Boxing

EDDIE HEARN has continued his war of words with Kell Brook by telling him to ‘stop talking b****cks’ ahead of his fight with Terence Crawford.
The boxing promoter used to be close with Special K before the Sheffield-born star left his Matchroom stable.

Eddie Hearn has continued his war of words with Kell BrookCredit: Sportsfile

Special K is preparing to face Terence Crawford on November 14Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

He has now joined Bob Arum’s Top Rank, a competitor of Hearn’s company, and is preparing to face pound-for-pound king Crawford on November 14.
That showdown will be on Premier Sport instead of Sky Sports, whom Matchroom have an agreement with.
Brook boxed on Sky for most of his career, and even though he has now signed for Arum, he recently revealed his disappointment Hearn failed to get a deal done for it to be shown on Sky.
The 34-year-old said: “I’ve always been a Sky Sports fighter, been in with Shawn Porter, Errol Spence, Golovkin. I’ve made some amazing nights with Sky Sports.

“The fans, I wanna give back to people that subscribe to Sky Sports, I want my fans to see me fight the pound-for-pound king in Crawford.
“But it’s not come off the way I wanted it to come off so I’m absolutely gutted.”
He also claimed he got Hearn ‘out of jail’ by fighting Triple G in 2016 as the promoter was ‘more interested’ in signing copies of his soon-to-be released book.
However, Hearn has come out swinging in an interview with iFL TV, saying: “I was really disappointed to be honest with you, and I was quite angry.

“I will say this because I do feel like 99 per cent of what was said was total b****cks. I do feel like I should give you the truth. 
“Let’s just start with the Crawford fight and Sky situation – When Amir Khan boxed Terence Crawford, Kell Brook flew out there and he was talking to Top Rank.

How the fighters compare

“He had meetings with Top Rank probably about that fight and probably about other fights as well which didn’t go down very well with me to be honest with you. I’m an all or nothing kind of guy.
“I was never involved with one conversation they had with Top Rank regarding this fight, no consultation, no opinion from me, no part of the negotiations of the deal whatsoever.
“They chose to do this to all them. Was that because they didn’t wanna pay me? Or they wanted to go their separate way?
“Once you turn your back on me, don’t ever turn round and start walking back to me. You’re either with me or you’re not.”
That was not all, as Hearn continued venting his fury by giving examples of the total loyalty he has shown Brook in the past.

The fight will be shown on Premier Sport
He said: “If you’re with me, I will give you everything as I have done for that young man for eight years.
“When I talk about loyalty, I talk about sitting in the hospital with him when he spunked the weight and didn’t even train for Carson Jones. Sitting in that hospital with him until five, six o’clock in the morning.
“Talking about flying out to Fuerteventura at 4 o’clock in the morning to go and deal with him and be with him in the hospital with the police there.
“I’ve been up to his house dozens of times, sat in his kitchen with him and his dad, and tried to get his career back on track.
“So don’t talk to me about loyalty. And what your loyalty is – after I had to give you fights against Jo Jo Dan, Kevin Bizier, Sergey Rabchenko, Michael Zerafa, Mark DeLuca, fights that I’ve done my conkers on over the years – you made the decision to turn your back on me.”
Hearn added: “I don’t have a problem with that, but once you do that, you’re gone, I don’t have to fight for you any more.
“Don’t come back when things ain’t working out and that’s what they did. They chose to have me not involved in this fight and when they couldn’t sell it to a UK partner, they come to me, ‘Oh I really wanted it on Sky for the fans’.
“Don’t talk b****cks. You wanted the most money you could get. This is the reality.”

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KELL BROOK will attempt the impossible once again by challenging unbeaten Terence Crawford.
Brook raised eyebrows in 2016 when he stepped up to middleweight to face Gennady Golovkin before moving back down to welterweight a year after to fight Errol Spence Jr.

He lost both times, despite drawing up early success, and will dare to be great once more by boxing Crawford on November 14 in Las Vegas.
While it could be Brook’s last chance saloon, Crawford is looking to break out as the sport’s pound-for-pound No1.
Here SunSport takes a look at the pair ahead of their crossroads clash next month.
Terence Crawford
Crawford fought 70 times as an amateur, but turned pro in 2008 after losing out on a spot to represent America in Beijing.

He would go on an unbeaten but unrecognised run in America – until Timothy Bradley helped elevate his career.
Bradley knew Crawford’s ability was too great to go under the radar and helped his sparring partner get a deal with Bob Arum’s Top Rank.
Crawford then won the lightweight title in 2014, beating Scot Ricky Burns, before moving up in weight.
He became light-welterweight champion in 2015 and within two years won all four belts to become undisputed.

Terence Crawford reigned as undisputed champion at light-welterweight Credit: AP:Associated Press
Crawford next moved up to welterweight to challenge Jeff Horn – who had just beaten Manny Pacquiao – in a fight he won in nine rounds.
The 33-year-old has made three defences of the WBO belt, including a stoppage over Brook’s old rival Amir Khan.
Crawford is one of the best switch-hitters in boxing, equally as comfortable in both southpaw and orthodox, depending on who he is fighting.
The three-weight champion also has excellent timing in his punches to control range as well as a slick defence.
His 27 knockouts in 36 fights also proves he carries power in his hands, which Crawford has taken from lightweight to welterweight.

Crawford beat Kell Brook’s rival Amir Khan in 2019 Credit: AP:Associated Press
Kell Brook
Brook grew up under the guidance of Brendan Ingle at his iconic Wincobank gym in Sheffield, where Prince Naseem Hamed trained.
The welterweight debuted in 2004 and would go on to win the British belt while building his run up to a world title shot.
After climbing the IBF ranks, in 2014 he travelled to America where he dethroned Shawn Porter in a narrow majority decision verdict.
Brook made three defences of his titles – without facing a star challenger – before making the shock move up to middleweight.
Golovkin would beat the Brit in five rounds, and despite calls to move to super-welter, Brook boiled back down to welterweight to defend his title.

Brook won the IBF welterweight title against Shawn Porter in 2014 Credit: Getty Images – Getty
He made a good start against Spence, but the American would come on strong late to stop the fight in round 11.
Brook has since fought at super-welterweight, winning three straight as his career looked to be at a standstill.
His move back to 147lb marks the opportunity he has been waiting for, following failed talks to face Khan.
It remains to be seen whether Brook still carries his trademark power, and if he still has the miles on the clock to stand with Crawford.
But with one more crack to turn his fortunes around, the 34-year-old must hope this is his chance to roll back the clock.

Brook was beaten by Errol Spence Jr in 2017Credit: Reuters
Fight outcome
Crawford can be expected to start cautiously as he figures out his range and tries to work out Brook’s timing.
Brook is also a fighter who likes to build a rhythm, behind a solid jab, but going in as underdog he may look to make an early statement and come out fast.
Crawford was able to quickly suss out Khan in New York, cutting off angles and firing in combinations.
Brook may be able to withstand the attacks early on due to his size, but Crawford is a ruthless finisher, especially later on when his opponents tire.
And Brook failed to maintain the early lead he built up against GGG and then Spence, as he slowed down under pressure both times.
Despite Crawford stopping Khan in six rounds, he may get taken into the second half of the contest – where he has his finished his last four fights.
A stoppage around the later stages for Crawford can be expected, and not because of Brook’s shortcoming.
But he is facing a fresher, unbeaten P4P contender, who has gone far less rounds and spent four less years in the sport, despite being a year younger.

Kell Brook shows speed, power and timing in training for Crawford fight More

OLEKSANDR USYK favours a fight with Anthony Joshua over Tyson Fury, but warned: “They can’t get away from me anyway.”
Unified heavyweight title holder AJ and WBC king Fury have already verbally agreed a two-fight deal for next year.

Oleksandr Usyk would prefer a fight with Anthony Joshua over Tyson FuryCredit: BOXRAW

Usyk is confident he wil face Fury and Joshua in his careerCredit: BOXRAW

Usyk preparing for his heavyweight headliner against Dereck Chisora Credit: BOXRAW

It could delay any hope of Usyk – Joshua’s WBO mandatory challenger – challenging for the world title.
But the masterful Ukrainian is happy to either wait for the outcome of AJ and Fury’s potential double header or challenge for the vacant belt.
The 33-year-old is adamant that regardless, he will fight the pair – but prefers to face WBA, IBF and WBO champ Joshua, as he has more to offer.
Usyk told SunSport: “I am not worried about it at all. I will be waiting as long as heaven needs.

“They can fight as much as they would like to, but let AJ vacate the belt. They can’t get away from me anyway.
“I would choose Anthony Joshua because he has got more belts. I desire to become the absolute world heavyweight champion.”
Usyk, who reigned as the undisputed cruiserweight king, will fight for the second time at heavyweight when he travels to London this Saturday to headline against Dereck Chisora.
The BOXRAW sponsored star – who won gold at the 2012 Olympics – beat Chazz Witherspoon in round seven of his heavyweight debut in October 2019.

The Ukrainian reigned as undisputed cruiserweight king Credit: BOXRAW

Usyk pictured sparring ahead of his ring return Credit: BOXRAW

Usyk will fight in the heavyweight division for the second time Credit: BOXRAW

Usyk, 17-0 as a pro, had just vacated the cruiserweight titles off the back of a knockout win against Chisora’s old friend Tony Bellew in Manchester a year prior.
He will hope for an equally triumphant result when he returns to the UK, but insisted he is feeling no pressure to match his KO performance.
Usyk explained: “I do not aim to knock out when I get into the ring.
“A knockout is something that walks by itself like an uninvited guest.
“Anything can happen not only at heavyweight but in boxing.”
Usyk tipped the scales at 15.3 stone against Witherspoon, only 13lb heavier than before beating Bellew.

Usyk beat Tony Bellew in the UK in 2018Credit: BOXRAW

The southpaw star is the WBO No1 ranked heavyweight challengerCredit: BOXRAW

Usyk is unbeaten in his 17 pro fights Credit: BOXRAW
The weight deficiency between cruiserweight and heavyweight has led to the WBC working on another division between the two.
And Usyk is open to starring in the new weight class, which would be the 18th in boxing.
He said: “That is great. Yes, I will be interested.”
When Usyk sent Bellew crashing to the canvas with a left hook two years ago, he fulfilled the prediction made by his friend and countryman Vasiliy Lomachenko.
Lomachenko would go on to win unified lightweight titles as well as rising to boxing’s pound-for-pound No1.
But the 32-year-old’s cloak of invincibility was suddenly gone after Teofimo Lopez stunned the three-weight champion.

Usyk is open to the fighting in the WBC’s new weight class proposal Credit: BOXRAW

Usyk’s goal is to become heavyweight world champion Credit: BOXRAW

Usyk won gold at the London 2012 Olympic Games Credit: BOXRAW
Lopez, 23, put on a masterclass earlier this month, much to the disbelief of doubters, and emerged as America’s next breakout star.
But Lomachenko then revealed he suffered a shoulder injury during training, and ignored calls from his father and trainer Anatoly to pull out.
His team later released footage and pictures of the double Olympic gold medalist receiving an operation.
Lomachenko did not have a rematch clause in his contract, but Usyk has backed his pal to enact revenge on Lopez and bounce back.
He said: “Vasiliy is a great champion and for me he is still the grand champion.
“He will definitely bounce back and he will get a rematch.”

Teofimo Lopez stunned Vasiliy Lomachenko Credit: Handout – Getty

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MIKE TYSON hailed Jake Paul’s boxing ability and said ‘It looks like he can fight’.
The YouTuber – who won his pro debut in January – faces ex-NBA star Nate Robinson on November 28.

Mike Tyson makes his boxing return on November 28Credit: Instagram

Jake Paul fights on Tyson’s undercard Credit: Getty Images – Getty

It will feature as the co-headliner for 54-year-old Tyson’s comeback fight against Roy Jones Jr, 51.
And Iron Mike has been left impressed by YouTuber Paul’s technique on the pads.
Tyson told Steve-O’s Wild Ride!: “Listen, Jake Paul, the white dude right? He looks really good on the mitts.
“I don’t know how he’s going to do in the ring, but on the mitts he looks like he can fight.”

Paul beat internet rival ‘AnEsonGib’ in the first round this year, and wanted to fight KSI – real name Olajide William Olatunji.
KSI, 27, beat the American’s brother Logan, 25, by split-decision last November.
Tyson took notice of the YouTuber’s crossing over to boxing and was left shocked by their eagerness to fight so publicly despite their lack of experience.

He said: “They got balls.
“They have balls and to never really do it, and do it in front of a bunch of people and everybody’s watching, forget if there’s crowds in there or not, that takes balls.
“That freaks me out, because this is something we do as a living, this is something people avoid their whole lives.
“To go in there and wanna do it when you’ve never done it – this s***’s crazy. This is crazy, it’s really exciting, it’s really, really exciting.” More

BOXING legend Floyd Mayweather says 50 Cent fell out with him because he wouldn’t ‘give him half of his company’.
The two global megastars have been at loggerheads since 2012, having previously been great friends.

50 Cent and Floyd Mayweather used to be the best of friends – before things turned sourCredit: Getty – Contributor

Mayweather has previously said the fall-out was down to business disagreements.
But speaking to the Champside podcast, the retired undefeated boxer elaborated on some of the finer details.
Talking about his former friend, the 43-year-old said: “You can’t hang out with me every day for years then all of a sudden if I don’t give you half of my company you’re like ‘you’re dumb, you’re stupid, you can’t do this and you can’t do that’.
“But if I can’t do all these things, why are you hanging around with me? That’s all I’m trying to add.

“If I’m such a person that doesn’t know certain things, and I’m not that sharp, why you want to be around with me every day.”
In February this year rapper 50 Cent claimed Mayweather needed to return to boxing as he had “run out of money”.
Mayweather officially walked away from the ring in 2017 after beating UFC star Conor McGregor in a lucrative crossover bout.
50 Cent – real name Curtis Jackson – told Hot 97: “I think he got to right now because the money’s gone.

Floyd Mayweather seemed a little confused as to why 50 Cent fell out with himCredit: YouTube CHAMPSIDE

“It’s fight, get the money, spend the money, fight.
“With the lifestyle that money’s gone. Trust me. Now it’s like if you call him he’ll be at your local nightclub because he needs that action right now.”
Mayweather’s spending habits are notorious.
He has a car collection worth millions that includes FOUR Rolls Royces and two Bugattis – both worth in excess of £1m each.
Money also loves his bling and reportedly spent just under £1m on a diamond encrusted Hublot watch during a shopping trip in Dubai.
And in his own typical style, Mayweather explained that he is living the most comfortable of lives.

He added: “My thing is this. This is the truth.
“Right now today, I could sit in my house and do nothing for the rest of my life and I would still collect money every week until the casket closed.”
50 Cent was once a valued member of Mayweather’s circle with the pair inseparable.
But their recent online feud traces back to 2012, when Mayweather was released from prison.
Jackson claimed he was owed money by the boxer having taken care of the fighter’s promotional banner.
Despite the back and forths between the two, Mayweather said the beef was totally random and he never put a foot wrong with the American artist.

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