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      ‘Like I was made in a lab’ – How Moses Itauma became ‘Project Thanos’ with background from Slovak mountains and Nigeria

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      MOSES ITAUMA is a super-freak of a fighter built in a fantasy lab somewhere between the icy Slovak mountains and scorching Africa.The 20-year-old heavyweight prodigy, with a Nigerian father, was born in his mum’s Kezmarok home but raised in Chatham, Kent.Moses Itauma has credited his Nigerian father and Slovakian mother with inspiring him to successCredit: GettyItauma revealed his uncle woke him up at 2am to go to the world’s largest ice bathCredit: GettyItauma’s coach has likened him to Avengers character ThanosLike Itauma, former world champion Anthony Joshua has talked extensively about his Nigerian heritageCredit: GettyThe union between the rugged central-European region – where freezing dips in the Poprad river instill an ice-cold will – and the West-African hotbed of professional warriors like Anthony Joshua, has created the 6ft 3in southpaw superstar.And the code of ultra-discipline his military-focused maternal uncles have taught him has swirled with his father’s fearsome genepool to create a boxing force comparable with Marvel comic super-villain Thanos.When SunSport asks Itauma if the unlikely blend of cultures has created a monster, he tells us: “Yes. 100 per cent.“You probably wouldn’t think of putting those two nations together but I am very proud of my heritage.READ MORE BOXING NEWS“I have a military-like discipline from my mother’s side and I am just a genetic freak from my dad’s side.“It is like I was made in a lab and this was all planned: Project Itauma.“My old nutritionist actually used to call me ‘Project Thanos’, the Marvel character.”When SunSport drops our guard and reveals our age by admitting we have only heard of Thanos via our schoolboy sons, we are firmly informed: “He’s a big powerful purple guy who fights the Avengers.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“He is the villain in the film but, at the same time, he is very powerful and it takes all of the Avengers – who are all individually very powerful – to come together to beat Thanos.”Back on planet Earth, Itauma explains how bringing together two countries separated by 3,000 miles and the Mediterranean Sea has helped British boxing spawn a new superpower who can carry the hopes of the nation on his shoulders, after Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have retired.Moses Itauma ‘could beat’ Mike Tyson’s youngest heavyweight champ record after impressive first round KO of Demsey McKeanHe explained: “Being born in Slovakia and living there for a couple of years, to a Nigerian father, I have that little brag of being a weird mix of heritage.“But I have learned a lot from everyone, if you ever go into my bedroom or my car, everything is spotlessly clean and I know where everything is.“I went to go and work with my uncle in Switzerland for a while and I remember his apartment there being so spotlessly clean and he knew where absolutely everything was and everything had its place.“I remember him telling me that it makes your life so much easier if you know where all the important things are. That’s just one aspect.Itauma is unbeaten with nine of his eleven victories coming via knockoutCredit: GettyIn his last fight, Itauma demolished the highly-rated Demsey McKean in one roundCredit: Getty“Another is, I have a cousin who I went running with in Slovakia, at high altitude, and he is not a boxer or an athlete, he does not run, he’s chubby. But he outran me.“And he was telling me ‘we never quit, we never lose’.“His heart must have been doing cartwheels inside his body but that mentality is nice to see and know it is part of me.”It would be easy to assume that Itauma’s giant dad, who also sired light-heavyweight Karol and amateur footballer-turned-boxer Samuel, might be the sole source of the family’s fighting credentials.But Itauma reveals that the fearless Slovak side of his DNA has played a huge part in his rapid and ruthless rise to world title prominence among so many other Nigerian fighters.He said: “My mum’s maiden surname was Blaschek.“Which is quite well known, where we are from, for the men loving fighting and – not being crazy – but doing crazy things like running up mountains, doing 1000 press-ups and running back down again. They are known for being disciplined.“They are not crazy but they are so disciplined that people might think they are odd.“I remember one Christmas day my uncle saw on the news that there had been the world’s biggest ice bath somewhere and then, at 2am, he got me and my brother down to the lake to jump in for five minutes.“He’s not a complete nutter, just a very disciplined man.“I went to live and work with him for a little while in Switzerland, he might still be up drinking at 2am but then he was up at 4am, doing his press-ups and pull-ups, and taking a cold shower. I was only waking up at 4:30am and he was ready to go.Itauma revealed his family instilled a high level of discipline in him from a young ageCredit: Instagram / m.itaumaThe boxer has trained in extreme conditionsCredit: Instagram / m.itaumaItauma in Zdiar, Slovakia in 2019Credit: Instagram / m.itauma“And then, on my dad’s side, everyone knows about African culture and them being stupidly strong.“Just look at the boxing landscape now, Lawrence Okolie, Richard Riakporhe, Anthony Joshua, Joe Joyce, Daniel Dubois and Deontay Wilder, all of Nigerian heritage.“And in the UFC you have guys like Israel Adesanya and Kamaru Usman, the proof is in the pudding.”The buzz around Itauma has been shaking gym walls for five years, when aged just 15 he started arriving to spar the likes of Joyce and Okolie while still in his school uniform.There has been a concern that the latest British boxing ace was being overhyped and – like Dubois – was destined for a fall.But the one-round demolition of respected Demsey McKean in December opened the floodgates for fanfare and outrageous predictions that we have a mutant mix of Mike Tyson and Oleksandr Usyk on our lucky hands – and Itauma isn’t interested in dampening those flames.“Anything outside of the boxing ring is not really my expertise,” he told us at a Mayfair lunch arranged by manager Francis Warren.“When I get asked questions, I try to articulate the answers as best I can, but it’s not my job, it’s my job to fight. It doesn’t matter how I answer these questions, as long as I am respectful. It’s not my job to talk.“I had a couple of problems going into that fight and my coach even thought about pulling me out.“Dempsey was a big test for me but my coach wondered if it was worth potentially losing.“But I knew I could breeze into the fight, not get hit, and potentially knock him out early and that’s the only reason that the fight happened.“Before the fight, I said to myself ‘if I am the person that I think I am, then I should breeze through Dempsey’. And I did.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So I am the person I think I am.“I don’t need to be overhyped.”Itauma sat down to chat to SunSportCredit: The Sun More

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      KSI net worth: How much will YouTube boxing star earn for HUGE grudge match against Dillon Danis

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      YOUTUBE sensation KSI returns to the boxing ring to take on Dillon Danis on Saturday, March 29.The Londoner, who currently has over 40 million YouTube subscribers over two channels, will fight former UFC star Dillon Danis at the AO Arena in Manchester.KSI will take on Dillon Danis at the AO Arena in ManchesterCredit: Ben Whitley/PA WireKSI co-owns the hydration brand PrimeCredit: Joseph Okpako/WireImageKSI’s hit song “Thick Of It” was nominated for Song of the Year at the Brit AwardsCredit: ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGAThe YouTuber was also a guest judge on Britain’s Got TalentCredit: Ian West/PA WireKSI will step foot into the ring for the first time since his loss to Tommy Fury in October 2023.The 31-year-old heads into the fight in Manchester off the back of successfully selling out Wembley Stadium in the Sidemen Charity Match. He has teamed up with his former rival Logan Paul to create brands such as Prime and Lunchly. The YouTuber-turned-boxer has also helped to set up the Baller League in the UK.The popular hydration drink is used by sports teams such as Arsenal.Who is KSI and what is his real name?KSI was born June 19, 1993, and is an English YouTube personality, rapper, comedian and actor.KSI started his boxing career against Joe Weller in 2018.Credit: Matt McNulty/Getty ImagesThe 31-year-old’s real name is Olajide William “JJ” Olatunji.He attended the independent Berkhamsted School alongside future Sideman member and YouTube collaborator Simon Minter, better known as Miniminter.Most read in BoxingKSI – which stands for knowledge, strength, integrity – first arrived on the YouTube scene in 2009, originally posting videos about video games.How did KSI become famous?KSI made the decision to drop out of school in order to pursue his dreams – a decision initially ridiculed by his family who valued higher education.KSI has ventured into football by helping to bring Baller League to the UKCredit: John Walton/PA WireInstead, KSI created a YouTube account when he was a teenager, and started to produce entertaining content.KSI began recording videos on YouTube in 2008, and they revolved around playing popular video game FIFA.He quickly grew a large following, opening up more avenues for his career.KSI then branched out into music, while also helping create popular YouTube group the Sidemen.He has earned 39.8m YouTube subscribers across his two channels.What is KSI’s net worth?KSI has a net worth estimated at around £77m, as per Celebrity Net Worth.The exact figure, converted from $100m, is £77,188,900The Brit has a property portfolio worth millions, and has earned billions of views on YouTube.KSI is also heavily into crypto.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis business ventures into Prime, Lunchly and the Baller League have seen his wealth rise massively. The Watford-born Brit has a net worth of £77mCredit: GettyHow much will KSI earn from the Dillon Danis fight?There is no confirmed purse from this fight, but the rumoured purse for his fight with Tommy Fury was £10m. A news site expects KSI to pocket just under £6m from the fightCredit: Rex More

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      Dillon Danis net worth 2025: How much has the former MMA and boxing star made in his career?

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      FORMER MMA welterweight fighter Dillon Danis is set to fight KSI on Saturday, March 29. His debut grudge Misfits Boxing clash against Logan Paul ended in disqualification, as Danis attempted to put Paul in a guillotine.Dillon Danis takes on KSI in ManchesterCredit: Ben Whitley/PA WireDanis lost his debut boxing match against Logan Paul by DQCredit: Benjamin Wareing/ Alamy Live NewsDanis has a background in MMACredit: Reuters/Jason CairnduffDanis will return to action against KSI, with the pair finally coming to blows after Wayne Bridge pulled out. KSI will take on Danis on a card that will also see Darren Till and Roman Fury in action. What is Dillon Danis’ net worth in 2023?Dillon Danis is estimated to have a net worth of £1.8m ($2m).His net worth has dropped slightly since his Misfits debut, due to not fighting for over 12 months. READ MORE ABOUT DILLON DANISThe controversial American mixed martial arts fighter has not fought in MMA since a win over Max Humphrey in March 2021. Danis regularly shows his flashy and luxurious lifestyle on social media, with his 5.2 million followers on Instagram alone, and over 921,000 followers on X.  How much has Dillion Danis earned in his career?MMA star Danis, nicknamed El Jefe, had fought twice in MMA, with two wins.As a Bellator welterweight contender, Danis reportedly got paid between $100,000 and $120,000 for each of his two outings. Most read in BoxingWith Danis winning both of his fights, there could even be the possibility of earning a few hefty bonuses too. Danis has made a reputation for himself in the combat sports community and is well known for this Brazilian jiu-jitsu and grappling abilities. Danis is well known for being a brash and loud fighter which has attracted attention for his verbal sparring and disputes with other competitors.  His well-known friendship with fellow MMA fighter Conor McGregor has raised his reputation even more in the mixed martial arts field. On Piers Morgan Uncensored, Danis claimed he was paid over $1 million for the fight with Logan Paul. When is Dillon Danis fighting KSI?Dillon Danis will take on KSI at the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday, March 29. The fight will be available to stream on DAZN. The pair will finally come to blows, after Danis originally pulled out of a fight against KSI in 2023. More

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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