Boxing

Subterms

    More stories

    • 188 Shares179 Views

      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou undercard: Who else is fighting on huge Saudi crossover bill?

      by

      IT’S finally fight week as Anthony Joshua squares up against Francis Ngannou in a thrilling crossover boxing match – but the undercard is also mouthwatering.AJ seems as if he is getting back to his best after a tough couple of years in the ring.AJ suffered back-to-back defeats against UsykCredit: GettyAJ has won three fights in a rowCredit: ReutersThe British mogul lost two consecutive fights to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022, before beating Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius and Otto Wallin all in 2023.However, Ngannou is expected to be a much more difficult test for Joshua as the former MMA icon knocked down Tyson Fury during his very first competitive boxing match.But in the build-up to that headline fight, there are some huge bouts scheduled on the undercard.And SunSport can reveal who will be on the Saudi bill below.Read more on Anthony JoshuaWho is on the Joshua vs Ngannou undercard?The super Saudi card is set to have an all-British lightweight clash which sees Mark Chamberlain (14-0) face Gavin Gwyne (17-2-1).Queensbury star Nick Ball will go up against Mexican Rey Vargas for the world featherweight title.But a huge bout that boxing fans are really looking forward to seeing is Chinese champion Zhilei Zhang put his WBO interim Heavyweight title on the line against Joseph Parker.Here is the full card:Most read in Boxing
      MAIN EVENT: Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou
      Zhilei Zhang vs Joseph Parker
      Nick Ball vs Rey Vargas – (WBC featherweight title)
      Israil Madrimov vs Magomed Kurbanov – (WBA super-welterweight title)
      Mark Chamberlain vs Gavin Gwynne (European lightweight championship)
      Andrii Novytskyi vs Juan Torres
      Justis Huni vs Kevin Lerena
      Ziyad Almaayouf vs Christian Lopes Flores
      Roman Fury vs Martin Svarc
      Jack McGann vs Louis Greene
      How can I watch the undercard?The undercard will be shown live on DAZN PPV and Sky Sports Box Office.You can live stream all the action from the DAZN and Sky Sports Box Office websites as well as their apps, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.And the DAZN UK PPV price will be £19.99, which includes one month’s DAZN subscription.For existing DAZN subscribers, the PPV price will be £18.99.Sky Sports Box Office have set their price for the fight at £19.95 for Sky customers in the UK. Why are the fights on a Friday?Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou plus the undercard bouts will be underway on a Friday night, not the usual Saturday.This is because of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix taking place that weekend at 5pm GMT on Saturday, March 9 over in Jeddah. More

    • 250 Shares129 Views

      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury slams ‘bulls***’ Francis Ngannou fight claim and tells ex-UFC champ ‘get on your knees and kiss my feet’

      by

      TYSON FURY has hit out at critics of his showdown with Francis Ngannou ahead of Anthony Joshua’s tussle with the MMA star.The Gypsy King locked horns with the former UFC heavyweight champion in a controversial crossover clash in Saudi Arabia last October.Tyson Fury was widely criticised for fighting former UFC champ Francis NgannouCredit: REUTERSAnthony Joshua will face the MMA superstar in Saudi Arabia on Friday nightCredit: REUTERSFury doesn’t believe AJ is getting the same stick for fighting Ngannou as he didCredit: REUTERSFury, 35, was maligned for his money grab with the boxing novice as it further delayed his long-overdue undisputed title fight with Oleksandr Usyk.And the WBC champion believes his detractors aren’t giving Joshua the same treatment.The Wythenshawe warriortold The Stomping Ground: “I think it’s a great fight, you know. It’s a good fight.”When I was fighting Ngannou, it was a mismatch and a bulls**t fight, but it is what it is.READ MORE IN BOXING”Styles make fights and that’s what it is.”Ngannou banked a career-high purse for his ‘Battle of the Baddest’ with Fury and is expected to take home a similar payday for his Riyadh rumble with AJ.And Fury insists the MMA man mountain should be kissing his feet for helping him secure the biggest purses of his combat sports career.He said: “I’m not sure what people expected of the man before [our fight].Most read in Boxing”I know it was supposed to be like a 1000/ 1 shot, and he was useless and he couldn’t fight and all of that.”But he proved everyone wrong, so fantastic for him.Francis Ngannou’s story from refugee to fighting Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua”I put him on the map, made him a multi-millionaire, and now I’m making him even more money.”So he needs to thank me.”He needs to get on his knees and kiss my feet, doesn’t he, for what I’ve done for him.”Fury eked out a split-decision victory in his desert dust-up with Ngannou, who put him on his backside in a memorable third round.But he plans to get his own back in a rematch, which he revealed last month to be part of his five-fight plan.Tyson Fury claims Francis Ngannou should be kissing his feet for helping him land huge paydaysCredit: AFP More

    • 138 Shares189 Views

      in Boxing

      Why is Ben Davison training Anthony Joshua for Francis Ngannou fight?

      by

      ANTHONY JOSHUA will take on UFC legend Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia on Friday night.AJ goes in to the fight on the back off a huge win over Otto Wallin in December. Anthony Joshua beat Otto Wallin last time outCredit: GETTYANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUTThe British heavyweight is aiming to win his fourth fight on the spin as he continues to rebuild his career following back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.Meanwhile, Francis Ngannou has only just begun his journey in boxing after the former UFC champion made his debut in the sport against Tyson Fury last year.The Cameroonian powerhouse dropped the undefeated Gypsy King in the third round before going on to lose via split decision in controversial fashion.Ngannou will be out to cause a huge upset on Friday night as he seeks his first professional win in boxing.READ MORE IN BOXINGWhy is Ben Davison training Anthony Joshua for Francis Ngannou fight?Tyson Fury’s former trainer Ben Davison trained Anthony Joshua for his last fight against Otto Wallin in December 2023.Before AJ’s clash with the Swede, he was trained under American Derrick James in Texas for wins against Jermain Franklin and Robert Helenius.For Joshua’s upcoming bout with Francis Ngannou, the heavyweight confirmed he will be sticking with Davison in his corner.AJ said at the press conference for the fight in January: “I believed that [training with] Derrick was like a process. He’s got an actual style of training, and I had to adapt to his style, it was a process. Most read in Boxing”And I’d just changed trainers; I’d been to Rob [McCracken], I’d been with Angel [Fernandez], [Robert] Garcia, now Derrick. I said to the boys: ‘I don’t wanna move again, I wanna make my bed and lie in it.’”But the thing is, when I was back in the UK, I was in Finchley hitting the heavy bag on my own. They were like: ‘Why don’t you go and speak to Ben?’ He’s good, he’s given us some tips and me some tips, leading up to the fight that was supposed to be with Dillian [Whyte]. ‘Why don’t you just go and see him?’ I was like: ‘Na, na, na, na, I don’t wanna change, I’m pretty set on going to America.’ But I went and saw Ben, had a really good session.””The reason I was able to gel with Ben is because he doesn’t try to change your style. “He kind of looks at your attributes and adds to what you’re good at. I went to a stage where I was trying to change my style: a bit of back-foot boxing, box behind the jab, stick and move, not be explosive, control the pace, and stuff like that. “But Ben was like: ‘That’s not your body type! You’re a f***ing big unit, you’re explosive, go and knock f***ing people out. Basically, work to your body type. So, we got along in that sense. He gets it.”When is Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou?
      Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou will take place on Friday, March 8.
      The big crossover clash will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
      The ring-walks are expected to get going from around 11pm GMT.
      What TV channel is Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou on and can it be live streamed?
      Joshua vs Ngannou will be shown live on DAZN PPV and Sky Sports Box Office.
      You can live stream all the action from the DAZN and Sky Sports Box Office websites as well as their apps, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      The DAZN UK PPV price will be £19.99, which includes one month’s DAZN subscription.
      For existing DAZN subscribers, the PPV price will be £18.99.
      The Sky Sports Box Office price for the fight has been set at £19.95 for Sky customers in the UK.  More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Boxing

      Boxer Ryan Garcia posts bizarre vid claiming he’s DEAD with ‘throat slit’ as ex Andrea Celina urges fans ‘pray for him’

      by

      BOXER Ryan Garcia has sparked concern among his fans after a bizarre video claiming he is dead was posted on his social media.The disturbing six-second clip was shared on the star’s Instagram and X account and it momentarily shows the figure of a man inside a house.Ryan Garcia is gearing up for a spring showdown with Devin HaneyCredit: GETTYThe 25-year-old has sparked serious concerns after his recent social media postsCredit: GETTYThe strange video was posted on X and InstagramGarcia’s ex-wife Andrea Celina is among those concerned about the boxerCredit: INSTAGRAM@DREACELINAThe clip is accompanied by the alarming caption: ”We got him boys. RYAN GARCIA RIP B***H. 666.”Video is exactly 666 in time. WE TOLD YOU WE WERE COMING.” followed by a series of random letters.It is unclear whether the social media posts were shared by the boxer or someone else.The boxing star’s ex-wife has expressed her fears following the worrying social media post.READ MORE IN BOXINGAndrea Celina has been in contact with the 25-year-old since the harrowing post but said she is still concerned about the father of her two children and urged his fans to pray for him.She wrote on her Instagram story: “‘If all my followers who are believers can you please pray for Ryan.”‘We are not together and I’ve been in contact with him and he may seem fine but he is not.”I know in my heart he is being heavily oppressed.Most read in Boxing”This is not a troll, I’m genuinely concerned and so is all his family members.”We are not part of any of this and want him to get better but this IS REAL. Pray for him.”However, Garcia’s dad, Henry, was quick to respond insisting his son is “trolling” his followers.Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia agree deal for mega-fight in SEVENTH bout between rivals as date and location is revealedHe wrote: “Yes Ryan is ok, he’s just trolling the wrong way.Henry, however, claimed all is not what it seems behind the scenes, adding: “There’s more to it. Trust.”Regardless the bizarre clip sparked concern about the boxer’s well-being with some fans claiming he’s been hacked and others believe he is unwell.MMA fighter Dillon Danis commented on the Instagram post: “I’ll pay for you to get help man feel bad for you.”Another fan said: “Please tell me Ryan is ok…”And one wrote: “Come on Ryan… We need to know your are ok. Ive been jumping on line all day for updates. “From literally the very moment this was posted.. Just something from someone. please.””Hope you’re okay Ryan,” someone else wrote.It comes after the former interim WBC lightweight champion celebrated the birth of his third child – his second with Celina – in January 2024.He gushed over the the arrival of his son on social media, just HOURS before announcing his separation from Celina.In a now-deleted post, he wrote: ” As I step into a new chapter in my life, it’s with a heavy heart to share that Drea and I have decided to divorce.”While this decision marks the end of our marriage, it’s important to emphasize that our relationship as co-parents remains our top priority.’He went on: ‘Throughout our years together, Drea has been an incredible partner and an even more extraordinary mother to our two children.”I’m deeply grateful for the years we shared and for her unwavering commitment to our family.”As we move forward, my focus remains on the health and wellbeing of our two beautiful kids. They are and will always be my first priority.”I’m fully committed to working with Drea to make sure our children’s needs and best interests always guide our path forward.”I believe our mutual devotion to our children is rock solid, and I trust that together we will provide them with the love, support and stability that they need.”READ MORE SUN STORIESGarcia is now dating Australian model Mikaela Testa, who he recently revealed he plans to train for a Misfits boxing match.SunSport have reached out to Garcia’s promoters – Golden Boy Promotions – for comment.If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.Celina took to Instagram to claim her ex-husband is not wellCredit: INSTAGRAM@DREACELINARyan Garcia’s social media activity has left boxing fans concerned about his well-beingCredit: gettyRyan Garcia’s father, Henry, has claimed his son is just “trolling” with his social media anticsCredit: THE US SUN More

    • 275 Shares179 Views

      in Boxing

      Jake Paul fans baffled by his outfit during first-round knockout of Ryan Bourland as they ask ‘why’s he got a tutu on?’

      by

      JAKE PAUL had fans baffled by his fight outfit after knocking out Ryan Bourland with “a tutu on”.The YouTuber-turned prizefighter made his return to the ring on the undercard of Amanda Serrano’s Puerto Rico homecoming.Jake Paul had fans baffled after knocking out Ryan Bourland with ‘a tutu on’Credit: GettyJake Paul made easy worth of Bourland with a first-round KOCredit: GettyAnd he did so with an all new look, ditching the black and white gear he has worn for his last two bouts. Instead, he donned the red and white of Puerto Rico – the Dominican island where he lives in a £13million mansion. But fans at home were not so convinced by his fight shorts and the tassels that came with it. One said: “Jake Paul in a tutu.”READ MORE IN BOXINGAnother added: “Wait a second… hold up… is Jake Paul boxing in tutu?!??”One joked: “Jake Paul knocked this dude out wearing a furry red tutu he definitely understands marketing.”Despite viewers mocking Paul’s get up his performance was no joke. He came into the bout off a first round KO of Andre August in December, the first professional boxer he defeated on his record.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBourland with a 17-2 record looked on paper to be the toughest test of Paul’s career but in reality it was another write off.Paul dominated over two minutes with the fight coming to an end after he hammered his opponent in the corner until the referee jumped in. Amanda Serrano left in tears after emotionally pulling out of fight just minutes beforehand with freak eye injuryThe American social media sensation was heard apologising to the camera after the one-round whitewash.And he said in the ring afterwards: “I wanted it to be a little longer to give the fans some more time.”Paul, 27, improved his record to 9-1 with Tommy Fury the only man to defeat him following a split-decision in Saudi Arabia last year.And he sensationally called out Canelo Alvarez to renew one of boxing’s fiercest rivalries after Bourland, 35, failed to challenge him.Paul said: “I mean, he was supposed to give it to me, right?”This guy has 19 fights, he’s super experienced so I guess we’ve just got to step it up even way more.”But I’m ready, I’m ready for the big leagues. I’m getting sharp, this is my life now and like I said, I’m on the road to world champion and hey Canelo, stop ducking.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I know you want it, I know you want it and I’m repping Puerto Rico, you’re repping Mexico so it’s Puerto Rico vs Mexico.”Jake Paul celebrates his ninth pro winCredit: Amanda Westcott/MVP More

    • 250 Shares189 Views

      in Boxing

      ‘Can’t do that fella,’ cry fans as MMA fighter is disqualified and escorted away after ‘forgetting what sport he’s in’

      by

      FANS were left perplexed as a crossover boxing bout ended in complete farce when an MMA fighter “forgot” what sport he was in.The farcical scenes occurred on Saturday night as MMA ace Marcin Sianos took on 8-0 boxing prospect Artur Bizewski in Koszalin, Poland.There were farcical scenes as a crossover boxing bout ended in mayhemCredit: X/ @PermantexGMMA ace Marcin Sianos took on 8-0 boxing prospect Artur Bizewski when it eruptedCredit: X/ @PermantexGHe took his rival down MMA style and then began unloading punches before he was disqualifiedCredit: X/ @PermantexGCrazy scenes in Poland as MMA fighter Marcin Sianos dropped the 9-0 Artur Bizewski on his pro debut and then threw him to the ground and initiated ground and pound 😳 He was subsequently disqualified and escorted out of the arena.#BoxingFans | #Boxing pic.twitter.com/s8FszTEg6P— IFL TV (@IFLTV) March 2, 2024

      The fight was only in the second round when the Pole appeared to completely forget the rules after he had rocked his rival and appeared to be closing in on an upset.Viewers and the crowd watched on in disbelief as Sianos, instead of continuing his flurry of punches, went for an MMA-style takedown.Then he unleashed some huge ground strikes after flooring Bizewski, leading to an obvious disqualification.However, punters in attendance were furious, with a horde of angry fans trying to storm the ring and throw objects at Sianos, who had to be escorted from the ring by security.READ MORE ON SPORTFootage of the bizarre incident soon started to spread on social media, and it did not take long for the trolls to come out and make fun.“You can’t do that fella,” joked one.Another commented “oops wrong sport” as a fellow X user said: “just muscle memory”.A fourth said: “These MMA fighters they always forget themselves wether they’re in the boxing ring or in the cage.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEven 8-7 MMA ace Sianos himself got involved, posting a statement on social media this morning.He wrote on Instagram: “I would like to refer to my fight yesterday. At the very beginning, I’d like to thank Artur Bizewski for the duel.Jake Paul knocks out Ryan Bourland in round one“At the same time, my deepest apologies for my unsportsmanliness in the ring… there is no explanation for this, it is reprehensible and I clearly deserved disqualification.“Throughout the difficult preparation period, a similar situation has never occurred during any of the sparring matches. I didn’t knock anyone out or elbow anyone, we were training pure boxing.“I myself can’t explain my behaviour yesterday. I guess I might not be in a professional boxing ring anymore. But I personally think that victory by disqualifying your opponent is not something to be proud of.“I do not consider myself a loser, nor Artur Bizewski a winner. If PUB, Rocky Boxing Night and Artur Bizewski agree to resolve the duel again, then I declare that all my gambling, regardless of the result of the fight, I will spend it to the charity goal pointed out by my opponent!“I wouldn’t like to be seen in a negative way, I’ve never experienced any similar behaviour in my entire 20 year career and I wouldn’t want this one off incident to affect my sportsmanship.“Shout out to all my loyal supporters and thanks for all the positive and negative comments.” More

    • 238 Shares119 Views

      in Boxing

      Fans hail ‘straight up gentleman’ Anthony Joshua as classy star meets Tyson Fury’s dad John before Francis Ngannou fight

      by

      BOXING fans hailed Anthony Joshua as a “straight up gentleman” after meeting with Tyson Fury’s dad John. Joshua bumped into John on the week of his fight with Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia. Anthony Joshua meeting Tyson Fury’s dad John in RiyadhCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom BoxingThe two met ahead of AJ’s fight with Francis NgannouCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom BoxingJohn’s son Roman features on the undercard paving the way for AJ to run into his great rival’s old man. And after the two shared a warm embrace and hug fans had nothing but praise for Joshua. One said: “Honestly how you can hate on AJ?”Another added: “Joshua is THE Champion. Great bloke and a straight up gentleman, don’t get many like that in boxing these days.”READ MORE IN BOXINGOne commented: “True respect.”Joshua, 34, and Fury, 35, have spent years feuding but are yet to have their Battle of Britain. Although respect has always been shown between AJ and John – something the Gypsy King ribbed his old man for. Fury told iFL TV: “He keeps blowing my dad off like, ‘Oh, I think John Fury’s a legend, he’s a top bloke.’Most read in BoxingANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Whatever you’ve got going on with him, I don’t like it, sever ties with the old p****. Man’s a p****, s***house.”All of a sudden he’s my dad’s best friend, ‘Oh, I want to go out for a drink with John Fury,’ he said.EXCLUSIVE: Jake Paul predicts Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou winner after MMA star’s fight with ‘old and lacklustre’ Tyson Fury “I was like what the f***! Why doesn’t he want to go for a drink with me? Because I would punch him in the mouth.”John said in the same interview: “I’d be privileged to go out for a drink with AJ. I’m my own man, I say what I want to say.”This is a sport, we’re in a boxing game, AJ is a nice kid.”Fury is set to fight Oleksandr Usyk, 37, in Riyadh on May 18 after he pulled out of the February 17 date due to a cut sustained in sparring. Meanwhile, Joshua faces Ngannou, 37, after the MMA star dropped Fury on his boxing debut in October despite losing a controversial decision. Joshua facing off with NgannouCredit: AFP More

    • 188 Shares149 Views

      in Boxing

      Dillian Whyte CLEARED to resume boxing career after positive drugs test cancelled Anthony Joshua clash

      by

      DILLIAN WHYTE has been cleared to box again after an investigation found his positive doping test was caused by a contaminated supplement.Whyte was scheduled to face off with Anthony Joshua last August but the fight was shelved after the 35-year-old returned “adverse analytical findings” in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association test.Dillian Whyte was due for a rematch with AJ last AugustCredit: AFPHe is now clear to fight againCredit: APWhyte, who trains in the United States with Buddy McGirt and is licenced by the Texas Department of Licencing and Regulation, was found to be the innocent victim of contamination from a nutritional supplement.The new results follow on from an extensive investigation.Sky Sports, who exclusively accessed the documents used in the investigation, report the documentation as saying: “[M]y expert view is that Mr. Whyte was the victim of a contaminated supplement that did not disclose [the contaminant] among its ingredients and he did not ingest the [contaminant] intentionally.”Speaking to Sky Sports, Whyte said: “It’s been really tough, because I knew I was innocent, but then you can’t talk, you can’t say nothing.”You have to be professional, trust the process, trust the lawyers and trust the people around you. It’s been tough, but tough times make tough men.”First of all, I’m relieved more than anything, but of course I’m angry as well because it’s cost me so much. “The most important thing is it cost me the chance to beat AJ. Everything else after that is secondary but you know it’s a mix of emotions.”I’m angry and I’m disappointed as well because people in this game don’t give you a chance to prove yourself. Everybody is quick to say, ‘Yeah, yeah, yeah,’ instead of giving people a chance.”Most read in BoxingAfter the positive test led to Whyte’s bout with AJ falling through, Finnish heavyweight Robert Helenius stepped in to replace him.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSJoshua easily dispatched Helenius, knocking him out in the seventh round.AJ then beat Swede Otto Wallin in December in a fifth round TKO victory.Anthony Joshua meets Tyson Fury’s dad John before Francis Ngannou boutHe will now fight MMA legend turned boxer Francis Ngannou on Friday in Saudi Arabia.The winner is expected to fight the winner of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk to become the undisputed heavyweight champion. More