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      British boxing icon John Conteh was the David Beckham of his era but celebrity lifestyle led to his downfall

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      YOU didn’t have to be Angelo Dundee to realise you were watching an immense talent when John Conteh won the middleweight gold medal at the 1970 Commonwealth Games.But I had no idea as I saw him brilliantly outbox a Tanzanian in the final in Edinburgh that the 19-year-old kid from Kirkby was about to evolve in a few years into JC Superstar.John Conteh was the David Beckham of his eraCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdBecause of his outstanding ability, knockout-handsome film star looks and cheeky Merseyside charisma, it was no surprise he was made financial offers to turn pro he couldn’t refuse.Four years later he was ready to challenge Argentine Jorge Ahumada for his WBC world light-heavyweight title, at Wembley’s Empire Pool.Conteh delivered a superb points victory — it was the peak performance of his life. Everything was on display, his considerable skills, speed of thought and movement, brutal punching, plus heart and desire to bring the title to Britain.READ MORE IN BOXINGIt was only Ahumada’s teak-tough chin that got him through the 15 rounds.To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the most momentous moment of Conteh’s nine-year career, he is being honoured with a star-studded tribute lunch organised by the London Ex- Boxers Association at Holborn’s Connaught Rooms on October 20.When LEBA secretary Ray Caulfield announced the event in June, there were those who wondered if it would attract a large enough crowd.But when the £125 tickets went on sale, within a matter of days all 400 had been snapped up. And Conteh, at 73, was involved in yet another sell-out.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFrank Bruno, Michael Watson and David Haye will pay homage to one of our all-time great fighters, along with celebrities from football and showbiz.In the 1970s John was one of this country’s most famous sporting personalities — the David Beckham of his era.Sky Sports forced to apologise after boxer swears in live TV interviewImmediately after he had beaten Ahumada, it was the start of a celebrity lifestyle that eventually led to his downfall.Conteh’s marketability saw his face staring out from the front covers of magazines and advertising hoardings.He was a guest on Parkinson and every other TV chat show and made appearances at functions nationwide.As you went down the escalators of every London underground station there were pictures of a near-naked John modelling men’s underwear.He was also a regular at Tramp, then Mayfair’s most fashionable nightclub.Unfortunately, excessive drinking led to him becoming an alcoholic — which is why sadly he only realised 50 per cent of his potential.Arguably, John’s greatest winning fight was overcoming his drink disease.He never hid away from his problems and hasn’t touched alcohol for nearly 40 years, which must be an inspiration to fellow sufferers.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhat I love about my favourite Scouser is that he always has time for young and old who want selfies or simply to have a chat.Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are the present-day darlings of boxing fans — it would be interesting to know if they will still be sought after in 50 years.John Conteh during “Rocky Balboa” London Premiere in 2007Credit: Getty More

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      Awkward moment Sky Sports host tells boxing champ ‘broadcasting rules are different here.. you can’t do that’ on live TV

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      THIS is the awkward moment a Sky Sports presenter told a world champ on live TV that “the rules are different here… you can’t do that.”The broadcaster was caught off-guard on Thursday ahead of a major event later this month.Jai Opetaia had an awkward moment live on Sky SportsThe cruiserweight champ is fighting Jack Massey later this monthCredit: GettyWith football the talk of the town, Sky Sports instead fixed its attention on a boxing fight in Saudi Arabia.The main event has Dimitri Bivol taking on Artur Beterbiev.But one thrilling undercard clash will see British ace Jack Massey attempt to win the IBF and Ring cruiserweight titles off Jai Opetaia.And the Aussie champ hit Sky Sports screens today to explain his thoughts and mindset behind the upcoming blockbuster.READ MORE IN BOXINGOpetaia has won all 25 of his pro fights, with his latest coming against Mairis Briedis in May.Massey is set to be his toughest opponent yet, having previously been the IBO cruiserweight champ.But while explaining his training process and fight tactics, Opetaia put his foot in it by swearing on live TV.This resulted in a mild ticking-off from the Sky Sports host, who also apologised to viewers watching the talk.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOpetatia first said: “I used to think that mindset, once I win a world title it’s going to fix all my problems.“But unfortunately I’ve had a few run-ins with some dirty promoters and things haven’t always worked to plan.Jack Massey works out as he prepares for his fight against Jai Opetaia The main event sees Artur Beterbiev take on Dimitry BivolCredit: Getty“I won a world title and the next day I woke up the same. You can’t eat f*****g gold belts.”The presenter quickly interjected, saying: “The broadcasting rules are slightly different here, you can’t swear. Apologies.”But Opetaia continued: “It means something to me, I get pumped up. We’ve made a lot of pain and sacrifice for this stuff.“The belts are just bonuses now, I used to chase them but winning these fights is all I think about.”Opetaia vs Massey is sure to be a mouth-watering encounter later this month.The Aussie previously said: “We want to be the undisputed cruiserweight champion”We want to collect the belts and then we want to move up and collect more belts either the bridgerweight or the heavyweight.”A three-division world champion sounds good. I am the best cruiserweight in the world.”It’s easy to say that stuff. I’ve just got to keep proving it. I’ve got to prove it again on the 12th and prove it my next fight and keep collecting these belts.”While Massey added: “I quite like [being the underdog]. I’ve always been that underdog guy, from my amateur days. I’ve had to borrow boots, shorts and fight kit.”I know I’ve got a very tough night ahead of me, he’s the top guy in the cruiserweight division, but I believe I can get in there, beat him, give it my all and leave everything in there.”Other fights on the same bill include Chris Eubank Jr vs Kamil Szeremeta, Fabio Wardley vs Frazer Clarke and Ben Whittaker vs Liam Cameron.But all eyes will be fixed on the main event of Beterbiev vs Bivol.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe two superstars are competing for the BF, WBC, WBO and WBA light heavyweight titles.And it is sure to be one of the year’s top fights. More

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      PlayStation appears to predict what will happen in mouthwatering Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk rematch with brutal clip

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      PLAYSTATION appears to have to predict the outcome of Tyson Fury’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.The heavyweight giants fight each other on December 23 after a thrilling encounter earlier this year.PlayStation appears to have predicted the outcome of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2Credit: X/ PlayStationUsyk got the better of Fury in May’s first fightCredit: PAFury suffered his first defeat as a pro boxer with Usyk adding the WBC belt to his collection.And the superstars will go at it again this Christmas after both watched Anthony Joshua’s defeat to Daniel Dubois last month.Fans are wondering whether Usyk can confirm his status as the division’s dominant fighter.While others feel Fury will take the fight much more seriously as he looks to claw back his belt.READ MORE IN BOXINGBut surprisingly, it is PlayStation who have already come out swinging with a bold prediction.The video game console brand is owned by Japanese company Sony.And the current version of their system is the PS5, which boasts a number of amazing games.Luckily for fighting fans, a new boxing game called ‘Undisputed’ lands later this month.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGamers will be able to take control of their favourite boxers in the ring.And PlayStation appeared to predict the outcome of Usyk vs Fury 2 by demonstrating a brief fight between the pair.Everything we know about Fury-Usyk 2Fury is tipped to lose after a body shot from UsykCredit: X/ PlayStationIn the short clip, Fury could be seeing attempting to protect his head with his hands.At the same time, Usyk laid several heavy shots into his rival.And he ended up KO’ing Fury with a powerful punch to the midriff, sending the Gypsy King to his knees.Fans were quick to react to the footage, but they were less concerned about the predicted outcome and more about the grainy visuals.One said: “This short clip makes me want to wait and see the reviews. Does not look good.”Another declared: “Crazy to see punches still not landing right.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “Didn’t know PS2 games were still in the making.”Another added: “Worst clip ever to promote a game.”Fusy vs Usyk: Round by round verdictHERE’S how SunSport’s Chisanga Malata saw the fight as Oleksandr Usyk was crowned undisputed king of the world against Tyson Fury.ROUND 1Here we go. Both men look to establish dominance early by taking the centre of the ring.Fury marches down the Ukrainian, who opens up with a stiff body shot.The Gypsy King looks massive in comparison to Usyk, who is no dwarf whatsoever.Usyk is happy to operate on the outside, although the early jab he’s eaten will have given him some food for thought.Fury is trying to draw out attacks from Usyk, who is not putting too much into his punches.Fury gets backed into the corner and channels his inner Muhammad Ali by doing the rope-a-dope.Usyk lands a big overhand left just seconds before backing Fury into the corner.Fury dodges the ensuing flurry and gestures to the crowd as if demanding them to acknowledge his head movement. USYK 10-9ROUND 2Usyk opens up the round with a big one-two that snaps back the head of Fury.Fury tries to make light of it but that combo clearly stunned him.Usyk is setting the stone and the pressure as he advances forward.A big uppercut narrowly misses for Fury, who knows all too well that’s the shot to deploy on a shorter opponent.Fury is throwing more punches but isn’t being as accurate as Usyk.Usyk backs up Fury into the corner and lands a good three-punch combo.But Fury comes roaring back with a hard body shot after circling away from danger.Fury finally lands an uppercut, albeit to the body of the former cruiserweight king. FURY 10-9ROUND 3Fury is on his bike after the restart and lands a stiff straight right from range.Usyk has decided to close the distance after eating that shot and is going to work on Fury’s trimmed-down torso.A solid overhand left snaps back the head of Fury with just over a minute of the stanza remaining.Fury lands a good combo with thirty seconds remaining. But he gets pushed back against the ring again and eats another flurry before the bell. USYK 10-9Round 4Fury goes to work to the body with two hard shots after the restart.He’s absolutely loving this, dancing around after landing his shots.But he’s still allowing himself to get backed up and invite the pressure from Usyk.Fury lands a beautiful counter right as Usyk comes forward.Usyk has his head snapped back by another hellacious uppercut.Both men nearly land hard back hands before the bell, with Fury narrowly missing an uppercut and Usyk an overhand left. FURY 10-9Round 5Usyk takes the centre of the ring after the restart and looks to feint his way into range.Fury is doing a good job of keeping the Ukrainian at bay when he looks to close the distance.A rasping uppercut snaps back the head of Usyk.Fury is hurting Usyk to the body with relentless hooks to the midriff. FURY 10-9Round 6Usyk is on the front foot straight after the restart and is looking to put Fury on the back foot again.A hard body shot to the solar plexus gives Usyk more food for thought.Fury almost closed the show with a huge uppercut with a minute and a half of the round remaining.But he finds a home for it 20 seconds later and Usyk is in retreat mode.Fury closes out the round with a bit of showboating, put his hands behind his back before resting his arms on the ropes.A huge round for the Wythenshawe warrior. FURY 10-9Round 7Usyk once again closes the distance after the restart but he’s getting picked off at range.And when he does take a step back, his body is getting blasted by nasty hooks.Usyk finds a home for his straight left but Fury eats it like a packed lunch made by his loving wife Paris.Another straight left snaps back the head of Fury, who circles back out of range to try to create space for a body shotUsyk manages to close the distance with seconds remaining ad finds a home for a two-punch combo.But Fury manages to circle away to hear the bell. FURY 10-9Round 8Fury is happy to operate on the back foot in the eighth and pick his shots.But he gets his dome rattled by back-to-back straight left hands – which he brushes off before going back to feinting and trying to create space for a body shot.Usyk briefly finds himself dealing with Fury’s weight in the clinch after landing a good straight left.Fury is bleeding profusely from his nose. I’m not what caused the damage. Big round that for Usyk. USYK 10-9Round 9Fury is doing a good job of bamboozling Usyk with feints, but the Ukrainian continues to come forward.But he’s slowly but surely allowing the gap to be closed, which leads to him eating a big left hand flush in the corner.Fury gets hurt and is stumbling around the ring. It was a left hand that did the damage.Fury doesn’t know where he is and is eating a barrage of crisp follow-up shots. He beats the count and the bell thankfully saves him. USYK 10-8Round 10Usyk – like the Big Cat he is – senses blood and isn’t giving Fury any respite.Fury is barely throwing anything and what he is throwing is telegraphed and slow.Usyk looks tired, but he needs to keep his foot on the gas pedal if he’s to have any chance of becoming a two-weight undisputed champion. USYK 10-9Round 11A desperate Usyk, spurred on by the plight of his fellow Ukrainians back home, immediately goes to work after the restart.Fury tries to keep him at bay with the jab but is struggling to pump it out with the stiffness it had in the early rounds.Usyk briefly traps the WBC king in the corner and lands a rasping left hand.Usyk doubles up with two left hands that briefly back Fury against the ropes.The round ends with yet another big overhand left from Usyk. USYK 10-9Round 12The fans in attendance at the Kingdom Arena cheer both warriors on after the final restart of the fight.Fury is playing matador as Usyk looks to step into range to land his left hand.And he finds a home for it with a minute and a half of the stanza remaining.A chopping right hand sends Fury backwards, but he returns fire with a booking shot of his own that backs up the southpaw.Fury puts his hands behind his back in a bid to goad Usyk to making a sloppy mistake in the closing seconds.But he stays sharp as he looks to close the distance, which Fury times to initiate a clinch. FURY 10-9TOTAL Fury 113 Usyk 114 More

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      Tyson Fury issues chilling X-rated threat to Oleksandr Usyk as he looks for revenge in December rematch

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      TYSON FURY is hungry for revenge on heavyweight rival Oleksandr Usyk.The Gypsy King suffered a split-decision loss to Usyk in May, ending his incredible unbeaten record.Tyson Fury has issued a warning to Oleksandr UsykCredit: PAThe Gypsy King claimed Usyk didn’t ‘finish the job’ when they last foughtCredit: GettyHe was forced to surrender his WBC heavyweight title as a result, but is now determined to win it back in December’s rematch.The two fighters will meet again in Saudi Arabia just before Christmas, with Usyk’s WBA, WBC and WBO belts on the line.Fury issued a warning to the Ukrainian on social media this week, insisting he will be world champion once again by the end of this year.The Gypsy King claimed Usyk “couldn’t finish the job” in May – even though he won the fight.Read More in SportHe wrote on Instagram: “You had your shot but couldn’t finish the job! mistake!”Now your about to feel the wrath of a menace!”F*** @usykaa f*** @klimasmanagement f*** @alex.krassyuk & if your down with Usyk then f*** you2! Gypsy king 2024 coming for you! Dec21 is mine.”Me against the world. Incoming 3x heavyweight champ!”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBoxing legend Hasim Rahman recently claimed that Fury is a shell of his former self when making his fight prediction.He said: “I think Deontay Wilder got a big play in this Usyk and Tyson Fury rematch.”I believe Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury took everything out of each other.”I think they’re both shells of their former selves, and I believe Usyk will win this rematch by stoppage.”I know he knows he can drop him and hurt him, and now I think the confidence is there. I think he’s going to win by stoppage.”Inside the Gypsy King’s royal courtTYSON FURY is one of the biggest characters in sport. More

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      Chris Eubank Jr reveals shock talks to fight Conor McGregor and opens up on ‘crazy’ night out with ‘very drunk’ UFC star

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      CHRIS EUBANK JR has revealed shock talks to fight Conor McGregor – after the pair enjoyed a “crazy” night out in Dubai. Eubank returns to the ring on October 12 in Saudi Arabia against Kamil Szeremeta. Chris Eubank Jr pictured with Conor McGregorCredit: instagram @chriseubankjrAnd ahead of the bout, DAZN went through the middleweight’s Instagram pictures to probe him on the origins of his posts. One included him and McGregor putting their fists up to the camera. And Eubank said: “This was a crazy night out in Dubai. Conor was very drunk.”And we had a great time. You know, there’s actually been talks of me and him actually having a boxing match at some point.READ MORE IN BOXING”The fans have said that they want to see that. How interesting that would be.”That’s definitely something that I’m open to exploring, let’s just say that.”McGregor, 36, put his UFC career on hold in 2017 to fight Floyd Mayweather, 47, losing in ten rounds. Eubank, 35, was actually in Mayweather’s training camp and received words of praise from McGregor. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “I like Chris Eubank Sr. And Jr’s not bad, Jr’s good as well. “Jr’s got some good work rate and he’s a confident young man he follows in his father’s footsteps.” Boxing world champion breaks silence to confirm talks to fight Conor McGregor in never-before-seen two-bout deal Eubank’s last fight came in September 2023 when he stopped Liam Smith, 36, in ten rounds of their rematch seven months after losing in the fourth. McGregor meanwhile has been out since 2021 when he suffered a broken leg in the octagon. And he suffered a further setback when his June 29 return against Michael Chandler, 38, was cancelled due to a toe injury. McGregor recently revealed boxing star Terence Crawford, 37, turned down a never-before-seen two-fight cage and ring deal. More

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      Jai Opetaia vs Jack Massey: Date, exact ring walk, TV channel and live stream for cruiserweight title fight

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      JAI OPETAIA will continue his march in the cruiserweight division on the undercard of the Artur Beterbiev vs Dimitry Bivol blockbuster. The Australian, 29, has now amassed 25 wins with 19 KOs and fights for a third time in Saudi Arabia, having beaten Mairis Briedis in their rematch in May.Jai Opetaia and Jack Massey meet for the cruiserweight world title on October 12Credit: GettyOpetaia, who is expected to one day make the move to heavyweight, will be defending his IBF crown against Jack Massey – who was on a scaffolding site just two years ago.Brit Massey, 31, stunned Isaac Chamberlain at Selhurst Park in June to win the Commonwealth and European crowns and earn his shot at the current cruiserweight king.When is Jai Opetaia vs Jack Massey?The fight takes place on Saturday, October 12.Their ring walk is expected to take place at approximately 8.30pm BST (11.30pm local) but that will be subject to change on the night.Opetaia vs Massey is taking place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which can host up to 30,000 fans,The fight will be 12 rounds for the IBF world cruiserweight title.It is part of the full undercard for the super-fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dimitry Bivol.What TV channel is Jai Opetaia vs Jack Massey on and can it be live streamed?The fight will be broadcast live as part of that Riyadh Season show but will be a pay-per-view event.In the UK, all of DAZN, TNT Sports and Sky Sports will broadcast the card.DAZN and TNT have set the PPV price at £19.99, while Sky are yet to confirm their price point.It can also be streamed on the Sky Sports and DAZN apps as well as Discovery+.In the US, Opetaia vs Massey will be available on ESPN+ for $14.99 – the main event is free, however.Alternatively, follow every fight with SunSport’s LIVE BLOG.What is the full card?Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol (for IBF, WBC, WBO and WBA light heavyweight titles)Chris Eubank Jr vs Kamil SzeremetaFabio Wardley vs Frazer Clarke (for British heavyweight title)Jai Opetaia vs Jack Massey (for IBF cruiserweight title)Ben Whittaker vs Liam CameronSkye Nicolson vs Raven Chapman (for WBC women’s featherweight title)Mohammaed Alakel vs Jesus GonzalezWhat’s been said?Opetaia said: “We want to be the undisputed cruiserweight champion”We want to collect the belts and then we want to move up and collect more belts either the bridgerweight or the heavyweight.”A three-division world champion sounds good.Most read in Boxing”I am the best cruiserweight in the world.”It’s easy to say that stuff. I’ve just got to keep proving it. I’ve got to prove it again on the 12th and prove it my next fight and keep collecting these belts.”Massey said: “I quite like [being the underdog]. “I’ve always been that underdog guy, from my amateur days. I’ve had to borrow boots, shorts and fight kit.”I know I’ve got a very tough night ahead of me, he’s the top guy in the cruiserweight division, but I believe I can get in there, beat him, give it my all and leave everything in there.” More

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      Anthony Joshua already ‘in talks’ over next fight after brutal Daniel Dubois KO loss leaves career on the brink

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA has already held talks over his next move following his destruction at the hands of Daniel Dubois.The former two-time unified heavyweight champion suffered a brutal fifth-round KO defeat to his former sparring partner at Wembley last month.Anthony Joshua went to war with Daniel Dubois at Wembley last monthCredit: GETTYAJ suffered a brutal fifth-round KO loss to his former sparring partnerCredit: PAJoshua and promoter Eddie Hearn have already held talks with Saudi bigwig Turki Alalshikh about his next moveCredit: X@TURKI_ALALSHIKHJoshua, 34, has seemingly set his sights on an immediate rematch with the IBF king, who dropped him a staggering FOUR TIMES on his way to a career-best win.And promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed the Watford warrior has already held discussions with Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh over his next move.During an appearance on talkSPORT, he said: “If it is up to AJ, the rematch is 100 per cent on. He’s like, ‘Let me at him, I know I can beat him’.”But we will talk internally as a team and advise him on what is best, I think we are leaning towards the immediate rematch and I think it is going to be difficult to convince AJ otherwise.READ MORE ON AJ”Those talks began a couple of days after the fight and we will sit down with His Excellency in Riyadh next week.”As a team, we had a meeting this morning with 258 MGt (Joshua’s management), and spoke to Ben Davison last night.”Joshua pursued immediate rematches with Andy Ruiz Jr and Oleksandr Usyk after losing to the pair in 2019 and 2021 respectively.And Hearn admits it will be difficult to convince AJ to pursue anything other than immediate revenge against Dubois.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Matchroom Boxing chief said: “It’s up to us to feed back to AJ our thoughts and he will make the final decision.”And it will be very difficult for him not to try and want to beat Daniel Dubois.”Anthony Joshua brutally told his career is ‘OVER’ as boxing promoter suggests final ‘good’ fight after Dubois KO Many fight fans have called for Joshua to bring the curtain down on his glittering career following his crushing loss to Dubois.But AJ has no intention of hanging up his gloves any time soon, saying in his post-fight interview: “Before I came here, I’m always saying to myself, ‘I’m a fighter for life.'”We rolled the dice at success and we came up short and we roll it again. We keep rolling the dice.”AJ added a few days later: “”We came up short. But we have to look at all the positives.”That’s the mindset and the perspective we have to have. Look what we have achieved in 11 years, it’s phenomenal.”I want to thank every single one of you who has been riding with me.”What a rollercoaster journey – and you know what the problem is? It’s far from over yet.”Anthony Joshua insists retirement ISN’T on the cards for himCredit: GETTY More

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      Boxing world champion breaks silence to CONFIRM talks to fight Conor McGregor in never-before-seen two-bout deal

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      TERENCE CRAWFORD has CONFIRMED talks to fight Conor McGregor – but admitted no amount of money could tempt him into the MMA cage.McGregor revealed an offer was on the table for a never-before-seen two-fight deal in boxing and MMA with Crawford. Terence Crawford confirmed talks to fight Conor McGregorCredit: GettyMcGregor revealed Crawford turned the deal downCredit: GettyBut the former undisputed world boxing champion is not getting kicked or elbowed for any number. Crawford said to Bernie the Boxer: “I told Conor, ‘Hell no’. “They called me and they offered me the fight and me and Conor got on the phone and started trying to figure something out.”And I told him, ‘Man I ain’t getting into no octagon with you so you can be kicking me and elbow me and s***’.READ MORE IN UFC”He started laughing and s*** and he said ‘Man, I respect it. You respect my sport just like I respect your sport and you understand that if you get in an octagon you’re going to be at a disadvantage.”‘Just like if I get into the boxing ring with you, I’m going to be at a disadvantage’.”But he was like, ‘We will make a s*** ton of money’. I said, ‘Yeah, sometimes it ain’t about the money, I can make money but you ain’t about to be kicking me, dude’.”Kicks and elbows man that s*** ain’t no joke.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMcGregor put his UFC career on hold in 2017 to face ring great Floyd Mayweather in a crossover clash worth huge sums.Crawford meanwhile wrestled in his youth but went on to become one of the greatest boxers of his era. McGregor said during a Duelbits livestream: “Crawford is very slick, he also has a wrestling background pedigree.”You know they’re always talking to me about bouts. I’ve already boxed a boxer, and the best boxer in MMA is me.”You know what I mean? I generate the most. We were talking back and forth about a two-fight deal.”In Crawford’s last fight he beat Israil Madrimov to win the WBA super-welterweight world title.It was also his first with Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh’s Riyadh Season – who recently partnered with the UFC.And McGregor, 36, was the first to reveal that Crawford, 37, was approached for the two-fight double header before declining. He said: “I get on the phone and say ‘Crawford, they’re here talking about you and me. Two-fight deal, MMA first, boxing second.”I know you have an extensive wrestling background, and balls the size of a Bengal tiger.”They’re asking for a fight, it’ll be hundreds of millions on the line. ‘What’s up?’, I said.”And then he goes, ‘I don’t fancy taking a kick off Conor McGregor’, that’s what he said. You have to respect that.”Crawford is a four-division champion and considered one of the best boxers on the planet.He is currently eyeing a super-fight against Mexican icon Canelo Alvarez, 34, despite rumours of pondering retirement.McGregor meanwhile has been out of action since July 2021 when he broke his leg before being ruled out of his return bout in June.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Irishman was forced to pull out of facing Michael Chandler due to a toe injury.Chandler, 38, has since signed to rematch Charles Oliveira, 34, on November 16 to leave McGregor’s next fight in doubt. More