More stories

  • in

    Fans say ‘British Mike Tyson’ Itauma, 19, will DOMINATE heavyweight boxing after brutal KO on Fury vs Usyk undercard

    MOSES ITAUMA knocked his latest victim out so severely he danced Bambi-legged around the ring – leaving fans predicting big things for the future. The 19-year-old heavyweight sensation pummelled poor Ilja Mezencev in the opener, letting him survive, just about.Moses Itauma beat Ilja Mezencev in Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyItauma is being tipped for big thingsCredit: GettyBut, as soon as the second started, the Englishman slipped up a couple of gears, landed his brutal southpaw power-punch left and made Mezencev do the Hokey Cokey before the ref saved him.The fight was almost over in the final second of the opener when the Kent sensation smashed counter shots into Mezencev and shoved him down to the bottom rope.The brave underdog bounced up and managed to walk back to his corner just as the bell rang.But he had endured a horrible opener, shipping body shots and left hands.READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd he collected a WBO bauble that will edge him toward a world title shot soon.Mike Tyson famously became the youngest heavyweight champion of all time in 1986 when he knocked out Trevor Berbick aged 20. And Itauma has been dubbed Britain’s version of Iron Mike and with a trinket title to his name a shot at world glory could be close.He said: “Now I’ve got this belt, 100 per cent.”Most read in BoxingTyson vs Itauma at 19

    Tyson
    Fights: 23
    Wins: 23
    Losses: 0
    KOs: 21
    Itauma
    Fights: 9
    Wins: 9
    Losses: 0
    KOs: 7

    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd one fan reacted: “Moses Itauma looks unreal, that’s a future champion right there.”Oasis’ Liam Gallagher hailed: “Moses Itauma Jesus Christ.”His excellency Turki Alalshikh favourite boxer Mark Chamberlain with an emphatic first round stoppageAnother added: “Moses Itauma is 19 years old. He’s coming for all the belts in the next 5 years.” At Thursday’s press conference the ice-cool Chatham teen suffered a nose bleed and had to duck off of the stage to clean up.And in the Riyadh ring a glancing low blow was the only thing that troubled him as he looked into the crowd and moaned “oww”.And that’s the most damage he suffered all fight week, after he laid waste to his German plaything.Itauma had fellow-fighting brothers Karol and Samuel in Riyadh with him and they cheered on their super-sibling from the Riyadh ringside. More

  • in

    Laura Woods’ TNT Sports replacement Becky Ives stun in bold dress live on TV for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk

    LAURA WOODS’ replacement Becky Ives stunned on the TNT Sports screens after her late call-up for boxing duty tonight.The world is watching as Tyson Fury gets set to fight Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight crown in Saudi Arabia.Becky Ives looked stunning in a bold green outfit on TNT SportsCredit: InstagramCarl Frampton (second left) and Steve Bunce (right) joined her on the TNT panelCredit: TNT SPORTSLaura Woods suffered horror facial injuries after a freak accident ruled her outCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyBecky proved to be a more than able deputy for fight nightCredit: InstagramA host of stars will be ringside for the bout, with Cristiano Ronaldo set to be seated alongside Anthony Joshua on the front row.Millions of fans across the globe will also be watching from their front rooms.However, those that have purchased the fight on TNT Sports will have noticed that Laura Woods is not on hosting duties.The fan favourite host has dropped out after suffering a freak accident.READ MORE ON BOXINGWoods posted a heartfelt note on Friday evening revealing she is unable to attend the clash after a horror injury while on holiday with boyfriend Adam Collard.The fan favourite revealed she had accidentally smashed a glass lampshade above her head, causing it to shatter and cut her face and arm.It was soon announced that Becky would be stepping into the shoes of Woods on fight night.And she was certainly ready to rumble in a bold green dress in Riyadh as she got to work alongside Carl Frampton, David Haye and Steve Bunce to analyse the action.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBecky is no stranger to the sporting world having worked for Uefa, Discovery Sports and TNT and has also starred for Premier League Today and ITV during an impressive career.According to her LinkedIn page, her love of sport “stems from her teenage years, where she competed as a High Board Diver, and swimmer to a County and National standard, an avid football fan”.Laura Woods pulls out Fury vs Usyk coverage as TNT Sports host forced into emergency surgery after lampshade accidentAway from the screen, Becky has also hosted sporting events such as the United Legends dinner event for Manchester United and the ‘Road To Victory’ Awards celebration Dinner for West Ham last year.She also refers to herself as a “professional talker” while building up an impressive following on social media as well with over 25k fans on Instagram.On the social media platform, she regularly shares pictures of herself at sporting events, but also from her social life.She shows off her love of boxing in one video which sees her sparring for a workout.On the social front, she’s shared pictures from holidays to the USA and Majorca with pals and has also been snapped alongside a couple of dogs showing herself as an animal lover.And her impressive outfit choice only added to the drama after tensions have built all week ahead of today’s blockbuster.TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE FIGHTFury REFUSED to even look at rival Usyk in the pre-fight press conference.Usyk’s team continued the eventful build-up by filing a complaint that parts of the Riyadh ring canvas could be a trip hazard.However, it was the WBC champion’s father John Fury who had stolen the headlines after he shockingly HEADBUTTED Stanislav Stepchuk – a member of the Usyk team – on Monday.The 59-year-old John, who was left with a bloodied forehead, then threatened to headbutt Tony Bellew after he predicted a Usyk win.John then launched a bitter attack on “traitor” British fans who believe that his undefeated 6ft 9in boy will be beaten this weekend.Tonight’s fight will see one man crowned the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world for the first time since Lennox Lewis held the mantle in 1999.READ MORE SUN STORIESUsyk holds the WBA, WBO and IBF belts, while Fury is the WBC and lineal heavyweight champion.Both men also have unbeaten records.The star has already shone with her outfit choices this weekCredit: Instagram @beckyivesofficialThe beautiful presenter has attracted a large following on social mediaCredit: Instagram / beckyivesofficialHer Instagram account is followed by nearly 27,000 peopleCredit: Instagram / beckyivesofficialBecky is regularly reporting from sport grounds across the countryCredit: InstagramBecky often wows fans with her pictures on social mediaCredit: Instagram More

  • in

    Amazing new AI feature shows exactly how Tyson Fury wins his fights ahead of Oleksandr Usyk showdown

    TNT SPORTS have unveiled a stunning new AI feature. The broadcaster is showing Tyson Fury’s blockbuster fight with Oleksandr Usyk tonight.TNT Sports unveiled their new AI featureCredit: TNT SPORTSCommentator Darren Fletcher described it as a ‘game changer’Credit: TNT SPORTSTNT Sports Box office is sharing coverage with its Sky Sports and DAZN counterparts.During the early stages of their broadcast, they showed off a brand new AI feature.Using Fury’s win over Francis Ngannou as an example, TNT played footage back of the fight – with a major twist.The replay showed a series of lines on screen, each judging distances and action zones.READ MORE IN BOXINGIt was designed “specifically for combat sports”, with TNT Sports having teamed up with tech startup Jabbr to provide all the most in depth stats.The graphic also illustrated punches landed and thrown in real time, helping fans to judge a fight as they watch it live.Commentator Darren Fletcher described the feature as a “game-changer for boxing fans”.TNT Sports customers have been able to fork out £24.99 for tonight’s pay-per-view.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSColin Hart on Fury vs Usyk
    This Little and Large affair is likely to be messy and more mundane than memorable with lots of clinches and Usyk using mind over matter as his most potent weapon.
    Logically there is no way the Gypsy King should lose — that old adage about a good big-un always beating a good little-un was coined for good reason.
    If it was the Fury of three years ago when he KO’d Deontay Wilder in the last of their unforgettable trilogy then I believe Usyk — despite his masterful skills and boxing brain — would be facing a painful defeat.
    But there was evidence seven  months ago  when Fury was lucky to get a debateable points win after crude MMA novice Francis Ngannou had floored him, that his powers may be in decline.
    The young Fury would never have been caught by Ngannou’s left hook that sent him to the canvas.
    It will be no surprise if Fury uses his height and weight advantage to physically wear Usyk  out.
    But my gut feeling is Usyk is clever enough to keep out the way of Fury’s big punches and earn a close but decisive points victory.
    Talking to boxing people and fans this week I have the impression Fury is losing popularity — not helped by his father John’s headbutting antics — and not too many tears will be shed if he should lose.
    Read the full Colin Hart column here

    Alternatively, fans can watch all the action from Riyadh by purchasing on Sky Box Office for £24.95.Existing DAZN subscribers, meanwhile, have been able to buy tonight’s PPV for a further £18.99.Laura Woods pulls out Fury vs Usyk coverage as TNT Sports host forced into emergency surgery after lampshade accidentFans that have bought TNT Sports’ coverage expecting Laura Woods on hosting duties may end up disappointed – after the popular presenter had to pull out following a freak accident.Woods, 36, had been due to present the action but has been forced to stay at home after suffering horror injuries while on holiday with boyfriend Adam Collard.The fan favourite revealed she had accidentally smashed a glass lampshade above her head, causing it to shatter and cut her face and arm.Woods was taken to an emergency clinic by Love Island star Collard, who stayed by her side as she was attended to by doctors who opened the surgery on their day off.Explaining her absence, she wrote on Instagram: “Just wanted to explain my absence from the telly for a little while, to be totally transparent and avoid any speculation.”I had an accident last weekend at a holiday cottage. I swung a pillow and hit a large, glass lampshade hanging from the ceiling above me, which shattered and cut my face and arms, but luckily missed my eye.”I wanted to say a couple of thank yous, firstly to Adam, for being my hero that day, acting so quickly and not leaving my side since and to his family for taking care of me in a time when I was petrified.”To my agents Alex Maguire and Matthew Odonohue at CAA who searched for the best help immediately.”To Dr Yannis Alexandrides and his wonderful medical assistant Zuzanna at 111 who opened their emergency surgery and came in on their days off, they were so gentle and have already worked magic that I didn’t think was possible to reduce the damage.”I’ve added in the photos from then to now to show that even though it may look rough, it’s such a wonderful improvement already and I’m so grateful.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It was a hell of a shock and I’ve been a bit sad, but I’m feeling very lucky it wasn’t worse. So a big thanks to my eyebrow too, for taking the brunt of it.”I’m gutted I can’t cover the fight in Riyadh tomorrow anymore, but wishing the brilliant TNT boxing team all the best. Be back soon xx.”Laura Woods was ruled out of fight night duties after suffering horror injuriesCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyTYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE FIGHT More

  • in

    Boxer left needing oxygen in ring after brutal KO on undercard of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk

    JOSHUA Wahab was left needing oxygen inside the ring after a brutal first round knockout by Mark Chamberlain.The Nigerian was torn apart in the opening minutes of their bout on the Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk undercard.Joshua Wahab was knocked out in the first round against Mark ChamberlainCredit: ReutersThe Nigerian hit the canvas after a combination from ChamberlainCredit: ReutersWahab needed oxygen in the ring following the blowCredit: TNT SPORTSWahab was unable to keep up with Chamberlain’s lightning start as the Brit extended his record to 16-0.A devastating early combination saw the Portsmouth fighter win the fight before the bell had even rung to end the first round.Wahab was left on the canvas, while the referee stepped in to bring the fight to an early end.The scenes inside the ring then took a turn as Wahab was immediately given oxygen after the brutal knockout.READ MORE IN BOXINGThe 33-year-old’s team quickly surrounded him and hooked him up to an oxygen mask to ensure he was okay.Fortunately he was able to sit up and appeared to avoid any complications after the heavy hits.Wahab’s record has now taken a hit, as the first round knockout was his second career loss – leaving his record at 23-2.Wahab has lost two of his last three fights after he succumbed to a split decision defeat by Liam Dillon back in 2022.Most read in BoxingChamberlain was surprised by the ease at which he managed to get the better of his opponent, explaining that he was expecting more from Wahab.Speaking to DAZN after the fight, he said: “I actually thought I was in for a real hard night. Oleksandr Usyk’s weight announced WRONG at Tyson Fury weigh-in as fans perform massive U-turn on predictions”Obviously Joshua Wahab is a very tough man. 23 fights and only one defeat on his record, never been stopped.”Look at what I have just done to him in the first round – it’s amazing.”A second boxer was also left needing oxygen during their undercard bout, just hours after Wahab hit the deck.Frank Sanchez was knocked out by Agit Kabayel in the seventh round of their heavyweight bout in Riyadh – leading to more medical attention in the ring.Fans are now waiting for tonight’s headline bout with Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk facing off later this evening.The pair will take to the ring in the hopes of being crowned the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE FIGHT More

  • in

    Cristiano Ronaldo, Anthony Joshua, Steven Gerrard and Lennox Lewis among star-studded crowd for Fury vs Usyk

    PREMIER LEAGUE legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Steven Gerrard led the star names at Tyson Fury’s historic title fight against Oleksandr Usyk.Fury meets the Ukrainian in the heavyweight division’s first four-belt unification bout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Anthony Joshua and Cristiano Ronaldo sat next to each otherCredit: GettyRonaldo embraces with controversial boxing star Ryan GarciaCredit: @RyanGarcia
    Ronaldo was decked out in a £3,000 Gucci outfitCredit: Queensberry via X formerly TwitterGerrard was among the star names to arrive for Tyson Fury’s historic title fight against Oleksandr UsykLennox Lewis arriving in RiyadhNeymar embraces with RonaldoEvander Holyfield arrives in RiyadhCredit: PAAnd top names from the sporting world arrived early ahead of the super-fight including Gerrard and British boxing legend Lennox Lewis. Gerrard, a Champions League winner with Liverpool, is currently in charge of Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq. He was snapped heading into the arena wearing a navy polo flanked down for an interview with TNT Sports.And he said: “Tyson all days long. I’ve been a huge fan for a long time. READ MORE IN BOXING”I’m no boxing expert but the size, the reach, the weight, what I’ve seen him do before.”I think he’s going up against a very awkward customer, we all know that, but for me it’s Tyson Fury all day long.”Lewis, the last undisputed heavyweight champion, was not far behind him.Jack Grealish also sent Fury a word of support saying: “Tyson I just want to wish you all the best for the fight tonight. Most read in BoxingTYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE FIGHT”I know you’re going to smash it mate. I’ll be back home watching cheering you on like the whole of the UK. “Go out there and smash it, come on Tyson.”CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSuperstar footballer Ronaldo – wearing a £3,350 Gucci jacket and short combo – took his seat, next to Anthony Joshua. Brazilian footballer Neymar and boxer Ryan Garcia also arrived just before the main event.Joseph Parker greets fans ahead of Fury vs Usyk and predicts Tyson to winRonaldo watched Fury, 35, controversially win a points verdict over ex-UFC champ Francis Ngannou, 37, in October. And fans reacted hilariously to UFC icon Conor McGregor, 35, giving him an earful from ringside.The former Manchester United forward, wearing a £1.2million Franck Muller watch, sat with to Joshua, 34, who will have a keen eye on tonight’s winner.AJ has twice lost to Usyk, 37, but hopes to face Fury later down the line in a blockbuster Battle of Britain bout as he arrived ringside. Although he sided with his former rival to win the fight of the century after 24 hard-fought rounds shared. He told talkSPORT: “Well look I’ve fought Oleksandr Usyk so I can go only speak on what I have experienced from him.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Phenomenal fighter, does everything to a tee and I would say he is going to do a really good job.”I have never fought Tyson Fury so I can’t really speak on how he will perform or what it is like to face him so only speaking on what I know I would have to say Oleksandr Usyk will be victorious.”Anthony Joshua is ringside for the fightCredit: GettyFury facing off with Usyk for the final time before their fightCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Who is Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk referee Mark Nelson?

    REFEREE Mark Nelson has the biggest job in boxing tonight. The American is set to take charge of Tyson Fury’s huge clash with Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia. Mark Nelson is a veteran boxing referee and has taken charge of multiple world title fightsCredit: AlamyFury and Usyk have been on a collision course to fight for months and were originally scheduled to clash back in February. A cut to Fury in sparring put the fight back but tonight they’re finally going to do battle. Nelson will be out to make sure the two behemoths in the ring with him keep in line throughout a potential 12 rounds of action. Who is boxing referee Mark Nelson?Nelson, 59, has been a boxing referee since 1992 and is in the Minnesota Boxing Hall of Fame.Fury vs UsykNelson has taken charge of various world title fights over the years, including Manny Pacquiao’s loss to Jeff Horn back in 2017.He was also the man in the middle for Tim Tszyu’s clash against Brian Mendoza.Known for his quick reaction times in the ring, he was lauded by former world champion Maurice Hooker from stopping his fight against Jose Ramirez back in 2020.Hooker was the man who got stopped in that fight but he had no qualms with the decision Nelson made.Most read in Boxing“Two fighters died that week and I didn’t want to be the third. The ref did the right thing because I was hurt,” Hooker said.Nelson added: “I just knew that if he took one more punch that he’d probably be leaving the ring on a stretcher.In an interview with the Minnesota Boxing Hall of Fame, Nelson revealed what he says to fighters in the dressing room before they go out to fight.“I promise I’ll be fair,” he said. “I don’t care who wins, but I care about you. I am here for you and your family. Safety comes first.’’ More

  • in

    Fans raging at ‘absolutely disgraceful’ new time for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk ring walk as confusion reigns

    FANS have been left angry and confused amid conflicting reports over when the ring walks for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk will commence.Fury fights Usyk tonight in Saudi Arabia as both men look to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the 21st century.The time for tonight’s undisputed heavyweight title fight ring walks have been confirmedCredit: GettyInitially, it looked as though the ring walks were set to be pushed back, leaving Brits facing a late night if they wanted to watch the blockbuster clash.Reports suggested the ring walks would commence at 11:45pm UK time.That led to anger for UK fans, with many having expected it to commence at 11pm.One fan wrote: “Midnight? Thought they were due out about 11.”READ MORE ON BOXINGAnother said: “F*****g hell already on the ciders though main event was 10ish.”A third said: “Said 10 earlier in the week ffs.”While a fourth said: “Absolutely disgraceful.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhile a fifth wrote: “Gonna have to delay drinking otherwise peaking too early! 😂”But TalkSPORT boxing reporter Michael Benson has now taken to X to post that the ring walks will take place at 10:30pm UK time.EXCLUSIVE: John Fury left BLEEDING after crazy altercation with Oleksandr Usyk’s team ahead of Fury vs UsykFans remain sceptical as to whether that will come true though, with one saying on X: ” No chance it’ll be at 10:30pm, it’ll be at 12:30am.”Much of the uncertainty and scepticism over the true ring walk time stems from the last big fight held in Saudi.Anthony Joshua fought Francis Ngannou in the Middle East, but the bout didn’t get going until after midnight – much later than expected.That ruined the plans of many boxing fans who tuned in to watch AJ’s win.SunSport expects the ring walk to be closer to midnight, however it will depend on events on the undercard.Tonight’s fight will see one man crowned the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world for the first time since Lennox Lewis held the mantle in 1999.READ MORE SUN STORIESUsyk holds the WBA, WBO and IBF belts, while Fury is the WBC and lineal heavyweight champion.Both men also have unbeaten records.TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE FIGHT More

  • in

    Who is Becky Ives? Glam presenter to replace Laura Woods for TNT Sports’ coverage of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk

    BECKY IVES will be stepping into the shoes of Laura Woods to present Tyson Fury’s fight with Oleksandr Usyk.The fan favourite host has dropped out of TNT Sports’ coverage after suffering a freak accident.Becky Ives will be presenting Tyson Fury’s fight with Oleksandr UsykCredit: Instagram @beckyivesofficialShe is an experienced sports presenterCredit: Instagram / beckyivesofficialWoods suffered a nasty injury after hitting a glass lampshade with a pillowCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyThe incident happened during a getaway with boyfriend Adam CollardCredit: In stagramIves will now take the lead for the coverage of the highly anticipated unification fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.She will be working alongside Carl Frampton, David Haye and Steve Bunce to analyse the fight action.She is no stranger to the sporting world having worked for Uefa, Discovery Sports and TNT.The presenter has also starred for Premier League Today and ITV during an impressive career.READ MORE ON BOXINGHer love of sport “stems from her teenage years, where she competed as a High Board Diver, and swimmer to a County and National standard, an avid football fan”, according to her LinkedIn page.Ives has not only starred in front of the camera but has also hosted sporting events such as the United Legends dinner event for Manchester United and the ‘Road To Victory’ Awards celebration Dinner for West Ham last year.She also refers to herself as a “professional talker.”Most read in BoxingShe has built up an impressive following on social media with over 25k fans on Instagram.TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE FIGHTOn the social media platform, she regularly shares pictures of herself at sporting events, but also from her social life.She shows off her love of boxing in one video which sees her sparring for a workout.These remarkable pictures show Tyson Fury’s rise from humble beginnings — to heavyweight champion of the worldIn February, the presenter shared a collection of snaps from throughout the Premier League season in which she visited the London Stadium and Turf Moor.On the social front, she’s shared pictures from holidays to the USA and Majorca with pals.She’s also been snapped alongside a couple of dogs showing herself as an animal lover.While Ives appears to specialise in football, her CV shows she has knowledge of a lot of sports.She has reported for Red Bull during the WRC Wales Rally GB race in which she also interviewed winner Sebastien Ohier.She also hosted for Eurosport for the 2017 British Cycling Elite Series and presented the Strongman Championships for Spike TV.Ives is regularly reporting from grounds across the countryCredit: Instagram / beckyivesofficialShe has worked for TNT Sports and Premier League TodayCredit: Instagram / beckyivesofficialShe has an impressive following on InstagramCredit: Instagram / beckyivesofficialHer account is followed by 25.7k peopleCredit: Instagram / beckyivesofficialShe often wows fans with her picturesCredit: Instagram / beckyivesofficialShe is a fan of hitting the poolCredit: Instagram / beckyivesofficialShe was a guest at the Sport Industry Awards in AprilCredit: RexTYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE FIGHT More