More stories

  • in

    Tyson Fury ‘shell of his former self’ as boxing legend admits major fears for Gypsy King in Oleksandr Usyk rematch

    TYSON FURY is a shell of his former self, claims boxing legend Hasim Rahman – raising fears heading into the rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.Fury lost his WBC belt and undefeated record in May after 12 thrilling rounds with Usyk in Saudi Arabia. Oleksandr Usyk beat Tyson FuryCredit: GettyThe Gypsy King famously won the coveted green belt against Deontay Wilder in 2020 and defended it in their epic 2021 trilogy bout. But Rahman reckons that hat-trick of fights with Wilder took the best years out of Fury – leaving him primed for a stoppage loss against Usyk. He told FightHype: “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.READ MORE IN BOXING“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.”Fury, 36, was saved by the bell in round nine against Usyk, 37, after finding himself in a world of trouble after an onslaught. Usyk prevailed as the first four-belt undisputed champion in heavyweight history – but it did not last. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTo proceed with his December 21 rematch with Fury, he was forced to vacate the IBF belt. Daniel Dubois, 27, was elevated from interim champ and knocked out Anthony Joshua, 34, in round five of his first defence. The two are now in talks to rematch – as former champ Rahman backed Usyk to fight the winner and sail off into the sunset. He said: “I think he should fight the winner of the Joshua-Dubois rematch and then call it quits. “The man did everything you can do in boxing. He’s pound-for-pound one of the greatest champions ever. “He’s a gold medallist, undisputed cruiserweight, undisputed heavyweight. What else can you do? He’s done it all.”Heavyweight legend Hasim RahmanCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

  • in

    Tragedy as champion boxer, 17, dies after being ‘stabbed several times outside nightclub’

    A YOUNG boxer has been stabbed to death outside a nightclub in France. Kylian Binard, just 17, was fatally attacked in the early hours of Sunday morning in Subles, near Bayeu, Normandy. Amateur boxer Kylian Binard has been stabbed to death outside a nightclub in FranceTributes were paid to the 17-year-oldCredit:
    It took place in the parking lot of the Octavia nightclub.The suspect – identified as a 24-year-old – was apprehended by nightclub security at around 6:40am and held until police arrived.He is accused of stabbing amateur boxer Binard “several times” – in the throat and the back – after a fight broke out as the two left the club.According to the owner, both men were first-time visitors to the club and were members of the last two groups to leave, Remix News report. READ MORE IN BOXINGBut he insisted there had been no altercations between the pair earlier in the night to alert security staff.Binard – a champion in Normandy – had reportedly been enjoying a night out when the altercation unfolded. And despite immediate attempts to save his life, Binard sadly died at the scene.Caen’s public prosecutor Joel Garrigue confirmed an investigation is now underway with surveillance footage from the nightclub being looked at. Most read in BoxingThe suspect remains in police custody as authorities continue their inquiries.Binard competed for Saint-Lois Boxing Club and his trainer Jean Metay paid tribute to the tragic teen as he posted a picture of the pair online. Boxer Mylik Birdsong, 31, shot dead in Los Angeles just weeks before he was set to appear on UFC card More

  • in

    Daniel Dubois’ coach reveals 16-word message he gave moments before brutal KO of Anthony Joshua at Wembley

    DANIEL DUBOIS’ coach gave him a 16-word message that helped inspire the shock knockout against Anthony Joshua. Dubois floored Joshua FOUR times on the way to his stunning fifth-round KO in front of a British-record 98,000 fans at Wembley Stadium. Daniel Dubois with assistant coach Kieran FarrellCredit: GettyHead trainer Don Charles and assistant Kieran Farrell helped mastermind the tactical beatdown of two-time champion AJ. And Farrell revealed he gave Dubois words of wisdom just as the bell sounded for what would be the greatest night of the heavyweight’s career. Farrell told BoxingScene: “The first thing we said to Daniel was ‘Go out and give him something so that he knows he’s in the ring with you’; that’s exactly what he did. “He went out there and slammed that jab down and that jab is like a f***ing back hand. It’s a powerful weapon.”READ MORE IN BOXINGDubois, 27, floored Joshua, 34 with a huge right hand in round one and the writing was on the wall from there. AJ has spoken out in the aftermath of the crushing defeat to refuse retirement and has already held talks for his next move. And promoter Eddie Hearn revealed Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh has given the green light for a rematch with Dubois. But Farrell, a former 14-1 boxer, warned: “If I was advising Joshua, I wouldn’t be telling him to jump back in with Daniel Dubois – a young, hungry, 27-year-old lion. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“What I see day in, day out, I know what he is capable of, and Joshua does too now. “If Daniel has somebody hurt, they ain’t going to see the final bell. He’s a devastating puncher and I’m only talking facts here. Anthony Joshua brutally told his career is ‘OVER’ as boxing promoter suggests final ‘good’ fight after Dubois KO “He’s like a modern-day Mike Tyson. But a bigger version. There are other fights there for Joshua. He can do the [Deontay] Wilder fight. “That would be a good fight between two massive names who both need a big win right now. A win for either of them in that fight would give them a load of confidence. “They’ve been linked together for a long time and are both now coming off defeats. It would make sense to do that fight.”Joshua suffered a devastating knockout defeat against DuboisCredit: Getty More

  • in

    When is Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2? Date, UK start time, live stream, undercard for HUGE heavyweight rematch

    TYSON FURY and Oleksandr Usyk are doing it all over again to wrap up a huge year of heavyweight boxing!The two juggernauts went head to head in the first heavyweight undisputed fight this CENTURY – with Usyk winning a controversial split decision.Oleksandr Usyk won a split decision in a brilliant heavyweight unification fight against Tyson FuryCredit: GettyAnd in a bout fit for that mantle, Fury and Usyk played out a thrilling battle with both men in control and also struggling at various points in the fight.Usyk started on top before showboating Fury won the middle rounds and appeared to be well on top.However, a ninth-round volley saw Usyk FLOOR Fury and swing momentum back his way.With four major world titles up for grabs both men gave it their all in one of the best fights in memory.READ MORE IN BOXINGIt went to the judges with the fight ending in a controversial split decision going in the Ukrainian’s favour –  115-112, 114-15, 114-113.Wally Downes Jr reacts as Usyk dethrones Tyson Fury is epic Saudi clashWhen is Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk rematch taking place?Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 will take place on Saturday, December 21.The Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia hosts the big fight.The ring walks are expected from around 11pm BST.Most read in BoxingWhat channel will the fight be on?DAZN , TNT Sports and Sky Sports are likely to broadcast Fury vs Usyk once again on PPV in the UK.The cost is expected to be around £19.95.Will all heavyweight titles be on the line in the rematch?This time round, however, it will NOT be an undisputed heavyweight title fight.This is because Usyk vacated the IBF title following his win so the mandatories for the belt could get their shot.Daniel Dubois was upgraded to the IBF heavyweight champion, and has since defended it in dominant fashion – knocking out Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium in front of a British record 96,000 crowd.So it is only Usyk’s WBA, WBC and WBO heavyweight titles up for grabs.Daniel Dubois is now the IBF heavyweight championCredit: REUTERSFury vs Usyk cardThe undercard for Fury vs Usyk has yet to be confirmed. Follow SunSport for all the latest details on the huge rematch. More

  • in

    Boxer Mylik Birdsong, 31, shot dead in Los Angeles just weeks before he was set to appear on UFC card

    PROFESSIONAL boxer Mylik Birdsong has died aged 31 after being gunned down.The 15-1-1 fighter was tragically killed in a shooting on Sunday in Los Angeles.Mylik Birdsong has passed away at 31Credit: Instagram @kingmylik_theboxerBirdsong was due to return to the ring on a UFC Fight Pass card next monthCredit: Instagram @kingmylik_theboxerBirdsong, nicknamed “King Mylik”, was the reigning World Boxing Foundation International Welterweight champion.While he was also due to return to the ring for the first time since March next month on a UFC Fight Pass card.Reports tell of the horrendous moment Birdsong lost his life near Watts, Los Angeles, after a shooting at around 4:50pm on Sunday.Several men inside a dark-coloured SUV are said to have driven up to the fighter and opened fire.READ MORE IN BOXINGThe police say that Birdsong tried to flee the situation but was chased down and shot again.The boxer died in hospital later that day after first responders had tended to him.News outlet KTLA were told by police that Birdsong sustained seven gunshots to his torso.Investigations are understood to be ongoing with police looking for the gunmen who had fled the scene before authorities arrived.Most read in BoxingBirdsong, an LA native, was set to fight Gor Yerisyan at the Commerce Casino on October 26.Tributes from fans of the exciting fighter have poured in online.One wrote: “Tragic news. RIP Mylik Birdsong”.While another added: “Such a tragic loss. Another life cut short too soon. RIP Mylik.” More

  • in

    Conor McGregor reveals talks worth ‘hundreds of millions’ for two-fight boxing and MMA deal with unbeaten champ

    CONOR McGREGOR revealed talks worth “hundreds of millions” to fight Terence Crawford in BOTH boxing and MMA. McGregor put his UFC career on hold in 2017 to face ring great Floyd Mayweather in a crossover clash worth huge sums. Conor McGregor revealed talks to fight Terence Crawford in boxing and MMACredit: GettyMcGregor lost his boxing debut to Floyd MayweatherCredit: Rex FeaturesHe lost in ten rounds but has been linked with a return to boxing ever since to fight the likes of Manny Pacquiao and Canelo Alvarez. But there have been efforts to bring unbeaten boxer Crawford – who wrestled in his youth – over to the cage as part of a two-fight deal. McGregor said during a live stream with Duelbits: “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. READ MORE IN UFC”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, claimed Crawford, 37, was approached for a never-before-seen double header only to turn it down. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMcGregor said: “He rings up Crawford in front of me the day after the fights.“I get on the phone and say ‘Crawford, they’re here talking about you and me. Two-fight deal, MMA first, boxing second.Conor McGregor sends Dana White blunt message after being told he WON’T make UFC return this year”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. Terence Crawford is considered one of the best boxers on the planetCredit: GettyMcGregor has been out if the cage since 2021Credit: Getty More

  • in

    ‘He’ll find out very quickly’ says Jake Paul as he issues fierce warning to Mike Tyson about big risk in Netflix fight

    JAKE PAUL has fiercely warned Mike Tyson about taking too many risks in their fight. Paul, 27, faces heavyweight great Tyson, 58, on November 15 in a clash that has attracted controversy over the age gap.Mike Tyson is due to fight Jake Paul on November 15Credit: EPAAnd he is expecting an early onslaught from the Baddest Man on The Planet – but is armed with the artillery to fire back. Paul told the Daily Mail: “I mean, it’s just being alert and knowing what to do in that situation.”I could definitely see him trying to [go for an early KO], but he’ll find out very quickly that I also have a ton of power. “So doing that with a guy like me isn’t always the smartest thing to do, because I’ll catch one of his shots then counter.” READ MORE IN BOXINGPaul is 10-1 in his boxing career with only a split-decision loss to Tommy Fury, 25, last year blemishing his record. Tyson meanwhile officially retired in 2005 after two dismal defeats and struggles in his personal life. But he did return in 2020 for an exhibition bout against fellow legend Roy Jones Jr. That was nothing more than a glorified spar – but his fight with Paul has been professionally sanctioned with records on the line. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTyson was forced to pull out of the original July 20 fight after suffering an ulcer flare up in his stomach. But he has since been deemed medically fit to resume training. Mike Tyson sends chilling warning that Jake Paul ‘has to go’ as he claims ‘I started his career, now I’ll finish him’ As well as pre-fight drug testing for the both, Tyson will undergo additional heart and brain exams due to his age. Iron Mike also had his request for shorter two minute rounds with bigger 14oz gloves accepted – as well as being a pro fight not an exhibition. And Paul said ahead of the Netflix fight: “It’s interesting, I’m just, I’m just basing s*** off of facts.”He’s like, ‘Watch your shape, watch your shape’. I’m like, alright, but you watch it. “It could be to his advantage. I think it’s also smart that he’s doing that. I’m fighting on all of his rules and what he wanted. “He wanted it to be a pro fight. He wanted eight, two-minute rounds. So I’m giving him everything he wants. “I’m going to his playground, and I’m going to beat his ass.” More

  • in

    Anthony Joshua brutally told his career is ‘OVER’ as boxing promoter suggests final ‘good’ fight after Dubois KO

    BOB ARUM has brutally told Anthony Joshua his boxing career is all-but “OVER” after defeat to Daniel Dubois.AJ hit the canvas FOUR times on the way to his fifth-round knockout loss against Dubois in front of a British-record 98,000 fans.Anthony Joshua following defeat to Daniel DuboisCredit: GettyJoshua suffered a devastating knockout defeat against DuboisCredit: GettyJoshua has talked down retirement in the aftermath and is already being lined up for a rematch. But Hall of Famer Arum – a promoter across seven decades – sees no way back for AJ other than a fight with Deontay Wilder. He told FightHub: “No, you don’t have an off night getting the s*** kicked out of you that way. “I just think AJ has been through a lot of wars. And I think it’s over for him as well as over for Wilder.READ MORE IN BOXING“Maybe they can fight each other, that’d be good.”Wilder is coming off two defeats against Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang.The American, 38, has not officially hung up the gloves and his coach Malik Scott spoke out to talk down retirement. Joshua, 34, meanwhile met with promoter Eddie Hearn and Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh just days after his loss to Dubois.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd Hearn revealed all parties are on board for a potential rematch – targeted for February. He said talkSPORT: “Rematch clauses come in many different forms.Why Anthony Joshua having an immediate rematch against Daniel Dubois is ‘the end of his career’ after brutal KO loss”We have a fight with Riyadh Season. One of our options is to fight Daniel Dubois again, and our contract is with them.”His Excellency [Turki Alalshikh] will deal with Frank and Daniel and make that fight happen. The terms will have to be agreed with them.”We have already agreed our terms, we have the option to rematch with Dubois.”Our meetings with His Excellency, he wants the rematch. AJ will always want the rematch.”Daniel wants the rematch too it’s the biggest fight for him and they will fancy it.”It is a case of going away and talking about, do we go straight into the rematch? And when will it be?”It was a heavy night at the office, we aren’t going back to fight in 10-12 weeks, he needs his rest and time to recover.”Round by round: How Dubois demolished JoshuaANTHONY JOSHUA bravely picked himself up from the floor against Daniel Dubois – until he could no more.AJ was floored four times in five rounds by Dubois before a thudding counter right closed the show in dramatic fashion.Here, SunSport’s Jack Figg takes you round-by-round from the Wembley war.ROUND 1Dubois comes out sharp with the jab as Joshua bounces around struggling to deal with the piston-like left.Huge right hand from Dubois has AJ staggering backwards with his hands far too low from the opening bell.Joshua made to pay for the mistake as he circles out with his hands down and gets dropped by an overhand right.ROUND 2Joshua – saved only by the bell after being floored – struggles to get going as he takes shots to the face.AJ is tottering and teetering around the ring with his guard again dangerously low and inviting pressure on.Joshua is attempting to get back into the bout but his jab looks far too lazy – he doesn’t look to have recovered from the knockdown.ROUND 3AJ comes out with more intent but swings wildly with a right and connects with only thin air.Dubois pours on the pressure and hammers Joshua into the corner scoring another knockdown.The bell sounds but Dubois lands one or two afterwards – again AJ is saved by the clock as the writing looks on the wall.ROUND 4Disaster strikes again with Joshua floored once more – losing his balance as he touches the canvas.The referee gives AJ another fighting chance and Dubois lands a low blow – giving the challenger some valuable respite.Dubois slows down as four rounds come to a close with Joshua showing sensational resilience to hang in there.ROUND 5Joshua lands a huge right hand and Dubois legs buckle – an astonishing turnaround looks to be on the cards.AJ pins Dubois onto the ropes and attempts one of his signature uppercuts but the countering right hand gets there first.Joshua is caught flush on the chin, dropped once more and this time out for good. Dubois scores a stunning KO win. More