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    Pacquiao to appeal controversial decision to strip him of world title as boxing icon hits gym ahead of ring return

    MANNY PACQUIAO will appeal the WBA’s decision to strip him of his world title as he prepares to return to the ring.
    The 42-year-old had the belt taken away from him with Yordenis Ugas elevated to champion.

    Manny Pacquiao will appeal the WBA’s decision to strip him of his world titleCredit: Getty

    The governing body announced the news online, and confirmed PacMan is the ‘champion in recess’.
    It means the Filipino icon, an eight-weight world champ, would likely be given the chance to immediately challenge for his old belt once he makes his return.
    Cuban Ugas, 34, stands to benefit, after he was upgraded from the WBA’s secondary ‘Regular’ champion.
    The WBA announced that when a champion is unable to defend the belt for medical, legal or other reasons beyond his control, he may be named champion in recess.

    Pacquiao has not fought since he won the title against Keith Thurman in July 2019.
    But due to the coronavirus pandemic, he has not been able to make a comeback – falling into the ‘other reasons beyond his control’ section.
    But he announced this week he was back in the gym and would be returning to the ring soon.
    Now Pacman is set to fight to get his title back with the Games and Amusements Board in the Philippines firmly behind the legend’s quest to be reinstated.

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    GAB chairman Baham Mitra said: “GAB is mandated by law to champion the rights of every Filipino professional boxer at all times.
    “That is why we are appealing to WBA to reconsider its decision.
    “We are studying the WBA rules. We want to assist our good senator who may have to fight next.
    “Also, we want to know from our partners in the WBA what particular documentation that we must have to comply with as WBA requirements, to regain the WBA belt, in case our Pinoy boxing champ opts to.”
    Pacquiao was in talks to fight UFC superstar Conor McGregor this year, with the pair both represented by Paradigm Sports management.
    But after McGregor suffered a shock knockout loss to Dustin Poirier on his UFC return, the lucrative boxing match was shelved.
    Instead, Pacquiao moved on to lightweight sensation Ryan Garcia, 22, who is a stone lighter and 20 years younger.
    They are still in negotiations, as it emerged the super-fight could be competed as an exhibition.
    But Garcia was quick to insist it will be a REAL fight, and nothing will stop him from trying to KO Pacquiao, who he considers a hero of his.

    Manny Pacquiao’s coach Justin fortune says Fury will defeat Joshua in anticipated fight More

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    Canelo Alvarez planning four fights this year including Yildirim, Saunders and defending titles twice at end of 2021

    CANELO ALVAREZ is planning four world title fights this year and wants to unify the super-middleweight division.
    The Mexican is back in action is just over two weeks when he fights mandatory challenger Avni Yildirim.

    Canelo Alvarez wants four fights this yearCredit: Handout – Getty

    Canelo is a huge odds on favourite to make a successful defence of his WBA and WBC titles against a man who was knocked out by Chris Eubank Jr in 2017.
    And according to ESPN reporter Dan Rafael, the 30-year-old will have three more fights before the year is out.
    And that would mean a total of five bouts in 12 months, as Canelo easily defeated Liverpool’s Callum Smith in December.
    As long as Canelo gets past Yildirim, he is then slated to fight WBO super-middleweight champ Billy Joe Saunders on May 8.

    The pair were one day away from announcing this fight last year, before the pandemic floored it, but promoter Eddie Hearn has helped resurrect the deal.
    Then the four-weight world champ wants to be back in the squared circle again in September and December.
    Caleb Plant is the other belt-holder in the weight division, and Canelo has already paid the American a lot of respect ahead of a potential undisputed clash.
    The Smith win was Canelo’s only fight of 2020, due to the pandemic and his stand-off with former promoters Golden Boy.

    Billy Joe Saunders will get his big chance at unifying the super-middleweight division when he fights Canelo in MayCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    But the newly free agent is now on a spree as he aims to become undisputed champion.
    Two-weight champ Saunders is 30-0 but is craving a career-defining fight and plenty inside boxing believe his slickest of skills might make him the best candidate to stop the Canelo steam train.
    Saunders beat Martin Murray into retirement on December 5 in the sort of underwhelming match-up that has dogged his career.
    But now he has got his big chance – and friend and fellow boxing champion Tyson Fury thinks he is ready to shock the world.
    The Gyspsy King, who is in talks for his own undisputed scrap against Anthony Joshua, told Gareth A Davies: “He needs to be active and he will punch Canelo Alvarez all around the ring.
    “Canelo Alvarez’s kryptonite is someone who boxes and moves — southpaw, slick, good feet, good hand speed, good power.
    “Billy Joe Saunders does all of that, but he needs to be active.”

    Canelo Alvarez called out by Billy Joe Saunders as Brit claims ‘I’ve got every tool in the box to beat him’ More

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    Josh Warrington vs Mauricio Lara: UK start time, TV channel, live stream, undercard for fight at Wembley Arena

    JOSH WARRINGTON is back in action as the former IBF world featherweight champion goes up against Mauricio Lara.
    The Leeds-born star has been out of the ring since October 2019, when he saw off French challenger Sofiane Takoucht.

    Warrington is eyeing up big title fights later in 2021Credit: Getty Images – Getty

    He vacated his IBF world crown in January and was originally slated to face WBA champion Can Xu, but that bout fell through.
    Lara is just 22-years-old and the Mexican is talented, coming in with a pro record of 21-2.

    The Leeds Warrior vacated his IBF belt back in JanuaryCredit: Reuters
    When is Warrington vs Lara?
    The featherweight clash over 12 rounds will be held on Saturday, February 13.
    It will take place at Wembley Arena, although sadly no fans can be in attendance.
    Expect the main event around 10pm, with the undercard starting at 7pm.
    Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?
    You can catch every upper-cut, jab and hook live on Sky Sports throughout the evening.
    Coverage on Sky Sports Action will begin at 7pm, with Sky Sports Main Event joining from 8.30pm.

    If you want to stream, Sky customers can download the Sky Go app on their mobile, tablet, PC or games console.
    Non-subscribers can get a NOW TV pass from £9.99.

    Full undercard
    Josh Warrington vs Mauricio Lara (featherweight)
    Leigh Woods vs Reece Mould (British featherweight title)
    Zelfa Barrett vs Kiko Martinez (IBF inter-continental super-featherweight title)
    Dalton Smith vs Ishmael Ellis (super lightweight)
    Ivan Price vs Zahis Hussain (featherweight)
    Ibhrahim Nadim vs Jonny Phillips (featherweight)
    What they said
    Warrington: “It’s disappointing we couldn’t have the IBF title on the line, but I can’t let those decisions stand in the way of me going down in British boxing history by facing the very best in the division.
    “I’ve always dreamt about winning the Ring belt, for me it leaves no doubt who the king of the division is.

    “Right now, my mind and focus is on Lara for February 13 and then I’m looking to pick up that beautiful red and blue belt.”
    Lara: “I will win the fight with my effort.
    “It is my second international fight, in the first I went to Argentina to win by knocking out in eight rounds.
    “He is the champion, that’s something that he is, I take nothing away from him. He does not scare me or anything. We have worked hard.
    “I am in my best moment both personally and on a sporting level. I have noticed that I am growing in my career. I’ve had tough opponents”.
    Fight odds
    Warrington to win – 1/25
    Draw – 25/1
    Lara shock victory – 9/1
    *All odds from Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication. More

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    Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury: What date will fight take place, where will it happen, how much money will they earn?

    ANTHONY JOSHUA vs Tyson Fury is the fight EVERY boxing fan wants to see – so just when will these two Brit superstars get it on in the ring?
    Both are coming off big victories, and 2021 should be the year they finally meet face-to-face in the squared circle.

    Joshua vs Fury – when will it happen?

    According to multiple players close to the deal – this summer.
    During the summer of 2020, news had spread that the pair verbally agreed to terms on a two-fight deal for 2021, providing the pair could skate through their next challenges unscathed.
    Joshua held up his end of the bargain by knocking out Kubrat Pulev, while Fury looks like he’s managed to escape a trilogy fight with Deontay Wilder.

    Fury beat Wilder in Feb 2020 to win the WBC world heavyweight titleCredit: AP:Associated Press
    Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, has repeatedly touted ‘late May, early June 2021’ as a rough date for the mega-bout.

    And just last week, the Essex-born promoter admitted he thought the deal was ‘four weeks’ away from being signed.

    Joshua vs Fury – where will it take place?
    Sorry British boxing fans – but Wembley Stadium in London looks to be completely off the cards, at least for the first fight anyway.
    Ideally, all parties involved with making Joshua vs Fury will want as many fans as possible in attendance to capitalise on a likely huge and historic gate.
    The coronavirus pandemic has kept fans out of British boxing arenas since March 2020, apart from the 1,000 that were allowed to watch Joshua vs Pulev on December 12.

    The UK is still in a lockdown, with the situation to be reviewed in mid-February, so it’s looking unlikely that 90,000 fans will be allowed into any venues come early summer.
    As for venues abroad… Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Singapore, Australia and the U.S. all look to be viable options.
    It’s now just about which country stumps up the most money to host the fight. Saudi already have a good relationship with Hearn, Joshua and Matchroom, having hosted AJ’s rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019.
    Fury has also competed in Saudi, albeit in a WWE ring rather than a boxing one.
    Joshua vs Fury – how much will they earn?
    A lot. That’s the simple answer. Both Joshua and Fury have already made upwards of £40million each for their respective fights with Ruiz Jr and Wilder.
    So when they fight each other, expect the figures to be at last double that.
    Hearn also spoke last week about how he expects the pair to make ‘Mayweather money’, referencing the grand purses Floyd used to pull in for his fights.

    “It’s certainly I think, you know, the biggest fight, the most lucrative fight, in boxing right now – unquestionably,” Hearn said.
    “That’s Mayweather money. You know? And we haven’t seen Mayweather money since Mayweather.
    “I think it’s impossible to give a number. There’s no set purses for this fight because, obviously, it’s a revenue share. But it’s certainly gonna break records everywhere.”
    It’s been speculated, however, that the pair could earn £80m each.
    Joshua vs Fury – what hurdles are left to clear?
    Back in the latter months of 2020, there were quite a few, but we look to be in a much stronger position right now.
    First, Joshua had to beat Pulev, which he did emphatically with a 9th-round knockout.
    Fury had been targeting a third fight with Wilder, but once that didn’t come to fruition, an interim bout with Agit Kabayel has been planned – but that also fell through.
    It seems Fury decided his best bet would be to wait it out until he can fight AJ.

    Joshua beat Ruiz Jr over 12 rounds in Saudi to win back his world titlesCredit: PA:Press Association
    One problem he has, however, is Wilder, who believes the clause he exercised to compete in a third fight hasn’t been honoured.
    Team Fury says the clause expired back in October, while Wilder’s side have gone the legal route to get that trilogy rematch.
    Neither Hearn nor Fury’s American promoter Bob Arum expect there to be any way Wilder can win that case, and they expect Joshua vs Fury to happen.

    Usyk is the WBO heavyweight title mandatory challengerCredit: Getty – Contributor
    There’s also the WBO mandatory situation, and while not one that will prohibit the fight from happening, one that could affect which belts are on the line.
    Oleksandr Usyk is the WBO’s mandatory challenger, but earlier this week, a from Boxing Scene stated that a hurdle has been cleared in that respect, and that the WBO title WILL be on the line for Joshua Fury.
    Expect Usyk to be handsomely paid in the meantime.
    Joshua vs Fury – what channel will it be on in the UK?
    This could be a tricky one.
    Joshua has an exclusive deal with Sky Sports in the UK, and while Fury’s deal with BT Sport isn’t exclusive, he’s closely aligned with them.
    Fury, however, has fought on Sky Sports Box Office before, most notably for his world heavyweight title win over Wladimir Klitschko in 2015.

    Eddie Hearn says the fight will be signed in the next four weeksCredit: PA:Press Association
    Don’t be surprised if the two sides come to an agreement where both Sky and BT decide to work together on a dual-broadcast.
    In the U.S., the situation is also tricky.
    Fury has an exclusive deal with ESPN, while Joshua’s last four fights have been shown on streaming service DAZN in the U.S.
    ESPN offer a pay-per-view service for their big fight nights while DAZN work on a subscription-based model, making a deal for the fight to be shown on both channels difficult.
    Joshua vs Fury – what have they all said?
    Joshua: “How close is the Fury fight? I promise you it’s happening.
    “But until you hear it from me, don’t buy into anything. I’m serious about the fight so when I announce it you’ll know it’s real.”
    Fury: “I just got off the phone with [my trainer] Sugarhill Steward in America.
    “We are going to smash AJ – one round, two rounds, three rounds. Done! Can’t wait.”

    Frank Warren is confident the fight will take place in May or JuneCredit: PA:Press Association
    Hearn: “Both guys are training at the moment, you know, with the understanding that this will be the next fight for them.
    “So, whilst we can’t say the fight is signed, we can say that we’re closing in and it looks like both fighters are happy with the terms.”
    Arum: “There’s no [Wilder] mediation. I mean, there has been over Christmas, and New Year, there was mediation
    “I don’t know, maybe the mediator will be able to solve the situation, but we got a real problem because Tyson Fury has said to me and the mediator, ‘Not today, not tomorrow, and not ever’ will he ever fight Wilder after what Wilder said to him.”

    Bob Arum says there’s no way Joshua-Fury isn’t happeningCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Warren: “But the fight, we are hoping to get it on and, if we are being realistic, it will be some time in May or June.
    “I hope that in the next few weeks it is over the line. We are supposed to be getting some sort of draft agreement this week and it will be a two-fight deal.” More

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    Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury’s £200m fight set to be completed next week… with THREE details still being argued

    THE deal for the biggest fight in British boxing history between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury is set to be completed next week.
    The two British heavyweights have been on a collision course since Joshua knocked out Kubrat Pulev in the ninth round at the end of last year.

    Fury and Joshua are set to fight to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox LewisCredit: AFP or licensors

    And according to The Mail, both parties are nearing the point now where everything can be signed, but there are still THREE key details which need to be agreed.
    One thing that needs to be sorted is who will ringwalk first, while the fighter who gets their name first on the billboard is also up for discussion.
    And then the final major hurdle to overcome is the location of the fight.
    Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has named Saudi Arabia as a potential venue for the bout, a country which staged AJ’s rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019.

    The Middle East appears to be the frontrunner to host the fight, with the coronavirus pandemic making it near-impossible to put the event on in the UK due to the inability to sell out a full stadium.
    However, it is still expected that the bout will take place at prime time for British fight fans.
    Speaking about negotiations earlier this week, Hearn told iFL TV: “To be honest with you I don’t really wanna talk about the fight because I keep saying the same thing, don’t I? ‘Two weeks, hopefully it’ll be done’.
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    “I don’t wanna bore people, but I said to Bob, ‘I’m getting asked about it 20 times a day in interviews, what do you want me to say?’
    “So what I’ll tell you – and I don’t think we should go too deep into it – is we’ve sent the contract, we’ve had minor requests for changes which all seem a reasonable discussion.
    “And hopefully it shouldn’t be too long to go before an official announcement. Still some work to go, but we’re close.”

    Eddie Hearn says Deontay Wilder has ‘completely lost his mind’ after ‘bizarre’ claims against ex-trainer Mark Breland More

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    Watch Canelo Alvarez throw ferocious power shots in training ahead of Avni Yildirim fight and Saunders clash

    CANELO ALVAREZ continues to showcase his devastating punching power ahead of his return to the ring.
    The pride of Mexico is preparing for his defence of the WBA (Super), WBC and Ring Magazine super-middleweight titles against mandatory challenger Avni Yildirim, who he’ll face a fortnight on Saturday.

    Canelo shared footage of his latest training session with Eddie Reynoso to InstagramCredit: Instagram @canelo

    The Mexican drills the power pad with a vicious overhand rightCredit: Instagram @canelo

    Canelo finishes off the two-punch combination with a sickening left hookCredit: Instagram @canelo

    But the intensity of the four-weight world champion’s training sessions isn’t tapering down by any stretch of the imagination.
    On Tuesday night, Canelo uploaded a short clip to Instagram of him melting pads with his coach Eddy Reynoso.
    The 30-year-old’s brutal hooks and overhand rights sounded like gunshots and led many boxing fans to write off Yildirim’s chances of causing a shock upset.
    One viewer of the video said: “He’s gonna absolutely steamroll him.”

    Another said: “Never out the gym, always in shape. Mostly fights the best around his weight.
    “It’s no fluke Canelo is the P4P best and getting better.”
    And another said: “This fight is like a more intense spar as part of his BJS camp lmao he’s not in camp for Yildirim he’s in camp for [Billy Joe] Saunders.”
    But Yildirim’s manager, Ahmet Oner, is confident The Turkish Wolf can shock the world later this month, saying: “Avni is strong and big.

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    “Believe in him. I don’t know why people think so little about Avni.
    “Maybe because of Chris Eubank’s fight, but Avni’s improved.
    “Canelo is undoubtedly very strong, but he is not a God, he is a human being and as a human being he has his weak and strong parts.”
    Fan favourite Canelo was last in action last December against Liverpool’s Callum Smith, who he defeated via unanimous decision to solidify his claim to be a four-weight world champion

    Canelo Alvarez celebrates his victory over Callum SmithCredit: USA TODAY Sports

    And Matchroom Boxing chief Eddie Hearn, who signed a two-fight promotional deal with the Mexican, is delighted with his quick turnaround.
    He said: “It’s great to see Canelo so active, especially in the world we live in at the moment, I think it’s a real statement from him,” said Hearn.
    “He’s mixing it up by fighting in Miami at the Hard Rock Stadium, to be promoting Canelo at the home of the Miami Dolphins is pretty special.
    “We’re going to have around 15,000 in there.
    “Avni is the mandatory challenger and it’s a great opportunity for him and a big opportunity for Canelo to stay active hopefully before a big Billy Joe Saunders fight and on a huge night on February 27.”

    Billy Joe Saunders says he doesn’t rate Chris Eubank Jr at world level More

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    Ricky Hatton shows off explosive hand speed with Brit legend not losing his slick boxing skills aged 42

    RICKY HATTON has shown that Father Time hasn’t completely taken away his impressive hand speed.
    The former IBO and Ring magazine light-welterweight champion retired from boxing in 2012 following back-to-back losses to Manny Pacquiao and Vyacheslav Senchenko.

    Ricky Hatton hits the heavy bag during an impressive recent workoutCredit: TWITTER@RICKYHATTON

    Ricky Hatton dances around the heavy bagCredit: TWITTER@RICKYHATTON

    But the pride of Manchester is still very much dedicated to his craft, continuing his training into his 40s.
    And The Hitman gave his legion of fans another glimpse into his training on social media earlier this week.
    On Tuesday evening, Hatton shared footage of himself effortlessly rattling off combinations on the heavy bag to Twitter.
    What was more impressive than the 42-year-old’s work rate was his footwork and creation of angles.

    The video’s accompanying caption read: “Another bag session tonight at home.
    “Instead of sitting down on the shots went for speed & punch volume. Still tough but a different feel. Keep the body thinking.”
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    Hatton’s latest workout video caught the eye of many, including former cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew.

    The Bomber tweeted: “Hands still going strong mate.”
    A slew of boxing fans also praised Hatton, with one saying: “Still one of my favourite boxers! Great to see him keeping well.”
    Another said: “I wouldn’t want to be in front of those gloves.”
    And another said: “Absolute legend. Loved watching your fights and that night against Tszyu was up there with one of the best fights I have ever saw! Never stopped coming forward! Respect.”

    Ricky Hatton is currently focused on training his son, Campbell.Credit: INSTAGRAM/CAMPBELLHATTON

    One Hatton supporter even called for a rematch with Floyd Mayweather, who the Manc lost to in December 2017.
    The Hattonite tweeted: “Challenge Mayweather… everybody else is.”
    Hatton is unlikely to make a comeback as he’s now focused on training his son, Campbell, who recently penned a deal with Anthony Joshua’s 258 Management company.
    Campbell, who is set to make his professional debut on the undercard of Dillian Whyte’s March 6 rematch with Alexander Povetkin, said: “I am incredibly excited to be joining 258 Management and SoapBox for my pro career.
    “My dad has done a brilliant job at guiding me so far and I will continue to seek his advice as well as work in the gym with my uncle Matthew. I cannot wait for the first bell March 6.”

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    Josh Warrington cuts short his pre-fight sex ban as red-blooded featherweight king gets in shape for Mauricio Lara clash

    JOSH WARRINGTON has reduced his pre-fight bonk ban.
    The red-blooded Leeds warrior, 30, has been holed up in the Wembley Hilton since Tuesday, waiting for his featherweight clash with Mauricio Lara on Saturday.

    Josh Warrington has reduced his pre-fight sex ban to seven days after it was two and a half weeks when he was a ‘young whippersnapper’Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd

    Mexican Mauricio Lara is ready to take on Leeds’ boxing hero Josh WarringtonCredit: ©Mark Robinson/Matchroom

    The strict pre-fight coronavirus quarantine away from wife Natasha might actually help the undefeated star prepare for the first battle since before the pandemic.
    Last month Warrington vacated his IBF crown to free him for bigger bouts and, when asked if he abstains from all carnal desires in the build-up to a fight, he said: “I used to.
    “I used to go two-and-a-half weeks when I was a young whippersnapper coming through on small-hall shows.
    “I’d be like a little Jack Russell wanting to bend over the settee. 

    “But that’s long since gone. I think seven days or so is enough for me, I’m a little bit older now. 
    “I’ve heard some fighters say six months. That is not normal and it’s not healthy either. 
    “It used to be a strict two weeks for me but no, about a week now.”
    Warrington dropped the IBF belt to avoid a rematch with Sheffield’s talented yet hard-to-watch Kid Galahad, a fight he says does not excite him, his dedicated fans or his bank manager enough.

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    Galahad has secured a shot at Warrington’s old and now vacant red belt – and a purse bid of just £200,000 – which the Elland Road icon reckons proves his point.
    Warrington, who won their 2019 meeting on points, roared: “Galahad is irrelevant, his career is defined by me.
    “I don’t want to look back on my record and see three boring fights with Kid Galahad.
    “I want to see champions like Can Xu, Gary Russell Jr, Navarrete, Oscar Valdez.  I’m not even saying I’ll win all of them but I want the biggest tests and challenges and I will try my f****** best to win them.
    “I don’t want to sound like a d******, or copy Conor McGregor, but when Galahad fights me it’s his red-panty night, he only gets big paydays when he fights me.”
    Most days, approaching fight night, the only thing the Warrington marital bed is used for is long lie-ins to help him prepare for gruelling sessions under the guidance of dad Sean at his new private gym.
    With twin girls Olivia and Eliza approaching their third birthdays, life can get pretty hectic for the proud Yorkshire lad.

    But his wife and nutritionist extraordinaire, who helps the 5ft 7in ace diet down to 9st, is happy to let her man punch in and out of daddy daycare at his leisure when he has a big fight booked.
    He added: “If there’s any time I need to get some peace, I’ve got a couple of spare bedrooms and I can just dive in there.
    “But my missus is fantastic, a massive part of the team, she’ll get up in the morning with them and make sure I can stay in bed. 
    “I’m not one of those who gets up at 6am and goes on a morning run. I go to bed late, my body is used to going to bed late because we fight late.
    “Normally my first training session will begin around 10.30 on a morning and my second one is around 7 o’clock at night. 
    “So by the time I get in from training, settle down and have my tea, I’m not going to bed before midnight normally. That’s my routine but I sleep like a baby – pardon the pun.”

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