More stories

  • in

    Naoya Inoue to defend bantamweight titles against Aran Dipaen in Japan on Dec 14 after savage Michael Dasmarinas KO

    JAPANESE sensation Naoya ‘Monster’ Inoue returns to the ring on December 14 as he defends bantamweight world titles against Thailand’s Aran Dipaen.The three-weight world champion, who is rated as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters on the planet, demolished Filipino Michael Dasmarinas inside three rounds back in June.
    Naoya Inoue is one of the most feared fighters in boxingCredit: Getty
    The Japanese superstar demolished Dasmarinas last time outCredit: Getty
    And now, after two fights in the US, Inoue will return to fight in Japan in front of an adoring home crowd.
    The 28-year-old holds the IBF and WBA bantamweight titles having already won belts at light-flyweight and super-flyweight.
    He has won all 21 of his professional fights to date, stopping 18 of them in the process.
    Meanwhile, his opponent Dipaen has already lost two of his 14 pro contests.
    He has only fought outside of Thailand on three occasions, two of which came in defeat.
    Dipaen travelled to Russia and lost to Zafar Parpiev in just his third bout, before then facing Tommy Frank in Sheffield two years ago where he was beaten by split decision.

    Inoue will be an overwhelming favourite heading into the fight as he looks to set up an undisputed clash against either Nonito Donaire or John Riel Casimero.
    WBC champion Donaire and WBO title holder Casemiro are set to face off in a unification clash, with Inoue hoping to face the winner.
    Following his knockout win back in June, the Japanese boxer said: “I prepare myself to knock them out, whether with a head shot or a body shot. I came prepared and to get a win by knockout is good for me.
    “The first round, I just wanted to see what he had. It depended on how he came out, and after a little while, I thought I could get him out.
    “Getting the win makes me smile, but to be able to fight the winner of Casimero and Donaire, that brings me another smile.”
    Inoue already beat Donaire in 2019 when he won a thrilling fight by unanimous decision. More

  • in

    MMA league PFL in talks with boxers and other ‘crossover athletes’ looking to fight for ‘life-changing’ $1million prize

    PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS LEAGUE are in talks with boxers and other ‘crossover athletes’ – all interested in their ‘life-changing’ $1million prize.The PFL has a unique quarters, semis and final MMA format, which see the last two competitors in each weight dramatically fight for the mega winner’s cheque.
    Boxing champion Claressa Shields after her winning PFL debutCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Champion Kayla Harrison, boxing legend Mike Tyson and CEO of PFL Peter MurrayCredit: Professional Fighters League
    Its third season – which comes to a close in Florida on October 27 – has been a historical one for the MMA organisation and CEO Peter Murray.
    Viewership on ESPN has risen by 100 per cent and marquee names have also joined their stable across six weight divisions.
    That includes ex-UFC champions Anthony Pettis 34, and Fabricio Werdum, 44, as well as undefeated boxer Claressa Shields, 26.
    But according to Murray, there is more to come, with other stars enticed by the three-fight a year format, lucrative prize money and championship belt up for grabs.
    He told SunSport: “Those fighters who performed well and won, they’ve earned their shot in the championship for the big money.
    “So it provides an added drama for fans, and for fighters a big payday. A million dollars is life-changing money. 

    “It’s big money in this sport, so fighters have the chance to make more money in the PFL.
    “Fighters have been looking for an alternative and we have certainty been compelling fighters now or they’re now compelled to go into free agency. 
    “Now they have a real option as the No2 MMA organisation in the sport today. 
    “We’re speaking to a lot of different crossover athletes, boxers, who have brought a skill and desire to compete at a high level in MMA.”
    Shields, a three-weight boxing champion, made her MMA debut with PFL in June and will now return in the finale of season three against Abigail Montes.
    Also headlining that night is double Olympic judo gold medallist Kayla Harrison, 31, who won the women’s lightweight 2019 championship.
    American Harrison faces Taylor Guardado in this year’s finals, looking to become a two-time champ.
    Next year PFL will launch a challenger series, with the winner going on to compete in their regular season.
    Professional Fighters League CEO Peter MurrayCredit: Professional Fighters League
    Pay-per-view will also be rolled out, as well as a combine which will evaluate athletes on mental and physical abilities. 
    Murray said: “We’re launching a challenger series, which is new. 
    “We’ll be launching a combining which is new and we’re also launching pay-per-view, which is new. 
    “And pay-per-view will come after the start of the PFL season this coming spring.”
    Murray also revealed PFL are closing in on a UK media partnership, having not yet signed a network deal.
    He said: “Number one, the UK is a priority market from an international perspective for the PFL, it’s one of our top priorities. 
    “Number two, we will absolutely have a new media partner in 2022, or partners, which will expand the visibility of the PFL and provide access for fans in the UK to not only the season product but the other properties I referenced.” 
    PFL plot UK debut to take ‘innovative’ NFL-style play-off format international More

  • in

    Watch Canelo Alvarez show off quick feet and lightning reflexes in latest training video ahead of Caleb Plant showdown

    CANELO ALVAREZ has provided a glimpse of his footwork and quick reflexes in his latest training clip.Boxing’s P4P king believes his upcoming undisputed clash against Caleb Plant is going to be easier than his win over Billy Joe Saunders.
    Canelo Alvarez has provided a glimpse of his footwork and lightning quick reflexesCredit: Twitter
    The Mexican is training for his upcoming clash with Caleb PlantCredit: Twitter
    And few would disagree with him after the above footage of him demonstrating his quick feet and lightning instincts was shared from a recent session.
    The Mexican icon, who has not lost since way back in 2013 when he took on Floyd Mayweather, is looking to win the fourth and final belt in the super-middleweight division when he takes on Plant on November 6.
    And Canelo said this week it will be even more straightforward than his victory over Saunders.
    He claimed: “Yeah, same [as Saunders], but different because Billy Joe Saunders is southpaw and Caleb Plant is orthodox.
    “So, it’s gonna be, I think, maybe a little easy for me.”
    The legend has stopped three of his last four opponents, with the only man to go the distance with him since May 2019 being Callum Smith.

    Canelo is widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
    He has won 56 of his 59 professional bouts, losing to Mayweather and drawing to Jorge Juarez and Gennady Golovkin.
    Meanwhile, Plant is unbeaten in his 21 pro fights but has not fought anyone of the calibre of Canelo.
    The pair have a clear disdain for one another and came to blows in the recent press conference.
    Plant attempted to throw a punch at Canelo but the Mexican dodged it and then threw a right hand of his own which left the American with a cut below his eye.

    Canelo Alvarez says Caleb Plant fight will be ‘a little easy for me’ More

  • in

    Five next fights for Tommy Fury if British star beats Jake Paul including YouTuber’s brother Logan and Love Island rival

    DESPITE being in the infancy of his boxing career, Tommy Fury is one of the most in-demand fighters in Britain. At only 7-0, Fury is among the most recognisable boxers in the UK, thanks to his stint on reality TV show Love Island in 2019 and his older brother Tyson.
    Tommy Fury is 7-0 as a boxer, but is a household name after his stint on Love Island in 2019Credit: Round ‘N’ Bout Media
    Eyeballs have been on his career ever since his 2018 debut but the pressure is now greater than ever.
    As revealed by SunSport, Fury is set to fight YouTube sensation Jake Paul on December 18 in Miami, and opens as the betting favourite.
    If the bookies are correct, it leaves the light-heavyweight sitting even prettier, and here SunSport runs down five fights that could follow.
    Logan Paul
    Jake’s older brother Logan, 26, has also forged a prizefighting career of his own, even taking boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, 44, the distance in their June exhibition.
    He then blasted Fury as an ‘amateur’ for failing to knock out his pre-Mayweather sparring partner Anthony Taylor in August.
    If Fury, 22, beats little brother Jake, 24, then Logan may want to go in for revenge – and the fight has been given the green light by Tommy’s dad.
    John Fury said on the True Geordie podcast: “Once he smashes, sorry when he smashes Jake Paul, he’ll take on his brother Logan and smash him along if he fancied it.”
    Logan Paul is Jake’s older brother and could want revengeCredit: Reuters

    Idris Virgo
    Virgo, 28, is another Love Island alumni but has a more experienced boxing record of ten wins and one draw.
    He has relentlessly chased a fight with Fury, who has refused to engage or acknowledge the super-middleweight.
    Virgo is yet to break into the mainstream like Fury, and could be deemed too much of a risk to his unbeaten record.
    But he has the talk to go with the skills and would provide Fury with a tough test while keeping the celebrity appeal alive.
    Unbeaten Idris Virgo also starred on Love IslandCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Dillon Danis
    Danis, 28, is a 2-0 Bellator MMA welterweight but is most commonly recognised as a training partner of Conor McGregor’s.
    But he is equally polarising outside of the cage and has continuously feuded with Paul online, but turned down the chance to fight him in March citing an injured knee.
    Danis has even hit out at Fury, recently tweeting: “tommy fury is a** lol.”
    Despite coming out of left field, it would give Fury a recognised-named opponent in the US.
    Dillon Danis is a 2-0 MMA fighter
    Tyron Woodley
    Woodley, 39, still wants a rematch with Paul, but faces waiting in a long line with others.
    If Fury was to beat the social media sensation, Woodley could capitalise by then challenging him.
    It would then give the ex-UFC champion the chance to get back into the ring and try and force through a rematch with Paul.
    But it would be hard to see it interesting Fury.
    Tyron Woodley after his loss to Jake PaulCredit: Amanda Westcott
    Jake Paul rematch
    Without a single punch being thrown between Paul and Fury, millions of dollars have already been made.
    The pay-per-view and ticket sales are almost guaranteed to be a success, meaning no matter the result, a rematch is always a possibility.
    As the A-side, it is likely if Paul were to lose he would be afforded the chance to fight Fury again with a rematch clause.
    And even if the fight is exciting enough, a two-partner cannot be ruled out.
    Tommy Fury is set to fight Jake Paul on December 18Credit: BT Sport More

  • in

    Dillian Whyte desperately trying to save Halloween nightmare by lining up Alen ‘The Savage’ Babic to fight Otto Wallin

    DILLIAN WHYTE is trying to save his Halloween nightmare by finding Otto Wallin a terrifying new opponent in Alen ‘the Savage’ Babic.The 33-year-old Brit banger was scheduled to fight the southpaw Swede at the O2 on October 30 but has been ruled out due to a shoulder injury.
    Alen ‘The Savage’ Babic could be an alternative for Otto Wallin after Dillian Whyte’s injuryCredit: Mark Robinson
    Otto Wallin has been offered Alen Babic in place of injured Dillian WhyteCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Wallin, who slashed a 47-stitch gash into Tyson Fury’s eye in 2019, is furious the big-money bout has been canned after spending a fortune on a training camp.
    So Whyte has offered sparring partner and protege Babic up for a grudge match with the raging visitor.
    Wallin and promoter Dmitry Salita have been trying to suggest Whyte has faked an injury to avoid the fight.
    And that’s left 30-year-old fans’ favourite Babic – who credits Whyte with making him a cult boxing hero – furious and seeking revenge.
    Wallin initially dismissed Babic as a stand-in opponent, leaving the shaven-headed bruiser to face original undercard opponent Carlos Molina.
    But the visitor and his team want paying for all their efforts and a last-minute war with the former nightclub bouncer will guarantee him a paycheque.
    Babic messaged Wallin directly saying: “If Otto Wallin still wants a fight then The Savage is responding.

    Dillian Whyte has pulled out of fighting Otto Wallin, leaving the Swede’s team furiousCredit: Getty
    “Nothing would make me happier than stepping in for my mentor Dillian Whyte.”
    Whyte, the WBC’s interim champion on the cusp of a world title shot against Tyson Fury, has been left gutted by his injury.
    After a final MRI proved he was carrying too much damage to fight, he said: “I am devastated as I had a great camp, was in great shape, and had great sparring.
    “I was looking forward to knocking Wallin out and would have done so in the first half of the fight. 
    “I am devastated about not being able to fight on October 30 but I want to thank everyone for all of their support.”
    Whyte has got little support from former fighter Salita, however, who is pressuring the sanctioning body to demand the bout is postponed rather than abandoned.He said: “This fight with Whyte and Otto should be rescheduled.
    “It’s up to the WBC to do the right thing and order Whyte to fight Otto on a later date. There’s no reason that shouldn’t happen.
    “Dillian Whyte shouldn’t be rewarded after pulling out of this fight with an injury, whatever it is, by going on and fighting Tyson Fury for the title in his next fight.” More

  • in

    Tyson Fury offered ACTING role as Rocky star Sylvester Stallone eyes Brit heavyweight champ for new Expendables movie

    SYLVESTER STALLONE wants Tyson Fury to go Whack to the Future – by swapping boxing for a movie career, starting with The Expendables.When the Rocky actor is seeing stars for his upcoming projects he thinks of the Gypsy King’s knockout performances.
    Tyson Fury had an epic trilogy with Deontay Wilder but might have a different type of sequel – in the moviesCredit: Alamy
    Tyson Fury is wanted by Sylvester Stallone for a role in The Expendables, not the upcoming fourth instalment but perhaps the fifth
    Big boxing fan Stallone, 75, hailed the British world heavyweight champion’s trilogy triumph against Deontay Wilder.
    Fury, along with American Wilder, even put on a Hollywood ending as they saved the best until last – with the Morecambe marvel’s 11th-round stoppage win this month.
    Now Stallone hopes to nick Fury to be a super hero of a different kind.
    He said: “Super congratulations to Tyson Fury for that incredible display of championship strength, guts and courage! 
    “It couldn’t happen to a better guy.
    “I think you have a fantastic career in movies. So, the next Expendables? Done deal.”
    Unbeaten Fury, 33, has admitted he is contemplating retiring, although his contract includes one more fight.

    But the fourth instalment of The Expendables – the continuing tale of elite mercenaries – is already in the bag and scheduled for release next year.
    Stallone, Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren and Megan Fox are among household names reprising their roles.
    But if Stallone is to be believed he has eyes on Fury for a FIFTH outing.
    The Rambo actor, though, was almost as impressed by Wilder, the dethroned champ whose only two defeats have come against Fury.
    The Yank initially behaved like a Million Dollar Baby with constant whining after his mega-money first loss, including bizarre excuses such as his 40lb ring-entrance costume.
    But Wilder revived his reputation through sheer grit in the momentous third fight with Fury in Vegas two weeks ago.
    And Creed star Stallone said: “Tremendous respect to Deontay Wilder who proved to be a warrior on the night.”
    Maybe if Fury appears in The Expendables 5 then Wilder could be hit for the sixth?
    Sylvester Stallone’s most famous role was as Rocky – and he reckons Tyson Fury would make a great movie star tooCredit: Alamy
    Anthony Joshua tells Mike Tyson’s old coach Ronnie Shields to turn him into a dog for Oleksandr Usyk rematch More

  • in

    Five next fights for Jake Paul if YouTuber beats Tommy Fury including Conor McGregor and Jorge Masvidal

    JAKE PAUL is a man with many options in the boxing business. For now, he is set to fight Tommy Fury, the brother of heavyweight champion Tyson, on December 18 in Miami, as revealed by SunSport.
    YouTube star Jake Paul is 4-0 as a boxerCredit: Getty
    Paul is the betting underdog and will for the first time face an opponent with professional boxing experience.
    But the YouTube sensation is thus far unbeaten in his four-fight career and he proven capable of carrying knockout power.
    With the chance of a bookies upset victory, SunSport looks at five potential opponents for Paul afterwards.
    Conor McGregor
    Paul, 24, has relentlessly chased a fight with McGregor, 33, who lost his pro boxing debut to Floyd Mayweather, 44, in 2017.
    So far, even after a $50million offer, the Irishman has refused to engage or even acknowledge social media star Paul.
    But McGregor is coming off a horror leg break sustained in his trilogy bout to Dustin Poirier, 32, in July, and boxing will be an easier way back into competition.
    And if the mega money is still being fronted, the ex-UFC champion may feel the deal is too good to turn down.
    Jake Paul has been vocal in calling out Conor McGregorCredit: Getty

    JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
    Jorge Masvidal
    Before Paul knocked out Masvidal’s ex-opponent and rival Ben Askren, 37, in April, the pair trained together.
    But when Paul signed to fight – and later beat – Masvidal’s training partner and friend Tyron Woodley, 39, their relationship soured.
    The internet celebrity later called out Masvidal, who is willing to accept but only ones his UFC career comes to a close.
    Despite that, if the price is right and it makes sense, UFC president could give the green light for the crossover fight sooner, rather than later.
    UFC welterweight Jorge Masvidal has been feuding Jake Paul recentlyCredit: Getty
    Anderson Silva
    Silva, 46, was released by the UFC last year after three consecutive losses but made a move into boxing, where he was already 1-1.
    He beat ex-boxing champion Julio Cesar Chavez, 35, and then knocked out Tito Ortiz, 46, formerly of the UFC, in one round in September.
    Silva then opened the door to fighting Paul or his brother Logan, but talks did not progress far.
    The Brazilian is a proven striker, has size to match Paul but does not speak good English and his age could leave any opponent with a lot to risk but not as much to gain.
    UFC middleweight legend Anderson SilvaCredit: Getty
    Tyron Woodley rematch
    There was not much debate surrounding the result in August, but Woodley felt he did enough to win.
    Previously, the pair bet that the loser must get the winners name tattooed on them but afterwards Paul promised a rematch if the wager was honoured.
    Woodley has since got the tattoo, on his finger, helping build towards some demand for a second fight.
    And if the ex-UFC champion was able to get a win in the meantime in the ring, it could help drum up interest for a rematch.
    Tyron Woodley after defeat to Jake PaulCredit: Amanda Westcott
    Tommy Fury rematch
    Without a single punch being thrown between Paul and Fury – millions of dollars have already been made.
    The pay-per-view and ticket sales are almost guaranteed to be a success, meaning no matter the result, a rematch is always a possibility.
    As the A-side, it would be more likely if Paul were to lose and then demand a rematch.
    But if Fury, 22, is stunned, and the fight was exciting enough, a two-partner cannot be ruled out.
    Tommy Fury and celebrity fighting rival Jake PaulCredit: BT Sport More

  • in

    Seven boxing fights fans need to see like Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua or Oleksandr Usyk and Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury

    BOXING fans have been treated to a thrilling year of fights – but there is still more to offer. Already, Anthony Joshua has been stunned in defeat to Oleksandr Usyk, while Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder put on a classic trilogy bout.
    Boxing superstar Canelo AlvarezCredit: Michelle Farsi/Matchroom.
    Canelo Alvarez is nearing his third fight of the year, against Caleb Plant on November 6, and boxing fans also saw the last of Manny Pacquiao.
    And with the sport thriving, here SunSport runs down seven fights we need to see in the near future.
    Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua or Oleksandr Usyk
    After Joshua’s defeat to Usyk in September, it meant an undisputed title decider with Fury was shelved.
    And the Gypsy King is now instead in line to fight Dillian Whyte in what could be an absolute blockbuster in itself.
    But once AJ and Usyk rematch next year – which they are expected to do – either facing Fury in an absolute must, so long as Whyte doesn’t throw a spanner in the works.
    Oleksandr Usyk or Anthony Joshua could be in Tyson Fury’s future

    Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury
    Whether traditional fans of the noble art like it or not, YouTube sensation Paul appears here to stay.
    And he’s putting the work in too, fighting regularly and training professionally.
    And now the 3-0 star is ready to test himself against an actual boxer.
    Tommy Fury, brother to Tyson, is the best matched opponent for Paul and has a ready-made rivalry with the social media star, creating undeniable intrigue.
    Tommy Fury is set to fight Jake Paul
    Errol Spence Jr vs Terence Crawford
    Perhaps the most evenly matched fight in boxing right now, the American pair are both in their peaks and undefeated.
    Despite previous failed talks, hope must be restored as it would be criminal for the two not to fight.
    Crawford faces Shawn Porter next on November 20 which is a cross promotion with Top Rank and PBC, giving life that a fight with Spence could be made after.
    Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jr are two of the best fighters in the world
    Teofimo Lopez vs Devin Haney
    The duo – who once had a heated sparring session together – recently confronted each other and agreed to fight next year.
    Haney is set to first face JoJo Diaz in December while on November 27 Lopez faces George Kambosos Jr in a mandatory defence.
    But if both prevail, on current form it is the best fight to make in the lightweight division and promises action both in and out of the ring.
    Teofimo Lopez and Devin Haney have agreed to fight each other next year
    Gervonta Davis vs Ryan Garcia
    Garcia has been calling out Floyd Mayweather’s protege Davis for the last year, sparking a feud between the pair.
    Unfortunately, the American sensation has suffered injuries and troubles with his mental health, so has not fought since beating Luke Campbell in January.
    Davis faces Rolando Romero on December 6, but a fight against a returning Garcia would be massive for next year.
    Gervonta Davis and lightweight rival Ryan Garcia
    Tyson Fury vs Dillian Whyte
    Whyte is the current mandatory for Fury’s WBC title and was set to defend that status against Otto Wallin.
    But he was forced to withdraw with a shoulder injury and the rescheduling of the fight has not been confirmed.
    Whether Whyte has to try and first beat Wallin, or goes right into a shot at Fury’s title, it is a massive showdown regardless and will provide entertainment before and after the first bell.
    Tyson Fury could fight Dillian Whyte next year
    Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder
    Although it will never quite be the same fight it could have been while they were both unbeaten champions in 2019, this is as intriguing as it is exciting.
    Both now coming off losses, it could even make the matchup even more compelling.
    And the clash of styles, Wilder’s power against Joshua’s athleticism and speed, makes for one of the best fights in boxing period.
    Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua are still yet to fight More