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    Jake Paul in talks with five opponents including ex-world champion as date for YouTube star’s next fight targeted

    JAKE PAUL is in talks with FIVE potential opponents – with dates and venues already pencilled in for his next fight. The YouTuber-turned-boxer defeated heavyweight great Mike Tyson in November over eight shorter two-minute rounds. Jake Paul and promotional partner Nakisa BidarianCredit: GettyAnd already Paul is weighing up his options for his return bout, which is set to come within five-eight months time. His promotional partner Nakisa Bidarian told SunSport: “In terms of his timeline to return, we’ve talked about anything from April to July.”We have a number of venues held through that time period and then we’re just having different discussions with potential opponents.”Tyson, 58, made his return after nearly 20 YEARS away from professional boxing to face Paul, 27. READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd despite the controversy surrounding the clash amid the age gap, over 100 MILLION tuned in on Netflix and 72,000 packed out the Dallas stadium. It was also Paul’s first fight at heavyweight, having jumped from the 200lb cruiserweight limit of 14st 4lb to scale 16st 2lb (227lb). But the American social media sensation is looking to move back down in weight for his next bout. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, 38, told Mexican media that he was sent an offer to fight Paul. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut Bidarian said: “So, I will say that we have not made an offer to any potential next opponent for Jake Paul.”And there is probably four or five different names that we’re considering at this point in time, but no one has received an offer of verbal written, indicative, nothing.Jake Paul’s girlfriend Jutta Leerdam steals the show in revealing slit dress for Mike Tyson fight”But yeah, I think Chavez is definitely someone that we had on our card and Tampa strategically to introduce him to Jake’s ecosystem of fans and absolutely is a potential fight for Jake Paul at some point.”Chavez is the son of Mexican icon Julio Cesar Sr and formerly held the WBC middleweight world championship. But he has endured commitment and substance abuse issues, even having stint in rehab. He was beaten by UFC legend Anderson Silva in 2021 – the Brazilian Paul defeated on points a year later. But Chavez returned with victory over MMA star Uriah Hall, 40, on Paul’s undercard in July and has since called out the 11-1 celebrity. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr is in talks to fight Jake PaulCredit: Esther Lin/MVP More

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    Moment Tyson Fury tells Oleksandr Usyk ‘you look like a sexy beast’ as heavyweight boxer shows off new look

    TYSON FURY dubbed Oleksandr Usyk a “sexy beast” after getting a closer peek at his new look.The former undisputed heavyweight champion stunned boxing fans in October when he turned up to a pre-fight press conference dressed as Agent 47 from the ‘Hitman’ video game series.Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will renew their rivalry later this monthCredit: GETTYUnified heavyweight champ Usyk showcased a bold new look at a pre-fight press conference in OctoberCredit: REUTERSFury claimed Uysk looks like a ‘sexy beast’ with his bald headCredit: YOUTUBE@DAZNUsyk couldn’t help but chuckle at Fury’s bizarre complimentCredit: YOUTUBE@DAZNUsyk, 37, even shaved off all his hair in homage to the beloved video game character.And Fury said of Usyk’s new look with a smile on his face: “He looks like a sexy beast.””It suits him. The shaved him suits him. He looks sexy.”Explaining his new barnet, or lack of one, undefeated Ukrainian Usyk said: “Hair has a memory.READ MORE ON FURY VS USYK 2″Because my first fight [with Tyson] is in the past. And now, it’s the present and my focus is the 21st of December.”Fury and Usyk will run back their classic May melee in Saudi Arabia, although not all the heavyweight marbles will be on the line.Slick southpaw Usyk became the first undisputed king of the heavyweights in nearly 25 years courtesy of a split decision victory.Fury fumed in the aftermath of his first professional defeat, claiming Usyk was gifted the decision as his country is “at war” with Russia.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd the Wythenshawe warrior WON’T walk back on his comments, saying: “No, I don’t regret anything.”Why would I regret that? Listen it was a close fight. Usyk got the [hand] raised like he just said and he won the fight. Fair play to him.’Horror movie’ trailer for Tyson Fury vs Usyk II released ahead of fight as fans hail ‘best one yet'”[I] don’t make excuses. The man beat me on the night – fair play. I believe I won the fight and that’s my opinion.”Just like if you had an opinion, he had an opinion and everybody had an opinion.”But he got his hand raised and I congratulated him. It’s on TV to see.”I kissed his cross and said thank you very much and happy New Year When we go again, we go again.”Fury insists he bears no ill will to Usyk, adding: “There’s no animosity, I don’t hate Usyk. He’s a good God-fearing Christian family man.”Why would I hate him? And he’s made me millions of dollars. I love him. I’ve got no hate.Tyson Fury has vowed to exact his revenge on Oleksandr Usyk later this monthCredit: GETTY”You can’t make hate between these two. He’s a boxer, I’m a boxer; it was a great fight.”Regardless of the decision. I’ve said this a million times, that’s fantastic for him and his family. Well done, congratulations.”Like you said, God gave him the result. Fantastic. But regardless of that, even from my point of view, it was a great fight to watch for the fans.”I’m sure that they were entertained. It had everything.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It had me doing great things, him doing great things and it was a great fight.”And that’s why we get to do it again on December 21.” More

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    Who is Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s father Gjert?

    NORWEGIAN middle and long-distance runners Jakob, Filip and Henrik have all become champions under the tutelage of their dad Gjert. But since stepping down as their coach, his Olympian sons have accused him of mental and physical abuse — here’s what we know.Gjert Ingebrigtsen coached his sons Jakob, Filip and Henrik until 2022Credit: AlamyAll three have alleged that their father exhibited abusive behaviourCredit: NikeWho is Gjert Ingebrigtsen?Gjert Ingebrigtsen is the father and former coach of Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen and his brothers, who are also professional athletes.Respected for coaching his sons to international success in middle-distance running, he has recently become the subject of serious allegations and legal proceedings.Gjert coached his sons Jakob, Filip and Henrik until 2022.Remarkable successUnder his dad’s guidance, Jakob achieved remarkable success, including winning gold in the 5,000m at Paris 2024 and becoming a two-time world champion in the same distance.more on Jakob IngebrigtsenHis other sons also excelled, with Henrik and Filip both claiming European 1500m championships in 2012 and 2016 respectively.In 2022, Gjert stepped from coaching his sons for ‘medical reasons’ after Jakob secured the 1500m gold at the Tokyo Olympics.Abuse allegationsIn November 2023, Jakob and his siblings publicly accused their father of abusive behaviour, with the allegations outlined in Norwegian newspaper VG.The brothers expressed ongoing feelings of “discomfort and fear” regarding their father, describing him as “very aggressive and controlling”.Most read in AthleticsThese allegations led to legal action against Gjert Ingebrigtsen.Legal chargesIn April 2024, Gjert Ingebrigtsen was charged with physical abuse by Norwegian authorities.I was a reality TV star dubbed the ‘cardio Kim Kardashian’ – now I’m making my own way and targeting Olympic goldOn November 29, 2024, Gjert was indicted by the Norwegian public prosecutor’s office for physical and mental abuse of Jakob Ingebrigtsen.The trial is expected to take place in the first half of 2025, with the prosecution requesting at least 30 days for the proceedings.Gjert Ingebrigtsen’s denialsSince the allegations were first made, Gjert Ingebrigtsen has consistently denied any wrongdoing.Through his legal representatives, he has maintained that he does not accept criminal responsibility for the accusations.Henrik Ingebrigtsen (left) with his brothers Jakob and Filip (right)Credit: AFPGjert’s lawyers John Christian Elden and Heidi Reisvang said in a statement: “Gjert Ingebrigtsen maintains what he has said all along, that he does not admit criminal guilt for the offences he has been charged with and that he has never subjected any of his children to either physical or mental abuse.”DevelopmentsThe case has seen some developments since the initial charges were made.While Gjert currently faces one charge, five additional allegations were dismissed due to insufficient evidence.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother was dropped due to time limitations.Mette Yvonne Larsen, representing the Ingebrigtsen children, has indicated that they intend to appeal at least one of the dismissed cases. More

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    Boxing fans celebrate as viral ring girl Sydney Thomas reveals she is newly single after Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight

    RING girl Sydney Thomas has revealed that she broke up with her boyfriend shortly before her rise to fame.Sydney, who recently turned 21, became a viral hit while working on the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight last month.Sydney Thomas rose to fame at the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fightCredit: Instagram / @iamsydneythomasSydney worked as a ring girl at the fightCredit: Instagram / @iamsydneythomasShe now has 775,000 Instagram followersCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamsydneythomasShe now has 775,000 Instagram followers, a figure that skyrocketed during her ring girl appearance on the Netflix card.Speaking to Nick Nayersina, Sydney lifted the lid on her relationship status.The viral star revealed: “I literally broke up with my boyfriend. I had no problems with him at all. Like, he was great.Sydney was then quizzed over why she had decided to end things.READ MORE BOXING NEWSShe explained: “This was right before summer. I ended the relationship because I felt the need to spend more time alone and discover who I truly am.”I wanted to be alone and focus on myself, even if it was one of the hardest choices I’ve made.”Despite the split not being easy, Sydney has no regrets.She said: “As hard as it was to lose each other, I feel like it’s all God’s plan. It works out in the end. Look where we are now.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSResponding to the clip on social media, one fan joked: “Can’t even describe the pain I feel for that dude.”While a second posted: “One unlucky man.”Stunning Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson ring girls oil up as they share behind-the-scenes video of Netflix fight Sydney grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, but now attends the University of Alabama, where she is studying management and entrepreneurship.Sydney has also worked as a catwalk model and is part of the St. Louis Cardinals’ hype squad on game days.Sydney recently celebrated her 21st birthdayCredit: instagramThe model has gathered a huge social media followingCredit: Instagram/iamsydneythomasThe social media star has stunned on the catwalkCredit: INSTAGRAMShe now has fans all around the worldCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamsydneythomasSydney is a sports fanaticCredit: X/itssydneythomas More

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    Israel Vazquez dead at 46: Three-time world champion boxer dies after cancer battle as tributes pour in

    FORMER boxing champion Israel Vazquez has tragically passed away aged 46. The former three-time super-bantamweight champion was recently diagnosed with stage four sarcoma. Israel Vazquez has tragically passed away aged 46Credit: GETTYThe former three-time super-bantamweight champion was recently diagnosed with stage four cancerCredit: GETTYThe beloved Mexican mauler has sadly lost his battle with the diseaseCredit: GETTYBut ‘El Magnifico’ has tragically lost his brief battle with the disease. His passing was announced by WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman. He wrote on X “Israel Vazquez is finally resting in peace. “May God give strength and support to his wife, Laura, their children, family, and friends during these difficult times.”READ MORE BOXING NEWSVazquez’s illness left him incredibly weak and barely able to speak. His wife Laura told the Los Angeles Times: “He can hardly speak and, when he does, he is short of breath. He is very weak.” Vazquez and his family were given a grim diagnosis after the severity of his cancer was revealed but Laura refused to give up hope. She said: “We were told he would have six months to live, but I’m not going to give up. Most read in BoxingTributes for the late Vazquez have poured in from around the worldCredit: GETTY”We’re going to get a second opinion. We know there’s still hope.”Tributes for the late Vazquez began to pour in after news of his passing spread on social media.Eddie Hearn reacts wildy in the ring as Katie Taylor beats Amanda SerranoFormer world champ Billy Dib wrote: “Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Israel Vázquez after his courageous battle with cancer.”He was not only a champion but also a true warrior in and out of the ring. “My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who admired him. May he rest in peace.”One boxing fan wrote: “Rest in peace Israel ‘Magnifico’ Vazquez a true Mexican fighter who fought with pure heart every fight.”Condolences to Israel family.”Another said: “The Mexican idol encapsulated the famous Mexican fighting spirit.”And another said: “That’s such terrible news about Israel Vazquez. “A true warrior in and out of the ring. Israel Vazquez has four fights with fellow Mexican Rafael MarquezCredit: ALAMY”He had one of the best rivalries in boxing history and the 3rd fight with Marquez is one of the best fights of this century. “And a top 10 super bantamweight ever. Rest in peace, champ.”Marquez reached the pinnacle of the sport in the 39th professional fight in March 2004, in which he stopped Jose Luis Valbuena in the 12th round to claim the vacant IBF super-bantamweight crown.He would go on to win the WBC and Ring Magazine 122lbs straps a year later with a stunning third-round stoppage of Oscar Larios. He’d defend the belts twice before losing them in the first of his four bouts with Rafael Marquez in March 2007. He’d exact his revenge four months later with a sixth-round TKO victory and defend them the following March courtesy of a hard-fought split decision. READ MORE SUN STORIESMarquez, however, would level their series two years later with a third-round knockout in May 2010. The defeat to Marquez would prove to be the final bout of a legendary career for the Mexico City mauler. More

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    ‘Best card of all time’ for Beterbiev vs Bivol 2 CONFIRMED with Dubois vs Parker title fight plus Zhang and Buatsi

    BOXING fans have been blown away after the “best card of all time” was announced for February 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Artur Beterbiev, 39, will rematch Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed light-heavyweight title in the main event – four months on from claiming a close majority-decision victory.Artur Beterbiev, left, hopes to beat Dmitry Bivol, right, again on February 22Credit: GettyDaniel Dubois will defend his IBF heavyweight crown against Joseph ParkerCredit: AFPJoseph Parker has deservedly earned himself a shot at the heavyweight titleCredit: GettyAll seven fights on the card have been praised by fansThe mouth-watering clash promises to be an enthralling bout after they put on an entertaining show in their first fight back in October.But it is the depth of the card – titled “The Last Crescendo” – that has utterly astonished those on social media.Brit Daniel Dubois, fresh of his IBF world title win over Anthony Joshua, will defend his belt against Joseph Parker.New Zealander Parker is coming off the back of impressive victories over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang.READ MORE IN BOXINGChinese giant Zhang is further down the card as he faces Agit Kabayel.American superstar Shakur Stevenson, a three-weight world champion, defends his WBC lightweight crown against Floyd Schofield.Another UK fighter, Hamzah Sheeraz, is to challenge Dominican Carlos Adames for the WBC middleweight world title.And there is even space for an all-British light-heavyweight dust-up between the highly-rated Joshua Buatsi and former super-middleweight world champion Callum Smith.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChinese heavyweight Zhilei Zhang will take on Agit KabayelCredit: GettyJoshua Buatsi will face Callum Smith for an interim light-heavyweight world titleCredit: ReutersSmith is a former world champion in the super-middleweight divisionCredit: GettyThe other fight on the card is also an incredibly competitive one between Vergil Ortiz Jr and Israil Madrimov.All seven fights on February 22 are for a world title or interim world title.Derek Chisora unveils plan for shock career change once he’s retired from boxing but plans dream 50TH fight first The stacked night has seen fans pour in with their reactions as they hail one of the biggest nights in boxing – which is being put on by Saudi chief Turki Alalshikh.One said: “That’s five main events in one card. Just an out of this world stellar card. I’m looking forward to Buatsi vs Smith the most.. should be a cracker.”Another added: “Best card of all time wtf.”A third responded: “NOW THIS IS WHAT BOXING NEEDS.”While a fourth replied: “It is what it is, a great card to revive boxing 🥊🎉.”And a fifth said: “The best card Riyadh Season has put on by far and that is a statement in itself. Unbelievable card.”American Shakur Stevenson is a three-weight world championCredit: GettyBrit Hamzah Sheeraz will fight for the WBC middleweight world title on the cardCredit: Getty More

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    ‘Horror movie’ trailer for Tyson Fury vs Usyk II released ahead of fight as fans hail ‘best one yet’

    FANS declared “best one yet” after a “horror movie” trailer was released to promote Tyson Fury’s rematch against Oleksandr Usyk.The heavyweight giants faced each other earlier this year in a juggernaut of a contest.Fans are loving the latest ‘horror movie’ trailer for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2Credit: XThe rivals freak out when they keep seeing each other everywhereCredit: XUsyk gets caught by Fury in a taxiCredit: XThe Gypsy King sees the Ukrainian take on the form of a girlCredit: XAll their belts were on the line in a Saudi Arabia epic.But it was Usyk who emerged victorious thanks to a split decision.The Ukrainian ace and Fury will now step into the ring for a second time on December 21.And a new trailer has been released to get fans in the mood.READ MORE IN BOXINGStyled like a horror movie, it shows Fury and Usyk going about their daily lives before things get weird.With the fight clearly on their minds, each man starts seeing the other’s face everywhere he goes.Fury gets freaked out when he sees Usyk taking on the form of a little girl and even his own stomach.While Usyk has run-ins with a spooky Fury in a taxi and while shopping for sausages.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Gypsy King’s dad John even makes a brief cameo as Fury starts to question reality.He and Usyk eventually call each other, with the latter saying: “Hey Tyson. We need to end this.”Usyk Vs Fury 2 Launch Event entrancesFury answers: “I am going to end you.”The clip ends with both men facing each other in the boxing ring.But there’s one scary twist left as the referee reveals his face to be half of Fury’s and half of Usyk’s.Fans were certainly loving the trailer, with one saying: “The best one yet.”Fury even sees Usyk in his own stomachCredit: XUsyk shops for sausages before one takes on Fury’s faceCredit: XFury’s dad John makes a brief cameo appearanceCredit: XThe video ends with the ref’s face morphing into both fighters’ likenessCredit: XAnother declared: “Can’t wait to watch this one.”One noted: “This is actually good.”Another added: “Way better than actual horror movie trailers.” More

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    British boxer Sunny Edwards makes heartbreaking six-word comment to his corner before retiring at 28 straight after loss

    BRITISH boxer Sunny Edwards made a heartbreaking admission to his corner moments before retiring at 28 years old.Edwards hung up his gloves following defeat at the hands of Galal Yafai in Birmingham last night.Sunny Edwards made a heartbreaking admission during his fight with Galal YafaiCredit: GettyEdwards announced his retirement following the defeat to YafaiCredit: PAThe flyweight fighter suffered just his second defeat of his career but decided that it was time to bring an end to his time as a pro fighter.And it appears he knew that it was time to call it quits while the fight was still going after footage emerged of the Sutton-born fighter heartbreakingly telling his corner he didn’t want to fight.In the middle of the bout Edwards could be heard saying to his team: “Do you want me to be real with you? I don’t want to be here”.Yafai had dominated the fight from the first bell and had hit Edwards with an onslaught of heavy blows, forcing him onto the ropes within the first minute.READ MORE IN BOXINGThe referee was forced to stop the fight in the sixth round as Yafai continued his dominance.Edwards announced he was walking away from the sport after the fight, citing injuries as the reason he can’t carry on.He said: “I’ll be real, if I won the fight, I was going into the sunset. “This is the last thing that I wanted to do, get that scalp of the Olympic [champion].Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”If I’m being perfectly honest, my body’s falling apart, man. I’ve got bad ankles, I’ve got bad wrists, I’ve got bad shoulders, I’ve got a bad back – everything about me is bad at this moment.”He added: “If I’m perfectly honest, win, lose or draw – my team knows this – win, lose or draw, I was retiring tonight.Sunny Edwards suffers gruesome cut after clash of heads in bloody war”I don’t have the same energy that I had for this sport — for the process. I’ll be perfectly real.”I put so much in for the first six, seven years of my career that I just needed a break.”I needed a break really before this fight, but I always want to compete with the best, and whilst I was the No. 1, I wanted to be involved in the biggest fights, the biggest events.”But I knew — I knew — I said the whole way that it was going to be hard tonight.”But the Sunny Edwards from 12 months ago would’ve gone longer. I’ll be real.”Edwards retires with a record of 21-2 since turning pro in September 2016. More