Aurelia Butler

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    in Boxing

    Tyson Fury pulled me aside backstage to ask why I was backing Oleksandr Usyk – I know how Ukrainian can win

    GEORGE GROVES claims Tyson Fury pulled him aside before demanding to know why he was backing Oleksandr Usyk to win next month’s heavyweight title fight.Fury and Usyk will finally collide in a championship unifier when they take to the ring in Saudi Arabia on February 17.
    George Groves predicts Oleksandr Usyk will beat Tyson FuryCredit: Reuters
    Groves was confronted by Fury over his backing for UsykCredit: Reuters
    The two men are the princes of the heavyweight division.
    And whoever emerges victorious will finally be crowned the king once and for all.
    Many are predicting Fury to win the bout thanks to his size and strength advantage.
    But former WBA super-middleweight champ Groves is backing Usyk to come up with the goods.
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    He reckons the Ukrainian’s smaller frame will work to his advantage.
    And Groves even claims that after getting wind of his prediction, Fury confronted him backstage at a show before demanding an explanation.
    Groves told Grosvenor Casino: “I think Usyk wins, I think he’s in better form.
    “I know people are attacking him a bit for the Dubois performance but I thought he was very, very good. Usyk was in full control and stopped him. 
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    “Usyk will take Fury out of his comfort zone, Fury’s a big unit and he carries a lot of weight.
    “And if Usyk makes him work harder than he used to then it’s going to be a tough night for him. 
    “Usyk builds into a fight and each round he cranks it up. I think he’s in better form, I’m going against the natural size of Fury, and I’m picking Usyk. I think he wins quite comfortably. 
    “Fury pulled me backstage once and he said ‘hey, why are you picking Usyk to win’ and I said ‘Tyson, someone’s got to pick him’.”
    Groves’ prediction comes after Fury declared he will only train for five weeks before facing Usyk.
    He said: “I train four or five weeks for these fights.
    “Please, like I trained 12 weeks for Wilder and everybody else! Four or five weeks, how much training does a man need?
    “Three or four weeks of sparring and one week of resting, done. We’ve been boxing for all of our lives since young boys, how much training do we need?
    “I’m sure we aren’t going to forgot how to box and it’s not a fitness competition is it, so I don’t think you need anymore than five weeks.”

    TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE UNDISPUTED HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT More

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    KSI vacates his Misfits Boxing title belt in cryptic social media post… as he reveals ‘other plans in the pipeline’

    KSI announced he has vacated his Misfits Boxing title belt to pursue “other plans in the pipeline”. The YouTuber-turned boxer launched Misfits in 2022 as a platform for celebrity-style crossover bouts.
    KSI announced he has vacated his Misfits Boxing title beltCredit: Getty
    In his comeback after three years out, he beat rapper Swarmz and Mexican boxer Luis Pinenda to win the cruiserweight title.
    He defended it with a knockout over gamer Faze Temper and against nightclub tycoon and professional boxer Joe Fournier.
    It was also on the line the night he lost to Tommy Fury – but he never actually conceded the title.
    Now it appears KSI will not defend it again either after taking to social media to reveal it has been vacated.
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    He posted: “I have enjoyed the honour of being The Misfits Cruiserweight Champion immensely.
    “I have other plans in the pipeline and it wouldn’t be fair for me to hold that title any longer so…
    “I am relinquishing the belt and a new champion will be crowned on the next Survivor Tag!”
    KSI, 30, took time away from boxing following defeat to Fury, 24.
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    But he recently confirmed he WILL return this year, eyeing a summer fight date.
    Although a rematch with Fury looks unlikely after their bitter fallout following the controversial fight ending.
    And a grudge match against Jake Paul, 27, also faces the KO amid a breakdown in talks between the camps.
    Tommy Fury beat KSI via controversial decisionCredit: PA More

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    Joshua Buatsi vs Dan Azeez: UK start time, live stream, TV channel, full card for huge light-heavyweight clash

    JOSHUA BUATSI faces another tough test as he takes on Dan Azeez in a cracking British light-heavyweight clash this weekend. The bout will be contested over 12 rounds for Azeez’s British, Commonwealth and European titles at 175lbs.
    Joshua Buatsi’s biggest win came against Craig Richards in May 2022Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Dan Azeez is the British, Commonwealth and European champion at light-heavyweight
    The winner will likely set themselves up for a huge world title showdown against WBA world champion Dmitry Bivol.
    Azeez and Buatsi were supposed to clash towards the end of 2023, but an injury to the former set the fight back a few months.
    Now the pair are set to clash in the capital, with the victor set to take home the ultimate boxing bragging rights.
    When is Buatsi vs Azeez?

    Buatsi’s clash with Azeez will take place on Saturday, February 3.
    The main card will get going from 7pm, with the main event expected to start at around 10.30pm GMT.
    Wembley Arena will play host to the light-heavyweight match-up.

    What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

    Buatsi vs Azeez will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Arena.
    The action gets underway from 7pm on Arena and 8.30pm on Main Event.
    You can live stream the card from the Sky Go or NOW TV app, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.

    Buatsi vs Azeez full card

    Joshua Buatsi vs Dan Azeez (light-heavyweight)
    Adam Azim (C) vs Enock Poulsen (European super-lightweight title)
    Caroline Dubois vs Miranda Reyes (vacant IBO women’s lightweight title)
    Ben Whittaker vs Khalid Graidia (light-heavyweight)
    Francesca Hennessy vs Laura Belen Valdebenito (bantamweight)
    Jeamie TKV vs Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko (heavyweight) More

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    Olivia Dunne concerns over her LSU gymnastics future after being left out of lineup for second straight week in row

    CONCERNS have been raised over Olivia Dunne and her gymnastics future.The LSU gymnast star, 21, hasn’t appeared in the collegiate team’s lineup for two straight weeks.
    College sports star Olivia Dunne hasn’t participated in LSU’s last gymnastics meetsCredit: Getty
    The 21-year-old is in her senior season as an LSU gymnastCredit: Getty
    The New Jersey native boasts around 13 million followers across social media and has a NIL deal valued at $3.5 millionCredit: Getty
    Dunne has become immensely popular due to her social media presence.
    She has close to 13 million across Instagram and TikTok .
    As a result, Olivia has an NIL deal that is valued at $3.5 million, the second-highest across the country.
    The 21-year-old has entered her senior year as a gymnast.

    But Dunne hasn’t appeared in two straight LSU meets.
    The most recent absence came when the Tigers lost to Missouri 197.325-197.225.
    Olivia was seen cheering on her teammates but was left out of the lineup and didn’t perform.
    She had sat the previous week against Kentucky.
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    Dunne has recently posted videos of herself training on the balance team.
    It’s unclear if Olivia is dealing with an injury.
    As for LSU, they will host Arkansas on February 2.
    Dunne has still had success outside of the sport of gymnastics.
    The New Jersey native has been revealed as one of the stars of a new Prime Video documentary alongside fellow LSU gymnasts Flau’jae Johnson Angel Reese, and Jayden Daniels. More

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    Conor McGregor invited to make brutal bare-knuckle boxing switch after UFC superstar strikes deal with BKFC

    CONOR McGREGOR has been invited to make a switch to brutal bare-knuckle boxing after striking a sponsorship deal. McGregor’s Forged Irish Stout is now partnered with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
    Conor McGregor with BKFC founder David FeldmanCredit: BKFC
    The Irishman himself talked up the idea of one day taking the gloves off for a brutal bout with exposed fists.
    In 2017, he crossed over to the boxing ring to face Floyd Mayweather, losing in ten rounds but making around £100million in doing so.
    The UFC gave McGregor special permission to do so and co-promoted the money-spinning spectacle.
    So it leaves BKFC founder David Feldman refusing to rule out the 35-year-old stepping into the world of bare-knuckle boxing.
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    He told SunSport: “Look, theoretically he can’t because he’s under contract with the UFC and we actually have a great relationship with the UFC.
    “But I think Conor plays by a different set of rules any maybe there’s a way to partner on an event, who knows?
    “But as far as us doing it by ourselves, I don’t think that ever happens. But maybe a collaboration? It could happen, he likes it.”
    McGregor was ringside in April when his former opponents Eddie Alvarez, 40, and Chad Mendes, 38, fought at BKFC 41.
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    Later that night, ex-UFC star Mike Perry, 32, defeated Luke Rockhold, 39, and McGregor jumped in the ring afterwards for a face off.
    Feldman said: “They’d both stand there and bang and Mike Perry talks good, Conor talks good and it wold be really, really fun to watch.
    “There’s a lot of guys out there too. A lot of guys in the UFC that would be fun; Justin Gaethje, he would be really fun to watch here.
    “I think Conor versus Mike Perry, the whole world would tune in.”
    McGregor paraded around with a BKFC championship belt and squared up to their biggest star in Perry.
    And it gave Feldman quite possibly the greatest bit of marketing possible.
    He said: “It’s huge and since that time we were able to sign a deal with him for his Forged Irish Stout, which is now a sponsor of ours.
    “He’s going to be an ambassador and it was a great thing. He liked what he saw, it’s had not to like it if you’re a real fighter.
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    “It’s hard not to get excited about it and he got excited about it. Now it’s turned into a good relationship.
    “It’s amazing, you’ve got the number one combat sports guy in the whole entire world who likes your product and want to be involved with you in some shape or form.”
    Mike Perry squaring up to Conor McGregorCredit: Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship More

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    Forgotten Team GB star Dwain Chambers ‘to RETURN to athletics 20 YEARS after doping ban’ aged 45

    DWAIN CHAMBERS is set to make a shock return to athletics aged 45 – more than 20 years after his doping ban.Chambers was suspended for two years in 2003 after testing positive for the steroid THG.
    Dwain Chambers is eyeing a stunning return to athletics aged 45Credit: AP:Associated Press
    However, he was back competing for Great Britain in 2006 and went on to enjoy great success, especially indoors where he was crowned world 60m champion.
    But now the Daily Mail report the North London sprinter will make his major comeback at the UK Athletics Indoor Championships in February.
    Dad-of-two Chambers ran an impressive 6.81sec to break the over-45s 60m world record at Lee Valley earlier this month.
    And the self-described ‘Benjamin Button’ plans to compete over the same distance at the flagship UK meeting in Birmingham.
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    That could see him go up against athletes literally half his age.
    Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, ex-60m world champ Richard Kilty, reigning British champion Reece Prescod and 100m world semi-finalist Eugene Amo-Dadzie may also feature.
    And should Chambers take to the start line, it would cap off an incredible return to top-level athletics.
    The former 100m world bronze medallist in 1999, who won 4 x 100m European gold, has not featured at the Indoor Championships for four years and failed to get through outdoor 100m heats in both 2021 and 2022.
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    Chambers saw his European 100m gold medal and record 9.87sec time nullified by his drugs ban but stepped back into competition briefly in 2006.
    He then had ventures into both American Football and rugby league before turning his attention largely to the 60m distance – although he did race against Usain Bolt at London 2012.
    Five-time national indoor winner Chambers’ 6.42sec time from 2009 remains the British record.
    Chambers is also a coach at his academy at Lee Valley as he prepares for his shock comeback after a decade away from representing Great Britain on the international stage.
    Chambers missed out on qualifying for the 100m outdoors in 2021 and 2022Credit: PA
    He is still competing and is also a coach for younger athletesCredit: Instagram More

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    Floyd Mayweather wanted to sign me but I turned it down… now I’m with Jake Paul and on course for a world title shot

    ASHTON SYLVE once looked destined to sign for Floyd Mayweather – but he turned down the boxing hero for Jake Paul. Sylve was a national amateur standout with over 110 bouts and ten titles to his name.
    Ashton Sylve met Floyd Mayweather as a kid but turned down the legend’s offer to promote him
    Sylve is now signed to Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions
    And growing up, he was a regular in Mayweather’s famed Las Vegas boxing club, where he caught the eye of the American icon.
    Sylve, 20, told SunSport: “Since I was young he was always like, ‘When you’re ready. We’re here whenever you’re ready.’
    “Whenever I saw him he would say, ‘Whenever you’re ready, whenever you’re ready.’”
    Sylve left behind the amateurs to turn professional in 2020 at the age of just 16.
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    The hot prospect had a host of top promoters lining up to secure his signature but dad and mentor Ivan insisted they held out.
    And that meant painfully rebuffing approaches from idol Mayweather.
    But, as fate would have it, Paul and his business partner Nakisa Bidarian were ready to make an offer that could not be refused.
    Sylve revealed: “It was honestly real hard.
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    “I was at a point where I was not going to listen to my dad, it was kind of taking too long and I was like five or six fights in.
    “I was ready to be on the big stage and I thought Floyd or whoever else would have put me on that spotlight.
    “But everything happens for a reason and that’s when Jake came around I think two fights later and Nakisa came to one of my fights.
    “I had an amazing knockout and we kind of went from there. If I had gone with someone else, I don’t think I’d be in this position.”
    Sylve signed for YouTuber-turned boxer Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions in April 2022 and has not looked back since.
    He said: “My team and my dad definitely told me to take my time. 
    “When I had certain offers come my way I definitely wanted to jump at them and get ahead of myself just because of the name of who the promoter was. 
    “But as soon as MVP went our way – and we went through pretty much every big promotion company – we took our time with them too and heard what they had for us and it wasn’t quite fitting for us. 
    “But as soon as MVP came, Jake gave us his idea and offer, we met Jake and everything seemed to align.” 
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    Sylve returns on Friday against Estivan Falcao for the WBC junior world title, offering the winner a chance to shoot up the rankings for a future shot at the belt.
    He said: “That’s why we’re at this point right now, fighting for the title because the development of my career and the team behind me has pushed me and put me in the right position.” 
    Ashton Sylve fights for the WBC junior world titleCredit: Most Valuable Promotions/Esther Lin More

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    World boxing champ Terence Crawford ‘casually living his best life’ at AVN porn awards

    BOXING fans joked Terence Crawford is casually “living his best life” after attending the AVN porn awards in Las Vegas. Crawford shot to superstardom last year after beating long-time rival Errol Spence Jr to win the undisputed welterweight titles.
    Terence Crawford attended the AVN porn awards in Las VegasCredit: Reuters
    Boxing fans joked Crawford is casually ‘living his best life’ after appearing at the awards showCredit: Instagram @tbudcrawford
    Emily Lynne, Luna Star and Kazumi at the awardsCredit: Getty
    It cemented his status as arguably the No1 boxer in the world and he became the first man to reign as undisputed champ in two divisions.
    Crawford has not returned since but remains linked with a Spence rematch or sensational jump up to fight Mexican legend Canelo Alvarez.
    Although it appears the American is enjoying his time off as he took a trip to Las Vegas.
    And in town was the annual AVN porn awards, which Crawford revealed he attended.
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    A video from a performance during the event was posted to the unbeaten champion’s Instagram – leaving fans in stitches.
    One said: “Terence Crawford living his best life. Casually at the Porn Awards.”
    Another added: “Terence Crawford’s victory lap following his win over Errol Spence is one for the ages.”
    One agreed: “Crawford having a once in a lifetime victory lap since taking down Spence!”
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    Spence, 33, had a rematch clause in his contract but he recently underwent eye surgery for a previous injury.
    It raised doubt over whether he will rematch Crawford, 36, or not.
    And Crawford’s future at 147lb is also in question after he was stripped of the IBF belt for not fighting mandatory challenger Jaron Ennis.
    Rising unbeaten talent Ennis, 26, has called to fight Crawford but the pound-for-pound star shot it down.
    He posted: “Like I said before @JaronEnnis had two opportunities to fight me.
    “We talking about a kid that’s still fighting in the theater. Make it make sense.”
    Crawford is a pound-for-pound boxing starCredit: Getty More