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    Heartbroken British boxing champion fighting in honour of his little sister after her tragic death aged just 19

    CALLUM SIMPSON begins honouring little sister Lily-Rae’s memory on Saturday night with his first British title defence.On August 3, the Barnsley middleweight grabbed the Lonsdale belt with a classy Oakwell win over Zak Chelli.Callum Simpson returns to the ring on Saturday night to defend his British middleweight titleCredit: RICHARD PELHAMSimspon enters the fight with a heavy heart following the passing of his sister, Lily-RaeCredit: @CALLUMSIMPSimpson plans to honour his late sister for the rest of his careerCredit: @CALLUMSIMPAnd, in social media posts since shared by his broadcaster Sky Sports, his proud 19-year-old sibling was filmed singing her big brother’s name and celebrating his success.Tragically, just two weeks later while on the first night of a holiday in Greece, Lily-Rae was in a road accident and eventually died after a 10-day coma.The last six months have been brutal for the Yorkshire lad but he knows his No.1 fan would want him to carry on – and he can do so while paying a perfect tribute to her.Ahead of his Sheffield bout with Steed Woodall, 28-year-old Simpson said: “People only die when you stop talking about them and forget about them.READ MORE IN BOXING“I will never stop talking about her. I will always say her name.“Although it makes me upset, whenever anyone says her name or speaks about her, I smile and I laugh.“Because I am just proud that she was my sister.“I love to speak about her and I have a tribute to her on my kit for this next fight.Most read in BoxingCallum Simpson insists he’ll never stop talking about his late sisterCredit: INSTAGRAM@CALLUMSIMP“Barnsley football club did a minute’s applause for her just after she passed away.“I am glad everyone gets to see her beautiful face and see how beautiful she was.”Oleksandr Usyk shows true colours with classy message to Tyson Fury after victory in heavyweight rematchSimpson really does beam when he fights back tears to talk about her.But the last six months have left him realising all the wonderful milestones they would have shared will now go unfulfilled.He explained: “It was the first night of her girl’s holiday in Zante, she was on the back of a quad bike and it went around a corner too fast and she went over a verge and came off.“She was airlifted from Zante to Athens and was then in a coma there for 10 days.“And there were difficulties with an operation they were trying to do at the end of that and she sadly passed away.“Other than her not being here, it’s seeing what it’s done to the family, my dad and step-mum and brothers and sisters.Callum Simpson claimed the Lonsdale belt with a classy Oakwell win over Zak ChelliCredit: GETTYHe’ll make his miaden defence of the belt against Steed WoodallCredit: GETTY“Knowing that she won’t be a bridesmaid at my wedding.“Or be an aunty to my kids and they won’t get to meet her.”In the chief support, Caroline Dubois defends her WBC lightweight world title for the first time against Jessica Camara and fancies tempting WBO queen Terri Harper with a big payday next.“It’s up to Terri and her team,” the 23-year-old super-talent said.READ MORE SUN STORIES“What I think will convince her is the money we put on the line and, once we do that, I am sure she will take the fight.“But then I truly believe I stop her, just by being more aggressive.” More

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    Tommy Fury calls out Conor McGregor for huge boxing match and tells UFC legend ‘don’t waste your time’ with KSI

    TOMMY FURY has urged Conor McGregor to snub a fight with KSI and step in the boxing ring with him instead.The brother of former world heavyweight champion Tyson called out McGregor amid talk of the Irishman swapping UFC for boxing.Tommy Fury has called out Conor McGregor for a fightCredit: GettyThe Irishman is looking to swap UFC for boxingCredit: GettyNotorious is yet to fight in MMA since his 2021 defeat to Dustin Poirier.And after growing impatient with Dana White, McGregor has now turned his sights to a new sport.Last month he revealed an agreement to fight YouTuber Logan Paul in a celebrity match in India.But yesterday fresh reports emerged casting doubts over Paul’s involvement.READ MORE IN BOXINGThe influencer has become a big player in the world of WWE.And following the sport’s major move to Netflix, Paul is now considering devoting all his time to wrestling.That has left a void to fill, with fellow influencer and Paul’s former boxing opponent KSI offering to step in.He tweeted McGregor yesterday: “Let’s make this a reality.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut now, pro boxer Fury reckons he should get a money-spinning shot instead.Dismissing KSI’s credentials, the former Love Island star reached out to McGregor on social media.Logan Paul Teases Conor McGregor Fight AnnouncementKSI has offered to fight McGregor in the boxing ringCredit: PAA bout with Logan Paul appears unlikely now with the ace focusing on WWECredit: GettyAnd he told the Dubliner that if he wants a proper scrap, he knows where to find it.Fury said: “Don’t waste your time with beaten fighters.“Fight the man who’s beaten them all and still has his 0. I’ll be waiting…”Fans reacted with delighted to Fury’s proposal.One said: “We want to see that fight.”Another declared: “Watch out Tommy.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “Make it happen.”Another added: “Fight Jake Paul instead.” More

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    Eddie Hearn delivers update on Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua negotiations as he admits ‘timing’s everything’

    EDDIE HEARN has defended the failure to make a historic Battle of Britain between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.A mammoth domestic dust-up between the pair is back on the table following Fury’s second straight loss to Oleksandr Usyk last month.Tyson Fury is at a career crossroads following back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr UsykCredit: GETTYA Battle of Britain with Anthony Joshua awaits Fury should he opt against retirementCredit: REUTERSEddie Hearn has defended the time it’s taken for the fight to become a realityCredit: GETTYBoxing fans worldwide have been dying to see the pair throw down for the best part of ten years and have taken aim at their promoters for not making the fight happen sooner.But Matchrom Boxing chief Hearn has defended all parties involved, telling Betfred: “[There’s] number of reasons [why it hasn’t happened yet].”The time it was going to happen, which was the time we signed for the fight, was when Tyson had his arbitration with Deontay Wilder for the rematch.”We signed to fight Tyson Fury and I believe Tyson was going to fight Anthony Joshua, but through the court ruling, he had to fight Wilder.READ MORE BOXING NEWS”That was taken out of our hands.”Fury and Joshua were at the peak of their powers when they were on course to fight for the heavyweight marbles in 2021.The pair, however, have lost a combined five fights since their two-fight series fell apart – although Hearn insists the duo are far from past it.He said: “Timing’s everything and I still believe both fighters are close to the prime of their careers.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I know Tyson got beat, but he got beat by Usyk in a close fight. “There’s no shame in that and he’s still a great fighter. AJ’s still a brilliant heavyweight.Tyson Fury breaks silence on Oleksandr Usyk defeat in angry backstage rant after storming out of ring”So I think it’s a tremendous clash and right now, it’s very difficult to pick a winner in that fight, which is of course enthralling for boxing fans.”Hearn knows time is of the essence if Fury and Joshua are to finally duke it out.But he plans to give the Gypsy King plenty of time to lick his Usyk-inflicted wounds before making his move. When asked if any negotiations have taken place, the 45-year-old said: “It’s not something that we’ve talked through yet.”We’re only a couple weeks on from Tyson Fury’s defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.“If he does want to continue fighting, which I presume he does, then it’s an obvious fight to make. “It’s the biggest fight in the sport still and you get people telling you that it isn’t, but tell me a bigger fight? There isn’t one.”Eddie Hearn is eager to see Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua finally have it outCredit: GETTY More

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    KSI throws his hat in the ring to fight Conor McGregor with Logan Paul rumoured to be OUT of mouthwatering clash

    KSI has announced he wants to fight Conor McGregor if Logan Paul pulls out of the clash.Last month McGregor revealed he has held talks over a fight with Paul in India.KSI wants to replace Logan Paul as Conor McGregor’s next opponentCredit: RexMcGregor is rumoured to be fighting Paul in IndiaCredit: AFPBoth fighters could earn £200m for the boutCredit: GettyA few days later he then suggested the clash – which is set to be financed by Indian billionaire Anant Ambani – was on the brink of being announced.Both men would be set to earn a whopping £200million ($250m), but there are now doubts over whether Paul will take part amid rumours he wants to focus on WWE.Rumours then began to circulate claiming KSI could step in for his Prime business partner, which the YouTuber confirmed.He said: “Not rumoured. I’m very down.”READ MORE IN BOXINGKSI then shared a mock-up fight promotional poster featuring himself and McGregor.He wrote a caption alongside which read: “Let’s make this happen @TheNotoriousMMA.”However McGregor is still focused on fighting Paul and this week shared a message for the YouTuber.The Irishman shared a photo of his potential opponent and warned: “I’m coming.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSunSport understands negotiations over the bout are in the exploratory phase and neither the UFC nor the WWE are at the table.The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai is being lined up to host the crossover clash, which will reportedly be in conjunction with the ‘Visit India’ tourism campaign.KSI tells SunSport about his next fight, Donald Trump drinking Prime and Arsenal’s chances of winning the league More

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    ‘Best scrap of night’ say fans as disgraceful brawl breaks out in crowd with limbs everywhere at major boxing event

    A BRAWL between fans was described as the “best scrap of the night” at a boxing event in Australia. Jai Opetaia defended his IBF cruiserweight title Down Under against rival David Nyika on the Gold Coast.A brawl broke out in the crowd at a boxing event in AustraliaCredit: XA group of men are seen swinging punches and grabbing hold of each otherCredit: XAnd despite going on to put on an incredible performance with a stunning fourth-round knockout – some silly fans were too occupied to watch. Footage online showed a disgraceful brawl between a small section of supporters in the arena. In the video, a group of men are seen swinging punches and grabbing hold of each other. And one fan joked: “Best scrap of the night so far.”READ MORE IN BOXINGAnother said: “Security are nowhere to be seen, they must be the ones recording.” A third sighed: “Everyone is an MMA fighter now.” Despite the ugly scenes in the crowd, Opetaia, 29, put on a dominant display to dismantle Nyika, 29. He retained his title and called out WBA and WBO champ Gilberto Ramirez to a unification.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “Ramirez, I’m coming for the belts. We’re coming for the rest of those belts.”Ramirez, 33, is coming off a big points win over Brit Chris Billam-Smith, 34, to add the WBO to his WBA title.Horror moment referee gets punched in face as officials forced to storm boxing ring to break up chaotic fightAnd promoter Eddie Hearn also wants Opetaia to become undisputed champ at cruiserweight before moving up to challenge Oleksandr Usyk, 37.He said: “Jai is going to pick up all the belts in the cruiserweight division to become undisputed.”And then we want to push him into a fight with Oleksandr Usyk as well to try and become undisputed at heavyweight as well. “You have to search for greatness, he’s good enough to do it. “I believe he’s the only person now in the division, cruiserweight or heavyweight that can genuinely give Oleksandr Usyk a real, real fight. “But to do it, we have to pick up every belt in the cruiswerweight division first.” Jai Opetaia knocked out David NyikaCredit: Getty More

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    ‘Give him Jake Paul next’ urge fans as Tyson Fury’s ex-sparring partner Jai Opetaia delivers ‘killer’ KO on David Nyika

    JAI OPETAIA scored a very early contender for Knockout of The Year following his brutal stoppage over David Nyika. The Aussie defended his IBF cruiserweight title Down Under against rival Nyika on the Gold Coast. Jai Opetaia knocked out David NyikaCredit: Gettyhe retained his cruiserweight titlesCredit: GettyAnd a thrilling bout came to a crashing halt in round four after Opetaia landed a stunning right uppercut. Somehow, Nyika made it to his feet but a left hand sent him tumbling to the canvas face-first and out for the count. Opetaia – who like Nyika formerly sparred Tyson Fury – retained his title and called out WBA and WBO champ Gilberto Ramirez to a unification. He said: “Ramirez, I’m coming for the belts. We’re coming for the rest of those belts.” read more in boxing Ramirez, 33, is coming off a big points win over Brit Chris Billam-Smith, 34, to add the WBO to his WBA title. But despite Opetaia’s plans to unify the 200lb titles – fans were more bothered about having him fight YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. One said: “Jake Paul should fight this fella. He said he wants to fight for a cruiserweight belt.”Another added: “Give Jake Paul next.a boxer same weight, same age.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne joked: “He’s ready for Jake Paul, the uncrowned king of Cruiserweight.”Promoter Eddie Hearn wants Opetaia to become undisputed champ at cruiserweight before moving up to challenge Oleksandr Usyk, 37.Horror moment referee gets punched in face as officials forced to storm boxing ring to break up chaotic fightHe said: “Jai is going to pick up all the belts in the cruiserweight division to become undisputed. “And then we want to push him into a fight with Oleksandr Usyk as well to try and become undisputed at heavyweight as well. “You have to search for greatness, he’s good enough to do it. “I believe he’s the only person now in the division, cruiserweight or heavyweight that can genuinely give Oleksandr Usyk a real, real fight. “But to do it, we have to pick up every belt in the cruiswerweight division first.”Fans want Opetaia to fight Jake PaulCredit: GettyOleksandr Usyk is another option for Opetaia to fightCredit: Reuters More

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    Deontay Wilder, 39, to snub retirement and announce shock comeback after blowing Anthony Joshua super-fight

    DEONTAY WILDER is set to announce a shock boxing comeback in a snub to retirement. The American is coming off a devastating knockout defeat to Zhilei Zhang in June having lost on points to Joseph Parker six moths prior. Deontay Wilder is set to announce a shock boxing comebackCredit: GettyBoth meant he squandered the chance to finally face Anthony Joshua and left Wilder’s career in crisis. But according to Manouk Akopyan, the former WBC champion will continue fighting with a return bout set for April. It is claimed Wilder and his manager Shelly Finkel will announce the opponent in Los Angeles this Saturday.Pay-per-view platform BLK Prime are believed to be behind the fight. READ MORE IN BOXINGTerence Crawford, 37, fought on the unknown channel in December 2022, knocking out David Avanesyan, 36. Wilder, 39, was in line for a super-fight with Joshua, 35, last year with Saudi Arabia’s boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh fronting the money.A deal was already signed but the script was torn up after Parker, 32, secured a shock points victory. Zhang, 41, then stopped the Bronze Bomber in five rounds as part of Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren’s series of 5v5 match-ups. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWilder went radio silence following his consecutive losses but broke cover in November to confirm his desire to fight on. He told TMZ: “The best is yet to come. I had a lot of outside distractions that I had to get rid of.Horror moment referee gets punched in face as officials forced to storm boxing ring to break up chaotic fight”I took care of a lot of people and it got to the point where I couldn’t do it anymore.”I’ve got seven kids of my own, I can’t take care of everybody. Even the closest ones to me, I’ve been betrayed so many times.”It’s been a domino effect for the last five years. The thing about betrayal is it’s worse than heartbreak.”Wilder is coming off two lossesCredit: Getty More

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    ‘Good job you’re wearing ear muffs’ joke fans as Apollonia Llewellyn plays in the snow in extremely tiny bikini

    APOLLONIA LLEWELLYN stunned fans as she stripped off to brave the snow.The ring girl dressed in unusual attire for the frosty conditions.Apollonia Llewellyn stunned in the snow wearing only a bikiniShe threw snow over herselfThe ring girl often attracts praise for her looksCredit: Instagram / @apolloniallewellynShe ventured out into the cold dressed in a black bikini, exposing most of her body to the icy weather.Apollonia did at least wear some ear muffs and cosy boots as she put on a show for her followers.Many of them loved the look and praised Apollonia’s figure after she threw snow over herself.One fan said: “So beautiful ❤️”READ MORE IN SPORTAnother added: “Good job you’ve got your ear muffs to keep you warm 🔥”A third wrote: “So cute❄️❄️”And another commented: “You’re defining a snow bunny! ❤️”Apollonia has amassed a following of over seven million people across Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.Most read in BoxingShe spends more than six months a year flying all over the world including the US, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia for magazine shoots and brand collaborations with big name brands including PLT, Boohoo, Shein, Fashion Nova and Ann Summers.She recently shared her skincare secrets alongside her mum Paula, who plays a big part in her career.Apollonia Llewellyn puts on busty display as ring girl spills out of tight top and fans label her ‘wonderful’Apollonia said: “Mum’s my rock. She comes to shoots, often takes my photos, and helps me with my TikTok videos. She handles negotiations and is amazing.“Some people say they’d be embarrassed posing in a skimpy bikini with their mum behind the camera. Not me.“Mum knows my best side. She works my angles. She taught me to be proud of my body. She’s proud of me. If I’m away I talk to her at least ten times a day.”Inside Apollonia’s glamorous life as influencer, ring girl and model …Apollonia burst out of this tiny silver bikini as she drank her ‘morning juice’Credit: INSTAGRAMConor McGregor was among 8,000 fans who enjoyed this see-through lacy outfitCredit: INSTAGRAMThousands of Apollonia’s fans enjoyed the view on the ring girl’s holiday to New YorkCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia braved the snow in the Lake DistrictCredit: InstagramApollonia really enjoyed this bowl of pasta on her summer holiday to SantoriniCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia invited fans to ‘sit and stare’ at this picture, and thousands took her up on the invitationCredit: INSTAGRAMFans were worried Apollonia’s top had shrunk in the wash as she enjoyed this hearty breakfastCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia’s followers were in awe of the stunner’s new hairdo as she wowed in a tiny yellow bikiniCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia sent a cheeky message to her fans as she posed in this glamorous see-through numberCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia told fans ‘no caption needed’ as she squeezed into this skin-tight see-through playsuitCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia revealed he ‘idea of happiness’ is being ‘wind swept on the beach’ with this busty snapCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia left very little to the imagination as she ‘brightened fans’ Mondays’ in a skimpy wet T-shirtCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia shot to recognition as a member of the Misfits Boxing fight night teamShe has garnered her a huge social media presenceCredit: INSTAGRAM @apolloniallewellynApollonia has over 570,000 Instagram followersCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellynShe has turned down a staggering £100,000 to pose nude beforeCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellynThe model insisted she isn’t money-orientedCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellynApollonia shows off her jet setting lifestyle onlineCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellynShe also holidayed in New YorkCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellynApollonia is no stranger to a bikini pictureCredit: INSTAGRAM @apolloniallewellynShe has built a huge following on social mediaCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellynApollonia works as a model alongside her social fameCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellyn More