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      Fans baffled at ‘awkward’ fight as they can’t get over the height difference between boxers on AJ vs Ngannou undercard

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      BOXING fans were left absolutely stunned after seeing the height difference between Rey Vargas and Nick Ball.Liverpool’s Ball challenged the Mexican for the WBC featherweight title on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s crossover clash with Francis Ngannou.Nick Ball challenged Rey Vargas for the WBC featherweight title in Saudi Arabia on Friday nightCredit: GETTYThe height difference was apparent as soon as the fight got underwayCredit: GETTYVargas established his jab quickly to keep Ball at bayCredit: REUTERSThe height difference between the 5’11 Vargas and 5’2 Ball was apparent during their pre-fight face-offs.But it was really on show when they went to war in the Kingdom Arena, prompting a slew of comments from fight fans.One wrote: “Funniest height difference I have ever seen.”Another said: “Still can’t get over this height difference!”READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd another said: “The height difference between these 2 fighters is hilarious.”One remarked: “I’m not sure I’ve ever seen such a difference in height between two boxers.”Another bemused watcher said: “This fight just looks funny to me. “What’s the height difference here?”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUTAnd another said: “Nah the height difference is crazy, just looks awkward in there.”Ball’s promoter Frank Warren was left stunned by the height difference between after seeing the pair face off midweek, saying: “It’s a tough fight [for Ball].Amir Khan arrives to watch Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou”I didn’t realise the absolute [size] disparity.”I think that’s an advantage for Nick and I hope that’s an advantage, he’ll even make himself smaller.”All Vargas will be doing is punching down and maybe trying to lift his shots up.”He’s a quality fighter and he’s fighting a quality challenger.”I honestly feel Nick has the tools to do it and fingers crossed that’ll be the case.”Ball enters his first crack at a world title on the back of a decision win over former WBO light-featherweight champ Issac Dogboe.Nick Ball tried his best to make the fight a scrappy affairCredit: Getty More

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      ‘More noise in a Wetherspoons’ slam fans as Jose Mourinho gets ‘biggest cheer of the night’ at Joshua vs Ngannou fight

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      BOXING fans slammed the awful atmosphere for Anthony Joshua’s showdown with Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia.There were plenty of fights on the undercard to whip up some excitement among the spectators but there was a flat atmosphere inside the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.There was a big cheer when the camera panned to Jose MourinhoKevin Lerena vs Justis Huni went the distance and almost had a final round knock-out, while Gavin Gwynne was stopped because of a nasty-looking eye injury in an all-British clash with Mark Chamberlain.Even the even the fiery world title fight encounter between Brit Nick Ball and Rey Vargas was met with little reaction, despite several knockdowns and Ball controversially being denied a win.But the fights failed to inspire the crowd and it was in fact Jose Mourinho who got the biggest cheer of the night before the main event.Mourinho, who was sacked by Roma in January, had a front row seat for the night’s action.READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd when cameras panned to the Special One his appearance was met with a huge applause by other fans in attendance.Viewers watching on from home slammed how quiet the event was, with some claiming it seemed “fake”.One reacted saying: “HAHAHAHAHAHA only cheer of the night so far for Jose Mourinho.”The whole thing is so fake.”Most read in BoxingCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Another added: “It’s tragic.”A third wrote: “Atmosphere at the boxing is shocking. I’ve heard more noise in a Wetherspoons on a Monday morning.”His Excellency Turki Alalshikh’s favourite fighter Mark Chamberlain beats Gavin Gwynne via fifth round TKO Pundit Simon Jordan said of the event: “#JoshuaNgannou… rocking atmosphere in Saudi ..🤥”Despicable decision on the Nick Ball fight.”And another commented: “This boxing undercard and atmosphere is awful, putting Gogglebox on instead 🤣” More

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      I had to give up digging holes in roads around Kent to secure stunning first-round KO on Joshua vs Ngannou undercard

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      LOUIS GREENE went from digging holes and fitting water pipes to knocking out a highly-touted prospect on the Anthony Joshua undercard in Saudi Arabia.The 31-year-old locked horns with undefeated Liverpudlian Jack McGann in the preliminary fights on the mega-money Joshua vs Ngannou card.Louis Greene knocked out Jack McGann on the Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou undercardCredit: GETTYGreene was digging holes in Kent roads just weeks before the biggest win of his careerCredit: GETTYGreene entered the contest as a huge underdog, with many seeing him as a lamb to the slaughter.But he bagged the biggest win of his career with a vicious right hook in the first round that left McGann out for the count.Dad of two Greene was overcome with emotion after the fight and revealed he quit his day job in a bid to make one last run at rising up the super-welterweight ranks.’The Medway Mauler’ said: “I gave up work for this. READ MORE IN BOXING”I jumped from job to job that fit around [my training], provided for my kids, and being able to fight for a living.”For this one, I gave up work completely to come here and put on a show.”I knew I was going to do it. I was confident all week.”I’m not a betting man, my brother just won a couple of grand on me because he bet this round.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUT”I was digging holes, fitting water mains with my pal George, who is sitting there, in the slum we live in.”Greene was quick to pay a heartfelt tribute to his dad, who he credits for saving him from a stint behind bars.Louis Greene SHOCKS boxing world with first round TKO win over Jack McGannHe added: “Me and my dad come from nothing,” he said. “Absolutely nothing!”Just a working class background and I was a bad kid. I was on my way to prison and my dad saved me, stuck by me, and my dad is a Postman.”My dad is here with me now sharing all of this.”I can’t even put into words how it feels.”I had a son when I was 16 years old and I feel like I owe my life to him.”Greene plans to celebrate with a good old-fashioned boozy knees-up when he gets back to the UK.He said: “It’s going to be rammed with the beers when I get back, boys.” More

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      ‘Killing it’ – Boxing fans rushing to change channel as they realise who’s presenting Anthony Joshua vs Ngannou on DAZN

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      BOXING fans rushed to DAZN when they realised Kate Abdo was presenting the boxing. Abdo is joined by David Haye and Conor Benn in Saudi Arabia ahead of Anthony Joshua’s fight with Francis Ngannou. Fans rushed to DAZN when they realised Kate Abdo was presenting the boxingCredit: DAZNAbdo is joined by David Haye and Conor Benn in Saudi ArabiaCredit: DAZNThe trio are working Anthony Joshua’s fight with Francis NgannouCredit: DAZNAnd despite having to fork out £19.99, viewers were left with no complaints after it was money well spent. One said: “Kate Abdo though…”Another added: “Kate Abdo is brilliant.” One hailed: “Man, @kate_abdo stays killing it with the outfits.” READ MORE IN BOXINGJoshua returns to Saudi for his third bout in the desert while Ngannou takes to the boxing ring for only the second time.The MMA superstar floored Tyson Fury on his debut last year only to lose a controversial split-decision.But he is back under Queensberry rules and weighed in a whopping 19st 6lb compared to Joshua at 18 stone.Ngannou, 37, said: “I’ve learnt a little bit from the last fight, the last camp, and leading up to this one.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”So, I get a little bit of experience, but the mindset is still the same.”This is just my second boxing match, even though I’m taking on the two best guys in the world in boxing, it’s still my second boxing match.Paris Fury leaves jaws on the floor as she wows in black dress and gold accessories as she joins Tyson at AJ vs Ngannou”I’m going out there to prove you can be an underdog and take it.”Joshua, 34, meanwhile quipped: “I’ll deliver. I’m the postman.”Joshua facing off with NgannouCredit: Getty More

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      Inside dramatic stadium transformation for Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou mega fight as arena looks unrecognisable

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      THE STAGE is set for Anthony Joshua’s blockbuster bout with Francis Ngannou – after the arena went through a dramatic transformation. Joshua faces Ngannou at the Kingdom Arena, where Neymar’s Al Hilal play their football. The Al Hilal stadium turning into the boxing venueOrganisers got to work for the makeoverThe stage is set for the fightThe pitch turned into a ring as organisers got to work for a sensational shakeup. Saudi’s boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh released amazing footage of the makeover with the final results a thing of beauty.The footage shows the turf being covered up and thousands of seats being placed where the pitch would normally be.A ring is then installed in the middle and a stage set – presumably for the ring walks.READ MORE IN BOXINGJoshua returns to Saudi for his third bout in the desert while Ngannou takes to the boxing ring for only the second time. The MMA superstar floored Tyson Fury on his debut last year only to lose a controversial split-decision.But he is back under Queensberry rules and weighed in a whopping 19st 6lb compared to Joshua at 18 stone. Ngannou, 37, said: “I’ve learnt a little bit from the last fight, the last camp, and leading up to this one.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”So, I get a little bit of experience, but the mindset is still the same.”This is just my second boxing match, even though I’m taking on the two best guys in the world in boxing, it’s still my second boxing match.”I’m going out there to prove you can be an underdog and take it.”Joshua, 34, meanwhile quipped: “I’ll deliver. I’m the postman.” Francis Ngannou’s anticipated MMA return date REVEALED ahead of massive Anthony Joshua boxing fight More

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      Paris Fury leaves jaws on the floor as she wows in black dress and gold accessories as she joins Tyson at AJ vs Ngannou

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      PARIS FURY stole the spotlight from her world champion husband as the pair were spotted ringside in Saudi Arabia.The boxing world switches its focus to Riyadh tonight as Anthony Joshua faces Francis Ngannou.Paris and Tyson Fury were ringside in Saudi Arabia on FridayCredit: GettyParis looked stunning in her black dress as she cheered on the actionCredit: Sky SportsThe pair watched Roman Fury defeat Martin Svarc at the Kingdom ArenaCredit: GettyBoth Paris and Tyson had plenty of bling to accompany their outfitsCredit: Sky SportsAJ and the UFC legend, who floored Fury in October before controversially losing his first pro fight on points, main event a stacked card in the Middle East.Chinese champion Zhilei Zhang will also put his WBO interim Heavyweight title on the line against Joseph Parker – who is likely to have close pal and training partner Fury, 35, cheering him on again.However, earlier in the night the WBC heavyweight title holder and his wife were in the front row to witness another member of the Fury family in action.The pair watched his 27-year-old sibling Roman Fury coast past Martin Svarc on points to secure his fourth pro victory.READ MORE ON BOXINGAnd Fury’s other younger brother Tommy Fury, 23, was also at ringside with the Love islander star earlier calling out Conor McGregor.But despite Romeo getting his hand raised, it was the 34-year-old Paris that delivered the knockout performance.After leaving the couple’s seven children at home to make the nine hour flight on her own to reunite with Tyson, it was her who looked every inch the champion  in a stunning black dress with gold accessories.“Paris Fury is so sexy to me. The complete woman,” wrote one viewer on social media.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother declared that she “looks incredible” while she was hailed as being “stunning” by another.Paris and Tyson had visited one of Riyadh’s coolest tourist spots – the premier entertainment zone Boulevard World – before fight night.Paris Fury shares touching pics reuniting with Tyson in Saudi Arabia… with £3k suitcase and £4k handbag in tow Paris posted several snaps from their trip and captioned it: “We had a great night @blvdworldsa went around the world in one night.“Solved the pharaoh tomb mystery in Egypt, ran the scare house of Mexico, saw King Kong climbing the Empire State Building! Great fun. Have to bring the kids next time.”Paris even posted the couple shooting shotguns in the Saudi capital before one of them in Pharaoh’s tomb.Fury will feature on DAZN alongside David Haye and Conor Benn with Kate Abdo, Ade Oladipo and Ariel Helwani hosting for AJ vs Ngannou.Ngannou appeared to get the better of Fury during a pre-fight press conference on Thursday.The Gypsy King, who is preparing to unify the heavyweight division in May by fighting Oleksandr Usyk, gatecrashed the conference by sitting in the front row and heckling his former rival.Fury claimed that he would beat the ex-UFC champion in the ring or octagon.However, Ngannou responded: “I’m going to wipe the ring with your a*** again – there was blood in the ring! READ MORE SUN STORIES“Your only chance is in the boxing ring with boxing rules, when you step out the ring you better stay five metres away because if I lose it, you’ll have a really bad time my friend.“Respect the fact boxing rules are protecting you, because you are nothing in front of me. I’ll beat you every day, twice on Sunday!” More

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      Brave Kevin Lerena comes within seconds of huge boxing shock just two days after his mum passed away

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      KEVIN LERENA blew the chance to honour his mum with a sensational underdog win just 24hrs after her death – but earned the chance to pay tribute to her courage.The 31-year-old South African, who came agonisingly close to stunning Daniel Dubois in the opening round of their 2022 bout, had Justis Huni paralyzed in the tenth and final round but refused to pounce.Kevin Lerena fought Justis Huni less than a day after the death of his motherCredit: GETTYThe interim WBC bridgerweight champion struggled against the AussieCredit: REUTERSHe came close to finishing the fight in the final roundCredit: GETTYThe courageous son, who lost his mother on Thursday around the time he was weighing in for the Riyadh show, had 90 seconds to finish the Aussie off but coasted to the bell and lost a unanimous decision.In the ring after the brave defeat, he said: “There’s no such thing as good timing when somebody dies. Emotionally, it was tough.”But you can’t take anything away from this young man. He’s a tough competitor. I hurt him in the first, the second and the tenth [rounds].”So a testament to my guts. It’s back to the drawing board.READ MORE IN BOXING”I’m still bridgerweight interim champion. I believe, obviously, that I should have finished him. “But kudos to him, he stayed up like a tough guy and a young lion.”Just thanks to everybody for the wishes. it has been challenging, but no excuses.”My performance tonight isn’t based on my mom. I came out here for my mom in her honour. So thank you very much, everybody.”Most read in BoxingBut the loss was gutting for fight fans around the world who were willing him on to win after he wrote this heartbreaking statement.He said: “Today I lost the strongest woman I have ever known.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSJustis Huni lands a nasty lead uppercut on the chin of Kevin LerenaCredit: REUTERS“My mom fought tirelessly as a single mom to raise us, and her strength and determination will forever inspire me.“Even in her final moments she fought until the very end, she fought with all her might.Did you spot the subtle change Francis Ngannou made to taunt Anthony Joshua during intense face-off?“Mom, I love you and I will carry on your warrior spirit.“Tomorrow night, I WILL FIGHT in your honour because you were a LION and you raised a LION Your fight lives on in me, and I will always carry your strength with me.“Rest peacefully in God’s kingdom, and soar with the angels and now you are finally back with Dad. I love you Mom”Lerena deserved the opener with the judges after landing the heavier punches and controlling the centre of the ring.Huni looked dangerous working around the ropes and his clever left-foot pivot was smart, if a little predictable.Lerena’s excellent first punch of the second round set the tone. A crisp left-hand jab rocked Huni’s vulnerable head back and he struggled to cope with the remaining 179 seconds.The former cruiserweight landed a brilliant long left hand and at one stage Huni’s thick legs seemed to buckle and shake.But the Aussie stoically recovered and spent the final 30 seconds trying to snatch back the round, with Lerena catching most of the shots.Huni earned the third by being far busier, it looked like Lerena took a round off to recover from the power punches he threw and energy blown in the previous two.The fourth was the closest round, both men looked keen to conserve energy for the remaining six rounds and neither wanted to risk shipping a counter punch.But Team Lerena in the blue corner kept telling their man to target Huni’s body.Huni levelled the contest up by the time the sixth had finished, his straight right hands were heavy and he liked to whip a left-hand hook on the end of it, which caught Lerena when he backed away onto the ropes in a straight line and was easy to hit.Justis Huni celebrates staying unbeaten against Kevin LerenaCredit: GETTYThe white tape around Lerena’s gold gloves was pink with blood by the seventh, thanks to a cut that had opened over his peppered nose.But he still landed the cleaner and crisper shots, though Huni’s hands always looked heavier.Lerena overcommitted to a round-eight combination and was whacked with a horrible right hand that splashed more blood across his face.It was the first time he looked hurt in the 10-rounder and swayed the close bout in Huni’s favour.By round nine, the stone muscle difference in Huni’s favour was beginning to show.Lerena’s best shots were bouncing off his breeze-block head and the fire he returned was malicious.The final round – with everything to fight for – was bizarre.Lerena knocked all the sense out of Huni with a brilliant combination and the Queensland man froze.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut baffling Lerena refused to finish him, his prey was paralyzed but he repeatedly rejected the chance to go for the kill.The judges scored it 96-94, 96-94 and 98-92 to Huni, which was mostly fair apart from Howard Foster’s trademark far-too-wide blunder. More

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      Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou undercard fight stopped after Brit suffers horror eye injury

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      MARK CHAMBERLAIN continued his rapid rise up the lightweight ranks with a 15th win that left brave Gavin Gwynne with one horrid eye injury.The 25-year-old Portsmouth southpaw inflicted the wound with one of the very first punches of the Saudi Arabia bout and the tough Welshman never recovered.Gavin Gwynne suffered a nasty-looking eye injuryHis cutman did his best to reduce the swellingGwynne suffered the injury in the first roundHis team threw in the towel in the fifth roundAnd after a handful of checks on the peppered peeper, common sense finally prevailed and the brave 33-year-old was pulled out of the fire in round five.Gwynne’s right eye didn’t last the opening round after a barrage of the Pompey beanpole’s long and rasping shots left it a swollen and bloody mess.Chamberlain and his long limbs were ruthless from distance and clubbing up close with uppercuts.Referee Howard Foster inspected Gwynn’s eye before he gave Chamberlain another three minutes to ping it from all angles and gave the timekeeper the nod to carry on.READ MORE IN BOXINGGwynne was beyond brave to see out the second too, his cutman had to work wonders to keep him in the contest after more punishment.Before the third started, Foster called the ringside doctor up to the apron for a second opinion and he too permitted the one-sided show to go on.But it was clear to everyone in the Kingdom Arena that Gwynne was boxing with half his sight and destined to lose.And thankfully in round five – with their man pinned on the ropes and taking a pounding – Gwynne’s team threw in the towel.Most read in BoxingGwynne’s right eye sustained significant damageCredit: GettyMark Chamberlain celebrates his victoryCredit: GettyCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Hapless Foster missed the white flag of surrender for long enough to Chamberlain to land a few more unanswered blows.Until cries of “towel, towel” helped the blundering official to stop the onslaught.Inside dramatic stadium transformation as arena looks unrecognisable for Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou mega fight More