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      Tony Burns dead: Iconic amateur boxing coach who was part of Team GB dies as Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren lead tributes

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      BRITISH boxing is mourning the loss of Repton ABC hero Tony Burns MBE.
      The amateur legend guided the early careers of Olympic winner Audley Harrison and pro world champions like John H Stracey, Maurice Hope, Andy Lee and Darren Barker.

      Legendary boxing coach Tony Burns has diedCredit: PA:Press Association

      The amateur level icon attended 11 Olympic Games with Team GBCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Ex-IBF middleweight king Barker said: “I’m heartbroken to hear the passing of my old amateur coach Tony Burns.
      “The man was a legend who spent most of his life down his beloved Repton ABC helping the fighters fulfil their dreams.
      “I will cherish all the great times we shared together. I owe him so much.”
      Burns moved to London from Wales and boxed for East London’s Repton as an amateur.

      During his 45 years at the gym around 300 boxers won national titles and Burns attended eleven Olympic games with Team GB.
      In 2009 Burns was called to Buckingham Palace where he was awarded for his services to the amateur code.
      Essex promoter Eddie Hearn added: “Just heard the news of the passing of legendary Repton ABC trainer Tony Burns.
      “Tony devoted his life to the sport and the development of the younger generation within the community. Saved many lives and was loved by many. Rest in peace.”

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      All at Queensberry are sad to learn of the passing of Tony Burns MBE. Tony was a boxing man through and through. He changed countless lives with his work at Repton over the years and he will be deeply missedWe pass on our sincere condolences to Tony’s family and loved ones. RIP
      — Frank Warren (@frankwarren_tv) February 2, 2021

      Just heard the news of the passing of legendary Repton ABC trainer Tony Burns. Tony devoted his life to the sport and the development of the younger generation within the community. Saved many lives and was loved by many. Rest in peace.
      — Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) February 2, 2021

      Saddened to hear the news that Tony Burns passed away last night – he was my man & great coach – this is us reconnecting in 2016 at ⁦@ReptonBC⁩ we talked like old times & that glint in his eyes was there like yesteryear 😞 salute Tony, you’ll be missed #RIPTonyBurns 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/9JgW29SUX9
      — Audley Harrison MBE (@audleyharrison) February 2, 2021

      Burns shaped the careers of Olympic winner Audley Harrison and pro world champions like John H Stracey, Maurice Hope, Andy Lee and Darren BarkerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And matchmaker Frank Warren said: “All at Queensberry are sad to learn of the passing of Tony Burns MBE.
      “Tony was a boxing man through and through. He changed countless lives with his work at Repton over the years and he will be deeply missed
      “We pass on our sincere condolences to Tony’s family and loved ones. RIP.”

      I’m heartbroken to here the passing of my old amateur coach Tony Burns. The man was a legend who spent most of his life down his beloved Repton abc helping the fighters fulfil their dreams. I will cherish all the great times we shared together. I owe him so much. #riptony 💚💛
      — Darren Barker (@DarrenBarker82) February 2, 2021

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      Mike Tyson close to ring return aged 54 to face long-time rival Evander Holyfield, 58… 24-years on from last fight

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      MIKE TYSON and long-time rival Evander Holyfield are close to agreeing a sensational trilogy bout – 24-years on from their last fight.
      Both the heavyweight legends are looking to defy age and mark successful comebacks.

      Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield pictured in 2019 Credit: Rex Features

      Mike Tyson was twice beaten by Evander Holyfield Credit: Reuters

      Tyson, 54, started his off against Roy Jones Jr, 52, last November as the pair boxed to a draw over eight exhibition rounds.
      The announcement in early 2020 that Tyson would fight again inspired Holyfield, 58, to begin training for his own return.
      And now the former two-weight champion revealed on the Last Stand Podcast, that he and Tyson are ‘close’ to agreeing terms to fight.
      SunSport in January first confirmed the iconic rivals were in talk for a trilogy bout.

      Tyson was dramatically beaten by Holyfield, an underdog at the time, in 1996.
      But their rematch a year later will forever be remembered for Iron Mike’s disgraceful third round disqualification, as he sunk his teeth into Holyfield’s ear.
      The pair later patched things up and even enjoyed a friendship.
      But now they could be ready to reignite their rivalry – all in the name of charity with their comebacks dedicated to raising money.

      Mike Tyson after his comeback fight against Roy Jones Jr Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Evander Holyfield training for his comeback Credit: @evanderholyfield

      Holyfield is confident their third fight, which comes with the icons at a combined age of 112, can bank at least £150million ($200m).
      He previously told us: “My views are you always help people. I try to pass on the goodness that was passed onto me.
      “Where an opportunity is available, I like to make the best out of what I have. I believe if I fought Mike the fight will generate $200million.
      “It will be the biggest fight there is. That’s the honest truth. I think Mike has my message already. If he is going to do it he is, if not then he’s not.
      “It’s a decision he has to make now and we both have to be in an agreement.
      “I’m not going to tell anybody what I’m going to do – my strategy I’m planning on using against Mike – I don’t want anyone to know.
      “I’m happy if Mike fights me.”

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      Chris Eubank Jr ‘talks a good fight’ but ‘lacks natural ability’ and can’t beat the best, claims rival Callum Smith

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      CHRIS EUBANK JR ‘talks a good fight’ but ‘lacks natural ability’, according to rival Callum Smith.
      And that is why he will never beat any of the top middleweights.

      Chris Eubank Jr does not have what it takes to challenge the best, claims his rivalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Former world champ Callum Smith doubts whether the star can challenge the bestCredit: PA:Press Association

      The two Brits have never met in the ring but Smith appears to have fired a shot in Eubank Jr’s direction as he plots his next fight.
      He lost his WBA (Super) and The Ring super-middleweight titles to Canelo Alvarez in December and is considering a step-up to light-heavyweight for his next challenge.
      However, he has this week been discussing Eubank Jr and he did not hold back as he delivered a verbal KO to his rival’s chances of ever becoming a world champion.
      Smith told Sky Sports: “He can get in the mix because his name always brings a lot.

      “He carries his dad’s name so he has a big profile. He talks a good fight so will always talk himself into big fights.
      “But as we’ve seen in the Billy Joe Saunders fight and the Groves fight, when he steps up to the highest level his lack of boxing ability seems to let him down.”
      Eubank Jr lost his undefeated record to Saunders in 2014 and was beaten by George Groves in the semi-finals of the World Boxing Super Series in 2018.
      And it is those types of losses that have led to Smith doubting whether he has what it takes to step up to the next level.

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      He added: “He is very fit, athletic, strong. He’s a better middleweight than he is a super-middleweight.
      “But at the very top level he lacks the natural ability to beat the top guys.
      “He will always be in a position to be in those fights. But I don’t see him beating any of the top ones.”
      Eubank Jr, 31, produced his biggest career victory when he overcame James DeGale in February 2019.
      He last fought in November 2019 when he knocked out Matt Korobov in the second round.

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      Tyson Fury offered brutal bare-knuckle move as promoter reveals dream fight against ex-UFC star Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson

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      TYSON FURY has been offered a route into bare-knuckle boxing for a dream fight with ex-UFC star Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson.
      David Feldman is the president of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship in America.

      Tyson Fury has been offered a route into bare-knuckle boxing Credit: Mark Robinson – The Sun

      Former UFC light-heavyweight Anthony JohnsonCredit: Getty – Contributor

      He promoted the brutal grudge match between Paulie Malignaggi and Artem Lobov in 2020, which Conor McGregor’s training partner won on points.
      Feldman has also secured the high-profile signing of former UFC flyweight Paige VanZant.
      But his fantasy fight would be between current WBC heavyweight champion Fury and Johnson, a two-time UFC title challenger.
      Feldman told SunSport: “It’s a tough one, but I’d say in the heavyweight division Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson fight Tyson Fury. 

      “I think that would be a very intriguing fight, you got a guy like Anthony Rumble who can punch really, really hard. 
      “And you see sometimes boxers don’t do as well in bare-knuckle fighting because in our sport you can hold and punch, and clinch. 
      “But Fury’s family is full of travellers, of bare-knuckle fighters so I think those are the two I’d pick the most. 
      “I think that’s a very intriguing matchup. If I could do that right now, I would pick Rumble vs Tyson Fury, that would be an amazing matchup.”

      Conor McGregor’s training partner Artem Lobov pictured after a fight

      Johnson, 36, left the UFC in 2016 after losing to light-heavyweight legend Daniel Cormier for a second time.
      He went on to become BKFC’s head of fighter relations, working closely with Feldman.
      Johnson has since announced a return to MMA and was signed by UFC’s competitors Bellator.
      Fury, 32, the current unbeaten heavyweight, is no stranger to combat with exposed fists, as his dad John as well as uncle and former trainer Peter both fought as bare-knuckle boxers.
      Feldman says the Gypsy King’s family affair with the sport makes him the perfect man to transition over.
      For similar reasons, if the promoter could pick a star from the UFC to sign, it would be Jorge Masvidal.

      Artem Lobov beat Paulie Malignaggi Credit: Getty – Contributor

      Jorge Masvidal used to fight in backyards before his UFC career

      Jorge Masvidal is a dream signing for BKFCCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Masivdal, 36, first made his name fighting on the streets of Miami with famed brawler Kimbo Slice and has carried his experience into the cage.
      Feldman revealed: “If I was going MMA, I’d like to get Jorge Masivdal. 
      “I think he fits for this, he used to do this in the backyard with Kimbo Slice, so I think this fits right up his alley way. 
      “He likes to stand and bang and he’s got the persona for it, I think he’d be a great addition.”
      BKFC have already welcomed recognisable names from MMA such as Lobov, 34, Chris Leben, 40, Gabriel Gonzaga, 41 and Antonio ‘Bigfoot’ Silva, also 41 and Wanderlei Silva, 44.
      But securing 26-year-old VanZant – who featured on Dancing With The Stars and Sports Illustrated – has garnered the most attention.
      And Feldman hopes the arrival will spark new interest in bare-knuckle and help bring more eyes to the sport as she debuts against Brittany Hart on Friday.

      Paige VanZant featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated

      Paige VanZant left the UFC to join BKFCCredit: Sportsfile – Getty

      Paige VanZant training for her BKFC debut
      He explained: “She’s a really good fighter and also what I call an A-lister, a lot of people know her in the celebrity world. 
      “She was on Dancing with The Stars, Sports Illustrated cover girl, so many different things that made her an attractive signing to us to bring fans that wouldn’t normally have watched. 
      “People say she’s an ‘Instagram model’ that kind of thing but at the end of the day if you’ve seen her face in some of her fights she was a bloody mess. 
      “She’s not afraid of bleeding, of getting hit, and this is what this sport is about if you can get hit and throw a punch back you have a good chance of doing well. 
      “Paige is a tough girl, she didn’t have to come to Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, she came over to test herself. 
      “That says a lot about the kind of fighter and athlete that she is. Am I expecting her to transition well? Yes I am. 
      “I think she’s going to take a punch well, she’s got a very tough opponent in front of her in Brittany Hart.”

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      Anthony Joshua warns Tyson Fury boxing is ‘for the uncivilised, this is a sport of combat and war’ ahead of showdown

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA warned Tyson Fury boxing is ‘for the uncivilised’ and ‘a sport of combat and war’.
      It comes with the heavyweight champions still negotiating a potential two-fight deal for this year.

      Anthony Joshua is set to fight Tyson Fury Credit: Reuters

      Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are currently in talks to fight Credit: Reuters

      AJ sent out the war cry on his YouTube channel, where he broke down his last win, a ninth round knockout against Kubrat Pulev.
      Joshua said: “Some people may not understand it and I realise in this life is that, 99 per cent of the population are civilised people.
      “The job I’ve chosen is for the uncivilised. This is a sport of combat and war.
      “We’re not civilised people, we’re warriors, and I love it.”

      Joshua returned to the ring in December, 12 months after he avenged defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr in a rematch.
      Against Ruiz, 31, and Pulev, 39, AJ showed off a reformed boxing style, with added patience.
      But Joshua insisted whoever the opponent or challenge, he is able to adapt and conquer.
      He said: “No matter what the tactics are, no matter how much you study, no matter how much you think you can beat me, I’m just there to win.

      “I’m there to do a job, and that’s the fighter’s mentality.”
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      Joshua, 31, and Fury, 32, are set to put their WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO belts on the line as well as heavyweight bragging rights in June.
      Promoter Eddie Hearn revealed the only hurdle left to overcome is contracts officially being exchanged before they decide on a fight venue.
      Hearn told iFL TV: “I hope that we can finalise contracts in the next two weeks.
      “And then the plan from there is to go out and start discussing with the various sites that have approached to stage this fight.
      “What we wanna do is make sure we’ve got a deal papered to move forwards and start having these conversations, and then lock in the venue and the date.
      “There isn’t a lot to be sorted. We’re in a good place. I believe we’ll have these contracts finalised in the next couple of weeks.
      “I believe this fight will take place in June.”

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      Boxer Muhammad Aslam Khan dies aged 27 after collapsing in ring during charity bout following brutal KO

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      BOXER Muhammad Aslam Khan tragically passed away aged 27 following a brutal KO during a charity bout.
      Aslam Khan collapsed in the ring after being hit by Wali Khan Tareen and died in hospital in Karachi, Pakistan, as a result of internal injuries.

      Muhammad Aslam Khan, left, tragically passed away aged 27 after collapsing in the ringCredit: YouTube / Balochistan TV

      Aslam Khan died in hospital in Karachi, PakistanCredit: YouTube / Balochistan TV

      According to local media reports, the injured boxer was rushed to a private hospital for treatment but passed away due to his injuries.
      The boxers were from the Pishin district of Balochistan and were fighting in the 80kg weight category.
      It is understood the bout took place for charity and BOL News report there were no medical personnel present at ringside.
      It added: “He didn’t die in the ring, he suffered facial injuries and there wasn’t anyone there to look after him.”

      Marca say Aslam Khan combined boxing with his work in the Pakistani Election Commission.
      They report he began his boxing career in 2007 and within a decade he won a national title and several tournaments.
      Mundo stated Aslam Khan’s death is being investigated by the authorities.

      It has been reported the bout did not meet the necessary safety conditions.

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      Tyson Fury breaks down Conor McGregor’s defeat to Dustin Poirier at UFC 257 and agrees he lost due to ‘inactivity’

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      TYSON FURY agreed Conor McGregor was beaten by Dustin Poirier at UFC 257 due to ‘inactivity’.
      McGregor was coming into the fight having had just 40 seconds of action in 12 months, dating back to his knockout over Donald Cerrone.

      Tyson Fury opened up about Conor McGregor’s loss Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Conor McGregor lost against Dustin Poirier at UFC 257

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      After defeat to Poirier, the Irishman, 32, pointed to his lack of time in the octagon as a sticking point in his performance.
      And unbeaten WBC heavyweight champion Fury backed up those claims as he admitted ‘inactivity kills the cat’.
      Fury told Gareth A Davies: “He did [use inactivity as an explanation for his defeat], and he’s bang on right.

      “Conor McGregor fought in 2016, then he had two years out and then he fought Khabib [in 2018].
      “Then he had another two years out, and then he fought Cerrone [in January 2020].
      “Then he had another year out, and then he fought this guy, Poirier.
      “So inactivity kills the cat, no doubt about it.

      “When one man’s been active – fighting, sparring and in camps – and one man’s been on the couch, it’s no good.”

      Dustin Poirier knocked out Conor McGregor in round two Credit: Sportsfile – Subscription

      Conor McGregor beaten at UFC 257 Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      After McGregor’s loss, he said: “It’s hard to overcome inactivity over long periods of time. And that’s just it.
      “The leg kicks were good. That low calf good was very good. The leg was dead and I just wasn’t as comfortable as I needed to be.
      “It’s inactivity and that’s it. But Dustin is some fighter. If you put in the time in here, you’re going to get cosy in here and that’s it.”
      Fury, 32, himself is no stranger to time on the sidelines, having spent almost three years out after winning the unified titles in 2015.
      After a battle with alcohol, substance abuse and depression, the Gypsy King marked his return with a win against Sefer Seferi in July 2018.
      Within two more years he once again became world champion to cap off a remarkable comeback after dethroning Deontay Wilder of the WBC belt.
      Fury opened up on the importance of activity and how legends of the past have all suffered from time out.

      Tyson Fury made his comeback in 2018 against Sefer Seferi Credit: Reuters

      Tyson Fury won the world title again in 2020 beating Deontay Wilder Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      He said: “You lose your timing, you lose your distance, you lose it all.
      “You lose it all, it’s all gotta be gained back within camps and within fighting.
      “If you had three fights on the bounce after you’d never been in the ring for three years, in the third one you’d be ten times better than the first.
      “I’ve always known it. Because I’m a boxing historian I’ve always known about the inactivity.
      “Gerry Cooney when he fought Larry Holmes – he was out of the ring for 18 months.
      “His timing wasn’t there, he just wasn’t the same fighter as he should’ve been.
      “If one man’s not active and one man’s been in the ring, it’s an uphill battle.
      “Recently we saw Juan Pablo Hernandez, the former IBF cruiserweight champion, he came back after a long lay-off and fought journeyman Kevin Johnson and got knocked out.”

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      Tyson Fury’s wife Paris pregnant with their sixth child as champ reveals he refuses to splash cash to keep kids grounded

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      TYSON FURY revealed his wife Paris is pregnant with a sixth child as he opened up on how he keeps his kids grounded.
      Fury has three sons, eldest Prince John James, Prince Tyson Fury II and Prince Adonis Amaziah, who was born in 2019.

      Tyson Fury and his wife Paris are expecting a sixth child Credit: Free for editorial use

      Tyson Fury with his wife Paris and their kids (l-r) Prince Tyson Fury II, Valencia, Venezuela, Prince Adonis Amaziah and Prince John JamesCredit: Refer to Caption

      And the WBC champion has two daughters, Valencia and Venezuela – but Fury announced he is expecting a sixth with long-time partner Paris.
      He told Gareth A Davies: “Paris is pregnant again and the Lord has blessed us definitely with another child and I’m very thankful.
      “Got a beautiful wife, beautiful kids, they’re all healthy. That’s the most important thing, you know, your health and your family.
      “Nothing else really matters. Your job, your money, your wealth, your career, none of that really matters because you can get another job, you can start snooker or you can go make more money.

      “It doesn’t really matter but the one thing you can’t get back is your family. You can’t get back time lost and that’s the crazy thing about it all.”
      Fury – the highest-paid fighter of 2020 with £46million earned – goes on to admit that he does not care for fame or fortune.
      But he struggles to keep a low profile due to his 6ft 9in frame and distinctive voice.
      Fury – currently in talks to fight Anthony Joshua – lives in Morecambe with his family and enjoys living the local lifestyle, even helping the council clean up litter.

      Highest-earning fighters of 2020

      Part of his everyman attitude is refraining from spoiling his kids, with the unbeaten heavyweight keen to give them a true understanding of money.
      The Gypsy King wants his children to grow up working for their fortune and has made sure to normalise their lives as much as possible.
      Fury, 32, said: “For me it’s very important to stay close to my grassroots as I’ve got a lot of kids coming up, I’ve got five kids, very important for them to know the value of money.
      “It’s very important for them to know how to earn money.
      “So, if they see me splashing out all the time and living a move stars’ lifestyle they grow up thinking that’s the only way they can live.
      “To earn from a normal job, £200-300-a-week, however much they’re going to get, they might think that’s no good if they’ve been spoiled rotten by multimillionaire parents.
      “So I don’t do that. My kids don’t go to private school, I don’t have any private education, they just go to normal school, everyone does normal stuff.”

      Tyson Fury and Paris are long-time partnersCredit: Instagram @parisfury1

      Tyson Fury pictured with his wife Paris Credit: Tyson Fury Instagram

      Tyson Fury pictured with his wife Paris and their five kids Credit: Instagram

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