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      I fought Anthony Joshua for £5,000 but now live new life as a bailiff and expose some of the biggest secrets in boxing

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      PAUL BUTLIN was once a heavyweight fighting the likes of Anthony Joshua – but now he is a TikTok star from his van exposing boxing’s secrets.Butlin, now 48, boxed top names in his career including Derek Chisora and Joshua before retiring in 2016.Paul Butlin is the ex-heavyweight champ now exposing boxing’s biggest secretsCredit: RexButlin went viral while working in his job as a bailiffCredit: https://twitter.com/MichaelBensonnButlin is a big hit on TikTok exposing boxing’s secretsNowadays, he works as a debt collector while becoming a surprise hit on TikTok where he has almost 40,000 followers and millions of views.No longer at risk of getting on the wrong side of promoters or managers, Butlin pulls back the curtain on boxing’s dark side.Blowing the whistle on fighters’ pay, matchmaking and failed drug tests are all part of the reason fans can’t get enough of Butlin’s channel.And he tells SunSport: “I just started making boxing videos and people seem to like the real side of me, because all they see is like Conor Benn and people like this.READ MORE IN BOXING”They just think you’re gonna make millions, so I’m just trying to distract people to the other side of it. “The real side of boxing where you’ve got graft just to live really.”His controversial claims have included suggesting several top but nameless boxers use performance enhancing drugs. Butlin alleged in one video: “All the big names, I’m not gonna mention, I know they’re on it. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I’ve been training in gyms since 16-years-old, I know who’s on gear, who ain’t on gear. I can tell with the power.” And he believes Jake Paul’s eight-round points victory over 58-year-old Mike Tyson in November was an example of a rigged fight.He said: “The whole fight was a fix, I watched it. Absolute b****s. “He hardly threw a punch, (Tyson) could have knocked him out at any time. Absolute fix, the game is a con.” Paul and his Most Valuable Promotions company did release a statement to deny accusations of the bout being fixed. Butlin – a former bouncer – went viral himself when a video emerged of him having a row while collecting a debt.Little did the man recording know that he was dealing with one of Britain’s most respected and experienced heavyweights.But Butlin said: “It’s just one of them that you get used to. I’ve got nothing to prove, do you know what I mean?”I don’t stand – even when I work at the door – I didn’t stand there and saying, ‘Well, I’m a professional boxer.’ Do you know what I mean? Or I used to be a professional boxer.”I just am what I am, and then people can abuse me. That is part of the job.”Butlin opened up about being verbally abused during his day jobCredit: https://twitter.com/MichaelBensonnWhen Butlin speaks about boxing, fans will listen. After all, he’s not a pretender with a big social media following, he has experienced it all in the ring. Butlin only started his amateur career at 26 and turned pro after just two years and 12 bouts. He went 4-0 before losing to Paul Buttery – in what he admits was a step up too soon in his career. An up and down run of performances and results then forced the East Midlands man to the away corner to make reasonable money. He said: “I realised the only way I could make money without selling tickets is going on the road if you like.”Butlin also made a name for himself sparring the likes of Tyson Fury before the Gypsy King became a world champion superstar.In fact, Butlin first crossed paths with Fury while the future British legend was still a teenager and knew he was destined for greatness.First jab he hit me with – and I told this story before – I was like, Jesus! It was like a right hand off a good heavyweight. That’s how strong he was.Paul Butlin on Anthony Joshua Butlin revealed: “Even after sparring him the first time, I said to him, ‘You’d beat most heavyweights now.’ “Obviously at the time I was sparring Matt Skelton, Pele Reed, loads of heavyweights. “I said, ‘Mate, you beat all these heavyweights now as an amateur.’ That’s what I told him.”And then he invited me up where he couldn’t get sparring. I went up to Manchester, I went to his uncle’s who sadly passed away. “Tyson was living in a caravan back of there, and he was training in like the barn.”And then I went to an amateur club in Manchester, so probably two or three times I sparred him, always got on well with him, he always looked after me and yeah, he’s a good lad.” Butlin also helped welcome Joshua to the world of professional boxing – one year after AJ won Olympic gold in London.And he admits to being blown away by the sheer power of Joshua – even with his lesser left hand jab.Butlin was beaten by Anthony Joshua in 2013Credit: Mark Robinson – The SunHe was paid just £5,000 for the fightCredit: Mark Robinson – The SunButlin said: “I squared with him in the casino where we had the weigh in, I looked at him and I thought, ‘Mate, you’re having it! “Got in the ring, I wasn’t even bothered. I thought, ‘Do you know what, you’re having it! I’m fit as a fiddle.'”First jab he hit me with – and I told this story before – I was like, Jesus! It was like a right hand off a good heavyweight. That’s how strong he was.”I went back to Carl Greaves first round, and said, ‘Mate, I can’t deal with him.'”He goes, ‘What are you on about?’ ‘I can’t deal with his power.’ He hits that hard.”And the only reason I got up after that big shot is because I was fit. I mean, I had nine stitches in my eye. Great shot. I can’t fault him.”Fans would assume fighting Joshua is a top payday – but Butlin is open in admitting he made just a tiny £5,000. He said on reflection: “At the time I was working, I had my gym. I think we just got married. We had young kids, five grand helps.I’ve been training in gyms since 16-years-old, I know who’s on gear, who ain’t on gear. I can tell with the power.”Looking back now, obviously the older you get I’m a bit gutted I didn’t get more. But that’s life, innit? You’re gonna take it.”If you don’t take it, someone else is gonna take it. So £5,000 at the time was a lot of money, and I just thought, ‘Yeah, why not?'” But Butlin also caused damage of his own – just ask Chisora. London’s veteran fan favourite once revealed Butlin was the hardest-hitting opponent he ever faced.Chisora claimed Butlin hit so hard he had to get the referee to check his gloves and make sure it wasn’t loaded with weights in it.”He never told me that afterwards,” Butlin says with a laugh. Butlin’s career on the road as the opponent was filled with short-notice bouts. Sometimes it was only 24 hours notice, other times while he had a BROKEN HAND.But Butlin always showed up – until he packed it in to tell the tales on the grubby boxing business. And while his career in the ring, all across Europe, may have gone unnoticed among some fans, his boxing exposes on TikTok certainty aren’t.READ MORE SUN STORIESButlin gets dozens of requests and questions sent in by his TikTok fans – but did he ever expect to be such a hit among social media?He said with a grin: “No, not really. I thought, it’s bald old Paul just making videos.”  More

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      ‘Shut your f***ing mouth’ – Chris Eubank Jr’s press conference instantly erupts ‘threatening’ Conor Benn’s dad Nigel

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      CHRIS EUBANK JR’S press conference erupted after Conor Benn accused him of threatening his dad Nigel. Just two days beforehand, Eubank had smashed an EGG into Benn’s face in a reference to his failed drug tests in 2022. Chris Eubank Jr ‘threatened’ Conor Benn’s dad NigelCredit: AlamyNigel apologised for putting his hands on EubankCredit: GettyBenn threatened Eubank in responseCredit: AlamyChaos ensued on stage with Benn’s legendary father Nigel grabbing Eubank by the throat – something he apologised for. But Eubank, 35, said: “I’ve gotta just say something. “I understand the frustration and the heat that you were experiencing a couple of days ago after I egged Conor. “I understand, but you did put your hand around my neck. And I’m going to give you a pass because of what happened. READ MORE IN BOXING”But, I’m just letting you know if your hand ever touches me again, you won’t get it back.” And enraged Conor, 28, then shouted: “Shut your f***ing mouth. Do you hear me? Do you hear me? Threaten my dad. “Oi, silly b****s, threaten my dad again, see what happens to you.” But Eubank responded: “I’m not threatening him, I’m just letting him know.” Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNigel – who had two legendary fights with Eubank Sr – said: “Con, leave it, I can handle this. I’m old school, mate. I had this with his dad. “I’m old school, mate. This is not a problem. I understand and I apologise for doing that, mate. I really am sorry that I done that. ‘Literally s–t himself’ – Eddie Hearn and Chris Eubank Jr promoter flinch after Conor Benn jokingly aims punch at them”But you put your hands on my son.” The WBC infamously suggested a high intake of eggs could have caused Benn’s positive tests for clomiphene – which is known to boost testosterone.But Benn has since had his UK Anti-Doping ban lifted after an investigation – allowing him to box on.And Eubank – now facing a British Boxing Board of Control probe – failed to apologise for his egg slap stunt.He said: “If I had the opportunity I’d do it again.“Me throwing an egg at someone — who absurdly claims that’s why he failed two drug tests — that’s light, he deserved the embarrassment.”Eubank egging Benn at their launch press conferenceCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Literally s*** himself’ – Chris Eubank Jr’s promoter flinches after Conor Benn jokingly aims punch at them

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      CONOR BENN had even his own promoter Eddie Hearn flinching after faking a punch at Ben Shalom. All hell broke loose at Tuesday’s Manchester press conference when Chris Eubank Jr and Benn officially announced their April 26 grudge match. Conor Benn made a joking lunge at Ben ShalomShalom was made to flinchSo when the born rivals faced off once more – this time at Tottenham’s stadium – they were kept apart by security. But Benn still managed to troll Eubank’s promoter Shalom by charging at the Boxxer boss – forcing him and even Hearn to flinch. Fans were left in hysterics as one said: “Flinch? He literally shat himself.” One joked: “Eddie s*** himself also.”READ MORE IN BOXINGAnother said: “Eddie flinched as well.”Bedlam broke out on the stage earlier in the week when Eubank, 35, smashed an EGG over Benn’s face. That was in reference to Benn’s failed drug tests that forced their initial October 2022 fight to be cancelled. The WBC infamously suggested a high intake of eggs could have caused his positive tests for clomiphene – which is known to boost testosterone. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Benn, 28, has since had his UK Anti-Doping ban lifted after an investigation – allowing him to box on. And Eubank – now facing a British Boxing Board of Control probe – failed to apologise for his egg slap stunt. He said: “If I had the opportunity I’d do it again. “Me throwing an egg at someone — who absurdly claims that’s why he failed two drug tests — that’s light, he deserved the embarrassment.”Eubank slapped an egg on Benn’s faceCredit: GettyEubank refused to apologiseCredit: Alamy More

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      ‘Deserved the embarrassment’ – Chris Eubank Jr refuses to apologise for Conor Benn egg slap in blistering verbal assault

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      CHRIS EUBANK JR refused to apologise for smashing an egg on bitter rival Conor Benn’s face, insisting: “He deserved the embarrassment.”Eubank faces a British Boxing Board of Control rap for Tuesday’s eggsplosive bust-up ahead of their April 26 showdown.Chris Eubank Jr refused to apologise for smashing an egg on Conor Benn’s faceCredit: PAEubank and Benn are set to finally face off on April 26Credit: GettyBut the Brighton boxer, 35, launched a blistering verbal assault on Benn — and promoter Eddie Hearn — over the fighter’s two failed drug tests in 2022, which he blamed on eating contaminated eggs.Eubank, who was scanned with an EGG DETECTOR by security guards at Tottenham’s stadium, blasted: “If I had the opportunity I’d do it again.“Me throwing an egg at someone — who absurdly claims that’s why he failed two drug tests — that’s light, he deserved the embarrassment.”The UK’s National Anti-Doping Panel and WBC chiefs cleared Benn, 28, of any wrongdoing for traces of testosterone-booster clomifene which were found in samples.Read More on BoxingEubank, who called the Essex fighter “a dirty little omelette” said: “Did I cross a line? Over the last 2½ years many lines have been crossed.“I’m sitting here with two of the scummiest characters in boxing — a drug cheat and a man who did everything in his power to help him get away with it. “I’ve always respected every fighter I’ve fought, bar one.“Respect is reserved for fighters who are true, who don’t cheat. There is no respect here.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Unfortunately, I came unarmed today. I’ve been thoroughly searched multiple times. I couldn’t sneak anything in.“This is going to be a real fight, this is going to be a bloodbath.”Tense moment Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn are kept apart by security in lift at explosive press conferenceDuring Tuesday’s aggro in Manchester, Benn’s famous dad, former two-weight world champ Nigel, grabbed Eubank Jr by the throat as security desperately tried to separate the warring camps.And Eubank warned Benn Sr: “You put your hand on my neck but I will give you a pass. But if it ever touches me again, you won’t get it back.”That sparked an immediate response from Benn Jr, who sniped: “Shut your f***ing mouth. Threaten my dad again and see what happens to you.” Benn Sr said: “I thought you glassed him, that’s why I put my arms around your neck. I apologise for doing that but you put your hands on my son.” Hearn and broadcaster DAZN were in control of the original October 2022 fight that was axed after Benn’s failed tests. But Eubank has now promised £50,000 to the boxers on that original undercard who lost money because their bouts were cancelled. On Hearn, Eubank said: “This worm tried to include in my contract that I wasn’t allowed to say anything negative about the promoters. READ MORE SUN STORIES“Twenty thousand people spent thousands of pounds on tickets, flights and hotels and none of them were recompensed. “All the fighters spent hundreds of thousands of pounds on camps. I hope Eddie and Conor both put up their £50,000. All your other fighters are scared to say anything about Eddie but I don’t give a s***.” More

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      British Olympic gold medal-winning boxer poses with Nigel Farage as he’s revealed as Reform’s Mayoral candidate for Hull

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      FORMER boxer Luke Campbell has announced he is making a move into politics. The 37-year-old Olympic hero will run as Reform’s Mayoral candidate in his home town of Hull.Boxer Luke Campbell (right) has announced he is going into the world of politicsCredit: Richard Pelham – The SunCampbell was unveiled as Reform’s Mayoral candidate for Hull on ThursdayCredit: ReutersThe former boxer appeared alongside Reform boss Nigel Farage at an event in the cityCredit: GettyBantamweight Campbell won Olympic gold for Team GB at London 2012.He turned pro in July 2013, going on to win 20 of his 24 fights, with 16 by KO. Reform boss Nigel Farage declared Campbell was a “knockout candidate” as the pair posed for photos before his unveiling. Campbell was presented to Reform supporters at Hull’s Connexin Live Arena on Thursday. READ MORE ON BOXINGThe ex-boxer said: “The mayoral role for me isn’t about playing politics.”It’s about the people of Hull. We can either sit down or stand up. “We can stand up for our families, we can stand up for our communities and we can stand up for our future.”Campbell will go up against Conservative Anne Handley, Kerry Harrison for the Greens, Labour’s Margaret Pinder, Mike Ross for the Lib Dems and Yorkshire Party’s Rowan Halstead. Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIn a video released alongside his candidacy, Campbell declared it had been an “honour” to represent his country. He added: “One of the proudest moments in my life was coming home after the Olympics.London 2012 Olympic champion Luke Campbell has announced his retirement from boxing “Seeing all the people that turned out for me. “It was the first time the country came together as one…I will fight for the people of this city.”The 37-year-old hung up his gloves in 2021 following defeat to Ryan Garcia in Dallas, Texas. Campbell had been grappling for the vacant WBC interim lightweight title, almost two years after going down to Vasiliy Lomachenko in a world title fight at The O2 Arena. Campbell rose to fame alongside fellow London 2012 gold medallist Antony Joshua (left)Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdBut he was stopped by King Ry in the seventh, despite a valiant effort Stateside. Announcing his retirement, Campbell wrote on X: “Every fight, right the way from my debut on 13th June 2013, up to my last on 2nd January 2021, the cheers and messages of encouragement have always been monumental. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Throughout my career I’ve tried to test myself against the very best in the industry and never shied away from anyone. “I’m so grateful this hasn’t gone unnoticed from supporters and I appreciate you all.” More

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      Chris Eubank Jr scanned by an ‘EGG DETECTOR’ ahead of Conor Benn press conference after slap controversy

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      CHRIS EUBANK JR was frisked for EGGS after arriving for his second press conference with Conor Benn.The two bitter rivals are set to meet in a Tottenham Hotspur Stadium grudge match on April 26.Chris Eubank Jr. joked about his egg slap on Conor Benn before Thursday’s presserCredit: ReutersNext Gen was patted down by an “egg detector” as he took the stage in TottenhamCredit: PAAn unimpressed Benn watched on with extra security keeping the fighters apartCredit: ReutersEubank slammed an egg into Benn’s face during the first press conference on TuesdayCredit: GettyNext Gen caused a wild fracas on Tuesday after slapping Benn around the face with an egg.The pair faced-off after a heated war of words between promoter Eddie Hearn.Eubank claimed the stunt was a reference to Benn’s failed drugs test from 2022.The WBC, at the time, suggested Benn’s failed test for clomiphene could have been related to eating eggs. READ MORE ON BOXINGA smiling Eubank was met by security as he prepared to walk onto the stage on Thursday. The bouncer then whipped out a paddle labelled “egg detector” and proceeded to frisk the 35-year-old down. One fan laughed on X: “Where can I get an egg detector? Asking for a friend.”Another said: “This s*** got me crying they milking the egg thing and I love it.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile a third joked: “They didn’t do a proper search. He needs to take off that jacket.”The feuding pair had originally been due to fight in October 2022.Conor Benn pulled apart from Chris Eubank Jr after SLAP at Battle of Britain press conferenceBut the bout was cancelled after Benn failed two drug tests, the charges for which have since been dropped.Both fighters again engaged in a face-off during Tuesday’s tense presser.This time, a host of security was on hand to make sure there was a large distance between them. Benn’s dad Nigel had been caught up in Tuesday’s fracas, appearing to try and grab Eubank by the throat. While Hearn was seen shoving fellow promoter Ben Shalom in the crazy scenes.Prior to the night of chaos, Hearn had accused Eubank of being “on the beach” and lacking preparation.The Matchroom boss said: “I think Chris Eubank’s on the beach at the minute. “He hits pads for about 30 seconds and then puts it out on Instagram.READ MORE SUN STORIES”In my opinion, Conor Benn is on another level to Chris Eubank Jr.”But in stepping up two divisions, physically he’s at a huge disadvantage.” More

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      UFC and WWE to set up new boxing league with four ‘super-fights’ to be held

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      THE owners of the UFC and the WWE are on the brink of creating a new boxing league funded by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.UFC supremo Dana White teased the formation of Zuffa Boxing in the build-up to Conor McGregor’s crossover clash with Floyd Mayweather in August 2017 but it never got off the ground.UFC supremo Dana White teased the formation of a boxing league back in 2017Credit: GETTYThe owners of the UFC and WWE have plans in place to create the league later this yearCredit: GETTYTKO Group Holdings Chief Mark Shapiro has revealed the league could be announced imminentlyCredit: GETTYBut the MMA promotion’s parent company, TKO Group Holdings, revived those grand plans with Saudi investors last year and are on the verge of announcing a potentially revoluntionary league.TKO Chief Operating Officer Mark Shapiro said: “Everybody knows we’re in talks with the Saudis but to give you a little more color.”I will tell you that we are close on an agreement with the Saudis on a creation of a boxing league where we TKO would be the producer, the promoter and responsible for all day-to-day operations of the venture.”Where by we would receive a fee of $10million plus. Again, we’re not putting any money in, we’re not putting any capital in, we’re not on the hook for any [costs].READ MORE BOXING NEWS“Additionally, we would have some earn-in equity per time, specifically over a five-year period but it would be dependent on us achieving certain milestones, including us exceeding board-approved annual budgets over that five years.”The format of the proposed league is currently unclear, although Shapiro has revealed TKO will put on “four large scale super-fights” throughout 2025 and 2026.He explained: “I think I’ve given you at least a framework of what the deal would be. It’s its own league and we’d have consistent fights throughout the year.”I think on top of that you should know as part of the partnership, we would be the promoter, producer and event operator for four large scale kind of super-fights, as I call them, that would air probably two this year and two in [2026].Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe promotional power behind the TKO Group could make the boxing league a real successCredit: GETTY“Those may or may not fall into the boxing league itself, they may just be one offs, but we would be paid a fee to act as the promoter, the producer and the event operator.”According to Shapiro, the groundbreaking deal could be confirmed imminently.Dana White provides major update on ‘biggest fight in UFC history’ as MMA mogul makes defiant vow Shapiro revealed: “We’ve just sent a delegation to London to meet with the Saudi delegation led by Andrew Schleimer, our [chief financial officer] and Nick Khan, of course who runs WWE, and Lawrence Epstein who runs UFC.”They had a full day meeting earlier this week and we’re getting awfully close and when we have something official, we’ll come out [with the news].”The millions at the disposal of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority has changed the landscape of boxing over the last three years, with fights that were seemingly once-thought impossible being made at the drop of a hat.And Shapiro believes the promotional power possessed by TKO can further revolutionize the sport.He said: “There’s an audience for boxing and there’s a dearth of boxing on the national platform.”There’s a desire to have it back in the forefront of the American sports ecosystem.”It’s just been broken for too long, it’s been fragmented, it’s been poorly managed and we think we can do a lot with it.” More

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      Exhausted Gervonta Davis ‘rolls out of bed’ for open workout ahead of boxing star’s fight with Lamont Roach

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      GERVONTA DAVIS looked like he “rolled out of bed” for the open workout before his fight with Lamont Roach. Davis defends his WBA lightweight title at the Barclays Center in New York against Roach over the weekend. Gervonta Davis looked like he ‘rolled out of bed’ for the open workoutDavis rubbed his eyes in exhaustionBut the American pay-per-view star did not looked thrilled about turning up for the midday media workout. An exhausted-looking Davis rubbed his tired eyes and stretched out in a pink and grey tracksuit. He skipped any sort of actual workout as fans rushed to social media with one saying: “Gervonta Davis looking like he rolled out of bed for his media workout earlier today.”Another added: “Gervonta really showed up like he just hit snooze 5 minutes ago.”READ MORE IN BOXINGA third said: “Bro just woke up.”Despite falling short of a workout, Davis, 30, did let fans know that he intends to have three bouts this year. He said: “Roach is in for a rude awakening, for sure. “He’s trying to psyche himself up, but it comes down to skill. Whoever is the most skilled fighter will be the winner.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Knocking someone out feels like a home run, when it hits the sweet spot of the bat, and it goes far. That’s how it feels for me.“I want to stay in the ring more this year, hopefully with three fights. Roach comes first, and then we figure it out the rest of the way.KSI tipped for sensational fight in Alcatraz by Turki Alalshikh as he makes major boxing U-turn “You’ll see fireworks. I’m sharp, fast and explosive. Lamont is sharp too. “It’s going to be a banger, and the fans will be the true winners this Saturday night.”Roach, 29, did hit pads in Brooklyn’s iconic Gleason’s Gym and said: “The stakes are higher, but I just want to go hard, that’s about it. “I’ve trained to be in the best physical and mental shape I can possibly be in.” Lamont Roach hitting the padsCredit: Rey Del Rio/

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