Aurelia Butler

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    I started boxing after becoming hooligan who loved Football Factory – now I’ve got legendary Lennox Lewis in my corner

    CONSTANTINO NANGA has gone from running riot with rough and ready football hooligans to being one of the best unknown light-heavyweight prospects in the world.The undefeated Angolan-born Swedish slugger had aspirations of emulating Cristiano Ronaldo and playing for Manchester United when he was a youngster.Constantino Nanga’s first taste of fighting was alongside football hooligansCredit: Instagram / costasnangaHe is now an up and coming light-heavyweight prospectCredit: Instagram / costasnangaNanga has a 12-0 recordCredit: Instagram / costasnangaThe great Lennox Lewis has taken a shine to himCredit: GettyBut he also dreamed of being most notorious hooligan ever after being inspired by a slew of movies, including ‘Football Factory’.Nanga took to the hooligan lifestyle like a duck to water, relishing the violence which came with each of the Hammarby firm’s encounters with rivals.But after seeing Nanga do a number on many an opposition firm member, one of the old guard encouraged him to get paid for his love of fighting.In an exclusive interview with SunSport, the 28-year-old said: “At one stage of my life, I understood that I wouldn’t be that football player.READ MORE BOXING NEWS”So then it was easy for me. I was like, ‘Okay, what’s my second dream?’ Football hooligan.”And through that football hooliganism, I came into fighting. And the elder in my hooligan firm told me, ‘You’re actually pretty good.'”‘You should let off that hooligan thing and take this fighting thing seriously.'”They were the ones who pushed me to take fighting more seriously. So that’s why I’m here.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe trained to be the ‘best hooligan’ instead of boxerCredit: Instagram / costasnangaNanga, however, didn’t treat each subsequent gruelling session at the gym as a means to become a better boxer.”I had no thought to become a professional fighter,” he admitted.Lennox Lewis says he wishes he could have mentored Anthony Joshua out of his lost wilderness years”Even when train fighting, it was with no intention to do it professionally. Because my intention was to be a football player.”And my second dream goal was to be a football hooligan, the best in the world. The best in the world.”So I trained fighting to become the best hooligan.”I treated hooliganism just like I treat my fighting today, like a professional trying to become the best.”Nanga may have been training to be the most feared football hooligan on the planet, but his hard graft in the gym paid off in the ring.The 175lbs prospect has racked up a perfect 12-0 record since making his professional debut in November 2022.Constantino Nanga is thrilled to have Lewis involved with his teamCredit: Instagram / costasnangaHe may not be a household name, but he’s already caught the eye of Brit boxing great Lennox Lewis – who is advising him as he looks to make his way up the ranks.Being mentored by the undisputed king of the heavyweights is something Nanga is still coming to terms with.He said: “I’m glad [Lennox has chosen to work with me]. Maybe it was meant [to be], I don’t know.”But the best thing and what I’m most grateful for is that it could have been another fighter, another promoter or others boxing personalities that I could have met.”Who also could have given me many benefits and can be beneficial for my career.”But the fact that it’s Lennox and his personality, his character and who he is as a person, that’s why I’m grateful.READ MORE SUN STORIES”That’s everything I wished for, you know, in a person as an advisor.”Lewis sees a bright future for Nanga, so long as he gets the fights he “needs” and takes on board his punchy pearls of wisdom.Nanga with his girlfriend Fanny KaiserCredit: Instagram / costasnangaThe couple met aged 18Credit: Instagram / costasnanga More

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    Moment Floyd Mayweather is attacked by mob in ‘row over Israel-Palestine’ while he was jewellery shopping in London

    BOXING legend Floyd “Money” Mayweather is attacked in the street as he went shopping in Central London – amid fears he was targeted over his support for Israel.A mob descended on the undefeated ex-champion and his entourage as the bling-loving king of the ring went shopping in posh Hatton Garden.Floyd Mayweather gets into an altercation at Hatton Garden tonightThe former boxing champ was clearly angered at events that had unfoldedEarlier Mayweather was seen browsing in shopsMayweather and his team then got in their car and leftMayweather, who was dressed in a green jacket, looked angry as he and his security were followed in the capital.The 47-year-old was confronted by a mob as his bodyguards bundled him out of a top jewellery store and into a waiting black 4×4.A source close to Mayweather insisted that at no point during the chaos was the fighter touched.They added “the crowd used racial slurs” towards him.Read More in SportOne witness, who declined to be named, filmed the incident after it spiralled out of the store and into the street.He told The Sun: “There were maybe about eight to ten people involved in going after him, and about 20 or 25 watching on.“Mayweather’s security team were outnumbered. “Someone said that Mayweather had been shopping when he was asked why he supported Israel. He doubled down and said he was proud to support the Jews.Most read in Boxing”Then someone took a swing at him because of that. It looked very targeted. “He was bundled out of the shop but by then there were multiple people trying to hit him, and pushing his security guards.” The eyewitness continued: “Floyd took a few hits during it, but his security was trying to push people back.“I couldn’t really see Floyd trying to throw any punches back. His guards were just trying to get distance between him and them. “They got him into a car and tapped the roof two times, then it sped off. Clearly they were desperate to get him out of there.“It was over within two minutes.”Floyd Mayweather, 47, flashes wads of cash before flying out to exhibition fight against John Gotti III on private jetIt is feared Mayweather was targeted by pro-Gaza supporters over his staunch backing of Israel.The attack came days after the boxer launched the Mayweather Israel Initiative, which he says will give every orphan in Israel a free birthday present. Mayweather has also visited the Middle East and in October branded Israel his “home away from home”.In one of the videos a man can be heard saying: “You’re not gonna believe this man.”Money Mayweather just got punched up bro.”Mayweather appeared to be followed by a group of men as he and his security team walked towards a black car.With tensions rising, the ex-boxing champion then got into his car as they drove off amid ugly scenes.In another video, Mayweather was seen browsing in a store with expensive watches and jewellery on show.Mayweather was one of the first major Western stars to visit Israel in the aftermath of Hamas’ October 7 attacks last year, when 1,200 Israeli civilians were slaughtered by Islamic terrorists.In February the boxer was confronted by a pro-Palestinian activist during a press conference in Las Vegas to launch his new vape brand.His security team reportedly confiscated a Palestinian flag from an audience member – prompting loud chants of “Free Palestine”.During a visit last month, Mayweather joined Israel Defense Forces troops at a military base, where he hosted a barbecue. And he was a guest of Netanyahu, 75, at a private meeting to discuss the history of Israel. Mayweather wrote online: “It was an honour to meet with you today.“Your strength and courage are unmatched, and your commitment to protecting the Jewish people and citizens of Israel is truly inspiring. Keep using your voice and never back down.“This week in Israel has been deeply emotional for me.“Visiting injured soldiers, meeting families of fallen heroes, and connecting with the people of Israel has been a humbling experience.”Mayweather officially retired in 2017 after beating UFC superstar Conor McGregor, 36, but he has continued to box in exhibitions.The boxing legend boasts an incredible array of wealth, including the tallest commercial building in the USA as one of NINE skyscrapers that he owns.His other business ventures also include the ownership of boxing and fitness gyms around the world, a NASCAR team and a 26,000-square-foot skate park facility.Mayweather also has a foundation welfare cause set up since 2009 which provides a range of services such as free food and learning opportunities for youngsters.It comes after reports the boxer splashed out more than £300million ($400m) for a set of New York apartments.READ MORE SUN STORIESMayweather has a vast business empire including property, cars and watches.However, he is set to add to that empire after agreeing a mega-money deal for a block of Manhattan apartments.Mayweather is still boxing in exhibitions despite retiringCredit: USA Today SportsMayweather and his security were pushed back by an angry mobFloyd Mayweather has visited Israel this yearCredit: Twitter More

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    Stunning Sydney Thomas hints she’s returning as a ring girl for first time since going viral at Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson

    SYDNEY THOMAS has hinted that she could be returning to ring girl duties this weekend.The university student, 21, shot to fame last month by working as one of five ring girls at the Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul bout.Sydney Thomas recently visited MiamiCredit: INSTAGRAM / @iamsydneythomasThe student and model posted a series of snaps from her tripCredit: INSTAGRAM / @iamsydneythomasSydney recently celebrated turning 21Credit: INSTAGRAM / @iamsydneythomasSydney poses for a snap with a palCredit: INSTAGRAM / @iamsydneythomasSydney subsequently gained a huge fanbase, now boasting more than 800,000 on Instagram.Last night she raised hopes that she could be back in the ring this Friday, by promoting a DAZN card.She posted a promo for the Most Valuable Promotions event taking place in Orlando this Friday night.The main event will see Wanna Walton take on Erik Hanley in a super welterweight bout.READ MORE ON SYDNEY THOMASSydney wrote: “MVP fight night this Friday in Orlando. Tune in live on @DAZNboxing.”The popular ring girl attends the University of Alabama, based in Tuscaloosa.This means that Orlando would be just a 90 minute flight away.Sydney also posted a link to tickets for the event, which is set to take place at the Caribe Royale resort.Most read in BoxingSydney posted a promo for this Friday night’s fight cardCredit: INSTAGRAM / @iamsydneythomasShe shot to fame working as a ring girl at the recent Tyson-Paul cardCredit: Instagram / @iamsydneythomasThe model gathered a huge social media following during the eventCredit: Instagram / @iamsydneythomasSince shooting to fame, Sydney has kept her followers up to date with her busy schedule.She recently celebrated turning 21 with a trip to Miami, subsequently posting a photodump.Stunning Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson ring girls oil up as they share behind-the-scenes video of Netflix fight Sydney also confirmed that she is single, having broken up with her ex-boyfriend earlier this year.In addition to being a student and working as a ring girl, she is part of the St. Louis Cardinals’ hype squad.While she has also worked as a catwalk model.Sydney posed with balloons during her recent birthday celebrationsCredit: Instagram / @iamsydneythomasThe University of Alabama student is a sports fanaticCredit: X/itssydneythomasSydney now has more than 800,000 Instagram followersCredit: Instagram/ @iamsydneythomasFans adore the American’s social media contentCredit: Instagram/iamsydneythomas More

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    Oleksandr Usyk has weakness that Tyson Fury didn’t exploit enough, says Frank Warren ahead of huge heavyweight rematch

    FRANK WARREN claims Tyson Fury knows Oleksandr Usyk’s biggest weakness ahead of their blockbuster rematch.Fury, 36, and Usyk, 37, are set to lock horns on December 21 at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Tyson Fury has learned Oleksandr Usyk’s weakness ahead of their rematchCredit: PAFury’s promoter Frank Warren claims Usyk’s proved quite vulnerable when receiving body shotsCredit: GettyThe Gypsy King suffered his first ever loss against the Ukrainian, who beat him via split decision in May.However, the British superstar’s promoter Warren, 72, insists his fighter has learned his lessons and is set for a very different bout with his undefeated rival.The boxing entrepreneur claims Usyk appeared especially vulnerable when he received body shots.Fury’s rep claims the heavyweight star didn’t exploit that weakness enough, but next time his client will “rectify” that error.Read More on BoxingWarren told TNT Sports: “Usyk has a weakness that Tyson did not exploit like he should have, which is his body.”And I’m telling you something, that will be rectified. Of course [Fury needs to be more aggressive].”Even when he was backing off him, there was quite a bit in those early rounds of that fight where Tyson was in the corner.”And he’s in the corner and he’s tucking up and Usyk was being very aggressive.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”What Usyk does when he’s got you like that is stand square on, and that was when he was clipping him with that uppercut, he caught him every time with that.”Fury thought he did enough to have his hand raised in his first meeting with Usyk.’Horror movie’ trailer for Tyson Fury vs Usyk II released ahead of fight as fans hail ‘best one yet’And the Mancunian bruiser plans to take the fight out of the judges’ hands in their second successive rumble.He said: “I’m going to roll the dice and it’s going to be you or me… best foot forward and swing away.”I’ve never been afraid to get knocked spark out. I’ve always put it on the line every time.”He continued: “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 (Usyk) out of there. Hand on heart, I have to get him out of there to see victory.” More

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    Tyson Fury’s ‘not all there anymore’, says UFC icon Joe Rogan as he reveals Usyk rematch fear

    TYSON FURY’s near KO at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk is a sign he’s “not all there anymore”, UFC commentator Joe Rogan believes.The Wythenshawe warrior suffered a split decision defeat to the slick southpaw in their historic undisputed heavyweight title fight in May.Tyson Fury was almost knocked out by Oleksandr Usyk in their May meleeCredit: GETTYThe knockdown was the eighth of Fury’s professional careerCredit: GETTYUFC commentator Joe Rogan believes Fury’s chin isn’t the same as it once wasCredit: REUTERSFury, 36, was almost knocked out in the ninth round of the Saudi showdown after being cracked with a hellacious left hand but somehow managed to survive.The Gypsy King’s ability to take a shot was at the peak of its powers prior to his trilogy with Deontay Wilder, in which he was dropped a total of four times.Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou also put Fury on his backside in their crossover clash last October, a knockdown which has contributed to Rogan’s believe that the Brit’s punch resistance is almost gone.During a recent episode of his Joe Rogan Experience podcast, he said: “Fury was terrified of Wilder’s power.READ MORE ON FURY VS USYK II”He got dropped with a furious left hook, he got rocked in the eighth round.”Bro, it’s the same thing you see in the Usyk fight. He’s not all there anymore.”Those fights with Deontay Wilder took something out of him. 100 per cent.”Fury thought he did enough to have his hand raised in his first meeting with Usyk, who he’ll renew his rivalry with a week on Saturday.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd he plans to take the fight out of the judges’ hand in their second successive Riyadh rumble.He said: “I’m going to roll the dice and it’s going to be you or me… best foot forward and swing away.Oleksandr Usyk shows off incredible ‘reflexes of a cat’ and ripped physique just 17 days before Tyson Fury rematch “I’ve never been afraid to get knocked spark out. I’ve always put it on the line every time.”He continued: “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.”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 (Usyk) out of there. Hand on heart, I have to get him out of there to see victory.”Joe Rogan reckons Deontay Wiilder did irreparable damage to Tyson Fury’s chinCredit: GETTY More

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    Lauren Price vs Bexcy Mateus: UK start time, live stream, TV channel and full card for welterweight title fight

    LAUREN PRICE returns to the ring this weekend as she faces Bexcy Mateus in a defence of her welterweight world titles. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold-medallist holds the WBA, IBO and Ring Magazine titles at 147lbs and is undefeated so far as a professional. Lauren Price is the WBA and Ring Magazine champion at 147lbsCredit: PAPrice is 7-0 as a pro, with her biggest win coming against Jessica McCaskill back in May. It was on that night she picked up her world titles, but now she’s looking for more gold, and a win over Mateus could put her in a huge fight. Natasha Jonas’ fight with Ivana Habazin for the IBF and WBC welterweight titles takes place on the same card, and the hope for promoters Boxxer is that Jonas and Price win their bouts to set up a fight between themselves. When is Price vs Mateus?Lauren Price’s defence of her WBA title will take place on Saturday, December 14.The fight will be held at the Liverpool Exhibition Centre in Liverpool, England.The fight, which is co-main event is likely to get underway from around 9pm GMTThe main event between Natasha Jonas and Ivana Habazin will be on straight after.What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?Price vs Mateus will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Arena in the UK.You can live stream all the action from the NOW TV or Sky Go app, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.Jonas vs Habazin full cardAlso on the card is Natasha Jonas’ welterweight unification fight against Ivana Habazin.Stephen McKenna and Viddal Riley are in action on the bill too.Natasha Jonas vs. Ivana Habazin, WBC & IBF welterweight titlesLauren Price vs. Bexcy Mateus, WBA welterweight titleStephen McKenna vs. Lee CutlerViddal Riley vs. Steve Eloundou NtereMark Jeffers vs. Elvis AhorgahMason Cartwright vs. TBAFrankie Stringer vs. Tatenda MangombeMikie Tallon vs. Benn NormanMost read in Boxing More

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    I’ve got 19 gold medals and I’m on Sports Personality of the Year shortlist – but lots of people don’t know who I am

    DAME SARAH STOREY is in the running for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award – but she admits people still ask “Who is she?”.The Paralympic Games star has enjoyed a medal-laden career with 19 gold medals.Sarah Storey has been nominated for SPOTYCredit: GettyShe has won 19 gold medals during her careerCredit: PALuke Littler is one of the favourites for the awardCredit: PAJude Bellingham is also in the runningCredit: APStorey, 47, is up against popular stars including Luke Littler and Jude Bellingham in the race for SPOTY.Olympic 800m champ Keely Hodgkinson and triathlon king Alex Yee as well as record-breaking cricketer Joe Root are also in the running.The cyclist and swimmer has insisted that para-sports is not covered enough between Paralympic games.Storey has claimed that, as a result, it makes sports more challenging and affects people’s ability to recognise her compared to her counterparts.READ MORE ON SPORTShe said: “It’s really, really challenging.”You only have to look at comments when I was out of Dancing on Ice, people were like, ‘Well, who is she?’”People don’t see para-sport on TV enough to know who their most successful athlete is.”She won two more gold medals in the C4-C5 road race and the C5 time trials in the Paris Olympics earlier this year.Most read in AthleticsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSShe was expected to appear on Dancing on Ice but was forced to withdraw due to a fractured ankle, which occurred during practice.If Storey succeeds at SPOTY, she will have made history as the oldest winner of the award ever.Dancing On Ice chaos as Sarah Storey QUITS with nasty injury weeks before show startsKeely Hodgkinson has also been nominated for the awardCredit: Sunday TimesAlex Yee is also in with a chance after his Olympic heroicsCredit: GettySarah Storey’s Paralympic medalsHere is a look at Sarah Storey’s Paralympic medal haul…1992:2x Gold3x Silver1x Bronze1996:3x Gold1x Silver1x Bronze2000:2004:2x Silver1x Bronze2008:2012:2016:2020:2024:She had already picked up her fifth gold medal in swimming before four of her rivals were born.She first competed in the Games back in 1992 when she was just 14 years old.The mum of two added: “I’m quite happy at being the oldest.”The only person [on the SPOTY shortlist] who was born when I went to my first Games was Joe Root and the other four weren’t born until after I’d won my fifth gold in swimming.”There’s lots of talk around older athletes, especially older female athletes, and I’m involved in research into enabling more female athletes to continue into their late thirties, early forties and in my case late forties.”The example I’m hopefully leading is that you can come back after having children, if you’ve got the right support, if you know your body, and you can continue to enjoy competitive sports at any level.”Storey is aiming to make it ten appearances at the Paralympics in Los Angeles in 2028.However, she is aware of the competition from younger athletes such as France star Heïdi Gaugain.Storey had the edge over Gaugain in Paris as she beat her in the road race after a thrilling sprint finish.She said: “It’s taking it one year at a time and hopefully come March or April, when I’m fully recovered [from her ankle injury], I’ll have got a plan together.”You’ve got to be strategic and if you’re not, you don’t know where you’re going to find those gains.”They’re marginal and they get even more marginal as you get older.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Heidi is getting older and stronger, and that’s exciting.”But I have to make sure I’ve got a plan to counteract her youthfulness.”Joe Root is the final nominee for the SPOTYCredit: APBBC Sports Personality of the Year Award nominationsHere is a look at the nominations for this year’s SPOTY…Luke Littler – Darts starJude Bellingham – FootballerKeely Hodgkinson – OlympianAlex Yee – OlympianSarah Storey – ParalympianJoe Root – Cricketer More

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    Tyson Fury breaks silence on training camp leaks and rumours in X-rated rant ahead of crunch Usyk rematch

    TYSON FURY has broken his silence on the rumours surrounding his first training camp for Oleksandr Usyk.The Gypsy King suffered a split decision defeat to the slick southpaw in their historic undisputed Saudi showdown in May.Tyson Fury suffered a split-decision defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in MayCredit: GETTYIt was claimed the Gypsy King had a terrible training camp for the undisputed boutCredit: GETTYThe Wythenshawe warrior has blasted claims he had a poor camp for the May meleeCredit: GETTYThe build-up and aftermath to 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.READ MORE ON FURY VS USYK II”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.”Fury was almost knocked out in the ninth round of the Riyadh rumble, for which he insists he has no excuses.The 36-year-old said: “He beat me fair and square… give the man his props!Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I don’t understand why people have got an excuse like, ‘I lost the fight because I didn’t train great.'”Or, ‘I lost the fight because the chef didn’t cook me the right foods.’Oleksandr Usyk shows off incredible ‘reflexes of a cat’ and ripped physique just 17 days before Tyson Fury rematch “He won the fight, that’s it. That’s the end of it. There’s nothing more to say.”There’s no excuses, I had a fantastic training camp.”I thought I did fantastic in the fight and he did fantastic.”So, he got his result. Fair play, end of. “There’s no more talking to be said, I did nothing wrong and I did everything good. So did he.”Tyson Fury has vowed to exact revenge on Oleksandr Usyk in their rematch next weekCredit: GETTYDespite coming up short in the biggest fight of his career, Fury insists he HASN’T made any changes to his preparations for next Saturday’s eagerly-anticipated rematch.The former unified heavyweight king said. “He got the decision, a split decision.”A cat’s whisker. If I would’ve got the decision, great!READ MORE SUN STORIES”He got the decision, fantastic. There’s not much to say is there?”Am I going to change everything in my camp because I lost a split decision? Hell no.” More