More stories

  • in

    Deontay Wilder’s manager names three icons who could beat Tyson Fury with Brit ranked top five heavyweight of all time

    TYSON FURY is ranked as a top five heavyweight of all time by Deontay Wilder’s co-manager. Fury contentiously drew with Wilder in 2018 but brilliantly won a one-sided rematch.
    Tyson Fury knocking Deontay Wilder down in their trilogyCredit: Getty
    But the rivals saved the best till last with their epic trilogy bout in Las Vegas going down as an instant classic.
    Fury scored three knockdowns, getting up twice from the canvas in the fourth, to close the show with a knockout in round 11.
    It cemented the Gypsy King as the best heavyweight in the world, but Wilder’s co-manager Shelly Finkel rates him as one of the greatest ever.
    Asked where Fury’s ranks amongst the greats, Finkel told SunSport last year: “Probably in the top five. 
    “You have to give Fury credit, he got up twice, also in the first fight, and he is calm in the ring.
    “He knows what he’s got to do and he does it very well. Time will tell where he places in history.” 
    Most read in Boxing
    Finkel, who began his boxing management career in 1980, has worked with some of the best heavyweights in history.
    That includes Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield and Wladimir Klitschko as well as Wilder more recently.
    The Bronze Bomber, who made ten WBC title defences from 2015-2020, weighed in a career-heaviest 17 stone for his trilogy with Fury.
    For much of his championship reign, Wilder, 35, scaled anywhere from 15-16 stone, often giving away size but making up for it in brutal power.
    Champions of the past such as Tyson, 56, Holyfield, 59, and Muhammad Ali, who died in 2016, all cut a similar frame.
    He knows what he’s got to do and he does it very well. Time will tell where he places in history.” Deontay Wilder’s co-manager Shelly Finkel on Tyson Fury
    But Fury, 33, is an example of the modern-day heavyweight, piling on the pounds to 19-and-a-half stone against Wilder the third time around.
    For that reason, Finkel warned it would have been hard for any great heavyweight of the past to overcome him, except a certain three.
    He said: “The smaller guys couldn’t beat him because of his size. Maybe, a George Foreman, at Foreman’s peak. 
    “Ali was specially gifted in movement, but smaller than that would’ve been hard. 
    “Mike Tyson may have been able, even though he was only 215 or so.”
    Former heavyweight champion George ForemanCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Boxing icon and former heavyweight champion Muhammad AliCredit: Bettmann Archive
    Mike Tyson pictured knocking out Frank BrunoCredit: AFP More

  • in

    ‘We’re getting back in the ring’ – Logan Paul announces he will RETURN to boxing in December after starring in WWE

    LOGAN PAUL has announced his return to the boxing ring – and he’s eyeing a December dust-up.The YouTube superstar hasn’t set foot inside the ring since his eight-rounder with boxing legend Floyd Mayweather last June.
    Logan Paul hasn’t set foot inside the ring since his exhibition with Floyd MayweatherCredit: GETTY
    But the Maverick has announced he’ll be back in action in DecemberCredit: GETTY
    Paul was recently in action at WWE SummerSlamCredit: SPLASH
    But the 27-year-old is back in the gym and hoping to throw down before the end of the year.
    During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Paul said: “I’m a boxer again. We’re getting back in the ring.
    “We’re going to go from professional sport to professional sport. I want to get a fight in December.”
    An opponent for Paul’s comeback fight hasn’t been finalised, although he does have a couple of names in mind for his next opponent.
    READ MORE IN SPORT
    He said: “I have some people in mind, but I can’t say. You know you only get one first impression.
    “That’s part of my ability to make moments. I like making first impressions big, so I want to wait until we’re ready.”
    Paul has taken to the ring three times but has yet to have his hand raised.
    The American fought fellow YouTuber KSI to a draw in a London grudge match four years ago.
    PLAY DREAM TEAM NOW FOR FREE WITH £100k IN PRIZE MONEY
    Most read in Boxing
    The pair renewed their rivalry in Los Angeles in November 2019, although Paul found himself on the wrong end of a controversial split decision verdict.
    Paul then took a huge jump in class last June by facing Mayweather in a Miami melee.
    The YouTuber turned WWE star shocked the world by going the distance with the former five-weight world champion.
    Read More on The Sun
    Paul has hit out at Mayweather numerous times since their fight, accusing the Hall-of-Famer of not fully paying his purse.
    Paul was most recently in action at WWE Summerslam, where he defeated The Miz after landing a sensational frogsplash.
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS More

  • in

    ‘World wants to see it’ – Controversial kickboxer Andrew Tate reacts after Jake Paul calls him out for fight THIS year

    JAKE PAUL is targeting a bout with controversial fighter Andrew Tate later this year.Tate, a former kickboxer who has shot to fame in recent years, has been rumoured to be in talks to fight Paul later this year.
    Andrew Tate is a hot topic on social mediaCredit: Instagram/@cobratate
    Jake Paul is targeting October for his next fight, with Tate among the possible opponentsCredit: Getty
    Paul was due to fight Hasim Rahman Jr this weekend before the bout was called-off at the last minuteCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    However, a spokesperson for Tate denied the claims but declared a fight would be a global event.
    The spokesperson told Mirror Boxing: ““There are currently no productive talks with Jake Paul’s team regarding a fight between him and Andrew.
    “We are aware that due to the rise in Andrew’s popularity it’s a fight the world wants to see.
    “However, at this moment in time, there is nothing to report.”
    READ MORE IN SPORT
    Paul, who has over 20million subscribers on his YouTube channel, was due to fight Hasim Rahman Jr this weekend before the event was called off at the last minute in a disagreement over the weight.
    The 25-year-old declared himself the “most feared man in boxing” and called out Rahman for his “lack off professionalism” in moving the goalposts over the weight range agreed for their fight.
    Rahman himself was a late substitution for former Love Island star Tommy Fury, who has now cancelled two fights with Paul.
    And now with Paul targeting October for his next fight, retired American-British fighter Tate has been earmarked as a contender.
    Most read in Sport
    JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
    Tate himself has appeared on Big Brother, but was removed from the show after a video emerged online of him appearing to strike a woman.
    More recently Tate has grown popular on social media platforms Instagram and TikTok despite not having an official account on the latter, with his often controversial takes driving fierce debate among viewers.
    His net worth is reported to be at least £16.2m.
    Tate’s spokesperson added: “We have also become aware that Jake Paul and his team intend to call Andrew out via a collection of YouTube/ Instagram videos.
    Read More on The Sun
    “However, as stated before, there has been no official talks regarding a fight.”
    Paul’s record in boxing currently stands at five wins and zero losses. More

  • in

    Tyson Fury’s rival Deontay Wilder leaves fans shocked with lean physique and incredible body transformation

    DEONTAY WILDER has revealed his incredible body transformation since fighting Tyson Fury.The boxer, 36, was at his heaviest weight of 19st 11lbs when he lost to Fury in October 2021.
    Deontay Wilder looks transformed as he prepares for his next fight
    The Bronze Bomber weighed 19st 11lbs when he fought Tyson Fury in October 2021Credit: Getty
    He bulked up to help himself deal with Tyson’s huge size in the ring but he has since shed the pounds and has now shocked fans with how lean he looks.
    Fans commented on his smaller frame with some suggesting Wilder could become a cruiserweight.
    One Twitter user wrote: “Looks a cruiserweight man!! Skinny legs, skinny frame!”
    Another added: “He looks poorly sick I hope he is ok.”
    A third said: “This transformation is unreal.”
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    Wilder hasn’t set foot inside the ring since his brutal 11th-round KO loss to Tyson Fury in their epic trilogy fight last October.
    But the American recently dispelled suggestions of retirement by saying: “I can’t stop right here.
    “I must continue my journey. I have to, I have to.
    “I’m looking to resume my career for sure. I’ve got a lot of other things I’ve got to get out of the way.”
    Most read in Sport
    JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
    The Bronze Bomber has been training in the gym and recently posed alongside Badou Jack after sparring with the fighter, who is set to face Richard Rivera on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.
    Wilder also met UFC champion Francis Ngannou this week and revealed to the heavyweight that he is looking to “get back into the groove” – hinting at a possible return to the ring. More

  • in

    Anthony Joshua v Oleksandr Usyk promo video drops featuring boxing legend Prince Naseem Hamed ahead of August 20 rematch

    THE latest promo for Anthony Joshua’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk has dropped – with fans excited for the much-anticipated bout.Joshua’s title reclamation mission takes him back to Saudi Arabia, where he will face the fearsome Ukrainian once again.
    Anthony Joshua is well up for his title rematchCredit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wlGPln2jEY
    Oleksandr Usyk is the reigning, defending champCredit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wlGPln2jEY
    Prince Naseem made a popular cameoCredit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wlGPln2jEY
    The Brit lost his heavyweight belts on an underwhelming night at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium 11 months ago.
    But he will seemingly stop at nothing as he heads to the desert to try and claim back what he believes are rightfully his.
    The promo begins with a portion of commentary from the first fight, saying: “It was a fabulous performance from Oleksandr Usyk.
    “And Anthony Joshua loses his heavyweight titles. But he’ll be back.”
    Read More Boxing Stories
    The advert shows AJ and Usyk both sat reflecting in empty gyms, before cutting to a shot of the vast Saudi desert.
    After shots of Saudi Arabia, the promo returns to the gyms, showing Joshua and Usyk in intense training for the fight.
    AJ, 32, is then shown checking out King Abdullah Sports City, where the fight will take place.
    Joshua and Usyk enter a local ring – with Prince Naseem Hamed making a popular cameo.
    Most read in Boxing
    JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
    The 48-year-old former featherweight champion says: “It’s all going down in Jeddah.”
    Fans loved seeing his appearance, with one commenting: “Great Promo. Goosebumps!!! But, I was more gassed to see Prince Nas in the promo.”
    While another wrote: “Seeing that cameo from Prince Nas gave me chills!!”
    The promo finishes with Joshua and Usyk about to face off in the ring.
    UK-based fans will have to shell out a record £26.95 to watch the bout.
    Although Usyk has gifted it for free in war-torn in Ukraine.
    Joshua has been working up a sweat in preparation for one of the biggest nights of his career.
    Read More on The Sun
    Former champion David Haye believes that AJ needs to employ the dark arts to get it done on August 20.
    He said: “He should be this close to getting a point deducted or disqualified, that’s how physical he needs to be because he’s a specimen like no other in the heavyweight division.”
    Usyk and Joshua faced off at the end of the promoCredit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wlGPln2jEY
    The duo will square up on August 20Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wlGPln2jEY More

  • in

    Joe Joyce vs Joseph Parker: Date, UK start time, live stream, TV channel and undercard for heavyweight clash

    JOE JOYCE and Joseph Parker finally have a date pencilled in for their big heavyweight clash later this year. The pair were on course to battle in the summer but contract talks broke down.
    Joe Joyce stopped Christian Hammer in his last fightCredit: Reuters
    Joseph Parker beat Derek Chisora on points last DecemberCredit: PA
    Parker has since signed with Boxxer and Sky Sports, while Joyce is still contracted to Frank Warren and Queensberry.
    But with promotional differences cast aside, Joyce and Parker have signed on the dotted line for a big autumn fight.
    Parker hasn’t fought since a unanimous decision win over Derek Chisora last December, while Joyce stopped Christian Hammer last month.
    With both men after world title shots, the stakes don’t get much higher in the heavyweight division.

    When is Joyce vs Parker?

    Joyce is set to clash with Parker on Saturday, September 24.
    The clash will take place at the AO Arena in Manchester.
    Ring-walks for the main event can be expected to get underway from around 10.30pm UK time.

    What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

    Joyce vs Parker will be shown live on BT Sport Box Office in the UK.
    A price for the event has yet to be determined but it’s expected the fight will cost fans £19.95.
    You can live stream the clash from the BT Sport Box Office app, which is available for download onto your mobile and tablet device.

    Joyce vs Parker undercard
    There has yet to be any details on the undercard for Joyce vs Parker.
    Stay tuned to SunSport for all the details as we get them.
    Most read in Boxing
    What has been said?
    Joyce said: “This fight has been a long time in the making.
    “Parker realised he had nowhere else to go and eventually had to take this fight. No 1 vs No 2.
    “The winner goes on to fight for the world title! It’s going to be a cracking fight and you will see why he tried so hard to avoid me!”
    Parker added: “On Saturday, September 24th, the fans in Manchester will see the very best of me. And Joe Joyce will see exactly why I will become the heavyweight champion of the world again with BOXXER.
    “I am working hard with my trainer Andy Lee, everything is going smoothly and I truly feel great.
    “I have waited patiently to get this fight on and let me tell you now, the Juggernaut’s journey ends right here. He has nowhere to run.” More

  • in

    Joe Joyce vows to KO Joseph Parker to punish heavyweight foe for trying to duck world title decider

    JOE JOYCE has vowed to punish Joseph Parker for trying to duck out of their final world title hurdle.On April 23, in front of 94,000 Wembley fans at Tyson Fury’s win over Dillian Whyte, the heavyweight pair shook hands on a BT Sport clash.
    Joe Joyce is ready to teach Joseph Parker a lessonCredit: Rex
    But the 30-year-old Kiwi then ducked out of the deal to sign with promotional rivals BOXXER and Sky Sports.
    Since Parker’s new backers failed to offer him a worthwhile opponent, he is now getting sent back over enemy lines to face the 36-year-old Juggernaut on September 24 in Manchester.
    WBO No1 contender Joyce roared: “This fight has been a long time in the making.
    “Parker realised he had nowhere else to go and eventually had to take this fight.
    READ MORE SPORT STORIES
    “It’s No1 vs No2. The winner goes on to fight for the world title.
    “It’s going to be a cracking fight and you will see why he tried so hard to avoid me.”
    Former WBO champ Parker has failed to really impress since his 2018 loss to Anthony Joshua.
    But, after back-to-back wins over Derek Chisora, he reckons Tyson Fury’s assistant trainer Andy Lee is finally getting the best out of him.
    Most read in Boxing
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    He said: “On Saturday, September 24, the fans in Manchester will see the very best of me.
    “And Joe Joyce will see exactly why I will become the heavyweight champion of the world again.
    “I am working hard with my trainer Andy Lee, everything is going smoothly and I truly feel great.
    “I have waited patiently to get this fight on and let me tell you now, the Juggernaut’s journey ends right here.
    “He has nowhere to run.”  More

  • in

    Jake Paul eyes boxing return in October after axed Hasim Rahman Jr fight and already evaluating ‘multiple opponents’

    JAKE PAUL is targeting a boxing return in October and already evaluating “multiple opponents” for his next fight. The YouTuber-turned prizefighting star was due to face Hasim Rahman Jr over the weekend in New York.
    Jake Paul is targeting a boxing return in OctoberCredit: EPA
    But a weight disagreement between the two forced the entire Madison Square Garden pay-per-view to be scrapped.
    Paul nearly completed a full training camp ahead of the fight and was prepared for his first bout since December.
    But his Most Valuable Promotions banner confirmed to SunSport that his comeback is already in the works.
    MVP stated: “We are evaluating multiple opponents for Jake Paul to return in October.”
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    Paul, 25, most recently knocked out Tyron Woodley, 40, four months after beating the ex-UFC champion on points.
    The rematch only came around when Tommy Fury, 23, pulled out of the event after suffering a rib injury.
    Paul added to his KO wins over “AnEsonGib”, ex-NBA player Nate Robinson, 38, and retired UFC welterweight Ben Askren, 38.
    The American was braced to reschedule his celebrity grudge match with Fury, but the British ex-Love Islander was ruled out amid a visa issue.
    Most read in Boxing
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Paul then turned to Rahman, 31, a former sparring partner and son of ex-world champion Hasim Sr.
    The heavyweight signed to fight at the 14st 4lb cruiserweight limit of 200lb, despite being 16 stone in his last fight in April.
    So the New York State Athletic Commission wanted to track his weight cut.
    But after Rahman struggled to drop the pounds, NSAC changed the fight weight to 205lb.
    We are evaluating multiple opponents for Jake Paul to return in October.Most Valuable Promotions
    Paul later claimed his opponent demanded it be at no lower than 215lb, which caused the whole MSG card to be axed.
    Rahman would then insist he was willing to fight at 205lb and is set to still weigh in on Friday in a bid to prove it.
    SunSport understands the opposing camps were in contact following the official cancelation but there are no plans to reschedule the fight.
    It will likely see Paul, who was ready to fight at a career-heaviest weight having campaigned at 190lb, move on to a new opponent.
    Jake Paul and Hasim Rahman before their fight cancelationCredit: Getty Images – Getty More