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    Boxing chief says ‘read between the lines’ as he claims he’s being BLOCKED from releasing gender test results

    THE boxing chief at the centre of the Olympic gender row claims he is being BLOCKED from releasing test results.Algerian and Taiwanese boxers Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting’s respective participations in the Paris 2024 Games have caused quite a stir.Algeria’s Imane Khelif has been the subject of an international row due to an alleged failed gender eligibility test resultCredit: APTaiwan’s Lin Yu-Ting won her fight but some are questioning her participationCredit: Simon JonesIBA chief Chris Roberts has claimed he’s been BLOCKED from releasing the pair’s respective test resultsCredit: IBABoth women are competing at the Games 18 months after allegedly failing gender eligibility tests.Tests conducted by the Russian-backed IBA are said to have determined the pair tested positive for male XY chromosomes.As a result of those tests, the duo were disqualified from the Women’s World Championships.The International Olympic Committee have, however, permitted the women to compete and cast doubt on the reliability of the tests.READ MORE IN IMANE KHELIFThe IOC have suggested that Khelif and Yu-Ting have found themselves victims of a “politically motivated cultural war” whipped up by the IBA.But the IBA – who were formerly known as AIBA and are no longer recognised as a governing body by the IOC – have stood by their tests.Although they WON’T be releasing the details of the duo’s test results.During a frantic press conference on Monday, IBA Secretary General Chris Roberts said: “It’s never been our intention to bring any of this about. Most read in Boxing”We’re not allowed to give any information, but you can read between the lines what it means. IOC and Paris 2024 Boxing Unit statement in fullA look at the full statement issued by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit…Every person has the right to practise sport without discrimination.All athletes participating in the boxing tournament of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 comply with the competition’s eligibility and entry regulations, as well as all applicable medical regulations set by the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit (PBU). As with previous Olympic boxing competitions, the gender and age of the athletes are based on their passport.These rules also applied during the qualification period, including the boxing tournaments of the 2023 European Games, Asian Games, Pan American Games and Pacific Games, the ad hoc 2023 African qualifying tournament in Dakar (SEN) and two world qualifying tournaments held in Busto Arsizio (ITA) and Bangkok (THA) in 2024, which involved a total of 1,471 different boxers from 172 National Olympic Committees (NOCs), the Boxing Refugee Team and Individual Neutral Athletes, and featured over 2,000 qualification bouts.The PBU used the Tokyo 2020 boxing rules as a baseline to develop its regulations for Paris 2024. This was to minimise the impact on athletes’ preparations and guarantee consistency between Olympic Games. These Tokyo 2020 rules were based on the post-Rio 2016 rules, which were in place before the suspension of the boxing International Federation by the IOC in 2019 and the subsequent withdrawal of its recognition in 2023.We have seen in reports misleading information about two female athletes competing at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. The two athletes have been competing in international boxing competitions for many years in the women’s category, including the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, International Boxing Association (IBA) World Championships and IBA-sanctioned tournaments.These two athletes were the victims of a sudden and arbitrary decision by the IBA. Towards the end of the IBA World Championships in 2023, they were suddenly disqualified without any due process.According to the IBA minutes available on their website, this decision was initially taken solely by the IBA Secretary General and CEO. The IBA Board only ratified it afterwards and only subsequently requested that a procedure to follow in similar cases in the future be established and reflected in the IBA Regulations. The minutes also say that the IBA should “establish a clear procedure on gender testing”.The current aggression against these two athletes is based entirely on this arbitrary decision, which was taken without any proper procedure – especially considering that these athletes had been competing in top-level competition for many years.Such an approach is contrary to good governance.Eligibility rules should not be changed during ongoing competition, and any rule change must follow appropriate processes and should be based on scientific evidence.The IOC is committed to protecting the human rights of all athletes participating in the Olympic Games as per the Olympic Charter, the IOC Code of Ethics and the IOC Strategic Framework on Human Rights. The IOC is saddened by the abuse that the two athletes are currently receiving.The IBA’s recognition was withdrawn by the IOC in 2023 following its suspension in 2019. The withdrawal of recognition was confirmed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). See the IOC’s statement following the ruling.The IOC has made it clear that it needs National Boxing Federations to reach a consensus around a new International Federation in order for boxing to be included on the sports programme of the Olympic Games LA28.Olympics gender row erupts after female boxer quits against fighter disqualified from World Champs”We’re not in a position to share any results, but the IOC have seen them.”Roberts later added: “Yesterday evening and this morning, we’ve received letters from China and Algeria informing us we can’t disclose any info on boxers.”You can see what that means – again read between the lines.”The IBA stood by their decision to ban the pair in a defiant statement last week.They claimed the IOC are intentionally allowing Khelif and Yu-Ting to fight with “competitive advantages” over their opponents.And IBA President Umar Kremlev has claimed the Olympic governing body is killing women’s boxing.In a lengthy rant, he said: “Female boxing is being killed.”And I don’t want that to happen Women’s sport is being destroyed. We cannot allow it.’Khelif – who is competing in the Under-66kg division – was the subject to erroneous claims she was born a biological man after she forced Italy’s Angela Carini to quit a mere 46 seconds into their bout.And the 25-year-old issued a defiant statement to her critics on Sunday night.IBA president Umar Kremlev has claimed the IOC are killing women’s boxingCredit: AlamyShe said: “I send a message to all the people of the world to uphold the Olympic principles and the Olympic Charter, to refrain from bullying all athletes, because this has effects, massive effects.”It can destroy people, it can kill people’s thoughts, spirit and mind. It can divide people.”And because of that, I ask them to refrain from bullying.”Khelif broke down in tears after bagging a spot in Tuesday’s semi-finals with a points win over Hungary’s Anna Luca Hamori last weekend and defiantly said: “I am a woman.”Reflecting on her outpouring of emotion, Khelif admitted: “I couldn’t control my nerves.”‘Because after the media frenzy and after the victory, there was a mix of joy and at the same time, I was greatly affected.”Because honestly, it wasn’t an easy thing to go through at all. It was something that harms human dignity.”READ MORE SUN STORIESKhelif will be back in action on Tuesday, taking on Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng for a place in Friday’s gold medal match.Under-57kg star Yu-Ting, meanwhile, will throw down with Turkey’s Esra Yildiz Kahraman.Piers Morgan has his sayThis is a more complicated case than the barrage of shameful transgender scandals which have engulfed women’s sport in recent years.Khelif reportedly has a condition called Swyer Syndrome which means she has some female reproductive organs but also much higher levels of testosterone than women.As a result, she has a superior physicality to females, which can be seen by her tall, powerful frame.In other words, she has an unfair advantage.And that’s why there’s been such a furious response, led by JK Rowling, Elon Musk, and Martina Navratilova, to the footage of Carini quitting after being smashed in the face.The obvious, indisputable, medical, and scientific, truth is that someone born with male biology of any kind has an obvious physical advantage over biological females. That’s why we keep the sexes apart in the Olympics. Otherwise, women would barely win a single medal.To pretend otherwise is to be either utterly deluded or wilfully dishonest.*Read Piers Morgan’s full article on Imane Khelif…Italy boxer Angela Carini quit a mere 46 seconds into her bout with Imane KhelifCredit: EPA More

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    Imane Khelif breaks silence on Olympics gender row as boxer slams ‘bullying’ and warns it can ‘destroy people’

    BOXER Imane Khelif has hit out at her critics in an explosive interview after securing a spot in the women’s Under-66kg semi-final.The Algerian has inadvertently found herself embroiled in a heated gender row that has dominated the Paris 2024 Games.Imane Khelif’s participation at the 2024 Olympics has caused a stirCredit: GETTYThe Algerian is alleged to have previously failed a gender eligibility testCredit: REXKhelif received a slew of hate after forcing her opening tournament opponent to quit after 46 secondsCredit: APKhelif has issued a defiant message to her criticsCredit: APKhelif’s participation in the Games comes 18 months after she allegedly failed a gender test in March 2023 and was disqualified from the Women’s World Championships.Tests conducted by the Russian-backed International Boxing Association are said to have determined the 25-year-old tested for male XY chromosomes and higher testosterone levels.Multiple erroneous reports, particularly on social media, claimed Khelif – who was born and raised a female – was a biological man.Khelif received a barrage of hate after forcing Italy’s Angela Carini to quit a mere 46 seconds into their opening bout and has issued a defiant message to her critics.READ MORE ON OLYMPICSShe said: “I send a message to all the people of the world to uphold the Olympic principles and the Olympic Charter, to refrain from bullying all athletes, because this has effects, massive effects.”It can destroy people, it can kill people’s thoughts, spirit and mind. It can divide people. “And because of that, I ask them to refrain from bullying.”Khelif’s loved ones were left fearing for her mental health after seeing the overwhelming amount of abuse she received online.Most read in BoxingIOC and Paris 2024 Boxing Unit statement in fullA look at the full statement issued by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit…Every person has the right to practise sport without discrimination.All athletes participating in the boxing tournament of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 comply with the competition’s eligibility and entry regulations, as well as all applicable medical regulations set by the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit (PBU). As with previous Olympic boxing competitions, the gender and age of the athletes are based on their passport.These rules also applied during the qualification period, including the boxing tournaments of the 2023 European Games, Asian Games, Pan American Games and Pacific Games, the ad hoc 2023 African qualifying tournament in Dakar (SEN) and two world qualifying tournaments held in Busto Arsizio (ITA) and Bangkok (THA) in 2024, which involved a total of 1,471 different boxers from 172 National Olympic Committees (NOCs), the Boxing Refugee Team and Individual Neutral Athletes, and featured over 2,000 qualification bouts.The PBU used the Tokyo 2020 boxing rules as a baseline to develop its regulations for Paris 2024. This was to minimise the impact on athletes’ preparations and guarantee consistency between Olympic Games. These Tokyo 2020 rules were based on the post-Rio 2016 rules, which were in place before the suspension of the boxing International Federation by the IOC in 2019 and the subsequent withdrawal of its recognition in 2023.We have seen in reports misleading information about two female athletes competing at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. The two athletes have been competing in international boxing competitions for many years in the women’s category, including the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, International Boxing Association (IBA) World Championships and IBA-sanctioned tournaments.These two athletes were the victims of a sudden and arbitrary decision by the IBA. Towards the end of the IBA World Championships in 2023, they were suddenly disqualified without any due process.According to the IBA minutes available on their website, this decision was initially taken solely by the IBA Secretary General and CEO. The IBA Board only ratified it afterwards and only subsequently requested that a procedure to follow in similar cases in the future be established and reflected in the IBA Regulations. The minutes also say that the IBA should “establish a clear procedure on gender testing”.The current aggression against these two athletes is based entirely on this arbitrary decision, which was taken without any proper procedure – especially considering that these athletes had been competing in top-level competition for many years.Such an approach is contrary to good governance.Eligibility rules should not be changed during ongoing competition, and any rule change must follow appropriate processes and should be based on scientific evidence.The IOC is committed to protecting the human rights of all athletes participating in the Olympic Games as per the Olympic Charter, the IOC Code of Ethics and the IOC Strategic Framework on Human Rights. The IOC is saddened by the abuse that the two athletes are currently receiving.The IBA’s recognition was withdrawn by the IOC in 2023 following its suspension in 2019. The withdrawal of recognition was confirmed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). See the IOC’s statement following the ruling.The IOC has made it clear that it needs National Boxing Federations to reach a consensus around a new International Federation in order for boxing to be included on the sports programme of the Olympic Games LA28.She said: “I am in contact with my family two days a week. I hope that they weren’t affected deeply.”They are worried about me. God willing, this crisis will culminate in a gold medal, and that would be the best response.”Olympics gender row erupts after female boxer quits against fighter disqualified from World ChampsKhelif, however, has managed to block out the noise surrounding her participation in the games.She said: “Honestly, I don’t follow social media.”There is a mental health team that doesn’t let us follow social media, especially in the Olympic Games, whether me or other athletes.”I’m here to compete and get a good result.”Khelif broke down in tears after booking her spot in Tuesday’s semi-finals with a points win over Hungary’s Anna Luca Hamori last weekend and defiantly said: “I am a woman.”Reflecting on her outpouring of emotion, Khelif admitted: “I couldn’t control my nerves.”‘Because after the media frenzy and after the victory, there was a mix of joy and at the same time, I was greatly affected.”Because honestly, it wasn’t an easy thing to go through at all. It was something that harms human dignity.”READ MORE SUN STORIESKhelif will be back in action on Tuesday and will compete for gold on Friday should she be victorious against Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng.”I came here for a medal, and to compete for a medal,” she said. “I will certainly be competing to improve [and] be better, and God willing, I will improve, like every other athlete.”Olympics gender controversyTHE International Olympic Committee (IOC) stirred up a huge controversy by clearing two women to box who had previously failed a gender test.Algeria’s Imane Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting were disqualified at the Women’s World Championships in New Delhi, India, in March 2023.Lin Yu-ting was stripped of a bronze medal after failing a gender eligibility test.Khelif was disqualified in New Delhi for failing a testosterone level test.Officials found tests showed they had ‘XY chromosomes’ — which indicates a person is biologically male.Rare ‘intersex’ medical conditions, medically known as differences in sexual development (DSDs), can also mean outwardly female individuals can have ‘male’ chromosomes, or vice versa.The Russia-led International Boxing Association organised that event but is no longer recognised by the IOC.IOC spokesman Mark Adams said: “These athletes have competed many times before for many years, they haven’t just suddenly arrived – they competed in Tokyo.”The federation needs to make the rules to make sure that there is fairness but at the same time there is the ability for everyone to take part that wants to. That is a difficult balance.”In the end the experts for each sport are the people who work in that. If there is a big advantage that clearly is not acceptable, but that needs to be a decision made at that level.”Both Khelif and Lin competed at the delayed Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2021. Lin is a two-time winner at the Asian Women Amateur Boxing Championships.The IOC said all boxers in Paris “comply with the competition’s eligibility and entry regulations”.The controversy follows the famous case of Caster Semenya.South African middle-distance runner Semenya has a condition which means her body naturally produces higher levels of testosterone than normal for women.She won gold in the 800m at London 2012 and Rio in 2016 but was unable to compete at Tokyo in 2021 after World Athletics brought in new rules independently of the IOC at the time.Imane Khelif will fight for the right to compete in the gold medal match on TuesdayCredit: AP More

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    Who is Jessica Ennis-Hill? Olympic heptathlon gold medallist, Dame and BBC Olympics 2024 presenter

    DAME JESSICA ENNIS-HILL is one of the most decorated British sportswomen in history – having conquered the world as a heptathlete and winning multiple medals.As a professional, she has won gold medals in the Olympics, the World Championships, the World Indoor Championships and the European Championships. Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill is in the BBC studio during the 2024 OlympicsCredit: BBC She is one Great Britain’s most successful track and field athletes ever Jessica Ennis-Hill proudly showing off her gold medal she won at the 2012 Olympic GamesCredit: Getty ImagesShe retired after the Rio 2016 Olympics, leaving behind a glittering career that brought her vast amounts of success.Here’s everything you need to know about her.How old is Jessica Ennis-Hill? What’s her background?The superstar was born on January 28, 1986 in Sheffield, where she is one of two daughters to father from Jamaica, and a mother from England.She is aged 38.Both her parents had an interest in athletics – her dad was a keen sprinter, whilst her mum preferred the high jump – and they introduced her to the sport as a child taking her to the Don Valley Stadium to watch events.She ended up joining the City of Sheffield and Dearne Athletic Club aged 11 where she excelled, and attended King Ecgbert School, before graduating from the University of Sheffield with a 2:2 in psychology. Ennis-Hill, 38, enjoyed a glittering career when she won gold medals in all of the major competitionsCredit: PA:Press AssociationWhat was Jessica Ennis-Hill’s career record?In junior competitions, Jessica won two silver medals in the 2004 Commonwealth Youth Games, and won in the heptathlon at the 2005 European Athletics Junior Championships.Her professional career took off when she took home a bronze in the Commonwealth Games in heptathlon in 2006 at Melbourne.In 2009 she won the gold medal in World Championships, a whopping 238 points ahead of Jennifer Oeser in second, and in 2010 took won the gold in the World Indoor Championships and the European Championships.In 2011 she won a silver medal in the World Championships, although this has now been upgraded to a gold medal after Tatyana Chernova was proved of being a drugs cheat. She also won at the World Championships in 2015.After winning a silver medal at the 2012 World Indoor Championships Jessica cemented herself in Great British folklore after picking home the gold medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.However, she couldn’t defend her title in Rio last year as she had to settle for a silver. The Sheffield star holding aloft her silver medal she won in the heptathlon at the 2016 Olympic GamesCredit: PA:Press AssociationWhen did Jess get married? How many children do they have?In 2013, Jessica Ennis married Andy Hill in Derbyshire, and announced she would be known as Jessica Ennis-Hill.She was forced to withdraw from participation in the 2014 Commonwealth Games as she was pregnant with her first child – her son Reggie was born in July 2014.On March 16 Jess announced she’s pregnant again on Instagram with a photograph of Reggie holding a book entitled “I’m Going to be a Big Brother!”.She wrote: “Someone’s going to be a big brother 😊 Another little Ennis-Hill on the way. So happy.”She gave birth to to her daughter Olivia on September 23, 2017. What does DBE mean?In 2017, Ennis-Hill was appointed as Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 2017 New Year Honours list.The 38-year-old was awarded the second highest class for her services to athletics in which she has achieved so much success.What has Jessica Ennis-Hill done since retiring from athletics?Ennis-Hill is regularly seen on BBC Sport where she covers athletics – she is in Paris for the 2024 Olympics and in 2023 was part of the team for the World Championships.The Olympic great stayed away from TV shows for a long time to raise her children.However, she has recently appeared on Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel and has signed up to the Who Do You Think You Are? reboot.Ennis-Hill also does a lot of charity work and has helped raise funds for Children in Need.On her Instagram page – which has over 400k followers – she also posts about health and fitness. More

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    Fans say Apollonia Llewellyn ‘absolutely sensational in leather’ as ring girl puts on busty display in all-red outfit

    APOLLONIA LLEWELLYN made it an extra-special “red leather day” for her fans – as she returned to her sporting roots.The boxing ring girl was all in leather with a low-cut scarlet top and matching trousers at home-town football team Barnsley.Could there be a better view – than gazing out at at Barnsley’s pitch?Credit: Instagram / apolloniallewellynGlobetrotter Apollonia was back to visit her local EFL teamCredit: Instagram / apolloniallewellynFans were delighted to see Barnsley’s latest pre-season captureCredit: Instagram / apolloniallewellynThe ring girl looks striking on the eve of the new football seasonCredit: Instagram / @apolloniallewellynApollonia says it felt like she’s never been away.And in turn admirers claim it looks likes she’s never been she’s never been more “sensational”.The model’s army of social media followers are more used to glamour snaps from the USA or at holiday resorts such as the Greek coast.And it’s true she stood out from the crowd again with her outfit at Oakwell – topped off by a short black jacket and Chanel handbag.READ MORE TOP STORIESBut Apollonia, 24, is glad to be back in England – perhaps to catch the finest weather of the summer, just a week before the EFL season kicks off.Third-tier Barnsley open their campaign at home to Mansfield on Friday.And ahead of the Tykes entertaining the Stags, fans reckon Apollonia looked staggering as she entertained them. She captioned her glowing snaps from Oakwell: “Back like I never left.”Most read in Boxing “Absolutely sensational in leather,” responded one observer.”Barnsley’s most glamorous fan I bet!” suggested another.Apollonia Llewellyn dubbed ‘the hottest woman on earth’ as she shares series of busty snaps from incredible holiday Similar reactions included: “Wowwwww”… “Spectacular”… Beautiful girl”… and “stunning”.In fact, one fan appeared more Apollonia-engrossed than football-focused as he asked:  “While we are watching you. Who are you watching?”And on the eve of the new season, another enthusiast believes her appearance at Oakwell has guaranteed a home win of one kind or another.Assessing Apollonia’s pics, he sounded more like a boxing judge than a football referee as he declared: “Game over!”A glimpse into Apollonia’s colourful life…Apollonia burst out of this bikini as she drank her ‘morning juice’Credit: INSTAGRAMConor McGregor was among fans who enjoyed this see-through outfitCredit: INSTAGRAMThousands of Apollonia’s fans enjoyed the view on the ring girl’s holiday to New YorkCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia braved the snow in the Lake DistrictCredit: InstagramApollonia really enjoyed this bowl of pasta on her summer holiday to SantoriniCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia invited fans to ‘sit and stare’ at this picture, and thousands took her up on the invitationCredit: INSTAGRAMFans were worried Apollonia’s top had shrunk in the wash as she enjoyed this hearty breakfastCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia’s followers were in awe of the stunner’s new hairdo as she wowed in a tiny yellow bikiniCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia sent a cheeky message to her fans as she posed in this glamorous see-through numberCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia told fans ‘no caption needed’ as she squeezed into this skin-tight see-through playsuitCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia revealed he ‘idea of happiness’ is being ‘wind swept on the beach’ with this busty snapCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia left very little to the imagination as she ‘brightened fans’ Mondays’ in a skimpy wet T-shirtCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia shot to recognition as a member of the Misfits Boxing fight night teamShe has garnered her a huge social media presenceCredit: INSTAGRAM @apolloniallewellynApollonia has over 570,000 Instagram followersCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellynShe has turned down a staggering £100,000 to pose nude beforeCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellyn More

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    Watch Terence Crawford bluntly end press conference and LEAVE after ‘pointless’ question

    TERENCE CRAWFORD bluntly left his press conference after being asked about fighting Errol Spence Jr.The American boxer beat Israil Madrimov as he became the fourth-weight champion at the BMO Stadium in California.Terence Crawford was asked about fighting Errol Spence after beating Israil MadrimovCredit: XHe said ‘nah’ and left the press conferenceCredit: XCrawford, 36, edged the bout according to the judges in his first fight since beating Spence lasts summer.However, he was not in the mood for speculation over a rematch with Spence during his post-fight press conference.A reporter asked him if a potential rematch was “on the table”.To which he bluntly replied: “Nah.”READ MORE IN BOXINGAfter his answer, he stood up and walked out as the press conference came to a quick end.Fans reacted to the moment on social media.One commented: “What’s the point of even asking?”A second wrote: “Was that question rhetorical?”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third posted: “Tbh. Yea. Let’s move on lmao.”A fourth said: “Just so pointless.” Top 10 highest paid athletes in the world revealed with golf star earning more than three times Cristiano RonaldoAnother added: “Crawford had no time for that.”After the fight, Crawford did admit that the clash with Madrimov was “tough”. He said: “I knew he was going to be tough.”Like I said, I knew all about him when I went to Uzbekistan and they were telling me so much about him.”He’s real strong, he’s durable, he took a lot of good shots and he got me to round 12.”His win has opened the door to a potential bout against Mexcian star Canelo Alvarez.Meanwhile, Chris Eubank Jr has suggested that he will be in the running to fight Crawford. More

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    Terence Crawford vs Israil Madrimov LIVE RESULTS: Bud WINS title at fourth weight, Andy Ruiz Jr and Jarrell Miller DRAW

    TERENCE CRAWFORD became a fourth-weight champion in his thrilling clash against Israil Madrimov.Bud hadn’t laced up his gloves since an emphatic 9th-round TKO victory against bitter rival Errol Spence last summer.And despite it being a closely contested fight, Crawford edged the bout according to the judges.Before the main event, Andy Ruiz Jr’s eagerly anticipated bout with Jarrell Miller was controversially scored as a majority draw after 12 brutal rounds.RESULT: Crawford bt MadrimovLive stream: DAZN PPVFollow ALL the action from the BMO Stadium with our live blog below…Crawford open to Canelo fight”If the money is right, we got to fight.”Crawford was responding to a potential fight against Mexican Canelo Álvarez.Who is Álvarez?The 34-year-old fighter hails from Guadalajara, Mexico and has held multiple world championships in four weight classes .Known for his counterpunching and lethal body shots, the fighter has dominated his division, winning 61 out of his 65 fights. One of his two losses came against the undefeated Floyd Mayweather.In October 2018, Alvarez signed a five-year, 11-fight contract worth at least $365 million with the sports streaming service DAZN. The deal was the biggest in sports at the time.Canelo already had his next fight scheduled for September, but a victory over rising star Edgar Berlanga could set up a potential bout with Crawford as his next opponent.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedEminem performsEminem watched on as Terrence Crawford defeated Israil Madrimov by decision.The Slim Shady rapper energised the crowd with a pre-fight performance, performing hits including: “Houdini,” “Rap God,” “Cinderella Man,” and “Lose Yourself.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedEddie Hearn reactsEddie Hearn criticised the judges, expressing his disbelief that one judge scored the last four rounds in Crawford’s favour.”Experience could have made a difference. It was a fight we believe we could have edged,” Hearn said, speaking alongside Madrimov.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedAndy Ruiz Jr escapes with a drawPrior to the main event, Andy Ruiz Jr’s highly anticipated bout against Jarrell Miller ended in controversy as the judges scored it a majority draw after 12 gruelling rounds.Ruiz, who was boxing in only his third match since losing the unified heavyweight titles to Anthony Joshua in their 2019 rematch, appeared to suffer a hand injury during the fight.Despite many fans believing Miller had done enough to earn the win over Ruiz, the judges’ scorecards reflected a split decision: Ruiz won one card, while the other two scored the fight 114-114, resulting in a majority draw.Copy linkCopiedBud wants Canelo fightSaudi boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh revealed an offer is on the table for Mexican superstar Canelo to face Crawford.Canelo first returns in September against Edgar Berlanga while Crawford would need to jump another two divisions and 14lb.But he said: “You know what I say, if the money’s right, we gotta fight.”But, at the same time he’s got a fight that he’s focussed on I’m going to go back to my family, relax and enjoy this win and enjoy all the accomplishments that I’ve made in the sport of boxing.”Copy linkCopiedTerence Crawford’s recordCopy linkCopiedCrawford becomes four weight world champIt was a closely contested fight but Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford edged the bout according to the judges.He is now a four division world champion.Crawford said “First and foremost I would like to thank god for protecting me and my opponent to walk out of the ring. “Israel was a tough opponent and he took me all 12 rounds. He fought a good fight. “I was being patient and didn’t want to rush in at all.”Israel is a really strong opponent, we knew that coming into the game, it says a lot about me and my team.”Credit: APCopy linkCopiedTerence Crawford wins by unanimous decisionCopy linkCopiedTerence Crawford vs Israil Madrimov (Round 12)Crawford starts to let his hands go more now.You wonder whether he is doing this as he thinks that he may be behind.Two solid uppercuts from Crawford land on their target.Madrimov then starts to land some big right hands.This is going to an interesting judges’ scorecard.Copy linkCopiedTerence Crawford vs Israil Madrimov (Round 11)Both fighters seem to have a lot left in the tank.If Madrimov takes Crawford the distance, it will be the first time the American has done so since 2016.Crawford is dominating this round and lands some good combinations.Copy linkCopiedTerence Crawford vs Israil Madrimov (Round 10)This is a finely poised fight as surely neither boxer can see themselves as well ahead on the card.The pundits are split, some have Crawford ahead, others have Madrimov ahead.As it is so close, you would expect the fighters to come out of their shell more now with only two rounds remaining.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedTerence Crawford vs Israil Madrimov (Round 9)Madrimov is coming on the attack more in this round.Whenever Crawford closes in, he is catching him with good punches.Some are hitting the gloves of Crawford’s guard but he must still be feeling them.Copy linkCopiedTerence Crawford vs Israil Madrimov (Round 8)Both boxers are starting to land more headshots.Crawford continues to mak it look as though Madrimov’s punches are not hurting him at all.With only four rounds remaining, someone is going to have to make their move soon.Copy linkCopiedTerence Crawford vs Israil Madrimov (Round 7)Crawford continues to try and work the body of his opponent.Madrimov is sticking to his game plan and trying to get inside.At some point you feel Crawford will need to open up more.Copy linkCopiedTerence Crawford vs Israil Madrimov (Round 6)The fight has yet to live up to the hype.Both fighters are landing bodyshots and the occasional head shot but you do not feel that the boxers are letting their fists go just yet.We are at the halfway point of the fight and as it stands, on the card, Madrimov is more than likely leading.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedTerence Crawford vs Israil Madrimov (Round 5)It is hard to call these rounds at the moment.Both fighters are landing punches and scoring points as a result.Madrimov is probably leading this at the moment.Copy linkCopiedTerence Crawford vs Israil Madrimov (Round 4)Madrimov starts trying to get inside Crawford.He starts landing some good right hands.Crawford continues to try and counter but Madrimov’s guard is solid.The fight is starting to open up more now.Copy linkCopiedTerence Crawford vs Israil Madrimov (Round 3)Crawford lands his best punch of the fight so far in the round.A short left hook which lands on Madrimov.The Uzbek fighter just absorbs it and starts up the ante himself towards the end of the round.Copy linkCopiedTerence Crawford vs Israil Madrimov (Round 2)Both fighters are leading with their jab.You can see that they have a plan for this fight and are not looking to let their opponent make them go off track.Crawford ends the round with two good body shots.Eminem is in the crowd watching after he provided the pre-fight entertainment.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedTerence Crawford vs Israil Madrimov (Round 1)Both fighters look to feel each other out in the first round.Crawford has always been known as a counter-puncher so always seems to start slowly.Neither boxer wants to commit to all out attack here.Copy linkCopiedTerence Crawford vs Israil MadrimovTerence Crawford makes his way to the ring, looking like he is brimming with confidence.He said he is only taking on legacy fights now and this is certainly one.Crawford has been world champion at three different weight classes and he is looking to make that four this evening.Copy linkCopiedTerence Crawford vs Israil MadrimovNow it is the time for the main event of the evening.Madrimov, the reigning champion makes his way out to the ring.There is a real firework display as he makes his entrance, he is looking pumped and ready for this fight.Copy linkCopiedEntertainment before main eventEminem is now on stage performing before our main event in the ring.At Terence Crawford’s last fight it was the rapper who led him out into the ring.Tonight he is the warm-up act for the boxer.Copy linkCopiedValenzuela wins first world titleJose Valenzuela became world champion this evening at the age of 25-years-old.He dedicated his victory to his parents as his way of repaying them for all they sacrificed to get him to where he is.The parties will go on long into the night for the Mexican fighter, who will be celebrating for the first time as a world champion.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedIsaac Cruz vs Jose ValenzuelaInterviewed after the fight, Isaac Cruz immediately asks for a rematch after his defeat and the loss of his belt.No comments were made by Jose Valenzuela, he is more interested in enjoying his moment in the spotlight.He outboxed his opponent tonight and fully deserved his win.Copy linkCopied More

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    Terence Crawford beats Israil Madrimov to become four-weight world champ and opens door to Canelo Alvarez super-fight

    TERENCE CRAWFORD became a four-weight world champion after victory over Israil Madrimov – and opened the door to fighting Canelo Alvarez. Crawford, who has won titles from 135lb to 154lb now, was last year accompanied to the ring by rap icon Eminem before he beat Errol Spence Jr. Terence Crawford defeated Israil MadrimovCredit: GettyCrawford became a four-weight champCredit: GettyAnd Slim Shady – real name Marshall Mathers – performed to the Los Angeles crowd. What proceeded were 12 gruelling rounds as Crawford was made to work to retain his undefeated record and belt in a new weight class. He said after victory: “I knew he was going to be tough. “Like I said, I knew all about him when I went to Uzbekistan and they were telling me so much about him. READ MORE IN BOXING”He’s real strong, he’s durable, he took a lot of good shots and he got me to round 12.” Saudi boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh revealed an offer is on the table for Mexican superstar Canelo to face Crawford. Canelo first returns in September against Edgar Berlanga while Crawford would need to jump another two divisions and 14lb. But he said: “You know what I say, if the money’s right, we gotta fight.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”But, at the same time he’s got a fight that he’s focussed on I’m going to go back to my family, relax and enjoy this win and enjoy all the accomplishments that I’ve made in the sport of boxing.” Madrimov, beaten for the first time in 13 professional bouts, called for a rematch after his first defeat.Eddie Hearn hints at shock career change as boxing promoter says ‘I’ve been thinking about this for ages’He said: “I fought the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world and I believe that I did enough because I was the champion I was defending the belt. “I was controlling the riddim and felt very comfortable in the ring. I felt like I did very well and at least deserve the rematch.” More

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    Andy Ruiz Jr booed after controversial draw with Jarrell Miller as ex-champ calls for rematch after horror hand injury

    ANDY RUIZ JR faced boos after taking Jarrell Miller to a controversial decision draw – despite fighting on with a brutal hand injury. Ruiz was boxing in only his third bout since losing the unified heavyweight titles to Anthony Joshua in 2019 rematch. Andy Ruiz Jr ad Jarrell Miller drewCredit: GettyRuiz faced boos from the crowdCredit: GettyRuiz showed off his injured handThe Mexican-America underdog got off to a good start against serial drug-cheat cheat Miller. But he slowed down in the backend of the bout after appearing to struggle with a hand injury.Despite Miller’s pressure in the later rounds, only one judge scored it in his favour with the other two adjudging it a draw.The controversial America said: “I know I did enough. Threw more punches it’s called effective aggression. READ MORE IN BOXING”He threw some clean shots, didn’t hurt me, had him backing up the whole entire fight hit him with some good shots had him stumbling a couple of times. “I told Spencer Brown, we’ve got to get different judges not close to California. “We’ve got a California judge, Nevada judge. We knew we was coming to the hometown.”One judge had it for me, two had it a draw so that tells all my story. Outside of boxing, Andy’s my brother.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”But I know I worked my ass off, I know I had it in the bag. There were some moments where my feet were a little stuck in the sand. “I know we had the fight in the bag.” Former Sky Sports News presenter looks unrecognisable as she trains for boxing fight after calling out Katie PriceRuiz, who faced boos from the crowd, showed off his bruised right hand and said: “It was crazy, I hadn’t fought in two years but I would love to do a rematch. “Let’s do it again. It was pretty exhausting. You’ve got a 300lb man coming at me throwing and throwing. “I think I did pretty good for me doing the two-year long layoff. Like I said, let’s do it again. “I hurt my right hand, you guys can see the bone right here. Let’s do it again.” More