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    ‘If he dies…’ Fears raised over Mike Tyson, 57, ahead of pro boxing fight against Jake Paul, 27

    JOE ROGAN has raised fears about Mike Tyson potentially DYING in his controversial clash with Jake Paul.The former undisputed heavyweight champion will lock horns with the YouTuber-turned-boxer in a shock Texas tussle on July 20.Mike Tyson returns to the ring in July to throw down with Jake PaulCredit: INSTAGRAM@JAKEPAULIron Mike will be a whopping 31 years older than Paul when they meet in their Texas tussleCredit: INSTAGRAMHOCHALICIOUSUFC commentator Joe Rogan has serious concerns for Tyson’s health ahead of the fightCredit: REUTERSBoxing fans were up in arms after the fight was announced due to the MASSIVE age difference between the pair.Tyson, 57, will be 31 YEARS Paul’s senior when they share the ring with one another.And prior to the official confirmation of the bout, Rogan expressed concerns about the worst-case scenario potentially coming to fruition.During a recent episode of the Joe Rogan Experience Podcast, he said: “It’s not necessarily carved in stone yet, they might not approve it.READ MORE IN BOXING”If a lot of people protest, they won’t approve it. The thing is, if Tyson dies. See if you have something like that [happen].”Despite having serious concerns about Tyson’s wellbeing, Rogan isn’t ruling out the possibility of ‘Iron Mike’ rolling back the years and knocking Paul out cold.The UFC commentator said: “If he’s physically capable of recapturing 70 per cent of what he used to do.”Just dealing with that 90 per cent of the power [will be a problem for Paul.”Most read in SportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCredit: The Sun”70 per cent of the physical ability and 90 per cent of the power.”Because the power is not gone, you see it when he hits the bag. The power is there 100 per cent.’It felt like a mule had kicked me in the chest,’ reveals Mike Tyson’s last opponent in frightening warning to Jake Paul”But he’s had a bunch of back issues, he had a real bad sciatica and he was walking with a cane. “But who knows what they’ve done [with stem cells]. I’m sure he’s with the right people. “Even at 57, you can make a lot of money if Mike Tyson is fit and in shape. Which is so crazy to say.”It was suggested that Tyson and Paul’s clash could be an exhibition match in which both combatants would wear headgear.But the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has stunningly decided to sanction the bout as a professional fight – albeit with eight two-minute rounds.A statement from Paul’s manager Nikisa Bidarian read: “Mike Tyson and Jake Paul signed on to fight each other with the desire to do so in a sanctioned professional fight that would have a definitive outcome.Mike Tyson returned to the ring in 2020 for a clash with Roy Jones JrCredit: REUTERS”Over the past six weeks, MVP has worked with its partners to satisfy the requirements of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR) to sanction Paul vs. Tyson.”And we are grateful that we have gotten to this point.”Fan favourite Tyson returned to the ring in November 2020 for a Covid clash with fellow great Roy Jones Jr.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the once-ferocious and deadly puncher looked a shell of himself, shuffling around the ring for eight two-minute rounds.Paul, 27, was last in action last December, scoring a viral first-round KO of journeyman Ryan Bourland in Puerto Rico. More

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    Anthony Joshua and Conor McGregor lead the tributes after Francis Ngannou’s 15-month-old son tragically dies

    ANTHONY JOSHUA and Conor McGregor led the tributes after Francis Ngannou’s 15-month-old son tragically died. The former UFC champion-turned-heavyweight boxer revealed the devastating news on social media. Francis Ngannou’s 15-month-old son tragically diedCredit: GettyConor McGregor paid tribute to Ngannou and his familyCredit: GettyAs did former boxing opponent Anthony JoshuaCredit: GettyAnd he was met with resounding support from the world of sport. Father-of-four McGregor, 35, replied on X: “I am so sorry to hear of your loss Francis, my prayers are with you and your family at this time.”Absolutely gutted reading this Francis! I can only imagine the pain you are in right now I am so sorry hearing this news. “I pray God has the best and safest place in heaven for him, until you meet again.” READ MORE IN BOXINGJoshua, who has eight-year-old son JJ, said on Instagram: “May the memories you shared bring you comfort.”Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, 45, who has five kids, added: “I’m sorry brother. “Can’t imagine the pain and struggle you are going through. Praying for you and your family right now!” Ngannou, 37, shot to fame in the UFC where he became heavyweight champion. Most read in BoxingBut he last year walked out on the MMA powerhouse to pursue boxing, facing British superstars Tyson Fury, 35, and Joshua, 34.He dropped Fury on his boxing debut only to lose a controversial decision before being knocked out in two rounds by AJ in March. Ngannou is believed to have earned within the region of £15m after putting his MMA career on hold to switch to boxing. The Cameroonian keeps much of his personal life private, with the birth of son Kobe also hidden from the public. But Ngannou released a heartbreaking statement following the passing of his boy, which read: “Too soon to leave but yet he’s gone.”My little boy, my mate, my partner Kobe was full of life and joy. Now, he’s laying without life. “I shouted his name over and over but he’s not responding. How do you deal with such a thing? How can you live with it?”Please help me if you have any idea because I really don’t know what to do and how to deal with this.” More

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    Dingaan Thobela dead at 57: Former three-time boxing world champion dies as police find his body at his home

    FORMER boxing champion Dingaan Thobela has been found dead at his home in Johannesburg after battling with a short illness.Thobela, 57, united both black and white supporters during his career which stretched from before and after apartheid and he was known as the “Rose of Soweto”.Ex-boxing world champion Dingaan Thobela has died aged 57Credit: GettyThobela won belts in two weight classesThe icon who grew up in the townships won the WBO lightweight title in 1990 and the WBA lightweight title in 1993 and the WBC super-middleweight title in 2000.His career stretched from 1990 to 2006 and the boxer from Chiawelo, Soweto, was still cheered on the streets and continued to do charity work to help those in poverty.When he failed to answer his mobile phone for several days friends went to his flat in Mayfair, Johannesburg, on Monday night and forced the door and found him dead.A close friend said: “It was not like him to not answer his mobile phone and his family worried about him accompanied police to his home and found he had passed on”.READ MORE IN BOXINGHis poor health prevented him from attending Boxing SA’s symposium as a star guest at the Arena Holdings offices in Parktown last Friday and he often joked about a “comeback”.Thobela held 3 world titles in two-weight divisions — the first two being the WBO and WBA lightweight belts in the lightweight divisions early in his career – then went up a weight.The “Rose” finally bloomed when he won the most prestigious WBC super-middleweight belt in 2000 via a 12th-round stoppage victory over defending champion Glen Catley.The victory at Carnival City in Brakpan under trainer Elias Tshabalala in his corner sealed Thobela’s place in South African history as one of their nation’s finest ever athletes.Most read in BoxingLegend Thobela was separated from his common law wife Sandra with whom they had two children together Ntombi and Dingaan Thobela Junior who he was still close to.He enjoyed SA support beyond colour lines as his victories outside SA brought traffic to a standstill with wild celebrations in townships and white areas when he became champ.Francis Ngannou’s 15-month-old son tragically dies as UFC champion-turned boxer shares heartbreaking post More

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    Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk undercard: Who is fighting on huge Saudi bill?

    BOXING fans are eagerly awaiting the first undisputed heavyweight bout in almost 25 years.Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will face off in Saudi Arabia for what is one of the most highly anticipated fights in recent history.Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will face off in Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyThe pair are competing to become undisputed heavyweight champion of the worldCredit: GettyThe Gypsy King has already been forced to postpone the fight twice after a close run affair with Francis Ngannou left him shaken up and a sparring injury to his eye led to a second delay.But as we edge closer to the fight everything seems to be in order for a battle between two of boxing’s biggest fighters.As well as having a huge main event for the Middle East match-up, fans can look forward to some exciting fights on the undercard in Riyadh.Two IBF titles are up for grabs before Usyk and Fury take to the ring for their undisputed clash.And big name fighters such as Joe Cordina and Jai Operaia will be donning their gloves to entertain the Saudi crowds and try and maintain their flawless records.When is Fury vs Usyk?
    Fury vs Usyk will now take place on Saturday, May 18 after the original date of February 17 was postponed.
    The fight will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
    Expect main event ring-walks to get going from around 11pm BST, with the main card likely to start from 6pm BST.
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE UNDISPUTED HEAVYWEIGHT BOUTWho is fighting on the Fury vs Usyk card? Here are the confirmed bouts taking place on the huge Saudi bill:
    Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk – undisputed WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight titles
    Jai Opetaia vs Mairis Briedis – vacant IBF cruiserweight title
    Joe Cordina vs Anthony Cacace – IBF super-featherweight title
    Agit Kabayel vs Frank Sanchez
    Sergey Kovalev vs Robin Sirwan Safar
    Mark Chamberlain vs Joshua Oluwaseun Wahab
    Moses Itauma vs Ilja Mezencev
    David Nyika vs Michael Seitz
    Isaac Lowe vs Hasibullah Ahmadi
    Most read in BoxingHow can I watch the fights?
    Fury vs Usyk will be broadcast on THREE channels in the UK.
    TNT Sports Box Office, Sky Sports Box Office and DAZN PPV will all be showing the clash.
    A price for the event has yet to be confirmed. More

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    Francis Ngannou’s 15-month-old son tragically dies as UFC champion-turned boxer shares heartbreaking post

    FRANCIS NGANNOU’S 15-month old son Kobe has tragically passed away.The 37-year-old, who recently fought both Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, took to X to confirm the heartbreaking news.Francis Ngannou posted a heartbreaking tribute after his 15-month-old son passed awayCredit: AFPNgannou wrote a statement on XCredit: XIn a statement on Ngannou’s X account, he wrote: “Too soon to leave but yet he’s gone.”My little boy, my mate, my partner Kobe was full of life and joy. Now, he’s laying without life. I shouted his name over and over but he’s not responding.”How do you deal with such a thing? How can you live with it?”Please help me if you have any idea because I really don’t know what to do and how to deal with this.”READ MORE ON NGANNOUHe had earlier written on X: “What’s the purpose of life if what we’re fighting tooth and nail to get away from is what finally hit us the hardest!?”Why is life so unfair and merciless? Why does life always take what we don’t have? I’m f***ing tired.”Little is known about Ngannou’s personal life and it is unclear who the child’s mother is.Fans were quick to share their well-wishes for the boxer amidst the shock news.Most read in BoxingFellow UFC star Conor McGregor wrote: “I am so sorry to hear of your loss Francis, my prayers are with you and your family at this time.”Francis Ngannou’s story from refugee to fighting Tyson Fury and Anthony JoshuaHe was joined by former Ngannou opponent Joshua, who wrote: “May the memories you shared bring you comfort.”A fellow well-wisher wrote: “No parent should ever have to go through this 💔 My deepest sympathies.”Another fan wrote: “Incredibly sorry for your loss – unimaginable 🙏🏼”Ngannou was UFC heavyweight champion between 2020 and 2023 before he left to pursue a career in boxing.That saw him give Fury an almighty scare in October last year when he dropped the Brit in the fifth round – before narrowly losing on points.That was despite the fight being Ngannou’s first ever professional boxing match.His training saw him strike up a close relationship with boxing legend Mike Tyson, who prepared him for his fight against the Gypsy King.He went on to lose to Joshua in his second professional bout last month.Ngannou’s heartbreaking tribute in fullHEARTBROKEN Francis Ngannou wrote on X after the devastating loss of his 15-month-old son:
    “Too soon to leave but yet he’s gone.
    “My little boy, my mate, my partner Kobe was full of life and joy.
    “Now, he’s laying without life. I shouted his name over and over but he’s not responding.
    “How do you deal with such a thing? How can you live with it?
    “Please help me if you have any idea because I really don’t know what to do and how to deal with this.”

    Ngannou experienced an incredible rise to stardom in martial arts after facing extreme poverty in his hometown of Batie in Cameroon.Aged nine, he began working in a sand mine alongside his 11-year-old brother to provide for his family.He moved from Cameroon to France aged 26 without a penny to his name to pursue a career in boxing.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter initially being homeless after moving to Europe, he met coach Didier Carmont who let him train and sleep at the boxing gym free of charge.Here, he was first introduced to the sport of MMA which saw him go on to become one of the biggest names in the history of the sport.Inside Francis Ngannou’s incredible rise from childhood in sandmines to boxing stardomBy Jon Boon
    FRANCIS NGANNOU’S remarkable journey to reach the top is one of hope, courage, strength and character, and is symbolic of the fighter he is.
    The Cameroonian has been the heavyweight king of UFC and earned tens of millions in the boxing ring in bouts with Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.But he faces much tougher tests in his life that prove he is as resilient as it gets.From a tough start in Cameroon, where he worked in the sand mines as a nine-year-old for just £1.50 a day, to being homeless in Paris, his story is the ultimate tale of survival.Click here to read more about Ngannou’s incredible story More

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    Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson sanctioned as PROFESSIONAL fight as rules confirmed for heavyweight showdown on Netflix

    MIKE TYSON’s clash with Jake Paul has been sanctioned as a PROFESSIONAL fight.The former heavyweight boxing champion will take on the YouTuber-turned-fighter on July 20.Mike Tyson and Jake Paul’s fight will be a professional boutCredit: instagram/Jake PaulTyson last fought professionally in 2005Credit: ReutersThere will be more on the line as the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations has sanctioned it as a professional fight.The showdown will be contested over eight rounds, which will be two minutes long.Each fighter will have to wear 14-ounce gloves and the record will affect their professional records.Knockouts will be allowed in the fight and headgear will not be worn by the fighters.READ MORE IN SPORTMost Valuable Promotions co-founder Nakisa Bidarian released a statement.It read: “Mike Tyson and Jake Paul signed on to fight each other with the desire to do so in a sanctioned professional fight that would have a definitive outcome.”Over the past six weeks, MVP has worked with its partners to satisfy the requirements of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR) to sanction Paul vs. Tyson, and we are grateful that we have gotten to this point.”The highly-anticipated fight will take place at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas and will be streamed on Netflix.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTyson, 57, had his last professional fight in 2005, when he lost to  Kevin McBride.His last pro win came two years earlier as he beat Clifford Etienne to earn his 50th career victory.The Sun’s Wally Downes Jr and Chisanga Malata discuss the rise of influencer boxing and Mike Tyson’s bout with Jake PaulHe fought in 2020, taking on Roy Jones Jr. in an exhibition, which resulted in a split decision.The result did not go on either of the fighter’s professional records.By the time the fight comes around, Tyson will be 58, while Paul will be 27, with a 31-year age gap between them.Credit: The Sun More

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    ‘It felt like a mule had kicked me in the chest,’ reveals Mike Tyson’s last opponent in frightening warning to Jake Paul

    JAKE PAUL has been brutally warned that Mike Tyson stills hits like a mule even in retirement. YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul takes on heavyweight boxing icon Tyson in a controversial clash on July 20 in Texas.Roy Jones Jr faced Mike Tyson in an exhibition boutCredit: ReutersPaul is 9-1, suffering his only defeat last year to Tommy Fury before bouncing back with three straight wins.Whereas Tyson officially retired in 2005 but did return in 2020 to draw over eight exhibition rounds with fellow great Roy Jones Jr.And Jones can vouch for the power Iron Mike still possesses – despite the fact he will be 58 by the time of the bout with Paul.He said on Shane Mosley’s YouTube channel: “Now I think he’s 57, about to be 58, he’s still the strongest puncher that I’ve ever been in the ring with.READ MORE IN BOXING”The first time he hit me in the chest, it felt like a mule had kicked me in the chest. “If he hits anybody with a shot like that, they are either going out or down, especially guys who are not used to being hit like that. “With these types of people like Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis, these guys are bigger and can take it.”But Jake Paul, I don’t think he’s going to be able to take that. It might hit him on the chin like that, we’ll see, but it’s going to be tough.”Most read in BoxingCredit: The SunCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSJones, now 55, is considered one of the greatest of all time, winning titles in four different divisions.And he was still boxing as recently as last April, losing on points to ex-UFC champion Anthony Pettis, 37. Jake Paul in amazing body transformation as he piles on over TWO STONE for Mike Tyson fightMeanwhile, Tyson returns for the first time since his exhibition against Jones for his shock fight with Paul. Not only will it mark Netflix’s first move into live boxing but it will also be Paul’s first at heavyweight.The lightest the American, 27, has weighed is 183.6lb (13st 1lb) but his last two bouts have been at the 200lb cruiserweight limit of 14st 4lb.Tyson was a career heavyweight at 15st 7lb, meaning Paul must pile on the pounds to match that.And boxing legend Mosley – one of Paul’s trainers in the past – the social media sensation is on the way to doing so.He told Jones: “I just saw Jake yesterday, he’s 230 pounds. He’s big, really big. He said he feels as fast as he does at 185lbs.”If Mosley is correct, then Paul has gone up to 16st 4lb, TWO STONE heavier than his last fight.Jake Paul and Mike Tyson facing offCredit: @jakepaul More

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    Deontay Wilder opens up on ‘beautiful’ link up with Eddie Hearn… after years of feuding with Anthony Joshua’s promoter

    DEONTAY WILDER has opened up on his “beautiful” link up with Eddie Hearn – following years of bitter feuding. Wilder and his team have always gone back and forth with Hearn over failed talks to fight Anthony Joshua. Eddie Hearn is working with Deontay Wilder after years of feudingCredit: ReutersIt led to over half a decade of jibes, insults and accusations. But that looks to be put to bed after Hearn selected Wilder to represent him in the 5v5 series of bouts against Frank Warren’s picks. The ex-WBC champion – who captain’s Hearn’s side – faces Zhilei Zhang on June 1 in Saudi Arabia after giving their promotional feud the KO. Wilder, 38, told Boxing News: “It’s a beautiful thing. Over years of back and forth, disagreements and different little things… But life brings about a change, and change is always good. READ MORE IN BOXING“When you look at it, you have to look at the landscape of right now, and you’ve got some interesting guys like the Saudis that are in there, changing everything about boxing: the way we promote it, the way we line up fights, and all those different things. “Why not have the change of being able to work with each other?“We don’t have to like each other to do business, but sometimes when you’ve been around a person long enough, you understand their ways and they understand your ways and you can co-exist with each other. That’s what it’s all about.“I’m glad that we are at this point in time where we can co-exist with each other, because I’m always a promoter’s dream and I think I’m a dream come true for Eddie. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I’m happy to be a part of Matchroom and [be] the captain.”Talks for Wilder and Joshua to fight started as early as 2018 but conflicting TV and promotional deals prevented the bout. What followed was non-stop arguing between the camps until an agreement was finally made last year. A fight between Joshua, 34, and Wilder was signed for March until disaster struck. Anthony Joshua makes Deontay Wilder No1 choice for interim fight as he draws up four-man shortlistWilder was beaten by Joseph Parker, 32, and instead ex-UFC champ Francis Ngannou, 37, took his place and lost in two rounds to Joshua. Even on that night, just four months ago, Hearn fumed: “I said in the build-up I don’t rate him. Wilder had no idea, no clue. He lost every round.”He had his hand up telling the referees he won the fight. He’s not right. That’s the reality.”It was the most one-sided heavyweight fight I’ve ever seen. It’s ruined our plans.”But, in an interview with iFL TV, Hearn changed his tune and said: “He does like me, we are besties! But in all seriousness I’ve always liked Deontay Wilder.”Obviously we’ve always had the rivalry through AJ, but I got told to sign a heavyweight for the division and I believe Deontay Wilder will bounce back in style.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I looked at those available and who was the best one available? It was Deontay Wilder, and he will knock him out inside five rounds.”I have made him my captain and who knows where it goes after this, but we just need to go through Zhilei Zhang.”Zhilei Zhang faces Wilder in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Reuters More