Boxing

AMIR KHAN has revealed he’s bought his ‘perfect place’ in Dubai.
The Bolton boxer, 34, confirmed in November he was considering splashing the cash on a new holiday home in the Middle East.

Amir Khan revealed he has bought his family a new holiday home in Dubai

Khan’s new holiday home comes fitted with a monster pool and one hell of a view

Khan bought the holiday home for wife Faryal Makhdoom and their three kidsCredit: Rex Features

Khan thanked friend Maaz Jethwa for finding his ‘perfect place’Credit: Instagram

And Khan revealed on Instagram he has bought the luxury pad for wife Faryal Makhdoom, their two daughters – Lamaisah, six, and two-year-old Alayna – and their new-born son, Muhammad Zaviyar, in Dubai.
Khan nonchalantly captioned the post: “Just bought my family a holiday home in Dubai.”
Makhdoom replied with a praying emoji and three heart-eyes emojis.
On his Instagram Story, Khan went on to thank friend Maaz Jethwa – who founded UAE-based company New Door – for finding his ‘perfect’ home.

Khan – the 2004 Olympic lightweight silver medallist – captioned a snap of the pair together: “Thanks to Maaz Jethwa for finding me my perfect place.”
The home has an incredible, almost intimidating wooden front door surrounded by a huge stone porch.
Inside, Khan’s new pad comes fitted with marble floors, a modern stone staircase and an extensive lounge-diner.
But the most-impressive feature in the holiday home comes outside, where a huge swimming pool boasting picturesque views of Dubai steals the show.

Khan excitedly shared a walking tour of his home on InstagramCredit: Instagram

Khan shared a video of his new ultra-modern home on social mediaCredit: Instagram

The home comes complete with extensive living areas and marble floorsCredit: Instagram

The glitzy new home will go well with Khan’s ever-growing car collection.
The Bolton boxer most-recently revealed he has his eye on a £264,000 Rolls Royce Cullinan – a 6.7-litre SUV.
Khan already owns a £271,000 Lamborghini Aventador, a £233,000 Rolls Royce Phantom and a £65,000 Range Rover.

Amir Khan shows off car collection and enjoys family feast More

YOUTUBER Logan Paul has admitted his fight with Floyd Mayweather makes ‘no f****** sense’ and that he didn’t think the contract was real.
Paul, 25, will take on Mayweather, 43, in a special exhibition bout in February.

Logan Paul has only had one professional fight and lostCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Floyd Mayweather is set to cash in by fighting the social media sensationCredit: ©Mark Robinson Ltd

The social media sensation made his professional boxing debut against British internet celebrity KSI in 2019 and lost out in a split-decision after six rounds.
Mayweather retired from boxing in 2017 after KOing MMA star Conor McGregor in a crossover bout before returning to beat Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa in one round on New Year’s Eve in 2018.
Paul reflected on how crazy it is that the fight – he is six inches taller and likely to be FOUR STONE heavier – got made with unbeaten legend Mayweather.
Paul told Food Truck Diaries: “None of this is comprehensible. This makes no f****** sense.

“My manager, [this] is months ago, comes up to me, he says ‘Logan would you fight Floyd Mayweather?’

I’ll sign your fantasy contract. Like f*** you, why would this ever happen?”
Logan Paul

“I go, ‘I mean yes I would, but why are you asking me that question? Like go do something else, this makes no sense, how is that going to be a thing ever?’
“I think a month later, he approached me with a contract. He said ‘If you sign here, you’re going to be fighting Floyd Mayweather.’
“I said ‘Sure Jeff, I’ll sign your fantasy contract. Like f*** you, why would this ever happen?’

“I signed it, and then after just months and months of going back and forth and figuring out dates, we had three different dates, and how to announce it, and just like the strategy behind it.
“It finally came to fruition, and this event that supersedes everything I’ve ever done in my life, is finally solidified.”

How Floyd Mayweather and Logan Paul compare ahead of their fight

Money Mayweather confirmed he will return to Tokyo in 2021 after first fighting Paul in the shock pay-per-view extravaganza.
Mayweather jetted into the UK to watch Anthony Joshua batter Kubrat Pulev on Saturday and even rubbed shoulders with West Ham’s Declan Rice.
The veteran American is reportedly set to earn TWENTY FIVE times more than Paul for their bout in the New Year.
But he hit back at sceptics labelling the money-spinner a farce.
Mayweather said: “This is going to be a great night for the fans worldwide as we are bringing something special to them through sports and entertainment.
“I have never shied away from doing things differently throughout my career and fighting Logan Paul in this special exhibition is just another opportunity for me to do it again.”

Eddie Hearn responds to Floyd Mayweather’s upcoming fight against Logan Paul More

DENIS DOUGLIN has called out Chris Eubank Jr – believing he ‘got the better of him’ during sparring.
Eubank employed Douglin as a southpaw sparring partner before he beat James DeGale in February 2019, the biggest win of his career.

Chris Eubank Jr pictured with Denis Douglin after sparring

The 30-year-old landed the grudge match after goading rival DeGale about a heated sparring session the pair had in 2012.
And now Douglin wants to reverse the roles by using his own performance in the gym against Eubank to force through a fight.
He told SunSport: “I’m taking a page out of Chris’ own book!
“I sparred Chris, I felt like I got the better of him, and I’m like, ‘Chris, I want to fight you now’.

“You did it to DeGale, and he gave you the opportunity, so why don’t you do the same for me.
“I really like Chris, it’s nothing negative, I wish him all the best, but I’d love to fight him.”
Douglin, 32, lived in Eubank’s Brighton home while helping him prepare to beat DeGale, now 34.
And the American super-middleweight insists he has no ill-will towards the Brit.

Douglin helped Eubank in sparring in 2019

But with Eubank holding the WBA’s ‘interim’ middleweight belt, and primed for a world title fight, Douglin knows a win over him would elevate his career to new heights.
He said: “I’d love to fight Chris.
“And I like Chris a lot, I was in his house, we had great sparring it was fun but Chris is at that level right underneath the champions.
“Chris is ready for a title fight right now. So, I’m trying to get where he is at.
“And Chris may look at it like, ‘Why fight you? You’re below me, I want to fight a champion’. And, he’s not wrong for saying that.

Douglin pictured with Floyd Mayweather

Douglin with ex-welterweight champion Shawn Porter
“But, I’m saying we sparred a lot, we know what happened, and me beating Chris puts me in the position to challenge a champion.
“So, fight me Chris!”
Douglin, who is one of Floyd Mayweather’s trusty left-handed sparring partners, has campaigned most of his career at super-middleweight.
But he returned to the ring this year at 162lb in a tune-up bout in Mexico as he attempts to move down to the 160lb middleweight limit.
Douglin, who has also sparred Canelo Alvarez and Sergey Kovalev, hopes to return in the first quarter of 2021 before pushing for his first world title shot.

Chris Eubank Jr shows off his incredible speed as he continues to train in coronavirus lockdown More

FLOYD MAYWEATHER will ‘train his ass off’ before facing Logan Paul – as his sparring partner warned ‘anything can happen’.
Mayweather announced the shock news that he will fight the YouTuber in February next year, describing it as a ‘special exhibition’.

Floyd Mayweather will ‘train his ass off’ before facing Logan PaulCredit: USA Today Sports

Paul will fight Mayweather in February 2021 Credit: Getty Images – Getty

Paul, 25, claimed a win over the 50-0 icon would be ‘the greatest upset in the history of sports’.
And according to Mayweather’s sparring partner Denis Douglin, the ever-perfectionist will be in no mood to risk his and boxing’s reputation.
Douglin, 32, told SunSport: “I think he could walk in as he is and still be fine but Floyd being Floyd, he’s going to train and he’s going to train his ass off.
“That’s just the level of perfectionist he is.

“The kid is a lot bigger and anything can happen. He lands a freak punch and knocks Floyd out, you change the world of boxing.
“Floyd’s not going to let that happen. Floyd, in my opinion, will train for this.
“Maybe not as intense as he would for Pacquiao or someone like that, but he’s not going to come off the street and fight him.”
Mayweather, 43, retired as a professional in 2017, after beating UFC star Conor McGregor, 32, in ten rounds.

Southpaw Douglin helped the American prepare for the fight, providing him with some left-handed sparring.
And he watched as Mayweather rode out an early storm from McGregor before upping his product and closing the show later on.
Douglin expects a similar story against 0-1 ring novice Paul, who lost his debut to internet rival KSI, 27, last November by split-decision.
And while Douglin knows Mayweather can end the fight whenever and however he pleases, the ‘master entertainer’ will not do so, as it would spoil the spectacle.
He explained: “The size is what makes in interesting for me. But I think Floyd is going to have fun with it.
“There is no statement to be made, if Floyd comes out and knocks out a YouTuber in 30 seconds no one got entertained, we already knew he could do that.

Mayweather’s last pro fight was a win against Conor McGregor Credit: Getty Images – Getty

Paul was beaten by KSI on his boxing debut Credit: Getty – Contributor
“The way boxing is going is in the direction of entertainment, and Floyd is a master entertainer.
“He could have done the same with Conor, but he wanted to entertain the crowd and I thought that fight was great.
“Conor caught him with some good shots. I think Floyd will make it entertaining, not blow Logan Paul out.
“But when he’s ready, he’ll take it seriously and show the world there’s levels to this.”
Mayweather has not been seen in the ring since 2018, when he traveled to Japan to take on featherweight kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa.
But the exhibition only lasted one round, as Nasukawa was dropped three times and left in tears afterwards.

Mayweather beat Tenshin Nasukawa in one round Credit: AFP
Mayweather again sparred Douglin to help dust off some of the cobwebs, having been out of the gym since his retirement fight against McGregor.
Up until this summer, it was the last time the pair had shared rounds in the gym.
And when Douglin received a call from Mayweather in the early hours of the morning in June, he was expecting to be in for a similar night’s work.
But instead, he was stunned as the retired legend appeared to have come back ‘stronger and faster’ – despite having not fought in two years.
Douglin said: “The power was different, and I don’t know what happened because we sparred before he went to Tokyo the first time.
“And he was good but I was like, ‘Ah, Floyd’s getting older, he’s slowing down’. But when I sparred him the last time it didn’t feel like that.

Denis Douglin after a sparring session with Mayweather

Douglin and Mayweather after a sparring session in December 2019
“It felt like a really good welterweight. I feel like he’s got stronger and faster than the last time we sparred before the Tenshin fight.
“Somehow he’s still improving. He’s a freak of nature.”
Mayweather’s decision to fight once more left Douglin far from shocked, having experienced first hand what he is capable of despite turning 44 the month he fights Paul.
And with the potential to still earn endless amounts of money by taking on stars of social media or the UFC, Mayweather will never allow himself to lose a step.
Douglin said: “He must be working, but nobody knows he’s working.
“The way we sparred, it was hard, you don’t do 30 minutes straight sparring at my level if you’re not in shape.
“We should all know Floyd’s not going to take anything without being in shape, he’s a true professional.”

Mayweather pictured training amid his comeback Credit: 100kthedon

Mayweather is still regularly in his Las Vegas gym Credit: @100kthedon

Logan Paul admits Floyd Mayweather fight makes ‘no sense’ More

IF size was all that mattered, Callum Smith would be the big favourite against Canelo Alverez.
The Brit defends his WBA (Super) and Ring Magazine super-middleweight titles against the Mexican in Texas early on Sunday morning and will be looking to shock the world.

Callum Smith towered over Canelo Alvarez during their first face-off on Tuesday night

Callum Smith will defend his WBA and Ring Magazine super-middleweight titles this weekendCredit: Reuters

Smith’s third defence of his 168lb belts will provide him with the toughest test of his professional career.
But the Scouser goes into the bout with significant height and reach advantages over the hard-hitting Mexican, which were evident for all to see in their first face-off on Tuesday night.
Smith, 30, towered over the stocky and powerful Canelo, who looked as if he should be competing in a different weight class.
And the difference in height between the pair soon became a major talking point on Twitter moments after their face-off.

One boxing fan tweeted: “The height difference is crazy. I’ll be rooting for Smith but I can see Canelo chopping him down with axing body shots as he did to Rocky Fielding.”
Another said: “That is quite a height difference. Canelo works well on the inside.
“But hopefully Smith’s jab is up to keeping him at bay and frustrating him – it may continue to be the month of the jab! Looking forward to it.”
One excited fan said: “I’ll be interested to see if Smith can use his height and reach but think Canelo will wear him down and stop him but height difference is huge.”

Despite being champion, Smith goes into his lucrative showdown with Canelo as a massive underdog.
The Liverpudlian is confident of causing a huge upset this weekend and is adamant he’s not taken the fight because of the lucrative payday that comes with it.
He told Ring TV: “Four weeks’ notice for the biggest fight possible isn’t ideal.
“However, given the times that we’re in, I kind of expected to get it at late notice. And I wasn’t sitting around doing nothing.

“If I’d been sitting around doing nothing and got four weeks’ notice, then I would have passed on it.
“I’m the champion and as long as I have those belts, I’m in a position to land the biggest fights possible.
“And I would still have been in a position to secure the Canelo fight. I would have seen the year out and tried to get it next year.
“I’ve taken this fight because I believe that I’m ready and I’m in good shape. I believe that I’ll be able to go in there and do what I do.”
Smith added: “I’m good enough to win the fight, I’m a winner, and I don’t take fights for a payday.
“I’m here to win, and if you’d seen me training over the last few weeks you’d know that I’m not just here to make up the numbers.” More

EDGAR BERLANGA is the ‘monster’ puncher who has won all 16 of his fights by FIRST ROUND knockout – and has celebrity backing.
The super-middleweight again made sure he did not make it into the second round in his last outing, stopping Ulises Sierra with 20 seconds to go.

Edgar Berlanga has won all 16 of his fights by FIRST ROUND knockoutCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Berlanga says he is a ‘monster’ puncherCredit: Getty Images – Getty

The 23-year-old has put the boxing world on notice thanks to his explosive powerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Berlanga insists there is no secret remedy to his gifted power – but has instead worked hard to build up a spiteful, killer instinct in the ring.
He told SunSport: “The secret is simple; it’s hard work, it’s nothing to it, just hard work. Discipline, dedication, not giving up.
“I did have power, but I didn’t know how to use it and utilise it as an amateur.
“I wasn’t dwelling on trying to hurt people and I didn’t have a killer instinct the way I do now.

“Now, I’m a grown man and my mindset is different, now I’m a monster, a killer now, from amateur to turning pro.
“You have to have it in you, and if you don’t there nothing you can do.
“And as I’ve got older I’ve learned to keep that killer mindset and that’s very important, all the greats, they had a killer instinct.”
Berlanga has put the boxing world on notice thanks to his explosive, heavy-hands and all-action style.

But the 23-year-old – who had a stellar 162-17 amateur record – is ready to show off his pure boxing skill – and hopefully for more than three minutes.
He said: “I’ve already proven I’ve got power, that I can knock people out in the first round, so now I feel like now is the time to shut everyone up and show that I can really box.
“I’ve shown them I can punch, I can really hurt anybody, so now it’s time to show boxing skill.
“It’s crazy because people really think I’m just a power puncher. But, when I really box, and I use my skill, it’s going to be crazy.
“Mark my words, it’s going to be insane and I’m ready for it. Next year is the time I tell people I can really box.”
Berlanga has won the approval of boxing legend Floyd Mayweather as well as A-listers like comedian Tracy Morgan and rappers Fat Joe and 50 Cent.
And he admits this kind of exposure is vital for an up and comer looking to break out as the next pay-per-view attraction.

Berlanga pictured with boxing legend Floyd Mayweather
Berlanga explained: “It helps build a brand. As a fighter if you want to make the big money you need that charisma, that marketability.
“I have what other fighters don’t have – big time celebrities helping push me.
“Yeah, I’m knocking everybody out in the first round but having those people in my corner is an extra push.”
Berlanga first met boxing fan Morgan – a former star of Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock – when the actor visited his gym in November 2019.
They then bonded further and have since formed a formidable connection.
So much so that Berlanga no longer considers Morgan a friend, but a mentor, who can help him deal with the new found fame and fortune rapidly coming his way.
The boxer revealed: “He got drawn into me.

Comedian and actor Tracy Morgan with Berlanga

Berlanga considers Morgan a mentor

Berlanga and Morgan met in November 2019
“I was just at Tracy Morgan’s mansion in New Jersey yesterday. I was just chilling, getting a massage, we ordered some pizza.
“It’s normal now with me and him, he’s my OG. He’s the guy I can call anytime of the day and he picks up.
“He tells me all the time my time is here. And I need to remain focussed.
“Having people like that as a mentor, not just a friend, he’s been through it. He’s seen it all.
“My father can’t really guide me in that direction because he’s never been at that point.
“Having people like that it’s much easier for me to understand what’s coming.”
The next move in Berlanga’s career, he hopes, is a step up in competition to prepare him for a world title challenge in 2022.

Berlanga performing push ups before his fight Credit: Mikey Williams

Legendary promoter Bob Arum congratulates BerlangaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
He is targeting experienced pair Gabriel Rosado and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr next year to test himself at the next level and provide valuable rounds.
And then all roads lead to a super-fight with Mexican icon Canelo Alvarez – which Berlanga believes would cap off a rise to superstardom.
He said: “My biggest fight will be with Canelo Alvarez. That is going to be something huge for the sport if I continue beating these guys up.
“That fight is going to be worth millions and millions of dollars, it’s huge.
“That’s the fight, that’s the goal. In two years that’s the fight to make happen.
“It’s just got to be at the right time, we’re not rushing it but we not it’s coming.
“I just want to be 100 per cent ready.” More