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    Oleksandr Usyk puts Tyson Fury rivalry aside and invites Gypsy King to the pub to ‘drink beer’ and cheer on Man Utd

    OLEKSANDR USYK would happily sit down for a pint with Tyson Fury if he were to spend the day with his fierce rival.The pair renew their rivalry in Saudi Arabia next Saturday just seven months after their historic dust-up for all the heavyweight marbles.Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will renew their rivalry a week on SaturdayCredit: PAThe trash talk has wll and truly been flowing ahead of their rematchCredit: GETTYBut Fury’s recent verbal jabs haven’t put Usyk off from being willing to visit the pub with the Gypsy KingCredit: SKY SPORTSThe 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.During an interview 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.”READ MORE ON USYK VS FURY 2As well as a love for boxing, both men have a soft spot for Manchester United, who they’ll be cheering on this Sunday when Ruben Amorin’s men take Manchester City.When asked which Premier League team he’d love to play for, Usyk said: “If I had a choice, I’d play for Manchester United.After being told both he and Fury will be on the same page during the Manchester derby, Usyk replied: “Yeah, of course, The same.”When asked to predict the result, the slick southpaw said: “I think Manchester United [will win]. Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”But Manchester City have good players and a good coach.”Usyk became the first undisputed king of the heavyweights in nearly 25 years with a split-decision victory in his May melee with Fury.Moment Tyson Fury tells Oleksandr Usyk ‘you look like a sexy beast’ as heavyweight boxer shows off new lookFury, 36, insists the judges robbed him of fulfilling his childhood dream and has vowed to take the legacy-defining rematch out of their hands.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.”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.”Tyson Fury has vowed not to leave his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk in the hands of the judgesCredit: GETTYHe added: “There’s no secret. I’m going in there to knock you out.”Because I don’t think I’m going to get a decision no matter what I do.”I don’t think I’m going to get a boxing decision.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So I’m going to have to take it out of the judges’ hands like I did in America that time [against Deontay Wilder].”And I’ve got to get him out of there. Hand on heart, I have to get him out of there to see victory.” More

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    John Fury’s former opponent Neil Malpass, who beat Tyson’s dad, dies aged 69 as the boxing world pays tribute

    FORMER Brit boxer Neil Malpass has sadly passed away aged 69.The passing of the former Central Area heavyweight champion and ex-opponent of John Fury was announced on social media late on Thursday.Former Brit heavyweight champion boxer Neil Malpass has died aged 69Credit: GETTYThe death of the beloved Malpass was announced on ThursdayCredit: FACEBOOK@NEILMALPASSA spokesperson for Doncaster Martial Arts Centre, where Malpass worked as a coach, said: “It’s such sad news that Neil Malpass, a close friend and trainer at the gym passed away last night.“He has coached so many over the years and was a true legend of the sport.”“He has been with DMAC since the beginning and coached hundreds over the years on these mats. “He has been an amazing coach and mentor for the younger generation and will be truly missed.READ MORE BOXING NEWS“Sincere condolences to his family and friends. RIP, Neil.”Malpass fought 48 times over the course of his career, which spanned from 1977 to 1990, racking up 28 wins and 18 knockouts.Malpass beat Fury in a 10-rounder back in 1989 to win the Central Area title.The win made him one of only four fighters to defeat Tyson’s dad and the only man to face the now 59-year-old in a title bout.Most read in BoxingThe late Neil Malpass fought John Fury for the Central Area heavyweight title in 1989Credit: FACEBOOK@NEILMALAPASSAfter hanging up his gloves in 1990, Malpass turned his attention to coaching the next generation of fighters.And he’d go on to become an even more beloved figure in the local community thanks to his work with aspiring fighters.Tributes flooded in after news of his passing became public knowledge.One person wrote on X: “RIP the most amazing bloke. “Learnt me everything I know and made me the person I am today. “You will be missed so much.”One of Malpass’ friends wrote: “What a legend he was. He had the best jab I’ve ever felt. “And even though he was light for a heavweight, he could knock people out for fun.”Caged Steel promoter Dominic Gibbs also paid tribute, writing: “Such sad news to learn of the passing of a Donny legend, warrior and top bloke. Neil Malpass turned his hand to coaching the next generation of fighters after his career came to an endCredit: FACEBOOK@NEILMALPASS”Neil will be sadly missed. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace big man.”Fury has yet to comment on the passing of his former opponent, who is in the Guinness Book of Records for being the only boxer to ever knock their opponent “clean over” the ropes. More

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    Tyson Fury fired chilling warning by British boxing legend Lennox Lewis ahead of mouthwatering Oleksandr Usyk rematch

    LENNOX LEWIS worries Tyson Fury could be distracted from his Oleksandr Usyk revenge mission by the mega-money Anthony Joshua showdown looming over it.The Saudi Arabian bankrollers are desperate to finally see the 6ft 9in Morecambe showman settle the score with Watford’s 2012 Olympic golden boy.Tyson Fury faces the year’s most-anticipated fight against Oleksandr UsykCredit: PALennox Lewis has one concern for Fury ahead of his Usyk boutCredit: GettyAnthony Joshua must stay out of Fury’s mind for now, says LewisCredit: PAThe overdue clash – that has collapsed late into talks twice already before – would be the biggest fight in British boxing history.When Joshua was knocked clean out by Daniel Dubois at Wembley in September for the IBF crown that Usyk had just been stripped of, front-row Fury even jumped up and roared: “That’s cost me 150 million – the silly c***”Whether that is pounds or dollars doesn’t matter – the fact is AJ would likely be getting the same, making it a fight worth around £300m.And it would most likely be a two-fight deal, with one happening in boxing’s new Mecca of Riyadh and a return happening in London – tipping the rivalry toward a combined half-a-billion double header.READ MORE TOP STORIESInstead of insisting on an instant rerun, Saudi boxing boss Turki Alalshikh has let AJ off of the rematch and he is sitting out to recover from the five-round catastrophe and waiting to pounce on Fury.And Lewis – the last undisputed champion before Usyk, who bounced back from two shock defeats – fears that Fury could have his eye taken off the ball by the crazy cash on the table.He told SunSport: “I think it is a bad distraction to have in your head.“My goal would just be to get the undisputed championship first, before thinking about anything else.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“That would be my goal, especially if he is 1-0 down.“For Fury, winning this fight is very important for him and I know what he will be thinking.’Horror movie’ trailer for Tyson Fury vs Usyk II released ahead of fight as fans hail ‘best one yet’“He’s there but he’s not quite there – he will be there if he works for it.”Win, lose or draw, it seems certain that Fury and Joshua is planned for early 2025 and both Brits could potentially go into the clash with back-to-back losses to the Ukraine’s gap-toothed southpaw genius.Lewis avenged all the blots on his magnificent record.Rebuilding and waiting almost three years to chin Oliver McCall, chasing Hasim Rahman through the courts to get an instant rematch and dominating Evander Holyfield eight months after he was handed a scandalous draw and denied the undisputed honour at the first attempt.Speaking from unmatched experience, he believes a Fury win on Saturday night must spark a Usyk trilogy and anything less – including the AJ shootout – would be a disappointment.When I woke up after a loss, I wanted to realise what I did wrong, go back to the drawing board and fix it.Lennox LewisHe explained at the WBC convention: “If it gets to 1-1 then there has to be the trilogy.“You need the third one as the decider.“Tyson Fury loves the trilogy aspect, he lost the first so he will want to win the second one and, if he wins, he will want the third one.“It doesn’t matter that one of the belts has been taken away, this is still the undisputed fight for most people.“These are the two top guys and even though all the belts are not there, the public opinion will be that the winner is the undisputed champion of the world.”In order to level the score, Fury has to make the most basic simple-sounding changes to try to implement an almost impossible plan.In the original clash he chose to waste the first three rounds showboating and gurning to the crowd.The Gypsy King was superb in rounds four to seven, when his body shots and uppercuts couldn’t miss.But when Usyk – who he had dismissed as an “ugly little middleweight sausage” – caught him flush on the nose with a perfect left hand, he was saved by his own incredible courage, the ropes he bundled around, the ref’s eight count and the bell.When the bell goes we will soon see if his first professional defeat has reignited the fire within and the new and unfamiliar challenger mindset has re-energised him.Or if Usyk’s psychological warfare and relentless pressure really robbed Fury of his soul.“Fury will have woken up on Sunday morning feeling bad,” Lewis said.Tyson didn’t do enough work to win the fight, he let a couple of rounds go and in the ninth he was hit in the nose and I think it affected his breathing.Lennox Lewis“It will be even more difficult to win the second because he can’t just repeat what he did in the first.“When I woke up after a loss, I wanted to realise what I did wrong, go back to the drawing board and fix it.“When I watched the first Holyfield fight back I wanted to learn the differences between us, I knew we both wanted it and were smart fighters.“It’s about who takes each individual round, you have to win each individual round, with hard work, you cannot dance around and expect to get the round.“Tyson didn’t do enough work to win the fight, he let a couple of rounds go and in the ninth he was hit in the nose and I think it affected his breathing.Lewis reckons Fury ‘let a couple of rounds go’ in his first Usyk fightCredit: AP“It showed me that that one punch affected him, that’s how it is, one punch, even to the belly, can force you to take a round off to recover and then you’ve lost it with the judges.“There’s different things to do to win the rounds; making it look like you’re being busy, scoring punches, pressure, being smart, all of those things will impress judges.“There’s different ways to win a fight, you can walk toward the guy and apply pressure. Or you can wait and make him come to you, and then counter punch him.“Fury has great movement and is elusive and has a good jab, he needs to use all of those gifts and talent to win the fight.“When I saw him playing around in those first couple of rounds, that to me showed he wasn’t serious and was giving away rounds for no reason.”If Lewis – who is now guiding the career of 12-0 light-heavyweight prospect Costas Nanga – was in the corner for either icon on Saturday, he knows what his final teamtalk would be.Fury would be told: “Use your skill, use your gifts and don’t fool around.”Be so serious that you just seek and destroy. Winning is all that you need to do, winning is what you must do.”Usyk would get even simpler instructions: “Stay on his ass and cut off the ring.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Use that catchphrase he likes to say: ‘Tyson I will not leave you alone'”.Watch Usyk v Fury Reignited 2 on TNT Sports Box Office. Coverage starts from 4pm on Saturday 21st December. Find out how you can watch at tntsports. More

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    Anthony Joshua shows his caring side as he hands out gifts at children’s hospital and hails ‘hero’ NHS staff

    ANTHONY Joshua dished out Christmas presents during a surprise visit to a children’s hospital.The two-time heavyweight boxing champion stunned poorly children on the Kids Starfish ward at Watford General Hospital and hailed “hero” NHS staff.Anthony Joshua posed up for pictures with happy patientsCredit: SuppliedThe boxing star visited Watford General Starfish WardCredit: SuppliedHe hailed the NHS staff as heroesCredit: SuppliedThe heavyweight boxing champion gave out giftsCredit: SuppliedAnthony beams alongside NHS staffCredit: SuppliedDuring his moving visit, Joshua chatted with youngsters about sport and posed for selfies with patients and staff.The boxing star was seen handing out gifts to beaming children as he spent hours touring the specialist ward.He also spent time chatting to parents and West Hertfordshire NHS staff who help keep the ward operational during the festive period.On the visit the world champ said: “Today was all about trying to put smiles on a few faces and to acknowledge the tireless work of all NHS staff across the entire nation.Read More in Boxing”I met some amazing kids and some inspirational parents. I waslucky Santa was available to help me hand out a few small gifts.”Christmas can be a really tough time of year so it is important to do your bit, especially in your own local community.”Joshua’s association to the hospital goes back years – as he was born there in 1989.As a teenager he visited the A&E department a few times too many for his mothers liking.Most read in BoxingThen following his Olympic triumph in 2012 he returned to open the Leigh Warman Mural in the Children’s A&E Department.Paediatric Consultant Lynn Sinitsky said: “The joy that Anthony has spread today is truly healing. Anthony Joshua attends surprise birthday party for coach who ‘saved his life’ and shares incredible throwback snap”The smiles on the faces, especially from one ten year old who woke up to see Anthony was incredible.”Meanwhile, Ward Manager Kerry Beasley said: “Its a great thing he has done, its amazing for the staff and the patients. “It really boosts morale and spreads Christmas spirit. We couldn’t get him out!”During the Coronavirus Pandemic Joshua led a program to gift NHS staff members at the hospital with 2,000 pieces of Under Armour kit.The idea was to give a little bit back to the tireless efforts from staff, including medical professionals, cleaning and kitchen staff.Clean Herts Community’s mission is to provide aid and opportunities for people of various demographics across Anthony’s home town of Watford, with a focus on young people.The Olympic Gold Medallist has always been very passionate about providing opportunity to specifically the younger generation in his local area. This year CHC has launched both physical and educational programs from football camps to cooking and science classes.They also teamed up with Hollywood legend Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson in November to give some Watford-based kids the opportunity of a life time.And they took part in the launch of his blockbuster Christmas film Red One.It comes as Joshua attended the surprise birthday party for the boxing coach he credited for saving his life.AJ first walked into the Finchley Amateur Boxing club aged 18 in a bid to get himself out of trouble on the streets of London.And head trainer Sean Murphy guided Joshua to elite national championships before setting up an Olympic gold victory.The two have remained close over the years and AJ was a guest at Murphy’s surprise bash – organised by Finchley ABC.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe posed alongside Murphy and posted a throwback snap of his amateur days with the caption: “Ride Or Die.”In Joshua’s last three bouts, he has been cornered by British coach Ben Davison.Joshua playing with a childCredit: SuppliedJoshua set up the Clean Hearts Community, a community-interest company dedicated to uplifting the local communityCredit: SuppliedThe boxer looked very happy speaking with NHS staff and parentsCredit: SuppliedJoshua showed off his caring side in the visitCredit: Supplied More

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    Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 undercard: Who else is on the huge Saudi bill?

    TYSON FURY and Oleksandr Usyk are running it back next week in Riyadh – and the undercard is looking stacked too.Last May, we witnessed one of the fights of the year as both men put on a crazy bout that had fans demanding a rematch immediately.Tyson Fury is up against Oleksandr Usyk in a huge rematch on December 21Credit: PAIn the last fight, both fighters put it all on the line to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.This was highlighted in the build-up because all the heavyweight belts had not been held by one man since Lennox Lewis was champion back in 1999.After that impressive victory against Fury, Usyk lost the IBF belt after being unable to make a mandatory defense, which meant the belt was given to Daniel Dubois.Fury is now preparing to redeem his first-ever loss in what is the final huge fight of 2024.READ MORE IN BOXINGBefore that, fans get to enjoy a huge undercard that has a few familiar names.And SunSport can reveal who will be on the Saudi bill below.Fury vs Usyk 2: Ring walk time, TV channels and undercard – all you need to know for big rematchWho is on the Fury vs Usyk 2 undercard?Teenage heavyweight Moses Itauma, 19, has taken UK boxing fans by storm and he now looks to win his fourth fight of the year taking on 22-1 boxer Demsey McKean.Johnny Fisher, known for his big personality on social media is one to look out for as he makes his return to the ring to take on David Allen in an exciting heavyweight clash.Most read in BoxingThe final fight on the undercard was meant to see Israil Madrimov fight Serhii Bohachuk however, Madrimov has now had to pull out but in steps Ishmael Davis on short notice to save the fight.Here is the FULL undercard below:How can I watch the undercard?The FULL undercard 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.Alternatively, SunSport will be live blogging all the action from Riyadh as it happens. More

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    Who is Neeraj Goyat Misfits Supercard star and what is his boxing record?

    NEERAJ “Gangster” Goyat is an Indian social media, reality and movie star, as well as boxer and mixed martial artist.And he most recently defeated Whindersson Nunes in Qatar on the Misfits 19 Supercard.Neeraj Goyat is a boxer and mixed martial artist from IndiaCredit: GettyHe fought on the Tyson vs Paul undercard in November 2024Credit: @GoyatNeerajWho is Neeraj Goyat?Neeraj Goyat is a 33-year-old Indian boxer and mixed martial artist born on November 11, 1991.He has made significant strides in the boxing world, becoming the first Indian boxer to be ranked by the World Boxing Council (WBC). His journey in boxing began at the age of 15 in 2006, inspired by former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.In March 2024, The Sun revealed Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions had signed Goyat.read more on Neeraj GoyatHe said: “I’m truly honored to be the newest member of the Most Valuable Promotions family.”MVP has been making waves in the boxing world, particularly with its commitment to showcasing and uplifting women in the sport since 2021.“In just 2.5 years, MVP has organised some of the world’s most significant boxing events, and I’m excited to work with MVP to elevate the status of professional boxing in India and bring attention to boxers from India globally.”And MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian has already confirmed business partner Paul could be a future opponent for Goyat in India.Most read in BoxingHe said: “My hope is that we can figure out a way fro MVP and Neeraj to collaborate and build up to the biggest event that India has ever seen and to see Jake Paul and Neeraj Goyat fight respectfully in India.”On November 15, 2024, Goyat even got to share a fight card with Iron Mike when he faced The Problem Child Jake Paul in their highly-anticipated showdown.Jake Paul clashes with Indian boxing star Neeraj Goyat amid fight callout He defeated Brazilian YouTuber and comedian Whindersson Nunes, dominating the bout and landing 171 punches compared to his opponent’s 87.However, it was an action from the Indian boxer in the third round that sparked controversy.As boxing debutant Nunes was shoved into the blue corner, Goyat made the decision to dry-hump him from behind.The referee quickly broke up the action and Goyat returned to his corner of the ring.Neeraj Goyat dry-humped Whindersson Nunes during their fightCredit: X/TwitterGoyat’s achievements so far include:Bronze medalist in the 2008 Youth Commonwealth GamesHe became the first person to defeat Chinese boxer Xu Can in China in 2014First Indian to attempt the 2016 Summer Olympics qualifier in VenezuelaWBC Asian Champion for three consecutive years (2015-2017)Winner of the WBC Asia ‘Honorary Boxer of the Year’ award in 2017On top oh his pugilistic accolades, Goyat has almost 1million Instagram followers and has starred in movies in India and reality shows on Netflix.Neeraj Goyat boxing recordGoyat has an impressive professional boxing record of 20-4-2.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis means he’s won 20 of his 26 fights, lost four and drawn two.Of those 19 victories, eight have come by way of knockout, giving him a KO ratio of 42%. More

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    Defiant Floyd Mayweather speaks out over video of angry mob trying to jump him while he was jewellery shopping in London

    DEFIANT Floyd Mayweather Jnr denied being “touched in any way” during a melee with angry pro-Palestine yobs who tried to jump him while he was shopping.The US boxing great, 47, was chased from London’s posh Hatton Garden jewellery quarter on Tuesday evening – after doubling down on his public support for Israel’s war in Gaza.Floyd Mayweather gets into an altercation at Hatton GardenFormer champion Mayweather is still boxing in exhibitions despite retiringCredit: USA Today SportsMayweather and his security were pushed back by an angry mobThey then got in a black car and left after tensions roseWe first told how the undefeated ex-champ was hounded by a mob of ten accusing him of endorsing “genocide”.The confrontation spilled into the street where the bling-loving ace’s bodyguards bundled him into a black 4×4 car and sped away.Mayweather was also heard furiously screaming “I’ll get these motherf***ers” as he was taken to the car.The boxer yesterday insisted his ring prowess helped him dodge the attack as he denied any of the crowd had laid a finger on him.He said online: “Let me set the record straight. There’s no truth to the rumours going around.“I wasn’t punched or touched in any way.“What you’re seeing is my security doing their job to keep things under control.”“I was in the UK for a quick 48-hour stop to do some shopping.Most read in Boxing“I’m perfectly fine and there’s really nothing more to it.”Yesterday a Hatton Garden trader revealed Mayweather, who won 50 pro bouts including a TKO win over Conor McGregor, was being “berated” by the mob moments before the scuffle.They said: “There was a lot of shouting and people berating him.“People were screaming ‘yahud’ at him – which is Arabic for Jews – so it seems like it was pretty anti-Semitic.“They wouldn’t do that to a random Orthodox Jewish guy walking down the street. “They’re doing it because they want to be the guy that fights Floyd Mayweather.”The Met Police said the incident was not reported to cops, adding they would not launch a criminal probe.The tussle came days after Mayweather pledged to donate a toy to every orphan in Israel – which he branded his “home away from home”.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s understood Mayweather will continue to publicly back Israel and is planning to return there soon.He previously met the nation’s PM, Benjamin Netanyahu, and hosted a barbeque for IDF troops fighting terror thugs Hamas.Earlier in the evening Mayweather was seen browsing in shops More

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    Viddal Riley next fight: UK start time, live stream, TV channel, full card for cruiserweight clash

    VIDDAL RILEY is back in action this weekend and he’ll be looking to leave a big impression. The 27-year-old last fought back in March against Mikael Lawal and was victorious on points in his biggest win yet. Viddal Riley beat Mikael Lawal in his last fightCredit: GettyRiley had to deal with an injury following the fight, however, as it was revealed the cruiserweight fractured his rib in the first round. But now he’s back and looking to remain in the win column with hopes of securing an eventual British title fight. Standing in his way is Steve Eloundou Ntere, a 39-year-old with a record of 9-2. When is Viddal Riley’s fight?Viddal Riley’s latest fight will take place on on Saturday, December 14.The fight will be held at the Liverpool Exhibition Centre in Liverpool, England.The fight, will take place midway through the card is likely to get underway from around 7.30pm GMT.The main event is between Natasha Jonas and Ivana Habazin, while the co-main is Lauren Price vs Bexcy Mateus.What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?Riley’s fight with Ntere will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Arena in the UK.You can live stream all the action from the NOW TV or Sky Go app, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.Viddal Riley full fight cardAlso on the card is Natasha Jonas’ welterweight unification fight against Ivana Habazin.Lauren Price is up against Bexcy Mateus in a clash for the WBA welterweight title.Natasha Jonas vs. Ivana Habazin, WBC & IBF welterweight titlesLauren Price vs. Bexcy Mateus, WBA welterweight titleStephen McKenna vs. Lee CutlerViddal Riley vs. Steve Eloundou NtereMark Jeffers vs. Elvis AhorgahMason Cartwright vs. TBAFrankie Stringer vs. Tatenda MangombeMikie Tallon vs. Benn NormanMost read in Boxing More