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    Daniel Dubois’ dad reveals full extent of viral infection that kept IBF champion out of Parker fight

    DANIEL DUBOIS’ dad has opened up on just how bad his viral infection was after the Brit was forced to withdraw from his bout with Joseph Parker.Dubois, 27, pulled out of his lucrative world title fight just two days before he was due to step in the ring in Riyadh, citing illness as the reason.Daniel Dubois’ dad has revealed the extent of the IBF champ’s virusCredit: GettyDubois was forced to withdraw from his fight with Joseph Parker due to illnessCredit: GettyTriple D was swiftly replaced by Congolese puncher Martin Bakole, who was battered by Parker on such short notice.Dubois would almost certainly have put up more of a fight, but was advised against gloving up after a consultation with a doctor.The IBF champion’s dad, Dave, told Ring Magazine exactly what happened.He said: “Fight week was going well until he became ill. Everything was perfect, then he started feeling unwell a couple days before.READ MORE IN BOXING”He had a virus, he had swollen glands and an ear infection so the doctor told him ‘I wouldn’t fight if I was you’. He said ‘you can fight, but after three rounds you’ll be feeling it’.”He’s had these problems before, swollen glands, viral infection, it’s been happening for about eight years and they usually last three of four days but he’s been alright after that.”With this it was just bad timing that it happened two days before the fight. Obviously it was very frustrating for him and us.”Dubois isn’t planning on returning to face Parker either, with his dad revealing he has something even bigger in mind.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “Next, he wants Usyk, it’s frustrating about the Parker fight but he couldn’t fight with an infection. Usyk is who we’re going after next.”Parker has taken a different view of Dubois’ withdrawal, labelling the whole ordeal as “weird” and sparking theories about what happened.Jake Paul in X-rated reaction as brother Logan reveals who his next opponent is During an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, he said: ”It feels weird because [Daniel Dubois] was at the public workout and then, just like that, he got real ill.”And there was no real statement. There’s no real proof or doctors. There’s nothing.”It feels a bit weird. It feels a bit strange that during that time that [Oleksandr] Usyk started calling out Dubois saying he wants him next.”Joseph Parker has claimed there is ‘no real proof’ that Dubois was illCredit: Getty More

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    Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan: Fight time, TV channel, live stream and FULL card as Irish stars clash 

    LEWIS CROCKER and Paddy Donovan go head-to-head on Saturday night as they main event a great night of boxing.The winner will be in for a chance to fight IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr after the bout was announced as a title eliminator.Lewis Crocker, left, and Paddy Donovan, right, face off in BelfastCredit: SportsfileLewis Crocker, 28, has an unbeaten record of 20 wins and 0 losses with 11 of the victories coming by knockout.In 2024, Crocker fought twice, most recently beating Conah Walker by decision – the other fight being a fantastic TKO victory against Jose Felix in the 5th round.With the event held at the SSE Arena in Belfast, Crocker will have the hometown advantage.While Donovan, 26, is coming into this fight with a record of 14 wins and 0 losses having won 11 of them by knockout.Fighting out of Limerick, Donovan is currently riding a sensational five fight TKO streak and has not gone to a decision since 2022.He also fought twice last year, with big victories over Lewis Ritson and Williams Andres Herrera.The huge bout headlines a stacked card in BelfastCredit: PacemakerWhen is Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan?Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan is set to take place Saturday, March 1.The card starts from 7pm GMT on DAZN.Crocker and Donovan are expected to make their ring walks at 9:49pm GMTThe fight will take place at the SSE Arena in Belfast.What TV channel is Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan on and can it be live streamed?Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan will be shown live on the DAZN streaming platform.Subscribers of the platform will be able to stream the full fight card with no additional costs.Fans without a subscription will have to buy a monthly plan of £14.99 a month or a monthly flexible pass that can be cancelled anytime, for at a price of £24.99.Alternatively, SunSport will blog all the action as it happens. Most read in BoxingFull CardLewis Crocker vs Paddy DonovanCraig Richards vs Padraig McCroryKurt Walker vs Leon WoodstockTommy McCarthy vs Steven WardRuadhan Farrell vs Gerard HughesAaron Bowen vs Ali HusseinJack O’Neill vs Rodrigo Matias Areco More

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    Tyson Fury receives shock new heavyweight ranking after Turki Alalshikh phone call despite announcing retirement

    TYSON FURY has been given a shock spot in the latest heavyweight rankings, despite retiring from boxing.Fury, 36, stunned fight fans all over the world last month by announcing his fifth retirement from the sport.Tyson Fury suffered back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk last yearCredit: GettyFury, 36, announced his retirement from boxing last monthCredit: PABut The Gypsy King has been given a surprise spot in the Ring Magazine’s heavyweight rankingsCredit: AFPMany, however, aren’t buying the Wythenshawe warrior’s latest hanging up of the gloves.And neither are The Ring Magazine, who have given him a shock spot in their heavyweight rankings.Fury has been named the No1-ranked heavyweight on the planet behind unified champion Oleksandr Usyk.Fury is stunningly ahead of IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois and the resurgent Joseph Parker, who are second and third in the list respectively.READ MORE IB BOXINGAgit Kabayel – who stunned Zhilei Zhang last weekend – is the No.4-ranked heavyweight contender in the Ring’s rankings.And former two-time heavyweight king Anthony Joshua rounds out the top five.Fury’s placing atop of the Ring’s heavyweight rankings comes after a recent phone call with Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh, who is keen for him to face AJ.He told The Stomping Ground: “I want Tyson [next for Joshua]. I spoke with him, but I don’t talk about boxing.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”I just check about his health and his family. I think maybe he’ll return. Yes ,[I think he will return], I hope so.”Fury has remained tight-lipped on the prospect of a ring return since announcing his retirement in a bizarre Instagram video. ‘I think he’ll return’ – Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury fight update as Saudi boxing chief reveals chat with Gypsy KingBut Joshua isn’t giving up hope of sharing the ring with his long-time rival, telling iFL TV: “I feel like it’s the best fight [for me].”People might say [Joseph] Parker, people might say – I don’t know.”But I think Fury, commercially, is a great fight and it’s a great man’s fight as well. So I think it makes sense.”You could say it’s been years in the making. But listen, the heavyweight division has been thriving.”And why I say it’s probably still a great fight is as I said Parker is, for me, a great story of someone that never gives up.”And the thing is, there is going to be one winner and one loser. And there’s going to be blood shed. And it ain’t gonna be mine.” More

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    Floyd Mayweather splashes astonishing £1.4MILLION on 145-carat diamond-encrusted watch to celebrate 48th birthday

    FLOYD MAYWEATHER treated himself to a 145-carat diamond-encrusted watch worth £1.4MILLION to celebrate his 48th birthday.The boxing legend – who made close to £1BILLION in his career – is known to collect expensive jewellery. Floyd Mayweather treated himself to a 145-carat diamond-encrusted watch worth £1.4mCredit: Pristine JewelersThe watch was made by the Pristine JewelersCredit: Pristine JewelersThe watch is a one-of-oneCredit: Pristine JewelersAnd he lived up to his Money monicker after splashing out the $1.8m (£1.4m) on a custom timepiece. He visited New York’s opulent diamond district and the Pristine Jewelers to collect his newest addition. Mayweather’s friends Avi Davidov and Ofir Ben Shimon handed him the “One of One” watch to commemorate the launch of his new workout supplement brand Youare101.Avi and Ofir are celebrity jewellers and masterminded Cardi B’s £400,000 diamond engagement ring.READ MORE IN boxing Daily Mail footage reveals Ofir showing off the watch and saying: “This watch was made specifically for the champ Floyd Money Mayweather, a one of one piece.” And Mayweather said: “Avi and Ofir have been my close friends for over a decade. “This watch was crafted by them personally and is very special. And cost a pretty penny.” Mayweather’s most expensive piece was the $18m (£14.2m) he paid for the Billionaire Watch – embedded with 239 diamonds – made by Jacob & Co. Most read in BoxingMayweather’s £14m Jacob & Co watchCredit: INSTAGRAMThe boxing legend made close to £1bn in boxingCredit: InstagramCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe American retired from boxing in 2017 after beating UFC superstar Conor McGregor. But he has continued to box in exhibition bouts against stars from the boxing, MMA and social media world. And he took aim at 11-1 YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, 28, when probed on a potential fight by Jimmy Fallon. Mayweather said: “Easy. Easy. Too easy. At 48, too easy.”Floyd Mayweather took aim at Jake Paul amid talk of a fightCredit: AFP More

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    I fought Anthony Joshua for £5,000 but now live new life as a bailiff and expose some of the biggest secrets in boxing

    PAUL BUTLIN was once a heavyweight fighting the likes of Anthony Joshua – but now he is a TikTok star from his van exposing boxing’s secrets.Butlin, now 48, boxed top names in his career including Derek Chisora and Joshua before retiring in 2016.Paul Butlin is the ex-heavyweight champ now exposing boxing’s biggest secretsCredit: RexButlin went viral while working in his job as a bailiffCredit: https://twitter.com/MichaelBensonnButlin is a big hit on TikTok exposing boxing’s secretsNowadays, he works as a debt collector while becoming a surprise hit on TikTok where he has almost 40,000 followers and millions of views.No longer at risk of getting on the wrong side of promoters or managers, Butlin pulls back the curtain on boxing’s dark side.Blowing the whistle on fighters’ pay, matchmaking and failed drug tests are all part of the reason fans can’t get enough of Butlin’s channel.And he tells SunSport: “I just started making boxing videos and people seem to like the real side of me, because all they see is like Conor Benn and people like this.READ MORE IN BOXING”They just think you’re gonna make millions, so I’m just trying to distract people to the other side of it. “The real side of boxing where you’ve got graft just to live really.”His controversial claims have included suggesting several top but nameless boxers use performance enhancing drugs. Butlin alleged in one video: “All the big names, I’m not gonna mention, I know they’re on it. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I’ve been training in gyms since 16-years-old, I know who’s on gear, who ain’t on gear. I can tell with the power.” And he believes Jake Paul’s eight-round points victory over 58-year-old Mike Tyson in November was an example of a rigged fight.He said: “The whole fight was a fix, I watched it. Absolute b****s. “He hardly threw a punch, (Tyson) could have knocked him out at any time. Absolute fix, the game is a con.” Paul and his Most Valuable Promotions company did release a statement to deny accusations of the bout being fixed. Butlin – a former bouncer – went viral himself when a video emerged of him having a row while collecting a debt.Little did the man recording know that he was dealing with one of Britain’s most respected and experienced heavyweights.But Butlin said: “It’s just one of them that you get used to. I’ve got nothing to prove, do you know what I mean?”I don’t stand – even when I work at the door – I didn’t stand there and saying, ‘Well, I’m a professional boxer.’ Do you know what I mean? Or I used to be a professional boxer.”I just am what I am, and then people can abuse me. That is part of the job.”Butlin opened up about being verbally abused during his day jobCredit: https://twitter.com/MichaelBensonnWhen Butlin speaks about boxing, fans will listen. After all, he’s not a pretender with a big social media following, he has experienced it all in the ring. Butlin only started his amateur career at 26 and turned pro after just two years and 12 bouts. He went 4-0 before losing to Paul Buttery – in what he admits was a step up too soon in his career. An up and down run of performances and results then forced the East Midlands man to the away corner to make reasonable money. He said: “I realised the only way I could make money without selling tickets is going on the road if you like.”Butlin also made a name for himself sparring the likes of Tyson Fury before the Gypsy King became a world champion superstar.In fact, Butlin first crossed paths with Fury while the future British legend was still a teenager and knew he was destined for greatness.First jab he hit me with – and I told this story before – I was like, Jesus! It was like a right hand off a good heavyweight. That’s how strong he was.Paul Butlin on Anthony Joshua Butlin revealed: “Even after sparring him the first time, I said to him, ‘You’d beat most heavyweights now.’ “Obviously at the time I was sparring Matt Skelton, Pele Reed, loads of heavyweights. “I said, ‘Mate, you beat all these heavyweights now as an amateur.’ That’s what I told him.”And then he invited me up where he couldn’t get sparring. I went up to Manchester, I went to his uncle’s who sadly passed away. “Tyson was living in a caravan back of there, and he was training in like the barn.”And then I went to an amateur club in Manchester, so probably two or three times I sparred him, always got on well with him, he always looked after me and yeah, he’s a good lad.” Butlin also helped welcome Joshua to the world of professional boxing – one year after AJ won Olympic gold in London.And he admits to being blown away by the sheer power of Joshua – even with his lesser left hand jab.Butlin was beaten by Anthony Joshua in 2013Credit: Mark Robinson – The SunHe was paid just £5,000 for the fightCredit: Mark Robinson – The SunButlin said: “I squared with him in the casino where we had the weigh in, I looked at him and I thought, ‘Mate, you’re having it! “Got in the ring, I wasn’t even bothered. I thought, ‘Do you know what, you’re having it! I’m fit as a fiddle.'”First jab he hit me with – and I told this story before – I was like, Jesus! It was like a right hand off a good heavyweight. That’s how strong he was.”I went back to Carl Greaves first round, and said, ‘Mate, I can’t deal with him.'”He goes, ‘What are you on about?’ ‘I can’t deal with his power.’ He hits that hard.”And the only reason I got up after that big shot is because I was fit. I mean, I had nine stitches in my eye. Great shot. I can’t fault him.”Fans would assume fighting Joshua is a top payday – but Butlin is open in admitting he made just a tiny £5,000. He said on reflection: “At the time I was working, I had my gym. I think we just got married. We had young kids, five grand helps.I’ve been training in gyms since 16-years-old, I know who’s on gear, who ain’t on gear. I can tell with the power.”Looking back now, obviously the older you get I’m a bit gutted I didn’t get more. But that’s life, innit? You’re gonna take it.”If you don’t take it, someone else is gonna take it. So £5,000 at the time was a lot of money, and I just thought, ‘Yeah, why not?'” But Butlin also caused damage of his own – just ask Chisora. London’s veteran fan favourite once revealed Butlin was the hardest-hitting opponent he ever faced.Chisora claimed Butlin hit so hard he had to get the referee to check his gloves and make sure it wasn’t loaded with weights in it.”He never told me that afterwards,” Butlin says with a laugh. Butlin’s career on the road as the opponent was filled with short-notice bouts. Sometimes it was only 24 hours notice, other times while he had a BROKEN HAND.But Butlin always showed up – until he packed it in to tell the tales on the grubby boxing business. And while his career in the ring, all across Europe, may have gone unnoticed among some fans, his boxing exposes on TikTok certainty aren’t.READ MORE SUN STORIESButlin gets dozens of requests and questions sent in by his TikTok fans – but did he ever expect to be such a hit among social media?He said with a grin: “No, not really. I thought, it’s bald old Paul just making videos.”  More

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    ‘Shut your f***ing mouth’ – Chris Eubank Jr’s press conference instantly erupts ‘threatening’ Conor Benn’s dad Nigel

    CHRIS EUBANK JR’S press conference erupted after Conor Benn accused him of threatening his dad Nigel. Just two days beforehand, Eubank had smashed an EGG into Benn’s face in a reference to his failed drug tests in 2022. Chris Eubank Jr ‘threatened’ Conor Benn’s dad NigelCredit: AlamyNigel apologised for putting his hands on EubankCredit: GettyBenn threatened Eubank in responseCredit: AlamyChaos ensued on stage with Benn’s legendary father Nigel grabbing Eubank by the throat – something he apologised for. But Eubank, 35, said: “I’ve gotta just say something. “I understand the frustration and the heat that you were experiencing a couple of days ago after I egged Conor. “I understand, but you did put your hand around my neck. And I’m going to give you a pass because of what happened. READ MORE IN BOXING”But, I’m just letting you know if your hand ever touches me again, you won’t get it back.” And enraged Conor, 28, then shouted: “Shut your f***ing mouth. Do you hear me? Do you hear me? Threaten my dad. “Oi, silly b****s, threaten my dad again, see what happens to you.” But Eubank responded: “I’m not threatening him, I’m just letting him know.” Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNigel – who had two legendary fights with Eubank Sr – said: “Con, leave it, I can handle this. I’m old school, mate. I had this with his dad. “I’m old school, mate. This is not a problem. I understand and I apologise for doing that, mate. I really am sorry that I done that. ‘Literally s–t himself’ – Eddie Hearn and Chris Eubank Jr promoter flinch after Conor Benn jokingly aims punch at them”But you put your hands on my son.” The WBC infamously suggested a high intake of eggs could have caused Benn’s positive tests for clomiphene – which is known to boost testosterone.But Benn has since had his UK Anti-Doping ban lifted after an investigation – allowing him to box on.And Eubank – now facing a British Boxing Board of Control probe – failed to apologise for his egg slap stunt.He said: “If I had the opportunity I’d do it again.“Me throwing an egg at someone — who absurdly claims that’s why he failed two drug tests — that’s light, he deserved the embarrassment.”Eubank egging Benn at their launch press conferenceCredit: Getty More

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    ‘Literally s*** himself’ – Chris Eubank Jr’s promoter flinches after Conor Benn jokingly aims punch at them

    CONOR BENN had even his own promoter Eddie Hearn flinching after faking a punch at Ben Shalom. All hell broke loose at Tuesday’s Manchester press conference when Chris Eubank Jr and Benn officially announced their April 26 grudge match. Conor Benn made a joking lunge at Ben ShalomShalom was made to flinchSo when the born rivals faced off once more – this time at Tottenham’s stadium – they were kept apart by security. But Benn still managed to troll Eubank’s promoter Shalom by charging at the Boxxer boss – forcing him and even Hearn to flinch. Fans were left in hysterics as one said: “Flinch? He literally shat himself.” One joked: “Eddie s*** himself also.”READ MORE IN BOXINGAnother said: “Eddie flinched as well.”Bedlam broke out on the stage earlier in the week when Eubank, 35, smashed an EGG over Benn’s face. That was in reference to Benn’s failed drug tests that forced their initial October 2022 fight to be cancelled. The WBC infamously suggested a high intake of eggs could have caused his positive tests for clomiphene – which is known to boost testosterone. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Benn, 28, has since had his UK Anti-Doping ban lifted after an investigation – allowing him to box on. And Eubank – now facing a British Boxing Board of Control probe – failed to apologise for his egg slap stunt. He said: “If I had the opportunity I’d do it again. “Me throwing an egg at someone — who absurdly claims that’s why he failed two drug tests — that’s light, he deserved the embarrassment.”Eubank slapped an egg on Benn’s faceCredit: GettyEubank refused to apologiseCredit: Alamy More

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    ‘Deserved the embarrassment’ – Chris Eubank Jr refuses to apologise for Conor Benn egg slap in blistering verbal assault

    CHRIS EUBANK JR refused to apologise for smashing an egg on bitter rival Conor Benn’s face, insisting: “He deserved the embarrassment.”Eubank faces a British Boxing Board of Control rap for Tuesday’s eggsplosive bust-up ahead of their April 26 showdown.Chris Eubank Jr refused to apologise for smashing an egg on Conor Benn’s faceCredit: PAEubank and Benn are set to finally face off on April 26Credit: GettyBut the Brighton boxer, 35, launched a blistering verbal assault on Benn — and promoter Eddie Hearn — over the fighter’s two failed drug tests in 2022, which he blamed on eating contaminated eggs.Eubank, who was scanned with an EGG DETECTOR by security guards at Tottenham’s stadium, blasted: “If I had the opportunity I’d do it again.“Me throwing an egg at someone — who absurdly claims that’s why he failed two drug tests — that’s light, he deserved the embarrassment.”The UK’s National Anti-Doping Panel and WBC chiefs cleared Benn, 28, of any wrongdoing for traces of testosterone-booster clomifene which were found in samples.Read More on BoxingEubank, who called the Essex fighter “a dirty little omelette” said: “Did I cross a line? Over the last 2½ years many lines have been crossed.“I’m sitting here with two of the scummiest characters in boxing — a drug cheat and a man who did everything in his power to help him get away with it. “I’ve always respected every fighter I’ve fought, bar one.“Respect is reserved for fighters who are true, who don’t cheat. There is no respect here.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Unfortunately, I came unarmed today. I’ve been thoroughly searched multiple times. I couldn’t sneak anything in.“This is going to be a real fight, this is going to be a bloodbath.”Tense moment Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn are kept apart by security in lift at explosive press conferenceDuring Tuesday’s aggro in Manchester, Benn’s famous dad, former two-weight world champ Nigel, grabbed Eubank Jr by the throat as security desperately tried to separate the warring camps.And Eubank warned Benn Sr: “You put your hand on my neck but I will give you a pass. But if it ever touches me again, you won’t get it back.”That sparked an immediate response from Benn Jr, who sniped: “Shut your f***ing mouth. Threaten my dad again and see what happens to you.” Benn Sr said: “I thought you glassed him, that’s why I put my arms around your neck. I apologise for doing that but you put your hands on my son.” Hearn and broadcaster DAZN were in control of the original October 2022 fight that was axed after Benn’s failed tests. But Eubank has now promised £50,000 to the boxers on that original undercard who lost money because their bouts were cancelled. On Hearn, Eubank said: “This worm tried to include in my contract that I wasn’t allowed to say anything negative about the promoters. READ MORE SUN STORIES“Twenty thousand people spent thousands of pounds on tickets, flights and hotels and none of them were recompensed. “All the fighters spent hundreds of thousands of pounds on camps. I hope Eddie and Conor both put up their £50,000. All your other fighters are scared to say anything about Eddie but I don’t give a s***.” More