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    TKO Saudi boxing league: When does UFC and WWE-backed league start and what does it mean for Eddie Hearn & Frank Warren?

    THERE is a new major player in the sport of boxing who could end up changing the landscape of the sport forever.Saudi bigwig Turki Alalshikh and The Ring Magazine have teamed up with the TKO Group – which owns the WWE and the UFC – to create a new boxing league.Turki Alalashikh announced the formation of a boxing league with the TKO Group this weekCredit: GETTYAlalshikh has enlisted the services of UFC supremo Dana White to run the leagueCredit: INSTAGRAM@TURKIALALSHIKHWhite has been brought on board to implement the UFC’s successful model in the leagueCredit: INSTAGRAM@DANAWHITEThe formation of the league could potentially change the landscape of boxing foreverCredit: GETTYAnd Alalshikh has enlisted the services of UFC supremo Dana White to run the promotion, which he believes will “crush” its rivals in the coming years.The chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority said: “If you want to fix boxing or any sport or doing some big project like this, we will not have any options better than Dana White.”And when I see him in this hotel before, one year (ago), with our friend Nick (Khan, TKO board member), and we are talking about this … we go on back, and we have the same vision.”And I trust (that) this league, in a short time, will crush everything.”READ MORE BOXING NEWSAlalshikh’s words have sent shockwaves across the boxing world, with promoters and sanctioning bodies now seriously sweating over their futures.But what does the Saudi-backed league mean for the future of boxing?SunSport is on hand to bring you everything we know so far about the potentially seismic shift in the noble art.When will the league be officially launched?JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTurki Alalshikh has teased a major announcement in SeptemberCredit: GETTYAn official date for the launch of the league – the name of which remains a mystery – has yet to be revealed.Most read in BoxingAlalshikh, however, teased that an announcement will be made on September 12, the day before the eagerly anticipated showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford.KSI tipped for sensational fight in Alcatraz by Turki Alalshikh as he makes major boxing U-turn During an appearance on ESPN, he said: “Ask [Dana] when the first event will be held in September. Ask him to answer… Maybe it’ll be September 12th.”What will the format be?Alalshikh has seemingly entrusted White to implement the highly successful and extremely profitable UFC format.It’s unclear whether the MMA league’s model will translate to the world of boxing given the promotion’s often-criticised revenue split with fighters and No1-ranked combatants often being overlooked for title shots.”There’s zero speculation on the format,” White said. “You know the format, and everybody knows the format.Implementing the UFC model in boxing could prove to be difficult for Dana WhiteCredit: GETTY”The best fight the best. You work your way up the rankings, and once somebody breaks into the top five, there’s no question who the best five guys in the world are in each weight class, and they fight it out.”And then, once somebody holds that belt, you don’t need three letters in front of the belt.”Whoever has that belt is the best in the world in that weight class. It’s a very simple model.”Potential amendments to or the repealing of the Ali Act – which was introduced in 1999 to protect the welfare of fighters and eliminate anti-competitive practices in the sport – could end up working in favour of White and Co.What does it mean for promoters?Veteran promoters Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn will be sweating following the announcementCredit: GETTYVeteran promoters Bob Arum, Eddie Hearn, Oscar De La Hoya, Ben Shalom and Frank Warren will undoubtedly be thinking about their futures in the sport following the bombshell announcement.But they won’t be going anywhere any time soon as they have most of the talent contractually locked up.That means the TKO-backed league will initially need to work with Boxxer, Golden Boy, Matchroom, Top Rank and Queensberry Promotions.READ MORE SUN STORIESFighters, however, could opt to see out their contracts with their respective promoters and jump ship given the prestige The Ring Magazine belt holds and the promotional power the TKO Group possesses.The biggest motivator for jumping ship, however, will be the astronomical paydays the Saudis have dished out in recent years. More

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    Olympics icon pulls out of professional boxing debut after health scare and is ‘undergoing further tests’

    CINDY NGAMBA has been pulled from her eagerly anticipated professional debut due to a medical “issue”.The Olympian was set to make her professional bow on the undercard of Natasha Jonas’ unfied light-middleweight title defence against Lauren Price at the Royal Albert Hall on Friday night. Cindy Ngamba was set to make her professional debut on FridayCredit: PAThe 26-year-old was set to throw down with Kirstie Bavington on a historic card at London’s Royal Albert HallCredit: GETTYBut a medical issue has scuppered the 26-year-old’s eagerly anticipated pro debutCredit: GETTYBut doctors have pulled the Cameroonian from the card after discovering an “issue” during her pre-fight screening. A Boxxer statement read: “Cindy Ngamba will not be making her professional debut on Friday night after a pre-fight medical examination revealed an issue requiring further medical attention.”The health and safety of fighters remains the highest priority. “And Cindy will undergo further tests in the coming days.”Boxing fans took to X to discuss their dismay at the cancellation of Ngamba’s clash with Kirstie Bavington.One wrote: “Hope it’s nothing serious. “Far too many scares in boxing to be taking the risk now.”Another said: “Hopefully, Ngamba makes a speedy recovery and the fight can be rearranged.”Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSCindy Ngamba claimed a bronze medal at the 2024 Olympics in ParisCredit: GETTYAnd another said: “Don’t know about you lot but that’s my friday ruined!”One remarked: “Not an ideal start to a pro career on the eve of her debut. Bizarre moment Conor Benn has face off with an empty chair after Chris Eubank Jr no-shows following egg slap row”Hopefully, nothing too serious.”Ngamba’s debut was one of the most anticipated fights on the historic all-female card at the Albert Hall.The 26-year-old, who has called the UK home since she was 11, competed at the 2024 Olympics in Paris – representing the Refugee Olympic Team. And she became the first winner of a medal for the team when she took home a bronze in the Under-75 kg category.Ngamba – who was ineligible to compete for Team GB despite training with the team – bravely came out as a lesbian in 2017. Her public declaration of her sexuality means she risks imprisonment if she returns to Cameroon, where homosexuality is illegal.She revealed: “You can be killed, beaten up or put in prison. I can’t go back.” More

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    I sunk $100,000 into my boxing career before one punch changed my life… now I’m signed to Jake Paul

    LUCAS BAHDI sunk $100,000 of his own money into his boxing career – but one punch saw the gamble all pay off. Bahdi was an unknown outsider in July 2024 when Floyd Schofield pulled out of fighting Jake Paul’s highly-touted prospect Ashton Sylve. Lucas Bahdi knocked out Ashton Sylve with a monstrous left hookCredit: Esther Lin/ Most Valuable PromotionsBahdi was signed by Jake Paul afterwardsCredit: Esther Lin/ Most Valuable PromotionsSo when the Canadian got the call on three weeks notice to replace Schofield – he backed his lightning quick hands to steal Sylve’s thunder.Bahdi, 31, told SunSport: “I was going in as a B-side opponent. They didn’t expect anything from me. “That was an event to showcase Ashton and I came in and I stole the show.”They didn’t really know much about me at the time but they got to learn real quick.” READ MORE IN BOXINGBahdi sensationally came from behind to knock Sylve out and leave the 21-year-old faceplanting the canvas after a devastating left hook.The lightweight became a star overnight and was quickly signed by Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions banner. But what fans did not know was Bahdi had been quietly making a name for himself on small shows in Mexico and Canada. He was just praying an opportunity would come his way – estimating he spent $100,000 (£77,000) of his own cash to fund his career. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBahdi said: “When I first turned pro, I was fighting like every four or five weeks.”I fought nine fights in nine months and I funded my whole career from from my pro debut till about 11-0, 12-0.KSI lifts lid on meeting with Turki Alalshikh and teases fight talks… but blasts Jake Paul as ‘disgrace to boxing’ “And if I didn’t do that, I probably wouldn’t have got that opportunity to fight Ashton.”Because I would have had only a couple of fights or I would have been with the local promoter.”I think everything played out in my favour. I bet on myself and I definitely pulled through.”Bahdi’s sixth-round KO of Sylve was fitting for any Hollywood movie script – but he says that is nothing compared to what he experienced in Mexico. One bout – during the covid pandemic – saw Bahdi travel without any friends, family or coaches.And he was staring defeat in the face when both his hands were busted and his eyes almost closed shut due to damage sustained. Bahdi revealed: “Five weeks before, I broke my left hand. I was so frustrated with everything that I didn’t care.It was the craziest story – they could have made a movie on that night. Lucas Bahdi “I said, I’m still gonna go and I’m gonna knock him out with one hand. And in the first round, I broke my good hand!”So I was in there with two broken hands and it was the middle of the second round when I realised something is really wrong with my good hand at the time.”Things weren’t going well for me after that point, the third round was a terrible round and I was getting touched up pretty good.”Both my eyes were almost swollen shut and in the fourth round, I ended up catching him with counter left hook and knocked him out.”It was the craziest story – they could have made a movie on that night. “From before the fight, till after the fight, to going home, traveling alone with two broken hands, with almost two eyes that are swollen shut.”There could have been a movie on that. I couldn’t even pack my bags. ‘It’s only a matter of time'”To get out of the hotel, I literally had to get the front desk to help me. It a crazy eventful experience, to say the least.”Bahdi is now a 135lb contender being pushed with the help of YouTuber-turned boxer Paul. And Bahdi said: “He’s not only a boxer himself, he’s a promoter, so he’s got to put both hats on and it’s not easy to do. But he’s amazing for the sport.”He’s amazing to be a part of his team because he’s got such a big influence and he’s he’s making waves in the boxing scene right now as you can see and I think this is only the beginning.”Bahdi is 18-0 with 15 KOs and returns on Friday in Canada against Ryan James Racaza, 28, himself unbeaten in 15 bouts.And he warned the champions at lightweight that it is only a matter of time until he comes hunting for their gold. Bahdi warned: “I think in the next six to 12 months, I’ll be fighting for titles. It’s only a matter of time. I’m only a couple of fights away.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m aiming for the champions, whether it’s Gervonta Davis, Shakur Stevenson, Loma or Keyshawn Davis. For me, I don’t care.”I’m gonna be knocking on their doors very soon and if they don’t answer, I’ll be kicking them down.”Bahdi’s brutal KO of SylveCredit: Esther Lin/ Most Valuable PromotionsHe is now 18-0 looking for a world title shotCredit: Esther Lin/ Most Valuable Promotions More

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    ‘It’s f***ing brutal’ – Dillon Danis reveals horror knee injury left him suicidal before turning his career around

    DILLON DANIS has opened up on how his horror knee injury left him in the darkest of places – and how boxing has been an unlikely source of light.The American shot to fame in 2016 after being hired by Conor McGregor as a jiu-jitsu training partner before the Irishman’s rematch win over Nate Diaz. Dillon Danis recovered after horror knee injuriesCredit: @dillondanisHe has turned it around to embark on a big-money boxing switchCredit: SplashDanis has since become a controversial and outspoken figure in fight sports after going 2-0 in MMA. But two agonising knee injuries suffered in training left him bed bound and depressed.Danis, 31, told SunSport: “It was terrible. F***ing terrible.”I mean, I don’t want to get too dark, but it does get a little suicidal because you can’t do what you love and you’re stuck in a bed in a brace, you can’t move for eight months.READ MORE IN BOXING”I had it twice, so yeah, it’s f***ing brutal. You don’t know if you’re ever gonna be the same again.”There’s a lot of s***, man, it’s one of the worst things that you can go through as an athlete.”Danis’ last fight in the cage was 2019 and he became more recognisable as an internet troll than professional fighter. And despite limited striking skills, Danis chased big-money boxing bouts against the likes of Jake Paul. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe pulled out of a 2023 fight against KSI before eventually facing Paul’s brother Logan in his boxing debut in 2023. Danis does now return to the ring once more to fight KSI on March 29 in Manchester – three years after their initial bout was axed. KSI reveals penalties in Dillon Danis’ contract to stop rival performing MMA moves in ring And, the New Yorker also has an MMA return scheduled for May against ex-UFC star Tony Ferguson, 41. It is a sudden turn of events for the 31-year-old – who welcomed his son into the world one month before fighting Logan. Danis said: “I’m fine money-wise, it’s just more for my legacy in my career.”I wanna get back just fighting, that’s what I love to do. I have to do knee surgeries and now I’m more healthy. “So I just wanna be active, but obviously having a son is great, but you know, providing, but I have money, so it is what it is.”Danis was disqualified in the sixth and final round against Logan after attempting an MMA-style submission move. And he had no plans of ever getting back into the boxing ring – until a mega-money offer came in from old enemy KSI.Danis said: “I didn’t wanna box again, to be honest with you. Danis welcomed his son into the world in 2023Credit: @dillondanisDanis is out to provide for his boyCredit: @dillondanis”I want MMA but then this fight came around and it was KSI and redemption and there was a lot of things into it.”A lot of money, and you know me and KSI’s backstory, him being close to Logan.”So yeah, I mean it is what it is. I knew that KSI always needed me with this fight. I don’t need him. He needs me.”KSI is yet to return since suffering his first defeat in the ring, losing a controversial decision to Tommy Fury, 25, the night Danis fought Logan. And the British YouTuber-turned-boxer was left scrambling for an opponent after ex-Chelsea defender Wayne Bridge, 44, pulled out.That was after KSI made reference to Bridge’s infamous feud with former team-mate John Terry.So Danis was called in as a late replacement – offering him and KSI the chance to finish their feud once and for all. But Danis said: “I just feel like he’s not equal to me. I was saying he’s like a little brother to me, so I don’t know, I don’t really care about the guy.”I’m gonna knock him out and get my money and go and fight Tony. So it is what it is. It’s an easy boxing match.”He’s gonna run around for six rounds. I know how he is. I’m just happy to punch him in the face.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe bad blood between the two escalated on stage at the press conference when KSI slapped Danis with a PANCAKE. Danis had to be held back by a team of security as he desperately tried to get his hands on KSI – who wheeled off in laughter. KSI slapped Danis with a pancake at their press conferenceCredit: PA More

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    Love Island’s Curtis Pritchard ready to follow Tommy Fury into boxing ring and says he could train with a British legend

    CURTIS PRITCHARD is ready to follow Love Island pal Tommy Fury into the Misfits Boxing ring. The likes of Fury and Idris Virgo have both featured on the hit ITV show before and after making waves in the sport. Curtis Pritchard is ready to follow Love Island pal Tommy Fury into the Misfits Boxing ringCredit: Rex FeaturesAnd more recently, the unbeaten pair signed to Misfits – the home of celebrity-style crossover bouts headed up by YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI. And now professional dancer Pritchard – who was once trained by Fury – fancies his chances in the ring. He told SunSport: “I’ve always been into fighting and boxing and all of that stuff so it’s something I’ve always wanted to do as a kid. “But dancing was my main career at the time and you couldn’t balance when you’re doing it at a very high level.READ MORE IN boxing “So I feel like now I’m at a different place in my life and I thought, let’s do some boxing. Let’s do something I’ve always wanted to do and get in the ring.”Pritchard, 29, has laced up the gloves before with the help of Fury, 25 for a series called The Boxer and the Ballroom Dancer. Fury was taught how to dance for a live performance and Pritchard was coached for a white collar bout – which he won on points. And Pritchard said: “The boxer and ballroom dancer! Trained him up to a dancing competition, they trained me up to do a boxing match, loved it, sick little thing that was.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”The only downside was it was a white collar fight, so we had all the headgear on and stuff, and I just feel like it distracts you slightly.”You have to move more with that on, so I would have preferred to have done it without it, but I would say it’s easier with the head guard on, so it’d be nice to try it without it on.”Love Island’s Curtis takes savage swipe at Ekin-Su’s ex Davide and offers him boxing match for ‘not treating her well’Pritchard’s friendship with Fury strained over the years but he still keeps in contact with British boxing legend Ricky Hatton after their sessions for the series. He said: “I’ve done some boxing with him before many years ago, so I can always turn to them and ask them for advice.”Lovely people up in Manchester because that’s my hometown area of Cheshire.”Pritchard has teased a bout against Davide Sanclimenti, 30, the ex of his current girlfriend Ekin-Su Culculoglu.But pressed on opponents, Pritchard said: “All things to be thinking about and in the pipeline at the minute. “But I actually did my first little session earlier today.”Pritchard met Ekin-Su on the latest series of Love Island All Stars. READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile Fury last year split up with Molly-Mae Hague despite rumours of a recent rekindling. The 10-0 boxer last fought in October 2023, beating KSI via controversial decision but he pulled out of facing Darren Till, 31, in January. Pritchard won his first boxing march for an ITV showCredit: ITV/YouTube More

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    KSI lifts lid on meeting with Turki Alalshikh and teases fight talks… but blasts Jake Paul as ‘disgrace to boxing’

    KSI has lifted the lid on his meeting with Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh – and revealed their shared hatred for Jake Paul. Alalshikh has helped turn the sport around thanks to his deep pockets – offering enough for even the most bitter of rivals to work together. Turki Alalshikh met with KSICredit: Instagram @turkialalshikJake Paul has rivalled Saudis AlalshikhCredit: GettyBut the powerful Saudi advisor has made it clear he is not a fan of new-age influencer boxing – spearheaded by the likes of KSI and Paul. And Alalshikh was particularly critical of Paul’s controversial win over 58-year-old legend Mike Tyson last November. So fans were stunned when Alalshikh posted a video meeting with KSI and teasing working together for a fight in America. KSI revealed he was able to convince Alalshikh into changing his opinion after Paul left a bitter taste in the money-man’s mouth. READ MORE IN BOXINGHe said: “I think Jake Paul’s ruined it. I think Jake Paul ruined it completely, him fighting an OAP.”Mike Tyson was not meant to be in that ring by any means and it was a disgrace. A disgrace to boxing and stuff like that angers Turki. “You can see that Turki’s very passionate when it comes to boxing and Mike Tyson’s a legend, you don’t do stuff like that to a legend even if you know money’s been thrown at you. “It was a disgusting moment and stuff like that annoyed him and Jake was also trying to fight Canelo and trying to make boxing a circus.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I feel like that’s what Jake Paul is trying to do and I think that is one of the reasons why he sees the whole side of the internet, YouTube boxing side is just a bit of a mess and that’s why he didn’t want to touch it. “But when he talked to me, he realised, ‘Oh, there’s another side to it.’ There’s people who actually take it seriously. KSI reveals penalties in Dillon Danis’ contract to stop rival performing MMA moves in ring “I’ve got a lot of things going on, but when it comes to boxing, whenever I go into the ring, take it seriously and I’m fighting serious people”That’s just how it is. I think me and him bonded quite well and we have some very exciting things in the future for sure.”KSI could face backlash for his comments due to his level of opposition in the past. He even signed to fight Wayne Bridge, 44, for his next bout until the ex-Chelsea star pulled out after his infamous feud with John Terry was referenced. And Dillon Danis, 31, a 2-0 MMA fighter who lost his boxing debut to Logan Paul, 29, replaced Bridge to face KSI on March 29 in Manchester. But KSI – who did fight 10-0 Tommy Fury in his last bout – claimed a lack of willing rivals left him scrambling to find an opponent for his return. Paul, 28, meanwhile is 11-1 in the ring with his only defeat also coming to Fury, 25, via split-decision in 2023. And he suffered heartbreak after boxing icon Canelo Alvarez, 34, snubbed their fight deal to instead sign with Alalshikh. KSI admits not even Alalshikh could guarantee him an overdue grudge match against Paul – but he boasts that he does not need him anyway. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “I know Turki and Jake don’t see eye to eye. It could be difficult but you never know.”I think for me, I have some more exciting things and some bigger fights than Jake Paul.” KSI and Jake Paul pictured clashing in the ring in 2020Credit: Getty Images – Getty More

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    ‘He knows the consequences’ – KSI reveals penalties in Dillon Danis’ contract to stop rival performing MMA moves in ring

    KSI revealed Dillon Danis risks heavy penalties if he tries any more MMA moves in the boxing ring. The rivals settle their score in the squared circle on March 29 in Manchester – three years after Danis pulled out of their original bout. KSI revealed Dillon Danis risks penalties if he tries anymore MMA moves in the ringCredit: PADillon Danis got disqualified for an MMA move on Logan PaulCredit: GettyDanis did make his boxing debut in October 2023 against Logan Paul but it ended in chaos when the jiu-jitsu champion got himself disqualified. The American attempted an MMA-style submission move in round six – sparking a mass brawl in the ring and his expulsion from the bout. But KSI – who lost to Tommy Fury on the same night – has come prepared to avoid a farcical repeat with the devil in the fine print details. He said: “We’ve put stuff in the contract. So yeah, I don’t think he’s gonna do anything stupid. READ MORE IN BOXING”I think he knows the consequences, I just know he’s screwed. I can’t wait to show what was meant to have happened, compared to what Logan did.”KSI has goaded Danis by claiming he only accepted the fight to afford the lawsuit launched by Paul’s fiancee Nina Agdal for online harassment. But Danis, acknowledging the contract stipulations, told SunSport: “They’re gonna take my check away if I choke him out. “So we’ll see if I need the money or not.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKSI – who trains at MMA gym London Shootfighters – is already anticipating some of Danis’ wild antics in the ring. He said: “I’m just more active. I just do more, I’m not a guy that throws one jab and then just gives him time to breathe.”I’m gonna be on him. I like to close a fight. I like to knock someone out. “I like to finish a fight, so yeah, I’m not gonna just give him time to breathe.”I’m going to be on him smothering him and making his life hell, to the point where he’s gonna be desperate and probably try to do some jiu-jitsu move.”Obviously, you know I’m in an MMA gym so I’m gonna see it coming and then use it to my advantage and knock him out.”KSI, 31, is yet to return since losing a controversial decision to Tommy Fury, 25, his first boxing defeat. He was also forced to pull out of his August comeback bout due to a hand injury – which KSI has since recovered from. And the YouTuber-turned-boxer struggled to find an opponent for this fight claiming FIVE names turned him down. At one point, he even signed to face Wayne Bridge, 44, until the ex-Chelsea star pulled out after KSI referenced his infamous feud with John Terry. KSI – who slapped Danis with a pancake at their heated press conference – has faced criticism for his level of opposition.That is despite his training and managerial team also having a say on who he fights as Danis, 31, was drafted in as an emergency replacement. But KSI said: “It always comes down to me in terms of who I get to fight. Everyone has an opinion.”But I’m able to say the final say and they gave me Dillon Danis as the guy because we went through a load of people and it was getting to a point where it was like maybe there isn’t an event.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So we saw Dillon and I’ve wanted to knock this guy out. We’ve been going back and forth in DMs or publicly and I just I didn’t feel that Logan Paul did enough.”I didn’t think he did enough. He won, easily won the fight but I don’t want to just win the fight, I want to see him knocked out. I need to see him knocked out.”KSI slapped Danis with a pancakeCredit: PA More

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    Dillian Whyte shares gruesome picture of horror injury that forced cancellation of Joe Joyce fight

    DILLIAN WHYTE has given an update on the gruesome injury that forced him to withdraw from his fight with Joe Joyce.Whyte was due to fight Joyce in Manchester on April 5, but had to pull out of the domestic dust up after cutting open his finger while training in the gym.Dillian Whyte has opened up about his finger injuryCredit: GettyWhyte was forced to withdraw from his upcoming bout with Joe Joyce due to the injuryCredit: GettyOrganisers were left searching for a replacement for Joyce, while Whyte begins to recover in the hopes of returning to the ring soon.However, the 36-year-old could be a long way from gloving up after he shared a gory snap of the cut going down to the bone on his finger.In an interview with talkSPORT, Whyte revealed that he had initially hoped to fight, but had to withdraw when realising the severity of the issue.He said: “I was training as usual and there was a guy next to me in the gym and he dropped his weights and it rolled down.READ MORE IN BOXING”As I put my weight down, I ended up catching his finger between his dumbell and my dumbell.”I still wanted to fight so I didn’t tell my team, I had a few days off with a chest infection.”But it cut right to the bone although I just thought I could get stitches and put it back in a glove again.”It’s cut down the first joint so it’s hard for me to bend it and I can’t clench my first properly.”Most read in BoxingGRAPHIC WARNINGWhyte shared a gruesome picture of his finger injuryCredit: Dillian WhyteCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Body Snatcher is now seeing a specialist in the hopes of possibly rescheduling the fight somewhere down the line.He added: “I’m seeing the specialist later this week just to see.SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr reacts to Dillian Whyte pulling out of Joe Joyce fight”I’m getting some feeling back, but I have been getting numbness in my finger.”But my movement is coming back, it is cut to the bone so it could be nerve damage but we will see.”Whyte had secured a mega-money rematch with Anthony Joshua at a sold-out O2 in August 2023.But he failed a VADA test and the bout was binned at the start of fight week, leaving Robert Helenius to step in.Since then he has fought just twice, beating Christian Hammer in an untelevised punch-up in Ireland, before returning to screens with a laboured victory over Ebenezer Tetteh.For Joyce, Whyte’s injury means he will now face Croatian cruncher Filip Hrgovic.Filip Hrgovic will replace Whyte in the ringCredit: Getty More