More stories

  • in

    Who is Caleb Plant’s wife Jordan? All you need to know about the FOX Sports boxing reporter

    CALEB PLANT has had a difficult life until now, but this weekend the moment he’s worked so hard for awaits.The Nashville fighter takes on boxing’s biggest star Canelo Alvarez for the chance to make history and become the first ever undisputed super-middleweight champion.
    Caleb Plant and Jordan got married in 2019 after three years of dating
    JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)

    Plant will have plenty of fans cheering him on, but he’ll also have his wife Jordan ringside.
    Usually she’s ringside in a working capacity, but this time, it’s all personal.
    Who is Jordan Hardy?
    Caleb Plant is a PBC fighter who usually fights on FOX Sports and Showtime in the U.S.
    And that’s exactly how he met his wife Jordan Hardy, now plant.
    Hardy is a ringside boxing reporter and broadcaster who works for FOX Sports, and can be seen ringside at most of her beau’s fights.
    Hardy was born on July, 19, 1992 and was a former track & field star at the University of Arizona, running the 100 metres competitively.
    She was born in Sacramento, California and has three sisters, Marissa, Chloe and Hannah.
    The pair started dating in 2016 and they later married in 2019, after Plant proposed following one of his fights.
    Plant beat Jose Uzcategui for the IBF title at 168lbs and got down on one knee for Jordan in the locker room afterwards.
    Jordan Plant works as a boxing reporter for FOX Sports
    Hardy also accompanies Plant throughout his fight camp and is in his corner during his sparring sessions.
    Caleb has said of his wife before: “Jordan and I, we really motivate each other to always do better.
    “It’s a beautiful thing, but we never fight about anything in life, but our only arguments are about who’s doing better at the moment. We are both very competitive.”
    Jordan has said: “The only thing that’s really changed since we’ve been married is my last name, and saying that I have a husband.
    “We’ve always been each other’s best friend, so nothing is really different.” More

  • in

    Where does Canelo Alvarez rank in the best ever super-middleweights? Top 7 168lb fighters of all time ranked

    CANELO ALVAREZ will bid to become the undisputed ruler of a stacked super-middleweight division this weekend.The pound-for-pound king will look to add the IBF 168lb title to his collection of belts early on Sunday morning in Las Vegas.
    Canelo Alvarez will bid to become undisputed super-middleweight champion this weekendCredit: AFP
    Caleb Plant stands between Canelo and undisputed super-middleweight gloryCredit: REX
    The Mexican is already on course to become one the best 168-pounders of all timeCredit: AFP
    Standing between Canelo and undisputed status is the undefeated American Caleb Plant.
    Should the Mexican get the better of Sweethands, he’ll further cement his hall-of-fame status and become one of the best super-middleweights to ever do it.
    So with that in mind, SunSport thought it’d only be right to list the greatest 168-pounders of all time.
    7. Nigel Benn
    Benn claimed the WBC 168lb belt with a third-round demolition of Mauro Galvano in 1993.
    Seven title defences followed for The Dark Destroyer, who is still viewed by many as one of the most exciting fighters of the last 30 years.
    Sadly for Benn, though, he closed out his legendary career with two ill-fated attempts to prise the WBO super-middleweight title from Steve Collins.
    Nigel Benn trades blows with Chris EubankCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)

    6. Chris Eubank Sr
    ‘English’ claimed the WBO super-middleweight in his ill-fated rematch with Michael Watson but was never the same after the contest.
    He did, however, go on to defend his title 14 times, a run in which he defeated former IBF titleholder Graciano Rocchigiani.
    Chris Eubank Sr defended his super-middleweight title 14 timesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    5. Steve Collins
    Irishman Collins has been forgotten by many boxing fans – despite having impressive wins over Benn and Eubank Sr to his name.
    In fact, he twice bested Eubank in his time as super-middleweight – in which he never lost a fight.
    But he was eventually bested by Ireland’s Steve CollinsCredit: Getty
    4. Canelo Alvarez
    The Guadalajara gladiator’s brief stint at 168lbs has been nothing short of emphatic.
    A battering of Liverpudlian Callum Smith last December was followed by third and eight round demolitions of Anvi Yildirim and Billy Joe Saunders.
    Should he get the better of the undefeated Plant this weekend and subsequently defend his undisputed status, he’ll soon be in the conversation for the greatest 168-pounder of all time.
    3. Joe Calzaghe
    Although he’s arguably the most underrated fighter in British boxing history, Calzaghe’s resume speaks for itself.
    The Welshman claimed the WBO strap against Eubank back in 1997 and defending it a whopping 21 times.
    In that run, he beat the likes of Jeff Lacy, Saiko Bika and Richie Woodhall.
    And in the latter stages of his hall-of-fame career, he claimed the IBF, WBA and Ring Magazine 168lb straps.
    The pride of Wales Joe Calzaghe was a force at 168lbsCredit: GETTY
    2. Andre Ward
    The undefeated Son of God is regarded by many to be one of the best pugilists of all time.
    That’s in large because of his body of work at 168lbs after claiming the WBA strap in the final of the Super Six Series against Mikkel Kessler.
    Ward, who is now retired, put on masterclasses over Allan Green, Arthur Abraham, Baika and Brit Carl Froch before eventually leaving the division to pursue gold at 175lbs.
    The undefeated Andre Ward is one of the best to ever do it at 168lbsCredit: Getty
    1. Roy Jones Jr
    The accolade of the greatest super-middleweight of all time goes to former four-weight champion Roy Jones Jr.
    Undefeated at 168lbs, no one came close to getting the better Jones or his trademark ‘Y’all must’ve forgot’ catchphrase.
    He dominated fellow great James Toney and cleaned out the division with knockouts in each of his five title defences.
    Boxing legend Roy Jones Jr is undoubtedly the greatest super-middleweight of all timeCredit: Getty
    Credit: SUNSPORT
    FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
    Inside Canelo Alvarez’s ‘old-school combat training’ camp for Caleb Plant fight More

  • in

    Meet the girls who partied with Tyson Fury and work for Covid testing firm, with one boasting criminal justice degree

    TWO girls couldn’t believe their luck when Tyson Fury invited them on a boozy eight-hour bender.Stella Kabelis, 21, and Kailah Downie, 24, spotted the Gypsy King out with coach Andy Lee while at a swanky Manchester restaurant on Wednesday.
    Stella, left, and Kailah, right, met Tyson Fury on Wednesday
    Their chance encounter led to eight hours of partying
    Kailah is understood to work for Covid testing form Randox
    Stella attended the University of Plymouth
    The duo plucked up the courage to ask Tyson for a picture outside, with the group then exchanging numbers.
    As SunSport exclusively revealed, the girls were then stunned when Lee WhatsApp messaged them later in the day, inviting them for something to eat.
    This launched an incredible eight-hour boozing session, with Fury and Lee taking them to a cocktail bar before going back to the girls’ Salford flat to continue dancing and partying.
    The girls are understood to work for Covid testing firm Randox.
    Stella attended the University of Plymouth, the city Kailah hails from.
    During her time in the South West, Stella attained a degree in criminal justice.
    She remained tight-lipped when contacted by The Sun but acknowledged the night was “good fun”.

    She added: “I’m not willing to make any further comment.”
    A photo posted on her Snapchat showed her and Tyson knocking back shots at the bar.
    Kailah then posted footage of the boxer busting some moves on the dancefloor alongside two laughing emojis, saying: “As if I’m on a night out with Tyson Fury.”
    As the night wore on, there was no sign of any imminent stoppages, and another picture on Stella’s Snapchat account showed Tyson standing in the street, captioned: “Back with the boy x.”
    The group then travelled to Stella and Kailah’s £1,000-a-month flat in Salford to continue partying.
    The boxer FaceTimed his brother Tommy, with a picture showing Stella and Tyson holding up his phone, captioned: “On FaceTime to Tommy Fury.”
    Tyson, who has been celebrating his epic victory over Deontay Wilder for the last month, called it a night at around 11:30pm – more than eight hours after bumping into Stella and Kailah.
    ‘COULDN’T BELIEVE THEIR LUCK’
    Last night a pal said: “The girls couldn’t believe their luck. They love a night out but never expected to party with Tyson Fury.
    “They were off work on Wednesday so they went shopping before heading for drinks. But in the afternoon they saw Tyson with his pal and started chatting with him.
    “Stella swapped numbers with Andy and he messaged soon after inviting them out for dinner.
    “They had a few cocktails together and were asking Tyson about his boxing career and he really enjoyed being in the company of some down-to-earth girls.
    “He might be heavyweight champion, but he’s a man of the people and likes to live as normal a life as possible. They thought Tyson was very charming and he was very complimentary to them.
    “They had some drinks and did some shots. Tyson is really enjoying partying at the moment following his last fight. The four of them carried on the party at the apartment for another couple of hours until Tyson left at around 11.20pm.
    “The girls assume he left so that he could go home to his wife Paris and his children.”
    Kailah hails from Plymouth
    Stella studied criminal justice
    Stella and Kailah got to chat with Tommy Fury
    The girls met Tyson out in Manchester
    Married Tyson Fury enjoyed a wild night of partying with two scantily clad brunettes downing shots before going back to their apartment for a ‘private party’ More

  • in

    ‘Everything is going to be OK’ – Scott Fitzgerald responds to worrying picture that left Eddie Hearn ‘shocked’

    BOXER Scott Fitzgerald has told his fans ‘everything is going to be OK’ after worrying pictures emerged on social media on Thursday.The 29-year-old, who won the British title in the super-welterweight division two years ago, appeared to be in a desperate state after someone snapped him lying on the streets outside a pub.
    Fitzgerald has fought just once since winning the British title in 2019Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Hearn admits he is concerned by the current state of FitzgeraldCredit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
    But the fighter, who has battled drug addiction in recent years, was quick to insist those concerned about him do not have anything to be worried about.
    Reassuring his fans, Fitzgerald released a Facebook post which read: “I mean stop kicking up a fuss guys.
    “I had an exhausting day haha no lie I’d had a 10/15 min straightener with an absolute rabbit of a Southpaw traveller half hour before on Ashton Park.
    “I’m sorry to worry my Dad and Mum but that is the only thing I’m sorry for. I took a bloody nap outside my beloved Wheatsheaf. Everything is going to be ok you squirrels.”
    The boxer’s comments come just hours after his promoter Eddie Hearn voiced his concerns over the pictures.
    He told iFL TV: “Scott went into rehab over a year ago. We hoped he was moving in the right direction.

    “What we saw today shocked the life out of me. We’re gonna make sure we convince him to get help now.
    “We’ll be doing everything we can to help.”
    Fitzgerald’s trainer Jimmy Moon told the Lancashire Post on Friday: “He needs help but he needs to want that help.
    “We have tried helping him, taking him away, but he has got to want to be helped.
    “The main thing for us before he can start training again is that he’s got to be clean and living the right lifestyle.
    “But it’s not happening yet. We just try to keep talking to him and helping him.”
    Fitzgerald announced himself as a major contender in the super-welterweight division with a dramatic split decision victory over British rival Anthony Fowler in March 2019.
    Seven months later he then beat Ted Cheeseman by unanimous decision to claim the British title in the 154lb division.
    But since then he has fought just once as circumstances out of the ring took a hold of his life.
    In March 2020, Fitzgerald was arrested on suspicion of assault after a “kick off” with his ex-partner and her family.
    His last bout came back in May when he beat Frenchman Gregory Trenel by third round stoppage. More

  • in

    Mike Tyson insists he knows exactly how to beat Tyson Fury as legend opens door to exhibition bout with heavyweight king

    BOXING legend Mike Tyson believes he has the style to beat Tyson Fury at the ripe old age of 54.WBC heavyweight champion Fury revealed he was open to taking part in an exhibition with Iron Mike before his epic trilogy fight with Deontay Wilder.
    Mike Tyson returned to the ring last November for an exhibition with Roy Jones JrCredit: AP
    Mike Tyson is gearing up for a February return to the octagonCredit: Instagram @miketyson
    And Iron Mike hopes to one day have an exhibition with WBC champ Tyson Fury
    And The Baddest Man on the Planet says he’d implement the body-heavy strategy he used for his two fights with Donovan ‘Razor’ Ruddock to take down The Gypsy King.
    When asked how he fight the Brit, he told ES News: “Remember how I fought ‘Razor’ Ruddock in the first fight, that’s how we fight him.”
    Despite being deep into his 50s, Tyson reckons he could dodge the 6ft 9in Brit’s blows.
    He said: “I would like to hope so.”
    Tyson is gearing up to return to the ring in February, although an opponent for his next outing has yet to be finalised.
    And the American hopes to persuade Fury to have an exhibition with him with a good display in his next outing.

    JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)

    He said: “If this (Lennox Lewis) goes well, Imma push myself deeper.
    “I don’t know, maybe, Tyson Fury, he told me, if I keep winning if I do good. That’s my buddy.”
    YouTuber turned boxer Logan Paul is reportedly set to be Tyson’s opponent for his second exhibition.
    When asked how he thinks he’d get on against The Maverick, Tyson laughed and said: “Maybe.
    “I’m an old man, you know? I don’t know what I could do now.”
    He added: “Anything is possible, you know.
    “Because by doing this we have a great exponent of charities to give to so the charities win both ways.”

    Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn is adamant the elder Paul brother shouldn’t set foot in the ring with the former undisputed heavyweight champ.
    The Matchroom Boxing chief told The True Geordie: “I prefer that to Floyd and Logan. I thought that was absolutely a load of bs.
    “I thought, ‘What?’ You got a pound for pound great again against a bloke that, I mean, not can’t fight.
    “It was horrible, horrible to watch. Tyson and [Paul] it shouldn’t happen.
    “But I would at least want to find out what would happen in that fight. I hold my hands up.”
    FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
    Eddie Hearn calls for Mike Tyson fight against Logan Paul to be scrapped with shock bout in works for February More

  • in

    Taurai Zimunya dead at 24: Boxer dies after collapsing in ring following barrage of shots to head as inquest planned

    ZIMBABWEAN boxer Taurai Zimunya, 24, died after he was knocked out and collapsed in the ring.The super bantamweight was on the receiving end of the heavy head shots whilst being backed into a corner on Saturday.
    Taurai Zimunya, 24, died after collapsing in the ringCredit: INSTAGRAM
    His opponent unloaded and landed a left-right combo to finish the non-title fight in round three of six in Harare.
    And he sadly died on Monday from the injuries sustained in the ring.
    The death of the boxer has resulted in serious questions being asked of the Zimbabwean boxing authorities.
    An inquiry into how the death happened is yet to be announced with the general secretary of the Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board, Lawrence Zimbudzana, saying they will focus on Zimunya’s burial first.
    Zimbudzana told BBC Sport Africa: “For now we will focus on the burial, and then we will sit down and look at the issues.”
    The ZNBWCB insist ‘all the necessary medical procedures were followed’.

    Zimunya’s former coach Tatenda Gada thinks Zimbabwe have been robbed of a bright prospect.
    He said: “We’ve been robbed of one of our best prospects.
    “I worked with Taurai for more than four years – I watched him progress and he was one for the future.” More

  • in

    Caleb Plant overcame heartbreak of baby’s death and mum being killed by cops after learning to box in ring made of tape

    CALEB PLANT will challenge the greatest boxer on the planet in Canelo Alvarez – but he has already won far bigger fights in his life. The unbeaten super-middleweight is 21-0 and currently reigns as the IBF champion ahead of the unification bout over the weekend in Las Vegas.
    Canelo Alvarez fights Caleb Plant in Las VegasCredit: Rex
    Caleb Plant training to fight Canelo AlvarezCredit: Getty
    But he remarkably achieved the feat after the tragic death of his baby daughter Alia before later losing his mother Beth, who was shot dead by police.
    Nothing he faces in the ring could possibly come close to the heartbreak already suffered, but it has helped shape the American’s resolve.
    In an exclusive interview, Plant, 29, told SunSport: “I feel like the situations you go through, they make you who you are and there’s clearly no quit in me.
    “I could have quit a long time ago, and people would have said, ‘Well, it makes sense because of this, or because of that’.”
    Plant started boxing at the age of eight in his hometown of Ashland City in Tennessee, which has a population of just over 4,500 people.
    With no local boxing club in sight, parents were forced to tape together a makeshift ring, or huddle around to make a square.
    FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

    It may not have been the most traditional start for Plant, but quickly helped him find his passion for the sport.
    He said: “When you really want something, regardless of what it is, you don’t always have to have the fanciest gear or the latest technology, or the greatest, latest stuff.
    “Just like many great boxers before me, regardless of where they’re from, they’re not always starting out with the nicest stuff.
    “You don’t need the latest stuff to get where you’re heading – all you need is focus and drive.”
    Plant went on to have a successful amateur career, representing the USA squad, even acting as an alternate on the 2012 Olympic team.
    But his humble beginnings are what inspired him to reach the boxing pinnacle – and make sure he stays there.
    Caleb Plant as a boy growing up in Tennessee
    Caleb Plant during his amateur days
    Plant said: “Most great men start in that position, with very little and that’s what motivates them to get where they’re going.
    “When there’s tough moments, having that to lean on, thinking back like, ‘I gotta make this work, this has to happen’.
    “Because you think there’s no way I can go back to that, or live out the rest of my days in a situation like that or let my children grow up like that.
    “Just like many other great men who have accomplished a lot in life, it’s a good motivation.”
    Plant turned professional in May 2014, 12 months after he had welcomed baby daughter Alia into the world.
    However, she was unfortunately born with an unknown medical condition which caused seizures.
    Caleb Plant pictured with his baby daughter Alia
    The boxer took his IBF belt to daughter Alia’s grave
    Caleb Plant dedicated his world title win to baby Alia
    Plant sat and cared for Alia every day, but after 19 months she passed away after catching a respiratory infection which developed into pneumonia.
    The devastated boxer vowed to win a world title for his little girl, and in 2019 his promise was fulfilled after beating Jose Uzcategui on points.
    Plant dedicated the win to Alia and later took his IBF belt to her grave.
    But in another devastating incident, in March 2019, only two months after the greatest night in his boxing career, the fighter’s mother was shot dead.
    Plant’s mum Beth was fatally wounded by police in Tennessee after they said she pulled a knife on an officer.
    Caleb Plant pictured with his mother Beth
    Caleb Plant’s mother was shot dead by police
    The undefeated fighter continues to honour his daughter and mother, wearing their names on his short.
    He has made three successful defences of his title, earning him the right to fight for Canelo’s WBC, WBA and WBO belts in a historic undisputed title decider.
    And despite having the odds once more stacked against him, Plant explains he has come too far to fail now.
    He said: “This boxing thing is a one-way trip for me. I burned all my ships when I started over here, there is no return, there is no going back.
    “Boxing is a one-way trip for me and I am going to get where I want to get and accomplish what I want to accomplish.”
    Caleb Plant wears his mum’s and daughter’s names on his shortsCredit: Getty
    Canelo Alvarez and Caleb Plant square upCredit: Amanda Westcott
    Caleb Plant slams Mike Tyson over his prediction that Plant will lose to Canelo More

  • in

    ‘He’s never fought a Joe Calzaghe’ – Canelo Alvarez could be all-time ring legend but I’d have beaten him, says Calzaghe

    CANELO ALVAREZ is on course to become an all-time boxing legend – but the Welsh dragon still reckons he would have slayed him.Joe Calzaghe ended his career undefeated after 46 brilliant wins and would have been the undisputed super-middleweight champion if it were not for grubby boxing politics.
    Boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez is set to battle Caleb Plant on Saturday in Las Vegas
    That is the iconic four-belt status the 31-year-old is going for on Saturday, as he aims to add Caleb Plant’s IBF 12st title to his WBC, WBA and WBO belts.
    The magnificent Mexican now boasts a record of 56-1-2 and has also collected world titles at super-welter, middle and light-heavyweight – where Calzaghe ended his legendary reign with wins over Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr.
    Another Las Vegas win this weekend will put Canelo in 49-year-old Calzaghe’s pound-for-pound top-10 of all time – but the brilliant Brit still backs himself to have trumped the ace.
    He said: “if he continues the way he’s going and winning titles, he has to be in the top 10 of all-time probably, based on what he’s achieved.
    “And his longevity, longevity is important as well. Winning the title is one thing, we’ve seen fighters win a title and then lose it, so for him to still be the champion is impressive.
    “He’s still only 31, he’s just a true, true champion and I have a lot of respect for him.

    “But of course I’d win against him in my prime! He’s never fought a Joe Calzaghe and I never fought Canelo, but it’s a fight when I look at it that I would love to have had.
    “Of course, I wish I was around now when Canelo is around. Of course it would be a tough fight, but I think I would have won.
    “He’s 5ft 8ins, it would have been a great fight, but I would have won!”
    Southpaw Calzaghe believes his unorthodox stance – that helped fellow lefties Erisland Lara and Austin Trout give Canelo problems in their distance losses – would have helped him secure a fantasy-fight victory.
    But Plant, 29, will have a stance and style all too familiar for the Guadalajara gunslinger, leaving Calzaghe unsure how the underdog can stun the world.
    “I was a southpaw who threw punches in bunches, combinations and had speed but I could also adapt,” the happily retired hero said.
    Boxing great Joe Calzaghe insists he would have beaten Canelo Alvarez in his primeCredit: Getty
    “When you are fighting a guy like Canelo who you have to have a plan B, if you don’t then you will never be competitive.
    “You need to be able to switch from the front to backfoot, from aggressive or defensive, to try to confuse him and put him off of his gameplan.
    “Plant has good skills, he is slick and can move, he has fast hands but you’re in a completely different league when you fight Canelo.
    “Plant needs to land combinations and have the better jab but Canelo is a master of closing down the range and cutting off the ring so Plant needs a plan B.
    “I don’t know how hard Plant hits, I know he only has 12 KOs (from 21 wins) so this fight will answer a lot of questions because Canelo is red hot.”
    Canelo is as hot in the box office and pay-per-view stakes as he is in the rankings, meaning anyone who signs up to face him earns life-changing money – win or lose.

    And Calzaghe reckons that extra power could hand the flame-haired fighter a psychological boost before the bell even rings.
    He laughed: “I think having that hold over an opponent could have an effect but I wouldn’t know as I never had that luxury, I had to really earn my big paydays!
    “But going from earning hundreds of thousands of pounds to multi-millions in one hit is bound to affect you because it is life changing.
    “You could instantly feel you are set for life and your hunger could suffer.
    “It must be like winning the lottery – but instead of having to pay for a ticket you have to get your a*** kicked.”
    BT Sport Box Office will show Canelo v Plant exclusively live in the UK on Saturday 6th November. For more info go to www.bt.com/sportboxoffice
    Canelo Alvarez rolls eyes at Kamaru Usman’s fight challenge and says UFC star just wants a ‘payday’ More