingly visible in the fight game and is following in his father’s footsteps, helping to manage boxers and promote events.Like his brother George, Francis had been working for Queensberry.Most read in BoxingHe left the company in 2022 to focus on starting his own company, Champion Sports Management.My dad was questioned over Frank Warren’s assassination attempt… now we’ve joined forces to make boxing’s best fightsFrank said in an interview with Seconds Out about his son leaving: “I’m pleased for him, he has got a fantastic roster of fighters that he is managing and looking after.“So he, quite rightly said, ‘Look Dad, I don’t think that I can do it justice and I want to focus on my management company’.”So, God bless him and good luck to him, and that’s what he is doing. We’ve got quite a few of his fighters on our roster and we continue to promote them and work very closely with them, he’s doing his own thing and that, for me as a Dad, is a real joy.” More

  • 225 Shares99 Views

    in Boxing

    Antony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois rematch: Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh ends speculation with planned date for clash

    THE proposed date for the Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois rematch has been revealed.Dubois, 27, stunned AJ at Wembley last month.Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua are set for a 2025 rematch after their September Wembley showdownCredit: PAHis monster right hand emphatically downed the Watford man in the fifth round.And that ensured he kept hold of his IBF world title and wrecked Joshua’s dream of a spring blockbuster showdown with Tyson Fury.But AJ looks set to get a shot at revenge with a repeat of the all-British dust-up next year.And Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh told fans to mark their calendars because there is a provisional date in the diary for the rematch.READ MORE ON BOXINGHe revealed at the controversial Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol fight night that the plan is for Joshua vs Dubois 2 to take place on February 22, 2025.The date is only tentatively pencilled in at this stage. The other thing yet to be decided is the location.Wembley hosted the initial bout but many expect the second version to be held in the Saudi desert.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFour of AJ’s 32 fights have been in Saudi Arabia – including his rematches with Andy Ruiz Jr and Oleksandr Usyk.Dubois, meanwhile, beat both Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.Anthony Joshua brutally told his career is ‘OVER’ as boxing promoter suggests final ‘good’ fight after Dubois KO When previously discussing the Joshua vs Dubois rematch, AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn said: “I think it would be part of Riyadh Season in Riyadh. Riyadh Season runs from October to end of February, early March.”So anything within that period takes place in Riyadh. So yeah, it would be part of Riyadh Season if it were to happen.”There was a suggestion that the rematch could be pushed back after the IBF ordered a fight between Agit Kabayel and Martin Bakole to decide who will become the heavyweight challenger to Dubois.The fighters were told this week to make their availability known in the coming days, and there is even a chance the bout could take place before the end of the year.However, it seems the IBF could sanction the AJ-Dubois rematch before ordering Dubois to face his mandatory challenger.Dynamite Dan, meanwhile, will be keeping a close eye on the Usyk vs Fury rematch in December – knowing he could battle to be undisputed heavyweight champ next year. Dubois secured a fifth-round knockout to keep hold of the IBF beltCredit: GettyTurki Alalshikh will want to host the rematch in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty More

  • 250 Shares169 Views

    in Boxing

    Frazer Clarke to have operation on jaw and cheekbone after devastating knockout by Fabio Wardley left dent in his head

    FRAZER CLARKE will undergo an operation to repair his jaw and cheekbone.Clarke, 33, suffered a brutal first-round knockout at the hands of Fabio Wardley in the Saudi Arabia rematch last night.Frazer Clarke will have surgery on his jaw and cheekboneCredit: GettyThe Brit was knocked out in devastating fashion by Fabio WardleyCredit: GettyA huge hit from Wardley crashed into Clarke’s jaw, seemingly putting it out of place, while there was a sizeable dent in the side of his head.Big Fraze was tended to by medics inside the ring once it was waved off by the referee and he was rushed to hospital.Frank Warren later confirmed the beaten fighter had suffered a suspected fractured cheekbone, explaining the dent in his head.And now it has been announced he will have surgery to fix the damage to his face.READ MORE ON BOXINGWardley, though, was delighted with his emphatic performance following the pair’s previous draw in April.He beamed: “I know that once I hurt someone, I can get rid of them.“I had a few issues for the first fight but I got rid of them, had a gameplan and executed it.“I learned enough from the first fight to know I had enough to beat him properly. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“I can’t help it, it’s my name; War by name War by nature.“I want belts and titles next, these domestic ones are great but I want the ones that have ‘world’ written on them.”Fabio Wardley destroys Frazer Clarke as he mangles opponents jaw in astonishing first round KOClarke, who had started well before being tumbled by his rival, was not the only British boxer to end up hospitalised in Riyadh on Saturday night.Ben Whittaker was rolled away in a wheelchair and taken to hospital after tumbling out of the ring by his opponent Liam Cameron.The farcical WWE-style scenes turned serious when Whittaker stayed down and injured his right leg.And with the Surgeon unable to carry on, the fight was stopped early – with Whittaker escaping from what looked on course to be a major upset.The judges had it 58-57 Whittaker, 58-57 Cameron and 58-58 at the time – meaning it ended in a technical draw. Following the fight, Cameron said: “He [Whittaker] had nothing left. The kid was knackered from round two. “I definitely beat him. I don’t get a fair share [in fights]. What more do I have to do?READ MORE SUN STORIES”Never had a promotional deal in my life and I tried my best to win that today and I think I deserved the win.”Asked if he thought Whittaker was looking for a way out, he said: “Yeah. 100 per cent. You can see it on camera. I don’t want to be critical of him.”Clarke was under the pump and did not reach the end of the first roundCredit: GettyWardley kept hold of his belts and will be eyeing a world-title fightCredit: GettyBen Whittaker’s fight was stopped early after he tumbled out of the ring and hurt his legCredit: Getty More