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    Brave Brit Lyndon Arthur fails in bid to dethrone light-heavyweight king Dimitry Bivol but gives Russian serious scare

    LYNDON ‘KING’ ARTHUR bravely failed to dethrone light-heavyweight king Dimitry Bivol but gave him one of the biggest scares of his reign.The 31-year-old Mancunian was a huge underdog in taking on the WBA champion and pound-for-pound star who dominated Canelo Alvarez in a performance-of-2022 contender – and he lost a wide decision.
    Lyndon Arthur put together a brave performance against Dimitry BivolCredit: Getty
    Arthur robbed Bivol of his oxygen and almost became a legendCredit: Reuters
    But a body shot in round eight robbed the Russian of his oxygen and almost made the Englishman a legend before the judges all rightly scored it: 120-107.
    Bivol was abusive from the off, spearing his razor-like jab into the tattooed torso and bearded chin of the Englishman.
    The undefeated ace was vicious in the second too, a double-jab-right-hand was as punishing as it was precise and long left hooks were getting around Arthur’s guard.
    And a flurry of punches inflicted when the Englishman was pinned on the ropes would have dropped a weaker man.
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    Arthur was peppered early in the third session too, it seemed impossible that he would hear the bell.
    But he wisely tucked up and slipped out of the way of as many shots as possible, shipping the others on his high guard.
    Bivol was racking up the rounds and increasing his chances of a 22nd consecutive win.
    Arthur’s high and chiselled cheekbones were turning purple and puffy by the fourth.
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    But a long right hand to the brave challenger’s shaven skull was the best punch of the stanza.
    Arthur boxed more optimistically in the fifth slashing at Bivol’s body with both hands.
    But just before the bell he tasted another missile of a right hand that must have dented his spirit and belief, if not his skull.
    Round six looked like being Arthur’s best after he landed a crisp one-two and also physically dominated in the clinch.
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    Arthur couldn’t dethrone light-heavyweight king BivolCredit: Getty
    But he was still hit by the more regular scoring shots and was probably 6-0 down with the judges.
    Round eight was Arthur’s best thanks to a shock right hand that definitely hurt Bivol, the blue corner spotted the champion was hurt by the blow and urged their man to target the torso again.
    But the celebrated amateur sucked up the pain and desert oxygen and ended the stanza back on the front foot fizzing shots into the rival.
    It was a testament to Arthur’s pride and defensive skills that he was still in the ring when the bell rang to end the ninth as Bivol was back in free flow.
    But even in round 10 – when the blows were raining down on him – Arthur whacked at the verse tattooed over his heart and kept upright and trying.
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    But, with just ten seconds of round 11 remaining, Arthur was backed into a neutral corner and pasted with a range of blows until a left hook to the right flank sank him to the canvas for a count of eight.
    But Bivol bullied him straight back into the exact same spot in the last round and unleashed everything, Arthur was a hero for weathering the storm and he deserved to hear that final bell. More

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    Conor McGregor compares watches with Cristiano Ronaldo at Joshua v Wallin but fans say ex-Man Utd ace ‘wants to escape’

    CONOR McGregor and Cristiano Ronaldo could be seen comparing watches as the pair attended “Day of Reckoning” boxing event.The sporting icons were both ringside for the highly anticipated night of bouts in Saudi Arabia.
    Conor McGregor and Cristiano Ronaldo were sat next to each other at the boxing in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty
    The pair compared watchesCredit: TNT SPORTS
    Fans thought Ronaldo looked awkward during the encounter

    Ronaldo, who plays his football for Saudi outfit Al-Nassr, was sat ringside when McGregor joined him and began chatting about the boxing.
    But it wasn’t long before the Irish fighter was ready to move on and discuss the bling that they both had dripping from their wrists.
    McGregor grabbed Ronaldo’s arm and put it next to his to show their watches side by side before joking that they should decide whose was better.
    He could be heard saying: “What have you got there? Who’s winning?Who’s winning this one?”
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    Ronaldo laughed off the awkward moment before then seeming to go on to discuss what expensive timepiece he had on his wrist.
    And fans reckoned that the Portuguese football superstar was desperate to get away from the conversation as they reacted to the video on social media.
    One wrote: “Ronaldo is thinking ‘God save me’.”
    While another added: “Ronaldo is wishing his phone will ring to save him!”
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    A third joked: “Ronaldo thinking how he can escape.”
    The two will have had plenty discuss with both boasting impressive watch collections.
    Ronaldo has previously displayed some of his fancy watches in public and the former Manchester United man even has one watch worth a jaw-dropping £1.6m.
    While McGregor also has a love for expensive watches with his entire collection tallying up to around £3million.
    The pair were eagerly awaiting what is expected to be a huge night of fighting in the Middle East with Anthony Joshua taking on Otto Wallin and Deontay Wilder doing battle with Joseph Parker.
    McGregor travelled to the event in style using a private jet with the UFC star living up to his elaborate reputation.
    But although he is somewhat of a guest of honour it didn’t stop an awkward gaffe being made inside the arena.
    Those in charge of the seating plan had spelt McGregor’s first name wrong by adding an extra “n”.

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    Anthony Joshua vs Otto Wallin LIVE RESULT: Latest updates from HUGE Saudi fight card – start time, stream, TV channel

    ANTHONY JOSHUA is facing tricky southpaw Otto Wallin TONIGHT to top a huge fight night in Saudi Arabia – and there’s not long now to wait! Wallin famously gave Tyson Fury an almighty scare back in 2019 when the Gypsy King was making his boxing comeback.
    And there has been a huge shock on the undercard so far, with Daniel Dubois stopping Jarrell Miller in the dying seconds of their thriller.

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    Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
    ‘I stayed calm, relaxed, stayed focused’
    Joseph Parker, speaking to DAZN: “I have a lot of respect for Wilder but we trained very hard for this. Everyone had other plans but this is God’s plan.
    “I was really fit. I stayed calm, relaxed, stayed focused. There’s always things to work on but I got the win. Merry Christmas to us.
    “He did catch me a few times on the guard and it’s very hard. If it landed clean then it could be a different story. Working with Andy and George and not getting out of shape was important.
    “This is massive and the best opponent I’ve ever faced. Tyson Fury gave us his time with sparring and was massively important.”
    Credit: getty
    The main event
    One fight remaining, and it’s the big one! Anthony Joshua returns to the ring against Otto Wallin at the Kingdom Arena. Standby.
    That winning moment
    Joseph Parker celebrates as he claims shock victory over Deontay Wilder on Day of Reckoning undercard
    ‘Did a great job’
    “No excuses tonight,” says Deontay Wilder. That retreat he went on clearly works because he’s showing great humility and leaves with high spirits.
    Really was quite strange that interview. One commentator called him ‘delusional’ for being happy and thinking he did enough to win the right despite losing every round. Another said he’s ‘content’ after hearing him speak about how well he’s invested his money.
    I’m really not sure we’ll be seeing him in the ring again.
    Parker reacts
    “Everyone had plans, other plans, but this is God’s plan,” says Joseph Parker, who’s kind of an expert in winning with humility. The kind of guy that knocks you down and takes you to the hospital.
    Parker clearly referring to the planning of Deontay Wilder vs Anthony Joshua next March. Everyone suggesting the fight was done and dusted, but he’s now thrown a huge spanner in the works.

    Joseph Parker beats Deontay Wilder on points
    118-111, 118-110, 120-108 to Joseph Parker. It’s a unanimous decision and it righty goes the way of the Kiwi.
    Deontay Wilder shook his head a bit, but didn’t look too shocked by that. Perhaps that fist in the air was an attempt to sway the minds of the judges. Who knows.
    Credit: getty
    Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker
    I’d be stunned if this is anything other than a unanimous points victory for Joseph Parker. Still waiting on that decision…
    Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker – Round 12
    Deontay Wilder is warned for a couple of hammer punches to the back of Joseph Parker’s head during the clinch. That’s desperate stuff from the American.
    More desperate stuff as he wildly swings like a punter at last orders. Must have missed by two feet with that one.
    Parker making sure he clinches and stays there for as long as humanly possible. He does look tired though with 60 seconds left on the clock. Can he see this out?!
    Ding ding! That’s it folks. The bell rings and there are celebrations in the ring.
    However, those celebrations are coming from both camps. Wilder is pumping his fist and playing to the crowd — does he really think he’s won that?
    It goes to the judges.
    Credit: getty
    Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker – Round 11
    Joseph Parker doesn’t look to be troubled by anything Deontay Wilder is throwing. Didn’t think I would be writing that tonight.
    Parker just has to avoid doing anything silly. He’s done the hard yards, now just see it home.
    And he certainly does that in Round 11. Wilder is aimlessly throwing wild shots but nothing has landed. Parker is three minutes away from perhaps the biggest scalp of his career.
    Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker – Round 10
    Deontay Wilder now 6/1 to win this with two rounds remaining. It’s not exactly a secret, but he’s going to need a knockout to win this one.
    44/17 punch count in favour of Joseph Parker to this point. I was expecting a big surge from the American in this round but he’s blowing a bit. Nothing of much note in that round.
    Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker – Round 9
    Deontay Wilder’s knees keep locking. He’s on borrowed time here but Joseph Parker is staying disciplined. Just the occasional leading right to keep his opponent on the back foot.
    Not 100% sure what Joe Parker is waiting for though. Surely this is his moment? Wilder started to find his feet in the final 20 seconds and let off some vicious looking swings that didn’t connect.
    “Let’s do this,” Wilder says in his corner. That sounded ominous.
    Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker – Round 8
    Hold on a minute. What happens if Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua both lose tonight? Does that mean we’re getting Joseph Parker vs Otto Wallin in March instead?
    WOW! Parker with an incredible attack! The Kiwi fires one off one of those overhand rights that leaves Wilder wobbling on already shaken legs. He senses his moment and follows with a flurry of punches. He went hell for leather to get the finish – but the bell saves Wilder.
    Will this last another round?!
    Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker – Round 7
    There were just a few signs that Deontay Wilder would let his hands go towards the end of that last round. He did not kick on.
    It feels dangerous to say because he can end this in an instant, but he’s looking every bit a 38-year-old heavyweight who’s fought once in 18 months right now.
    Huge hit from Parker! Wilder leaves himself wide open, and the Kiwi lands a heavy looping overhand right to the chin of his opponent. The American takes it well enough but his return fire is miles off the target.
    Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker – Round 6
    Jab up, jab down. Nothing groundbreaking from Joseph Parker but it’s a heck of a lot more than Deontay Wilder’s doing.
    Just hearing the commentator asking what’s Plan B for Wilder.
    Plan B? Plan B is Plan A and that’s it!
    Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker – Round 5
    Most seem to have Joseph Parker winning every round until this point. Deontay Wilder seems to just be avoiding conflict and not engaging with anything of his own.
    He’s waiting for the ideal moment, but what happens if it never arrives?
    Parker continues to dominate the middle of the ring and clips the American with a cracking snapshot on the cheek.
    Another round in the bank for Parker.
    Of course, Deontay Wilder doesn’t fight to win rounds. He lost virtually every minute of that clash with Luis Ortiz before doing the business. Parker has to be perfect, Wilder just needs that one golden moment.
    Credit: getty
    Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker – Round 4
    Joseph Parker decides he’s fed up of the cautious stuff and lands a lovely combination. He’s closing the gap slightly now and looking for the right hand.
    Deontay Wilder’s timing is well off as he looks to return, but he’s throwing a few more jabs to find it, as well as the distance.
    Parker attacks like a sprinter in the dying seconds of the round with a few attempted power shots. The Kiwi fancies this. He likes his chances.
    Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker – Round 3
    It’s actually quite strange to see Deontay Wilder being so cautious. Almost more worrying that he’s waiting for something — some chink that he’s seen in Joseph Parker’s armour.
    Another fairly uneventful round passes.
    Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker – Round 2
    Joseph Parker straight out with a jab to the stomach. Nothing too damaging but with Deontay Wilder having thrown nothing – it could be crucial to winning the round on the judges scorecards.
    Neither fighter is prepared to close the gap, just the occasional dip in to throw a straight one. You get the sense viewers are starting to wonder what they signed up for, but I’m sure there’s fireworks to come.
    How about that then, boos and jeers at the end of the round. “You’ve got two rounds in the bag,” says Joseph Parker’s trainer in the corner.
    Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker – Round 1
    Joseph Parker’s trainer Andy Lee has been saying all week that they are going to fight fire with fire.
    Deontay Wilder responded by telling Parker to bring a pillow and blanket, because he’s getting put to sleep.
    And has there been any fireworks in Round 1?
    Nope. It’s a feeling out process. Parker staying well away from that thunderous right hand as Wilder sidesteps his way around the ring, stalking his opponent and waiting for his moment.
    Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker
    He’s just a scary bloke. Deontay Wilder punches like a horse kicks, and Robert Helenius can testify to that when being KO’d in the first round during their clash back in October 2022.
    But… he is 38. He’s fought once since that defeat to Tyson Fury in 2021. Could he be vulnerable to a more technical and in-form Parker?
    They really are trying to ramp up the atmosphere inside the stadium, but it’s not quite there. Certainly not what you would expect of a card of this magnitude.
    Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker
    The pair are making their way to the ring now.
    Joseph Parker enters first to a tune I’ve not heard before and don’t particularly care for.
    And here comes Wilder. No suit weighing him down this time, but he IS wearing a crown. I’m not going to argue with him about that.
    Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker
    Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder vs former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker.
    It seems to be everyone’s ‘big tip’ for an upset tonight with Parker available at 9/2 to clinch a victory, and in doing so spoil that big AJ fight in March.
    It’s understandable.
    Parker has won three fights on the bounce since his loss to Joe Joyce, and his work with trainer Andy Lee seems to be having a really positive effect. We saw that with his KO win over Simon Kean back in October.
    But, as ever, he’s in there with the most devastating puncher in boxing history.
    Credit: getty
    Surprise
    Frank Warren thinks we could see a couple of upsets in the last two fights. And I’m certain he’s not just saying that to boost PPV numbers.
    He said: “Wallin seems very confident, quietly confident, and AJ does as well.
    “For AJ, this is make or break and I’m not being critical or anything, but it’s about what does he have left in the tank, what has he got, can he get himself a seat at the table this year.
    “And the same goes for Wilder, he has been out for two years, he’s had one fight in between which was a one rounder, Joe Parker had a really good win last time out.
    “So, these are really going to be competitive fights, they certainly are on paper.”
    I have been taking a psychedelic South American drug
    No, I’m not confessing to that. That’s private.
    But the ‘Bronze Bomber’ has preparing for Saudi Arabian debut against former world champion Joseph Parker in a rather alternative fashion.
    Wilder has been working on self-improvement through psychedelic medicines in a certified centre in Costa Rica.
    He said the ayahuasca retreat has made him “one of the happiest men alive” and “more sensitive”.
    “Ah man, ayahuasca has been… man it’s been one of the top things in my life that I’m glad that I’ve experienced,” Wilder said.
    “One of the best journeys to experience, it’s been a beautiful thing for me and if you ask my wife she’ll say that it made me more sensitive, and she’s probably right, but it also made me happier as well.”
    How much is said retreat? Asking for a friend.
    Credit: getty
    It’s signed
    It’s not signed.
    Heavyweight rivals Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder were reportedly said to have agreed a two-fight deal to face each other, according to boxing correspondent Dan Rafael.
    The clash was supposed to take place on March 9, and still might providing they both come through their contests unscathed.
    But it ain’t done until it’s done. More

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    Joshua vs Wallin viewers in hysterics as TNT Sport cameras spot Cristiano Ronaldo looking ‘terrified’ of Conor McGregor

    BOXING fans were in stitches as they saw Cristiano Ronaldo looking “terrified” of Conor McGregor.The global football icon was seated next to the outspoken Irishman to watch Anthony Joshua’s blockbuster bout with Otto Wallin in Saudi Arabia.
    Conor McGregor and Cristiano Ronaldo were seated next to each other in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty
    But fans reckon football legend Ronaldo was terrified of the IrishmanCredit: Getty
    Manny Pacquiao was called out by McGregor once againCredit: AFP
    Cameras panned to the pair ringside, just as UFC legend McGregor was aiming a rant at a Saudi boxing boss, about old rival Manny Pacquiao.
    But viewers on TNT Sport were more interested in the incredibly uncomfortable Ronaldo..
    McGregor ranted: “I love Manny, tell Manny to grow a set of balls. Tell Manny to grow a set of balls and fight me at a higher weight.
    “Why not? It’s his sport. If he wants me to come down to a smaller weight he should let me use more of my weapons.
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    “I should be able to kick, I should be able to grapple. Shouldn’t that be fair? Say it to him, is he a man or a mouse? Is Manny a man or a mouse?”
    He signed off his demands by sharing a laugh with Ronaldo – but fans were convinced the Manchester United was petrified deep down.
    One said: “Ronaldo is terrified of him.”
    Another added: “Ronaldo looks terrified.”
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    While airline Ryanair chimed in too, joking: “Middle seat vibes.”
    Pacquiao signed with Paradigm Management, who also represent McGregor, in 2020, to set up a potential bout between them.
    But PacMan would later be embroiled in a legal dispute with Paradigm, which he lost in May.
    Pacquiao, 45, was ordered to pay $5.1 million (£4m) after he fought Yordenis Ugas, 36, without Paradigm’s involvement.
    He retired after the loss but the Filipino hero has talked up a comeback ever since.
    McGregor, 35, has not returned to the ring since his 2017 loss to American Floyd Mayweather, 46.
    And he needed special permission from the UFC to cross over to the ring and break out of his contract.
    McGregor has refused to rule out another boxing match in the future having struck up a relationship with the Saudis.
    Read more on The Sun
    He joined Pacquiao in Riyadh in October when ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou, 37, controversially lost to Tyson Fury.
    And McGregor was back out in Saudi with Ronaldo, 38, to watch as Joshua topped the bill against Wallin.
    Roberto Duran, McGregor, Mike Tyson and Manny PacquiaoCredit: @MannyPacquiao More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo takes his seat ringside for Joshua vs Wallin wearing jazzy green Gucci jacket

    CRISTIANO RONALDO led celebrities in attending the highly-anticipated “Day of Reckoning” boxing event.The Al-Nassr ace, 38, was pictured ringside for blockbuster show in Saudi Arabia.
    Cristiano Ronaldo led celebs in attendance at the blockbuster Day of Reckoning eventCredit: Getty
    Ronaldo was seen in a jazzy Gucci jacketCredit: Getty
    But the Al-Nassr ace still had time to pose for the camerasCredit: AFP
    He was pictured next to Frank Warren at one pointCredit: Reuters
    The former Manchester United star was seen in a stylish green Gucci jacket.
    Ronaldo, 38, completed his look with some shaded glasses.
    The football superstar was pictured next to promoter Frank Warren.
    He was later be joined by MMA star Conor McGregor, with the pair seen comparing watches after sitting next to each other.
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    McGregor, 35, is plotting his UFC comeback in 2024.
    But he has been busy making appearances at a number of major events throughout the year.
    However, despite his status, that did not prevent organisers from making a gaffe after accidentally spelling The Notorious’ first name with an extra “n”.
    The fight night is being headlined by heavyweight clashes between Anthony Joshua and Otto Wallin and Deontay Wilder’s clash with Joseph Parker.
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    But there were also fireworks in the earlier rounds which saw Daniel Dubois become the first fighter to defeat Jarrell Miller courtesy of a late 10th round stoppage.
    You can keep up with all the action from the event with SunSport’s Live Blog.
    He was later joined by Conor McGregorCredit: Getty
    The sporting icons were seen deep in conversationCredit: Getty
    McGregor wore a stylish purple outfitCredit: Getty
    Andy Ruiz Jr. was also seen ringsideCredit: Getty

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    Fans convinced Liverpool star Van Dijk asked referee very cheeky question after fuming with decision against Arsenal

    FOOTIE fans are convinced Virgil van Dijk asked referee Chris Kavanagh if he’d “BEEN DRINKING” during Liverpool’s clash with Arsenal.The Kop defender was far from happy with the official’s decision to award the Gunners a free kick in the 52nd minute of the Anfield clash.
    Virgil van Dijk was far from happy with referee Chris Kavanagh in the second half of Liverpool’s clash with ArsenalCredit: EPA
    The Reds star appeared to ask the official if he’d been drinkingCredit: SKY SPORTS
    And he appeared to ask Kavanagh if he’d a pre-Christmas beverage after the call had gone against him.
    The Dutchman made a drinking gesture with his right hand before seemingly asking the ref if he’d had a cheeky tipple.
    One footie fan said: “Van Dijk has just asked the referee if he’s been drinking?”
    Another said: “Van Dijk has definitely had enough of this ref.”

    And another said: “Has Van Dijk just asked if the refs been drinking.”
    One remarked: “Virgil van Dijk to the referee – ‘Have you been drinking?’
    “Complete with hand gestures and all.
    And another said: “Captain Van Dijk asked the ref if he’s been drinking and got no booking.”
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    Mohammed Salah rescued a point for Liverpool in the 72nd minuteCredit: ALAMY
    The crunch Anfield clash ended in a 1-1 draw – which meant the visitors will top the Premier League table at Christmas.
    Gabriel Magalhaes broke the deadlock in the fourth minute with a well-placed header into the far corner.
    Mohamed Salah drew the Merseysiders level in the 29th minute with a sumptuous near-post finish after jinking past Oleksandr Zinchenko.
    Jurgen Klopp’s troops should have sealed the three points in the 72nd minute following a breakneck speed counterattack.
    Trent Alexander-Arnold had the goal at his mercy after being put through by Salah.
    But the fullback somehow managed to hit the crossbar – much to the frustration of the Anfield faithful.
    Mikel Arteta will have no doubt been happy to leave Merseyside with a point as it’s ensured his charges will top the Premier League table at Christmas.
    Arsenal will be back in action on Thursday, welcoming the in-form West Ham to the Emirates.
    Liverpool, meanwhile, will travel to Turf Moor on Boxing Day to take on Burnley. More

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    Daniel Dubois becomes first man beat drugs-cheat Jarrell Miller with stunning late stoppage with just SECONDS to go

    DANIEL DUBOIS’ reinforced heart finally broke Jarrell Miller’s spiteful tongue and iron jaw.The timid 26-year-old heavyweight surrendered in his two previous defeats, in August to Oleksandr Usyk and in 2020 against Joe Joyce, and looked a broken boy.
    Daniel Dubois beat Jarrell Miller by KOCredit: Getty
    It was a back and forth battleCredit: Getty
    Miller was beaten for the first timeCredit: Getty
    But with the eyes of the supercritical boxing world – and ringside Cristiano Ronaldo – he battered the drug cheat who tried to rob Anthony Joshua in 2019.
    And stopped him in the tenth and final round to exorcise so many demons for the loveable lad.
    Dubois said: “I am glad I came through it, I showed my heart, I showed my heart.
    “I am a proud fighter, I want to go forward, this was an important fight for me. I had to dig very deep but I am glad I did it.
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    “I had to prove it to myself., that I am a real fighter who can be a champion and I silenced a lot of doubters tonight. I had to finish strong.
    Big Baby gave me a good fight and we can be friends for life now.
    Miller had spent all week teasing and insulting the shy and dedicated Brit, digging away at his quiet nature and intellect compared to his attention-grabbing stunts and sumo shape.
    Because Miller chose this week to convert to Islam and share the experience on social media, the Saudi crowd backed him, probably unaware of his grubby past as a life-endangering steroid cheat.
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    Dubois made the perfect start with a whipped left hook and a straight right hand slashing through Miller’s guard.
    But the thick-thighed 25stoner has a granite chin too and he shrugged off dozens of shots and waddled forward fearlessly.
    Dynamite Dan had to attack the fleshy bod  but he was warned for one very low accidental blow that lifted up Miller’s skirt.
    Dubois was getting dragged into Miller’s perfect type of brawl in the second, before a stiff jab made the American stagger backwards,.
    But instead of leading with his once-brilliant jab, he got sucked into a head-butting contest and shipped heavy shots before the bell saved him from a dark moment.
    But he got sucked into a shootout at close-range again and neglected his jab and fitness to slug it out with a human breeze block who sucks up punishment like it’s fun.
    Miller started round four barking “come on you bitch” but he was briefly silenced by another firm but rare jab.
    Then the Englishman was whacked and wobbled by an uppercut-hook combo that stung.
    The pair did not stop trading bombsCredit: Getty
    But it was Dubois who outworked his rivalCredit: Getty
    Dubois was letting Miller lean all over him, sucking up all of his energy, it was a worrying watch.
    Thankfully threw more jabs in the fifth than all four previous rounds combined but Miller was showing freakish resistance that was hopefully not boosted by more chemicals.
    Both men looked to be slowing down under all the pressure and pain so we needed Dubois to dig deeper than ever.
    Dubois’ left eye started to look worryingly wounded by the sixth and, the same peeper Joyce battered shut.
    Thankfully in round seven, 17st DDD lured Miller onto an uppercut after fancy footwork and clever defence in the opening minute impressed the crowd.
    Round eight was the best of Dubois’ latest litmus test as he used Miller’s giant 333lbs frame for target practice.
    Almost every jab, right hand and body hook landed but the ref gave him a final warning for leading with his head and he could not afford a deducted point in the final two sessions.
    Read more on The Sun
    A textbook four-punch combination was the perfect start to round nine for Dubois, Miller was taking dozens of blows and returning very little.
    And with only a few seconds remaining, Dubois pummeled Miller for AJ and himself in a win that should fire him back into the big-time mix.
    Dubois celebrating his big winCredit: Reuters More

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    Conor McGregor flies to Saudi Arabia in private jet as UFC star prepares to reunite with Cristiano Ronaldo ringside

    CONOR McGREGOR took a private jet to Saudi Arabia as he prepares to join Cristiano Ronaldo ringside to watch Anthony Joshua. AJ returns in Riyadh against Joseph Parker on the same night Deontay Wilder faces Joseph Parker.
    Conor McGregor took a private jet to Saudi Arabia
    The UFC star is out to watch Anthony Joshua
    McGregor boards the jet in a stylish blue suit
    The Irishman travels in style
    A win for the pair of former world heavyweight champions sets them up for a blockbuster back in Saudi in March.
    McGregor was in attendance for AJ’s last fight in August when he knocked out Robert Helenius at the O2 Arena.
    A month later, he was invited over to Tyson Fury’s crossover clash with ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou.
    And he watched as Ngannou, 37, dropped Fury, 35, but lost a controversial points decision.
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    The fight caused Fury’s undisputed title decider with Oleksandr Usyk, 36, to be postponed to February 17.
    So Joshua, 34, and Wilder, 38, stepped in to co-headline and again the stars are out in Riyadh.
    McGregor, 35, travelled in style as he strutted across a runway to board his private jet wearing a sharp blue suit.
    And he will be seated next to football icon and Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo, 38, in the front row.
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    Ronaldo took his seat next to promoter Frank Warren dressed in a green Gucci jacket.
    And McGregor was not far behind him as as he showed off his custom-made suit which had dollar bills printed on the back.
    He told Queensberry Promotions: “We’ve got the dough on the back!”
    McGregor soon took his seat next to Ronaldo and the multimillionaire pair were all smiles and even compared their watches.

    Ronaldo took his seat ringsideCredit: Getty
    The Manchester United legend with promoter Frank WarenCredit: Getty
    The sports stars reunited at the boxingCredit: Getty
    McGregor and Ronaldo sharing wordsCredit: Getty More