Aurelia Butler

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    We just hit it off – Boxer Jessica Camara ‘felt sparks’ at weigh-in and got married two years after FIGHTING future wife

    BOXING star Jessica Camara and her previous opponent Erika Jeanette Hernandez swapped the boxing ring for wedding rings after “feeling sparks” during their weigh-in.Camara, who is fighting Caroline Dubois in Sheffield tonight for the world lightweight title, has opened up on the moment she knew that her now-wife Erika was more than just another opponent.Jessica Camara and Erika Jeanette Hernandez went from opponents to wivesCredit: Instagram @jcobracThe pair fought back in 2017 and were married two years laterCredit: Instagram @jcobracJessica Camara is fighting Caroline Dubois in Sheffield tonight for world lightweight titleCredit: GettyBack in 2017 Camara and Hernandez were preparing for a welterweight bout in Ontario, Canada when their weigh-in left them both with butterflies in their stomachs.Camara remembers going face to face with the woman she was about to try and beat up and leaving thinking she would prefer to ask for her number instead – telling Sky Sports that they “hit it off”.Speaking to Canadian outlet Le Journal de Montreal, Camara recalled: “That’s when I felt the connection. The sparks. I had never seen Erika in my life, but I immediately felt something strong.”Both fighters were able to put their feeling to the side at the sound of the first bell, as Camara stormed to a unanimous decision victory.READ MORE IN SPORTBut while STILL IN THE RING, the 36-year-old looked over at her beaten opponent and made sure that her corner asked for her number.”I asked my coach to go see Erika and ask for her phone number.”, Camara explained.”He hesitated, but I didn’t feel like joking. He went to see Erika and came back with her number.”From there the pair hit it off on social media, texting back and forth and getting to know each other – but not without the help of Google Translate.Most read in BoxingCamara and Hernandez had to overcome a language barrier to get to know each otherCredit: Instagram @jcobracA holiday to Cancun sparked their romance into lifeCredit: Instagram @jcobracCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCamara, who heralds from Canada, explained that she couldn’t communicate with Hernandez at first given her new flame was from Mexico and only spoke Spanish.She said: “It wasn’t easy. We ended up talking to each other via Facebook using Google Translate. “Erika didn’t speak English and me, my parents are of Portuguese origin and I was born in Cambridge, Ontario, I don’t speak Spanish. For a year, we talked to each other via Facebook. Then, we arranged to meet in Cancun.”It was that holiday to Cancun that changed everything and set the two boxers on a path from smacking fists to smacking lips.The pair fell madly in love and have been together ever since. Trips to meet the family were organised before Camara dropped the knee in a local boxing gym with a dozen red roses.Fast forward to September 2019, less than two full years after their fight, and the pair were married.Now they are settled together in Montreal and forever thankful for their boxing meet cute.The happy couple married in 2019Credit: Instagram @jcobracThey have settled together in MontrealCredit: Instagram @jcobrac More

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    Jake Paul identifies three ‘extremely good’ opponents in the frame for MMA debut amid talks to rematch boxing rivals

    JAKE PAUL has three names on a list of potential MMA opponents. The YouTuber-turned-boxer is 11-1 in the ring and most recently beat 58-year-old heavyweight great Mike Tyson in November. Jake Paul has three names on a list of potential MMA opponentsAnd already Paul is back in training for his next bout – but behind the scenes talks are ongoing for an MMA switch. The American is signed to the Professional Fighters League – where he and promotional partner Nakisa Bidarian share equity.Bidarian – who once served as Chief Financial Officer for the UFC – is working with Paul to pin down an MMA opponent. PFL founder Donn Davis told SunSport: “Nakisa has three names that he’s focused on. READ MORE ON JAKE PAUL”I don’t want to share those because I don’t think that’ll help, Nakisa and Jake get those done. They’re really good at that. “So I don’t think it’s one name. I think there’s a group of three that would be extremely good and they’re working on this.”Paul, 27, signed for the PFL just one month before losing to Tommy Fury, 25, in February 2023 which is his first and only defeat. He has won five times since, most recently against Tyson which attracted controversy amid their huge age gap. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut over 100 MILLION tuned in live on Netflix – with Paul’s commercial success in the boxing ring so far delaying a switch to MMA. Nate Diaz, 39, who was beaten by Paul in their August 2023 boxing bout was linked with an MMA rematch worth £10million.Francis Ngannou set for boxing return in 2025 with Tyson Fury rematch and Deontay Wilder fight targetedFury was also approached for a two-fight deal that included bouts in both the cage and the ring worth £15m.And while talks with potential opponents continue, Davis expects this year will mark Paul’s debut in the PFL cage. He said: “Jake has been so successful at boxing that that’s delayed his MMA. No question about it. And I think 2025 will be the year.”We thought 2024 would be the year, but it was just so much success forthcoming in boxing.”I don’t think you could have seen the cultural phenomenon of the Tyson fight coming, and that really took over 2024.”So, I’m pretty confident 2025. But it’s also about the right opponent. At one point the Diaz opponent was set up and things didn’t happen.”So it’s opponent-driven, but I think this is the year.”Mike Tyson was beaten on points by Jake PaulCredit: Getty More

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    Francis Ngannou set for boxing return in 2025 with Tyson Fury rematch and Deontay Wilder fight targeted

    FRANCIS NGANNOU is in line to fight in boxing and MMA in 2025.The heavyweight returned to the cage in October – following a three year absence from MMA. Francis Ngannou could rematch Tyson FuryCredit: ReutersNgannou had walked out on the UFC in 2021 to pursue boxing while also signing with rivals the Professional Fighters League. The PFL permitted their star signing to box – setting up two mega-money bouts in Saudi Arabia against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. And PFL founder Donn Davis revealed Ngannou is expected to fight in the ring and cage this year.Davis told SunSport: “He’s considering two options; one boxing, one MMA.READ MORE IN BOXING”I believe he’ll box once in 2025 and he’ll do MMA once in 2025. What order will be determined really by the opponents and the opportunities. “And we’re thinking about the same way. So I think it’s too early to tell. Is it boxing and then MMA? Or MMA then boxing? “But he’ll do one of each in 2025.”Ngannou, 38, made his boxing debut in October 2023 against Fury, 36, who was the WBC champion and unbeaten at the time. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd Fury was sensationally dropped in the fight before winning a controversial split-decision. Ngannou then faced Joshua, 35, in March 2024 but was brutally knocked out in two rounds. Jake Paul identities three ‘extremely good’ opponents in the frame for MMA debut amid talks to rematch boxing rivalsIt set up his return to MMA which he won against Renan Ferreira, 35, in one dominant round. Ngannou has continued to keep the door open to a boxing return and was recently linked with a fight against Deontay Wilder.Wilder, 39, is coming off two losses but is set to return this year after snubbing retirement. And Davis warned not to rule out Ngannou facing the American or rematching Fury. He said: “I think he’s open to either one. But if I knew, I wouldn’t breach my confidence on his boxing stuff.”What I know about Francis is A, he’s very, very smart, and B, he really doesn’t have any fear, as some other fighters do.”They prefer things over other things, and I know that from when we talked to him about fighters on the MMA side, he’ll say, ‘That guy’s much harder match up for me.’READ MORE SUN STORIES”That guy stylistically could be difficult for me, but he never says, ‘I prefer versus I prefer.'”He just thinks this could be easier or harder or more difficult or you’d have to train differently, but he’s open to everything.”Deontay Wilder is coming off two lossesCredit: Getty More

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    Caroline Dubois vs Jessie Camara: Start time, TV channel, live stream, undercard for world lightweight title 

    CAROLINE DUBOIS fights for the first time since being declared world champion. The Olympian was elevated from interim to the full world title after Katie Taylor vacated her crown. Caroline Dubois facing off with Jessie CamaraCredit: Boxxer Dubois beat Maira Moneo in August to win the understudy WBC title before being upgraded to world champ.And she makes the first defence of her new belt against Canadian Jessica Camara. Camara has 14 wins and four losses in her career, losing a WBO super-lightweight title fight against Kali Reis in 2021.She has fought in Canada, America and Japan but this marks her first bout in Britain. READ MORE IN boxing When is Caroline Dubois vs Jessie Camara?Caroline Dubois vs Jessie Camara will take place on Saturday, January 11.The card will be live on Sky Sports from 7.30pm.Dubois vs Camara is set to get underway at approximately 9pm GMT.The main event is set to get underway at approximately 10pm GMT.The Park Community Arena in Sheffield will host.What TV channel is Caroline Dubois vs Jessie Camara on and can it be live streamed?Caroline Dubois vs Jessie Camara will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.You can live stream the action on the Sky Go or NOW TV app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.Viewers in the US can watch on Peacock.Coverage gets underway from 7.30pm BST.Full cardCallum Simpson vs Steed Woodall; super-middleweight, for the British and Commonwealth titlesCarolina Dubois vs Jessica Camara; lightweight, for the WBC world titleMauro Silva vs Emmanuel Zion; middleweightEllis Price vs Liam Fitzmaurice; lightweightScott Forrest vs. Deevorn Miller; cruiserweight More

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    Who was Callum Simpson’s late sister Lily-Rae?

    CALLUM SIMPSON’S sister Lily-Rae tragically died in a horror quad bike accident in Greece last year.The boxer, 28, defends his British and Commonwealth super-middleweight titles against Steed Woodall on Saturday, January 10, where he will honour his beloved sibling’s memory.Callum Simpson with his sister Lily-RaeCredit: InstagramWho was Lily-Rae Simpson?Lily-Rae Simpson was the 19-year-old sister of boxer Callum Simpson.On August 3, 2024, the fighter from Barnsley took home the Lonsdale belt with victory over Zak Chelli.In social media posts that were shared by Sky Sports, Lily-Rae was captured on video enjoying her big bro’s triumph and singing his name.Just two weeks later, on the first night of a holiday in Greece, she was in a tragic road accident, which eventually took her life following a 10-day coma.read more on callum simpsonBeauty studiesLily-Rae had recently completed a course in beauty studies at Barnsley College — she was on holiday celebrating the achievement when the horrific accident occurred.On September 3, 2024, a heartbroken Callum shared the news of her passing on social media.Posting a picture of his little sister, the boxer wrote: “Absolutely heartbroken to say that my beautiful little sister, Lily-Rae, was in a road accident while on holiday in Zante.”She was flown to Athens and spent 10 days in ICU, but despite the best efforts of the medical teams, Lily sadly passed away.”Most read in BoxingHe added: “Even though she used to ring me to complain about being referred to as ‘Callum Simpson’s sister’, I know she loved the hype.” I will continue to make her proud. Love you always.”Ahead of his title defence on Saturday, January 11, 2025, Callum opened up about his little sister and the tribute he plans to pay her in the ring.He said: “People only die when you stop talking about them and forget about them.“I will never stop talking about her.I love to speak about her and I have a tribute to her on my kit for this next fightCallum Simpson“I will always say her name.“Although it makes me upset, whenever anyone says her name or speaks about her, I smile and I laugh.“Because I am just proud that she was my sister.“I love to speak about her and I have a tribute to her on my kit for this next fight.“Barnsley football club did a minute’s applause for her just after she passed away.Callum Simpson has a tribute to his sister Lily-Rae on his kit for the Steed Woodall fightCredit: Instagram“I am glad everyone gets to see her beautiful face and see how beautiful she was.”Sadly, the the six months since Lily-Rae’s passing have left the fighter mourning the many milestones they will no longer get to enjoy together.He explained: “It was the first night of her girl’s holiday in Zante, she was on the back of a quad bike and it went around a corner too fast and she went over a verge and came off.“She was airlifted form Zante to Athens and was then in a coma there for 10 days.“And there were difficulties with an operation they were trying to do at the end of that and she sadly passed away.“Other than her not being here, it’s seeing what it’s done to the family, my dad and step-mum and brothers and sisters.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Knowing that she won’t be a bridesmaid at my wedding.“Or be an aunty to my kids and they won’t get to meet her.” More

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    Callum Simpson vs Steed Woodall: Start time, TV channel, live stream, undercard for British title fight

    CALLUM SIMPSON returns to defend his British and Commonwealth super-middleweight titles against Steed Woodall on home soil.Simpson is back in Sheffield at the Park Community Arena to put his 168lb belts on the line.Callum Simpson facing off with Steed WoodallCredit: Boxxer The unbeaten Brit moved to 15-0 last August with a dominant points win over Zak Chelli. And this fight could be Simpson’s most emotional as it is his first since the tragic passing of his 19-year-old sister Lily-Rae. Lily-Rae sadly passed away following a road accident while holidaying in Zante last summer.And Simpson has vowed to bravely fight on in the name of his beloved little sister. READ MORE IN BOXINGOpponent Woodall steps up following a breakout win over Lerrone Richards in June. Woodall has 19 wins, only two losses and one draw and actually started his career in America. When is Callum Simpson vs Steed Woodall?Callum Simpson vs Steed Woodall will take place on Saturday, January 11.The card will be live on Sky Sports from 7.30pm.The main event is set to get underway at approximately 10pm GMT.The Park Community Arena in Sheffield will host.What TV channel is Callum Simpson vs Steed Woodall on and can it be live streamed?Callum Simpson vs Steed Woodall will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.You can live stream the action on the Sky Go or NOW TV app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.Viewers in the US can watch on Peacock.Coverage gets underway from 7.30pm BST.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFull cardCallum Simpson vs Steed Woodall – super-middleweight, for the British and Commonwealth titlesCarolina Dubois vs Jessica Camara – lightweight, for the WBC world titleMauro Silva vs Emmanuel Zion – middleweightEllis Price vs Liam Fitzmaurice – lightweightScott Forrest vs. Deevorn Miller – cruiserweight More

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    Callum Simpson vs Steed Woodall: Start time, TV channel, live stream, undercard for British super-middleweight title

    CALLUM SIMPSON returns to defend his super-middleweight titles against Steed Woodall on home soil. Simpson is back in Sheffield at the Park Community Arena to put his 168lb British and Commonwealth titles on the line. Callum Simpson facing off with Steed WoodallCredit: Boxxer The unbeaten Brit moved to 15-0 last August with a dominant points win over Zak Chelli. And this fight could be Simpson’s most emotional as it is his first since the tragic passing of his 19-year-old sister Lily-Rae. Lily-Rae sadly passed away following a road accident while holidaying in Zante last summer. And Simpson has vowed to bravely fight on in the name of his beloved little sister. READ MORE IN BOXINGOpponent Woodall steps up following a breakout win over Lerrone Richards in June. Woodall has 19 wins, only two losses and one draw and actually started his career in America. When is Callum Simpson vs Steed Woodall?Callum Simpson vs Steed Woodall will take place on Saturday, January 11.The card will be live on Sky Sports from 7.30pm.The main event is set to get underway at approximately 10pm GMT.The Park Community Arena in Sheffield will host.What TV channel is Callum Simpson vs Steed Woodall on and can it be live streamed?Callum Simpson vs Steed Woodall will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.You can live stream the action on the Sky Go or NOW TV app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.Viewers in the US can watch on Peacock.Coverage gets underway from 7.30pm BST.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFull cardCallum Simpson vs Steed Woodall; super-middleweight, for the British and Commonwealth titlesCarolina Dubois vs Jessica Camara; lightweight, for the WBC world title Mauro Silva vs Emmanuel Zion; middleweightEllis Price vs Liam Fitzmaurice; lightweightScott Forrest vs. Deevorn Miller; cruiserweight More

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    Heartbroken British boxing champion fighting in honour of his little sister after her tragic death aged just 19

    CALLUM SIMPSON begins honouring little sister Lily-Rae’s memory on Saturday night with his first British title defence.On August 3, the Barnsley middleweight grabbed the Lonsdale belt with a classy Oakwell win over Zak Chelli.Callum Simpson returns to the ring on Saturday night to defend his British middleweight titleCredit: RICHARD PELHAMSimspon enters the fight with a heavy heart following the passing of his sister, Lily-RaeCredit: @CALLUMSIMPSimpson plans to honour his late sister for the rest of his careerCredit: @CALLUMSIMPAnd, in social media posts since shared by his broadcaster Sky Sports, his proud 19-year-old sibling was filmed singing her big brother’s name and celebrating his success.Tragically, just two weeks later while on the first night of a holiday in Greece, Lily-Rae was in a road accident and eventually died after a 10-day coma.The last six months have been brutal for the Yorkshire lad but he knows his No.1 fan would want him to carry on – and he can do so while paying a perfect tribute to her.Ahead of his Sheffield bout with Steed Woodall, 28-year-old Simpson said: “People only die when you stop talking about them and forget about them.READ MORE IN BOXING“I will never stop talking about her. I will always say her name.“Although it makes me upset, whenever anyone says her name or speaks about her, I smile and I laugh.“Because I am just proud that she was my sister.“I love to speak about her and I have a tribute to her on my kit for this next fight.Most read in BoxingCallum Simpson insists he’ll never stop talking about his late sisterCredit: INSTAGRAM@CALLUMSIMP“Barnsley football club did a minute’s applause for her just after she passed away.“I am glad everyone gets to see her beautiful face and see how beautiful she was.”Oleksandr Usyk shows true colours with classy message to Tyson Fury after victory in heavyweight rematchSimpson really does beam when he fights back tears to talk about her.But the last six months have left him realising all the wonderful milestones they would have shared will now go unfulfilled.He explained: “It was the first night of her girl’s holiday in Zante, she was on the back of a quad bike and it went around a corner too fast and she went over a verge and came off.“She was airlifted from Zante to Athens and was then in a coma there for 10 days.“And there were difficulties with an operation they were trying to do at the end of that and she sadly passed away.“Other than her not being here, it’s seeing what it’s done to the family, my dad and step-mum and brothers and sisters.Callum Simpson claimed the Lonsdale belt with a classy Oakwell win over Zak ChelliCredit: GETTYHe’ll make his miaden defence of the belt against Steed WoodallCredit: GETTY“Knowing that she won’t be a bridesmaid at my wedding.“Or be an aunty to my kids and they won’t get to meet her.”In the chief support, Caroline Dubois defends her WBC lightweight world title for the first time against Jessica Camara and fancies tempting WBO queen Terri Harper with a big payday next.“It’s up to Terri and her team,” the 23-year-old super-talent said.READ MORE SUN STORIES“What I think will convince her is the money we put on the line and, once we do that, I am sure she will take the fight.“But then I truly believe I stop her, just by being more aggressive.” More