Aurelia Butler

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    Tyson Fury pals say star ‘needed someone with him 24/7’ in height of depression and reveal horror chat before famous win

    TYSON FURY “needed someone with him 24/7” at the height of his depression after predicting his mental health battle. Fury pulled off a stunning upset in 2015 to take Wladimir Klitschko’s unified heavyweight titles.Wladimir Klitschko was stunned by Tyson Fury in 2015Credit: Rex FeaturesFury suffered from depression after beating KlitschkoCredit: –But he had to relinquish them just a year later after suffering from depression and substance abuse. Fury ballooned up to 30 STONE and has been open about battling suicidal thoughts during the dark period in his life. It meant close friends – like boxer Isaac Lowe – kept a close eye on the struggling Gypsy King at all times. Lowe, 30, said on an episode of Fury Uncovered: “Someone had to be with him 24/7. More or less all the time.READ MORE IN BOXING”You can be the richest man in the world, you can have everything.”But if you’ve got horrible thoughts going through your head, you’re better being with someone.”Fury told anyone who would listen for years prior that he would defeat Klitschko – and that he could already see his mental breakdown coming.Strength and conditioning coach Kristian Blacklock said: “Before he fought Klitschko, I asked him specifically, ‘What are you going to do when you win’?Most read in Boxing”And he said, ‘I’ll be miserable.’ I said, ‘Aren’t you going to go on holiday, with your family, with your kids to celebrate?’ “He goes ‘nah, I’ll probably be really depressed’. It was like his ultimate goal in life, obviously he’s achieved it, where do you go from here?”Fans torn as Tyson Fury posts training clip three weeks ahead of Oleklsandr Usyk fight and boasts ‘Wish it was tonight’Fury did eventually return to the ring in 2018 and remarkably challenged Deontay Wilder for the WBC title the same year. It ended in a controversial draw which set up a classic trilogy between the duo which Fury, 35, ended with two stoppage wins and the belt.The heavyweight now returns in the biggest fight of his career on May 18 against Oleksandr Usyk, 37, in Saudi Arabia. It is set to crown the first ever four-belt heavyweight undisputed champion.But Fury’s brother Tommy – a 10-0 fighter himself – insisted his sibling has already won his biggest battle. Tommy, 24, said: “I think the biggest fight that Tyson has ever won and will ever win in his whole entire life is that fight against mental health.” Fury facing off with Oleksandr UsykCredit: Getty More

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    ‘Only speaking on what I know’ – Anthony Joshua gives verdict on Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk ahead of May 18 Saudi bout

    ANTHONY JOSHUA has waded in on Tyson Fury’s undisputed super-fight against Oleksandr Usyk. Fury and Usyk meet in the heavyweight division’s first four-belt unification bout on May 18 in Saudi Arabia. Anthony Joshua has twice lost to Oleksandr UsykCredit: GettyTyson Fury and Usyk facing offCredit: EPAIt is an honour AJ dedicated his whole career to but his shot at undisputed was ripped away by double defeat to Usyk. So Joshua, 34, is backing his old rival to walk away with all the titles and bragging rights come judgement day. He told talkSPORT: “I’ve fought Usyk so I can only speak on what I’ve experienced with him – phenomenal fighter, I would say he’s gonna do a really good job.“I’ve never fought Fury, so I can’t speak on what it’s like to face him. Only speaking on what I know, I have to say Usyk will be victorious.”READ MORE IN BOXINGJoshua has won four on the spin since losing his rematch to Usyk, 37, in August 2022. He most recently knocked out ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou, 37, in two rounds in March. And Joshua is pencilled in to return in September at Wembley – but his opponent remains up in the air. Filip Hrgovic, 31, and Daniel Dubois, 26, fight on the 5v5 Eddie Hearn vs Frank Warren bill on June 1 in Saudi Arabia. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd it could be for the IBF title should the winner between Fury, 35, and Usyk be stripped of it after their unification. So Joshua is eyeing up the chance to fight for the belt in his bid to become a three-time champ.Anthony Joshua hints mega clash with Tyson Fury will happen in September and says ‘it’s coming, most definitely’But Deontay Wilder, 38, also returns against Zhilei Zhang,40, in Saudi and those two also remain possible opponents for AJ. Joshua revealed: “On June 1 in Saudi Arabia they’ve got the 5 vs 5 card.”You’ve got Filip Hrgovic vs Daniel Dubois, and you’ve got Zhilei Zhang vs Deontay Wilder.”So providing one of those looks good – the one who looks the best, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh said to me, ‘I want you to fight [him].'”What he says is, ‘In the future I want people to look back at your record and say that you took on the best.'”I said, ‘Now you’re speaking my language.'”So out of that pool, I believe that’s who I’m gonna be fighting, one of those.”We’re on the same page and he’s on the same page as the fans as well.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But Fury’s got his obligations with Oleksandr Usyk so I’ve gotta make sure I stay focused and disciplined.”Keep steamrolling through opponents so I can get closer and closer to having the opportunity of me vs Tyson Fury.”Joshua at the 2024 Monaco E-PrixCredit: Getty More

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    Inside Floyd Mayweather’s gym where boxing legend trained in sweltering heat & forced sparring partners to arrive at 3am

    FLOYD MAYWEATHER crafted the most iconic unbeaten boxing record of all time by training in sweltering heat in the middle of the night. The American’s gym is just two short miles from the Sin City strip where he collected the majority of his belts and millions in the ring.Floyd Mayweather training in his Las Vegas gymCredit: GettyMayweather’s fight posters, in chronological order, adorn the gym wallsCredit: The SunThe Sun took a trip to the famed boxing clubCredit: The SunBut the real work was done inside the Mayweather Boxing Club, where the 50-0 legend whipped himself into sensational shape. He did so by training at all hours of the night, often as late as 3 am, and with the thermostat cranked up to a boiling 83 degrees (28 C).The Sun took a trip to the iconic gym and experienced firsthand just how hot the boxing club was.And according to Mayweather’s uncle Jeff, his nephew’s influence is so great that up-and-comers force themselves to train in the heat like their hero once did.”Well, that’s because that’s what Floyd used to do and everyone that comes to the gym wants to pattern themselves after Floyd. So they let the gym just heat up and I hate it!” Jeff told us.Mayweather, who officially retired in 2017 after beating UFC superstar Conor McGregor, prided himself on doing things his own way. And to gain a psychological edge he would train in the middle of the night while his opponents slept. So if you were on his training team it meant being on call at all times.Most read in Boxing”He trains some crazy times,” former world champion Badou Jack, 40, said.”I’m not sparring with him but we’d get a call in the middle of the night and he’ll say ‘Get to the gym, we’re working out.'”Ultimate boxing rich list including Anthony Joshua, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Deontay WilderNot even a night out on the Vegas town would get in the way of his sparring sessions. “Everything he does is different, he does his own thing,” 23-8 Denis Douglin, 35, remembers.”Floyd would go out to the club, finish at three o’clock in the morning and then go and train.”That was regular. It sounds crazy to the world but the man does what he wants, but he stays focused. He’s just on a whole different level.”Mayweather is so impromptu he would often challenge his sparring partners to box until one of them gave up. “Floyd said to me, ‘We’re going to turn the bell off and spar till somebody quits. I’m gonna make you quit,’ Douglin recalls.”I said to him, ‘Floyd, if you turn that bell off we’re going to spar for the rest of the day, because I’m not quitting.’A painting of Mayweather’s family and team members hangs on the wallCredit: The SunThe boxing legend has never been shy of showing off his beltsCredit: The SunPhones were banned when Mayweather was trainingCredit: The SunThe heat was cranked up to 83 degrees (28 C)Credit: The Sun”We sparred about 20-30 minutes straight, but we had to stop because Devin Haney was sparring after us.”If it wasn’t for that we weren’t going to stop – we’d probably still be sparring now.””We’re boxing, going back and forth, we did three or four rounds straight, but Floyd’s the type of guy to try and break you,” Daquan Mays, who is 5-1, added.”He’s looking me in the eyes the whole time, and I’m like this s*** is fun as hell.”We’re in like the third round and he’s like, ‘I ain’t tired, I’ll keep going, I don’t give a f***.”I was like, well I don’t give a f*** either. So he said, ‘Get the clock off, get the clock off, we going until you’re tired, until you’re done boxing’.”Me myself, I didn’t care, I wanted to see where I was at. We did 16 minutes, he gave me props afterwards and that was that.”Mayweather has a custom money-heavy bagCredit: The SunAnd he has a bag with all 50 of his wins recorded on itCredit: The SunMayweather’s gym is full of his favorite memorabilia with fight posters – all in chronological order – draping from the ceiling.There is also a poster of the five-division champ with the quote, “A true champion can adapt to anything.”On the entrance door of the gym are also strict instructions prohibiting phones in the gym whenever Mayweather was training. Failure to do so would see you kicked out of the gym and banned from coming back.But Mayweather is not often seen around the gym these days.He continues to box in exhibitions since hanging the gloves up, facing stars of the social media, MMA, and boxing world.His last was against the grandson of notorious mob boss John Gotti, which ended in a disqualification win last June after a brawl broke out in the ring. Mayweather continues to tease more money-spinning spectacle bouts, meaning there are rare cameos in the gym here and there. READ MORE SUN STORIES”He comes through every once in a while,” uncle Jeff revealed.”He doesn’t really train unless he’s got an exhibition or something going on like that. He’s in the gym sometimes to help other young fighters.” More

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    Fans torn as Tyson Fury posts training clip three weeks ahead of Oleksandr Usyk fight and boasts ‘wish it was tonight’

    FIGHT fans were left divided after getting a sneak peek at one of Tyson Fury’s training sessions for his dust-up with Oleksandr Usyk.The Gypsy King is in the final stages of preparing for next month’s historic undisputed heavyweight title fight in Saudi Arabia.Tyson Fury uploaded a video from his training campCredit: Instagram tysonfuryFans were split over the Gypsy King’s condition three weeks before facing Oleksandr UsykCredit: Instagram tysonfuryFury and his team have kept a tight lid on the ongoings of fight camp ahead of the biggest bout of the Brit’s career.But the WBC heavyweight king surprised his social media followers this weekend by sharing a clip of himself shadowboxing to his Instagram story – and captioned it: “Three weeks today guys wish it was tonight.”The 35-year-old looked light on his feet as he went through the motions, but not all of his followers were impressed by what they saw.One wrote on X: “NGL bro looks like my grandpa.”READ MORE ON SPORTAnother said: “What happened to being in the best shape he’s ever been in?”And another said: “Tyson looks finished NGL. He will only beat Usyk at his best, he needs to be on form like he was for wilder.”One remarked: “Looks bigger than he did a month or two ago.”Another chimed in: “He looks out of shape.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSeveral of the Wythenshawe warrior’s followers, however, chimed in with positive comments.One said: “Such great feet… and even better when his size is taken into consideration.Boxing fans disgusted by Tyson Fury raw egg video but what his nutritionist does is even more vomit-inducing”[There is] no substitute for great feet placement in boxing.”Another said: “He looks sharp.”And another said: “Let’s go Champ, your feet are amazing.”One chimed in: “All hail the Gypsy King.”TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE UNDISPUTED HEAVYWEIGHT BOUTThe winner of next month’s Saudi showdown will be crowned boxing’s first undisputed heavyweight champion in nearly 25 years.Brit sporting icon Lennox Lewis was the last man to hold all the heavyweight marbles, which he won thanks to a decision win over Evander Holyfield at Madison Square Garden.And Fury firmly believes he’ll follow in the Olympian’s footsteps with complete ease.He said: “If I didn’t train a day for this fight and was 25 stone and drank 15 pints of Peroni the night before, I would still beat him the next day.READ MORE SUN STORIES”What would he do, just jib and jab me?”I would need at least 15 pints of Peroni for a proper ding dong.”The pair will finally step into the ring on May 18Credit: GettyInside the Gypsy King’s royal courtTYSON FURY is one of the biggest characters in sport. More

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    Ryan Garcia shadow boxes in front of Donald Trump in bizarre meeting before revealing who he wants to win US election

    BOXING fans were left baffled after seeing Ryan Garcia bizarrely shadowbox in front of Donald Trump.The social media sensation and light-welterweight star rubbed shoulders with the former President of the United States at a swanky event on Friday night.Ryan Garcia broke into a bout of shadowboxing at a swanky event with Donald TrumpCredit: INSTAGRAM@KINGRYANThe 45th President of the United States watched on gleefully as Garcia’s fist flewCredit: INSTAGRAM@KINGRYANTrump, 77, seemingly liked what he sawCredit: INSTAGRAM@KINGRYANAnd Garcia, 25, weirdly decided to break into a brief burst of shadowboxing at the shindig – which he was dressed incredibly casually for.The Flash began unloading a series of tight shots before unleashing his trademark flurry of uppercuts.After showing his lightning-fast speed, Garcia endorsed Trump’s November bid to become a two-time Commander-in-Chief.Seconds before briefly breaking into a most-muscular pose, he roared: “Donald Trump, 2024!”READ MORE IN BOXINGThe clip went viral and received a slew of comments, with one viewer saying: “Trump lowkey loved that.”Another said: “We are living in the matrix.”And another said: “Bruh that was cringe AF.”One remarked: “This is so awkward.”Most read in BoxingRyan Garcia endorsed Donald Trump for the November election after his shadowboxingAnother chimed in: “People forget Trump is really tight with Mike Tyson and was all about boxing in the 80s.”I mean Trump Taj Mahal and his hotels hosted several events from boxing to wrestling to MMA, especially [the] UFC.”Inside Ryan Garcia’s incredible car collectionGarcia is still riding high following his shock win over WBC light-welterweight champion Devin Haney in Brooklyn last Saturday.After exhibiting worrying behaviour for several months, Garcia stunned the world by dropping Haney THREE TIMES in the Barclays Center bust-up on his way to earning a majority decision victory.In his post-fight interview, he roared: “Come on, dog, You really thought I was crazy?”You all lost your mind! My left hook is my left hook, that’s blessed by God.”Whenever I land it, it can put you out or down. You guys hate on me but I’ve been boxing all my life.”I knew I had control after I dropped him, maybe my conditioning wasn’t the best but I got the job done.“I’ve fought him six times so I knew what I could do.”Ryan Garcia scored a stunning upset victory over Devin Haney earlier this monthCredit: GETTY More

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    Jake Paul trolled by fans for looking like iconic film character as he reveals crazy new hairdo ahead of Mike Tyson bout

    JAKE PAUL has been trolled by fans after unveiling his new haircut.The YouTuber-turned-boxer has been uncharacteristically quiet on social media since announcing his fight with Mike Tyson.Jake Paul showed off his new look on social mediaCredit: Instagram jakepaulBut he returned with his first post in ten days to show off his new hairdo.Paul, 27, sported long curly blond locks as well as his usual bushy beard.His look drew comparisons to some famous faces with fans taking the opportunity to poke fun at the influencer.One reacted saying: “Bro looking like blond Bob Ross.”READ MORE IN BOXINGAnother added: “Get a haircut and a beard trim starting to look like Tom Hanks in Castaway 😂”A third wrote: “Golden retriever ahhhh haircut.”And another commented: “Looking like a tattooed bowl of ramen noodles.”Paul is hard at work preparing for his July 20 exhibition fight against Tyson.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe shared an update on Instagram saying: “Haven’t been posting much just been locked in living that island life, training to fight Mikey, and working on my new project launching soon.”He has undergone an impressive body transformation in camp, gaining more than two stone according to his former trainer Shane Mosley.The lightest the American, 27, has weighed is 183.6lb (13st 1lb) but his last two bouts have been at the 200lb cruiserweight limit of 14st 4lb.Whereas Tyson was a career heavyweight at 15st 7lb, meaning Paul must pile on the pounds to match that.Credit: The Sun More

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    Anthony Joshua reveals date, venue and possible opponent for next fight and it’s brilliant news for British fans

    ANTHONY JOSHUA has revealed the potential dates for his next fight – which is set to take place at Wembley Stadium.The former two-time unified heavyweight champion hasn’t set foot inside the ring since his annihilation of former UFC champ Francis Ngannou in March.Anthony Joshua obliterated former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou last monthCredit: GETTY
    AJ doesn’t plan to sit around on the sidelines for Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk to handle their businessCredit: EPA
    The Watford warrior wll be back in the ring in late SeptemberCredit: GettyAJ was expected to wait on the sidelines to fight the winner of Tyson Fury’s undisputed straightener with Oleksandr Usyk provided a rematch clause wasn’t triggered by either man.But the Watford warrior is planning to stay active, with a September showdown at the home of English football currently in the works.He told talkSPORT: “Whenever they tell me there’s a date, you know I’ll be ready 100 per cent.”It’s gonna be in London, Wembley Stadium.READ MORE IN BOXING”This is what I’m being told. If that’s what they say, they normally back their word so let’s go with that.”Wembley, September 20 or 21.”Saudi boxing kingpin Turki Alalshikh has put together two blockbuster heavyweight fights for the eagerly-anticipated 5v5 tournament between Queensberry Promotions and Matchroom Boxing.Former long-reigning WBC champion Deontay Wilder will throw down with Zhilei Zhang in a do-or-die career showdown.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHow AJ punched his way to the topANTHONY JOSHUA punched his way to the top of the world before being knocked off his perch.
    And Brit Daniel Dubois will look to become the mandatory challenger for the IBF heavyweight title in a Riyadh rumble with a win over Filip Hrgovic.AJ will be keeping a close eye on both bouts as he expects his next opponent to emerge from the quartet of heavy hitters.Anthony Joshua gets grilled by a nine year old in interviewHe continued: “On June 1 in Saudi Arabia they’ve got the 5 vs 5 card.”You’ve got Filip Hrgovic vs Daniel Dubois, and you’ve got Zhilei Zhang vs Deontay Wilder.”So providing one of those looks good – the one who looks the best, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh said to me, ‘I want you to fight [him].'”What he says is, ‘In the future I want people to look back at your record and say that you took on the best.'”I said, ‘Now you’re speaking my language.'”So out of that pool, I believe that’s who I’m gonna be fighting, one of those.”We’re on the same page and he’s on the same page as the fans as well.”But Fury’s got his obligations with Oleksandr Usyk so I’ve gotta make sure I stay focused and disciplined.”Keep steamrolling through opponents so I can get closer and closer to having the opportunity of me vs Tyson Fury.”Boxing fans around the world are hoping Fury gets through his back-to-back dust-ups with Usyk in order for a long-overdue Battle of Britain with AJ to come to fruition.And Joshua is confident the bout will happen, saying: “Boxing is changing a lot, there is a new player, Turki Alalshikh, who is taking the world by storm.”He is doing what he wants for the fans, it’s amazing.So if the fans demand it, I know that he will deliver. I know the fans want me and Fury, I want that.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m not going to give away plans, but he is a man of action.”It’s coming, most definitely it’s coming.” More

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    Heavyweight boxer Ardi Ndembo, 27, dies three weeks after brutal knockout defeat left dad-of-two in induced coma

    TRAGEDY has struck the boxing world following the passing of heavyweight boxer Ardi Ndembo.Ndembo was left unconscious for several minutes after being brutally stopped by Nestor Santana in their Team Combat League clash in Florida earlier this month.Heavyweight boxer Ardi Ndemb, standing, has tragically passed awayCredit: INSTAGRAM@ARDINDEMBOThe 27-year-old suffered a brutal KO loss earlier this monthCredit: INSTAGRAM@ARDINDEMBOCongolese clubber Ndembo is survived by his two childrenCredit: INSTAGRAM@ARDINDEMBOHe was promptly taken to a Miami hospital, where he lay in an induced coma.But the 27-year-old dad-of-two has tragically succumbed to his injuries. A statement from the promotion read: “We at Viva Promotions mourn the loss of Ardi Ndembo, a talented Congolese boxer who tragically passed away after a knockout in a Team Combat League match on April 5.”He remained in an induced coma until his untimely death. READ MORE IN BOXING”RIP Ardi Ndembo!”Boxing fans were quick to pay tribute to the late Ndembo, with one writing on X: “Prayers for his family. RIP to him. Salute.”Another said: “Prayers up to his family, team, close friends.”And another said: “Condolences to his family, this is truly heartbreaking.”Most read in BoxingArdi Ndembo boasted a perfect 8-0 record before the fatal boutCredit: INSTAGRAM@ARDINDEMBOOne remarked: “Rest in peace, brother.”Another chimed in: “Condolences to the family and friends of this young man, Ardi Ndembo. He was a gladiator.”A fundraiser has started to help Ndembo’s family with funeral costs.It’s currently sitting close to £9000, £10k short of its £19,000 goal.WBC lightweight champion Devin Haney donated close to £1200 to the GoFundMe.Team Combat League have vowed to match all donations up to the £19k target.Jeff Mayweather, the uncle of boxing icon Floyd Mayweather, was ringside for the fatal bout.Jeff Mayweather was ringside for the tragic boutCredit: INSATGRAM@JEFFMAYWEATHERHe told SunSport: “Boxing’s a sport where you grow up watching it and loving it, but there’s so much risk involved.”Anyone can lose their life from boxing. When something like this happens, it wakes up the whole entire world.”I don’t think boxing’s a bad sport because you can die in any sport.“You drive a race car at 200mph, if it slides, you’re going to die too. “You can die in any sport but boxing is a brutal sport.”READ MORE SUN STORIESTCL is a unique format in which combatants in a squad box over one or two rounds with points earned in each and tallied up to decide the winning team.Ndembo was representing Las Vegas Hustle when he was brutally KO’d by Miami Assassin’s Santana. More