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      Usyk spotted ‘giving Anthony Joshua tips on how to beat Tyson Fury’ in ringside footage at Beterbiev vs Bivol 2

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      IS Oleksandr Usyk giving Anthony Joshua tips to defeat Tyson Fury?The Ukraine champ and the British heavyweight were ringside in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for Artur Beterbiev’s rematch with Dmitry Bivol on Saturday.Oleksandr Usyk looks like he’s sharing tips with AJ ringsideThe boxing pair were spotted in Riyadh at Artur Beterbiev’s rematch with Dmitry BivolCameras caught them deep in conversation as they looked to be talking shop.And it appeared that Usyk was giving AJ a lesson in boxing tactics.The video clip prompted fans to ask if Usyk, who has beaten Fury twice, was telling Joshua what he needs to do to beat the Gypsy King.One wrote: “Usyk giving AJ advice on how to beat Fury?”read more in boxingAJ’s own future is up in the air, following his defeat last September against Daniel Dubois.When he was quizzed about his future ringside at The Last Crescendo, he gave little away.”More fights, this is my life, this is what I do.”Right now I sit outside and I watch and then I’ll make my return one day.Most read in Boxing”Right now I sit back as a fan and watch the great people in the sport I love.”‘Aura is crazy’ – Oleksandr Usyk asks where Anthony Joshua is seconds after arriving for stacked Beterbiev vs Bivol cardMeanwhile, Tyson Fury hung up his gloves after his second loss to Usyk back in December.Boxing fans are convinced that Tyson will come out of retirement to fight again.A blockbuster all-British bout against AJ has been long in the making.Fury has announced his retirement five times in total, with his last hiatus from the ring in 2022. More

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      Joseph Parker brutally knocks out Martin Bakole in second round after brave rival took fight on just two days’ notice

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      JOSEPH PARKER rewarded Martin Bakole for his super-sub antics with a two-round pasting for racing across Africa to save his show.The 33-year-old Scotland-based heavyweight was digging ditches for a Kinshasa shopping centre to be named in his honour in the Congo on Wednesday.Joseph Parker needed just two rounds to beat Martin Bakole in RiyadhCredit: GettyThe former WBO world champion had been due to face Daniel DuboisCredit: ReutersParker caught Bakole with a solid right hook in the second roundThe Congolese challenger was sent flying by the force of the punchThe entire bout lasted just under 6 minutes, with referee Steve Gray waving the action offCredit: GettyBut when Daniel Dubois was pulled out of his IBF heavyweight world title defence by the British Boxing Board of Control, after being struck down with a virus, Bakole got the unlikely call to face the dateless Kiwi.Bakole’s chief support slot was so hastily arranged that he had to wear Dubois’ personalised gloves, complete with ‘DDD’ logo etched in white across the black knuckles.But they were only on for the warm-up, ring walk and six minutes of action, before the 22st funster was flattened.Up against a former WBO world champion, an 18-hour trip, via Dubai on Ethiopia Airlines, jet lag and a serious lack of sleep, Bakole couldn’t afford to waste energy.READ MORE ON BOXINGSo he dropped his lead left hand low and tried to lure Parker in close where he could be clipped.The Kiwi was too wise and kept jabbing at the giant target from a safe distance but he was grazed right on the bell, when backed onto the ropes.The second round started like a slugfest, Parker seemed crazy for engaging with the unfit behemoth in the few early rounds he could pose a threat.And he looked like he was on a hiding to nothing when he landed a big right hand on Bakole’s beard and he theatrically shook it off.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe crowd cheered the iron chin and amateur dramatics but the fanfare didn’t last long.Parker looped in a right hand that even a fit and fair-warned fighter would have struggled to deal with.Fans hail brilliant moment stunned Joseph Parker discovers he’s fighting Bakole But being propped up on hope and airplane food alone, meant Bakole fell down onto his giant tartan backside.He clambered inelegantly to his feet but he was gone and referee Steve Gray did the right thing in waving the action off with Bakole in a very dangerous spot.Speaking to DAZN, Parker said: “I want to thank the people of Saudi Arabia and my team. “Martin Bakole, thank you very much for accepting the invitation and for giving me a good fight.”I’m fit, I’m strong and I’m healthy thanks to these men. “Who’s next? How can I fight for the world title next? If [Oleksandr] Usyk wants a dance partner next, then we can get Uncle Frank [Warren] in here.” More

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      ‘I don’t know what fight that fella’s watching’ – Fans fume at ‘rigged’ result on Beterbiev vs Bivol 2 undercard

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      BOXING fans slammed Carlos Adames’ contentious split decision draw with Hamzah Sheeraz as “rigged”.Most felt WBC middleweight champion Adames had done more than enough to win but the judges couldn’t separate the two fighters.Fans slammed Carlos Adames’ contentious draw with Hamzah Sheeraz as ‘rigged’Credit: GettyMost felt WBC middleweight champion Adames had done more than enough to winCredit: GettyBut the judges called it a split decision drawCredit: GettyOne judge had it 118-110 for Adames, another scored it 115-114 for Sheeraz, while a third had it even at 114-114.The huge scorecard discrepancy left TNT commentator Richie Woodhall was left utterly dumbfounded.After seeing the 118-110 scorecard, Woodhall said over comms: “I don’t know what fight that fella’s watching.”The result – which Adames’ took well – received an angry response from fans who flooded to social media to protest the decision.READ MORE IN BOXINGOne wrote: “OMG I’m sorry but Sheeraz got wasted here that’s a robbery can’t be a draw for s***.”A second said: “WOW. Adames clearly won that fight. That looked rigged.”A third added: “Robbery! Adames definitely won.”Another tweeted: “F*** right off!!!! No way a split draw. Sheeraz lost by about six rounds.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMeanwhile, somebody else posted: “Adames has been robbed.”But promoter Frank Warren revealed after that Sheeraz had in fact broken his hand during the fight.Anthony Joshua gives cryptic update over future amid Tyson Fury fight talk in interview at Beterbiev vs Bivol 2Adames retained his WBC middleweight title and challenger Sheeraz was frustratingly cautious – despite some serious orders getting sent his way by the sport’s most powerful man, Turki Al-Sheikh.The 21-0 Ilford middleweight earned a crack at the WBC world champion – and a chance to become Britain’s newest breakout boxing star.The proud Pakistani-Londoner had the Riyadh crowd right – and kingmaker Turki Al-Sheikh – in his corner as he was cheered into the ring and the Dominican was booed by all but one small corner of the arena.Adames, 30, bobbed and weaved into range, under Sheeraz’s freakishly long levers and jabs, but could not connect with anything thudding.Our 25-year-old undefeated ace was on the backfoot for all of the opener but he was happy scoring from there and landed the most jabs by a distance.Little Adames grew in confidence and stature in the second but Sheeraz remained disciplined and picked him off from the safety of a 4in height advantage.The third round was the dullest of the evening, so far, as Adames stalked and stalked and Sheeraz just warned him off with prodded jabs.FOLLOW THE ACTION FROM RIYADH WITH OUR BOXING LIVE BLOGAdames retained his WBC middleweight title via a controversial drawCredit: GettySheeraz’s performance was quite flat by his standardsCredit: GettyBut Sheeraz turned it on and enjoyed his best stanza in the 11thCredit: GettySheeraz came alive at the start of the fourth, bedding his knobbly knees and whipping a left hook into Adames’ ribs and then rifling down a right hand. And then he played matador as the bullish champion shadowed him around the ring looking for power punches.It looked like Sheeraz was going to gift Adames the fifth by being too cautious on the outskirts of the ring.But just before the bell he unloaded a few piercing shots that angered the champ enough that he battered his chest after the bell and demanded more of a fight from the challenge in the sixth.Sheeraz obliged and tried to be offensive but Adames was used to punches raining down at him and dipped and slipped past most of the efforts with impressive composure.Round seven was an exhibition of elite shadow boxing, as Adames dodged every one of Sheeraz’s meaningful digs and the Brit caught all of Adames’ looped efforts on his golden gloves.Adames landed a peach of a right hand in the third, that smacked the sweat off of Sheeraz’s brow.But before he could get carried away, Sheeraz pinged him back with an identical shot that sent snot skywards.By the ninth round Sheeraz had still not worked out Adames’ masterful lateral movement, sometimes he would sink and slide below the Brit beanpole’s waist.But he went too low with one punch and got a warning from Panama ref Hector Afu.Sheeraz’s performance was so flat that, before the tenth round, Al-Sheikh walked around the VIP seats and into Sheeraz’s corner to tell him he had two desperate rounds to pull something from the fire.It’s amazing what a director order from the richest and most powerful dictator in boxing can do, as Sheeraz turned it on and enjoyed his best stanza in the 11th, with three big shots harming Adames.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Sheeraz landed the cleaner shots in the last shift too but, despite the urges of the crowd, refused to put his foot on the gas and coasted to the final bell.And the result felt a fair reflection of a promising fight that never caught light. More

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      Brave electrician Josh Padley wins over fans with amazing Mike Tyson tattoo and spirit in loss to world champ Stevenson

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      JOSH PADLEY put on the performance of a lifetime to take pound-for-pound American superstar and three-weight king Shakur Stevenson nine rounds.The 29-year-old Doncaster electrician was crawling through roofs on Tuesday, installing solar powers for a daily rate.Josh Padley took on Shakur Stevenson in Riyadh for a world titleCredit: GettyFans were quick to notice Padley had some unusual inkThe incredible ink shows Mike Tyson punching ZeusBut, when American Floyd Schofield pulled out of the fight with a mystery illness, the fearless super-sub called his long-suffering boss to book a very short-notice holiday for a shot at the WBC lightweight world title and boxing greatness.Before the shock call came, Padley had plans to work all week and then spend the weekend doing DIY in his new home.But instead he made mouthy Stevenson look like a flat-pack bully who needed every ounce of strength and skill to overcome a man who does the sport part-time.Padley did Yorkshire and the nation proud in the opener, throwing right hands at Stevenson’s toned body and tricking him with clever feints.READ MORE ON BOXINGThe lairy champion grinned when the challenger dared attack him but Padley was utterly fearless.And it wasn’t long before his remarkable back tattoo caught fans’ attention on the PPV.The 29-year-old has a bizarre ink featuring legendary heavyweight Mike Tyson.In the huge tatt, Tyson is seen punching Greek god Zeus square in the face. Most read in BoxingOne fan gasped: “One thing I can say about Padley so far is that’s a hard-a** tattoo on his back.”While another said: “That Padley tatt goes hard.”BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSStevenson landed some wicked combinations in the second – just after Padley’s little pocket of fans took over the Riyadh arena with a ‘Padley Wonderland’ chorus.But the brave Brit ate the shots up and threw back his own, defying all the ratings between them.Frank Warren’s Commonwealth Gold medalist Lewis Williams builds to second pro fight | Contender Watch the full episode of Contender on Sun Sport’s YouTube channel NOW as we exclusively go behind the scenes with Lewis WilliamsThe third was nip and tuck too, right until the final seconds when Stevenson unloaded a volley of expert blows that buzzed the Englishman and buckled his legs, thankfully the bell came right on cue.Stevenson’s promises of a brief and one-sided beatdown were proven totally empty by the fourth, when Padley again soaked up his best work and tagged him back.By the fifth Stevenson had to try dirty tricks, slashing a southpaw lead hook at Padley when the ref had ordered them to break.But Padley was then hurt by a legitimate body punch that robbed him of his lungs but not his heart and he tucked up and slashed back, to hear another bell.There was a lone and soft female fan in the darkness somewhere shouting “Go on Josh!” all through the sixth, when he needed it most.Padley was deep under fire and taking a beating but he refused to melt and even backed Stevenson back onto the ropes twice and hurled shots back like a hero.Stevenson landed a sickening body shot in the seventh, a normal man would have folded in half and taken the payday.But Padley bit down on his gumshield, sucked in the agony and ended the session hurling shots back as he continued to humble the Floyd Mayweather protege.This was supposed to be a one-sided massacre but the only thing getting slaughtered was Stevenson’s reputation and standing in the pound-for-pound list. Padley was simply magnificent and making a mockery of every ranking and rating in the entire convoluted sport.Padley did take an eight count in the ninth when one body blow too many took its toll.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd he was back on the canvas seconds later when another rib shaker left him gasping.Shakur got his hat-trick of ninth-round knockdowns right on the bell and his team threw in the towel to end the incredible showing of super-human courage from the working-class hero at the right time. More

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      Anthony Joshua gives cryptic update over future amid Tyson Fury fight talk in interview at Beterbiev vs Bivol 2

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA gave a cryptic response when answering a question about his boxing future.AJ was sitting ringside for The Last Crescendo in Saudi Arabia – where Dmitry Bivol is out for revenge against Artur Beterbiev in their lightweight rematch.Anthony Joshua gave a cryptic response when answering a question about his futureAJ was spotted chatting closely with unified heavyweight champ Oleksandr UsykCredit: GettyRiyadh’s bill has been dubbed as the greatest in boxing history, with Callum Smith handing Josh Buatsi the first pro LOSS of his career.Zhilei Zhang was then stopped by Agit Kabayel, Hamzah Sheeraz earned a controversial draw with Carlos Adames and Brit electrician Joshua Padley won over fans as he took Shakur Stevenson nine rounds in a brave defeat. All that came before Joseph Parker knocked out Martin Bakole within two rounds after he replaced Daniel Dubois at late notice following the Brit’s illness.Joshua joined a star-studded list of boxers watching among Saudi’s elite.READ MORE BOXINGBut the 35-year-old didn’t leave fans with much to go on when he was quizzed on his future.On what’s next, AJ said: “More fights, this is my life, this is what I do.”Right now I sit outside and I watch and then I’ll make my return one day.”Right right I sit back as a fan and watch the great people in the sport I love.”Most read in BoxingAJ’s ambiguous words were not the usual tough-talking messages the public typically hear from active boxers.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSInstead of calling opponents out and showing an urgency to return to the ring, AJ hinted that his next fight isn’t coming any time soon.The Watford boxer didn’t indicate a close return and made it sound like it could perhaps happen in the distance future.’Aura is crazy’ – Oleksandr Usyk asks where Anthony Joshua is seconds after arriving for stacked Beterbiev vs Bivol cardMany – including promoter Eddie Hearn – had hopes that Tyson Fury will overturn his retirement and fight AJ.Fans are convinced that Tyson, 36, will come out of retirement to fight again.A blockbuster all-British bout against AJ has been long in the making.Fury has announced his retirement five times in total, with his last hiatus from the ring in 2022.Meanwhile, AJ was spotted chatting closely with unified heavyweight champ Oleksandr Usyk ringside tonight.FOLLOW THE ACTION FROM RIYADH WITH OUR BOXING LIVE BLOG More

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      Zhilei Zhang brutally knocked out by Agit Kabayel as Chinese warrior, 41, stopped for first time in career

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      AGIT KABAYEL climbed off the deck to chop down 20-stone, 6ft6in Zhilei Zhang.The underdog gave away six inches in height and three stone in weight but beat the breath and enthusiasm out of the loveable veteran inside six fun rounds.Agit Kabayel beat Zhilei Zhang in a desert dust-up in RiyadhCredit: GettyThe German picked himself off the canvas to beat the giant Chinese veteranCredit: GettyZhang was unable to take anymore punishment in the sixth roundCredit: GettyBarring a fifth-round knockdown, Kabayel showed exactly how a good little’un beats a good big’un, flooding Zhang’s basement until the Great Wall fell.China’s 41-year-old southpaw started the bout like a man who knew time was not on his side.FOLLOW THE ACTION FROM RIYADH WITH OUR BOXING LIVE BLOGZhang chased the Kurdish German around the ring, slashing at his head from every angle.READ MORE ON BOXINGKabayel, 32, was clever and stayed out of range, he stabbed at Zhang’s body and threw the occasionally looped right hand.Twenty stone Zhang started to fatigue from as early as the second but every punch Kabayel connected with his shaven bowling-ball of a head bounced right off.The better shots from the 2017 Derek Chisora conqueror were the whipped hooks to Zhang’s never-ending torso.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMost read in BoxingMoments after Callum Smith and Josh Buatsi had put on a valiant show of light-heavyweight body punching, these two titans gave us an XXL version, in slower motion.Kabayel seemed confident that surviving the first half of the bout would allow him to pick off an exhausted veteran late on.Worrying new footage shows moment Deontay Wilder gets brutally KO’d by Zhilei Zhang while COMPLAINING to refereeKabayel poured on the pressure thick and fast in the fourth, like chilli sauce on kebabs, his self-confessed guiltiest pleasure.But Zhang was far more resilient than the sort of late-night pitta bread that melts limply in your hands at 3am.Kabayel was coasting the fifth after a minute of one-way action.But Zhang threw a three-punch combination that looked clumsy when the first two missed, but the final right hook shot landed flush and Kabayel was decked and had to crawl up after eight seconds.Kabayel rallied though and almost burst Zhang with a body assault as soon as the sixth started.It looked like Zhang was beaten and needed to take a knee but he battled on and kept taking blows.Eventually, Kabayel toppled the giant and Zhang folded into the canvas and could not rise in time to continue.Kabayel had hit the canvas during a dramatic fifth roundCredit: Getty More

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      Joseph Parker vs Martin Bakole LIVE RESULTS: Bakole DROPPED as huge heavyweight clash ends in brutal fashion – updates

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      JOSEPH PARKER has STOPPED Martin Bakole in two-round belter in Saudi Arabia!Parker was due to face Daniel Dubois for DDD’s IBF world title, but the British champion withdrew from the fight on Thursday due to illness.In stepped Bakole in his place, who flew in from Congo on just TWO days notice .And Bakole lasted just two rounds before a Parker right saw the late replacement pulled out by his corner.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Beterbiev vs Bivol – R3Beterbiev races out of the corner again to try and close the distance but Bivol counters with a two-piece to his stomach.Beterbiev is not deterred and comes in again, but Bivol again does some superb work on the back foot as he lands a clean counter.The champ is relentless in his pressure, so Bivol has to continue to make him pay.He does with a nice uppercut then a left, but Beterbiev lands a couple of nice shots himself.Bivol has some success but Beterbiev then fires in some very heavy shots at the end of the round.This is sensational quality, Bivol lands another nice combo as does the champ.A very narrow 2-1 to Bivol on my card.Copy linkCopiedBeterbiev vs Bivol – R2Beterbiev comes out positively from the corner, he perhaps agrees with me that he lost that first round.The Canadian is working behind the jab in this fight – again in stark contrast to the first meeting where he threw more than 1,000 total punches.His picking his shots much more this time round.Bivol is looking to match the work rate as he throws many more shots than he did at this stage first time out.Beterbiev keeps working the jab but Bivol then whips in a lovely right hand that lands cleanly.This is high quality stuff from these two. Beterbiev lands a lovely body shot then follows it with a quick one-two that nearly pins Bivol on the ropes.He escapes but Beterbiev stepped up the pace noticeably there – 1-1 for me.Copy linkCopiedBeterbiev vs Bivol – R1Stark difference in the opening round of the two fights so far.In the first meeting, Beterbiev was well on top and was able to pressure Bivol and get him moving backwards.Bivol is not conceding any ground here, as he stands his ground and fires a couple back at his rival.Bivol was cautious in that one but is firing away – he lands a nice left hook that catches a bit of Beterbiev’s glove on the way in.Much quicker pace about it in this round.Beterbiev lands a decent right late on, but I have that round for Bivol.Copy linkCopiedLet’s get ready to rumble!Michael Buffer says the famous words after we hear the Saudi anthem and get the introductions of both fighters.We’re only moments away now…Copy linkCopiedHere they comeDimitry Bivol gets a lukewarm response on his way to the ring while Artur Beterbiev gets a huge roar as his name is announced.It’s very clear which fighter the crowd are backing in this one.We cannot wait for this, these two are among the very best.Copy linkCopiedPromo We’ve got an elaborate promo running right now as we build-up to the mega rematch between two of the world’s very best fighters.Many people felt Dimitry Bivol was robbed in the first fight, when he finished the much stronger fighter.Will Bivol be able to gain his revenge tonight?Copy linkCopied’We want all the smoke’Eddie Hearn previewed the huge main event that is due to start any second.The Matchroom chief said: “For me [Bivol] won the first fight, it was very close.”This is about discipline and concentration.”Artur Beterbiev is a ticking time bomb, how long can you stop him from going boom.”I think Beterbiev will try and walk him down faster this time, so he has to be prepared.”Then asked about the return of 5vs5, Hearn responded: “Matchroom vs Queensbury, Matchroom vs Golden Boy – bring it on, we want all the smoke.”Copy linkCopied5vs5 returns?Boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh is being interviewed by DAZN and has dropped a few nuggets that will get boxing fans excited.He says “we have a lot of things coming this year”.That included teasing the return of 5vs5 in July, a massive fight between Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney, as well as fights in Africa and, of course, the confirmed Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn fight at Tottenham.Copy linkCopiedParker speaksJoseph Parker spoke in the ring and pleaded his case for a world title next.He was meant to fight Daniel Dubois for the IBF title tonight and he is still the WBO mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk.As one of the most in-form heavyweights in boxing, he thoroughly deserves a title shot next.Parker said: “Martin Bakole thanks for accepting the challenge and flying all the way here.”I listened, stayed calm, structured composed and got the victory.”I want to fight for the world title next.”We’ve got Frank [Warren] here… I want a world title next.”When I came back to the corner, Andy [Lee] gave me instructions to be patient, when he comes in throw the overhand right.”Asked if he would prefer to fight Usyk or Dubois, Parker said: “I will fight anyone and everyone.”Copy linkCopiedQuick night’s workWell that didn’t last long at all – 5mins and 17 seconds in total.Should various reports on the internet be believed then Bakole earned around $600,000 for his short trip to Saudi Arabia.He took a massive shot but it was a no-lose situation for the Congolese star.Nice work if you can get it.Copy linkCopiedBig shot rocks BakoleIt was a massive overhand right that sent Bakole tumbling.It landed on the top of his big thick head and while Bakole didn’t tumble straight to the floor, his legs went like jelly and he went stumbling backwards.Copy linkCopiedParker vs Bakole – R2 – Parker WINS!Bakole’s trainer Billy Nelson offers us another little nugget about Bakole’s camp – he hasn’t done any sparring in weeks.Parker throws some stiff jabs to start the fight and then closes the distance on the big man.That seems dangerous as Bakole gets on the inside and lands two absolutely massive body shots.Parker continues pushing forward though and then hits pay dirt – a massive right lands on Bakole’s head and sends him tumbling to the ground!There was a delayed reaction from Bakole as he went tumbling backwards.His legs were totally wobbly as he got back up and the ref quickly waves it off.A real shame that didn’t last longer!Copy linkCopiedParker vs Bakole – R1An almost comically static start from Bakole who isn’t on his toes and is just standing waiting for Parker to come forward.The Kiwi isn’t quite prepared to do that in this first round and is content to fire out a couple of jabs.Not much action or landing so far as the two massive fighters size each other up.Parker definitely looks better, though, as he fires off a decent one-two in the final minute of the round.Bakole finally makes his move inside the final 20 seconds and lands a massive shot to end the round!Well, that certainly will have woken Parker up!Copy linkCopiedHere they comeMartin Bakole is first to the ring as he arrives draped in the Congolese flag and a plain black t-shirt.Then comes Joseph Parker – at the heaviest weight of his career – in a red gown with a glittery hoodie.This is an absolutely top quality heavyweight fight and, remember, an eliminator for the WBO title, currently held by Oleksandr Usyk.Copy linkCopiedBuffer in the buildingYou know it’s a big fight night when Michael Buffer is in the building!We’re just moments away now, ring walks are expected very shortly…Copy linkCopied’Everything should favour Joe’Promoter Frank Warren has just had another quick word with TNT Sports and said: “Joseph Parker has come in heavy, which is better.”Joe has to create the pace and keep moving.”Everything should favour Joe with a last-minute opponent.”But there’s so many times we’ve seen big upsets.”Copy linkCopiedAnother late callLike Josh Padley, Martin Bakole was another late call-up to this fight.The heavyweight only landed in Saudi Arabia at 2am yesterday local time – 23hrs later he’s about to step into a massive title eliminator against Joseph Parker.It’s unclear how much training Bakole has had in recent weeks, with reports stating that he’s going to be entering the ring at a massive 310lbs.At his last fight he weighed in at 285lbs.The fight is also interesting because of Parker’s mindset – he was expecting to fight Daniel Dubois for the heavyweight title tonight.Copy linkCopiedWhat a performance by both!Shakur Stevenson ended that fight with clinical excellence and will get plaudits for stepping on the pace when the fight was on the line.Josh Padley has earned himself a lot of new supporters again, that was a bold and gutsy performance in incredible circumstances.Taking a fight with a pound-for-pound star and three-weight world champion on THREE DAYS notice.Sensational.Copy linkCopiedStevenson vs Padley – R9 – STEVENSON WINS!Stevenson starts the round with slightly more pace and starts to let his hands go a little bit more. A MASSIVE body shot rains into Padley and sends him down on one knee!Stevenson smells blood and then fires in more massive shots – another BIG body shot sends him down again!Padley continues to fight on but yet another body shot sends him down for a THIRD TIME!He beats the count once again and the bell rings.But as it does the towel comes in and it’s all over!Copy linkCopiedStevenson vs Padley – R8Padley is not giving up in this fight, this is really tremendous courage from him.Stevenson continues to push out that jab with great success.Padley goes in with a three-punch combo that looks like good work but they were blocked and deflected.Three straight shots then land plum on Padley’s nose as his head rocks back. Another round for Stevenson.Copy linkCopiedParker vs Bakole – NEXTJust a reminder this is the final fight before we the massive heavyweight clash between Joseph Parker and Martin Bakole.Copy linkCopiedStevenson vs Padley – R7I don’t think many people would have thought Josh Padley would be seeing round seven against Shakur Stevenson.He continues to fire his shots and put pressure on Stevenson, who will knows he is in a fight.The American continues to do the better work though, with that jab pretty much unstoppable from the Yorkeshireman.A mega body shot with the left then has Padley grimacing but he continues to fire his own shots.The pair then share a little look at the end of the round.That didn’t look too friendly but this is a really gutsy performance.Copy linkCopiedStevenson vs Padley – R6Excellent start from Padley as he starts the round on top and puts on a couple of combos to put some pressure onto Stevenson.The champ then responds with two absolutely quality shots that just seem to monetarily hurt Padley.Stevenson has really upped the pace and unleashes a lovely combo that has Padley really hurt!Incredible stuff as Padley again bares down and fires back, incredible bravery here.Stevenson hears the roars of the crowd and smiles mid-clinch.Brave stuff from Padley but the quality work is coming from Stevenson, although he continues to fire and put in work.Copy linkCopiedStevenson vs Padley – R5Stevenson continues to work behind that job but Padley manages to come forward and land a nice little one-two.Stevenson’s jab is so good, though, and he is getting it to land as often as he likes. The champ is a man of few weaknesses and every time Padley looks to have let off a good shot or got into range, Stevenson uses his range to win the exchanges.Padley does then land a nice right but Stevenson still manages to fire something back to him.HUGE body shot goes in from Stevenson really hurts Padley!He felt that but then shows some guts to continue firing back.Stevenson ends the round with another one-two and an uppercut, as Padley grits his teeth and tries to throw back.Another round in the bank for the champ.Copy linkCopiedStevenson vs Padley – R4Padley trying to get in closer in round four and lay his gloves on Stevenson.He pushes him into the corner and gets a couple of shots to land but it’s good defence to stop those doing any damage.Stevenson continues to throw out his jab and a couple land, although they aren’t massive in any way.Stevenson then smashes Padley with a short right that draws another gasp.Padley is doing himself really proud in there – not just surviving but also showing some guts to try and win this fight.Another round to Stevneson, though.Copy linkCopied More

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      Callum Smith rushed to hospital after handing Josh Buatsi first defeat of career in fight of the year contender

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      CALLUM SMITH was rushed to hospital after handing Josh Buatsi the first defeat of his career with an age-defying performance of brilliant brutality and courage.The Liverpool light-heavyweight hero looked close to retirement after punishing losses to Canelo Alvarez and Artur Beterbiev left him beaten and adrift.Callum Smith slugged his way to a stunning win over Joshua BuatsiCredit: GettyThe unbeaten Buatsi had been favourite heading into fight nightCredit: ReutersBut Smith put on a show to seal the WBO interim light-heavyweight titleCredit: ReutersBut he stood up to the tough Ghana-born favourite, sucked up all of his best shots and won a unanimous decision.The three ringside judges had the horrible job of splitting the two marvellous men – with Steve Gray going far too wide –  and decided: 119-110, 115-113 and 116-112. FOLLOW THE ACTION FROM RIYADH WITH OUR BOXING LIVE BLOG Smith was then rushed to hospital for an injury to his eye, while Buatsi was assessed by medics at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.READ MORE ON BOXINGDespite both light-heavy beanpoles being tall and technical range-fighters, the best action of the opener was up close and personal.The pair clinched and swapped hooks like little Mexicans.Buatsi, 31, scored with a hook double to head and body but then Mundo landed a left hook to the ribs that echoed around the Riyadh arena.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMost read in BoxingSmith was bundled down once but it was rightly called a split that didn’t need a count.Smith, 34, made a bright start to the second and made his ringside family roar with clever uppercuts.But a Buatis left hook clipped his cheekbone and silenced the travelling Scousers and another even round followed.By the third round, former super-middle world champ Smith was using his superior experience and reach to score from a safe distance.But then Buatsi peppered him with body blows toward the end of the session and for a second it seemed like Smith was folding to the canvas.Frank Warren’s Commonwealth Gold medalist Lewis Williams builds to second pro fight | Contender Watch the full episode of Contender on Sun Sport’s YouTube channel NOW as we exclusively go behind the scenes with Lewis WilliamsTypically he dug deep and held on, even landing a long right hand before the bell.In the fourth round, the two brilliant Englishmen glued their foreheads together and went to war.Hooks slashed in from both sides as their torsos took a leather but it was Smith who walked back to his corner with a cut and welt around his right eye.Smith enjoyed his best round in the fifth after Buatsi made a horrible start. The Croydon ace spent the first two minutes tucked up in his shell, absorbing blows on his tight guard.Smith battled on despite a bad cut above his right eyeCredit: GettyHis combination work earned Mundo a unanimous decision winCredit: GettyHis only respite came when a blow blew the mouthguard out of his mouth.Smith totally dominated the session and Buatsi needed a drastic change of pace.But it was Smith who raced up the gears, battering Buatsi throughout the sixth, with referee Howard Foster looking on the cusp of a stoppage.Suddenly, with ten seconds left of the one-sided beating, Buatsi landed a huge left hook and it was Smith who was buzzed and struggling and glad to hear the bell.Both warriors needed a breather in the seventh and took a break from the brutal hooks and right hands they had swapped.They exchanged long and safe jabs and recuperated, it was a well-earned rest in a superb fight that was almost impossible to split.Buatsi ate three scything right hands in the eighth that forced him backwards but, just before the bell, it was Smith who had to stagger backwards, onto the ropes, when he was tagged back with a reverse one-two.In round nine, Buatsi completely gave up defending against Smith’s right hand and was peppered with the same predictable blow to make it a clear round for the 30-2 veteran.The win extends Smith’s pro record to 31–2Credit: ReutersIn serious danger of drowning in the desert, Buatsi turned the tide in the tenth and ran away with the round with clinical combinations, thrown from angles.But when he got greedy Smith shot back with that right and bought himself another round.Smith’s daddy-long legs started to betray him in the eleventh, when Buatsi’s fresher engine started to make him look the most likely winner. But both heroes kept punching and ducking and digging deeper and deeper.They hugged before the start of the 12th, it was boxing perfection, the best of Britain.Smith was forced into the backfoot but it was from there that he landed a right hand and left hook that wobbled Buatsi.It was Smith’s turn to lose his gum shield with 50 seconds to go but there was enough time for both magnificent men to finish with a gunfight.READ MORE SUN STORIESSmith’s team, led by brother Paul, raced into the ring to celebrate and Callum climbed the corner turnbuckles to wave victoriously to the crowd.The pair embraced and waited for the judges to decide that Smith was back among the light-heavyweight world title race. More