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    Katie Taylor makes pivotal career decision that hints at next fight as rival declares ‘I don’t need to fight you’

    KATIE TAYLOR has relinquished her WBC lightweight world title – with Caroline Dubois elevated from interim champion.The Bray woman, 38, has held the WBC strap since 2019, when she beat Delfine Persoon to become undisputed champ at 135lbs.Katie Taylor has vacated the WBC lightweight world titleCredit: Getty Images – GettyCaroline Dubois has been upgraded from interim holderCredit: Getty Images – GettyShe has not fought at lightweight since 2022, with her last three fights – against Chantelle Cameron (2) and Amanda Serrano – being at super lightweight where she is also undisputed.Caroline Dubois was crowned interim champion with a unanimous points victory over Maira Moneo in August.And on Wednesday, it was revealed that she had been promoted to champion proper after Taylor had relinquished the WBC belt.The 23-year-old would have been Taylor’s next mandatory challenger, with Wednesday’s news the clearance indication that the Irishwoman could stay at 140lbs.However, asked if she was disappointed to have lost the chance to fight the Bray woman, Dubois told Sky Sports: “I understand the boxing game completely. “For me, I am so grateful that I don’t need Katie Taylor in my career. “It would be an amazing fight if it happens, and if it happens, you know I will be ready but if it doesn’t happen, there are so many other fights out there for me to fight that would just be as legacy making. “I am happy to go my way and she can go hers.”Most read in BoxingDubois defend the title on her 24th birthday – January 11 – against Jessica Camara.Her promoter Ben Shalom said: “We would like to thank WBC, president Mauricio Sulaiman and the board of governors for upgrading Caroline.Eddie Hearn reacts wildy in the ring as Katie Taylor beats Amanda Serrano”The WBC lightweight title is active again and in Caroline the WBC has a champion who can rule for many years to come.”We are only just starting to see her true potential. We believe Caroline will become the future face of women’s boxing.”The sister of male heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois had previously spoken publicly about her desire to fight Taylor.Speaking to Sky Sports at the end of November, the Brit accused the 24-1 ace of “hoarding the belt”.She said: “I’m mandatory to the belt. Katie needs to either come back down and fight me or let the belt go.”She hasn’t fought for the belt for over a year now. It seems apparent that she’s not going to come back down to 135lbs.”So she’s just hoarding the belt, stopping me in my tracks and my future and my career, for what purpose?READ MORE SUN STORIES”She’s done so well in her career, she’s fought Amanda Serrano, I’m sure she’s going to want the trilogy, that’s going to be a big money fight. But that will be at 140lbs.”So there’s no business even holding onto the belt. Just let it go and I get on with my career and she can get on with hers.” More

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    Who is ring girl Sydney Thomas?

    SYDNEY Thomas is a ring girl who has become a social media sensation. The star rocketed to fame when she was on duty for Jake Paul and Mike Tyson’s boxing match on November 15, 2024.Sydney Thomas is a famous ring girlCredit: Instagram/@iamsydneythomasSydney is also a model in her spare timeCredit: Instagram/@iamsydneythomasSydney stood ringside at Jake Paul’s fight with Mike TysonCredit: Reuters – USA Today SportsMeet Sydney ThomasSydney was born in 2003 and is an aspiring model. She rocketed to fame in 2024 and has even hinted that she may pursue her dream of becoming a full-time ring girl. Even the YouTuber Jake Paul has become a fan of the model. According to Sydney, the former-Youtuber-turned-boxer told her to “keep doing your thing” because she was “doing a great job”.Read More on SportStar of the show at Jake Paul vs Mike TysonSydney was the breakout star of Jake Paul’s boxing match with Mike Tyson which took place on November 15, 2024. Over 60 million people watched the thrilling fight unfold on Netflix, where Sydney worked as a ring girl. She took to Instagram to describe how “grateful” she was for the opportunity. Sydney also described the fight, in which Jake Paul was victorious, as “historic”.Most read in BoxingSocial media influencerSince appearing at Mike Tyson’s fight with Jake Paul, Sydney’s social media accounts have been flooded with new fans and followers. She has over one million followers on TikTok (as of December 11, 2024) and uses the social media platform to share insights into her life. Fans claims Jake Paul’s win over Mike Tyson was ‘fixed’ as new footage of fight emergesIn one video, she revealed the secret to her success.She said: “I think the biggest investment you can make in your life is an investment in yourself, so that’s where I spend most of my time.” When she isn’t working as an influencer, Sydney is a student at the University of Alabama.Sydney Thomas’ dating historySydney opened up about dumping her boyfriend as her career began to take off. She said that she had “no problems with him at all” and even added that he was “great”.However, the star felt that she needed time to “discover who I am”.Sydney added: “As hard as it was to lose him and lose each other, I feel like it’s all part of God’s plan. “It works out in the end.”The ring girl opened up about the kind of man that she is looking for in the future. She said: “I need a man that’s taller than six foot. I’m a tall girl, so I’d like a tall man in my life.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I also need someone who is respectful. “That’s honestly one of the biggest turn-offs for me – when a man isn’t respectful.” More

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    Logan Paul’s two-word response after John Fury calls him out for fight on undercard of Jake vs Tommy rematch

    LOGAN PAUL has responded with a two-word reply after John Fury called him out to a fight. Paul’s brother Jake was beaten in February 2023 by John’s son Tommy with the two talking up a rematch. John Fury called out Logan Paul to a fight on son Tommy’s undercardCredit: RexJake Paul remains linked with a rematch against TommyCredit: @loganpaulBut Logan claimed on his podcast that Tommy “won’t fight Jake.” That sparked a furious response from Tommy’s dad and coach John – who called out Logan for a fight. He said: “This is a message to Logan Paul. You keep going on about Tommy Fury not wanting to fight your brother.”Here’s one for you my friend. He does want to fight your brother and I’ll tell you what else, I will fight you on the undercard.READ MORE IN b”As soon as possible, ASAP. I’m sick of people saying ‘I won’t do this and I won’t do that.’ I will show you how I’ll do.”Tommy will fight your brother as early as end of February or end of January and I’ll fight you on the undercard. “You’re a lot younger than me, we know that. You’re a 15st man, but I won’t do as other fighters do… “I will let my punches go at you. I’m sick of the critics saying ‘I won’t do this’ or ‘I won’t do that and I’m a coward.’Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I will show you how much of a coward I am, I will fight you anywhere in the world except America on your brother and Tommy’s undercard.”Get back to me if you’re interested… I will fight you Logan Paul and I will throw punches at you. I will let my hands go and I won’t s*** myself.Tommy Fury calls out Jake Paul for rematch as war-of-words continues”I’ll let my f***ing hands go. So, if you’re interested, let me know and I’ll fight you on your brother and Tommy’s undercard wherever it may be in the world.” John, 59, is unable to enter America due to a previous prison conviction for gouging out a man’s eye in a brawl.He had 13 professional fights, winning eight, losing four and drawing one – while claiming to have had a fearsome bare-knuckle record. Logan meanwhile has boxed four times, firstly drawing to YouTuber KSI in 2018 before losing the rematch a year later. He then took boxing great Floyd Mayweather eight exhibition rounds in 2021 before disqualification victory over MMA star Dillon Danis in 2023. Logan, 29, has since focused his efforts on the WWE but opened the door to a fight with John. Tommy will fight your brother as early as end of February or end of January and I’ll fight you on the undercard. John Fury’s message to Logan Paul He responded online: “Start training.” Tommy, 25, beat Jake, 27, via split-decision in their Saudi Arabia grudge match. But he has fought just once since, beating KSI, 31, by disputed decision in October 2023 before undergoing hand surgery. Tommy was due to return on January 18 in Manchester against former UFC title challenger Darren Till. But after Till, 31, threatened to KICK the ex-Love Islander in the head, Tommy announced he was pulling out. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has since turned his attention to a rematch with Jake, who has won five times following his first and so far only loss. The American is coming off an eight-round points victory over 58-year-old Mike Tyson – in a bout slammed over the age difference.Jake Paul was beaten by Tommy Fury in 2023Credit: Getty More

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    Jake Paul drags Molly-Mae into row with ‘muppet’ Tommy Fury after Love Island star calls out YouTuber for rematch

    JAKE PAUL blasted Tommy Fury as a “muppet” and dragged Molly-Mae Hague into their war-of-words amid speculation of a rematch. Fury became the first and so far only fighter to beat YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul following his split-decision win in Saudi Arabia in February 2023. Jake Paul as blasted Tommy Fury as a ‘muppet’Credit: SportsfileTommy Fury called out Jake Paul for a rematchCredit: RexMolly-Mae Hague has been dragged into the feudCredit: SplashAnd the celebrity fight rivals have continued to feud building towards a lucrative second bout between them. Paul, 27, recently claimed in a now-deleted social media post that Fury, 25, turned down $8million (£6.2m) to rematch. But the 2019 Love Islander – who recently pulled out of facing ex-UFC star Darren Till – hit back on Instagram. Fury said: “So I just woke up and I saw Logan Paul talking on his podcast about how I don’t want to fight Jake and that I’m running scared. READ MORE IN BOXING”I saw Jake tweet the other day about how he offered me XYZ on Netflix. I just wanted to come on here and say no-one’s running from that fight.”I beat you once already, I handed you your first loss. The minute you stepped up and fought a real boxer you lost, fair and square.”I can give you a second loss, that’s not a problem but let’s talk some serious numbers down the phone.”If you want to get in touch you know where I am. It’s as easy as that.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I can come back after a year and beat the pair of you so at the end of the day if you want to fight let’s talk some serious numbers, you know where I am”If you want to get in touch you know where I am. It’s as easy as that.Tyson Fury’s dad John calls out Logan Paul for fight on undercard if Tommy and Jake Paul rematch”I can come back after a year and beat the pair of you so at the end of the day if you want to fight let’s talk some serious numbers, you know where I am.” Paul has won five times since his sole boxing loss, most recently on points over eight round against 58-year-old Mike Tyson. Fury meanwhile beat Paul’s arch rival KSI, 31, on points in October 2023 but has not returned yet since amid a hand injury. He was due to on January 18 in Manchester against Till, 31, but withdrew after the MMA fighter made threats to KICK him in the bout. Responding to Fury’s video, Paul posted: “What an absolute muppet. Buddy you just pulled out of a fight for the 3rd time. You have ZERO credibility.”I offered you $8M dollars and you ran away from it. And now you got dumped by Molly, getting sued by DAZN and still can’t call a shot without your dad.” I can give you a second loss, that’s not a problem but let’s talk some serious numbers down the phone.Tommy Fury to Jake PaulSunSport understands Fury is not facing legal action from DAZN and the pay-per-view fight with Till does still remain on. Fury said in reply: “I’ve got plenty of credibility pal, beat both you and that other mug inside 9 months.”No matter what you do, you’ve always got that loss to me. I’ll always be your boss, you can’t change anything.”You’re just not good enough.” Paul responded: “Is that what you said to Molly mae when she left your dirty ass, “pal”.” READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Fury, who split with Molly-Mae this year, wrote: “Resorting to my personal life when you haven’t got a clue, instead of discussing boxing.”I must really be living in your head rent free since I beat you. The fear of another L is real…” Jake Paul was beaten by Tommy Fury in 2023Credit: GETTY More

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    I started boxing after becoming hooligan who loved Football Factory – now I’ve got legendary Lennox Lewis in my corner

    CONSTANTINO NANGA has gone from running riot with rough and ready football hooligans to being one of the best unknown light-heavyweight prospects in the world.The undefeated Angolan-born Swedish slugger had aspirations of emulating Cristiano Ronaldo and playing for Manchester United when he was a youngster.Constantino Nanga’s first taste of fighting was alongside football hooligansCredit: Instagram / costasnangaHe is now an up and coming light-heavyweight prospectCredit: Instagram / costasnangaNanga has a 12-0 recordCredit: Instagram / costasnangaThe great Lennox Lewis has taken a shine to himCredit: GettyBut he also dreamed of being most notorious hooligan ever after being inspired by a slew of movies, including ‘Football Factory’.Nanga took to the hooligan lifestyle like a duck to water, relishing the violence which came with each of the Hammarby firm’s encounters with rivals.But after seeing Nanga do a number on many an opposition firm member, one of the old guard encouraged him to get paid for his love of fighting.In an exclusive interview with SunSport, the 28-year-old said: “At one stage of my life, I understood that I wouldn’t be that football player.READ MORE BOXING NEWS”So then it was easy for me. I was like, ‘Okay, what’s my second dream?’ Football hooligan.”And through that football hooliganism, I came into fighting. And the elder in my hooligan firm told me, ‘You’re actually pretty good.'”‘You should let off that hooligan thing and take this fighting thing seriously.'”They were the ones who pushed me to take fighting more seriously. So that’s why I’m here.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe trained to be the ‘best hooligan’ instead of boxerCredit: Instagram / costasnangaNanga, however, didn’t treat each subsequent gruelling session at the gym as a means to become a better boxer.”I had no thought to become a professional fighter,” he admitted.Lennox Lewis says he wishes he could have mentored Anthony Joshua out of his lost wilderness years”Even when train fighting, it was with no intention to do it professionally. Because my intention was to be a football player.”And my second dream goal was to be a football hooligan, the best in the world. The best in the world.”So I trained fighting to become the best hooligan.”I treated hooliganism just like I treat my fighting today, like a professional trying to become the best.”Nanga may have been training to be the most feared football hooligan on the planet, but his hard graft in the gym paid off in the ring.The 175lbs prospect has racked up a perfect 12-0 record since making his professional debut in November 2022.Constantino Nanga is thrilled to have Lewis involved with his teamCredit: Instagram / costasnangaHe may not be a household name, but he’s already caught the eye of Brit boxing great Lennox Lewis – who is advising him as he looks to make his way up the ranks.Being mentored by the undisputed king of the heavyweights is something Nanga is still coming to terms with.He said: “I’m glad [Lennox has chosen to work with me]. Maybe it was meant [to be], I don’t know.”But the best thing and what I’m most grateful for is that it could have been another fighter, another promoter or others boxing personalities that I could have met.”Who also could have given me many benefits and can be beneficial for my career.”But the fact that it’s Lennox and his personality, his character and who he is as a person, that’s why I’m grateful.READ MORE SUN STORIES”That’s everything I wished for, you know, in a person as an advisor.”Lewis sees a bright future for Nanga, so long as he gets the fights he “needs” and takes on board his punchy pearls of wisdom.Nanga with his girlfriend Fanny KaiserCredit: Instagram / costasnangaThe couple met aged 18Credit: Instagram / costasnanga More

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    Moment Floyd Mayweather is attacked by mob in ‘row over Israel-Palestine’ while he was jewellery shopping in London

    BOXING legend Floyd “Money” Mayweather is attacked in the street as he went shopping in Central London – amid fears he was targeted over his support for Israel.A mob descended on the undefeated ex-champion and his entourage as the bling-loving king of the ring went shopping in posh Hatton Garden.Floyd Mayweather gets into an altercation at Hatton Garden tonightThe former boxing champ was clearly angered at events that had unfoldedEarlier Mayweather was seen browsing in shopsMayweather and his team then got in their car and leftMayweather, who was dressed in a green jacket, looked angry as he and his security were followed in the capital.The 47-year-old was confronted by a mob as his bodyguards bundled him out of a top jewellery store and into a waiting black 4×4.A source close to Mayweather insisted that at no point during the chaos was the fighter touched.They added “the crowd used racial slurs” towards him.Read More in SportOne witness, who declined to be named, filmed the incident after it spiralled out of the store and into the street.He told The Sun: “There were maybe about eight to ten people involved in going after him, and about 20 or 25 watching on.“Mayweather’s security team were outnumbered. “Someone said that Mayweather had been shopping when he was asked why he supported Israel. He doubled down and said he was proud to support the Jews.Most read in Boxing”Then someone took a swing at him because of that. It looked very targeted. “He was bundled out of the shop but by then there were multiple people trying to hit him, and pushing his security guards.” The eyewitness continued: “Floyd took a few hits during it, but his security was trying to push people back.“I couldn’t really see Floyd trying to throw any punches back. His guards were just trying to get distance between him and them. “They got him into a car and tapped the roof two times, then it sped off. Clearly they were desperate to get him out of there.“It was over within two minutes.”Floyd Mayweather, 47, flashes wads of cash before flying out to exhibition fight against John Gotti III on private jetIt is feared Mayweather was targeted by pro-Gaza supporters over his staunch backing of Israel.The attack came days after the boxer launched the Mayweather Israel Initiative, which he says will give every orphan in Israel a free birthday present. Mayweather has also visited the Middle East and in October branded Israel his “home away from home”.In one of the videos a man can be heard saying: “You’re not gonna believe this man.”Money Mayweather just got punched up bro.”Mayweather appeared to be followed by a group of men as he and his security team walked towards a black car.With tensions rising, the ex-boxing champion then got into his car as they drove off amid ugly scenes.In another video, Mayweather was seen browsing in a store with expensive watches and jewellery on show.Mayweather was one of the first major Western stars to visit Israel in the aftermath of Hamas’ October 7 attacks last year, when 1,200 Israeli civilians were slaughtered by Islamic terrorists.In February the boxer was confronted by a pro-Palestinian activist during a press conference in Las Vegas to launch his new vape brand.His security team reportedly confiscated a Palestinian flag from an audience member – prompting loud chants of “Free Palestine”.During a visit last month, Mayweather joined Israel Defense Forces troops at a military base, where he hosted a barbecue. And he was a guest of Netanyahu, 75, at a private meeting to discuss the history of Israel. Mayweather wrote online: “It was an honour to meet with you today.“Your strength and courage are unmatched, and your commitment to protecting the Jewish people and citizens of Israel is truly inspiring. Keep using your voice and never back down.“This week in Israel has been deeply emotional for me.“Visiting injured soldiers, meeting families of fallen heroes, and connecting with the people of Israel has been a humbling experience.”Mayweather officially retired in 2017 after beating UFC superstar Conor McGregor, 36, but he has continued to box in exhibitions.The boxing legend boasts an incredible array of wealth, including the tallest commercial building in the USA as one of NINE skyscrapers that he owns.His other business ventures also include the ownership of boxing and fitness gyms around the world, a NASCAR team and a 26,000-square-foot skate park facility.Mayweather also has a foundation welfare cause set up since 2009 which provides a range of services such as free food and learning opportunities for youngsters.It comes after reports the boxer splashed out more than £300million ($400m) for a set of New York apartments.READ MORE SUN STORIESMayweather has a vast business empire including property, cars and watches.However, he is set to add to that empire after agreeing a mega-money deal for a block of Manhattan apartments.Mayweather is still boxing in exhibitions despite retiringCredit: USA Today SportsMayweather and his security were pushed back by an angry mobFloyd Mayweather has visited Israel this yearCredit: Twitter More

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    Stunning Sydney Thomas hints she’s returning as a ring girl for first time since going viral at Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson

    SYDNEY THOMAS has hinted that she could be returning to ring girl duties this weekend.The university student, 21, shot to fame last month by working as one of five ring girls at the Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul bout.Sydney Thomas recently visited MiamiCredit: INSTAGRAM / @iamsydneythomasThe student and model posted a series of snaps from her tripCredit: INSTAGRAM / @iamsydneythomasSydney recently celebrated turning 21Credit: INSTAGRAM / @iamsydneythomasSydney poses for a snap with a palCredit: INSTAGRAM / @iamsydneythomasSydney subsequently gained a huge fanbase, now boasting more than 800,000 on Instagram.Last night she raised hopes that she could be back in the ring this Friday, by promoting a DAZN card.She posted a promo for the Most Valuable Promotions event taking place in Orlando this Friday night.The main event will see Wanna Walton take on Erik Hanley in a super welterweight bout.READ MORE ON SYDNEY THOMASSydney wrote: “MVP fight night this Friday in Orlando. Tune in live on @DAZNboxing.”The popular ring girl attends the University of Alabama, based in Tuscaloosa.This means that Orlando would be just a 90 minute flight away.Sydney also posted a link to tickets for the event, which is set to take place at the Caribe Royale resort.Most read in BoxingSydney posted a promo for this Friday night’s fight cardCredit: INSTAGRAM / @iamsydneythomasShe shot to fame working as a ring girl at the recent Tyson-Paul cardCredit: Instagram / @iamsydneythomasThe model gathered a huge social media following during the eventCredit: Instagram / @iamsydneythomasSince shooting to fame, Sydney has kept her followers up to date with her busy schedule.She recently celebrated turning 21 with a trip to Miami, subsequently posting a photodump.Stunning Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson ring girls oil up as they share behind-the-scenes video of Netflix fight Sydney also confirmed that she is single, having broken up with her ex-boyfriend earlier this year.In addition to being a student and working as a ring girl, she is part of the St. Louis Cardinals’ hype squad.While she has also worked as a catwalk model.Sydney posed with balloons during her recent birthday celebrationsCredit: Instagram / @iamsydneythomasThe University of Alabama student is a sports fanaticCredit: X/itssydneythomasSydney now has more than 800,000 Instagram followersCredit: Instagram/ @iamsydneythomasFans adore the American’s social media contentCredit: Instagram/iamsydneythomas More

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    Oleksandr Usyk has weakness that Tyson Fury didn’t exploit enough, says Frank Warren ahead of huge heavyweight rematch

    FRANK WARREN claims Tyson Fury knows Oleksandr Usyk’s biggest weakness ahead of their blockbuster rematch.Fury, 36, and Usyk, 37, are set to lock horns on December 21 at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Tyson Fury has learned Oleksandr Usyk’s weakness ahead of their rematchCredit: PAFury’s promoter Frank Warren claims Usyk’s proved quite vulnerable when receiving body shotsCredit: GettyThe Gypsy King suffered his first ever loss against the Ukrainian, who beat him via split decision in May.However, the British superstar’s promoter Warren, 72, insists his fighter has learned his lessons and is set for a very different bout with his undefeated rival.The boxing entrepreneur claims Usyk appeared especially vulnerable when he received body shots.Fury’s rep claims the heavyweight star didn’t exploit that weakness enough, but next time his client will “rectify” that error.Read More on BoxingWarren told TNT Sports: “Usyk has a weakness that Tyson did not exploit like he should have, which is his body.”And I’m telling you something, that will be rectified. Of course [Fury needs to be more aggressive].”Even when he was backing off him, there was quite a bit in those early rounds of that fight where Tyson was in the corner.”And he’s in the corner and he’s tucking up and Usyk was being very aggressive.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”What Usyk does when he’s got you like that is stand square on, and that was when he was clipping him with that uppercut, he caught him every time with that.”Fury thought he did enough to have his hand raised in his first meeting with Usyk.’Horror movie’ trailer for Tyson Fury vs Usyk II released ahead of fight as fans hail ‘best one yet’And the Mancunian bruiser plans to take the fight out of the judges’ hands in their second successive rumble.He said: “I’m going to roll the dice and it’s going to be you or me… best foot forward and swing away.”I’ve never been afraid to get knocked spark out. I’ve always put it on the line every time.”He continued: “There’s no secret. I’m going in there to knock you out.”Because I don’t think I’m going to get a decision no matter what I do.”I don’t think I’m going to get a boxing decision.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So I’m going to have to take it out of the judges’ hands like I did in America that time [against Deontay Wilder].”And I’ve got to get him (Usyk) out of there. Hand on heart, I have to get him out of there to see victory.” More