More stories

  • in

    Turki Alalshikh working on astonishing fight in ALCATRAZ prison and vows to hold bout inside Rome’s iconic Colosseum

    TURKI ALALSHIKH is working on bringing an incredible boxing card to Alcatraz Prison.The Saudi boxing chief wants WBO and Ring junior welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez to defend his belts at the infamous setting.Turki Alalshikh is targeting more ambitious boxing eventsCredit: GettyTeofimo Lopez could defend his belts on Alcatraz IslandCredit: Getty ImagesAlcatraz Island is situated around a mile offshore of San Francisco and housed an infamous prison between 1859 and 1963.The site is now home to a museum, but Alalshikh, 43, wants to bring world class championship boxing to the former prison site in June or July.Speaking to ESPN’s Mike Coppinger, he asked: “What do you think if there is [an] event, fight in Alcatraz jail one day?”According to The Ring, acquired by Alalshikh last year, a deal is close for Lopez to defend his belts on Alcatraz Island.READ MORE IN SPORTThe event would be part of a three-fight collaboration between Top Rank and The Ring, under the banner of the latter.An opponent has not yet been confirmed.Alcatraz held several high-profile inmates prior to being closed as a prison due to its high operating costs.These included infamous gangster Al Capone.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSLopez, 27, is set to defend his titles this summerCredit: GettyAlcatraz is not the only incredibly ambitious venue that Alalshikh is targeting.Among them are the Colosseum in Rome and even at ancient pyramids.Saudi boxing chiefs plan fights at outrageous venues including Eiffel Tower, Colosseum and inside infamous prisonSpeaking to ESPN, he added: “You know, sometimes I get in my mind I want different places to do [fights].”Sometimes in mountains, maybe someday in the Pyramids in Mexico, someday in [the] Eiffel Tower in France, [The] Colosseum in Italy.”You understand this concept?”Constructed nearly 2,000 years ago, the Colosseum hosted several Roman sports events, including gladiator games and wild animal hunts.In 2023 UFA chief Dana White attempted to stage an MMA bout between tech rivals Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk at the Colosseum, only for the match-up to fall through.The Mexican Pyramids, meanwhile, have hosted live music events but no sporting encounters to date.READ MORE SUN STORIESParis’ iconic Eiffel Tower, meanwhile, was the backdrop to the volleyball event at the 2024 Olympics last summer.Lopez last fought in June last year, when he defeated Steve Claggett via unanimous decision in Miami.The Eiffel Tower was the stunning backdrop to the Paris Olympics’ volleyball eventCredit: GettyThe Colosseum is nearly 2,000 years oldCredit: GettyAlalshikh could bring world class boxing to the Mexican PyramidsCredit: Alamy More

  • in

    Inside collapse of Jake Paul’s $200m fight with Canelo Alvarez as boxing legend thought bout was TOO BIG for Netflix

    JAKE PAUL was on the verge of a sensational deal to fight Canelo Alvarez – but it was KO’d after a dramatic turn of events overnight.The YouTuber-turned-boxer and Mexican great were poised to this week announce a shock May 3 bout in Las Vegas.Jake Paul was close to agreeing a fight with Canelo AlvarezCredit: GettyCanelo walked away from a deal to fight Jake PaulCredit: APBut Canelo walked away just days beforehand to instead sign a deal with Turki Alalshikh – Saudi Arabia’s powerful boxing powerbroker.It brought an end to one of the most remarkable 24 hours in boxing. A mega-fight even rival promoter Eddie Hearn claimed was worth $200MILLION went up in smoke following a five minute phone call. And SunSport is here to reveal exactly what transpired over three months of talks between the two camps.READ MORE IN BOXINGIt all started in December, one month after Paul beat Mike Tyson in their controversial clash on Netflix.Outrage surrounded the fight as Tyson returned at 58 for his first professionally-sanctioned bout in 20 YEARS.He had only faced Roy Jones Jr – aged 54 at the time – in an exhibition four years earlier – which was nothing more of a glorified sparring session.Nevertheless, over 100 MILLION tuned in on Netflix – causing the streaming service to collapse.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd over 70,000 fans turned up at the Dallas Cowboys’ stadium in Texas – banking £14.5m in ticket sales alone.This caught the attention of Canelo – who managed to generate £7.2m in the same stadium for his 2021 win over Billy Joe Saunders.Jake Paul brands Canelo Alvarez ‘an owned slave’ in social media rant after dramatic collapse of their $200m fight dealPaul and his team – looking to match the commercial success of their event with Iron Mike – reached out to Canelo’s camp for talks in December.Alvarez – managed by his trainer Eddy Reynoso – left negotiations in the hands of Al Haymon of Premier Boxing Champions.Canelo has worked with Oscar de la Hoya and Hearn previously but his last three bouts had been with PBC – and he wanted to keep it that way.Talks between the opposing camps progressed into January.And while a verbal agreement for Canelo to face Jake Paul in his next fight was struck – nothing had been officially signed.The bout would be at the 200lb cruiserweight limit with the T-Mobile Arena in Vegas already booked – targeted for Netflix – over 12 rounds.According to a social media post from Paul’s promotional partner Nakisa Bidarian – Canelo’s team initially suggested a 190lb catchweight contest.But Bidarian argued allowing Paul to fight at the 14st 4lb cruiserweight limit of 200lb would garner more public interest.’THIS WASN’T A COINCIDENCE’After all, size was the only thing on paper in the celebrity’s favour.Canelo – a champion in four weights from 154lb up to 175lb – has been called out by prankster-gone-prizefighter Paul since as early as 2021.But the ex-undisputed super-middleweight king always laughed it off as nothing more than nonsense from the former Disney Channel actor. That was until recently, when Canelo and his team began to open the door to the idea.This wasn’t a coincidence. There was a strategic plan in place for Canelo to begin publicly considering the idea of fighting Paul.That way fans would start to recognise that the previously impossible bout was no longer just a wild fantasy of Paul’s.By the new year it looked as though a deal was edging closer – all while Canelo travelled to London for a glitzy Ring Magazine event.CANELO’S CHANGE OF MIND In the midst of talks with Paul’s camp, Canelo was also looking to a September super-fight against unbeaten American Terence Crawford.Alalshikh – who purchased The Ring Magazine from De la Hoya – had proposed a three-bout deal with Canelo.But Alvarez’s regular Cinco de Mayo fight date – held over Mexico’s annual celebration in May – was yet to be finalised.Paul was to fill that space with Crawford taking the September date over Mexican Independence Weekend.Canelo later returned home from the capital having held talks with Alalshikh over the Crawford fight.And it seemed business with Paul and Alalshikh’s Riyadh Season was being dealt with separately – and would not interfere with each other.That was all about to change.By early February, Canelo and Paul were close to being able to announce the Sin City blockbuster.But then, Canelo had a sudden change of mind. He informed Paul’s team that he no longer wanted the bout on Netflix – he felt it was too big not to be on PPV.PBC are in their first year with Amazon Prime – who also have a box office platform.But Paul and his team stood firm. In their eyes the fight was only ever heading to Netflix.They had already conceded that Canelo would get A-side treatment.That included having his name first on the poster while walking to the ring and having his name announced after Paul. As discussions continued about the fight being on PPV or Netflix – Alalshikh entered the frame with an ultimatum.Either Canelo walks away from a deal with Paul or the Crawford fight – and any other subsequent follow up bouts – were off the table.WHAT HAPPENS NOW? Alalshikh felt Canelo – still 34 and with four more years planned in the sport – could take a novelty payday against Paul at a later stage.And he thought the fight – which most would deem farcical – only served to diminish the magnitude of Canelo versus Crawford.So Alalshikh phoned up Canelo – and claimed he needed just five minutes to complete one of boxing’s most dramatic U-turns.He offered a new bumper four-bout deal – starting on May 4 in Saudi – progressing into September against Crawford and then two fights in 2026.But Canelo would have to forfeit his clash with Paul – something that he appeared to do at the drop of a hat. It was quickly announced that Canelo was now fighting William Skull, 32, on the morning of Sunday May 4 in Riyadh. That would cater to prime-time Saturday night viewing in America.And it will be for the undisputed super-middleweight world titles – after Skull inherited the IBF version Canelo had to vacate.A win for Canelo also gives Crawford, 37, the chance to challenge for all four 168lb titles at the Las Vegas Raiders’ 65,000-seat stadium.READ MORE SUN STORIESPaul – beaten only by Tommy Fury in 2023 – meanwhile went back to the drawing board and is gearing up to announce his next opponent.But there is still hope talks with Canelo can be revisited – perhaps with the fight now bigger than ever after the fiasco that so publicly transpired. Turki Alalshikh with CaneloCredit: InstagramJake Paul in training for his next fightCredit: Instagram More

  • in

    Mark Weinman dead at 62: Boxer who amazingly came out of 21-year retirement aged 50 and WON fight dies

    BOXER Mark Weinman has died at the age of 62.The American star passed away in Mesa, Arizona, on Saturday, his brother has confirmed.Boxer Mark Weinman has passed awayWeinman died as a result of complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a respiratory illness he was diagnosed with over a decade ago.The boxer turned pro in the 1980s and won his first 11 fights before losing three straight bouts and stepping away from the ring.He then made a triumphant return in 2012 against then-32-year-old Elvis Martinez and won after 39 seconds.Weinman lost his following fight and subsequently hung up his gloves for good.READ MORE ON BOXINGHe finished with a professional record of 12-4 with 10 knockouts.His former promoter, Steve Tannenbaum, said he looked like a “world beater” in his early years.Tannenbaum revealed: “He was known in the gyms all around. I mean, he fought everybody.”He would beat everybody in the gyms. Just beat them up. He was that good.”Most read in BoxingWeinman was diagnosed with IPF around 12 years ago and was given three-to-five years to live. His brother, David, admitted: “He never stopped loving boxing.”He chased boxing to the end. Just the other day, he was talking about coming home and getting strong and maybe teaching some boxing classes when he was older. He never talked about dying.”He was going to live forever. He did not acknowledge — we never had a conversation about him dying.” More

  • in

    KSI breaks silence on controversial Wayne Bridge taunt and refuses to apologise to former Chelsea star

    KSI has broken his silence after his controversial taunt to Wayne Bridge before the collapse of their boxing bout. The YouTube sensation and former Premier League winner with Chelsea were set for a shock March 29 fight in Manchester. KSI has broken his silence after his controversial taunt to Wayne BridgeBut after announcing the pay-per-view clash in January – KSI brought up Bridge’s infamous feud with John Terry. Terry allegedly had an affair with Bridge’s ex-partner Vanessa Perroncel in 2009 – something both have always denied. And after KSI referenced the alleged affair – Bridge pulled out of the fight just days later. KSI explained that he was playing the bad-guy role to help sell PPVs – but fell short of apologising to Bridge. READ MORE IN BOXINGHe told Ariel Helwani: “When I’m on stage, I’m on there essentially as a character to, I dunno, I was just trying to create pay-per-view, create drama, create action.”I wanted him to hate me. I wanted him to instantly be like, ‘What? This guy. What is he doing? F*** this guy. I want to knock him out.'”I didn’t expect him to actually pull out completely. I was literally just trying to rile him up because I’ve had all types of things said to me, all types of things done to me.”I just know at the end of the day, I’ve met him before and I was pretty civil. There’s literally a YouTube video where I met him and we were chill.Most read in Boxing”No anger, no hate towards each other it was all bless. But then obviously, when I’m fighting you I’m going to do everything I can to get under your skin and I’m going to literally make this event.”I’m going to make this as big as possible and there are buttons I can press to get your riled up, I’m going to press them. That’s just it.”KSI announces Wayne Bridge replacement for Misfits Boxing after ex-Chelsea star pulled out over John Terry jibeBridge has an 18-year-old son with ex-Vanessa and withdraw himself from the fight with KSI to avoid any further verbal warfare. It came after KSI said: “Wayne Bridge, aren’t you the guy that let John Terry smash your ex? “That is what you are known for.”He then sung a crude chant about former model Vanessa – who has always denied ever having an affair with Bridge’s former team-mate Terry. KSI – returning for his eighth fight – revealed the fight was signed before Bridge pulled out. He said: “Everything was set ready to go. I was ready to fight, he was ready to fight but I dunno, I guess he wasn’t ready for the s*** talk.”KSI, 31, has not returned since suffering his first defeat in the boxing ring, losing a controversial decision to Tommy Fury, 25, in October 2023. When I’m on stage, I’m on there essentially as a character… I was just trying to create pay-per-view, create drama, create action.KSI He was due for a comeback fight last August until a hand injury ruled him out. And he will now fight 2-0 MMA star Dillon Danis, 31, who lost his boxing debut to Logan Paul, 29, last year. They were set to fight in January 2023 but Danis pulled out. And KSI claimed the jiu jitsu champion was a last resort after the likes of Jorge Masvidal, 40, were unable to accept the bout. He said: “Even with this fight, I know I’m not even allowed to say it but f*** it. Dillon Danis wasn’t even my fourth choice. READ MORE SUN STORIES”We went to Nate Diaz. He said no. We went to Donald Cerrone. He said no. We went to Tony Ferguson. He said no. These guys said no to me. “Even Masvidal — we went to Masvidal to fight. He can’t do it because of the UFC. Guys, we’ve been trying to find people to fight.”Dillon Danis will now fight KSICredit: Getty More

  • in

    Tyson Fury reveals new ‘full time’ job after shock retirement threw Anthony Joshua mega fight plans into chaos

    TYSON Fury has revealed his new “full-time” job after quitting boxing.The Gypsy King retired from the ring for a second time last month – which threw hopes of a Battle of Britain fight against AJ out of the window.Tyson Fury has revealed his new ‘full-time’ job after retiring from boxingCredit: ReutersTyson Fury revealed that he’s now training wife Paris full-timeCredit: InstagramFury announced the news in a bombshell Instagram post, saying: “Hey everybody, I am going to make it short and sweet. “I would like to announce my retirement from boxing. “It has been a blast and I have loved every single minute of it.”The 36-year-old hung up his gloves after a second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in December.Fury’s announcement has been met by scepticism in some quarters, given that he has hung up his gloves before, only to later return.READ MORE BOXINGBut Fury has seemingly doubled down on his exit after confirming his new role as wife Paris’ private personal trainer. He posted a picture of him and Paris on his Instagram story with the caption: “@Parisfury1 training her up now full-time”.Paris was happy enough to see her husband quit in 2022, with the couple raising seven kids together.And the news of her husband’s second retirement is said to have come as a “relief” to Paris, as she gets to spend more time with him.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMeanwhile, Fury has also been tipped to become a boxing promoter at some time in the future, too.His former promoter Frank Warren, 72, told Sky Sports: “I’d have no problem with him getting involved with us. We’d have a good run together!Tyson Fury and Paris enjoy romantic weekend away at luxury Trump hotel in Scotland as boxer enjoys retirement “He’s got a great brain and he’s very astute.I hope it’s not [goodbye] because he’s got a lot to give boxing outside the ring.”Giving his immediate reaction to SunSport, Warren revealed that he had not been expecting the retirement announcement.He said: “This is the first I’ve heard of it. I haven’t spoken to him today but God bless him.Fury had been tipped for an all-British fight against AJ.And the Watford-boxer’s promoter Eddie Hearn still believes that the fight could happen.He told iFL TV: “I saw that coming. I think, if you ever want to come back and get the max you’ve gotta retire first, ain’t you?READ MORE SUN STORIES”Someone’s gotta bring you out of retirement. So listen, if that’s the last we see of Tyson Fury, good luck to him.”I doubt it, personally, but whatever he chooses to do much respect to him.” More

  • in

    Derek Chisora lets slip Tyson Fury is coming out of retirement as he reveals 36-year-old’s fight plans

    DEREK CHISORA has claimed Tyson Fury is coming out of retirement for a blockbuster showdown with Anthony Joshua.Fury, 36, seemingly put the final nail in the coffin of the long-overdue Battle of Britain last month by announcing his fifth career retirement.Tyson Fury announced his fifth retirement from boxing last monthCredit: REUTERSFury called it quits again following back-to-back losses to Oleksandr UsykCredit: GETTYDerek Chisora has claimed Fury is coming out of retirement to fight Anthony JoshuaCredit: REXBoxing fans around the world, however, aren’t buying what the Gypsy King is selling, including former foe Chisora.When discussing his next opponent after his decision win over Otto Wallin last weekend, he told Sky Sports: “Who knows?””Right now AJ is healing himself after the defeat from Daniel Dubois. He’s not ready yet.”When he’s ready he’ll come back and I think he’ll come back – not to fight me but to fight the Gypsy King.READ MORE ON FURY”I’ll let the public decide [who next]. I’ll let you guys decide.”Fury, who was spotted ringside for cousin Walter’s decision win on the Chisora vs Wallin undercard, has remained tight-lipped on his future since his latest hanging up of the gloves.The former WBC heavyweight champion has been spending quality time with his family over the last few weeks and looks to be happy with his decision to call it quits.Promoter Frank Warren told BoxingScene: “I don’t speak to him on a regular basis because he’s spending time with his family.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSView of The Sun’s boxing expert: ‘I think it’s a ploy’By Wally Downes JrCALL ME a miserable fat little boxing cynic, but Tyson Fury’s latest retirement just doesn’t wash with me.It wasn’t too long ago we were hearing he had a ten-fight deal with Saudi Arabia, that he was gonna fight Anthony Joshua twice, then he was going to face Joseph Parker twice.He was planning on doing every fight in the world – there was even talk he’d rematch Francis Ngannou and do a better job.IF he has retired, then he goes out with an incredible career having made over £300million in boxing events alone, let alone all the extra stuff.He does so having sacrificed bundles of his own life for such success.We know his wife Paris suffered a miscarriage going into the first Olesandr Usyk fight.We know for Deontay Wilder III, his little girl was put in intensive care, he barely even trained for that fight, he was sleeping on the hospital floor.IF he has retired, IF it is genuine, then it’s been an incredible career.And for the big showman, it’s probably a nice little short sharp way to go out by just posting a video while sat inside his car.But I can’t help but think that it’s a bit of a ploy to drive AJ a little bit crazy.AJ was at the Ring Awards the other day and put out a social media post saying “Fury, where are you? I’m looking for you.”It’s the only fight that AJ wants, and Fury being wise and looking at the Floyd Mayweather playbook, knows that once you retire, you have to be coaxed out of retirement.And how do you coax someone out of retirement? Loads more readies.The fact of the matter is, Fury has always told us: I’m a prize fighter, I do it for money, I’m gonna do it for as long as I can and make as much money as I can.So the idea that he suddenly ducks out now doesn’t seem to ring quite true.As Fury made the announcement, I was with Frank Warren and he said hadn’t spoken to Tyson about it today, but that he hopes that it’s true, that Fury’s done enough and made enough money.IF it’s true, then what an incredible career.Fury and AJ have put British boxing on the map where it’s not been for decades, not since Lennox Lewis 25 years ago.So thank you, but rather than being at his leaving party, which I’m sure The Sun would be invited to, I suspect we’ll see him boxing AJ in Riyadh in a few months. “He had nearly a year in training camp with a fight. One camp, very late into the camp, fell apart because of his cut eye.”He got back in camp again for the Usyk fight. Then he had another camp for it [the rematch].Tyson Fury and Paris enjoy romantic weekend away at luxury Trump hotel in Scotland as boxer enjoys retirement “Last year was a lot of sacrifice for him, not seeing his family, his wife and kids and so forth. He’s making up for it now.”He’s retired, and I’m just looking forward to him being happy.”That’s all I want to do, is see him being happy. He’s retired and God bless him.”Fury brought the curtain down on his career following consecutive defeats to former pound-for-pound king Oleksandr Usyk.Tyson Fury is seemingly enjoying his retirementCredit: NSTAGRAM More

  • in

    ‘I can’t match that’ – Mike Tyson doesn’t hesitate when asked who was most powerful puncher in boxing

    MIKE TYSON is regarded by many to be one of the most ferocious punchers of all time.But the boxing legend humbly admits he’s NOT the hardest hitter to have graced the heavyweight division.Mike Tyson is viewed by many to be the hardest puncher in boxing historyCredit: GETTYIron Mike knocked out all but two of his opponents on his way to winning the WBC strap in 1986Credit: GETTYBut the boxing legend insists he’s not the hardest puncher the sport has ever seenCredit: AFPIron Mike knocked out all but two of his 28 opponents during his incredible run to the WBC heavyweight title in 1986, which he won at the tender age of 20.The power he displayed in his destructive highlight reel gave his diehard fans hope he could knock out Jake Paul in his ring return last November.Tyson has long taken great pride in his crushing body of work but is adamant the power he showcased paled in comparison to one of his predecessors.When asked to name the hardest-hitting heavyweight ever, he told Fight Camp: “[It’s George Foreman].READ MORE ON MIKE TYSON”I can’t match somebody’s power who’s that big and that much man.”Only thing that allowed me to be exciting was that I did it faster than the other guys.”Foreman stopped all but one of his 38 opponents on his way to winning the unified heavyweight titles against Joe Frazier in 1973.The Olympic gold medallist was renowned for decimating his opponents with ferocious hooks, particularly to the body, after putting them on the back foot.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMike Tyson believes George Foreman is the heaviest hitter in boxing historyCredit: GETTYFormer heavyweight champ Foreman packed a nasty wallopCredit: GETTYThat strategy, however, failed him in October 1974 when fought Muhammad Ali in the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’, which he lost via an eighth-round TKO.Like Foreman, power came naturally to Tyson – who still, to this day, is the youngest heavyweight champion in history.’I’m kind of depressed a little’ – Boxing legend Mike Tyson’s alarming confession one month on from Jack Paul fightBut the 58-year-old insists: “Nothing about me was natural.”Only my desire to win was natural, I had a great teacher.”Only you can do that. You’re born with it but somebody has to elicit that.”Tyson suffered a unanimous decision defeat in his controversial crossover clash with Paul last November.He refused to rule out the prospect of lacing up his gloves again but was quickly OVERRULED by his wife, Lakiha. More

  • in

    Jeremy Clarkson intervenes to save struggling Tony Bellew from first question on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire

    TONY BELLEW was on the verge of being KO’d by the £100 question on Who Wants to Be Millionaire before Jeremy Clarkson’s intervention.The former WBC cruiserweight champion was a recent contestant on the celebrity version of the quiz game, which he appeared on for charity.Retired boxer Tony Bellew recently appeared on Who Wants to Be a MillionaireCredit: ITVThe former WBC cruiserweight champion struggled to answer the £100 questionCredit: ITVHost Jeremy Clarkson had to spoonfed Bellew the answerCredit: ITV’The Bomber’ ended up walking away with £64,000 for a children’s charity, although he would’ve left for nothing had it not been for the intervention of host Clarkson.Bellew, 42, was left bamboozled by the incredibly easy opening question.Clarkson asked the Liverpudlian: “Which of these is a term meaning to socialise with other people, especially those who are deemed important? “Digestive, Shortbread, Ginger Nut or Hobnob.”READ MORE BOXING NEWS”A perplexed Bellew replied: “I’m not going to lie, I’ve never heard of this phrase before.”Clarkson eventually ensured the retired boxer wouldn’t be leaving the show penniless by muttering “hobnob” under his breath.Viewers back home couldn’t quite believe Bellew’s struggle to answer the question. One wrote on X: “Getting the impression that Tony Bellew isn’t a fan of hobnobs.”Most read in BoxingTony Bellew retired from boxing in November 2018Credit: GETTYAnother said: “Tony Bellew on Who Wants to be a Millionaire struggling on the £100 question.”Bellew answered ten questions correctly before cashing out £64k for the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.Former world champion Tony Bellew escorted out after gatecashing Jake Paul’s press conferenceThe former fan favourite was hailed for his incredible haul, with one viewer writing: “Absolutely brilliant Tony Bellew.”Another said: “The joy of Tony Bellew was something to behold.”And another said: “Well that was a fight and a half!”One remarked: Well done to Tony Bellew, that was hard if not entertaining work.”Another chimed in: “Well done Tony Bellew – he’s played it well.”Bellew retired from professional boxing in November 2018, just 12 days after suffering a brutal eighth-round KO loss to Oleksandr Usyk. More