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      ‘These men are actual giants’, says Jake Paul as he reveals prediction for Francis Ngannou vs Renan Ferreira

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      JAKE PAUL felt dwarfed after facing off the gigantic duo of Francis Ngannou and Renan Ferreira. Ngannou makes his MMA return on Saturday in Saudi Arabia against 6ft 8in Brazilian Ferreira.Francis Ngannou, Jake Paul and Renan Ferreira during the face offAnd two months ago, Paul was tasked with getting in between the two humongous men to square them off.It marks Ngannou’s first fight back in MMA in over two years following a stint in the boxing ring.And Paul believes the former UFC champion and now Professional Fighters League star return to the cage with a vengeance.He said after facing the two off: “Battle of the Giants is very, very real. These men are actual giants. READ MORE IN MMA”And if they were to have started fighting, I wouldn’t have been able to do anything. But, I was there, I was doing my best. “I had some form, but they’re very strong… I just think Francis just has so much to prove here that he’s going to rise to the occasion. “With a taller man and as strong as Francis is with his solid base I just think he’s going to be able to clip Ferreira at some point.” Ngannou, 38, put his MMA career on hold to cross over to the boxing ring to first face Tyson Fury, 36.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd he sensationally dropped the former world heavyweight champ before losing a controversial split-decision.Ngannou then faced Anthony Joshua, 34, in March but was brutally knocked out in two rounds. Francis Ngannou’s first fight since tragic death of his son Kobe announced with MMA star to take on giant 6ft 8in rivalA month later, he endured personal heartbreak when his 15-month-old son Kobe tragically died. His fight with Ferreira, 34, not only marks his first with the PFL but also since he lost his baby boy and decided against retirement. Ngannou said: “I didn’t want to do anything but I just realised it was just my pain speaking. My rationality would not allow things like that. “And also for the reason why I was deciding to retire wasn’t the best reason. “I think I should use it as motivation and make something beautiful out of it.” More

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      Puzzled fans say ‘this is so random’ as snooker royalty spotted ringside for Beterbiev vs Bivol

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      RONNIE O’SULLIVAN couldn’t get enough as Artur Beterbiev edged out Dmitry Bivol for undisputed light-heavyweight glory.Boxing fan O’Sullivan was seated ringside as Bivol suffered a tight and contentious loss to his Russian counterpart Beterbiev by a majority decision.Ronnie O’Sullivan was sat ringside for Beterbiev’s controversial win over BivolO’Sullivan is an ambassador for Saudi Arabian snookerFans were left stunned at the result as many thought Bivol had done enough to retain his WBC, IBF and WBO belts.Yet the judges scored the bout 114-114, 115-113 and 116-12 in Beterbiev’s favour.Bivol’s promoter Eddie Hearn labelled the decision “absolutely disgusting” and viewers called it a “robbery”.But O’Sullivan, 48, was one person who enjoyed the fight in the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.READ MORE BOXING NEWSThe seven-time world snooker champ posted a close-up from his ringside seat with the caption: “What a fight!!!!”And fans were left stunned by his involvement, with one writing: “Ronnie O’Sullivan being there is so random😂.”While another said: “What is O’Sullivan doing ringside?”A third wrote: “I did not expect to see Ronnie O’Sullivan there… so random.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother replied: “The Rocket is in the house!”While another added: “From Ronnie O’Sullivan to Medvedev at the Beterbiev vs Bivol fight, who would have thought.”Ronnie O’Sullivan explains heartwarming reason behind snooker walk-on song and says he used to play it on repeatBut fans shouldn’t be that surprised as O’Sullivan agreed to become an ambassador for Saudi Arabian snooker in April.He penned terms on a three-year deal with the Gulf State and will commit to playing in all World Snooker Tour (WST) events in Saudi Arabia.The Rocket lost 6-4 to Si Jiahui at the quarter-final stage of the inaugural Saudi Arabia Masters in Riyadh last month and has backed the venue as “one of the world’s best”.Meanwhile, O’Sullivan wasn’t the only random sporting star in attendance.Neymar appeared in the ring after Chris Eubank Jr to retain his IBO middleweight titleFootball star Neymar, who plays for Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, was pictured in the ring after Chris Eubank Jr’s seventh-round KO win over Kamil Szeremeta.The former Paris-Saint Germain and Barcelona star was caught in-between Eubank’s face off with Conor Benn to the confusion of fans.Tennis star Danil Medvedev, who was beaten by Jannik Sinner in the quarter-finals of the US Open last month, was also spotted in the crowd.READ MORE SUN STORIESAll surely witnessed Frazer Clarke’s brutal first-round knockout at the hands of Fabio Wardley in their rematch.Clarke will undergo an operation to repair his jaw and cheekbone. More

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      Sky Sports presenter Anna Woolhouse stuns in see-through outfit for Beterbiev vs Bivol leaving other sports hosts in awe

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      SKY SPORTS presenter Anna Woolhouse stunned in a see-through outfit to leave her co-host in awe.The popular TV star fronted Sky Sport’s coverage of Artur Beterbiev’s controversial win over Dimitry Bivol on Saturday night.Anna Woolhouse stunned in a see-through outfit on SaturdayCredit: Instagram @woolyanna1She led Sky Sport’s coverage of Artur Beterbiev vs Dimitry BivolCredit: Instagram @woolyanna1The two boxing giants clashed in an incredible light-heavyweight unifier, with both putting their unbeaten records on the line.Bivol looked set to claim victory after producing a masterclass in the Saudi Arabian ring.But with the result going to points, Beterbiev was surprisingly crowned the winner.Fans had plenty to say about the strange decision, with one judge even putting Beterbiev FOUR rounds ahead.READ MORE IN BOXINGBut viewers at home were still left delighted with Woolhouse’s coverage of the big night.A regular on the screen for boxing, Woolhouse dressed in a stunning see-through black outfit.She completed her look with trademark glasses and heels.And Woolhouse, who also hosts Sky’s darts events, had plenty of admirers on social media.Most read in BoxingOne even came in the form of fellow Sky Sports star Natalie Pinkham.The F1 host gushed: “You, Ms Woolhouse, are the best.”Sky Sports Darts host Anna Woolhouse delights fans as she stuns in bold outfit and reveals when she’ll return to screensNatalie Pinkham was among Woolhouse’s host of admirersCredit: GettyPinkham heads up Sky Sports’ F1 coverageCredit: instagram @natalie_pinkhamAnother fan declared: “Absolutely stunning.”One said: “Doesn’t get better than this.”Another noted: “You look amazing.”One added: “Looking wonderful Anna.”Take a look at more of Anna Woolhouse’s glamorous life as a Sky Sports star…Anna Woolhouse is a Sky Sports superstarCredit: Instagram @woolyanna1She regularly fronts their boxing showsCredit: Instagram @woolyanna1She also takes charge of their darts actionCredit: Instagram @woolyanna1The ace has become a fan favouriteCredit: Instagram @woolyanna1She is regularly seen on screensCredit: GettyShe has a host of admirers around the worldCredit: Instagram @woolyanna1 More

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      Fabio Wardley’s brutal punch that dented Frazer Clarke’s forehead was like a KO with a BRICK, says BBBofC chief medic

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      THE punch that left Frazer Clarke with a grotesque broken cheekbone was similar to being KO’d with a BRICK.Clarke, 33, underwent successful surgery after Saturday’s British and Commonwealth heavyweight title rematch with Fabio Wardley, 29, ended in a brutal first-round knockout in Saudi Arabia.Frazer Clarke was left with a dent in his head after his fight with Fabio WardleyThe injury has been compared to being hit by a brickWardley won the bout by knockoutCredit: GettyClarke’s jaw appeared misshapen, with a large dent in his cheek, after Wardley’s shuddering right-hander finished the fight in just 2 mins 28 secs.The British Boxing Board of Control’s chief medical officer, Neil Scott, insisted that the injury that he suffered was similar to that of being hit by a brick.He revealed: “I’m a maxillofacial surgeon in the NHS and, typically, those kind of injuries are caused by bricks.”With the size of the glove it’s not something we see in boxing.READ MORE BOXING NEWS”It must be a tremendous amount of power to do that.”Clarke’s promoter, Ben Shalom, revealed that the boxer is recovering well after undergoing surgery.He added: “Frazer successfully underwent minor surgery.”He’s feeling well and rested and will head back to the UK this evening to further recover with his family.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWardley spoke to the media after the fight and insisted that he followed a “gameplan”.He said: “I know that once I hurt someone, I can get rid of them.Fabio Wardley swaps jobs and holds pads for heavyweight trainer in Frazer Clarke rrmatch training session”I had a few issues for the first fight but I got rid of them, had a gameplan and executed it.”I learned enough from the first fight to know I had enough to beat him properly. “I can’t help it, it’s my name; War by name War by nature.”I want belts and titles next, these domestic ones are great but I want the ones that have ‘world’ written on them.”Wardley now races on to be considered a serious world title contender when the belts are carved up after the December 21 rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury. More

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      Beterbiev vs Bivol punch stats revealed as Turki Alalshikh says controversial judges’ decision was ‘not fair’

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      ARTUR BETERBIEV beat Dmitry Bivol via a controversial majority decision last night.The hulking 39-year-old claimed Bivol’s WBC, IBF and WBO belts to become undisputed light heavyweight champion.Artur Beterbiev beat Dmitry Bivol in a controversial decisionCredit: GettyThe punch stats have been revealedThe result has since been hotly contested, with “disgusted” promoter Eddie Hearn labelling the judges’ scorecards an “absolute joke”.One judge scored the contest a 114-114 draw, while the other two had it 115-113 and 116-112 in favour of Beterbiev.Punch stats compiled by CompuBox, however, show just how close many of the rounds were.In eight of the 12 rounds, the pair were separated by four or fewer punches landed.READ MORE IN SPORTWhile Beterbiev threw a far greater volume of shots, Bivol was more accurate over the course of the 12 rounds.Beterbiev landed 137 of 682 punches thrown, at an accuracy of 20 per cent.Bivol, meanwhile, landed 141 of 417 shots attempted, giving him a 34 per cent accuracy.Among those to criticise the final result was Saudi supremo Turki Alalshikh.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe judges’ scorecards have caused plenty of controversyAfter the bout, he vowed to put on a rematch, telling DAZN: “This was one of the great fights of the last 20 years I think, but I don’t think the result was fair, in my opinion.”The two fighters are like my brothers, but I think Bivol won two rounds more. I will focus and I will try to do the rematch.I sparred Artur Beterbiev and it’s by far the worst thing I’ve experienced in life “If they accept, we will do it.”Even Queensberry promoter Frank Warren agreed with his Matchroom rival Hearn that the scorecards weren’t right.He said: “I gave it to Bivol by a couple of rounds. That score of 8-4 is beyond ridiculous. Everyone around that ring thought Bivol had won it by at least two rounds.”There should be a rematch because it was such a quality fight. Brilliant skills in there by Bivol, his jab was superb. Artur the last couple of rounds was told it was sink or swim.”The score 8-4 was a joke. It’s terrible when you get a fight like that and it ends in controversy.”Frank Warren and Turki Alalshikh have both commented on the decisionCredit: Reuters More

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      Ben Whittaker punches HOLE in the wall following controversial end to fight after leaving ring in wheelchair

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      BEN WHITTAKER punched a hole in the wall after a controversial ending to his fight with Liam Cameron.The boxer was taken to hospital after bizarrely falling out of the ring over the top rope along with his opponent in the fifth round.Ben Whittaker punched a hole in the wall after his fightThe fighter fell out of the ring as a result of a tussle with Liam CameronCredit: GettyWhittaker later left the venue in a wheelchairCredit: CHRIS DEANHe injured his right leg as a result of the fallCredit: GettyThe boxer appeared to be in a lot of pain but his opponent was unscathedCredit: GettyWhittaker was escorted out of the venue in a wheelchair but not before leaving his mark – punching a hole in the wall in anger.The light heavyweight was left frustrated after failing to win for the first time in his professional career.Whittaker, 27, has built a reputation for swatting aside his opponents with ease as many have barely laid a glove on him.But Cameron gave him a sterner test and the judges ruled the contest a draw after Whittaker was unable to continue the fight following his fall.READ MORE IN BOXINGThe 2020 Olympic silver medalist injured his right leg in the fall, with Cameron left unscathed.Cameron, 33, was also left gutted at the end of the fight as he believes he was on top and set to win the bout.He said: “He [Whittaker] had nothing left. Kid was knackered from round two. I definitely beat him. I don’t get a fair share [in fights]. What more do I have to do?”Never had a promotional deal in my life and I tried my best to win that today and I think I deserved the win.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAsked if he though Whittaker was looking for a way out, he added: “Yeah. 100 per cent. You can see it on camera. I don’t want to be critical of him.”Boxing pundit Johnny Nelson also raised doubt over Whittaker, suggesting the fighter was “trying to find a way out” of continuing.SunSport’s boxing reporter Wally Downes Jr left shocked with Wardley’s devastating KOHe said: “Now, I’m a massive fan of Ben Whittaker. I’ve sang his praises constantly, but he needs to watch the replay before he says anything to anybody about what the injury is.”We’ve looked at it time and time again and we’ve not seen that right ankle hit anything. We thought it was his back. There needs to be some explanation around it.”It looks like he was trying to find a way out and I feel bad saying that.” More

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      Olympic champion and TV star reveals plans for shock boxing comeback at 42 – after cracking Hollywood

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      A FORMER Olympic champion is set for a shock boxing comeback aged 42.But only once she has cracked Hollywood. A former Olympic gold medalist and world champion is ready to return to boxingCredit: Dan Charity – The SunThe British star secured gold medals at London 2012 and then again four years later, defending her title at Rio 2016.But a torn pupil in her eye left her at risk of going blind so she retired in 2019 with an undefeated pro record. Now, though, five years on, Nicola Adams is ready to return to the ring.She told The Sunday Times she has been “steadily doing the groundwork” and is prepared to channel her inner Floyd Mayweather.READ MORE ON BOXINGAdams said: “I just feel like I might have one or two fights left in me. “It’s pretty certain [it will happen], 90 per cent.“I think I just needed a break because I’d spent God knows how many years of my life boxing and there were so many different things I wanted to try and do.“But I never stopped training, I’ve already stayed in shape, and when I look at the skill level of the girls in and around my weight division, I’m definitely backing myself. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“I feel the same as Floyd Mayweather does. “He was still able to control these younger fighters when he was 40-something years old because of his skill and ringcraft.Olympic boxing gold medallist, Nicola Adams, offers women self-defence lessons to empower them in situations they may otherwise feel vulnerable “I want a big fight, and why not throw a [world title] belt in there for good measure.”Leeds’ Adams, who turns 42 later this month, rose to prominence with her golden success at her home Olympics then backed it up in Brazil four years later. Adams collected all the amateur titles available to her, was Olympic, world and European champion simultaneously and then turned pro in 2017 after 99 amateur bouts.The following year, she claimed the vacant WBO flyweight world title against Isabel Millan then kept hold of it in a draw with Maria Salinas in September 2019.But the Salinas fight came at a cost, with Adams sustaining the eye injury that saw her hang up her gloves with a 5-0-1 record.That gave the Yorkshirewoman – awarded an MBE and OBE – the chance to explore different avenues, including becoming a mother with her girlfriend Ella Baig via IVF. Adams featured in the first same-sex pair on Strictly Come Dancing in 2020.I spent a couple of years trying to undo my poker face because in boxing you never show any emotion. It was difficult at first to show what I’m actually feeling inside.Nicola AdamsShe also appeared on Celebrity Gogglebox and had cameos on Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Waterloo Road. And now after classes at Identity School of Acting, she has landed her first gig in a Hollywood film – following a host of rejections. Adams will appear in The Gun On Second Street, a film about two Pittsburgh police officers who exchange lives after an unexpected, tragic event, alongside Poppy Delevingne. She added: “Landing the first role is always the hardest. It’s taken me five years. “I’ve done a lot of self-tapes. I think because I’m seen as a boxer people think you can’t act so I’ve almost got more to prove.“It’s not just, ‘Oh look, Nicola Adams,’ and then I’m gone. I’ve got a really good part. I’ll be doing an American accent as well so I’ve been working with voice coaches.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s just been a really exciting journey learning how to express myself in different roles. I spent a couple of years trying to undo my poker face because in boxing you never show any emotion. “If you get hurt in the ring, you can’t show your opponent anything. It was difficult at first to show what I’m actually feeling inside.”Nicola Adams has been in training and is prepared to get back inside the professional ropesCredit: PA:Press AssociationAdams won the hearts of the nation with a gold for Team GB at London 2012Credit: AFPShe was crowned WBO flyweight world champ but retired in 2019 with an eye injuryCredit: PA:Press AssociationHer various TV appearances include competing on Strictly Come DancingCredit: PA More

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      Dmitry Bivol’s ex-wife wildly celebrates his controversial loss to Artur Beterbiev and shouts ‘karma reached the idiot’

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      DMITRY BIVOL’S ex-wife wildy celebrated his controversial defeat to Artur Beterbiev by boasting “karma reached the idiot”.Bivol thought he had done enough to be crowned undisputed light-heavyweight world champion on Saturday night.Artur Beterbiev snatched victory over Dmitry Bivol in Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyBivol’s ex-wife celebrated the result on a live streamCredit: XHowever, the judges gave the victory to Beterbiev via a majority decision that caused uproar among many in boxing.But one woman was utterly delighted with the outcome.Ekaterina Bivol hosted a live stream of her reaction to the fight and waited with bated breath to see if her ex-husband had suffered his first professional defeat.Then when the result was confirmed, Kate made no attempt to hide her sheer delight and joy.READ MORE ON BOXINGClapping, she excitedly said: “Artur, Artur, yes! God, God thank you. Artur, I congratulate you.”Because karma reached Bivol. “F***, for real, you deserved it, idiot.”Did you get scared? Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I gave 16 years of my life.”Go to your Marmar.”Fabio Wardley destroys Frazer Clarke as he mangles opponents jaw in astonishing first round KOThat appears to be a reference to viral influencer Marmar Al Hilali, who has 1.4million Instagram followers and Kate claims Bivol has been dating.Ekaterina – who put her own Instagram account on private on Sunday morning – then suggested to her friend that it was time to celebrate the result, adding: “We’re going to a restaurant but you’re paying.”Before the fight, Kate threw her support behind Bivol’s opponent Beterbiev.And she even appeared to expose her former partner’s alleged injuries and weak spots on the eve of the fight to try to give Beterbiev the edge.She wrote “everything I know” before going into details, then added: “But the main thing is that he is a coward! We need your victory, Artur.”Bivol and Ekaterina were married for a decade, with the teenage sweethearts tying the knot in October 2013 – six years after meeting on a flight. They had two sons together but announced their acrimonious split last year as they filed for divorce. Many boxing fans and experts believed Bivol was “robbed” by the judges, who scored the fight in Saudi Arabia 114-114, 115-113 and 116-112 to Beterbiev. Even the victor’s own camp appeared to think he was on course to lose, telling him he had to go for the knockout in the late stages. Bivol’s gutted promotor Eddie Hearn let rip at the result – and cited the victor’s camp’s comments in the corner as evidence.It’s absolutely disgusting. They knew Artur Beterbiev lost this fight. I’m absolutely baffled.Eddie HearnHearn said: “In one of the biggest fights of our generation and in the most important fight in Dmitry Bivol’s life you give him FOUR rounds?”It’s absolutely disgusting. They knew Artur Beterbiev lost this fight. I’m absolutely baffled and disgusted by a scorecard of 116-112.”Even Beterbiev admitted he was “lucky” to win the fight but insisted the comments from his camp were standard practice.He said: “They always say that.”I feel not bad. I did not good today.”I wanted to box with more quality. I’ll be better one day. It was a little bit uncomfortable.”Of course, it was a tough fight because Dmitry is a tough champion and he has tough skills, better than me.”During the fight, we always try to change something. I didn’t deliver more punches, I don’t know. Today I am lucky too.”However, some eagle-eyed fans suggested Beterbiev was always going to win after spotting Ramzan Kadyrov in the ring when the 39-year-old was announced as champion.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe congratulated Beterbiev and posed for a photo with his arm around him.Kadyrov is a controversial figure due to his close connection with Vladimir Putin and has been dubbed the Russian President’s “warlord pal” and “attack dog”, coming under intense criticism for alleged human rights abuses that include disappearances, kidnapping, torture and assassination.Ekaterina boasted that ‘karma’ caught up with her ex-husbandCredit: XShe vowed to go out to celebrate after her X-rated blast at BivolCredit: XBivol thought he had done enough to be crowned undisputed championCredit: GettyThe couple met on a flight and were married for a decade until their 2023 divorceCredit: Instagram @bivol_kateThey had two children together before their bitter splitCredit: Instagram @bivol_kateKadyrov was ringside to support Beterbiev More