More stories

  • in

    Chris Eubank Jr REGRETS not getting a brutal beating by Liam Smith as he ‘would have enjoyed it’

    CHRIS EUBANK JR reckons he was robbed of a brutal battering by Liam Smith — and would have enjoyed it.In January, the Brighton ace was demolished by Liverpool’s star in the fourth round.
    Liam Smith demolished Chris Eubank Jr in the fourth round back in JanuaryCredit: PA
    Chris Eubank Jr says he was robbed from a brutal beating by the refereeCredit: PA
    For the first time in his career he was dropped and stopped. Most fans are not keen on the June 17 rematch, so convincing was the original.
    But Eubank Jr, whose father Chris had a legendary chin, has been stewing over the result.
    He had the option of a June 3 showdown with Conor Benn after the original October bout was cancelled.
    But the stink around Benn’s ongoing Ukad doping case meant that toxic Brit battle   was shelved.
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    Returning slugger Eubank Jr, 33, said: “The thing I regret is not being given the chance to get through it — I wanted to continue and have the chance to overcome adversity.
    “But I feel I was robbed of that challenge.  We sign up to get hurt and the possibility of punishment.
    “So it just didn’t sit well with me that I wasn’t given the opportunity to recover.
    “If I was due a beating, great, that’s what I deserved, I would have accepted and enjoyed it.
    Most read in Boxing
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    “I am a grizzled veteran and know how much I can take and when I can’t go on.
    “A lot of people paid to see me get my a**e kicked and then they never got that, they wanted to see me take even more shots.”
    No-nonsense Smith, 34, said: “You don’t need to be a genius to see he is falling over all of his words.
    “Lots of people said he could have been stopped from the first knockdown.
    “He got credit and the chance to carry on based on his career, he went down and got up — but he couldn’t stand up the second time.
    “I think he’s finished, he was terrified of getting hit. He was always game and seemed to fancy a fight, yet from the first clinch I knew he didn’t fancy.
    “I am even more determined to beat him now — and I know I can hurt him to the head and body — this time I will make him say, ‘The best man won’.
    Eubank Jr insisted he was genetically gifted with an unbreakable chin and had never been hurt.
    Now, however, he is going into a must-win rematch in the knowledge that he may not have inherited quite as strong a chin as his dad.

    He added: “I have a new desire. A new fire that maybe I didn’t have before because I didn’t fear him.
    “I don’t fear him now but I know I can be hurt and buzzed — so I have to respect what is coming at me. It will be a lot more serious now.” More

  • in

    KSI accepts Jake Paul fight after arrest warrant is issued for former UFC star Nate Diaz

    KSI has offered to step up on short notice and face Jake Paul if his bitter rival’s clash with Nate Diaz falls through.Former UFC star Diaz is a wanted man following his alleged involvement in a mass brawl in New Orleans last Friday, with a warrant for his arrest being issued on Monday.
    Nate Diaz is set to throw down with Jake Paul in AugustCredit: MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS
    But the fight could be up in the air after an arrest warrant was issued for Diaz’s arrest following his alleged involvement in a street fightCredit: INSTAGRAM@BAMBAJUICE
    KSI has offered to save the day if Diaz has to withdraw from the fight – an offer Paul quickly accepted
    It’s not yet known if Diaz’s imminent legal issues will impact his Dallas dust-up with Paul, but that hasn’t stopped Brit YouTuber KSI from offering up his services.
    KSI – real name Olajide Olatunji – tweeted on Monday: “Well, if that mean[s] Jake won’t have an opponent in August.
    “Then I’ll gladly come as the replacement after I KO Joe Fournier in May.”
    It didn’t take long for YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul to get wind of KSI’s offer – which he gladly accepted.
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    He said: “Great. I accept you as the backup opponent. Fight is at 185 [lbs].
    “There are no rehydration clauses. Stay in shape and we will give you a call if needed.
    “Thanks buddy for being so humble and committed.”
    The agreement didn’t go unnoticed by Diaz, who issued an X-rated response to the social media sensations.
    Most read in Boxing
    Nate Diaz has yet to break his silence on his alleged New Orleans brawlCredit: ap
    The former UFC lightweight title challenger tweeted: “”Lol.
    “Why don’t u two scared p*****s just fight each other [in] August?
    “I’ll fight someone who can really fight.”
    Diaz has found himself in hot water after reportedly choking a Logan Paul lookalike UNCONSCIOUS is a street brawl after the being attacked.
    The MMA legend has yet to break his silence on the incident, which Logan Paul impersonator and former fighter Rodney Petersen Jr spoke about on social media.
    He said: “So I don’t know what the hell I did to Nate Diaz.
    “But I’ll telling you what, I’m going to knock him the f*** out when I know he’s coming.
    “You caught me off guard, dude. Did you think I was Logan? What the f***?”
    SunSport have reached out to Diaz’s representatives for comment. More

  • in

    Busty ring girl Apollonia Llewellyn almost slips out of tiny bikini as she tops up her tan on the beach

    APOLLONIA LLEWELLYN has sent fans crazy as she nearly slips out of a tiny bikini while topping up her tan on the beach.The stunning Misfits ring girl put another busty display on her Instagram.
    Apollonia Llewellyn looked incredible in a tiny bikiniCredit: Instagram / @apolloniallewellyn
    Apollonia got a tan on the beachCredit: Instagram / @apolloniallewellyn
    She is currently on holiday in SpainCredit: Instagram / @apolloniallewellyn
    Apollonia is not stranger to uploading racy snapsCredit: Instagram / @apolloniallewellyn
    Apollonia looked sensational in a white bikini as she caught the sun in Spain.
    She also took to her story to post a snap of her in a brightly coloured outfit that flaunted her figure.
    The OnlyFans star’s followers were left in awe by the uploads.
    One said: “So beautiful.”
    READ MORE ON RING GIRLS
    Another reacted: “Perfection.”
    A third added: “You look amazing. You are very hot and super sexy.”
    Apollonia has also added to her adoring fans since appearing as a ring girl in the influencer boxing events under the brand Misfits.
    She made a name for herself during the Elle Brooke and KSI fight card at Wembley in January.
    Most read in Boxing
    The blonde beauty also models when she’s not strutting around the ring.
    Apollonia is no stranger to wowing fans, recently joining no bra club.
    And she also stunned a nearly see-through top.
    Apollonia Llewellyn has been branded as “super sexy”Credit: Instagram @apolloniallewellyn
    She is a Misfits ring girl and modelCredit: Instagram / @apolloniallewellyn
    Apollonia is from LeedsCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellyn
    She has 552,00 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellyn More

  • in

    Eddie Hearn says boxing fans are ‘MAD’ to make Deontay Wilder favourite in Anthony Joshua fight as talks are confirmed

    EDDIE HEARN reckons boxing fans are “MAD” to have Deontay Wilder as the favourite for his proposed showdown with Anthony Joshua.A December dust-up between the pair is understood to be in the works – nearly five years after they were first on course to face one another.
    Anthony Joshua is on course for a massive December dust-up with Deontay WilderCredit: RICHARD PELHAM
    The Bronze Bomber has been tipped by many to win the boutCredit: GETTY
    Eddie Hearn has been baffled by the number of people tipping Wilder to win the fightCredit: Rex
    Joshua’s display in his return to the win column against Jermaine Franklin earlier this month – his first outing since back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk – has done little to convince fans he’d get the better of Wilder
    But the notion of Joshua having no chance of beating the former WBC heavyweight champion has baffled Hearn, who told ESBR Boxing: “He’s boxed everybody that he’s been asked to box.
    “And now it’s a fight to ‘avoid’ against Deontay Wilder.
    “If you think ‘AJ’ is an underdog in that fight, in my opinion, you’re mad.”
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    Wilder returned to the win column last October with a brutal first-round knockout of former sparring partner Robert Helenius.
    And Hearn believes the Bronze Bomber is still very much a force to be reckoned with in the division.
    The Matchroom Boxing chief said: “Wilder’s very dangerous. AJ will box his ears off.
    “But if he gets caught – like anyone else in the division – he could get stopped.
    Most read in Boxing
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    “But if he hits Wilder on the chin, he’s knocking him clean out.”
    Joshua, 33, has gone on record with his eagerness to finally settle the score with Wilder – whose sole losses have come at the hands of Tyson Fury.
    And Hearn believes their dust-up will be one of the “greatest fights” in recent heavyweight history.
    He said: “It’s just one of the greatest fights in boxing. Do you want to see the most exciting fights? Because they come with a bit of risk.
    “So let’s roll the dice and see AJ put it on the line in a massive fight.”
    Joshua is confident the mouthwatering showdown will come to fruition, saying: “From my experiences with Saudi, if they say they are going to do something, they are more than likely going to do it.

    Anthony Joshua believes a fight with Deontay Wilder is ’95 per cent there’Credit: RICHARD PELHAM
    “So, that’s one end of it.
    “And then you let the other guys do what they do. But as the man behind the scenes, it is important to start getting ready.
    “In terms of it getting delivered, I honestly believe it is 95 per cent there.
    “He is good, I respect him, I don’t undermine him. That will make me raise my game.

    “I respect what he has done and what he has done in this division.
    “It is hard to become a champion, and he did it, so I have to respect that.” More

  • in

    Chris Eubank Jr to fight Liam Smith on 17 June in Manchester after rematch clause is triggered following shock KO

    CHRIS EUBANK JR will get the change to avenge his defeat to Liam Smith after a rematch date was announced. The boxers will go head-to-head in the ring again on June 17 at the AO Arena in Manchester.
    Eubank Jr could not handle Smith when the two met in Manchester in JanuaryCredit: Getty
    Smith won by TKO in January after outboxing Eubank Jr in the fourth round.
    Eubank Jr, who had been the favourite for the initial middleweight bout, has reactivated the rematch clause that had been drawn into the contract.
    The 33-year-old made clear his intentions to trigger the clause and sent Beefy a message on Valentine’s Day.
    He said: “This morning I activated the rematch clause via my lawyers & sent to my promoters Wasserman. Happy Valentines Day Liam Smith.”
    READ MORE ON BOXING
    The second fight will be shown on Sky Sports Box Office.
    In the co-main event, Brit Savannah Marshall will face undisputed super-middleweight champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn.

    Build-up to the first fight between Eubank Jr and Smith had been marred by unsavoury comments the fighters made toward one another.
    The British Boxing Board of Control fined both for their comments.
    Most read in Boxing
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
    Once they finally faced in the ring, Beefy blew away his opponent in the fourth round.
    Smith twice left Eubank Jr on the canvas in the fourth round before the referee stopped the fight.
    It was the former IBO title holder’s first defeat since 2018. More

  • in

    Nate Diaz hints he may PULL OUT of Jake Paul fight after arrest warrant issued and tells YouTuber to fight KSI

    NATE DIAZ has seemingly hinted he may PULL OUT of his clash with Jake Paul.The MMA legend – who left the UFC last September – is set to trade leather with the YouTuber-turned-boxer in a Dallas dust-up on August 5.
    Former UFC star Nate Diaz is set to fight Jake Paul in a boxing match in AugustCredit: GETTY
    But a warrant for his arrest has been issued following his involvement in a New Orleans brawlCredit: INSTAGRAM@BAMBAJUICE
    Diaz has hinted he’ll pull out of his clash with Paul after the YouTuber agreed to have KSI be a backup fighterCredit: TWITTER
    But the fight is seemingly up in the air after a warrant for Diaz’s arrest was issued on Monday following his involvement in a mass brawl in New Orleans last week.
    Diaz’s seemingly imminent legal troubles prompted KSI to offer to step in and settle the score with The Problem Child.
    And that sparked a fierce response from former UFC lightweight title challenger Diaz, who tweeted: “Lol.
    “Why don’t u two scared p*****s just fight each other [in] August?
    READ MORE IN MMA
    “I’ll fight someone who can really fight.”
    Diaz’s x-rated message to the pair came after Paul accepted the prospect of KSI being the backup opponent for his return to the ring.
    He said: “Great. I accept you as the backup opponent. [The] fight is at 185. There are no rehydration clauses.
    “Stay in shape and we will give you a call if needed. Thanks, buddy, for being so humble and committed.”
    Most read in Boxing
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    Future UFC Hall of Famer Diaz found himself involved in a mass brawl following Misfits Boxing’s show in New Orleans – where he nearly clashed with Chase Demoor.
    Diaz didn’t throw any punches, opting instead to choke out his attacker OUT COLD with a standing guillotine after being rushed upon.
    The Stockon slugger then proceeded to carefully drop the man – who turned out to be Logan Paul lookalike and pro-MMA fighter Rodney Petersen Jr – on the street floor.
    Nate Diazs showdown with Jake Paul is set to take place in Dallas on August 5Credit: MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS
    Diaz has yet to publicly address the incident, although Petersen took to social media to discuss the melee.
    He said: “So I don’t know what the hell I did to Nate Diaz.
    “But I’ll telling you what, I’m going to knock him the f*** out when I know he’s coming.
    “You caught me off guard, dude. Did you think I was Logan? What the f***?”
    SunSport have reached out to Diaz’s representatives for comment. More

  • in

    Ken Buchanan funeral sees boxing legends and Rangers hero turn out as big hitters say farewell to Scottish boxing great

    FIGHT legends Barry McGuigan and Jim Watt were among those in attendance at St Giles Cathedral today to say their final farewells to Ken Buchanan.The iconic Scottish boxer passed away earlier this month at the age of 77.
    Former boxer Jim Watt at the memorial serviceCredit: PA
    Former Rangers star Willie HendersonCredit: PA
    Alex Arthur (left) and Barry McGuigan (right)Credit: PA
    Ken Buchanan’s son MarkCredit: Getty
    A pair of white boxing gloves rest on the coffin of former boxer Ken BuchananCredit: PA
    The Edinburgh fighter achieved legendary status – becoming UNDISPUTED lightweight champion of the world in 1970.
    And mourners gathered to show their last respects – including his one-time rival Watt.
    Also in attendance was former world featherweight champion McGuigan, who remembered SPARRING with him.
    Other respected figures from the boxing world including Alex Arthur, Tommy Gilmour and veteran journalists such as Jim Black and Steve Bunce also took their place at the memorial service.

    Buchanan had huge crossover appeal across sport – and he was joined too by former Rangers winger Willie Henderson.
    A pair of white boxing gloves took pride of place on Buchanan’s coffin as he made his final journey.
    Josh Taylor, the super-lightweight who idolised Buchanan and recently followed him to becoming a Scottish undisputed world champion, sent his apologies from the United States, where he is currently in a training camp.
    Widely regarded as Scotland’s greatest fighter, Buchanan’s record stood at 61-8 in a career spanning 17 years.
    Most read in Boxing
    Born in Edinburgh, ‘the Tartan Legend’ rose to the top of his sport, picking up the British lightweight title three years after his first pro bout.
    But it was his epic win over Ismael Laguna in Puerto Rico that placed him on top of the world.
    His glory led to further high-profile bouts – the controversial defeat to Roberto Duran in Madison Square Garden where he shared a dressing room with Muhammad Ali.
    He also fought an epic with future world champ Jim Watt and regained the British belt.
    His undisputed success led to a statue erected in his home city – unveiled on Leith Walk last August. More

  • in

    Tyson Fury ‘sounds out’ shock FOURTH FIGHT with Deontay Wilder for July return at Wembley after collapse of Usyk bout

    TYSON FURY has reportedly lined up a shock FOURTH FIGHT with Deontay Wilder for his return to the ring later this year.The WBC heavyweight champion is gearing up to return to action in July and is understood to have Wembley Stadium on standby for two potential dates.
    Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder have shared the ring three timesCredit: REUTERS
    But the pair are reportedly on course for a shock FOURTH fightCredit: ALAMY
    Fury and Wilder enjoyed a warm embraceCredit: BOXING KING MEDIA
    An opponent for Fury’s first outing of the year has yet to be finalised, although it’s claimed The Gypsy King’s team have lined up a shock quadrilogy bout with long-time rival Wilder.
    That’s according to World Boxing News, who claim preliminary negotiations over a fourth meeting have taken place.
    It’s said that “sound-out” talks between the pair’s respective representatives recently took place in Saudi Arabia.
    Fury and Wilder, 34 and 37 respectively, were in Saudi in February for Tommy Fury’s grudge match with Jake Paul.
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    And the once fierce rivals had a brief embrace with one another after crossing paths in Diriyah.
    Fury, however, recently took aim at Wilder after getting wind of the American’s predictions for a potential fourth fight.

    He wrote on Instagram: “You are a [piece] of s**t! No good bum! I’ve spanked you three times.
    “You have had a lot to say but when we came face to face your a*e fell out. Nuff said.”
    Most read in Boxing
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    News of the reported talks come not long after Wilder’s head coach claimed the American was in line to face a “mystery opponent” for his first outing of the year.
    Malik Scott told Best Sports Boxing Canada: “It’s down to the mystery opponent and Andy Ruiz Jr.
    “Since AJ [Anthony Joshua] has made up his mind and does not want to fight Deontay right now, we’re down to Andy Ruiz and the mystery guy [Fury].
    “The mystery fighter is not as guaranteed to happen as the Ruiz fight.
    “If you’re looking at it from the business perspective, it will most likely be the mandatory shot, Ruiz.”
    Former unified heavyweight champion Wilder and current WBC king Fury first began their rivalry back in December 2018.
    Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder’s rivalry began five years agoCredit: ACTION IMAGES
    Gypsy King Fury is 2-1 up in his series with the AmericanCredit: GETTY
    The first fight, in which Fury rose from the canvas in the 12th round like Lazarus, ended in a controversial draw.
    Fury got his revenge on the Bronze Bomber in February 2020, stopping him in the seventh round of their Las Vegas rematch.
    Alabama slammer Wilder was given the opportunity to level their series in October 2021 after winning his arbitration for a trilogy fight – which scuppered a blockbuster Battle of Britain between Fury and Anthony Joshua.
    The Olympic bronze medallist knocked Fury down twice in their Sin City rubber match but ended up suffering a brutal 11th-round knockout loss.

    Wilder bounced back from the consecutive losses with a brutal first-round knockout of former sparring partner Robert Helenius last October.
    Fury, meanwhile, has fought twice since his last tussle with Wilder – registering back-to-back stoppage victories over Brit rivals Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora. More