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    Boxer at centre of Beterbiev vs Bivol ‘poison’ scandal caught up in SPY row after dad claims mole was planted in camp

    FLOYD SCHOFIELD’S late withdrawal from his world title fight with Shakur Stevenson is at the centre of wild allegations of spying and food poisoning.The two former lightweight sparring partners were due to feature on Saturday night’s super-card in Saudi Arabia.Floyd Schofield’s camp claim a spy infiltrated their campCredit: GettyFloyd Schofield Sr posted a video of his son in a hospital bed after an alleged ‘spiking’Credit: Twitter Shakur Stevenson was set to fight Schofield on Saturday nightCredit: GettyBut cracks appeared to show at Tuesday evenings glitzy Grand Arrivals in Riyadh – a day before every boxer spoke to on-ground media.It was on the Monday that both Schofield and his dad and trainer Floyd Sr accused Stevenson of hiring a MOLE to spy on their camp.Jr told SecondsOut said: “We had a couple things in camp that was like, ‘What the hell.'”But we got past that. It didn’t effect nothing from our training, it didn’t effect anything it was just certain people that we thought that we could trust that we couldn’t trust.”READ MORE IN BOXINGExplaining how he caught the alleged double agent, Schofield added: “We caught them doing stuff. Before it was accusations until we were actually able to prove it.”It was sad because we knew these people since I was like seven-years-old. So we just had to remove them from camp and get back right.”Schofield claimed his passport was tampered with and tyres on his car stabbed by the apparent double crosser.But then Schofield amazingly backtracked: “We’re not saying it’s Shakur, we’re having fun with everything. We’re doing what he does, we love trolling.”Most read in BoxingSchofield’s no-show at the Grand Arrivals led to questions over the state of Stevenson’s WBC title defence.And on Wednesday, news broke that the undefeated 22-year-old had been pulled out of the bout by the British Boxing Board of Control – overseeing the event.Floyd Schofield health update as boxer’s father shares scary video from hospital amid ‘poison’ scandal It came just hours after Schofield Sr sensationally claimed his son had been SPIKED.He shared a text message which read: “This isn’t something to take lightly. I’m not trying to play no games. I got love for y’all and looking out, but they spiked your son”.And Floyd Sr later told talkSPORT: “Floyd will be OK and make a full recovery… Someone tried to kill him.”Stevenson denied the allegations of poisoning and spying on opponent Schofield.He told Ring Magazine: “I try not to get into all the clown stuff. I know it’s clown business. When you try to insert yourself into that y’re kinda going with the circus.”I’m trying to stay away from the circus. Truthfully, I know it’s some clown stuff. None of my former opponents have ever said any of this stuff. They never complained about anything.”BBBoC general secretary Robert Smith also responded to the allegations live on radio.Smith said: “All I can tell you is that he went to a hospital and he’s been deemed not to box.”Of course, it concerns me. It concerns me a lot about what the parents say when they don’t know the full facts.”When we get the full facts we will be able to find out what the full situation is. “At the moment we don’t know other than the fact that the kid is unfit to box.”But of course, it concerns me what people say. People can throw things out there all the time and then we have to look into, which we will.”Stevenson, 27, will now fight late substitute Josh Padley, 29, who flew out with just three days till fight night.And Schofield was hospitalised with illness as his promoters Golden Boy released a statement.It read: “Yesterday, Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield Jr. fell ill and was transported to the hospital as a precautionary measure.”In the interest of Schofield’s health and safety, the British Boxing Board of Control made the decision to cancel his scheduled bout against Shakur Stevenson.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Schofield has since been discharged from the hospital and is awaiting the results of his medical evaluation.”We extend our gratitude to HE Turki Alalshikh, SELA, and the medical professionals who provided Schofield with care.”Beterbiev vs Bivol 2: Start time, TV channel, full card – everything you need to know for MASSIVE Saudi rematch More

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    Dmitry Bivol reveals he lies on bed of NAILS and has unlikely hobby that risks disrupting boxing career

    DMITRY BIVOL lies on a bed of nails to relax – so fighting Artur Beterbiev again is a bed of roses.The 34-year-old pinned his hopes on three judges awarding him the light-heavyweight undisputed honour in October, after a classy display.Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev went to war for all the 175lb titles last OctoberCredit: GETTYThe judges spiked Bivol’s dream of undisputed glory by giving Beterbiev the nodCredit: GettyBivol is no stranger to a sharp sticking as he regularly lays on a bed of nailsCredit: GQ SPORTSBut they spiked his dreams by handing his bearded 41-year-old rival a majority decision that left fans of the super-killer Canelo conquered deflated.Somehow, Bivol refused to rage at none of the three judges preferring his brilliant back-foot skills to the Chechen’s thudding blows.But, when the father-of-two chills out on a net of needles, we shouldn’t be surprised he took the disappointment with an ice-cool head.Opening up on the bizarre contraption he uses for a form of meditation, Bivol said: “I use it to relax – not to sleep on!READ MORE BOXING NEWS “Of course it’s painful but you need to relax to not feel the pain. If you tense then you feel pain.“When you relax, your body melts and you don’t feel the pain. If you tense, then of course it hurts.“It’s just a personal thing I like, I have some problems with my lower back so I use it to relax my lower back.”And when I relax my lower back it helps my legs and everything else relax.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBeterbiev vs Bivol 2: Start time, TV channel, full card – everything you need to know for MASSIVE Saudi rematch“In life, you need to work and also relax, everything needs balance. “I walk and run and work all day and it’s just another way for me to relax. It is good for the mind too.”SunSport boxing reporter Wally Downes left stunned after Beterbiev beats BivolAnother unlikely hobby that is good for Bivol’s laser-focused mind – but not for his bones – is his new love of snowboarding.Despite having mega-money fights in the pipeline with Bivol and beyond, Bivol hits the slopes and occasionally damages his body and ego.He explained: “I tried snowboarding once and then I had to buy two and am trying to learn.”I have had a couple of small accidents but nothing big.“I had a problem with my collarbone, I fell on it and felt like an idiot because I am supposed to be a professional boxer.Of course it’s painful but you need to relax to not feel the pain. If you tense then you feel pain.Dmitry Bivol“But snowboarding helps clear my mind, I focus only on my balance, no boxing, and I am in amazing mountain places, surrounded by fresh air and floating down a mountain.”Bivol had to miss the eighth birthday of his youngest son Nikon, at the start of fight week.But he and 10-year-old Miron were in camp for the first battle and know that his daddy’s sacrifices are all for them.But the old man is in no rush to push his boys into the same sport that has made him, especially after watching unknown American kids and his hero Arturo Gatti destroy themselves.“I am missing them,” he said. “I call them everyday but kids don’t like video calls, they want face-to-face time.Dmitry Bivol will bid to exact revenge on his countryman on Saturday nightCredit: GETTYBivol had to miss his youngest son’s eighth birthday in preparation for the fightCredit: GETTYDmitry Bivol doesn’t foresee himself and Artur Beterbiev having a warm embrace after their rematchCredit: GETTY“They have gloves and have trained but I haven’t pushed them.“I remember being in America and watching young kids there spar and every round was a war, it was not sparring, it was fighting. Sparring should not be like that.“I want them to understand what those three minutes mean but, when I saw that, I knew I never wanted my sons to train like that.“I respect Arturo Gatti so much but I would never want my sons to fight like Arturo Gatti.”Despite years on the Russian amateur team together, the pair have never bonded.And even after a potential 24 rounds spent in each other’s pocket, Bivol rejects the idea the final bell will be the precursor to the sort of brotherly hug and lifelong connection that boxing’s greatest rivalries are usually sealed with.“I have my kung fu and he has his – both are good,” he perfectly puts it.“But, when this bell ends, we will just walk away.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We were in the same national team for a long time and we were not friends then, so we will not be friends now?“If we weren’t friends then, why would we now?” More

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    What TV channel is Ortiz Jr vs Madrimov on and can it be live streamed?

    WBC interim super-welterweight title holder Vergil Ortiz Jr will square up against former WBA junior middleweight champion Israil Madrimov THIS WEEKEND.Ortiz Jr said he wanted to fight Madrimov because of their “fun” sparring session against each other – and expects an entertaining bout.World champ Vergil Ortiz Jr (left) beat Fredrick Lawson by TKO last JanuaryCredit: GettyIsrail Madrimov (left) lost to Terrence Crawford by unanimous decision last time outCredit: APOrtiz Jr will enter the ring with an unbeaten record of 21-0 (20 KOs), while Madrimov comes in with a record of 10-1-1 (7 KOs).The Uzbek comes off the back of a narrow defeat to Terrence Crawford in the BMO Stadium in California last August.He was scheduled to fight Serhii Bohachuk on the undercard of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 in December but had to pull out due to acute bronchitis.Ortiz Jr beat Bohachuk in his most recent fight in August, winning by majority decision in the Michelob Ultra Arena in Nevada.Read more boxingWhen is Ortiz Jr vs Madrimov?Vergil Ortiz Jr vs Israil Madrimov is set to take place on the undercard of Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol II, on Saturday, February 22. The card gets underway at 4pm GMT, however the exact time for Ortiz Jr vs Madrimov is yet to be announced.The fight will take place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.What TV channel is Ortiz Jr vs Madrimov on, and can it be live-streamed?Vergil Ortiz Jr vs Israil Madrimov will take place on the Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol undercard, live on DAZN PPV.DAZN will broadcast the fight live to over 200 countries on their website.The event does not require a subscription and is on pay-per-view for £19.99.Should you purchase the PPV, you can live stream all the action via the DAZN app/website. Coverage gets underway from 4pm GMT.SunSport will have live coverage of the build-up and every fight.Who else is on the card?Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol – for the IBF, IBO, WBC and WBO light-heavyweight titlesDaniel Dubois vs Joseph Parker – for the IBF heavyweight titleShakur Stevenson vs TBA – for the WBC lightweight titleCarlos Adames vs Hamzah Sheeraz – for the WBC middleweight titleVergil Ortiz Jr vs Israil Madrimov – for the interim WBC heavyweight titleZhilei Zhang vs Agit Kabayel – for the interim WBC heavyweight titleJoshua Buatsi vs Callum Smith – for the interim WBO light-heavyweight titleBradley Rea vs Constantino Nanga More

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    ‘Nowhere else in the world has this’ – Eddie Hearn reveals little-known rule that can catch boxers out

    EDDIE HEARN has revealed the little-known rule that is catching international boxers out when they fight in Saudi Arabia. The British Boxing Board of Control oversee the bouts staged in Saudi – including this Saturday’s mega-event. Eddie Hearn revealed the little-known rule that is catching international boxers outAnd Hearn revealed how the BBBoC enforce a rule that boxers must check their weight on the Wednesday of fight week. That is two days before the official weigh in. So Hearn admitted uninformed boxers flying in internationally are sometimes blindsided by this rule. He told iFL TV: “One of the issues – and I’ll be completely honest – it’s a bit of a pain in the a***e.READ MORE IN BOXING”The British Boxing Board of Control operate the events out here. They have a very strict rule of a check weight on the Wednesday of fight week.”Now, I’m not saying that rule is a bad rule but, nowhere else in the world to my knowledge of any major commission has that rule.”So every international fighter that comes over – I mean they should be told weeks in advance, some only find out when they actually get there, that’s not our job if it’s not our fighter.”But, basically and this is where I think it’s a bad policy is fighters are really focussed on making that weight for the check weight.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”And then they’re rehydrating for the check weight and then they’re going forward to another weigh in two days later.”So I don’t know, I can’t give you the doctors’ opinion on whether it’s a good or a bad rule but it’s a rule and that’s it.”Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol come together before huge heavyweight showdownOfficial BBBoC rules read: “Three days prior to the contest both Boxers will have to submit to a further check weigh-in before a designated official of the Board or Area Council at a time and place to be determined by the Board or Area Council. “A Boxer weighing more than 3 per cent above the relevant Championship limit three days prior to the date of the contest will require the sanction of the B.B.B. of C. before being permitted to box for that Championship on the contracted contest date.”Artur Beterbiev, 40, rematches Dmitry Bivol, 34, in the main-event on Saturday after his close points win in October. And Daniel Dubois, 27, defends his IBF title against Joseph Parker, 33, as part of the massive card.American Floyd Schofield, 22, was due to challenge WBC champion Shakur Stevenson, 27, but he was pulled out by the BBBoC. And his dad and trainer, Floyd Sr, wildly claimed his son was “poisoned” before sharing a picture of him in a hospital bed.Promoters, Golden Boy, said: “Yesterday, Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield Jr. fell ill and was transported to the hospital as a precautionary measure. “In the interest of Schofield’s health and safety, the British Boxing Board of Control made the decision to cancel his scheduled bout against Shakur Stevenson. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Schofield has since been discharged from the hospital and is awaiting the results of his medical evaluation. “We extend our gratitude to His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, SELA, and the medical professionals who provided Schofield with care.” More

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    Floyd Schofield health update as boxer’s father shares scary video from hospital amid ‘poison’ scandal

    FLOYD SCHOFIELD’S father has shared a video of the boxer in hospital.The American, 22, was withdrawn from his scheduled bout with Shakur Stevenson this Saturday amid online rumours that he’d been “poisoned”.Floyd Schofield Sr posted a video of his son in a hospital bedCredit: TwitterSchofield, 22, had performed his media commitments as planned on MondayCredit: GettySchofield had arrived in Saudi Arabia as planned and turned up to his Monday media events.But following leaked texts claiming that Schofield had been “spiked” allegedly received by his father, the boxer did not turn up to his Tuesday commitments.Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn initially believed that the fight would still go ahead.But the world title challenger was then withdrawn by the British Boxing Board of Control.READ MORE IN BOXINGSchofield Sr subsequently posted a worrying video of his son in a hospital bed.He captioned it: “God got our back.”The boxer’s dad then wrote on X: “I would like to thank everyone for their prays. I also would like to thank Your Excellency for the hospitality and great support.”Our host RaKan has been amazing. He has been at the hospital with us and very supportive in honor of Your Excellency.Most read in BoxingSchofield had been set for a shot at Shakur StevensonCredit: Getty”Thank you to the Saudi people.”He also posted: “Please pray for my Son.”Floyd Schofield pulls out of Shakur Stevenson fight after wild claims of ‘spiking’Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol: When is it, UK start time, live streamOn Wednesday, he cryptically wrote: “People are going to feel dumb when they see the proof.”People fear Floyd and this just made him more focused. Karma is very real… All things will be revealed in time.”A statement from promoter Golden Boy revealed that Schofield Jr has now been discharged from hospitalIt read : “Yesterday, Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield Jr. fell ill and was transported to the hospital as a precautionary measure. “In the interest of Schofield’s health and safety, the British Boxing Board of Control made the decision to cancel his scheduled bout against Shakur Stevenson. “Schofield has since been discharged from the hospital and is awaiting the results of his medical evaluation. “We extend our gratitude to His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, SELA, and the medical professionals who provided Schofield with care.”Boxing chiefs are seeking a short-notice replacement for Schofield.Saudi-owned Ring Magazine claim that Brit Josh Padley could step in to fight Stevenson.The stacked card is led by Joseph Parker vs Daniel Dubois and Dmitry Biviol vs Artur Beterbiev 2.READ MORE SUN STORIESEarlier in the week, Schofield Jr had told talkSPORT, he said: “It’s a very huge opportunity. I’m ready to take the opportunity by storm.”I’m just going to go out there and do my best”. More

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    ‘They close the place’ – Joseph Parker’s cheat meal leaves waitress stunned as diet revealed before Daniel Dubois fight

    JOSEPH PARKER has a cheat meal which often forces restaurants to close and can leave waitresses stunned.The boxer is preparing to take on Daniel Dubois in a heavyweight clash on Saturday – his second shot at winning a world title after losing to Anthony Joshua in 2018.Joseph Parker gorges on sushi for his cheat mealCredit: GettyParker takes on Daniel Dubois in the ring this weekendCredit: GettyParker has changed his diet to eat more fish, lean pork and chicken, having moved away from red meat as a method to bulk up.His coach and nutritionist George Lockhart revealed Parker eats up to 7,000 calories a day and has fish three or four times a week, and again for his cheat meal on Sundays.Parker, 33, can eat up to 40 pieces of sushi in a sitting and it can take so long the restaurant has to close up.Lockhart said in an interview with Action Network: “For Joseph, we have Sushi Sundays. He’ll do a 24-hour fast, starting with an anaerobic workout and finishing the fast with an aerobic, high-volume, low-intensity workout. READ MORE IN BOXING”This method helps the body lean out while preserving muscle mass, as it avoids depleting calories over the week. It also improves how efficiently the body uses carbohydrates.”On Sushi Sundays, we go to a spot where they sometimes close the place just for us because of how long we take. Joseph can eat up to 40 pieces of sushi and sashimi, it’s unreal. “We started this tradition in Ireland, and I remember a waitress saying, ‘this is meant for 10 people.’ Fifteen minutes later, every plate was cleared. I’d say sushi is Joseph Parker’s ultimate guilty pleasure.”Parker is a big fan of fish and has eaten it raw previously – biting into a whole fish to get his protein hit.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDubois vs Parker: Ring walk, TV channel and full card – everything you need to know for the massive heavyweight title fightWhen asked what his favourite Kiwi meal is in a video shared by DAZN Boxing, Parker admitted that he likes to “eat fish straight out of the water”.One video captured Parker munching on a fish over a bucket, which left fans feeling queasy.Daniel Dubois vs Joseph Parker come together before huge heavyweight showdown More

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    I’ve fought Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol – I think tables could turn in rematch on Fight Card of the Century

    CALLUM SMITH knows what it is like to face Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol in the ring – and is expecting fireworks on Saturday night. Beterbiev puts his undisputed light heavyweight title on the line this weekend against Bivol in Saudi Arabia. Callum Smith has given his winner for Beterbiev vs Bivol 2Credit: GettySmith has faced both Bivol (pictured) and Beterbiev during his careerCredit: GettyFormer super-middleweight star Smith has faced both fighters during his storied career. Mundo took on Bivol during his days as an amateur fighter, before turning pro 2012.He memorably lost out to Beterbiev in January last year as the pair fought for the WBC, IBF, and WBO light-heavyweight titles. Bivol and Beterbiev, 40, faced off in October, with the latter winning a controversial fight by majority decision.READ MORE ON BOXINGSmith believes a draw would have been a fairer result for that clash.And is he backing Bivol, 34, to turn the tables ahead of this weekend’s dust-up in the desert. Smith said: “They’re both very, very good fighters.”I think that showed in the first fight it was very hard to split them.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I seen a lot favoured Beterbiev, a lot favoured Bivol, a draw was probably a fair result.”I just think second time around they obviously know each other well, I just don’t know if the time keeps going on it favours Bivol a little bit more – he’s younger, he’s fresher.SunSport boxing reporter Wally Downes left stunned after Beterbiev beats Bivol”Beterbiev, we keep saying it, but he can’t keep just going on. That last fight was the toughest of his career. “It’ll be interesting to see how much that has taken out of him. Is he finally gonna look his age?”It’s going to be another really close fight and tough to pick but if I have to side with one I’d side with Bivol this time.”Despite concerns over 40-year-old Beterbiev’s fitness, he claims to be in better shape than last year’s meeting.Artur Beterbiev says he is fighting fit as he puts his belts on the line in RiyadhCredit: GettyThe Russian was plagued by a knee issue in the run-up to that contest – an injury he now says has fully healed.Beterbiev told DAZN: “If you compare my other fights, you can say [the first vs Bivol] was my toughest fight”But it is a little bit different. I think in my boxing career, I’ve [fought] stronger guys.”The knee was a problem in the first fight, but it is near perfect now. “My movement should be much better for this fight. My performance in the first fight was not perfect, I know I can do much better in this one.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSaturday’s action has been billed as The Fight Card of the Century.Seven world titles are up for grabs, with Daniel Dubois taking on Joseph Parker in the co-main event. More

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    ‘Gonna demolish him’ – Boxing royalty predict result of Daniel Dubois vs Joseph Parker in huge heavyweight showdown

    DANIEL DUBOIS is set to defend his IBF heavyweight title against Joseph Parker on Saturday night.The Brit, 27, defended his belt by knocking Anthony Joshua out at Wembley last September.Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker are set to do battle on Saturday nightCredit: GettyNow standing in Dubois’ way is Kiwi Parker, who is riding a five-fight win streak since losing to Triple D’s former conqueror Joe Joyce in 2022.Ahead of the huge championship bout, here is how the great and good of the boxing world see the contest playing out…CARL FROCH (former super-middleweight world champion)”I think Daniel Dubois is going to do the job.”I think Joseph Parker is a great character, I think a lot of him as a character, I think he’s great, but this is boxing, I tell the f***ing truth as you know.READ MORE IN SPORT”Daniel Dubois is gonna demolish him inside the distance.”I think it’s going to be a great fight.”Carl Froch has backed compatriot Daniel DuboisCredit: Steve BellTONY BELLEW (former cruiserweight world champion)”It’s a top, top fight, I think the first three or four rounds are key,” Bellew told talkSPORT. “If Joe can see through them I think he gets the job done, but Daniel Dubois is in a rich vein of form.”He [Dubois] rolls the dice every time, he lets his hands go and has no fear at the moment.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”But I just think if Joseph Parker has been diligent in his camp, he can get the job done. He’s a better boxer, he’s got more skills and skillset, but he isn’t as powerful as Dubois.”Also he isn’t as young as Daniel Dubois and youth can catch up with you. Dubois is so strong and lets his hands go, a lot of the heavyweights are cautious about it.”Daniel Dubois gatecrashes Usyk’s post-fight celebrations to call on their own rematch Tony Bellew has outlined his keys to the fightCredit: AFPAMIR KHAN (former welterwight and lightweight champion and Olympic silver medallist)”Good fight man. Joseph Parker has surprised me every time he has fought.”He comes back and puts on a great performance and is back in the mix again.”Whereas Dubois with that fight he fought against Joshua and even when he fought (Filip) Hrgovic, that’s the first time I saw him fight and I thought this guy’s a hard guy to beat.”He’s a very good boxer, so if I was to pick a fighter to win that fight, it would be Dubois. He’s the younger and fresher fighter.”Amir Khan believes it’s going to be a great contestCredit: GettyGEORGE GROVES (former super-middleweight champion)”I favour Dubois.”Both in good form, good momentum.”Parker showed a lot of nuts to get up off the floor twice to get past Zhang.”And he’s put himself in the picture now for another world title challenge.”George Groves is favouring his fellow BritCredit: ReutersFRAZER CLARKE (current heavyweight hopeful and former Commonwealth Games gold medallist)”Don’t get me wrong, Dubois might knock him out, but I just don’t think Daniel should be overlooking him one bit.”And, you know, from a few things that I saw the other day, maybe he’s doing that, and I think it’d be a fool to do so.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I imagine with Don Charles around, he won’t let him do that, but when the fighter has sort of got that in his mind, maybe that’s a bit of a red flag for me.”So I think I’m going to say Joseph Parker on the points.”Frazer Clarke is set top return to action in AprilCredit: Getty More