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    Deontay Wilder against Andy Ruiz Jr and Conor Benn vs Manny Pacquiao planned for ‘monster’ Abu Dhabi show on 3 June

    EDDIE HEARN is lining up a monster Abu Dhabi show in the summer with Deontay Wilder and Manny Pacquiao among those touted to appear.The promoter is aiming for an event on June 3 and revealed to Boxing Social that negotiations are underway.
    Deontay Wilder is ready to face Andy Ruiz JrCredit: AFP
    The winner could fight Tyson FuryCredit: Getty
    Conor Benn has been cleared to fight again by the WBCCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Benn could fight Manny Pacquiao, who is ready to return to the ringCredit: AP
    He is hopeful the main event will Wilder take on Andy Ruiz Jr, 33.
    The WBC have ordered the American pair into a final eliminator to decide the mandatory challenger for Tyson Fury’s belt.
    Wilder, 37, returned to the ring with a devastating KO of Robert Helenius in October and is ready to face Ruiz despite speculation linking him to Anthony Joshua.
    Hearn is also keen for his fighter Conor Benn to return to the ring against boxing legend Pacquiao, 44.
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    Benn, 26, has been cleared by the WBC as they accept his failed drugs test last year was caused by a “high consumption of eggs”.
    But he is still not allowed to box in Britain which is why fighting in Abu Dhabi has been mooted, and negotiations with Pacquiao have taken place.
    Pacquiao is ready to return to the ring after failing in his bid to become president of the Philippines, having retired in August 2021 following a defeat to Yordenis Ugas.
    Hearn is eyeing three other bouts, including 21-0 light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol against Brit Joshua Buatsi.
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    But Hearn revealed talks are also taking place for Bivol vs Artur Beterbiev, who has won all 19 of his fights via knockout.
    Failing that, Beterbiev could take on Callum Smith, 32, following his victory via knock-out over Mathieu Bauderlique last August. More

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    ‘This fight will not go TWO rounds’ – Eddie Hearn changes his prediction AGAIN for Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury

    EDDIE HEARN has admitted he has “had a total U-turn” on who he thinks will win Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury.The two bitter rivals finally face off in Saudi Arabia on Sunday in a hotly-anticipated bout.
    Eddie Hearn has changed his prediction for Jake Paul vs Tommy FuryCredit: Rex
    Hearn doesn’t believe the fight will go longer than two roundsCredit: Getty
    Hearn has completed a full U-turn on his original predictionCredit: Getty
    Matchroom chief Hearn was initially part of the group who believe YouTuber turned boxer Paul will triumph over Fury, who is younger brother of WBC heavyweight champion Tyson.
    Hearn then changed his mind earlier this month, instead calling it a “50-50” fight.
    And now he has completed a full U-turn, declaring Paul, 26, has “no chance” of beating Fury, 23, on Sunday.
    Hearn told Boxing Social: “I have had a total U-turn on this fight. I thought Jake Paul was going to win this fight.
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    “I think Jake Paul has absolutely no chance to win this fight at all.”
    Hearn, 43, claimed Fury’s years of experience inside the ring will see him come out on top.
    And he doesn’t think it will go further than two rounds.
    Hearn added: “If Tommy Fury comes out aggressively and puts it on Jake Paul, this fight will not go two rounds.
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    “This is a massive U-turn for me because both are limited. But Tommy Fury as limited as he is as a professional boxer, has been boxing for ten, 12 years, maybe more.
    “He has been in the ring against professional fighters, he has experienced that, he’s done the hard spars.
    “He’s an outsider in this fight… he’s going to win this fight by stoppage.”
    Hearn admitted Fury could come unstuck if he “dithers around”, but still backed the Brit to get the business done.
    He continued: “Tommy Fury knows how to punch correctly, he knows how to fight.
    “But if he dithers around and just boxes with him, to be fair anything could happen.
    “But if he sticks it on him, he will stop him inside two rounds. He should come out like a train, and he will knock him out.”

    🥊 How to watch Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury: Date, UK start time, live stream, TV channel More

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    Muhsin Cason stars on Jake Paul’s undercard after sparring with him amid nephew Hasim Rahman Jr’s feud with YouTuber

    MUHSIN CASON has put a family feud to one side in a bid to steal the show on Jake Paul’s undercard. Cason features on the pay-per-view headlined by celebrity boxing rivals Paul and Tommy Fury in Saudi Arabia on Sunday. 
    Muhsin Cason with heavyweight legend Hasim RahmanCredit: Instagram @themuslimboxer
    Boxer J’Leon Love, Jake Paul and Muhsin Cason
    Jake Paul before his cancelled fight with Hasim Rahman JrCredit: Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
    The cruiserweight is the younger brother of heavyweight legend Hasim Rahman, who stunned Lennox Lewis in 2001 but lost the rematch. 
    And Cason – 21 years Rahman’s junior – is ready to announce himself as the latest boxing star to come out of the fighting family.
    He told SunSport: “This is the fight where people are going to know why I got picked for this card. I’m ready to show everybody what talent I have. 
    “I’m not just Hasim Rahman’s younger brother. I’m a boxer, I’m a box-puncher and I’m going to prove to everybody I can become world champion, inshallah.” 
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    Cason spent time sparring with Paul in Puerto Rico in 2021, building a relationship that has seen him afforded a slot on the weekend’s card against Taryel Jafarov.
    But the friendship was fractured last summer when his nephew, Rahman Jr, signed to fight Paul in place of Fury last year. 
    Rahman Jr’s fight was later scrapped with a week to go amid a weight disagreement, leaving the bad blood with Paul still brewing on his side. 
    Cason talked with his nephew – who is actually two years older than him – after being offered a spot on the YouTuber-turned boxer’s card. 
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    He revealed: “Yeah, I spoke to him. He said congratulations. He just said, ‘Your time’ basically. There’s no animosity towards me fighting on Jake Paul’s card. 
    “I was in camp with Jake before this, so it’s just business. If it makes dollars, it makes sense.” 
    Rahman Jr, holding no grudges, added: “I don’t have beef with nobody that’s not trying to stop me from eating. 
    “They did what they did, they showed their true colours and I did what I did and showed my true colours. 
    “I feel like they know who was wrong in the whole situation, and they tried to dress it up and pin it on me but they know who was wrong. 
    “I’ve been blessed with ample opportunities, so there’s no way I would tell my uncle, ‘Don’t mess with this guy.’ 
    “No man, I want my uncle to prosper, I want him to go out there and actually steal the show from Jake. I want him to get knockout of the night.” 
    This is the fight where people are going to know why I got picked for this card. I’m ready to show everybody what talent I have. Muhsin Cason
    Cason was fuming when Paul, 26, aimed a dig his way during a pre-fight press conference with Rahman Jr, 31. 
    But as the dust later settled, so too did his urge to settle the score with Paul in the ring. 
    Cason said: “The beef was squashed a while ago, I really wanted to get in the ring over it. I wanted to but I guess it wasn’t smart for me to do it. 
    “My manager said, ‘Relax. Cool off on Jake, big opportunities are coming.’ Now I know why. So I relaxed over it and it paid off.” 
    Paul is now set to finally fight Fury, who has twice pulled out in the past amid injury and visa issues. 
    Cason was brought into camp to help prepare Paul to fight Fury last August, and backed his old training partner to win this time around. 
    He said: “Jake has a chin and also he’s relentless. I’ve got it going the full eight and Jake by decision. 
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    “Because, Tommy doesn’t really show up in fights. He pitty pats, he doesn’t really get the knockout, not what he’s supposed to do. 
    “He’s an OK boxer but I think the pressure is going to get to him in this fight.” 
    Jake Paul and Tommy Fury ahead of their fightCredit: Getty More

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    Floyd Mayweather vs Aaron Chalmers undercard: Who else is fighting on London bill?

    FLOYD MAYWEATHER is fighting in the UK for the FIRST time this weekend when he faces ex-Geordie Shore star Aaron Chalmers.But before the huge main event there’s a full undercard in store at the O2 Arena.

    🥊 How to watch Floyd Mayweather vs Aaron Chalmers: Date, UK start time, live stream, TV channel
    And Chalmers (MMA record 5-2, boxing 1-0) already has one eye on either Jake Paul or Tommy Fury next.
    The pair fight in a huge clash in Saudi Arabia 24 hours after Chalmers takes on Mayweather.
    Chalmers told SunSport: “I would like two big years and those two names after the Floyd fight are the ones I kind of thought were getting away from us. 
    “But now, because of the Floyd fight it puts us right back into the mix with all these big names.
    “So yeah, Tommy or Jake, after the fight, the winner or the loser, I’d happily take.”
    Tommie Lee is facing Natalie Nunn on the undercardCredit: PA
    When is Floyd Mayweather vs Aaron Chalmers?
    Floyd Mayweather vs Aaron Chalmers takes place on Saturday, February 25.
    London’s O2 Arena plays host.
    The big main event is set to start around 10pm UK time.
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    Who is fighting on the undercard?
    The event kicks off at 6.30pm with boxer Kevin Johnson against MMA star Mike Hales.
    While Natalie Nunn and Tommie Lee settle their feud in the co-main.
    Nunn and Lee will be fighting for the the unofficial title of “TV’s Baddest of All Time” over three two-minute rounds.

    Floyd Mayweather vs Aaron Chalmers
    Natalie Nunn vs Tommie Lee
    Ulysses Diaz vs Khalas Karim
    J’Hon Ingram vs Meeks Kastelo
    Antonio Zepeda vs Christopher Lovejoy 
    Kevin Johnson vs Mike Hales

    Aaron Chalmers and Floyd Mayweather fight in the main eventCredit: Richard Pelham – The Sun
    What TV channel and live stream is it on?
    Floyd Mayweather vs Aaron Chalmers will be broadcast live on the Zeus Network.
    The event costs £24.98 to pre-order from the Zeus Network.
    The show is currently only to be shown live streamed on the Zeus Network website and not on a TV channel. More

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    Conor Benn cleared by WBC as boxing chiefs accept eating too many eggs explains failed drug test ahead of Eubank clash

    CONOR BENN’S claims that a “high consumption of eggs” led to his failed drugs tests have been accepted by the WBC – but he can still only fight outside of the UK.British boxing was thrown into chaos just days before Benn’s grudge fight against Chris Eubank Jr in October when news of the adverse findings broke.
    Conor Benn has always protested his innocence despite two failed drugs testsCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    The failed tests put paid to Benn’s grudge fight against Chris Eubank JrCredit: Reuters
    Despite legal teams on both sides throwing everything at it, the fight, and the entire promotion, was scrapped.
    Benn vehemently protested his innocence, and although he was never BANNED from boxing, UKAD and the British Boxing Board of Control opened an investigation.
    Benn subsequently ripped up his British boxing licence over the escalating doping row.
    The WBC removed Benn from their rankings after traces of the banned substance Clomiphene was discovered in VADA urine samples.
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    Clomiphene is sometimes used to increase egg production in hens.
    It can then be passed on to humans on digestion.
    Benn submitted a 270-page document to the WBC protesting his innocence in December, highlighting that he passed a pair of UKAD tests taken around the same time.
    And the organisation have now re-instated the 26-year-old after he appealed, and published a lengthy statement explaining their decision.
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    It reads: “The WBC found that: (1) there was no conclusive evidence that Mr Benn engaged in intentional or knowing ingestion of Clomiphene.
    “(2) there were no failures in the procedures related to sample collection, sample analysis, or violations of Mr Benn’s B Sample rights that would justify questioning or invalidating the Adverse Finding.
    “And (3) Mr Benn’s documented and highly-elevated consumption of eggs during the times relevant to the sample collection, raised a reasonable explanation for the Adverse Finding.”
    Benn, son of the legendary former world champ Nigel, is still under investigation by UKAD and the BBBofC, meaning he can still not fight on these shores.
    But the WBC’s move means he could lace up the gloves to fight in another country.
    Speaking to SunSport previously, Benn admitted to eating “around 35-40 eggs a week” and believes this, or “contamination” is the only answer to the failed tests.
    He explained: “The test was taken at the end of July, and I found out at the end of August.
    “I passed all my UKAD tests, which people aren’t talking about. I’ve passed all my tests in and out of camp – I’ve been pro seven years. Never failed a test.
    “I signed up to VADA in February, so it doesn’t make any sense. Why would I take something then?
    “Trace amounts were found. The tiniest of traces. The only thing I can think is contamination.
    “I’ve not taken anything. I never have done, never would. It’s not what I stand for, it’s not what my team stands for.
    “Why would I take the biggest fight of my life, sign up for to VADA, voluntary anti-doping, and then this substance? If you Google this substance it stays in your system for months.
    “Do I look like an idiot?”
    The BBBofC have since released their own statement, keen to point out that the WBC is “a sanctioning body and not a governing body”.
    They add: “The BBBoC has adopted the UK Anti-Doping Rules published by UK Anti-Doping, and those formed part of the rules to which Mr Benn was bound.
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    “As such, the decision of the WBC does not affect the ongoing implementation of the BBBoC’s rules (and those of UKAD).
    “The UK Anti-Doping Rules make clear what conduct constitutes an Anti-Doping Rule Violation as defined in those rules (and in the World Anti-Doping Code) and specifically set out the circumstances in which such violations can be committed by way of strict liability.”
    Benn has been re-instated to the WBC rankings – but there are still some battles to overcomeCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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    Jake Paul dodged a bullet by cancelling our fight, I would’ve painfully ended his boxing career, says Hasim Rahman Jr

    HASIM RAHMAN JR claimed Jake Paul dodged a bullet and saved his boxing career after their cancelled fight. Paul on Sunday faces Tommy Fury, who was forced to pull out in December 2021 due to injury and again last August amid US visa issues. 
    Jake Paul and Hasim Rahman Jr before their cancelled fightCredit: GETTY
    On the second occasion, heavyweight Rahman signed as a late replacement but was forced to come down TWO STONE to 200lb. 
    The New York State Athletic Commission later changed the bout to 205lb, but even then the two sides disagreed. 
    Eventually, the fight was scrapped with Rahman, 31, going on to sign for KSI’s Misfits Boxing banner after the ordeal. 
    He did hold an unoffical weigh in the day before the proposed bout to prove he could make the catchweight limit – but hit the scales at 206.6lb. 
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    Meanwhile Paul, 26, instead returned last October to beat UFC legend Anderson Silva, 47, living to fight another day in Rahman’s eyes.
    He told SunSport: “He dodged a bullet, even when we were going to 205. That extra 5lb was literally all I needed. 
    “Had it actually been fight week, who knows? Maybe I would have actually made 205. I made 206 and weighed in like an hour early. 
    “Jake Paul’s team knew what they were doing, they knew not to give me any time to get ready, they wouldn’t put him in that position. 
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    🥊 How to watch Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury: Date, UK start time, live stream, TV channel
    “They all were telling him he was making a mistake by fighting me in the first place.” 
    After Rahman’s cancellation, Fury, 23, becomes the first opponent with a recognised boxing record Paul will face. 
    He has instead recorded wins over ex-MMA champions in Ben Askren, 38, Tyron Woodley, 40, and Silva. 
    Paul twice beat ex-UFC welterweight champ Woodley, on points in August 2021 and then by KO in their rematch as Fury withdrew injured. 
    The American was taken the eight rounds – even punched through the ropes and threatened to retire – which later emerged as a joke. 
    But Rahman insisted the damage he was set to do on Paul would have been no laughing matter. 
    He said: “I don’t like Jake, I don’t like him. I think he would’ve retired from boxing, he wouldn’t have been able to go back to creator boxing. 
    “I think I would have hurt that man so bad, he would have been like, ‘I don’t think I want to do this anymore.’
    I don’t like Jake, I don’t like him. I think he would’ve retired from boxing, he wouldn’t have been able to go back to creator boxing. Hasim Rahman Jr on Jake Paul
    “He had that aura about him after he fought Tyron Woodley the first time, he didn’t seem too sure on whether he wanted to keep doing this. 
    “I can guarantee you he would’ve been in five-ten times more pain and had to go through five-ten times as much with me than he did with Tyron Woodley.” 
    Paul is set to move down to a career-lowest 185lb against Fury, having largely boxed at 190lb.
    Meanwhile Rahman was 226lb for his last fight, a loss to ex-NFL star and now heavyweight fighter, who weighed over SEVEN STONE more. 
    The weight disparity means the pair are not likely to ever cross paths and despite the bad blood, Rahman still backed Paul to beat Fury. 
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    He said: “I think Jake wins a decision. I’m not sold on Jake’s power. 
    “I don’t know much about Tommy but I’ve seen him box in spots and I definitely think Jake’s gonna win a decision.” 
    Don’t miss the True Test on Sunday as Jake Paul takes on Tommy Fury, exclusively on talkSPORT for FREE. Download the app.
    Jake Paul and Tommy Fury ahead of their fightCredit: Getty More

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    Tommy Fury vows to make Jake Paul ‘PAY’ for sacrifices made during training after sleeping separately from Molly-Mae

    TOMMY FURY has vowed to make Jake Paul PAY for every tireless sacrifice he has made to ensure victory over him.Fury is set to finally fight Paul on Sunday, following two previous pullouts before, amid injury and US visa issues. 
    Molly-Mae with Tommy Fury and baby daughter BambiCredit: Instagram
    Tommy Fury in training for his fight against Jake PaulCredit: Instagram / @eliteboxer
    Jake Paul and Tommy Fury facing offCredit: Getty
    They have rescheduled their grudge match in Saudi Arabia, where bragging rights, reputations and unbeaten records are at stake. 
    Fury revealed he left the mansion in Manchester which he shares with Molly-Mae to move into a separate apartment. 
    And the 2019 Love Island star – who met his partner on the TV show – insisted he could not be both a lover and a fighter during his training camp. 
    Fury, 23, told SunSport: “When you’re preparing for a fight, you have to get into a certain kind of mode. 
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    “If you’re sleeping in bed with your missus every night, what are you going to do? You’re in that cuddly mode. 
    “You’ll want to cuddle up and watch a film, it’s just natural instinct. I decided to take that out this time, I’ve been nothing but professional here. 
    “I’ve been sleeping in my own bed, by myself, all this camp. I’ve gone to a different place and done what needs to be done.” 
    The fight also comes just a month after Fury and Molly-Mae introduced baby daughter Bambi into the world. 
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    And the doting dad had to kiss goodbye to the pair when he jetted off to the Middle East – where he plans to take out his anger on Paul.
    Fury said: “He will feel every single sacrifice that I’ve had to make for this fight. And I’m just so confident. 
    “I know how confident I am in this fight, I’ve never been this confident before. 
    “I’m as confident in winning this fight as I am in walking down the stairs and eating my next meal.
    “This is what it is, I’ve trained hard and surrounded myself with a proper network, a winning network, world champions, better sparring. 
    “There’s nothing physically I could have done more and when you’ve been through a camp and done all of that, there’s no question, it’s full confidence.” 

    🥊 How to watch Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury: Date, UK start time, live stream, TV channel
    Fury is set to become the first opponent with a recognised professional boxing record that Paul has so far faced. 
    That is after wins for the YouTuber-turned prizefighter over ex-MMA champions Ben Askren, 38, Tyron Woodley, 40, and Anderson Silva, 47. 
    Fury could become a hero overnight if he becomes the one to finally silence Paul in the ring. 
    But he is adamant none of that will matter to him – with his biggest fans waiting for him at home. 
    He said: “All that stuff doesn’t really faze me, I just want to knock this man out, shut him up and come back home to my family and spend some much needed family time. 
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    “I’m not really interested in all the glitz and the glamour of what comes with beating Jake Paul. I’m not really interested in that. 
    “I’ve got a job to do, I’ll get that done, come back and see my little girl and spend some nice time at home.”  
    Don’t miss the True Test on Sunday as Jake Paul takes on Tommy Fury, exclusively on talkSPORT for FREE. Download the app.
    Jake Paul, Derek Chisora and Tommy FuryCredit: Getty More

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    Derek Chisora says WBC champions including Tyson Fury should GIVE UP belts if Jake Paul is giving a ranking

    DEREK CHISORA has told all WBC champions to VACATE their belts if Jake Paul is handed a place in their rankings.Paul, 26, is set to take on Love Island star Tommy Fury, 23, in Saudi Arabia on Sunday.
    Derek Chisora, centre, is helping promote the fight between Jake Paul, left, and Tommy Fury, rightCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Tyson Fury is the reigning WBC heavyweight championCredit: Reuters
    It has been confirmed the victor will earn themselves a spot in the top 40 of the WBC’s cruiserweight rankings.
    Chisora, who came up short against Tommy’s brother Tyson Fury for the WBC heavyweight title in December of last year, is helping to promote Paul’s Middle Eastern dust-up.
    Yet, despite his affiliation with the event, he was quick to condemn the governing body’s decision to hand a ranking position to the winner.
    Speaking to The Mail, he said: “Do you know what, if he gets a ranking with the WBC, I personally think everybody in the WBC should come out of the rankings and be in another federation.
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    “Everyone should just drop the WBC and say, ‘I’m not fighting for it anymore’. That’s not fair.
    “There’s other boxers who have been slaving themselves, making weight, fighting and because he’s boxed two fighters they give him a WBC ranking? No, it’s unfair. 
    “If they do that, I urge everyone in the WBC rankings – drop the belts, who cares?
    “Belts do not pay the bills for most fighters.
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    🥊 How to watch Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury: Date, UK start time, live stream, TV channel
    “As Mike Tyson says, it’s garbage. Most of it is garbage to be honest with you.”
    Fury will be the first recognised professional boxer Paul has faced following wins over YouTuber AnEsonGib, basketball player Nate Robinson and MMA trio Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva.
    Meanwhile, Fury is 8-0 but has yet to fight anybody of note.
    The bout was scheduled twice before but never materialised due to Fury pulling out on both occasions.
    In 2021, he withdrew because of injury and illness.
    Then last year visa issues forced him to pass up the opportunity once more.
    Don’t miss the True Test on Sunday as Jake Paul takes on Tommy Fury, exclusively on talkSPORT for FREE. Download the app. More