Boxing

GARY NEWBON got the interview of his life with boxing icon Muhammad Ali – but little did he know it would almost end it. MBE Newbon is a sports broadcaster of over seven decades and has spoken to some of the world’s biggest superstars.
Broadcaster Gary Newbon interviewing Muhammad Ali
But none came as huge as his interview with boxing’s “Greatest” outside a Ladbrokes store in the centre of Birmingham.
Although it almost ended in disaster.
Newbon recalled to the Daily Mail: “They stopped the traffic and I’m interviewing him when a woman lost control of her car, hit the wrong pedal and hit me.
“I was thrown right up in the air. My film crew were so frozen with horror they never filmed it.
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“They thought I was going to die and Peter Lorenzo, a famous journalist who was doing PR for Ladbrokes, didn’t want me to die under the sign and pulled me into the shop.”
Newbon named former British boxing champion Chris Eubank as one of the biggest influences in his career.
He said: “I owe my career on screen to four people.
“Clough, Ferguson, Greaves and Chris Eubank. They had the biggest impact. Eubank would drive me crazy at times but he was box office.”
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Newbon reflected on how Eubank made the broadcaster a boxing aficionado overnight.
He said: “I went into his suite and he’s reclining on a chaise longue, and we talked and at the end he asked how many of his fights I’d covered.
“It was 16, and he said, “What do you remember most?
“I said, “Well, I’m grateful to you Chris because after the last fight I paid you a compliment and you said it meant a lot coming from somebody as knowledgeable and steeped in boxing, so over the course of your 16 fights I’ve gone from knowing f*** all to being an absolute expert”. 
“He laughed so much he fell off his chaise longue and nearly twisted an ankle, the fight was nearly off.”
Newbon interviewed some of sport’s top starsCredit: Rex More

HEAVYWEIGHT Mark De Mori was once knocked out by David Haye – now he is vowing to rupture spleens on Anthony Joshua’s undercard. De Mori in 2016 welcomed Haye back to the ring after the British legend spent four years out.
David Haye beat Mark de Mori in 2016Credit: Action Images – Reuters
And the Australian was blasted out within a round at the O2 arena – but he has since recorded 11 consecutive wins.
It has earned him a slot on the December 23 super-card headlined by Joshua against Otto Wallin with Deontay Wilder also fighting Joseph Parker.
De Mori takes on unbeaten Filip Hrgovic and set out a brutal warning to the Croatian powerhouse.
He said: “I’ve got 11 wins in a row, ten by knockout. I’m aware they haven’t been in the same class as Filip Hrgovic.
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“I’ve always watched his career, I’m very aware he’s very talented, he hits hard, he’s got a good chin.
“But any human being that I fight, I’m going to try rupture his spleen, I’m going to attack his body.
“I’m not going to sit on the end of my jab and try and win a 12 round fight against a guy of that hype.
“I’m looking for a very violent first four rounds and what will be will be but I’m there to try and fight and I’m there to try and expose something.
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“I’m very aware he’s a very good, strong fighter I’ve watched him but I’m there to try.
“I’m going to try in those first four rounds and let those hands fly.”
Hrgovic is the IBF mandatory challenger for the belt held by Oleksandr Usyk, 36, which will be defended against Tyson Fury, 35.
But after the historic first four-belt unification, Hrgovic, 31, will be mandatory to fight the winner.
If Fury and Usyk are to rematch, they could be stripped of the IBF belt with Hrgovic either inheriting the title or challenging for it.
So De Mori, 41, could be in line for an unexpected world title reign if he is to pull of the upset in Saudi.
Filip Hrgovic facing off with Mark De MoriCredit: PA More

EDDIE HEARN and Frank Warren came face to face for the first time EVER after years of bitter promotional feuding. The two boxing matchmakers have spent an age going at each other with verbal onslaughts in interviews.
Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren coming face to faceCredit: X @MichaelBensonn
But the two have been brought together by Turki Al-Alshikh of Saudi Arabia, who is putting on a huge event on December 23.
It sees Anthony Joshua, 34, fight Otto Wallin, 32, with Deontay Wilder, 38, also in action on the same night against Joseph Parker, 31.
Both Hearn and Warren are promoting the show and fans were stunned as they shared the stage and even shared a laugh and joke.
One said: “Wow miracles do happen.”
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Another added: “Wilder and AJ shaking hands, Frank and Eddie laughing and joking. What a time to be alive.”
One commented: “The face off we all wanted.”
Hearn admitted he was happy to see grudges put aside in the interest of business.
He said: “That was the first time I met Frank tonight which is ridiculous really but I think we all understand how good this is for our business, our fighters and the sport.
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“Everything else is left at the door for now, I’m sure the rivalry will continue but who knows?
“It wasn’t really awkward at all. I’m not sure I’m on the Christmas card list but if it benefits Matchroom and for him if it benefits Queensberry I don’t think we are going to jeopardise this opportunity.”
Warren added: “I have nothing to park, I’m good as gold and doing what I want to do which is putting these fights together.
“I’m as happy as you can be. Why wouldn’t I be? We will work together don’t you worry about that.”
Anthony Joshua and Otto Wallin face off as Hearn and Warren watch onCredit: PA

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ANTHONY JOSHUA is already at work with Tyson Fury’s former coach Ben Davison ahead of his fight against Otto Wallin. AJ returns on December 23 in Saudi Arabia on the same night Deontay Wilder faces Joseph Parker.
Anthony Joshua training with Ben Davison
Joshua has been cornered by Texan Derrick James for his last two bouts, beating Jermaine Franklin on points and a knockout of Robert Helenius.
But James is already in training camp with Ryan Garcia, who fights Oscar Duarte on December 2.
As a result, Joshua has decided to remain in the UK and has temporarily linked up with Davison.
The young coach made his name guiding Fury, 35, back to the ring in 2018 following the heavyweight’s battle with depression.
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And he has since trained world champions in Billy Joe Saunders, Josh Taylor and currently Leigh Wood.
Joshua, 34, and Wilder, 38, were involved in a press conference to announce their massive show.
But straight after, AJ got into the gym with Davison and worked on power shots – much to the delight of fans.
One said: “This looks scary AJ using his power puts anyone to sleep early.”
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Another added: “I just need my old AJ back. One of the best powerful combinations punchers.”
One commented: “Now this is what I wanna be seeing.”
Another said: “He looked… calm, focused and relaxed looks like he means business.. can’t wait.”
Joshua facing off with Otto WallinCredit: Getty More