Boxing

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      My champagne lunch date with Derek Chisora turned into a naked chat in scorching sauna as he was whipped with leaves

      by

      “YOU know I do this s*** BUTT-NAKED, Wally.”That’s what Derek Chisora said to me as he peeled off his trunks and carefully arranged ALL of himself face-down on the massage table.SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr shared a sauna with Derek ChisoraCredit: The SunChisora braves an ice bath, which he uses to aid recovery in trainingCredit: The SunChisora is a regular at the the luxurious bathhouse BanyaCredit: The SunIt was not how I expected a champagne-and-oysters Frank Warren and Chisora media lunch to peak.But when the generous hall-of-fame promoter suffered a diary clash and had to cancel his presence at the event to promote Del Boy’s February 8 clash with Otto Wallin, things took a turn.The trademark meal Warren regularly and generously hosts at Milos’ stunning fish restaurant at No1 Regent Street was canned.But Queensberry’s quick-thinking PR team and 41-year-old Chisora’s manager arranged for a trip to Banya, the luxurious bathhouse and spa in Belgravia.READ MORE IN BOXINGZimbabwe-born millionaire Chisora is a regular at the health club, usually enjoying caviar and dumplings when he is not in training camp for a fight – but always avoiding their potent vodka now he is a teetotal athlete.His explanation for loving the exhilarating experience is simple: “This place is unbelievable, you jump from being in the scorching hot, to the freezing cold.“It keeps the heart attack away, it keeps so many problems away from your body and makes you feel great afterwards.“It keeps me young as well, it helps me keep up with all these young guys.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSunSport jokes that he is doing well considering he is 48 and he sticks a giant middle finger up at my face and reminds us age is just a number.“When I come here after a hard session, I come here for an hour and, instead of feeling tired and beat up, I come back the next day totally normal.Derek Chisora unveils plan for shock career change once he’s retired from boxing but plans dream 50TH fight first “I am the guy who controls the heat levels in here. Nobody can beat my record.“I have four guys in there hitting me with the leaves and it gets so hot that everybody else runs out.“When you are fit your body can take more heat, so I know the more heat I can take, the better condition I am in.”Most of the reporters in attendance had never stripped off with the 18st powerhouse, followed him into a pitch-black sauna and been battered with prickly bouquets of birch, oak and eucalyptus leaves, known as veniks, in unbearable heats, while wearing unflattering hats.I have four guys in there hitting me with the leaves and it gets so hot that everybody else runs out.Derek ChisoraI don’t think I would have gone through with the challenge for any other British boxer but – outside of the financial and world title riches Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have brought us – I struggle to think of a fighter who has given more of himself to fight fans.Journalists and fans – even Warren – have been calling for Chisora to retire with his fortune and faculties intact – for almost a decade.Because we know he has suffered 14 punishing losses, done hundreds of thousands of hard sparring rounds and has two beautiful little girls at home who deserve a coherent daddy to grow up with.Chisora beat Joe Joyce in his last fightCredit: GettyHe has refused to retireCredit: PABut the fearless b*****d defies us time and time again with incredible performances and shock wins, most recently over the likes of David Price, Kubrat Pulev and Joe Joyce.The tone of the introduction gave no indication of how the afternoon would later turn.Once we sat down in a private room we were told there was water on the way and a basic round-table interview would take place.Then Del Boy strolled in and stunned us all, in a way that shouldn’t really surprise us anymore.Thanks to our mutual friend, the Daily Mail’s photographer Kevin Quigley, Chisora pointed across the room and congratulated me on a recent charity white collar bout I won for the Valencia Monroe Ward, at the Royal Brompton hospital.He went around the room and greeted everyone in his own very unique way, some got an unpublishable insult delivered with genuine affection and humour, one poor cameraman who had never met Chisora was suddenly having his long ginger hair praised.The complimentary mineral water order, placed before his arrival, was ramped up rapidly too, as Chisora demanded everyone be treated to traditional soup borscht, beef and chicken mince dumplings and an incredible caviar platter.Chisora and David Haye were involved in an infamous press conference brawlCredit: ReutersChisora infamously threw a table at Dillian WhyteCredit: ReutersChisora’s generosity does not only extend to promotional tours to flog his 49th fight.The bad-boy persona he played perfectly at the modest start of his career left a few fans thinking the mask had eaten into his face.The face-off spits and kisses, the table thrown at Dilllian Whyte, the backstage brawl with David Haye, all painted Chisora as a violent maniac.But when you are climbing your way up the amateur and small-hall circuit as an African unknown, while the likes of Fury and David Price are miles ahead of you on the circuit, you need to do something to catch the eye.Nobody as unhinged as Chisora has sometimes appeared to be could be as popular as he is.Billy Joe Saunders and Chris Eubank Jr loathe each other, Fury and Joshua are in a vicious rivalry and Tony Bellew and Haye were as spiteful as sport can get.Guess who can break bread with all of those guys – as well as all of his former opponents – Del Boy.Derek Chisora’s last ten fights Joe Joyce, points win Gerald Washington, points win Tyson Fury, stoppage loss Kubrat Pulev, points win Joseph Parker, points loss Joseph Parker, points loss Oleksandr Usyk, points loss David Price, stoppage win Artur Szpilka, KO win Senad Gashi, points win Away from the cameras he regularly asks the boxing press pack how the family of much-missed colleague Ron Lewis is coping following his 2023 passing.That is another reason I jumped into the steaming underground unknown with the hulk nicknamed War, I feel like I owe him and every moment spent in his company – nude or otherwise – will be well spent.I also fear that, in ten or twenty years time, Chisora will start showing heartbreaking signs of CTE and dementia and the guilt I will feel at having benefited professionally from covering it all might be slightly softened by lighter memories of time spent together.Another reason Chisora loves the space run by Alex Lazarev, is his passionate hatred for GOLF.“Most men go to play golf,” he pointed out. “I hate golf.“I went to a charity match once and I went to hit my first ball and completely missed it.“I thought ‘f*** this s***’, gave them the kit back and tried to leave. I hate golf, I gave them some money for the charity and left.’He tells me to f*** off’“This is my golf and this is great.”Chisora has spread the gospel too, Oleksandr Usyk visits on his UK trips and Del Boy has grown the gang outside of the hurt business.Every Sunday he is joined in the pits of humidity hell by Lethal Bizzle – the steamed-up superstars call themselves the Skint Gang and challenge each other to hotter heats and colder plunges.Chisora and his pals taking over the private rooms of these palatial rooms – where far daintier Eastern Europeans and uber-rich locals quietly try to rejuvenate – has not scared anyone off.Banya director Lazarev explained to us: “Derek has been coming to The Bath House since we opened in late 2019.“I remember very well receiving a call and someone saying ‘Derek Chisora would like to visit your place’.“Derek likes the relaxed atmosphere and we hope he feels at home here. He is a part of the family now and we are good friends.When I come here after a hard session, I come here for an hour and, instead of feeling tired and beat up, I come back the next day totally normal.Derek Chisora “Banya is not a competitive exercise, but Derek can certainly absorb a lot of heat and is one of the top guys at The Bath House.”When he does our parenie treatment, he typically does four-hands hands parenie which is when two guys as opposed to just one are warming you through at the same time.“I think he values banya and parenie in particular for the recovery it offers.“It’s not about beating or whipping. Aromatic oak and birch leaves are used to move the steam around and warm your body and muscles through fully.“Sitting in the sauna is one thing, but parenie takes it to another level.”And, of course, Chisora takes it to another level when he whips off his last small layer of clothing and tells us to sit at the highest and hottest point while he gets his eight-handed horticultural hammering on his back.Chisora can break bread with boxing’s top stars like Anthony JoshuaCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunFury and Chisora fought three timesOleksandr Usyk also beat FuryCredit: GettyI took a risk and said: “You’ve been coming here for so long now, Del, I thought they would have cut a hole in the middle of that table for you by now.”He tells me to f*** off.There have been – and will be – millions of better British boxers than Derek Chisora.We have had – and are due – more choreographed and mainstream-appeal showmen in the sport.But I am not sure we have had too many better blokes.I hope his 50th fight later this year is his last.READ MORE SUN STORIESI hope little Angelina and Harare get to enjoy their dad as much as I have been lucky enough to, before the ravages of time and such a punishing career take their toll.And I hope he knows how grateful we are to have had him, his blood and brain cells and caviar and body, every last bit of it. More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Boxing

      Claressa Shields vs Danielle Perkins: Start time, TV channel and undercard as pair meet with four titles up for grabs

      by

      CLARESSA SHIELDS looks to add the vacant IBF and WBO belts to her collection as she fights Danielle Perkins.The two will put their unbeaten records on the line as they face off for four titles in Michigan.Claressa Shields beat Savannah Marshall in her last fightCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunThe defending champion Shields comes into the fight with a 15-0 record in boxing to date, having also tried her hand at MMA, winning three of her fights by KO.Perkins lacks the 15-fight experience of Shields but is still unbeaten heading into the fight.The 42-year-old currently holds a record of 5-0, winning two of her fights by KO.Claressa Shields is putting her WBC and WBF titles on the line against Perkins, while the pair will both be battling for the vacant WBO and IBF titles.Read more BoxingThe fight will main event a ten match card, and is the only title fight of the night, coming live from the Dort Financial Centre in Michigan.When is Claressa Sheilds vs Danielle Perkins?As the fight is in America, it will be an early start for viewers in the UKThe fight card will start on Monday, February 3, live at 12:30am GMT on Monday morning.Claressa Shields and Danielle Perkins are expected to make their ringwalks at approximately 3:50am GMTWhat TV channel is Claressa Shields vs Danielle Perkins on and can it be live streamed?Claressa Shields vs Danielle Perkins, as well as the whole undercard, is available to stream via DAZN.Viewers will have to purchase a DAZN subscription in order to watch the fight.You can subscribe to DAZN in the UK for £14.99-a-month, which commits you to an entire year of action.A flexible pass, worth £24.99-a-month (minimum three-month contract), is also available, and you can cancel at any time.You can also pay £119.99 for the year upfront, which is the lowest cost option.Full cardClaressa Shields vs Danielle Perkins in a heavyweight bout for the IBF, WBC, WBO and WBF titles.Joshua Pagan vs Ronal Ron in a light welterweight bout.Brandon Moore vs Skylar Lacy in a heavyweight bout.Leon Lawson III vs Chris Thompson in a super middleweight bout.Joseph Hicks Jr. vs Keon Papillion in a light middleweight bout.Caroline Veyre vs Carmen Vargas in a super featherweight bout.Samantha Worthington vs Vaida Masiokaite in a welterweight bout.Pryce Taylor vs Robert Simms in a heavyweight bout.Jaquan McElroy vs Nathan Mitchell in a super middleweight bout.Ashleyann Lozada vs Denise Moran in a featherweight bout.Most read in Boxing More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Boxing

      Amir Khan echoes the nation in plea to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua… and he speaks from experience

      by

      AMIR KHAN has pleaded with Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua to give fans the fight they want – before it’s too late.The pair of heavyweight superstars looked in line to finally settle their British beef in the ring this year.Tyson Fury announced his shock retirement from boxingCredit: ReutersIt leaves a fight with Anthony Joshua in doubtCredit: GettyAJ is coming off a September knockout loss to Daniel Dubois while Fury was twice defeated on points by Oleksandr Usyk in 2024.So with no brighter prospects, the beaten Brits were being lined up for a two-fight deal – worth around £300MILLION – across Saudi Arabia and London.But that was until Fury went for a coffee in mid January and decided to announce his shock retirement on social media.It leaves the fight with Joshua – which has been brewing for ten years – facing the KO forever.READ MORE IN BOXINGThe two have won multiple world titles, sold millions of pay-per-views and earned enough money to last several lifetimes.But Khan says Fury, 36, and Joshua, 35, owe it to the fans to close out their careers with the fight that means more than anything.He told SunSport: “We hope that happens because at the end of the day it’ll be good for the fans. End of the day, it’s great for boxing, it’s great for British boxing.”And if that fight ever came through, it’s something that we’d watch, we as boxing fans and as ex-fighters, we want to see that fight.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”So yeah, I think they do need to give that to the UK fans just to give that cherry on top, you know what I mean?”And then they can go on and enjoy their career after whatever they get into.”Amir Khan reveals talks with KSI’s camp and opens door to shock fight after controversial Wayne Bridge bout collapsesBolton icon Khan is speaking from experience.For years fans were left frustrated and almost ready to give up on a grudge bout between the 2004 Olympian and nemesis Kell Brook.But in 2022- with the duo both 38 and well past their primes – they sold out the Manchester Arena and put it all on the line for six rounds.Khan was stopped on his feet and retired afterwards – doing so with no regrets and a new friend in Brook.He said: “For me, I had to give it back to the UK fans. I had to do it for the UK fans, the British fans.”They wanted to see that fight and even though I knew I was done, I still had to give them that UK fight between me and Kell Book.”I mean we’re friends now, we were never friends. Sometimes it takes punching each other in the face to become friends.”But look, at the end of the day I got nothing but respect for Kell. I think it’s something that we wanted to give back together to the UK fans, and I’m glad we did it now.”READ MORE SUN STORIESKhan – who still owes Brook a catch-up over coffee – reckons AJ and Fury can become shock pals too.He chuckled: “It happens in boxing.”Kell Brook and Khan retired after their 2022 grudge fightCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunThe two became friends afterCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

    • 275 Shares179 Views

      in Boxing

      ‘I don’t want to point the finger but…’ – Logan and Jake Paul claim they have had $1MILLION worth of watches stolen

      by

      LOGAN PAUL and brother Jake claim they have had nearly $1MILLION worth of watches stolen. Older brother Logan broke the news to Jake that the $50,000 (£40,000) Audemars Piguet had gone missing. Jake Paul says this $550,000 Richard Mille watch got stolenCredit: GettyA black Richard Mille watchCredit: Richard MilleLogan Paul was gifted this $50,000 Audemars Piguet watch but it went missingThis $250,000 Patek also allegedly went missingA Patek Moon phase watchBut the WWE star also claimed his $250,000 (£200,000) Patek Philippe timepiece had also been taken. Logan, 29, said: “I have horrible news, Jake. The watch that you got me, it got stolen at the airport.”I have reason to believe someone opened my bag during TSA and nabbed it out of there.”I don’t want to point any fingers but those motherf***ers definitely took it, allegedly, in my opinion.READ MORE IN BOXING”Actually, two watches, Jake. The other one was a f***ing $250,000 Patek.”Jake, 28, said: “I got my watch stolen this year, too. The black Richard Mill, I paid $317,000 but it’s worth $550,000.”I don’t know where it got stolen from. I flew like f***ing six places in like three days and when I was finally at the last place I went to go and put it on for dinner and it was like gone.”I actually don’t know which one of the six places, it’s too hard to tell.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBy the brothers’ calculations, they have had $850,000 (£680,000) worth of watches stolen. The YouTube video comes after the pair teased an extraordinary never-before-seen bout against EACH OTHER. Jake Paul puts Mike Tyson on his shoulders at Donald Trump inauguration party as pair reunite after Netflix fightBoth shared a mocked up image facing off against each other with the caption: “The moment you’ve waited a decade for… March 27th on @StreamOnMax.”Their boxing careers started on the same night in 2018 when Logan faced British rival KSI in Manchester – which ended a draw.Jake meanwhile beat KSI’s younger brother Deji to kickstart his boxing career.The American has since carved out a 11-1 record, most recently beating 58-year-old Mike Tyson in their controversial bout.His only defeat so far came in 2023 via split-decision in Saudi Arabia against Tommy Fury, 25.Logan meanwhile has had four bouts, losing his 2019 rematch against KSI following their draw.He took boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, 47, the eight-round distance in their 2021 exhibition.And he most recently beat MMA star and rival Dillon Danis, 31, by disqualification in his last bout in October 2023.Logan has since focused on the WWE – leaving his boxing future up in the air.But he was willing to step in and fight brother Jake last summer when Tyson had to postpone his return amid a health precaution.Netflix – who promoted Jake’s fight with Tyson – were on board with the idea of the two siblings fighting.But they wanted more time to promote what would be an extraordinary event – which has never happened before.Jake instead beat ex-UFC fighter Mike Perry, 33, in six rounds.Despite Jake and Logan’s blatant fight tease – fans were quick to notice the March 27 date is a Thursday.HBO have also not been in the boxing business since ending their contract with Top Rank in 2018.READ MORE SUN STORIESStreaming service HBO Max also produce several documentary films and series – which Jake and Logan could have signed up for.Jake and Logan Paal have teased fighting each otherCredit: Getty More

    • 300 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      My day with Amir Khan had me floored, what I saw is a million miles from the flash, cocky character fans think he is

      by

      TO some Amir Khan is just another flash, multimillionaire boxer… but I saw the real side of him only minutes after we met.Having raked in a whopping £60MILLION just from fighting, he’s been able to afford a life that few can even dream of.Amir Khan knows how to spend his well-earned cashCredit: Instagram / @amirkingkhanHe lives a life of luxuryCredit: Instagram / @amirkingkhanBut the father-of-three is a doting dad and family manCredit: Instagram / @amirkingkhanKhan earned £60m from his world title-winning careerCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdKhan’s been pictured behind the wheel of fast cars, welcomed cameras into homes as big as hotels and loves to wear expensive jewellery.On his rise to becoming one of British boxing’s greats he would also trash-talk opponents.With his beautiful, successful wife on his arm, it’s little wonder some boxing fans find it hard to relate to the cocky boy from Bolton.So I was floored when I met him.READ MORE IN BOXINGI spoke to the British legend in Dubai – where he now lives with his family – while he was supporting his protege Haider Khan – of no relation – in his MMA fight.The last time I interviewed Khan was in Saudi Arabia last February – albeit briefly – about a potential comeback and the legacy he’s left.A year on, and not much changed as I quizzed him on similar topics.But this time I got to see the kind-hearted nature fo Khan, who single-handedly revived Great Britain’s Olympic boxing hopes in 2004.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKhan agreed to leave his VIP cageside seat to speak to me, while I sprinted from the press area to ensure I didn’t miss my one-to-one opportunity.But as I tried to take Khan backstage to find a quieter place to talk – security stopped me in my tracks.Amir Khan reveals talks with KSI’s camp and opens door to shock fight after controversial Wayne Bridge bout collapsesThey failed to recognise who the former light-welterweight champion of the world was – refusing to let him backstage without a media pass.I feared my interview chances would be KO’d there and then – but Khan showed his humanity and laughed off the snub.The boxing great – one of the best and most recognisable to ever come out of our shores – was far too humble to tell the jobsworth security who he was.If I wasn’t in such a rush to get interviewing Khan, I would’ve explained to the staffer that he was talking to the man who won Olympic silver aged just 17.The legend who lifted world championships at 22 and retired with one of the best records of the modern era.But, we were against the clock so luckily a member of staff with security clearance brought Khan through.And just as I thought we could get the interview underway, a member of the Coca-Cola Arena team – originally from Manchester – recognised Khan.Khan won Olympic silver aged just 17Credit: PAHe was already a star by the time he turned proCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun GlasgowKhan became world champ at just 22Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdAnd again, the down-to-earth 38-year-old was asking this super-fan all about her life, why she now lives in Dubai, why she left England.Sensing my precious time with Khan was slipping away, I did finally manage to get our chat underway.But still, I was left stunned with the lack of ego he had shown in just the short period we had rubbed shoulders.Khan helped keep funding for Team GB alive after medalling in Athens before turning pro a year later as an already household name.And before even winning his first world title in 2009, he was a pay-per-view star making huge amounts of money.Khan then took his career to America and that’s when he really made the big bucks.And outside of the ropes, Khan has made waves.Khan married Faryal Makhdoom in 2013Credit: ¥The couple’s relationship has been under the spotlightCredit: Instagram / @amirkingkhanBut they seem happier than everCredit: Instagram / @amirkingkhanHe married Faryal Makhdoom in 2013 and their relationship has been under the spotlight ever since.It’s something the couple at times courted, having taken part in three seasons of reality TV series Meet the Khans: Big in Bolton.Khan has been accused of cheating on Faryal several times over the years – causing them to almost split.But the boxer has hailed New York-born Faryal as “very forgiving” after admitting to doing “silly things” in his past.The couple now appear happier than ever and share three children, Lamaisah, ten, Alayna, six and Muhammad Zaviyar, four.They are also living in Dubai after leaving the UK in the wake of Khan’s horrifying gunpoint robbery.Khan had a £72,000 watch snatched off him by a masked gunman on the streets of East London in April 2022.Khan relocated to Dubai after leaving the UKCredit: Instagram / @amirkingkhanKhan and Faryal pose in their Dubai homeCredit: Doug SeeburgKhan with his kids Alayna, Zaviyar and LamaisahCredit: Doug SeeburgA gun was pointed at Khan’s face – in front of terrified wife Faryal – before robbers demanded his diamond-encrusted Franck Muller Vanguard Chronograph watch.Two men – Dante Campbell and Ahmed Bana – later pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob and possession of an imitation firearm.Bana was jailed for nine years and eight months – while Campbell was locked up for seven years and nine months.The watch was also returned by police – but Khan was too fearful to remain living at home.He told us: “Look, I can walk around wearing anything, doing anything.”I can leave my car door open, it’s just so much safer here. I think the law is much more strict, I think people like us need that.”Khan still enjoys the finer things in life, posing in supercars, showing off his collection of luxury watches and settling down in a huge mansion.Khan runs his own humanitarian foundationCredit: Scott Hornby – The SunHe has helped construct schools and orphanages and provided disaster aidCredit: Scott Hornby – The SunKhan most recently helped victims of the Gaza attacksCredit: Instagram / @amirkingkhanHe also gives back.Khan runs his own humanitarian foundation, helping construct schools and orphanages in Africa and providing disaster relief in Pakistan, Nepal and England.More recently, Khan has been helping victims of the Gaza attacks, providing food and supplies to those affected.He also helps mentor young fighters, like Adam Azim and Tal Singh, which keeps him in the sport.But Khan is no longer a fighter – as of now anyway – having retired in 2022 after finally facing nemesis Kell Brook.It was a rivalry born from their amateur days and spanning nearly two decades by the time they shared the ring – admittedly past their primes.Khan was stopped in six rounds and hung up his gloves afterwards – doing so with no regrets and a new pal in Brook.This is the moment Kell Brook ended Khan’s careerCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunThe grudge match had been brewing for nearly 20 yearsCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunKhan retired with no regretsCredit: GettyHe said: “I had to do it for the UK fans, the British fans.”They wanted to see that fight and even though I knew I was done, I still had to give them that UK fight between me and Kell Book.”I mean we’re friends now, we were never friends. Sometimes it takes punching each other in the face to become friends.”Khan fought a who’s who across four different weights, from greats of the past and present.But it is only now in retirement that he gets the flowers he truly deserves.He said: “When you retire, that’s when you realise you was a great champion for Great Britain.”I put some great fights on television at home. I had great times, UK fans, I do love them and they were amazing.”The boxing legend is still the star of the show wherever he goesCredit: GettyKhan starred on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!Credit: Rex FeaturesKhan and Faryal had their own BBC reality showCredit: BBCYou’d think with his multiple charities, looking after the next crop of fighters and being such a family man, Khan would stay happily retired.But his name continues to be called out by the new-wave of celebrities-turned-boxers such as KSI.And he grinned: “Look we’re prize fighters, we talk numbers.  “If the numbers match then yeah, it’s a fight, but if not, then if it’s all just hype and talk, it’s not gonna work.  “But look, yeah there was talks about it and they asked me a question, if I’ll be up for it.”Yeah, I mean, I’m a fighter. Every fighter is up for a fight so yeah, let’s see.”Khan – who has boxed since the age of 11 – has achieved everything there is to win in boxing.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut while returning for just one more bout against a prankster-turned-prizefighter would earn him another handsome payday, it also comes at the risk of ruining his reputation.And as I found out first-hand, that is a well-deserved reputation of a legend inside and outside of the ring, who I will always thank for letting me meet up close and personal.Khan was all smiles talking to SunSport More

    • 263 Shares169 Views

      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua called out by former UFC star and bare-knuckle boxer who went viral for brutal KO after just 36 SECONDS

      by

      ANTHONY JOSHUA has been called out by bare-knuckle boxer Ben Rothwell – following his 36 SECOND knockout. Rothwell had 53 MMA bouts – including an 11 year stint in the UFC. Anthony Joshua has been called out by bare-knuckle boxer Ben RothwellCredit: GettyRothwell is a bare-knuckle championCredit: GettyBut he signed for Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship in 2022 and has won all four of his bouts. Rothwell, 43, became BKFC champion after knocking out Mick Terrill, 41, in 36 seconds and now wants a run at regular boxing. He told Ariel Helwani: “Right now I’m a free agent, I very much love the BKFC, I love David Feldman and I would like to continue, even finish my career here.”How much time have I got? Maybe a year or so, it really depends. But Francis Ngannou, Anthony Joshua, guys who beat them guys. READ MORE IN BOXING”To put the gloves on and prove how good at boxing I am would very much be a bucket list. “I just don’t feel like I’ve ever gotten to show the boxing world how good of a boxer I am.”Ngannou, 38, walked out on the UFC to pursue boxing in 2023. He dropped Tyson Fury, 36, on his debut only to lose a controversial split-decision.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNgannou then faced Joshua, 35, last March but he was brutally knocked out in two rounds. The ex-UFC champ then returned to the MMA cage in October – beating Renan Fereira, 35, in the PFL. Tyson Fury WILL still fight Anthony Joshua and they’ll even be friends after, says British champ in shock predictionJoshua meanwhile was knocked out by Daniel Dubois, 27, in September and has not returned since. And Rothwell wants to showcase his skills in both the boxing and BKFC ring. He said: “Right now the BKFC and UFC fans just say I’m a brawler. “They don’t understand my precision, they don’t understand how capable I truly am but if I got to fight one of them that would be a huge opportunity for me to show the world how good I really am.”Before I am done fighting, I want to bring as much respect to this belt as possible. “If I have to step away for a fight I think the BKFC would back me. I believe we’re going to get something figured out and I will defend this belt.”Rothwell left the UFC for BKFCCredit: Getty – Contributor More

    • 188 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Jake Paul hints at never-before-seen fight with his BROTHER Logan… hours after deleting previous teaser

      by

      JAKE PAUL has hinted at a fight against his own BROTHER Logan.The pair of social media sensations have long teased a never-before-seen brotherly bout. Jake Paul with brother Logan before his fight against Mike TysonCredit: GettyAnd both have given the biggest indicator yet that the fight may be in the works after posting mocked up posters online. Jake, 28, wrote: The moment you’ve waited a decade for… March 27th on @StreamOnMax.” Logan, 29, added: “The moment you’ve waited a decade for… March 27 on @StreamOnMax.” The two have grown up in the spotlight together and have shared a competitive rivalry but supportive relationship. READ MORE IN BOXINGTheir boxing careers started on the same night in 2018 when Logan faced British rival KSI in Manchester – which ended a draw. Jake meanwhile beat KSI’s younger brother Deji to kickstart his boxing career. The American has since carved out a 11-1 record, most recently beating 58-year-old Mike Tyson in their controversial bout. His only defeat so far came in 2023 via split-decision in Saudi Arabia against Tommy Fury, 25. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLogan meanwhile has had four bouts, losing his 2019 rematch against KSI following their draw. He took boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, 47, the eight-round distance in their 2021 exhibition. Jake Paul puts Mike Tyson on his shoulders at Donald Trump inauguration party as pair reunite after Netflix fightAnd he most recently beat MMA star and rival Dillon Danis, 31, by disqualification in his last bout in October 2023. Logan has since focused on the WWE – leaving his boxing future up in the air.But he was willing to step in and fight brother Jake last summer when Tyson had to postpone his return amid a health precaution. Netflix – who promoted Jake’s fight with Tyson – were on board with the idea of the two siblings fighting. But they wanted more time to promote what would be an extraordinary event – which has never happened before. Jake instead beat ex-UFC fighter Mike Perry, 33, in six rounds. Despite Jake and Logan’s blatant fight tease – fans were quick to notice the March 27 date is a Thursday. READ MORE SUN STORIESHBO have also not been in the boxing business since ending their contract with Top Rank in 2018. Streaming service HBO Max also produce several documentary films and series – which Jake and Logan could have signed up for. Mike Tyson lost to Jake Paul on pointsCredit: GettyLogan Paul is a star of the WWECredit: Getty More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      People started fights in cafes but terrifying gunpoint robbery was last straw, I had to leave UK, says Amir Khan

      by

      AMIR Khan’s gunpoint robbery was so horrifying he no longer lives in the UK.The 38-year-old – one of Britain’s best and most beloved boxers – had a £72,000 watch snatched off him by a masked gunman on the streets of East London in April 2022.This was the moment Amir Khan had his watched robbed at gunpointHe is now living with his wife and kids in DubaiKhan admits he no longer felt safe in the UKA gun was pointed at Khan’s face – in front of terrified wife Faryal – before robbers demanded his diamond-encrustedFranck Muller Vanguard Chronograph watch. Two men – Dante Campbell and Ahmed Bana – later pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob and possession of an imitation firearm.Bana was jailed for nine years and eight months – while Campbell was locked up for seven years and nine months.The watch was also returned by police. READ MORE on amir KhanBut the attack was so frightening that Khan relocated to Dubai with his wife and three kids – Lamaisah, ten, Alayna, six and Muhammad Zaviyar, four.Khan told SunSport in the UAE: “Look, I can walk around wearing anything, doing anything.”I can leave my car door open, it’s just so much safer here. I think the law is much more strict, I think people like us need that.”Look, I’ve been to cafes, to places where people have started fights and they’ve said something and before you know it there’s a gang of people outside.Most read in Boxing”I don’t need that in my life – I’m a retired fighter. I’ve been fighting all my life, there’s no point starting fights on the streets or getting into problems.”Then the gun crime happened, I just wanted to give the watch away and said, ‘There you go, what do you want? Do you want the watch? There you go, take it.’Terrifying moment gunman robs former boxer Amir Khan “It’s no skin off my nose. I got the watch back and the poor guys got around 12 years each between four of them. Look, it is what it is, the law always catches up on you.”I think maybe it’s a message to people, don’t be stealing, don’t be carrying guns because you will get punished when you’re caught.”Khan – who formerly reigned as light-welterweight world champion – and his brother Haroon were attacked by six men in Birmingham in 2012. The pair are said to have fought off the would-be thieves who allegedly tried to steal Khan’s £125,000 Range Rover. Khan was involved in another street fight in 2017 in Manchester when a group attacked him during a road rage incident. And in the aftermath of the gunpoint robbery, Khan and his family were left too fearful to remain in the UK.He said: “Imagine if I had my kids with me that time. My wife was with me. Even she hates being around or going places.The boxing legend is happy living in DubaiKhan with his children, left to right, Alayna, Zaviyar and LamaisahCredit: Doug SeeburgKhan with wife Faryal Makhdoom at their Dubai homeCredit: Doug Seeburg”We get invited to UK events and stuff like that and I have to turn a lot down because I just don’t know what can happen.”It’s sad to say but look, I still love the UK. The safest I feel is Bolton, where I live, my hometown. I know everyone there and everyone knows me.”It’s just when you’ve go out of town it gets a little bit scary sometimes, you just don’t know what can happen, you don’t know the area that well, you don’t know the people there.”It just gets a bit scary and being recognised everywhere you go, people know you, you’ll always be the attention of the place wherever you go. It makes it a little tough and scary as well.”Despite Khan’s robbery ordeal, he remains one of Britain’s most celebrated fighters. He retired in 2022 following a defeat to Kell Brook – but only now gets shown the respect he rightfully deserves after hanging up his gloves.Khan said: “I thank all the fans, honestly. I’ve been boxing a very long time, literally all my life. READ MORE SUN STORIES”When you retire, that’s when you realise you was a great champion for Great Britain. I put some great fights on television at home. “I had great times, UK fans, I do love them and they were amazing.” Khan retired after losing to Kell BrookCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunKhan held light-welterweight titlesCredit: Reuters More