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      ‘Shameful night for boxing’ – Sky Sports viewers think Jack Catterall fight with Josh Taylor was FIXED after ‘robbery’

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      OUTRAGED fight fans blasted Josh Taylor’s world title win over Jack Catterall as a ‘fix’, a ‘robbery’ and ‘one of boxing’s worst ever decisions’.Scot Taylor retained his super-lightweight crowns after an ’embarrassing’ split points triumph on a ‘shameful night’ at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro.
      Chorley fighter Jack Catterrall looks as stunned as fight fans were as Josh Taylor hails his controversial victory on home soilCredit: Reuters
      Jack Catterrall looked to have a clear edge over firm favourite Josh Taylor but lost on a split points decision at Glasgow’s OVO HydroCredit: Kenny Ramsay

      Heavyweight world title hopeful Dillian Whyte labelled it ‘disgusting’ as dominant English underdog Catterall was denied victory.
      And legend Carl Frampton echoed the anger on social media when he told BBC Radio 5 live: “Josh Taylor did not win that fight. 
      “How on earth do you give it to him by a couple of rounds? 
      “I’m sitting behind these judges – what are they seeing that I’m not? It’s wrong, it’s wrong.” 
      Some Sky Sports viewers claimed the verdict was ‘why they stopped watching boxing’ – albeit having been lured back for this big occasion.
      And others insisted they had never seen Twitter so united in disagreement with a judges’ decision.
      One said: “What’s the point of watching anymore. Catterall boxed superbly. Literally 99.9% of people would give that to Catterall but apparently two judges saw it differently lmao.”
      Another hit out: “Boxing is hilarious. This is why the top guys don’t fight each other & why if I was an underdog I’d never fight for the belts.
      .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Boxing.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      BETTING SPECIAL – GET EITHER CHELSEA OR LIVERPOOL AT HUGE 30/1 TO WIN CARABO CUP FINAL

      “It’s so corrupt. Unless you know a champion out you’re getting robbed.”
      And this post was similar to many: “That might be one of the worst decisions I have ever seen in boxing. “That is absolutely embarrassing. A shameful night for British boxing.”
      This too spoke for many: “That was a scandalous & shocking decision, which damages boxing! #Catterall won that a fight by a distance & those scorecards were a disgrace! #TaylorCatterall ‘never seen Twitter so united.”
      But a few observers felt Catterall paid the price for easing off.
      One said: “You can’t beat a Champ by out pointing him fair enough Catterall played chicken last 4 rounds.” More

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      Josh Taylor vs Jack Catterall LIVE RESULTS: Taylor BEATS Catterall with contentious decision to retain titles – updates

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      JOSH TAYLOR is back in action tonight as he takes on mandatory challenger Jack Catterall for his undisputed super-lightweight world titles.Taylor hasn’t been in the ring since his big win over Jose Ramirez out in Las Vegas last May, which Catterall was ringside for.
      The Englishman stepped aside to allow that fight to happen, with a guarantee to fight the winner, something he finally gets to do this evening.
      Elsewhere on the card, Robeisy Ramirez faces Eric Donovan in the co-main, while Scottish heavyweights Nick Campbell and Jay McFarlane battle it out further down the card.

      Start time: 7pm GMT
      Main event start time: 10.30pm GMT
      TV/Live stream: Sky Sports Arena/Main Event

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      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
      When is Taylor vs Catterall?

      Josh Taylor’s big clash with Jack Catterall will take place on Saturday, February 26.
      The main card is set to get going from 7pm UK time, with the main event expected around 10.30pm.
      The fight will take place at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland.
      There will be a full capacity crowd of 15,000 inside the arena for Taylor vs Catterall.

      Josh Taylor speaks
      Josh Taylor had teased a move up to welterweight before the fight and has all-but confirmed he will move up in weight.
      He said: “To be honest, I made the weight pretty well, I made the weight good. But it is getting harder to make that weight.
      “That most likely will be my last fight at 140, but we’ll sit down with my team. I left it a little bit late to make preparations for the weight cut with injuries , so we left it a little bit late to get the weight off.
      “We couldn’t get the weight off with my conditioning with the running so I left it a little bit late to get the weight off.
      “But I still made it and performed.”
      Credit: PA
      Josh Taylor speaks
      Asked if he believes he won, Taylor says: “Yeah 100 or cent. Thought I started a little slow, bit once I got into my rhythm and timing and started catching him with the bigger shots.
      “He was trying trying to spoil a lot, going down an awful lot, a lot of clashing of heads.
      “He caught me with a couple of good shots, I’m not going to lie. It wasn’t my best performance, I put a lot of pressure on myself this couple of weeks, it being my homecoming, first time in three years, first time since lockdown back at home.
      “I put a lot of pressure on myself, being the heavy favourite and it showed in the first half of the fight.
      “But once I got in my rhythm, I started catching him with the bigger shots. It wasn’t my best performance but I believe I got the win 100 per cent. But Jack did very well.”
      Credit: Kenny Ramsay
      Taylor vs Catterall
      Poor Jack Catterall, who has just boxed out of his skin, has been taken out of the arena.
      The result should have never been in doubt and the reaction in the arena amongst the pundits and fans online agree.
      As Tasha Jonas put, they’ve ‘robbed him of his glory’.
      Taylor vs Catterall
      Judges score the bout: 113-112 Catterall, 114-111 Taylor, and 113-112, winner by split-decision and STILL champion, Josh Taylor.
      Wow, someone call the police as there has been a robbery in Scotland.
      Jack Catterall should be crowned world champion but has had his moment stolen…
      Taylor vs Catterall
      What a performance by Jack Catterall, who has surely produced the performance of his life.
      He even scored a knockdown in round eight and largely bossed the action in Taylor’s backyard.
      Boxing’s reputation on the line as we go to the judges scorecards – as a NEW undisputed champion MUST be announced.
      Credit: PA
      Taylor vs Catterall
      Round 12 – Catterall looking to retreat and hold as his shock win is edging closer.
      Taylor lands a left hand but Catterall comes back with a combination and sees the fight out.
      Josh Taylor puts his hands up but Jack Catterall has surely won this and provided a massive upset on the road.
      Credit: Kenny Ramsay
      Taylor vs Catterall
      Round 11 – Left hand misses for Taylor as Catterall rolls out, a sign of his confidence as he remains in the lead.
      Taylor constantly coming forward with a high guard but nothing landing of note.
      Heading into the 12th and final round and it’s looking like a monumental upset is on the cards. Taylor now given a point off…
      Credit: Reuters
      Taylor vs Catterall
      Round 10 – Catterall gets a point taken off, looked like for holding and maybe pushing Taylor’s head down.
      At this point doesn’t look like it will have much affect on the cards. Again they come together and the ref tells them off.
      Body shot lands for Taylor and Catterall is now on the back foot in a more positive round for the champion.
      Credit: Reuters
      Taylor vs Catterall
      Round 9 – Left hand pushes Catterall back, Taylor needs to throw all he can at this.
      Clash of heads as Taylor desperately comes forward and looks to find something special.
      Catterall lands a couple of nice left hands but the two are told off towards the end of the round for constant coming togethers.
      Credit: Reuters
      Taylor vs Catterall
      Round 8 – TAYLOR DOWN! Looks like a short left hand put the champion on the floor.
      Here comes Catterall as Taylor looks to hold and defuse the momentum.
      Who saw this coming?
      Credit: PA
      Taylor vs Catterall
      Round 7 – The pair clinch and Taylor wings a left over the top looking to put a dent in Catterall.
      Uppercut lands for Taylor, he needed that, but Catterall gets back on the jab and regroups.
      Taylor frustrated as his work is smothered. If he pulls this back it will be a true champion’s performance, but he need to turn it round.
      Credit: PA
      Taylor vs Catterall
      Round 6 – Catterall pushes Taylor back and has him on the ropes as again it gets messy.
      Taylor looks marked up on his right eye and really struggling to get in his groove.
      Catterall lands a big left hand but Taylor landed at the same time. Champion could be in trouble here heading into the second half.
      Credit: Reuters
      Taylor vs Catterall
      Round 5 – Masive combination lands for Catterall, one-two then a left hook combination.
      Taylor looks to come forward, throws a left uppercut but not really finding the mark.
      Catterall lands another one-two combination but Taylor comes back and fires back, looking a bit desperate and forceful.
      Credit: Reuters
      Taylor vs Catterall
      Round 4 – Taylor looking to close the gap but Catterall doing a good job in throwing as he does.
      Getting scrappy between them with a lot of clinching and grabbing, Catterall landing a sneaky body shot.
      Tight and hard to score round but Catterall is boxing really well and in the eyes of most running up an early lead.
      Credit: Kenny Ramsay
      Taylor vs Catterall
      Round 3 – Taylor coming forward and looking to impose some pressure, gets a telling off for a shot after the clinch.
      Sneaky left hand lands for Catterall over the top, follows up with a cute uppercut.
      Taylor lands a few lead right hands but is caught coming in also, with Catterall starting really well here.
      NINTCHDBPICT000714921376Credit: Kenny Ramsay
      Taylor vs Catterall
      Round 2 – Bit of grappling between the two and Taylor looks somewhat frustrated, struggling to find his range.
      Taylor doubles up with his jab and starts to implement his size a bit better but nothing clean landing.
      Catterall almost picks Taylor up and is given a telling off, later spending the round covering up as the champion let his hands go.
      Credit: Reuters
      Taylor vs Catterall
      Round 1 – Here we go, undisputed super-lightweight world titles on the line in Scotland.
      Big left hand lands for Catterall early but Taylor shakes it off and comes back.
      Cagey affair for most of the round with little to separate them, despite Catterall’s early rear hand, possibly giving him the round.
      Taylor vs Catterall
      Here is how the two compare as they are introduced by Top Rank’s rather excited MC.

      Taylor vs Catterall
      Scotland’s undisputed king now makes his way to the ring and is given a hero’s welcome.
      This is likely his last fight at the 140lb super-lightweight limit but he first defends all four belts for the first time.
      Arguably Britain’s best fighter right now is braced for his return.
      Taylor vs Catterall
      Here comes the challenger, 26-0 unbeaten Jack Catterall, who is met with a chorus of boos as he walks into the ring.
      Josh Taylor has insisted time and time again that Catterall will not be able to withstand his talent.
      But we’ve seen stranger things in the ring…
      Can’t they weight?
      It got a bit tasty at the weigh in yesterday between the two headliners.
      They almost came to blows after Jack Catterall grabbed Josh Taylor by the throat, sparking a bit of argy bargy.
      Nonetheless, they will settle it in the ring and it’s coming up next.

      Brook admits Khan holds the aces
      He says: “It’s all new, I am just enjoying my moment.
      “In the contract Amir is still entited to a rematch but after that one-sided beating people might not want to see it.
      “I am a fighter but contractually it is down to him.
      “I will speak with my family and see what they say.”
      Kell Brook babie!
      The welterweight ace who slayed Amir Khan last week speaks to Sky Sports after watching a highlight rerun.
      “It keeps getting better,” he says. “I am on cloud nine, everyone was so impressed with the performance, it was immense.
      “It’s a huge weight off my shoulders because it was talked about for years. But I kept composed and put on an amazing performance.
      “I feel like a superstar, it was a long-time coming.”
      Ram-Rod
      Ramirez will be pushed toward a featherweight world title inside a year and there are Brits in and around those titles.
      Josh Warrington, Mick Conlan and Leigh Wood are all in featherweight title fights in the coming month.
      Will any of those boys want to mix with Ramirez?
      Ramirez wins TKO – R3
      Donovan throws a few body shots and Ramirez tells the ref they are low blows.
      Then Ramirez cracks Donovan’s ribs and he is ruined.
      Victor Loughlin dives in when Donovan stops defending himself.
      Great win for Ramirez.
      Load more entries… More

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      Jack Catterall ROBBED by Josh Taylor in astonishing split decision win despite being knocked down to retain world titles

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      JACK CATTERALL was robbed of the undisputed super-lightweight titles by shameful scorecards after his magnificent performance against Josh Taylor.The underrated 28-year-old was supposed to be a handy homecoming opponent for Taylor, 31, – after three years fighting away – and a sign-off sweetener before ditching his titles and going up to welterweight.
      Taylor retained his four world titles in highly controversial fashionCredit: Kenny Ramsay
      Catterall fought a sensational fight against the undisputed championCredit: PA
      Catterall dropped Taylor in the eighth roundCredit: Getty
      But the huge 6-1 underdog – nicknamed El Gato – ripped up the script and silenced 12,000 screaming Scots who had piled in the Hydro baying for English blood.
      And, in the end, it was Taylor who was slashed across the face, floored in the eighth, docked a point.
      But two of the three judges ruined the lad’s life by robbing him.
      Howard Foster got it right – but still to close – with a score of 113-112 to Catterall.
      But Ian John Lewis and Victor Loughlin brought embarrassment to the sport with scores of 114-11 and 113-112 to Taylor.
      Referee Marcus McDonnell might have known he was in for a busy shift after the pair grabbed and shoved at each other’s throats at Friday’s weigh-in.
      .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Boxing.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      Catterall landed a booming left hand from the same southpaw stance Taylor fought out of and made the Prestonpans man take a step back to recover.
      The Chorley man also landed a couple of stiff jabs that should have secured him the opener on the judges’ scorecards.
      Taylor seemed to be struggling to find his range up against a fellow lefty but he looked the far bigger man inside the ropes.
      Early in the second Taylor was warned by McDonnell for rabbit punches thumped into the back of Catterall’s head.
      Taylor bullied his way back into the second and then Catterall launched a rugby tackle on him that ended with the Scot off the ground and feet briefly flailing.
      Catterall’s footwork and body shape made it almost impossible for Taylor land his shots and McDonnell had to warn them again in the third for roughhouse tactics.
      Taylor landed a couple of left hooks but Catterall coped and retaliated with a precise one-two and a body blow to Taylor’s tattooed six-pack.
      It was an ugly bout with the two southpaws clashing and grabbing but the cleaner shots were always coming from the challenger who was tagging Taylor’s head and torso.
      Trainer Jamie Moore could be heard telling Catterall in the interval his performance so far had been “f****** perfect” and he was not far off.
      Taylor celebrated in front of his Scottish fans as Catterall was left devastatedCredit: Reuters
      Taylor twice complained of headbutts but McDonnell ignored his pleas and he needed to worry more about the fizzing one-twos coming his way from Catterall who was growing in confidence and, before the sixth, Taylor had a cut open under his right eye.
      Catterall landed a thudding left hand in the sixth too, as Taylor’s head-earned titles and pound-for-pound reputation started to slip through his fingers.
      And when they planted their feet and traded in round eight Taylor was driven into the deck for a count of eight.
      When Taylor dipped down into a shot of his, Catterall slashed a left hand down into his temple and knocked the undefeated ace to his knees.
      And Taylor was hurt again seconds later when a pinpoint one-two clattered into his jaw and stiffened his legs.
      Taylor did roar back in the ninth when a left hand found Catterall’s whiskers but he was too close to boxing immortality to wilt now.
      Catterall lost a point in round ten for his repeated holding and shoving Taylor’s head down in the clinch.
      Taylor walked into the fight high on boxing’s top pound-for-pound fighters list and well on his way to becoming his nation’s finest fighter, aiming to emulate the legend Ken Buchanan.
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      But when he was docked a point at the end of the eleventh, for lashing out after the bell,  he was destined to walk away battered, bruised and beltless.
      Taylor’s trainer Ben Davison told him before the final round that he needed a KO to cling on to his belts and he connected with one late on.
      But Catterall was too clever to get caught and celebrated at the final bell only to be shattered by the awful officials. More

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      Superfit Galal Yafai ready to go distance on 10-round pro debut after Team GB star’s gold medal heroics at Tokyo 2020

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      GOLDEN boy Galal Yafai booked a brutal debut on Sunday — after being Team GB’s shock Olympic star.The Birmingham fighter, 29, was crowned flyweight champ in Tokyo last summer to cap a Cinderella story, having worked in a Land Rover factory.
      Yafai will make his professional debut on Sunday eveningCredit: Reuters
      Almost all Yafai’s amateur bouts — taking in two Olympic Games — were scheduled for three rounds and a pro bow is usually an easy four or six.
      But the superfit youngest of three boxing brothers is boldly launching himself into a ten-round clash against Carlos Bautista at London’s O2 as he attacks the 8st division.
      Ahead of facing the Mexican, he grinned: “I was sound with the idea. I am pretty fit and think I can do the ten rounds.
      “Hopefully it doesn’t go the full ten but I’m sure I’ll cope if it does. I don’t want to go out all guns blazing in the first few rounds and blow a gasket.
      “There is a lot of expectation on myself but the Olympic gold is in my past now.”
      Leaping in at the deep end is hopefully the springboard Yafai needs to land a world title inside just ten fights.
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      But he has seen enough of boxing’s dark side — in his own amateur  struggles and the careers of brothers Gamal and Kal — to know it will not be easy.
      He said: “I believe I am good enough to be a world champion, 100 per cent. But it doesn’t mean it is going to happen.
      “There are always ups and downs in boxing. I’ve seen first and second hand with my brothers.
      “So I will just try to work hard and see what happens.”
      Sections of the O2 roof were blown off by Storm Eunice but repairs have been a success and Sunday’s show is on.
      Yafai said: “I’m used to fighting in empty arenas in places like Bulgaria and Hungary, being bored all week in the hotel, so all this is a nice change.
      “This is a lot more fun, we’ve been put up in a nice hotel and I am just ready to go now.”
      Hackney’s WBO cruiserweight champ Lawrence Okolie, 29, headlines against Michal Cieslak.
      And he insists he did not panic when the venue’s roof blew off.
      Ahead of his fight with Polish slugger Cieslak, 32, Okolie said: “I was actually quite calm about it all.
      He will begin his pro journey in a 10-round contest at the 02Credit: Reuters
      “I thought the worst-case scenario would be the fight getting relocated and maybe it might be delayed.
      “But I never try to let anything get to me — I like to take everything as it comes.”
      Meanwhile, Okolie still cannot help laughing when anyone calls him a world champion.
      He claimed the cruiserweight crown last March and is now the proud owner of a faultless 17-0 start to his career.
      His story is even more surreal as he was bullied over his obesity as a child and — just ten years ago — worked in a McDonald’s and considered a career in social services.
      The inspirational turnaround from flipping burgers to headlining at the O2 still has him smiling.
      He explained: “It is starting to feel a bit more normal but I do still laugh when someone calls me ‘the world champion’.
      “I always felt I was meant to do something — but I did not know what that was. I was considering becoming a manager at McDonald’s and because my mum is involved in social work, that was also something that I was looking at.”
      The 14st 4lb ace is itching to unify against any of the three other champs with WBC, IBF and WBA belts.
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      But he has found it a frustrating struggle and so could leap up to the heavyweights sooner than expected.
      He warned: “Every­one knows I want to unify the division and, ideally, go for undisputed with all four belts.
      “But if these other champions avoid me, I’ll move up and get some real dance partners.” More

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      Who is Josh Taylor’s gorgeous fiancée Danielle Murphy and when will they get married?

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      Josh Taylor will defend his undisputed super-lightweight title against Jack Catterall on Saturday night.One of his biggest supporters is gorgeous wife-to-be Danielle Murphy, who will be hoping her man can overcome Catterall to stay undefeated.
      Josh Taylor with stunning wife-to-be Danielle Murphy on Instagram.Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Who is Danielle Murphy?
      The couple have been together a long time, but while Taylor is consistently uploading his life to social media, Danielle generally keeps her life pretty private.
      She is reportedly a professional hairdresser, and is evidently very fashionable, but her fans seem not to know much about her personal life.
      The blonde beauty is 28 years-old, and also seems to have fallen in love with boxing, as she was spotted on Instagram sparring in the ring.
      The happy couple.Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Do they have any children together?
      They currently do not have any children aged just 28 and 30 respectively, but it could be on the horizon after they are married.
      When are they getting married?
      The couple finally exchanged rings in December 2020, after being together for 11 years, and announced the engagement on Instagram.
      Taylor proposed to Danielle on a yacht, and was accompanied by his trainer Ben Davison and sparring partner Lee McGregor.
      They are set to be married on June 18th, 2022 in Dumfries and Galloway. It is thought to be a small ceremony with family and friends involved.
      Taylor celebrates his engagement to the gorgeous Danielle.
      Who is Josh Taylor fighting?
      Taylor will defend his undisputed super-lightweight title against Jack Catterall, who will prove a tough test for the Scot.
      The fight takes place on Saturday, February 26, in Glasgow.
      Taylor is fighting Jack Catterall on Saturday in Glasgow.Credit: Getty
      During the weigh in, Catterall grabbed Taylor by the neck, building even more tension before the big event. Taylor responded to this saying: “Tomorrow he will be flat on his back.”
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      ‘We are defending, stop the war’ – Anthony Joshua’s conqueror Oleksandr Usyk begs Russia to stop invading Ukraine home

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      UKRAINIAN heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk has begged Vladimir Putin to stop slaughtering his people.The WBA, IBF and WBO champion, who grabbed the belts off of Anthony Joshua in September, visited England last week to discuss the date and venue of the rematch with promoter Eddie Hearn.
      Ukrainian heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk released the intense video on Instagram
      Usyk beat Joshua in September but the sequel is now the last thing on his mindCredit: Marc Aspland – The Sunday Times
      By the time he returned to the nation he won 2012 Olympic gold for in London, it was under siege from Russia’s blood-thirsty tyrant.
      Hearn believes the heartbreaking assault on the 35-year-old fighter’s homeland will not delay AJ’s must-win rerun, that is targeted for early June.
      But married father-of-three Usyk clearly has far more important things on his mind and he has appealed directly to the Russian people for help.
      In an Instagram video the devout Orthodox Christian said: “Good morning to everybody. My name is Oleksandr Usyk. I’d like to speak to the people of Russia. 
      “If we consider ourselves as brothers, Orthodox ones, do not send your children to our country, do not fight with us. 
      “Also I’m addressing this to the President, Vladimir Putin. You can stop this war. 
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      “Please just sit down and negotiate it with us without claims. 
      “Our kids, wives, grannies are hiding in the basements. We are here in our own country, we cannot do it any other way.
      “We are defending. Stop this war, stop it. No War.”
      A photo circulated last week showing Usyk in military fatigues meeting with soldiers but it was taken in 2017, long before this invasion.
      Fellow Ukrainian former heavyweight champion brothers Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko have taken up arms and are defending their nation on the frontline.
      Ten-year former champ Wladimir also took to social media on Saturday to plead for a truce.
      The giant icon – who was dethroned by Tyson Fury in 2015 and retired by AJ in 2017 – posted an emotional video urging the world to unite against Putin’s rampage.
      He said: “I am addressing the entire world to stop this war that Russia has started.
      Former fighters Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko are now armed and on the front lineCredit: Reuters
      “Today civilians were shot with rockets, civilians are getting killed here, in the heart of Europe
      “There is no time to waste.
      “This is going to lead to a humanitarian catastrophe.
      “You need to act now to stop Russian aggression with anything you can do.
      “An hour or tomorrow will be too late, please act now, don’t wait. Stop this war.”
      Usyk, 35, will not be able to train at his usual base on the outskirts of Kyiv, where Vitali is mayor.
      But Hearn hopes the bloodshed does not delay the big-money battle with AJ, that is set for London or Saudi Arabia.
      He said: “It’s a very personal situation and we can’t really comprehend what the Ukraine people are going through.
      “People keep asking if it affects fights, I cannot tell you what Oleksandr is thinking but my guess is it won’t.
      “It’s a very sensitive subject and I don’t want to speak on behalf of people whose countries are going to war. But I would guess Oleksandr will start camp in about four week’s time.
      “I don’t expect it to have any bearing on Oleksandr Usyk versus Anthony Joshua.”
      Derek Chisora – who famousy slapped and spat water at Klitschko before their bad-tempered fight – sympathised with Usyk and the brothers.
      “My heart goes out to the people of Ukraine who this week have been forced to stand united in protecting their homes and loved ones. Civilians taking to their streets as soldiers.
      “Hearing that those in the boxing fraternity, our colleagues, alongside their neighbours, are stepping into a bloody fight they didn’t sign up for and have not trained for makes the situation even more real for all of us.
      “I pray for the courageous people of Ukraine in such challenging times.”
      Chisora has also said ‘no to the war’Credit: Getty
      The tale of the tape ahead of Usyk’s rematch against Joshua More

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      Chris Eubank Jr touted as opponent for Terence Crawford as Sky Sports ‘would love’ to offer US star mega-fight in UK

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      TERENCE CRAWFORD could have his call to fight in the UK answered by Sky Sports – who ‘would love’ to welcome the US star back. Crawford, who beat Ricky Burns in Scotland in 2013, was in Manchester to watch as gym-mate Amir Khan was beaten by Kell Brook.
      Terence Crawford could have his call to fight in the UK answered by Sky SportsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Chris Eubank Jr has been touted as an opponent for Terence CrawfordCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Afterwards, the unbeaten welterweight champion thanked his British supporters and teased a return to fight in the UK.
      Crawford, 34, said: “I can’t say enough. The best fans on earth are the UK fans.
      “I’ll be looking forward to coming back to the UK soon, and maybe one day we can get a fight down there.”
      Undisputed light-welterweight king Josh Taylor, who fights Jack Catterrall on Saturday, has his eyes on Crawford.
      But promoter Ben Shalom, whose Boxxer stable is partnered with Sky, named middleweight Eubank Jr, 32, as a shock alternative.
      Shalom told SunSport: “I’d like Terence to come and fight Eubank in the UK.
      “Obviously he’d have to come up in weight, but I think that’s a massive fight.”
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      Crawford is currently a free agent after leaving Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum following his November win over Shawn Porter, 34.
      Shalom knows to lure the American across the pond for a UK cameo, it would have to be a blockbuster occasion.
      He said: “Obviously, he’s used to earning a lot of money, so we need to find the right fight, it needs to be a pay-per-view fight. 
      “He wants to be a part of it and he’s seen the Sky platform as well. We’d love to make it happen, but it’s about finding the right fight for him. 
      “That’s the key, whether it’s Josh Taylor down the line or whether it’s Eubank and he comes up. He’s got options.” 
      Crawford walked out on 90-year-old Arum’s Top Rank stable following failures to negotiate a super-fight with fellow champ Errol Spence Jr, 31.
      Arum had touted Taylor – also on his books – as a potential rival for Omaha’s pound-for-pound contender.
      I’d like Terence to come and fight Eubank in the UK. Obviously he’d have to come up in weight, but I think that’s a massive fight. Promoter Ben Shalom
      But Eubank Jr – two weight divisions above – is a new wildcard avenue but one Shalom is confident Crawford would not think twice about.
      The 28-year-old promoter added: “Look, Terence will fight anyone, anyone.
      “Whether he has to come up in weight, I don’t know how open he is to that.
      “Obviously, he wants to fight Spence next but Spence is fighting later in the year.
      “Terence is waiting for his big opportunity and he’ll take anything if the money is right. 
      “It would involve Chris coming down a bit, but I definitely think Terence is open to fighting anyone and in the UK, including Eubank Jr.”
      Head of Sky Sports Adam Smith, Terence Crawford and promoter Ben ShalomCredit: @benjshalom More

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      Oleksandr Usyk’s training preparations hit rocks ahead of Anthony Joshua fight as he is unable to return to Ukraine camp

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      OLEKSANDR USYK’S preparations for his rematch with Anthony Joshua have been thrown into disarray after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.The WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight champion had been in England this week as talks continue with AJ over a fight date and location for their upcoming bout.
      Oleksandr Usyk will defend his WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight titles against Anthony Joshua later this yearCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Joshua was outpointed by Usyk at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in SeptemberCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      It’s believed the dust-up is likely to rake place in late May or June with Tottenham among the frontrunners to host the event.
      In a blow for Usyk, the Daily Mail have claimed that he will not be returning to his regular training base just outside of Kiev.
      That is due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine after Vladimir Putin declared war on their neighbouring country.
      Usyk’s promoter Alex Krassyuk has told the Mail that he has ‘no idea’ what The Cat will do for his preparations.
      And he suggested to them that coming back to Ukraine to train will be ‘impossible’.
      Usyk could now relocate to Oxnard, California, where he and training partner Vasyl Lomachenko have had camps in the past.
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      The former undisputed cruiserweight champion is back in Ukraine where he has pleaded for ‘no war’ with Russia.
      Posting a video on Instagram captioned ‘NO WAR’, Usyk wrote: “Some wrote to me that I ran away.
      “I didn’t, I was at work but I’m back, I’m home.
      “Friends, we have to unite because it’s a hard time right now and I’m really emotional and worry about my country, and our people.
      “Friends, we have to stop this war, all of us together.”
      Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has insisted that the conflict between Ukraine and Russia will have no impact on Joshua’s rematch with Usyk.
      The tale of the tape ahead of Usyk’s rematch against Joshua More