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      ‘It’s not a challenge’ – Chris Eubank Jr says Liam Smith fight so easy he is only sparring eight rounds in training

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      CHRIS EUBANK JR has revealed he is only sparring eight-round sessions in preparation for his fight with Liam Smith.The two British middleweights will face off in a 12-round contest at the AO Arena in Manchester on January 21.
      Chris Eubank Jr does not believe Liam Smith will be a test for himCredit: Getty
      The pair will face off in a middleweight clash on January 21Credit: PA
      It will be nearly a year since Eubank Jr, 33, last fought by the time he gets into the ring next month.
      His previous bout came in a unanimous decision victory over Liam Williams, before his October clash with Conor Benn was cancelled after “The Destroyer” failed a drugs test.
      Yet despite a spell of inactivity, Eubank Jr still feels former world champion Smith, 34, will be light work.
      Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “I’m going to be sparring eight rounds today, and sparring another eight rounds another two times over the next week and every week until the fight comes. So everything’s on track.
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      “I don’t think it’s going to be too much of a challenge for me so I don’t think I need to spar any more than eight rounds. That’s probably how long the fight is going to last.
      “Guys that are a little bit more dangerous than Liam I’d probably be sparring 12 rounds but I think eight’s more than enough for Liam Smith.
      “I’m not being disrespectful, I’m just very confident.”
      Unlike Smith, Eubank Jr has never been a recognised world champion, losing to George Groves in his only title challenge nearly five years ago.
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      Before that, he also came up short against Billy Joe Saunders when boxing for the British title in 2014.
      But he has not been beaten in any of his last six fights since the Groves defeat – although inactivity has stalled his career.
      His best victories have come against Olympic gold medallist James DeGale and Welsh brawler Williams.
      Eubank has a record of 32 wins and two defeats.
      Meanwhile, Smith has 32 wins, three defeats and one draw to his name.
      He became a world champion back in 2015, but has since lost to Canelo Alvarez, Jaime Munguia and most recently to Magomed Kurbanov last year. More

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      Conor Benn releases statement saying that his ‘innocence has been proven’ and that he’ll become world champion next year

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      CONOR BENN has claimed his “innocence has been proven” as he prepares to “become world champion” in 2023.The welterweight prospect failed TWO drug tests in the build-up to his historic catchweight clash with Chris Eubank Jr in October, which was ultimately scrapped.
      Conor Benn has always maintained his innocenceCredit: PA
      The British welterweight posted a lengthy statement on social mediaCredit: Instagram
      He claims he will become a world champion next yearCredit: Instagram
      Trace amounts of the female fertility drug Clomiphene – which can raise testosterone levels in men – were discovered in Benn’s system on both occasions.
      The WBC are expected to return a verdict on their investigation by the end of the month.
      Benn has protested his innocence ever since the findings became public two months ago.
      And now he has taken to social media to open up about the impact the ordeal has had on his mental health.
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      Speaking on Instagram, he said: “I want to start by saying this has been a very difficult time – not just for me, but my family and my team. I couldn’t have got through this without the love and support of those closest to me and my supporters who have stood by me, I am forever grateful.
      “My team and I have worked extremely hard over the past seven years to make me the fighter I am today, we have never cut corners or cheated the grind in any way. We believe in work ethic, determination and pure heart to achieve what we have set out to accomplish.
      “It’s been really hard for me to accept that people think that I would do what I was accused of but what I’ve come to realise is people rush to judgement, without knowing the facts especially people in the boxing community (and, most disappointingly, even those that know me).
      “Although I’ve kept away from social media, I’m well aware of those who have thrown dirt on my name. I’ll forgive but I won’t forget.
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      “Tony Sims has had a clean gym for 26 years, I respect the gym. No one is bigger than the gym! Hard work and dedication is what we stand for. We don’t condone cheating or cutting corners.
      “I’m thankful to my dad who has been with me through this whole period and I’m glad this nightmare is coming to an end for the sake of our combined mental health.
      “Never did we think we’d go through something like this but they say the hardest fight is life and the adversity it brings. I want to make up for lost time and not let another moment go to waste.”
      Benn’s promoter Eddie Hearn recently revealed that his 147lb contender will be fighting “earlier than you think”.
      And Benn, who boasts a professional record of 21 wins and no defeats, has now backed that up by insisting his aim is to win a world title next year.
      The lengthy statement continued: “Boxing is my life. I’ve been through hardships in my career before but nothing like this, I believe in life you go through adversity of all kinds but what matters most is how you respond.
      “I’ve stayed in the gym and continued to work extremely hard, staying positive that my innocence will be proven and the truth will come out.
      “My team has proven my innocence and the truth will soon come out. Until then, I won’t be commenting further due to confidentiality.
      “There were times I feared it never would but we all had faith. I’m thankful to everyone who has supported me through this tough time. tough times don’t last, tough people do. We keep it moving and will continue to chase the end goal of being world champion – it’s a minor setback for a major comeback.
      “For now, I am looking forward to sharing Christmas privately with my family and I will be back in January. See you all in 2023, the year I become world champion!.”
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      Benn last fought in April, stopping Chris van Heerden in the second round.
      He then took the Eubank fight, only for the failed drug tests to eventually lead to its cancellation. More

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      Naoya Inoue vs Paul Butler: UK start time, TV channel, live stream, undercard for Tokyo fight

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      BRIT star Paul Butler faces fearsome puncher Naoya Inoue in a huge unification fight.Unbeaten Japanese sensation Inoue – who is Mike Tyson’s favourite boxer – holds the WBA, WBC, IBF, and The Ring bantamweight titles, with Cheshire ace Butler the WBO champ.
      Naoya Inoue and Paul Butler will face offCredit: AFP
      Paul Butler is the WBO world championCredit: AFP
      Butler, 34, has been promoted from interim WBO titlist to full champion.
      He had also been at the top table before, winning the IBF bantamweight title in 2017.
      While Inoue – nicknamed ‘The Monster’ – has won all 23 of his fights with 20 wins coming by stoppage.
      Butler told BBC Sport: “If I get the gameplan right, I believe I’ll win.
      “It’s a tough fight. I’ve got to stay switched on.
      “Inoue deserves his title as pound-for-pound king.
      “Everyone knows what he does well. He puts people away and stops people.”
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      When is Naoya Inoue vs Paul Butler?
      Naoya Inoue vs Paul Butler takes place on Tuesday, December 13.
      The main event is expected at around 12.30pm UK time – this is 9.30pm in Tokyo.
      The undercard kicks off from 10am UK time.
      The Ariake Arena in Tokyo plays host.
      What TV channel and live stream is Naoya Inoue vs Paul Butler on?
      Naoya Inoue vs Paul Butler is currently not scheduled for TV coverage in the UK.
      In the US it will be on ESPN+, and it will also be on dTV and Hikari TV in Japan.
      All eyes will be on the Ariake Arena for the unification boutCredit: AFP
      Who is fighting on the undercard?

      Main event: Naoya Inoue vs Paul Butler – for WBO, WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, and The Ring bantamweight titles
      Yoshiki Takei vs Bruno Tarimo
      Andy Hiraoka vs Min Ho Jung
      Takuma Inoue vs Jake Bornea
      Satoshi Shimizu vs Landy Cris Leon
      Hironori Miyake vs Peter McGrail More

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      ‘Let’s run it back’ – Anthony Joshua called out by old foe Dillian Whyte for rematch after AJ’s 2015 knockout win

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      DILLIAN WHYTE has called out Anthony Joshua for a rematch.The 34-year-old beat AJ in the amateurs but lost their 2015 British title battle.
      Whyte teased the upcoming fight by posting a pic with the caption ‘let’s run it back’
      The Brixton Body Snatcher beat Franklin to set up the all-Brit boutCredit: Getty
      Now a third clash is all but secured after the London 2012 legend turned up to be ringside to watch Whyte scrape past Jermaine Franklin on points at Wembley Arena last month.
      And Whyte has teased fans by posting a snap from their last bout.
      He captioned the photo: “Lets run it back.”
      But after Whyte drastically underperformed against Franklin as he edged a majority decision 115-115, 116-112 and 116-112 on the cards, and Joshua will not fear his own Spring comeback against his oldest foe.
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      Franklin showed a clever jab, a decent left hook and all the fundamentals to pose Whyte a problem, and was adamant he had be “robbed” after the judges handed the Brit the fight.
      AJ could be spotted in the VIP seats smiling at his potential prey and pointing out weaknesses to his pals.
      Joshua has been taking a break from boxing following consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk and failed talks to face Tyson Fury.
      And Whyte wasted no time in igniting a war of words with the man he beat in the amateurs but lost to six years later in their 2015 thriller.
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      He told JOE: “You could be speaking to him, and he just looks a bit spaced out and a bit absent-minded and a bit vacant.
      “He’s done a few weird things as well. We all do weird things but there’s no consistency to what he does.
      “He puts on this act and pretends he’s a good boy, and all of a sudden, he wants to be a bad boy and he wants to rap, and he wants to talk about notorious gangsters and stuff.
      “But at the same time, he’s a good boy and an advocate. There’s no consistency.
      “That’s what I mean, he’s weird, no consistency, no real spine or backbone, just a bit all over the place.” More

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      Wayne Rooney agrees to spar Tyson Fury with Man Utd legend set to help heavyweight star prepare for Oleksandr Usyk fight

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      TYSON FURY has revealed Wayne Rooney is “well up” for stepping into the ring to spar with the heavyweight world champion.The Manchester United legend has accepted Fury’s offer for the pair to trade blows on the canvas.
      Tyson Fury has revealed Wayne Rooney has an accepted an offer to spar with himCredit: Getty
      Boxing mad Wazza will help Fury prepare for his battle with Oleksandr UsykCredit: Getty
      The Gypsy King, 34, will enlist the services of Rooney, 37, to help him prepare for his undisputed showdown with Oleksandr Usyk.
      Rooney was ringside at Wembley to watch Fury ease past Derek Chisora at the start of the month.
      Fury then invited Rooney to a spar with him in order to impersonate the 6ft 3in Usyk.
      Boxing mad Wazza has agreed, and will spend four weeks in camp with United fan Fury before his blockbuster fight against the Ukrainian.
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      Fury told ITV over the weekend: “I spoke to Wayne [Rooney] last night and he’s well up for it. But he’s a right-handed person, so he’s got to switch up to be southpaw left-handed.
      “So we’re going to bring Wayne in for preparation for Usyk.”
      When asked if it was a joke, Fury responded: “No very very serious.
      “He’s agreed, so he’s going to come into camp for around four weeks to help me.”
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      The Gypsy King added: “I’m a big fan of his.”
      Fury originally told talkSPORT last week: “He’s a massive boxing fan, he comes from a boxing family as well. 
      “So, hopefully, we can have a little spar in the future sometime. 
      “I do need someone smaller to prepare for Usyk. Wayne, if you’re listening, get on the blower, son!”
      However, Rooney’s previous boxing experience didn’t end so well.
      The DC United manager was infamously knocked out by fellow player Phil Bardsley in a friendly 2015 sparring session.
      Rooney then celebrated a goal against Tottenham at Old Trafford soon after by shadow boxing and pretending to be knocked out.
      Fury and Usyk are set to battle it out for the mantle of undisputed champion early in 2023.
      Rooney was famously knocked out in 2015 during a friendly sparring session with Phil BardsleyCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun More

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      Anthony Joshua splits from second coach in year after Oleksandr Usyk loss as he heads to US to replace Robert Garcia

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA has split with coach Robert Garcia – as promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed the Brit is in the US building a new team.The two-time heavyweight world champion ended his relationship with long-term trainer Rob McCracken following his first defeat at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk last year and brought in Garcia.
      Joshua is said to have split from Garcia and is in the US putting a ‘new’ team togetherCredit: PA
      Joshua lost the rematch to Usyk via split decisionCredit: EPA
      He then tried to get revenge over Usyk in August and went with a gameplan formulated by Garcia, but ultimately came up short in the rematch, losing in Saudi Arabia vis split decision.
      Rumours of a split sparked after Garcia was mistranslated as criticising Joshua in a Spanish interview.
      However, Joshua’s promoter, Matchroom chief Hearn, confirmed the heavyweight is in the US putting a new team together.
      Hearn told Behind The Gloves: “No, he is good. He is out in America at the moment working on his new team.
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      “He is getting that together and then we will get an opponent sorted and the date is pretty much locked in.
      “It is pretty much sorted and we are looking forward to seeing him return.”
      Joshua is expected to make a return to the ring next year.
      A second fight with Dillian Whyte has been talked up.
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      However, trainer Shane McGuigan reckons Joshua might be tempted to fight fellow Brit Daniel Dubois.
      McGuigan told Sky Sports: “Maybe. If we can have that [Anthony Joshua] fight, why not? Definitely.
      “It comes down to getting people at the right time.
      “AJ might think he’s getting Daniel at the right time when he hasn’t got the experience and potentially he might think [Dubois’] confidence might be lacking.
      “But we also would have to look at that fight and think, we’re getting him at the right time.
      “It’s down to Martin Bowers [Dubois’ manager] and Frank [Warren, his promoter], that are going to be matching his next move. Obviously, we sit down and we discuss it.
      “No one’s ever been queuing up to fight Daniel. Especially the big names because they think, ‘I’m going to walk into heavy shots there and he’s got a puncher’s chance and what’s there really to gain from it?’
      “He’s got the WBA ‘regular’ title. He’s also showed in their eyes a bit of weakness in that last fight.” More

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      Tyson Fury backed to ‘destroy anyone’ as ex-world champion reveals why Gypsy King will beat Oleksandr Usyk

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      TYSON FURY has been backed to beat Oleksandr Usyk when the pair face off due to his ability to “destroy anyone.”The Gypsy King and Ukrainian Usyk are set to face off in a hotly-anticipated unification bout next year.
      Tyson Fury has been backed to beat Oleksandr Usyk when they fightCredit: Getty
      The pair faced off after Fury beat Derek Chisora in his comebackCredit: Reuters
      Carl Froch believes no one comes close to FuryCredit: AFP
      And with the pair holding each of the heavyweight belts between them, the fight would make boxing history as the first to see all heavyweight belts contested at once.
      But former super-middleweight champion Carl Froch has backed Fury to come out on top.
      Taking to Twitter, he revealed the reasons which he believed would give Fury an edge over his rival, before delivering his verdict.
      Froch said: “Tyson Fury is absolutely the best heavyweight in the world right now.
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      “Whoever you think is number two, would not even come close to beating him.
      “He’s too big, too strong, too skilful, has complete self belief when he climbs over that top rope and quite simply destroys anyone!”
      Fury won his comeback bout after battering Derek Chisora until the fight was stopped in the 10th round.
      Following the fight, he called out Usyk who was in attendance in the crowd before they faced off with one another.
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      During their face-off, Fury let rip with an astonishing explicit rant in an attempt to goad Usyk.
      However, Usyk simply responded by taking a phone call in the middle to leave fans in hysterics. More

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      Anthony Joshua ‘to be tempted into Daniel Dubois fight’ as trainer Shane McGuigan tips pair for all-British clash

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      SHANE MCGUIGAN reckons Anthony Joshua might be tempted to fight fellow Brit Daniel Dubois.AJ has lost his last two fights to undefeated Ukrainian powerhouse Oleksandr Usyk.
      Shane McGuigan reckons Daniel Dubois could fight Anthony Joshua in 2023Credit: Reuters
      Joshua has lost each of his last two fights to Oleksandr UsykCredit: Reuters
      He’s recently been taking time out the ring, but the former two-time world heavyweight champion is hoping to return in 2023.
      However, he’s yet to find an opponent after his eagerly-anticipated fight with Tyson Fury was called off in September.
      Eddie Hearn recently spoke about who AJ could face in his next fight by saying: “It will be a top 15 guy and he’ll be ready to show the world he’s coming for the heavyweight title again.”
      But trainer McGuigan reckons that Dubois, who beat Kevin Lerena on Fury’s undercard last weekend despite being put down three times, could come into the conversation.
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      He told Sky Sports: “Maybe. If we can have that [Anthony Joshua] fight, why not? Definitely.
      “It comes down to getting people at the right time.
      “AJ might think he’s getting Daniel at the right time when he hasn’t got the experience and potentially he might think [Dubois’] confidence might be lacking.
      “But we also would have to look at that fight and think, we’re getting him at the right time.
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      “But it’s down to Martin Bowers [Dubois’ manager] and Frank [Warren, his promoter], that are going to be matching his next move. Obviously, we sit down and we discuss it.
      “No one’s ever been queuing up to fight Daniel. Especially the big names because they think, ‘I’m going to walk into heavy shots there and he’s got a puncher’s chance and what’s there really to gain from it?’
      “He’s got the WBA ‘regular’ title. He’s also showed in their eyes a bit of weakness in that last fight.
      If Joshua isn’t ready to fight, McGuigan hinted that another all-British bout could be on the cards.
      He added: “I think Dillian Whyte’s perfect. He’s just come off a win. Apparently he doesn’t want the AJ fight at the moment.
      “I don’t know if AJ’s going to be ready in that timeframe. That would be great for us.” More