Aurelia Butler

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    Frank Bruno wins top award at British Boxing Awards – but is too unwell to collect it after serious illness

    FORMER world heavyweight champ Frank Bruno last night won a top gong at the British Boxing Awards — but was too unwell to collect it.The 63-year-old national treasure — recovering from a severe viral infection — got the Lifetime Achievement Award at the London bash.Former world heavyweight champ Frank Bruno won a top gong at the British Boxing Awards — but was too unwell to collect it.Credit: PAFrank wrote a speech to be read out on his behalf by friend Ricky Hatton.It said: “I am sorry I cannot be with you tonight. “Trust me – I would far rather be with you than in hospital having daily tests.“Thank you to the organisers of this event and all the people that voted for me to get this prestigious award.READ MORE ON FRANK BRUNO“To get a lifetime achievement award while only in your 60s is a ­little worrying though — especially with my youthful looks!”Bruno was rushed to hospital in Qatar on March 3 after falling ill on a long-haul flight.He has since returned to the UK, where he has continued his recovery.The star was awarded an MBE for services in boxing in 1990.Most read in BoxingFour Kings takes a look back at the iconic week in British boxing from 1991 More

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    ‘This is embarrassing to watch’ – Fans can’t believe the crowd for Jake and Logan Paul event in New York’s Times Square

    JAKE and Logan Paul’s recent promotional event in New York was surprisingly poorly attended. And followers of the social media sensations were left blown away by the sparse crowd. Jake and Logan Paul held a promotional event for their ‘Paul American’ docuseries at Times Square PlazaCredit: XBut the social media sensation’s fans didn’t turn out in forceCredit: XThe YouTubers held a promotional event in Times Square Plaza this week to promote their Max Documentary, ‘Paul American’. Organisers were expecting the plaza event to be well attended. But their expectations didn’t live up to reality as only a handful of the brothers’ supporters turned up. Footage of the pair trying to hype up the small crowd in attendance went viral and received a slew of comments. READ MORE BOXING NEWSOne wrote on X: “This is embarrassing to watch.” Another said: “Jake & Logan Paul’s Times Square event flops. “Zero crowd, total embarrassment!” And another said: “F*****g trash.” Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSJake and Logan Paul’s docuseries airs on MAXCredit: MEGA AGENCYOne sarcastically remarked: “So many people… so many.” The Paul brothers likely won’t care about their detractors’ comments on the Times Square crowd size.Jake Paul claims he has agreement to fight Anthony Joshua and reveals date but brother Logan fears he’s on drugs That’s because they’ve hit yet another major milestone in landing a show on one of the biggest platforms in the world.In an exclusive interview with SunSport, Logan said of ‘Paul American’: “This show has caused a few divides in the family, which sucks for us, but it’s great media. “We’ve shown our whole lives on camera, on YouTube and the internet primarily, and we felt like Max was an outlet where we could go even further. “I don’t know why we felt like that, but maybe because it’s Max and it’s like an incredibly prestigious platform. “So we really put it all out there for everyone to judge and and and hate on us. It’s pretty sick!” More

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    Deontay Wilder announces next fight with Bronze Bomber to return to the ring on June 27

    DEONTAY WILDER will snub retirement and return to face Tyrrell Herndon in a heavyweight clash on June 27th in Wichita, Kansas.The American is coming off a devastating knockout defeat to Zhilei Zhang in June, having lost on points to Joseph Parker six months prior.Deontay Wilder has announced a shock boxing comebackWilder is set to fight journeyman Tyrrell HerndonHerndon has a 24-5-0 record (with 15 KOs)The American was beaten by undefeated Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez in October 2023.Both defeats meant Wilder squandered the chance to finally face Anthony Joshua and many thought it left his career in crisis.But according to Ring Magazine, the former WBC champion will continue fighting with a return bout set against fellow American Herndon.Herndon has won three fights since a second-round TKO loss to undefeated Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez in October 2023. The 37-year-old journeyman has a 24-5-0 record (with 15 KOs).READ MORE BOXINGAnd his last fight was a six-round split-decision against Rudy Silvas in May 2024.Herndon has always admired Wilder and was even a fan of the Bronze Bomber.He posted an old fan picture of the now fighting pair on Instagram last week, writing: “Manifesting idols become rivals eventually…..”Pay-per-view platform BLK Prime are believed to be behind the Friday night fight in the Midwest.Most read in BoxingWilder (43-4-1, 42 KOs) has won just one of his last five. The 39-year-old suffered a shock unanimous defeat to Parker and was knocked out clean out in five rounds by Zhang.Herndon posted an old fan picture of the now fighting pair on Instagram this weekCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWilder was in line for a super-fight with Joshua, 35, last year with Saudi Arabia’s boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh fronting the money.A deal was already signed but the script was torn up after Parker, 32, secured a shock points victory.Jake Paul claims he has agreement to fight Anthony Joshua and reveals date but brother Logan fears he’s on drugs Wilder went radio silence following his consecutive losses but broke cover in November to confirm his desire to fight on.He told TMZ: “The best is yet to come. I had a lot of outside distractions that I had to get rid of.”I took care of a lot of people and it got to the point where I couldn’t do it anymore.”I’ve got seven kids of my own, I can’t take care of everybody. Even the closest ones to me, I’ve been betrayed so many times.”It’s been a domino effect for the last five years. The thing about betrayal is it’s worse than heartbreak.”Zhilei Zhang knocked out Deontay Wilder last JuneWilder was sent flying to the canvas after being caught off guard in the fifth roundWilder is still regarded as one of the heavyweight division’s most fearsome punchers ever.His championship trilogy with Tyson Fury was memorable.Despite going 0-2-1, Wilder floored Fury twice in each of the first and third meetings. READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the American was stopped in Round 7 in the second fight.Now, Wilder will look to notch his first win since October 2022 (a first-round KO of Robert Helenius). More

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    Inspirational boxer Michael Watson walking miracle mile for 60th birthday – 34 years after Chris Eubank fight tragedy

    MICHAEL WATSON is walking another miracle mile to celebrate his 60th birthday.The British ring legend suffered catastrophic brain injuries in his 1991 super-middleweight world title loss to Chris Eubank Sr.Michael Watson (left) suffered serious brain injuries in a 1991 bout with Chris Eubank SrCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdWatson, middle, pictured with his doctor Peter Hamlyn and SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr. (right)Credit: Wally Downes Jr.Dr Peter Hamlyn saved his life with emergency surgery that night and has remained by his side ever since.In 2003 the inspirational pair completed the 26-mile London marathon, over six hard days with a support bus to sleep on between shifts.Now, on Wednesday April 16, at the National Police Memorial in St James’ Park on the Mall, the pair will once again hit the streets at 1pm to raise money for The Brain and Spine Foundation.Watson – whose spirit and strength is staggering to spend a single second around – hopes his fans will help get him over the line again, especially after he hit 60 on March 15.READ MORE ON BOXINGHe told SunSport: “I am absolutely looking forward to the mile because I love a challenge.”It’s Peter’s fault I have been roped into it again, he challenged me to do it for the Brain and Spine foundation and, stupidly, I said ‘yes’.”I would do anything for him, because I class this man as my hero.”Seeing my fans, who have always supported me so much, will be a big push to get it done too.Most read in Boxing”That will be the energy and the will to keep pushing on, every little bit helps and hearing my fans cheering me, that will spur me on and get me over the line.”I never made it to world champion but my fans regard me as one.”Queensberry’s hall-of-fame promoter Frank Warren donates £25,000 to The Brain and Spine Foundation Eubank Sr was at the end of the line in 2003 to celebrate his friend’s unfathomable achievement.And he was at Watson’s recent milestone birthday party, where he gifted him a Rolex watch.It was another touching moment shared between the pair, after the tragedy that befell them both on that haunting night at Tottenham’s White Hart Lane stadium.Incredibly Watson – flanked by marvellous carer Haroun Topalak, devoted friend and PR star Geraldine Davies and Dr Hamlyn – feels happier now than he did when he was a prime prize fighter and he wants to thank British boxing fans for that.Watson said: “Chris has true love and respect for me.”Chris is a good soul, he is a very emotional man and he has a lot of respect for me.”I still feel like the boxing community is in my corner and I have great people around me.”I still feel like my fans are there for me, when I see anybody in the street, they still call me ‘Champ’.”I feel so privileged to be English because I feel so loved by my fans, the English people make me feel like the peoples’ champion and that I am in their hearts and that will never fade away.”British boxing fans make me feel so appreciated and it makes me feel overwhelmed and blessed to be who I am.”From where I have come from, I am a miracle. My life has been amazing because of the people I have around me.”I am living my purpose on this earth.”I have been through a grueling process but I believe in a higher power and that everything happens for a reason.”When I was in the limelight I was troubled and not at peace, I was lost.”But now I am at peace and I am happy and content, I am at peace.”I feel so privileged to be English because I feel so loved by my fansMichael WatsonIncredible neurosurgeon Dr Hamlyn operated on Watson after horrific delays in getting him medical attention.And he was by his bedside for the 40-day coma he faced and the six-years he spent in a wheelchair.The duo will walk the mile together again and Hamlyn continues to be amazed by the physical recovery and mental fortitude Watson continues to show.Dr Hamyln said: “Michael is truly amazing. I have never seen a man survive that type of injury.”He faced year after year of struggles and showed incredible determination.”What you see now is a laughing, walking, talking, laughing joking guy.”But he went through an appalling ordeal and he only got through it thanks to his own incredible determination.”And one day, when I asked him why he kept helping me do things for the charity, he said: ‘to help people less fortunate than me’.”And that blew me away, he is just different.”The Brain and Spine Foundation also have 50 runners doing the full 26-mile London Marathon, with Watson a team captain.READ MORE SUN STORIESQueensberry’s hall-of-fame promoter Frank Warren has generously donated £25,000 for the cause and more donations can be made here.Sponsor Michael Watson and the 50 runners doing the London Marathon for The Brain & Spine Foundation here… More

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    Daniel Dubois will be ordered to face Derek Chisora in mandatory title defence – but can get out fight on one condition

    DANIEL DUBOIS will have to defend the IBF heavyweight world championship against Derek Chisora this summer.According to World Boxing News, the IBF will order Dubois, 27, to face Chisora, 41, by June 21.Daniel Dubois will have to defend the IBF world title against Derek ChisoraCredit: GettyDubois will be ordered to face Chisora by June 21Credit: PAIt’s expected Dubois will seek to become undisputed champion against Oleksandr UsykCredit: PAAnd The Ring reported the mandatory bout will be officially called on April 22.An IBF spokesperson said: “Derek Chisora is the mandatory challenger for Daniel Dubois but the mandatory bout is due to be ordered on April 22.”There is not enough time for an eliminator since Dubois’ mandatory is due on June 21.”But there is one thing that could change these plans and land Dubois with a different opponent.Read More on BoxingIt’s widely expected that the British heavyweight will seek to unify his title with Oleksandr Usyk’s WBA, WBO, WBC and Ring belts.Thus, a fight with Usyk would take precedence over a mandatory title defence against Chisora.The spokesperson added: “If Daniel Dubois wants to pursue the unification, that would take precedence over the mandatory.”This comes after Dubois was forced to withdraw from his scheduled world title defence against Joseph Parker due to illness last month.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDynamite was replaced by Martin Bakole, who agreed to fill in on short notice.Parker ended up competing in a non-title bout in which he beat Bakole via technical knockout in the second round.SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr reveals Daniel Dubois’ chances of fighting Joseph Parker ‘look grim’Dubois hasn’t been in action since knocking Anthony Joshua out at Wembley in September.If DDD faces Chisora then the latter could become world champion in his 50th and final boxing fight. More

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    ‘Let’s see who is ducking who’ – Jake Paul reveals how much he is offering Tommy Fury for huge rematch after U-turn

    JAKE PAUL has revealed how much he will offer Tommy Fury for a rematch – marking a major U-turn. Fury became the first and so far only fighter to defeat YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul – winning a split-decision in Saudi Arabia in 2023.Jake Paul has offered Tommy Fury a rematchCredit: RexFury won the initial fight in 2023Credit: AlamyThat came after he had to twice pull out of the bout, for a rib injury in 2021 and then amid a US visa issues the following year.Talk of a rematch has ensued in the years since and a recent back-and-forth saw Paul claim the “ship has sailed”. But only 24 hours, he posted in a huge U-turn: “I’m offering Tommy Fury $3M to fight me in 2025. “The number is $4M if he can legally get into the US. Let’s see who is ducking who.” READ MORE IN BOXINGFury originally took to Instagram in a rare social media video to hit out at Paul for recently calling out Anthony Joshua.But Paul – after announcing four new female signings to his Most Valuable Promotions banner – countered back at Fury.He posted: “Tommy Fumbles Fury…the ship has sailed mate. I’m trying to build the sport. You are trying to make a payday and hit the pub.”No judgement. We are just different.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFury, 25, then responded: “No worries at all mate, hope that loss doesn’t eat you up too much. “Just know, that you never had enough balls to try and avenge your loss. You’re right, we are different… I’m a winner and you’re a loser.” Jake Paul reveals talks for Tommy Fury rematch and slams Canelo Alvarez over failed fight And Paul, 28, fired back with: “You turned down $6M plus upside to headline Netflix against me. “Your dadager and you may be the two dumbest dingbats the UK has ever created. Oh and you can’t travel to the US you w****r…sooooo”Ship has sailed unless you take $3M and we run it in 2025. Let us know.”You literally have ZERO opportunity other than fighting me or the other jumping jack pullout artist.” Paul most recently beat Mike Tyson, 58, in November with the fight marred in controversy amid the huge age gap between them.Tyson was offered the scrutinised comeback bout after Fury declined the chance to rematch Paul on the streaming service. And over 100 MILLION would watch Paul’s win on Netflix – prompting shock talks to face Canelo Alvarez in May in Las Vegas.But Canelo walked away from the bout to instead sign a four-fight deal with Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh.And with Paul looking for his next opponent, he called out two-time heavyweight world champion Joshua, 35, on his podcast.Paul said: “I want to fight Anthony Joshua – exclusive – because I know I will f***ing beat Anthony Joshua’s ass.”He doesn’t have a chin, and he has no skill and he’s stiff. I love you Anthony, we’e friends, all this s*** but I want to fight you.”But Fury slammed: “Just wanted to give a little opinion on everything I’ve been seeing on social media lately.”Jake Paul versus Anthony Joshua – just wanted to come on here and remind everybody that that bum couldn’t even beat me when I basically had a broken hand.”I had one hand and he still lost. Jake Paul, I’m still your daddy and everybody weighing this fight up, don’t bother because he ain’t worth a shilling.I’m offering Tommy Fury $3M to fight me in 2025.The number is $4M if he can legally get into the US. Let’s see who is ducking who.Jake Paul “And a loss will always be there Mr Paul. Take it easy and have a good day.”Fury’s last fight saw him beat Paul’s arch rival KSI, 31, via disputed decision in October 2023 but has not returned since following his surgery.He was due to do so against Darren Till in January but he pulled out after the ex-UFC star threatened to KICK him in the head.And hitting back at Paul’s $4m (£3m) offer, Fury said: “Why would I agree to that when it’s less than our first fight AND I beat you. “You’re deluded. You claim to be a good businessman, if you want to talk business properly, I’m there. “But don’t throw me stupid offers you know won’t get accepted.”It’s clear to see that you’re just using the money as an excuse to get away from this rematch. READ MORE SUN STORIES”You brag about making $50M for fights but yet won’t pay up for the only real fight you have left. “Showing your true colours my friend. Keep running scared. I’ll see you very soon…” Jake Paul lost a decision to Tommy FuryCredit: Getty More

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    ‘Owes it to himself’ – Anthony Joshua in HUGE blow as promoter Bob Arum says retired Tyson Fury has ‘had enough’

    LEGENDARY promoter Bob Arum has called on Tyson Fury to stay retired – in a huge blow to Anthony Joshua. Joshua was knocked out by Daniel Dubois in September while Fury suffered two points losses on the bounce to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024.Tyson Fury with legendary promoter Bob ArumCredit: Getty Images – GettySo the pair of beaten British legends looked to dust themselves off and settle their score once and for all.But that was until Fury decided to announce a shock retirement in January – leaving AJ & Co in the lurch.Eddie Hearn has refused to lose hope on the dream super-fight – but Hall of Famer Arum – who promoted Fury in America – has other ideas. He told Sky Sports: “He is a good communicator and is an entertainer, but I don’t think he should step in the ring again because I think he’s had enough.READ MORE IN BOXING”Fortunately, in the last few years of his career he earned so much money his family or himself is never going to want for money. “I would advise him not to ever go back in the ring, but to make himself useful as a spokesperson because he can communicate extraordinarily well.”People are intrigued by him and I think he can do a lot of good.”Fury signed with Arum in 2019 and they had nine fights together – including two epic wins over Deontay Wilder.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd Arum – who formerly promoted Muhammad Ali – would be honoured to bring Fury out of retirement if the former champ wanted to. He said: “It’s not for me to support it or condemn it. Nobody is forcing him to do anything.‘I think she’d come around’ – Roman Fury reveals why even Tyson’s wife Paris will be on board for Anthony Joshua fight”If he wanted to come back and wanted Top Rank to be part of the comeback, of course we would be willing to do it.”That’s up to him. I mean, he’s not an uneducated, stupid kind of guy. Tyson Fury is very smart and very bright.”It would be somebody who decided of his own volition to come back, and if he wanted us involved, I would happily be involved.”Eddie Hearn still hopes Joshua will fight FuryCredit: GETTY More

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    ‘He just can’t punch’ – Eddie Hearn opens up on Anthony Joshua injury and names three alternate opponents for next fight

    EDDIE HEARN has opened up on the injury that is keeping Anthony Joshua out of the ring – as three new opponents for his next fight emerged. AJ is yet to return since his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September and a secret setback looks to have shelved a summer comeback.Eddie Hearn opened up on the injury that is keeping Anthony Joshua out of the ringHearn told SunSport: “It’s the same injury that he had before, which I’m not gonna go into.”It’s nothing major, but the problem is with these big guys you’re kind of getting through a niggle, and that’s really what it is.”It’s not something that requires an operation but he went back into training camp and just can’t punch.”Like he needs to punch and if you watch how these boys throw – it’s not like you or me just going out and hitting a few pads – it’s like it’s heavy duty.READ MORE IN boxing”And he needs about another six weeks from now till he can punch properly.”Joshua was looking towards a two-fight deal with Tyson Fury this year, stretched across Saudi Arabia and London. But Fury announced a shock retirement in January just a month after his second loss in a row to Oleksandr Usyk. And while the Gypsy King appears happy for the gloves to stay hung up – Hearn is still holding out for the phone call of his career. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “In an ideal world, Tyson Fury gets off the sofa and goes, I”m bored. I wanna roll the dice with AJ.'”And that phone call would be the most beautiful phone call I’ve had in my career, and it may come, but if it doesn’t, we’ve gotta find an opponent.Eddie Hearn lifts lid on Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul latest”And, he’s gotta be 100 per cent physically right because this is arguably the most important decision and moment of his career because it’s the final ones.”With Fury not budging on retirement, Hearn’s second port of call would be a rematch with Dubois.But the IBF champion wants to also rematch Usyk – who beat him in 2023 following a controversial low-blow which the Londoner argued was legal.It leaves Agit Kabayel and Joseph Parker – who hold the WBC and WBO interim belts respectively – as other options.And long-time American rival Deontay Wilder – once heavyweight champ himself – makes up a third alternative to fight AJ.Hearn said: “We’re in no tearing rush. The next move is so important for the last chapter, because that’s what it is.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We just gotta get it right and if we can’t get Dubois or if we can’t get Fury then we’ve gotta fight someone else.”And that could be Parker. That could be Kabayel, that could be, I don’t know, Wilder, anyone.”Deontay Wilder and Joseph Parker are options to fight JoshuaCredit: AFPWBC interim champ Agit Kabayel is also on the short listCredit: Getty More