Aurelia Butler

More stories

  • 250 Shares109 Views

    in Boxing

    Anthony Joshua almost came to blows with a robot vacuum cleaner just days before huge Saudi fight against Otto Wallin

    ANTHONY Joshua has revealed he almost came to blows in a Saudi hotel this week… with a ROBOT.Boxing hero Joshua, 34, was trading insults with former rival Jarrell Miller in the public area of the hotel ahead of their respective fights on Saturday.
    Anthony Joshua was bumped into by a robot as he squared up to MillerCredit: The Sun
    The robot vacuum almost got ‘knocked out’ by the boxerCredit: The Sun
    The robot can take the lift on its own – but still bumped into AJCredit: The Sun
    AJ called the cleaning device ‘weird’Credit: The Sun
    Miller, 35, sneaked up on Joshua, 34, and called him a “p***y” while the Brit was chatting to reporters.
    But as tempers rose, the impromptu stand-off came to an end when a 3ft tall robot vacuum cleaner started bumping into the heavyweight stars.
    The former WBA, IBF and WBO champion told The Sun: “That was weird wasn’t it?
    “How the f*** did that end up right there?

    “It was bashing into my leg. I thought it was one of his little mates hitting me but I looked down and it was a robot.
    “I was thinking ‘what the f*** is that, I’m gonna knock that robot out!’”
    The robot interrupted AJ as he faced off against former rival Miller.
    Joshua was supposed to fight Miller in 2019, before the 28st American was busted for pumping his bloated body with performance-enhancing substances.
    Most read in Boxing
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    Andy Ruiz Jr was the late replacement who stunned AJ on his New York debut and drastically changed the trajectory of his career.
    Miller has never apologised, and instead used his notoriety to become even more infamous.
    And that infamy has landed him a slot on Joshua’s undercard on Saturday night against Brit Daniel Dubois.
    Joshua spoke frankly when addressing the rivalry and how Miller and his ilk are threatening the sanctity of the sport.
    “That’s just Jarrell,” he said calmly. “There’s no beef there really.
    “He’s not on my radar now, that’s where I am coming from.
    “He had his chance, but he went to the pharmacy and brought every drug going and messed up.
    “Realistically he’s not on my radar now because I am focusing on bigger and better things.
    How AJ compares to his cyborg opponent
    The robot vacuum cleaner is made by a Saudi company
    AJ will be fighting on December 23 against Otto WallinCredit: Getty
    “Now he’s a nobody, in my opinion he’s a nobody, he’s a drug cheat.
    “In this game of boxing you should not cheat, man. You should not cheat. People can really get hurt.”
    AJ started his amateur career in local Finchley ABC, hit the pinnacle up in Sheffield with Team GB before the London 2012 Olympics, then moved to Loughborough to set up his own gym and was based in Dallas with new trainer Derrick James for the last two bouts.
    But because this Wallin clash was sealed just seven weeks ago and James was double booked, Joshua hooked up with Harlow-based neighbour Ben Davison and enjoyed all the comforts of home.
    And the locals who have watched his rapid rise have respected him enough to let him do the commute in peace.
    He explained: “When you’re away for a while you appreciate being at home more, so it’s been good being back.
    “America was fun, it was a good experience, I would advise people to do it if they can but there’s no place like home.
    “I am a UK-born citizen so it’s good to be back home.
    “I don’t have many distractions at home, people there have learned to respect what I do.
    Wallin is fighting AJ on Saturday on a huge card in SaudiCredit: Getty
    “Even though it all looks fun, there’s a level of respect there because people know when I’m about, I’m about.
    “But when I am away, they know I am really locked in.
    Read more on The Sun
    “There is a good level of respect there and people don’t really want to bother or chat me.
    “I also have a good team who help me filter things down, I probably start with 100 people, then 50 to 25 then down to two and then one, then it’s just so much easier for me to just focus on my craft.”

    🥊ANTHONY JOSHUA VS OTTO WALLIN: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF THRILLING SAUDI CLASH🥊 More

  • 213 Shares159 Views

    in Boxing

    Moses Itauma turns down Saudi Arabia showcase to help Tyson Fury prepare for Oleksandr Usyk title fight

    MOSES ITAUMA politely turned down another rapid Saudi Arabia showcase to help Tyson Fury in freezing Morecambe with his undisputed decider.The 18-year-old wonderkid made his name in the hurt game by sparring bonafide beasts like Joe Joyce and Anthony Joshua when he was still a schoolboy.
    Itauma has his sights on becoming the youngest world champion since Mike TysonCredit: Rex
    Itauma turned down the opportunity to fight this month to help Fury prepare for his fight with Oleksandr UsykCredit: Getty
    He’s now a 7-0 pro racing toward the Mike Tyson’s record of being the planet’s youngest ever heavyweight world champion.
    The boxing super-student produced a sensational first-round KO win here in Riyadh in October.
    And he will be back here on February 17 to star on the Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk undercard, after helping the Gypsy King with ideal southpaw sparring for Ukraine’s WBA, IBF and WBO boss.
    Former four-belt cruiserweight boss Usyk is a nightmare to find sparring for.
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    Leading with his right hand and foot, from a 6ft 3in frame and having the mind of a chess grandmaster, makes him a fighting freak.
    But Itauma might just be the best impersonator on the planet so it’s a masterstroke by Fury having him in Lancashire.
    After starching respected Istvan Bernath last time out, the Kent king-in-waiting said: “A lot of people have been saying I’m not a real prospect but shoot me to the stars, what’s where I belong.
    “My power is there and my team told me I had to let my hands go and that’s what happens.
    Most read in Boxing

    TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE UNDISPUTED HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT
    “As long as I avoid injuries I will be wanting to fight again in December, I would fight again tonight if they would let me.”
    But his next date has been pushed back to Valentines so he can help compatriot Fury – the last star on his sparring hitlist – with PPV-worthy practice rounds. More

  • 213 Shares189 Views

    in Boxing

    Anthony Joshua vs Otto Wallin fight purse: How much money will both fighters earn for Saudi fight?

    ANTHONY JOSHUA and Otto Wallin are set to split a cool fight purse when they clash in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.AJ and All In are headlining the “Day of Reckoning” showdowns that also feature Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker.
    Anthony Joshua is facing of with Otto Wallin on SaturdayCredit: Getty

    🥊ANTHONY JOSHUA VS OTTO WALLIN: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF THRILLING SAUDI CLASH🥊
    How much will Anthony Joshua earn?
    Despite Saudi boxing chiefs keeping their fight purses top secret, Joshua, 34, is set to earn around £8million from the fight against Wallin.
    Wilder claimed the two-time heavyweight world champion was set to earn over £40m for his next two fights.
    That would likely mean a much bigger payday for fighting Wilder than Wallin.
    The Bronze Bomber, who will fight AJ in March if they both win, said: “Everyone will get in the ring for the right price, especially when there is over $50m (£40m) on the table.
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    “Everything is going in the right direction now and the fight will happen.
    “The time is finally here and people are going to get what they have wanted for years.”
    So if Wilder is right, and AJ takes about £8m from his first fight, he would get the other £32m when he faces off with the American in the follow up fight.
    How much will Otto Wallin earn?
    In the case of 32-year-old Wallin, the figure he will earn from the fight is unclear.
    Most read in Boxing
    Wallin reportedly earned just shy of £200,000 when he fought Tyson Fury in 2019.
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    He is unlikely to earn more money than his opponent, with the £200,000 figure instead likely to be at least doubled thanks to the Saudi-backed purse.
    How much is each fighter’s net worth?
    AJ has amassed a wealth of over £200m over his career.
    Meanwhile, Wallin is estimated to have earned a far more modest £1m.
    This vast difference in wealth also leads to a striking difference in their lifestyles. More

  • 213 Shares139 Views

    in Boxing

    Female boxer awkwardly sits in silence for two hours at SPOTY and slams BBC over seating plan

    TERRI HARPER awkwardly sat in silence for most of her evening at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards. The 27-year-old is the current WBA and IBO super-welterweight champion.
    Natasha Jonas and Terri Harper were sat awkwardly throughout the awards showCredit: Twitter @TerriHarper96
    Harper did not attempt to make a conversation with her enemyCredit: Getty
    Jonas insists she was more focused on enjoying the evening with her mumCredit: PA
    Harper is used to packing a punch in the ring but could not find the strength to make conversation at SPOTY last night.
    That’s because she was unfortunately told to sit next to her bitter rival Natasha Jonas for the entirety of the ceremony.
    The pair were unable to put their feud to one side and the tension could be cut with a knife as they failed to make eye contact with each other.
    And it appears the BBC’s blunder has only added to their fuel to the fire of their dispute.
    READ MORE IN SPORT
    Harper cheekily slammed the seating plan as she tweeted: “Whoever did it has got some good banter… had a brilliant two hours sat in silence.”
    She then posted a video of herself giving the camera a deep stare before naughtily turning it towards her arch-enemy, who was looking straight ahead.
    The fighter nicknamed the Belter then joked: “A tumble weed would’ve made more noise.”
    But it appears Jonas did not find it quite so funny as she brutally hit back on social media.
    Most read in Boxing
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    Terri Harper fought Natasha Jonas in 2020Credit: Mark Robinson
    The WBC and WBO light-middleweight belt holder said: “You have a lot less to say to my face it seems.”
    Harper fans criticised Jonas for adding to the frosty atmosphere by making no effort to chat – but she was having none of it.
    The 39-year-old responded: “We’re sitting in the audience to a live show, the respectful thing to do would be enjoy the show and not take snide vids, would you not think?”
    Jonas also insisted in another tweet that she was enjoying the awards with her mum and had no time for any fighting talk.
    Their row continued in the morning as Harper then replied: “Your one word answers to my small talk before the show made me realise you weren’t up for chatting anytime soon.”
    And it didn’t stop there as Jonas fired back: “I’m just not into being two faced if I’m honest. Maybe it’s the generational gap.”
    Jonas took a break from the beef to post a picture of herself with Tommy Fury and Nina Smith.
    With the trio all smiles, she couldn’t resist a further dig in the caption, writing: “What normal boxers do when they meet other boxers. Thanks you for kind words of support, time and pic.”
    Their feud initially began when they battled it out for the WBC title in 2020.
    Harper retained her belt after a narrow split decision draw.
    A second bout between them is on the cards as it would now be an all-British undisputed fight.
    After Harper beat Ivana Habazin in May this year, she called out Jonas, saying: “Let’s put on the fight that everyone wants to see.
    “That’s why I’ve come up to light-middleweight.
    “I think it’s every boxer’s dream to become undisputed.”
    Her promoter Eddie Hearn thinks that Jonas holds a grudge from their first clash at super-featherweight because she did not land the rematch she then wanted.
    Read more on The Sun
    Harper was last in the ring in October as she drew to Cecilia Braekhus to maintain her 14-1-2 record.
    As for Jonas, her last outing was a win over Kandi Wyatt in July to take her career to 14-1-2.
    Natasha Jonas was all smiles as she mingled with Tommy Fury and Nina SmithCredit: Twitter @TashaJonas More

  • 250 Shares99 Views

    in Boxing

    Jake Paul set to appear at Olympics as YouTube star prepares to join Team USA squad in Paris 2024 training

    JAKE PAUL’S boxing career is set to reach new heights.That’s with the YouTube star set to appear at the Olympics next summer.
    Jake Paul is set to make a stunning appearance at the Paris OlympicsCredit: Getty
    He will link up with Team USA for a training camp after winning eight of his nine fightsCredit: Getty
    Paul, 26, has established himself as one of the best screen-to-ring scrappers around.
    He has won eight of his nine professional fights, beating ex-UFC stars like Anderson Silva and Nate Diaz.
    His latest victory came just days ago with a first-round KO of Andre August.
    And Paul’s sole defeat was a controversial split decision against boxer Tommy Fury earlier this year.
    READ MORE BOXING NEWS
    The ace is now lining up a new bout, with Paul eager to take on KSI — who has already beaten his brother Logan.
    But in the meantime, he is set for an incredible adventure with Team USA.
    Paul has announced he will be training with their Olympic boxing squad in Colorado Springs.
    The social media star has struck a partnership with Team USA’s boxers.
    Most read in Boxing
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    And he will also go with them to the Paris 2024 Games to help promote them.
    Paul said: “I’m honoured to partner with USA Boxing as the 2024 Paris Olympics approach. 
    “I’ll be training with the Olympic squad in Colorado Springs this winter and accompanying them to Paris this July to amplify our country’s best amateur boxers. 
    “My commitment to boxing is much more than my in ring accomplishments. I am determined to make my impact outside the ring bigger than anything I do within it. 
    “I believe the United States has the best boxers. Let’s put it to the test. 
    “Anyone who works hard enough to fight for their country in the most iconic contest has my support. Team USA let’s go!!! See y’all in Paris.” More

  • 250 Shares99 Views

    in Boxing

    Deontay Wilder reveals double defeat to Tyson Fury almost drove him to retire to take care of his eight kids

    DEONTAY WILDER admits the back-to-back Tyson Fury defeats almost drove him to become Daddy Day Care.The 6ft 7in 38-year-old father of EIGHT suffered crushing knockout losses to Brit Fury in 2020 and 2021 which sent the devout son of a preacher into a worrying spiral.
    Deontay Wilder admitted he considered retiring to look after his children after his defeats to Tyson FuryCredit: AP
    Wilder has eight childrenCredit: Getty
    The rags-to-riches success story of a former Budweiser delivery driver who turned to boxing to support daughter Naieya, who was born with spina bifida in 2005, suddenly turned very dark.
    Videos on social media suggested the monster-punching gentle giant could not beat Fury, nor the demons that followed.
    And he admits – while happy now – he almost retired to focus on raising the brood he hopes to continue boosting.
    Ahead of Saturday’s semi-final fight with Joseph Parker — that could lead to a mouth-watering Anthony Joshua March 9 final — he said: “I was close to retiring.
    READ MORE ON DEONTAY WILDER
    “A lot of people say, ‘Is he depressed? There are so many things going on with me, what’s wrong?’ I tell them it’s none of those things.
    “I just started enjoying my family a bit more. I have eight children. I was able to be more involved in their lives.
    “It was very enjoyable to see my youngest children grow and take them on trips, like camping, going on adventures with them.”
    Eight nippers sounds like a tough enough daily sparring session — but the Bronze Bomber wants A DOZEN.
    Most read in Boxing
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    Wilder siad he was able to enjoy more time with his children after his bouts with FuryCredit: Instagram
    He has said he wants to have twelve children with his wifeCredit: Instagram
    He said: “I have eight and I want four more!
    “I would love 50 but 12 would be ideal. I would love 50 but I’d have to find the women to do that. Unfortunately, my wife is only one woman for me.”
    US star Wilder expects to beat Parker and hopes AJ comes through dangerous southpaw Otto Wallin in the other semi.
    Then the pair – who should have boxed in 2018-2019 when they shared all four heavyweight titles – should finally meet in a bout Wilder reckons is Joshua’s  last resort.
    He said: “They ran out of options. Who is he going to fight, Otto  Wallin three more times?
    “What’s knucklehead’s name? Dillian Whyte. How many times is he going to fight him?
    “The only way they can do that is if the paying customers continue to  support it. But now he’s not making the money he used to make.
    “It went from ‘he’s getting paid the most out of everyone’ to ‘he’ll fight for less than anyone’.
    “The time is near and he better get ready – because management and promoters are not going to  be able to stop this.”
    Wilder is hoping to face off against Anthony Joshua in the near futureCredit: Reuters More

  • 263 Shares179 Views

    in Boxing

    Anthony Joshua sent ominous warning over Otto Wallin fight as John Fury says ‘I’m not sure about the people around him’

    JOHN FURY has criticised Anthony Joshua’s team and warned he may have picked the wrong opponent ahead of his fight against Otto Wallin.AJ faces the Swede on Saturday night in Saudi Arabia on a blockbuster card that also features Deontay Wilder’s clash with Joseph Parker.
    John Fury has slammed the decision to choose Otto Wallin as AJ’s next opponentCredit: Alamy
    Joshua could get ‘tested like he has never been tested before’Credit: Getty
    Wallin has only lost one fight in his 28-bout career with the defeat coming at the hands of Tyson Fury via an unanimous decision in 2019.
    The Gypsy King’s father believes Joshua can win this weekend but the decision to fight the man nicknamed All In is a mistake.
    John thinks the Brit faces an “uphill battle” and one of the toughest bouts he has ever had.
    Fury Sr told Boxing Social: “I’m not so sure again about the people around him, the managing side, picking a man like Wallin.
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    “He would give anybody a problem, he’s a 6ft 5in southpaw, a good game kid and has one of the best trainers in the world in his corner in Joey Gamache.
    “At the end of the day, it’s an uphill battle let’s put it that way.
    “Can AJ pull it off? He can. But he’s going to get tested like he has never been tested before.
    “I think if I was looking after him I wouldn’t have picked Wallin, no.
    Most read in Boxing
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS

    🥊ANTHONY JOSHUA VS OTTO WALLIN: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF THRILLING SAUDI CLASH🥊
    “When AJ is like he is, he’s on a comeback trail, he’s had a few setbacks, you want a confidence builder.
    “And this ain’t a confidence builder, this is a bloody hard fight.”
    Despite the criticism of AJ’s team, John praised his decision to work with Ben Davison ahead of the encounter.
    The trainer worked with Fury prior to his victory over Wallin four years ago.
    On Wilder vs Parker, John admitted it’s a “dangerous” clash for New Zealander but the money even made him jokingly want to fight the American.
    However, he was left unsure on how much the Bronze Bomber has in the tank due to him getting in the ring for just one round since losing to Fury in October 2021. More

  • 275 Shares99 Views

    in Boxing

    I KO’d a boxing world champion – then I went to jail for assault and had to hang out with heroin addicts

    FORMER boxer and rugby league star Garth Wood has detailed his experiences in prison after being sentenced for assaulting his partner’s ex-boyfriend.Australian Wood, 45, played rugby for South Sydney and Balmain Tigers between 1997 and 2005, before turning his attention to the fight game.
    Garth Wood won 14 fights during his professional boxing careerCredit: Getty
    He was sentenced for assaulting his partner’s ex-boyfriend in JuneCredit: Getty
    He had his first professional bout in February 2007 and went on to accrue a record of 12 wins, four defeats and one draw.
    Most famously, he knocked out former super-middleweight world champion Anthony Mundine in the fifth round of their first fight in 2010.
    The pair rematched in 2011 as Mundine secured a unanimous points victory.
    Then, after hanging up his gloves, Wood was incarcerated for an attack he carried out on his partner’s ex in June of this year.
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    Now a free man once more, he has opened up about the drug problem in prison.
    Speaking on the I Catch Killers with Gary Jubelin podcast, he said: “I was expecting it [prison] to be more of a man’s man experience where everyone is a tough guy.
    “I thought I’d be confronted with guys who wanted to fight me, but a lot of it was drug addiction and mental health.”
    He went on to add: “There were seven blokes in Parklea who were all on the heavy s*** [heroin].
    Most read in Boxing
    “They all shared the syringe. Yet there was one bloke who had AIDS. He was the last one who was supposed to blast it.
    “It just shows you what they are willing to do for the addiction.”
    Wood also explained how he developed a way of staying in shape while behind bars alongside some of his other inmates.
    But while he did grow close to some of them, he also insists he came into contact with some dangerous people.
    He said: “I got with a gang of people – not a gang, people who wanted to train – and I tell you what, I did some of the hardest training sessions in there.
    “We did a lot of burpees, bear crawls, squats, push-ups. It was like a big circuit which went for nearly 40 minutes and the first couple of sessions I couldn’t walk for the next couple of days.
    “I met some really good people in jail, but there’s also some evil f***ing people as well, which I wouldn’t care to run into ever again.” More