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      Major Tyson Fury retirement hint as promoter gives update on boxer’s future amid Anthony Joshua fight call-out

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      TYSON FURY could snub a Battle of Britain with Anthony Joshua and hang up his gloves, his promoter Frank Warren has hinted.A long-overdue domestic dust-up with AJ is on the table for the Gypsy King following his crushing second loss to Oleksandr Usyk last December.Tyson Fury is at a career crossroads following back-to-back losses to Oleksandr UsykCredit: GETTYA Battle of Britain with Anthony Joshua is on the tables for the Gypsy KingCredit: REUTERSBut promoter Frank Warren won’t try to force Fury to take the fightCredit: PAJoshua is seemingly champing at the bit to put an end to the decade-long debate over who the better man is.But Warren won’t try to lure the former two-time champ to the ring for one last payday.He wrote in his Daily Star column: “I will not be picking up the phone and asking Tyson Fury to fight again.”If opportunities come my way for him they will be passed on, but there will be no advice from me on whether or not Tyson should take them.READ MORE ON FURY VS AJ”I haven’t spoken to him yet about an Anthony Joshua fight and I will only do so if he comes to me and says he wants to get in the ring with him.”Back-to-back defeats to slick southpaw Usyk have left Fury at a major career crossroads.But SunSport exclusively revealed that the former WBC titleholder has told his nearest and dearest that his career’s “not over” by any stretch of the imagination.Warren will stand by whatever decision Fury makes over his fighting future and hopes the Wythenshawe warrior will be at peace with it.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said: “My only hope is for Tyson to be happy and content with life.”If he is then I’d be prouder than you can ever imagine.Tyson Fury breaks silence on Oleksandr Usyk defeat in angry backstage rant after storming out of ring”If he does decide to box again then I’ll support him 100%. It’s a decision for him, his wife Paris and their family.”Despite both men no longer being at the peak of their powers, a summer showdown between Fury and Joshua will still be a global blockbuster.And AJ insists the now is the time for them to finally duke it out.He said: “I’ve been involved in a whole lot of fights, but this has to happen in 2025.“Of course, it has to happen, and hopefully, it does happen.” More

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      Anthony Joshua admits ‘time is limited’ as he calls out Tyson Fury to 2025 fight and opens up on ‘turbulent times’

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA admits the clock is ticking for a fight with Tyson Fury. The two are in line to finally settle their British beef this year having both suffered recent defeats. Anthony Joshua during his trip to NigeriaCredit: @anthonyjoshuaFury was beaten twice on the spin by Oleksandr Usyk while Daniel Dubois knocked out AJ in September. It has left Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn pushing to get a two-fight deal with the Gypsy King signed and sealed for 2025. And AJ – also beaten twice by Usyk – revealed he is on board. He told Sportboom while visiting family in Nigeria: “I’ve been involved in a whole lot of fights, but this has to happen in 2025. READ MORE IN BOXING“Of course, it has to happen and, hopefully, it does happen. Time is limited. So, I just want to put in more work.” Fury, 36, suffered his first defeat in May after losing a thrilling split-decision to Usyk, 37, in Saudi Arabia. And in the rematch in December, the British legend came up a controversial unanimous loser on the cards. Usyk had become the first four-belt undisputed champion following victory in the summer but he vacated the IBF title. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDubois, 27, was elevated from interim champ and knocked AJ out in his first defence at Wembley. Joshua, 35, snubbed a rematch to take time out to recover from his disastrous defeat as a grudge match with Fury now awaits. Tommy Fury mocked by fans after professional boxer ‘nearly knocks over elderly lady’He said: “Time is of the essence. In 2024, when I look back, I believe I could have done more, and I have another chance in 2025 to do more.”I’m going to make sure that I take every opportunity that comes my way. I’m going to go again. Ups and downs, they happen. “To some people, it is always up. My life is up and down, so I have got to get used to the turbulent times and keep riding the wave.”I can’t stop now; I have to keep going until I reach my destination.”Oleksandr Usyk has twice beaten FuryCredit: Getty More

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      Boxing hero, 63, suffering with brain disease as son issues heartbreaking plea for support

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      BOXING legend Donald Curry is suffering with a brain disease, his son revealed in a heartbreaking plea.Curry – a champion in two weight divisions – has been diagnosed with Traumatic Encephalopathy Syndrome. Donald Curry is suffering with a brain diseaseCredit: GettyIt is a brain condition resulting commonly from repeated head trauma.Curry’s son Donovan posted online: “I’m reaching out to the boxing community to ask for assistance in finding a long-term healthcare facility for my dad. “A few years ago, with the help of Chuck Williams, my dad underwent a brain scan at the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, where he was officially diagnosed with Traumatic Encephalopathy Syndrome (TES). “This condition has caused impairments in judgment, reasoning, memory, and behavior, including poor impulse control. READ MORE IN BOXING”For some time, he was being cared for at an incredible church facility in Fort Worth, thanks to the support of his former trainer, Paul Reyes, who recently passed away. “However, due to incidents of fighting and breaking rules, my dad had to leave. He is currently staying in a hotel in Fort Worth. “We are searching for a facility that specializes in patients with conditions like my dad’s, ideally one that operates at no cost. “If you know of any resources, facilities, or organizations that could help, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Most read in BoxingWhat is CTE?CTE, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy, refers to a brain degeneration caused by frequent head traumasOther elements may play a role, including genetics, but exact factors are yet to be discovered, as reported by the Boston University CTE Center.CTE is only diagnosed through an autopsy of the brain and is known to be a rather rare disease.It is most commonly found in athletes, including football players and fighters.Some symptoms of CTE include memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and progressive dementia.These signs can begin to appear after years or even decades after the last brain trauma.”Thank you for your time and support during this challenging time.” Curry held the welterweight and light-middleweight titles during his career – famously fighting Lloyd Honeyghan, Mike McCallum and Terry Norris. Vincent Jackson death: Ex-Tampa Bay Buccaneers star died in hotel from ‘chronic alcohol use’ & was suffering from CTEThe American last fought in 1997 – losing to Emmett Linton – and retiring with a record of 34–6. Curry, now 63, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019 following a remarkable career. But it was in 2021 that Curry’s sons first feared their famous fighting father may be suffering from CTE. Curry was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019Credit: @lonestarcobratx More

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      Hassan Mgaya dead at 29: Boxer dies just days after suffering KO defeat as tributes pour in

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      TANZANIAN boxer Hassan Mgaya has tragically died aged 29, the WBC have confirmed.Mgaya passed away in hospital just days after his defeat to Paul Elias.Hassan Mgaya tragically died aged 29The Tanzanian super-lightweight fought Elias in his country’s capital Dar-Es-Salaam on December 27.Following his KO defeat he was taken straight to Palestine Hospital in Sinza, Tanzania.He was subsequently transferred to Mwananyamala Hospital, where he tragically died on December 30.A WBC statement read: “Tanzanian professional boxer Hassan Mgaya passed away on December 30, 2024, from injuries resulting from a knockout he received on December 27.READ MORE IN BOXING”Mgaya had been taken to Palestine Hospital in Sinza, Tanzania, before being transferred to Mwananyamala Hospital where he spent his final moments.”The entire WBC family and President Mauricio Sulaiman send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of our beloved champion.”The Tanzanian Boxing Commission’s acting secretary Nsajigwa Mwangamilo has also paid tribute to Mgaya.He said: “We extend our deepest condolences to to the family and boxing stakeholders in the country.”Most read in BoxingMgaya held a 3-3-2 professional record.His fight with Elias had been his fourth bout of 2024. More

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      Boxing promoter Frank Warren starts legal proceedings for defamation against Chris Eubank Jr after shocking outburst

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      FRANK WARREN has opened legal proceedings against Chris Eubank Jr after the boxer’s shocking outburst against him in a press conference.The Queensberry promoter filed the case on December 23, according to the HM Courts and Tribunals e-filing service.Frank Warren has opened legal proceedings for a defamation case against Chris Eubank JrCredit: PAEubank Jr issued a public apology after launching a verbal and personal attack against WarrenCredit: GettyAs first reported by The Athletic, the filing is listed under “Media and Communication: Defamation – libel and slander”.Warren, 72, was involved in the press conference in September in Saudi Arabia to promote an undercard fight between Eubank Jr, 35, and Poland’s Kamil Szeremeta.The card, headlined by light-heavyweights Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, was Eubank Jr’s first fight for over a year following his stoppage of Liam Smith in October 2023.It was also his first fight as part of the Boxxer promotional stable led by Ben Shalom.READ MORE IN BOXINGEubank Jr was asked why he had chosen to sign with them, but launched an astonishing and personal verbal attack on Warren as well as barbs directed at Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn and Frank Smith and Wasserman promoter Kalle Sauerland.Speaking at the time, Hall of Fame promoter Warren said: “I’m gonna keep it short and sweet. He’s gonna get sued again for the comments that he’s made publicly.”Eubank Jr later released a statement saying he wished to retract the “inaccurate statements” and apologised to Warren, Hearn and Sauerland.Warren had publicly accepted the apology issued by Eubank Jr, saying he was “looking forward to seeing him compete on this huge Riyadh Season card”.Most read in BoxingBut two months on he has now decided the apology was insufficient and is suing him a second time.The first came back in 2016 when Warren sued the then British Middleweight champion for a breach of contract, ending in Eubank Jr paying a six-figure sum to the promoter.Frank Warren throws doubt on Dubois v Joshua rematch happening Following the September press conference, Warren had told talkSPORT: “The bottom line of it is very simple. “He was sued by me for a legal breach of a contract and I was successful in suing him and he paid substantial damages.”Now you know what he can’t accept is what’s legal and what’s not. “And as regarding what he’s just said just so you know I’m gonna keep it short and sweet. He’s gonna get sued again for the comments that he’s made publicly.”He will be sued and he will have a problem over that and anybody else who says it, they can get in that queue.”Eubank Jr declined to comment. More

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      Moses Itauma is living his own Rocky story… he’ll be a household name by the year and could be better than Fury and AJ

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      US baseball legend Yogi Berra’s priceless remark “it’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future” always comes to mind at New Year.Crystal-ball gazing can be a hazardous game — but there’s every reason to believe heavyweight prodigy Moses Itauma will be a household name before the end of 2025.Moses Itauma is tipped to become Britain’s next heavyweight superstarCredit: GettyItauma flattened Dempsey McKean inside one round on the Oleksandr Usyk-Tyson Fury II undercardCredit: GettyHaving seen the debuts of all ten British men who became world champions, it was not difficult to forecast Frank Bruno, Lennox Lewis, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois would go on to bring the richest prize in sport to these shores.Tyson Fury was the surprise package. Few felt he could beat Wladimir Klitschko in Germany, which launched an amazingly colourful and controversial career.But I am prepared to risk ridicule by suggesting Menacing Moses — who only turned 20 six days ago — may turn out to be the best of the lot.Itauma’s story is another of those boxing tales that sounds as if it belongs more to the realms of Rocky-like fiction than fact.READ MORE IN BOXINGHe was born in Slovakia to a Nigerian father who moved the family here 11 years ago to escape rampant racism and settled them in Chatham.Itauma joined the local amateur boxing club when he was nine.And, remarkably, he remained unbeaten before turning pro two years ago having won golds at various levels — schools, juniors, European youth and world youth.Moses is physically mature way beyond his years and his England schools coach John Stubbs said: “I honestly believe since he was 12 years old he has been destined for greatness.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSItauma would become a world heavyweight champion at the age of 20 if he wins a title this yearCredit: GettyItauma’s story has been compared to ‘Rocky-like fiction’Credit: GettyFrom the age of 15, he has sparred with all this country’s top big men — including Fury and Joshua — which has given him invaluable tuition.Before his first pro fight his manager Francis Warren announced that Itauma’s aim was to be the youngest heavyweight champion of the world.Moses Itauma ‘could beat’ Mike Tyson’s youngest heavyweight champ record after impressive first round KO of Demsey McKeanThat meant beating Mike Tyson’s record of 20 years and 145 days.It was a clever PR ploy to earn publicity but was never an authentic target as it would have meant Itauma winning one of the titles before May 22.Itauma is unrealistically compared to a young Tyson because of his power-packed punches — sending nine of his 11 victims to KO defeats.And jaws dropped open in admiration at the way he demolished experienced Aussie Demsey McKean in less than two minutes on the Usyk-Fury undercard two weeks ago.Dedicated Moses seems to be blessed with a cool temperament, is so quick on his feet for a 6ft 4in, near 18-stone man and his hand speed and timing lights the fuse that detonates dynamite in his fists.But we can never be sure on any potential heavyweight superstar until we see how they react to being badly hurt.I am prepared to risk ridicule by suggesting Menacing Moses — who only turned 20 six days ago — may turn out to be the best of the lot.Colin HartWhen I started writing about boxing more than 60 years ago, I wondered if I would ever see a British fighter acclaimed as the best heavyweight on Earth.We had to wait until 1993 for Lewis to emulate Bob Fitzsimmons and end a 96-year drought.Since then, Fury and Joshua have dominated the division for the last ten years — until bogeyman Oleksandr Usyk came on the scene.Now, former champions Fury and Joshua are facing being referred to in the past tense.And Dubois, the IBF champion, is carrying the torch for Britain — but he will be constantly looking over his shoulder as Itauma stalks him.READ MORE SUN STORIESWe all know heavyweight boxing can be a precarious trade.And I am not unaware that somebody also once proclaimed: “You can trust a crystal ball about as far as you can throw it.” More

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      Jai Opetaia vs David Nyika: Date, fight time, TV channel, live stream and full card for huge world title bout

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      JAI OPETAIA will put his IBF and Ring Magazine cruiserweight belts on the line on Wednesday as he takes on David Nyika.The Aussie’s title defence will be in front of a home crowd, with the Trans-Tasman encounter taking place on the Gold Coast of Australia.Nyika stepped in at short notice after original challenger Huseyin Cinkara pulled out of the bout with an ankle injury.Opetaia boasts a perfect record of 26-0, with 20 of his wins coming by way of knockout.The undefeated Australian has stopped three of his last five opponents, with his most recent triumph coming against Jack Massey in October.Nyika, who also possesses an unblemished record of 10-0 and is an Olympic bronze medalist, will be eyeing his biggest scalp yet against Opetaia.READ MORE IN BOXINGWhen is Jai Opetaia vs David Nyika?Jai Opetaia vs David Nyika will take place on Wednesday, January 8.The card will begin at around 8am GMT.The main event is set to get underway at approximately 11.30am GMT.Gold Coast Convention Centre, Broadbeach, Australia, will host.What TV channel is Jai Opetaia vs David Nyika on and can it be live streamed?Jai Opetaia vs David Nyika will be broadcast live on DAZN.Subscribers can live stream the huge card via the DAZN app/website.If you are not a subscription holder, you can subscribe to DAZN in the UK for £9.99-a-month, which commits you to an entire year of action.A flexible pass, worth £19.99-a-month, is also available, and you can cancel anytime.You can also pay £99.99 for the year upfront, and this is the lowest cost option.Full cardJai Opetaia (c) vs. David Nyika; cruiserweight, for the IBF and Ring Magazine titlesJustis Huni vs. Shaun Potgeiter; heavyweightBen Mahoney vs. Fan Zhang; super welterweightAustin Aokuso vs. Habib Ahmed; light heavyweightMax McIntyre vs. Abdulselam Saman; super middleweightBilly McAllister vs. Jordan Towns; light heavyweight More

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      Jake Paul shares ten-man boxing hit-list for 2025 including British world champion and Tommy Fury

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      JAKE PAUL has revealed his ten-man boxing hitlist of opponents.The YouTuber-turned-boxer ended 2024 by improving his record to 11-1 after beating 58-year-old great Mike Tyson in their controversial clash. Jake Paul revealed his ten-man boxing hitlist of opponentsCredit: X formerly Twitter / @jakepaulPaul’s points win sparked some of the sport’s biggest names to call him out and the American has revealed his own list of dream opponents. He uploaded a poster which included the likes of Tommy Fury, Daniel Dubois, Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather.Paul is depicted holding a bag of cash with the caption: “Who next?” Gervonta Davis, Artur Beterbiev, Ryan Garcia, Alex Pereira, Nate Diaz and KSI also feature on the mocked up poster. READ MORE IN BOXINGAmerican superstar Davis fights FIVE STONE lighter than Paul but recently called him out. The WBA lightweight champion told: “This my callout, Jake Paul, what’s up?” Paul previously said: “I’d be down. Let’s run it. I’d be super, super down. Is there a height limit in boxing?”Mayweather, 47, officially retried in 2017 but continues to box in exhibition bouts, including against Paul’s brother Logan, 29. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe undefeated legend has been linked with a fight against Paul, 27, but their weight difference has prevented it from being professionally sanctioned.McGregor, 36, is also believed to be in talks with Logan for a boxing bout in India despite his contract with the UFC.Tommy Fury calls out Jake Paul for rematch as war-of-words continuesThat is what stands in the way of Paul fighting UFC light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, 37, following his callout in July.Boxing champ Artur Beterbiev, 39, is another to have challenged Paul on social media.He posted: “What can you do in the ring against the current undisputed champion? “Just know that I’m always open to any suggestions.” Paul hit back: “Top 5 pound for pound fighter in the world calling me out. Hahahahahaha. 4 years in and I run this sport.”IBF heavyweight champ Dubois, 27, also called out Paul on Instagram but did so in private messages that were leaked. Garcia, 25, is another top star to have called out Paul despite their friendship and weight difference. Heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois called out Jake PaulCredit: ReutersConor McGregor is in talks to fight Jake Paul’s brother LoganCredit: APLogan Paul faced Floyd Mayweather in a 2021 exhibition boutCredit: GettyJake Paul was beaten by Tommy Fury in 2023Credit: GettyBut he suggested 185lb catchweight clash and added: “I kinda like gave birth to his boxing career, and I’m here to end it. That’s it.”Paul’s social media post included controversial insults aimed at McGregor and Garcia.Diaz, 39, was beaten over ten boxing rounds by Paul in 2023 but he was offered a £10m rematch in MMA. Fury, 25, also fought Paul in 2023 and became the first and so far only to defeat the social media sensation. Paul then accused Fury of turning down a £6.4m offer to rematch on Netflix in 2024 leaving the rivalry brewing. And Fury told ESPN: “I mean at the end of the day I think me and him, we’re set in stone.”He’s only got one defeat and that’s to me, so it’s inevitable that we are going to get back in the ring.” Last but not least is Paul’s oldest and most arch rival, KSI.READ MORE SUN STORIESKSI, 31, defeated his brother Logan in 2019 but a grudge match with Jake is yet to materialise. The latest stumbling block between them is a disagreement over what weight they would fight at with Paul demanding 200lb and KSI 185lb. KSI and Jake Paul clashing in 2020Credit: Getty Images – GettyJake Paul and Nate Diaz are linked with a rematch in MMACredit: ReutersRyan Garcia called out Jake Paul despite their friendshipCredit: RexGervonta Davis has called out Jake PaulCredit: APArtur Beterbiev offered Jake Paul a shot at his light-heavyweight titleCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunAlex Pereira was called out by Jake PaulCredit: Getty More