Aurelia Butler

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    Sydney Thomas reveals her next move after rising to fame as glamorous ring girl for Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson

    SYDNEY THOMAS has revealed her next career move after shooting to fame.The ring girl became a sensation after her glamorous appearance during Jake Paul’s fight with Mike Tyson at the AT&T Stadium.Sydney Thomas has made her next career moveShe shot to fame as a ring girl during Jake Paul’s fight with Mike TysonCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamsydneythomasShe gained 800,000 followers on Instagram after her appearanceCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamsydneythomasShe is now heading back to the ringCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamsydneythomasThe YouTuber-turned-boxer won the bout by a unanimous decision but the focus was drawn away from the action.That was down to Sydney, who earned the praise of many of the fans watching.Sydney subsequently gained a huge fanbase, now boasting more than 800,000 on Instagram.The 21-year-old revealed that she would be back on ring girl duty in Orlando, Florida.READ MORE IN BOXINGSydney shared a post on X with a picture attached of herself in her ring girl outfit.It was captioned: “Your favourite ring girl is back.”Catch me in the ring again tomorrow on DAZN.”And indeed she was on show during the bantamweight contest between Antonio Vargas and Winston Guerrero.Most read in BoxingVargas stormed to victory by knockout and was handed the interim bantamweight belt.It now takes his record to 19 wins with 11 knockouts and only one loss.It’ll be a knockout, 110% Sun Sport’s panel preview Usyk v Fury 2 with Tyson Fury trainer Andy LeeShe was on duty for Antonio Vargas and Winston Guerrero’s fightCredit: INSTAGRAMFans have hailed her return to the ringCredit: INSTAGRAMMany claimed she was the reason they would be tuning inCredit: Instagram/iamsydneythomasShe dumped her boyfriend before finding fameCredit: Instagram / @iamsydneythomasShe declared ‘I’m legal’ after turning 21Credit: INSTAGRAM @iamsydneythomasFans were overjoyed with Sydney’s return to the ring as they reacted on social media.One posted: “People will watch for you now. I hope you’re pricing that into your fee.”A second wrote: “It’s crazy more people are gonna tune in for a ring girl than the fights.”A third commented: “Stealing the spotlight again, both inside and outside the ring! Can’t wait to see you shine.”Meanwhile, Sydney caused many of her new admirers to celebrate earlier this month.This was down to her breaking up with her boyfriend shortly before becoming famous.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe also declared “I’m legal” on her 21st birthday in November.She also stunned during an appearance at the NFL fixture between Denver Broncos and the Las Vegas Raiders at the Allegiant Stadium.Sydney wowed fans with her visit to an NFL gameCredit: X/itssydneythomasShe has also worked as a modelCredit: Instagram/iamsydneythomas More

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    ‘There was a sadness to him’ – Tyson Fury’s trainer reveals boxer’s anguish over Paris’ miscarriage before Usyk fight

    TYSON FURY walked into his undisputed fight against Oleksandr Usyk a shadow of his usual self after wife Paris’ heartbreaking miscarriage.The Gypsy King, 36, didn’t even have full confirmation that his baby boy had been lost – a harrowing six months into the pregnancy.Tyson Fury is usually cheered on ringside by wife ParisCredit: Jamie McPhilimeyFury, 36, appeared subdued before taking on Oleksandr Usyk in MayCredit: GettyAndy Lee discussed what his pal went through with SunSportBut when Paris couldn’t turn up to the Riyadh bout, he knew deep down that tragedy had struck.Trainer and confidante Andy Lee, who has known Tyson all of his life, has confirmed to SunSport that while it is categorically not an excuse for the split decision loss in May, he saw right up until the first bell that his man was up against much more than just the Ukrainian genius.Lee told SunSport: “I wasn’t aware of it (Paris’ miscarriage). I knew she was expecting a child. She’s always at the fights and I was expecting her to be there, really.”When she wasn’t there I thought maybe she can’t fly or something like that.READ MORE IN BOXING”Tyson never mentioned it. He never mentioned it once but he was very quiet.”Even the day of the fight in the afternoon, the fight takes place so late over there, it must have been about 6 or 7pm, we all went for a walk and he was very quiet.”We had a good chat, me and him, just talking about his career and how far he’d come and what this moment meant to him.”There was a certain quietness to him or maybe a sadness but that was probably playing on his mind.Most read in BoxingUsyk went on to beat Fury via decisionCredit: Reuters”When you watch a fight, you’re just seeing a fight. But the months and weeks leading up to that fight dictate how the fight turns out, how it goes for you.”So being cut, not having a full, proper training camp and maybe having something like that in the back of your mind, it all leads into your performance.”It’ll be a knockout, 110% Sun Sport’s panel preview Usyk v Fury 2 with Tyson Fury trainer Andy LeeLee, 40, then gave a behind-the-scenes glimpse into what his friend may have been going through on the night.He continued: “For me, what was quite telling, was… when Tyson makes his ring walk I’ll go to the ring first, I won’t go on the ring walk with him.”I’ll go to the ring and make sure I’m in the ring before Tyson gets to the ring, to give him water and just be there, have someone to meet him.”I watched Usyk come into the ring and his crew and all the team and he was settling himself, Usyk, he was quite focused and present.”When Tyson got into the ring I could see somebody who was a little bit agitated and I think all of those little things that were going on in the build-up to the fight maybe were playing on his mind, or maybe just having that bit of anxiety about him.’HE WASN’T REALLY HIMSELF'”I could see, if you watch the fight back, before the fight he wasn’t really himself. Like usually he’s quite within himself.”So just an interesting insight, something I noticed straight away when he got into the ring.”Dad-of-seven Fury went on to lose the bout via split decision, the first defeat of his distinguished career.Only in October did the Gypsy King reveal that Paris had suffered a devastating miscarriage just hours before the fight.I could not be there for her in that moment. And that is tough for meTyson FuryTyson and Paris are parents to Venezuela, 15, Prince John James, 13, Prince Tyson II, eight, Valencia, seven, Prince Adonis Amaziah, five, Athena, three and Prince Rico, oneWhile stressing that he was not looking to make excuses, he explained: “The one that she was having, she lost that on the Friday of the fight, which was pretty s****y.“I am not making excuses but she was six months pregnant, it’s not like a small miscarriage at the beginning, you have to physically give birth to a dead child, on your own, while your husband is in a foreign country.“I could not be there for her in that moment. And that is tough for me.”I have been with the woman for longer than I wasn’t with her, so it is hard that I couldn’t be there with her, in that time.“When she said she couldn’t come over, I knew there was a problem.“She usually comes out on fight week but she said she had high blood pressure.“She said she couldn’t come and I asked her what was up and asked her to tell me but she wouldn’t.“So I knew, I knew, I knew there was a problem. I said to my brother, ‘She’s lost that baby.’“She never told me she had lost the baby, but I knew.”’DO I TELL HIM?Ahead of the Usyk fight, Paris agonised over whether to tell Fury straight away.She told the Mirror last month: “I had to make the ­decision, do I tell him? And I came to the conclusion that whatever was happening with me, I couldn’t change it. But I could change dramatically what was happening in his life.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I made up a lie that I had high blood pressure. It was the only thing I could think of that would stop me from flying without having to give him the terrible news.”Fury is set to meet Usyk again on December 21 in Saudi Arabia.Tyson and Paris Fury pose for a picture with their seven children on holidayCredit: InstagramFury vs Usyk 2: Ring walk time, TV channels and undercard – all you need to know for big rematch More

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    Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 thrown into chaos as undercard fighter fails anti-doping test just days before event

    A SCHEDULED undercard bout for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 has been cancelled due to a failed drugs test.British super-bantamweight Dennis McCann has been pulled from his scheduled meeting with Peter McGrail after an “adverse finding” was discovered in his anti-doping test.Dennis McCann has been pulled from his undercard fight due to a failed anti-doping testCredit: GettyThe bout was scheduled for the Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 undercardCredit: AFPAn update from Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority and the mastermind behind the huge battles that take place in Saudi Arabia, on Friday evening read: “The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) has today informed all relevant parties that Dennis McCann has returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted in advance of his upcoming bout.”Mr. McCann’s scheduled fight next Saturday will no longer take place, as the relevant parties investigate the matter further.”No further comment on this will be made at this time.”The Brit’s promoter, Frank Warren’s Queensberry, also confirmed the cancellation.READ MORE IN BOXINGMcCann is the current European super-bantamweight champion, having claimed the title in July.At just 23 years old he is also British and Commonwealth champion.McCann vs McGrail was one of five scheduled undercard fights for Fury vs Usyk 2.The main event is set for next Saturday, December 21, in Riyadh.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFury insists he won’t make the mistake of trying to outbox Usyk in their crunch rematch.The former unified heavyweight champion said: “I’ve always been a bad man my whole life, and I’m still one today at nearly 40 years old, a few years off 40.Moment Tyson Fury tells Oleksandr Usyk ‘you look like a sexy beast’ as heavyweight boxer shows off new look”I’m going to go in there with destroy mode. Last time I went to box him, I was being cautious.”Anybody can get caught as we have seen in a lot of these heavyweight fights.”But this time I’m not going for a points decision. I’m going to knock that motherf****r out.” More

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    Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 live stream and TV guide: How to watch big Riyadh PPV

    TIME will stand still once again as Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk go punch-for-punch in front of a sold-out Riyadh crowd – but details of how fans from home can tune in have been revealed!The two boxing juggernauts locked horns earlier this year in a rare undisputed heavyweight clash.Oleksandr Usyk won by a split decisionCredit: GettyAnd to the shock of many, Ukrainian legend Usyk came out on top and handed Fury his first-ever professional loss with a split decision triumph.Fury believes that the mistakes he made cost him the victory as the Gypsy King said: Throwing punches while I wasn’t thinking about what I was doing. “It wasn’t for what he did was so great, it’s what I did that was a mistake really. And that’s it.”Well, Fury has the chance to prove to the ones in the Riyadh crowd that it was just a fluke defeat as he takes on Usyk once again.Read more on Fury vs Usyk 2He’ll want to put on a show for the people who are watching from home too and SunSport can tell boxing lovers exactly how you can tune in.How to watch Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2DAZN PPV, TNT Sports Box Office and Sky Sports Box Office will ALL be broadcasting Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Uysk 2 once again.The cost to purchase the PPV on TNT and DAZN is £24.99, while the event is priced at £24.95 on Sky Sports.Usyk vs Fury 2 on TNT Sports Box Office can be watched on discovery+, EE TV, Virgin Media TV and Prime Video. You do not need to be a TNT Sports subscriber to buy this event.Watch Fury Vs Usyk 2 live on DAZN*If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue.How to Watch Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 live on DAZNGet ready to rumble with Fury vs Usyk 2 live on DAZN Pay-Per-View! Here’s how:Buy the PPV: Get access to the fight by purchasing the PPV on DAZN.No Commitment, 7-Day Free Trial: With your PPV purchase, you’ll also receive a 7-day free trial of DAZN. Enjoy all the action and explore DAZN’s sports lineup with no extra cost!First Month Free: Monthly DAZN subscribers can get their first month for free when signing up!No Subscription Required: The PPV price is all you need to pay. There’s no obligation to continue after your free trial ends.Don’t miss the biggest fight of 2024! On December 21st “Gypsy King” Tyson Fury takes on “The Cat” Oleksandr Usyk for a second time in what promises to be the rematch of the century — order now and start your free DAZN trial today!Who else is fighting on Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 card?Fans are thoroughly looking forward to Tyson Fury’s rematch against Oleksandr Usyk but there are some blockbuster names on the undercard too.Israil Madrimo who narrowly lost to Terence Crawford in August, takes on Serhii Bohachuk.Most read in BoxingWhile British heavyweights Moses Itauma and Johnny Fisher face challenges in Demsey McKean and Dave Allen respectively.Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk; For Usyk’s WBA, WBC and WBO heavyweight titlesSerhii Bohachuk vs Israil MadrimovMoses Itauma vs Demsey McKeanJohnny Fisher vs Dave AllenDennis McCann vs Peter McGrailIsaac Lowe vs Lee McGregorWhat has been said?The build-up and aftermath to Tyson Fury’s first professional defeat was dominated by rumours of him having a poor training camp and getting “turned over” in sparring.It was claimed he didn’t spar properly due to the cut which delayed his long-awaited meeting with the undefeated Ukrainian.But during a sitdown face-off with DAZN, Fury insisted: “It was a fantastic training camp.”Never once have I ever said I had any problems in camp because I didn’t.”I heard a load of d***heads talking s**t that I had a lot of problems in camp.”But I didn’t have any problems. I had a fantastic training camp.” More

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    Oleksandr Usyk puts Tyson Fury rivalry aside and invites Gypsy King to the pub to ‘drink beer’ and cheer on Man Utd

    OLEKSANDR USYK would happily sit down for a pint with Tyson Fury if he were to spend the day with his fierce rival.The pair renew their rivalry in Saudi Arabia next Saturday just seven months after their historic dust-up for all the heavyweight marbles.Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will renew their rivalry a week on SaturdayCredit: PAThe trash talk has wll and truly been flowing ahead of their rematchCredit: GETTYBut Fury’s recent verbal jabs haven’t put Usyk off from being willing to visit the pub with the Gypsy KingCredit: SKY SPORTSThe trash talk has ramped up in recent weeks but there remains a healthy respect between the pair, so much so that Usyk is willing to put all the Gypsy King’s “rabbit” jokes aside and visit the boozer with him.During an interview with Sky Sports, Usyk said: “Listen I can go to the pub, drinking beer.”After, we go to play golf and then we go to play football. Then we go horse racing.As he fought back fits of laughter, the fan favourite added: “Yes [a few beers]. No problem.”READ MORE ON USYK VS FURY 2As well as a love for boxing, both men have a soft spot for Manchester United, who they’ll be cheering on this Sunday when Ruben Amorin’s men take Manchester City.When asked which Premier League team he’d love to play for, Usyk said: “If I had a choice, I’d play for Manchester United.After being told both he and Fury will be on the same page during the Manchester derby, Usyk replied: “Yeah, of course, The same.”When asked to predict the result, the slick southpaw said: “I think Manchester United [will win]. Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”But Manchester City have good players and a good coach.”Usyk became the first undisputed king of the heavyweights in nearly 25 years with a split-decision victory in his May melee with Fury.Moment Tyson Fury tells Oleksandr Usyk ‘you look like a sexy beast’ as heavyweight boxer shows off new lookFury, 36, insists the judges robbed him of fulfilling his childhood dream and has vowed to take the legacy-defining rematch out of their hands.The former unified heavyweight champion said: “I’ve always been a bad man my whole life, and I’m still one today at nearly 40 years old, a few years off 40.”I’m going to go in there with destroy mode. Last time, I went to box him, I was being cautious.”Anybody can get caught as we have seen in a lot of these heavyweight fights.”But this time I’m not going for a points decision. I’m going to knock that motherf****r out.”Tyson Fury has vowed not to leave his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk in the hands of the judgesCredit: GETTYHe added: “There’s no secret. I’m going in there to knock you out.”Because I don’t think I’m going to get a decision no matter what I do.”I don’t think I’m going to get a boxing decision.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So I’m going to have to take it out of the judges’ hands like I did in America that time [against Deontay Wilder].”And I’ve got to get him out of there. Hand on heart, I have to get him out of there to see victory.” More

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    John Fury’s former opponent Neil Malpass, who beat Tyson’s dad, dies aged 69 as the boxing world pays tribute

    FORMER Brit boxer Neil Malpass has sadly passed away aged 69.The passing of the former Central Area heavyweight champion and ex-opponent of John Fury was announced on social media late on Thursday.Former Brit heavyweight champion boxer Neil Malpass has died aged 69Credit: GETTYThe death of the beloved Malpass was announced on ThursdayCredit: FACEBOOK@NEILMALPASSA spokesperson for Doncaster Martial Arts Centre, where Malpass worked as a coach, said: “It’s such sad news that Neil Malpass, a close friend and trainer at the gym passed away last night.“He has coached so many over the years and was a true legend of the sport.”“He has been with DMAC since the beginning and coached hundreds over the years on these mats. “He has been an amazing coach and mentor for the younger generation and will be truly missed.READ MORE BOXING NEWS“Sincere condolences to his family and friends. RIP, Neil.”Malpass fought 48 times over the course of his career, which spanned from 1977 to 1990, racking up 28 wins and 18 knockouts.Malpass beat Fury in a 10-rounder back in 1989 to win the Central Area title.The win made him one of only four fighters to defeat Tyson’s dad and the only man to face the now 59-year-old in a title bout.Most read in BoxingThe late Neil Malpass fought John Fury for the Central Area heavyweight title in 1989Credit: FACEBOOK@NEILMALAPASSAfter hanging up his gloves in 1990, Malpass turned his attention to coaching the next generation of fighters.And he’d go on to become an even more beloved figure in the local community thanks to his work with aspiring fighters.Tributes flooded in after news of his passing became public knowledge.One person wrote on X: “RIP the most amazing bloke. “Learnt me everything I know and made me the person I am today. “You will be missed so much.”One of Malpass’ friends wrote: “What a legend he was. He had the best jab I’ve ever felt. “And even though he was light for a heavweight, he could knock people out for fun.”Caged Steel promoter Dominic Gibbs also paid tribute, writing: “Such sad news to learn of the passing of a Donny legend, warrior and top bloke. Neil Malpass turned his hand to coaching the next generation of fighters after his career came to an endCredit: FACEBOOK@NEILMALPASS”Neil will be sadly missed. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace big man.”Fury has yet to comment on the passing of his former opponent, who is in the Guinness Book of Records for being the only boxer to ever knock their opponent “clean over” the ropes. More

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    Tyson Fury fired chilling warning by British boxing legend Lennox Lewis ahead of mouthwatering Oleksandr Usyk rematch

    LENNOX LEWIS worries Tyson Fury could be distracted from his Oleksandr Usyk revenge mission by the mega-money Anthony Joshua showdown looming over it.The Saudi Arabian bankrollers are desperate to finally see the 6ft 9in Morecambe showman settle the score with Watford’s 2012 Olympic golden boy.Tyson Fury faces the year’s most-anticipated fight against Oleksandr UsykCredit: PALennox Lewis has one concern for Fury ahead of his Usyk boutCredit: GettyAnthony Joshua must stay out of Fury’s mind for now, says LewisCredit: PAThe overdue clash – that has collapsed late into talks twice already before – would be the biggest fight in British boxing history.When Joshua was knocked clean out by Daniel Dubois at Wembley in September for the IBF crown that Usyk had just been stripped of, front-row Fury even jumped up and roared: “That’s cost me 150 million – the silly c***”Whether that is pounds or dollars doesn’t matter – the fact is AJ would likely be getting the same, making it a fight worth around £300m.And it would most likely be a two-fight deal, with one happening in boxing’s new Mecca of Riyadh and a return happening in London – tipping the rivalry toward a combined half-a-billion double header.READ MORE TOP STORIESInstead of insisting on an instant rerun, Saudi boxing boss Turki Alalshikh has let AJ off of the rematch and he is sitting out to recover from the five-round catastrophe and waiting to pounce on Fury.And Lewis – the last undisputed champion before Usyk, who bounced back from two shock defeats – fears that Fury could have his eye taken off the ball by the crazy cash on the table.He told SunSport: “I think it is a bad distraction to have in your head.“My goal would just be to get the undisputed championship first, before thinking about anything else.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“That would be my goal, especially if he is 1-0 down.“For Fury, winning this fight is very important for him and I know what he will be thinking.’Horror movie’ trailer for Tyson Fury vs Usyk II released ahead of fight as fans hail ‘best one yet’“He’s there but he’s not quite there – he will be there if he works for it.”Win, lose or draw, it seems certain that Fury and Joshua is planned for early 2025 and both Brits could potentially go into the clash with back-to-back losses to the Ukraine’s gap-toothed southpaw genius.Lewis avenged all the blots on his magnificent record.Rebuilding and waiting almost three years to chin Oliver McCall, chasing Hasim Rahman through the courts to get an instant rematch and dominating Evander Holyfield eight months after he was handed a scandalous draw and denied the undisputed honour at the first attempt.Speaking from unmatched experience, he believes a Fury win on Saturday night must spark a Usyk trilogy and anything less – including the AJ shootout – would be a disappointment.When I woke up after a loss, I wanted to realise what I did wrong, go back to the drawing board and fix it.Lennox LewisHe explained at the WBC convention: “If it gets to 1-1 then there has to be the trilogy.“You need the third one as the decider.“Tyson Fury loves the trilogy aspect, he lost the first so he will want to win the second one and, if he wins, he will want the third one.“It doesn’t matter that one of the belts has been taken away, this is still the undisputed fight for most people.“These are the two top guys and even though all the belts are not there, the public opinion will be that the winner is the undisputed champion of the world.”In order to level the score, Fury has to make the most basic simple-sounding changes to try to implement an almost impossible plan.In the original clash he chose to waste the first three rounds showboating and gurning to the crowd.The Gypsy King was superb in rounds four to seven, when his body shots and uppercuts couldn’t miss.But when Usyk – who he had dismissed as an “ugly little middleweight sausage” – caught him flush on the nose with a perfect left hand, he was saved by his own incredible courage, the ropes he bundled around, the ref’s eight count and the bell.When the bell goes we will soon see if his first professional defeat has reignited the fire within and the new and unfamiliar challenger mindset has re-energised him.Or if Usyk’s psychological warfare and relentless pressure really robbed Fury of his soul.“Fury will have woken up on Sunday morning feeling bad,” Lewis said.Tyson didn’t do enough work to win the fight, he let a couple of rounds go and in the ninth he was hit in the nose and I think it affected his breathing.Lennox Lewis“It will be even more difficult to win the second because he can’t just repeat what he did in the first.“When I woke up after a loss, I wanted to realise what I did wrong, go back to the drawing board and fix it.“When I watched the first Holyfield fight back I wanted to learn the differences between us, I knew we both wanted it and were smart fighters.“It’s about who takes each individual round, you have to win each individual round, with hard work, you cannot dance around and expect to get the round.“Tyson didn’t do enough work to win the fight, he let a couple of rounds go and in the ninth he was hit in the nose and I think it affected his breathing.Lewis reckons Fury ‘let a couple of rounds go’ in his first Usyk fightCredit: AP“It showed me that that one punch affected him, that’s how it is, one punch, even to the belly, can force you to take a round off to recover and then you’ve lost it with the judges.“There’s different things to do to win the rounds; making it look like you’re being busy, scoring punches, pressure, being smart, all of those things will impress judges.“There’s different ways to win a fight, you can walk toward the guy and apply pressure. Or you can wait and make him come to you, and then counter punch him.“Fury has great movement and is elusive and has a good jab, he needs to use all of those gifts and talent to win the fight.“When I saw him playing around in those first couple of rounds, that to me showed he wasn’t serious and was giving away rounds for no reason.”If Lewis – who is now guiding the career of 12-0 light-heavyweight prospect Costas Nanga – was in the corner for either icon on Saturday, he knows what his final teamtalk would be.Fury would be told: “Use your skill, use your gifts and don’t fool around.”Be so serious that you just seek and destroy. Winning is all that you need to do, winning is what you must do.”Usyk would get even simpler instructions: “Stay on his ass and cut off the ring.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Use that catchphrase he likes to say: ‘Tyson I will not leave you alone'”.Watch Usyk v Fury Reignited 2 on TNT Sports Box Office. Coverage starts from 4pm on Saturday 21st December. Find out how you can watch at tntsports. More

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    Anthony Joshua shows his caring side as he hands out gifts at children’s hospital and hails ‘hero’ NHS staff

    ANTHONY Joshua dished out Christmas presents during a surprise visit to a children’s hospital.The two-time heavyweight boxing champion stunned poorly children on the Kids Starfish ward at Watford General Hospital and hailed “hero” NHS staff.Anthony Joshua posed up for pictures with happy patientsCredit: SuppliedThe boxing star visited Watford General Starfish WardCredit: SuppliedHe hailed the NHS staff as heroesCredit: SuppliedThe heavyweight boxing champion gave out giftsCredit: SuppliedAnthony beams alongside NHS staffCredit: SuppliedDuring his moving visit, Joshua chatted with youngsters about sport and posed for selfies with patients and staff.The boxing star was seen handing out gifts to beaming children as he spent hours touring the specialist ward.He also spent time chatting to parents and West Hertfordshire NHS staff who help keep the ward operational during the festive period.On the visit the world champ said: “Today was all about trying to put smiles on a few faces and to acknowledge the tireless work of all NHS staff across the entire nation.Read More in Boxing”I met some amazing kids and some inspirational parents. I waslucky Santa was available to help me hand out a few small gifts.”Christmas can be a really tough time of year so it is important to do your bit, especially in your own local community.”Joshua’s association to the hospital goes back years – as he was born there in 1989.As a teenager he visited the A&E department a few times too many for his mothers liking.Most read in BoxingThen following his Olympic triumph in 2012 he returned to open the Leigh Warman Mural in the Children’s A&E Department.Paediatric Consultant Lynn Sinitsky said: “The joy that Anthony has spread today is truly healing. Anthony Joshua attends surprise birthday party for coach who ‘saved his life’ and shares incredible throwback snap”The smiles on the faces, especially from one ten year old who woke up to see Anthony was incredible.”Meanwhile, Ward Manager Kerry Beasley said: “Its a great thing he has done, its amazing for the staff and the patients. “It really boosts morale and spreads Christmas spirit. We couldn’t get him out!”During the Coronavirus Pandemic Joshua led a program to gift NHS staff members at the hospital with 2,000 pieces of Under Armour kit.The idea was to give a little bit back to the tireless efforts from staff, including medical professionals, cleaning and kitchen staff.Clean Herts Community’s mission is to provide aid and opportunities for people of various demographics across Anthony’s home town of Watford, with a focus on young people.The Olympic Gold Medallist has always been very passionate about providing opportunity to specifically the younger generation in his local area. This year CHC has launched both physical and educational programs from football camps to cooking and science classes.They also teamed up with Hollywood legend Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson in November to give some Watford-based kids the opportunity of a life time.And they took part in the launch of his blockbuster Christmas film Red One.It comes as Joshua attended the surprise birthday party for the boxing coach he credited for saving his life.AJ first walked into the Finchley Amateur Boxing club aged 18 in a bid to get himself out of trouble on the streets of London.And head trainer Sean Murphy guided Joshua to elite national championships before setting up an Olympic gold victory.The two have remained close over the years and AJ was a guest at Murphy’s surprise bash – organised by Finchley ABC.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe posed alongside Murphy and posted a throwback snap of his amateur days with the caption: “Ride Or Die.”In Joshua’s last three bouts, he has been cornered by British coach Ben Davison.Joshua playing with a childCredit: SuppliedJoshua set up the Clean Hearts Community, a community-interest company dedicated to uplifting the local communityCredit: SuppliedThe boxer looked very happy speaking with NHS staff and parentsCredit: SuppliedJoshua showed off his caring side in the visitCredit: Supplied More