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    I’ll never forget coach’s reaction to my pregnancy… getting back to top was such a proud moment says Jessica Ennis-Hill

    OLYMPIC golden girl Jessica Ennis-Hill dealt with many a challenge in her career, but one of the toughest was her coach’s chilling reaction when she told him she was pregnant.It was two years after she had won the heptathlon at the London 2012 Games when she broke the news to Toni Minichiello.Jessica Ennis-Hill at the BBC Sports Personality Of The Year Awards last yearCredit: GettyJessica shows off her baby bump in 2014 while pregnant with the first of her two childrenCredit: Getty Images – GettyTrainer Toni Minichiello with Jessica at 2012 GamesCredit: GettyInstead of congratulating her, he instantly began scrolling through competition dates on his laptop to work out the bombshell implications.Jessica, who was made a dame in 2017 on the back of her Team GB Olympic glory, says of her pregnancy by childhood sweetheart Andy: “It was a bit of a surprise, it all happened sooner than we expected. “It was definitely a shock to all of my team.“My coach had this plan, ‘You’re going to do the Commonwealth Games in 2014, and then Worlds, then Olympics’.READ MORE IN SPORTS“I remember going to his house and being like, ‘I’ve got something to tell you — sit down’. “I was so nervous.“I said, ‘So I’m pregnant . . .’ “He was just so shocked. Most read in Athletics“He didn’t know what to say — he just kind of sat there“And then he got his laptop out and started looking at dates. Jessica Ennis-Hill stuns in bold outfit live on BBC for Paris Olympics as fans say ‘how I have missed you’ “He didn’t even say, ‘congratulations’, he was in such a fluster. “He said, ‘When’s he or she going to be born?’“I was sat there like, ‘Congratulations, you know, anything like that would be nice’. “Eventually he said, ‘Congratulations’.”Defining momentMinichiello was later banned from UK Athletics due to allegations of inappropriate behaviour, which he denied.Following the 2022 ruling, Jessica said she was never on the receiving end of any such misbehaviour.But she will never forget his cold response to being told back in 2014 that she was to become a mum at age 28.She adds: “It was quite a challenging time because everyone at that stage thought you don’t start your family during your career.“You do all your career stuff then start your family.“I think that’s since changed. I think a lot of women feel they have the support and policies in place to come back.”Jessica was forced to withdraw from the 2014 Commonwealth Games as a result.She was then determined to get back to her best, but acknowledged her body had changed, so her coach encouraged her not to ­compare how she was before — and just focus on the comeback.She says: “There’s a mental impact when you’re at the back of the group in training — and you’re the Olympic champion.“I would compare myself to me at my best. “When I looked at those times, I was nowhere near.“Eventually I did get stronger and those times came back, but I was never the same version I was before — but that was OK because of being a mum.”Her Olympic heroics at age 26 in front of an expectant home nation had capped an already stellar rise in the heptathlon — comprising the 200 and 800 metres, 100-metre hurdles, high and long jumps, shot put and javelin throw.She says: “My coach would say, ‘These are your post- pregnancy PBs’ [personal bests].”Jessica returned to training just ten weeks after baby Reggie arrived in her life, and initially struggled to rebuild her fitness.’Challenging time’She adds: “It was quite a tricky, challenging time because everyone at that stage thought you don’t start your family during your career, you kind of do all your career stuff and then start your family.“I think that’s since changed. I think a lot of women feel they have the support and policies in place to come back.” But she was forced to withdraw from the 2014 Commonwealth Games — and after she had son Reggie, who is now ten, Minichiello would compare her performances as “before” and “post” pregnancy.She says: “My coach would say ‘These are your post-pregnancy PBs [personal bests].”Jessica returned to training just ten weeks after Reggie arrived, and struggled to rebuild her fitness. She says: “There’s mental impact when you’re at the back of the group when you’re training — and you’re Olympic champion.Jessica beams after winning gold in the heptathlon at London 2012Credit: Times Newspapers LtdJessica competing in the long jump event during the heptathlon at London 2012Credit: Getty“I would compare myself to me at my best. When I looked at those times, I was nowhere near. “Eventually I did get stronger and those times came back, but I was never the same version I was before — but that was OK because of being a mum.”There’s mental impact when you’re at the back of the group when you’re training — and you’re Olympic championJessica Ennis-HillIt was more than OK, in fact, as just 13 weeks into motherhood she stormed back to win the 2015 World Championships in Beijing — then Olympic silver a year later in Rio de Janeiro.Jessica, who would retire the following year, now admits it was crazy trying to achieve again what she had done before her pregnancy.She says: “I thought, ‘What am I doing? What am I training for? This is hard’.“Your body changes so much. “It’s the hormones that go through your body for months after, the relaxing, that makes all your ligaments relax.“So my Achilles were loose and that’s not great when you’re trying to be this coil that needs to jump as high and far as you can.“I couldn’t train like I did before 2012.”But she made it her mission to return to the top of her sport — and soon revelled in the challenge.She says: “That journey was the hardest and the best — that feeling of beating the rest of the world, and those who doubted me, was the best.Greatest achievers“Your body is never going to be the same after having a child, whether it’s coming back to exercising or doing the Olympics.”While Jessica didn’t get a second Olympic gold, she wouldn’t change a thing.She says: “I was incredibly proud of what my body was able to achieve post-natally. “And having my son was the best thing ever. “But I might just get my silver one sprayed gold!”Jessica and Andy went on to have their second child Olivia in 2017 and she is now retired.When she married construction site manager Andy 12 years ago, she was already a national treasure.Her Olympic heroics at age 26 in front of an expectant home nation had capped an already stellar rise in the heptathlon — comprising the 200 and 800 metres, 100-metre hurdles, high and long jumps, shot put and javelin.In 2009, the Sheffield-born star won gold at the World Championships in Berlin and, in 2010, gold in the World Indoor Championships in Qatari ­capital Doha, plus the European Championships in Barcelona.In 2011, she claimed silver at the World Championships in South Korea and, five years later, that was upgraded to gold after Russian star Tatyana Chernova was found to have been doping.After silver at the 2012 World Indoor Championships in Istanbul, there then followed her defining moment atop the podium in London.Today, Jessica says she still gets competitive when she laces up her running shoes. Now aged 39, she adds: “I have done parkruns a few times — my husband was doing it quite a bit at one stage.“I still don’t want to get beaten, especially by someone with a buggy!”After retiring and being ennobled in the 2017 New Year Honours, Jessica won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award that year. She has also launched her own post-natal exercise advice app, become a patron of Sheffield Children’s Hospital and is a TV sports pundit. Oh, and she is launching her own podcast, Gold Minds, where she will chat to some of the world’s greatest achievers about how they overcame real-life challengesYour body is never going to be the same after having a child, whether it’s coming back to exercising or doing the OlympicsJessica Ennis-HillIt means she can finally use the psychology degree from Sheffield University that she gained after leaving school.She says of her podcast: “I get to speak to people about their golden moment that’s changed their life.“They also bring in three items that take us on their journey to reach that moment and the aftermath. “They’ve all been fascinating. “It’s delving into the psychology and mindset.”One of her guests will be British rowing cox Erin Kennedy — a two-time Paralympic champion. Erin, 32, was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago, but has continued to win medals at the highest level, including gold at the 2024 Paris ­Paralympics.One of her guests will be British rowing cox Erin Kennedy — a two-time Paralympic champion.Erin, 32, was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago but has continued to win medals at the highest level, including gold at the 2024 Paris Paralympics,.Jessica says of their chat: “Erin was incredible. “I was sat with my mouth wide open, blown away by what she has been through.“She brought in a wig because that was a huge part of her journey to getting back to ­­winning gold in Paris.”READ MORE SUN STORIESShe adds of podcast work: “As an athlete, you’re wanting to push your-self — and this was something out of my comfort zone I wanted to try.” Jessica’s Gold Minds podcast chats with former Olympic boxer Nicola Adams and former Ireland rugby captain Johnny Sexton are on all major platforms. New episodes land on Wednesdays, the next features sports presenter Gabby LoganJessica wearing the Union Flag after her Olympic triumph in front of her home nationCredit: The Times More

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    Eddie Hearn teases Wembley for Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn rematch after boasting of needing more seats for mega-fight

    EDDIE HEARN is teeing up Wembley Stadium for a rematch between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn – in a bid to fit all the fans in. Eubank and Benn meet in a middleweight grudge match on April 26 at Tottenham’s 62,000-seat home. Chris Eubank Jr facing off with Conor BennCredit: PABut after they clashed at their pre-fight press conference – Hearn boasted that maybe Spurs was not big enough amid huge ticket demand. Eubank’s dad Chris Sr famously beat Nigel Benn in 1990 before escaping with a controversial draw three years later at Old Trafford. But Hearn snubbed a trip down memory lane to ensure the mega-fight landed in the capital. He said: “I feel like it’s a London fight.READ MORE IN BOXING”I mean, you’ve got one kid from Essex, one kid from Brighton and I think the Tottenham stadium is a tremendous stadium.”Asked about Old Trafford for the contracted rematch, Hearn grinned: “Who knows? Yeah. Wembley? Maybe.”The born rivals were initially due to renew the family feud in October 2022 at the O2 Arena – until Benn was pulled out with just days to go. Two failed drug tests came to light and landed the unbeaten welterweight with a UK Anti-Doping suspension. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut as Benn, 28, took his career to America for two light-middleweight wins – he was later won his case and and his UKAD ban was lifted. The WBC infamously suggested Benn’s positive test for clomifene – known to boost testosterone – could have been down to heavy egg consumption. Conor Benn pulled apart from Chris Eubank Jr after SLAP at Battle of Britain press conferenceSo Eubank, 35, aimed a dig Benn’s way when he cracked an egg on him during their face to face – sparking a mass brawl involving Hearn on stage. And Hearn said: “I think he was probably more angry than he made out, to be honest with you. I think there’s a lot said, it’s a very personal fight. “It’s gonna be interesting to see how it plays out as it draws closer, as the build up continues and looking forward to seeing them finally get in the ring.”Hearn admits he was not a fan of Eubank’s viral stunt – despite 130,000 fans joining a virtual queue for tickets just days later. He said: “I suppose it’s just the new generation of things that go viral and things that make people tune in. “I’m not a fan of it, to be honest with you. But, it’s the world we live in. We’ve just got to be careful. READ MORE SUN STORIES”If we’re doing so much work in the community, we’re trying to tell kids what’s right and wrong and how to behave and then you’ve got people slapping people at press conferences. “For me, it’s not the one.” Eubank cracked an egg on Benn’s faceCredit: Getty More

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    ‘That will live with me forever – Boxing champ reveals crazy party with Chelsea stars after 2012 Champions League final

    BOXER Darren Barker spent his 30th birthday watching Chelsea win the Champions League – and celebrated with the players afterwards. Barker flew over to Germany in 2012 on his big day as the Blues faced Bayern Munich looking to make history. Chelsea’s 2012 Champions League winning squadCredit: Times Newspapers LtdBoxer Darren Barker partied with the players afterBarker pictured parading his IBF middleweight title in 2013Credit: GettyAnd the former world middleweight world champion beams as he recalls Chelsea’s dramatic penalty shootout victory. The West Londoners became the first side from the capital to win the Champions League – and Barker spent the night with the players. He told SunSport: “We won the Champions League on the 19th of May in Munich. I was there.”I witnessed us winning the Champions League, the only London club to do so, and I partied with the players after because I’m Billy big b*****s! READ MORE IN BOXING”That will live with me forever.”Asked if it was the best party he has been to, Barker replied with a grin: “Yeah, it was yeah it was up there.”A year after Chelsea’s Munich heroics, Barker had his own Cinderella moment coming from behind to beat Daniel Geale to win the IBF title. And he admitted only that victory in New Jersey and the birth of his four children can top Chelsea’s first Champions League trophy. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBarker, now 42, said: “No, winning the world title for sure but that’s up there. “I’ve got four children, so it’d have to be in the top six moments of my life.Chelsea legend John Terry goes on 5k run in preparation for London Marathon “I probably better keep most of those stories to myself or watered down versions of it anyway.”Barker – a friend of former Chelsea player Jody Morris – backs current Blues boss Enzo Maresca despite a recent dip in form and results. He said: “Too much chopping and changing has gone on in the past. I think stick with him, I’m not impressed with the football. “I was so impressed with PSG the other day, I text my brother saying, ‘How good are PSG?’ “The way they quickly move the ball, the touch, the flare, the individual skill and the way it all came together. “Then you watch Chelsea and it’s like, ‘Come on lads! Flipping heck.’ “But, however, I don’t think chopping and changing is going to change anything right now – so stick with him.” Barker backs Chelsea manager Enzo MarescaCredit: Getty More

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    Chris Eubank Sr suggests Conor Benn fight with Eubank Jr will COLLAPSE and names likely replacement

    CHRIS EUBANK SR believes his son’s fight with Conor Benn will COLLAPSE – and cousin Harlem will be called in as a replacement. Eubank Sr famously beat Benn’s dad Nigel in 1990 before drawing in their rematch three years later. Harlem Eubank with his uncle Chris SrCredit: GettyChris Eubank Jr fights Conor Benn on April 26Credit: SplashNow more than three decades on and their sons prepare to renew the family feud for an April 26 blockbuster at Tottenham’s stadium. Benn is having to jump two weight divisions for the bout as Eubank Sr predicted late drama will force him into a welterweight clash with Harlem. He said: “Conor used to fight at 147lbs (the same weight as Harlem Eubank) and I think that this will be the next fight.”I believe the fight with Jr will fall through and a fight with his cousin will happen next.”READ MORE IN BOXINGBenn, 28, was meant to fight Eubank Jr, 35, in October 2022 but two failed drug tests KO’d the fight with just days to go. The unbeaten welterweight was suspended by UK Anti-Doping and saw his British Boxing Board of Control licence frozen. He took his career to America for two fights and moved up to the 154lb light-middleweight limit to prepare for Eubank. And Benn has since had his UKAD ban lifted after a drawn out investigation – freeing him to fight on home soil again. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMeanwhile, Eubank Jr’s cousin Harlem, 31, improved to 21-0 with victory over Tyrone McKenna and called out Benn afterwards. He said: “I want Conor Benn next. I fight at 147lbs and his real weight class is at 147lbs.”Chris is going to wipe him out and I want him next. I’m coming for the world champions.”Harlem Eubank beat Tyrone McKennaCredit: Getty More

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    Natasha Jonas v Lauren Price LIVE RESULTS: Main event on NOW as unification bout headlines Royal Albert card

    NATASHA JONAS and Lauren Price are headlining a jam-packed night of all-women’s boxing in the illustrious Royal Albert Hall RIGHT NOW!The night’s main event will be a huge unification fight between British rivals Jonas, 40, and Price, 30 for three world titles, including the women’s IBF, IBO and WBC welterweight belts. The blockbuster undercard featured Caroline Dubois defending the world championship against Bo Mi Re Shin, plus Olympic silver medallist Karriss Artingstall picking up a huge win over Raven Chapman.Fight-time: 7pm GMTTV Channel: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky ShowcaseBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFollow our live blog below…Jonas vs Price R10Both fighters are swinging here.Price landing the more dangerous of the blows, but Jonas looks more aggressive than she has in nine rounds prior.Price lands a big right hand that Jonas stumbles from, and she ends very strongly.Price throws her hands in the air at the end of the fight, and mounts the corner – as she thinks she knows the result of this one. Copy linkCopiedJonas vs Price R9Jonas takes a tumble early, but it is quickly waived away as a knockdown, clearly just losing her footing in the corner. Natasha Price is warned about shots to the back of the head – no need for her to go overboard, she could win this by jabbing until the bell.Jonas barely through a punch in that round, Price throwing after the bell but is quickly apologetic. One round to go, Jonas needs to put Price down without her getting up or Price will walk away unified champion. Copy linkCopiedJonas vs Price R8Price not waiting in this one, landing a few big punches early doors. Jonas needs to roll the dice, but Price continues to apply all the pressure, as Jonas still waits for a mistake. A few wild swings and misses from Jonas, Price with a very good performance so far. It would take a lot for Jonas to win it from here, she needs to come out swinging in this penultimate round. Copy linkCopiedJonas vs Price R7Jonas goes on offence in the opening seconds.Price lands a big right hand to end the round, but Jonas is still standing.Jonas being told to stay focussed by her trainer, but Price surely has this one in the bag.Copy linkCopiedJonas vs Price R6Price is moving too fast for Jonas here.The Welsh fighter is well in control, and will win this on points if it goes the distance. Copy linkCopiedViewers verdictThe viewers on Sky Sports have it 50-45 to Price in the opening five rounds, having Price the winner of all five.Can’t say we disagree. Copy linkCopiedJonas vs Price R5Half way through and Price looks in control, would have to give her the fight if it were to end now – but it doesn’t.Jonas lands a big left hand, but Price lands a right that Jonas takes half a second extra to get up from. Jonas landing a few more punches this time around, maybe she will take advantage of Price potentially getting tired after all the offence in these first five rounds.Copy linkCopiedJonas vs Price R4A strong jab from Price that knocks Jonas back a tad, but still she defends well enough.Jonas is throwing a lot of missed punches.Natasha Jonas looks like she is waiting for a mistake from Price, but Price is still in control.Copy linkCopiedJonas vs Price R3Price gets the crowd roaring with a big combo, but Jonas appears to have dodged any big hits.Jonas flings a wild right hand which could have been detrimental if landed. Price having to put her guard up a little more as Jonas goes on offence a bit more, put Price still looking the better of the two.Copy linkCopiedDubois speaks after winSome words from Caroline Dubois between rounds here, after she survived a late scare from Bo Mi Re Shin to retain her IBF lightweight title.Dubois won by a majority decision with one judges scoring it a 95-95 draw, and the other two in her favour 98-93 and 98-92.Dubois said to Sky Sports: “It was very rough and tough. Watching her fights previously with the team, that’s what she does. Charges in, head down and swings. She did exactly what I expected.”I feel like I need to learn how to fight on the inside. It’s one thing doing it in sparring, but it’s another thing doing it in the ring. The crowd, the lights, the judges, it’s important to master that. I tried to do it, I don’t know if I was successful but I tried.”Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedJonas vs Price R2Lauren Price with some big offence and the crowd roars.Jonas very much playing defence here, and Price hits Jonas with a huge right hand that makes her stagger step for a second.Price very much in control in these two rounds, Jonas needs to attack in the third.Copy linkCopiedJonas vs Price R1Lauren Price starting the stronger here.A few jabs to feel each other out in the opening minute, but Price starting to attack at the end of the round.A few right hands landed, but nothing to knock Natasha Jonas off her feet yet.Copy linkCopiedNatasha Jonas ring walkOut of the red corner, here comes Natasha Jonas.Copy linkCopiedLauren Price ring walkPrice is out – and paying homage to the Welsh in her. Copy linkCopiedGet readyIt is almost time for the main event!Royal Albert Hall awaits as Natasha Jones takes on Lauren Price. Ring walks are imminent. Copy linkCopiedDubois vs Shin R6Dubois needs to stop Shin, if she wants to carry her scary reputation.The Chinese visitor only started boxing aged 20.Sparkly Dubois looks ice-cool but she needs a TKO, at least.The crowd won’t stand for much less.Copy linkCopiedDubois vs Shin R4Shin is the perfect opponent, brave and tough and talented.But Dubois rocks her with a super left hand and the crowd roars.Shin is the best possible lamb for Sweet Caroline to slaughter.Copy linkCopiedDubois vs Shin R3Shin is tough and brave but Dubois is a level about.The London southpaw is owning the Albert Hall ring.Shin needs something special.Dubois is so good.Copy linkCopiedDubois vs Shin R2Dubois rocks her the visitinbg underdog with a peach of a left hand.Shin is brave and aggressive but that means she walks on to shots.Stopppages are rare in female boxing.But Dubois could score one here.Copy linkCopiedArtingstall winsThe judges decide: 97-92, 98-91 and 96-93.An expected landslide for the southpaw,Top seasoned and too technical for the tenacious Chapman.Copy linkCopiedArtingstall vs Chapman R10Chapman knows she is behind, her corner isn’t silly.Artingstall has the knockdown, though, and can safely coast to a win.All over, excellent female boxing.Looks like an Artingstall win – but shocks do happen.Copy linkCopiedArtingstall vs Chapman R7Good, close, even boxing now.Both brave women are working in the pocket and swapping hooks.It’s not as clear as it was, judges might prefer Chapman’s toughness now.Excellent boxing.Copy linkCopiedArtingstall vs Chapman R6Artingstall shows her class with wise range boxing.But the no-nonsense leftie is cracking in shots and defending well.Chapman needs a miracle punch.And those are rare in women’s boxing.Copy linkCopiedArtingstall vs Chapman R5The classy Macclesfield leftie is looking really good.Chapman is bold and aggressive but she hasn’t spent years on Team GB ot got an Olympic medal.Chapman charges in and gets picked off.Artingstall lands crisp and scoring blows from range.Copy linkCopiedArtingstall vs Chapman R4Chapman never stops, she’s a boxing rash.But Artingstall is stepping up, against her best opponent.Atingstall has underwhelmed in previous bouts.But against a bonafide rival, in Chapman, she looks mustard.Copy linkCopied More

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    Netflix ‘aggressively’ targeting huge fight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua after Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson success

    THE long-overdue Battle of Britain between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua could end up on Netflix, if The Gypsy King comes out of retirement.Fury seemingly put the final nail in the coffin of the domestic dust-up in January when he announced his fifth retirement, which came on the back of consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk.Tyson Fury announced his fifth retirement from boxing shortly after back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr UsykCredit: GETTYHis retirement has seemingly closed the door on a showdown with Anthony JoshuaCredit: REUTERSSaudi bigwig Turki Alalshikh is keen to make the fight and will likely make Fury an offer he can’t refuseCredit: PANetflix are keen on obtaining the broadcast rights for the historic showdownCredit: REXSaud boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh, however, is expected to dangle a gargantuan purse in front of the Wythenshawe warrior to coax him out of retirement.And if he’s successful, Netflix will make a play to land the broadcast rights for the mammoth melee.That’s according to Sports Illustrated, who claim the streaming platform is “aggressively moving into boxing’s big event space” and is eager to land Fury vs Joshua.Netflix dipped their toes into the boxing world last November for Mike Tyson’s controversial comeback fight against Jake Paul.READ MORE BOXING NEWSAnd they’ve landed the rights for the eagerly anticipated trilogy fight between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano on July 11.Netflix could part-fund Alalshikh’s financial proposal to Fury in order to land the biggest fight in the history of British boxing.It will likely take a jaw-dropping figure to convince Fury to lace up his gloves again.The former WBC heavyweight champion is seemingly content with his latest retirement, with Andy Lee recently saying of his recent chats with his cousin: “He seems very happy.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”[He said], ‘Andy I’m not f****d.’ That’s what he said. ‘I couldn’t be f****d. with it.’ He’s very happy.”AJ, however, refusing to give up hope of settling his decade-long score with Fury, telling IFL TV: “I feel like it’s the best fight [for me].Anthony Joshua gives cryptic update over future amid Tyson Fury fight talk in interview at Beterbiev vs Bivol 2″People might say [Joseph] Parker, people might say – I don’t know.”But I think Fury, commercially, is a great fight and it’s a great man’s fight as well. So I think it makes sense.”You could say it’s been years in the making. But listen, the heavyweight division has been thriving.”And why I say it’s probably still a great fight is as I said Parker is, for me, a great story of someone that never gives up.”And the thing is, there is going to be one winner and one loser. “And there’s going to be bloodshed. And it ain’t gonna be mine.” More

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    Harlem Eubank vs Tyrone McKenna LIVE RESULT: Eubank DROPS McKenna TWICE in brutal display – updates

    HARLEM EUBANK is looking to extend his unbeaten run in front of his home audience in Brighton tonight!But in his way, Irishman Tyrone McKenna looks to pose the sternest challenge yet for the 20-0 welterweight.The 31-year-old, nephew to Chris Eubank Sr and cousin to Chris Eubank Jr, is looking to get himself into the world title picture.Kalle Sauerland, the CEO of Wasserman Boxing and a renowned promoter, has called the event on the soutch coast a “absolute blockbuster,” with 20 fighters anticipated to fight, including former Olympian and world title contender Michael Conlan. Start time: Undercard on NOWFight-time: 9pm GMTTV Channel: Channel 5BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFollow our live blog below…Dan Toward vs Muzamiru Kakande – R5OH wow what a shock! Kakande has knocked out Toward in the fifth round!Kakande knocked out Dan Toward with a huge right hand over the top which sent Toward flying.After the success of round four, Kakande kept on the pressure and was on the front foot from the first second of the round.Dan Toward’s record now goes to 5-1 in the first loss of his professional career.Copy linkCopiedDan Toward vs Muzamiru Kakande – R4Best round of the fight so Far!Toward opened strong and was looking to cruse to another 10-9.But Kakande showed real aggression and seemingly hurt Toward with a big shot to the head.That last flurry may have won Kakande that round.Copy linkCopiedDan Toward vs Muzamiru Kakande – R3Toward looking sharp in this third round, probably his best round yet.The jab is working well for Toward, with Kakande unable to get in the inside.The shot selection from Toward has been very smart so far.Kakande will have to be more aggressive if he wants to win the rounds.Copy linkCopiedDan Toward vs Muzamiru Kakande – R2Another close round between the two men.Kakande controlled the centre of the ring more in this round but still a close affair, Toward used the outside of the ring well.No huge blows yet so both men will be feeling that they can win.Copy linkCopiedDan Toward vs Muzamiru Kakande – R1We now have Dan Toward vs Muzamiru Kakande in an eight round super-welterweight bout.A good first round between the two men, both men sharing the middle of the ring.Both men exchanged good blows to the body hoping they’ll tire their opponent out as the fight goes on.Toward landed more punches in that first round.Copy linkCopiedAnother Knockout winThe last fight on the Preliminary card saw Tom Welland vs Ally B Lubanja.Tom Welland knocked down his opponent in the fourth round after three tough rounds.This now puts Welland’s record to 8-0.Copy linkCopiedUndercard fight results so farWith Live coverage on Channel 5 starting at 9pm GMT, here are the results of the fights so far.Matty Harris defeated Volodymyr Katsuk by knockout in the first round to open the bill.The second bout saw Codie Smith vs Jose Manuel Perez which saw Smith win by unanimous decision.JP O’Meara defeated Mark Butler by unanimous decision, which sees his record go to 5-0.Copy linkCopiedCould there be an Upset?With a perfect professional record of 20 wins and zero losses, Eubank will be moving up a weight class in what is his toughest test yet.The Brighton boy was anticipated to be in for a major domestic bout following his dust-up with British super lightweight Adam Azim last year.However, a number of circumstances have prevented the fight from happening, and Eubank has made the decision to stay active.McKenna, 34, known as ‘The Mighty Celt’ will be looking to stop any momentum for Eubank as the Irishman comes off a second-round TKO over his opponent Dylan Moran.Copy linkCopiedWelcome to Eubank vs McKennaTonight we will see Harlem Eubank in action when he takes on Tyrone Mckenna.Eubank, 30, has become one of the hottest properties in UK boxing and is edging closer to the top of the welterweight division.The British boxer last fought on November 22, 2024 – where he was victorious with a unanimous decision against Nurali Erdogan.He fight in his hometown of Brighton for the vacant IBF Inter-continental welterweight belt.Copy linkCopied More

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    Michael Conlan vs Asad Asif Khan: Start time, TV channel, live stream and full card as pair square off in Brighton

    MICHAEL CONLAN will make his long-awaited boxing return when he takes on Asad Asif Khan TONIGHT.The pair will dust-up in Brighton Centre on Friday night, on the Harlem Eubank vs Tyrone McKenna undercard, as Irishman Conlan looks to kick-start his stuttering career.Michael Conlan fought for a world title in May 2023 but has fought just once sinceAsad Asif Khan is on a four-match winning streakCredit: GettyThe Belfast-born fighter, 33, is yet to step into the ring since his knockout to the hands of Jordan Gill in December 2023.His motivation to stick on the gloves again has come after signing a deal with the Wasserman boxing agency as he attempts to maintain his world title ambitions.Conlan’s defeat to Gill followed losses against Leigh Wood and a world title defeat to Luis Alberto Lopez.Frankly, he has yet to make good on the promise he showed in the early 2010s during his time as Irish representative in London and Rio Olympics, despite the controversial loss in Brazil. READ MORE IN BOXING As for Khan, he may not have any real pedigree to his career but a 19-5-1 record with five knockouts underlines a strong fighter regardless.EUBANK VS McKENNA LIVE – LATEST UNDERCARD UPDATES When is Michael Conlan vs Asad Asif Khan?The fight is live from the Brighton Centre on Friday, March 7.The ring walk for Harlem Eubank and Tyrone McKenna is scheduled for 9pm GMT.What TV channel is Michael Conlan vs Asad Asif Khan on and can it be streamed?Michael Conlan vs Asad Asif Khan will be available to watch on Channel 5.It can also be streamed live on My5.Coverage on TV begins at 9pm but earlier on My5.Alternatively, coverage of the whole card will be available via SunSport’s live blog.Most read in BoxingConlan vs Khan full cardHarlem Eubank vs Tyrone McKenna; Welterweight, for the vacant IBF intercontinental welterweight titleMichael Conlan vs Asad Asif Khan; Super featherweightDan Toward vs Muzamiru Kakande; Super welterweightTom Welland vs Ally B Lubanja; FeatherweightHarvey Dykes vs Stefano Capone; HeavyweightCodie Smith vs Jose Manuel Perez; Super featherweightBen Andrews vs Navid Iranl; Light heavyweightJP O’Meara vs Paris Stavropoulos; Super featherweightMatty Harris vs Kevin Nicolas Espindola; HeavyweightLucas Roehrig vs Camilo Castagno; Cruiserweight More