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      Meet Brit boxing’s best social media star who coached in the Maldives and has Snoop Dogg and Sugar Ray Leonard as fans

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      DAN MORLEY – British boxing’s best social media star – is back with a bang.The 28-year-old Epsom welterweight clocked up a modest 8-0 record on the small-hall circuit between 2018 and 2022, to little fanfare.Dan Morley launched his comeback with a perfect liver shot knockoutCredit: RexMorley is now hoping to get a British title shotCredit: Boxing TunesThe 28-year-old coached out in the MaldivesCredit: Instagram @danmorleyboxingHe coached Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown during his time thereCredit: Instagram @danmorley97And a disillusionment with the frustrating sport, combined with the covid pandemic that crippled it, put him on the sidelines for two years and bedridden at mum’s house.In that time though, the self-taught video whizz started creating brilliant boxing clips and biographies on some of history’s greatest boxers.This has earned follows and friendships from superstars from Sugar Ray Leonard, to Carl Froch and even Jackass legend Johnny Knoxville and music legend Snoop Dogg.Morley’s TikTok and Instagram accounts grew to over 500,000 followers and he was invited to teach the sport he loves in paradise hotels in Switzerland and the MaldivesRead more BoxingAnd on July 6 the newly empowered puncher won his comeback with a beautiful body shot in the opening round and he already has another September date secured as promoters who previously overlooked him now chase his signature.The entrepreneur sat down with SunSport to explain his rapid rise from the obscurity of his barber’s chair to his mum’s spare sickbed to a couple of star-studded profiles.“I started during Covid when my barber told me to start a TikTok account,” he told SunSport.“I couldn’t be a**ed with it at first but then I started doing a few about myself and my training but that stuff doesn’t stand out and nothing happened.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMorley also spent time coaching and training in SwitzerlandCredit: Instagram @danmorley97Morley is ready to cause a ripple in the boxing world after conquering social mediaCredit: Boxing TunesEpsom welterweight Dan Morley is a TikTok and Instagram whizzCredit: Rex“But then I caught Covid and was in bed at my mum’s and I asked her if she thought people would be interested in the Cuban style of boxing.“She said ‘probably not’ but I did it anyway and it got about 250,000 views and then the TikTok grew.Brit boxer Dan Morley delivers stunning liver shot KOBoxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard is one of Morley’s social media followersCredit: GettyMusic legend Snoop Dogg is also a big Morley fanCredit: Reuters“Since then a few crazy things have happened, like a friendship with Johnny Knoxville, which is mad, Sugar Ray Leonard follows the account and Carl Froch has sent me messages. It’s amazing and a big confidence booster.“When I was first boxing these big names weren’t paying attention and now they are, for my boxing knowledge.”Too many boxing promoters and broadcasters flogged themselves to the social-media-influencer world at the start of the digital craze and we have seen some thoroughly dismal acts and ‘fights’.Thankfully the sport now seems to be pulling away from the fame-desperate circus act it helped kickstart around 2018 when Watford showman KSI danced with American entertainer Logan Paul in Manchester.But it means a bonafide throwback fighter and boxing fan like Morley has been cautious about using the platforms to boost his well-deserved popularity.Morley’s mum told him nobody would watch his Cuban boxing clip – then 250,000 didCredit: RexHe explained: “I was cautious because it is not my nature to sell-out or make a spectacle of myself.“I had a plan to build my following but I had to do it in the right way, which would benefit me but also help people.“I am not very good on phones, my friends get the hump when I take two days to reply to a message.“I am no good at technology but I taught myself all that and learned how to edit up to four good videos a day.“I had to learn how to clip things probably, merge things together but also learn how to not rip anybody else’s footage off.“In my 18 months out I did over 2,000 posts so I put the work in and have hopefully deserved the following.”Morley teaches boxing in stunning spots in Switzerland and Maldives but can’t switch offCredit: RexMorley’s accounts are must-follow content for fellow boxing nerds, sports fans and even history buffs.And he hopes that the modern tools at his disposal help him teach Generation Z about the incredible and criminally underrated men who paved the way for glitz-and-glamour version of the sport we see today.“I have read every book I can find and I am a proper nerd about it,” he laughed.“I want people to know that Harry Greb lost ONCE in 100 fights and went 45-0 in one year – all while being BLIND in one eye.“Some of these feats are so amazing.“Henry Armstrong won 59 of 61 fights in three years – through SEVEN weight divisions.“People rave about Floyd Mayweather and Mike Tyson – and rightly so because they are amazing fighters – but it wrongly feels like people think they are the only boxers who ever walked the earth.”I was cautious because it is not my nature to sell-out or make a spectacle of myself.Dan MorleyMorley now has a following that some British world champions would be proud of – or even have their PR people pay for.The pugilism media pioneer has a podcast and book ideas and has been wisely used by Wasserman to present some of their Channel 5 shows.So why on earth is he back in the back in the gym, punishing and starving himself, sparring hundreds of unpaid rounds and risking his life?“I love boxing,” he said. “I took a break from it and that told me how much I love it.“I have goals that I want to achieve, the social media stuff is all-well-and-good but I have not fulfilled my potential.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I built my social media in a way that allows me to do it as a passion, it doesn’t feel like a cringey way of doing things.“I have the followers that I needed and now I love it.”MORLEY AND THE MALDIVESBy Kealan HughesBRIT boxer brushed shoulders with ex-England rugby stars Jason Robinson and Ben Cohen, as well as fitness guru Joe Wicks.Morley even trained members of the Qatar royal family and a then 15-year-old Millie Bobby Brown of Stranger Things fame on the Maldives island of Huvafen Fushi where he stayed in hotel rooms costing £60,000 a night.Time away from the spotlight gave Morley a much-needed break both physically and mentally and he got his love back for boxing, sharing his knowledge first-hand and online.He quickly began to build his fanbase and now boasts 400,000 fans across his social media platforms, including Snoop Dogg, Sugar Ray Leonard and Johnny Knoxville, who recently appeared on his podcast. 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      Mike Tyson, 58, asks ‘can I be honest?’ as he reveals real reason he is fighting 27-year-old Jake Paul

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      MIKE TYSON reckons Jake Paul won’t lay a glove on him when they finally trade blows.The former undisputed heavyweight champion was due to throw down with the YouTuber-turned-boxer in a controversial crossover clash early on Sunday morning.Mike Tyson is set to throw down with Jake Paul on November 15Credit: AFPBoxing fans are wondering why ‘Iron Mike’, 58, has taken the dangerous fightCredit: GettyTyson admits he’s lacing up his gloves again because he’s addicted to tasting that winning feelingCredit: REUTERSBut their Texas tussle was postponed until November after Iron Mike suffered a medical emergency on a flight from Miami to Los Angeles.Boxing fans around the world feared for Tyson’s safety after the Netlfix fight was officially announced due to the 31-YEAR age gap between himself and Paul.All but three of Paul’s nine professional victories have come by way of brutal knockout, although Tyson is adamant the social media sensation won’t be adding him to his highlight reel.”Can I be honest?” Tyson asked his team while taking part in an interview with Esquire. “I don’t think he can hurt me.”READ MORE ON MIKE TYSONDespite not having fought professionally since his 2005 defeat to Kevin McBride, Tyson firmly believes he’s still got what it takes to teach The Problem Child a lesson or two.The International Boxing Hall of Famer later said of Paul: “He’s not going to hit me with the jab.”Tyson returned to the ring in November 2020 for a Covid clash with fellow boxing great Roy Jones Jr, which ended in a draw.His decision to return to the ring and put his health on the line against Paul has left many fight fans stunned.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTyson, 58, will be rewarded handsomely for the Dallas dust-up, although he insists it’s the addictive feeling of having his hand raised that’s lured him back to the ring.He admitted: “I’m a glory junkie. I love people thinking about me all day.Watch Jake Paul in training to fight Mike Perry”I’d rather live a short life of glory than a long life of obscurity. It’s just who I am.“This is all I started fighting for—to get all this f***ing status.”I’m going to be chasing it for the rest of my life. I know that.”I’m never going to get what I want, because I’m one of those gluttons for pain. I can never get enough.”Tyson’s huge payday against Paul could go up in smoke this weekend as the YouTuber has opted to remain active and fight former UFC star Mike Perry.And Paul admits he’s taken a huge “risk” keeping himself busy against the ferocious “Platinum” Perry. More

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      I’m an ex-title challenger and sparring partner of Jake Paul’s – there’s three reasons he can become world champ one day

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      JAKE PAUL is armored with three key advantages that could take him to the top of boxing against all the odds.The social media sensation left behind a full-time career in vlogging on YouTube to try and dedicate his life to becoming a prizefighting star. Jake Paul during a sparring sessionAnd in the four years since his 2020 professional debut, Paul has become one of the highest-paid boxers in the world. But more than just money, the American is convinced he will one day hold a world championship belt – despite his lack of experience. Paul has been doing the right things, steadily upping his competition and ploughing millions into his training camps away from the cameras. His one loss in ten bouts came against Tommy Fury, 25, in February 2023, and his opponents have switched from low-level boxers to MMA stars since.But behind the scenes, Paul is putting in the work and recruiting high-level sparring partners and coaches. For those reasons – along with being able to fight when he pleases – Paul is being tipped to make shock strides in the sport. Steve Geffrard is a 21-3 former light-heavyweight world champion who has been sparring with Paul this year. And Geffrard told SunSport: “He’s a late bloomer to the sport, but he takes it very, very seriously.Most read in Boxing”And on top of that, he has really good athletic ability. So he’s a great athlete. I think he has like three things about him that can really help him go far.“One; his work ethic, his great work ethic and then two; he has resources, so he can pay for the best trainers, best sparring, best strength conditioning.“He’s got physio guys that are with him 24/7, people working on his body, it’s good for longevity. And he can also fight whenever he wants. There’s world champions that can’t do that.” Paul, 27, last fought in March when he stopped 17-2 Ryan Bourland, 36. That is when Geffrard, 33, was first brought into Paul’s Puerto Rico training camp and was left impressed by the reformed prankster. He said: “I’ve been in camps with a lot of top champions and top fighters and stuff and I’ve been boxing my whole life.“I’ve seen people with less ability than him get up there and at least compete for a world title. “This is boxing, anything can happen. You can’t count anybody out.“He’s tough, he’s got good hand speed, good speed, the sky’s the limit for him we just have to see how far does he really want to take it.’He could seriously hurt one of those guys’“Because of the way he’s training, I think he does wanna go out there and compete for a regional belt and possibly a world title someday.“It’s gonna be tough. It’s not gonna be easy. But at least when he’s training, I see what his mindset is.“He’s not going into training just to be like, ‘OK, I’m an influencer boxer.’ “He’s training to try and compete against the best eventually even though he hasn’t really picked those types of opponents yet.“I think that’s truly what he wants to be. Because he’s spending all this money and sparring these guys that giving top quality work in the gym. He’s trying to get better.”Paul returns over the weekend against former UFC star and now bare-knuckle boxer Mike Perry, 32. It was due to be against Mike Tyson until the heavyweight icon, 58, pulled out amid a health scare with the bout moved back to November 15. Perry will be Paul’s fifth opponent from an MMA background – a level of opposition Geffrard believes he has surpassed.Because of the way he’s training, I think he does wanna go out there and compete for a regional belt and possibly a world title someday.Jake Paul’s sparring partner Steve GeffrardHe said: “Jake has to kind of fight those types of people because of their names that’s what brings attraction.“But I think he’s past that level. I think he’s to the point where he could seriously hurt one of those guys.“That’s my opinion and that’s pretty much a compliment, giving him a compliment because I think he can now go on and step it up and start fighting some other boxers, legit boxers.“I’m not saying he can go and fight for a world title right away. But I think he’s good enough to where he doesn’t need to fight an old UFC fighter.“I think he’s improved that much more and he’s got good power. Even if you’re a very experienced fighter, you can’t really go in there and just sleep on him because he’s got enough power to hurt you.“You still gotta be – even though he doesn’t have as much experience – you still gotta be on your Ps and Qs. He’s a dog.” Geffrard was sparring Paul in the lead up to his return and does no expect Perry to see the scheduled eighth and final round. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe predicted: “I expect a knockout. “As long as he doesn’t go out there looking for it, I think it’ll come, maybe around four, maybe second-half of the fight.”Steve Geffrard with Jake Paul More

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      Anthony Joshua’s team BLAST Daniel Dubois over failure to sign up for additional drug testing ahead of September clash

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA’s team have BLASTED Daniel Dubois for allegedly not signing up for voluntary drug testing ahead of their domestic dust-up.AJ will challenge his former sparring partner for the IBF heavyweight title in a September showdown at Wembley.Anthony Joshua will throw down with Daniel Dubois on Septmber 21Credit: GETTYDubois will be defending the IBF heavyweight title against AJCredit: REUTERSJoshua’s team have claimed Dubois has yet to sign up for VADA drug testingCredit: X@258MANAGEMENTDubois’ team were quick to respondBut the former two-time unified heavyweight champion’s team sensationally claimed ‘Triple D’ has yet to sign up for additional drug testing from the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association.258 Management tweeted on Tuesday night: “Evening @Queensberry … any update on why @DynamiteDubois isn’t signed up for @Vada_Testing yet??”Queensberry Promotions responded to the claim on Wednesday, writing: “Daniel is enrolled as VADA will confirm.Dubois was subjected to VADA testing ahead of his ill-fated showdown with former undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk last August.READ MORE ON AJ VS DUBOISA large portion of fighters competing in big bouts sign up for random testing from VADA to add an additional layer of scrutiny, which they pay for out of their own pocket.That’s in part down to some athletic commissions and sanctioning bodies being unable to afford multiple random tests during the fighters’ respective camps.Both Joshua and Dubois, 34 and 26 respectively, will be subject to random drug testing from the UKAD (UK-Anti-Doping).Neither fighter has ever fallen afoul of anti-doping rules and regulations during their careers.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJoshua has voluntarily entered VADA testing multiple times throughout his career and was most recently enrolled in their program ahead of his March melee with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.And he called for radical drug testing reform after long-time rival Dillian Whyte tested positive for a banned substance ahead of their proposed trilogy fight last August.Eddie Hearn reveals bad boy version of Anthony Joshua is back ahead of Daniel Dubois fight and comments on Carl Froch feudHe said: “I don’t understand how 60% to 70% of people can get away with doping if you get random drug tests? I get drug-tested all year round.”Every quarter, I have to submit my whereabouts, where I’m going to be every day, at what hour of the day, so [drug-testers] can turn up randomly if they want.“It’s been like that since 2011. I’ve submitted it every day of my life. So why am I under that pressure but 60% to 70% of other boxers aren’t?“Once you sign up to a top-tier promoter they should all have that [approach to random testing] as part of the deal.”SunSport reached out to Queensberry Promotions for comment.Daniel Dubois was subjected to additional VADA testing ahead of his clash with Oleksandr Usyk last AugustCredit: Getty More

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      Muhammad Ali’s grandson reveals he turned down ‘money I’ve never even seen before’ to fight Jake Paul and explains why

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      MUHAMMAD ALI’S grandson Nico refused to “sell out” and fight Jake Paul despite the millions on offer. Ali Walsh announced after beating Sona Akale in a rematch that he rejected a deal from Paul and Most Valuable Promotions. Nico Ali Walsh turned down a fight with Jake PaulCredit: Top Rank Jake Paul has long been linked with a fight against Muhammad Ali’s grandsonCredit: Most Valuable Promotions The middleweight prospect opened up on his decision and revealed the deal was worth £2.3million. He told Sky Sports: “Morally it was an easy choice. I said no before I even heard the numbers.”I believe it was upwards of $3million. Of course, that would be money that I’ve never made in my career. “That would be money that I’ve never even seen before. But is everything really money? That’s how I was raised.READ MORE IN BOXING”You’ve got to ask yourself how much does your pride cost? How much are you willing to sell out for? “Because that’s exactly how it is, at least in my book. Anyone else can do it. “But for me, I’m an Ali, I hold my name in such higher weight, I don’t believe I should be playing in the mud with the likes of Jake Paul.”It is not the first time Ali Walsh has been linked with the YouTuber-turned-boxer. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd Paul, 27, commented:  “I been trying to fight this fraud and now he admitted he ducked me but calling me a circus act.”The American is 9-1 in his career and had faced criticism for his choice of opposition in the past. Watch Jake Paul in training to fight Mike PerryPaul’s only defeat came against Tommy Fury, 25, and he now returns against ex-UFC star and bare-knuckle boxer Mike Perry, 27. But Ali Walsh, 24, said: “It is a circus. People like the circus. “But it’s not something you want to mix with a deadly sport like boxing. We’re in a serious sport and it’s not a sport to be taken lightly. “I just don’t think playing games, the way Jake Paul is doing, should be mixed in a sport that’s so deadly.” More

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      Oleksandr Usyk told to fight Jake Paul with never-before-seen rules or make career switch after ‘retiring Tyson Fury’

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      OLEKSANDR USYK is running so short of opponents he could make a switch to MMA or have a never-before fight against Jake Paul.The Ukrainian great became the first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion in history by beating Tyson Fury. Oleksandr Usyk beat Tyson Fury but they will now rematchCredit: PAJake Paul could could be a shock option to fight UsykCredit: GettyBut he was forced to vacate his IBF title to proceed their their planned December 21 rematch in Saudi Arabia. One of Usyk’s coaches – Sergey Lapin – predicted another defeat would spell the end of Fury’s iconic career. And it would leave Usyk looking to the likes of MMA or even a spectacle bout with YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul in search of new challenges. Lapin told Betway: “He’s proven he’s the best of this generation and, once he’s retired Tyson Fury, he will consider his options. READ MORE IN BOXING”Maybe that’s dropping down in weight again, or maybe there’s a wildcard option on the table for him; be it in the boxing ring, the MMA cage or even Conor McGregor’s Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.””Can you imagine Usyk and Jon Jones fighting to prove they’re the baddest man on the planet? “Or maybe it’s a third fight with Anthony Joshua in the MMA cage?”Maybe it’s Jake Paul at cruiserweight, although Usyk would need to fight him with one hand behind his back though to make it fair.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPaul, 27, returns over the weekend against ex-UFC star and bare-knuckle boxer Mike Perry, 32. Meanwhile, Usyk, 37, prepares to rematch Fury, 35, looking to continue his reign of domination at heavyweight. Boxing champ ready to fight Jake Paul for his world title… but warns it could end in BRAIN injury for YouTuberLapin added: “Usyk is running out of challenges at heavyweight. “He accepted the challenge at heavyweight and became the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, a lot of work went into this achievement.”After the rematch we will see who will remain in the heavyweight division, but Usyk has now passed this level, everyone who stood in Usyk’s way has been overcome. “We are now set for a rematch with Fury, after that we will know who will be next.” More

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      Meet Delicious Orie, Anthony Joshua sparring partner and boxing gold medal hopeful at Paris 2024

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      DELICIOUS Orie is part of Team GB’s boxing team at the Paris Olympics.He is the sparring partner of Anthony Joshua and after winning gold at the European and Commonwealth Games, he is eyeing now Olympic gold at the Paris Olympics.Delicious Orie started boxing at the age of 18Credit: GettyHe won gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2022Credit: ReutersWho is Delicious Orie?Delicious Orie is a British boxer.He was born in Moscow on May 31, 1997 to a Nigerian father and a Russian mother.Orie relocated to England at age seven to escape racial prejudice, settling in Wolverhampton.He played basketball in his youth before transitioning to boxing at the age of 18.read more on Paris OlympicsOrie secured a bronze medal at the 2022 European Championships, marking his arrival on the international stage.He went on to clinch gold medals at both the 2022 Commonwealth Games in England and the 2023 European Games in Poland.In a BBC interview in 2022, his father disclosed that Orie’s name draws inspiration from Delicious Kennedy, the vocalist of the renowned American R&B and pop group ‘All for One’.Orie holds a first-class honours degree in Business and Management from Birmingham’s Aston University.Most read in BoxingHe told The Sun: “I only started taking boxing seriously after I watched AJ at London 2012.“That’s when it really resonated with me. “That’s my first and biggest Olympic memory — until I do it!“When I started, the man everyone looked up to was Anthony Joshua.“From then it was in my head that I need to win a medal, because this is what GB Boxing has been doing time and time again and proved over and over again.“So it’s only right for me to go out there and do that. “To listen to the coaches and go up there and perform and just have full belief and trust in them and myself.”His plan is to turn professional after the Olympics.He added: “So this is the plan — Paris Olympics and then turn professional. And then world heavyweight champion by 2029.“Early 30s, world champ — I’ll be happy with that.”Will Delicious Orie be competing in the Paris Olympics?Delicious Orie is part of Team GB in the Paris OlympicsCredit: GettyYes, Delicious Orie will be competing in the Paris Olympics.He secured his spot for Team GB after he won a gold medal at the 2023 European Games in Poland.He told GB Boxing: “Winning gold at a multi-sport event like the Commonwealth Games was a brilliant and I am looking forward to putting all of that experience to good use at the Olympics. “We have all worked so hard to get to this point and, it is great to have qualified, but the job is not yet done and my aim is to keep working hard and make sure I am in the best possible shape when it comes to competing on the biggest stage of all in Paris.”When will Delicious Orie be competing in the Paris Olympics?Delicious Orie will compete from Saturday July 27 to Saturday August 10, 2024 in the Paris Olympics.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Olympic boxing competition features 124 male and 124 female participants across seven weight classes.BBC will broadcast the Paris Olympics on BBC Sport and BBC iPlayer live. More

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      Jake Paul says ‘please don’t do that’ after Mike Perry makes gruesome vow ahead of boxing fight

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      JAKE PAUL was left to plead Mike Perry against pulling off a gruesome promise ahead of their boxing fight.The pair clash in Florida over the weekend and sat down for a face-to-face interview just days before their bout. Jake Paul with Mike Perry ahead of their fightCredit: Most Valuable Promotions They reflected on a disputed sparring session from 2021 when Perry said: “Your little baby green punches can’t even reach my brain stem, bro. “I’m going to dig through your eyeball and find your memories.”But Paul responded: “Please don’t do that. Please don’t do that, Mikey.”The YouTuber-turned-boxer was due to be in Texas to instead fight Mike Tyson but the boxing icon, 58, pulled out amid a health precaution. READ MORE IN BOXINGInstead, the controversial fight for the ages has been postponed till November 15 with Perry, 32, stepping in as a replacement. Paul, 27, is risking the mega-money payday by taking on the former UFC star but insisted he will be too good on the night. He said: “There’s nothing he can do, and I respect him. He’s very violent. “It’s not taking away from Mike Perry. He can beat a lot of people, but he can’t beat me.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPerry became the face of the bare-knuckle boxing scene after leaving the UFC in 2021. And he told Paul: “I’m excited for a battle. I do like getting punched and I like punching too, so we’re going to see. Watch Jake Paul in training to fight Mike Perry”Ten-ounce gloves, no headgear – I’m going to hurt you, Jake. And I’m going to laugh in your face when you try to hurt me.” More