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    in Athletics

    Commonwealth Games could be saved from extinction as new host country emerges after Australia pulled out

    MALAYSIA could rescue the beleaguered Commonwealth Games by becoming a potential host country for the 2026 Games.The Australian State of Victoria was supposed to host the event in two years’ time but pulled out last summer due to budget blowouts.Athletics stars like Team Scotland’s Josh Kerr could yet return to Commonwealth Games action in 2026Credit: GettyOrganisers hope to ensure that Birmingham 2022 is not the last GamesCredit: GettyAccording to Malaysian sports officials, the under-fire Commonwealth Games Federation last month offered them the chance to stage the Friendly Games in the capital city Kuala Lumpur.It is claimed the offer includes “significant financial investment of £100million to support the local delivery and legacy planning” of the 2026 edition.Malaysia became the first Asian nation to host the 94-year-old event in 1998 when Australia topped the medal standing ahead of England.Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria, the president of the Olympic Council of Malaysia, said: “The last time Malaysia hosted the Commonwealth Games was in 1998.READ MORE TOP STORIES“Thus the Commonwealth Games Association of Malaysia is of the opinion that the Government of Malaysia should consider this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and the associated support and financial investment.“This will build on the success of Kuala Lumpur 1998 and put Malaysia back on to the world sporting map.“With the existing world-class facilities, Malaysia is well-equipped to host an international event of Commonwealth magnitude involving 74 Commonwealth nations and territories.“The hosting will involve minimal Government spending and bring significant socio-economic benefits to the country.Most read in Athletics“It will also elevate the standard of Malaysia sports much like the way it did in the aftermath of the 1998 Games.”Birmingham hosted the event in 2022 but since then the city council has effectively declared bankruptcy.Shaun Custis and Rob Maul discuss the rise of Luke Littler and what the future holds for Darts wonderkidAnd the £72million Alexander Stadium – the centrepiece for the athletics programme – has not been used for any other sporting events.UK Sport, the government agency responsible for masterminding major tournaments, has no plans to bid for either the 2026 or 2030 editions of the Commonwealths.A Commonwealth Games Federation spokesperson said: “The CGF is in advanced, confidential discussions with potential hosts to secure a solution for the 2026 Games that inspires athletes and helps transform the Games to a truly sustainable model.“These discussions follow our announcement to members at our General Assembly last November that £100million of financial and strategic support would be made available from the Victoria withdrawal settlement.“Malaysia has a fantastic track record of delivering sporting events and the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur were hugely successful.“We are encouraged by their early concepts of building on this legacy through use of many of the same world class facilities.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We welcome innovative proposals and are in positive discussions with potential hosts.“We are committed to providing an update on the expedited process, and giving greater clarity to our stakeholders and athletes, as soon as possible.” More

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    in Boxing

    Joe Joyce vs Kash Ali: UK Fight time, TV channel, live stream, undercard as Joyce returns following two straight defeats

    JOE JOYCE returns to the ring as he tries to piece together a career that was shattered by consecutive defeats to Zhilei Zhang.After rising to be on the brink of world title contention, back-to-back defeats to Big Bang Zhang has left Joyce in no man’s land.Joe Joyce is looking to resurrect his career against Kash AliCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunThe Londoner, 38, next faces Kash Ali in Birmingham hoping to resurrect his career, especially considering the manner of Zhang’s defeat to Joseph Parker on the undercard of Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou.Ali is also coming off of a loss, having been beaten on points by Bohdan Myronet – he had been on a six-fight winning streak before that stretching back to his controversial disqualification against David Price in March 2019.Ali lost his boxing licence for six months after biting the midriff of his opponent.When is Joe Joyce vs Kash Ali?Joe Joyce vs Kash Ali takes place at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham this weekend.READ MORE ON JOE JOYCEIt is on the undercard of Liam Davies’ clash with Erik Robles Ayala for the vacant world super-bantamweight title.
    The fight takes place on Saturday, March 16.
    The event starts at 7pm with Joyce’s ring walk expected at 8pm UK time.
    How can I watch Joe Joyce vs Kash Ali?The card is being broadcast by TNT Sports 1 in the UK – it will not be a pay-per-view event but customers will need TNT Sports as part of their TV subscription.Who is on the undercard?Joe Joyce vs Kash Ali is not the main fight for the event in Birmingham.Most read in BoxingIn fact, Joyce is near the bottom of the card.Liam Davies vs Erik Robles Ayala gets top billing, while Nathan Heaney’s defence of his British middleweight title against Brad Pauls is expected to be a cracker.The full card is as follows:
    Liam Davies vs Erik Robles Ayala (for vacant IBO super-bantamweight title)
    Nathan Heaney vs Brad Bauls (British middleweight title)
    Pierce O’Leary vs Hovhannes Martirosyan
    Zach Parker vs Tyron Zeuge
    Dennis McCann vs Brad Strand
    Eithan James vs Owen Cooper
    Joe Joyce vs Kash Ali
    Ezra Taylor vs Prince Oko Nartey
    What’s been said?In a big interview with SunSport, Joyce revealed he is ready to fight well into his 40s as he chases a shot at world glory.He said: “It’s all in the past now, you’ve seen what for instance Joseph Parker did, I beat him but he came back and beat Deontay Wilder.”It shows that he’s young and he’s been in the sport a long time, heavyweight champion, so it just shows it’s not it, it’s not over.”Even like George Foreman came back when he was what? 46. There’s still plenty of time.” More

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    in Boxing

    Dillian Whyte vs Christian Hammer: Start time, TV channel, stream, undercard for The Body Snatcher’s huge return

    DILLIAN WHYTE makes his highly-anticipated return to the ring for a St. Patrick’s Day boxing bout against Christian Hammer.Fans were disappointed to learn that The Body Snatcher was forced to pull out of his August 2023 fight against Anthony Joshua due to a failed drugs test.Dillian Whyte’s last fight came in 2022Credit: GettyThis means that Whyte hasn’t fought since his majority decision triumph over Jermaine Franklin in November 2022.However, on March 3, the British star got cleared to resume his boxing career as an investigation found his positive doping test was caused by a contaminated supplement.And Whyte will be eager to bounce back from this minor set-back by putting another win on the board against heavyweight veteran Hammer.Read more on Dillian WhyteWhen is Whyte vs Hammer?Dillian Whyte’s huge return against Christian Hammer will take place on Sunday, March 17.The undercard is scheduled to get underway at 5:30pm UK / 1:30pm ET.While the main event ring walks are expected to commence from 10pm GMT / 5pm ET.These timings could change due to the length of the undercard fights.Most read in BoxingHow can I watch Whyte vs Hammer?It is yet to be announced what channel the fight is going to be in the UK and the US.However, SunSport will have round-by-round coverage of the entire action including the undercard.This huge event will take place at the TF Royal Hotel in Castlebar, Ireland and the chosen venue can host approximately 4,000 fans.Whyte beat Jermaine Franklin at Wembley Arena in his most recent fight.What is the FULL fight card?Fans are all looking forward to seeing Dillian Whyte step foot in the ring once again after long 16 months.But there is expected to be 12 up and coming talented boxers on the undercard.
    Dillian Whyte vs. Christian Hammer; Heavyweight – MAIN EVENT
    Ray Moylette vs. Jake Tinklin; Super lightweight
    Gary O’Sullivan vs. TBA; Middleweight
    Thomas Carty vs. Pavel Sour; Heavyweight
    Daniel O’Sullivan vs. Martin Balog; Light middleweight
    Sedem Ama vs. Ester Knecna; Light middleweight
    Craig O’Brien vs. Remi Scholer; Middleweight
    What has been said?Dillian Whyte admitted that it was tough to keep quiet once the news broke that he had tested positive for doping but he knew that he had to remain professional.Speaking to Sky Sports, Whyte said: “It’s been really tough, because I knew I was innocent, but then you can’t talk, you can’t say nothing.”You have to be professional, trust the process, trust the lawyers and trust the people around you. It’s been tough, but tough times make tough men.”First of all, I’m relieved more than anything, but of course I’m angry as well because it’s cost me so much.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The most important thing is it cost me the chance to beat AJ. Everything else after that is secondary but you know it’s a mix of emotions.”I’m angry and I’m disappointed as well because people in this game don’t give you a chance to prove yourself. Everybody is quick to say, ‘Yeah, yeah, yeah,’ instead of giving people a chance.” More

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    Andy Ruiz Jr absorbed the exact same brutal punch from Anthony Joshua that KO’d Francis Ngannou

    BOXING fans claimed Andy Ruiz Jr absorbed the exact same brutal punch from Anthony Joshua that knocked out Francis Ngannou. Joshua finished Ngannou after three knockdowns and one final ruthless right hand. Francis Ngannou was knocked out by an Anthony Joshua right handCredit: GettyThe same right hand was absorbed by Andy Ruiz JrCredit: Sky Sports via X formerly TwitterBut users on social media pointed out that it was similar to the same shot that AJ landed on Ruiz after flooring him in their 2019 bout. Ruiz took the shot and moments later dropped Joshua himself before setting up a famous upset victory. And fans were quick to point out the similarities in the two incidents.One said: “Same punch that killed Francis Ngannou for a couple mins Andy Ruiz ate like it was a hamburger & caught Joshua w/ his own shot. Boxers have better chins too. Boxing rules the UFC.”READ MORE IN BOXINGAnother added: “Ruiz got an iron chin.”At the time of Joshua’s KO blow to Ngannou, the ex-UFC champion had already been down twice before. Whereas Ruiz – who later lost the rematch to Joshua – had been floored with a left hook. So fans were quick to defend Ngannou as one argued: “This difference is in perception and reaction time. Most read in BoxingCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL “Ruiz probably knew it was coming even when he got hit. Ngannou never saw it.”Another hit back: “Absolute rubbish. One was a follow up on a temple shot knockdown that almost finished the fight. Paris Fury looks horrified as Francis Ngannou collapses to floor after he’s brutally knocked out by Anthony Joshua”He was badly hurt before he ate this shot.”Ngannou was KO’d for the first time in his MMA and boxing career but joked he could not even feel the finishing shot. He said: “That was a clean one.“In fact, I didn’t feel the punch. That’s what the knockout is about. I don’t feel any pain.”That’s how I know I was knocked out. It was quite special because it stopped me. It did what Tyson Fury couldn’t do.”Joshua knocked out Ngannou in round twoCredit: Getty More

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    Tyson Fury hits back at Eddie Hearn’s claims Anthony Joshua is best heavyweight in world and vows to make fight happen

    TYSON FURY has hit back at Eddie Hearn’s claim that Anthony Joshua is the world’s best heavyweight – and vowed to make the fight happen.Fury was ringside in Saudi Arabia to watch Joshua brutally knock out MMA superstar Francis Ngannou in two rounds. Tyson Fury hit back at Eddie Hearn’s claim that Anthony Joshua is the world’s best heavyweightCredit: ReutersJoshua at the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia after his victoryCredit: GettyIt was in the same arena just five months earlier that he was floored by Ngannou and deemed fortunate to escape with a split-decision win. So Hearn stated AJ’s stunning stoppage punched him to the top of the heavyweight division. But Fury – who faces the man who twice beat Joshua in Oleksandr Usyk – was quick to shut down the promoter. He said on BBC: “Congratulations to Joshua, but listen we all know styles make fights and Eddie Hearn’s shouting he’s the best heavyweight in the world, we know he’s not. READ MORE IN BOXING”He’s already been beaten by Usyk twice and I’ve got to deal with that problem for him. “So after I’ve done that – twice – and if he’s still available, we’ll get it on. Get it on like Donkey Kong!” Fury was due to unify all four belts – for the first time in heavyweight history – on February 17 until he suffered a cut in sparring two weeks out. The freak injury has instead backdated the historic title bout to May 18 and the WBC champion insisted the gash is healed up. Most read in BoxingCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Fury said: “Can’t see it because it’s gone, the cut’s gone. So it is what it is. I’m ready to roll and roll. I’ll see you on May 18th.” Joshua’s promoter Hearn has thrown his support Fury’s way so that the Battle of Britain can finally commence. Fans spot Tyson Fury’s ‘terrified’ reaction immediately after Anthony Joshua’s explosive KO of Francis NgannouHe said: “You are looking at the baddest man on the planet. The No 1 heavyweight in the world.”There’s a brilliant fighter down there in Tyson Fury. Please beat Oleksandr Usyk, because you will get the biggest fight of all time.” More

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    in Boxing

    Tyson Fury races off in stunning £190,000 Lamborghini then heads to the skip to chuck out car full of rubbish

    TYSON FURY raced off in a £190,000 Lamborghini before heading to the skip to chuck out a car full of rubbish as part of his daily routine.Fury gave his 6.9million Instagram followers an inside look into a day in the life of the Gypsy King. Tyson Fury enjoying a coffee after trainingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/tysonfuryFury revealed his healthy breakfastCredit: https://www.instagram.com/tysonfuryThe Gypsy King also revealed his stunning green LamborghiniCredit: https://www.instagram.com/tysonfuryFury joked he was ‘in quite a rush’Credit: https://www.instagram.com/tysonfuryIt turns out he was on rubbish dutyCredit: https://www.instagram.com/tysonfuryHe started off with a run along Morecambe beach before sharing his healthy breakfast of oats, bananas and blueberries. Fury then had a coffee before heading off to church to pray. In a separate video posted to his Instagram account, the WBC champion showed off his stunning green 4×4 Lamborghini. Wife Paris asks: “What are you doing?” READ MORE ON TYSON FURYFury then said: “I ain’t got no time to waste, Paris. I’m in quite a rush. Business to attend. Laters.” He then sped off out of his drive in the super-car, which appears to be a Lamborghini Urus, worth nearly £200,000. Fury has a passion for fast cars with his collection including two Rolls-Royces and a Ferrari GTC4Lusso worth around £250,000.But he has always reminded fans that his easy to drive Passat is among the favourites on his driveway. Most read in BoxingCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Fury then revealed the boot of his car – not clear whether it was the Lambo or not – was full of rubbish. He said: “After a good bit of training in the morning and a breakfast, big man’s got to go to the tip and do his duties.” Tyson Fury hits back at Eddie Hearn’s claims Anthony Joshua is best heavyweight in world and vows to make fight happenFury, 35, is back training for his undisputed title decider with Oleksandr Usyk, 37, on May 18 and Paris has been given the job of wife-turned-chef. He showed off his clean lunch before saying: “Right it’s that time of a day again, I’ve got chicken and rice got a Greek salad and a bottle of water. “Healthy eating, cannot wait until the fight, ten weeks just under, come on!” Fury and Paris were in Saudi Arabia to watch brother Roman pick up a win on Anthony Joshua’s undercard. AJ knocked out ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou, 37, who dropped Fury but lost on his boxing debut in October. And Fury has vowed to set up a Battle of Britain with Joshua, 34, once he completes his two-fight series with Usyk. He said: “Congratulations to Joshua, but listen we all know styles make fights and Eddie Hearn’s shouting he’s the best heavyweight in the world, we know he’s not. READ MORE SUN STORIES”He’s already been beaten by Usyk twice and I’ve got to deal with that problem for him. “So after I’ve done that – twice – and if he’s still available, we’ll get it on. Get it on like Donkey Kong!” Wife Paris and Fury watched the boxing from Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty More

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    Conor McGregor posts three-word reaction to Anthony Joshua’s savage KO of ex-UFC champ Francis Ngannou

    CONOR McGREGOR posted a three-word reaction to Anthony Joshua’s savage knockout of Francis Ngannou.AJ finished the ex-UFC champion in two rounds following three knockdowns and one final ruthless right hand.Conor McGregor had a three-word reaction to Anthony Joshua’s KO of Francis NgannouCredit: GettyJoshua stopped Ngannou in two roundsCredit: GettyIt sent shockwaves around the boxing and MMA world with McGregor left in awe as he commented on Joshua’s Instagram post. He wrote: “Nah man. Madness.”McGregor, 35, was ringside in October when Ngannou, 37, made his boxing debut against Tyson Fury. And he astonishingly dropped Fury, 35, only to lose a controversial split-decision. READ MORE IN BOXINGBut Joshua, 34, made no mistake in restoring order in the ring with the savage KO, leaving Ngannou’s future in boxing up in the air. Although the heavyweight star insisted his business in boxing is not over yet. Ngannou said: “You can be sure I’m not done here. It was not my day. He was way better than me. “It sucks, but it’s the game. We all know that.”Most read in BoxingCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Joshua embraced with Ngannou moments after the stunning KO and even urged him to remain in boxing.He said: “You’re an inspiration. ‘You’ll beat a lot of people. Don’t leave boxing. Don’t leave boxing.”Joshua, 34, then added: “If you need anything, let me know, but we’ll speak another time.”Paris Fury looks horrified as Francis Ngannou collapses to floor after he’s brutally knocked out by Anthony Joshua More

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    Tyson Fury ridiculed by UFC chief Dana White after Anthony Joshua’s brutal KO win over Francis Ngannou

    UFC president Dana White brutally aimed a dig at Tyson Fury following Anthony Joshua’s knockout of Francis Ngannou. AJ finished the ex-UFC champion in two rounds following three knockdowns and one final ruthless right hand. Dana White aimed a dig at Tyson Fury after Anthony Joshua’s KO of Francis NgannouCredit: GettyFury watched on as AJ defeated NgannouCredit: Sky SportsNgannou, 37, came into only his second boxing bout having floored Fury, 35, on his debut only to lose a controversial decision. But White – who saw the Cameroonian walk out on the UFC to pursue boxing – was not surprised to see order restored in the ring. He said: “If Fury trained for the fight and didn’t show up looking like he ate Tyson Fury, that’s probably the way that fight would’ve ended too. “Listen, you know how I feel about the crossovers in boxing – that’s how they end, just like that.”READ MORE IN BOXINGNgannou signed for UFC rivals the Professional Fighters League, who permitted his switch to boxing. It leaves his MMA future up in the air but the heavyweight star insisted his business in the ring is not over yet. Ngannou said: “You can be sure I’m not done here. It was not my day.“He was way better than me. It sucks, but it’s the game. We all know that.”Most read in BoxingCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Joshua embraced with Ngannou moments after the stunning KO and even urged him to remain in boxing. He said: “You’re an inspiration. ‘You’ll beat a lot of people. Don’t leave boxing. Don’t leave boxing.” Joshua, 34, then added: “If you need anything, let me know, but we’ll speak another time.”Ngannou dropped Fury on his boxing debutCredit: GETTYJoshua brutally knocked out NgannouCredit: ReutersJoshua blasts ‘f*** Tyson Fury’ after overhearing rival’s commentary on DAZN for Francis Ngannou More