Aurelia Butler

More stories

  • 238 Shares99 Views

    in Boxing

    Jake Paul told how to get world title fight after YouTube star announces boxing return following Andre August KO

    JAKE PAUL has been told his change in boxing trajectory puts him on the path to challenging for a world title. The YouTuber-turned-boxer started out his career beating stars of the social media, basketball and MMA world.
    Jake Paul knocked out Andre August in one roundCredit: Most Valuable Promotions/Esther Lin

    But when he stepped up to fight unbeaten boxer Tommy Fury, 24, in February, he was beaten by split-decision in Saudi Arabia.
    He bounced back in August on points against UFC veteran Nate Diaz, 38, but it would be the last time Paul, 26, took on a non boxer.
    Paul returned against little-known 10-1-1 Andre August, 35, and knocked out the seasoned American in the first round.
    Now the American is set to return on March 2 in Puerto Rico on the undercard of Amanda Serrano’s homecoming bout.
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    No opponent has been named but all signs point towards another traditional boxer as Paul looks to build real credibility in the ring.
    Muhammad Ali’s grandson Nico – a 9-1 middleweight – has been left impressed by Paul’s change of lane.
    Nico, 23, told SunSport: “I give him a ton of respect. His last fight he fought a legitimate boxer, a no-name boxer and I heard he did well.
    “That’s what it’s going to take to get to contender status, to get to champ status, to get to a title fight.
    Most read in Boxing
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    “It’s going to take fighting someone that nobody knows about, not making any money from it.
    “Just building your resume and then just fighting for millions one day.”
    Nico – whose last fight was documented in an OnlyFans series called Rise & Grind – has been linked with a crossover-style spectacle bout against Paul in the past.
    But he has no interest in stepping into that realm – such is the admiration he has for his legendary grandfather.
    Nico said: “I have so much respect for this legacy, it’s bigger than me. I can’t be selfish with it because a lot of people care for it. 
    “Just going to Africa and seeing so many people chant, “Ali” just for the love and respect they have for my grandfather was crazy. 
    “So, this legacy is bigger than me. I can’t be greedy and be like, ‘I’m going to do a money-grab and start fighting YouTubers.’ 
    “That’s insane, I didn’t get into boxing for the money. I think the money will come in time and I love what I’m doing right now, taking the long road. 
    Read more on The Sun
    “I want to be champ one day, I want to get to that undisputed level and you can’t do that fighting YouTubers.” 
    *Nico’s episode of “Rise & Grind” is now available to watch on OFTV.
    Nico Ali Walsh is the grandson to Muhammad AliCredit: AP More

  • 200 Shares129 Views

    in Boxing

    Manny Pacquiao, 45, announces ‘big’ rematch with Floyd Mayweather, 46, almost DECADE after record-breaking £500m fight

    MANNY PACQUIAO appears to have announced he will rematch Floyd Mayweather – almost a decade on from their record-breaking bout. Mayweather ended years of speculation in 2015 when he convincingly bettered Pacquiao on points.
    Manny Pacquiao makes his announcement in the ring in Japan
    Floyd Mayweather beat Manny Pacquiao in 2015Credit: AFP

    The bout proved the most lucrative of all time with £500MILLION made and a record 4.6m pay-per-views sold in America.
    Pacquiao has campaigned for a rematch ever since the devastating loss, citing a shoulder injury for the reason behind defeat.
    And now he could finally get his wish after he looked to let slip that a rematch will take place in Japan next year.
    He said in Saitama: “I hope to see you here in Japan again with a big fight against…”
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    Pacquiao paused before the president of Japanese MMA promotion RIZIN Nobuyuki Sakakibara said: “Floyd Mayweather.”
    PacMan then added: “Floyd Mayweather, yeah. I thought that you didn’t want me to say that. But I am excited about that.”
    Mayweather boxed twice more after his win over Pacquiao.
    He beat Andre Berto and briefly retired for two years before he returned to face UFC superstar Conor McGregor.
    Most read in Boxing
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    Mayweather, now 46, beat McGregor, 35, in ten rounds and has not boxed professionally since.
    But he has fought in exhibition bouts against names from the MMA, martial arts, YouTube and crossover boxing scene.
    His last was in June against notorious mob boss John Gotti’s grandson.
    But John Gotti III – a professional MMA fighter and boxer – was disqualified in round six with a rematch now set for February.
    Pacquiao, 45, meanwhile retired in 2021 following defeat to Yordenis Ugas, 37, on points.
    Although after a failed presidential campaign in the Philippines, the eight-division champion began to tease a boxing return.
    He did have an exhibition against Korean martial arts influencer DK Yoo last December.
    Pacquaio is also set to return in a similar bout against Muay Thai icon Buakaw Banchamek on April 20.
    He was due to fight on a RIZIN card last year but talks broke down.
    Mayweather has twice featured for the MMA promotion before, beating Tenshin Nasukawa and Mikuru Asakura.
    RIZIN have stated their intentions in the past to host a rematch between Mayweather and Pacquiao.
    Read more on The Sun
    The Sun have contacted all three parties regarding Pacquiao and Sakakibara’s announcement.
    Mayweather and Pacquiao in Japan in 2022Credit: Rex More

  • 250 Shares109 Views

    in Boxing

    Tyson Fury is ‘regretful’ over Francis Ngannou fight and ‘took it lightly’ but rematch with ex-UFC star remains on cards

    TYSON FURY is “regretful” over his fight with Francis Ngannou and “took it lightly” leaving a rematch on the cards. Fury was dropped by the ex-UFC champion – who was making his ring debut – in their Saudi Arabia crossover clash in October.
    Francis Ngannou knocked down Tyson FuryCredit: Getty
    The Gypsy King escaped with a controversial split-decision win but his title unification with Oleksandr Usyk was delayed from December to February 17.
    But Todd DuBoef of Top Rank – who promote Fury – revealed a rematch with 37-year-old Ngannou remains possible.
    DuBoef told Sky Sports: “That’s an earned ability to get the rematch. He earned that.
    “His performance dictated that, ‘Woah, he has a chance. We never thought he had a chance’ and in that situation I think absolutely.
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    “I think Tyson is regretful. He blamed himself. He thought he had an off night.
    “He said: ‘I took it lightly. It was all on me.’ Didn’t point fingers, which was good.
    “Ngannou outperformed anybody’s expectation and as a result of that you have all the components to say, hey, I want to see this again and that creates and warrants a rematch.”
    Fury, 35, and Usyk, 36, are set to contest for all four world titles – a first in heavyweight history.
    Most read in Boxing

    TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE UNDISPUTED HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    And the rivalry could extend over two bouts with the deal believed to include a rematch clause.
    DuBoef said: “I’m not a big rematch fan. I just think that it kind of takes the prize out of the prizefight.
    “It [the use of rematch clauses] is a new phenomenon that’s come in the last probably decade and a half.
    “So I’m not a big rematch fan but you have to understand that there are rematch clauses in fights and it’s more of the norm today.”
    Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk facing offCredit: Reuters More

  • 225 Shares169 Views

    in Boxing

    Anthony Joshua’s new trainer wants THIRD Oleksandr Usyk fight and vows to ‘put that right’ for British superstar

    ANTHONY JOSHUA’S new trainer Ben Davison wants a THIRD fight with Oleksandr Usyk in a bid to “put that right”. AJ was twice beaten by Usyk on points and had separate cornermen in both bouts, firstly Rob McCracken and then Robert Garcia.
    Anthony Joshua was twice beaten by Oleksandr UsykCredit: Getty
    He would later link up with Derrick James but the American was not available for his most recent win over Otto Wallin in Saudi Arabia.
    Instead, Davison led the charge for the first time in Joshua’s career and oversaw the fifth round domination over Wallin.
    And the young coach – who shot to fame working with Tyson Fury – believes he can help AJ finally overcome the undefeated Usyk.
    Davison told Boxing News: “Being selfish, I’d really like to put that Usyk fight right for him.
    READ MORE IN boxing
    “I don’t know if that’s even doable. But that’s something that I would love to help him do.
    “That’s something I said to him first when came down to the gym, that I’m really confident that we’d be able to help him put that right.”
    Joshua had beaten Jermaine Franklin on points and stopped Robert Helenius under the guidance of James.
    But the Texan was in camp with Ryan Garcia in Dallas by the time AJ was announced on seven weeks notice to fight Wallin.
    Most read in Boxing
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    So he decided to remain in the UK for his camp and switched camps to Davison’s gym in Harlow.
    Joshua’s next step remains uncertain after Deontay Wilder blew their super-fight worth £100million by losing to Joseph Parker.
    And even Davison is unable to say for certain whether he will continue working with AJ going forward.
    He said: “I don’t know. I can’t comment on that. It’s a pleasure to work with but we’ll see.”
    Ben Davison with Anthony JoshuaCredit: Getty More

  • 213 Shares199 Views

    in Boxing

    Jake Paul in talks over next fight but fans call YouTuber ‘shameful’ for ‘cherry picking’ his opponent

    BOXING fans have accused Jake Paul of “cherry picking” his next boxing opponent after it was revealed who he was in talks to fight with next.YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul moved to an 8-1-0 record after beating Andre August in his last fight earlier this month.
    Jake Paul has been accused of ‘cherry picking’ his next opponentCredit: Getty
    But Paul weighed 50lbs heavier than his potential opponenet’s average weightCredit: Getty
    And Paul appears to have already lined up his next opponent in Neeraj Goyat.
    Boxing reporter Michael Benson shared a screenshot of the two fighters in conversation on Instagram.
    Goyat, 32, called out Paul on his Instagram page.
    Paul, 26, then responded by commenting: “Any time any place.”
    READ MORE IN SPORT
    Goyat has a record of 18-4-2 and normally weighs between 144lbs and 147lbs when fighting.
    Meanwhile, Paul weighed in at 199.4lbs when he knocked out August.
    Paul highlighted this weight difference during their exchange.
    He said: “Brother you too small. Walking around at 150 lbs? Maybe I tie one arm behind my back?”
    Most read in Boxing
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    To which Goyat replied: “The bigger they are the harder they fall. I’m ready to fight you at any weight.
    “My walking weight right now is 158 lbs (and) I don’t care about yours.
    “Your both hands and your brother’s both hand will be less to even touch me.”
    Paul’s promoter Most Valuable Promotions then revealed talks were now underway with a comment of their own.
    However, fans were not happy with the match up.
    One fan said: “So Jake has a 50lb advantage against this dude? He’ll probably run around saying he’s a future world champion after knocking him out.”
    A second said: “Joke Paul fighting lightweight at 135 is disrespectful.”
    A third said: “That’s so shameful.”
    Another said: “Making a mockery of the ‘sweet science’.”
    While a fifth added: “Jake Paul cherry picking his opponents again.”
    Paul’s only defeat was at the hands of Tommy Fury.
    Read more on The Sun
    In 2019, Goyat was once lined up to fight Brit Amir Khan.
    However, the fight did not happen after Goyat was injured in a car accident.
    Neeraj Goyat called out Paul for a fight on social mediaCredit: PA:Press Association
    Goyat was lined up to fight Amir Khan in 2019 before their fight was cancelledCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

  • 225 Shares199 Views

    in Boxing

    Cem Kilic dead at 29: Top boxer who fought on Tyson Fury undercard dies as tributes pour in

    BOXING star Cem Kilic has died aged 29.A host of tributes have poured in for the Turkish star, who had appeared on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s victory over Tom Schwarz back in June 2019.
    Boxing star Cem Kilic has died at the age of 29Credit: Instagram @kilicboxing
    He fought on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s win over Tom Schwarz in 2019Credit: Getty
    Eyup Gozgec, president of the Turkish Boxing Federation, announced on Friday: “We have learned the news of the death of one of our former national boxers.
    “We wish patience to the grieving relatives. Rest in peace.”
    Kilic’s former manager, Shane Shapiro, added: “Never thought I would be writing something like this right now.
    “I am in shock. RIP Cem Kilic, the first fighter that took a chance on me, someone who moved from Germany to Los Angeles, lived with me 7 years and was part of my family. Those who know, know.
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    “Me and Cem were always side by side… we had so many highs and lows, and didn’t always see eye to eye, but the memories we made together will never fade.
    “You will always be remembered… RIP ‘Champ’ Cem Kilic. We went to war together.”
    Kilic was born on June 6, 1994 in Neustadt, Germany but relocated to America at the age of 19 to train in LA.
    He made his pro debut in 2014 and he produced an eighth-round stoppage of Martez McGregor at that Fury vs Schwarz event.
    Most read in Boxing
    However, he suffered his lone loss came in his next fight, which was an eighth-round stoppage to Terence Crawford’s stablemate Steven Nelson in January 2020.
    Kilic bounced back with three successive victories and ended his career with a 17-1 (11KOs) record.
    A host of tributes have poured in after the shock news of his death was announcedCredit: Instagram @kilicboxing More

  • 238 Shares99 Views

    in Boxing

    Meet unknown Brit nicknamed ‘the GirthQuake’ who has just become a boxing world champion seven years after quitting UK

    FROM Hungary to Latvia, and Egypt to Tanzania, Prince Patel has had an unusual journey to “world champion” status.The Londoner, 30, left his homeland in a bid to further his boxing career after unceremoniously splitting with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions.
    Prince Patel, right, proudly holds his beltCredit: Instagram @princepatel1993
    Patel has a 28-1-2 pro recordCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Warren, 71, saw something in Patel back in 2015, even after the outspoken prospect had been dropped by Steve Goodwin.
    But his spell with Queensberry would be an underwhelming one, underlined by his poor draw with little-known Peruvian Juan Hinostroza.
    He fought once more in the UK after the Hinostroza set-back, beating Patrik Bartos at Harrow Leisure Centre before falling into British boxing obscurity.
    On the period that followed, he later told World Boxing News: “It was very difficult. I didn’t know many sports agents or managers to speak to.
    READ MORE IN SPORT
    “I just had to engage my brain and think of promoters and managers to contact.
    “It’s been very difficult. I don’t classify myself as a manager or a matchmaker or anything, but I’ve had to do that and help develop my career.”
    Patel has even come up with a rather crude nickname for himself – the ‘GirthQuake’ and uses the hashtag on much of his social media postings.
    In 2017 he headed to Hungary, beginning his rebuild with a series of victories against low level opposition.
    Most read in Boxing
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    More low-key wins in Poland, Latvia and the Czech Republic followed – Patel padding his unbeaten record.
    Eventually a first world title shot materialised, with Patel fighting Michell Banquez in Jeddah four years ago for IBO gold.
    He was soon back to the drawing board, however, after losing via unanimous decision.
    Patel responded by stringing together ten wins on the spin, even ending his UK exile by beating Goodluck Mrema in Tolworth along the way.
    When the IBO world bantamweight title became vacant earlier this year, Patel jumped at the opportunity to fight late replacement Aliu Bamidele Lasisi in Accra, Ghana.
    While the IBO belt has been much maligned, Patel didn’t care a jot as he earned the right to call himself world champ by beating Lasisi.
    After his win he proudly declared: “The first and only Indian Professional Boxing world champion. One in a Billion. Mission complete, over and out.”
    Patel has long courted a shot at fellow Brit Sunny Edwards, with the pair having beefed online.
    He said of Edwards: “He’s scared. He clearly doesn’t want to fight me for obvious reasons.”
    After Patel got into an altercation with heavyweight Frazer Clarke, Edwards clapped back on social media: “This what you get for running your mouth on the internet 🤣 Prince Patel getting gripped up.”
    While he has carved out a successful career abroad, Patel would surely love a big UK spot now that he has his IBO belt.
    Read more on The Sun
    Whether or not that opportunity comes, he is bound to quickly put his belt on the line – having fought four times this year.
    Now 29-1-2, who knows where boxing’s journeyman champion will pop up next.
    The London-born ace proudly represents IndiaCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Patel, 30, has fought four times this yearCredit: INSTAGRAM More

  • 213 Shares99 Views

    in Boxing

    Inside boxing legend Manny Pacquiao’s amazing car collection including a £180k Ferrari and £130k Porsche Cayenne Turbo

    MANNY PACQUIAO has amassed a staggering £200million fortune thanks to his incredible career.PacMan, now 45, is a boxing legend – and the only eight-division world champion in the history of the sport.
    Manny Pacquaio boasts an amazing car collectionCredit: Getty
    The most expensive motor in Pacquiao’s car collection is a £180k Ferrari 458 Italia
    The Ferrari 458 Italia can reach 0-62 mph in just three secondsCredit: Alamy
    Alongside a life in the ring, Pacquiao became a politician and was Senator of the Philippines until 2022.
    But, alongside his charity work, he has not been afraid to flaunt his wealth.
    And he has splashed the cash on an amazing array of motors that would make him the envy of many.
    Ferrari 458 Italia, £180k
    The quickest of Pacquiao’s motors, the Ferrari 458 Italia can reach 0-62 mph in just three seconds.
    Read more car collections
    Costing a whopping £180,000 – it’s a pricey supercar.
    But it’s definitely worth it in the style stakes because nothing looks as sleek as a Ferrari.
    It’s powered by a 4.5 litre V8 engine that produces 562 horse power.
    Footballers including Neymar, Mesut Ozil and Mario Balotelli have all been seen with a 458 Italia.
    Most read in Boxing
    Porsche Cayenne Turbo, £130k
    Driving around Los Angeles when he was on at training camp, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo was an ideal ride.
    First of all, it provides ample space for the 5ft5in southpaw to relax in after a gruelling session in the gym.
    Second, it’s one of most luxurious SUV’s on the market – capable of hitting 0-62 mph in a very zippy 3.7 seconds.
    It’s got plenty of punch, just like it’s owner.
    The Porsche Cayenne Turbo is one of the most luxury SUV’s on the marketCheck out these amazing collections

    Mercedes Benz SL550, £80k
    This classically designed Merc is a staple among the rich and famous.
    It debuted in 2006, with the latter models boasting a 4.7-litre twin-turbo V-8 engine.
    The SL550 is surprisingly quick – capable of 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds.
    Inside it’s plush, with Mercedes Benz always providing lavish interiors.
    The Mercedes-Benz SL550 boasts lavish interiorsCredit: Reuters
    read more sport features
    Lincoln Navigator, £90k
    A classic American SUV, the Lincoln was long-associated with Hollywood A-lister Matthew McConaughey, who was an ambassador for the brand.
    Called a ‘Palace on wheels’, the Navigator is their most impressive model.
    Many joke it has an apartment size interior, and it is capable of seating eight passengers.
    However, be warned – it’s not a sporty drive and handles like a barge.
    The Lincoln Navigator has been described as an apartment on wheelsCredit: Getty
    Cadillac Escalade, £150k
    For Pacquiao, big is clearly best.
    Not content with owning a massive Lincoln Navigator, he also rules the road with a beautiful Escalade.
    In Los Angeles, where Pacquiao spent a lot of his time training at the Wildcard gym, they are often seen as limos for Hollywood’s elite.
    Measuring 17ft long and weighing 2.6 tonnes, the engine is a massive 6.2-litre, naturally aspirated V8.
    The Cadillac Escalade is often seen ferrying A-list celebs around LACredit: Cadillac
    Hummer H2, from £50k
    There was a time when you couldn’t move for Hummers in the US, especially among the sporting elite.
    However, the car manufacturer GM stopped making the Army-inspired SUVs in 2010.
    That’s now made the Hummer a collector’s item, which Pacquiao will be well aware of.
    Although he bought his bulletproof vehicle for protection for himself and his family in the Philippines.
    Pacquiao owns a bulletproof Hummer in his homelandCredit: Handout – Getty
    M2 Cyclone 1200cc Motorcycle, £4k
    Not content with four wheels, Pacquiao enjoyed riding two with this custom-made motorcycle.
    It was made by Harley Davidson’s sister operation, Buell.
    Read more on The Sun
    Design-wise, it features imagery of Manny’s legendary bouts against Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton.
    It boast a 1200cc size, V-twin, four stroke, 5 gears engine and reaches a top speed of 135 mph.
    Pacquiao also has a M2 Cyclone 1200cc Motorcycle custom-designedCredit: motorcyclephilippines.com/forums/ More