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    Tyson Fury says Anthony Joshua is ‘in tatters’ and delivers crushing blow to hopes of all-British blockbuster

    TYSON FURY claims Anthony Joshua is in “tatters” — along with any hope of their British superfight.That is because the Gypsy King wants an Oleksandr Usyk trilogy.Tyson Fury has delivered a crushing blow to a potential fight with Anthony JoshuaCredit: GettyFans have wanted the all-British showdown for agesCredit: ReutersThe Ukrainian sensation is 1-0 up after stunning Fury to achieve undisputed world heavyweight status in May.But Fury reckons beating Usyk in Riyadh on Saturday will earn him a blockbusting decider.He said: “When I win on  Saturday, I think there’s got to be a trilogy next year for sure.”Joshua’s in tatters.READ MORE ON BOXING”He has got to pick up the pieces from his last fight.”But fighting Usyk on Saturday, and the one after, would be fantastic for me.”AJ was meant to beat Daniel Dubois to earn a 2025 showdown with the Gypsy King.But the Watford ace suffered a brutal fifth-round KO and rejected a rematch.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFury was fuming, calling the London 2012 hero a “silly c***” for costing him £150million.But now he wants the Usyk trilogy to rival greats like Muhammad Ali v Joe Frazier.Tyson Fury says he hasn’t spoken to wife Paris for THREE MONTHS and says he has ‘sacrificed a lot’ for Usyk rematchFury told Al Arabiya: “It’s not revenge,  just me smashing his face in.”Not in a million years will I walk away after this.”All great dance partners have trilogies. Facts.”In August, Francis Ngannou warned the pair off fighting each other.He insisted the pair “don’t want the smoke” as he could not split them in a prediction.Meanwhile, Fury’s opponent Usyk bizarrely called out Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.The Frenchman hilarious responded as he said: “Sometimes you have to stay in your lane and I will stay in my lane.” More

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    Watch Arsenal legend Thierry Henry’s hilarious reaction after being called out by boxing champ Oleksandr Usyk

    THIERRY HENRY had a hilarious reaction after being called out by boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk.Usyk rematches Tyson Fury on Saturday in Saudi Arabia following his points victory in May. Oleksandr Usyk sent a hilarious message to Thierry HenryCredit: X formerly Twitter / @SkySportsPLHenry gave a funny reaction to Usyk’s messageCredit: X formerly Twitter / @SkySportsPLThe fight will be available on Sky Sports Box Office and an interview with Usyk played during Monday Night Football. And the former undisputed champ was asked how he would get inside Henry’s head before a fight. Usyk said: “Yeah, Thierry is a great player but Thierry, my legs, they’re better with you. Thierry, don’t be afraid, my legs are better.”Jamie Carragher and host Dave Jones burst into laughter as Henry was left head in hands. READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd the Arsenal legend said: “Sometimes you have to stay in your lane and I will stay in my lane.” Usyk, 37, is an avid football fan and even signed for Ukrainian third tier team Polissya – even once playing in a friendly. But his focus is back on boxing ahead of his Riyadh rematch with Fury, 36.His split-decision win over the Gypsy King meant he became the first four-belt undisputed king in heavyweight history. Most read in BoxingFury vs Usyk 2: Ring walk time, TV channels and undercard – all you need to know for big rematchCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut he had to vacate the IBF title to proceed with the rematch allowing Daniel Dubois, 27, to inherit the belt. Fury vowed to ditch any showmanship in the ring telling media: “I need to be more focused this time and not do as much showboating. “One of the commentators said: ‘Has anybody ever seen Tyson Fury clown this much against even lower level opposition?’ “That’s how easy it was for me and you can get complacent.”Tyson Fury says he hasn’t spoken to wife Paris for THREE MONTHS and says he has ‘sacrificed a lot’ for Usyk rematch More

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    ‘This is going to be revolutionary’ – Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 to feature never-before-seen AI JUDGE

    TYSON FURY’s do-or-die rematch with Oleksandr Usyk will sensationally feature a FOURTH judge.But it won’t be a human scoring the crucial rounds in Saturday night’s eagerly-anticipated Saudi showdown for the unified heavyweight titles.Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk renew their rivalry in Saudi Arabia on Saturday nightCredit: GETTYUsyk became the first undisputed heavyweight champ in nearly 25 years with a split decision victory in the pair’s May meleeCredit: ReutersTheir rematch is set to feature an AI judgeCredit: PAArtificial intelligence will be tasked with scoring the desert dust-up, which will attract the eyes of the entire sporting world.Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh revealed the introduction of an AI judge on Tuesday night.The AI judge, however, won’t have any impact on the result of the Riyadh rumble.Ring Magazine supremo Alalshikh wrote on X: “For the first time ever, an AI-powered judge will monitor the fight.READ MORE ON FURY VS USYK 2″Free from bias and human error brought to you by The Ring.”This groundbreaking experiment, which won’t impact the official results, debuts during the biggest fight of the century, #Usyk2Fury, on December 21.”Alalshikh’s short-notice revelation quickly became the talk of fight world.One fan wrote on X: “It would be awesome if this fixes the judging issue in combat sports. Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I’m sure it’s a couple of years out from being able to actually be used, but the concept is exciting.”Another said: “This is gonna be revolutionary.”Tyson Fury says he hasn’t spoken to wife Paris for THREE MONTHS and says he has ‘sacrificed a lot’ for Usyk rematchAnd another said: “Loved this. [It] will automatically put judges on high alert.”The future of boxing is safe with you taking over.”One remarked: “Wow! I can’t wait to see how this goes.”Another chimed in: “Boxing VAR in the making?”Several boxing fans, however, are sceptical about the effectiveness of AI scoring fights.One said: “Boxing scoring is subjective.. So what are the rules you put into the bot?”What you like to see or was it more general than that?”Another said: “AI can’t distinguish effectiveness?”The judges were called upon in Fury and Usyk’s May melee, which went the distance.Usyk was crowned the first undisputed king of the heavyweights in nearly 25 years courtesy of a split decision victory.Fury, 36, was adamant he did enough to have his hand raised and has vowed not to leave Saturday’s slugfest in the hand of the judges again.The former unified heavyweight champion said: “I’ve always been a bad man my whole life, and I’m still one today at nearly 40 years old, a few years off 40.”I’m going to go in there with destroy mode. “Last time, I went to box him, I was being cautious.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Anybody can get caught as we have seen in a lot of these heavyweight fights.”But this time I’m not going for a points decision. I’m going to knock that motherf****r out.” More

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    Who are Keely Hodgkinson’s coaches Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows?

    TREVOR Painter and Jenny Meadows are the coaching duo behind British middle-distance runner Keely Hodgkinson’s success.They’ll no doubt be beaming with pride as Keely is the bookies’ favourite to take home BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2024.Keely Hodgkinson pictured training with her coaches Trevor Painter and Jenny MeadowsCredit: GettyJenny Meadows pictured with her 800m silver medal at the British Athletics Indoor Championships in 2015Credit: GettyWho is Trevor Painter?Trevor Painter is the founder and head coach of M11 Track Club, Manchester, which specialises in coaching middle-distance events.He has been coaching athletes for almost 25 years and has guided more than 30 athletes to international level.Trevor received the Coaching Achievement Award as part of the World Athletics Awards 2024, recognising his outstanding contributions to coaching at all levels in athletics.He holds an MSc in Elite Coaching Practice from the University of Central Lancashire and is known for his scientific approach to training.read more on keely hodgkinsonWho is Jenny Meadows?Jenny Meadows, a former world-class 800m runner, works alongside Trevor as a coach at M11 Track Club.She brings her vast experience as an international athlete to the coaching partnership, offering valuable insights and wisdom both on and off the track.Her role extends beyond just technical coaching — she acts as a mentor and life coach to the athletes.PhilosophyJenny and Trevor are known for their unique approach to coaching, which includes:Most read in AthleticsCreating the right environment: They focus on making training enjoyable and fostering a fun atmosphere to retain athletes.Flexibility: They adapt their coaching style to suit individual athletes, recognising the importance of not constraining “free spirits” like Keely Hodgkinson.Holistic development: They emphasise the importance of athletes having a life outside of training, encouraging them to seize opportunities wherever possible.Scientific approach: Trevor handles the technical aspects and science, while Jenny complements this with her practical experience.AchievementsUnder their guidance, the M11 Track Club has produced several world-class athletes, including:Olympic winner Keely Hodgkinson soaks up the atmosphere with Man Utd fans at Old Trafford Keely Hodgkinson: Olympic gold medalist and multiple world championship medalist in 800m.Georgia Bell: Bronze medalist in the 1500m at the Paris 2024 Olympics.Lewis Davey: Bronze medalist in the 4x400m relay at the Paris 2024 Olympics.Sarah Healy: Irish international runner finished second in the 5th Avenue Mile.RelationshipTrevor and Jenny are a husband-and-wife team who run the M11 Track Club together.Keely Hodgkinson posing with coach Trevor Painter after receiving the 800m gold medal at the 2023 European Indoor Championships in in Istanbul, TurkeyCredit: GettyTheir relationship began as a coach-athlete partnership before evolving into a romantic one.Trevor was Jenny’s coach throughout her illustrious career, during which she earned multiple world and European 800m medals.Marriage & childrenThe couple tied the knot in 2006, but details of their big day have not been reportedIn July 2016, at the age of 35, Meadows announced her retirement from professional running.On January 11, 2024, Jenny took to X/Twitter to announce the birth of their first child.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe wrote: “Welcome to the world Arabella Connie Meadows-Painter who was born at 00:12 on Sunday 10th Jan weighing 7lb 2oz.”Myself & @Faster_feet promise to love and support you.” More

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    Isaac Lowe vs Lee McGregor: Date, live stream, TV channel and fight card for huge featherweight bout

    THERE is some featherweight action set to be on the undercard of the highly-anticipated rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.Isaac Lowe vs Lee McGregor will open the fight card in what is an all-British bout.Isaac Lowe set to fight on huge December 21 fight cardCredit: GettyLast time out, Lowe, 30, had fought on the undercard of the first fight between Fury and Usyk, where he won by decision against Hasibullah Ahmadi.McGregor, 27, is making a quick turnaround where he last fought just two months ago where he earned a TKO victory against Deiner Polo.Lee McGregor makes a quick turnaround to be on huge fight billCredit: GettyWhen is Isaac Lowe vs Lee McGregor?The featherweight fight will be on Saturday, December 21.The bout will be held at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.The all-British clash is part of a stacked card for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2.Fight times will be confirmed a week before the fight but the main card, which includes Lowe vs McGregor, begins 7pm UK time.What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?The FULL card will be broadcast LIVE on DAZN PPV, TNT Sports Box Office, and Sky Sports Box Office.All three will offer the action as a pay-per-view event – both DAZN and TNT have priced it at £24.99, while Sky has set a slightly cheaper price tag of £24.95.The action will also be available to stream on their apps.Also, SunSport will be live blogging all the action from Riyadh as it happens.READ MORE IN BOXINGFull cardOleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury, for Usyk’s WBA, WBC and WBO heavyweight titlesSerhii Bohachuk vs. Israil MadrimovMoses Itauma vs. Demsey McKeanJohnny Fisher vs. Dave AllenDennis McCann vs. Peter McGrail, for McCann’s European super bantamweight titleIsaac Lowe vs. Lee McGregorFury vs Usyk 2: Ring walk time, TV channels and undercard – all you need to know for big rematch More

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    Oleksandr Usyk’s tattoos explained, from his children’s names to Olympic rings, as he gets ready to fight Tyson Fury

    OLEKSANDR Usyk is gearing up for the biggest fight of his life.The WBA, WBO and WBC belts are on the line as he faces Tyson Fury at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday.Oleksandr Usyk shows off his impressive tattoos and chiselled torsoCredit: GettyUsyk’s tattoos will be on display when he fights Tyson Fury this weekendCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom BoxingUsyk will have three belts on the line when he faces off against Fury for a second timeCredit: ReutersBoxing fans will be praying it is as eventful as the first bout between the pair, which ended in the Ukrainian winning by split decision.Amusingly, whoever wins, the pair could end up going for a pint together.Usyk joked about it in a recent TV interview where he said he would entertain having a beer with his rival.The trash talk has ramped up in recent weeks but there remains a healthy respect between the pair, so much so that Usyk is willing to put all the Gypsy King’s “rabbit” jokes aside and visit the boozer with him.Read more boxing newsDuring a chat with Sky Sports, Usyk said: “Listen I can go to the pub, drinking beer.”After, we go to play golf and then we go to play football. Then we go horse racing.”As he fought back fits of laughter, the fan favourite added: “Yes [a few beers]. No problem.”The Cat and Fury could even talk about his incredible tattoos that decorate his chiselled torso.Most read in BoxingSunSport wades through his ink to explain what some of them mean below.Oleksandr Usyk puts Tyson Fury rivalry aside and invites Gypsy King to the pub to ‘drink beer’ and cheer on Man Utd Family manUsyk is one of sport’s great characters.Loveable, goofy at times, and certainly a lot smarter than people realise.However, beneath his joker in the pack exterior is a proud man whose roots firmly belong to Ukraine.He is also a father, which he takes great joy in being.Usyk’s dedication to his children is obvious, as he has their names, Yelizaveta and Kyrylo, etched on to his skin in Ukrainian script.These names roughly translate to Elizabeth and Kyrill in English.Usyk married Yekaterina in 2009.They have four children in total, including Mykhalio and a daughter who was born this year.Usyk’s children’s names appear on his biceps in Ukrainian scriptCredit: EPA/ALI HAIDERUsyk is married to Yekaterina and they share four kidsCredit: Instagramread more sport featuresA true UkrainianIt was little wonder Usyk returned to his native country to fight the ongoing war against Russia.But, he’s best served representing his country on the global stage as one of the world’s most popular sportsman.When he’s in the ring, fans will get to see his right shoulder inked with the Simferopol, the national coat of arms of Ukraine.Known as the tryzub, it wasn’t until 1979 that it was considered a national symbol.Usyk’s tributes to his homeland don’t end there.On his left lower-back, he has an angel tattooed that looks like the iconic statue of Archangel Michael atop Lach Gates at the Independence Square in Kyiv.It is holding a sword, which signifies its role in protecting the country from invasion or danger.Famously, after defeating Anthony Joshua, Usyk dedicated his victory to the soldiers of Kyiv’s territorial defence forces.“They (injured soldiers) were asking me to go, to fight, to fight for the country, fight for your pride and if you’re going to go there, you’re even going to help more for our country,” he said.On his lower left back, Usyk has an angel tattoo , while Ukraine’s national coat of arms is on his right shoulderCredit: InstagramAfter beating Anthony Joshua, Usyk dedicated his victory to Kyiv’s territorial defence forcesCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom BoxingOlympic heroUsyk rose through the ranks by competing at the Olympics.Famously, he won gold at London 2012 in the heavyweight class.On both of his arms he has Olympic rings, with one of those labelled ‘London 2012’.They symbolise how far Usyk has come as he has conquered the professional boxing world, as both cruiserweight an heavyweight king.READ MORE SUN STORIESNext, it’s time to conquer Tyson Fury again.Maybe there will another tattoo designed already for that honour.Usyk’s Olympic success features on his arms with the Olympic ringsCredit: Reuters More

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    BBC SPOTY favourite Keely Hodgkinson reveals fashion legend touched her cheek and called her beautiful

    KEELY HODGKINSON says being branded “beautiful” by fashion icon Giorgio Armani was the craziest thing to happen to her since becoming Olympic 800 metres champion.From the running track to the catwalk, Britain’s athletics superstar is hot property these days and was invited to Milan in September by a major fashion brand.Keely Hodgkinson says she was branded ‘beautiful’ by Giorgio ArmaniCredit: GettyThe Olympic champ is frontrunner to win SPOTY tonightCredit: Sunday TimesShe loved being praised by fashion legend ArmaniCredit: GettyAs someone comfortable in both spikes and stilettos, Hodgkinson was surprised to be noticed by the famous Italian designer who was enthralled with her epic display in Paris.Hodgkinson, 22, said: “The craziest thing that has happened to me? I’m going to say when I met Giorgio Armani . . . “He came over to me and put his hand on my cheek and called me ‘Bella’ (pretty in English). Which I thought was really nice.“He’s just a little man. I met him in Milan at Fashion Week briefly. He can’t speak English but he’s quite into his sport.  He’s a lot older now, he’s 90 years old, but he looks great.READ MORE IN SPORT“He’s still heavily involved in his work. That was a really cool moment.”It is one wonderful example that sums up the mad celebrity world that Hodgkinson now inhabits.But she has earned that as only NINE other women have won an Olympic gold medal in Team GB colours in track and field over 60 years.It is why she is the front-runner to be named BBC Sports Personality of the Year, which is being held close to her apartment in Salford, tonight.Most read in AthleticsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIf it happens, and darts star Luke Littler is a strong challenger, she will become the fourth woman in a row to receive the accolade — a record — but ten less than the men’s longest stretch.And her training mentor Trevor Painter, who masterminded three Olympic medallists this summer, is likely to be named Coach of the Year.Olympics hero Keely Hodgkinson thanks her home town for their support at the Paris Olympics Hodgkinson won the 800m gold in ParisCredit: GettyShe became a national treasure with victory over the summerCredit: GettyHodgkinson said: “If I go back to the beginning of the year when I started training, it didn’t go my way at all.“I spent a couple of months out with injury. But I just kept trusting the process and training got better.“About a month out, I realised I was in really good shape.“It’s the first time in a year where I’ve actually achieved everything I’ve set out to achieve on the outdoor track, which is quite special and doesn’t happen very often.”In 2025, Hodgkinson will attempt to win a hat-trick of gold medals at European and World Indoor level and then it is the World Outdoor Championships in September.And the controversial 800m world record of 1min 53.28sec — set in 1983  by Jarmila Kratochvilova of the Czech Republic — is within her sights. The question is whether she can do it in the next 12 months or closer to the LA 2028 Games.Hodgkinson, whose current PB is 1:54.61, said: “Medals can never be taken away from you, so that will always be a top priority. I don’t have a World Championship gold yet.“I do think 1.53 is possible — but obviously it takes a special race.READ MORE SUN STORIES“You’ve got to be in perfect shape, with perfect conditions, the right race for all that to come together.” BBC Sports Personality of the Year will be available to watch live tonight from 7pm on BBC One and iPlayerHodgkinson has also become a style iconCredit: GettyShe is up against some big names for SPOTYCredit: keely.hodgkinson/Instagram More

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    Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 fight purse: How much are stars making for huge rematch?

    THE highly anticipated rematch goes down this weekend where Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will battle it out in their massive rematch.Fury, 36, lost his first ever professional fight to Usyk last may in what was a controversial split-decision – and the two men are set to split an even bigger pot of cash than they did first time round.Oleksandr Usyk became undisputed heavyweight champion on May 24Credit: GettyAfter the fight, the Gypsy King saw a staggering £85million enter his bank account, in what was a contracted 70-30 purse split.And this meant Usyk cashed in around £30m for the fight to go alongside his heavyweight belts.The two are now set to meet in the ring once again in Riyadh to cap off what has been an excellent 2024 for heavyweight boxing.What is the Fury vs Usyk fight purse?The official purse for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk is yet to be revealed. read more Fury vs UsykHowever, as seen from the previous Saudi Arabia events, there will be a huge amount shared between the two men.Fury vs Usyk 2: Ring walk time, TV channels and undercard – all you need to know for big rematchIt is expected that Usyk will receive a much higher pay split compared to his last fight against Fury.This is because the Ukrainian is now the defending champion and is seen as the A side of the bill.Reports suggest the total payout of the fight will be £150m – an increase of £35m compared their first bout.Most read in BoxingHow much does the Fury vs Usyk PPV cost?The FULL card will be broadcast LIVE on DAZN PPV, TNT Sports Box Office, and Sky Sports Box Office.All three will offer the action as a pay-per-view event – both DAZN and TNT have priced it at £24.99, while Sky has set a slightly cheaper price tag of £24.95.The action will also be available to stream on their apps.SunSport will also be live blogging all the action from Riyadh as it happens. More