Aurelia Butler

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    ‘Heavyweight champion coming soon’ – Fans all saying the same thing after subtle change to Anthony Joshua’s training

    BOXING fans are convinced another world title could be in the offing for Anthony Joshua after seeing his latest training clips.The former two-time unified heavyweight champion is at a career crossroads following a devastating fifth-round KO defeat to former sparring partner Daniel Dubois last September.Anthony Joshua hasn’t fought since his crushing loss to Daniel DuboisCredit: GETTYAJ recently shared footage of himself shadowboxing to his InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM @ANTHONYJOSHUABoxing fans were quick to comment on his techniqueCredit: INSTAGRAM @ANTHONYJOSHUAJoshua, 35, has been recovering from niggling injuries since the Wembley war but is slowly but surely ramping up training.The London 2012 gold medallist recently shared videos of himself shadowboxing with his near 17 million Instgram followers.AJ looked to be in tip-top shape, as he always does.But viewers of the clip were more impressed by his keeping up of his hands as he threw combinations.READ MORE BOXING NEWSAfter the clip was shared on X, one commented: “He looks in great shape, he’s going to return with a win.”Another said: “He’s keeping his hands up, needs to make sure he does that in his next fight.”And another said: “Yeah now he needs to keep them up, especially so he doesn’t visit hook city.”One remarked: “He needs to keep working on his defence to protect his chin.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnother optimistic AJ fan chimed in: “3x heavyweight champion coming soon.”Joshua was on course for a historic Battle of Britain with Tyson Fury after his Brit rival’s back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024.Deontay Wilder and huge world title bout among SIX options for Anthony Joshua’s next fight if Tyson Fury stays retired But Fury threw a spanner into the works of the mammoth melee by announcing his fifth retirement from the sport.And Team AJ have pivoted from the fight, with promoter Eddie Hearn telling Betfred: “The number one choice for AJ is to fight for the world heavyweight title.”That’s 99 per cent of what he wants to do and if that’s Daniel Dubois, no problem.”If that’s Joseph Parker, no problem. If AJ turns around and says that’s what he’s doing, then it’s done.”It’s not me saying he can’t fight Daniel Dubois. Some people say he shouldn’t have fought Oleksandr Usyk. What are you talking about?”It’s your job, he’s the mandatory, what do you want to do?”Give your belt up and have all that criticism that you ducked Usyk and you vacated your belt to do it?” More

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    Jessica Ennis-Hill’s disgraced ex-coach controversially returns to athletics despite permanent ban for sexual misconduct

    JESSICA ENNIS-HILL’S disgraced ex-coach Toni Minichiello has made a shock return to front-line athletics coaching despite his UK-wide ban.Controversial Minichiello, 58, was spotted in the stands on Sunday for a track meeting in the Polish city of Torun.Jessica Ennis Hill’s ex-coach Toni Minichiello has returned to athleticsCredit: GettyMinichiello was found guilty of 11 sexual misconduct charges in 2022Credit: GettyHe was working with Polish athlete Adrianna Sulek-Schubert – the 2022 world indoor pentathlon silver medallist – at the Copernicus Cup indoor meeting.This role does not contravene the UK Athletics suspension he received in August 2022 when he was banned for life from training athletes in Great Britain.A disciplinary panel appointed by the UKA Board decided that he had “made inappropriate sexual references and gestures to athletes” over a 15-year period.Allegations included “unwanted touching of athletes to whom he owed a duty of care” and “engaging in inappropriate and sometimes aggressive behaviour, bullying and emotional abuse”.READ MORE IN SPORTMinichiello – who guided Dame Ennis-Hill to London 2012 Olympics heptathlon glory – “strongly denied all the charges” against him.He said at the time he was “disappointed with this decision” and with “UK Athletics’ unfair handling of this process”.Marek Plawgo, a former athlete and one of the vice-presidents of the Polish Athletics Association (PZLA), says Minichiello receives no funding from their organisation and his appearance over the weekend caught them by surprise.He said on X: “PZLA declares that Adrianna Sułek-Schubert made the decision to cooperate with Toni Minichiello completely independently.Most read in Athletics“Coach Minichiello is not financed by PZLA”.Sulek-Schubert, 25, had a baby last year and then appeared at the Paris Olympics in the heptathlon but has not qualified for next month’s European Athletics Indoor Championship in Holland.Emotional Jessica Ennis Hill pays tribute as she accepts Mobo award It is not known if Minichiello — a former Coach of the Year at SPOTY — can support her if she makes the start list for the World Indoor Championships in China.A World Athletics spokesperson said: “World Athletics has the ability to deny accreditation to any of its World Athletics Series events should it be necessary.”Minichiello was suspended by UKA in 2021 before being found guilty of 11 serious charges the following years, including mimicking sexual activity and touching an athlete’s breasts, as well as bullying and mental abuse.Following the outcome of the investigation, Minichiello said: “I cannot fully express my disappointment with this decision and with UK Athletics’ unfair handling of this process. I strongly deny all the charges made against me.“I have been a coach for over 30 years and while I have been robust and demanding, I have not behaved inappropriately towards any of my athletes as very many of them would confirm.”Ennis-Hill said at the time: “The allegations are awful and although I was never on the receiving end of any sexual physical behaviour, any such inappropriate behaviour or language has no place in any coaching or work environment.”UK Athletics declined to comment about his new gig. More

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    Floyd Mayweather to host £4million 48th birthday party on Miami Beach lasting a WEEK – with ATV tour and roller skates

    FLOYD MAYWEATHER is hosting a WEEK’S worth of birthday celebrations in Miami – costing £4million.The boxing legend turns 48 on Monday, February 24 and it will mark the end of seven days worth of partying. Floyd Mayweather is hosting a week’s worth of birthday celebrations in MiamiCredit: Getty Images – GettyMayweather is an avid skaterCredit: Getty Images – GettyAccording to TMZ, Mayweather is spending $5m (£4m) on a series of bashes in Miami starting on Monday, February 17. The American and 400 of his closest family and friends travelled to South Beach to celebrate his 48th. He is said to have put up his pals in fancy hotels throughout Miami Beach. Beach parties, an ATV tour, roller-skating – one of Mayweather’s favourite hobbies – and bowling fill up the itinerary. READ MORE IN BOXINGMayweather is an avid skater and even owns his own Las Vegas rink – Skate Rock City. The 50-0 legend will also throw an event at a local mansion as well as on a yacht.And he appeared to confirm the wild plans by posting online: “Come party with me for my birthday Miami!” Mayweather officially retired in 2017 after victory over UFC superstar Conor McGregor, 36. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut he has continued to return for exhibitions since against names from the MMA, boxing and social media world. His last came against John Gotti III – grandson to America’s most notorious mob boss – last August. And Mayweather – who made close to £1BILLIION in his boxing career – has teased more upcoming exhibition bouts. Inside Floyd Mayweather’s gym where boxing legend trained in sweltering heat & forced sparring partners to arrive at 3am More

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    My boxing career feels like a prison sentence even when I win – Anthony Joshua got it spot on

    HAMZAH SHEERAZ is treating his boxing career as a jail sentence — with Anthony Joshua in the cell next door.The Ilford-born middleweight, 25, faces Dominican Carlos Adames in Riyadh on Saturday, with the WBC crown and a step closer to freedom at stake.Hamzah Sheeraz faces Carlos Adames in RiyadhCredit: GettyIt has been a rocky road for the Londoner, whose dad was in and out of jail, which meant his mum raised Sheeraz and his two younger siblings almost single-handedly.When the 21-0 ace was reminded that AJ once compared boxing to a stretch behind bars, Sheeraz laughs that even the good days are like being banged up.He said: “AJ isn’t wrong. Even after you have won a fight, it is only like being in a cat-D prison.“It’s like I am still on tag and have to be at home at certain times. The way AJ put it into perspective is spot-on.READ MORE IN BOXING“I never really looked at it like that before.”Despite his dedication to his mum — who sold her jewellery at times when former Gloucestershire cricketer Kamran was locked up — Sheeraz has flown the nest to help realise his dream.Training camps are held in California, where he and American coach Ricky Funez have formed a brilliant bond. And his downtime is split between Dubai and Saudi Arabia, where he hopes to be crowned this weekend.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWith a huge family and a proud British-Pakistani community pulling him in all directions, home visits are becoming shorter and the comforts are being craved. Despite squeezing his 6ft 3in frame into 11st 7lb, Sheeraz said: “I miss fish and chips.’Greedy Belly has been my best opponent’ – Oleksandr Usyk reveals how he really feels about Tyson Fury “I don’t want to miss Arsenal winning loads of titles and trophies in the next few years.“I thought I had time to catch up with the family after the last fight but it was probably only two days and then I was off again. I don’t mean to sound harsh but that was enough!“All my family understand the vision and for the next five to seven years I really need to capitalise on my opportunities and give 100 per cent to my craft.”Barring a surprise 2023 sparring session with pop star Justin Bieber and a few verbals with Chris Eubank Jr, Sheeraz swerves the limelight.He knows he could command bigger purses and get more attention by playing up for the cameras.But he added: “I know a lot of fighters say ‘I let my fists do the talking’ — but I am the perfect example of doing that.“When my fists do the talking, they also put bums on seats. I don’t have to talk s**t and then win a boring fight.READ MORE SUN STORIES“My sole objective when I get in the ring is to knock them out. Not just win.“That is why I am getting the right attention and the right fights.”Sheeraz has middleweight world titles in his sightsCredit: Getty More

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    Zhilei Zhang vs Agit Kabayel: Start time, TV channel, live stream, undercard for clash on Beterbiev vs Bivol 2 card

    ZHILEI ZHANG and Agit Kabayel meet in a HUGE clash for the vacant WBC heavyweight championship in Saudi Arabia.Zhang comes into this bout off the back of another huge win in Saudi Arabia, against Deontay Wilder in June last year.Zhilei Zhang (left) looks to build momentum after beating Deontay WilderCredit: GettyZhilei Zhang vs Agit Kabayel both look to win the WBC heavyweight championshipCredit: PAKabayel is yet to be defeated as a professional fighter, but his last five fights have been over a period almost two years longer than Zhang’s last five.The pair come into this fight as serious players in the heavyweight scene.When is Zhilei Zhang vs Agit Kabayel?Zhilei Zhang vs Agit Kabayel is set to take place on Saturday, February 22.The fight is expected to start between 6-7pm GMT.Zhang and Kabayel are on the undercard of the fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, which kicks off from 4pm.The fight will take place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.What TV channel is Zhilei Zhang vs Agit Kabayel on and can it be live streamed?Zhilei Zhang vs Agit Kabayel will be shown live on DAZN PPV, TNT Sports Box Office and Sky Sports Box Office..Coverage gets underway from 4pm GMT.Read more BoxingFull cardArtur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol for the IBF, IBO, WBC and WBO light-heavyweight titlesDaniel Dubois vs Joseph Parker for the IBF heavyweight titleShakur Stevenson vs Floyd Schofield for the WBC lightweight titleCarlos Adames vs Hamzah Sheeraz for the WBC middleweight titkeVergil Ortiz Jr vs Israil Madrimov for the interim WBC heavyweight titleZhilei Zhang vs Agit Kabayel for the vacant WBC heavyweight titleJoshua Buatsi vs Callum Smith for the interim WBO light-heavyweight titleBradley Rea vs Constantino Nanga More

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    Inside Jake Paul’s amazing body transformation, from scrawny YouTuber to beefy boxing heavyweight

    JAKE PAUL has taken the boxing world by storm after literally transforming into a heavyweight star in just a few years.The social media motormouth began his journey in the sport in 2018 in a white-collar match against English YouTuber Deji Olatunji.Jake Paul, right, seen with brother Logan in 2016, when he cut a slimmer figureCredit: Getty – ContributorFor Paul’s debut fight in 2018 he weighed just 181lbCredit: ReutersIn 2019, Paul shows off his smaller frame before embarking on a pro boxing careerCredit: Getty – ContributorIn 2020, he competed in his first professional fight against AnEsonGib.While the only blemish on his record is defeat to Tommy Fury in 2023.Last year, he fought Mike Tyson that streamed live on Netflix to 100million viewers – winning by a unanimous decision.It means he boasts a very credible 11-1 record since he began his journey.Read more Jake Paul newsThe Jake that started this quest has also undergone an incredible body transformation.From skinny YouTuber to a heavyweight Goliath, here’s how Paul has changed through the years.Making his debutIn 2018, Paul defeated fellow influencer and KSI’s brother Olatunji by technical knockout in the 5th round.But, he cut a far leaner figure then.Most read in BoxingThe 6ft 1in fighter reportedly weighed in at around 181 pounds – and was a lean, mean, fighting machine.Jake Paul renovates boxing gym in Puerto Rico for charityThat fight in Manchester was the lowest he’s ever weighed.Heavier specimenTwo years later, Paul returned to the ring for his first pro fight against AnEsonGib.It was a cruiserweight contest, and the American made light work of the friend of the Sidemen – knocking him out in round one in Miami, Florida.It was a bout that lasted barely two minutes.Incredibly, Paul had put on nearly 10 pounds more of muscle – and the picture difference is very evident. He clocked in at 190 pounds.In 2020, Paul was sparring with his brother Logan and began to look leanCredit: Social Media – Refer to SourcePaul celebrates victory against AnEsonGib in his debut pro fightCredit: GettyFound his fighting weightFor his bouts against Tyron Woodley in 2021, Paul kept his weight to that same level he fought AnEsonGib with.Again, he was around the 190 pound mark – slightly heavier than the former UFC champion.Paul was bigger and better than his opponent, utilising his power to beat Woodley twice.Their first fight came to a split decision, while the second was a 6th round knockout.For his bouts against Tyron Woodley, Paul hit the 190 pound mark in weightCredit: GettyComing back downLooking for more agility against Anderson Silva, Paul actually dropped some pounds.He came down to around 186 pounds, the same as Silva – surely with the belief it would give him more speed.And he wasn’t wrong, either.Paul outboxed his rival – winning by unanimous decision.Although he cut a leaner figure, he was certainly as ripped as ever in 2022.Paul was muscular but ripped at 186 pounds in prep to defeat Anderson Silva in 2022Credit: GettyTaking on FuryAstonishingly, Paul came down more for his next fight against Tommy Fury in 2023, when it seemed possible he would bulk up.He was nearer the fighting weight from his debut all the way back in 2018 – this time tipping the scales at around 183 pounds.Again, he was hoping for a more mobile body shape to help him deal with Fury’s speed.It was his first and only loss, by split decision, and it encouraged him to beef up again.In 2023, Paul got down to 183 pounds to face off against Tommy FuryCredit: AFPSlightly heavier for DiazCertainly, Paul was already reaping the benefits of regular gym work in 2023.At this point he was all muscle, and ahead of the taunting of UFC legend Nate Diaz was expected to come in heavier than the MMA fighter.And needless to say he did, weighing in at 185 pounds – although he needed to use a towel to make weight.Diaz weighed exactly the same, which was as heavy as he’s ever been before a fight.Paul was the victor by unanimous decision after 10 hard-fought rounds.Jake Paul gained an extra two pounds before defeating Nate Diaz on points in 2023Credit: Gettyread more sport featuresCareer-highIn 2023, The Problem Child hit a career-high weight before taking on Ryan Bourland.The bout took place in Puerto Rico and lasted just the one round.No surprises that TKO’d his opponent in the opener, given his whopping weight.Weighing at almost 200 pounds, he had plenty of might behind him with every punch.Extensive gym work and a high-protein diet helped him bulk up for the occasion.Paul has worked hard in the gym to gain muscle mass over the yearsCredit: Instagram @mostvaluablepromotionsAgainst Ryan Bourland in 2024, he nearly hit the 200 pound markCredit: Getty’Iron Paul’Last time out, Paul fought Mike Tyson in an epic event on Netflix.He made short work of the much-older competitor, however it did go the distance.Paul was declared victor by unanimous decision back in November.But what was more impressive was his gargantuan size.Incredibly, he came in at 227 pounds – which piuts him safely in the heavyweight category.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat means from 2018 to today, Paul’s had a weight swing of 45 pounds.And doesn’t he look well for it?Today’s Paul, seen before his Mike Tyson fight, is now jacked at 227 poundsCredit: Getty More

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    Mike Tyson forced to release statement after Jake Paul’s now-retracted claim he was suffering from Parkinson’s

    BOXING legend Mike Tyson has denied he is suffering from Parkinson’s disease – after a now-retracted claim from Jake Paul. The Problem Child beat Iron Mike in November with a unanimous points victory in their eight-round boxing bout.Jake Paul appeared to claim Mike Tyson was cured of Parkinson’s by psychedelic drugsCredit: GettyThe YouTuber made the unsubstantiated suggestion on a Kick live streamCredit: XTyson, 58, overcame various health scares in the lead-up to the fight.The former heavyweight world champion even admitted he “almost died” and required “eight blood transfusions” last June.An ulcer issue caused the initial fight date to be postponed to November.Tyson was able to step into the ring in Dallas – although he struggled to cope with his opponent 30 years his junior.READ MORE ON BOXINGPaul appeared to make the wild allegation that Tyson was struggling with Parkinson’s over the weekend. Speaking to Adin Ross on a Kick live stream, the YouTuber, 28, claimed: “Ayahuasca is really good for your brain as well. “And same with toad. Toad cured Tyson’s Parkinson’s so that he could come back and fight.”Asked how toad is taken, Paul added: “You smoke it.”Most read in BoxingFollowing the claim, Tyson’s representatives denied that the former heavyweight world champion has Parkinson’s disease. A spokesperson told TMZ: “Mike is happy and perfectly healthy. Mike Tyson doesn’t hesitate when asked who was most powerful puncher in boxing “He doesn’t have Parkinson’s or any other illness.”Paul himself took to X and claimed he “misspoke” during the livestream.He wrote: “Bruh…Mike Tyson didn’t have no Parkinsons..WTF. “Why the f*** is the internet so stupid for. I misspoke. “Meant he used toad to heal his pain. He has spoken about it many times. Just like I do. Just like many do.”According to the NHS, Parkinson’s is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years.It is caused by a loss of nerve cells which in turn leads to a reduction of the chemical dopamine and affects men slightly more than women, especially those over 50.The neurological condition can lead to various symptoms including involuntary shaking and tremors, slow movement, stiff rigidity of muscles, balance difficulties and memory problems. There is not currently a known cure for Parkinson’s disease although medication, physiotherapy and surgery can help relieve symptoms. Boxing legend Muhammad Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1984 aged 42 and lived with the condition until his death 32 years later in 2016.READ MORE SUN STORIESTyson was paid around £16million for the Paul fight, which was shown to over 100 million viewers on Netflix.The Baddest Man on the Planet, 58, admitted last month he has still not fully recovered from the bout. Everything you need to know about Parkinson’sParkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition, meaning that it causes problems in the brain and gets worse over time. It affects around 153,000 people in the UK. People with Parkinson’s don’t have enough of the chemical dopamine because some of the nerve cells that make it have stopped working. This can cause a range of more than 40 symptoms, but the three main ones are:Tremor (shaking)Slow movementRigidity (muscle stiffness)Other common signs include:Mild memory and thinking problemsTrouble sleepingIssues with balance PainAnxiety and depression Shuffling walk with very small steps Difficulty making facial expressions Loss of sense of smell Problems peeing Constipation The four main ways of managing Parkinson’s include medication, staying active, exploring occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech and language therapy, and monitoring symptoms. Source: Parkinson’s UK and NHS More

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    Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol 2: Start time, TV channel, live stream, undercard

    ARTUR BETERBIEV and Dmitry Bivol rematch for the unified WBC, WBO, IBO and IBF light-heavyweight world championships.Artur Beterbiev was taken the distance for the first time in his career in his first bout with Dmitry Bivol, but won a majority decision to take all four titles.Artur Beterbiev went home with four titles in the first fightCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunDmitry Bivol looks for retribution against Artur BeterbievCredit: GettyBeterbiev’s promoter Bob Arum says the 40-year-old is not looking to repeat the distance fight, and is aiming to knock Bivol out.Bivol will sense his chance to take all four of the titles away from Beterbiev, having been the first fighter to take him the distance.When is Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol 2?Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol is set to take place on Saturday, February 22.The card starts from 4pm GMT on DAZN.Beterbiev and Bivol are expected to make their ring walks around 10pm GMT.The fight will take place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.What TV channel is Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol 2 on and can it be live streamed?Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol will be shown live on DAZN PPV, Sky Sports Box office and TNT Sports Box office.The event is available on pay-per-view for £19.99.Full cardArtur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol for the IBF, IBO, WBC and WBO light-heavyweight titlesDaniel Dubois vs Joseph Parker for the IBF heavyweight titleShakur Stevenson vs Floyd Schofield for the WBC lightweight titleCarlos Adames vs Hamzah Sheeraz for the WBC middleweight titkeVergil Ortiz Jr vs Israil Madrimov for the interim WBC heavyweight titleZhilei Zhang vs Agit Kabayel for the interim WBC heavyweight titleJoshua Buatsi vs Callum Smith for the interim WBO light-heavyweight titleBradley Rea vs Constantino Nanga More