Boxing

Subterms

    More stories

    • 175 Shares110 Views

      in Boxing

      Who is Barry McGuigan’s wife Sandra Mealiff and how many children do they have?

      by

      BARRY McGuigan, the renowned Irish former professional boxer and current boxing trainer and promoter, is married to Sandra Mealiff.He’s taking on the challenge of surviving in the Australian jungle on I’m A Celebrity 2024 — here’s everything we know about his wife and family.Barry McGuigan, his wife Sandra Mealiff and their late daughter DanikaCredit: Getty Images – GettyWho is Barry McGuigan’s wife Sandra Mealiff?Sandra Mealiff comes from a Protestant background, while Barry McGuigan is Catholic, which is significant in the context of Northern Ireland’s religious divisions.Their interfaith marriage held symbolic importance during the tumultuous period of The Troubles in Northern Ireland, as it represented unity and love transcending sectarian divides.Speaking about this period in 2008, Barry told the Times: “I remember feeling a responsibility to create a harmonious situation: I wasn’t going to cause any more trouble and strife.”I was a Catholic Irishman fighting for the British title; my wife was a Protestant.read more on barry mcguigan”For the British title fight in 1983 [when Barry defeated Vernon Penprase for the featherweight belt], I wanted to wear neutral colours, so I decided on the UN flag colours of peace.”My dad sang Danny Boy, which became a unifying song.”It was crucial that people who came to see me fight didn’t feel threatened. I had amazing partisan support.”From childhood sweethearts to spousesThe couple’s relationship began in their youth.Most read in BoxingBarry said: “[Sandra and I] grew up together, buddies from kids.”They tied the knot on December 14, 1981 — however no details about their big day have been reported.Barry McGuigan’s actress daughter Danika dies aged 30 after ‘brief but brave’ battle with cancerThe marriage took place when Barry was 20 years old, showing the couple’s deep commitment to each other from a young age.First homeIn 1982, at the age of 21, Barry took out a mortgage on his first home with Sandra. The house had a unique location, straddling the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.Barry said: “In 1982, I was in the embryonic stages of my career, so for a 21-year-old to take out a mortgage on his own house was really something.”It was a lovely bungalow in the border area of the Republic of Ireland — next to a lake in Clones, Co Monaghan, where I had lived my whole life.”KidsBarry and Sandra McGuigan have four children: Danika, Shane, Jake, and Blain.Barry Mcguigan pictured with his wife Sandra and children Danika, Shane, Jake and Blaine at their Kent home in 1987Credit: Rex FeaturesDanikaDanika, also known as Nika, was the couple’s only daughter.Born in 1986, she pursued a career in acting and appeared in several films and TV shows including Wildfire (2020), Can’t Cope, Won’t Cope (2016), Traders (2015) and Philomena (2013).Danika tragically passed away on July 23, 2019 at the age of 33, following a brief battle with cancer.She had previously overcome leukemia as a child, but succumbed to a more aggressive form of cancer later in life.On August 2, 2019, Barry shared an old photo of himself and his daughter, paying an emotional tribute to Danika.He wrote: “The most difficult thing I’ve ever had to do was to say goodbye to my amazing daughter Nika earlier this week.Barry McGuigan received an MBE in 1994 for services to boxingCredit: PA:Press Association”She has been a shining light in our family’s lives for the past 33 years.”Nika was an extremely talented and inspirational young lady who radiated kindness and love.”Our hearts are broken and we know that life will never be the same again for us.”However, Nika lives on in so many parts of our lives which we are grateful for.”I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who sent flowers, cards, Mass cards, Instagram messages, Facebook, Twitter, texts and email messages of condolences and support.”There are simply too many to answer individually so I want to use this opportunity to say a huge thank you to each and every one of you, the family greatly appreciate them.”Barry’s heartbreaking tribute to his late daughter DanikaCredit: Social mediaShaneShane, born on November 8, 1988, has followed in his father’s footsteps in the boxing world.He has become a renowned boxing trainer, working with high-profile fighters including Carl Frampton, David Haye and George Groves. Shane’s success as a trainer has earned him recognition in the boxing community, continuing the McGuigan legacy in the sport.Following the heartbreaking passing of his sister, Shane wrote on Instagram: “My beautiful sister Danika lost her battle with cancer. She overcame it once with a two-year fight.”We were privileged to have another 20 years with our amazing Nika.”The McGuigan family pictured in 2003Credit: PA:Press AssociationJake and BlainWhile less is publicly known about Jake and Blain, they are also part of the close-knit McGuigan family.The family has generally maintained privacy regarding their personal lives.Jake reportedly studied business in London, while Blain is a politics graduate who is involved with music.Current residenceThe McGuigan family left their border home in Clones and moved to Kent, England in 1987.In 2008, Barry said: “It was in 1987, after I had lost my title [against Stevie Cruz] in Las Vegas, the year my father died, that I decided to move the family to England. It was a bit of a wrench.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’ve been back to see the [Clones] house several times. The roads are no longer barricaded, and now I’m involved in integrated eduction, which is the way forward.”It’s important to me that there is harmony and bonding between people.” More

    • 238 Shares84 Views

      in Boxing

      Jake Paul’s own coach admitted he CAN’T beat Mike Tyson in newly emerged footage ahead of mega Netflix fight

      by

      JAKE PAUL’S own boxing coach told him that he had no chance of beating Mike Tyson.Paul takes to the ring with Iron Mike next week as the pair battle it out live on Netflix.Jake Paul’s own team told him he couldn’t beat Mike TysonCredit: GettyThe fight has garnered plenty of attention, not least because of the shock of a 58-year-old Tyson is coming out of retirement.But one person who isn’t shocked is Jake Paul, who seemingly manifested this fight back in 2021 – albeit without the support of one of his coaches.In a video posted on Paul’s social media, the 27-year-old internet personality seemingly came up with the “crazy idea” to take on Mike Tyson over three years ago.Ahead of his third ever pro fight, a win over Ben Askren, Paul said to his coaches: “I just came up with a crazy idea. Do you think I can beat Mike Tyson?”READ MORE ON BOXINGBut it was clear that back then his team had little confidence that he could get the better of the former undisputed world heavyweight champion.Paul was greeted with a blunt response from one coach, who simply laughed and said: “F*** no!”But Paul even showed ambition for the fight all those years ago, asking: “Not even in a year from now?”His team were firm that they didn’t fancy his chances, explaining: “Mike Tyson just got s*** he knows how to do bro that’s just… he’s just a dog.”Most read in BoxingJake Paul asked his coach if he thought he could beat Mike Tyson in 2021Credit: instagram @jakepaulPaul’s coaching staff were clear that he wouldn’t be able toCredit: instagram @jakepaulCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPaul’s team certainly seem to have faith in him now with the mega-money fight now just a matter of days away.Since that day, Paul has won a further eight fights – losing just once at the hands of Tommy Fury.Jake Paul makes training decision for Mike Tyson fight after dramatically losing TWO STONE for last fightWhile Tyson hasn’t stepped into the pro ring since 2005, and hasn’t won since 2003.Paul certainly appears confident ahead of the Texas dance, posting the clip alongside a caption that read: “The Gods always knew, 12 days to destiny.”Three and a half years ago my team laughed at my idea to fight Mike Tyson. “My own coach told me I had no chance to beat the man. They say impossible, I say let’s find out.”Jake Paul and Mike Tyson will come to blows on November 15Credit: GettyJake Paul vs Mike Tyson’s lifestyles comparedONE is a notorious YouTuber-turned-boxer who has taken the sport by storm.The other terrorised all in the ring in the 1980s and 1990s, famously biting the ear off an opponent in one fight.Iron Mike has rebuilt his life after squandering a £300m fortune with a cannabis empire, and is a huge advocate of the drug.And as Paul has continued to rise up the ranks, he has splashed the cash on a fleet of amazing cars.Whereas Tyson had more money than sense until a £15m debt saw him part with his cherished car collection.Paul now lives in a plush mansion worth £13m in Puerto Rico, after escaping his hectic life in LA.But these days, Tyson lounges in his Vegas property he paid £2.5m for with wife Lakiha, who he married in 2009. Paul is not yet married but is smitten with his speed skater girlfriend  Jutta Leerdam. She will be by his side when her man puts his 9-1 boxing record on the line against two-time heavyweight champ Tyson on July 20.Read more: Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson’s lifestyles compared, from The Problem Child’s £13m mansion to Iron Mike’s huge cannabis empire. More

    • 213 Shares84 Views

      in Boxing

      Former British boxing champion shares heartbreaking news after son found dead in his flat with family devastated

      by

      FORMER boxer Rendall Munroe has announced the tragic death of his son.The former British super bantamweight champion shared the heartbreaking update on Sunday evening.Rendall Munroe has shared the shock death of his sonCredit: PA:Press AssociationMunroe faced Toshiaki Nishioka for the WBC super bantamweight in 2010Credit: AP:Associated PressMunroe, known affectionately as The Boxing Binman, enjoyed a decade-long career in the ring. He hung up his gloves in 2014 and formerly held the EBU and Commonwealth Super Bantamweight titles.The 44-year-old, who is now a boxing trainer, took to his social media on Sunday to share a devastating personal update.He revealed his son Tiela, who was in his mid-20s and a former youth footballer with Leicester City, had been found dead on October 25. READ MORE ON BOXINGMunroe wrote on X: “Myself and [partner] Lisha have not said anything. “But we think it’s time to say as people have heard but don’t know what to say or how to ask if it’s true. “Friday 25th are[sic] first born Tiela was found in his flat dead.”Myself, mum, brother and sister are heartbroken at this moment in time.”Most read in BoxingTiela was honoured during Thursday night boxing at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena, where Munroe’s fighter Sean Bruce was taking on Callum Singh.Munroe hails from Leicester and spent the majority of his early career balancing his boxing with working as a bin man.Munroe was known as The Boxing Binman due to his day jobCredit: GettyHe eventually packed in his refuse work when he got the call to challenge Toshiaki Nishioka for the WBC super-bantamweight title in Japan in 2010. He recalled in an interview with talkSPORT: “Mike and Jay [Shinfield, my trainers] said to me, ‘Look, you need to concentrate more on the boxing now’.“It was the wrong thing to do because I used to like being a ‘normal person’.”I liked being a boxer for a training camp, eight weeks, and then I’m just Rendall, back on the bins – a normal guy.”After [the Nishioka fight], everything became boxing. You’re bored in the daytime but can’t train because you’d over-train.”I was always very active, so it messed me up a little. I started going for runs when I didn’t need to. READ MORE SUN STORIES”When I retired [in 2014], I went back and they told me I had no job.”Munroe finished his pro career with 28 wins from 34 fights, with 11 victories by KO. More

    • 250 Shares96 Views

      in Boxing

      Daniel Dubois lined up for huge world title fight at Wembley vs unbeaten Brit… with Anthony Joshua rematch in doubt

      by

      FABIO WARDLEY has emerged as a potential challenger to Daniel Dubois’ world title – as a rematch with Anthony Joshua faces collapse. AJ was dropped FOUR times on the way to a brutal fifth-round knockout defeat at Wembley in September.Daniel Dubois’ proposed rematch with Anthony Joshua faces collapseCredit: GettyFabio Wardley could be a future opponent for DuboisCredit: GettyAnd he was expected to rematch Dubois in a bid for revenge – already eyed for February in Saudi Arabia.But his promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed the quick five month turnaround looks to be too close – leaving the rematch facing the KO.It leaves Dubois looking elsewhere for a challenger – and Wardley could be one for the future. Their promoter Frank Warren told Sky Sports: “He won’t get the fight next, we never even discussed that. Fabio would like it, I’m sure.READ MORE IN BOXING”But we’re in discussions at the moment with a couple of people [to fight Dubois].”Fabio needs to fight somebody in the top 10 now and do what he’s capable of doing and showing the world what he’s all about”To really establish himself in that top 10, there are some good fights there, great matches to be made in the next year for him.”Wardley, 29, is coming off a brutal first-round knockout in his rematch with Frazer Clarke, 33, to retain his British and Commonwealth titles. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd he is ranked within the top 15 in the world after improving to 18 wins with 17 KOs – leaving Warren teasing a future Wembey bout with Dubois. He said: “We can build that into being a mega, mega fight that will fill the likes of Wembley with two big punchers like that. SunSport’s boxing reporter Wally Downes Jr left shocked with Wardley’s devastating KO”That’s what we’ve got to work towards. In the mean time for Daniel, we’re quite near to announcing something in the next week or so. “That will be a big fight for him in February.”Dubois, 27, inherited the IBF belt after being elevated from interim champ when Oleksandr Usyk, 37, vacated his title. Usyk did so to proceed with his December 21 rematch with Tyson Fury, 36, following victory in May. And Joshua, 35, could await the result of Fury’s rematch instead of rematching Dubois next. Warren added: “We had waited to give AJ his opportunity because he said he wanted the rematch but that’s not transpired, that’s not working out so we are where we are.”I can’t see next time being any different to be quite honest, how I see the fight. I think he’s got his number. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I felt very strongly when we made the fight it was the perfect fight for Daniel and that’s how it turned out to be. “He’ll feel even better going into a second fight after such a one-sided fight as it was.”Dubois knocked out Joshua at WembleyCredit: Getty More

    • 275 Shares140 Views

      in Boxing

      ‘I thought it was a baby’ – Mike Tyson lifts lid on infamous Hasbulla meeting when he picked up social media sensation

      by

      MIKE TYSON has opened up on his viral meeting with Hasbulla – admitting he thought the social media sensation was a baby. Hasbulla – who has a form of dwarfism caused by a growth hormone deficiency – was a guest on the boxing legend’s podcast in 2023. Mike Tyson thought Hasbulla was a babyCredit: The Art of WardTyson cradled Hasbulla like a babyCredit: Hotboxin with Mike TysonAnd he picked up the TikToker, cradling him like a baby and even nibbling his ear – but little did Tyson know that Hasbulla is actually an adult.He told boxing great Andre Ward: “I thought it was a baby! And then he started punching me…that’s how I am with children. “I was hugging on this guy, and he’s like 26 years old. I knew nothing at all!”Hasbulla, 22, has shot to fame for his viral videos online amassing eight million followers on Instagram. READ MORE IN BOXINGTyson spoke to unbeaten ex-world champion Ward ahead of his fight with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on November 15. The controversial clash has been widely slammed for the 30-YEAR age gap with Tyson returning after nearly two decades out. But Tyson said: “I don’t think I’m 58. “Do you think I feel 58 when I’m fighting these young n****** in the gym, and they’re bashing me them big strong mother*******, and I’m bashing them back.Most read in BoxingJAKE PAUL VS MIKE TYSON: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE BOUTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”He’s supposed to be the young guy, I’m supposed to be the old man, he’s going to run all…night? I think he should try it. “He’s a younger man, he should be able to handle punches from an old withering man like me. Jake Paul makes training decision for Mike Tyson fight after dramatically losing TWO STONE for last fight”Listen, you can’t compare me with other people my age because other people my age haven’t been training as long, consistently as me.”I’m just a different species of human being, I think because I’m very active in what I do. I don’t sit around and do nothing. “It’s going to be a wonderful evening, the city of Dallas is going to be entertained.”Tyson facing off with Jake PaulCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares87 Views

      in Boxing

      Mike Tyson slams Tyson Fury for ‘playing around’ against Oleksandr Usyk… but throws support to Gypsy King in rematch

      by

      MIKE TYSON slammed Tyson Fury for “playing around” against Oleksandr Usyk – but backed him ahead of the rematch. Fury lost his WBC title and undefeated record in May after losing a classic 12-round points decision to Usyk. Mike Tyson slammed Tyson Fury for ‘playing around’ against Oleksandr UsykCredit: GettyUsyk beat Fury on pointsCredit: GettyThe Gypsy King himself blamed too much showmanship in the early stages of the fight for causing his downfall. And Tyson told talkSPORT: “Hey, listen, Usyk surprised everybody. “I think Tyson Fury played around too much, I think he needs to be taking this fight seriously and hopefully we get a different result to last time.”Usyk, 37, became the heavyweight division’s first four-belt undisputed champion after defeating Fury, 36, in Saudi Arabia. READ MORE IN BOXINGBut he was forced to vacate the IBF title in order to proceed with their December 21 rematch in Riyadh. Fury argued he deserved the decision on the night and plans to knock out Usyk in the rematch to avoid drama on the scorecards. He said: “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, so I’m going to have to take it out of the judges’ hands like I did in America that time [against Deontay Wilder].Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”And I’ve got to get him out of there. Hand on heart, I have to get him out of there to see victory.”Fury drew with Wilder in 2018 after twice being floored but won the subsequent rematches by stoppage. Usyk Vs Fury 2 Launch Event entrancesAnd he added: “I needed to get Wilder out of there or he got me out of there and that’s the type of fight it had to be.”It had to be a 50/50 gunsling with the biggest puncher in history or else he’d have chinned me in round nine.”Going into the rematch with Usyk, it’s going to be the same.”Fury twice stopped Deontay WilderCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares89 Views

      in Boxing

      Jake Paul makes training decision for Mike Tyson fight after dramatically losing TWO STONE for last fight

      by

      JAKE PAUL has pumped the breaks on piling on the pounds for his fight against Mike Tyson. The YouTuber-turned-boxer faces the legendary Tyson on November 15 in a controversial clash scrutinised for the age difference. Coach Larry Wade helped Jake Paul lose over two stoneJake Paul had to get down to the cruiserweight limitCredit: GettyNot only will it mark Netflix’s first foray into live boxing but also Paul’s first fight at heavyweight. The two were initially due to meet on July 20 but Tyson was forced out after suffering an ulcer flare-up while on a flight. Paul had bulked up to a huge 230lb (16st 4lb) in preparation for the bout until Iron Mike was forced to withdraw. Instead, ex-UFC star-turned-bare-knuckle boxer Mike Perry, 32, stepped in as a replacement for a 200lb cruiserweight bout. READ MORE IN bSo Paul had to dramatically get down to 14st 4lb – losing over TWO STONE in just a month. He went on to win the fight after six rounds and three knockdowns but strength and conditioning coach Larry Wade admitted it took its toll. He said: “The last couple of months with Jake has been very challenging. “You go from thinking about one of the biggest fights in the world with Mike Tyson to deciding that maybe you’re not fighting at all and then kind of relaxing a bit to then find out, boom, week later you’re going to be fighting Mike Perry. Most read in BoxingJAKE PAUL VS MIKE TYSON: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE BOUTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Two different styles of fighters, two different styles of training. One in which Mike Tyson’s fighting two-minute rounds, Mike Perry’s fighting three-minute rounds which is a different kind of conditioning. “He had to go back, lock in and get some stuff done on top of the fact we had to drop a lot of weight to get there. Definitely took a team effort.”Tyson shows off incredible one-year body transformation for Jake Paul fight Paul, 27, will now fight Tyson, 58, this month but will not go up in weight as much as he did earlier in the year. Wade revealed: “He needed a break so we took a month off, got right back into it and now we’re getting ready for Mike. “We’re not as heavy as we were before which is a plus for us. I didn’t want us to go back up but you can guarantee he’s going to be ready fight night.”Jake Paul training to fight Mike TysonCredit: Youtube / Most Valuable PromotionsHe is not planning to pile on as much weight this time aroundCredit: Youtube / Most Valuable Promotions More

    • 238 Shares134 Views

      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury to draft in unbeaten Brit heavyweight likened to Mike Tyson for sparring ahead of Oleksandr Usyk rematch

      by

      TYSON FURY is to bring Moses Itauma back into his training camp for sparring ahead of his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk. Itauma was part of Fury’s initial camp earlier in the year in Saudi Arabia before the Gypsy King suffered a horror cut. Tyson Fury with sparring partner Moses ItaumaIt delayed the undisputed title decider to May, which Usyk would go onto win by decision to become the first four-belt heavyweight champion. Now the pair rematch on December 21 in Riyadh with Itauma on the undercard against 21-1 Aussie Demsey McKean. But he is set to be part of Fury’s training camp as a southpaw sparring partner trying to replicate Usyk. Itauma told Sky Sports: “We’re kind of similar styles, the likes of me and Usyk, we’ve kind of got a similar style so I feel like I’ll be very beneficial.READ MORE IN BOXING”It just compliments me. It compliments me but listen, I’m not going to go there just to help him. “I want to gauge my ability off his ability. Obviously I’m looking forward to [that].” Itauma, 19, has been likened to a prime Mike Tyson who became the youngest heavyweight champ of all time aged 20. He is now 10-0 with eight knockouts and considered one of the top prospects in the world – having shared the ring with Fury. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSItauma said: “Whether it was inside the ring or outside the ring, I learned a lot definitely from being in camp with Tyson.”Outside the ring, [it is about] maybe getting a balance in life. Inside the ring being a bit more patient, a bit calmer, not trying to kill everyone. “People have pulled out of fights with me and I don’t blame them. If I was in their shoes, I would pull out as well. “I wouldn’t want to fight me either. [But] I have to show it. It’s all good everyone talking about it but I’ve actually got to back it up.”Usyk Vs Fury 2 Launch Event entrances More