Aurelia Butler

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    Gutted Jack Catterall blows world title dream in split decision loss to Arnold Barboza in front of ringside Luke Littler

    JACK CATTERALL blew his world title dreams in front of darts world champ Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler with a loss to Arnold Barboza.The 31-year-old Chorley southpaw – who was robbed of 2022 undisputed glory – looked like landing a home decision.Jack Catterall saw his world title dream crumble with defeat to Arnold BarbozaCredit: GettyThe ace lost via a split decision in ManchesterCredit: GettyDarts star Luke Littler sat ring-side with Eddie Hearn for the spectacleCredit: GettyCatterall had plenty to say about Barboza’s controversial win afterwardsCredit: GettyBut he failed to land anything explosive in front of the 18-year-old arrows ace and lost out on split decision.The judges at the Co-Op arena in Manchester called it: 115-113 Catterall, 115-113 Barboza and 115-113 Barboza.Catterall banked the opener with clever counter combinations when the Mexican-American barged in.The 33-year-old landed a pair of eye-catching rights in the third, when Catterall’s waiting game worked against him.READ MORE IN BOXINGCatterall’s crisp one-twos cooled the visitor’s momentum at the start of the fourth.But Barboza kept pressuring him and pushing the Brit backwards and nicked the fifth by being on the front foot.Catterall had a mare in the seventh and was wobbled right at the end of the round and the tide started turning against him.A left hook was Catterall’s best punch of round eight. Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSYet Barboza’s industriousness should have been impressing the judges.El Gato’s crowd purred when a left backhand from their hero smacked right into the middle of Barboza’s forehead.’Greedy Belly has been my best opponent’ – Oleksandr Usyk reveals how he really feels about Tyson Fury Barboza’s backside met the canvas with a thud in the tenth.But referee Steve Gray rightly called it an accidental trip.The final stanza was boxed on a knife edge and both tough men celebrated at the last bell before the officials added up the scorecards and Barboza landed the bullseye.Catterall said: “Tricky fight, no complaints. I want to see him go on and win the world title now.”But I’ll be back in the gym on Monday”. More

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    Jack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr LIVE RESULTS: El Gato LOSES as American takes razor-thin decision in Manchester

    JACK CATTERALL ended up on the LOSING side of a razor-thin decision against Arnold Barboza Jr.El Gato was in a huge final eliminator for a shot at Teofimo Lopez’s WBO super-lightweight title.In a fight that could have gone either way, Catterall ended up on the wrong side of a 115-113, 113-115, 115-113 decision to Barboza Jr.The American moves to 32-0 and Catterall will now need to get back into the gym to rebuild his career.Card start time: From 7pm GMTMain event start time: 10pm (approx)TV/Stream: DAZNCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Bellew: ‘That was a knockdown’Well, well, well – there weren’t any complaints from Jack Catterall during the fight or after, but Tony Bellew thinks he has a legitimate one.Barboza went down but the ref immediately called it as an accidental trip.Bellew thinks it should have counted – and that 10-8 round could have had a big impact.On Catterall’s slow showing, Bellew said: “I just think that’s his style, he’s very good at what he does.”I don’t know why he doesn’t press more, because he does have the power.”If he didn’t have the power I’d understand it.”Bellew then added: “That was a knockdown.He landed a body shot and Barboza went over.”It was a balance thing but he didn’t stand on his foot.”Copy linkCopiedBellew: ‘Neither can complain’The former world champ told Dazn: “I thought it was really close – neither can complain”I thought Jack was honest in the ring when he thought he’d nicked it, same with Barboza.”It comes down to what do you like.”Barboza was very good, he’d done his homework on Jack.”He knew not to press too much and work going backwards.”Catterall is very good but he needs to work on his offence.”Copy linkCopiedWhat next for El GatoWell, that wasn’t certainly in the script for Catterall.He had been on an incredible run of form and looked destined for a world title shot next. But he will not have to go back to the drawing board as he plots another route to the very top of the sport.El Gato is not 32 until July so still has time on his side, but he will certainly be left picking up the pieces of this defeat.Copy linkCopiedEddie Hearn”Very close fight, 7-5 either way.”It could’ve gone either way, it was that kind of fight.”We were screaming at him towards the end, he’s just got to do a bit more to win the rounds.”Well done to Arnold, Jack will be back.”Could have gone either way, but not Jack’s way tonight.”Copy linkCopiedCatterall’s verdict”Tricky fight, close fight. All credit to him. “I felt like I did enough to win.”But I’m straight back to the ring.”Straight back to it.”Copy linkCopiedMore from Barboza”Anybody can get it any day of the week – any day that ends in the letter ‘y’.”This guy here is going to work his a** off.”I want to thank Manchester.”Copy linkCopiedBarboza Jr speaksThe American starts by thanking God and his promoter, Oscar de la Hoya, as well as his team.He then says: “I didn’t have it that close, I felt I won more rounds.”But it’s his backyard.”All I’ve wanted since I was a kid is to get respect – I got that today.”Copy linkCopiedShock for El GatoThe scoring was as close as it comes and that is exactly how the fight went.Catterall had a slow start and that appeared to cost him in the end.Copy linkCopiedOfficial scorecards – Barboza wins!WOW! It’s a huge decision in Manchester with Arnold Barboza Jr taking a split decision!The judges had it 115-115, 115-113, 113-115!He’s on his knees in the ring and Catterall looks shellshocked!Copy linkCopiedThis will go to the judgesThat was an impossible one to score – the six boxing experts on Dazn all have it going a different way.Liam Smith and Dalton Smith both have a draw, Darren Barker gives it to Barboza.This will come down to what the judges prefer in styles and if Catterall gave away too many rounds at the start with his patient opening.Scorecards coming any second now…Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – R12Final round and winner takes all!Both men are going for broke, the tempo, the output and desperation has been upped by both here.Cheers from the crowd with every success Jack has! Barboza’s chasing Catterall around the ring now!Last 15 seconds and both men exchange in centre ring.DING DING! Who will it be then? This could go either way as both men raise their hands in conviction.Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – R11Barboza comes out fast and aggressive to shake any embarrassment from his fall from the round before.Barboza makes complaints to the ref but he’s having none of it.Catterall goes in but misses a huge opportunity to strike while Barboza was not defending himself.Tough one to call as both men are boxing so well.Into the final round we go!Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – R10Jack Catterall timing and picking his moments with a jab here and a jab there, still looking sharp and winning most of the exchanges here in the 10th.Barboza taking his chances in the final 30 seconds of the round to make an impression – which only ends in Barboza hitting the canvas.A count starts but the referee quickly waves it off as an accidental trip, which could prove HUGE in the outcome of this fight.Looks like a clean one-two to me, regardless of the entanglement.Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – R9Ringside has it Catterall up, let’s hope they’re right.Catterall lands a beautiful straight left hand down the middle, his best punch of the night I’d say.Much better round from Catterall although still competitive stuff from Barboza none the less.Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – R8Both men circling centre ring and using back and forth movements to counter each other.Barboza gets put on the back foot but springs back with punches of his own every time. I’d say he is doing ever so slightly better than our Jack tonight.Catterall seems to making small mistakes, could he be getting a bit desperate knowing the fight is getting into the later rounds?Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – R7Catterall has early success but Barboza dominates the middle of the round with singular power shots.Controversy as Catterall throws a punch he wasn’t meant to after instructed to break.It looks low and Catterall then follows up with two shots that reach their target while Barboza was complaining to the ref.Another close round that could have gone either way on the scorecards.Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – R6Jack’s slightly creeping forwards on Barboza as he wearily keeps his distance, both fighters are finding success as the circle in the middle of the ring.Jack Catterall delivers a one-two and a counter right hook which raises the morale of those in the Co-op Live.A swing and a miss by Barboza as we enter the final 10 seconds, both men swing out with hooks with Barboza landing the cleaner punch before the bell rings.Liam Smith and Dalton Smith have it 5-1 but I have it three rounds each.Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – R5Highly competitive start to round five as Catterall comes out trying to assert dominance – but Barboza meets him with equal aggression.Their feet then tangle as Barboza chases Catterall around the ring.Barboza seems to be having the slight upper hand, in this high level, fast paced chess match.Jack finds more success towards the end of the round but was it enough to win it?Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – R4A Pacquiao-like move from Catterall at the beginning of round four, stepping in on the inside foot to deliver a pivoting one-two straight jab.Barboza appears to have upped the pressure and tempo a little bit, with Catterall seemingly having trouble with Barboza’s reach now that American is establishing his distance.Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – R3Both men still cautious here in round three, aware of each others’ skill sets. When one gains success so does the other.Barboza being the slightly more come forward fighter leading Catterall into a corner but after a few defences he laterally escapes.Barboza Jr lands a left hand at the end of the round.Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – R2Barboza keeping his distance this time after tasting Catterall’s cat-like reflexes trying to score points with his reach advantage.Catterall not taking any chances early on but choosing his moments wisely to come forwards and attack.Although Barboza is touching on Catteralls Philly shell defence… could this be a ploy to look busier and gain points?Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – R1What a stare down as the meet in the ring for the instructions. Lets get it on!Opening to the round starts with Barboza throwing a jab and Catterall slipping and counter uppercutting!Both men focusing on establishing foot positioning and the lead hand. One-two, jab straight by Jack Catterall.Catterall looks poised and disciplined as always in this feel out round.Copy linkCopiedStand by JackThat’s the way to get a venue behind you – Ben E King anthem ‘Stand By Me’ rings out and the thousands in attendance are singing it at the top of their lungs!Catterall is almost in the ring now, we’re just minutes away.He then goes for the Lion King – ‘I Just Can’t Wait to be King’ – this is incredible from El Gato.He’s beaten three former world champions in a row and another win here would finally earn him a richly deserved title shot.Copy linkCopiedRing walk timeArnold Barboza Jr is making his way to the ring now, the sound and the tension is ramping up inside the venue!Copy linkCopiedSweet CarolineWe couldn’t be any closer – Sweet Caroline is playing in the Co-Op Arena in Manchester.We’re very close to the action getting underway – this should be a special fight.Copy linkCopied More

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    Luke Littler sits ringside for Catterall vs Barboza in Manchester… after trying some of undercard fighter’s snacks

    DARTS superstar Luke Littler was a special guest at ringside in Manchester for Jack Catterall’s fight against Arnold Barboza Jr.The teenage sensation became the youngest world champion in darts history after clinching the title aged 17 in January. Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn with Luke LittlerCredit: GettyLittler enjoyed a backstage snack after meeting undercard fighter Conner TudsburyNow the 18-year-old is enjoying life as a household name.And he sat ringside with promoter Eddie Hearn at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena to watch the boxing. He was even captured backstage trying some of Conner Tudsbury’s post-fight snacks before the boxer won his professional debut.Manchester City’s John Stones – following the Premier League champions 4-0 win over Newcastle – was also in attendance. READ MORE IN BOXINGLittler beat the great Michael van Gerwen to become champ but suffered a dip in form in the aftermath. He was beaten in Bahrain and Amsterdam before bailing out of the Players Championship in the Last 32. But he bounced back with victory over friend Luke Humphries to get off the mark in the Premier League. And the Nuke told Sky Sports: “It was a weird final.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWe both weren’t playing well. Now and then I looked up at the screen and we were both on a 90 average. “The crowd got involved. When Luke went 5-4 up, I thought just break him and I did well to hit an 11-darter. That was crucial.“Getting past Rob, the comeback was unbelievable. I felt really confident against Michael and the final was a weird, weird game.”Luke Littler says ‘he wanted to put it right’ beating Luke Humphries More

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    Eddie Hearn reveals Anthony Joshua’s ‘number one choice’ to fight next with Tyson Fury still in retirement

    ANTHONY JOSHUA is ready to look elsewhere for his next fight while Tyson Fury remains in retirement.The British superstars looked on course to finally face each other this year – potentially as part of a huge two-bout deal.Eddie Hearn says Anthony Joshua could look to rematch Daniel DuboisCredit: ReutersBut Fury, 36, announced a shock retirement in the wake of his second loss to Oleksandr Usyk, 38. Joshua, 35, is coming off a loss of his own after Daniel Dubois’ knockout victory in September. Dubois, 27, now defends his IBF title against Joseph Parker, 33, next Saturday in Saudi Arabia. Joshua will have a close eye on the bout and could look to fight the winner in his bid to become a three-time heavyweight champion. READ MORE IN BOXINGPromoter Hearn BetFred: “Right now because Tyson Fury is retired, so put him to the side for one second, the number one choice for AJ is to fight for the world heavyweight title. “That’s 99 per cent of what he wants to do and if that’s Daniel Dubois, no problem.”If that’s Joseph Parker, no problem. If AJ turns around and says that’s what he’s doing, then it’s done.”It’s not me saying he can’t fight Daniel Dubois. Some people say he shouldn’t have fought Oleksandr Usyk. What are you talking about?Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”It’s your job, he’s the mandatory, what do you want to do? Give your belt up and have all that criticism that you ducked Usyk and you vacated your belt to do it?”Hearn also talked down the prospect of Joshua joining Fury in hanging up his gloves. ‘Greedy Belly has been my best opponent’ – Oleksandr Usyk reveals how he really feels about Tyson Fury He said: “Not yet, but there will come the time. Those kinds of conversations really come from behind the scenes from how somebody is performing in camp. “In training camp, if you haven’t got it anymore, it’ll be apparent. The injuries will get worse, you’ll get hurt in sparring against somebody you shouldn’t be getting hurt against.”You’re not sharp and when that moment comes, that’s when the team will say ‘AJ’s not looking good you know’, and that’s the moment when I will probably have a conversation with him.“For the Daniel Dubois fight, the camp was great. He was super sharp and we were really confident going into that fight, coming off four good wins, two really good wins, and we thought he would win.”We knew how dangerous the fight was, so he comes out, has a terrible start, never really recovers, comes back into the fight a little bit and gets chinned. No problem.”If camp had gone really poorly and we were unsure, I think that conversation may have been brought forward.” More

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    Top six highest-paid boxers in the world revealed including Tyson Fury, Jake Paul and pound-for-pound legend

    JAKE PAUL and Tyson Fury make up two of the six highest-paid boxers in the world. Business sports page Sportico revealed the world’s 100 top-earning athletes of 2024.Tyson Fury and Oleksandr rank as two of the highest-paid athletes in the worldCredit: GettyJake Paul also makes the listCredit: GettyFootballer Cristiano Ronaldo topped the list with £206MILLION made – £170m of that coming on the field. Basketball star Steph Curry was second with £122m but the bulk of that – £79m – was actually earned off the court. Fury made the top three with wages of £116m with the majority – £111m – earned in the ring. The Gypsy King had two massive fights against Oleksandr Usyk last year – appearing to be worth £55.5m each. READ MORE IN BOXINGFury lost the first via split-decision – costing him his WBC belt and undefeated record. And Usyk, 38, then won the rematch in December in a controversial unanimous verdict. The Ukrainian ranked as the second highest-paid fighter on the list, earning £96.8m – all but £1.5m made through his two bouts. Fury, 36, has since announced his retirement despite a mega-bout with Anthony Joshua, 35, still on the table. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSJoshua was the fourth richest boxer on the list, making £47m in total last year, £39m in the ring. AJ fought twice last year, knocking out ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou, 38, in March before losing to Daniel Dubois, 27, in September. ‘Greedy Belly has been my best opponent’ – Oleksandr Usyk reveals how he really feels about Tyson Fury Canelo Alvarez, 34, was above him in third with £58m and £51.6m of that was through fighting alone. He beat Jaime Munguia, 28, in May and then Edgar Berlanga, 27, in September. Canelo was recently in shock talks to face YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul in May. But he walked away from the deal to sign with Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh and fights William Scull, 32, in May and Terence Crawford, 37, in September. Paul, 28, meanwhile fought three times last year, most recently against Mike Tyson, 58, in November. He knocked out boxer Ryan Bourland, 36, and ex-UFC star Mike Perry, 33, before that. Paul earned £38m last year with £30m of that made in the ring. READ MORE SUN STORIESNaoya Inoue, 31, was the final fighter on the list taking, home £33m in 2024 with £27.7m coming through fights.The Japanese pound-for-pound great beat Luis Nery, 30, and TJ Doheny, 38, in that period.Canelo Alvarez walked away from a fight with Jake PaulCredit: AFPAnthony Joshua fought twice in 2024Credit: REUTERSPound-for-pound superstar Naoya InoueCredit: AFP More

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    Jack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr EXACT ring-walk time: What time will the fight start in the UK?

    HOME FAVOURITE Jack Catterall in a Manchester boxing ring with a shot at the WBO super lightweight title on the line. Chorley-born Catterall, 31, finds himself in a title eliminator as he returns to Co-op Live Arena, Manchester – the place of his last fight.After beating Regis Prograis last October, Catterall, nicknamed ‘El Gato’, closes in on the chance to fight for the world title.Teofimo Lopez is the current holder of the WBO super-lightweight strap that the 31-year-old fighter is eyeing.Before the Prograis fight, Catterall exacted revenge on Josh Taylor in their rematch, and promoter Eddie Hearn has stated that he is now targeting Lopez.But first, attention turns to Arnold Barboza Jr.READ MORE IN BOXING 27-year-old Barboza Jr is a worthy opponent – eleven of the American’s 30 professional fights have ended in knockouts, and he has won all 30 of them.Here’s the information on when the two will step out for their bout. What time will the fight start in the UK?Catterall vs Barboza Jr will take place on Saturday, February 15.Official start times are yet to be announced but the card is expected to get started at around 7pm UK time.The main event between is set to begin at around 10pm UK time.The event will be broadcast live on DAZN Pay-Per-View, with PPV available to buy now at £19.99 in the UK.Alternatively, you can tune into SunSport’s live blog for updates on the night.Who else is on the card?Jack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – for vacant WBO Interim super-lightweight titleReece Bellotti vs Michael Gomez JrZelfa Barrett vs Jazza DickensPat McCormack vs Robbie Davies JrWilliam Crolla vs Ayoub ZakariConner Tudsbury vs Sadaam Moamed Da Silva CaetanoAqib Fiaz vs Lydon ChircopAlfie Middlemiss vs Caine SinghMost read in Boxing More

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    Team GB legend and former Strictly star Roger Black undergoes open heart surgery on condition he’s had for 47 YEARS

    FORMER Olympian Roger Black has undergone open heart surgery on a condition he has lived with for 47 years.The Team GB legend is a two-time 4x400m relay world champion and he won two silver medals at the 1996 Atlanta Games.Roger Black has undergone open heart surgeryCredit: InstagramThe Team GB icon won two silver medals at the Olympics in 1996Credit: Times Newspapers LtdBlack, 58, battled a congenital heart condition throughout his glittering career.But the athlete underwent surgery last month after his health took a turn for the worse.Black said on Instagram: “Three weeks ago I had open heart surgery to replace my aortic valve and repair my aortic root.”My ‘incompetent’ bicuspid aortic valve was discovered when I was 11-years-old and for the last 47 years I have been looked after by the cardiac team at Southampton General Hospital.READ MORE SPORT NEWS”At my annual check-up last summer it was clear that things had deteriorated despite me having no obvious symptoms.’It was a shock but deep down I knew this day would come even though I never allowed my heart disease to define me and prevent me from pursuing my athletic career.”Thank you to Mr Tsang and all the medical team in Southampton who cared for me during what was a tough time in hospital. I am forever grateful.”Most of all thank you to my wife Jules who was there when I woke up in intensive care 11 hours after surgery and has cared for me every day in recovery.Most read in Athletics”Each day has been about small steps – yesterday was a big milestone as we walked to the top of St Martha’s Hill… our special place.”After retiring from athletics, Black worked as a pundit for the BBC as well as appearing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2004, where he partnered pro Camilla Dallerup.The former runner also reached the Masterchef final in 2006, losing to rugby hero Matt Dawson.Black is a father of three, having twin boys George and Max with wife Julia Burgess.He also has a daughter Isabelle from his previous marriage to Elsa Devassoigne.When Black was diagnosed with congenital heart disease aged 11, he was initially banned from playing sport.He eventually got back into playing rugby before switching to athletics aged 18.Black’s health has worsened in recent years and he no longer exercises intensely due to his condition.Roger Black with his wife JuliaCredit: instagram More

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    Jack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr undercard: All the confirmed bouts taking place on huge bill

    BOXING fans cannot wait for the mouth-watering clash between Jack Catterall and Arnold Barboza this weekend.The main stage battle between Catterall and Barboza is going to attract fans from all over the world.Jack Catterall knows a win will be massive for himCredit: PAArnold Barboza remains undefeatedCredit: GettyThis Saturday, February 15, Catterall can move one step closer to another long-awaited world title shot when he faces the 33-year-old American for the WBO interim super lightweight title.The current holder of the WBO super-lightweight belt is Teofimo Lopez – whoever wins Saturday’s massive bout is expected to face Lopez next.’El Gato’ is looking for his latest crack at the biggest prizes after he famously lost a controversial split decision call for the undisputed light welterweight crown in 2022, which is still his only loss to date.Having long since avenged his defeat to Josh Taylor, the British star knows victory over the impressive unbeaten American can solidify his status once more, but he knows how big of a battle awaits him.READ MORE IN BOXINGCatterall is in promising form leading up to this fight, winning his last four fights, including a unanimous decision win over Regis Prograis.Barboza Jr recorded his best win of his career last time out where he beat Jose Ramirez.Catterall’s record consists of 30 wins (13 KOs) and only one loss, whereas his opponent has an incredible 31 wins (11 KOs) and yet to lose,The winner of this fight will move even closer to a world title shot – even with such a massive main card fight – fans won’t want to miss the rest of the fight card.Most read in BoxingHow to watch Catterall vs Barboza and when is it?Catterall vs Barboza is being held at the Co-Op Live Arena, Manchester.The main event ringwalks are anticipated to be around 10pm.The undercard is expected to start at 7pm, and the whole thing will be streamed on DAZN.There is no separate PPV price, and it is included in the standard DAZN cost of £24.99 a month.Alternatively, you can keep up to date live on the SunSport blog.Catterall vs Barboza full fight cardJack Catterall vs. Arnold Barboza Jr, for vacant WBO interim super lightweight titleZelfa Barrett vs. Jazza Dickens.Reece Bellotti vs. Michael Gomez Jr.Pat McCormack vs. Robbie Davies Jr.William Crolla vs. Ayoub Zakari.Conner Tudsbury vs. Sadaam Moamed Da Silva Caetano.Aqib Diaz vs. Lydon Chircop.Alfie Middlemiss vs. Caine Singh. More