Aurelia Butler

More stories

  • 250 Shares149 Views

    in Athletics

    Olivia Dunne concerns over her LSU gymnastics future after being left out of lineup for second straight week in row

    CONCERNS have been raised over Olivia Dunne and her gymnastics future.The LSU gymnast star, 21, hasn’t appeared in the collegiate team’s lineup for two straight weeks.
    College sports star Olivia Dunne hasn’t participated in LSU’s last gymnastics meetsCredit: Getty
    The 21-year-old is in her senior season as an LSU gymnastCredit: Getty
    The New Jersey native boasts around 13 million followers across social media and has a NIL deal valued at $3.5 millionCredit: Getty
    Dunne has become immensely popular due to her social media presence.
    She has close to 13 million across Instagram and TikTok .
    As a result, Olivia has an NIL deal that is valued at $3.5 million, the second-highest across the country.
    The 21-year-old has entered her senior year as a gymnast.

    But Dunne hasn’t appeared in two straight LSU meets.
    The most recent absence came when the Tigers lost to Missouri 197.325-197.225.
    Olivia was seen cheering on her teammates but was left out of the lineup and didn’t perform.
    She had sat the previous week against Kentucky.
    Most read in Real Life
    Dunne has recently posted videos of herself training on the balance team.
    It’s unclear if Olivia is dealing with an injury.
    As for LSU, they will host Arkansas on February 2.
    Dunne has still had success outside of the sport of gymnastics.
    The New Jersey native has been revealed as one of the stars of a new Prime Video documentary alongside fellow LSU gymnasts Flau’jae Johnson Angel Reese, and Jayden Daniels. More

  • 200 Shares109 Views

    in Boxing

    Conor McGregor invited to make brutal bare-knuckle boxing switch after UFC superstar strikes deal with BKFC

    CONOR McGREGOR has been invited to make a switch to brutal bare-knuckle boxing after striking a sponsorship deal. McGregor’s Forged Irish Stout is now partnered with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
    Conor McGregor with BKFC founder David FeldmanCredit: BKFC
    The Irishman himself talked up the idea of one day taking the gloves off for a brutal bout with exposed fists.
    In 2017, he crossed over to the boxing ring to face Floyd Mayweather, losing in ten rounds but making around £100million in doing so.
    The UFC gave McGregor special permission to do so and co-promoted the money-spinning spectacle.
    So it leaves BKFC founder David Feldman refusing to rule out the 35-year-old stepping into the world of bare-knuckle boxing.
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    He told SunSport: “Look, theoretically he can’t because he’s under contract with the UFC and we actually have a great relationship with the UFC.
    “But I think Conor plays by a different set of rules any maybe there’s a way to partner on an event, who knows?
    “But as far as us doing it by ourselves, I don’t think that ever happens. But maybe a collaboration? It could happen, he likes it.”
    McGregor was ringside in April when his former opponents Eddie Alvarez, 40, and Chad Mendes, 38, fought at BKFC 41.
    Most read in Boxing
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    Later that night, ex-UFC star Mike Perry, 32, defeated Luke Rockhold, 39, and McGregor jumped in the ring afterwards for a face off.
    Feldman said: “They’d both stand there and bang and Mike Perry talks good, Conor talks good and it wold be really, really fun to watch.
    “There’s a lot of guys out there too. A lot of guys in the UFC that would be fun; Justin Gaethje, he would be really fun to watch here.
    “I think Conor versus Mike Perry, the whole world would tune in.”
    McGregor paraded around with a BKFC championship belt and squared up to their biggest star in Perry.
    And it gave Feldman quite possibly the greatest bit of marketing possible.
    He said: “It’s huge and since that time we were able to sign a deal with him for his Forged Irish Stout, which is now a sponsor of ours.
    “He’s going to be an ambassador and it was a great thing. He liked what he saw, it’s had not to like it if you’re a real fighter.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    “It’s hard not to get excited about it and he got excited about it. Now it’s turned into a good relationship.
    “It’s amazing, you’ve got the number one combat sports guy in the whole entire world who likes your product and want to be involved with you in some shape or form.”
    Mike Perry squaring up to Conor McGregorCredit: Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship More

  • 213 Shares179 Views

    in Athletics

    Forgotten Team GB star Dwain Chambers ‘to RETURN to athletics 20 YEARS after doping ban’ aged 45

    DWAIN CHAMBERS is set to make a shock return to athletics aged 45 – more than 20 years after his doping ban.Chambers was suspended for two years in 2003 after testing positive for the steroid THG.
    Dwain Chambers is eyeing a stunning return to athletics aged 45Credit: AP:Associated Press
    However, he was back competing for Great Britain in 2006 and went on to enjoy great success, especially indoors where he was crowned world 60m champion.
    But now the Daily Mail report the North London sprinter will make his major comeback at the UK Athletics Indoor Championships in February.
    Dad-of-two Chambers ran an impressive 6.81sec to break the over-45s 60m world record at Lee Valley earlier this month.
    And the self-described ‘Benjamin Button’ plans to compete over the same distance at the flagship UK meeting in Birmingham.
    READ MORE ON ATHLETICS
    That could see him go up against athletes literally half his age.
    Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, ex-60m world champ Richard Kilty, reigning British champion Reece Prescod and 100m world semi-finalist Eugene Amo-Dadzie may also feature.
    And should Chambers take to the start line, it would cap off an incredible return to top-level athletics.
    The former 100m world bronze medallist in 1999, who won 4 x 100m European gold, has not featured at the Indoor Championships for four years and failed to get through outdoor 100m heats in both 2021 and 2022.
    Most read in Athletics
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    Chambers saw his European 100m gold medal and record 9.87sec time nullified by his drugs ban but stepped back into competition briefly in 2006.
    He then had ventures into both American Football and rugby league before turning his attention largely to the 60m distance – although he did race against Usain Bolt at London 2012.
    Five-time national indoor winner Chambers’ 6.42sec time from 2009 remains the British record.
    Chambers is also a coach at his academy at Lee Valley as he prepares for his shock comeback after a decade away from representing Great Britain on the international stage.
    Chambers missed out on qualifying for the 100m outdoors in 2021 and 2022Credit: PA
    He is still competing and is also a coach for younger athletesCredit: Instagram More

  • 300 Shares139 Views

    in Boxing

    Floyd Mayweather wanted to sign me but I turned it down… now I’m with Jake Paul and on course for a world title shot

    ASHTON SYLVE once looked destined to sign for Floyd Mayweather – but he turned down the boxing hero for Jake Paul. Sylve was a national amateur standout with over 110 bouts and ten titles to his name.
    Ashton Sylve met Floyd Mayweather as a kid but turned down the legend’s offer to promote him
    Sylve is now signed to Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions
    And growing up, he was a regular in Mayweather’s famed Las Vegas boxing club, where he caught the eye of the American icon.
    Sylve, 20, told SunSport: “Since I was young he was always like, ‘When you’re ready. We’re here whenever you’re ready.’
    “Whenever I saw him he would say, ‘Whenever you’re ready, whenever you’re ready.’”
    Sylve left behind the amateurs to turn professional in 2020 at the age of just 16.
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    The hot prospect had a host of top promoters lining up to secure his signature but dad and mentor Ivan insisted they held out.
    And that meant painfully rebuffing approaches from idol Mayweather.
    But, as fate would have it, Paul and his business partner Nakisa Bidarian were ready to make an offer that could not be refused.
    Sylve revealed: “It was honestly real hard.
    Most read in Boxing
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    “I was at a point where I was not going to listen to my dad, it was kind of taking too long and I was like five or six fights in.
    “I was ready to be on the big stage and I thought Floyd or whoever else would have put me on that spotlight.
    “But everything happens for a reason and that’s when Jake came around I think two fights later and Nakisa came to one of my fights.
    “I had an amazing knockout and we kind of went from there. If I had gone with someone else, I don’t think I’d be in this position.”
    Sylve signed for YouTuber-turned boxer Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions in April 2022 and has not looked back since.
    He said: “My team and my dad definitely told me to take my time. 
    “When I had certain offers come my way I definitely wanted to jump at them and get ahead of myself just because of the name of who the promoter was. 
    “But as soon as MVP went our way – and we went through pretty much every big promotion company – we took our time with them too and heard what they had for us and it wasn’t quite fitting for us. 
    “But as soon as MVP came, Jake gave us his idea and offer, we met Jake and everything seemed to align.” 
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    Sylve returns on Friday against Estivan Falcao for the WBC junior world title, offering the winner a chance to shoot up the rankings for a future shot at the belt.
    He said: “That’s why we’re at this point right now, fighting for the title because the development of my career and the team behind me has pushed me and put me in the right position.” 
    Ashton Sylve fights for the WBC junior world titleCredit: Most Valuable Promotions/Esther Lin More

  • 175 Shares169 Views

    in Boxing

    World boxing champ Terence Crawford ‘casually living his best life’ at AVN porn awards

    BOXING fans joked Terence Crawford is casually “living his best life” after attending the AVN porn awards in Las Vegas. Crawford shot to superstardom last year after beating long-time rival Errol Spence Jr to win the undisputed welterweight titles.
    Terence Crawford attended the AVN porn awards in Las VegasCredit: Reuters
    Boxing fans joked Crawford is casually ‘living his best life’ after appearing at the awards showCredit: Instagram @tbudcrawford
    Emily Lynne, Luna Star and Kazumi at the awardsCredit: Getty
    It cemented his status as arguably the No1 boxer in the world and he became the first man to reign as undisputed champ in two divisions.
    Crawford has not returned since but remains linked with a Spence rematch or sensational jump up to fight Mexican legend Canelo Alvarez.
    Although it appears the American is enjoying his time off as he took a trip to Las Vegas.
    And in town was the annual AVN porn awards, which Crawford revealed he attended.
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    A video from a performance during the event was posted to the unbeaten champion’s Instagram – leaving fans in stitches.
    One said: “Terence Crawford living his best life. Casually at the Porn Awards.”
    Another added: “Terence Crawford’s victory lap following his win over Errol Spence is one for the ages.”
    One agreed: “Crawford having a once in a lifetime victory lap since taking down Spence!”
    Most read in Boxing
    Spence, 33, had a rematch clause in his contract but he recently underwent eye surgery for a previous injury.
    It raised doubt over whether he will rematch Crawford, 36, or not.
    And Crawford’s future at 147lb is also in question after he was stripped of the IBF belt for not fighting mandatory challenger Jaron Ennis.
    Rising unbeaten talent Ennis, 26, has called to fight Crawford but the pound-for-pound star shot it down.
    He posted: “Like I said before @JaronEnnis had two opportunities to fight me.
    “We talking about a kid that’s still fighting in the theater. Make it make sense.”
    Crawford is a pound-for-pound boxing starCredit: Getty More

  • 225 Shares99 Views

    in Boxing

    Anthony Joshua reveals why he snubbed three fighters to take on Francis Ngannou in his own ‘undisputed’ bout

    ANTHONY JOSHUA has revealed he rejected three other potential opponents to make the Francis Ngannou fight.Joshua, 34, will face off against former UFC heavyweight king Ngannou, 37, in Saudi Arabia on March 8.
    Anthony Joshua has revealed three names were proposed to him before he took the Francis Ngannou fightCredit: Alamy
    Deontay Wilder was set to face Joshua before his defeat to Joseph ParkerCredit: Getty
    Prior to AJ’s win over Otto Wallin in December he had signed to face American KO artist Deontay Wilder.
    But the Bronze Bomber was comprehensively outboxed by Joseph Parker on the same bill as Joshua’s stoppage victory.
    And Wilder’s defeat left many claiming a fight with AJ was dead in the water.
    Yet Joshua has now insisted he still believed he could have faced the Alabama puncher next.
    READ MORE ON ANTHONY JOSHUA
    As well as Wilder, a clash with IBF mandatory Filip Hrgovic was also discussed.
    And a trilogy against Andy Ruiz Jr was also in the mix in what would have been a follow-up to their two fights in 2019.
    But once the Brit was approached about the Ngannou bout, he urged them to make the fight.
    Speaking on The MMA Hour, he said: “I thought it might be Wilder still, because the contracts were signed, and it’s still a big fight.
    Most read in Boxing
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS

    ANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUT
    “It’s still an amazing fight, it’s a crossover between UK and USA, all that good stuff promotional-wise, it’s still a good fight.
    “So no, I kind of let that one slide, and then it was the [Flip] Hrgovic situation, the [Andy] Ruiz situation.
    “Then they put Francis there, and my team were like, ‘This is a good opportunity on this day in Saudi Arabia against this opponent. What are you saying?’
    “I said, ‘Let’s roll. Let’s go.’”
    Joshua is heading into the Ngannou fight off the back of three successive wins against Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius and Wallin.
    Ngannou is preparing for only his second pro boxing fight after narrowly losing by split decision to Tyson Fury in what almost became one of the sport’s all-time great upsets.
    If Joshua wins, many will want him to take on the winner of the undisputed fight between Fury and Oleksandr Usyk – which is set for February 17.
    AJ has already lost twice to Usyk, but a blockbuster all-British dust-up with Fury has never materialised.
    However, when asked about the possibility of facing Fury or Usyk, he added: “Let me say this again, I’m not focusing on [facing the Fury-Usyk winner].
    “I’m going to take my mind, I have to draw it back that Ngannou is my undisputed title fight. That’s the mentality I have to have.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    “Ngannou is my undisputed fight. Because you’re only as good as your last fight, and I respect him a lot. He ain’t easy money. He’s a hard night’s work.
    “And you know what’s crazy? So am I. I’m a hard night’s work for anyone. So let’s go, it’s going to be fireworks.”
    Andy Ruiz Jr is keen for a rematch against Joshua having beaten him back in 2019Credit: Getty Images – Getty
    Filip Hrgovic was also a potential opponent for Joshua before he chose NgannouCredit: Getty More

  • 238 Shares139 Views

    in Boxing

    Apollonia Llewellyn threatens to spill out of tiny bikini on Los Angeles holiday as fans brand her ‘stunning girlie’

    RING GIRL Apollonia Llewellyn travelled to Los Angeles for her latest holiday.The boxing ring girl is in the US following a skiing holiday in Switzerland.
    Apollonia soaked up the sun in CaliforniaCredit: instagram @apolloniallewellyn
    It comes after she went skiingCredit: instagram @apolloniallewellyn
    The influencer visited SwizerlandCredit: instagram @apolloniallewellyn
    She did not let the cold stop her from wearing a bikiniCredit: instagram @apolloniallewellyn
    Apollonia shot to fame as a ring girl for KSI’s Misfits boxing promotion.
    She was ringside for KSI’s controversial victory over Joe Fournier last year, when he won by elbowing his opponent.
    The result of the match was later declared null and void.
    Much like Misfits Boxing at large, which has has had its license suspended by the Professional Boxing Association (the PBA).
    READ MORE ON APOLLONIA
    The PBA has suspended the organisation’s license “in the interest of boxer’s safety”.
    Regardless of whether Misfits goes ahead again, it seems like Apollonia will be fine.
    The influencer boasts 579,000 followers on Instagram and rakes in the dosh thanks to a series of paid collaborations.
    Fans were quick to take to the comment section of her latest post.
    Most read in Boxing
    She captioned the post: “Expensive.”
    One fan commented: “Stunning girlie 😍”
    Another responded: “Angel💛”
    A third wrote: “😍😍”
    While a fourth commented: “So beautiful 😍😍.”
    She has embraced the cold climes this winterCredit: instagram @apolloniallewellyn
    And made Switzerland a second homeCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellyn
    Bikinis are often paired with a fur hatCredit: Instagram
    The influencer is fond of a holidayCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellyn
    She recently visited New YorkCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellyn
    A pic from her recent trip to LACredit: INSTAGRAM @apolloniallewellyn
    Her previous favourite destination was GreeceCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellyn
    But America looks as though it’s making a comebackCredit: Instagram
    She is originally from LeedsCredit: INSTAGRAM @apolloniallewellyn More

  • 263 Shares139 Views

    in Boxing

    I’m a boxing legend who fought Floyd Mayweather but rival champ was the hardest hitter… I can still feel the punches

    MANNY PACQUIAO fought an opponent so strong he could still feel the punches years later. The Filipino icon had one of the most legendary careers in boxing history, winning titles in EIGHT divisions.
    Miguel Cotto was beaten by Manny Pacquiao in 2009Credit: Getty
    And he fought fellow greats in Floyd Mayweather, Oscar de la Hoya and Juan Manuel Marquez.
    But he revealed none punched harder than Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto the night they did battle in 2009.
    Pacquiao told The Ring in 2015: “I can still feel some of those punches he threw at me. 
    “Staying on the ropes is not the best place to be when you are fighting him. He’s also accurate. He’s incredible.” 
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    Pacquiao jumped up to welterweight to challenge the much larger Cotto and the pair put on a thriller in Las Vegas.
    PacMan eventually forced the stoppage in the 12th and final round.
    Cotto would continue fighting on and a year later lost to Mayweather on points.
    He also went onto face Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez in 2015 before retiring in 2017.
    Most read in Boxing
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    Pacquiao also lost to Mayweather in 2015 but did not hang up his gloves until 2021.
    But he is linked with a return aged 45 with a rematch against Mayweather still touted over a decade from his points defeat.
    Pacquiao announced the two will rematch this year under the RIZIN MMA promotion in Japan – but Mayweather has not responded to the claim.
    Floyd Mayweather is linked with a rematch against Manny PacquiaoCredit: Rex More