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    Jack Catterall’s robbery loss to Josh Taylor officially being investigated by British Boxing Board over judge’s scoring

    JACK CATTERALL’S sickening split decision undisputed world title loss to Josh Taylor on Saturday is being investigated.The British Boxing Board of Control will ask the three ringside judges who decided the controversial outcome to explain their cards at a behind-closed-doors meeting.
    Josh Taylor held on to his world titles at the weekend – but it was a lucky victoryCredit: PA
    Jack Catterall could not believe he was not given the decision by the judgesCredit: Reuters
    A Monday statement read: “The British Boxing Board of Control will be investigating the scoring of this contest and will advise accordingly.”
    Ian John-Lewis has the most baffling numbers to defend after gifting Taylor an inexplicably comfortable win of 114-111.
    That was despite the 31-year-old Scotsman making a slow start, getting floored in round eight and having a point deducted at the end of the 11th.
    Victor Loughlin refereed Kell Brook’s win over Amir Khan last week brilliantly, pulling the Bolton braveheart out of the fire when he was at risk of serious injury.
    But his judging of the Glasgow headliner will be examined after he called it 113-112 to the home fighter and defending champion.
    Howard Foster was the only judge to get the result correct but even handing it to 28-year-old Catterall by 112-113 seemed harsh.
    On paper, undefeated super-lightweight king Taylor – who must not face any blame – was always supposed to win the bout.
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    His American promoters Top Rank had flown 30 executives over for the bout he was expected to win handily before moving up in weight and facing a welterweight champ.
    But Catterall put on a brilliant performance, guided expertly by trainers Jamie Moore and Nigel Travis, only to be robbed when the scores were revealed.
    The Sky Sports commentary team was stunned and new promoter Ben Shalom boldly admitted he was “embarrassed” and called for an inquest at the BBBofC.
    Sadly the expectation is the three long-time officials will be called in to rationalise their scoring and their explanations will be accepted, with a brief demotion the most severe possible punishment.
    In October 2020 Miguel Vazquez suffered a similarly shameful points loss against Newcastle’s Lewis Ritson in Peterborough.
    Terry O’Connor’s 117-111 card, in the Brit favourite’s favour, was one of the worst this reporter has ever seen live.
    O’Connor was relegated to a handful of smaller shows – taking in South Kirkby, Redditch, Bolton and a Sheffield car park during lockdown – but he returned to big time boxing with duties at the Chris Eubank Jr win over Liam Williams in Cardiff at the start of February.
    Taylor revealed immediately in the aftermath that he will relinquish his belts and move up to 147lbs.
    But Catterall will not get a well deserved shot at all of the four major belts.
    The anctioning bodies – WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO – all have a range of different fighters listed in their own rankings waiting for a shot at each belt.
    But British boxing recognises Catterall as the uncrowned king of the 10st division and will continue pushing for some sort of justice.
    Catterall floored Taylor in the eighth round and was devastated not to be awarded the winCredit: Kenny Ramsay More

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    Former Russian boxer Alexander Povetkin backs his country’s invasion of Ukraine to ‘fight back Nazism’

    ANTHONY JOSHUA and Dillian Whyte’s former Russian opponent Alexander Povetkin appears to have backed his country’s invasion of Ukraine by making a shock reference to fighting back ‘Nazism’.The Vladimir Putin led war has now entered its fifth day with Russia unable to take Kyiv despite the bloodshed.
    Alexander Povetkin appears to have backed his country’s invasion of UkraineCredit: Alamy
    The former Russian boxer has made a shock reference to fighting back ‘Nazism’Credit: Getty
    As the fierce fighting continues to escalate, emotional and touching scenes of unity have occurred at a number of sporting events over the past few days.
    And a number of sporting stars have voiced their defiance against the war.
    However, former heavyweight boxer Povetkin, 42, looks have a much different view on it.
    He posted a snap of himself in front of his country’s flag and wrote: “There is power in the truth. This famous phrase uttered by Sergey Bodrov today reflects the essence of what is happening in Ukraine. 
    “We fought for the truth all these years, while Slavs were being exterminated in the Donbass. 
    “That’s why I’m a member and his decision to stand up for common people, to fight back Nazism, which parasites at whose expense.
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    “Every war has an end. Let’s hope this one end [sic] in the coming days too.”
    Famous Russian actor Bodrov became a cult figure after his death and starred in movies such as Brat and Brat II and is viewed as a vision of Russian power after he said the phrase used by Povetkin.
    The veteran, who lost to AJ back in 2018 via TKO, caused a huge shock by knocking out Whyte in August 2020.
    But the Brit gained his revenge last March by KOing Povetkin in the fourth round of their rematch.
    On the other side, Ukrainian boxer Vasyl Lomachenko has followed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk by returning to his country.
    He has enlisted in the territorial army in a bid to help defend his nation against the Russians. More

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    Ex-reality TV and football star Ashley Cain to fight eight times to honour life of his eight-month old daughter Azaylia

    ASHLEY CAIN is set to fight eight times to honour the life of his eight-month old daughter Azaylia. In April last year, Cain tragically lost baby Azaylia, who suffered from a rare form of leukaemia.
    Ashley Cain is set to fight eight times to honour the life of his eight-month old daughter AzayliaCredit: miss_safiyya_/Instagram

    The heroic former footballer and reality TV star is now dedicating his life towards commemorating his daughter’s life, launching The Azaylia Foundation.
    Cain and his brother Matty in September cycled 1,040 miles from the bottom of England to the top of Scotland to “raise awareness and funds for all the incredible children fighting childhood cancer.”
    Now, the ex-Coventry winger has turned his attention to boxing and this Saturday steps foot in the ring as part of a UK vs USA influencer card.
    But for 31-year-old Cain, who fights American YouTuber Andreas Eskander, it will be the first of eight bouts, all in memory of Azaylia.
    He said: “It was important for me to take on this boxing challenge because my daughter fought a heroic battle against cancer on this earth for eight months.
    “So I want to honour those eight months with eight bouts in the ring.
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    “I promised that even now I will always be the best daddy I can be, I will honour her incredible time here and I will fight till the day I die for other children and their families who face the monster that is cancer.
    “I am fighting because my daughter had to and for all those children who are still fighting this monster.
    “So I will fight for a cause which I am passionate about, raising awareness and funds for childhood cancer and also to show people that no matter what you are going through in this world.
    “If you find your reason why and you’re prepared to fight for it, you can overcome and achieve anything.”

    The Azaylia Foundation aims to support families that are fundraising for treatments that may not be readily available on the NHS and provide children with memorable experiences as they fight cancer. You can donate here.

    Ashley Cain in training for his boxing boutCredit: @mrashleycain
    The former footballer is raising money for his charitable foundationCredit: @mrashleycain More

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    Usyk holds machine gun as boxer joins Ukraine’s front line to fight Russia putting Anthony Joshua rematch in doubt

    OLEKSANDR USYK has taken up arms in Ukraine’s desperate fight against Vladimir Putin’s Russia.The 2012 London Olympic champion, undisputed cruiserweight king and September conqueror of Anthony Joshua for the WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight belts has joined the Kyiv Territorial Defence and slung a machine gun over his giant shoulder.
    Oleksandr Usyk, second right, is joining the war effort in his homeland of Ukraine – on the left is Andrii Nebytov, the head of the Kiev PoliceCredit: Instagram @andrii_nebytov
    Usyk has pleaded with Vladimir Putin to stop the war on Ukraine
    The 35-year-old father-of-three has joined best friend and two-time Olympic champ Vasiliy Lomachenko and legendary heavyweight brothers Wladimir and Kyiv mayor Vitali in swapping gloves for guns.
    Usyk flew into London last week to watch Chelsea beat Lille on Tuesday night and visit Sheffield on Wednesday.
    But the fearless southpaw flew straight back into the warzone and posted a string of emotional videos to Putin and the invading Russian hordes, before finally arming himself on Monday.
    The AJ rematch, which promoter Eddie Hearn has been hoping to stage in late May or early June, now seems certain to be delayed.
    But 32-year-old Joshua – who smashed Wladimir into retirement in 2017 – sent his support to Ukraine’s boxing fraternity fighting for peace in Eastern Europe.
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    “I have learned that sport and politics go hand-in-hand,” Joshua said.
    “They have powerful voices and it is good that they are speaking up.
    “They are not pushing for war, they are calling for peace. Good luck to them.”
    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. 
    “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.”
    Kyiv came through another night of siege as the brutal war between Ukraine and Russia enters day five.
    It came as high level peace talks are expected to be held between Moscow and Kyiv on Belarusian-Ukrainian border.
    Peace talks are expected to take place as Russia continues to invade UkraineCredit: AFP
    Vasiliy Lomachenko has enlisted in the ‘Territorial Defence of his hometown’
    Usyk’s rematch against Anthony Joshua could now be in serious doubt
    Usyk easily beat Anthony Joshua to be crowned unified heavyweight champCredit: AFP
    Anthony Joshua was at London’s o2 Arena on Saturday to watch some boxingCredit: ©Ian Walton Matchroom Boxing More

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    KSI’s brother Deji to make boxing return with ex-reality TV star Ashley Cain in action as full influencer card revealed

    KSI’S brother ‘Deji’ makes his boxing return to headline a UK vs USA celebrity influencer event. The card, promoted by Showstar, features eight fights with names from the YouTube, gaming and reality TV scene.
    KSI’s brother Deji is set to make his boxing return
    Deji – full name Oladeji Daniel Olatunji – is most well known as the younger brother of British social media sensation KSI, real name Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji.
    The internet personality lost a white collar exhibition bout to Jake Paul in 2018, the now 5-0 unbeaten professional boxer.
    Deji was last in the ring in June 2021 in a similar celebrity bout, losing to TikToker Vinnie Hacker.
    But the Londoner gets his shot at ‘redemption’ with a headline fight against American YouTuber Alex Wassabi – real name Alex Burris.
    Also fighting is ex-reality TV star Ashley Cain facing US content creator Andreas Eskander.
    In April last year, Cain tragically lost his eight-month-old baby daughter Azaylia, who suffered from a rare form of leukaemia.
    Full UK vs USA Showstar boxing card
    Deji vs Alex Wassabi
    King Kenny vs Faze Temperrr
    Kristen Hanby vs Vitaly
    Armz Korleone vs Minikon
    Ashley Cain vs Andreas
    Ryan Taylor vs DK Money
    Stromedy vs Austin Sprinz
    Salt Papi vs Halal Ham

    .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);}
    To honour her life, the former footballer will compete in eight bouts, starting next month.
    He said: “It was important for me to take on this boxing challenge because my daughter fought a heroic battle against cancer on this earth for 8 months.
    “So I want to honour those 8 months with 8 bouts in the ring. I promised that even now I will always be the best daddy I can be, I will honour her incredible time here and I will fight till the day I die for other children and their families who face the monster that is cancer.
    “I am fighting because my daughter had to and for all those children who are still fighting this monster.
    “So I will fight for a cause which I am passionate about, raising awareness and funds for childhood cancer and also to show people that no matter what you are going through in this world, if you find your reason why and you’re prepared to fight for it, you can overcome and achieve anything.”
    Also featuring is English bodybuilder Armz Korleone, who in September lost an MMA bout against music producer Bouncer.
    Korleone will return this time in the boxing ring and fights musician Minikon.
    Rounding out the bill is Kristen Hanby vs Vitaly, Ryan Taylor vs DK, Stromedy v Austin Sprinz and Busta Breezie v Hamagram.
    Ashley Cain will fight on the influencer bill More

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    Tyson Fury takes break from Dillian Whyte training for family day out to Blackpool seaside with wife Paris and kids

    TYSON FURY enjoyed a day out with his family at the seaside as he took a rare break from his training camp.The Gypsy King will defend his WBC heavyweight title on April 23 at Wembley against fellow Brit Dillian Whyte.
    Tyson Fury and his family enjoyed a day out at Blackpool Pleasure BeachCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    Fury will defend his world title against fellow Brit Dillian Whyte nextCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    He has now thrown himself into training, as well as starting a social media blackout.
    But Blackpool Pleasure Beach shared a lovely family snap of the boxer with wife Paris and their six children.
    Tyson was wearing a Manchester United shirt, topped with a blue blazer. The blue skies above Blackpool meant his sunglasses didn’t look too out of place.
    Paris opted for a check pattern hat with a thick pink coat. The children all wore coats to keep out the biting north western wind.
    Alongside the photo on Instagram, Blackpool Pleasure Beach wrote: “Good luck to Tyson Fury @gypsyking101 ahead of his fight with Dillian Whyte!
    “Great to welcome @parisfury1 and the family back on park. Hope you enjoyed your White Knuckle Weekend.”
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    Blackpool Pleasure Beach is around a 45 minute drive from Fury’s home in Morecambe.
    Fury, 33, said in an Instagram video on Tuesday: “I’m about to go completely off social media for the next eight-and-a-half weeks.
    “I’m gonna go into training camp to give Dillian Whyte all the respect in the world that he needs.
    “I’ll train for him like he’s Muhammad Ali and Bruce Lee for this camp.”
    Fury is brimming with confidence ahead of the domestic dust-up but is refusing to overlook his fellow Brit.
    He said: “I’ve never underestimated anybody in my life and I’ll give this man all the respect he deserves coming as the No.1-ranked WBC heavyweight challenger in the world today.”
    Family Fury decided to share some thrills and spills in Blackpool this weekendCredit: PA:Press Association More

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    Watch boxer Karim Guerfi perform bizarre WWE-style DDT on Jordan Gill before rival secures stunning one-punch KO

    JORDAN GILL was on the receiving end of a WWE-style DDT – before brutally knocking out opponent Karim Guerfi. Guerfi had floored Gill in round seven and was pouring on the pressure.
    Jordan Gill was on the receiving end of a WWE-style DDTCredit: PA
    Karim Guerfi sent Jordan Gill head-first to the canvasCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

    But as the pair clinched after a wild exchange, the Frenchman then put his British rival in a headlock and sent him crashing head-first.
    It was reminiscent of WWE legend Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts – who made the DDT finisher famous.
    Gill, 27, at that point was in survival mode and reduced to pinning himself in his corner, covering up and throwing the occasional right hand.
    The featherweight contender appeared to be struggling for balance and breathe as Guerfi, 34, relentlessly attacked him in the corner.
    But suddenly in round nine, Gill turned the tie on its head in the most dramatic of fashion.
    A counter right hand around the side of the guard sent Guerfi rocking backwards and knocked spark out.
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    The referee immediately waved it off, securing Gill an astonishing comeback win, seemingly out of nowhere.
    Guerfi was treated by medics and given oxygen right away but Gill was also left worse for wear afterwards.
    He tweeted: “Just out of hospital. CT scan all good, no problems just two perforated ears, and injured knee.
    “Can somebody drop some ibuprofen off to room 1213.”
    Both fighters were hospitalised afterwards, leaving Eddie Hearn to react on the sensational KO.

    Hearn said: “That was one of the most stunning things I’ve ever seen.
    “I felt like the fight should probably have been stopped; he (Gill) couldn’t stand up, he has a perforated ear drum and his balance was shot.
    “He was getting beat up but looking back now, it shouldn’t have been stopped but there are many refs or cornermen who [would have stopped it].
    “It was like something out of a Rocky movie when they both went over at the same time.
    “At the end of the day, it’s not human what Jordan Gill did there. He couldn’t stand up, his ear drum was perforated, he has a haematoma…”
    Jordan Gill’s brutal KO capturedCredit: Getty More

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    Jack Catterall asks Josh Taylor ‘when you dropping my belts off’ as he slams boxing as ‘f***ing disaster’ after robbery

    JACK CATTERALL asked Josh Taylor ‘when you dropping my belts off’ as he slammed boxing as ‘a f***ing disaster’ after his loss. Taylor escaped with the undisputed super-lightweight crown and his unbeaten record, leaving Catterall victim of another robbery in a British ring.
    Jack Catterall was controversially beaten by Josh TaylorCredit: PA
    Officials Victor Loughlin and Ian John-Lewis came under scrutiny for scoring the fight in the Scot’s favour.
    But Howard Foster showed some sense with his 113-112 card to Catterall, leaving the verdict split.
    The scoring was slammed by just about everyone, from fans online, to pundits as well as fighters of the past and present, all left in disgust.
    Catterall, 28, broke his silence a day after the result by posting an X-rated blast and then followed it up by goading Taylor, 31.
    He wrote: “When you dropping my belts off? This boxing game is a f***ing disaster.”
    Chorley’s Catterall received support from the boxing world and even his MP, who vowed to fight the controversial decision in Government.
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    The British Boxing Board of Control will also launch an investigation into the scoring of Taylor’s win, it was confirmed.
    BBOBC General Secretary Robert Smith told the Daily Telegraph: “We will be looking into it.
    “There were some very close rounds, it was a very close, very scrappy fight, and I have asked for reports from the judges which we will be studying this week.
    “Our judges are honest people, and scored it as they saw it. I was there, and I thought Catterall pipped it.”
    Josh Taylor celebrates with Jack Catterall left in shockCredit: Reuters More