More stories

  • in

    Tyson Fury teases drastic body transformation ahead of Usyk rematch in hint at new game plan

    TYSON FURY looks on course to be significantly HEAVIER for his do-or-die rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.The Gypsy King renews his rivalry with the slick southpaw in a second successive Saudi showdown next month.Tyson Fury renews his rivalry with Oleksandr Usyk on December 21Credit: GETTYThe Gypsy King suffered a split decision defeat in their undisputed showdown in MayCredit: GETTYFury tipped the scales at 18 stone, seven pounds for the pair’s first meetingCredit: GETTYBut he looks to be significantly bigger for the do-or-die rematchCredit: INSTAGRAM@KEVINLERENAFury suffered a split decision defeat in the pair’s Riyadh rumble in May, in which he was almost knocked in the ninth round.The 36-year-old has been hard at work in the gym since suffering his first professional defeat.And he looks to be significantly bigger for his second desert dust-up with the undefeated Ukrainian.Fury gave his 6.9 million Instagram followers a sneak peek at his physique for the fight by posting a snap of him tensing in the ring after a hard workout.READ MORE ON UYSK VS FURY IIHis accompanying caption read: “Friday be like!!!”Sparring partner Kevin Lerena, however, gave fans a further glimpse at Fury’s fight frame.The South African heavyweight shared a post-sparring snap of himself and the Wythenshawe warrior to his own Instagram.And Fury looked to be carrying significantly more mass on his frame than he did for his May melee with two-weight champion Usyk.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBoxing fans were quick to comment on both pictures, with one saying: “He looks heavy.”Another said: “In excellent shape. Wilder 2 vibes.”Tyson Fury responds to pleas to remove dad John from his training teamFury let out a war cry in this pictureCredit: instagram @tysonfuryAnd another said: “My word. Fury looks massive.”One remarked: “He is huge.”Another chimed in: “Damn he’s HUGEEEE!”Fury could be plotting to come in heavier than the whopping 18 stone, seven pounds he weighed in May in order to implement a more physical fight on Usyk.Tying up, clinching and making the former cruiserweight king carry his weight, as he did in his historic 2015 win over Wladimir Klitschko, could be a viable route to victory against the unified heavyweight king.Tyson Fury has vowed to exact his revenge on Oleksandr UsykCredit: GETTYFury hurt Usyk in the seventh round of their meeting and is confident of exacting his revenge in their second dance.He roared on Instagram: “Four weeks to go, ’til the biggest fight of the year.”The biggest fight in boxing, me and Usyk.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And I’m coming in hot. I’m coming in HOT! “Can’t wait. 21st of December, the belts are going to be mine again.” More

  • in

    Anthony Joshua may only have ONE fight left as Eddie Hearn hints Brit boxer’s career is almost over

    ANTHONY JOSHUA could hang up his gloves within the next “YEAR”, promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed.AJ’s faint hopes of becoming undisputed heavyweight champion were viciously shattered in September in his Wembley war with Daniel Dubois for the IBF strap.Anthony Joshua’s career is on a knife edge following his crushing loss to Daniel DuboisCredit: REUTERSAJ was knocked out in the fifth round of the Wembley war for the IBF heavyweight titleCredit: GETTYJoshua shrugged off talk of retirement in the aftermath of the devastating defeatCredit: PABut promoter Eddie Hearn admits the fan favourite could call it quits in the next 12 monthsCredit: REUTERSThe Watford warrior, 35, immediately dismissed calls for him to retire, insisting he’ll “keep rolling the dice” in his bid to hold all the heavyweight marbles.But Matchroom boxing chief and long-time pal Hearn reckons the London 2012 gold medallist could soon call it a day.He told The Times: “This could be [Joshua’s] last year in the sport.”AJ was on course for a do-or-die rematch with Dubois on February 22 before his team advised him not to push through niggling injuries.READ MORE ON ANTHONY JOSHUAHe’s champing at the bit to exact his revenge but Hearn insists they won’t plot his move until after next month’s unified heavyweight title rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.He told DAZN: “It could be the Dubois rematch but it won’t be on February 22nd.””I think we have to see how December 21st unfolds (Usyk-Fury II) and then make a decision after that.”Expect to see AJ in a ring next May or June.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHow AJ punched his way to the topANTHONY JOSHUA punched his way to the top of the world before being knocked off his perch.A historic domestic dust-up between Joshua and Fury has twice been on the brink of coming to fruition.And Hearn doesn’t want to jeopardise the biggest fight in the history of British boxing by jumping the gun and pitting AJ against Dubois again.Eddie Hearn reveals real reason Anthony Joshua’s February rematch with Daniel Dubois was KO’d amid ‘major injury’ claim”It would be frustrating if we made the Dubois rematch and Fury won,” he said.”Then we’re sitting there going, ‘Hang on a minute, we’re fighting Dubois.”‘But we could have fought Fury in May for the biggest fight in boxing.'”Win or lose, we can fight Fury next summer. But if he wins, AJ fights him for the world title.”Eddie Hearn is still holding out hope for a blockbuster bout between Anthony Joshua and Daniel DuboisCredit: PA More

  • in

    Chris Eubank’s nephew wrestled to ground FOUR times as boxing clash turns into wild ‘MMA fight’

    CHRIS EUBANK’S nephew was wrestled to the ground FOUR TIMES during his boxing match against Nurali Erdogan.Harlem Eubank won his 20th victory of his career thanks to his scrappy bout against Erdogan.Harlem Eubank fought through a scrappy clash against Nurali ErdoganCredit: GettyHe was wrestled to the four times during the fightCredit: GettyEubank won by unanimous decisionCredit: GettyThe judges gave the victory to Eubank via a unanimous decision as they scored the tussle 77-73, 79-70 and 77-72.However, the boxer had to continue his unbeaten streak by making his way through a tough clash.During the eight-round fight in Newcastle Eubank was wrestled to the ground FOUR TIMES.Eubank, 31, admitted after the bout that the grabbing and wrestling made it “difficult”.READ MORE ON BOXINGHe said: “Different style tonight, first fight at welterweight, tough guy who just wanted to tie up,”I felt strong in there, the grabbing made it difficult.””I went in there to get the job done. A unanimous decision win, I’m happy.”Eubank’s co-promoter Nisse Sauerland slammed Erdogan’s style as he claimed the fighter should swap the ring for the octagon.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “You need to win, Harlem did but Erdogan was an awful opponent, lot of holding, belongs in an MMA ring.”Sauerland continued to reveal that Eubank’s next fight will come against a “big name”.Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn square up as Neymar ‘acts like guest referee’ in baffling scenesHe added: “We’re working on opponents, it’ll be a big name and a step-up, something to look forward to.”I saw him at the hotel today and he looked so excited, like it was his birthday tonight, good to be back.”The likes of Conor Benn and Adam Azim have been mentioned as potential opponents for Eubank. More

  • in

    Harlem Eubank vs Nurali Erdogan LIVE RESULT: Eubank wrestled to floor FOUR times in wild fight as both deducted points

    HARLEM EUBANK has made legendary boxing uncle Chris proud once again after BEATING French star Nurali Erdogan by a unanimous decision.But Eubank survived a point deduction and a huge gash above the eye to come out on top.And it means he has stretched his unbeaten record to 20-0-0.RESULT: Eubank beat ErdoganFREE live stream: My5TV channel: Channel 5CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFollow ALL the action from the Walker Dome with our live blog below…Eubank: Erdogan just wanted to tie up!During his post-fight interview ringside, Harlem Eubank gave the feeling this was a bittersweet return. 378 days out of the ring, the headline attraction boxed nicely enough to win a scrappy contest and perhaps more importantly “felt strong” against a big welterweight.“He just wanted to tie up, it was a tricky style and very frustrating but I’m happy, got the cleaner punches in up close, grabbing made it difficult but I got the cleaner work in and outside,” he stressed.“We’re ready for a big year ahead, excited for what’s next. It [the cut near his right eye] will heal up in a few weeks and we’ll be back to business,” he laughs. As you do.Copy linkCopiedHarlem’s emotional interviewThe boxer gave SunSport a tear-soaked interview to discuss the tragic passing of cousin Sebastian and his father Simon.Seb – who Harlem was extremely close to thanks to a shared love of martial arts and spiritualism –  suffered a heart attack in Dubai in 2021.And last year Harlem’s dad Simon died aged 61 after a gut-wrenching battle with dementia that the tough former fighter just could not win.There have been such dark days in the family but the 30-year-old Brighton ace has beautifully explained how they are now trying to live all together in the light.”Chris Sr in a good place right now,” he beamed.”He, like all of us, went through a very tough time. He has had to deal with some very painful things.”Maybe he was exploited a bit, around that time and put in the limelight when he shouldn’t have been.”He went through a dark time but he has come through the other side now.”And it is great to see Chris Eubank Sr in true Chris Eubank form.”It’s difficult. It’s something that stays with you. I don’t think you ever overcome it, it stays with you.”Copy linkCopied’Big name’ for Harlem nextHarlem Eubank’s promoter Nisse Sauerland said last night his star will be up against a big name opponent next up.Sauerland said: “We’re working on opponents, it’ll be a big name and a step-up, something to look forward to. I saw him at the hotel today and he looked so excited, like it was his birthday tonight, good to be back.”Is a fight against Adam Azim back on?Copy linkCopiedHarlem looking ahead to 2025Harlem Eubank spoke of the big 2025 in store for him after what was a frustrating night against Nurali Erdogan in Newcastle.Eubank said: “He just wanted to tie up, it was a tricky style and very frustrating but I’m happy, got the cleaner punches in up close, grabbing made it difficult but I got the cleaner work in and outside,“We’re ready for a big year ahead, excited for what’s next. It [the cut near his right eye] will heal up in a few weeks and we’ll be back to business.” Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedNeeding to tread carefully…While it’s easy to dismiss this as little more than banishing ring rust after a long layoff, we still don’t know where Harlem Eubank stands as far as world-level contention. Couple that with now moving to welter, a deceptively difficult division among the elite, you have an established guy with a famous surname people will gravitate towards.Yet bouts like these, his R11 TKO win over Timo Schwarzkopf and UD10 win against Miguel Antin across the past 20 months just exemplify examples he must learn from under coach Charlie Beatt, too many preventable tendencies that will be exposed against sharper boxers.He should’ve been deducted a point much earlier and got away with one being patiently marshalled by referee Ron Kearney, who didn’t afford Erdogan the same leash. Could’ve been a different story…Copy linkCopiedSauerland: Erdogan was awful, belongs in MMA ringHarlem Eubank’s co-promoter Nisse Sauerland watched on from ringside and would’ve been one of a few left unhappy at the spectacle they saw overnight in this drab eight-round main event. “You need to win, Harlem did but Erdogan was an awful opponent, lot of holding, belongs in an MMA ring,” he said, before turning his attentions towards 2025 and a Brighton homecoming.”We’re working on opponents, it’ll be a big name and a step-up, something to look forward to. I saw him at the hotel today and he looked so excited, like it was his birthday tonight, good to be back.”Names including Conor Benn and Adam Azim have been mentioned previously for the 31-year-old, who needs to bridge the gap from European to world-level sooner rather than later. Is he ready?Copy linkCopiedPattinson back on the winning trail!In the night’s final action which finished just shy of midnight, there was a morale-boosting return to action for hometown hero Cyrus Pattinson as he outpointed a deceptively stern test in the form of Andrei Antonov 60-55 after an entertaining six rounds.Said to have been immersing himself in delivery driving and other odd jobs hopeful he’d keep his mind intact after suffering a career-threatening eye injury sparring, the Alnwick resident gave those still in the building a far more exciting contest than the one preceding it.Antonov had never been stopped and gave as good as he got in some frantic spots, while it’ll be interesting to see where the 30-year-old – who boxed almost exclusively under Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom banner – goes from here now as far as matchmaking is concerned.Copy linkCopiedCyrus Pattinson to finish the night…Hometown hero Cyrus Pattinson boxes over six rounds in the evening’s final contest, a big ticket seller and one who is talented enough to still make noise at light-middleweight or below in future.Estonia’s Andrei Antonov will relish playing the villain on enemy soil, but we’ll find out how long he lasts and whether this passionate Newcastle crowd depart into the weekend armed with a triumphant mood after the scrappy main event showing we’ve just witnessed. We’ll have extended coverage over the coming hours, including more post-fight reaction after Harlem’s difficult-but-determined return to action. Stay tuned but until next time, thanks for following this commentary and goodnight!Copy linkCopiedEubank: Erdogan just wanted to tie up!During his post-fight interview ringside, Harlem Eubank gave the feeling this was a bittersweet return. 378 days out of the ring, the headline attraction boxed nicely enough to win a scrappy contest and perhaps more importantly “felt strong” against a big welterweight.”He just wanted to tie up, it was a tricky style and very frustrating but I’m happy, got the cleaner punches in up close, grabbing made it difficult but I got the cleaner work in and outside,” he stressed.”We’re ready for a big year ahead, excited for what’s next. It [the cut near his right eye] will heal up in a few weeks and we’ll be back to business,” he laughs. As you do.Copy linkCopiedSCORECARDS: The decision…Erdogan is visibly unhappy and appears to be making everyone close enough aware of such, but the Frenchman only has himself to blame after a patchy performance here.77-73, 79-70, 77-72: Harlem Eubank bt. Nurali Erdogan via UD8, improves to 20-077-73 is perhaps the fairest scorecard from the trio of ringside judges, after a stop-start affair that never really ignited as many hoped it would. Copy linkCopiedEubank vs. Erdogan R8Erdogan targets the cut upclose, as you’d expect he would, the referee has been rather busy in this showdown and his intervention has only intensified with more time rather than the other way around.Another point deduction for wrestling this time, Erdogan looks dumbfounded at the perceived double standards here… he’s not wrong in fairness.Eubank’s cut has worsened but now, he just needs to finish strong. Instead, he’s deducted a point for leading with his head in the final seconds of a bout that really didn’t live up to expectations. Drab affair.Copy linkCopiedEubank vs. Erdogan R7The pair take a tumble, their third of the contest early in this seventh… Erdogan complains to the official, but his protests fall under deaf ears as the visitor knows he must press now more than before.Another good left hook buzzes Harlem after some disguised body punching, the Brighton man gets his final warning and dodges a wild haymaker in the corner with 20 seconds remaining on the clock.As they head back to their respective corners, Harlem appears to be cut around his right eye after an accidental head clash. Not a good sight for an ambitious boxer increasingly desperate for activity.Copy linkCopiedEubank vs. Erdogan R6Erdogan gets, what appears to be a final warning (how many is that?) from the referee before Harlem is stung again by the left hook and needs to improve what feels like increasingly intermittent attacks right now, should this go to a decision. Hmmm… perhaps hold that thought! The referee has eventually seen enough and stops them in centre ring, deducts a point from Erdogan gesticulating excessive holding and pushing.If this scrappy-but-competitive fight was close on the scorecards before this round, it isn’t any longer. See how quickly things can change, just like that..Copy linkCopiedEubank vs. Erdogan R5I mean, what do you say about another iffy round like this? Harlem eats a perfectly-placed left hook with 30 seconds left and, having seemingly controlled large periods of this stanza with movement aplenty, probably lost it right there. I’d have it 3-2 either way through five rounds, depending on what you prefer to see when judging.Copy linkCopiedEubank vs. Erdogan R4″Harlem needs to stay smart and stop trying to wrestle,” is the commentary’s analysis through nine minutes and well, they’re not wrong. He’s best at middle distance, with some separation and is able to chain attacks together, rather than trying to outmuscle a naturally bigger man. Erdogan connects on a right, just as we hear a background story about a coach pinpointing the left hook as Harlem’s area of defensive weakness.Eubank lands single shots up close but that’s merely empowering his French opponent to fire back just as fiercely, another close round for judges to score.Copy linkCopiedEubank vs. Erdogan R3Harlem being told again, don’t use the elbow when you’re looking to land in the clinch. Erdogan lectured about using his head, not much in the way of noteworthy work despite both swinging wildly.Eubank pops Erdogan with a deft jab, having dug two body shots moments prior, but in the final half-minute of another exhausting round, the visitor has the last laugh with a shot connecting after the bell.Copy linkCopiedEubank vs. Erdogan R2Erdogan trying to follow Eubank, apply pressure… as viewers are reminded that a point deduction could prove decisive, especially over an eight-round bout. Harlem is lectured again, the referee almost pleading with them both to tidy it up, Eubank connects on a series of body shots which make the Frenchman instinctively adjust his shorts – he certainly felt that – more rough-housing to finish another competitive round. How do you score this?Copy linkCopiedEubank vs. Erdogan R1″Erdogan looks so big compared to Eubank,” is an early observation from Barry Jones on comms. We’ll see how the physical discrepancies between them play out, the longer this goes. “Punch out!” bellows the official after some rather scrappy exchanges … the referee separates them on more than one occasion in centre ring, before reading them the riot act with half-a-minute left.”Keep punching and holding, I’ll take a point off,” Harlem is told. How will that impact his tactics here?Underwhelming stanza, tidy it up is the command as the pair return to their respective corners. Hmmm..Copy linkCopiedRight on cue, here they are!Erdogan wastes no time with his ringwalk, sporting a slick Lyon strip as he strides in… while Harlem is wearing a shirt remembering cousin Sebastian, who died aged just 29 after a heart attack three years ago.England vs. France was the tagline I heard minutes ago and considering Erdogan has been announced as the country’s former welterweight champion across the Channel, it makes sense. Copy linkCopiedA recap of tonight’s fights, so far…Sunderland super-featherweight Eduard Georgiev got us started on this 12-fight card with a R1 KO win over Jack England, while there were a whopping seven decision victories – impressive nods for Niall Brown, Sophie Alisch and Joe Laws’ emotional return after older brother Jason tragically died in a Newcastle explosion last month.J’Hon Ingram was successful on his UK debut, Codie Smith got back to winning ways while Robert Lloyd-Taylor Junior was perhaps a touch fortunate to stay unbeaten. Lee Rogers moved to 2-0 at Yin Caicedo’s expense, while Ben Marksby and Dan Toward’s TKO victories have energised a crowd starting to get a bit restless waiting for ringwalks…Copy linkCopiedMain event klaxon!The PA interrupts a *very* loud musical intermission to urge fans to find their seats again quickly, as the Channel 5 broadcast portion of tonight’s busy card is minutes away from starting now… where Harlem Eubank will box France’s Nurali Erdogan shortly. Ready? Not before some Sweet Caroline, of course.Copy linkCopiedUK light-middleweights, beware…Toward said all the right things after an impressive display and eventual stoppage victory against a relative unknown, even if Nova ultimately showed himself to be a few levels below him. The visitor looked wild and reckless at times, unable to box well off the back foot in other stages while Toward picked his shots nicely.Much like the welterweight division discussed earlier, there’s an opening at 154lbs right now – highly-touted prospects mixing with a more experienced crop domestically but Toward will back himself to keep improving against tougher oppposition going forward.Copy linkCopiedToward drops, stops Nova in six!”There’s no crowd like a Geordie one, I’m looking to bring big-time boxing back to the North East,” Dan Toward tells Dave Farrar ringside before outlining an ambitious goal: fight for a world title at St. James’ Park, where the city’s beloved football club play.Coldwell speaks passionately about his charge shortly afterwards, praising the determined mentality Toward displayed after three knockdowns.The first was heavy as Nova did well to survive danger, second looked ominous and it was merely a matter of time once he found his footing early. Copy linkCopiedToward in total controlThe Dave Coldwell-trained talent has flown out of the blocks to start this, scoring a second-round knockdown with a left hand as the visitor doesn’t only bite on every feint in his direction … he also has failed to establish any respect for his punch power and is being peppered by the same shots, lefts and around the midsection right now. Rough!Copy linkCopiedToward-Nova up next…Whenever there’s a delay between respective ringwalks before a fight like this, there’s usually a reason. Gateshead’s Dan Toward (4-0, 3 KOs) gets a warm welcome ahead of what is a seriously stiff test – at least on paper – up against Colombia’s Johan Nova (9-1, 7 KOs).Toward, a skilled 23-year-old southpaw with an esteemed amateur background and previously part of Team GB, will fancy this. Two fights before the main event, on home soil, not a bad card slot ey?Copy linkCopied More

  • in

    Harlem Eubank vs Nurali Erdogan LIVE RESULTS: Main event ON NOW as nephew of boxing legend looks to go 20-0 – updates

    HARLEM EUBANK will be desperate to make his legendary uncle Chris proud as he is taking on French start Nurali Erdogan RIGHT NOW!Eubank captured public attention during his last fight when he stopped Timo Schwarzkopf in front of a televised audience with over two million viewers.And a win at the top of tonight’s rescheduled bill would stretch his record to 19-0-0, as well as strengthen his chances at a world title shot.But before the main event, there is a blockbuster undercard for boxing lovers to sink their teeth into.Main event ring-walk time: 10:45pm GMTFREE live stream: My5TV channel: Channel 5CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFollow ALL the action from the Walker Dome with our live blog below…Eubank vs. Erdogan R7The pair take a tumble, their third of the contest early in this seventh… Erdogan complains to the official, but his protests fall under deaf ears as the visitor knows he must press now more than before.Another good left hook buzzes Harlem after some disguised body punching, the Brighton man gets his final warning and dodges a wild haymaker in the corner with 20 seconds remaining on the clock.As they head back to their respective corners, Harlem appears to be cut around his right eye after an accidental head clash. Not a good sight for an ambitious boxer increasingly desperate for activity.Copy linkCopiedEubank vs. Erdogan R6Erdogan gets, what appears to be a final warning (how many is that?) from the referee before Harlem is stung again by the left hook and needs to improve what feels like increasingly intermittent attacks right now, should this go to a decision. Hmmm… perhaps hold that thought! The referee has eventually seen enough and stops them in centre ring, deducts a point from Erdogan gesticulating excessive holding and pushing.If this scrappy-but-competitive fight was close on the scorecards before this round, it isn’t any longer. See how quickly things can change, just like that..Copy linkCopiedEubank vs. Erdogan R5I mean, what do you say about another iffy round like this? Harlem eats a perfectly-placed left hook with 30 seconds left and, having seemingly controlled large periods of this stanza with movement aplenty, probably lost it right there. I’d have it 3-2 either way through five rounds, depending on what you prefer to see when judging.Copy linkCopiedEubank vs. Erdogan R4″Harlem needs to stay smart and stop trying to wrestle,” is the commentary’s analysis through nine minutes and well, they’re not wrong. He’s best at middle distance, with some separation and is able to chain attacks together, rather than trying to outmuscle a naturally bigger man. Erdogan connects on a right, just as we hear a background story about a coach pinpointing the left hook as Harlem’s area of defensive weakness.Eubank lands single shots up close but that’s merely empowering his French opponent to fire back just as fiercely, another close round for judges to score.Copy linkCopiedEubank vs. Erdogan R3Harlem being told again, don’t use the elbow when you’re looking to land in the clinch. Erdogan lectured about using his head, not much in the way of noteworthy work despite both swinging wildly.Eubank pops Erdogan with a deft jab, having dug two body shots moments prior, but in the final half-minute of another exhausting round, the visitor has the last laugh with a shot connecting after the bell.Copy linkCopiedEubank vs. Erdogan R2Erdogan trying to follow Eubank, apply pressure… as viewers are reminded that a point deduction could prove decisive, especially over an eight-round bout. Harlem is lectured again, the referee almost pleading with them both to tidy it up, Eubank connects on a series of body shots which make the Frenchman instinctively adjust his shorts – he certainly felt that – more rough-housing to finish another competitive round. How do you score this?Copy linkCopiedEubank vs. Erdogan R1″Erdogan looks so big compared to Eubank,” is an early observation from Barry Jones on comms. We’ll see how the physical discrepancies between them play out, the longer this goes. “Punch out!” bellows the official after some rather scrappy exchanges … the referee separates them on more than one occasion in centre ring, before reading them the riot act with half-a-minute left.”Keep punching and holding, I’ll take a point off,” Harlem is told. How will that impact his tactics here?Underwhelming stanza, tidy it up is the command as the pair return to their respective corners. Hmmm..Copy linkCopiedRight on cue, here they are!Erdogan wastes no time with his ringwalk, sporting a slick Lyon strip as he strides in… while Harlem is wearing a shirt remembering cousin Sebastian, who died aged just 29 after a heart attack three years ago.England vs. France was the tagline I heard minutes ago and considering Erdogan has been announced as the country’s former welterweight champion across the Channel, it makes sense. Copy linkCopiedA recap of tonight’s fights, so far…Sunderland super-featherweight Eduard Georgiev got us started on this 12-fight card with a R1 KO win over Jack England, while there were a whopping seven decision victories – impressive nods for Niall Brown, Sophie Alisch and Joe Laws’ emotional return after older brother Jason tragically died in a Newcastle explosion last month.J’Hon Ingram was successful on his UK debut, Codie Smith got back to winning ways while Robert Lloyd-Taylor Junior was perhaps a touch fortunate to stay unbeaten. Lee Rogers moved to 2-0 at Yin Caicedo’s expense, while Ben Marksby and Dan Toward’s TKO victories have energised a crowd starting to get a bit restless waiting for ringwalks…Copy linkCopiedMain event klaxon!The PA interrupts a *very* loud musical intermission to urge fans to find their seats again quickly, as the Channel 5 broadcast portion of tonight’s busy card is minutes away from starting now… where Harlem Eubank will box France’s Nurali Erdogan shortly. Ready? Not before some Sweet Caroline, of course.Copy linkCopiedUK light-middleweights, beware…Toward said all the right things after an impressive display and eventual stoppage victory against a relative unknown, even if Nova ultimately showed himself to be a few levels below him. The visitor looked wild and reckless at times, unable to box well off the back foot in other stages while Toward picked his shots nicely.Much like the welterweight division discussed earlier, there’s an opening at 154lbs right now – highly-touted prospects mixing with a more experienced crop domestically but Toward will back himself to keep improving against tougher oppposition going forward.Copy linkCopiedToward drops, stops Nova in six!”There’s no crowd like a Geordie one, I’m looking to bring big-time boxing back to the North East,” Dan Toward tells Dave Farrar ringside before outlining an ambitious goal: fight for a world title at St. James’ Park, where the city’s beloved football club play.Coldwell speaks passionately about his charge shortly afterwards, praising the determined mentality Toward displayed after three knockdowns.The first was heavy as Nova did well to survive danger, second looked ominous and it was merely a matter of time once he found his footing early. Copy linkCopiedToward in total controlThe Dave Coldwell-trained talent has flown out of the blocks to start this, scoring a second-round knockdown with a left hand as the visitor doesn’t only bite on every feint in his direction … he also has failed to establish any respect for his punch power and is being peppered by the same shots, lefts and around the midsection right now. Rough!Copy linkCopiedToward-Nova up next…Whenever there’s a delay between respective ringwalks before a fight like this, there’s usually a reason. Gateshead’s Dan Toward (4-0, 3 KOs) gets a warm welcome ahead of what is a seriously stiff test – at least on paper – up against Colombia’s Johan Nova (9-1, 7 KOs).Toward, a skilled 23-year-old southpaw with an esteemed amateur background and previously part of Team GB, will fancy this. Two fights before the main event, on home soil, not a bad card slot ey?Copy linkCopiedBrown brilliant, wins six-rounderI looked away for a moment and initially, it looked like coach Pat Barrett and team were congratulating their charge on a stoppage win… instead a 60-54 points win will do just nicely for the super-middleweight, who has certainly impressed world champion boxer-turned-analyst Barry Jones on commentary and others besides.He speaks briefly ringside, talking about how pleased he was to showcase the developments he’s made in the gym. Says it’s a complement people don’t know he was an amateur, having built up situational composure in-front of crowds through Muay Thai.So then after an impressive showing like that, what’s next? “It’s up to Wasserman, I’d be interested in titles towards the end of next year,” he says as Barrett hails his pupil’s brilliant boxing IQ and says it’s a throwback to old 1980s fighters, dominating behind the jab.Copy linkCopiedBrown being the bully…Stockport’s Niall Brown is in the ring right now, chaining together combinations and vicious uppercuts against Spain’s Pablo Sosa in a way that makes you feel like he can finish the job anytime he pleases.The 27-year-old super-middleweight is boxing against an opponent with a positive win-loss record for the first time through 13 bouts, mind… can he sustain this tempo over eight rounds? Into the fourth.Copy linkCopiedRogers rockets forward!Another home hopeful has produced a morale-boosting victory to warm the Newcastle crowd at the Walker Activity Dome tonight, this time Lee Rogers earning a 40-37 victory over four rounds against Colombian journeyman Yin Caicedo. The 21-year-old super-bantamweight talent made his debut half-an-hour away in Houghton-le-Spring and will be hoping for more successful nights like these as he builds momentum in future.Copy linkCopiedMarksby’s momentDarlington resident Ben Marksby picked the right night to score his first stoppage win of a three-year pro career, stopping Levi Kinsiona with a startling counter right hand in the second-round of their light-welterweight contest elsewhere on this busy undercard.Still only 25, he and his coaches won’t need telling: the 140lb division is increasingly up for grabs in the UK with the Jack Catterall, Adam Azim and Dalton Smith trio firmly focused on world level opposition.Copy linkCopiedHarlem shakeHarlem Eubank is looking to shake the room once again and dismantle his French opponent Nurali Erdogan.The fans simply cannot wait for this one!Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedPattinson’s huge returnElsewhere later on tonight to look forward to… Newcastle welterweight Cyrus Pattinson ends a 15-month layoff, one he thought a serious eye injury could spell retirement, against Estonian-born Russian hopeful Andrei Antonov.In an exclusive interview he did on the eve of this return, Pattinson put things into perspective with Sky’s John DennenPattinson said:” Boxing, training and exercise has been a massive thing for me all my life. When that’s taken away… It’s like a car without wheels. A massive part of my identity, this [recovery] has been the hardest fight of my life, it feels like my debut all over again.”Pattinson alternated wins and losses last year against Chris Jenkins and an inspired Conah Walker showing so while this is a relatively light touch on his return, a statement showing could move the needle.Copy linkCopiedIngram’s interesting storyI’ve seen a lot of love for US hopeful J’Hon Ingram in videos and general media this week, an unknown quantity on these shores considering he hasn’t really kicked on since his pro debut in February 2022.That’s in part due to an inactive spell under the Floyd Mayweather Promotions banner that has reached its conclusion as well as a co-promotional deal with Misfits granting him permission to box tonight. Given they’re different disciplines in the same field, surely it’d make sense to stick to one?24 and the latest making their maiden appearance across the pond, he went the six-round distance (60-54) against Jonatas Rodrigo Gomes de Oliveira, another former Barney-Smith opponent. One to monitor, even if the jury’s still out…Copy linkCopiedLaw of attractionAfter a three-round slobberknocker against Stephen McKenna in August, this was an emotional return closer to home comforts for fan-friendly underdog Joe Laws.If you didn’t have the pleasure of witnessing this live, go spend ten minutes doing so! It was the sort of back-and-forth which just reinforces how brutally brilliant our sport is, no matter the level.Anyway I digress, Laws logged a 60-55 victory over Adam Cieslak here and the Benwell Bomber will only hope exposure on a Channel 5 show – even if not featuring on the televised portion – stands him in good stead for more lucrative domestic offers.Copy linkCopiedTaylor madeEaling-born welterweight Robert Lloyd-Taylor Jr snatched a 39-37 win over four rounds against stern opposition in the form of 54-fight pro Robin Zamora.Keeping in theme with Nicaraguan talents, the 26-year-old was good value for an upset victory and that would’ve been the first since this time twelve months ago against Dylan Cheema on a BOXXER show. Wake-up call for the 22-year-old, but will he take heed as tests gradually stiffen?Copy linkCopiedSuper SmithAfter an eye-opening draw over six rounds against Darryl Tapfuma in Bolton last December, where he had to climb off the canvas in round four, super-featherweight talent Codie Smith got the job done with another decision win – His fourth in the pro ranks – at the expense of Nicaraguan journeyman Engel Gomez, who boxed Royston Barney-Smith and Cameron Vuong in the back end of last year.The Yorkshireman is still a way off those two surging super-featherweights at domestic level with rival promotions, but shaking off ring rust before Christmas is never a bad thing.Copy linkCopiedWelcome to Harlem Eubank vs Nural ErdoganThere just is something special about Friday night boxing, isn’t there? Tonight promises to be an intriguing watch across multiple divisions, headlined by Harlem Eubank’s welterweight foray as the Brighton boxer targets a big 2025 at world level.That’s at least three hours away though, and we’ve had a series of undercard boxers in action already tonight.Unbeaten German featherweight Sophie Alisch, rated highly by the Wasserman decision-makers, ended a 20-month layoff with a UD6 victory over Marina Sakharov earlier on.Copy linkCopied More

  • in

    Jake Paul’s team sensationally open door to Anthony Joshua fight to ‘test the limits of what’s possible’

    JAKE PAUL could sensationally fight Anthony Joshua to “test the limits of what’s possible.” YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul moved up to heavyweight to defeat Mike Tyson over eight rounds on Netflix. Jake Paul could sensationally fight Anthony JoshuaCredit: GettyAnthony Joshua weighs as much as 18 stoneCredit: ReutersIt proved a commercial success with over 100 MILLION tuning in and over 72,000 fans inside the AT&T Stadium. And Paul’s victory caused the likes of undisputed light-heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev, 39, to call out Paul.Daniel Dubois, 27, who knocked out Joshua, 35, in September also challenged the 11-1 social media sensation. And Paul’s promotional partner Nakisa Bidarian told Sky Sports: “Jake’s feedback to me was I want to do that fight. READ MORE IN BOXING”Not now. But I want to do that fight. To be a world champion at cruiserweight, he wants to do that. “The other is to test the limits of expectations. Test the limits of what’s possible.”This event with Mike Tyson, that tested the limits of what was possible for the world to see and him fighting Anthony Joshua or Daniel Dubois is kind of the same thing.”Jake weighed in at 227lbs but really he walks around at 215. But he’ll do it for the right environment, the right framework.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”It isn’t about the money. He’s made lots of money from the time he was 18 years old. It’s really about disruption.”It’s really about doing things that make you say: ‘Wow, that really happened.’ That’s what excites us.”Logan Paul tipped to sensationally fight his own brother Jake in bid to ‘teach him a lesson’ in never-before-seen boutJoshua weighed as heavy as 18 STONE before he was knocked out in round five by Dubois in September. And talks to rematch in February have since broken down as AJ instead eyes a return in the summer. Meanwhile Paul, 27, has the likes of Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez, 34, in his sights as he plots his next move. Bidarian said: “He has plenty of options. “He’s going to take a few days off and then we’re going to sit down next week with him, his advisers, his coaches and determine the next steps. “This was an opportunity to grab the world’s attention and remind them why this is such a beautiful sport.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Jake played a major part in doing that in his match against Mike Tyson and strategically we positioned Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano right before them.”In terms of what’s next for Jake – whatever he wants it to be, to be honest.”Joshua towers over Jake Paul More

  • in

    Heavyweight champ Daniel Dubois reveals reason for calling out Jake Paul after ’embarrassing’ DM to YouTuber

    DANIEL DUBOIS has revealed the reason behind calling out Jake Paul. Dubois offered the YouTuber-turned-boxer a shot at his heavyweight world title after Paul’s victory over Mike Tyson. Daniel Dubois called out Jake PaulCredit: ReutersMike Tyson was beaten by Jake PaulCredit: GettyAnd the IBF champion has opened up on his shock message in an interview with Bricks to Riches.Dubois said: “We messaged him, my dad and everyone decided, ‘Yeah, let’s call him out’. “Even though it’s just publicity, you never know what can happen in this sport. It’s strange times so we made the offer.” The message read: “Hi Jake, good business on the weekend but how would you feel fighting for the legitimate heavyweight championship of the world? READ MORE IN BOXING”This is Daniel Dubois calling you out, let’s get it on.”Undisputed light-heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev, 39, also called out Paul but it was Dubois who got a public response. Paul posted: “Man been boxing for 12 years, has over 100 fights between amateur and pro and fought on my undercard…hahaha.”But f*** it… I’m going to have Nakisa talk to Frankie Warren and get you in line for the throne. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Unlike Artur, at least you have a few thousand fans.”Dubois, 27, added: “He said something about getting in line but he also said he was going to speak to Frank Warren so it shows they are serious about it.”Paul, 27, moved up TWO STONE to heavyweight to beat Tyson, 58, over eight rounds with over 100 MILLION watching on Netflix. But the American has since revealed he plans to move back down to cruiserweight and eyes a fight with Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez, 34. Logan Paul tipped to sensationally fight his own brother Jake in bid to ‘teach him a lesson’ in never-before-seen bout More

  • in

    Inside Tommy Fury’s single life, from playing the role of doting dad to daughter Bambi to snubbing I’m A Celeb offer

    TOMMY FURY is a man on a mission.Not only is he planning on knocking out Darren Till, when the pair meet on January 18 in a huge Misfits boxing event, he also hopes to win back Molly-Mae Hague.Tommy Fury has been a man on a mission since embracing single lifeCredit: Instagram/@tommyfuryBack in August, Fury and Molly-Mae Hague split upCredit: GettyFury is now gearing up for a fight against Darren Till at a Misfits Boxing eventCredit: Instagram @misfitsboxingIt was back in the summer when the Love Island alumni revealed they were going their separate ways.Since then, Fury, 25, has branched out on his own.Not only has he moved into a £15,000-per-month bachelor pad, he has set up his own media firm.Already, Fury has fielded offers from reality TV shows, snubbing I’m A Celebrity.Read more Tommy Fury newsInstead, he’s been focusing on training, as he eyes a rematch with KSI.He has vowed to win Molly-Mae back revealing: “I know what I have to do in order to resolve things”.But for the moment, he’s content to play doting dad to their daughter Bambi in the meantime.SunSport looks at Fury’s single life since bombshell reports of infidelity rocked his marriage.Most read in BoxingMoving onFury and Molly-Mae had built an idyllic life for themselves, before their split.Tommy Fury in line for huge KSI rematch after agreeing return with Misfits Boxing for Darren Till fight They lived in a stunning £3.5million home in Cheshire, until their world came crashing down.It was reported that Molly-Mae confronted him about rumours that he had cheated on her.He soon moved out to a £15,000-per-month six-bedroom home in Knutsford.The detached 5,700sq ft mansion also features a huge garden coach house, which can be converted into a huge gym.Back in September, Fury shot a video from the house before a morning run.He said: “That has been a nice four-mile run to start the day off. I feel incredible.”The best way of therapy for me is getting out first thing, clearing your head, going on a nice long run, fresh air. There’s nothing better.”He also treated himself to a £3,500 Apple Vision Pro VR headset.Meanwhile, despite all the training at the gym, preparation for his next fight, and splashing the cash on gadgets – Fury makes sure he indulges his daughter.He and Molly co-parent their girl, Bambi and the boxing star has been seen taking her to the park and sharing ice cream.Recently, Fury splashed £3.5k on a Apple Vision Pro VR headsetCredit: InstagramFury always makes time for his daughter BambiCredit: InstagramRecently, Fury shared a picture on Instagram in his living roomSnubbing TV offersForget Barry McGuigan, it could have been Tommy Fury who was I’m A Celeb’s resident boxer.That’s if TNT took up ITV’s offer to appear in the current series.As The Sun exclusively revealed, Fury pulled out of the reality TV hit – just two weeks before the stars were expected to fly out to the Australian jungle.A TV insider said: “Bosses are surprised Tommy has chosen to pull out of I’m A Celebrity at this late stage as it would have been a great opportunity for him too.”Recent reports suggested he fancies a money-spinning rematch against KSI, instead.While it has also been mooted that he could appear on Celebrity Big Brother.Fury turned down the opportunity to appear on this year’s I’m A CelebrityCredit: Getty
    read more sport featuresDay time TV appearancesLast month and earlier this month, Fury appeared on two daytime TV favourites.First, he joined Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley on the This Morning couch to discuss his new book, Lightning Can Strike Twice: My Life as a Fury.But instead of quizzing him about the book, Shephard fired out a number of stinging questions, asking Tommy: “It has been a turbulent few months for you, Tommy.”How are you feeling after everything you have been through in the summer?”Tommy remained calm on the sofa opposite Ben and his This Morning co-host Cat Deeley, and said: “I’m feeling OK. I’m feeling good.”But he admitted: “It doesn’t take a genius to figure out it has been hard for me and it has been very hard times.”At the end of the day I have been knuckling down so training, taking me daughter to ballet, swimming, and whatever else. So I’ve been keeping myself busy.”And of course the book, you know, I’m very excited to launch that today. It’s going to be an amazing day.”On Loose Women, Fury wasn’t given an easy ride too.Fury was given a grilling during an appearance on This Morning about Molly-MaeCredit: ITVOn Loose Women, Fury said he was moving forward after breaking up with Molly-MaeCredit: RexWhen questioned about the split, Tommy looked unimpressed and awkwardly stressed: “I don’t listen to anything in the press and on social media because its all, that’s one story, very apart from the real story, and like I said moving forward.’Everyone is entitled to a private life and me and Molly we got together when we was very young.”And we just think going forward everything should be private now because everyone is entitled to that and that’s what I want.”‘Only have eyes for Molly’Last month, Fury said he was determined to win Molly-Mae back.In an interview with the Mail, he revealed that the couple still love each other.Fury is determined to win Molly-Mae backCredit: InstagramFury has insisted he still loves Molly-Mae and knows what he has to do to win her backCredit: InstagramHe said: “It is proper love. Do I still love Molly. 100 per cent. I will love her until my final breath.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd the boxer even said that he’ll find to win her back.He said: “100 per cent. I know what I have to do in order to resolve things. And that’s down to me. Nobody else can do that other than me.” More