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      ‘Tommy’s up for it’ – Jake and Logan Paul lined up for sensational clash with Fury brothers, reveals rising star Roman

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      ROMAN FURY wants to join brother Tommy in a sensational double-bill battle against Logan and Jake Paul.Tommy became the first and so far only fighter to beat YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake after his 2023 split-decision win in Saudi Arabia. Roman Fury, left, with brother TommyJake Paul with older brother LoganCredit: Instagram @jakepaulJake Paul was beaten by Tommy Fury in 2023Credit: GettyRoman later called out Logan and has now revealed he has Tommy on board to rematch Jake in a stunning two-fight double header.He told SunSport: “I was asking for it. Listen, it still could happen. We just have to see how things go. I think that’s a massive card.”The Paul Brothers versus the Fury Brothers. I mean, that’ll gain interest.”I know I’ve not got the biggest name as of yet but definitely down the line that’s something I’d want. We spoke to Tommy about it, he’d be up for it. READ MORE IN b”It’s just a question of see how we go and let’s see the interest we can gain for it but 100 per cent per cent I’d be interested.”A bit of history and we’ll see which family comes out on top.” Logan, 29, has had four bouts in the ring including a 2018 draw against KSI, 31, before losing their rematch a year later. He also went the distance with boxing great Floyd Mayweather, 48, in 2021 and beat MMA star Dillon Danis, 31, by disqualification in October 2023. Most read in BoxingThat night, Tommy, 25, won a disputed decision against KSI, 31, but he is yet to return since after undergoing surgery for a broken hand. And Roman revealed both KSI and Jake are on Tommy’s radar for big-money rematches. Molly-Mae rocked by ‘leaked DMs’ as American footballer shares ‘flirty messages’ with Love Island star- after Tommy’s brother RomanHe said: “They’re the two main fights that he wants to have.”But he just needs to get them cobwebs off, get the ring rust off, and have a few warm-ups, then jump into them, probably at the end of the year at some point.” Roman, 28, himself returns on KSI’s undercard on March 29 in Manchester against American loudmouth Chase DeMoor, 28. DeMoor – who starred on Netflix’s Too Hot to Handle – has gone on a social media tirade slamming Roman, brothers Tyson and Tommy and their dad John.But 4-0 Roman said: “I’ve seen the real Chase DeMoor in Saudi and he’s nothing like what he’s doing on the internet.”So at the end of the day, I’m not bothered what he’s doing, I’m bothered about getting him inside the ring and that’s it.”So he can run his mouth, he can say all the s*** he’s been saying, but I ain’t interested just get in the ring and you’ll have to pay for it at the end of the day.”Chase Demoor, left, fights Roman FuryCredit: Getty More

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      ‘I’d fight King Kong tomorrow’ – Go behind the scenes with Brit hopeful Moses Itauma as he chases heavyweight history

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      “IF they said, tomorrow you’re fighting King Kong, I’ll be like, no problem…”That’s the mindset of Moses Itauma, the young man already tipped to become heavyweight champion of the world.Itauma is on a journey to become world heavyweight championCredit: GettyThe young Brit is part of Frank Warren’s talented stable of boxers and managed by his son FrancisCredit: The SunItauma has given SunSport a glimpse behind the scenes of his life in and out of the ringCredit: The SunThe heavyweight star uses golf to try to unwind but admits his brain is always thinking about boxingCredit: The SunHe’s was recently dubbed the “most talented teenage heavyweight since Mike Tyson”.Aged just 20, the Kent boxing star is already 11-0 in his incredible career, with nine of those wins coming via KO.His most-recent fight was meant to be the toughest so far – against 6ft 6in southpaw Demsey McKean, nicknamed the Tower.Itauma – born in Slovakia to a Slovakian mum and Nigerian dad – knocked him out within a single, savage round.READ MORE SPORT STORIESSo it’s hardly a surprise Itauma – the Chatham-based 6ft 4in ‘Wrecking Ball’ – would fancy his chances against King Kong.But what makes the 20-year-old tick? SunSport has gone behind the scenes to delve into the man outside of the ring.In the latest video in our Contender series, Itauma gives us a glimpse into his gym workouts, meetings with promoter Frank Warren and even unwinding on the golf course.And one thing is clear, he’s a focused boxing machine… he can’t even switch off during his downtime.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSpeaking in SunSport’s exclusive Contender documentary, Itauma said: “The thing is, with boxing, it’s such a difficult sport because you try to ignore the fact that you’re about to have a fight and there’s a possibility you could really get hurt.”So then you go, ‘Let me play golf, let me go bowling, let me go do this and that’. But it’s still there in the back of your mind, like the elephant in the room.”Moses Itauma ‘could beat’ Mike Tyson’s youngest heavyweight champ record after impressive first round KO of Demsey McKeanItauma is next due to fight in May. He doesn’t have an opponent lined up yet, but manager Francis Warren is hot on the case.In the meantime, the future champ gets down to business kicking off his training camp, where he is guided by Ben Davison, who trained both Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.And the first job? Get back to fight weight and, above all else, keep improving.Itauma said: “Going back into camp, the intense training starts… probably getting my weight down, getting fit, and then in about a couple of weeks I’ll start sparring.”I use the first two to four weeks to lose weight and get in shape.”Camp is moody, but when I’m out of camp, it’s like, what did you do? What’s now?”My last fight was with Dempsey McKean in Saudi Arabia. He was meant to be the tough test… and I got rid of him in the first round.”Now it’s about making another step up, isn’t it?”Obviously I have my goals in mind, but my job is only to get into the ring and fight.”I can’t really control everything outside of the ring. That’s obviously Francis’ job, well my team’s job.”And I’m not going to worry about something I can’t control, do you know what I mean?”Moses Itauma (right) learned his craft at St Mary’s boxing club in Chatham, Kent, as a schoolboy with brother KarolCredit: The SunMoses Itauma has worked with Tyson Fury, who also fought for Frank Warren’s QueensburyWhen pushed, Itauma does admit he lives for “career defining moments” and “positive steps forward”.But the Chatham star refuses to be drawn into the world of online feuds and calling people out for fights.He’s all business.Itauma revealed: “When it comes down to opponents and titles you want the most career-defining fights, no side steps, everything has to be a positive move forward.”That might sound quite generic but at the moment there isn’t anything specific to go off.”You’re not shaped like that to go and call people out but when you start mentioning other people’s names… you’re either elevating them or making the fight harder to make.”He talks a good game, a smart game. For a young man, he’s incredibly mature, in and out of the ring.Itauma admits he’s not paid to talk, he just wants to fight.He bagged some GCSEs after his dad insisted he finished his schoolwork before heading down to St Mary’s boxing gym in Chatham to put the hours in.Itauma, whose brother Karol, 24, is a rising light-heavyweight with 13 wins from his 14 fights – is clearly intelligent.But it was clear boxing was his No1 goal, joking: “Look at me now… I’m punching people in the face for a living.”He once turned up in school uniform aged just 15 to spar with veteran heavyweight star Joe Joyce.Joyce initially “took it easy” on the kid before realising he had to “get into gear” to avoid a brutal and humiliating KO.Moses Itauma told SunSport all about his ambitionsCredit: The SunMoses Itauma has shown off his destructive power in the ring, with an 11-0 record with nine KOsCredit: GettyJust five years on and Itauma is now an established heavyweight star, popping up on the radar of the division’s biggest names.So what’s next? “I don’t know”, says the humble star.Itauma continues: “I know about my progress and my journey but I’m not involved in every conversation. I don’t need to be.”My job is getting to the ring and fighting whoever they put in front of me.”Even if they said tomorrow ‘you’re fighting King Kong’, I’ll be like ‘no problem let’s make a game plan’.”Who I fight it’s not down to me it’s down to my team.”But don’t confuse that for a lack of ambition – Itauma once revealed he wanted to break Tyson’s record for the youngest heavyweight champion ever.The legendary Iron Mike was 20 years and four months when he battered Trevor Berbick on November 22, 1986.Itauma will be roughly the same age for his next fight in May.Despite that, Britain’s budding boxing superstar remains modest.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s not the world championship that’s gonna bring me joy or happiness. it’s the journey to it and I’m on the journey right now.”Wise words from such a young man, whom fans will no doubt be hearing a lot more from in the coming years.Mike Tyson becomes the youngest heavyweight champ ever by beating Berbick in 1986Credit: GettyItauma next fights in May, with his opponent to be confirmedCredit: Getty More

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      Gender row Olympics boxer Imane Khelif fires defiant message to Donald Trump after ‘eye-opening experience’

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      IMANE KHELIF has issued a defiant message to Donald Trump, insisting she will compete at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.The President of the United States wrongly claimed the 25-year-old, who was at the centre of a gender row along with Taiwan’s Lin Yu-Ting at the Paris Games last summer, was transgender.Imane Khelif’s participation at the 2024 Olympics caused controversy as she allegedly failed a gender eligibility test 18 months earlierCredit: APHer participation at the LA Games in 2028 was thrown into major doubt after Donald Trump signed an executive order banning transgender athletes in women’s sportsCredit: REUTERSKhelif has issued a defiant message to POTUSCredit: REUTERSKhelif’s participation at LA 2028 was thrown into major doubt last month when Trump signed an executive order banning transgender women from competing in female events.But the Algerian insists she won’t be intimidated by POTUS, telling ITV: “I am not transgender. This does not concern me and it does not intimidate me.”Of course, I defend with everything I have this gold medal… I continue my dream, my everything.”Khelif and Lin’s participation at Paris 2024 – where they won welterweight and featherweight gold respectively – sparked international outrage.READ MORE BOXING NEWSThe duo took part at the Games 18 months after being banned from the Women’s World Championships for allegedly failing a gender eligibility test.Tests administered by the discredited International Boxing Association are said to have determined that Khelif and Yu-Ting have male XY chromosomes.The IOC, however, permitted the duo to compete – much to the fury of the IBA – who have taken legal action against the Olympics’ governing body.Imane Khelif received a torrent of abuse following her 46-second victory over Angela CariniCredit: REXLin Yu-Ting was also targeted by trolls and on the receiving end of erroneous claimsCredit: AFPKhelif, in particular, was subjected to a torrent of abuse and erroneous claims she was a man after stopping Angela Carini 46 seconds into their opening bout.Most read in BoxingThe ordeal has fortified the mental strength of the Algerian, who has taken legal action against several prominent figures – including Elon Musk and JK Rowling – for alleged “aggravated cyber-harassment”.Olympics 2024 gender row boxer Imane Khelif set to turn pro after winning gold in Paris She said: “This experience has taught me a lot. “I believe that if the old Imane operated at 50% of her potential, then the Imane Khalif of today is even more motivated and determined.”I have learned so much from this campaign against me, and what happened at the Paris Olympics was an eye-opening experience. “I feel even stronger now than I was before.”Khelif believes she wouldn’t have been the victim of global abuse had she not started getting the better of her opponents.She said: “As we say in Algeria, those who have nothing to hide should have no fear.Imane Khelif insists the experience at Paris 2024 has made her stronger mentallyCredit: ALAMY”The truth became clear at the Paris Olympics.”The injustice was exposed and, later, the truth was acknowledged by the [IOC] in Paris.“I see myself as a girl, just like any other girl. I was born a girl, raised as a girl and have lived my entire life as one.”I have competed in many tournaments, including the Tokyo Olympics and other major competitions, as well as four world championships.READ MORE SUN STORIES“All of these took place before I started winning and earning titles.”But once I began achieving success, the campaigns against me started.” More

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      Premier League stadium tipped to hold world title fight as reigning champion Callum Smith says ‘the time is now’

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      CALLUM SMITH dreams of fighting at Anfield and has vowed “the time is now”.The 34-year-old became the WBO’s interim light-heavyweight champion by beating Joshua Buatsi last month.Callum Smith became interim light heavyweight champion last monthCredit: GettyThe Battle of Britain affair took place in Riyadh on the undercard of the rematch between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev.For his next bout, particularly while holding a world championship belt, Liverpool-born Smith dreams of a homecoming fight.Speaking to Sky Sports, the former world title challenger was asked about the possibility of Anfield.He said: “It’s always the dream and always has been the dream. How realistic it is I’m not too sure.READ MORE IN BOXING”I think it needs the right opponent, the right time of year – there’s only a short window where Anfield would let events go on.”But I’ve got an interim world title now so if it’s going to happen I believe now maybe is the time.”I’m going to have to speak to my team and people above me to see how realistic it is to happen.”I don’t just speak for myself, I speak for the whole of Liverpool, I think we’d love to get that over the line but we’ll wait and see.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”I don’t want to get my hopes up too much but if we can… it would be a quick answer if I got offered to fight at Anfield and I’m sure it would be for every other Liverpool fighter.”Having beaten Buatsi to earn the interim title since losing to Beterbiev last year, Smith now fancies a crack at Bivol.’You f—ed up’ – Explosive moment Conor Benn tries to attack Chris Eubank Jr on Piers Morgan’s UncensoredThe 175lbs star said of the world champion: “He’s the man in the division. We’re waiting to see what he’s going to do with his future. He’s got all the belts so he’s going to get a handful of mandatories.”He’s going to go with the fight that makes the most sense for himself financially, whether it’s the trilogy [with Beterbiev] or [David] Benavidez.”He’s got the IBF mandatory, I’ll be his WBO mandatory. He’s got a lot of options himself.”Smith also opened the door to another Battle of Britain fight, this time with Anthony Yarde.But he is in no rush to get in the ring with Buatsi again.”I think a rematch would probably be a bit of a similar fight,” Smith said.”I’m sure the fans would probably want to see it again. Me, I’m not in a rush to do it again, I don’t think he would be either!”Smith, 34, defeated Joshua Buatsi in Riyadh last monthCredit: Getty More

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      Oleksandr Usyk teases shock MMA fight with UFC superstar but only after undisputed Daniel Dubois showdown

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      OLEKSANDR USYK has teased a shock switch to MMA – after being called out by UFC superstar Alex Pereira.But first Usyk wants to rematch Daniel Dubois for the undisputed heavyweight titles. Daniel Dubois lost to Oleksandr Usyk in 2023Credit: Richard Pelham / The SunHe told Al Arabiya News: “We want to fight Dubois. My team is ready. “A lot depends on how God will give us a way to do it and the second person who can do it is His Excellency, Turki Alalshikh, because he is the person who can organise this fight. “I think there would be obstacles otherwise.”Usyk, 38, beat Dubois, 27, in the ninth round of their 2023 fight but controversy struck due to a low-blow in the fifth. READ MORE IN BOXINGThe Ukrainian would go on to twice beat Tyson Fury, 36, in 2024 but he had to vacate the IBF title to proceed with their December rematch. Dubois was elevated from interim IBF champ to the full belt and knocked out Anthony Joshua, 35, in September. He was then due to defend the title against Joseph Parker, 33, in February but he pulled out with just days to go with illness.Parker instead knocked out replacement Martin Bakole, 31, and has since been ordered to fight Usyk by the WBO. Most read in BoxingBut Usyk still has his eyes on Dubois in a bid to unify the belts once more. It comes after Pereira – who recently lost his UFC light-heavyweight title to Magomed Ankalaev – called out the boxing legend. Usyk spotted ‘giving Anthony Joshua tips on how to beat Tyson Fury’ in ringside footage at Beterbiev vs Bivol 2.mp4And Usyk revealed he would entertain a crossover bout with Pereira, 37, and even doing so in the MMA cage. He said: “Yes, I would be interested, but only after the fight with Daniel to merge our belts. “I even considered the option of fighting in a cage. It is a joke, but every joke contains an element of truth.”Alex Pereira has called out Usyk beforeCredit: Getty More

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      Three-weight boxing champion, 64, rushed to hospital after suffering stroke as promoter gives update

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      A FORMER three-weight boxing champion was rushed to hospital after suffering a stroke.But his promoter provided a positive health update on his condition.Iran Barkley suffered a stroke and was rushed to hospitalCredit: GettyBarkley was a world champion boxer in three different weight divisionsCredit: GettyIran Barkley, 64, won 43 of his 63 professional fights between 1982 and 1999. The American held the WBC middleweight, IBF super-middleweight and WBA light-heavyweight world belts during his distinguished boxing career. However, he suffered a first-round knockout defeat to Nigel Benn in 1990 with the WBO middleweight title on the line.But now Barkley is fighting a very different battle.READ MORE IN BOXINGOn Saturday, promoter Lou DiBella tweeted the shock news of his stroke.DiBella wrote: “Prayers up for a NYC boxing legend and a really, really, good guy, Iran Barkley, who’s now hospitalized following a stroke. “Much love to the Blade.”DiBella then posted again on Sunday to give the latest.Most read in BoxingHe added: “Just spoke to Iran. “He sounded really strong and was joking around. “Said no little stroke keeping him on the canvas. “He’s grateful to everyone for the love and prayers. God is good.”Plenty of fans took to social media to send their best wishes and messages of support for the New Yorker.One said: “Thank you for the update. Thank God he is feeling better.”Another wrote: “Bumped into him at Gleason’s gym a few times. He was always a gentleman. He never refused fans any autographs or pictures. I pray for Iran Barkley.”A third added: “Best wishes and a speedy recovery to The Blade!”READ MORE SUN STORIESA fourth commented: “Great fighter, hope he has a good recovery.”A fifth replied: “Once a fighter, forever a fighter.”Fans sent their best wishes to the BladeCredit: Getty More

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      Chris Eubank Jr accepts stunning seven-figure Eddie Hearn bet ahead of Conor Benn fight

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      CHRIS EUBANK JR has accepted a £1million bet with Eddie Hearn ahead of his fight with Conor Benn.The rivals meet in the ring on April 26 – two-and-a-half years after they were first set to clash.Chris Eubank Jr has accepted a £1million bet over his fight with Conor BennCredit: GettyHearn is confident his fighter will beat EubankCredit: GettyTempers have flared in the weeks leading up to the bout and Eubank has clashed with Benn and his promoter Hearn, hitting the former with an egg while on stage.Hearn is convinced Benn will get the better of Eubank in the ring – so much so he offered Next Gen a £1m bet.Eubank, 35, has accepted the wager and warned Hearn not to try and wrangle out of the deal.He said in a video message on social media: “Eddie. Come on Eddie. £1m ey? Okay.READ MORE IN BOXING”Let’s find out if you’re a man of your word or just a lying hype job.”I formally accept your £1m bet. And the £1m will be out own personal money. Not company money or purse money, just a straight up bet between me and you.”The money will go into escrow and the winner takes all. Now I look forward to watching you trying to weasel your way out of this bet like the rodent I know you are. Good day.”Eubank could do with the extra cash after being fined £100,000 for his egg slap on Benn.Most read in BoxingEubank responded to his fine by tweeting: “Worth every penny.”He also clashed with Hearn at a pre-fight press conference, informing the promoter of his feelings towards him.He said: “Eddie, you know I don’t like you right?”So what makes you think on God’s green Earth I’m going to sit here and listen to any of the b******s you’re going to say?”Hearn immediately shot back: “Well you’re going to have to.”He added: “Is this the Chris Eubank show?Eubank replied: “This is Eubank vs Benn. You can sabotage the event and I’ll try talk to Benn directly.”And you can be quiet. I don’t want to hear what you have to say.” More

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      ‘Worst in the world’ – Eddie Hearn warns Dana White to ‘sleep with one eye open’ as UFC boss joins boxing world with TKO

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      EDDIE HEARN has warned UFC supremo Dana White he’ll have to “sleep with one eye open” following his venture into the boxing world.White has been installed as the head of the TKO Group’s Saudi and Ring Magazine-backed boxing league, which was officially announced earlier this month.The TKO Group announced the launch of their Saudi-backed boxing league earlier this monthCredit: INSTAGRAM@TURKIALALSHIKHTurki Alalshikh has enlisted Dana White’s services to implement a UFC model for the leagueCredit: INSTAGRAM@DANAWHITEMatchroom Boxing chief Eddie Hearn has issued a stark warning to the UFC supremoCredit: INSTAGRAM@EDDIEHEARNSaudi bigwig Turki Alalshikh has tasked White with the job of implementing the UFC model in the league, the name of which is still a mystery.White has helped transform the UFC from a failing promotion into a multi-billion pound behemoth, but fellow promoter Hearn has warned the American that boxing is a different kettle of fish.The Matchroom chief told iFL TV: “Boxing is the worst business in the world.“I hope these guys have got the appetite to be up all f*****g night and sleep with one eye open every single day.READ MORE ON TKO BOXING”Because you’re not going to get control where you can go to bed at 10 o’clock [at night] and wake up at 8 o’clock [in the morning] and expect the industry and your situation to be exactly the same.“It doesn’t work like that. Every f****r is out there hustling every single day. Guess what? I’m one of them.”White, 55, is no stranger to the intense demands of running a successful promotion and sacrificing sleep and time with loved ones.But he admits his schedule is now busier than ever, saying during the UFC 313 post-fight press conference: “I thought I was busy, I didn’t realise what busy was until the last couple of weeks.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTurki Alalshikh initially vowed to “crush” other boxing promotions but has seemingly changed his tuneCredit: GETTY“We’re gonna find out this year [if I can handle it all].”We’re gonna find out this year, we’ll see how long I can run this hard.”Eddie Hearn jokes he is ‘totally finished’ after UFC boss Dana White enters boxing with Turki AlsheikhThe official announcement of the TKO Group’s venture into the boxing world sent shockwaves throughout the sport, as did Alalshikh’s vow to “crush” rival promotions.But Alalshikh has somewhat backtracked on his apparent declaration of war, saying: “The relationship between Riyadh Season, Ring Magazine and the promoters will continue at least for the next one or two years.”This depends on their reactions and about the options they will give us. If it is good for us, we will do it.”In this situation, I like what Matchroom and Eddie Hearn are doing.”Eddie is still discussing with me and my team about making the big fights around the world.”He has decided to continue to work with us, and we will continue to do business with him.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Also, we have had a lot of discussions with Golden Boy to have some of their fighters on different cards.”Me and my team are always happy to work with the promoters in boxing if they give us good options.” More