Boxing

JOSH TAYLOR’S shot at undisputed immortality has been confirmed for May 22 – and will hopefully set up another date with his hero.
Scotland’s WBA and IBF super-lightweight champ has his chance to complete the set against WBC and WBO boss Jose Ramirez.

Josh Taylor, pictured with Scottish legend Ken Buchanan, will fight Jose Ramirez on May 22Credit: Instagram / @joshtaylorbox1

Former undisputed lightweight king Ken Buchanan, 75, is living in a care homeCredit: Instagram / @joshtaylorbox1

Jose Ramirez and Josh Taylor are officially fightingCredit: Getty Images – Getty

And the 30-year-old southpaw wants to get the mission completed in time to perk up Edinburgh legend Ken Buchanan, the 75-year-old undisputed lightweight king, who is living in a care home.
“He used to come to my old amateur gym, Lochend, when I was an 18-19 year-old kid, and train,” Taylor told SunSport.
“I would be training and when I finished he would tell me great old stories about Muhammad Ali and winning his world titles.
“Even back then he would tell me I would be a world champion but also give me tips and advice on how to fight in the ring but also live the life outside it.

“When I beat Regis Prograis to add the WBA to my IBF in 2019 he came down to my mum and dad’s house and said ‘you proved me right, son, well done’.
“He hasn’t been too well lately, he is living in a home so it would mean a lot to get all the belts and take them in to see him, that would be really cool.”
Taylor produced the best boxing quote of 2020 when he claimed his September KO win over Apinun Khongsong would have Ramirez’ manager Rick Mirigian’s “a******* twitching like a rabbit’s nose”.
The 17-0 Prestonpans ace burst out laughing when reminded of his quip in the office of trainer Ben Davison’s Henlow gym.

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But he is deadly serious about punishing Team Ramirez over how they have tried to discredit and dismiss him.
He said: “That comment was true, I wasn’t just being funny.
“I think they wish they had an alternative fight to take, like another mandatory to fulfil as an excuse to avoid me.
“His manager has had a lot to say about me in the past so it will be good to prove him wrong and give Ramirez a bit of a beating.”
Taylor’s potential coronation is likely to land in America but he is doing everything he can to land a homecoming afterwards.
Edinburgh Castle has always been his dream venue, but Taylor feels boxing is not in Vogue with the landmark as they prefer a certain pointy-chested pop star, but he won’t get Hung Up about it.

Josh Taylor is the current IBF, WBA and Ring Magazine champCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Trainer Ben Davison on the pads with Josh TaylorCredit: Jamie McPhilimey – The Sun
He said: “It’s been a bit frustrating trying to plan a fight at the Castle because they and the council have gone a bit quiet on it, they don’t seem to be up for having a massive Scottish event there – but they’ll happily host Madonna concerts.
“It would be a dream to fight there on a summer night, it looks spectacular.
“But it looks more like the Hibernian ground Easter Road, they are much more interested in doing it.
“They have told me I am really welcome there and they would put on a big show.
“And even if we get some of that famous Scottish summer weather, the stands would at least shield some people from the rain!
“There is a lot of rivalry between the fans, like Hibs and Hearts, but I wouldn’t want anyone to stay away because of that, it would be great to bring everyone together.”

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EDDIE HEARN revealed he taunted Floyd Mayweather over his upcoming bout with Logan Paul.
And the boxing promoter joked that the boxing great was in for ‘a very tough fight’.

Eddie Hearn revealed what he said to Floyd Mayweather at Anthony Joshua’s fight last DecemberCredit: Mark Robinson Ltd

Logan Paul in action against KSI during their rematch in Los Angeles in 2019Credit: Getty – Contributor

Mayweather, 44, was due to fight the YouTuber Paul last month but that bout was postponed.
The boxing great was in attendance when Anthony Joshua beat Kubrat Pulev at Wembley Arena last December.
And Hearn revealed the conversation he had with Mayweather in London.
He said: “I actually said to Floyd on the Saturday night – he was at the AJ fight.

“I said, ‘You need to be careful, this is a very very tough fight you have with Logan Paul.’
“And he asked me, ‘Are you serious?’ And I said, ‘No, I’m not.’”
Mayweather’s bout with Paul is set to be rearranged for later this year.
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Floyd Mayweather enjoyed a holiday with girlfriend Anna Monroe in ArubaCredit: Instagram

Mayweather has been dating Anna Monroe – head stripper at his Girls Collection club – officially since New Year’s DayCredit: Instagram @thereal.annamonroe
Floyd recently said the bout was cancelled because he wants a massive crowd in attendance.
Mayweather, 43, said: “We’re gonna do Logan Paul, and we pushed it back because we want an audience, we want to bring 80,000 people to watch.
“We’re trying to do it at the Raiders’ stadium in Vegas for 80,000 people.”
The Allegiant Stadium is the home of NFL giants Las Vegas Raiders, which opened up last year after just under three years of construction.

However, he’s currently enjoying a break with his Brit stripper girlfriend Anna Monroe.
The couple took a trip to Aruba last week, and Floyd also had a 44th birthday bash in Florida.
He arrived in a $2million Bugatti with the likes of rapper Rick Ross in attendance.

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EVANDER HOLYFIELD has revealed his trilogy fight against Mike Tyson will be revealed soon.
The Athletic’s Lance Pugmire revealed Holyfield, 58, expects to take on his old rival for a third time.

Evander Holyfield expects a trilogy fight against Mike Tyson to be confirmed soonCredit: Instagram

Tyson returned to the ring in November against Roy Jones JrCredit: Instagram / @miketyson

And the bout will shortly be confirmed with a full undercard that could include Teofimo Lopez.
SunSport understands veteran pair Holyfield and 54-year-old Tyson, with a combined age of 112, have been in talks over a trilogy fight since January.
The £200million-plus epic rematch is set for the Middle East this year, with Dubai the most likely country to play host.
Tyson is eager to fight again after his November comeback against Roy Jones Jr in Los Angeles.

And after fielding offers from some of the richest places on earth for his follow-up, it looks like a third clash with Holyfield will be announced soon.
The American heavyweights went toe-to-toe twice in the past, with Holyfield winning the thrilling November 1996 original with an 11th round stoppage.
The rematch, seven months later, is one of the most infamous in history after Tyson was disqualified for biting off a chunk of the Real Deal’s ear.
Holyfield was the original opponent Tyson had in mind for his comeback last year.

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But the deal fell through, allowing Jones Jr to step in to scrap.
Holyfield and Tyson will want to earn out of the huge US market, so it is likely they will hold an early-morning fight in the Middle East just like the UFC.
That would be prime-time viewing for American audiences, allowing the pair to land a massive site fee from the hosts and maximum scope in the PPV market.

Mike Tyson’s incredible bodyweight workout routine

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JOHN FURY has ripped into dethroned former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder.
The 56-year-old watched his son Tyson annihilate the Bronze Bomber in February last year.

John Fury isn’t one to mince his wordsCredit: AFP – Getty

Tyson Fury annihilated Deontay Wilder in February last yearCredit: Reuters

But the pair have had to listen to Wilder’s excuses for the last 13 months, as he chased a trilogy bout with the Gypsy King.
Speaking to iFL TV, however, the elder Fury had some harsh words for the American.
He said: “What you’ve got to do Deontay Wilder is man up. Grow a pair of nuts son, and understand when you’ve been beat to death and learn from it.”
“He’s made an absolute a*** of his mouth, everyone in boxing is laughing at him. Everybody in the world is laughing at him.

“What he wants is a punch in the mouth properly, you know, kicking up and down United States like a football.
“Apart from that and his baby ways, keep twerking you’re better doing that pal.”
And Fury dismissed Wilder’s determination for a rematch and willingness to die in the ring as ‘bulls***’.
He continued: “What does he want?

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“Does he want to die in there the idiot? They say they do, they don’t. They say they want to die in the ring, they want to go out on their shield – bulls***.
“You want to die for a boxing match you idiot when you’ve got a family?”
And in response to Wilder calling trainer Mark Breland ‘ungrateful’, Fury responded: “Terrible.
“Disgusting. Mark Breland has got a job with us any time he wants – he’s only got to ring the phone.

You wouldn’t have come out with that bulls*** then would you? Craphead
John Fury

“I’m sure there’s a place here for Mark Breland. Great champion, great trainer, great brain – saved his life. He shouldn’t have done really, he should have let Tyson kill him altogether.
“You wouldn’t have come out with that bulls*** then would you? Craphead.”
Finally free of the potential Wilder trilogy, Tyson finally appears set to face Anthony Joshua in June, with promoters Eddie Hearn, Bob Arum and Frank Warren still locked in talks.

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RICHARD RIAKPORHE has declared he is targeting a domestic dust-up against Lawrence Okolie as he looks to win a world title in 2021.
The unbeaten hard-hitting cruiserweight, 31, hasn’t fought since outpointing Jack Massey to win the British title in December 2019 due to a hand injury.

British cruiserweight star Richard Riakporhe is set to return to the ring later this monthCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

But Riakporhe – who almost died in 2005 after being stabbed in the chest – will soon be returning to the squared circle as he aims to rack up his 12th consecutive victory.
Speaking to SunSport, the Crystal Palace fan revealed he will be back in action on March 27 in Gibraltar.
He said: “I’ll be returning to the ring on the Whyte vs Povetkin undercard and the opponent is currently being finalised.”
Riakporhe is ranked inside the top 15 in every governing body, with the boxer 13th in the WBO rankings, 12th with the IBF, third in the WBA standings and now tenth with the WBC.

The Londoner has rival Okolie on his mind, with the 2016 Olympics star to face Krzysztof Glowacki for the vacant WBO strap on March 20.
Commenting on the possibility of pitting his wits against the 28-year-old, Riakporhe stated: “This fight could take place very soon.”
Asked if he sees any weaknesses in the Hackney native, he added: “Yes. His chin which is not protected by muscle so I’ll be looking to exploit that if I were to get the chance to.
“I believe I would win by any means necessary and a knockout would be the icing on the cake.”

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Riakporhe has won all 11 of his bouts inside the squared circle – with eight of his victories coming by way of knockoutCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Another potential opponent in the near future could be former foe Tommy McCarthy – who Riakporhe brutally stopped in the fourth round two years ago.
McCarthy currently holds the European title, and discussing a rematch against the Irishman, Riakporhe remarked: “If that opportunity shows up I will take it, but it depends on my position in the division and opportunities.
“The boxing fans love the domestic dust-ups and it’s all about giving the fans value for their money.”
With both Josh Warrington and Josh Kelly losing in February after competing for the first time since 2019, Riakporhe has insisted his supporters have nothing to fear.
He said: “I believe that one of the main factors one has to consider was the lack of boxing fans which greatly contributed to those outcomes.
“I have been preparing myself in all aspects for instance mentally and physically so I believe I’ll be fine.”
Riakporhe is confident that he will end 2021 in glory, as he simply stated: “I believe I’ll win a world title by the end of the year.”

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OSCAR-NOMINATED film The Fighter has helped inspire Triller to give boxing a ‘new look’ – with the help of Jake Paul, Mike Tyson and amazing camerawork.
The social media app entered the boxing business with a boom last November, bringing 54-year-old Mike Tyson out of retirement to fight Roy Jones Jr.

Triller brought Mike Tyson out of retirementCredit: USA TODAY Sports

Jake Paul knocked out ex-NBA star Nate RobinsonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Film producer Ryan Kavanaugh and Mark WahlbergCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Behind the operation is Ryan Kavanaugh, CEO of billion dollar film company Relativity Media, which has produced over 250 movies.
Kavanaugh, 46, has now launched ‘Fight Club’ with rapper Snoop Dogg, and promotes YouTuber Paul’s next fight, against ex-UFC star Ben Askren on April 17.
But they recently stunned all after bidding £4.3million to win the rights for Teofimo Lopez’s mandatory title defence against George Kambosos.
It marked their intent to become big-time players among the traditional fanbase as well as the casual audience tuning into the Paul or Tyson spectacles.

But Kavanaugh’s love affair for boxing began in 2010, when he produced The Fighter, which won two Academy awards for acting.
It starred Mark Wahlberg  in the story of Micky Ward and his brother Dicky Eklund, played Christian Bale.
The film crew used traditional HBO fight night cameras, commentators and even Ward’s real-life trainer.
And it put the wheels in motion for Kavanaugh to try and merge his formula for Hollywood success into a whole new business model for boxing.

Christian Bale played Micky Ward in The Fighter with Christian Bale as Dicky EklundCredit: Handout

The Fighter was nominated for an OscarCredit: Handout
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He tells SunSport: “Being around The Fighter and watching it get made was a big eye opener about the business.
“Because it was based on a true story I really got to see first hand how much of niche and politics there is in boxing.
“I saw there was a world that could be open to so much more.
“I would say The Fighter, which was a very personal movie to me, opened my heart up to boxing which I hadn’t had before.”
Kavanaugh is treating his pay-per-view fights like a film set, introducing a unique way of watching the action for fans.
Instead of the regular, one-shot TV angle, Triller have 21 cameras around the ring, aimed to give viewers the best seat in the house.
Kavanaugh explains: “If I look at boxing from a creative perspective, it looks exactly like a boxing match did 15 years ago. 
“There’s no difference, it’s like that single camera, wide angle, the same type of commentary.

Triller show off a unique camera angle which panned around the ring

Nate Robinson KOd shown on one of the 21 angles

Triller’s first PPV sold 1.6m PPVs
“It’s made and created and built to maximize the viewing value of the front row, billionaires and celebrities who are there in person. 
“We’re not competing with anyone, we’re adding a new element.
“And we’re delivering it to the house and what I mean by that it’s no longer about the front row seat, it’s about giving the home viewer the same experience as if they were in that front row.
“It’s about getting cameras in there in a way that’s not been done before. It’s creating a different experience to what anyone’s had before.”
When Triller outbid Bob Arum to take his own fighter away from ESPN’s platform, the veteran promoter applauded the online site for their move.
And with 1.6m PPVs sold for Tyson’s comeback, and 2m projected for Paul against Askren, Kavanaugh argues he will help rival promoters by having their stars cameo on Triller.
He says: “The reason I say it doesn’t compete is if one of the other boxing promoters has someone and typically that’s their boxer, they can come on to our card and we deliver an audience they didn’t have before.
“It means they will get to know that boxer, probably follow them and for the most part promoters are now welcoming us and saying, ‘This is great, how do I get one of my boxers on your cards?’.

Rapper Snoop Dogg commentated for TrillerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Snoop Dogg smoking on stage while performing

Rapper French Montana was one of the live performersCredit: � 2020 by ZUMA Wire

Mike Tyson’s comeback fight was held in the Staples Center in LACredit: Getty Images – Getty
“We can help them grow their boxers, take them from their ecosystem, put them in ours, grow their followers, give them back without touching the purism of what they do.”
Kavanaugh visions mixing celebrity fighters such as Paul, 24, in with world champions of the past and present.
But the production value, mixed in with live performers and off the cuff commentary, is all part of the plan to modernise their boxing events.
Kavanaugh reveals: “They’re real fights, but they’re not just boxing purist fights – which we have – but now bring in celebrities from all walks of like, musicians, social media star, actors.
“Both can fight and perform, and we make it a four-quadrant event.
“We told commentators, have fun, swear as much as you want, smoke pot for all we care, just make it fun.
“It’s to give boxing a new look that isn’t replacing the old one and show that there’s something for everyone but that boxing purists can still live in their own ecosystem.
“We look at it that we will bring more people into the sport.”

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