Aurelia Butler

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    Floyd Mayweather on course to lose unbeaten record to unknown 42-0 boxer who feared he would die in horror kidnapping

    ROAD WARRIOR Abel Mendoza has been been building a record that matches the great Floyd Mayweather – but it almost cost him his life. Mendoza’s undefeated 42-0 record has been flying under the radar thanks to bouts in Mexico, South America, Jamaica and even South Korea. Abel Mendoza is the 42-0 boxerCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamkingabelHe is close to breaking Floyd Mayweather’s 50-0 recordCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamkingabelHis career has been going under the radarCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamkingabelBut it was after his last win in December – a win over Yonnaiquer Rondon in Colombia – that he was left staring death in the face. Mendoza was kidnapped in the back of a taxi alongside his friend and faced a fight to survive. Recalling the harrowing experience, he told SunSport: “I thought we were gonna die. “I thought they were gonna take us, hold us for ransom. At that moment I thought, man, I was disappointed.READ MORE IN BOXING”And in that moment I thought to myself – that’s when it just kind of hit me like – no I can’t die like this. I’m not gonna die.” Before turning professional in 2016 in Texas, Mendoza says he had close to 300 amateur bouts. He even beat Lamont Roach – who most believed was robbed of victory against superstar lightweight champion Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis.Mendoza said: “I thought he beat Tank and I knew Lamont was gonna be a a hard fight for Tank, but a lot of people didn’t believe it.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe 29-year-old is managed by brothers Scott and David Tetreault – who have taken his boxing career around the globe. But still Mendoza is without his big break, despite a shiny record to defend. When does WWE-backed TKO Saudi boxing league start and what does it mean for Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren?He said: “I haven’t been working with anybody or no other fighters wants to take a chance. They see my record, maybe they’re intimidated. “But I would have thought it would be the other way like, ‘Oh, he’s 42-0. Let me take his unbeaten record.’ But it’s not like that.”Mendoza took his career on the road in a bid to build his record, fighting largely in Mexico and up to EIGHT times a year.But six of his last eight have been in Colombia – with the most recent sparking his horror kidnapping ordeal. Mendoza claims he hailed down a cab after his Uber app stopped working – before a group of thugs robbed the boxer and his friend. He said: “Two guys get into the back and one of them had a screwdriver, the other one had a knife.”The driver, he turns around, he’s like, ‘Shut up, shut up, don’t talk.’ And I’m just in shock. I just couldn’t believe it.”And then they keep driving. I kept telling him like, ‘Hey man, let me go. You can take all my things here.’Mendoza has fought all around the worldCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamkingabelMendoza poses with boxing legend Manny PacquiaoCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamkingabelHere he is rubbing shoulders with UFC boss Dana WhiteCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamkingabel”They just kept telling me to shut up. They hit me, I gave him my phone, gave him everything and all the money that I had.” Mendoza spotted an ambulance – first mistaking it for a police car – when he decided to fight his way out. He said: “I look at my friend and I’m like, ‘Right now’ because they don’t know English.”So I’m like, ‘Hey, right now.’ And my friend’s like, ‘All right.’ So I punched the guy and I opened the door.”My friend kicks the seat and he grabs the guy – because you could tell they weren’t fighters – and I opened the door and jumped out and my friend did the same thing.”He grabbed him and he took the knife and he jumped out too and we ran to a gas station.”Despite the terrifying ordeal, Mendoza is still not put off boxing away from home. He said: “I’m not afraid. I’ve been to Korea, I’ve been to Mexico a lot, even in New Mexico. I probably won’t go back to Colombia.”I mean, I’ll go anywhere, it’s what I’ve always done.”No I can’t die like this. I’m not gonna dieAbel Mendoza Mendoza improved to 42 wins before the kidnap attempt – moving ever closer to Mayweather’s record-breaking 50-0.But Mendoza insists: “The goal has always been trying to win belts. “I wanna become a world champion and I really don’t care about getting to 50-0. I have a lot of fights because I like to fight. “I love to fight. I have a lot of fights, I would rather take a fight than stay inactive and that’s why I have a lot of fights.”The goal is not to get to 50-0, the goal is to become a world champion. “If I get to 50-0 while that happens, it happens but I’m just trying to become a world champion.”Mendoza thought his big break was coming in February when Floyd Schofield pulled out of fighting WBC champ Shakur Stevenson.The Texan was ready to travel 8,000 miles to Riyadh to replace Schofield – but Britain’s Josh Padley was just a seven-hour flight away.Abel Mendoza snapped with Jake PaulCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamkingabelBrave Padley was beaten in nine rounds as Mendoza said: “My team reached out to them and they were trying to make it happen.”But I guess somebody from the UK was closer so they found him and he was there. It happens.” Mendoza has also called out 11-1 YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul – despite their FIVE STONE weight difference. But he said: “I just put it out there that I’d fight Jake. I actually think Jake’s a decent fighter, so that was one of the reasons why I put that out there.”I don’t know if he’s at the elite level. I think that’s whatwe’re all waiting to see… if if he’s at the elite level.”But from what I’ve seen, he looks pretty decent.”Mendoza is now just waiting for his big opportunity – warning boxing bigwigs he is open for business. He said: “I’m ready to fight, I wanna fight the best so I can prove myself that I am the best. I’m a free agent, so that’s a good thing.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m able to work with whoever right now and there are a few promoters interested. “But I’m just trying to be patient and just waiting to see what happens.”Mendoza is ready for the big timeCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamkingabel More

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    I’d be happy if Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn never fight – the feud is a gimmick and neither are a patch on their dads

    CONOR BENN and Chris Eubank Jr reduced boxing to Donald Trump levels of boorish behaviour last week while selling their so-called family feud at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 26.When Eubank smashed a raw egg into the side of Benn’s face in Manchester, it was a symbolic gesture to humiliate him for claiming it was eating too many eggs which caused him to fail two drug tests.Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn are set to face off on April 26Credit: SplashThere is a big size and weight difference between the two fightersCredit: SplashIt led to a mass brawl involving promoters Eddie Hearn, Ben Shalom and the two fighters — and it was only the intervention of heavily muscled security men that prevented it from getting out of hand.For his trouble, Eubank has been called before the British Boxing Board of Control’s disciplinary committee for bringing the sport into disrepute. Let’s hope he is handed a hefty fine.This fight was supposed to have taken place 30 months ago but was called off at the last minute because of Benn’s drug test problems.Along with others, I had condemned the fight as being dangerous to the health of both men.READ MORE IN BOXINGWe had the distinct possibility of Benn, a small welterweight, going into the ring with a super-middleweight likely to be more than a stone heavier than him.The vast physical difference between them is highlighted by the fact Benn is three inches shorter than Eubank and will be outreached by five inches. When it was postponed at the 11th hour, I said in this column that boxing could heave a huge sigh of relief it isn’t facing the possibility of a catchweight catastrophe.For me, it was a blessing in disguise, as I always had grave doubts about the wisdom of allowing the fight — particularly as Eubank was asked to boil down to a skeletal 157lb.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAt least this time it is being held at the 11st 6lb limit, with a 170lb rehydration clause written into Eubank’s contract.This fight had no validity then and has no validity now.Chris Eubank Jr scanned by an ‘egg detector’ ahead of Conor Benn press conference after slap controversyIt is purely a money-making gimmick based on the fact Benn’s dad Nigel and Eubank’s father, also Chris, fought each other in two great world title fights in the 1990s.The two offspring are nowhere near as good as their fathers but I’m not naive enough to realise that, despite my misgivings, there will be a 60,000 sell-out crowd in North London next month.I often wonder how many who sit at big-fight ringsides worry about the safety of the boxers — particularly if they boo when a referee stops a contest to save someone from serious injury.Maybe I’m a purist, but boxing should always be a level playing field — it’s dangerous already without adding any unnecessary hazards.I know the fighters will hate me saying this, because I’m sure they have guaranteed millions, but I wouldn’t be unhappy if Benn and Eubank never did fight each other. More

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    Meet the Greta Thunberg of Team GB Athletics who has turned down events to avoid flying

    ECO WARRIOR Innes FitzGerald is ‘gutted’ the British Athletics squad took a flight not the Eurostar to Holland for the European Athletics Indoor Championships.The Greta Thunberg of track-and-field might only be 18 years old, but she cares deeply about highlighting environmental issues.Innes Fitzgerald cares a lot about highlighting environmental issuesCredit: GettyShe prefers not to fly to eventsCredit: GettyTwo years ago, FitzGerald – who is studying Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Exeter – skipped a cross-country event in Australia in “solidarity” of the “climate breakdown”.And to attend a race in Turin, she took trains, coaches and even rode a bicycle instead of taking a straightforward, direct flight to Italy.Yet for this latest event in Apeldoorn, she reluctantly flew with teammates into Amsterdam because she did not have enough time to sort out a train schedule.FitzGerald, who hails from Beer in Devon, said: “Unfortunately, this time, I hadn’t managed to sort it out.READ MORE ON SPORT“Logistically, it’s been quite complicated. I’ve been very busy with uni stuff and other different family issues.“I do feel like I should be getting the train there and that’s definitely something I’m going to be doing in the future.“And for me, it’s quite gutting that the whole team aren’t going together on the train, considering it’s so close and so easy to do.“But I’ll continue to talk out about environmental issues in the future, because I know it’s really important. I strongly believe that we as athletes have a responsibility.Most read in AthleticsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“There’s always more they can do, whether that’s World Athletics or British Athletics, or any other organisations.“I think there’s always more to be done and I’ll continue to campaign for that. ‘See you next week’ vows Sharlene Mawdsley as she preps for Euro Champs with ‘lots of hard work, good food & goodies’“Whenever I’m getting on a flight, it’s never easy. I’m always thinking: ‘Oh, I shouldn’t be doing this.’“But I know that I’ve got to go to these championships to fulfil my dreams as a professional athlete.“So, it’s just about balancing that and trying to do as much as I can in other areas of my life to try and make up for it – and speak out and raise awareness.“Greta is very inspirational. She has managed to mobilise so many young people.“I think it’s a compliment to be associated with her. If I can do anything near to what she’s done, then I’ll be very happy.”Her first appearance wearing a senior GB top will be on Saturday morning in the heats for the women’s 3,000 metres.A successful junior cross-country runner, FitzGerald finished third in the indoor trials in Birmingham but was selected when second-place Laura Muir suffered a calf injury.FitzGerald is coached by Gavin Pavey – the husband of five-time Olympian Jo – and she said: “There’s not too much pressure on me because of my age and it’s my first senior GB vest.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I just want to go out there and enjoy it. Hopefully I’ll get into that final. That’s where I believe I belong.“Hopefully I’ll compete for one of those medals. But just getting close, that’s the main thing.”Personal best(s)Here is a look at FitzGerald’s recent best times…1500m: 4.15:04 (Watford, 2022)3000m: 8.40:05 (Ostrava, 2025)5000m: 15:26.76 (Manchester, 2024) More

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    Katie Taylor record trilogy bout CONFIRMED but Amanda Serrano blasts boxer for ‘not keeping her word’ & vows ‘it is war’

    KATIE Taylor’s trilogy fight with Amanda Serrano will go ahead this summer for a world record pay packet.The Bray boxing sensation, 38, had hoped to main event in Croke Park later this year, but will now take on her opponent on July 11 in Madison Square Garden.Their first epic match-up was held at the famed New York venueIn November they filled out Texas’ 80,000 capacity AT&T Stadium for a card that was co-headlined by Mike Tyson vs Jake PaulThe Bray Bomber edged a decision last time outKT will take on her old for an historic pay day when the rivals headline a historic all-women’s boxing card in the iconic New York arena.The event, promoted by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, will be streamed live on Netflix.Taylor is ranked No. 2 on ESPN’s pound for pound list and has been undisputed in two weight classes.The pair’s first clash in April 2022 made history as the first women’s fight to headline MSG, earning global acclaim and winning Sports Illustrated’s Fight of the Year and The Ring’s Event of the Year for 2022.Taylor vs. Serrano was also nominated for Sports Business Journal’s Event of the Year, a testament to the global reach and power of the event.Their rematch at AT&T Stadium in November 2024, streamed on Netflix, shattered records with 74 million average viewers globally, becoming the most-watched women’s sporting event in U.S. history.It was also named the 2024 Women’s Fight of the Year by ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and Boxing Scene.A gleeful Taylor said of their looming round three: “I want to thank everyone at Matchroom, MVP and Netflix for getting the trilogy over the line and I can’t wait to headline at MSG again in July.Most read in Boxing“I’m 2 and 0 against Amanda but it’s obviously a very special rivalry that delivers every time we step in the ring so I think it’s only right that we have the trilogy. “The atmosphere for the first fight there was amazing and I’m sure it won’t be any different this time around.Eddie Hearn reacts wildy in the ring as Katie Taylor beats Amanda Serrano”The numbers that got to see the last fight in November were incredible so hopefully those people will all want to tune in for the trilogy fight as well and we can deliver another great fight.”Meanwhile a vengeful Serrano vowed: “I promised my fans they would see this trilogy, and I’m incredibly grateful that we get to complete our journey where it all began — at Madison Square Garden, live on Netflix for the world to see.“I’m disappointed that Katie Taylor did not keep her word and make the trilogy 12 three-minute rounds, equal to the men. “This is a record-setting payday for both of us, and we owed it to the fans to honour the handshake deal we made.”She didn’t. But make no mistake, every time we share the ring, it is war, and I know Friday, July 11, will be the greatest yet because I will finally get the official W I deserve. “Headlining an all-female card at MSG, representing both New York and Puerto Rico, is something I never thought would be possible, and it wouldn’t be without Nakisa Bidarian, Jake Paul, and MVP’s commitment to elevating women’s boxing. “I’m proud to stand alongside all the talented women on this card, and I hope our fight inspires young girls everywhere to keep believing in themselves and never stop chasing their dreams.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThis event will also set a new financial standard for female fighters with Taylor and Serrano set to receive record-breaking purses, continuing to raise the benchmark as the highest-paid female fighters of all time.Pre-sale ticket signups are available now, with the official on-sale date to be announced soon. More

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    TKO Saudi boxing league: When does UFC and WWE-backed league start and what does it mean for Eddie Hearn & Frank Warren?

    THERE is a new major player in the sport of boxing who could end up changing the landscape of the sport forever.Saudi bigwig Turki Alalshikh and The Ring Magazine have teamed up with the TKO Group – which owns the WWE and the UFC – to create a new boxing league.Turki Alalashikh announced the formation of a boxing league with the TKO Group this weekCredit: GETTYAlalshikh has enlisted the services of UFC supremo Dana White to run the leagueCredit: INSTAGRAM@TURKIALALSHIKHWhite has been brought on board to implement the UFC’s successful model in the leagueCredit: INSTAGRAM@DANAWHITEThe formation of the league could potentially change the landscape of boxing foreverCredit: GETTYAnd Alalshikh has enlisted the services of UFC supremo Dana White to run the promotion, which he believes will “crush” its rivals in the coming years.The chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority said: “If you want to fix boxing or any sport or doing some big project like this, we will not have any options better than Dana White.”And when I see him in this hotel before, one year (ago), with our friend Nick (Khan, TKO board member), and we are talking about this … we go on back, and we have the same vision.”And I trust (that) this league, in a short time, will crush everything.”READ MORE BOXING NEWSAlalshikh’s words have sent shockwaves across the boxing world, with promoters and sanctioning bodies now seriously sweating over their futures.But what does the Saudi-backed league mean for the future of boxing?SunSport is on hand to bring you everything we know so far about the potentially seismic shift in the noble art.When will the league be officially launched?JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTurki Alalshikh has teased a major announcement in SeptemberCredit: GETTYAn official date for the launch of the league – the name of which remains a mystery – has yet to be revealed.Most read in BoxingAlalshikh, however, teased that an announcement will be made on September 12, the day before the eagerly anticipated showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford.KSI tipped for sensational fight in Alcatraz by Turki Alalshikh as he makes major boxing U-turn During an appearance on ESPN, he said: “Ask [Dana] when the first event will be held in September. Ask him to answer… Maybe it’ll be September 12th.”What will the format be?Alalshikh has seemingly entrusted White to implement the highly successful and extremely profitable UFC format.It’s unclear whether the MMA league’s model will translate to the world of boxing given the promotion’s often-criticised revenue split with fighters and No1-ranked combatants often being overlooked for title shots.”There’s zero speculation on the format,” White said. “You know the format, and everybody knows the format.Implementing the UFC model in boxing could prove to be difficult for Dana WhiteCredit: GETTY”The best fight the best. You work your way up the rankings, and once somebody breaks into the top five, there’s no question who the best five guys in the world are in each weight class, and they fight it out.”And then, once somebody holds that belt, you don’t need three letters in front of the belt.”Whoever has that belt is the best in the world in that weight class. It’s a very simple model.”Potential amendments to or the repealing of the Ali Act – which was introduced in 1999 to protect the welfare of fighters and eliminate anti-competitive practices in the sport – could end up working in favour of White and Co.What does it mean for promoters?Veteran promoters Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn will be sweating following the announcementCredit: GETTYVeteran promoters Bob Arum, Eddie Hearn, Oscar De La Hoya, Ben Shalom and Frank Warren will undoubtedly be thinking about their futures in the sport following the bombshell announcement.But they won’t be going anywhere any time soon as they have most of the talent contractually locked up.That means the TKO-backed league will initially need to work with Boxxer, Golden Boy, Matchroom, Top Rank and Queensberry Promotions.READ MORE SUN STORIESFighters, however, could opt to see out their contracts with their respective promoters and jump ship given the prestige The Ring Magazine belt holds and the promotional power the TKO Group possesses.The biggest motivator for jumping ship, however, will be the astronomical paydays the Saudis have dished out in recent years. More

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    Olympics icon pulls out of professional boxing debut after health scare and is ‘undergoing further tests’

    CINDY NGAMBA has been pulled from her eagerly anticipated professional debut due to a medical “issue”.The Olympian was set to make her professional bow on the undercard of Natasha Jonas’ unfied light-middleweight title defence against Lauren Price at the Royal Albert Hall on Friday night. Cindy Ngamba was set to make her professional debut on FridayCredit: PAThe 26-year-old was set to throw down with Kirstie Bavington on a historic card at London’s Royal Albert HallCredit: GETTYBut a medical issue has scuppered the 26-year-old’s eagerly anticipated pro debutCredit: GETTYBut doctors have pulled the Cameroonian from the card after discovering an “issue” during her pre-fight screening. A Boxxer statement read: “Cindy Ngamba will not be making her professional debut on Friday night after a pre-fight medical examination revealed an issue requiring further medical attention.”The health and safety of fighters remains the highest priority. “And Cindy will undergo further tests in the coming days.”Boxing fans took to X to discuss their dismay at the cancellation of Ngamba’s clash with Kirstie Bavington.One wrote: “Hope it’s nothing serious. “Far too many scares in boxing to be taking the risk now.”Another said: “Hopefully, Ngamba makes a speedy recovery and the fight can be rearranged.”Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSCindy Ngamba claimed a bronze medal at the 2024 Olympics in ParisCredit: GETTYAnd another said: “Don’t know about you lot but that’s my friday ruined!”One remarked: “Not an ideal start to a pro career on the eve of her debut. Bizarre moment Conor Benn has face off with an empty chair after Chris Eubank Jr no-shows following egg slap row”Hopefully, nothing too serious.”Ngamba’s debut was one of the most anticipated fights on the historic all-female card at the Albert Hall.The 26-year-old, who has called the UK home since she was 11, competed at the 2024 Olympics in Paris – representing the Refugee Olympic Team. And she became the first winner of a medal for the team when she took home a bronze in the Under-75 kg category.Ngamba – who was ineligible to compete for Team GB despite training with the team – bravely came out as a lesbian in 2017. Her public declaration of her sexuality means she risks imprisonment if she returns to Cameroon, where homosexuality is illegal.She revealed: “You can be killed, beaten up or put in prison. I can’t go back.” More

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    I sunk $100,000 into my boxing career before one punch changed my life… now I’m signed to Jake Paul

    LUCAS BAHDI sunk $100,000 of his own money into his boxing career – but one punch saw the gamble all pay off. Bahdi was an unknown outsider in July 2024 when Floyd Schofield pulled out of fighting Jake Paul’s highly-touted prospect Ashton Sylve. Lucas Bahdi knocked out Ashton Sylve with a monstrous left hookCredit: Esther Lin/ Most Valuable PromotionsBahdi was signed by Jake Paul afterwardsCredit: Esther Lin/ Most Valuable PromotionsSo when the Canadian got the call on three weeks notice to replace Schofield – he backed his lightning quick hands to steal Sylve’s thunder.Bahdi, 31, told SunSport: “I was going in as a B-side opponent. They didn’t expect anything from me. “That was an event to showcase Ashton and I came in and I stole the show.”They didn’t really know much about me at the time but they got to learn real quick.” READ MORE IN BOXINGBahdi sensationally came from behind to knock Sylve out and leave the 21-year-old faceplanting the canvas after a devastating left hook.The lightweight became a star overnight and was quickly signed by Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions banner. But what fans did not know was Bahdi had been quietly making a name for himself on small shows in Mexico and Canada. He was just praying an opportunity would come his way – estimating he spent $100,000 (£77,000) of his own cash to fund his career. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBahdi said: “When I first turned pro, I was fighting like every four or five weeks.”I fought nine fights in nine months and I funded my whole career from from my pro debut till about 11-0, 12-0.KSI lifts lid on meeting with Turki Alalshikh and teases fight talks… but blasts Jake Paul as ‘disgrace to boxing’ “And if I didn’t do that, I probably wouldn’t have got that opportunity to fight Ashton.”Because I would have had only a couple of fights or I would have been with the local promoter.”I think everything played out in my favour. I bet on myself and I definitely pulled through.”Bahdi’s sixth-round KO of Sylve was fitting for any Hollywood movie script – but he says that is nothing compared to what he experienced in Mexico. One bout – during the covid pandemic – saw Bahdi travel without any friends, family or coaches.And he was staring defeat in the face when both his hands were busted and his eyes almost closed shut due to damage sustained. Bahdi revealed: “Five weeks before, I broke my left hand. I was so frustrated with everything that I didn’t care.It was the craziest story – they could have made a movie on that night. Lucas Bahdi “I said, I’m still gonna go and I’m gonna knock him out with one hand. And in the first round, I broke my good hand!”So I was in there with two broken hands and it was the middle of the second round when I realised something is really wrong with my good hand at the time.”Things weren’t going well for me after that point, the third round was a terrible round and I was getting touched up pretty good.”Both my eyes were almost swollen shut and in the fourth round, I ended up catching him with counter left hook and knocked him out.”It was the craziest story – they could have made a movie on that night. “From before the fight, till after the fight, to going home, traveling alone with two broken hands, with almost two eyes that are swollen shut.”There could have been a movie on that. I couldn’t even pack my bags. ‘It’s only a matter of time'”To get out of the hotel, I literally had to get the front desk to help me. It a crazy eventful experience, to say the least.”Bahdi is now a 135lb contender being pushed with the help of YouTuber-turned boxer Paul. And Bahdi said: “He’s not only a boxer himself, he’s a promoter, so he’s got to put both hats on and it’s not easy to do. But he’s amazing for the sport.”He’s amazing to be a part of his team because he’s got such a big influence and he’s he’s making waves in the boxing scene right now as you can see and I think this is only the beginning.”Bahdi is 18-0 with 15 KOs and returns on Friday in Canada against Ryan James Racaza, 28, himself unbeaten in 15 bouts.And he warned the champions at lightweight that it is only a matter of time until he comes hunting for their gold. Bahdi warned: “I think in the next six to 12 months, I’ll be fighting for titles. It’s only a matter of time. I’m only a couple of fights away.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m aiming for the champions, whether it’s Gervonta Davis, Shakur Stevenson, Loma or Keyshawn Davis. For me, I don’t care.”I’m gonna be knocking on their doors very soon and if they don’t answer, I’ll be kicking them down.”Bahdi’s brutal KO of SylveCredit: Esther Lin/ Most Valuable PromotionsHe is now 18-0 looking for a world title shotCredit: Esther Lin/ Most Valuable Promotions More

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    ‘It’s f***ing brutal’ – Dillon Danis reveals horror knee injury left him suicidal before turning his career around

    DILLON DANIS has opened up on how his horror knee injury left him in the darkest of places – and how boxing has been an unlikely source of light.The American shot to fame in 2016 after being hired by Conor McGregor as a jiu-jitsu training partner before the Irishman’s rematch win over Nate Diaz. Dillon Danis recovered after horror knee injuriesCredit: @dillondanisHe has turned it around to embark on a big-money boxing switchCredit: SplashDanis has since become a controversial and outspoken figure in fight sports after going 2-0 in MMA. But two agonising knee injuries suffered in training left him bed bound and depressed.Danis, 31, told SunSport: “It was terrible. F***ing terrible.”I mean, I don’t want to get too dark, but it does get a little suicidal because you can’t do what you love and you’re stuck in a bed in a brace, you can’t move for eight months.READ MORE IN BOXING”I had it twice, so yeah, it’s f***ing brutal. You don’t know if you’re ever gonna be the same again.”There’s a lot of s***, man, it’s one of the worst things that you can go through as an athlete.”Danis’ last fight in the cage was 2019 and he became more recognisable as an internet troll than professional fighter. And despite limited striking skills, Danis chased big-money boxing bouts against the likes of Jake Paul. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe pulled out of a 2023 fight against KSI before eventually facing Paul’s brother Logan in his boxing debut in 2023. Danis does now return to the ring once more to fight KSI on March 29 in Manchester – three years after their initial bout was axed. KSI reveals penalties in Dillon Danis’ contract to stop rival performing MMA moves in ring And, the New Yorker also has an MMA return scheduled for May against ex-UFC star Tony Ferguson, 41. It is a sudden turn of events for the 31-year-old – who welcomed his son into the world one month before fighting Logan. Danis said: “I’m fine money-wise, it’s just more for my legacy in my career.”I wanna get back just fighting, that’s what I love to do. I have to do knee surgeries and now I’m more healthy. “So I just wanna be active, but obviously having a son is great, but you know, providing, but I have money, so it is what it is.”Danis was disqualified in the sixth and final round against Logan after attempting an MMA-style submission move. And he had no plans of ever getting back into the boxing ring – until a mega-money offer came in from old enemy KSI.Danis said: “I didn’t wanna box again, to be honest with you. Danis welcomed his son into the world in 2023Credit: @dillondanisDanis is out to provide for his boyCredit: @dillondanis”I want MMA but then this fight came around and it was KSI and redemption and there was a lot of things into it.”A lot of money, and you know me and KSI’s backstory, him being close to Logan.”So yeah, I mean it is what it is. I knew that KSI always needed me with this fight. I don’t need him. He needs me.”KSI is yet to return since suffering his first defeat in the ring, losing a controversial decision to Tommy Fury, 25, the night Danis fought Logan. And the British YouTuber-turned-boxer was left scrambling for an opponent after ex-Chelsea defender Wayne Bridge, 44, pulled out.That was after KSI made reference to Bridge’s infamous feud with former team-mate John Terry.So Danis was called in as a late replacement – offering him and KSI the chance to finish their feud once and for all. But Danis said: “I just feel like he’s not equal to me. I was saying he’s like a little brother to me, so I don’t know, I don’t really care about the guy.”I’m gonna knock him out and get my money and go and fight Tony. So it is what it is. It’s an easy boxing match.”He’s gonna run around for six rounds. I know how he is. I’m just happy to punch him in the face.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe bad blood between the two escalated on stage at the press conference when KSI slapped Danis with a PANCAKE. Danis had to be held back by a team of security as he desperately tried to get his hands on KSI – who wheeled off in laughter. KSI slapped Danis with a pancake at their press conferenceCredit: PA More