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      Amir Khan vs Conor Benn tale of the tape: How boxers at opposite ends of careers compare ahead of possible British fight

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      CONOR BENN hopes to lure Amir Khan into a domestic dust-up and a passing of the British welterweight torch. Khan is one of the most decorated stars on these shores both as an amateur and professional, but enters the final stage of his career.

      Benn – son of legendary ex-champion Nigel – on the other hand is one of the nation’s next leading boxing hopes.
      A fight between the pair would offer a fascinating contrast in experience and form between two men on different trajectories.
      And Here SunSport compares both Khan, 34, and Benn, 24, ahead of a potential pay-per-view blockbuster between the pair.
      Amir Khan
      Khan burst onto the scene after winning a silver medal in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.
      Within four years of his 2005 debut, he became lightweight champion before moving up to win light-welterweight titles.
      A controversial split-decision loss to Lamont Peterson – where he was deducted two points – and a KO defeat against Danny Garcia knocked the Brit’s confidence.
      As Khan moved up in weights, so did his level in competition but never again did he reign as world champion.
      He made the shock jump to face middleweight king Canelo Alvarez from welterweight in 2016 and was left brutally knocked out.
      Amir Khan is a former unified world championCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      From then, it was a re-building job for Khan, who took a two year layoff and featured on ITV’s ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here’.
      After two tune up bouts, Khan fought Terence Crawford but was stopped in five rounds, unable to continue from a low blow.
      He did return to beat Billy Dib in Saudi Arabia, and continues to maintain that he wants to carry on his career with big fights to be had.
      In his prime, Khan had frightening speed and footwork, capable of overwhelming opponents and by Benn’s age was unified champ.
      But those vital assets look to have taken a knock in recent year, leaving the question of how much the veteran welterweight has left.
      Amir Khan was stopped by Terence Crawford in his last fightCredit: Reuters

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      Conor Benn
      Benn debuted in 2016 to much fanfare due to the iconic career of his dad, but only had a limited amateur background in Australia.
      Immediately he became an exciting talent to watch, fighting with aggression and little caution.
      Benn suffered his first scare in 2017 when he was twice dropped by French kickboxer Cedrick Peynaud.
      Still, the 147lb contender fought back to win on points with two knockdowns of his own, and won the rematch a year later in far more convincing fashion.
      Under the guidance of esteemed head trainer Tony Sims, Benn has gone from strength to strength, showcasing massive improvement.
      Conor Benn debuted in 2016 to much fanfareCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      His points win against ex-IBO champion Sebastian Formella was the clearest example of his development, easily cruising to a ten-round decision.
      But in his next fight, he topped the lot by blasting out experienced campaigner Samuel Vargas in just 80 seconds.
      Even Khan was taken to the scorecards by the tough Canadian-Colombian, and hard-hitter Virgil Ortiz won in seven.
      Benn’s work rate, power and improved ring IQ has propelled him from raw novice to a genuine top contender.
      Beating an experienced star or former world champion would take Benn to the next level and cement himself as a future pay-per-view attraction.
      Conor Benn after his 80 second win over Samuel VargasCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing More

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      Conor Benn wants to send ‘role model’ Amir Khan into RETIREMENT and warns he just needs to land one punch

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      CONOR BENN has again called out Amir Khan – and warned one shot will be enough to send his ‘role model’ into retirement. Before Benn’s biggest step up to date against Samuel Vargas, he revealed plans to prize Khan or Kell Brook into a domestic dust-up.
      Conor Benn has again called out Amir KhanCredit: Dave Thompson Matchroom Boxing
      Conor Benn warned he would send Amir Khan into retirementCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      And after knocking out Vargas – the man Khan took to points – in sensational fashion after 80 seconds, the British boxing legend was again challenged.
      Benn, 24, said on Sky Sports: “I’m only getting stronger and it’s proven I’m getting stronger.
      “I’ve just got to land one. I’ve just got to land one in those 12 rounds and as soon as I smell the blood, he ain’t going nowhere
      “I’d rather Amir, 100 per cent. He’s [Brook] spoke to me about tonight and what he thought was going to happen, so with Kell it’s different.
      “Khan, again someone I look up to, someone who has achieved everything I want to achieve in the sport, but I would like to beat him and gain his experience.
      “I’d like to send him out to retirement, nicely. As nice as possible, anyway.”
      Khan, 34, has not fought since July 2019, when he stopped former featherweight champion Billy Dib in four rounds.
      And despite congratulating Benn, it appears the 2004 Olympic silver medalist does not have the son of a legend in his immediate plans.

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      Khan tweeted: “Conor well done. Great kid, wish him the best. At his age I was a world champ.
      “Maybe if he had some belts that fight would make sense but he’s got a long way to go yet.”
      Benn has also opened the door to a trip back to America, with stars Adrien Broner, 31, and Shawn Porter, 33, among the targeted names.
      His trainer Tony Sims admitted a super-fight with Khan is not likely for their next fight.
      But the European title could be vacated with David Avanesyan looking ahead to a world title, freeing up Benn to fight for the vacant strap.

      Sims told BoxingScene: “He’s still only 24 but those names they’re talking about will be in his reach eventually.
      “Obviously the Khan name is a big name to chuck up there and that fight can be made but it won’t be his next fight.
      “I think Avanesyan is going to go into a big world [title] fight the way Eddie [Hearn] is talking, so, if he does hopefully it frees up the European and we can slot in there.
      “That’s what we’re looking at. If not we might even take a fight in the States but I’m looking to get him a fight in July time. I want him to stay busy now.”
      Conor Benn wants Amir Khan fight after destroying Samuel Vargas More

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      Jake Paul vs Ben Askren: UK start time, live stream info, TV channel, undercard for huge fight

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      JAKE PAUL returns to the ring this weekend for what should be the toughest fight of his career.The YouTube sensation, 24, takes on former UFC star Ben Askren, 36, over eight rounds of boxing.
      How the fighters compare ahead of this weekend’s bout
      When is Jake Paul vs Ben Askren?
      Jake Paul vs Ben Askren takes place on Saturday, April 17.
      The undercard begins at 2am UK time, with the main event at around 5am UK time through the night into Sunday morning.
      The big show will also feature musical performances by Justin Bieber, The Black Keys, Doja Cat, Saweetie, Diplo, Major Lazer and Mt. Westmore (Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Too $hort and E-40).
      Ben Askren FACE-PALMED Jake Paul at their press conference
      What live stream and TV channel is Jake Paul vs Ben Askren on?
      Jake Paul vs Ben Askren will be broadcast live on Fite.TV and the Triller app.
      The event is available to purchase for $23.99 (£17.42) on Fite.TV.

      Who is fighting on the undercard?
      Former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir makes his boxing debut against ex-boxing star Steve Cunningham in what should be an intriguing clash.

      Jake Paul vs. Ben Askren (Cruiserweight)
      Regis Prograis vs. Ivan Redkach (Light welterweight)
      Steve Cunningham vs. Frank Mir (Heavyweight)
      Joe Fournier vs. Reykon (Light heavyweight)
      Junior Younan vs. Jeyson Minda (Super middleweight)
      Lorenzo Simpson vs. Francisco Torres (Middleweight)
      Quinton Randall vs. William Jackson (Welterweight)

      What are the odds?
      Jake Paul to win: 4/6
      Ben Askren to win: 6/5
      Draw: 14/1
      Odds via Paddy Power correct at time of publication
      What have they said?
      Jake Paul: “You f****d up, Ben by taking this fight. April 17, I promised my team, my family, my brother who is there right next to you right now, I promise to make you go down as history as the world’s worst UFC fighter. 
      Ben Askren: “We haven’t seen anything.
      “The level of his competition was so low that it was almost impossible to tell if he is actually good at this.
      “If there is one thing people respect about all fighters it’s the toughness to deal with adversity in battle and we have not seen that out of him.
      “I don’t think he was hit hard by either one of those guys. They were so incredibly terrible at boxing. So we haven’t seen anything out of him yet.” More

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      Five fights for Conor McGregor after he CANCELS Dustin Poirier UFC trilogy including Justin Gaethje and Manny Pacquiao

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      CONOR McGREGOR has thrown his trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier into doubt after claiming ‘the fight is off’. McGregor, who knocked out the American in 2014, enjoyed a cordial build-up to their rematch in January.
      Conor McGregor was beaten by Dustin Poirier at UFC 257Credit: Getty
      So much so, that he vowed to donate $500,000 to Poirier’s ‘The Good Fight Foundation’, before he himself was stopped to level the series.
      But McGregor was accused of not following up with his pledge, despite revealing he was waiting for details on exactly where the money would go.
      The two have gone back and forth online, which resulted in the Irishman calling off the fight – though it is not yet clear how serious that threat is. The UFC have not commented.
      But just in case, here SunSport lists five potential alternatives for McGregor.
      Justin Gaethje
      The pair were in line to fight in the summer of 2019 until an injury kept McGregor out for the year.
      Gaethje went on to beat Donald Cerrone and Tony Ferguson before losing to Khabib Nurmagomedov for the lightweight title.
      McGregor has a personal feud with the American, after he was called ‘s*** human and parent’.
      It led to McGregor responding: “I am going to f*****g butcher you. Your teeth. I’m going to put them on a f*****g necklace. Speak on my skills as a father? You are f*****g dead.”
      It would leave to a blockbuster grudge match with their styles promising all-action.
      Justin Gaethje has feuded Conor McGregor beforeCredit: Getty
      Michael Chandler vs Charles Oliveira winner
      After Khabib’s retirement was made official, he was stripped of the belt.
      With Poirier preferring a rematch with McGregor, the UFC turned to Chandler and Oliveira to challenge for the vacant belt on May 15.
      With McGregor planning to stay on track for July 10, his starpower could be enough to convince the UFC to put him in with the new champion.
      It would be a stretch for the winner to return so quickly, and harsh on Poirier, but stranger things have happened.
      Chandler also confirmed his interest in the proposal, as he tweeted: “May 15 and July 10…book it!”

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      Nate Diaz vs Leon Edwards winner
      McGregor and Diaz share one of the greatest rivalries in UFC history after their 2016 double header.
      Despite a win for each, a trilogy decider has failed to materialise.
      Diaz recently announced he will return against Leon Edwards, meaning he would be unavailable to face McGregor next.
      But a win for the fan-favourite sets him up perfectly with his old rival, Edwards on the other hand does not have any history with McGregor.
      Having said that, he is the No1 UFC star in England, and could push to sell out Wembley Stadium with The Notorious, which could break an attendance record.
      Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor are yet to have a trilogy boutCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Jorge Masvidal vs Kamaru Usman winner
      Usman again defends his welterweight title against Masvidal, as the rivals headline UFC 261 on April 24.
      McGregor was called out by Masvidal last year as their styles and personalties has the formula for box office success.
      Usman on the other hand offers the Irish star the chance to make history by becoming the first ever three-division UFC champ.
      The 170lb king has traded words with McGregor before and along with his belt it is more than enough to drive demand.
      Whoever wins at the end of the month is a viable option for McGregor, who would again move up to welterweight.
      Kamaru Usman is set to rematch Jorge Masvidal at UFC 261Credit: Zuffa LLC
      Manny Pacquiao
      McGregor made his boxing debut in 2017, losing to Floyd Mayweather in ten rounds – and has since flirted with a return to the ring.
      Himself and Pacquiao – both signed to management group Paradigm Sports – were close to signing to fight each other this year.
      That was until McGregor was beaten by Poirier, and admitted he focussed too much on boxing, with one eye on the PacMan clash.
      Despite that, if The Notorious is in need for a stopgap opponent, no one offers a more lucrative payday than Pacquiao.
      The Filipino icon is currently searching for an opponent too, and offers McGregor the chance to stay active and receive another unprecedented payday.

      Manny Pacquiao was in talks to fight Conor McGregorCredit: AP
      Cormier says Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier’s ‘bad blood’ is back More

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      Tyson Fury writes off Oleksandr Usyk’s heavyweight chances and tips Joe Joyce to ‘nail him’ ahead of Joshua fight

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      TYSON FURY has written off Oleksandr Usyk’s heavyweight chances and tipped Joe Joyce to ‘nail him’. Usyk was the undisputed cruiserweight king before he moved up to heavyweight, where he has won twice.
      Joe Joyce pictured with Tyson FuryCredit: Refer to Caption
      Oleksandr Usyk’s heavyweight chances have been written off by Tyson FuryCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
      He is currently Anthony Joshua’s mandatory challenger, but with Fury in line for an undisputed title decider, the Ukrainian will fight for the interim belt.
      And the man lined up for Usyk is unbeaten Joyce, who was beaten by the masterful southpaw in the amateurs.
      But the Gypsy King backs his fellow Brit to gain revenge in the pros and run through the London 2012 Olympic Games gold medalist.
      Fury, 32, told Behind The Gloves: “Easy, Joyce stopping him. I don’t think Usyk is the big threat everyone once thought he was a few years ago.
      “When he was a cruiserweight, he was good. He’s had two fights at heavyweight and struggled in both of them, really.
      “He didn’t look great against Chazz Weatherspoon, Weatherspoon was out the ring years and years and years.
      “And he didn’t look good against Chisora. I thought Chisora nicked a draw to be honest. So yeah, he didn’t look great.
      “And I think big Joe will walk through him, be like a middleweight versus a super-heavyweight and I fancy big Joe to nail him.”

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      Usyk, 34, became Joshua’s mandatory challenger as soon as he moved up to heavyweight, per a ruling by the WBO.
      But he will have to settle for the interim strap for now, which promises him a title shot or the chance to inherit it if the belt becomes vacant.
      Talks with Joyce, 35, have stalled as of late, as Usyk pushed to get the next shot at Joshua, 31, ahead of Fury, 32.
      Tyson Fury says Deontay Wilder ‘let his family name down’ with ‘hurtful’ cheat claims More

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      Tyson Fury congratulates enemy Dillian Whyte for avenging Povetkin loss.. even if rival ‘looked 110 years old’

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      TYSON FURY congratulated Dillian Whyte for avenging his loss to Alexander Povetkin – but thought the Russian ‘looked 110 years old’. Whyte was knocked out and lost his status as Fury’s WBC mandatory in August after a stunning left uppercut.
      Tyson Fury congratulated Dillian Whyte for avenging his loss to Alexander PovetkinCredit: Instagram / @gypsykingofficialmerchandise
      Alexander Povetkin was KOd by Dillian Whyte in their rematchCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
      But the Brit boxed with his career on the line in the rematch at the end of March, and returned the favour with an equally devastating left hook finish.
      Fury, who has had a long-running feud with former training partner Whyte, praised his rival, but questioned 41-year-old Povetkin, who did have a serious bout of coronavirus earlier in the year.
      He told Behind The Gloves: “I watched it. I thought he did well and avenged his loss, fair play to him.
      “He can only beat who’s in front of him, but to be honest with you though, Povektin looked 110 years old, he looked finished.
      “He had no legs underneath him. But still, they all take knocking out, so fair play. I’m not here to slate anybody’s performances.
      “I didn’t slate him when he got chinned and I’m not going to slate him now he has won. So fair play to the guy.”
      Fury, 32, is in America to support his close friend Billy Joe Saunders, 31, who fights Canelo Alvarez, 30, on May 8.
      The WBC champion, who beat Deontay Wilder, 35, in February 2020, is also setting up his training camp to face Anthony Joshua, 31.

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      The heavyweight superstars are being presented with dates and venues for their undisputed title decider, planned to be fought over two legs.
      It leaves Whyte, 32, and the rest of the contenders facing a wait on the sidelines.
      But Fury, who first drew to Wilder in 2018 before winning their rematch, warned that his old rival has the beating of everyone else, including AJ and Whyte.
      He said: “I don’t think he can beat Deontay Wilder.
      “I have no love for Wilder, I think he is a piece of s*** dosser but I am the only man who can beat him.
      “I am not a betting man but I would put a lot of money on Wilder beating all the others.”

      Anthony Joshua train at boyhood Finchley Boxing Club More

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      Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury tale of the tape: How Brits stack up ahead of blockbuster bout with contracts presented

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      THE HEAVYWEIGHT division finally looks set to be unified with Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury presented with official offers to host their undisputed title decider.The all-British showdown is one fans have longed to see for years.

      Joshua stopped Pulev with a ninth round KO on December 12 while Fury dethroned Deontay Wilder of the WBC belt in February.
      The pair both verbally agreed a two-fight deal in the summer but are now looking over dates and venue offers from lucrative suitors for a proposed July blockbuster.
      They each have a massive fan base after their stunning careers – but how do they shape up against one another?
      SunSport takes a look at the stats of both men below:
      AGE
      AJ has the narrow advantage when it comes to age.
      He is little more than a year younger than the 32-year-old Gypsy King.
      Anthony Joshua is ready to put all of his belts on the line against Tyson Fury after beating Kubrat Pulev on December 12
      Tyson Fury is hoping to add AJ’s belts to his WBC TitleCredit: PA:Press Association
      EXPERIENCE
      Despite several years away from the ring due to mental health issues, Fury has the most experience of being in between the ropes.
      The WBC champion has fought 31 times, winning 30 and drawing once, compared to Joshua’s 25 battles.
      AJ lost his unbeaten record in a huge shock in June 2019 against Andy Ruiz Jr, but bounced back to beat the Mexican-American in the December to reclaim his WBA, IBF and WBO belts.
      However, AJ has 22 KOs on his CV to Fury’s 21.
      PHYSICAL
      Fury is also much bigger than AJ – who will not have faced much larger challenges in his career.
      The Gypsy King stands at a huge 6ft 9in, a full three inches taller and Joshua.
      And after tipping the scales at 19st 7lb for his victory over Wilder back in February, he weighs 2st 4lbs more than his fellow title holder who weighed in at 17st 3lbs for his Pulev win.

      EXPERTS SAY
      Fury’s promoter Frank Warren: “Has AJ got a better jab than Fury? No. Is AJ a bigger puncher? I don’t think so.
      “Has he got a better chin? I don’t think so. Has he got the hand speed or footwork of Fury? I don’t think so.
      “Tyson is so good in every department. When you saw him get off the floor from that punch by [Deontay] Wilder it tells you what he’s all about.”
      Amir Khan: “My opinion, and I’ve always said that Tyson Fury is the best heavyweight in the division. With the skill set he has got, he beats anyone with power.
      “What he did to Deontay Wilder, no-one would expect that. If that same Fury goes into a fight with Anthony Joshua, it’s always going to be Fury that wins that.
      Tony Bellew: “I just think AJ’s style will be all wrong for Fury. I believe that because Wilder has the bigger punch than AJ, but Wilder is not technically good enough to put Fury in a position to nail him and that’s why he couldn’t land on the night.
      “Joshua is technically good enough, you’re talking about an Olympic gold medallist, a guy who is technically and fundamentally good.
      “He does have speed, he’s a brilliant athlete, he functions the right way.

      “I just feel that he would get to Fury. Don’t get me wrong, it would have to be within six rounds because anyone who goes past six rounds with someone like Fury, you’ve lost.
      “The guy’s such an immense boxer, he can adapt in fights, he’s versatile and he’s just an amazing fighter.
      “It’s a fight we all want to see and we have to see because if boxing’s going to remain one of the premier sports in the world, we need to see the best face the best.”
      Tyson Fury shows off slick skills as he reveals combination he plans to KO Deontay Wilder with in trilogy fight More

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      Mouthwatering British sporting summer calendar revealed as ‘Fury vs Joshua on July 24’ added to Euro 2020 and Wimbledon

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      A remarkable British sporting calendar is taking shape in what promises to be a summer to remember.After the coronavirus pandemic put sport on its knees 12 months ago, events such as the European Championships and Wimbledon were postponed and cancelled as fans were left with little entertainment.
      This summer promises to be a sensational festival of sport
      England will be hoping to win a first major tournament in 55 years this summerCredit: Getty
      Now, one year on from that we are set for one of the best ever summers of jam-packed British sport as spectators return to whip up a frenzy.
      It all kicks off on June 11 with the postponed Euro 2020 which is being played for the first time ever across 12 different European countries.
      But the semi-finals and final of the tournament – which ends on July 11 – are scheduled to take place at Wembley Stadium, the first major international final at the ground for 25 years.
      While the Euros are going on, there is also the small matter of Wimbledon returning for the first time in two years on June 28.
      Incidentally, the final at the All England Club will be played on the same day as the conclusion of the Euros.
      From June through to September a festival of cricket will also be taking place with England taking on Pakistan and Sri Lanka in a number of one-day internationals, before a five Test series with India.
      And to top it all off, the inaugural edition of The Hundred gets underway in July.
      In athletics there is the Diamond League Anniversary Games at the London Stadium, an event which takes place just five days before another huge day in Formula 1 with the British Grand Prix.
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      Hamilton will look to secure a record-extending eighth British Grand Prix victory this summerCredit: AFP
      Ben Stokes will be hoping he can drive England to victory over India in their five Test seriesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Wimbledon will make a triumphant return after being cancelled last year for the first time since WWIICredit: Reuters
      The day before the British GP there is also the small matter of the Rugby League Challenge Cup final at Wembley on July 17.
      And then perhaps the biggest one of them all could be confirmed in the coming days as Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury prepare for an undisputed heavyweight clash on July 24.
      The fight looks set to take place in the Middle East, but a 100,000 capacity crowd at Wembley Stadium has not yet been ruled out.
      Throw in a bit of golf action with The Open and Women’s British Open and you have yourself a blockbuster few months of UK sport.
      With events such as the London Marathon and Rugby League World Cup then rounding off 2021, it promises to be unquestionably one of the greatest ever years of British sport.
      You’d be a fool to miss it.
      The Anniversary Games at the London Stadium promises to be another special eventCredit: PA
      Hearn hits back at Tyson Fury’s dad John over lack of support for Anthony Joshua fight More