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      Josh Kelly played against Jordan Pickford but now eyes title fight against ‘freak’ champ who’s as tall as Anthony Joshua

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      JOSH KELLY once played alongside Jordan Pickford – now he is targeting world title fights against champions taller than the England No1.Kelly spent two years in Sunderland’s academy but was booted out when he struggled to juggle it with boxing. Josh Kelly used to play for Sunderland’s academyCredit: Instagram @joshkelly07Jordan Pickford once played with Kelly at SunderlandCredit: Getty Images – GettyBut the Black Cats fan admits it was probably for the best having excelled in the ring after giving football the KO. He told The Northern Echo: “I was in the academy from 11 until I was about 13. I was in and out of the academy and development centre. “I remember playing in one training game and Pickford was in goal! I did well. “I think I could have done OK in football but when I was making weight for boxing I didn’t really mature as quickly as the other guys, and I made the decision to focus on my boxing.READ MORE IN BOXING”I was trying to run both next to each other. I played for Hartlepool a little bit. But it’s hard to focus on both. “I remember coming off one day and talking to my dad, a lot of the lads were a lot more mature than me, I was weight draining myself for the boxing and trying to diet and I knew I had to do this or that.”When I started boxing for England and going places, that was the natural step.”Kelly was a decorated amateur, representing Great Britain at World and European level. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe went onto qualify for the 2016 Olympics but was eliminated in the second round by Daniyar Yeleussinov of Kazakhstan. Kelly then turned professional in 2017 and looked to be one of the most promising talents in world boxing, with flashy speed and eye-catching combinations.Josh Kelly vows to KO Conor Benn and slams Chris Eubank Jr in double call out But after drawing to unknown American Ray Robinson in 2019 and losing to David Avanesyan two years later, Kelly’s career came into question. He built his way back up slowly, moving up from welterweight to light-middleweight, where he won the British title. But Kelly is eyeing the 154lb big dogs – quite literally – with his eyes on 6ft 6in WBC and WBO champion Sebastian Fundora.He told BoxingScene: “Tall; awkward; readable; I feel like he’s readable; he’s a freak as well.”Despite weighing the 11 stone limit, Fundora stands the same height as 18 stone heavyweight Anthony Joshua.He beat Tim Tszyu for the WBO title and the vacant WBC belt. Kelly meanwhile also has Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn in his sights after their second generation grudge match in April. Benn, 28, moved up from welterweight for the fight but was beaten by Eubank, 35, after 12 thrilling rounds. Kelly returns on Friday in Newcastle against 24-1 Romanian Flavius Biea. Read More on The SunBut he said on his future plans: “Well, Benn or Eubank or someone like that would be cool.“So, just big fights – just ones that will get people talking, ones that will get people excited, ones where you get excited.” Sebastian Fundora is 6ft 6in tallCredit: Getty More

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      Olympic bronze medalist Lewis Richardson, 28, set for professional boxing debut at stadium where he used to sell pies

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      LEWIS RICHARDSON flogged Pukka Pies as a schoolboy in the same Ipswich stadium he’ll earn his first real crust in on Saturday.The 2024 Olympic bronze winner helped put himself through his GCSEs and A-levels by serving up grub to hungry Tractor Boys at Portman Road over a decade ago.Lewis Richardson returns to the same stadium he sold pies for his pro boxing debutCredit: GettyRichardson won bronze in the 2024 OlympicsCredit: GettyRichardson turned professional in May 2025Credit: GettyAnd the Colchester southpaw will break into the paid ranks by filling in Dmitri Protkunas, just down the road from his family home in a dream debut.He told SunSport: “Despite it being so close, this is probably the first time I have been in Ipswich for a year.“I came for one night out here when I was younger but I quickly realised that I had to stay true to my roots back in Colchester.“I did do some matchday shifts here, though, serving up the Pukka Pies.Read More on Boxing“I did the same job at Colchester when I was around 16 and when Ipswich were short staffed a few times, we got the call to come over – and now I am boxing here, it’s crazy.“I thought a London debut at York Hall or Wembley Arena was going to be a perfect start but Ipswich football stadium is unreal.“All the friends and family who have talked about attending my first pro fight would have had to book trains or hotels.“But we don’t even need to arrange minibuses for anyone, it’s a 29 minute drive from my front door, so everyone is happy sharing taxis for a great night.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRichardson turned 28 on Wednesday but had to bin his birthday plans to make the middleweight limit for this weekend.The spicy celebrations have been pushed back but the silky southpaw plans to put in a curry order worthy of a Gavin and Stacey special, to make up for the diet.Three-weight world champion Vasily Lomachenko retires after more than 400 FIGHTS in lengthy video“The birthday is postponed for four days,” he revealed to us. “The party is pushed back to Sunday.“I have a curry house booked in Colchester for 15 of us and my mouth is watering just talking to you about it now.“I can’t even think about my order now.”But I can say for sure that I will sound like Smithy with the number of bhunas and naans and rice types I am going to order.” More

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      Gender row Olympic champion Imane Khelif skips tournament days after World Boxing announce mandatory sex testing

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      IMANE KHELIF will SKIP the Eindhoven Box Cup just a week after World Boxing announced mandatory sex testing for all athletes.The Algerian, along with Taiwan’s Lin Yu-Ting, was the focal point of an explosive gender row that dominated the 2024 Olympics in Paris last summer.Olympic champion Imane Khelif will skip the Eindhoven Box CupCredit: AFPKhelif will miss the tournament after failing to register in timeCredit: APKhelif’s absence comes just days after World Boxing announced mandatory sex testing for all athletes under their jurisdictionCredit: REUTERSKhelif fought at the Games 18 months after being banned from competing at the Women’s World Championships for allegedly failing a gender eligibility test.The alleged test administered by the International Boxing Association is said to have determined that both Khelif and Yu-Ting have male XY chromosomes.The pair, however, were permitted to compete by the IOC because of their female passport statuses, to the fury of many.Less than a year after the scandal, World Boxing announced all participants in competitions under their jurisdiction will have to undergo sex testing.READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd Khelif won’t be in action at their first event since the announcement in Eindhoven having missed the deadline to register.Eindhoven Cup media director Dirk Renders said: “The decision of Imane’s exclusion is not ours. We regret it.”Mayor of Eindhoven Joren Dijsselbloem has blasted World Boxing’s decision to implement mandatory sex testing.In a letter to the Dutch Boxing Federation and the International Boxing Federation, he said: “As far as we are concerned, all athletes are welcome in Eindhoven.Most read in Boxing”Excluding athletes based on controversial ‘gender tests’ certainly does not fit in with that.Imane Khelif faced a barrage of abuse after forcing Angela Carini to quit just 46 seconds into their opening match at the Paris GamesCredit: REXKhelif is facing fresh claims she’s a ‘biological male’ following the leaking of the alleged test she failed before the 2023 Women’s World Championships”We are expressing our disapproval of this decision today and are calling on the organization to admit Imane Khelif after all.”Khelif won Algeria’s first-ever female gold medal in boxing at the Paris Games. Gender row Olympics boxer Imane Khelif fires defiant message to Donald Trump after ‘eye-opening experience’ She was subjected to a torrent of abuse on social media after forcing Italy’s Angele Carina to quit just 46 seconds into their opening bout. Her stoppage of Carini sparked claims the gender eligibility test she failed before the 2023 World Championships deemed her to be a “biological male”. That alleged test, which was conducted in New Delhi, was recently published by 3 Wire Sports. The document claimed that chromosome analysis revealed a “male karyotype”. A karotype is the set of chromosomes possessed by an individual.Khelif has yet to speak on the alleged report, but has maintained that she is a biological female from the outset.And she has taken legal action against a number of prominent figures for alleged “aggravated cyber-harassment”, including Elon Musk and JK Rowling. The last ten months have been a rollercoaster of emotions for Khelif, who admits he ordeal has taken its toll.These politicians who are oppressing me, they don’t have the right to say that I’m a transgender.”Imane KhelifShe told El Birard: “Immediately after, there was a big uproar from big politicians around the world, athletes around the world. “And even artists and stars, Elon Musk, Trump.. this thing….. that affected me. “I am not lying to you, it affected me. It affected me a lot, hurt me a lot.”I can’t describe to you the amount of fear I had. The scenario was very scary. “Thank god, all the people of Algeria and the Arab world knew Imane Khelif with her femininity, her courage, her will.”Honestly, I don’t like to get into politics in sports, but they got into politics in sports.Read More on The Sun”Sports and politics are two separate things. “These politicians who are oppressing me, they don’t have the right to say that I’m a transgender.” More

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      Three-weight world champion Vasiliy Lomachenko retires after more than 400 FIGHTS in lengthy video

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      BOXING great Vasiliy Lomachenko has announced his retirement – bringing the end to an iconic career. Lomachenko has the greatest amateur record of all time, winning 396 times with just one loss – which he avenged. Vasiliy Lomachenko has announced his retirement from boxingCredit: Instagram / @lomachenkovasiliyLomachenko retires as a three-weight championCredit: GettyAs a professional, the masterful southpaw won titles at feather, super-feather and lightweight. And he dazzled fans with his incredible footwork, combination punching and speed. He beat George Kambosos last May in Australia but has not fought since – rejecting talks to later fight Gervonta Davis. It cast doubt over his future in the sport – and now Loma has confirmed his retirement in a lengthy Instagram video. READ MORE IN BOXINGHe thanked his family, including his dad and coach Anatoly, his manager Egis Klimas, long-time promoter Bob Arum and the fans. Loma turned pro in 2013 – a year after the London Games – and did so after winning double Olympic gold. He wanted to fight for world title on his DEBUT – but was unable to do so without a ranking. Loma beat Jose Luis Ramírez in four quick rounds before challenging Orlando Salido for the WBO featherweight title. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Salido – a part-time Uber driver – upset Loma and used veteran tactics to edge out a points decision. That did not deter Loma, though, as he bounced back with victory over Gary Russell Jr in his next fight to become champ after just three bouts. ‘Back to the grind in a few days’ – Anthony Joshua shows off results of elbow surgery as boxing star closes in on returnThe southpaw sensation then went on an unbeaten run over 13 fights and five years – winning titles at 126lb, 130lb and 135lb. Loma fought at lightweight despite being vastly oversized by his opponents – something that would inevitably catch up with him. Teofimo Lopez stunned him in 2020 to win the unified titles and three years later, Devin Haney would controversially beat Loma on points. Loma returned 12 months later to stop Kambosos in 11 rounds – winning back the IBF belt – but he later vacated the strap. And despite being linked with big-money bouts against the likes of Davis and Shakur Stevenson – it marked the end of the road for one of the sport’s greatest. Loma was a fighter inside and outside of the ring – signing up to defend his country after Russia’s invasion in February 2022. He enlisted with the Territorial Defence Forces – but eventually returned to boxing to resume his career. Read More on The SunLoma hangs up his gloves with 418 total fights – amateur and pro – 414 wins, just four losses and a host of gold medals and world title belts. Lomachenko beat George Kambosos in his last fightCredit: EPAHe suffered a controversial loss to Devin HaneyCredit: GettyLomachenko was beaten by Teofimo Lopez in 2020Credit: Handout – GettyLomachenko was a double Olympic championCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      ‘It took years off my life’ – Fabio Wardley lived off ice cream and noodles after brutal Frazer Clarke fight

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      FABIO WARDLEY resorted to a diet of ice cream and noodles after his brutal fight against Frazer Clarke. The pair put on a thriller over 12 rounds in March of last year – which ended in a draw. Fabio Wardley’s horror nose injury against Frazer ClarkeCredit: GettyHe was unable to chew for days afterwardsCredit: PAThe bout ended a draw with Wardley winning the rematch by KOCredit: ReutersWardley was left covered in blood due to his busted nose and a jaw injury left him barely able to chew in the days after. He told The Times: “It’s a fate that you have to accept if you do this sport properly. “I probably should’ve gone to the hospital afterwards. I remember being sat in my hotel room and I couldn’t sleep because my head was pounding, like vibrating. “When I lay down, I felt sick. If I sat up, I felt sick. My face looked like the Elephant Man. My nose was stitched up. READ MORE IN BOXING”I’d bitten my tongue about 100 times. I couldn’t chew for three days because of my jaw, so I just ate ice cream and noodles, but that’s part of it. “Those fights are going to happen and you might get knocked out, but if you carry that around with you and hesitate because you’re scared of it, it could have a negative impact on how you fight and almost make it more likely to happen. You’ve got to just take it on the chin.”Wardley scored a knockdown in round five and Clarke had a point off to even the judges scorecards. But Wardley won the rematch six months later with a brutal first-round knockout that left Clarke hospitalised. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNow the Ipswich super-fan returns on Saturday at Portman Road against Australian Justis Huni. Huni won the amateur World Youth Championships in 2016 – the same year Wardley had his first unlicensed white collar bout. Fabio Wardley prepares for dream Portman Road homecoming fight Wardley said: “Huni is another opponent from a completely different end of entry in boxing terms. “After starting in white-collar, anything was a win. This wasn’t realistic, but you always imagine.”Wardley had four fights on the unlicensed circuit – winning them all by KO – after foregoing an amateur career. Now he is on the cusp of a world title shot as part of one of British boxing’s most unlikely success stories.Wardley said: “I fought at the O2, then I headlined the O2, I’ve fought in Saudi Arabia as the chief support to Tyson Fury and to Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol. “It keeps feeling like we’ve peaked and that it can’t get any better and now I’m fighting at the stadium in my hometown. “I’m genuinely on the edge of a world title, which sounds crazy for me just to say.”Wardley facing off with Justis HuniCredit: Instagram @justis_huni More

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      ‘Back to the grind in a few days’ – Anthony Joshua shows off results of elbow surgery as boxing star closes in on return

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA has shown off the results of his elbow surgery as he plots his return to the ring. AJ went under the knife two weeks ago to fix the arm injury that has kept him out of action.Anthony Joshua has shown off the results of his elbow surgeryCredit: Instagram / @anthonyjoshuaJoshua shadowboxed two weeks after surgeryCredit: Instagram / @anthonyjoshuaAJ is plotting a return to the ringCredit: Instagram / @anthonyjoshuaAnd Joshua has given a small glimpse into his recovery as he shadowboxed on social media. Posting to his Snapchat account, he posted: “2 weeks post operation. Back to the grind in a few days.” Joshua, 35, was knocked out by Daniel Dubois, 27, at Wembley and looked to be targeting an immediate rematch. But that failed to materialise with Dubois now rematching Oleksandr Usyk on July 19 in London – two years after losing to the Ukrainian. READ MORE IN BOXINGTyson Fury, 36, was last year beaten by Usyk, 36, twice and subsequently announced his retirement in January a month after losing the rematch. But AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn is hoping the unpredictable Gypsy King will make a U-turn and return to fight Joshua. Talks are ongoing with Saudi boxing boss Turki Alalshikh over a new two-fight deal. And Hearn told BoxingScene in late May: “He’s had the operation, which went very well, and now he’s just sort of rehabbing it.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I believe about six weeks till he can punch again properly, and that kind of lends itself to a September, October, November fight.”That gives us a chance to see what happens with Dubois against Usyk.”That gives us a chance to see if Mr. Fury will ever return, and maybe something else.”But he’s definitely fighting this year and looking forward to it.”Tense moment Anthony Joshua and Mahmoud Charr face off ahead of proposed two-fight deal More

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      ‘He’s miles off’ – Brit heavyweight ace tipped for stardom ‘shouldn’t be in conversation’ for world titles, says rival

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      RISING British boxing star Moses Itauma has been warned against taking on world titles fights at this stage of his career.Heavyweight rival Dave Allen reckons the 20-year-old has the talent, but lacks the necessary experience to challenge a world champion.Moses Itauma has been tipped for stardomCredit: PAItauma won the WBO Inter-Continental heavyweight bout against Mike Balogun in MayCredit: PAItauma’s professional record stands at 12-0 with his most recent win against Mike Balogun in the WBO Inter-Continental bout in Glasgow. The Slovak-born Brit dropped his American opponent Bologun, 41, three times in two rounds, before ending it with a TKO.And WBA Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion Dave Allen has given his opinion on the breakthrough star.Allen told talkSPORT: “I think he’s the real deal, but to go from the opposition he is facing to a Joseph Parker would be irresponsible matchmaking.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“People are talking about Itauma boxing for a world title soon, he is miles off it right now.”“He can beat anyone in two or three rounds at the moment. But we haven’t seen him go past that yet. “I think he’s an incredible prospect, but that’s all he is still.” The rising heavyweight star turned professional two years ago and already has 10 KOs on his record.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAllen recognised Itauma’s talent, but believes he should take a more calculated root to a shot at a world title.He added: “We haven’t even seen him box for a British title yet. Demsey McKean is British title level, he shouldn’t be in that conversation for Joseph Parker yet.’Back to the grind in a few days’ – Anthony Joshua shows off results of elbow surgery as boxing star closes in on return“Not for talent, offensively he is already one of the best heavyweights in the world. But he hasn’t been hit back and hasn’t been hit under pressure.”Allen named Anthony Joshua’s rival Jermaine Franklin as the perfect opponent to take him past the first rounds.The 33-year-old said: “We need to see him in with someone who gives him a fight, I think someone like Jermaine Franklin.“I think he can become world champion, but talk of titles right now is just too much, he’s miles off.”Itauma, who is Frank Warren’s fighter, was initially tipped as the teenager to break Mike Tyson’s youngest world champion record at the age of 20 years and four months.He will likely return on July 19 on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk’s rematch with Daniel Dubois.Dave Allen said Itauma isn’t ready for a chance at a world titleCredit: Shutterstock Editorial More

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      Adam Azim vs Eliot Chavez: Start time, live stream, TV channel, tickets and full card for super lightweight bout

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      ADAM AZIM puts his unbeaten streak on the line once again as he takes on Eliot Chavez in a thrilling super lightweight fight.The British-Pakistani star was last in action earlier this year when he stopped Sergey Lipinets to land the vacant IBF 140-pound belt.Adam Azim has been knocking people out left, right and centreCredit: PAAnd it was a victory that extended Azim’s record to a staggering 13 wins from 13 fights, and ten of those victories came by a knockout.However, he could be in for a tricky test as Chavez bounced back from three straight defeats before landing a fifth-round KO on Hector Manuel Vargas last month.Furthermore, Azim should approach Chavez with caution as the Mexican is famously known for stopping world champion Mauricio Lara.Not to mention, Chavez was once disqualified in a bad-tempered battle with Harlem Eubank in 2022.Read more on Adam AzimThis mouthwatering bout is a late addition to the undercard of Callum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco.When is Azim vs Chavez?Adam Azim vs Eliot Chavez will take place on Saturday, June 7.The ring-walks have not been confirmed but it will get underway before Simpson vs Zucco which starts at approximately 10:15pm BST.Oakwell Stadium – home of Barnsley FC is the chosen venue for this mega title fight and it can host around 15,000 spectators.Tickets for this event are still available on TicketmasterPlease note that StubHub and similar secondary ticket resale sites may list tickets above face valueWhat TV channel is Simpson vs Zucco on and can it be live streamed?Adam Azim vs Eliot Chavez will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Action.Fans can also stream the entire action through NOW TV via any compatible mobile device or tablet.Alternatively, SunSport will have round-by-round coverage through our live blog.Most read in BoxingWhat is the full card?Callum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco – for European super-middleweight titleMark Jeffers vs Sean HemphillRyhs Edwards vs Thomas EssombaFrankie Stringer vs Kane BakerEllis Price vs Jake PriceRed Johnson vs Harley CollisonSam Hickey vs Harley HodgettsMauro Silva vs Omir RodriguezAdam Azim vs Eliot ChavezWhat has been said?Adam Azim revealed that he was ready to seize upon the opportunity to fight on this big card.Azim said: “I’m already training hard for a big fight, so when the opportunity came up to get on this card, I jumped at it.“I discussed it with my team and [promoter] Ben Shalom, and we felt it was the right time to get in some solid competitive rounds against a tough opponent.“I’m also excited to go up there to fight in front of a capacity-crowd stadium in Barnsley. Callum’s told me all about the incredible noise from the stands and I plan to put on a show for them. “It’s going to be a huge night in front of a packed crowd at Oakwell and I can’t wait to be part of it.“There’s a big British Asian community in South Yorkshire too, and I hope they take the chance to grab the remaining tickets and get behind me. Let’s make it a night to remember.” More