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    Dick McTaggart dead aged 89: Tributes pour in after Britain’s best-ever amateur boxer and Olympic gold medallist dies

    BRITAIN’s greatest amateur boxer Dick McTaggart has sadly died away aged 89. The Scottish slugger’s passing was announced by his family in an emotional social media statement. Dick McTaggart has sadly passed away aged 89Credit: RexMcTaggart is the only Scottish boxer to have ever won a gold medal at the OlympicsCredit: PAMcTaggart had a whopping 610 of his 634 amateur fightsCredit: GETTYIt read: “In loving memory of Dick McTaggart, a cherished husband, father, grandfather and friend. “A true gentleman and legend in the boxing world. “His kindness, determination, humour and spirit will never be forgotten. “He will be deeply missed but forever in our hearts. Rest peacefully.”READ MORE BOXING NEWSTributes poured in for the late McTaggart – who turned his efforts to training the next generation of fighters following his retirement – from around the boxing world after the announcement of his death.A Commonwealth Games Scotland statement read: “Everyone at Commonwealth Games Scotland was saddened to learn of the passing of boxing legend Dick McTaggart MBE.”Widely regarded as Dundee’s greatest ever sportsman, McTaggart won Commonwealth Games gold and silver medals as part of a remarkable amateur career, winning 610 of 634 bouts.”Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”Most read in BoxingDick Mctaggart won gold at the 1956 Olympics in AustraliaCredit: GETTYFormer WBO super-featherweight champion Alex Arthur said: “Never mind Scotland… Dick Mctaggart is Great Britain’s greatest ever amateur boxer. “Remember a chat with Dick and him saying was nice winning the Olympic gold but imagine doing it in a Scottish vest! Eddie Hearn reveals latest on Anthony Joshua’s boxing return”Scotland might not see an Olympic boxer for years.”Boxing commentator Andy Clarke said of McTaggart at the BBBOC Awards in London: “He was a phenomenon.”One boxing fan wrote on X: “Rest in Peace, Dick McTaggart, and thank you.”Dick ran our Boxing Club at Crookston Castle School, until the bigwigs decided you needed to be a professional to teach.”Another said: “Rest in peace, champ.”McTaggart retired from boxing at 30 but closed the book on his career with accolades galore.The Dundonian’s finest achievement came at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, where he became the first Scottish boxer to win a gold medal.McTaggart made Scot’s Olympic history at the tender age of 21.Tributes poured in for the late Dick McTaggart from around the boxing worldCredit: PAMcTaggart was held in incredible esteem by his peersCredit: RexRecalling his triumph in a 2021 interview with The Courier, he said: “I had collected my gold medal and wanted to go away and celebrate with Terry Spinks, who had also won gold.”But I was told by the officials, ‘Do not leave the hall, there might be a wee surprise for you.’“Then, later on, they announced that I had won the Val Barker Trophy (which is awarded to the most outstanding boxer at the Games).”And that meant more to the British delegation that any of the other medals and prizes.”Because no British competitor had ever won it before. “And I reckon that I must have filled the trophy up with champagne about 150 times that night as everybody celebrated.”He’d competed at the Rome Olympics four years later but left the Eternal City with a bronze.READ MORE SUN STORIESMcTaggart would also win multiple Armed Forces titles during his time in the RAF.He’d also win gold at the 1960 British Empire and Commonwealth Games and an amateur European title. More

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    Johnny Fisher says Chinese takeaway will be his secret ingredient for Dave Allen rematch… and reveals famous order

    JOHNNY FISHER hopes reintroducing Chinese takeaway into his fight diet will be the special ingredient for his rematch against Dave Allen. Fisher abstained from his favourite fast food for six months before beating Allen via controversial decision in Saudi Arabia in December.Johnny Fisher is bringing a Chinese takeaway back into his fight dietCredit: Instagram @johnnyfisher1Fisher with his TikTok famous dad Big JohnCredit: Instagram @johnnyfisher1But he is going back to his roots ahead of the May 17 rematch by bringing back his trademark weekend treat. Fisher, 26, told SunSport: “I love a Chinese. Sometimes it ain’t a bad thing on a Saturday night to have a big fuel up.”Because yeah, it’s nice to stick to it all the time like I did on my last fight, but sometimes you need a bit of c**p in your system and a bit of a bit of hair on your chest, you know.”A bit of egg fried rice ain’t a problem. Last time I didn’t have a Chinese in six months before that fight, but I don’t even think that’s a good thing.READ MORE IN BOXING”Bit of Chinese ain’t gonna hurt you, do you know what I mean? Bit of chunk on you, it’s not a problem.”Fisher’s dad Big John has become a viral TikTok sensation for his love of Chinese food and loyalty to his favourite takeaway restaurant. The Fisher family sit down for a meal every Saturday and Johnny has the order memorised. But whether he is victorious against Allen again or not, the 13-0 heavyweight will have to wait to enjoy his celebratory feast. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSJohnny Fisher’s Chinese takeaway order Egg fried riceSpecial fried riceHouse special Chow MeinSweet and sour chicken Hong Kong styleCrispy pork,Beef Cantonese styleChicken ballsPork ballsChicken and sweetcorn salt soupFisher said: “After a good night’s work, Chinese is when it’s best felt.”On the night of the fight though, I don’t actually feel like eating after the fight, it’s just the adrenaline’s pumping.John Fisher opens up on his son’s brutal fight against Dave Allen after he needed brain scan “So Sunday night’s normally the Chinese night after a fight.”Fisher was down in round five against Allen and deemed fortunate to have walked away with his unbeaten record intact.But the Romford Bull looks to silence any doubters by heading right into a rematch to settle the score once and for all. Fisher, who had a brain scan after the win, said: “It was always in the back of my mind that I wanted to do it again because it was a close fight. “But then I watched it back and thought I won by one round. There’s always other opportunities – my life don’t revolve around this rematch. “But something in the back of my mind wanted to do it again – so let’s do it.” Fisher rematches Dave Allen on May 17Credit: PAFisher won the first fight on pointsCredit: Getty More

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    Andrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards: Date, start time, TV channel and undercard

    THREE Bantamweight titles are up for grabs as Andrew Cain and Charlie Edwards go head-to-head on Saturday night!Cain will be fighting in his hometown of Liverpool and will be defending his WBC International Silver Bantamweight belt – but that’s not the only title on the line.Charlie Edwards is back in action on the undercard of Nick Ball vs TJ DOhenyThe 28-year-old star will also be defending his British and Commonwealth bantamweight titles against Charlie Edwards.Cain defeated Lazaro Casseres by TKO in the second round in his last fight.He faces Charlie Edwards, 31, who has not lost a professional bout since 2016.Edwards was victorious against Thomas Essomba by unanimous decision as he looks to continue his rebuild towards another world title tilt.More Boxing NewsThe bout is set as the co-main event of the fight card which is known as ‘Hard Days Night’. The Liverpool card also features a massive world title fight between Nick Ball and TJ Doheny as the main event.When is Andrew Cain vs Charlie EdwardsThe Fight is live from the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool on Saturday, March 15.The card is set to start at 7pm GMT.The ring walk for Andrew Cain and Charlie Edwards is scheduled for approximately 9pm GMT.What TV channel is Andrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards on and can it be streamed?Andrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards will be available on TNT Sports and Discovery+.Viewers will need a TNT Sports subscription in order to watch the fight.Alternatively, coverage will be available via SunSport’s live blog.Most read in BoxingFull cardNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – for WBA featherweight titleAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – for British & Commonwealth bantamweight titles and WBC Silver titlesBrad Strand vs Ionut Baluta – for European super-bantamweight titleJadier Herrera vs Jose EnriquezJack Turner vs Ryan FarragBoma Brown vs Cristian UwakaJack Power vs Jose AguirreStephen Clarke vs Dmitri ProtkunasWilliam Birchall vs Engel GomezLucas Biswana vs Ezequiel GregoresLewis Lawton vs Artjom SpatarLeighton Birchall vs Laszlo Bernath More

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    Eddie Hearn leaps to defence of Jake Paul after Canelo fight is blocked… and compares HIMSELF to YouTube star

    EDDIE HEARN leaped to Jake Paul’s defence amid the collapse of his Canelo Alvarez fight – and even compared HIMSELF to the YouTube star.YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul and Mexican great Canelo were close to announcing a shock May 3 bout in Las Vegas. Eddie Hearn leaped to Jake Paul’s defence after the Canelo Alvarez fight collapsedCredit: RexCanelo walked away from a deal to fight Jake PaulCredit: GettyBut Canelo pulled the plug at the last minute to instead sign a bumper four-fight deal with Saudi supremo Turki Alalshikh. Paul claimed the powers that be did everything they could to prevent the mega-fight – sickened at the thought of him fighting boxing’s best.And Hearn actually agrees with the American’s sentiment – even seeing a bit of himself in the self-proclaimed Problem Child. He told SunSport: “I do believe that Jake Paul was ready to fight Canelo Alvarez.READ MORE IN boxing “I know that there’s criticism that he’s never fought a real fight before while he was trying to.”I think anyone that has power, anyone that has a little bit of a big mouth, people will try and block, disrupt. I mean, I have it myself.”So yeah, there’s gonna be a lot of people that will try and stop Jake Paul in his tracks but he’s a very determined young man, smart man. I’m sure he’ll be just fine.”Paul, 28, and Canelo, 34, were on the verge of confirming a cruiserweight clash to be streamed on Netflix. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut powerful Saudi advisor Alalshikh stepped in to offer Canelo a May 4 bout in Riyadh before his super-fight against Terence Crawford, 37, in September. Paul now looks set to turn his attention to a new opponent with SunSport understanding an announcement is close. Eddie Hearn reveals latest on Anthony Joshua’s boxing returnMeanwhile, Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions and Hearn struck a deal to confirm Katie Taylor’s trilogy with Amanda Serrano on July 11.Taylor, 38, has won two controversial decisions over Serrano, 36, in New York’s Madison Square Garden in 2022 and Texas last November. Now they renew their epic rivalry once more at the famous MSG live on Netflix in an all-women’s card. Hearn said: “I felt the size of the second fight, obviously the size of the first fight, the platform as well. “Amanda and Katie could fight 100 times and it would be Fight of The Year contenders every time. “So we were pleased to get a deal done with MVP and looking forward to the trilogy.” Katie Taylor, Hearn, Jake Paul and Amanda SerranoCredit: RexTaylor won the rematch against Serrano in TexasCredit: GettySerrano lost a controversial decision to Taylor in 2022 in New YorkCredit: AP More

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    Nick Ball vs TJ Doheny: Date, start time, TV channel and undercard for the featherweight title clash

    FEATHERWEIGHT world champion Nick Ball will be putting his belt on the line as he faces former champion TJ Doheny.Ball, 27, will be defending his featherweight title for the third time in just 12 months in his hometown of Liverpool at the M&S Bank Arena.Nick Ball defends his WBA featherweight title in Liverpool on Saturday nightTJ Doheny returns to the ring after his KO defeat at the hands of Naoya Inoue in SeptemberIn his last fight, Ball defeated American fighter Ronny Rios by TKO in the tenth round to secure his 21st win in his professional career. This next fight comes as another tough test where his title and his undefeated record will be on the line in front of a raucous home crowd.TJ Doheny, 38, is a former IBF super-bantamweight champion who most recently fought one of the best boxers in the world, Naoya Inoue.Doheny fell to a seventh round TKO in that fight and is potentially staring at one last title tilt..More Boxing NewsWhen is Nick Ball vs TJ Doheny?The fight is live from the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool on Saturday, March 15.The event starts at 7pm GMT.The ring walk for Nick Ball and TJ Doheny is scheduled for approximately 10pm GMT.What TV channel is Nick Ball vs TJ Doheny on and can it be streamed?Nick Ball vs TJ Doheny will be available on TNT Sports and Discovery+Viewers will need a TNT Sports subscription in order to watch the fightAlternatively, coverage will be available via SunSport’s live blog.Full cardNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – for WBA featherweight titleAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – for British & Commonwealth bantamweight titles and WBC Silver titlesBrad Strand vs Ionut Baluta – for European super-bantamweight titleJadier Herrera vs Jose EnriquezJack Turner vs Ryan FarragBoma Brown vs Cristian UwakaJack Power vs Jose AguirreStephen Clarke vs Dmitri ProtkunasWilliam Birchall vs Engel GomezLucas Biswana vs Ezequiel GregoresLewis Lawton vs Artjom SpatarLeighton Birchall vs Laszlo BernathWhat’s been said?Former world champ Tony Bellew has described Ball as “the most exciting fighter” in Britain.Most read in BoxingThe Bomber said: “Nick Ball gives such value for money. WThat boy just gets in the ring and he fights and fights non stop. Aggression. “I’d go as far as to say I think Nick Ball is the fittest fighter in the country. He’s relentless. “He’s literally the Tasmanian devil. He is all over you, he is not letting you off the hook. He fights fire with fire. He’s a fan’s favourite. “And as a watch for pure excitement, I’d go as far as saying he’s the most exciting fighter in this country. “I can’t see past him. “Now what you want is you want to match him with really good boxers. “So, we’ve seen him with Raymond Ford where he beat him for the world title,” More

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    ‘It was hard to watch’ – John Fisher opens up on his son’s brutal fight against Dave Allen after he needed brain scan

    JOHN FISHER opened up on the struggle of watching his boy put his health on the line in the boxing ring. Son Johnny beat Dave Allen in a brutal 12-round slug fest in Riyadh last December – which fans deemed controversial but an all-out thriller. Johnny Fisher after his fight with Dave AllenCredit: The Stomping Ground Johnny Fisher with his dad JohnCredit: @Johnfis08605918And heavyweight Fisher was left baring his battle scars after being rushed to hospital for a precautionary brain scan. Dad John – who helps flog hundreds of tickets for his son thanks to his TikTok fame – watched through his fingers alongside wife Charlotte.John told SunSport: “It’s hard to watch. “My wife was next to me, I’ve seen boxing in it’s most brutal form, I’ve seen Johnny spar in harder fights than that.READ MORE IN BOXING”So I’ve seen it before, but Charlotte was a bit, ‘Oh my God, oh my God.’ “And when you’re in Saudi, it was quite a way back away, you can’t really see what’s going on fully.”Everyone’s standing up so it wasn’t a nice watch no, if I’m being hones. It wasn’t a great watch.”Fisher was taken to hospital after winning a tight points decision having taken damage to his ear.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSJohn said: “Listen, we had to go to the hospital.”We had to have brain scans, his ear was like that thick on his left side, he couldn’t even stand up in the changing rooms, had no balance whatsoever.Eddie Hearn reveals latest on Anthony Joshua’s boxing return”But the doctors, everyone in Saudi Arabia had really looked after him, so it was very comforting when he was at the hospital.”He was all right, he had all his faculties about him, it’s just his balance had totally gone.”But it’s boxing, it’s a dangerous, dangerous game, so the top respect to all boxers, men and women that do it, boys and girls, there’s no other sport like it.”Fisher, 26, was dropped in round five by Allen, 32, but battled on to take a disputed split-decision win. Now he looks to silence any doubters by taking the immediate rematch on May 17 at the Copper Box – just six months on from the epic first battle. And Fisher – who is 13-0 with 11 knockouts – cherished his painful rumble in Riyadh. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe told us: “We’ve always spoken about it in training, back against the wall showing people you can tough it out and grit it out. “They’re the things you dream of as a professional fighter. Can’t do it all the time but to show people I’m not just a knockout artist, I can dig in, that’s another good positive.” Dave Allen lost a controversial decision to FisherCredit: PA More

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    Athlete disqualified for shameful act just centimetres from finish line that sparked fury at U20 Championship

    THE Spanish Under-20 Indoor Championships were hit by a shameful act centimetres from the finish line.Guillermo Sanchez was crowned the victor of the 1500m event in Salamanca with a time of 3:54.55.The Spanish Under-20 Indoor Championships were hit with a shocking incidentAthlete’s Daniel Lopez and Mario Palencia clashed centimetres from the finish linePalencia was disqualified for pushing Lopez over at the finish line after Lopez crossed his pathCredit: LaLiga+Lopez fell heavily to the floor after the pushHowever, as the 18-year-old raised his hands in triumph, the crowd was left stunned as second and third became embroiled in a stunning act.Athletes Daniel Lopez and Mario Palencia, both 18, were close behind Sanchez when he crossed the line. But as they approached the finish line, Lopez – who was running in second at the time – appeared to veer his path to the right. This change of direction saw him get in the way of Palencia.READ MORE IN SPORTFrustrated by the move across his path, Palencia astonishingly pushed Lopez just centimetres before the pair were set to cross the finish line.This caused Lopez to lose his balance and go tumbling over on to the floor.As reported by Marca, the act was deemed to constitute unsportsmanlike conduct under article RT7.1. Palencia received a red card for the incident and was subsequently disqualified from the race.Most read in AthleticsCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsBut it was not only the finish line push which had been considered, with the pair also clashing during the race.Both race-winner Sanchez, runner-up Lopez and the disqualified Palencia had each won their respective earlier heat to get to the final.Horror moment sprinter is smacked in the head with baton during relay before being treated for potential skull fracture More

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    ‘Only boxer Mike Tyson refused to fight’ revealed with Baddest Man on the Planet ‘scared s***less of f***ing animal’

    MIKE TYSON might have been the Baddest Man on The Planet – but even he knew his limits.According to promoter Don King’s former matchmaker Bobby Goodman, Tyson was afraid to fight George Foreman. Mike Tyson was said to be scared of fighting George ForemanCredit: AFPA 2005 article from Boxing Scene quotes Goodman as saying: “Georgie, you’ll never believe this but, f***ing Tyson is scared s***less of Foreman and wants no part of him. “I was there when Don was trying to make the fight.”He was telling Tyson that Foreman represented huge money, plus he was old and slow and would be no problem.”Tyson got up and screamed at King saying, ‘I’m not fighting that f***ing animal, if you love the motherf***er so much, you fight him!'”READ MORE ON MIKE TYSONForeman initially retired in 1977 but he returned after a ten-year hiatus from the ring at the age of 38. By that time, Tyson had become the youngest heavyweight champion of all time at just 20 years old. In 1990, controversial promoter King tried to pit the pair together by having them fight on the same card. Tyson knocked out Henry Tillman while Foreman beat Adilson Rodrigues – but talks collapsed quickly soon after.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIron Mike was later sent to prison in 1992 for a rape conviction – serving three years in jail. Meanwhile, Foreman became the oldest heavyweight champ of all time at 45 when he knocked out Michael Moorer in 1994 while Tyson was behind bars. Mike Tyson doesn’t hesitate when asked who was most powerful puncher in boxing Tyson returned by 1995 – becoming champion that year – he retired in 2005 following two dismal defeats. Foreman was also retired by 1997 and ironically admitted he did not want to fight Tyson either.He once told ESPN: “That guy was a nightmare in the ring. I didn’t want anything to do with that guy.”I didn’t want a part of Mike Tyson. He was a monster. If he missed you with his left, then missed you with his right, he’d bite you.”Those are the kind of guys you see in a nightmare. You want to wake up and say, ‘so glad that’s a dream’.”I didn’t want any part of Mike Tyson – no way.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter boxing, Foreman launched a successful line of cooking grills. And Tyson returned for a controversial fight last November against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, 28, losing on points. Foreman was boxing’s oldest heavyweight champ at 45Credit: GettyHe also admitted to not wanting to fight Mike TysonCredit: RexJake Paul beat Mike Tyson on pointsCredit: Reuters More