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    Meet the 5ft 5in Japanese star with arms like knitting needles who turns into a Monster and boxing great inside the ring

    MONSTERS, by definition, are expected to be cruel, frightening or evil giants – not small angelic-looking Japanese who don’t appear strong enough to knock over a dish of sushi.It’s highly unlikely that Naoya Inoue is cruel or evil but once he steps inside a boxing ring he’s certainly frightening.Naoya Inoue lands one on TJ Doheny on TuesdayCredit: AFPInoue celebrates with his WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO beltsCredit: APInoue with a statue in his honour in JapanInoue, known globally as The Monster has abnormal power for someone who stands just 5ft 5in tall, weighs less than nine stone and has arms the width of knitting needles.He happens to be one of only three men who have become undisputed champion in two weight divisions — the others being Terence Crawford and Oleksandr Usyk.This assures Inoue a place in boxing’s pantheon of all-time greats whose name will always be revered along with legends ancient and modern like Jack Dempsey, Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson, Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao.Inoue, 31, who has held world titles in four weight divisions was defending his super-bantamweight belts  against Aussie-based Irishman TJ Doheny at the Ariake stadium on Tuesday night in Tokyo.READ MORE IN BOXINGBecause Tokyo is eight hours ahead of London the fight was shown live on Sky at lunchtime — it was certainly an unusual time of day but a wonderful opportunity to see this freak of nature in action.Astonishingly Inoue had won 24 of his 27 world championship contests by knockout and the main interest was to see just how long 37-year-old veteran Doheny, a former IBF champion, was going to last.Watching Inoue going to work is a revelation — he is fast,  accurate, never wastes a single punch and every blow he lands seems to hurt the opposition.His dead-pan expression never changes and he has only one objective  from the opening bell — to finish off his challengers as quickly as possible.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDoheny must have known in his heart of hearts he had no chance of winning so he simply went on a defensive survival course to protect his chin. Inoue decided the only way he was going to get him out of there sooner than later was to switch his attack downstairs and he started ripping in crippling body punches with both hands.Watch incredible Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois promo video directed by Guy Ritchie as fans call it ‘one for the ages’At the end of the sixth, a grimacing Doheny sickened by the pain he must have been feeling looked as if he had aged another ten years as he went back to his corner.Within seconds of the start of the seventh Inoue landed a fearsome left hook under Doheny’s ribs — a punch which literally  paralysed him down his right side and he was forced to quit.It was business as usual for Inoue —  though he would have preferred a far more spectacular finish with Doheny being counted out he has now won all his 28 fights, with 25 by KO.He boasts a remarkable knockout ratio of more than 90 per cent — to emphasise how extraordinary that statistic is Rocky Marciano’s KO ration was 87 per cent, George Foreman’s 84 per cent, Frank Bruno’s, 84 per cent and Mike Tyson’s 78 per cent.Inoue will make another defence in Tokyo before the end of this year and his promoter Bob Arum said he will feature him in Las Vegas at the beginning of 2025.Watching Inoue going to work is a revelation — he is fast,  accurate, never wastes a singe punch and every blow he lands seems to hurt the oppositionCOLIN HARTNaoya rarely appears outside of Japan but those at ringside in Glasgow’s SSE Hydro, five years ago must have realised they were seeing someone special when he took just over four minutes to destroy Puerto Rican, Emmanuel Rodriguez to win the IBF world bantamweight crown.Inoue who married his childhood sweetheart and is father of three children, has proved you don’t have to be be swinging a sword to be a Samurai warrior. More

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    Boxer who helps champions prepare for fights reveals how much he earned sparring Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua

    SPARRING the world’s hardest-hitters can often be a thankless task.At most, you might get your petrol paid for.A young Dave Allen with Wladimir KlitschkoCredit: @whiterhino_21But on rare occasions, you could pocket a couple of grand and stay on a luxury complex, just ask Dave Allen.Allen has a record of 23 wins, with six losses and two draws in his 31 fights, once challenging for the Commonwealth heavyweight title. But he also made a name for himself by sparring just about every top name both domestically and abroad.On his fascinating YouTube channel, Allen drew back the curtain on life as a sparring partner and how much he earned from certain fighters…READ MORE IN BOXINGWladimir Klitschko, £1,200 per weekAllen sparred the Ukrainian legend in Austria in 2014 – while working as a supply teacher – and made his most as a training partner. He said: “First of all, in terms of where we were put up it was like a mansion in the Alps, it was a beautiful, beautiful, place. “Probably the nicest place I’ve stayed, if not a little boring really. I was only there five days but there was no where to go or nothing to do.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The food we had on site on the hotel was just an unbelievable place, the food was incredible and on top of that they paid me almost €1,500 a week. Most read in Boxing”I was only there for five days but they paid me in full as well, they could’ve probably paid me less but they paid me the full 1,500.” Tyson Fury relaxes on holiday as Gypsy King prepares for biggest fight of career in Oleksandr Usyk rematchOleksandr Usyk, £840 per weekAllen revealed he went around 25 rounds with Usyk – once almost getting knocked out – but claims he was fuelled on just junk food.He said: “That money’s good, €1,000 a week I was over the moon with. “But where we stayed it was the worst environment, I think it was the Ukraine Olympic training base. “I personally, it wasn’t nice. The food was poor, I was surviving on bread really. “I found this canteen on the second week, I was surviving on bread and chocolate bars and crisps.” Oleksandr Usyk next to AllenCredit: INSTAGRAM@WHITERHINO_21Tyson Fury, £200/£300 per weekThe two first started sparring each other for free under the coaching of Fury’s uncle Peter. But when the Gypsy King made his 2018 comeback, he threw Allen a couple of hundred quid, which helped pay for fuel.Allen said: “We were mates and it was kind of like, ‘Look, come over do the first few rounds. You get something out of it yourself.’ “He’d go on and spar other sparring partner and you could see he was putting a lot more into the shots and the intensity would change. “And I wasn’t expecting to get paid for it, to be honest. I was happy to go over, help out, it was getting me out the house and I would get some rounds. “But he’d always pay me. Maybe between £100-£150 a time, could be two-three times a week so after petrol and that I might make £300 a week.” Allen was a former sparring partner of Tyson Fury’sCredit: InstagramAnthony Joshua, £0 As the two started sparring as amateurs, there was no money paid. But was Joshua was on his ascent to superstardom, Allen claims he never saw a penny for the sparring sessions, leading to confusion and some anger.He revealed: “As time went on, I started getting paid for sparring other boxers and I’m starting to question, ‘Why has he never paid me?'”To be honest in my head in my head I’m thinking, ‘He’s took the p**s out of me here.’ I was sparring two or three times a week and times, six, eight up to ten rounds at a time with him. “I had a broken nose at on point for about a year. Rob McCracken, is that him? I’m not sure. “Over time now I realise I should’ve looked after myself, I should’ve been smarter. I should’ve had someone because a lot of time I’d show up on my own. “I should’ve been smarter, it’s no one’s fault but my own. But yeah, I did think I deserved to get paid. It was professional boxing.” Anthony Joshua and Allen began sparring as amateursCredit: @whiterhino_21Honorable mentions Allen also revealed he was paid £675 a week for sparring Pole Artur Szpilka for two weeks, staying in a plush Warsaw hotel with travel taken care of. READ MORE SUN STORIESRobert Helenius paid £420 weekly. Dillian Whyte also parted with an undisclosed amount but treated camp members to meals as well.Welsh Former cruiserweight world champion Enzo Maccarinelli had a rate of £20 per round of sparring.Allen lost to former sparring partner Dillian Whyte in 2016Credit: Getty More

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    I watched Anthony Joshua in training and it scared me – he punches like a car crashing 100mph into a wall

    DANIEL DUBOIS has been warned that Anthony Joshua has become “unbeatable” under the guidance of his new coaching team. Joshua challenges for Dubois’ IBF title on September 21 at Wembley in what will be his fourth fight with trainer Ben Davison. Anthony Joshua is in ‘unbeatable’ formCredit: GettyAJ knocked out Francis Ngannou in his last fightCredit: GettyJoshua with trainer Ben DavisonCredit: @bendavison_He is coming off two brutal knockout wins, over Otto Wallin, 33, and most recently ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou, 37, in March. Promoter Eddie Hearn thinks Joshua is back to his ruthless best. Hearn told Sky Sports: “When he fully gets the gameplan and when it’s fully drilled I think he’s unbeatable. And that’s how we feel at the moment.” Former super-middleweight world champion Billy Joe Saunders got an inside look at Joshua in training – and was blown away. READ MORE IN BOXINGSaunders said to BoxNation: “I watched AJ recently up close training in the Ben Davison camp, I pop in there now and then just to have a look.”And watching AJ, it seems to me that he has a new lease of life. He seems like he’s reborn again, he’s believing.”He’s going to be a very, very dangerous opponent for anybody in the heavyweight division, in my opinion.”Up close watching him throw a right hand it was scary, scary power it’s like a car doing 100mph into a wall. He’s hitting the pads with so much force.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSaunders, who also credits Dubois’ improvements under veteran cornerman Don Charles, sees no way the fight goes the distance. He said: “Someone’s getting knocked out, it definitely ain’t not going the distance, someone’s definitely getting knocked out.”How rumours of Anthony Joshua being ‘carried out of the ring’ with Daniel Dubois fulled bitter bout years in the makingHearn added: “With all due respect to Dubois, who is a dangerous guy, he makes mistakes and he is not a difficult fighter to work out. “What he does have – he’s very strong and he can punch and he’s physically a problem. But he makes a lot of mistakes.”I think the momentum from an AJ win in style would take him into a massive 2025 which funnily enough could be the defining moment of his career.”Joshua pictured in training to fight DuboisCredit: instagram @anthonyjoshuaInsiders have been lefr gobsmacked by his preparationsCredit: instagram @anthonyjoshuaAJ challenges for Daniel Dubois IBF titleCredit: Instagram @anthonyjoshuaIt will be his third fight out of Ben Davison’s gymCredit: Instagram @anthonyjoshuaJoshua facing off with DuboisCredit: Getty More

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    Watch incredible Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois promo video directed by Guy Ritchie as fans call it ‘one for the ages’

    ANTHONY JOSHUA and Daniel Dubois’ heavyweight showdown has been given the Hollywood treatment… by legendary director Guy Ritchie.The nation will come to a standstill a fortnight on September 21 when IBF titleholder Dubois and former two-time unified champ AJ throw down at Wembley.Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois meet at Wembley later this monthCredit: GETTYHollywood director Guy Ritchie has produced an incredible trailer for the domestic dust-upCredit: DAZN/RIYADSEASONThe gangster-themed trailer sees both Joshua and Dubois on the metaphorical canvasCredit: DAZN/RIYADSEASONBut both men rise to their feet as they sing the lyrics to Neil Diamond’s ‘Sweet Caroline’Credit: DAZN/RIYADSEASONThey’re eventually transported to a Wembley ring to face off with the gangsters who harmed them earlier in the trailerCredit: DAZN/RIYADSEASONThe trailer ends with the duo facing off in the ring in front of thousands of fansCredit: DAZN/RIYADSEASONA whopping 96,000 boxing fans will pack out the home of English football for the mouthwatering domestic dust-up, which has been several years in the making.And what promises to be a momentous night for British boxing has appropriately been given a cinematic masterclass of a promotional trailer.Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh enlisted the services of the critically acclaimed Brit director Ritchie for the promo.And ‘The Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’ director hasn’t disappointed.READ MORE ON JOSHUA VS DUBOISThe trailer, which is named ‘Touching Hands’ in an ode to Neil Diamond’s ‘Sweet Caroline’, features eight of the fighters on the Wembley card.AJ and Dubois are joined by Antony Cacace, Josh Warrington, Joshua Buasti, Willy Hutchinson, Tyler Denny and Hamzah Sheeraz in the gritty promo.And each boxer finds themselves on the metaphorical canvas with some dodgy characters around them.The trailer opens with a blood-soaked Joshua lying on the street before eventually switching to Dubois lying in a bath with his hands tied as he’s being electrocuted.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJoshua then begins to sing the lyrics to ‘Sweet Caroline’ and eventually rises to his feet, with Dubois doing the same in the bath.As the song builds to its iconic crescendo, the boxers float into the air before being transported into the ring, which is surrounded by thousands of fans.Awkward moment Daniel Dubois tells Eddie Hearn to ‘calm down’ before Anthony Joshua threatens rival with chairAs the chorus kicks in, they then square off against the gangsters who did a number on them earlier and get their revenge.The heart-pumping trailer ends with Dubois and Joshua, who were given nicknames fitting of a Ritchie gangster movie, meeting in the middle of the ring after taking deep breaths on the stool.Boxing fans were blown away by the promo, with one saying: “What a promo this. So fun to watch.”Another said: “This is crazy!”And another said: “THIS GOES SO HARD.”One remarked: “Better promo than the ones you seen on Netflix”Another chimed in: “One for the ages.”Tensions between Joshua and Dubois will be high during fight week as a result of their fiery sitdown face-off in June.AJ threatened to hit Dubois with a CHAIR after claiming he disrespected him.Security quickly stepped in, with Dubois being restrained as Joshua said: “I don’t take disrespect lightly, Dan.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Dan, I don’t take disrespect lightly you know.”Don’t sit on the table telling me we can go now and do all of this and that and try [to] call me out.” More

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    Who was Rebecca Cheptegei? Olympic runner died after ‘petrol attack by ex-boyfriend’

    REBECCA Cheptegei tragically died when her boyfriend allegedly doused her in petrol and set her on fire. The Ugandan athlete, 33, had recently competed in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics.Rebecca Cheptegei tragically died after being set on fire, allegedly by her ex-boyfriendCredit: AlarmyRebecca had competed at the Paris 2024 OlympicsCredit: AFPWho was Rebecca Cheptegei? The Olympian competed in cross country, long distance and marathon events. Rebecca was born on February 22, 1991, in Uganda and began racing in 2010.According to her Olympics bio, she was a soldier and trained with the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces.The runner’s final competition was at in the marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympics.Read more in crimeShe sadly died months later after her ex-boyfriend allegedly attacked her at her home on September 1, 2024.What happened to Rebecca Cheptegei? Local police chief Jeremiah Ole Kosiom told local reporters that Rebecca and her ex-boyfriend Dickson Ndiema were heard arguing outside their home in western Trans Nzoia County, Kenya. He said: “During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her”.Rebecca suffered from burns on over 75 per cent of her body as a result of the attack.Most read in AthleticsShe was rushed to an intensive care unit at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, but sadly passed away from her injuries on September 5, 2024. According to Kenyan newspaper The Nation, a five-litre jerry can, a bag, and a burned phone were discovered at the scene of the incident.Rebecca’s ex-boyfriend also suffered from burn injuries as a result of the attack and was rushed to hospital. The attack had come after a report published in January 2023 found that 34% of women in Kenya (above the age of 15) had experienced physical violence. There have been several high-profile murders of women in Kenya in recent years, including the death of runner Agnes Tirop who was found stabbed to death in her home in October 2021. Her husband, Ibrahim Rotich, is on trial for her murder but denies the charges.Who has paid tribute to Rebecca Cheptegei? The Ugandan Athletics Federation paid tribute to RebeccaCredit: AP: Associated PressThousands of fans and several sports bodies have paid tribute to the incredible runner. The Ugandan Athletics Federation said: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence. “As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. “May her soul rest In Peace.”Rebecca’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, told reporters that he prayed for “justice for my daughter”.He also said that his daughter and her ex-husband had been embroiled in a property dispute, before her death.What did Rebecca Cheptegei achieve during her career?Rebecca had just competed at the Paris 2024 Olympics before she died on September 1, 2024. She raced against her fellow athletes in the Olympic marathon, where she finished 44th. When Rebecca qualified for the Olympics, she set a new personal best of 2:22:47 at the Abu Dhabi Marathon in December 2022.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Ugandan athlete also previously finished fourth in the half marathon at the 2024 African Games, as well as finishing in 14th place in the 2023 World Championship Marathon. Before this, she finished in 14th place at the marathon at the 2023 World Championships More

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    ‘He’s going to kill somebody’ – Fears for Mike Tyson, 58, in Jake Paul fight after WWE legend watches YouTuber train

    WWE legend Hulk Hogan revealed genuine fears that Jake Paul could KILL Mike Tyson in their fight. The YouTuber-turned-boxer faces the heavyweight great on November 15 in Texas in a controversial clash scrutinised for age difference.Hulk Hogan has fears for Mike Tyson in his fight with Jake PaulJake Paul is due to fight Mike Tyson on November 15Paul has started training for the bout and pro wrestling legend Hogan – real name Terry Gene Bollea – got a close up look of his preparations. And the 13-time WWE champion – speaking with Paul’s brother Logan – raised deep concerns for close friend Tyson. Hogan, 71, said: “Your brother’s too strong, bro. He’s strong. “Last night, as soon as I saw him set the guy up with the left, he kept throwing the overhand right, I was like, ‘Oh my God, he’s going to kill somebody.READ MORE IN BOXING”No, I mean really. It was scary. I love Mike to death, I don’t want him to kill Mike, Jesus.” Logan, about to record his podcast, said: “He’s like really, actually super f***ing strong. “He doesn’t look like it – maybe he does look like it a little bit- but like the weight he pushes in the gym is f***ing impressive. “No seriously, and he has a left hand now which he looks like is firing off.” Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPaul is 10-1 in his boxing career with just a 2023 decision loss to Tyson Fury’s brother Tommy, 25, blemishing his record. Tyson, 58, meanwhile retired in 2005 after two dismal defeats and years of struggles outside the ring. KSI vs Jake Paul takes new twist with veteran promoter drafted in to revive talks for £100m grudge matchBut by 2020, his life was turned around as he returned for an exhibition against Roy Jones Jr, which was nothing more than a glorified sparring session. Although his fight with Paul, 27, is a professionally-sanctioned bout with records on the line. Both will be subjected to drug testing while Tyson will have further heart and brain exams due to his age. He was forced to pull out of the initial July 20 date after suffering an ulcer flare up in his stomach. But Tyson has since insisted he is medically fit to fight in what will be Netflix’s first foray into live boxing. This is not the first time Hogan has harboured fear for Tyson and even pulled Paul up on it. Hogan told TMZ: “I’m friends with both guys. “I love Mike to death, but I was in Miami for the Formula 1 races with Jake Paul, I pulled Jake aside and said, ‘Hey brother, what’s up with this thing?’ Is this a work like wrestling, or are you guys going to really go at it? READ MORE SUN STORIES”He says, ‘I’m gonna knock him out.’ So I’m excited about it. I’m glad it is rescheduled because I don’t want any excuses. “I want both men at 100 per cent. I get a feeling this will be the fight of the century, brothers. This is going to be a good one.”Mike Tyson facing off with Jake PaulCredit: Rex More

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    ‘Hawk Tuah’ girl Haliey Welch in career change after shock link-up with Jake Paul

    “HAWK TUAH” girl Haliey Welch has announced her next career move – as she links up with Jake Paul.Haliey became a viral sensation for a street interview she did earlier in the year where she coined her ‘Hawk Tuah’ catchphrase.Haliey Welch has linked up with Jake PaulCredit: GettyPaul has signed ‘Hawk Tuah’ girl Haliey to his Betr media companyCredit: GettyAnd she has been making the most of her internet fame by making public appearances, including at Paul’s last fight.She was a guest on the YouTuber-turned-boxer’s podcast later that night – but now she will have a show of her own. Haliey revealed she is launching her own podcast with Paul’s Betr media company.She said: “I’m so thankful to have my own podcast where you’ll discover the real Haliey Welch. READ MORE ON JAKE PAUL”I’m delighted to join the progressive team at Betr who fully gets me.”My show will have a little of everything – great guests, laughs, relationship pointers, and, of course, some down home southern charm.” Haliey became an overnight social media hit for a street interview she gave on a night out in Nashville.Content creator Tim&DeeTV asked: “What is something you do in bed that drives a man crazy every time?”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSShe then gave an X-rated description of her sexual exploits.Haliey then infamously added: “You gotta give him that ‘hawk tuah,’ and spit on that thing.”Hawk Tuah girl teases UFC move as she posts training video after being called out for fight by Astrid WettThe American has featured on several podcasts and internet shows since her viral moment.But she has also used her new-found notoriety for good having launched fundraisers for animals shelters, which she wants to continue doing.Haliey Welch became an viral sensation for her ‘hawk tuah’ interview on social mediaCredit: Twitter/x/ The Postman @officalpostmanHaliey has become a social media starCredit: instagram @hay_welchShe has featured on several internet showsCredit: instagram @hay_welchHailey Welch with Jake Paul More

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    From Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury to all American pound-for-pound clash, Eddie Hearn’s five must-see boxing fights

    EDDIE HEARN has an all-American showdown and a Battle of Britain on his five-fight wishlist.Hearn joined forces with his promotional rivals amid the influence of Saudi Arabia’s cash injection into boxing. Eddie Hearn with promotional rival Frank WarrenCredit: PASo now more than ever, fans can finally get excited with the biggest bouts at last going from dreams to reality. Hearn gave SunSport his pick of the bunch and we help break down what makes them so special. Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury Needless to say, it’s the biggest fight the sport has to offer and it is within touching distance. All that is left to do is the small hurdle of AJ beating Daniel Dubois, 26, on September 21 and Fury avenging defeat to Oleksandr Usyk, 37, in December. READ MORE IN BOXINGThat would set Joshua, 34, and Fury, 36, up for a monster undisputed bout next year. But, Saudi boxing kingpin Turki Alalshikh has insisted no matter what the individual results, he wants AJ to fight Fury in 2025. And no doubt most Brits would agree.Derek Chisora vs Johnny Fisher Chisora, 40, rolled back the clock to beat Joe Joyce, 38, in a July thriller, proving he does still have more to give. Most read in BoxingAnd the fan favourite is determined to fight twice more to reach 50 milestone bouts.Fisher, 25, is proving to be one of Britain’s most popular fighters with a huge backing on social media and in ticket sales at 12-0 with 11 KOs but no notable names yet on the record. Taking on Chisora would be the ultimate crossroads clash but one which would sell out any arena in no time. Chantelle Cameron vs Sandy Ryan Cameron, 33, had a thrilling two-fight series with Katie Taylor, 38, which ended one apiece. She then left Hearn for Frank Warren and returned with victory over Elhem Mekhaled.Ryan, 30, meanwhile is the WBO welterweight champion and has feuded with Cameron online. It has all the makings for a real grudge match to spark fans’ interest.Dennis McCann vs Peter McGrail McCann is undefeated in his 17 fights and tipped as one of the UK’s brightest talents. McGrail meanwhile is three years removed from his Olympic campaign in Tokyo. The super-bantamweight does not have as much time on his hands and needs to get the big fights in soon. McCann, 23, meanwhile could profit off having a big-named domestic rival with McGrail, 28, the perfect dance partner. Terence Crawford vs Jaron Ennis Moving across the Pond and Crawford, 36, has a strong claim as the world’s best boxer.He is a champion in four divisions and recently moved up to light-middleweight to beat Israil Madrimov for the WBA strap. READ MORE SUN STORIESEnnis, 27, meanwhile inherited the IBF title vacated by Crawford at welterweight but he is willing to move up to fight his American rival. It would be a classic battle of youth versus experience with unbeaten records going on the line. More