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      Viral ring girl Sydney Thomas stuns in elegant gown at Grammys after shooting to fame during Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson

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      SYDNEY THOMAS was labelled “unproportionately hot” as awestruck fans tested the dictionary with Scrabble-friendly descriptions of her glam Grammys appearance.Any doubters of the viral ring girl were left eating their words as her online following soared past 2million with her shimmering outfit at the top music awards.Sydney Thomas shared this Grammys snapCredit: Instagram @iamsydneythomasThe night Tyson’s career in the ring ended was the evening Sydney’s fame startedCredit: Instagram / @iamsydneythomasShe has split from her boyfriend to ‘discover’ herselfCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamsydneythomasSydney will consider becoming a full-time ring girlCredit: INSTAGRAM @iamsydneythomasThe university student went from being a little-known aspiring model to a heavyweight hitter on social media after her role at Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson last November.Legend Tyson, 58, suffered a Texas massacre on points that night but Sydney found global fame, helped by Netflix broadcasting the much-hyped event.Now the 21-year-old has expanded her profile to more artistic entertainment, with her invitation to the Grammys.She wore a long, figure-hugging, grey dress, topping off her look with an elegant necklace and pearly earrings.READ MORE TOP STORIESOne fan described her as “beyond stunning” while another reckoned she was “finer than wine”.And n-one could blame Sydney if she was feeling drunk on success as her gown pic earned likes at the rate of 2,000 per hour on Instagram alone in the first 24 hours.Other verdicts included: “So beautiful”… “absolutely stunning”,,, and “You’re so cool”. Away from red-carpet nights out, Sydney has split from her boyfriend, partly because she wanted time to “discover who I am”.Most read in BoxingSydney’s online following has risen incrediblyCredit: Instagram/iamsydneythomasHowever, she stressed he was “great” and she had “no problems with him at all”.Sydney has also revealed she might consider becoming a ring girl full-time.Boxer who KO’d Lennox Lewis gets back in the ring at 59 vs 54-year-old in pro fight days after Jake Paul vs Mike TysonAround 65m viewers across the planet watched the Paul/Tyson mis-match at theAT&T Stadium in Arlington three months ago.That huge number is one reason her following across Instagram, TikTok and X instantly exploded.And Sydney is experiencing another surge following the Grammys.CBS reckon that, although their direct TV viewing for the event fell to 16m this year, it still set a new record online.They claim it was “the most social television programme ever” – with 102.2m interactions. Maybe the 2.2m to push it past nine figures were Sydney’s followers!A glimpse into the life of the fast-rising influencer…She’s become a popular figure at many big eventsCredit: GettySydney has lapped up her new high-profileCredit: INSTAGRAMBoxing fans turned their attentions to her at the Paul/Tyson fightCredit: INSTAGRAMShe’s now one of the biggest names amongst sporting influencersCredit: INSTAGRAMUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Jake Paul and Canelo Alvarez could split huge £160MILLION purse for shock fight as Eddie Hearn reveals PPV prediction

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      EDDIE HEARN says Canelo Alvarez and Jake Paul could put themselves in line to share a massive £160MILLION purse for their shock fight. The boxing great and YouTuber-turned-boxer are reportedly in talks for a surprise bout in May. Eddie Hearn reckons Jake Paul and Canelo Alvarez could make $100m each to fightCredit: RexCanelo with promoter Hearn and trainer Eddy ReynosoCredit: Instagram @eddiehearnPaul’s last fight marked Netflix’s first move into live boxing – with over 100MILLION tuning in to watch his points win over Mike Tyson. Despite controversy surrounding the event due to 58-year-old Tyson’s age, it was still a huge commercial success with £14m made in ticket sales too.Hearn believes a fight with Canelo could make £24m just in tickets with another £144m in pay-per-view buys. He told iFL TV: “If it’s on Netflix it’s not pay-per-view. READ MORE IN BOXING”But if it’s on Amazon Prime it would be pay-per-view and with DAZN, I dunno how it’s going to work.”But the fight does on pay-per-view, at $90 the fight does potentially two million buys. Which is $180million (£144m) of revenue, just TV revenue.”Not closed circuit, not the gate, the gate’s another $30million (£24m). You’re looking at over $200million (£160m) in revenue for that fight.”And with the gate of $30million, obviously you have to give a percentage to the broadcaster but with sponsorship and international TV, global pay-per-view, I think that fight generates $200million if it does two million buys. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”So potentially Canelo, in my opinion he’ll earn more than Jake Paul but even if it was a 50/50 split, $100million each, oh what a terrible day at the office.”Imagine Canelo Alvarez getting one hundred mill to fight Jake Paul.”Jake Paul’s next fight will be ‘bigger than Mike Tyson’ after emerging as shock contender for Canelo Alvarez bout Journlist Dan Rafael reported that Canelo, 34, was in early talks to face Paul, 28, on May 3 in Vegas.Mexican reporter Julianis Julius meanwhile claimed an agreement to fight was already in place.Canelo was also lined up for a super-fight against unbeaten American Terence Crawford, 34, in September in Las Vegas. But the fight now appears to be OFF – as Hearn admitted the four-division champion will inevitably go where the money is. He said: “Canelo’s super transparent, give him the money and you’ve got the fight. “If he can make more money and certainly in this instance considerably more money to fight Jake Paul than he can to fight, I dunno Charlo, Pacheco, even Bivol, he’s going to do it. “He does not care. He’s got the legacy, he’s got the belts, just give him the money. “It’s all about the deal and if he’s going to get a s*** load of money to fight Jake Paul, he’s taking it. How I know Canelo, I don’t think he’ll want to play around with him, he might do for a couple of rounds but I don’t think he’ll just want to hold him up. I think he’ll want to punish him. Eddie Hearn “And I think, when you think about it the money’s mad.”Canelo currently holds the WBC, WBA and WBO 168lb super-middleweight titles at 12st. Paul meanwhile bulked up to heavyweight at 16st 2lb for his eight-round decision win over 58-year-old Tyson. His last four bouts had been at the 200lb cruiserweight limit of 14st 4lb – having been as low as 185lb in his career beforehand. And Paul’s team suggested he would be willing to come back down to as low as 185lb for a 13st 2lb catchweight clash with Canelo. Hearn – who has promoted Canelo in the past – warned the fight will go on for however long the ring icon wants it to. He said: “Canelo will end the fight whenever he wants. READ MORE SUN STORIES”How I know Canelo, I don’t think he’ll want to play around with him, he might do for a couple of rounds but I don’t think he’ll just want to hold him up. I think he’ll want to punish him and it’s massive.” Jake Paul beat Mike Tyson in his last fightCredit: Reuters – USA Today SportsCanelo is the super-middleweight world championCredit: Reuters More

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      Deontay Wilder and huge world title bout among SIX options for Anthony Joshua’s next fight if Tyson Fury stays retired

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA has SIX different opponents lined up for his next fight – if Tyson Fury remains retired. Joshua looked on course to finally face his Great British rival this year – until Fury unexpectedly hung up his gloves in January. Anthony Joshua could still fight Deontay WilderCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunIt leaves AJ – set to return in the summer – in search of a new opponent. But promoter Eddie Hearn was forced to rubbish reports that Joshua had signed to fight Martin Bakole or Deontay Wilder next. He told iFL TV: “Loads of people were sending it to me, including the media saying, ‘is Bakole-AJ signed?’ “And I’m like, ‘Signed? We haven’t even had one conversation about it.’ Then I saw Wilder against AJ was signed for June 7. READ MORE IN BOXING”Not even had one conversation about it. I spoke to AJ yesterday, for the first time in, I dunno a couple of weeks.”And he’s ready to start camp, pretty much. We’re going to chat, probably next week particularly after Feb 22nd and we’re going to choose the next opponent.”Hearn added that they remain open for talks with 21-1 Bakole or former WBC champion Wilder. The American star was twice lined up to fight Joshua in 2024 – only to blow his chance. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe was beaten on points by Joseph Parker, 33, in December 2023 and then knocked out by Zhilei Zhang, 41, in June. But Wilder is plotting a comeback fight this year as he hopes to salvage the fight with Joshua, 35. Amir Khan echos the nation in plead to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua… and he speaks from experienceBakole, 31, meanwhile recently beat US prospect Jared Anderson, 25, to accelerate his push for a world title shot. AJ is coming off a September KO loss to IBF champ Daniel Dubois, 27, and pulled out of talks for an immediate rematch.Dubois now defends his title against Parker in Saudi Arabia on February 22. And Joshua will have his eye on facing the winner as well as Zhang and German Agit Kabayel, 32, who fight for the WBC interim belt the same night. Hearn said: “Parker-Dubois winner, Zhang-Kabayel winner, I think could be an option. I guess that’s it.”Fury, still obviously the two AJ most wants to fight, Fury and Dubois, that’s it. But he doesn’t have a problem fighting any of them.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Honestly, he could not care less. He’ll fight anyone, he’s always been that way.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Martin Bakole has called to fight JoshuaCredit: GettyDaniel Dubois and Joseph Parker are both options for AJ to fightCredit: GettyZhilei Zhang and Agit Kabayel are also on the shortlistCredit: PA More

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      Fans fear Canelo Alvarez vs Jake Paul is ‘CONFIRMED’ as Terence Crawford super-fight gets cancelled

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      CANELO ALVAREZ’S super-fight against Terence Crawford looks to be OFF – with fans fearing the Mexican means he will face Jake Paul instead.The Ring Magazine – now owned by Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh – reported that the blockbuster had been agreed for September.Canelo Alvarez was in talks to fight Terence Crawford in SeptemberCredit: GettyBut the super-fight is now offCredit: EPAAnd the £1.5BILLION Las Vegas Raiders stadium – which seats up to 65,000 people – had been targeted to host the bout.But Ring Magazine now say the fight is cancelled – without citing a reason.It does come amid shock reports that YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul and Mexican great Canelo are in talks for a May bout.So fans were quick to suggest that is the reason Canelo’s deal with Crawford has collapsed. READ MORE ON JAKE PAULOne said: “He really fighting Jake Paul isn’t he.”Another added: “Jake Paul here we come.”One raged: “OH NO. JAKE v CANELO CONFIRMED.” Another feared: “Please don’t tell me Canelo is actually fighting Jake Paul.” Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCrawford, 37, started his career at 135lb as a lightweight and won world titles in four divisions up to light-middleweight at 154lb.And he was due to step up to the 168lb super-middleweight limit to challenge for Canelo’s titles.Jake Paul ‘has agreement to fight P4P great Canelo Alvarez in May’ but fans all fear what it means But Canelo, 34, is without an opponent for his customary Cinco de Mayo fight date in May. And Dan Rafael reported how the four-weight champ was in early talks to face Paul, 28, on May 3 in Vegas.Mexican journalist Julianis Julius meanwhile claimed an agreement to fight was already in place.Paul has long called out Canelo – who has also refused to rule out the fight in the past.His last bout was up at heavyweight – where he weighed 16st 2lb – for his controversial win over 58-year-old legend Mike Tyson. Canelo meanwhile fights FOUR STONE lighter than Paul.But the internet star and his camp have suggested they would be willing to come down to 185lb for a catchweight clash with Canelo.Jake Paul is rumoured to be in shock talks to fight CaneloCredit: Getty More

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      Derek Chisora reveals new rivalry with childhood pal Anthony Joshua despite pair never considering fighting each other

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      DEREK CHISORA loves Anthony Joshua too much to fight him – but he wants to flatten him at the school sports day.The fearless 41-year-old warhorse adopted AJ as a little brother when he spotted him coming through Finchley ABC almost 20 years ago.Derek Chisora loves Anthony Joshua too much to fight himCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunJoshua has a close bond with fellow boxing star ChisoraCredit: GettyChisora is not planning to fight Joshua any time soonCredit: ReutersJoshua, now 35, was a tear-up loving teenage bricklayer teetering on the edge of a life of crime, while Chisora was a Zimbabwean mummy’s boy struggling to fit in anywhere.The pair bonded and – despite incredible records of fighting almost all of the best giants of this era – have never entertained the idea of a mega-money fight between themselves.But now Del’s 10-year-old daughter Angelina and the London 2012 legend’s heir JJ are at the some North London primary school, mentoring and compassion have been subbed off for teasing and competition.Ahead of his 49th professional bout with Otto Wallin on Saturday, Chisora revealed: “I wind AJ up because our kids go to the same school and I tell him they’re organising a dads’ race for sports day.Read More on Boxing“I call AJ and say, ‘It’s sports day – make sure you’re coming!’ I’m serious.“He hasn’t been for the last few but I say, ‘Bro, it’s sports day, you’re coming’.”A fleet of luxury cars belonging to the British ring heroes, as well as JLS star Marvin Humes and comedian David Walliams, drop their kids off to the same posh school.It’s unlikely any of the sporting icons or celebrities use the local bus service.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut 18st hulk Chisora reckons the parents could be in for a shock if they spot him or his boxing-addicted protege hanging about for public transport near the school gates.“Boxing is an addictive sport,” he said with his 50th and final fight looming. I don’t care what you say – it’s a drug sport, it’s like heroin.My champagne lunch date with Derek Chisora turned into a naked chat in a Russian sauna as he was whipped with leaves“You go to the amateur gym for the first time and all of a sudden you’re waiting for the bus shadow boxing.“And people say, ‘What the f*** is wrong with you?’ Every fighter does it, all the greatest fighters do it.“You know who the biggest shadow boxer in the world is? Anthony Joshua.“That mother f***er cannot have a conversation without jumping up and shadow boxing and I’m the same around my house.“People wonder what the f*** we are doing and tell us just to chill out.”Another thing the North London pair have in common is decision defeats to Ukraine’s undisputed heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.Oleksandr Usyk ‘gives PTSD’The 38-year-old Brit basher knocked Tony Bellew spark out, outpointed Chisora, left AJ in tears after back-to-back schoolings, broke Daniel Dubois with a jab and just retired Tyson Fury with two dominant displays.There is something utterly maverick about the God-fearing gap-toothed southpaw, who wears a giant Greek Orthodox cross under his latest Stone Island jumper.And, after 12 hard rounds and a couple of London sauna sessions together, Chisora can explain it better than anyone.“That Ukrainian guy gives you PTSD,” he said“He made my young brother cry on the stage, he made Tyson Fury retire. Nobody can deal with him.“I sat down with him a couple of weeks ago. I asked him where he lives now, he said: ‘Ukraine. Yesterday my security told me to go in the bomb shelter but I said ‘no’. Rockets are flying past my house but me, I sleep’.READ MORE SUN STORIES“When he’s telling me this story, I ask myself, ‘What do you have to have to beat him?’ The guy is lying down and rockets are flying past his house.“While you’re in your big house in Knightsbridge where the only problem you have is taxis beeping outside your door. How do you beat a guy like that? You have to have craziness.”How AJ punched his way to the topANTHONY JOSHUA punched his way to the top of the world before being knocked off his perch. More

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      Trying to make Chris Eubank vs Conor Benn happen was like coming into a car crash, they hate each other, says Ben Shalom

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      BOXING promoter Ben Shalom has likened making Chris Eubank Jr’s fight against Conor Benn to a car crash.The feuding pair finally agreed to fight last month after years of bickering.Arranging Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn’s fight has been likened to a car crashCredit: GettyPromoter Ben Shalom admits he can’t believe the fight is finally going aheadCredit: PAEubank Jr and Benn will collide on April 26 at Tottenham’s 62,000-seater stadium.And it will finally lay to rest the ghosts of their failed clash in October 2022.The scrap was axed when Benn failed two Voluntary Anti-Doping Association Tests.The unbeaten welterweight contender then had the fight of his life to try and prove his innocence and get his career back on track.READ MORE IN BOXINGBenn, 28, was later charged by UK Anti-Doping and a bitter dispute with the British Boxing Board of Control ensued after the fighter was stripped of his license.It saw him take his career to America, where he had two routine wins up at super-welterweight against Rodolfo Orozco and Peter Dobson.Eubank, 35, went on to have a double header with Liam Smith, 36, losing the first by KO before winning the rematch by stoppage.He then beat Kamil Szeremeta in his last bout in October – with Benn ringside in Saudi Arabia.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSFollowing his seventh-round stoppage of Szeremeta, 35, he faced off with Benn in the ring to fuel speculation their bitter bout was back on.And a month later, UKAD released a statement to confirm Benn’s ban had been lifted – clearing him to fight on home soil again.Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn square up as Neymar ‘acts like guest referee’ in baffling scenesBoxxer founder and fight promoter Shalom has now lifted the lid on the difficulty of setting up Eubank Jr’s fight against Benn.Speaking to Betfred, he likened negotiations to a car crash and admits Turki Al-Sheikh was the driving force behind the bout.Shalom said: “The thing about Chris Eubank Jr. vs Conor Benn is that it’s bigger than boxing, and there’s very few events that are, so of course getting it over the line was tricky.“We weren’t involved in the first scheduled fight with the chaos surrounding the drug testing and failed drugs tests, so we came into an absolute car crash, which involved two fighters that absolutely hate each other.“They don’t even want to talk to each other or give anything, but it was the fight to make.“Both fighters were talking about doing other fights and all this, but we always knew that this was the fight to make. It was hard, everything was an argument.“For me, Chris Eubank Jr is far and away the A side and bigger name and of course I’m going to say that, but I think his resume proves that and the fights he’s been in before prove that.”But we were dealing with a tricky character and another promoter in Matchroom.“It was almost like full circle, I have to be honest, because when I came into the sport, probably Matchroom at the time, even though that’s changed now with Frank Warren, were the leaders and they were trying to make our life very, very difficult.”So to come full circle and be at the negotiating table for Eubank Jr vs Benn is a crazy story and boxing’s full of crazy stories.“We finally got it over the line with the help of His Excellency (Turki Al-Sheikh) because he was able to take ego out of the window and Conor didn’t have to see how much Chris was earning, which I think was half the battle.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The interest in it is huge, the history is huge and it’s definitely one that will go down in the history books and be remembered for a very long time.”So I’m delighted to be involved in what I believe will be the biggest show in British boxing, if not boxing, this year.” More

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      Tyson Fury casts further doubt on Anthony Joshua fight – but Frank Warren reveals what will tempt him out of retirement

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      TYSON FURY has cast even more doubt over a showdown with Anthony Joshua coming to fruition.The Gypsy King seemingly put the final nail in the coffin of the long-overdue domestic dust-up last month by announcing his fifth retirement.Tyson Fury announced his fifth retirement from boxing last monthCredit: GETTYFury’s latest hanging up of the gloves has seemingly KO’d a fight with Anthony JoshuaCredit: REUTERSFury has revealed he’s ‘happy’ with his retirementCredit: INSTAGRAM@PARISFURY1Boxing fans and pundits alike aren’t buying what the Wythenshawe warrior is selling and reckon he’s hung up his gloves again to bump up his payday for the AJ fight.But he recently told promoter Frank Warren that he’s “happy” with his current life after boxing.The Queensberry Promotions chief revealed on The Ariel & Ade Show: “Can he walk away from the sport? He says he has.”And at this moment in time, he said to me, he’s really in a good place and that he’s very happy.READ MORE BOXING NEWS”And that, for me, is important that he is happy and that he’s in a good place. “He’s been one of the best two heavyweights of the 21st century.”And I just want him now to enjoy his family and his life. He had a hard year last year.”Three training camps one after another, one fight got cancelled because he got the cut eye.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSView 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 needs now to go enjoy his life and enjoy being with his family, which is what he’s doing.”As much as he wants Fury to enjoy the fruits of his brutal labour, Warren wouldn’t be surprised if the former heavyweight king’s competitive spirit gets the better of him.Amir Khan echos the nation in plead to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua… and he speaks from experienceHe said: “I’ve not bothered him and I’ve certainly not spoken to him about fighting again.”And if he does, that’s got to be his choice. He’s a very, very wealthy guy, he’s made a serious amount of money.”He doesn’t need, financially, to fight. If he does fight, it’s because he’s got a fighting heart.”Obviously he’ll get well paid if he does fight. But he’s got a fighting heart.”Fury’s retirement came on the back of consecutive losses to former undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.Tyson Fury hung up his gloves following back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr UsykCredit: GETTYPromoter Frank Warren reckons the Gypsy King could be tempted to return to the ringCredit: PAIn a video on his social media pages, he said: “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.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m going to end with this – Dick Turpin wore a mask.”God bless everybody and see you on the other side.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      I thought I was being scammed after WWE offered me trials on Instagram… but here’s why I chose boxing instead

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      PREPARING himself for Olympic glory, boxer Delicious Orie received a suspicious Instagram message offering him trials with the WWE. But the super-heavyweight star brushed off the invite as nothing more than a scam. Delicious Orie was beaten in the opening round of the 2024 OlympicsCredit: PAOrie was on holiday in Thailand when he realised he had been offered WWE trialsCredit: @deliciousboxingIt was only after he was controversially beaten in the opening round of the 2024 Paris Games that he gave the DM a second thought. By then, Orie was on holiday in Bangkok enjoying some well-earned rest off the back of heartbreaking defeat to Armenia’s Davit Chaloyan.He did a bit more digging and realised the offer from the WWE was real – and had already been accepted on his behalf. Orie, 27, told SunSport: “So they messaged me actually on Instagram – this was during the Olympics.READ MORE IN BOXING”So I wasn’t on my social media during the Olympics. I actually saw it on holiday a few weeks after.”And I’m looking up, I’m just looking through the messages and I’m seeing the WWE – initially I thought it was just like one of those fake things trying to get scam you.”But then I opened the message, I looked into the account and I’m like, ‘This is all legit, you know, they want me out.'”So I’m in Thailand, I bell my manager because I messaged them back and said, ‘Yeah, of course, let’s talk.’Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”And they said, ‘Oh no, we’ve already been speaking with your manager and we’ve sorted everything out, you’re flying out this day.'”I’m calling my manager like, ‘What’s going on here? I’ve haven’t been told this!Former world heavyweight champion who KO’d Lennox Lewis, 59, wins second comeback fight as opponent retires “And he goes, ‘You just need to chill out, just relax, have a good time on holiday and then you can reset because your mind’s going to be going.'”And I’m like, well it’s too late now my mind’s going now. But yeah, I went out there just to have a look, see what they offer and it was a fantastic experience.”Orie did undergo a physical trial with the WWE in Florida – but stopped short of any high-flying turnbuckle moves.He said: “We did bits, it was very light, though. I’d watched a lot of the real physical jumping off the the ropes and all that stuff.”The main reason why was they were a little bit more cautious on it because as athletes and the things that we’ve got going on behind the scenes, injuries, as you may know, there’s there’s a high injury rate in wrestling, jumping off things and stuff like that.”So I got to try out a little bit, but not too much.”What Orie realised most though was the WWE stars’ talent on the microphone – something boxers rarely excel at. He said: “That’s why the likes of Tyson Fury and all them stand out so much because he’s able to do that, whereas you don’t get many in the UK that can do it.”Orie only began boxing at 18He suffered a controversial Olympic defeat to Armenia’s Davit ChaloyanCredit: PAOrie – born in Moscow to a Russian mother and Nigerian father – moved to the UK aged seven seeking a better life. He only started boxing at 18 and excelled as an amateur winning national titles as well as Commonwealth gold and European bronze. And with still so much to achieve in the professional ranks, Orie decided to politely turn down the WWE’s approach. He said: “I was thinking what’s gonna get me the most fulfilment out of my life?”I could have gone down that route, but do I wanna be a 70 year old looking back thinking what could I have been as a professional boxer?”I think there’s something quite real, raw, primal about boxing. “There’s nowhere to hide, the amount of work you put in is what shows. No matter whether it is you win, lose, it doesn’t matter.”It’s how much work you can portray and show people how much work you you’ve put in. And that’s basically what I wanted to do.I’m just looking through the messages and I’m seeing the WWE – initially I thought it was just like one of those fake things trying to get scam you.Delicious Orie”That’s the reason why I decided to sort of say, ‘Look, amazing offer, but definitely the professional boxing is for me.'”Orie has now turned pro with Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren at heavyweight with his debut set to be announced soon. And he arrives on the scene just as superstars Anthony Joshua, 35, and Tyson Fury, 36, prepare to depart leaving a gaping gap behind them. Orie said: “When I started boxing, I knew that there was a target audience that I can appeal to.”I believe that I’m quite real and I could just appeal to normal people and I can also try and inspire as many people that were or still are in my position or were in my position in the past.”So I thought to myself, there’s definitely a gap in that market for me. So from before I even thought about turning professional, I knew that.”Orie expects to fight regularly in 2025 – and promises plenty of eyeballs – whether they are booing or cheering. He said: “I’ll be very, very busy, and it’ll be very, very exciting.READ MORE SUN STORIES”There’ll be people gathering together watching Delicious Orie box, whether they don’t like me or like me, doesn’t matter. “They’ll be watching me box.”Anthony Joshua with OrieCredit: @deliciousboxing More