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    Carson Jones dead at 38: Boxing champion who fought Kell Brook dies after surgery on oesophagus that ‘drove him insane’

    BOXER Carson Jones has passed away aged 38 as tributes poured in.Jones is well remembered for twice fighting and losing to Kell Brook during his 63-bout career. Carson Jones has passed away aged 38 as tributes poured inCredit: RexThe American – whose last fight was in 2023 – recently fell ill after complications during oesophagus surgery.And he has since sadly died – with former opponent Caleb Truax confirming the news.He posted a picture of them together and wrote: “Rest in paradise to my man. Boxing lost a good one, too early.” Jones had told his social media followers in January that he was struggling with gastrointestinal problems. READ MORE IN BOXINGIt affects the digestive tract, which is the passageway that food and liquids travel through from the mouth to the anus.At one point, Jones posted: “I finally have surgery on my esophagus on Monday. I cannot wait. This s*** is driving me insane.”I’ve had a max of three bites of food per day for the last few weeks, with a loss of 35 pounds. Some days, there is no food or drink at all.”Truax had previously posted: “Boxing community, we need some prayers for former world title challenger Carson Jones.Most read in Boxing”He had complications during a surgical procedure, and my friend can use all the good vibes he can get.” Jones lost to ex-welterweight world champion Brook on points in 2012 and then by stoppage in their rematch a year later. He also faced the likes of Antonio Margarito, Ted Cheeseman and Callum Walsh. Jones’ final fight came in October 2023 against James Warren at light-heavyweight – winning in two rounds. British boxing referee Mark Lyson posted: “Very sad to hear the news about the passing of Carson Jones at just 38. RIP Champ.”Manager Sam Jones said: “Such sad news about Carson Jones.” Kell Brook twice beat Jones, pictured here in their first 2012 fightCredit: Mark Robinson – The SunTed Cheeseman also fought JonesCredit: Rex Features More

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    ‘Boxing is back’ – Times Square to host insane fight card with three pound-for-pound stars on May 2

    NEW YORK’S Time Square is set to be transformed for a “once-in-a-lifetime event” involving three pound-for-pound stars. Saudi boxing supremo Turki Al-Sheikh is staging shows outside of the Middle East in America and the UK. Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia fight on the same cardCredit: GettyTeofimo Lopez also features on the cardCredit: GettyRolly Romero will fight GarciaCredit: Rey Del Rio/

    Premier Boxing ChampionsBut his latest announcement revealed a huge triple header card will be held outside in Times Square in the heart of Midtown Manhattan on May 2. And fans went wild as one said: “Boxing is back.” Another added: “Nah this the craziest fight card of the year.” Ryan Garcia, 26, looks set to headline against old rival Rolly Romero, 29, in a welterweight clash. READ MORE IN BOXINGDevin Haney, 26, also returns up a 147lb against former world champion Jose Ramirez, 32. And WBO super-lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez, 27, defends his belt against Arnold Barboza, 33.Garcia and Haney return for the first time since their grudge match last April. Initially, Garcia won on points after three knockdowns but he later failed a drug test for ostarine – known to improve muscle growth. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe denied knowingly ingesting it and blamed the positive test on a contaminated supplement – accepting a one-year ban with the result overturned. Haney – still now undefeated – is lined up for a rematch against Garcia if they both win their fights. Mike Tyson doesn’t hesitate when revealing heavyweight who would have beaten him Romero is coming off a ten-round points win over Manuel Jaimes in September after losing his WBA 140lb title to Isaac Cruz last year. Ramirez lost to Barboza in November and moves up in weight to face Haney – who has held lightweight and super-lightweight titles. Lopez beat Steve Claggett in June after a controversial decision victory against four months prior. He will now defend his WBO title against interim champ Barboza – coming off victory over Britain’s Jack Catterall in February. Arnold Barboza fights for Lopez’s WBO titleCredit: GettyJose Ramirez will be Haney’s comeback opponentCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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    I made deal with God as I lay dying after husband’s attack – I’m still trying to keep my end, says boxer Christy Martin

    BOXING legend Christy Martin has revealed she made a deal with God as she lay dying after her husband’s brutal attack – and says she’s still trying to keep her end of the bargain.The 56-year-old – nicknamed The Coal Miner’s Daughter because of her father’s job in West Virginia, where she grew up – was a pioneer in the ring.Boxing legend Christy Martin is a survivor of domestic abuseCredit: GettyChristy survived an attempted murder by husband JimCredit: Office of the State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit of FloridaChristy, right, poses with actress Sydney Sweeney who will be playing her in the upcoming movieCredit: FacebookShe won 49 fights, with 32 by way of knockout, in a career that began in the late 1980s, and was represented by legendary promoter Don King.However, behind the scenes manager James ‘Jim’ Martin, who she would marry in 1991, made her life a living hell by beating her physically and stripping her down mentally.All the while, Christy, who is gay, was wrestling with her sexuality and identity in the macho world of her profession.In 2010, Martin would attempt to take Christy’s life – repeatedly stabbing his wife, before shooting her in the chest.Martin, who was 25 years Christy’s senior, was sentenced to 25 years in prison.He died last November, while serving his sentence at Graceville Correctional Facility in Florida.Understandably, Christy’s astonishing story has caught the attention of Hollywood.It’s not a boxing movie. It’s about domestic violence and it’s about sexuality. There’s so many different aspects and groups of people that this movie can affectChristy MartinA movie, directed by acclaimed Aussie filmmaker David Michod and starring actress of the moment Sydney Sweeney as Christy, wrapped in late 2024.Netflix also chronicled the tale with a powerful documentary called Untold: Deal with the Devil released in 2021.Speaking to SunSport, Christy, 56, told us: “To me, it’s the underdog story.Christy Martin was a boxing legend, but her ex-husband and trainer attempted to murder her”It’s not a boxing movie. It’s about domestic violence and it’s about sexuality. There’s so many different aspects and groups of people that this movie can affect.”The meaning behind the movie, for me, is don’t hide who you are – whatever it be, whatever makes you different. Be true to you.”Christy admitted she was surprised, at first, by the casting of Hollywood superstar Sweeney.”My first reaction was, ‘Wow, it kind of doesn’t fit,'” she said.”But when I spoke with Sydney, I learned she actually has an MMA background. We had some great conversations.”She is very much a competitor, like I was. I think this role will show people a whole other side to her they are not used to seeing.”She’s very real and a completely normal person, not like some Hollywood people I have met in my life and throughout my boxing career.”Christy met future hubby Jim when she was 22 and he was 47. She was an up and coming boxer, and he promised her the world by claiming he had contacts that could get her to the top of the tree.They married in 1991, although it was a marriage of convenience. Before Jim, Christy was in relationships with women.”I got involved with Jim by accident,” she said.”It was one of those things, I was impressionable and young and he claimed he knew everyone in the boxing business.”Christy was in an abusive marriage with Jim Martin who was her managerCredit: GettyGlam Sweeney was a surprise choice to play Martin in the new filmSweeney flexes her muscles on set of the untitled Christy Martin biopicCredit: instagram/sydney_sweeneySydney is unrecognisable on set for the upcoming movieCredit: BackGridBy the mid 1990s, Christy became a showbiz name in her own right.She featured on the undercard for Mike Tyson’s pay-per-view fight against Frank Bruno, and appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated.There was even an appearance on classic US TV sitcom Roseanne.But away from the public eye, she was under duress from Jim who controlled her every move.That included trash-talking gay fighters, even though she was hiding her own past and sexuality.Christy revealed: “Jim would encourage me to trash talk fighters who were gay.”I would tell him, ‘You’re treading on thin ice because if I say something, then someone from my past might hear it and come out of the woodwork’.”I would always tell him he was pushing me to walk a dangerous line.”It could have come out at any point, at any time, and something could have exposed me. How would I have looked then?”I was living two lives with what was going on in front of the camera and what was happening behind closed doors.”We would argue about everything, at press conferences, at home. I got to the point where I would pick and choose my battles.”As the first superstar of women’s boxing, Christy appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1996Credit: SuppliedLegendary boxing promoter Don King represented ChristyCredit: GettyChristy became a celebrity in her own right – appearing on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in 1996Credit: NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal viaTheir blistering rows would often erupt into violence. “Once he knocked my tooth through my lip when I tried to leave him,” Christy confessed.”I had put a contract together to go our separate ways. I just wanted to live my life and go in a different direction. But I was his personal ATM. Without me what was he going to do?”As their relationship further deteriorated, Christy began to get hooked on cocaine, which she used to ease her pain.As he was beating my head into the dresser, I thought, ‘You know motherf***er, you are not going to kill me. Not today.’Christy MartinOn November 23, 2010 it all came to a head. After spending a few days with her friend, Sherry Lusk, Christy returned to their Florida home to find an agitated Martin.She recalled: “I had a headache, so I went to lay down in the bedroom. The entire time I’m laying down, I could hear Jim sharpening a knife.”Then I overheard him talking on the phone, calling people up and telling them I left him for a woman.”I got up and I was getting ready to go for a run. I put one shoe on and then he came into the bedroom.”He said, ‘I have something to show you.’ I thought he had a boxing contract, but instead he had a knife and a gun.”He started to stab me and cut me up and we got into a fight. In my mind, I was ready to die. “But, as he was beating my head into the dresser, I thought, ‘You know motherf***er, you are not going to kill me. Not today.’Christy refused to give up on life after being stabbed and shotCredit: GettyIn 2010, Martin repeatedly stabbed his wife with this knifeCredit: Office of the State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit of FloridaHe then shot Christy in the chest with this pink gunCredit: Office of the State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida”It was like a switch just flipped and I wanted to live. When he cut me, he cut his own hand. And so he stopped beating me and went to clean up his own hand.”I started to walk out the room. He came back in and picked up the gun. I said to him, ‘You don’t have the balls to shoot me.'”But he did. He shot me and I remember I just prayed to God and asked for a way to get out.”Christy was stabbed four times in the chest, her left lung was punctured, her left leg was sliced to the bone, and a bullet was lodged three inches from her heart.Callous Martin left his wife for dead on the bedroom floor and went to have a shower.The crime scene where Christy was stabbed four times and shotCredit: Office of the State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit of FloridaChristy managed to make it out of the flat when Martin went to have a shower, picture shows blood on the bathroom floorCredit: Office of the State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit of FloridaThe boxing legend’s left leg was sliced to the boneCredit: Office of the State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit of FloridaJim Martin in hospital with injuries sustained in his attackCredit: Office of the State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit of FloridaMartin was sentenced to 25 years in prison for attempting to murder ChristyCredit: Alamy”I heard the shower water turn on and that was God telling me it’s time, Christy, now’s the time. So I tried to get up, but blood was coming out of all these holes,” she said.Miraculously, she managed to make it out of their condo, before flagging down a stranger who rushed her to a nearby hospital.She survived her ordeal, as she believes, by the grace of God.In the emergency room, as she recovered from her wounds, she was also able to kick her drug habit to the kerb.”I had always been that athlete that said no to drugs,” she said.”In college, you smoke weed in high school and college and stuff – but I said I was never going to get addicted.”But cocaine became my drug of choice, and it was because I was so miserable with Jim. I was trying to find a happy place.I had always been that athlete that said no to drugsChristy”Cocaine was putting me in that happy place, even though it was really killing me and putting me in a worse place. It was an escape every day for around three years.”I quit because I wasn’t miserable anymore. I was free of Jim. I didn’t need that drug anymore.”Christy is thankful to be alive to tell her story, which she hopes will help women who have been in similar situations to her.”I made a deal with God in the hospital,” she told us.”You know, you let me live through this and I promise you I’m going to help. I’m going to help at least one person every day so they don’t suffer what I went through.”That’s why I keep talking about domestic violence because I gotta keep up my end of the bargain.”Christy in action against Laila Ali in 2003Credit: GettyJim Martin, right, died in 2024 while serving his sentence at Graceville Correctional Facility in FloridaToday, Christy Martin regularly discusses her domestic violence ordealCredit: GettyPioneering Christy led the way for female boxers like Katie Taylor, rightCredit: Sportsfile More

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    Gervonta Davis vs Lamont Roach UK ring-walk time: What time will both fighters walk out?

    GERVONTA DAVIS is making his return to the ring TONIGHT!The elite lightweight fighter nicknamed “Tank” will be challenged by fellow American and WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Lamont Roach Jr. for the WBA lightweight championship. The pair were initially scheduled to fight last year but was postponedDespite his slight frame, Davis is among one of the most feared fighters in the world. The knockout specialist from Baltimore boasts a perfect 30-0 record with 28 knockouts and first collected the WBA lightweight and super featherweight titles via knockout against Leo Santa Cruz in 2020. And most recently, defeated Frank Martin, via knockout. While Roach Jr. (25-1-1) lost out on the WBO super featherweight title against Jamel Herring in November 2019, before recovering with four victories on the bounce. READ MORE IN BOXING H prevailed for his first title win against Héctor Luis García for the WBA super featherweight title in November 2023. By majority vote, Roach prevailed in that competition. To keep that championship, the Washington, DC-born fighter recently fought Feargal McCrory via TKO in front of his home fans, and if he was to beat Davis, would have five days to decide which belt he would want to keep. When is Gervonta Davis vs Lamont Roach and what time is the ring walk?Gervonta Davis vs Lamont Roach is set to take place on Sunday, March 2.The card starts from 1.00am GMT on Amazon Prime.Davis and Roach are expected to make their ring walks around 3.00am GMT.The fight will take place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New YorkMost read in Boxing More

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    Volodymyr Zelensky gifts Donald Trump Oleksandr Usyk’s world title belt moments before explosive Oval Office fight

    UKRAINIAN president Volodymyr Zelensky had a special gift for Donald Trump on his visit to the White House.The 47-year-old brought Oleksandr Usyk’s world heavyweight belt into the Oval Office for Friday’s crunch talks.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky brought Oleksandr Usyk’s WBC belt to the Oval OfficeCredit: AlamyThe belt was seen next to Zelensky during the key talksUsyk has twice beaten Tyson Fury and became unified heavyweight champ in 2021Credit: Instagram / usykaaZelensky met Trump at the door to the White House and shook the President’s hand before the seismic meeting.And, once inside, his entourage was seen carrying the WBC undisputed belt Usyk earned against Tyson Fury last year.Boxing fans were baffled to see the belt propped up on a table as the two leaders talked in front of the gathered press. One fan gasped on X: “I hope that’s a replica.”READ MORE ON BOXINGAnother said: “Just why?”While a third added: “I can’t think of anyone who deserves it less.”And a fourth commented after the talks went drastically south: “I hope he took it back after this meeting?”Following the tense talks, Trump kicked Zelensky out of the White House and branded him “disrespectful”.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNegotiations fell apart after a dramatic three-way shouting match erupted between Zelensky, Trump and Vice President JD Vance.Ukrainian hero Usyk has a proud unbeaten record of 23-0, with 14 of those wins coming by knockout. ‘Aura is crazy’ – Oleksandr Usyk asks where Anthony Joshua is seconds after arriving for stacked Beterbiev vs Bivol cardHe joined soldiers on the front line at the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago. Usyk, 38, has been a unified world champion in two weight classes – first as a cruiserweight, before stepping up to heavyweight in 2020.Usyk has beaten Joshua, Daniel Dubois, Derek Chisora and Tyson Fury twice to cement himself as the pound-for-pound king. The world champion beat Fury for a second time in December last year to retain his belts in Riyadh.Usyk already has one eye on leaving boxing behind.Asked about retirement, he told Sky Sports: “I think two years, one-and-a-half [left in boxing].”I feel great myself. I feel I have two fights to prepare, not more. Just two.”Usyk had indicated he would fight the winner of Dubois vs Joseph Parker, which was cancelled earlier this month after Triple D pulled out through illness. Should Dubois win that fight, he believes he has what it takes to knock Usyk off his perch.IBF holder Dubois said: “Run it back. My next fight I’m working towards [is Usyk], I’m ready for it now.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m just getting better, improving. They say when you win a world title you improve. “So I feel like that’s what’s happening with me.” More

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    ‘I am alive by miracle’ – Boxer Marcos Maidana opens up after being hit by car at 125mph and not breaking a single bone

    FORMER boxing champion Marcos Maidana has revealed how he somehow escaped death after being hit by a car at 125mph.The 41-year-old was out on his motorbike in Santa Fe, Argentina, on February 18 when he was struck.Ex-boxer Marcos Maidana has spoken out after being hit by a carCredit: AFPThe ex-boxing champion was hit by a car while on his motorbikeCredit: TYC SportsHe remarkably didn’t suffer any broken bonesCredit: TYC SportsAfter being hit by the Renault Clio, he flew 150 metres and eventually landed in a ditch with wet grass.Speaking to Infobae, Maidana recalled: “I feel like I was reborn. I don’t remember anything about the accident.”Although I never lost consciousness and was awake, I only remember when I arrived at the hospital.”I am now resting and continuing with studies due to the strong blows I received on my back and chest.”READ MORE IN BOXINGHe continued: “I can’t believe it myself. I flew 150 metres and I don’t have any broken bones or anything.”The motorbike saved my leg because I hit it on the side. I hit it with the engine which has a crash bar that sticks out.”That’s why I didn’t hit my leg against the car, otherwise I would have broken everything. It was a miracle to crash at that speed.”Maidana held the WBA super lightweight title from 2011 to 2012 and the WBA welterweight title between 2013 and 2014.Most read in BoxingThe boxing organisation sent a message of support to the former champion shortly after his accident.A statement read: “The World Boxing Association (WBA) extends its deepest concern and best wishes for a swift recovery to former world champion Marcos “Chino” Maidana, who was involved in a traffic accident this Tuesday on National Route 11 in the province of Santa Fe, Argentina.”It concluded: “On behalf of the entire boxing community, the WBA sends its support and well wishes to Marcos Maidana and his family during this difficult time.”With the strength and resilience that defined his career, we have no doubt that “Chino” will overcome this challenge and remain an inspiration to us all.” More

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    ‘We fight people our own age!’ – Logan Paul gives X-rated reaction as brother Jake reveals who his next opponent is

    JAKE PAUL left brother Logan absolutely stunned after revealing the opponent for his next fight.The social media sensation hasn’t set foot in the ring since his controversial crossover clash with boxing legend Mike Tyson last November.Jake Paul hasn’t fought since his controversial clash with Mike TysonCredit: GETTYThe Problem Child recently revealed his next opponent to his older brother LoganCredit: YOUTUBE@LOGANPAULLogan was left gobsmacked by the identity of his sibling’s upcoming foeCredit: YOUTUBE@LOGANPAULHe was on course to land a sensational showdown with former pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez until the Mexcian inked a lucrative four-fight deal with Riyadh Season.Paul pivoted quickly to find a new opponent, the identity of which stunned older brother Logan.When quizzing his sibling about his next fight, Logan asked: “Who are you fighting next though? KSI?”.Jake replied: “I’ve got a fight. Of course, I have a fight. READ MORE BOXING NEWS”There’s a laundry list of people who want to fight me.”The Problem Child eventually whispered the name of his upcoming opponent to his WWE star brother, who yelled: “No f***ing way!”That’s sick. Your secret is safe with me. I’m not telling you. F*****g any one of you in this building could be the mole.”Jake’s revealing of his next fight to Logan came after his sibling appeared to rib him over the ages of his previous opponents.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSLogan shouted: “We don’t fight retired fighters. We fight people our age, who are just as good as us.”Jake softly replied: “Very true.”Inside Jake Paul’s private jet as YouTuber-turned-boxing star splashes out on brand new planeIt’s unclear who Jake’s upcoming opponent is, although SunSport understands that a showdown with former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr has been mooted.Former Disney star Paul will no doubt look to take out his frustrations at the collapse of his Canelo clash on whoever he faces next.When asked how he felt about the fight slipping through his hands, he replied: “Pretty s**t. I feel really bad.”We’re literally, we’re verbally agreed, Nakisa [Bidarian] signed the contract with Netflix on our side.”It was in their inbox and they’re like, ‘Yeah we’re signing it.’ I’m p****d.” More

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    Daniel Dubois’ dad reveals full extent of viral infection that kept IBF champion out of Parker fight

    DANIEL DUBOIS’ dad has opened up on just how bad his viral infection was after the Brit was forced to withdraw from his bout with Joseph Parker.Dubois, 27, pulled out of his lucrative world title fight just two days before he was due to step in the ring in Riyadh, citing illness as the reason.Daniel Dubois’ dad has revealed the extent of the IBF champ’s virusCredit: GettyDubois was forced to withdraw from his fight with Joseph Parker due to illnessCredit: GettyTriple D was swiftly replaced by Congolese puncher Martin Bakole, who was battered by Parker on such short notice.Dubois would almost certainly have put up more of a fight, but was advised against gloving up after a consultation with a doctor.The IBF champion’s dad, Dave, told Ring Magazine exactly what happened.He said: “Fight week was going well until he became ill. Everything was perfect, then he started feeling unwell a couple days before.READ MORE IN BOXING”He had a virus, he had swollen glands and an ear infection so the doctor told him ‘I wouldn’t fight if I was you’. He said ‘you can fight, but after three rounds you’ll be feeling it’.”He’s had these problems before, swollen glands, viral infection, it’s been happening for about eight years and they usually last three of four days but he’s been alright after that.”With this it was just bad timing that it happened two days before the fight. Obviously it was very frustrating for him and us.”Dubois isn’t planning on returning to face Parker either, with his dad revealing he has something even bigger in mind.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “Next, he wants Usyk, it’s frustrating about the Parker fight but he couldn’t fight with an infection. Usyk is who we’re going after next.”Parker has taken a different view of Dubois’ withdrawal, labelling the whole ordeal as “weird” and sparking theories about what happened.Jake Paul in X-rated reaction as brother Logan reveals who his next opponent is During an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, he said: ”It feels weird because [Daniel Dubois] was at the public workout and then, just like that, he got real ill.”And there was no real statement. There’s no real proof or doctors. There’s nothing.”It feels a bit weird. It feels a bit strange that during that time that [Oleksandr] Usyk started calling out Dubois saying he wants him next.”Joseph Parker has claimed there is ‘no real proof’ that Dubois was illCredit: Getty More