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    Inside Jake Paul’s amazing body transformation, from scrawny YouTuber to beefy boxing heavyweight

    JAKE PAUL has taken the boxing world by storm after literally transforming into a heavyweight star in just a few years.The social media motormouth began his journey in the sport in 2018 in a white-collar match against English YouTuber Deji Olatunji.Jake Paul, right, seen with brother Logan in 2016, when he cut a slimmer figureCredit: Getty – ContributorFor Paul’s debut fight in 2018 he weighed just 181lbCredit: ReutersIn 2019, Paul shows off his smaller frame before embarking on a pro boxing careerCredit: Getty – ContributorIn 2020, he competed in his first professional fight against AnEsonGib.While the only blemish on his record is defeat to Tommy Fury in 2023.Last year, he fought Mike Tyson that streamed live on Netflix to 100million viewers – winning by a unanimous decision.It means he boasts a very credible 11-1 record since he began his journey.Read more Jake Paul newsThe Jake that started this quest has also undergone an incredible body transformation.From skinny YouTuber to a heavyweight Goliath, here’s how Paul has changed through the years.Making his debutIn 2018, Paul defeated fellow influencer and KSI’s brother Olatunji by technical knockout in the 5th round.But, he cut a far leaner figure then.Most read in BoxingThe 6ft 1in fighter reportedly weighed in at around 181 pounds – and was a lean, mean, fighting machine.Jake Paul renovates boxing gym in Puerto Rico for charityThat fight in Manchester was the lowest he’s ever weighed.Heavier specimenTwo years later, Paul returned to the ring for his first pro fight against AnEsonGib.It was a cruiserweight contest, and the American made light work of the friend of the Sidemen – knocking him out in round one in Miami, Florida.It was a bout that lasted barely two minutes.Incredibly, Paul had put on nearly 10 pounds more of muscle – and the picture difference is very evident. He clocked in at 190 pounds.In 2020, Paul was sparring with his brother Logan and began to look leanCredit: Social Media – Refer to SourcePaul celebrates victory against AnEsonGib in his debut pro fightCredit: GettyFound his fighting weightFor his bouts against Tyron Woodley in 2021, Paul kept his weight to that same level he fought AnEsonGib with.Again, he was around the 190 pound mark – slightly heavier than the former UFC champion.Paul was bigger and better than his opponent, utilising his power to beat Woodley twice.Their first fight came to a split decision, while the second was a 6th round knockout.For his bouts against Tyron Woodley, Paul hit the 190 pound mark in weightCredit: GettyComing back downLooking for more agility against Anderson Silva, Paul actually dropped some pounds.He came down to around 186 pounds, the same as Silva – surely with the belief it would give him more speed.And he wasn’t wrong, either.Paul outboxed his rival – winning by unanimous decision.Although he cut a leaner figure, he was certainly as ripped as ever in 2022.Paul was muscular but ripped at 186 pounds in prep to defeat Anderson Silva in 2022Credit: GettyTaking on FuryAstonishingly, Paul came down more for his next fight against Tommy Fury in 2023, when it seemed possible he would bulk up.He was nearer the fighting weight from his debut all the way back in 2018 – this time tipping the scales at around 183 pounds.Again, he was hoping for a more mobile body shape to help him deal with Fury’s speed.It was his first and only loss, by split decision, and it encouraged him to beef up again.In 2023, Paul got down to 183 pounds to face off against Tommy FuryCredit: AFPSlightly heavier for DiazCertainly, Paul was already reaping the benefits of regular gym work in 2023.At this point he was all muscle, and ahead of the taunting of UFC legend Nate Diaz was expected to come in heavier than the MMA fighter.And needless to say he did, weighing in at 185 pounds – although he needed to use a towel to make weight.Diaz weighed exactly the same, which was as heavy as he’s ever been before a fight.Paul was the victor by unanimous decision after 10 hard-fought rounds.Jake Paul gained an extra two pounds before defeating Nate Diaz on points in 2023Credit: Gettyread more sport featuresCareer-highIn 2023, The Problem Child hit a career-high weight before taking on Ryan Bourland.The bout took place in Puerto Rico and lasted just the one round.No surprises that TKO’d his opponent in the opener, given his whopping weight.Weighing at almost 200 pounds, he had plenty of might behind him with every punch.Extensive gym work and a high-protein diet helped him bulk up for the occasion.Paul has worked hard in the gym to gain muscle mass over the yearsCredit: Instagram @mostvaluablepromotionsAgainst Ryan Bourland in 2024, he nearly hit the 200 pound markCredit: Getty’Iron Paul’Last time out, Paul fought Mike Tyson in an epic event on Netflix.He made short work of the much-older competitor, however it did go the distance.Paul was declared victor by unanimous decision back in November.But what was more impressive was his gargantuan size.Incredibly, he came in at 227 pounds – which piuts him safely in the heavyweight category.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat means from 2018 to today, Paul’s had a weight swing of 45 pounds.And doesn’t he look well for it?Today’s Paul, seen before his Mike Tyson fight, is now jacked at 227 poundsCredit: Getty More

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    Mike Tyson forced to release statement after Jake Paul’s now-retracted claim he was suffering from Parkinson’s

    BOXING legend Mike Tyson has denied he is suffering from Parkinson’s disease – after a now-retracted claim from Jake Paul. The Problem Child beat Iron Mike in November with a unanimous points victory in their eight-round boxing bout.Jake Paul appeared to claim Mike Tyson was cured of Parkinson’s by psychedelic drugsCredit: GettyThe YouTuber made the unsubstantiated suggestion on a Kick live streamCredit: XTyson, 58, overcame various health scares in the lead-up to the fight.The former heavyweight world champion even admitted he “almost died” and required “eight blood transfusions” last June.An ulcer issue caused the initial fight date to be postponed to November.Tyson was able to step into the ring in Dallas – although he struggled to cope with his opponent 30 years his junior.READ MORE ON BOXINGPaul appeared to make the wild allegation that Tyson was struggling with Parkinson’s over the weekend. Speaking to Adin Ross on a Kick live stream, the YouTuber, 28, claimed: “Ayahuasca is really good for your brain as well. “And same with toad. Toad cured Tyson’s Parkinson’s so that he could come back and fight.”Asked how toad is taken, Paul added: “You smoke it.”Most read in BoxingFollowing the claim, Tyson’s representatives denied that the former heavyweight world champion has Parkinson’s disease. A spokesperson told TMZ: “Mike is happy and perfectly healthy. Mike Tyson doesn’t hesitate when asked who was most powerful puncher in boxing “He doesn’t have Parkinson’s or any other illness.”Paul himself took to X and claimed he “misspoke” during the livestream.He wrote: “Bruh…Mike Tyson didn’t have no Parkinsons..WTF. “Why the f*** is the internet so stupid for. I misspoke. “Meant he used toad to heal his pain. He has spoken about it many times. Just like I do. Just like many do.”According to the NHS, Parkinson’s is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years.It is caused by a loss of nerve cells which in turn leads to a reduction of the chemical dopamine and affects men slightly more than women, especially those over 50.The neurological condition can lead to various symptoms including involuntary shaking and tremors, slow movement, stiff rigidity of muscles, balance difficulties and memory problems. There is not currently a known cure for Parkinson’s disease although medication, physiotherapy and surgery can help relieve symptoms. Boxing legend Muhammad Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1984 aged 42 and lived with the condition until his death 32 years later in 2016.READ MORE SUN STORIESTyson was paid around £16million for the Paul fight, which was shown to over 100 million viewers on Netflix.The Baddest Man on the Planet, 58, admitted last month he has still not fully recovered from the bout. Everything you need to know about Parkinson’sParkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition, meaning that it causes problems in the brain and gets worse over time. It affects around 153,000 people in the UK. People with Parkinson’s don’t have enough of the chemical dopamine because some of the nerve cells that make it have stopped working. This can cause a range of more than 40 symptoms, but the three main ones are:Tremor (shaking)Slow movementRigidity (muscle stiffness)Other common signs include:Mild memory and thinking problemsTrouble sleepingIssues with balance PainAnxiety and depression Shuffling walk with very small steps Difficulty making facial expressions Loss of sense of smell Problems peeing Constipation The four main ways of managing Parkinson’s include medication, staying active, exploring occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech and language therapy, and monitoring symptoms. Source: Parkinson’s UK and NHS More

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    Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol 2: Start time, TV channel, live stream, undercard

    ARTUR BETERBIEV and Dmitry Bivol rematch for the unified WBC, WBO, IBO and IBF light-heavyweight world championships.Artur Beterbiev was taken the distance for the first time in his career in his first bout with Dmitry Bivol, but won a majority decision to take all four titles.Artur Beterbiev went home with four titles in the first fightCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunDmitry Bivol looks for retribution against Artur BeterbievCredit: GettyBeterbiev’s promoter Bob Arum says the 40-year-old is not looking to repeat the distance fight, and is aiming to knock Bivol out.Bivol will sense his chance to take all four of the titles away from Beterbiev, having been the first fighter to take him the distance.When is Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol 2?Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol is set to take place on Saturday, February 22.The card starts from 4pm GMT on DAZN.Beterbiev and Bivol are expected to make their ring walks around 10pm GMT.The fight will take place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.What TV channel is Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol 2 on and can it be live streamed?Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol will be shown live on DAZN PPV, Sky Sports Box office and TNT Sports Box office.The event is available on pay-per-view for £19.99.Full cardArtur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol for the IBF, IBO, WBC and WBO light-heavyweight titlesDaniel Dubois vs Joseph Parker for the IBF heavyweight titleShakur Stevenson vs Floyd Schofield for the WBC lightweight titleCarlos Adames vs Hamzah Sheeraz for the WBC middleweight titkeVergil Ortiz Jr vs Israil Madrimov for the interim WBC heavyweight titleZhilei Zhang vs Agit Kabayel for the interim WBC heavyweight titleJoshua Buatsi vs Callum Smith for the interim WBO light-heavyweight titleBradley Rea vs Constantino Nanga More

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    ‘Do not breathe out’ say fans as Apollonia Llewellyn risks wardrobe malfunction in busty red dress for Valentine’s Day

    APOLLONIA Llewellyn stunned fans in a busty red dress on Valentine’s Day.However, she risked a wardrobe malfunction on the night out that left fans warning her, “Do not breathe out”.Apollonia Llewellyn put on an eye-popping display on Valentine’s DatCredit: https://www.instagram.com/apolloniallewellyn/Former Misfits Boxing ring girl Apollonia could barely contain her assets in a red dressCredit: https://www.instagram.com/apolloniallewellyn/The former Misfits Boxing ring girl regularly shares her glam looks on social media with her followers.And usually nothing is left to the imagination – with the buxom blonde often struggling to keep her prized assets under wraps.On Valentine’s Day, Apollonia donned a tight pleather outfit that hugged her every curve.It could barely contain her bosom as she posed for a snap shared on Instagram of a trip to New York.Read more on ApolloniaShe captioned the sexy photo: “Valentines in the City.”Unsurprisingly, it drove her fans wild – who couldn’t help but leave their thoughts in the comment section.One wrote: “Do not breath out.”A second posted: “Red looks good on you.”Most read in BoxingA third shared: “OMG gorgeous.”Apollonia Llewellyn puts on busty display as ring girl spills out of tight top and fans label her ‘wonderful’While a fourth added: “Breathtaking.”Apollonia has amassed a following of over seven million people across Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.She spends more than six months a year flying all over the world including the US, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia for magazine shoots and brand collaborations with big names including PLT, Boohoo, Shein, Fashion Nova and Ann Summers.Inside Apollonia’s glamorous life as influencer, ring girl and model …Apollonia burst out of this tiny silver bikini as she drank her ‘morning juice’Credit: INSTAGRAMConor McGregor was among 8,000 fans who enjoyed this see-through lacy outfitCredit: INSTAGRAMThousands of Apollonia’s fans enjoyed the view on the ring girl’s holiday to New YorkCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia braved the snow in the Lake DistrictCredit: InstagramApollonia really enjoyed this bowl of pasta on her summer holiday to SantoriniCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia invited fans to ‘sit and stare’ at this picture, and thousands took her up on the invitationCredit: INSTAGRAMFans were worried Apollonia’s top had shrunk in the wash as she enjoyed this hearty breakfastCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia’s followers were in awe of the stunner’s new hairdo as she wowed in a tiny yellow bikiniCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia sent a cheeky message to her fans as she posed in this glamorous see-through numberCredit: INSTAGRAMApollonia told fans ‘no caption needed’ as she squeezed into this skin-tight see-through playsuitCredit: INSTAGRAM More

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    ‘Somebody will go to sleep’ – Francis Ngannou calls out former heavyweight boxing king as he reveals next career move

    FRANCIS NGANNOU is ready to return to boxing and has his eyes on a lucrative bout with a former heavyweight champ.Ngannou, 38, dipped his toes into boxing for the first time in 2023, when he pushed Tyson Fury to his limits in a controversial split decision defeat.Francis Ngannou has revealed who he wants to fight nextCredit: ReutersNgannou had a stunning boxing debut as he pushed Tyson Fury to his limits in 2023Credit: GettyThe crossover fight left the boxing world stunned with many fans and experts feeling Ngannou had actually beaten the Gypsy King.That set up another sensational bout with Anthony Joshua, a fight that didn’t follow the same trend and instead saw Ngannou knocked around the ring by AJ in a second round KO.But after almost a year out of the sport and a brief return to MMA, Ngannou is ready to glove up and return to the boxing ring.And the Predator has found his next prey, setting his sights on a head-to-head with Deontay Wilder.READ MORE IN BOXINGSpeaking to Sportsbook Review, Ngannou teased the heavyweight fight that would see two of combat sports’ heaviest hitters come to blows.He said: “I will do boxing next, [I’m passionate about fighting Deontay Wilder] because there’s an 80 per cent chance that somebody will go to sleep. It will be one or the other.”Maybe not in his past two fights, but Deontay Wilder is known as a guy that knocks everybody out or tries to knock you out.”I’m going against that guy, and I myself can knock someone out. Deep inside me there is a little bit of ego, like I know I hit harder.Most read in BoxingNgannou wants to fight Deontay WilderCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I’m saying from my experience that we will have that ego that we both want to prove ‘no, it’s me [who hits harder].”Who is the biggest hitter between you and Deontay? Those sorts of conversations are popping around a little bit and even though you think you don’t care about it, it sticks somewhere in your mind.”Derek Chisora spotted with horror swollen eye after brutal Otto Wallin fight as he meets up with Nigel Farage The pair have already been rumoured to be in negotiations over a two-fight deal, in what would be an exciting bout.Wilder hasn’t fought since June when he was beaten by Zhilei Zhang in Riyadh.In fact the Bronze Bomber is down on confidence in the ring, winning just one of his last five fights since February 2020.Wilder, who held the WBC heavyweight title from 2015 until 2020, would bring huge commercial value to the fight that would likely line both fighter’s pockets with a pretty penny for their efforts. More

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    Gutted Jack Catterall blows world title dream in split decision loss to Arnold Barboza in front of ringside Luke Littler

    JACK CATTERALL blew his world title dreams in front of darts world champ Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler with a loss to Arnold Barboza.The 31-year-old Chorley southpaw – who was robbed of 2022 undisputed glory – looked like landing a home decision.Jack Catterall saw his world title dream crumble with defeat to Arnold BarbozaCredit: GettyThe ace lost via a split decision in ManchesterCredit: GettyDarts star Luke Littler sat ring-side with Eddie Hearn for the spectacleCredit: GettyCatterall had plenty to say about Barboza’s controversial win afterwardsCredit: GettyBut he failed to land anything explosive in front of the 18-year-old arrows ace and lost out on split decision.The judges at the Co-Op arena in Manchester called it: 115-113 Catterall, 115-113 Barboza and 115-113 Barboza.Catterall banked the opener with clever counter combinations when the Mexican-American barged in.The 33-year-old landed a pair of eye-catching rights in the third, when Catterall’s waiting game worked against him.READ MORE IN BOXINGCatterall’s crisp one-twos cooled the visitor’s momentum at the start of the fourth.But Barboza kept pressuring him and pushing the Brit backwards and nicked the fifth by being on the front foot.Catterall had a mare in the seventh and was wobbled right at the end of the round and the tide started turning against him.A left hook was Catterall’s best punch of round eight. Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSYet Barboza’s industriousness should have been impressing the judges.El Gato’s crowd purred when a left backhand from their hero smacked right into the middle of Barboza’s forehead.’Greedy Belly has been my best opponent’ – Oleksandr Usyk reveals how he really feels about Tyson Fury Barboza’s backside met the canvas with a thud in the tenth.But referee Steve Gray rightly called it an accidental trip.The final stanza was boxed on a knife edge and both tough men celebrated at the last bell before the officials added up the scorecards and Barboza landed the bullseye.Catterall said: “Tricky fight, no complaints. I want to see him go on and win the world title now.”But I’ll be back in the gym on Monday”. More

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    Jack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr LIVE RESULTS: El Gato LOSES as American takes razor-thin decision in Manchester

    JACK CATTERALL ended up on the LOSING side of a razor-thin decision against Arnold Barboza Jr.El Gato was in a huge final eliminator for a shot at Teofimo Lopez’s WBO super-lightweight title.In a fight that could have gone either way, Catterall ended up on the wrong side of a 115-113, 113-115, 115-113 decision to Barboza Jr.The American moves to 32-0 and Catterall will now need to get back into the gym to rebuild his career.Card start time: From 7pm GMTMain event start time: 10pm (approx)TV/Stream: DAZNCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Bellew: ‘That was a knockdown’Well, well, well – there weren’t any complaints from Jack Catterall during the fight or after, but Tony Bellew thinks he has a legitimate one.Barboza went down but the ref immediately called it as an accidental trip.Bellew thinks it should have counted – and that 10-8 round could have had a big impact.On Catterall’s slow showing, Bellew said: “I just think that’s his style, he’s very good at what he does.”I don’t know why he doesn’t press more, because he does have the power.”If he didn’t have the power I’d understand it.”Bellew then added: “That was a knockdown.He landed a body shot and Barboza went over.”It was a balance thing but he didn’t stand on his foot.”Copy linkCopiedBellew: ‘Neither can complain’The former world champ told Dazn: “I thought it was really close – neither can complain”I thought Jack was honest in the ring when he thought he’d nicked it, same with Barboza.”It comes down to what do you like.”Barboza was very good, he’d done his homework on Jack.”He knew not to press too much and work going backwards.”Catterall is very good but he needs to work on his offence.”Copy linkCopiedWhat next for El GatoWell, that wasn’t certainly in the script for Catterall.He had been on an incredible run of form and looked destined for a world title shot next. But he will not have to go back to the drawing board as he plots another route to the very top of the sport.El Gato is not 32 until July so still has time on his side, but he will certainly be left picking up the pieces of this defeat.Copy linkCopiedEddie Hearn”Very close fight, 7-5 either way.”It could’ve gone either way, it was that kind of fight.”We were screaming at him towards the end, he’s just got to do a bit more to win the rounds.”Well done to Arnold, Jack will be back.”Could have gone either way, but not Jack’s way tonight.”Copy linkCopiedCatterall’s verdict”Tricky fight, close fight. All credit to him. “I felt like I did enough to win.”But I’m straight back to the ring.”Straight back to it.”Copy linkCopiedMore from Barboza”Anybody can get it any day of the week – any day that ends in the letter ‘y’.”This guy here is going to work his a** off.”I want to thank Manchester.”Copy linkCopiedBarboza Jr speaksThe American starts by thanking God and his promoter, Oscar de la Hoya, as well as his team.He then says: “I didn’t have it that close, I felt I won more rounds.”But it’s his backyard.”All I’ve wanted since I was a kid is to get respect – I got that today.”Copy linkCopiedShock for El GatoThe scoring was as close as it comes and that is exactly how the fight went.Catterall had a slow start and that appeared to cost him in the end.Copy linkCopiedOfficial scorecards – Barboza wins!WOW! It’s a huge decision in Manchester with Arnold Barboza Jr taking a split decision!The judges had it 115-115, 115-113, 113-115!He’s on his knees in the ring and Catterall looks shellshocked!Copy linkCopiedThis will go to the judgesThat was an impossible one to score – the six boxing experts on Dazn all have it going a different way.Liam Smith and Dalton Smith both have a draw, Darren Barker gives it to Barboza.This will come down to what the judges prefer in styles and if Catterall gave away too many rounds at the start with his patient opening.Scorecards coming any second now…Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – R12Final round and winner takes all!Both men are going for broke, the tempo, the output and desperation has been upped by both here.Cheers from the crowd with every success Jack has! Barboza’s chasing Catterall around the ring now!Last 15 seconds and both men exchange in centre ring.DING DING! Who will it be then? This could go either way as both men raise their hands in conviction.Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – R11Barboza comes out fast and aggressive to shake any embarrassment from his fall from the round before.Barboza makes complaints to the ref but he’s having none of it.Catterall goes in but misses a huge opportunity to strike while Barboza was not defending himself.Tough one to call as both men are boxing so well.Into the final round we go!Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – R10Jack Catterall timing and picking his moments with a jab here and a jab there, still looking sharp and winning most of the exchanges here in the 10th.Barboza taking his chances in the final 30 seconds of the round to make an impression – which only ends in Barboza hitting the canvas.A count starts but the referee quickly waves it off as an accidental trip, which could prove HUGE in the outcome of this fight.Looks like a clean one-two to me, regardless of the entanglement.Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – R9Ringside has it Catterall up, let’s hope they’re right.Catterall lands a beautiful straight left hand down the middle, his best punch of the night I’d say.Much better round from Catterall although still competitive stuff from Barboza none the less.Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – R8Both men circling centre ring and using back and forth movements to counter each other.Barboza gets put on the back foot but springs back with punches of his own every time. I’d say he is doing ever so slightly better than our Jack tonight.Catterall seems to making small mistakes, could he be getting a bit desperate knowing the fight is getting into the later rounds?Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – R7Catterall has early success but Barboza dominates the middle of the round with singular power shots.Controversy as Catterall throws a punch he wasn’t meant to after instructed to break.It looks low and Catterall then follows up with two shots that reach their target while Barboza was complaining to the ref.Another close round that could have gone either way on the scorecards.Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – R6Jack’s slightly creeping forwards on Barboza as he wearily keeps his distance, both fighters are finding success as the circle in the middle of the ring.Jack Catterall delivers a one-two and a counter right hook which raises the morale of those in the Co-op Live.A swing and a miss by Barboza as we enter the final 10 seconds, both men swing out with hooks with Barboza landing the cleaner punch before the bell rings.Liam Smith and Dalton Smith have it 5-1 but I have it three rounds each.Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – R5Highly competitive start to round five as Catterall comes out trying to assert dominance – but Barboza meets him with equal aggression.Their feet then tangle as Barboza chases Catterall around the ring.Barboza seems to be having the slight upper hand, in this high level, fast paced chess match.Jack finds more success towards the end of the round but was it enough to win it?Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – R4A Pacquiao-like move from Catterall at the beginning of round four, stepping in on the inside foot to deliver a pivoting one-two straight jab.Barboza appears to have upped the pressure and tempo a little bit, with Catterall seemingly having trouble with Barboza’s reach now that American is establishing his distance.Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – R3Both men still cautious here in round three, aware of each others’ skill sets. When one gains success so does the other.Barboza being the slightly more come forward fighter leading Catterall into a corner but after a few defences he laterally escapes.Barboza Jr lands a left hand at the end of the round.Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – R2Barboza keeping his distance this time after tasting Catterall’s cat-like reflexes trying to score points with his reach advantage.Catterall not taking any chances early on but choosing his moments wisely to come forwards and attack.Although Barboza is touching on Catteralls Philly shell defence… could this be a ploy to look busier and gain points?Copy linkCopiedJack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr – R1What a stare down as the meet in the ring for the instructions. Lets get it on!Opening to the round starts with Barboza throwing a jab and Catterall slipping and counter uppercutting!Both men focusing on establishing foot positioning and the lead hand. One-two, jab straight by Jack Catterall.Catterall looks poised and disciplined as always in this feel out round.Copy linkCopiedStand by JackThat’s the way to get a venue behind you – Ben E King anthem ‘Stand By Me’ rings out and the thousands in attendance are singing it at the top of their lungs!Catterall is almost in the ring now, we’re just minutes away.He then goes for the Lion King – ‘I Just Can’t Wait to be King’ – this is incredible from El Gato.He’s beaten three former world champions in a row and another win here would finally earn him a richly deserved title shot.Copy linkCopiedRing walk timeArnold Barboza Jr is making his way to the ring now, the sound and the tension is ramping up inside the venue!Copy linkCopiedSweet CarolineWe couldn’t be any closer – Sweet Caroline is playing in the Co-Op Arena in Manchester.We’re very close to the action getting underway – this should be a special fight.Copy linkCopied More

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    Luke Littler sits ringside for Catterall vs Barboza in Manchester… after trying some of undercard fighter’s snacks

    DARTS superstar Luke Littler was a special guest at ringside in Manchester for Jack Catterall’s fight against Arnold Barboza Jr.The teenage sensation became the youngest world champion in darts history after clinching the title aged 17 in January. Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn with Luke LittlerCredit: GettyLittler enjoyed a backstage snack after meeting undercard fighter Conner TudsburyNow the 18-year-old is enjoying life as a household name.And he sat ringside with promoter Eddie Hearn at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena to watch the boxing. He was even captured backstage trying some of Conner Tudsbury’s post-fight snacks before the boxer won his professional debut.Manchester City’s John Stones – following the Premier League champions 4-0 win over Newcastle – was also in attendance. READ MORE IN BOXINGLittler beat the great Michael van Gerwen to become champ but suffered a dip in form in the aftermath. He was beaten in Bahrain and Amsterdam before bailing out of the Players Championship in the Last 32. But he bounced back with victory over friend Luke Humphries to get off the mark in the Premier League. And the Nuke told Sky Sports: “It was a weird final.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWe both weren’t playing well. Now and then I looked up at the screen and we were both on a 90 average. “The crowd got involved. When Luke went 5-4 up, I thought just break him and I did well to hit an 11-darter. That was crucial.“Getting past Rob, the comeback was unbelievable. I felt really confident against Michael and the final was a weird, weird game.”Luke Littler says ‘he wanted to put it right’ beating Luke Humphries More