More stories

  • in

    Georgia O’Connor’s heartbreaking final post just days before boxer’s death aged 25

    GEORGIA O’CONNOR posted a heartbreaking final Instagram message just over a week before her tragic passing. The inspirational boxer  – who won Commonwealth Youth gold in 2017 – first revealed her cancer news in January.Georgia O’Connor with her husband before her sad passingCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1She got married before her deathCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1She was also previously diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) – a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.O’Connor had the boxing community in her corner all the way until she sadly passed away aged 25 from a rare and aggressive cancer.In her final Instagram post – ten days before her death – the brave boxer revealed she had married her boyfriend Adriano.She posted a picture of her ring and wrote: “The day I married the love of my life.”READ MORE IN BOXINGInspirational O’Connor was filled with well-wishes in the comments as the boxing community rallied behind the Durham hero.In February, O’Connor paid a beautiful tribute to her “superhero” Adriano.She posted: “If you have a man who loves you more than anything, who would burn the whole world down before he’d let it take you, hold on to him, because that kind of love is rare.”From the moment I was diagnosed with cancer, Adriano didn’t hesitate. He quit his job without a second thought and made it his mission to fight this battle alongside me.Most read in Boxing”Not just by my side, but leading the charge, doing everything in his power to save me…”Researching day and night, chasing down every option, making sure I have every single chance to beat this.Eddie Hearn teases Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury in 2025?! + Allen KOs Fisher | Split Decision | Sun Sport”I have never known love like this. A love that doesn’t flinch, doesn’t break, doesn’t even hesitate.”A love that says ‘we do this together, no matter what.’ No matter how dark the nights get, no matter how hard the days are, I have him, and he has me.”Adriano, you are my superhero. My warrior, my protector, my soulmate.”I have no words strong enough to explain what you mean to me; how much I love you, how much I thank you, how much I need you.”You are my safe place. My home. I could search the world a thousand times over and never find another man like you.”Everything we’ve been through, we go through together. Every fight, every battle, every victory.”We take it all, hand in hand. And we will win. My real-life prince. My reason. My forever.”Tributes poured in for the heroic fighter – who went 3-0 as a professional after debuting in 2021 – following her sad passing. Her promoters Boxxer posted: “We are heartbroken by the passing of Georgia O’Connor.”A true warrior inside and outside the ring, the boxing community has lost a talented, courageous and determined young woman far too soon.”Georgia was loved, respected and admired by her friends here at BOXXER. Our thoughts are with her loved ones at this difficult time.”Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions wrote: “Everyone at Queensberry Promotions are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Georgia O’Connor.”All of our thoughts are with her friends and family during this difficult time. Rest in peace Georgia.”England Boxing added: “We’re deeply saddened by the passing of Georgia O’Connor.”A gifted boxer and beloved member of the amateur boxing community, she won medals at the Commonwealth Youth Games, Youth Worlds & European Championships.”Our thoughts are with her loved ones.”Read More on The SunO’Connor was not only a talented boxer but also a three-time national taekwondo champion and undefeated kickboxer.Away from sports, she played guitar and enjoyed singing and became an inspiration to many after documenting her horror cancer fight.O’Connor had a 3-0 pro recordCredit: PAShe first revealed her cancer news in JanuaryCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1Promoter Ben Shalom with O’ConnorCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1 More

  • in

    How Tyson Fury’s popular Netflix reality show can be unlikely key to finally securing Anthony Joshua fight

    TYSON FURY’S popular Netflix reality show could be the unlikely key to securing a fight with Anthony Joshua. The father-of-seven and childhood sweetheart wife Paris starred in a nine-part fly-on-the-wall series called At Home with the Furys.At Home with the Furys aired on NetflixCredit: Courtesy of NetflixAnthony Joshua remains linked with fighting FuryCredit: GettyIt culminated in Fury’s December 2022 victory over Derek Chisora – but much has happened since then. Fury faced ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou in October 2023 – surviving a knockdown to win a controversial split-decision. He then twice lost to Oleksandr Usyk on points before announcing his retirement in January, a month after defeat in the rematch. Fury was spotted filming with Netflix in March, meaning the next series could document his two losses to Usyk and subsequent retirement. READ MORE IN BOXINGThe Gypsy King also looks set to walk away from a huge Battle of Britain bout against Joshua. But, Fury has started to tease a comeback with glimpses of his return to training while the success of his series could factor into his decision to fight again.Netflix bosses will be keen to centre a series around Fury’s preparation for what would be the nation’s biggest-ever fight. And with the streaming service now in the boxing business – they could even make a play to broadcast the mega-bout. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSYouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul had 100 MILLION watch his fight in November with Mike Tyson – who controversially made a return aged 58. The stream crashed amid the demand and Netflix also home to Katie Taylor’s July 11 trilogy against Amanda Serrano. Eddie Hearn teases Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury in 2025?! + Allen KOs Fisher | Split Decision | Sun SportJoshua, 35, and Fury, 36, are both exclusive to DAZN per the deals their promoters Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren signed. But DAZN gave permission for Irish star Taylor, 38, to rematch and beat Serrano, 36, on Paul’s undercard. It would take quite some convincing for DAZN to allow a similar pass for AJ and Fury but the streaming giants are making an aggressive push in live sports. They have exclusive UK rights to the WWE and Monday Night Raw in America while also pushing to take over UFC coverage from ESPN. In March, Chris Mannix reported that Netflix were “aggressively” targeting the rights for Joshua vs Fury. Another was Canelo Alvarez’s September undisputed fight against unbeaten American Terence Crawford. Netflix were on board for the super-fight, planned for the Las Vegas Raiders’ 65,000-seat, £1.5BILLION stadium with UFC boss Dana White to promote.But Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh has since revealed the fight is set for September 13 – the date of UFC 320. Read More on The SunAnd Alalshikh said it will be on pay-per-view with Riyadh Season – who have an exclusive deal with DAZN. It suggests White and Netflix are now out of the fight. Terence Crawford facing off with Canelo AlvarezCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Inside Tyson Fury’s dad John’s glamorous 60th birthday with icon surrounded by fighting family

    TYSON FURY’S family organised a glamorous birthday party for the boxing legend’s dad John.Tyson’s father turned 60 and the entire family showed up a for a massive do in a swanky venue.Tyson Fury and his wife Paris attended John’s birthday partyTyson’s father John turned 60 years oldJohn thanked the entire Fury family for attendingThe Furys enjoyed a glamorous birthday partyParis shared a number of pics and clips from John’s partyThe Gypsy King attended in one of his usual glitzy suits and was joined by wife Paris who donned a fabulous dress.John, on the other hand, was a lot more casual as he appeared wearing a T-shirt and jeans.Paris shared a number of snaps on Instagram showing the Furys having an absolute ball.She published some videos showing relatives dancing and singing.Read More on BoxingAnd another clip showed John thanking all of his relatives for attending his landmark celebration.Paris issued the following caption: “Well!! Even though it was very last minute to plan.”We had the best night hosting/celebrating Big Johns @gypsyjohnfury.”Surprise 60th birthday ( @hughfury96 & @tiffanyfury05 ‘s too🤪) Me and @tysonfury wanna thank all our friends and family for coming.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”A special thanks to the best party planner @ledigo_events and our favourite venue @mottramhallcheshirefor helping bring the party together.”Boxing fans stormed the comments’ section wishing John a happy birthday and praising the Furys for coming together.How Tyson Fury’s second season of Netflix reality show can be key to finally securing Anthony Joshua fightOne fan posted: “Amazing – you guys know what family is all about.”Another commented: “Incredible.”A third wrote: “What a night.”This fan said: “Stunning.”And that one stated: “Furys throw the best parties.”Paris also thanked the Fury family for attendingParis attended the event in a fabulous dressParis posed for several pics with Fury family membersParis’ photos led to a lot of positive reaction on InstagramParis danced with the rest of the Fury familyParis revealed the whole party was planned at the last minute More

  • in

    Georgia O’Connor dead aged 25: Tributes pour in as Brit boxer dies following cancer battle 2 weeks after getting married

    BOXER Georgia O’Connor has sadly lost her brave fight against cancer. The former Team GB representative – who won Commonwealth Youth gold in 2017 – first revealed her cancer news in January. Georgia O’Connor has sadly lost her brave fight against cancerCredit: PAShe first revealed her cancer news in JanuaryO’Connor married her partner Adriano just before her deathThe boxing hero revealed her marriage two weeks before her sad deathShe was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) – a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.O’Connor had the whole of the boxing world backing her but devastatingly, she has passed away aged 25.Tributes poured in for the heroic fighter, who went 3-0 as a professional after debuting in 2021. Super-middleweight Joe Laws posted a picture of the pair and wrote: “Fighter till the end rest easy bro.” READ MORE IN BOXINGIn her last Instagram post – two weeks before her death – O’Connor revealed she had married her partner Adriano. She posted a picture of her ring and wrote: “The day I married the love of my life.” In February, O’Connor paid a beautiful tribute to her “superhero” Adriano. She posted: “If you have a man who loves you more than anything, who would burn the whole world down before he’d let it take you, hold onto him, because that kind of love is rare.Most read in Boxing”From the moment I was diagnosed with cancer, Adriano didn’t hesitate. He quit his job without a second thought and made it his mission to fight this battle alongside me. “Not just by my side, but leading the charge, doing everything in his power to save me. “Whilst the doctors who neglected me are stuck in their ways, he’s out there driving across Europe, finding treatments they don’t even know exist. “Researching day and night, chasing down every option, making sure I have every single chance to beat this.”I have never known love like this. A love that doesn’t flinch, doesn’t break, doesn’t even hesitate. “A love that says ‘we do this together, no matter what.’ No matter how dark the nights get, no matter how hard the days are, I have him, and he has me.Adriano, you are my superhero. My warrior, my protector, my soulmate. “I have no words strong enough to explain what you mean to me; how much I love you, how much I thank you, how much I need you. “You are my safe place. My home. I could search the world a thousand times over and never find another man like you.”Everything we’ve been through, we go through together. Every fight, every battle, every victory. “We take it all, hand in hand. And we will win. My real-life prince. My reason. My forever.” Inspirational O’Connor was filled with well-wishes in the comments as the boxing community rallied behind the Durham hero. Not only was she a talented boxer, O’Connor also a three-time national taekwondo champion and undefeated kickboxer.Read More on The SunAway from sports, she played guitar and enjoyed singing – posting videos on social media.Promoter Ben Shalom with O’ConnorCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1O’Connor bravely documented her fight on social mediaCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1She had a 3-0 pro recordCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Fans in uproar as Manny Pacquiao, 46, announces comeback to fight for world title… despite not winning in SIX YEARS

    MANNY PACQUIAO has announced he is coming out of retirement and walking straight into a world title shot – causing fan uproar. The Filipino great took to social media to confirm a July 19 bout in Las Vegas against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios. Manny Pacquiao has announced he is coming out of retirement aged 46Credit: AFPMario Barrios is set to defend his WBC title against PacquiaoCredit: Esther Lin/ Most Valuable PromotionsHe posted: “I’m back. On July 19, I return to the ring to face WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.”Let’s make history!” Interestingly, neither Barrios nor Premier Boxing Champions – due to promote the fight – spoke out to confirm the bout. But Pacquiao’s post still caused havoc amongst fans with the boxing legend primed for a title shot after four years out and six without a win. READ MORE IN boxing One said: “Legend, but nah don’t do this.” Another added: “Why???? Who wants to see this”One fumed: “Disgrace from the WBC.”Another raged: “Ideal form for a world title shot. Winless for 6 years.” Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPacquiao’s last win came in 2019, beating Keith Thurman. He was then due to face Errol Spence Jr in August 2021 until an eye injury forced the Texan out, with Yordenis Ugas replacing him.Cacace Crushes Wood, AJ & Pacquiao Plot Shock Returns | Split DecisionUgas sprung a surprise upset on Pacquiao, who announced his retirement after the point loss to run for president in the Philippines. But after a failed election, rumours of a boxing return began swirling for PacMan, who later faced Korean YouTuber DK Yoo in a 2022 exhibition. Pacquiao then returned last July for another exhibition, against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo in Tokyo. And the eight-division champ showed his age over the three rounds – with fans urging him never to fight again. But talks were taking place behind the scenes for Pacquiao to make a professional comeback in a bid for the welterweight title. Per WBC rules, a contender must be ranked within their top 15 in order to be eligible for a championship bout. Read More on The SunSo it came as little surprise when Pacquiao sneaked back into the WBC’s top five in mid May – despite his absence from the ring. Boxing’s oldest world champ of all time is Bernard Hopkins, who won a world title aged 49.Pacquiao’s last win came in 2019, against Keith ThurmanCredit: USA TODAY SportsYordenis Ugas defeated Pacquaio in 2021 with the boxing legend retiring afterwardsCredit: APPacquiao lost out in his 2022 presidential campaignCredit: EPAHis last bout was an exhibition in Japan against kickboxer Rukiya AnpoCredit: RIZIN More

  • in

    Moses Itauma vs Mike Balogun: Start time, live stream, TV channel and full card for huge heavyweight clash

    MOSES ITAUMA is hoping to keep his destructive streak going as he faces Mike Balogun on a huge Glasgow bill!Itauma, 20, has won all 11 of his pro-bouts with his last four being stunning knockout victories.Moses Itauma has won all of his eleven fightsCredit: GettyAnd after most recently stopping Demsey McKean as early as round one, the Slovakian-Nigerian is chasing the dream of challenging for a world title.However, Itauma will have to get past American star Balogun who goes into this fight off the back of a huge unanimous decision win against Lamont Capers.But that encounter took place in March 2024, so it is set to be a really tough test for Balogun.When is Itauma vs Balogun?Moses Itauma vs Mike Balogun will take place on Saturday, May 24.Ring-walks for this huge encounter are set to get underway at approximately 9pm.Ovo Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland is the chosen venue and it can host approximately 12,306 people.These timings are subject to change depending on the other fights on the undercard.This bout is featuring on the undercard of Josh Taylor’s welterweight clash against Ekow Essuman.Tickets for the event are still available on Ticketmaster.Read more on Moses ItaumaPlease note that StubHub and similar secondary ticket resale sites may list tickets above face value.What TV channel is Itauma vs Balogun on and can it be live streamed?Moses Itauma vs Mike Balogun will be broadcast LIVE on DAZN.DAZN subscriptions cost £119.99 annually or £14.99 per month.There is also a monthly flexible pass, that can be cancelled at any time, for £24.99.The fight is available on DAZN TV or can be live streamed via the website or downloadable app.Alternatively, SunSport will live blog every fight from the event as it happens.What is the full card?Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman; WelterweightMoses Itauma vs Mike Balogun; HeavyweightNathaniel Collins vs Lee McGregor; FeatherweightAloys Jr vs David Jamieson; CruiserweightAston Brown vs Reece Porter; MiddleweightDrew Limond vs Ezequiel Gregores; Super welterweightLuke McCormack vs Samir Cuentas; Super lightweightAlex Arthur Jr vs Robbie Chapman; Light heavyweightLuke Bibby vs Cesar Ignacio Paredes; LightweightLee Welsh vs Tony Morton; Super lightweightMarcus Sutherland vs TBA; Super bantamweightReese Lynch vs Jonatas De Oliviera; Welterweight More

  • in

    Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman: Start time, TV channel, live stream and full card as pair clash for WBO International title

    JOSH TAYLOR takes on Ekow Essuman in a Scottish homecoming fight THIS Saturday!Taylor is looking to rectify back-to-back defeats as he takes on 36-year-old Essuman.Josh Taylor is looking to get his career going again after back-to-back lossesCredit: Steve Welsh/PA WireEkow Essuman (right) comes into the clash off the back of consecutive victoriesCredit: Ian Hodgson/PA Wire’The Tartan Tornado’ Taylor comes into the clash off the back of two losses, having been beaten by Teofimo Lopez before losing his rematch to Jack Catterall in May 2024.Ekow ‘The Engine’ Essuman comes into the bout with a record of 21-1-0, with eight of his 21 victories coming by KO.Essuman’s only defeat came at the hands of Harry Scarff in 2023, losing by unanimous decision in Manchester, meaning Taylor will look to be the first man to KO Essuman to get back to form.The Engine in turn looks to be the first man to KO Taylor, with both of his defeats coming by unanimous decision, with whoever can score the victory becoming the WBO international welterweight champion. Read more BoxingWhen is Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman?Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman is LIVE on Saturday, May 24.Coverage of the card starts at 7pm BST on DAZN.The fight takes place at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow.Ringwalks for Taylor vs Essuman are expected at around 10pm BST.Tickets are still available on Ticketmaster.*Please note that StubHub and similar secondary ticket resale sites may list tickets above face value.How to watch Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman and is there a live stream?The bout will come live to fans on DAZN to over 200 countries.An annual DAZN subscription costs £119.99 or £14.99 for monthly.There is also monthly flexible pass – which can be cancelled at any time – for £24.99.The broadcast is on DAZN TV or can be live streamed via the website or app.SunSport will blog all the action from the card as it happens.Full cardJosh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman; WelterweightNathaniel Collins vs Lee McGregor; FeatherweightAloys Junior vs Davie Jamieson; CruiserweightMoses Itauma vs Mike Balogun; HeavyweightLuke McCormack vs Samir Cuentas; Light welterweightAlex Arthur Jr vs Robbie Chapman; Super middleweightMost read in Boxing More

  • in

    Mystery as boxing Frank Bruno still hasn’t received top award two MONTHS after ceremony he missed due to serious illness

    FRANK Bruno has yet to receive a top boxing award — two months on from the ceremony.He could not collect his lifetime achievement gong as he was seriously ill.British boxing legend Frank in his heydayCredit: GettyPal Ricky Hatton read out his acceptance speech at the British Boxing Awards on March 28.But former heavyweight champ Bruno, 63, has yet to receive the gong.He told The Sun: “I was delighted I had won.“I did an acceptance speech which Ricky Hatton read out for me and as yet I have still not received the award.READ MORE ON FRANK BRUNO“I am bemused not to have received the actual award which I want to show off to the world.“My office asked a few times but had no joy.”But he penned a speech which Hatton, who co-hosted the awards with former fighter Nicola Adams, delivered on his behalf at the Langham Hotel in London.It said: “I am sorry I cannot be with you tonight. Trust me – I would far rather be with you than in Hospital having daily tests.Most read in Boxing”Thank you to the organisers of this event and all the people that voted for me to get this prestigious award.”Bruno was taken ill on a long-haul flight and spent weeks in hospitals in Qatar and London.Exclusive interview with British boxing legend Frank Bruno after his health scareAgent Dave Davies said: “I have never known somebody be announced as a winner then never receive the actual award.”BBA organisers were contacted for a comment.Frank Bruno has yet to receive his lifetime achievement gong two months on from the ceremony as he fell seriously illCredit: PA More