Aurelia Butler

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    in Boxing

    ‘Boxing Beethoven’ Louis Theroux brutally responds to Piers Morgan as Sun columnist claims he’d batter BBC star in fight

    LOUIS THEROUX has claimed that he would be like a “boxing Beethoven” if he were to fight Piers Morgan.The documentary maker entered the boxing world in a recent interview with former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua.
    Louis Theroux thinks he could take Piers Morgan in a boxing fightCredit: BBC Sport
    Morgan hit back at the claim on social mediaCredit: Getty

    During a gentle sparring session with AJ, the idea of Theroux, 53, getting into the ring was sparked up.
    That was after the British boxer insisted that he could get him a fight.
    AJ said: “I could actually get you a fight and it would do well. You will bring viewers to my broadcasting platform.”
    Then when discussing who Theroux would face off against the suggestion that Morgan, 58, would be a good opponent arose.
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    Theroux said: “That is a better match-up.
    “Number one, he’s very famous and I think I could take him.”
    The moment was then spotted on social media by Morgan who hit back and claimed that he would win in under a minute.
    He wrote: “Have you lost your marbles Louis Theroux? I’d destroy you in 30 seconds, you puny wastrel.”
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    Theroux has since replied in brutal fashion by suggesting that Morgan would “gas out” and he would land a number of punches on his chin.
    He bit back: “I don’t think you’ve got the cardio fitness, Piers, TBF.
    “You’d gas out and after that, I’d just be playing music on your chin like a boxing Beethoven.”
    Fans found the exchange hilarious and revealed they would love to see the fight happen.
    One wrote: “Playing music on your chin like a boxing Beethoven. Love it.”
    A second commented: “Now I’d like to watch this.”
    A third said: “Please make this happen.”
    A fourth added: “I’ve never paid for a PPV fight in my life but I would definitely sign up for this.” More

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    Oleksandr Usyk was ‘sweating’ during Tyson Fury vs Ngannou fight with Ukrainian terrified Gypsy King would LOSE

    OLEKSANDR USYK was scared that Tyson Fury was going to lose to Francis Ngannou according to the Ukranian’s promoter.Alex Krassyuk has claimed that Usyk was “sweating” during the fight over concerns Fury’s poor performance would throw their upcoming bout into doubt.
    Oleksandr Usyk was scared that Tyson Fury was going to lose to Francis Ngannou according to his promoter Alex KrassyukCredit: Getty
    Krassyuk revealed Usyk was ‘sweating’ during the fightCredit: Getty
    Fury narrowly beat Ngannou by split decisionCredit: Getty
    Fury narrowly beat MMA fighter Ngannou by split decision in a shock match up that saw the Brit boxer knocked to the floor in the third round.
    Few people were expecting the fight to be as close as it was and that included Usyk who was watching on from ringside.
    Krassyuk revealed that the heavyweight southpaw was nervous that his world title showdown would be called off with a loss.
    Speaking on The Hook podcast he said: “Can you imagine [if he lost]? Usyk was sweating throughout the fight because there was a chance for Tyson to lose.
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    “If he lost, who would watch this fight [Fury vs Usyk]? This [Ngannou] fight didn’t seem to be a big success in the US. A couple of hours ago, I saw the reports from the pay-per-views in the US,
    “So this was the fight that did not bring that much attention. But I think it’s going to be completely different when he fights Usyk.
    “Usyk has always been confident in what he does. Otherwise, there is no space for him in boxing. 
    “I mean, he became the undisputed cruiserweight and he went to run for the undisputed heavyweight race. And well, that’s where he is now and he has just one belt left.”
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    And it was evident that Usyk was shocked by what was unfolding in front of his eyes.
    Cameras in Riyadh caught his reaction to Fury being knocked to the canvas at the hands of Ngannou.
    Usyk began scratching his head in disbelief and was left with his eyes wide open in shock.
    The 36-year-old’s highly anticipated fight with Fury was due to take place on December 23, but has since been delayed until early 2024.
    Ngannou knocked Fury down in the third round of their fightCredit: Getty
    All attention is now on the upcoming title fight between Usyk and FuryCredit: Getty More

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    in Athletics

    Inside haunting abandoned £32BILLION Beijing Olympics stadiums with Games venues deserted, disused and dilapidated

    THE WORLD looked on in awe in 2008 when Beijing hosted the Olympic Games.Back then, China was praised for staging an incredible show for the entire globe to watch thanks to a combination of incredible architectural feats and excellent organisation.
    The venues and stadiums from the 2008 Olympics in Beijing have been abandoned – including the white-water venueCredit: AFP or licensors
    Small reminders that this concrete eye-sore hosted the Olympics remain via the colourful floats left abandoned on the courseCredit: AFP or licensors
    The venue has been left to dry upCredit: AFP or licensors
    Some of the venues are starting to be swallowed up by greeneryCredit: AFP or licensors
    But the state of the Olympic stadiums and venues from 15 years ago, which China splashed £32BILLION on, has left the world in shock.
    The water-sport parks are now completely dried-up, including the once glittering white-water rafting run which is now in absolute ruin.
    It now appears to be little more than a concrete eyesore.
    The beach volleyball stands are now reduced to rust and rotting wood.
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    And the once show-stopping BMX track now looks more like a jungle with a rusty frame poking its ugly head through the greenery.
    Sprawled across Beijing are more haunting reminders of the memorable Games.
    Mascots including Nini, Yingjing and Beibei are lying in tatters across the grounds.
    Once sparkling signage is now covered in grime or warped through weathering.
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    But the impressive Bird’s Nest Stadium is still in use to this day and it would appear to be the only one still going strong.
    Beijing is not the only host city to fall foul of the post-Olympics hangover.
    Rio de Janeiro is suffering a similar fate after the 2016 Games and the same goes for Athens after they hosted the Olympics in 2004.
    In Brazil, a number of venues are in utter disrepair with their £9billion Games legacy in tatters.
    The same goes for Greece where their Olympic Stadium, which holds a larger capacity than all English grounds except Old Trafford and Wembley, had to shut down recently due to poor maintenance.
    Now we wait and see how Tokyo deals with its venues after the 2020 Olympics.
    Even the Olympics mascots – Nini, Yingjing and Beibei – have been left unattended lying on the groundCredit: AFP or licensors
    The Beijing 2008 venues weren’t maintained after the Games – with the BMX track now overgrownCredit: AFP or licensors
    The volleyball stadium has begun to rust and rotCredit: AFP or licensors
    The 2008 Olympics cost a staggering £32billion – but venues like this pool have dried upCredit: AFP
    Some stadiums have been completely neglected, with signage decaying and rustingCredit: AFP or licensors
    Eerie reminders of what once was – such as this frame at the BMX venue, remain visibleCredit: AFP or licensors
    China received immense praise when they staged the Olympics – but the big winner now is the greenery that is breaking throughCredit: AFP or licensors
    Signing for the Games is now covered in grimeCredit: AFP or licensors
    Sad reminders of what was once a gleaming beacon remainCredit: AFP or licensors
    The canoe signs have rusted through neglectCredit: AFP or licensors More

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    Andy Ruiz Jr undergoes major surgery that will keep him out of boxing ring for months with Deontay Wilder fight on hold

    ANY hopes Andy Ruiz Jr may have had for a blockbuster bout with Deontay Wilder will have to be put on hold.This comes after the Mexican-American heavyweight, 34, was forced to undergo surgery on a torn rotator cuff.
    Andy Ruiz Jr. has had to undergo surgery on a torn rotator cuffCredit: Rex
    Ruiz shared a video of his surgery, performed by Dr Steve MoraCredit: X @Andy_destroyer1
    Ruiz shared a video on Instagram showing Dr Steve Mora conducting his surgery.
    The post was accompanied by the caption: “I want to thank God for getting me through another successful surgery and to Dr. @stevemoramd.
    “To all my Fans & Supporters, thank you for your patience during my recovery. It means a lot to me.
    “Remember, this setback is only a minor obstacle on the path to my major comeback.”
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    Ruiz later added in the comments: “Don’t worry we coming back strong be patient this was bothering me for long time I had to get surgery to perform my best.”
    Exactly when this comeback will take place remains unclear, with Dr Mora adding on his Instagram Story that he was “looking forward to seeing him back in the ring very soon!”.
    As for who Ruiz could face next, he appears to have had his sights set on the Bronze Bomber for some time.
    Back in July, as negotiations continued between the two, Wilder said that Ruiz would have his “brain splattered,” adding that his potential opponent had “a lot of weight to lose, man,” as per World Boxing News.
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    Ruiz wasn’t coy when responding, telling Wilder: “This f***ing fat chubby kid is about to hammer your f***ing a*** down. Let’s get it, baby. Come on!”
    In October, Ruiz called out 38-year-old Wilder again when speaking to Fight Hub TV. saying: “Me and him [Wilder] need to negotiate. We need to talk man-to-man, Let’s fight.
    “If it’s not 50-50, let’s negotiate whatever it is. Let’s make it happen. I’m going to beat your a**e.”
    Wilder’s trainer Malik Scott had also admitted that his next opponent was likely to be Ruiz.
    Scott said: “Andy Ruiz, probably at this point. When you are the hardest puncher in the sport’s history, it’s very hard for guys to want to fight you.
    “I’m going to say a number. Fighters would rather stay poor than make four million. That’s a tragedy.
    “They’d rather ask for 15 to 20 million knowing it’s not on the table.
    “They know this money is not on the table for them, but they’d rather ask for that. It’s insane.”
    Ruiz last took to the ring in September 2022 when he defeated Luis Ortiz via unanimous decision in Los Angeles.
    Deontay Wilder will have to wait to take on Ruiz following his recent surgeryCredit: PA More

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    Jake Paul furiously tells critics to ‘shut the f** up’ as YouTube star defends next fight against pro boxer Andre August

    JAKE PAUL launched an expletive-ridden blast at his critics after announcing his next opponent will be Andre August.The ‘Problem Child’ will return to the boxing ring for the first time since fighting MMA star Nate Diaz in Orlando, Florida on December 15.
    Jake Paul has angrily defended his choice of opponent for his next boutCredit: Getty
    He will face Andre August (10-1) next month in FloridaCredit: Instagram / jakepaul
    The American 26-year-old is 7-1 in his fighting career after his last outing and is adamant that he is still aiming to become a world champion.
    August, 35, has a record of 10 wins and one loss on his CV and will collide with his countryman in a cruiserweight bout over eight rounds.
    However, many fans were left underwhelmed when the Texan was announced as Paul’s opponent following his big-name battles with Diaz, Tommy Fury and Anderson Silva.
    But the much-maligned and controversial YouTube sensation hit back on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, in X-rated fashion at his doubters.
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    Paul wrote: “Shut the f*** up if you still hating.”
    Then, with each next to green tick emojis, he listed four reasons why August was a good choice, writing: “Boxer true and true. Better record than me. More wins by KO than me. Same weight.”
    August’s only defeat came against Eric Abraham in 2018 and his most recent victory came against the until then undefeated 7-0 Brandon Martin which he won unanimously on points.
    During the official fight announcement, Paul outlined his desire to move away from fighting fellow influencers.
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    He said: “I want to build my experience in the ring against seasoned fighters.”
    However, August issued a warning, saying: “I don’t talk very much. I’m all about that action.
    “Jake Paul has the money, the fame, the team and the resources, but he doesn’t have my hunger.
    “When that bell rings, I am going to go straight to Jake Paul and ring his bell and send him back to YouTube for good.”
    Paul initially began by fighting fellow YouTubers but has more recently moved towards fighting former stars of the UFC.
    He defeated Ben Askren before beating Tyron Woodley twice and then enjoyed victories over octagon legends Anderson Silva and Nate Diaz.
    His win over Diaz arrived via unanimous decision in August.
    That was on the back of him suffering his first loss in February to Fury in Saudi Arabia via a controversial split decision. More

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    Tributes pour in after tragic death of beloved Irish boxer Dean Byrne who ‘had time for everybody’

    TRIBUTES have begun to be paid across the Irish boxing community after the sad passing of Dean Byrne.A popular figure at Crumlin Boxing Club, he has been remembered as a kind coach in addition to previously being an accomplished fighter.
    A photo Crumlin Boxing Club shared while reflecting on his shock passingCredit: @crumlinboxingclubofficial
    His Dublin club led tributes to the well-liked fighter, who is survived by his partner and child.
    The club’s statement read: “Very saddened for our club as we announce the passing of our coach and former boxer Dean Byrne.
    “Deano had time for everybody in our club and was always there to offer a helping hand.
    “He will be sadly missed by our Crumlin boxing family and will be forever in our hearts. Rest in peace Champ.

    “May God grant your family strength to get through this tough time.”
    Lucan-based boxing club Esker expressed solidarity to everyone connected with Crumlin ABC.
    They said: “Everyone at Esker Boxing Club are extremely saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Dean Byrne, Crumlin Boxing Club coach.
    “A beautiful person who did a lot for young people on his short time here on Earth.
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    “Dean will be sadly missed by anyone who was lucky enough to know him.
    “Our deepest condolences to Dean’s family, friends and everyone at Crumlin Boxing Club.”
    Lastly, a separate post added: “On behalf of Naas Boxing Club – St David’s, our heartfelt condolences to boxers coaches, & Dean’s immediate family.
    “Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
    Among the individual tributes paid underneath his club’s post, one person recalled: “Made my little boy feel at home when he first started at the club.
    “Always supporting him. You will be sadly missed Dean and baby Ray will miss you most.
    “May you rest in peace, you were a lovely person.”
    Another person with first-hand experience of his youth coaching hailed him for being such a devoted teacher to the next generation of Irish boxers.
    They said: “RIP Dean. So sad to hear of your passing, always had so much time and support for all the kids in the club.” More

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    Ebanie Bridges strips to racy lingerie to play the piano as fans brand her the ‘most beautiful world champion’

    FANS of Ebanie Bridges were “tinkled” pink as the boxing queen played the piano in lingerie.Admirers called the bantamweight icon the ‘most beautiful world champion’ as she tuned up for a title defence against model Avril Mathie.
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    Ebanie Bridges has a grinning way with fansCredit: Instagram @ebanie_bridges
    Ebanie never hits a bum note with her army of followersCredit: Instagram @ebanie_bridges
    The OnlyFans star asked social media followers “Wanna see me play?” as she shared smiling snaps of her sitting at a piano.
    The Blonde Bomber, 37, faces fellow Aussie Mathie in San Francisco on December 9, having already declared herself a narrow winner in their “battle of the boobs”.
    And fans are certainly impressed with Ebanie’s seat of power – as she perched next to a magnificent musical instrument wearing flowery underwear and showing off large tattoos.
    One enthusiast responded to her side and rear-view images by stating: “You really are the sexiest woman alive.”
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    Another posted: “Amazingly beautiful and nice ink.”
    A third fan noted it was more than just Ebanie’s undies that were decorated brightly.
    Spotting a stairway covered in leafy green and golden baubles, he wrote in shock: “Xmas decs up already.”
    And a fourth claimed the Sydney superstar and her new melodious setting are made for each other.
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    He said: “Both you and that piano are beautiful. I’m a pianist myself and Chopin is my favourite composer.”
    Ebanie, meanwhile, will hope to be Bach to her best in the ring next month.
    She takes on a tough opponent in 2014 Miss Swimsuit USA International Mathie, who, likewise, is a big hit on OnlyFans and has worked her way up the boxing ranks.
    Playing Greensleeves might or might not have been a suitable request for Ebanie if she’d sat at a piano in these olive undiesCredit: Instagram @ebanie_bridges
    The pro fighter is not shy about her talents
    The Aussie is up front about her chances in her second title defenceCredit: https://www.instagram.com/ebanie_bridges/
    Ebanie has been saving greys for her admirersCredit: @ebanie_bridges
    The ex-bodybuilder is now growing her following on social mediaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Ctdz96wrXfJ/?hl=en
    Behind the mike or in the ring, the Sydney star is popular with fansCredit: Instagram / @ebanie_bridges
    Ebanie has won nine of her 10 pro fightsCredit: ebanie_bridges
    No-one is in the dark about Ebanie’s boxing credentials as she’s a former amateur champ who is now the world pro title-holder at bantamweight
    Ebanie has asked fans if they prefer her in a bikini or lingerieCredit: Instagram @ebaniebridges
    She showed off more pink than ink in this outfitCredit: instagram @ebanie_bridges More

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    I was first boxer to have a crossover UFC bout and just like Fury it all went wrong – but I’m still fighting aged 55

    BOXING legend James Toney became the first to trade the ring for the UFC octagon – but it did not go to plan. Toney was among the best during the 1990s and went on to win titles in three divisions.
    James Toney became the first to trade the ring for the UFC octagonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    James Toney was beaten in a round by Randy CoutureCredit: Getty
    But in 2010, he made the shock move to MMA and challenged UFC legend Randy Couture.
    It ended in disaster for Toney, who got taken to the floor within seconds and tapped out to a chokehold in the first round.
    Reflecting on the fight, he told Sky Sports in 2017: “My plan was to knock him out quickly but he got to my legs, took me down, and did what he did.
    “It worked. MMA is not my game but, if I did it again, it would have been different.”
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    In recent times, MMA fighters have more frequently crossed over to boxing.
    It came after the financial success of Conor McGregor’s money-spinning bout with Floyd Mayweather six years ago.
    McGregor, 35, lost in ten rounds but it encouraged several others MMA fighters to step into the boxing ring.
    But none performed as well as former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.
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    Ngannou, 37, floored and took Tyson Fury, 35, all ten rounds of their clash in Saudi Arabia, with many feeling he was unlucky to lose on points.
    It was the latest and most shocking of the crossover clashes but if Toney had it his way he would have got Couture back in the ring.
    He said: “I would have loved for Randy to do a boxing match but he wouldn’t. I couldn’t wrestle with him but he can’t box with me.”
    Toney would return to boxing six months after his dismal MMA debut and went on to fight nine more times over seven years.
    His last bout was against Mike Sheppard in 2017 all the way up at heavyweight, which he won by knockout aged 48.
    But now at 55 Toney prepares for another comeback bout in an exhibition in Jamaica against Razor Ruddock, who is 59 himself.
    Toney said: “At my age, I can still whup anybody on the planet, any time, anywhere, any place.
    “I’m the original old-school fighter. I was born to fight. Everybody else was taught to fight.”
    James Toney returns to fight aged 55 More