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    Who is Jai Opetaia and why has he been forced to vacate his world title?

    JAI OPETAIA has been forced to make the biggest decision of his career – and it has cost him his IBF cruiserweight title.The Australian hard-hitter rose to fame after dethroning world champion Mairis Briedis in 2022.
    Jai Opetaia (R) beat Mairis Briedis (L) with a broken jawCredit: Getty
    Opetaia now only has the Ring Magazine to defendCredit: Getty
    And since then, Opetaia has recovered from a broken jaw before securing a convincing fourth-round stoppage victory against Jordan Thompson over a year later.
    But in unusual circumstances, Opetaia has lost his world title without stepping foot in the ring.
    However, the decision has opened another chapter in Opetaia’s boxing journey.
    Who is Jai Opetaia?
    Born June 30, 1995, Jai Opetaia is an Australian boxer who was raised with a Sydney, New South Wales and Samoan heritage.
    Read more on Jai Opetaia
    Sport runs in his family tree as the Aussie star is related to Premier League icon Tim Cahill.
    And Opetaia’s name first hit the headlines when he won the Light Heavyweight title at the 2011 Junior World Championships before qualifying for the 2012 Olympics as a Heavyweight at age 18 as the youngest ever Australian Olympic boxer.
    Opetaia got the bronze medal at AIBA World Youth Championships in the heavyweight division, but failed to pass the first round at the Olympics.
    However, the Australian heavy-hitter hasn’t looked back since as his professional boxing record stands at 23 wins and 0 losses – most notably snatching the IBF cruiserweight title from Mairis Briedis in 2022.
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    Why has Jai Opetaia been forced to vacate the title?
    Jai Opetaia was offered ‘life-changing money’ for a two-fight deal to box in Saudi Arabia along with facing Ellis Zorro on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s thrilling fight against Otto Wallin.

    đŸ„ŠANTHONY JOSHUA VS OTTO WALLIN: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF THRILLING SAUDI CLASHđŸ„Š
    However, the IBF would not allow permission for Opetaia to commence in battle with another opponent before his scheduled title rematch against currently injured Mairis Briedis.
    As a result, Opetaia was left with an ultimatum – pull out of the Saudi fight or be stripped of his IBF cruiserweight world title.
    And the Australian boxer decided to accept the Zorro fight for a reported fee of ÂŁ1.5million which just leaves him with the prestigious Ring Magazine belt to his name.
    Mairis Briedis’ camp had no issues with Zorro stepping in as a replacement but the IBF were not prepared to change their stance.
    What has been said?
    Opetaia’s team brought clarity to the situation by putting out a statement that read: “IBF world cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia has decided to vacate his world title belt.
    “The move comes before his scheduled December 23 bout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia against Ellis Zorro.
    “With mandatory contender Mairis Briedis currently unavailable due to injury, Opetaia’s team were hopeful that they would be able to defend the belt against Zorro.
    “However, the IBF declared that Briedis must be Opetaia’s next opponent despite the fact that Briedis’ team had also agreed to step aside to let the Zorro bout take place while the former champion recovers and a deal in place face Opetaia in February.”
    Opetaia also said: “I fought through absolute agony to win that belt and it saddens me to relinquish it.
    “I am the true king of the cruiserweight division and I’ll be defending that prestigious Ring Magazine title on December 23.
    Read more on The Sun
    “I look forward to getting that IBF belt back as soon as possible and adding all of them one by one.” More

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    Ex-world champ fears Tyson Fury’s fight with Oleksandr Usyk will be DELAYED after dad John reveals training concerns

    FORMER world champion Johnny Nelson fears Tyson Fury’s fight with Oleskandr Usyk could be DELAYED. The pair of unbeaten champions are set to meet in the heavyweight division’s first ever four-belt unification on February 17 in Saudi Arabia.
    Tyson Fury with sparring partner Thomas Carty
    Oleksandr Usyk sparring to fight Tyson FuryCredit: Instagram @nursultan___amanzholov
    It will come just four months after Fury, 35, was dropped by ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou, 37, in his controversial points victory.
    The crossover clash was meant to be a routine rout but it turned out to almost be the mother of all banana skins.
    Fury’s dad John spoke out to say his son’s training camp is a “circus” and he fears it will carry on over to the Usyk unification.
    And the worrying reveal has ex-cruiserweight champion Nelson believing the historic title fight could face a further postponement.
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    He told ProBoxingFans: “If he doesn’t fight February 17 then we have a problem.
    “Because if his dad’s saying it now, it gives you a sense there might be a delay, they might want more time.
    “I wouldn’t be surprised if they wanted to push it down the line a bit.”
    Fury’s dad John was not happy with the preparation to fight Ngannou – and he worries that there has been no change.
    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 OFFER
    He told Seconds Out: “I never said my son was in decline because he’s not.
    “It’s the people around him who ain’t up to much. His training’s in decline and his camp’s in a bigger decline. It’s not a camp, it’s a circus.”
    “I saw him in the gym in Saudi, watched him spar three or four rounds with a couple of kids – I knew then it was gonna be a hard night’s work.
    “I thought, ‘What have you been doing?’ I was alarmed, I still am.
    “Unless you’re gonna get the eye of the tiger back and go back to the old ways and get the hunger back – sweat, blood, s*** and tears
    “Because Usyk’s doing that – sweat, blood, s*** and tears. And he’s got disciplined, professional, great people around him, and I don’t think Tyson has that. I really don’t.”
    Fury was recently slammed by Usyk’s team for holidaying in Saudi while the Ukrainian is busy sparring 6ft 10in powerhouses.
    And asked if he fears his son could suffer defeat for the first time, John admitted: “Absolutely, if he doesn’t make any adjustments, it well could be.”
    Fury enjoyed parasailing in the Middle East with his wife Paris and their seven kids.
    But he is now back in his Morecambe training base with head coach Sugarhill Steward.
    And he has also called on the help of unbeaten southpaw Thomas Carty, jobbed with replicating Usyk in sparring.
    Read more on The Sun
    Johnny Nelson fears Fury vs Usyk will be postponed againCredit: Action Images – Reuters More

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    Tyson Fury warned by ex-champ to ‘put his s*** together’ ahead of Oleksandr Usyk fight amid fears ‘his legs are gone’

    TYSON FURY has been warned he needs to get his “s*** together” ahead of fighting Oleksandr Usyk. The pair of unbeaten champions are set to meet in the heavyweight division’s first ever four-belt unification on February 17 in Saudi Arabia.
    Tyson Fury facing off with Oleksandr UsykCredit: Reuters
    It will come just four months after Fury, 35, was dropped by ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou, 37, in his controversial points victory.
    Fury’s dad John spoke out to say his son’s training camp is a “circus” and he fears it will carry on over to the Usyk unification.
    And the worrying reveal has ex-cruiserweight champion Johnny Nelson urging the Gypsy King to pull it together.
    Nelson told ProBoxingFans: “It’s time, you can’t do nothing about that.
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    “It might not be popular to say it but if his own pops is saying it, and one thing I will say about John Fury, is that he will always speak the truth.
    “He’s a straight-talking man. If he’s saying it you have to listen to him. But Tyson Fury, if he puts his s*** together, he still beats everybody.
    “His last performance, if he’s honest about what he said, then his legs are gone. If he wasn’t honest, I think he can turn it around.”
    Fury’s crossover clash with Ngannou was meant to be a showcase of his skills but it turned out to almost be the mother of all upsets.
    Most read in Boxing
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFER
    The damage sustained over the ten rounds in Riyadh forced the historic title unification with Usyk, 36, to be delayed till the new year.
    And Nelson can see it being postponed further should John’s concerns be warranted.
    He said: “If he doesn’t fight February 17 then we have a problem.
    “Because if his dad’s saying it now, it gives you a sense there might be a delay, they might want more time.
    “I wouldn’t be surprised if they wanted to push it down the line a bit.”
    Johnny Nelson said Tyson Fury needs to get his ‘s*** together’Credit: Action Images – Reuters More

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    Boxing ring girl Apollonia Llewellyn dazzles on festive trip to Paris as fans hail ‘gorgeous goddess’

    BOXING ring girl Apollonia Llewellyn took social media by storm once more with another series of glam pics.This time Apollonia jetted off to Paris for Christmas and struck some of her signature poses next to the Eiffel Tower.
    Apollonia Llewellyn took social media by storm once moreCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellyn
    This time Apollonia flew to Paris to spend her ChristmasCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellyn
    Apollonia shared a raft of pics on her Instagram pageCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellyn
    Apollonia posed by the Eiffel Tower for her 574,000 followersCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellyn
    Apollonia is a boxing ring girl with a strong social media gameCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellyn
    The social media model also visited some of the most luxurious restaurants and spas the French capital has to offer.
    Apollonia posted the following caption on Instagram: “Christmas in Paris.”
    The 23-year-old’s 574,000 followers were left in awe and stormed the comments’ section.
    One fan commented: “Gorgeous goddess.”
    Read More on Boxing
    Another wrote: “Insane.”
    A third posted: “Beautiful.”
    This one said: “Stunning.”
    And that one gushed: “Wonderful.”
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    This comes after Apollonia seriously risked an Instagram ban by going braless.
    The Leeds native sent the crowd wild with a series of shots showing her in a bright green bodysuit.
    The boxing ring girl posed in a variety of stances with the outfit that left absolutely nothing to imagination.
    Inside Apollonia’s glamorous life as social media personality, ring girl and model …
    Apollonia burst out of this tiny silver bikini as she drank her ‘morning juice’Credit: INSTAGRAM
    Conor McGregor was among 8,000 fans who enjoyed this see-through lacy outfitCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Thousands of Apollonia’s fans enjoyed the view on the ring girl’s holiday to New YorkCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Apollonia really enjoyed this bowl of pasta on her summer holiday to SantoriniCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Apollonia invited fans to ‘sit and stare’ at this picture, and thousands took her up on the invitationCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Fans were worried Apollonia’s top had shrunk in the wash as she enjoyed this hearty breakfastCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Apollonia’s followers were in awe of the stunner’s new hairdo as she wowed in a tiny yellow bikiniCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Apollonia sent a cheeky message to her fans as she posed in this glamorous see-through numberCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Apollonia told fans ‘no caption needed’ as she squeezed into this skin-tight see-through playsuitCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Apollonia revealed he ‘idea of happiness’ is being ‘wind swept on the beach’ with this busty snapCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Apollonia left very little to the imagination as she ‘brightened fans’ Mondays’ in a skimpy wet T-shirtCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Apollonia shot to recognition as a member of the Misfits Boxing fight night team
    She has garnered her a huge social media presenceCredit: INSTAGRAM @apolloniallewellyn
    Apollonia has over 570,000 Instagram followersCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellyn
    She has turned down a staggering ÂŁ100,000 to pose nude beforeCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellyn
    The model insisted she isn’t money-orientedCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellyn
    Apollonia shows off her jet setting lifestyle onlineCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellyn More

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    Otto Wallin doubles down on Anthony Joshua criticism as he calls Brit ‘vulnerable, in decline and scared to be hit’

    ANTHONY JOSHUA has been slammed once more by his upcoming opponent Otto Wallin, who doubled down on his criticism of the British superstar.Joshua and Wallin are set to lock horns on Saturday in Saudi Arabia and the Swedish heavyweight really likes his chances as he claims his rival is on the “decline”.
    Anthony Joshua has been slammed by Otto Wallin ahead of Saturday’s fightCredit: Reuters
    Wallin described Joshua as ‘vulnerable, in decline and scared to be hit’Credit: PA
    The 33-year-old added that AJ is now “afraid of getting hit and of losing” following his two heartbreaking losses to Oleksandr Usyk.
    Wallin told The Times: “I think he’s lost his confidence and momentum. You can see the decline.
    “Usyk was ultimately just a better fighter, but Joshua looks unsure of himself.
    “In the beginning, when I fought him, he was a seek and destroy kind of guy, but now he’s afraid of getting hit and of losing.
    Read More on Boxing
    “He’s aware of his vulnerabilities and it’s holding him back. The timing is right for me now.”
    This comes after Wallin described Joshua as “mentally fragile”, despite his two successive wins over Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius which took his record to 26 wins and three losses in 29 fights.
    The boxing star – who has won 26 out of 28 fights, losing once to Tyson Fury – also criticised the 34-year-old’s decision to change his fourth coach in as many years after Ben Davidson’s appointment.
    Wallin told The Hook a week ago: “I would say he is still one of the best heavyweights out there and he’s made an amazing career for himself.
    Most read in Boxing
    “There has been a decline and I think he has reached his peak already. I think he is mentally fragile, he’s not sure of himself.
    “He’s changed trainer and I think things can be very tough for him. People are very critical of him, he’s got a lot of pressure. So I think that weighs on him.
    “I think it’s a problem for him, for sure [switching coaches]. I’ve had my trainer now for 10 years. We know each other really well. We trust each other in and out of the ring.
    “He’s been with me for all of my pro fights except two, so it’s really been a good journey together and it’s fantastic we get this chance now to prove to everyone what we’ve been working on.
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFER
    Wallin really likes his chances against Joshua in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty
    “For Joshua, it’s hard. When you keep changing trainer, it’s usually a bad sign and I think it’s a bad sign for him too. I think it’s the perfect time to face AJ. He was a seek and destroy kind of guy, he was very aggressive.
    ‘When he first started, he had a short amateur career. He was knocking people out. Turned pro, knocking everybody out. Knocked [Wladimir] Klitschko out. And I think he felt invincible, pretty much.
    “And then he lost to [Andy] Ruiz, he got stopped. He lost to Usyk twice. I think he knows now that he’s vulnerable. He knows he can lose and he can get hurt and he doesn’t like that. He doesn’t like getting hit or getting hurt.
    “He cares a lot about what people think of him and I think it’s hard for him when people are being critical or there are boos in the crowd, I think that’s really hard for him More

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    Anthony Joshua vs Otto Wallin undercard: Who else is on huge Saudi bill?

    ANTHONY JOSHUA takes on Otto Wallin this weekend in a massive heavyweight clash in Saudi Arabia. It will be the third time that AJ has fought in Saudi, following his clashes against Andy Ruiz Jr and Oleksandr Usyk.
    Anthony Joshua will take on Otto Wallin in a big clash this weekendCredit: Getty
    The Gulf state have made a big push to bring the biggest possible fights to Saudi Arabia over the last several years.
    But no event has been as big as this one, with multiple big name stars fighting on the bill in Riyadh.
    Not only will Joshua main event the show, Deontay Wilder also features in a fight of his own.
    Brit star Daniel Dubois, cruiserweight champ Jai Opetaia and Canelo conqueror Dmitry Bivol are also set to feature.

    Joshua vs Wallin undercard
    As well as Joshua’s clash with Wallin in the main event, Wilder takes on Joseph Parker in the co-main.
    Dubois faces drug cheat and AJ’s rival Jarrell Miller in big heavyweight fight.
    Jai Opetaia defends his Ring Magazine cruiserweight title against Ellis Zorro.

    Anthony Joshua vs Otto Wallin
    Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker
    Dmitry Bivol vs Lyndon Arthur – for WBA lightweight title
    Daniel Dubois vs Jarrell Miller
    Jai Opetaia vs Ellis Zorro – for Ring cruiserweight title
    Arslanbek Makhmudov vs Agit Kabayel
    Frank Sanchez vs Junior Fa
    Filip Hrgovic vs Mark de Mori

    Most read in Sport
    How to watch Joshua vs Wallin & Wilder vs Parker
    Joshua vs Wallin will be shown live on DAZN PPV and TNT Sports Box Office as a dual broadcast.
    You can live stream both events form the DAZN and TNT Sports Box Office apps, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
    The event has been priced at ÂŁ19.99. More

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    Tragedy as teen boxer, 14, dies after collapsing during fight when referee ‘failed to stop bout in time’

    A TEENAGE boxer has died after collapsing during a fight when the referee “failed to stop” the match in time.Shocking footage shows young boxing star Timofey Shadrin, 14, lose consciousness during the finals of a competition in Russia.
    Timofey Shadrin, a gifted teenage boxer, died during a match after collapsing in the ringCredit: East2West
    He had been hit by his rival before staggering back towards the edge of the ring
    Timofey (right) was a gifted young boxer who had made it to the finals of a junior competition
    The youngster died soon afterwards as he was rushed to hospital in Pervouralsk, in the Sverdlovsk region.
    He had appeared to hold his own in the fight but when the pair were separated by the referee, he backed slowly towards the ropes, and fell. 
    “When the boy became ill, the referee did not immediately stop the fight,” said an eyewitness. 
    “That’s why he missed some blows.
    READ MORE BOXING
    “Plus, his opponent was shorter, and at that moment, he hit him in the liver.”
    It was only when Timofey retreated into the corner and collapsed in the ring that the fight was stopped, said those watching. 
    The other boy initially celebrated but then realised Timofey was in trouble and went to try and help. 
    Coaches and medics also rushed into the ring as the tragedy unfolded. 
    Most read in Boxing
    Sports journalist Alexander Lyutikov said: “A 14-year-old boxer lost consciousness during the final of the city championship. 
    “He died in the ambulance.
    “I’m watching this video and cannot imagine how the deceased’s rival feels now.”
    A police probe has begun into the teenager’s tragic death. 
    Children from the tournament rushed without coats in the minus 14C cold to demand the opening of a barrier at the hotel where the contest was held,  after an ambulance sent to help the wounded boxer was not allowed in.
    The ambulance could not initially get past a barrier into the hotel where the fight was being held.
    Children watching the tournament rushed, without coats on in -14C temperatures, to demand it be given access.
    “Shame on the hotel,” said a local.
    “Children ran outside without coats  in a panic so the ambulance could reach him.
    “A man forcibly raised the barrier.”
    The boy was described as an accomplished young boxer and had won all his rounds at the contest.
    “He has been boxing for about six full years,” said an acquaintance. 
    “He led an absolutely healthy lifestyle. He didn’t drink any energy drinks. 
    “He was positive, kind and helpful. He never insulted anyone. 
    “And he always came to the rescue when anyone needed help.”
    He was from a loving family and had two sisters, aged 15 and four. 
    “His father works at a local factory, his mother is self-employed,” said police spokesman Valery Gorelykh.
    The boy received a blow to his liver, he said. 
    “A few moments later, he fell in the ring. 
    “Detailed and exact circumstances are now being clarified by police officers and  colleagues from the regional Investigative Committee.”
    Read more on The Sun
    Natalya Krylova, mother of another boxer at the context, said: 
    “My brain refuses to imagine me in the place of Timofey’s parents.”
    Someone forcibly held up a barrier at the hotel where the competition was held to let an ambulance in
    Timofey was described as ‘positive, kind and helpful’ More

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    Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker: UK fight start time, undercard, TV channel, live stream ahead of massive fight

    DEONTAY WILDER will return to the ring to face Joseph Parker in Saudi Arabia this weekend in a huge heavyweight fight.The two heavyweights will go head-to-head on a huge bill featuring Anthony Joshua, which is set to be a Christmas cracker in the Middle East.
    Deontay Wilder knocked out Robert Helenius in his last fightCredit: getty
    Anthony Joshua vs Otto Wallin – All the details you need for huge event
    Wilder hasn’t fought since he knocked out AJ’s latest victim, Robert Helenius, in October 2022.
    The bout was his first since his thrilling back-to-back defeats against Tyson Fury.
    Joseph Parker goes into the fight on the back of winning his last three fights since his loss to Brit Joe Joyce in September 2022.
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    December’s card in Riyadh could set up another big-money fight in Saudi Arabia, with Wilder set to finally clash with Joshua in 2024.

    đŸ„ŠANTHONY JOSHUA VS OTTO WALLIN: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF THRILLING SAUDI CLASHđŸ„Š
    When is Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker?

    Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker will take place on Saturday, December 23.
    The fight will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
    Ring-walk times for the bout are to be confirmed, but Wilder vs Parker will be the co-main event.

    What TV channel is Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker on and can it be live streamed?

    Wilder vs Parker will be broadcast LIVE on DAZN PPV.
    If you have purchased the PPV, you can live stream the huge bill in Saudi Arabia via the DAZN app.

    What is the Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker PPV price?

    DAZN subscribers can purchase the bout for ÂŁ19.99 in the UK and $39.99 in the US.
    If you have not already subscribed to DAZN in the UK, you can join DAZN for ÂŁ9.99-a-month, which commits you to an entire year of action.
    A flexible pass, worth ÂŁ19.99 a month, is also available, and you can cancel anytime.
    You can also pay ÂŁ99.99 for the year upfront, and this is the lowest cost option.
    In the US, you can purchase a DAZN monthly subscription for $24.99 a month or $224.99 a year.
    DAZN also provide an option for $19.99 per month, but you will be locked into a 12-month contract.

    Most read in Boxing
    Can I watch DAZN on my TV?
    Here are all the details you need to watch the huge card from Saudi Arabia on the DAZN TV channel:

    DAZN will be on Sky channel 429 in the UK and Ireland.
    To access the channel, you will need a DAZN subscription which will also give you access to the DAZN app which is available to download for free onto your mobile or tablet.

    Full card
    Joshua vs Wallin will main event the huge card, but the rest of the event features some cracking fights.
    Daniel Dubois goes up against drug cheat Jarrell Miller, while light-heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol defends his title against Brit Lyndon Arthur.

    Anthony Joshua vs Otto Wallin
    Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker
    Daniel Dubois vs Jarrell Miller
    Dmitry Bivol vs Lyndon Arthur
    Jai Opetaia vs Ellis Zorro
    Filip Hrgovic vs Mark Di Mori
    Arslanbek Makhmudov vs Agit Kabayel
    Frank Sanchez vs Junior Fa More