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      Saudi Arabia’s stunning three-point plan to merge boxing into new £4BILLION UFC-style format

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      SAUDI ARABIA wants to take over boxing and consolidate all the rival factions into one £4billion UFC-like mega company with a stunning three-point plan.The kingdom’s Public Investment Fund – which already owns Newcastle United – is speaking to the sport’s major promoters and sanctioning bodies, who usually work fiercely against each other, about folding under one umbrella.Saudi Arabia are looking to unify the world of boxing under one bannerCredit: GettyThe country has already played host to big fights including Oleksandr Usyk’s win over Tyson FuryCredit: GettyThe early talks are about firstly streamlining the WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO into one boxing body and world title belt.The second point is forcing warring promoters like Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn and Golden Boy’s Oscar De La Hoya to work hand-in-hand.And the third is also the idea of stripping back the 16 hard-to-follow weight classes to a far more manageable figure.There are currently 16 major weight classes, from the 7st 10lb light-flyweight right up to the unlimited heavyweight pinnacle of over 14st 4lbs.READ MORE IN BOXINGThe WBC and WBA have even forced through another division – to muddy the water even further – with a bridgerweight class of 14st lbs up to 16st.At any one time there can be up to SIXTY FOUR world champions, across all weight classes and sanctioning bodies, leaving fight fans as confused as they are angry.Following the sport is also cripplingly expensive and impossible in some situations.In the UK, TNT, Sky Sports and streaming app DAZN all need to be subscribed to in order to catch all of the major bouts.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd even stumping up to all three doesn’t guarantee you all the significant fights live from the USA and around the rest of the world.The sport has never been more fragmented or less popular.EXCLUSIVE: Anthony Joshua expected to fight winner of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk even if Gypsy King gets revenge on UkrainianBut Turki Alalshikh – chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority and close advisor to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman – is a boxing super-fan who is dedicated to returning the sport to its former glory.Alalshikh has already taken Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk to the desert to compete in iconic fights.And he is bankrolling an August 3 show in Los Angeles – complete with an Eminem concert.Talks are also advanced for a Wembley Stadium spectacular in September, to continue promoting the Riyadh Season brand, with AJ set to star at the top of the stacked card.And beyond that the plan is to centralise all the best parts of the sport in the same way Dana White did with the UFC.The Ultimate Fighting Championship – bought out by Endeavour for around £3bn in 2016 – is the clear Premier League of mixed martial arts, with all of the best male and female fighters competing in their eight male divisions and three female classes.Inside the Gypsy King’s royal courtTYSON FURY is one of the biggest characters in sport. More

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      Abdu Rozik postpones wedding to ‘most beautiful’ fiancee after 3ft social media sensation announces boxing debut

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      THREE-FOOT TALL Abdu Rozik has postponed his wedding to make his boxing debut.Rozik had been tipped to step in the ring after calling out rival Hasbulla Magomedov.Abdu Rozik is making his boxing debut next monthCredit: Stewart WilliamsWhile his opponent has not been announced he has had to delay his marriage to his ‘most beautiful’ wife, AmiraCredit: Instagram @abdu_rozikRozik had been tipped to fight Hasbulla Magomedov after they clashed at a UFC event three years agoCredit: GettyAnd now Rozik, who was diagnosed with dwarfism as a child, will make his debut in the ring on the Social Knockout 3 fight card in Dubai on July 6.His combat sport bow comes one day before he was due to tie the knot.But the 20-year-old has said the fight will give him and fiancee Amira, 19, financial security going forward and added his wife supports the decision.He said: “I never imagined that I’ll get the chance to fight for a title in my life. READ MORE IN BOXING”After so many good things happening this year for my career and my love life, unfortunately, I have to postpone the wedding as this match will give us huge financial security for the future. “Amira supports my decision fully as it will change a lot for us. It’s the first-ever title for someone my size and I have a heavy training camp to endure as well these days.”Speaking to The Hindustan Times, he added: “Her name is Amira and she is 19 years old. “She is studying business administration in a university in Sharjah. She lives here and we both will make our home together here only. She is the most beautiful girl I have ever met.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRozik has 8.3 million followers on Instagram and is a regular sight at blockbuster boxing events.This included Oleksandr Usyk’s points victory over Tyson Fury to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.Abdu Rozik calls out Hasbulla for a fight and serenades our presenterHis opponent for his fight is yet to be named.Rozik caught the eye of fans when he clashed with Hasbulla – who signed a five-year contract with the UFC in 2022 after talks with Dana White – at a UFC event three years ago. He told SunSport last November: “Really I think Hasbulla is zero, nothing.”Because he doesn’t have any talent, he’s nothing, I don’t know why people love him so much and why people are supporting him.Rozik vs Hasbulla tale of the tapeHere’s how Abdu Rozik and Hasbulla Magomedov match up
      Occupation: Singer/influencer vs Influencer
      Nationality: Takijistani vs Russian
      Height: 3ft 2in vs 3ft 4in
      Instagram followers: 8.3 million vs 8.1 million

      “He doesn’t have any talent at all. I have singing talent. I have acting talent. I have boxing talent. I have DJ ing talent.”I’m intelligent. I have so much talent but Hasbullah doesn’t have any talent. I’m always ready he’s scared of me.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He’s a chicken he doesn’t want to fight me. I’m ready. Hasbullah I’m coming for you and smashing your face in!”Rozik repeatedly punched a cardboard cut out of Hasbulla in October last year.Rozik reignited his feud with Hasbulla last yearHe repeatedly hit a cardboard cut out of himEURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENT More

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      When is Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2? Date, UK start time, live stream, card details for huge heavyweight rematch

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      TYSON FURY and Oleksandr Usyk could be set to do it all AGAIN later this year after a brilliant bout in Saudi Arabia.The two heavyweights went head to head in the first heavyweight undisputed fight this CENTURY – with Usyk winning a controversial split decision.Oleksandr Usyk won a split decision in a brilliant heavyweight unification fight against Tyson FuryCredit: GettyAnd in a bout fit for that mantle, Fury and Usyk played out a thrilling battle with both men in control and also struggling at various points in the fight.Usyk started on top before showboating Fury won the middle rounds and appeared to be well on top.However, a ninth-round volley saw Usyk FLOOR Fury and swing momentum back his way.With four major world titles up for grabs both men gave it their all in one of the best fights in memory.READ MORE IN BOXINGIt went to the judges with the fight ending in a controversial split decision going in the Ukrainian’s favour –  115-112, 114-15, 114-113.When is Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk rematch taking place?SunSport understands that originally, a rematch was slated to take place in the middle of October.But Saudi boxing chief, H.E. Turki Alalshikh, has now confirmed that Fury vs Usyk II has been pencilled in for the weekend of December 21/22.Alalshikh plans to have the rematch right in the middle of another Riyadh Season.Most read in BoxingWhat channel will the fight be on?
      Both DAZN and TNT Sports are likely to broadcast Fury vs Usyk once again in the UK.
      You can subscribe to DAZN in the UK for £9.99-a-month, which commits you to an entire year of action.
      A flexible pass, worth £19.99-a-month, is also available, and you can cancel anytime.
      You can live stream the action from either the discovery+ app for TNT Sports, or the DAZN app for DAZN, both of which you can download onto your mobile or tablet device
      Will all heavyweight titles be on the line in the rematch?Should the rematch take place between Fury and Usyk, they won’t be competing for all the heavyweight titles.That is because the winner of the undisputed bout is likely to be stripped of the IBF strap. It is not yet know when the belt will be stripped from the eventual winner, but it seems likely Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois will fight for it in September. Fury vs Usyk cardThe undercard for Fury vs Usyk has yet to be confirmed. Follow SunSport for all the latest details on the huge rematch. More

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      Tyson Fury breaks cover hours after collapsing in the street when Britain’s ‘bravest bouncer’ escorted him out of a pub

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      TYSON Fury has been spotted hours after collapsing in the street when Britain’s “bravest bouncer” escorted him out of a pub.The British former world champion – who lost his title to Oleksandr Usyk last month – was led out by two security staff on Friday evening after enjoying one drink too many in Nowhere bar in Morecambe, Lancs.Heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury out for a walk in Morecambe with his father JohnCredit: PP.Fury on his phone while out and aboutCredit: PP.Footage from inside the bar showed the former world champion being taken out by securityA source claimed the dad-of-seven didn’t feel too good as he was leaving the barFootage showed the legendary boxer scrambling on his knees before bumping his head on a lamp post outside.Fury appeared to shrug off the incident today as he took a seaside stroll along the promenade in Morecambe Bay with his father, John, 59.Wearing a full blue tracksuit, Tyson, 35, was spotted scrolling on his phone as he enjoyed the fresh air.The former champion, who has amassed an estimated £300m from his hugely successful boxing career, partied with friends and fans at the venue last Friday.Read More in BoxingBut his night came to an end when staff ruled he was too intoxicated, so staff gently persuaded the Gypsy King to head back to his £1.7m mansion which he shares with wife Paris and their seven children.Earlier Fury had enjoyed some drinks while chatting with fans at the Strawberry Gardens pub in Morecambe.A source close to Fury said the fighter had not had a drink for more than a year adding: “He had a couple too many and wasn’t feeling too well either.”Another video taken by a motorist while waiting to collect her son showed Fury crawling on his hands and knees outside the bar with his head on the pavement.Most read in BoxingThe woman said: “I heard a lot of shouting and commotion and then I saw Tyson crawling on his hands and knees in the street. He looked in a bad way. Hopefully it was just a one-off blow out for him.”Some fight fans joked Fury seemed to be still rocked from his ninth round knockdown in his split-decision loss to Ukrainian Uysk after a video of Fury being led out was posted on social media.While another praised the door staff for their bravery, joking: “That doorman absolutely terrified.”Other Fury fans sympathised with the boxer for enjoying his downtime before he fights Usyk again later this year.Watch Tyson Fury give ‘very important message’ from his BED in first public post since Oleksandr Usyk defeatIt comes as a pal told MailOnline that there is extra concern for Fury’s well-being after the first defeat of his career.They told the outlet: “Tyson and alcohol do not mix well.”He’s previously used booze as a coping mechanism, which for any sufferer of ADHD is never a good idea.”But given he’s been drinking again after such a high-profile defeat, there is a fear within his camp that more than ever, his support network needs to be ready to safeguard him through what could be a particularly testing stage of his life.”He has never lost a professional boxing match before so they’re in uncharted territory in regards to anticipating how he’ll deal with it.”The Gypsy King suffered a well-publicised fall from grace in 2015 following his shock victory over Wladimir Klitschko, which saw him balloon to 28 stone and sparked a three-year absence from the ring.He sunk into a drink and drug fuelled depression as he struggled to deal with the fame and fortune the shock victory bestowed on him.DJ Scott Shearing, defended Fury and told how he happily posed for pictures with dozens of fans and even gave one young girl £20.Posting a picture of Fury online, he added: “I’m sure you’ve all seen the video of Tyson Fury being escorted out of Nowhere on FB. Lots of people with plenty to say.“The man is a bl**dy legend, multi millionaire and yet he is still just like you or me. He goes out shopping, just like you.“Goes to the pub just like you, maybe gets drunk just like you too. I get he is a public figure but he is only human.Inside the Gypsy King’s royal courtTYSON FURY is one of the biggest characters in sport.
      “He was in the Strawbs Fri for a good few hours and they were all singing and keeping to themselves.“Lots of people asked to have their picture taken with him. He took the time to do this in fact a young girl I know had her picture with him and he gave her £20.“The man has a heart and feelings for god sake. In boxing he is a legend regardless of his last fight however he is proud to live in Morecambe and always mentions us.“Money and fame can bring its own problems when the temptation for excess of anything is there and available, be it buying fancy cars, houses or going out drinking it must be hard to cope with mentally.“Don’t get me wrong I wouldn’t turn it down but your every move is in the spotlight.“He has his own demons with mental health and all that goes along with it but let’s show the man some respect for his achievements and love of Morecambe.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We should have a statue on the prom celebrating him not putting him down at every opportunity!!!”Fury will face Usyk again on December 21.Fury appeared to hit his head on a lamp post as he fellFury fans sympathised with the boxer for enjoying his downtime before he fights Usyk again later this yearCredit: Getty More

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      Mike Tyson, 57, wants to fight Anthony Joshua if he knocks out Jake Paul in rescheduled bout

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      BOXING legend Mike Tyson is eyeing a shock showdown with Anthony Joshua.The former undisputed heavyweight champion is set to return to the ring in November for a controversial crossover clash with Jake Paul.Mike Tyson will throw down with Jake Paul in a controversial crossover clashCredit: AFPThe pair will throw down in a Texas tussle live on NetflixCredit: NETLFIXIron Mike has revealed he’d love to face Anthony Joshua in a charity match after facing PaulCredit: GETTYIron Mike has got himself in tip-top shape for his first foray to the ring since his Covid clash with Roy Jones Jr in November 2020.And the International Boxing Hall of Famer, 57, has grand plans to share the ring with Joshua – albeit in a charity bout.When asked about the prospect of sharing the ring with AJ for a good cause, he told TMZ: “I’m very interested.”If doing that means we can have a bigger charity exponent, well so be it, I’m down to do that, too.READ MORE IN BOXING”I would love to [fight Joshua]. That would be mind-blowing.”Before he can think of a charity clash with AJ, Tyson must first get through YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul – who will be 31 YEARS his junior on fight night.And former two-time unified heavyweight champion Joshua admits he has concerns for Tyson’s health.During an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show, the 34-year-old said: “He’s [Mike Tyson] older now.Most read in SportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCredit: The Sun”I pray that he comes out healthy. I think Jake Paul because of youth – that’s the only thing.”The booking of Tyson vs Paul sparked outrage in the boxing community, with fans publicly venting their disgust at the latter.Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul lifestyles compared But Joshua, surprisingly, is a fan of Paul’s gimmick-driven fights.He said: “I personally think it’s really good.”I think the boxing hardcores, they don’t like it because they think, ‘Why are they disrespecting our sport?'”But I think that person brings all these people into boxing which benefits everyone else. Everyone viewing helps.”Tyson and Paul were due to trade blows on July 20 but their Texas tussle was pushed back to November 15 following a medical emergency for the former.Joshua, meanwhile, was last in action in March, brutally knocking out former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in the second round of their Saudi showdown.How AJ punched his way to the topANTHONY JOSHUA punched his way to the top of the world before being knocked off his perch. More

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      Jack Fincham wants Love Island showdown with Tommy Fury after ‘winning in life again’ with boxing return and weight loss

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      JACK FINCHAM is eyeing a Love Island showdown against Tommy Fury after getting himself fighting fit mentally and physically. The reality TV star – who won the hit ITV show in 2018 – boxed as an amateur before walking away from the sport in his 20s. Love Island winner Jack Fincham is eyeing a fight with Tommy FuryCredit: Instagram @jack_charlesfTommy Fury also starred on Love IslandCredit: SplashBut amid the boom in celebrity-style crossover bouts, Fincham is back in boxing and returns at Crypto Fight Night on Saturday. He faces Isaac Taylor, the brother of his former opponent Anthony who he shared four exhibition rounds with in 2022. Fincham won his last fight in Dubai in April against influencer Ahmed Mousa and now has the likes of Fury and KSI in his sights. He told SunSport: “They were struggling to find me an opponent at first but then Anthony actually messaged me himself asking, ‘Would you fight my brother?’READ MORE IN BOXING”I said, ‘Yeah, course. No problem.’ I want to leave a mark on this type of boxing because I want to eventually fight Tommy Fury.”I could easily fight KSI, easily. They’re the sort of people that I want to be boxing and I know I’m more than capable of beating them.”I’ve got a lot more self-confidence now since I’ve been training and the quality of sparring I’m having, these people are not as good as me in my opinion.”Fury is unbeaten at 10-0 and last year beat YouTube’s biggest boxing stars in KSI, 30, and Jake Paul, 27. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut the 25-year-old has not returned since – after having hand surgery – as Fincham raised doubts over his boxing aspirations. He said: “I’ve said this in the past, I think Tommy’s great, really nice guy but is his heart really in boxing? I don’t think so.Mike Tyson issues chilling threat to Jake Paul in first message since Netflix showdown fight was postponed”He’s earning a lot of money from other stuff and I don’t think he needs boxing at the minute. I don’t think he’s going to go into any 50-50 fights, why would he?”I don’t think at the minute he wants to go into a fight against anyone who may have a chance of beating him. His excuse is, ‘They’re not bringing money to the table.'”Well, they are. It’s definitely a fight I’d like, have a couple in between and then do that.”Fincham dropped a sensational THREE STONE before his boxing return earlier in the year. It paved the way for the familiar feeling of victory in the ring – but one he had not tasted since his teenager amateur boxing years. Fincham, 32, said: “It felt amazing. I haven’t felt like that in years, the last fight I won was back in the amateurs and obviously I boxed Anthony Taylor in between that.”It was just an amazing feeling. It was a nice, familiar feeling like, ‘Ah this is what it used to f***ing fell like.'”I proved myself right, I wasn’t supposed to fight until this card or even afterwards around September time but I thought, ‘F*** it, I’ll just fight now.'”I took that fight on six-weeks notice and came down from 104 kilos. All round you just feel like you’re winning in life again.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Other stuff starts going right for you, others jobs start coming in, you look healthy, you look fit. Everything is better.”
      Crypto Fight Night ‘Off Chain’ takes place on Saturday 15th June at Indigo at the O2, London – tickets here. Stream it live on Triller TV.
      Fincham is ‘winning in life’ again after his boxing returnCredit: @jack_charlesf More

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      Mike Tyson told biting Jake Paul’s EAR OFF would be ‘legendary’ by former world champion

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      CARL FROCH has urged Mike Tyson to replicate his infamous ear bite on Jake Paul claiming: “That would be legendary.”The heavyweight boxing icon faces the YouTuber-turned-boxer on November 15 in Texas. Mike Tyson infamously bit Evander Holyfield’s ear in 1997Credit: AFPJake Paul faces Tyson on November 15Credit: GettyFroch has scrutinised the bout due to the 30-year age gap between them.But he would be a happy viewer if Tyson rolled back the clock and performed the same bite that landed him in hot water in 1997. Froch told Best Anonymous Casinos: “Mike Tyson is a bit of a livewire and you can only frustrate him for so long before he does something about it.”I felt like biting Andre Ward’s ear off, I gave it a little nibble I apologised after the fight because I was so frustrated, but I would’ve never ripped it out or taken a chunk out like Tyson did because I’m not a lunatic. I was like; ‘Stop holding me’, because you can’t do anything.READ MORE IN BOXING”I was like; ‘Stop holding me’, because you can’t do anything. So I get where Tyson’s coming from it’s just instinctive. “If Tyson bites Jake Paul’s ear off that would be legendary.”Tyson was banned from boxing for 15 months and handed a $3million for sinking his teeth into Holyfield’s ear. The two later made up but Iron Mike would never hold heavyweight gold again before his retirement in 2005. Most read in BoxingCredit: The SunCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut Tyson did return in 2020 for an eight-round exhibition with Roy Jones Jr which ended in a draw. It was the last time he was in the ring meanwhile Paul is 9-1 as a boxer. Jake Paul and Mike Tyson showcase their jacked physiques ahead of insane body transformations Tyson was forced to pull out of his initial July 20 fight date with Paul after suffering an ulcer flare up when flying from Miami to Los Angeles. He was advised to take a break from training and as a result, the controversial clash faces a four-month delay. Tyson facing off with Jake PaulCredit: Getty More

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      Anthony Joshua shows the training never stops as boxer does 30 press-ups on PRIVATE JET as all-Brit clash edges closer

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA proved the training never stops as he pulled off 30 press-ups while on a PRIVATE JET. The boxing superstar was heading to the FlowBank Trading Championship in Geneva. Anthony Joshua proved the training never stops as he pulled off press-ups on a private jetJoshua was heading to GenevaBut even on a private plane, AJ stays in shape as he was filmed performing the press ups. It comes as he closes in on his next fight at Wembley in September, which Saudi Arabia’s boxing chief Turki Alalshikh is due to promote.Currently, Daniel Dubois is the frontrunner for the stadium sellout after defeating Flip Hrgovic to claim the “interim” IBF title.But, Deontay Wilder conquerors Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang are also in the running to welcome Joshua back to British boxing shores.READ MORE IN BOXINGPromoter Eddie Hearn told Boxing Scene: “Ultimately His Excellency will decide who the opponent is, with myself, with Josh, with 258 [Management], but the key for ‘AJ’ is for him to become world champion again. “If that’s Dubois for the IBF, that’s probably the frontrunner; if the belt’s not on the line, it might be Zhang, or it might be Parker.”Those three, I think, are decent names, but no decision’s been made yet, and I don’t think it will be for another week or so.“There’s a press conference on the 26th of June, and that’s when we’ll announce, but either or any of them – we don’t really care.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSParker, 32, beat Wilder, 38, in December but is yet to return since.And Zhang, 41, looks to have ended the American former WBC champ’s career with a KO win in Saudi.Daniel Dubois put me on my a**e and I thought ‘this kid is something else’, says Brit star in warning to Anthony JoshuaThe same night, Dubois, 26, stopped Hrgovic, 32, to become mandatory for the world title.Oleksandr Usyk, 37, was expected to be stripped of the IBF title following victory over Tyson Fury, 35.But there is hope he will retain the belt to defend it in their December 21 rematch.Although promoter Eddie Hearn is lobbying to have it vacated for Joshua, 34, to challenge for in the summer against Dubois.Daniel Dubois is frontrunner to fight Joshua nextCredit: Getty More