More stories

  • in

    MMA star reveals talks with Eddie Hall despite 13 STONE difference after missing out on Floyd Mayweather and KSI fight

    TYRON WOODLEY revealed wild talks to fight Eddie Hall despite their huge 13 STONE weight difference. Woodley once held the UFC welterweight title before then making a move into boxing where he was twice beaten by Jake Paul. Eddie Hall has crossed over to MMACredit: Rex FeaturesTyron Woodley says he was in talks to fight Eddie HallCredit: Getty Images – GettyFormer world’s strongest man Hall, 36, lost his boxing debut against strongman rival Hafthor Bjornsson, 35, in 2022.But he crossed over to MMA this year to defeat TikTok stars Jamil and Jamel Neffat in a crazy two-on-one bout. And despite weighing 26 stone – compared to the 13 stone of Woodley – the two were linked with a bout. Woodley, 42, told Overdogs Podcast: “I’m not down for these three-week notice fights to build somebody else’s name up.READ MORE IN MMA“You see the heavyweight dude that fought two motherf***ers at one time, 365[lbs]? “Motherf***er asked me to fight this dude on three weeks’ notice in Ireland in MMA.” Woodley’s last fight in the cage was a 2021 defeat Vicente Luque, 32, which was his fourth loss in a row. He then lost on points to YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul, 27, before getting knocked out in the rematch. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWoodley has not fought since despite talks with KSI, 31, and boxing great Floyd Mayweather, 47. He said: “I had some guy’s b**** out. I was supposed to fight Floyd in June. It was never supposed to be [John] Gotti [III]. That fight was me originally.“I was supposed to fight KSI in January last year. He flaked out and took Dillon Danis.”Watch The Neffati Brothers’ arrogant walk on just moments before sickening KO by Eddie Hall More

  • in

    Brit champion boxer Callum Simpson’s sister Lily Rae, 19, dies in Zante car crash as he pays heartbreaking tribute

    CHAMPION Brit boxer Callum Simpson’s sister has tragically died in a horror car crash in Greece. Lily Rae Simpson, 19, had gone to Zante for a sunny vacation when she met with the fatal accident. Callum Simpson’s sister has tragically died in a horror car crash in GreeceCredit: Instagram @callumsimpLily-Rae Simpson was visiting Zante for a holiday when the tragic crash took placeCredit: Instagram @callumsimpThe teen was rushed to Athens in an air ambulance where she was given urgent medical treatment – but died on August 21 of the injuries. A heartbroken Callum shared the tragic news on social media yesterday. Posting a picture of him posing with his little sister, the boxer wrote: “Absolutely heartbroken to say that my beautiful little sister, Lily-Rae, was in a road accident while on holiday in Zante.”She was flown to Athens and spent 10 days in ICU, but despite the best efforts of the medical teams, Lily sadly passed away.”Callum, a British, Commonwealth and WBA Continental Champion from Barnsley, said he would “continue to make her sister proud”.He added: “Even though she used to ring me to complain about being referred to as ‘Callum Simpson’s sister’, I know she loved the hype. ” I will continue to make her proud. Love you always.”Callum Simpson’s rise as a boxer EXCLUSIVE By Wally Downes Jr, Boxing Reporter Callum Simpson used to fit Kell Brook’s shoes but now he wants to fill his boots.Barnsley’s 27-year-old super-middleweight put himself through college with a part-time job in a menswear shop where Sheffield’s former welterweight world champ would pop in for free gear.Simpson would have to race up and down stairs to cater for his celebrated fellow Yorkshireman.But now the tables have turned and Brook will drive 12 miles up the M1 to support Simpson, in his bid to dethrone dangerous British and Commonwealth champ Zak Chelli.Simpson told SunSport: “Between the ages of 16-18 I worked part-time, while I was still in college, in a clothes shop that sponsored Kell Brook.“When Kell would come in I would have to wait for him to pick all the shoes he wanted, run upstairs to find them all in his size, then loosen all the laces so he could slide them on, like Cinderella. Simpson would have to race up and down stairs to cater for his celebrated fellow Yorkshireman.But now the tables have turned and Brook will drive 12 miles up the M1 to support Simpson, in his bid to dethrone dangerous British and Commonwealth champ Zak Chelli.Ahead of Saturday’s shootout at Simpson’s beloved Barnley’s Oakwell stadium, he told SunSport: “Between the ages of 16-18 I worked part-time, while I was still in college, in a clothes shop that sponsored Kell Brook.“We would get free tickets for his fights when they were at the Sheffield arena and my mates would always tell me ‘that’ll be you one day’.“And now I am signed with Boxxer and Sky Sports and Kell has messaged me to say he will come over and watch.“So going from loosening his shoes to having him at ringside will be a nice and surreal moment. But it’s all come from hard work.”Simpson continued to subsidise his training and fighting with work in fashion right up until last year when he broke out of the small-hall circuit.He’s timed his 14-0 form perfectly as the new Saudi money flooding into the sport is giving some of these brave men the fortunes they deserve.But boxing fans should remember the blood, sweat, tears and honest toil they all go through to get anywhere near the top.“This stuff doesn’t happen overnight,” the down-to-earth lad said.“When I had my first area title fight in 2022, my first 10-rounder, I was training twice a day and working 45hr weeks, Saturdays and Sundays.“For that fight, I weighed in at Friday lunchtime and rushed into work to make up the time, then boxed on Saturday and worked all day Sunday.“My second fight was a four-rounder in 2019, on a Josh Warrington undercard at Leeds arena and I worked the next day.“This stuff doesn’t happen overnight,” the down-to-earth lad said.“When I had my first area title fight in 2022, my first 10-rounder, I was training twice-a-day and working 45hr weeks, Saturdays and Sundays.“For that fight I weighed-in at Friday lunchtime and rushed into work to make up the time, then boxed on Saturday and worked all day Sunday.“My second fight was a four-rounder in 2019, on a Josh Warrington undercard at Leeds arena and I worked the next day. More

  • in

    ‘I know what went on’ says former world champion as he reveals offer to join Tyson Fury camp for Oleksandr Usyk rematch

    BILLY JOE SAUNDERS has sensationally claimed Tyson Fury didn’t have the best camp for his first dust-up with Oleksandr Usyk.The Gypsy King came up short in his bid for undisputed heavyweight glory against the Ukrainian in May, suffering a split decision defeat in their Saudi showdown.Tyson Fury locked horns with Oleksandr Usyk in MayCredit: GETTYThe Gypsy King suffered a split decision defeat to the Ukrainian in their Saudi showdownCredit: GETTYBilly Joe Saunders reckons Fury can do a number on Usyk second time aroundCredit: INSTAGRAM@SAUNDERSBILLYJOEFury, 36, was in peak physical condition in the Riyadh rumble but couldn’t outfox the slick southpaw, who nearly knocked him out in the ninth round.But long-time pal Saunders has revealed all was not well with the Wythenshawe warrior’s preparations for the legacy-defining fight.He told talkSPORT: “I’m not making any excuses for him, but I know what went on in camp and what didn’t go on in camp [the first time around].“I know that even when it came to sparring and other bits and bobs, there was stuff missing out of it that needs to be rectified and put right this time.READ MORE IN BOXING”He’s [Fury] asked me to go away to training camp with him. “So, I’m delighted to say I will be going with him.”Fury and Usyk will renew their rivalry in a second straight desert dust-up on December 21, although all the heavyweight marbles won’t be up for grabs.And Saunders how no doubt in his mind that Fury can avenge his first professional defeat if he makes a few tweaks to his game plan.He said: “Tyson Fury, he can beat Usyk three times in one night with one simple game plan.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”My honest opinion is I don’t think there’s anyone out there who can outbox Usyk.”Tyson has got to get it out of his head that you’re not going to be running at this man or waiting.Everything we know about Fury-Usyk 2“It’s very, very simple how to beat him. You have to use your size. You have to use your physical advantages.”You have to use every attribute to full effect with this man. “I believe Tyson will win the next fight, and I believe that he will win by knockout as well.”Fury is hellbent on exacting revenge on Usyk, saying in June: “Hey guys, Tyson Fury here. Back in the gym, as you can see.”[I’m] counting down the days until I can get my redemption on Usyk.”December 21 is going to be my time. I’ve done everything in boxing, but I ain’t come back from a loss.”And I relish it, the chance to redeem myself GET UP.”December 21 is all me – undisputed heavyweight here I come.” More

  • in

    British star upgraded to Paralympics bronze after gold medal winner disqualified and banned from second event

    BRIT sprinter Zac Shaw will leave Paris 2024 with a medal after a rival was DISQUALIFIED from the T12 100m.Shaw initially finished the race in fourth place, with Turkey’s Serkan Yildirim, USA’s Noah Malone and Brazil’s Joeferson Marinho de Oliveira taking home the gold, silver and bronze medals respectively.ParalympicsGB star Zac Shaw missed out on a bronze medal in the T12 100m finalCredit: GETTYBut the disqualification of race winner Serkan Yildirim has resulted in him medallingCredit: GETTYBut the retrospective disqualification of race winner Yildirim due to the discovery of his ineligibility to compete has seen ParalympicsGB star Shaw bumped up to the bronze medal position.A World Para Athletics statement read: “On the morning of 30 August, World Para Athletics (WPA) was notified of a without notice interim injunction issued by a single judge in the Bonn regional court, requiring the NPC Turkey athlete, Mr Serkan Yildirim, to be entered into the Para-athletics men’s 100m T12 and 400m T12 medal events at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.”WPA was not provided with notice of the proceedings, or any opportunity to participate in them.”Under both the WPA classification rules and the WPA qualification regulations for Paris 2024 an athlete with a Sport Class Status ‘Review’, such as Mr Yildirim, is not eligible to compete.READ MORE PARALYMPICS NEWS”Solely in order to comply with the court order, WPA permitted Mr Yildirim to compete in the men’s 100m T12 event, pending the outcome of WPA’s appeal against the injunction.”WPA has now successfully appealed the injunction and the injunction has been lifted by the court with immediate effect.”The results of Mr Yildirim in the men’s 100m T12 medal event have been disqualified, with all resulting consequences. “The medals from the men’s 100m T12 medal event will be reallocated.Most read in Athletics”WPA appreciates the patience”WPA appreciates the patience and professionalism shown by the other teams and athletes affected by these proceedings.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChannel 4’s Paralympics Line-UpChannel 4 have a star-studded line-up of hosts and pundits for their coverage of the 2024 Paralympics”WPA is unable to provide further substantive comment at this point in time.”Shaw, 28, has yet to react to the news, although ParalympicsGB fans were over the moon at his retrospective winning of bronze.Heartbreaking moment Brit certain for Paralympics 2024 gold suddenly crashes and collapses onto velodrome floorOne said: “So well deserved! I hope he gets his moment on the podium!”Another said: “What ! Wow! Amazing.”And another said: “Congratulations @shawzac on winning a bronze medal so happy for you.”One remarked: “Fantastic news Zac so happy for you.”Another chimed in: “Wooooo @shawzac bringing home a medal fully deserved.” More

  • in

    Watch bizarre moment Chris Eubank Jr pummels Ed Balls with punches live on Good Morning Britain

    CHRIS EUBANK JR was taken the distance by TV host Ed Balls after a bizarre Good Morning Britain challenge. Eubank – son of the brilliant Chris Sr – was on the day show to discuss his return bout on October 12 in Saudi Arabia.Chris Eubank Jr gives Ed Balls a barrage of body punchesCredit: RexBalls made it to the final bell amid the body assaultCredit: RexBut first, he was tasked with leathering former politician Balls with body shots for 20 seconds straight. Former Chancellor of the Exchequer Balls, 57 was wearing a padded belt for his safety, and the show’s medic was on standby.Co presenter Susanna Reid, 53, said: “We should say we have our medic Phil on standby if Ed needs any sort of support.”As the boxer started punching the TV host, Susanna looked shocked and said: “Oh my goodness. Go gentler.”READ MORE IN BOXINGEubank, 34, replied: “I’m trying not to go too low.”Eubank appeared to pull his punches as Balls winced in pain but miraculously he stayed on his feet and took the punishment until the final bell.The former WBA world champion told the ITV host he was very impressed with how he took the punches.And Susanna joked the belt looked as though it was rather low.Most read in BoxingEd replied: “I kept pushing it down, I kept thinking, ‘get it lower, get it lower’. I was slightly worried I might have to change my surname.”Eubank admitted he didn’t hit as hard as possible, saying: “I mean, I’m not going to kill the guy on national TV.”CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBalls said afterwards: “I can’t speak very well at the moment.”Susanna joked: “It’s almost as if you’ve just been punched and winded.”When the programme returned from an advert break, Ed appeared to have recovered himself. Eubank has not boxed since his rematch victory over Liam Smith, 35, last September. Susanna Reid laughs as her co-host takes a beatingCredit: RexChris Eubank Jr is due to fight next monthCredit: RexAwkward moment Daniel Dubois tells Eddie Hearn to ‘calm down’ before Anthony Joshua threatens rival with chairSo it will be over one year out the ring by the time he returns against Pole Kamil Szeremeta, 34, in Riyadh. Eubank said: “This is a very important fight for me to get back in the swing of things, 34-years-old, 35 next month, no this month September. “So this is kind of, we’re coming into the final chapter, my last three or four years in the game. “I’ve got to make a statement, I’ve got to go out there and perform and win these big fights each and every time now because these are like my legacy fights. What people remember me for.”Eubank was linked with a mega-fight against Canelo Alvarez, 34, and also a rematch with Billy Joe Saunders, 35. READ MORE SUN STORIESBut asked if he can beat Szeremeta, he said: “Absolutely. He’s a tough opponent from Poland he is the type of guy that is perfect for a guy who’s been out the ring for a year, come back. “He’s a tough guy, he’s got a great record I think he’s got 24 wins, two losses. Yeah, I’m excited.” More

  • in

    Jake Paul so confident Mike Tyson November 15 fight will go ahead that he refuses to name backup opponent

    JAKE PAUL has revealed he DOESN’T have a replacement opponent on standby incase Mike Tyson is forced to withdraw from their fight.The pair were set to duke it out in July but their controversial clash was pushed back to November after the boxing icon suffered a medical emergency onboard a flight from Miami to LA.Jake Paul is set to throw down with Mike Tyson in NovemberCredit: EPAThe pair were due to throw down in July but the fight was rescheduled after Tyson had a medical emergencyCredit: GETTYPaul isn’t concerned about ‘Iron Mike’s’ health and doesn’t have a contingency plan in placeCredit: GETTYFormer UFC welterweight star Mike Perry stepped in to face The Problem Child and suffered a sixth-round KO loss.Paul is confident boxing legend Tyson will make their rescheduled date, so much so he’s seemingly refused to draw up a contingency plan.When pressed about Tyson’s health, the YouTube sensation told TMZ: “I don’t have concern.”He’s doing great. He’s super healthy behind the scenes and feeling great.READ MORE ON PAUL VS TYSON”So that’s what we are focusing on and there is not a back-up currently.”Paul, 27, claims he’s set to earn a whopping £30million ($40million) for his Texas tussle with Iron Mike.When asked if fighting Tyson will bring “validity” to his boxing career, Paul said: “I didn’t bring him to do s***; I’m here to make $40m and knock out a legend.”I don’t give a f*** about anything else, he’s the one who wanted it to be a pro fight and he’s going to get his ass knocked out for real.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”You’re going to see on his record; Jake Paul KOs Mike Tyson; I’m not here to do s**t except make a bag.”Every time fighters sit across from me and it’s ‘YouTuber this and Disney kid that’ and they end up on the canvas… this is going to be no different. Jake Paul stuns himself with boxing earnings to rocket up to $100m after Mike Tyson fight”I brought this deal to this old ass motherf***er, we signed the contract with Netflix and we brought him the deal.”You’re welcome, my son.”Tyson, 58, is also set to earn a pretty penny but insists it’s the feeling of having his hand raised, not the huge payday, that’s lured him back to the ring.The former undisputed heavyweight champion told Esquire: “I’m a glory junkie. I love people thinking about me all day.”I’d rather live a short life of glory than a long life of obscurity. It’s just who I am.“This is all I started fighting for—to get all this f***ing status.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m going to be chasing it for the rest of my life. I know that.”I’m never going to get what I want, because I’m one of those gluttons for pain. I can never get enough.” More

  • in

    Misfits Boxing 18 – Elle Brooke vs Jenny Savage: Date, start time, live stream, TV channel, full card for Newcastle show

    MISFITS Boxing returns to Newcastle for a stacked card!And Elle Brooke puts her MFB middleweight world title on the line in the main event against bare knuckle star Jenny “The Tennessee Gangster” Savage. Brooke vs Savage headlines a big show in NewcastleThe last Misfits Boxing show saw YouTuber Danny Aarons and Premier League-winning footballer Danny Simpson battle to a thrilling split draw after four rounds.Simpson – who won the title with Leicester City in 2016 – took the fight on four week’s notice and both stars called for a rematch after the controversial decision was read.This time round, Onlyfans star Brooke returns to defend her Misfits Boxing middleweight title. Elle Brooke drops Paige VanZant Brooke was last in action in May against MMA star Paige VanZant, in a fight which controversially ended in a draw despite Brooke dropping VanZant in the first round.Though in the way in Newcastle is bare knuckle star Savage in what is expected be Brooke’s toughest challenge yet.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhen is Misfits Boxing 18?Misfits Boxing 18 takes place on Saturday, September 14.The event starts at 7pm with the main event of Brooke vs Savage expected at around 10.30pm.The Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle plays host.Most read in BoxingElle Brooke and boxing mentor Ebanie BridgesCredit: GettyWhat is the full Misfits Boxing 18 card?A huge card in Newcastle also sees the inaugural Stake Pro tournament featuring Chris Avila, Benson Henderson, Idris Virgo and Fes Batista.The fighters will have their semi-finals and then the final all in the same night in the North East.Elle Brooke (c) vs Jenny Savage (MFB middleweight championship)Jully Poca (c) vs Crystal Pittman (MFB cruiserweight championship)Stake Pro tournament finalChris Avila vs Benson Henderson (Stake Pro tournament semi-final)Idris Virgo vs Fes Batista (Stake Pro tournament semi-final)Anthony Taylor vs Nahom WediJoey Knight vs Lil CracraAshley Rak-Su vs Tristan HammGeorge Stokey vs Lewis BowdenMisfits Kick-offsNikki Hru (c) vs Carla Jade (MFB women’s lightweight championship)Big Tobz vs KelzHow can I watch Misfits Boxing 18?Misfits Boxing 18 will be broadcast live on DAZN.The kick-off show will be live on DAZN’s YouTube channel beforehand from 6pm BST.What has been said?Co-president of Misfits Boxing, Kalle Sauerland, said: “Elle Brooke will show, yet again, how fearless she is in the massive main event against Jenny Savage, which headlines an undercard that is over-flowing with huge match-ups.“We’re bringing you two more female title showdowns plus it’s all about the last man standing in the first ever Stake Pro Tournament, featuring four big-hitting light heavyweights.” More

  • in

    Sky Sports forced to apologise for ‘strong language’ during Naoya Inoue vs TJ Doheny fight

    SKY SPORTS were forced to apologise for “strong language” after Naoya Inoue’s fight with TJ Doheny ended abruptly. Pound-for-pound star and knockout artist Inoue defended his unified bantamweight titles against Doheny in Tokyo. Sky Sports apologised for ‘strong language’ during Naoya Inoue’s fight with TJ DohenyAnd the bout was warming up at the half-way point before the champion poured on the pressure.Inoue, 31, hammered Doheny, 37, with a succession of ruthless punches before the challenger was saved by the bell just in time.But the Irishman came out for the seventh round very gingerly and quickly signalled to the referee that something was wrong. Doheny looked to point to his back and hip before the official deemed him unable to continue. READ MORE IN BOXINGConfusion ensued in the ring before Inoue was declared the winner. But as Doheny’s team stepped into the ring to attend to their man, a message popped up to Sky viewers. It read: “Apologies for any strong language used in this live programme.” The fight was in Japan and the commentary studio was in America so it is unclear where the bad language came from. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRegardless, Inoue moved to 28-0, with 25 knockouts to keep his titles. He said: “I’m still a work in progress. Today’s match especially I want to celebrate how TJ Doheny brought the fight into this ring and his career.”I would like to thank him and yes, you can expect more from me in the future.”Inoue stopped Doheny in round sevenCredit: APHe poses with his unified titlesCredit: AP More