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    Dana White ends UFC fighters’ career change hopes with eight-word statement after teasing imminent ‘big announcements’

    DANA WHITE has pumped the brakes on any UFC fighters dipping their toes into the boxing world – just weeks after announcing his intention to get into the sport.The UFC supremo revealed late last month that he intends to resurrect plans to create Zuffa Boxing, which he first teased in 2017.UFC supremo Dana White first unveiled plans to launch Zuffa Boxing back in 2017Credit: GETTYThe veteran promoter revealed his intention to get Zuffa Boxing off the ground late last monthCredit: SPORTSFILEBut White doesn’t intend to allow UFC fighters to following in the footsteps of Conor McGregorCredit: GETTYWhite’s revelation led UFC fans to wonder if he’ll permit any fighters on the roster to switch codes and step into the squared circle.But the veteran promoter insists NONE of the fighters currently under contract with MMA’s top promotion will be allowed to box.When asked if he’d allow any UFC fighters to follow in the footsteps of Conor McGregor, he said: “God, I hope not.”Yeah, no, [it will be] completely separate.”READ MORE ON DANA WHITEHe later added: “Everything is about timing, and is now the time? We’re going to find out. “There’s a lot of things I think I can do that other people haven’t done yet.”Former two-division champion McGregor entered the boxing world in August 2017 for a spectacular crossover clash with Floyd Mayweather Jr.The Notorious pocketed over a whopping £75million for the ‘The Money Fight’, which he lost via tenth-round TKO.Most read in BoxingWhite’s interest in getting involved in boxing waned in the years that followed Mayweather vs McGregor.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe even branded the sport “a broken business that is an absolute nightmare to try to fix.”But the 55-year-old has since changed his stance, admitting last month: “There will be some big announcements.Watch UFC fighter TWERK in beaten opponent’s face following stunning KO win one day after shaking and crying at weigh-in”If you know anything about me and you go back and look at anything I ever said. I never say anything that I don’t do, ever.”We’ve been kicking the boxing thing around for a long time and you’ve never heard me commit and say, ‘I’m in’. I’m in.”White’s plans to enter the sport have been hailed by his good pal Mike Tyson, who said during an appearance on the Come and Talk 2 Me podcast: “Is he really in boxing now?“Well listen, that’s going to be the best thing to ever happen to boxing, just like the UFC.”If you’re in the UFC and if anyone is booing your fight, you’re not gonna see that guy again.”His next fight is gonna be in South Dakota somewhere.“If you don’t have a good fight, you’re never gonna see that guy again.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Not like boxing, ‘Oh this guy is gonna fight next month again,’ I don’t wanna see that.”If any fights stink, you’re not back in the UFC anymore, you’re never going to see those guys again.”Mike Tyson has welcomed Dana White’s plans to get into boxingCredit: GETTY More

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    How 27-stone Tyson Fury sparred teenage Daniel Dubois with ONE SHOE and was left amazed

    TYSON FURY got a taste of future heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois while weighing 27 STONE and with just one shoe on. At the time, Fury had vacated the unified titles he won against Wladimir Klitschko amid a battle with depression and substance abuse. Daniel Dubois in his infamous sparring session with Tyson FuryAnd he wondered down to watch cousin Hughie spar a 19-year-old Dubois – who was just embarking on his professional debut. Fury was over TEN STONE his fighting weight at the time and could barely keep his two shoes on when he got in the ring with Dubois. He told TNT Sports in 2020: “I came down to the gym one random Saturday morning, got the bug to have a little spar and Daniel was sparring with Hughie at the time and a few other lads in the gym.”I just wanted to have a spar, it’s in me isn’t it, it’s what I do.READ MORE IN BOXING”I remember I had no equipment with me, no head guard, no bandages.”I don’t remember exactly what I was wearing but I remember I had one shoe off and one shoe on, the shoe came off and it was what it was.”We had a little move around. Big fat 27 stone, I had a move around and it was a pleasure.”He was only a young man then, I think he had only had one fight then or maybe he hadn’t even had a professional fight.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”But I found he was a very good fighter, straight away.”Fury later returned to the ring in what is considered one of the greatest sporting comebacks of all time. He defeated Deontay Wilder, 38, to win the WBC title and reigned for four years until losing to Oleksandr Usyk, 37, in May. Usyk became the first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion ever but vacated the IBF belt to proceed with his December 21 rematch with Fury. Dubois, 27, was meanwhile elevated from interim champion and knocked out Anthony Joshua, 34, in his first title defence. ‘That’s cost me £150m, silly c–t’, rants Tyson Fury in immediate aftermath to Anthony Joshua’s KO vs Daniel Dubois More

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    Anthony Joshua warned Daniel Dubois rematch risks being biggest mistake he’s ever made

    ANTHONY JOSHUA has been warned having an immediate rematch with Daniel Dubois could be a death sentence for his career.The Watford warrior is at a major crossroads following his demolition at the hands of Dubois, who dropped him FOUR TIMES on his way to a stunning fifth-round KO victory last month.Anthony Joshua threw down with Daniel Dubois at Wembley last monthCredit: GETTYAJ suffered a brutal fifth-round KO defeat to the IBF heavyweight championCredit: GETTYJoshua is seemingly keen on having an immediate rematch with his former sparring partnerCredit: PADubois coach Kieran Farrell has warned AJ against jumping straight back into the ring with Triple DCredit: GETTYAJ and his team are seemingly keen on an immediate rematch, something Dubois’ coach Kieran Farrell believes could put the final nail into the coffin of the Brit boxing great’s career.He told Boxing Scene: “If I was advising Joshua, I wouldn’t be telling him to jump back in with Daniel Dubois – a young, hungry, 27-year-old lion.””That I see day in, day out, I know what he is capable of, and Joshua does too now.”If Daniel has somebody hurt, they ain’t going to see the final bell.READ MORE BOXING NEWS”He’s a devastating puncher and I’m only talking facts here. He’s like a modern-day Mike Tyson. But a bigger version.”Farrell reckons Joshua would be better off rebuilding himself in a do-or-die showdown with long-time rival Deontay Wilder, whose career is also on life support.“There are other fights there for Joshua,” Farrell insisted. “He can do the [Deontay] Wilder fight.”That would be a good fight between two massive names who both need a big win right now.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”A win for either of them in that fight would give them a load of confidence.”They’ve been linked together for a long time and are both now coming off defeats. It would make sense to do that fight.”Anthony Joshua brutally told his career is ‘OVER’ as boxing promoter suggests final ‘good’ fight after Dubois KO Despite defeat to Dubois derailing his bid to become a three-time world champion, Joshua insists he has no immediate plans to retire.He said in his post-fight interview: “Before I came here, I’m always saying to myself, ‘I’m a fighter for life.'”We rolled the dice at success and we came up short and we roll it again. We keep rolling the dice.”A few days later, he added: “We came up short. But we have to look at all the positives.”That’s the mindset and the perspective we have to have. Look what we have achieved in 11 years, it’s phenomenal.”I want to thank every single one of you who has been riding with me.”What a rollercoaster journey – and you know what the problem is? It’s far from over yet.” More

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    Tyson Fury ‘shell of his former self’ as boxing legend admits major fears for Gypsy King in Oleksandr Usyk rematch

    TYSON FURY is a shell of his former self, claims boxing legend Hasim Rahman – raising fears heading into the rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.Fury lost his WBC belt and undefeated record in May after 12 thrilling rounds with Usyk in Saudi Arabia. Oleksandr Usyk beat Tyson FuryCredit: GettyThe Gypsy King famously won the coveted green belt against Deontay Wilder in 2020 and defended it in their epic 2021 trilogy bout. But Rahman reckons that hat-trick of fights with Wilder took the best years out of Fury – leaving him primed for a stoppage loss against Usyk. He told FightHype: “I think Deontay Wilder got a big play in this Usyk and Tyson Fury rematch. “I believe Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury took everything out of each other.READ MORE IN BOXING“I think they’re both shells of their former selves, and I believe Usyk will win this rematch by stoppage. “I know he knows he can drop him and hurt him, and now I think the confidence is there. I think he’s going to win by stoppage.”Fury, 36, was saved by the bell in round nine against Usyk, 37, after finding himself in a world of trouble after an onslaught. Usyk prevailed as the first four-belt undisputed champion in heavyweight history – but it did not last. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTo proceed with his December 21 rematch with Fury, he was forced to vacate the IBF belt. Daniel Dubois, 27, was elevated from interim champ and knocked out Anthony Joshua, 34, in round five of his first defence. The two are now in talks to rematch – as former champ Rahman backed Usyk to fight the winner and sail off into the sunset. He said: “I think he should fight the winner of the Joshua-Dubois rematch and then call it quits. “The man did everything you can do in boxing. He’s pound-for-pound one of the greatest champions ever. “He’s a gold medallist, undisputed cruiserweight, undisputed heavyweight. What else can you do? He’s done it all.”Heavyweight legend Hasim RahmanCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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    Tragedy as champion boxer, 17, dies after being ‘stabbed several times outside nightclub’

    A YOUNG boxer has been stabbed to death outside a nightclub in France. Kylian Binard, just 17, was fatally attacked in the early hours of Sunday morning in Subles, near Bayeu, Normandy. Amateur boxer Kylian Binard has been stabbed to death outside a nightclub in FranceTributes were paid to the 17-year-oldCredit:
    It took place in the parking lot of the Octavia nightclub.The suspect – identified as a 24-year-old – was apprehended by nightclub security at around 6:40am and held until police arrived.He is accused of stabbing amateur boxer Binard “several times” – in the throat and the back – after a fight broke out as the two left the club.According to the owner, both men were first-time visitors to the club and were members of the last two groups to leave, Remix News report. READ MORE IN BOXINGBut he insisted there had been no altercations between the pair earlier in the night to alert security staff.Binard – a champion in Normandy – had reportedly been enjoying a night out when the altercation unfolded. And despite immediate attempts to save his life, Binard sadly died at the scene.Caen’s public prosecutor Joel Garrigue confirmed an investigation is now underway with surveillance footage from the nightclub being looked at. Most read in BoxingThe suspect remains in police custody as authorities continue their inquiries.Binard competed for Saint-Lois Boxing Club and his trainer Jean Metay paid tribute to the tragic teen as he posted a picture of the pair online. Boxer Mylik Birdsong, 31, shot dead in Los Angeles just weeks before he was set to appear on UFC card More

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    Daniel Dubois’ coach reveals 16-word message he gave moments before brutal KO of Anthony Joshua at Wembley

    DANIEL DUBOIS’ coach gave him a 16-word message that helped inspire the shock knockout against Anthony Joshua. Dubois floored Joshua FOUR times on the way to his stunning fifth-round KO in front of a British-record 98,000 fans at Wembley Stadium. Daniel Dubois with assistant coach Kieran FarrellCredit: GettyHead trainer Don Charles and assistant Kieran Farrell helped mastermind the tactical beatdown of two-time champion AJ. And Farrell revealed he gave Dubois words of wisdom just as the bell sounded for what would be the greatest night of the heavyweight’s career. Farrell told BoxingScene: “The first thing we said to Daniel was ‘Go out and give him something so that he knows he’s in the ring with you’; that’s exactly what he did. “He went out there and slammed that jab down and that jab is like a f***ing back hand. It’s a powerful weapon.”READ MORE IN BOXINGDubois, 27, floored Joshua, 34 with a huge right hand in round one and the writing was on the wall from there. AJ has spoken out in the aftermath of the crushing defeat to refuse retirement and has already held talks for his next move. And promoter Eddie Hearn revealed Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh has given the green light for a rematch with Dubois. But Farrell, a former 14-1 boxer, warned: “If I was advising Joshua, I wouldn’t be telling him to jump back in with Daniel Dubois – a young, hungry, 27-year-old lion. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“What I see day in, day out, I know what he is capable of, and Joshua does too now. “If Daniel has somebody hurt, they ain’t going to see the final bell. He’s a devastating puncher and I’m only talking facts here. Anthony Joshua brutally told his career is ‘OVER’ as boxing promoter suggests final ‘good’ fight after Dubois KO “He’s like a modern-day Mike Tyson. But a bigger version. There are other fights there for Joshua. He can do the [Deontay] Wilder fight. “That would be a good fight between two massive names who both need a big win right now. A win for either of them in that fight would give them a load of confidence. “They’ve been linked together for a long time and are both now coming off defeats. It would make sense to do that fight.”Joshua suffered a devastating knockout defeat against DuboisCredit: Getty More

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    When is Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2? Date, UK start time, live stream, undercard for HUGE heavyweight rematch

    TYSON FURY and Oleksandr Usyk are doing it all over again to wrap up a huge year of heavyweight boxing!The two juggernauts went head to head in the first heavyweight undisputed fight this CENTURY – with Usyk winning a controversial split decision.Oleksandr Usyk won a split decision in a brilliant heavyweight unification fight against Tyson FuryCredit: GettyAnd in a bout fit for that mantle, Fury and Usyk played out a thrilling battle with both men in control and also struggling at various points in the fight.Usyk started on top before showboating Fury won the middle rounds and appeared to be well on top.However, a ninth-round volley saw Usyk FLOOR Fury and swing momentum back his way.With four major world titles up for grabs both men gave it their all in one of the best fights in memory.READ MORE IN BOXINGIt went to the judges with the fight ending in a controversial split decision going in the Ukrainian’s favour –  115-112, 114-15, 114-113.Wally Downes Jr reacts as Usyk dethrones Tyson Fury is epic Saudi clashWhen is Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk rematch taking place?Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 will take place on Saturday, December 21.The Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia hosts the big fight.The ring walks are expected from around 11pm BST.Most read in BoxingWhat channel will the fight be on?DAZN , TNT Sports and Sky Sports are likely to broadcast Fury vs Usyk once again on PPV in the UK.The cost is expected to be around £19.95.Will all heavyweight titles be on the line in the rematch?This time round, however, it will NOT be an undisputed heavyweight title fight.This is because Usyk vacated the IBF title following his win so the mandatories for the belt could get their shot.Daniel Dubois was upgraded to the IBF heavyweight champion, and has since defended it in dominant fashion – knocking out Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium in front of a British record 96,000 crowd.So it is only Usyk’s WBA, WBC and WBO heavyweight titles up for grabs.Daniel Dubois is now the IBF heavyweight championCredit: REUTERSFury vs Usyk cardThe undercard for Fury vs Usyk has yet to be confirmed. Follow SunSport for all the latest details on the huge rematch. More

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    Boxer Mylik Birdsong, 31, shot dead in Los Angeles just weeks before he was set to appear on UFC card

    PROFESSIONAL boxer Mylik Birdsong has died aged 31 after being gunned down.The 15-1-1 fighter was tragically killed in a shooting on Sunday in Los Angeles.Mylik Birdsong has passed away at 31Credit: Instagram @kingmylik_theboxerBirdsong was due to return to the ring on a UFC Fight Pass card next monthCredit: Instagram @kingmylik_theboxerBirdsong, nicknamed “King Mylik”, was the reigning World Boxing Foundation International Welterweight champion.While he was also due to return to the ring for the first time since March next month on a UFC Fight Pass card.Reports tell of the horrendous moment Birdsong lost his life near Watts, Los Angeles, after a shooting at around 4:50pm on Sunday.Several men inside a dark-coloured SUV are said to have driven up to the fighter and opened fire.READ MORE IN BOXINGThe police say that Birdsong tried to flee the situation but was chased down and shot again.The boxer died in hospital later that day after first responders had tended to him.News outlet KTLA were told by police that Birdsong sustained seven gunshots to his torso.Investigations are understood to be ongoing with police looking for the gunmen who had fled the scene before authorities arrived.Most read in BoxingBirdsong, an LA native, was set to fight Gor Yerisyan at the Commerce Casino on October 26.Tributes from fans of the exciting fighter have poured in online.One wrote: “Tragic news. RIP Mylik Birdsong”.While another added: “Such a tragic loss. Another life cut short too soon. RIP Mylik.” More