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    Richard Riakporhe drops major hint Madonna could be ringside for Chris Billam-Smith world title fight

    RICHARD RIAKPORHE has been warned that hanging out with Madonna could burst his world title bubble.The Londoner has been striking a pose with the American superstar ahead of Saturday’s world cruiserweight title fight with Chris Billam-Smith at Selhurst Park.Richard Riakporhe has hinted that Madonna could be ringside for his fight on SaturdayCredit: ReutersThe pair have been spotted cosying upCredit: Instagram/madonnaMadge even posted a snap of herself straddling the undefeated challenger, with the caption, ‘I had to sit somewhere’.Riakporhe said: “We met at a fashion event with some friends. She could be ringside, maybe she could.”WBO champ Billam-Smith, making the second defence of his crown, said: “I wouldn’t be doing that sort of thing during a training camp.“But I won’t know if it has had any effect on Richard until we are in the ring.”READ MORE IN BOXINGCBS, 33, added: “I cannot let myself think that he has been anything less than totally dedicated and is perfectly prepared.“He must take the life­style seriously enough, he always looks in incredible shape.”Crystal Palace fan Riakporhe, 34, wants to join the ranks of Eagles legends on Saturday.He said: “When I walk out I will be thinking about Ian Wright and what he did for the club.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“Mark Bright as well — we have grown very close as he is still at the club every week. Those two put Palace on the map.”But his main focus will be making his own history on the turf of his heroes.Madonna performs for 1.6MILLION fans in Brazil as she closes out Celebration TourChris Billam-Smith & Richard Riakporhe come face to face at Selhurst Park tomorrow nightCredit: Reuters More

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    Abdu Rozik boxing fight: Date, start time, TV channel, live stream FREE for Social Knockout 3 clash vs Erali

    ABDU ROZIK has finally booked in for a stunning boxing debut – and it will be a title fight.The social media sensation will be lacing up his gloves to take on rival Erali Boyqobilov as part of the Social Knockout 3 bill in Dubai – with long-term foe Hasbulla waiting in the wings.The fight headlines the Social Knockout 3 cardCredit: https://x.com/ExSportsTokenRozik – from Tajikistan but now based in the UAE – has a whopping 8.3 million followers on Instagram and is a regular at all of the blockbuster boxing events across the world.However Rozik, 20, has had to postpone his wedding to fiancee Amira to train for the bout.He said: “I never imagined that I’ll get the chance to fight for a title in my life.”After so many good things happening this year for my career and my love life, unfortunately, I have to postpone the wedding as this match will give us huge financial security for the future.”Rozik was diagnosed with dwarfism as a child and says this fight will be the first for a title in his size.He added: “It’s the first-ever title for someone my size and I have a heavy training camp to endure as well these days.”When is Abdu Rozik’s fight?Abdu Rozil vs Erali Boyqobilov takes place on Saturday, July 6.The fight is part of the Social Knockout 3 card in Dubai.Most read in BoxingDubai’s Coca-Cola Arena plays host to the show.What time is Abdu Rozik’s fight on?The Social Knockout 3 fight card kicks off at 7pm local time in Dubai – this is 4pm BST/ 11am ET.Expect Rozik vs Boyqobilov to get underway at around 9pm BST/ 4pm ET.Abdu Rozik announced his first boxing bout on InstagramCredit: Abdu_Rozik InstagramHow can I watch Abdu Rozik’s fight?Abdu Rozik vs Erali Boyqobilov will be broadcast live on the Ex-Sports App.And organisers have said the live stream will be FREE to watch on the app.What is the full fight card?The full fight card for Social Knockout 3 has yet to be released, although some highlights have been unveiled.The UAE’s number one YouTuber Mo Vlogs will also be making his boxing debut and takes on close friend Shero.While Birmingham rap royalty Stefflon Don will be performing during the musical interlude.
    Abdu Rozik vs Erali Boyqobilov
    Mo Vlogs vs Shero
    Stefflon Don to perform live More

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    Meet the British boxer likened to Marmite who makes fools out of fellow pros with moves out of Strictly Come Dancing

    RASH, brazen and bombastic Brummie Ben Whittaker will once again bring his stomach-churning showboating antics into the ring with him on Saturday.The Tokyo Olympic silver medallist is expected to flash his teasing talents when he clashes with Nigerian Ezra Arenyeka at Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park ground.Ben Whittaker has divided opinion during his short time as a professional boxerCredit: GettyWhittaker, with just seven unbeaten light-heavyweight fights, has recently been the subject of more arguments than a General Election TV debate.He divides opinion among ringside fans and Sky viewers who either strongly object to his eccentric behaviour or praise him for his entertainment value.When Ben turned pro two years ago he decided there was one way of making an instant impact.He set out to cause controversy inside the ring by indulging in the kind of outrageously extravagant moves one would normally expect to see on Strictly Come Dancing.READ MORE IN SPORTShamelessly he shimmies, shakes, pirouettes, makes 360-degree turns, hops on one leg and patronisingly pats his opponents on the head while battering them with both hands.Showboating is not exactly a new phenomenon. I watched Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Chris Eubank, Naseem Hamed and other masters of the craft of showmanship.But there is a world of difference between what Ali and company got up to and Whittaker’s behaviour.They were showing off their fancy footwork in the face of elite fighters amid the heat of world championship battles.Most read in Boxing’You need to sort your commentary out’ says Ben Whittaker in awkward interview on live TV leaving pundits looking sheepish Whereas Ben is making fools out of his fellow pros who have limited skills — and were hand-picked so he can enjoy himself.To me it’s a form of bullying.Boxing is dangerous and often brutal but there is a definite unwritten code that comes under the category of Ungentlemanly Conduct.It is generally accepted that under no circumstances should inferior opponents be ridiculed or humiliated.Whittaker, 27, has been heavily criticised for doing exactly that but vehemently denies he is disrespecting the opposition.He claims he is simply giving the public what they want to see — and that’s showbiz with blood.His promoter Ben Shalom certainly will not curb his clowning and boasts his wannabe superstar has a million Instagram followers and puts bums on seats.Arenyeka has won all his 12 fights — mostly against unknowns in Lagos — and it is doubtful that he will be much of a threat to Britain’s latest motormouth.However, he summed up what many genuine fight fans feel about Whittaker when he said: “Most boxers aren’t appreciative of the way he does things in the ring.“He’s acting like a little diva — a little kid.”Ben has achieved what he set out do — become notorious extremely quickly.READ MORE SUN STORIESNow it’s time for referees to clamp down on his nauseating excesses and take points away when necessary.Whittaker has been compared to Marmite — which means you either love him or hate him. I happen to hate Marmite! More

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    WWE legend Hulk Hogan delivers brutal prediction for Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul ‘fight of the century’ after health scare

    WWE legend Hulk Hogan backed Mike Tyson to beat Jake Paul despite his recent health scare because of the “bad dog look in his eye”.Tyson, 57, and Paul, 27, had to move the date of their fight after the boxing legend fell ill while flying from Miami to Los Angeles due to an ulcer flare up.Hulk Hogan predicted Mike Tyson will beat Jake Paul in their boxing boutCredit: GettyTyson’s fight with Paul had to be moved after the boxing legend suffered a health scareCredit: ReutersHogan insists Tyson is still as focused and dangerous as he was in his primeCredit: AFPThe bout is now scheduled for November 15 and will take place at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.Hogan, 70, still believes Tyson will best the YouTuber as he still sees the same “scary” fighter he remembers from his prime years in the 80s and 90s.The legendary professional wrestler insists the American is as focused as he was when he wreaked havoc across the boxing world and will “seek and destroy”.Hogan told TMZ: “When he gets focused, he will seek and destroy. Read More on Boxing”I see that bad dog look in his eye now. It’s like when you don’t trust a bad dog, it might bite ya at any time. “That’s the look he’s got. I remember that look from 25 years ago, it’s kind of scary.”Hogan believes that the fight’s postponement is a good thing because both competitors will be at “100 per cent”.The 12-time world champion even predicted this will be the “fight of the century” even though Tyson is almost 60 years old and Paul has only faced one professional boxer in Tommy Fury, who beat him.Most read in BoxingHogan added: “I’m excited about it. I’m kind of glad it’s rescheduled because I don’t want any excuses. I want both men at 100 per cent .”And I’ve got a feeling this is gonna be the fight of the century, brothers. This is gonna be a good one.”Inside Mike Tyson’s Las Vegas mansionHogan dominated the wrestling scene in WWE and WCW when Tyson’s boxing success made headlines around the globe.Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson’s lifestyles comparedONE is a notorious YouTuber-turned-boxer who has taken the sport by storm.
    The other terrorised all in the ring in the 1980s and 1990s, famously biting the ear off an opponent in one fight.
    Iron Mike has rebuilt his life after squandering a £300m fortune with a cannabis empire, and is a huge advocate of the drug.
    And as Paul has continued to rise up the ranks, he has splashed the cash on a fleet of amazing cars.
    Whereas Tyson had more money than sense until a £15m debt saw him part with his cherished car collection.
    Paul now lives in a plush mansion worth £13m in Puerto Rico, after escaping his hectic life in LA.
    But these days, Tyson lounges in his Vegas property he paid £2.5m for with wife Lakiha, who he married in 2009.
    Paul is not yet married but is smitten with his speed skater girlfriend  Jutta Leerdam.
    She will be by his side when her man puts his 9-1 boxing record on the line against two-time heavyweight champ Tyson on July 20.
    Read more: Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson’s lifestyles compared, from The Problem Child’s £13m mansion to Iron Mike’s huge cannabis empire. More

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    The heartbreaking chance meeting between Muhammad Ali and Colin Hart where boxing icon revealed ‘I’m not scared to die’

    MUHAMMAD ALI gave legendary Sun boxing writer Colin Hart his biggest ever story in a totally chance and heartbreaking meeting.In December 1981, a 39-year-old Ali endured the last sickening defeat of his magnificent career, ten long hard-to-watch rounds against Trevor Berbick.Muhammad Ali in his last fight against Trevor BerbickCredit: GettyAli in 1988 with businessman Fred Trump and the first wife of Donald Trump, Ivana, a few months after his diagnosis had become knownCredit: GettyAli’s health was already under such suspicion before the one-sided beating in the boxing backwater of the Bahamas.And six years later the tragic news that he was hit with Parkinson’s spread around the world.Our man Harty smelled a very separate scoop out in Las Vegas in 1987, around the same time of the agonising diagnosis.But when he went to Sin City to seek out the Baddest Man on the Planet he ended up being approached by The Greatest.READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd the 89-year-old doyen relived the gut-wrenching yet inspirational moment in a SunSport video.The revered ringside veteran explained: “Mike Tyson had just won the world title (in November 1986) and I knew he was going to be carrying the spit bucket for his great friend Edwin Rosario for his world title shot against Julio Cesar Chavez (November 1987).EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERS“I asked my boss to send me because it was already a great fight but I also thought I could get an interview with Mike Tyson.“It was a great fight, Tyson did carry the bucket but Rosario was beaten in the 11th.Most read in Boxing“But the next morning I’m standing at the news stand, minding my own business and waiting for breakfast outside the Hilton hotel in Vegas.Anthony Joshua shows the training never stops as boxer does 30 press-ups on PRIVATE JET as all-Brit clash edges closer“And who should come along but Muhammad Ali. I had been at his last fight in the Bahamas and he came over naturally just to have a chat.“But it had just been made public that he was suffering from Parkinson’s.“I told him how sorry I was to hear about it and he just started talking. He said, ‘If I die, I have no regrets.God gave me Parkinson’s to show me I’m just a manMuhammad Ali to Colin Hart“‘I have an obligation to keep myself healthy. But the final decision is my maker’s.“‘I’ve tried to live a good life and do the right thing. But I’m not scared to die, because I have made my peace.“‘God gave me Parkinson’s disease to show me that I am just a man, like everyone else, to show me that I have human frailties like everyone else. Because that is all I am, a man.’”In typical Sun style, Hart dropped everything – including his appetite – to get his copy over to London ASAP.And, in one of Fleet Street’s most decorated careers, it remains our modest man’s pinnacle.He said: “I was absolutely taken back by that and I was 42 years younger so I forgot about breakfast, ran up to my room and wrote it on my type writer.READ MORE SUN STORIES“That was the biggest scoop I ever got and it came just out of the blue.”Ali, who is widely regarded as arguably the greatest sportsmen who ever lived, died in 2016 aged 74.Muhammad Ali boxing record MUHAMMAD ALI turned pro in 1960 after winning gold at the Olympics. Here is the rundown of his iconic boxing career.
    Fights: 61
    Wins: 56
    Losses: 5
    KOs: 37
    Height: 6ft 3in
    Reach: 78in
    World titles: 3
    Olympic gold medals: 1

    Mike Tyson knocked out Trevor Berbick in 1986Credit: GettyTyson and Ali pictured in 1998Credit: EPAAli sadly passed away in 2016 aged 74Credit: ZENON TEXEIRA/FAMEFLYNETEx-boxer Spencer Fearon and Colin Hart at the Sport Gives Back Awards 2024Credit: Getty More

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    Tyson Fury speaks for first time since being escorted out of pub as he fires warning to Oleksandr Usyk

    TYSON FURY has vowed to climb the heavyweight mountain in his first public statement since his viral boozy night out.The former WBC heavyweight champion had to be escorted out of a pub by bouncers after seemingly having one too many drinks.Tyson Fury is back in the gym following his boozy night outCredit: INSTAGRAM@TYSONFURYFury, 35, was spotted FACE-PLANTING a pavement moments after leaving the venue.But he’s back in the gym just days after his seemingly hangover-inducing night out and has vowed to fulfil his dream of becoming undisputed heavyweight champ.On Thursday morning, the Wythenshawe warrior shared a video of himself hitting the back at his gym with his seven million Instagram followers.His accompanying caption read: “Listen up! I’ve conquered everything in boxing – titles, records, the lot. READ MORE ON FURY”But I’ve never had to come back from a loss.On December 21st in Riyadh, in the heart of the kingdom, the king will reclaim his throne and become undisputed. “Usyk, I’m coming for you! Get ready for the Gypsy King!”The path to redemption is all mine. Most read in Boxing”I know what I have to do, I saw my shortcomings and best believe I am inevitable.”THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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    Jake Paul offers to save UFC 303 amid Conor McGregor concern by fighting champ BEFORE Mike Tyson boxing showdown

    JAKE PAUL has offered to save UFC 303 amid concerns over Conor McGregor’s comeback.McGregor is due to face Michael Chandler in a return bout after three years out but the fight looks to be in doubt. Jake Paul has offered to save UFC 303Credit: GettySean O’Malley called out Jake Paul to fight if Conor McGregor is out of UFC 303According to reporter Ariel Helwani, the showdown is in “limbo” for undisclosed reasons. It threw social media into a frenzy amid the UFC and McGregor’s silence with questions left over the state of UFC 303. Bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley, 29, was quick to comment as he posted: “I’ll fight @jakepaul to save UFC 303.”Paul, who is friends with O’Malley, responded: “MMA fight before Tyson.” READ MORE IN UFCHe followed it up with: “100% will kill Omalley in MMA He’s a small man PFL Vs UFC June 29th.”Despite both agreeing to the crossover clash, several obstacles remain in the way. Firstly, Paul is signed to the Professional Fighters League, a rivalling promotion to the UFC. And his last fight was at the 14st 4lb cruiserweight boxing limit – O’Malley is FOUR STONE lighter at the MMA 135lb limit of 9st 9lb. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut Paul is due to make his MMA debut with the PFL this year. First, he has a fight scheduled for November 15 against boxing icon Mike Tyson which was pushed back from July 20. Inside McGregor’s Notorious lifestyleWith more sides to his personality than an Octagon, Conor McGregor’s rise has been an enthralling watch.
    Tyson – who will be 58 by the time of the bout – suffered an ulcer flare up when boarding a flight and was ruled out of training. SunSport understands Paul is considering fighting in a keep-busy bout before his rescheduled date with Iron Mike. Meanwhile, Helwani claimed the UFC are looking at backup options in case McGregor, 34, cannot fight Chandler, 38, in Las Vegas.McGregor’s fight with Michael Chandler is in doubtCredit: GETTY More

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    Heartbreaking story of boxer who’d get beaten up in ring to numb pain of baby son’s fight for his life

    MACAULAY MCGOWAN was supposed to stop accepting dangerous fights after his baby boy won the toughest one of all.In December 2019 the Manchester super-welter was supposed to welcome his little boy smoothly into the world. Macaulay McGowan is a proud fighter and an even prouder dadCredit: Macaulay McGowanMcGowan lost three dangerous fights in a row after a bright undefeated startCredit: GettyBut brave missus Francesca suffered a placental abruption and internal haemorrhage, robbing little Albie of his oxygen supply.The fearless light-flyweight suffered Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy – or birth asphyxia – and the biggest concern was whether or not he would survive – not even how much brain damage he would suffer.The undefeated new father was almost destroyed and – faced with the added financial and psychological punishment of the Covid lockdown – he took three rushed fights as the rank underdog and lost them all.Incredibly Albie has since beaten odds that daddy could have only dream of and is now walking and talking and attending nursery and dad has rebuilt with six wins, a harsh draw and an even harsher points defeat.Read more boxingBut he’s back in the deep end on Friday on Channel 5, against celebrated German amateur Abass Baraou for the European title, but tooled with a far brighter outlook and side hustle.“They were dark days,” McGowan told SunSport with the sounds of jet engines rattling down the phone.EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERS“I lost three fights on the spin, 30 long rounds, and never felt a thing.”I was using boxing as a distraction from what my son and missus were going through.Anthony Joshua shows the training never stops as boxer does 30 press-ups on PRIVATE JET as all-Brit clash edges closer“Being punched in the face for half an hour by an amateur star or a former world champion was better than facing up to what my lad was going through.“We had no idea how good or bad things would be, we just had to sit and watch and wait and hope and then slowly he got up and started walking and then talking and, although we have to keep an eye on a few things and he’s a bit behind his class with his speech, he has come on so much and has now started at nursery.“Now I am boxing because I love it again and I think I can surprise a few people and upset a few opponents.“I never wanted easy fights and I still don’t. But now I am not just getting beaten up to help numb me to stuff outside the ring.”Macaulay McGowan’s son Albie is even tougher than his dadCredit: Macaulay McGowanMcGowan with heroic wife FrancescaMost read in BoxingIt would be a very emotional phone call if it wasn’t for the constant roar of aeroplanes drowning out some of McGowan’s poignant words.“I’m up a scaffold near the airport,” he says very casually.“When I am not on the school run or training I come and labour for my mate’s construction firm, Broadbent Developments.“I do it right up to a week or two before the fight, they offer to teach me the trades and get me trained up.”But I’m already OCD about boxing and everything else in my life, so I come on site to have a laugh, keep me busy and entertain the lads.”McGowan is as as handy on site as he is in the ringCredit: Macaulay McGowanDespite having so much on his plate, the working-class hero refuses to boast about his ability or chances of beating Baraou. The same cannot be said of seven-year-old daughter and No1 fan Francesca.McGowan explained: “She ran out of a playground recently crying and saying some bigger boys were being mean to her.“I went in to calm everything down and make sure everyone was being kind to each other.READ MORE SUN STORIES“And the lads in there said she had been telling everyone that her dad is a professional boxer who can beat everyone up.“So I will be hiding the belt from her if I get it home, I can’t have her talking me into fights, she’ll be offering me out to everyone and I’ve got to get back on the tools with the lads next week.” More