Boxing

KOSEI TANAKA is the Japanese superstar looking to win a world title in his FOURTH weight division after only 16 fights.
Tanaka started his pro career in 2013 aged 18, after leaving the amateurs with a 46-5 record.

Japanese superstar Kosei Tanaka is already a three-division champCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Tanaka started his pro career in 2013 aged 18Credit: AFP – Getty

He left the amateurs with a 46-5 recordCredit: Getty Images – Getty

He first fought in the lowest division possible – minimumweight – boxing at SEVEN STONE and four pounds.
Within his first five bouts, Tanaka won the WBO belt, beating Julian Yedras on points in Komaki.
It meant he held the Japanese record for winning a world title in the fewest fights, surpassing Naoya Inoue who managed it in just six.
Komaki made just a sole defence of the title, knocking out Flipino Vic Saludar with a body shot in a fight he had to come from behind in, having been down on the scorecards.

He then moved up to light-flyweight in December 2016 and KO’d Mexican Moises Fuentes to win the vacant crown.
After two successful defences, Komaki again made the step up this time to flyweight.
He edged out countryman Sho Kimura by majority decision to win the WBO belt in 2018.
And in doing so he equalled Vasyl Lomachenko’s record of becoming a three-weight world champion in just 12 fights.

Tanaka started his career boxing at SEVEN STONE and four poundsCredit: AFP – Getty

He holds the Japanese record for winning a world title in the fewest fightsCredit: AFP – Getty

Tanaka has never fought outside of his homeland, but plans on changing that.
Like Far East superstar Inoue – who signed for US giants Top Rank – the 25-year-old wants to venture Stateside.
And he dreams of fighting Mexico’s pound-for-pound contender and WBC and Ring super-flyweight king WBC king Juan Francisco Estrada.
Tanaka told Bad Left Hook: “I’d love to go overseas to expand my opportunities in the future.
“I want to fight Juan Francisco Estrada. With a recognised name like that on my record, I will be able to get more respect in the pound-for-pound rankings for sure.
“At the moment the best win of my career was in 2018 against Sho Kimura for the WBO flyweight title, but I am hungry for more defining nights.”
Tanaka has made three defences of his 8st strap, but was on the sidelines throughout 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic.
However, the 5ft 41⁄2in pint-sized puncher will get to close out the year with yet another shot at enhancing his legacy.

The 25-year-old wants to venture Stateside

Tanaka wants to fight Mexico’s pound-for-pound contender Juan Francisco Estrada

Tanaka challenges for Kazuto Ioka’s super-flyweight title on December 31
He challenges for Kazuto Ioka’s super-flyweight title on December 31, in Ota City.
Ioka himself has won honours in four divisions and his uncle Hiroki was the first ever minimumweight champion.
He has lost only to Thai Amnat Ruenroeng and Filipino great Donnie Nietes.
Ioka won his WBO 8st 3lb title by stopping Aston Palicte last year and then defended it against Jeyvier Cintron on New Year’s Eve.
It means his next fight will come exactly 12 months after his last, against Tanaka, who is fast developing into a must-see attraction.
He said:  “I feel no pressure to perform. It’s just natural for me to fight this way.
“I am naturally exciting and always put on a show.”

Naoya Inoue shows off his bandaged eye after win against Nonito Donaire More

ROY JONES JR ‘wouldn’t rule out’ fighting Jake Paul – despite finding the new age of YouTube boxing ‘foreign’.
Jones ended his brief two year retirement to come back and fight the returning Mike Tyson in an eight-round exhibition bout in November.

Roy Jones Jr and Mike Tyson fought to a draw Credit: AP:Associated Press

Jake Paul knocked out Nate Robinson on the undercard Credit: Getty Images – Getty

The iconic pair boxed to a draw, and despite Tyson fighting for the first time since 2005, the night belonged to social media sensation Paul.
Before the heavyweight headliner, the 23-year-old social media star left ex-NBA point guard Nate Robinson out cold and into a viral meme.
Paul, who moved to 2-0, has since made as much noise outside the ring, calling out superstars such as former two-weight UFC champion Conor McGregor.
And it would lead to an interesting conversation if Jones, 51, was approached to cross paths and generations with the internet phenomenon.

His trainer Tom Yankello told SunSport: “I think Roy is from that old school era. 
“It’s almost a really foreign thing to him and even myself on how these YouTube guys get so much exposure and how big they become. 
“I don’t think it’s something that has ever crossed his mind but I wouldn’t say he’d rule it out either.  
“I wouldn’t say it’s something that couldn’t happen, that’s for sure. It’s something that is very interesting if it got presented to us.”  

Paul left ex-NBA star Robinson out cold Credit: ZUMA

Coach Yankello, a student of the game, was too busy warming up Jones to catch a glimpse at Paul’s undercard knockout.
But with no amateur experience and just three years worth of training, he has been left impressed with the work ex-cruiserweight BJ Flores has done with the boxing beginner.
Yanekello said: “I think BJ did a great job as he was far and beyond Nate Robinson for sure. 
“It looked like he did have some skills and was polished to the point of being a true professional fighter. 
“But to what level? That would have to be determined and I didn’t watch enough to predict that.”
Paul is yet to test himself against a seasoned professional, having only beaten YouTube rival ‘AnEsonGib’ and Robinson – who had been in the gym only five months.

YouTuber Paul is 2-0 in his pro career Credit: Getty Images – Getty

Trainer Tom Yankello pictured with Jones Credit: @tomyankelloboxing
But Yankello admits the determined and hard-hitting upstart cannot be underestimated – especially for someone of Jones’ age.
He explained: “Considering the kids age and the vitality I wouldn’t say it would be a gimme for anyone. 
“Roy is definitely the legend with the skills but Jake being a young kid it would be interesting.   
“I think Roy still has a lot of skill and you see him fight a guy like Mike Tyson, who was in great shape, and I feel like they could both be competitive against young guys. 
“If you don’t have boxing experience just because you’re young and in great shape it doesn’t mean you could beat a legend. 
“Roy was sparring with young guys in the gym that were probably a higher calibre than Jake Paul and he was doing his thing.”

Jake Paul practice three-punch combo in training weeks before he used same move to KO ex-NBA star Nate Robinson More

FLOYD MAYWEATHER is already planning to fight on after his exhibition against Logan Paul, with future opponents in the pipeline.
Mayweather – two years after wiping out featherweight kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa – is preparing for his next money-making scheme.

Floyd Mayweather is already planning to fight on after his exhibition against Logan PaulCredit: Reuters

YouTuber Paul faces Mayweather in February 2021Credit: Getty Images – Getty

This time, it is his most audacious yet as he faces 25-year-old YouTuber Paul in February 2021.
But his return may not prove to be a brief cameo like was the case in Japan in 2018, with early discussions already beginning for further fights.
Solomon Engel, Founder and CEO of Fanmio, who are putting on the pay-per-view spectacle, revealed talks are on going to continue their partnership.
Engel told SunSport: “I can’t speak for Floyd’s future but I can tell you we are looking to work together beyond this fight.

“So, there may be future fights beyond this one but it’s too early to tell for sure. We have a lot to bring to the table and the sport of boxing.
“But, at the end of the day his future will be determined by him.”
Mayweather, 43, sold 29MILLION PPVs during his historic 50-0 unbeaten record.

His wins over Manny Pacquiao, 41, and ex-UFC champion Conor McGregor, 32, pulled in NINE MILLION alone.

McGregor was Mayweather’s last opponent in the professional ranks, before he announced his retirement.
The Irishman has since campaigned for a rematch after the original generated north of £600m in revenue.
Engel, who is bringing Mayweather out of retirement, knows the American legend will never be short of lucrative rivals.
And after he shares the ring with social media phenomenon Paul – who has 22.7m subscribers – he does so in front of a whole new audience of fans.
It leaves Mayweather in an even prettier position when it comes to picking out another dance partner to make bundles of cash with.

Conor McGregor was Mayweather’s last professional opponent Credit: Getty Images – Getty

Paul lost to internet rival KSI on his debut Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Engel said: “Floyd’s very excited for the fight.
“He sees some big opportunities here, and I don’t want to speak for him but I think we all feel this could be a very historical fight and a number of different levels.
“Anyone that Floyd faces will bring a lot of eyeballs and a lot of interest.
“There are certainly other potential opponents but I don’t want to say names now.
“I think it something that requires further conversations with Floyd and those parties before we can see whether those bouts can come about.”
Fanmio is a platform that offers supporters the chance to interact with their hero’s.
Mayweather has five different packages on the site, with the most expensive £1,100 deal landing you a private chat with the iconic boxer along with signed memorabilia.

Mayweather pictured training amid his comeback Credit: 100kthedon

Paul has 22.7million YouTuber subscribers Credit: @ loganpaul
But his fight with Paul is a totally new venture for Engel, who will dip his toes into boxing promotion.
And he promises to do so like never before, and expects to have plenty more PPV-worthy fights to come.
Engel explained: “Fanmio is a new division of boxing.
“We are taking this very seriously and we are already working through other really exciting events.
“There are certainly other big fighters that we are in discussions with, putting fights together for hopefully next year.
“We are definitely taking the more untraditional approach, meaning we are trying to create the most exciting fights – that would generate in the millions of PPVs.
“We have a handful of very exciting fights to come.”

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NEXT year could see the crowning of an undisputed heavyweight champion.
But the big boys’ division isn’t the only one where a king is waiting to be crowned.

Tyson Fury is desperate ot have his all-British showdown against Anthony JoshuaCredit: PA:Press Association

And of course boxing fans will be praying tickets will be up for grabs to see some truly mouthwatering clashes live.
Here, SunSport lists seven fights that HAVE to happen in 2021…
Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua
It really is the ONLY fight boxing fans want to see made at heavyweight.
The two Brits hold all the belts and each have legions of passionate and knowledgeable fans.

AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn says the fight has been ‘verbally agreed’ but Fury’s promoter Frank Warren will ensure his man gets the deal he wants.
It will be the biggest ever all-British fight, and if a rematch is written in it could be a HALF-A-BILLION pound double.

Tyson Fury will prove he is really a king if he beats Anthony JoshuaCredit: Richard Pelham

Anthony Joshua battered Kubrat Pulev last time out and says he wants the undisputed scrapCredit: PA:Press Association

Canelo Alvarez vs Billy Joe Saunders
Following his demolition of the previously undefeated super-middleweight champ Callum Smith, many wonder whether Canelo will ever lose again.

But the outspoken WBO champ Saunders fancies it, and believes he has ‘all the tools in the box’ to win.
Saunders is undefeated, but many think he STILL hasn’t lived up to his promise despite being a two-weight world champ.
Only one way to find out…

Canelo Alvarez has only lost once – and that was to the legendary Floyd MayweatherCredit: USA TODAY Sports

Billy Joe Saunders has called on his promoter Eddie Hearn to land the Canelo fightCredit: ©Dave Thompson/Route One Ltd

Terence Crawford vs Errol Spence Jr
The amount of belts flying around in boxing has recently been criticised by the legendary Floyd Mayweather no less.
If this fight is made at least one boxer will have three at welterweight – and they can always challenge Manny Pacquiao for the WBA version.
Both are unbeaten and have one thing in common – they have both battered Kell Brook in one-sided affairs

Terence Crawford has been a world champ for some time – and not looked close to losing itCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Like Crawford, Errol Spence is also undefeatedCredit: Ryan Hafey
Vasiliy Lomachenko vs Naoya Inoue
Lomachenko is likely to drop back down to featherweight after he was outmuscled, outfought and outthought last time out by Teofimo Lopez.
And as luck would have it, one of boxing’s most exciting fighters and a fellow Top Rank pugilist is poised to step up from bantamweight – Inoue.
Loma seems to have lost some fans after his excuses and bitter acceptance that he lost to Lopez – which he clearly did.
If he really thinks he has to prove himself, a scrap against undefeated Japanese destroyer Inoue would be mouthwatering.

Vasiliy Lomachenko will be desperate to get back to winning beltsCredit: Richard Pelham – The Sun

Naoya Inoue is the World Boxing Super Series bantamweight kingCredit: AFP or licensors
Devin Haney vs Ryan Garcia
In the mash-up of lightweight belts, Haney holds the WBC regular lightweight belt, with Garcia to become the interim champ provided he beats Brit Luke Campbell in January.
That sets up the chance for these two to continue their rivalry that started in the amateurs.
In headguards, the pair are tied at 3-3 – so what better way to find the real winner than in the pros.
If they do fight we can be guaranteed the build up would be intense – the two love their social media.

Devin Haney is also yet to taste defeat but could do with a big title defenceCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Ryan Garcia is touted as one of Golden Boy’s major talentsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Teofimo Lopez vs Gervonta Davis
This is the bona fide lightweight unification scrap – Lopez holds the full WBC version and Davis the WBA belt.
Lopez, like he did against Lomachenko, will have a weight advantage against former super-featherweight champion Davis.
But you’d have to argue that it is Davis, coached by the legendary Floyd Mayweather, that has that one-punch power and bookies may find it hard to separate the pair.
Davis has been described as a ‘mini Mike Tyson’, and like his namesake he is as feisty out of the ring as he is in it. This fight would have people talking from the get go.

Teofimo Lopez is on top of the world after beating Vasiliy LomachenkoCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Gervonta Davis has been guided to world titles by Floyd MayweatherCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Josh Taylor vs Jose Ramirez
Taylor has answered everything that has been thrown at him and proved he can adapt to all styles.
Ramirez is sure to be next on his hitlist in a bid to be crowned undisputed light-welterweight champ.

Both are promoted by Top Rank so that sees one hurdle jumped to getting it done.
The only other might be Ramirez himself – he has barely responded to Taylor’s urgings to crown the real king of the division.
Taylor versus Ramirez just made our list ahead of Amir Khan versus Kell Brook – which would surely be a retirement fight if announced. Too many years too late some might say…

Josh Taylor is already unified light-welterweight champCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Joe Ramirez has something Josh Taylor wants – the only other light-welterweight beltCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

LOGAN PAUL is preparing for mission impossible as he faces Floyd Mayweather in his next fight.
The YouTuber – who lost his boxing debut in 2019 – faces all-time great Mayweather in February 2021.

Logan Paul pictured after a sparring session

And despite the odds being stacked against him like never before, the 25-year-old is leaving no stone unturned in training.
He has put together a squad of sparring partners for his camp in Los Angeles, where he trains in the back yard of his ‘Maverick Mansion’.
Here SunSport takes an exclusive look inside Paul’s camp and speaks to sparring partners involved in the secret sessions.
Vlad Panin, 8-1 welterweight
Panin, 25, was recruited by Paul’s trainer Milton Lacroix after the coach watched the American prospect spar.

And they hired the welterweight to mimic Mayweather’s iconic shoulder roll and elusive footwork.
Panin, who has won four by knockout, revealed Paul has come on leaps and bounds since his scrappy, split-decision loss to internet rival KSI.
He said: “I was definitely surprised, he’s improved since his last fight.
“From a distance he’s got a good feel, good instincts. He fights with a relaxed style, hands down, he throws his jab from different angles.

“I think it makes for an interesting fight.”

Welterweight prospect Vlad Panin with Paul
There is a farcical size disparity between Paul and Mayweather, with the social media phenomenon having a FOUR STONE weight and six inch height advantage.
And it could force the usually-cautious Mayweather, 43, to fight out of his comfort zone and become the aggressor.
Panin explained: “When you’re at a length disadvantage obviously you need to close the gap and come forward and that’s what Floyd’s going to have to do.
“And that’s not Floyd’s natural tendency. He’s not aggressive unless he has to be so it makes for an interesting fight because it’s not 12 rounds so it’s going to be at a quicker pace.
“Floyd’s going to have to come forward and close the gap.”

Panin mimicking Mayweather’s iconic shoulder roll
Angel Lozano, cruiserweight amateur
Lozano was also scouted after a sparring session of his own, but has been brought in to offer a different look.
As a bigger and heavier fighter, he is providing the power to make sure Paul can take the heat when the going gets tough – something he passed with flying colours.
Lozano revealed: “I can still move well for a big guy, and I can mimic the Floyd shoulder role on him.
“Everything is behind the jab with power so I think that’s what they like about me. He stays pretty composed, he doesn’t panic.”
Lozano warned to discredit the ever-improving Paul at your peril – something he experienced first hand.

Cruiserweight amateur Angel Lozano with Paul
He said: “A lot of people do underestimate him.
“I did at first, because he doesn’t have a boxing background, so I kind of went in there like ‘he doesn’t know what he’s doing’.
“But he surprised me, he’s pretty sharp and he has some good fundamentals and some good power, for sure.
“He has good reflexes and he can move for a big guy, that’s one of his biggest things, his movement is not bad for how big he is.
“He has some good pop for sure. Every time we spar he shows improvement.”

Boxing legend Zab Judah pictured with Lozano and Paul
Daniel Hernandez, coach
Hernandez is Lozano’s coach and has cast an eye over the all-important sparring sessions.
And he has been left impressed with Paul’s jab, the most vital punch in boxing.
Hernandez explained: “I love it when he’s behind his jab.
“When he starts pumping the jab and landing the jab he gets real confident and starts letting it be more natural rather than that scrappy, novice, wild style.
“He’s trying to soak in all the knowledge. And he’s kind of modest about taking on one of the best fighters in the world.
“He knows it’s an uphill battle. It would be hard for anyone but he’s dealing with it really well. The sparring is tough.”

Daniel Hernandez, right, pictured with Paul’s trainer Milton Lacroix, middle More

BRITISH boxer Martin Murray has announced his retirement less than three weeks after losing to Billy Joe Sanders.
The former Commonwealth middleweight champion hangs up his gloves with a record of 39 wins, six defeats and one draw in 46 fights.

Martin Murray has retired from boxing after his loss to Billy Joe SaundersCredit: ©Mark Robinson Ltd

The 38-year-old, who was also WBA interim middleweight title-holder between 2011 and 2014, challenged for a world title on five occasions.
His fifth and final challenge came in his unanimous decision loss to Saunders in London earlier this month.
Before that, Murray was out of action for over a year after beating Sladan Janjanin back in November 2019.
He said: “It wasn’t the fairytale ending that I’d dreamed of but I’d like to think that I retire with a bit of respect and my health.

It wasn’t the fairytale ending that I’d dreamed of but I’d like to think that I retire with a bit of respect and my health
Martin Murray

“When I turned professional I wanted to hang them up without any regrets and taking all opportunities that were put my way, and I did just that.
“I went around the world and fought the best – and pushed them all the way too, so I’m happy and proud of what I achieved.
“I also wanted to be able to say that all the hard work and sacrifices have been worth it and they have.
“I’m now looking forward to the next chapter of my life and spending it with my beautiful wife Gemma, our three beautiful children Archie, Amelia and Aisla – and our amazing family and friends.

“I hope that I’m an example of what you can achieve with hard work and proof that you can always turn your life around if you truly want to.”
Murray, who has taken on the likes of Arthur Abraham and George Groves, won 11 different belts during his career.
Gennady Golovkin inflicted the first stoppage of the St Helens-born boxer’s career back in 2015.

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