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      ‘F***ing shambles this,’ cry fans as Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou is delayed and it’s already 2am in Saudi Arabia

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      BOXING fans were left raging at the delaying of Anthony Joshua’s ring return against Francis Ngannou.Former two-time unified heavyweight champion AJ was set to lock horns with the ex-UFC titleholder late on Friday night in Saudi Arabia.Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou were set to throw down at 11:20pm BST timeCredit: GettyBut the co-main event between Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang hadn’t even started by the time 11pm rolled aroundCredit: ReutersThe eagerly-anticipated crossover clash was set to get underway at 11:20pm BST time (2:20am local time).But the co-main event between Zhilei Zhang and former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker hadn’t even got underway by the time 11pm rolled around.And fight fans around the world were far from happy with the delay to proceedings, with one saying: “Run time on this card is taking the p**s, hurry up!”Another said: “[The] amount of time between fights is a joke here.”READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd another said: “Birds will be chirping by the time Joshua and Ngannou are in the ring.”One remarked: “Joshua vs Ngannou won’t be doing their ring walks until at least 3 AM local time in Riyadh Saudi Arabia.””Wild. Hard for fans to keep energy and excitement when you have been there for 8+ hours and it’s that late.”Another chimed in: “The main event isn’t even gunna be on at prime time in either of the key boxing markets in UK and US.Most read in BoxingANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUT”And it’s not even prime time in Saudi. What’s the point?”One fight fan asked: “Who’s in charge of this timekeeping in Saudi then?”Inside dramatic stadium transformation as arena looks unrecognisable for Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou mega fightAn MMA fan tuning in to see if Ngannou can shock the world again raged: “The UFC is elite when it comes to the flow of the fight cards.”Because how am i spending more time waiting for this fight than I do working a 9-5.”Another branded the event a “f***ing shambles”.It was worth the wait however.Joshua, 34, followed up his wins over Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius and Otto Wallin by destroying Ngannou in two rounds.Ngannou, meanwhile, could not put on a repeat of the impressive split-decision defeat he suffered to Tyson Fury last October as AJ utterly dominated.Anthony Joshua has won his last three fights on the bounceCredit: Getty More

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      Boxing fans fume ‘Nick Ball got robbed’ after controversial DRAW despite dropping Rey Vargas twice as crowd BOO result

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      FANS have claimed Nick Ball was robbed after his fight with Rey Vargas ended in a draw.The pair fought on the undercard of Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou in the Kingdom Arena, Riyadh.The fight was controversially called as a drawNick Ball felt he did enough to win the fightCredit: ReutersRey Vargas was dropped twiceCredit: ReutersBall was denied the featherweight world titleCredit: GettyBrit Ball took a while to get to grips with the featherweight champion as Vargas edged the early exchanges.But the Liverpudlian started to find his target and rocked the Mexican on more than one occasion.He dropped Vargas twice and viewers had Ball winning each of the last six rounds.So many were, including a fuming Frank Warren, were shocked when the judges scored the contest a draw, and the announcement was greeted with boos inside the venue.READ MORE IN BOXINGFans claimed Ball was robbed after one judge scored the bout 114-112 in Vargas’ favour.One reacted saying: “Nick Ball was robbed.”Another added: “Nick Ball was robbed there. Two legitimate knockdowns also not counted.”Former boxer Carl Frampton said: “I’ve absolutely no idea how Ball didn’t win that 🤷‍♂️”Most read in BoxingFrank Warren fumed at the resultCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL The official X account of Specsavers also got involved, cheekily tweeting Matchroom: “Can you fly us out?”The other judges scored 116-110 to Ball and 113-113, making it a draw.Manny Pacquiao sits front row for Joshua vs NgannouPromoter Warren raged after the result was announced, saying: “We won the fight. We’re not crybabies we won the fight.”Listen to the crowd, did he win it or did he not win it?! Who won the fight? He won the fight.”I just don’t understand, how was that a split? He had him down twice, he lost a few of the early rounds but he won that round.”He tweeted after the fight: “Nick Ball should be a world champion tonight and will no doubt be in the very near future.”Be proud of your effort.”A devastated Ball felt he had done enough to win the fight and was downbeat after the bout.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “I had two knockdowns and I was putting the pressure on for the whole fight.”I was the aggressor in the fight so I thought I did enough to win it.” More

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      Jose Mourinho flashes personalised phone case as unemployed ex-Chelsea boss takes front row seat for Joshua vs Ngannou

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      JOSE MOURINHO arrived for Anthony Joshua’s fight with Francis Ngannou to heavy fanfare – and flashed his personalised phone case. The former Chelsea and Manchester United manager – without a club after being sacked by Roma – took a ringside seat in Riyadh. Jose Mourinho arrived for Anthony Joshua’s fight with Francis Ngannou to heavy fanfareCredit: ReutersAnd he showed off his personalised phone caseAnd he did so to huge elevation from the crowd, drawing a smile from The Special One. Mourinho was captured by SunSport taking in the action and filming from his front row spot. And he revealed his personalised JM phone case while recording the fights. Mourinho was dismissed by Roma in January and remains unemployed as he seeks his next move. READ MORE IN BOXINGThe Portuguese icon was not the only famous football face in the Kingdom Arena as Brazilian Ronaldo posed with Tyson Fury. And Cristiano Ronaldo also had a ringside seat reserved for him too. Ronaldo watched in October when Ngannou floored Tyson Fury on his debut only to lose a controversial split-decision.He now takes to the boxing ring for only the second time while Joshua returns to Saudi for his third bout in the desert.Most read in BoxingANTHONY JOSHUA VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER BOUTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNgannou weighed in a whopping 19st 6lb compared to Joshua at 18 stone.And Ngannou, 37, said: “I’ve learnt a little bit from the last fight, the last camp, and leading up to this one.Tyson Fury looks on intently ahead of Joshua vs Ngannou”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.” More

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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